Salts Mill

All Terrain Cycles, Bikes, Cube Bikes, Cycle shop, cycling, Electric Bikes, Giant Bikes, Orbea bikes, Salts Mill, Trek Bikes, wetherby

Power to the Pedal….Electric Bikes, the future of Cycling ?

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As we head into spring, you’re probably thinking about getting out and about on your bike a bit more, or even starting out for the first time. It’s often at about this time of year that many of us consider using our cars a bit less and cycling to work or to run errands. In the words (well, nearly) of Oasis, they’re electric, no longer viewed as eccentric and they may just get you doing things you never expected… I’m talking about electric bikes !

Trek Powerfly

Don’t be fooled Electric Bikes are amazing fun !

Before I tried an electric bike, I’ll admit I was sceptical. Being a long-serving ‘traditional’ cyclist something in me said that an electric bike would spoil the enjoyment. How wrong I was. Having now given the e-bike a try, I can honestly say they’re huge fun and I’m a convert – as are thousands of others.
Electric bikes first came to Europe about a decade ago and they are becomingly increasingly popular here in the UK. Environmentally friendly and cost effective, they’re the ideal alternative for the modern cyclist and bring cycling within the reach of many more people than pedal power alone. They bring the fun of being on two wheels, without the gruel of getting fit. They can be ridden anywhere that push bikes can be ridden, they’re really easy to use and persuade even ‘non-cyclists’ to get pedalling.

The bikes have a small, integrated electric motor to assist the rider’s pedal power and use rechargeable batteries that are charged at a normal mains socket and last for about 20 miles. With a maximum uphill speed of 15mph, they have the added advantage of no road tax or licence being needed and provide a really stable ride.
There is still an element of exercise involved as you have to pedal in order for the motor to run, and by law it has to cut out at about 15mph, so you’re back to pedalling again. They’re ideal for people who want to get around without getting sweaty or those who have an injury that prevents them from using a conventional bike. That extra boost of power saves the slog, particularly up hills – meaning you won’t get hot and bothered and can ascend at a steady, safe and consistent speed. Be warned though, wrap up warm as it can get chilly with the reduced physical exertion!
Broadly speaking, electric bikes fall into two categories: pedal-assist/pedelecs, where the motor is controlled by pedalling and increases the rider’s efforts and the power-on-demand type, where the motor is activated by a throttle, usually on the handlebar. Under UK law ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs) can be ridden by anyone over the age of 14 without a licence and they don’t need to be taxed, registered or insured.

They’re available in various sizes, as with pedal bikes, and you can get different tyres to suit all surfaces and conditions, meaning you can tackle all trails no matter how steep or how long. And it’s not just road bikes, there is a huge range of off-road bikes too. Known as e-MTBs, they offer all the benefits you would expect from a performance-orientated trail bike but with the added boost of power.
If industry reports are right, more and more of us will be going electric with e-bikes predicted to account for around 25% of all bikes sales within the next few years. As with pedal bikes, prices range significantly. An entry level electric bike can be bought for as little as £500, going up to as much as £5,000 for a high performance mountain bike with carbon frame. It’s important to think about how you’re planning to use your e-bike before buying one, just as you would for a conventional bike. Think about the distance you’re intending to travel, how hilly your journeys might be and, therefore, the level of power you will need before investing.

But whatever your pedal power preference – manual or electric – more people on bikes, can only be a good thing.

We have a great selection of Electric Bikes

We have a great selection of Electric Bikes

 

At All Terrain Cycles we have a great selection of Electric bikes from Cube , Trek , Giant and Orbea.  Come and speak to our knowledgeable staff for more information at either our Salts Mill or Wetherby Stores.

It was 20 Years ago today …….

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… that I bought All Terrain Cycles.

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Tony Booth MD of All Terrain Cycles

Hardly Sgt Pepper I know, but never the less a very important day in my life.

Then known as Riley Brother Cycles this family owned Cycle specialist had been trading since 1907 and was located on the High Street of Crosshills, in the foothills of the Dales between Skipton and Keighley.

Back in 1996 we crammed ourselves into a few hundred square feet. We mainly sold Mountain Bikes as was the case in the mid 90’s. Occasionally with 24 gears and flashy things like V brakes!

How the world of bikes has changed in the last 20 years.

By the late 90s we had taken over the flat over the shop , created a wacky Cave room complete with Pterodactyl flying over head, opened a BMX shop further down the Street, and needed a separate warehouse to support the huge increase in stock.

By the early 2000’s we were bugling at the seems. Our Crosshills shop just couldn’t take any more stock, and half of what we had we couldn’t find ( or so it would seem at times  !)

The hunt for new premises followed and after much deliberation, saw our move to Salts Mill.

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Salts Mill Shed 48 late 2005 – Prior to refit for All Terrain Cycles Now our Workshop by front door

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Rear of Salts Mill Shed 48 late 2005

You needed a good imagination but after months of hard work and long days this became the amazing shop we have today ………….

 

 

 

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All Terrain Cycles – Salts Mill Bikestore 2016

May 2014 saw the opening of a second Bikestore, located at Sandbeck, Wetherby, this new venture is on the same scale as Salts Mill Bikestore. Like Salts,the store offers our customers a huge selection of Bikes both Road and off Road, and a massive selection for  Ladies.

 

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All Terrain Cycles Bikestore Wetherby – opened May 2014 10,000sq ft of Cycle Heaven

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Customers for their continued support, as well as the dedication from our staff, many how have been working at All Terrain from the 90’s.

My family and I ,look forward to the next 20 years.

I wonder what bike technology will be like in 2036 ?

 

 

Advice for novice cyclists ………

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Getting started

It would have been impossible to live in the county last summer and not be aware of the cycling fever which gripped Yorkshire.  With some of the most beautiful (and challenging!) countryside in the UK, it’s no surprise that cycling has been growing in popularity in recent years and the hosting of the Grand Depart pushed the sport to a whole new level.  Not only is it a convenient way of getting around, cycling is also great exercise helping to build strength and muscle tone as well as improving cardio-vascular fitness without the damage of pounding the streets on foot.  What’s more, if you join one of the many local cycling clubs, it’s a good opportunity to meet new friends, have some fun and socialise while you cycle.

Finding the right bike

The starting point is to find the right bike.  Do some research online so that you have a little basic understanding of the options in terms of the type of bike suitable for your needs and also more technical information such as frame materials and components which will affect its performance, weight and durability.  Then go to a reputable cycling specialist which can offer a huge range of bikes and use the expertise of their staff (usually cycling fanatics!) to find the perfect model for you.  Be prepared to ask lots of questions and if the staff can’t answer your questions, go somewhere else!

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At All Terrain Cycles we pride ourselves in having friendly and helpful staff

 

In general terms, as with most things, you get what you pay for, so buy the best quality bike you can afford.  While there is a certain amount of brand and fashion in bicycles, usually more expensive bikes will offer technical advances increasing performance and comfort.

You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, so don’t buy a bike that you haven’t ridden!  Often it’s just a matter of finding the right fit for you and you can only identify this by taking it for a spin.  Staff should be trained to advise you on the right frame size and seat height for you.

If you’re just starting out in the sport, a hybrid bike is probably a good bet for you.  These bikes are a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike.  They feature the larger wheels of a traditional road bike and also have fatter tyres giving a comfortable, fast ride.  They’re an ideal ‘first’ bike as they’re suitable for whizzing around town, doing some gentle off-road and also for longer rides.  As with anything, the price range is huge, but for £300 to £400, you can get a decent entry level hybrid.  Once you’re hooked by the cycling bug, it’s easy to upgrade to a more sophisticated model or to a road or mountain bike should you wish to do more specialised riding – or as many enthusiasts do, start to build up your own fleet of multiple bicycles for different uses!

Essential kit

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All Terrain Cycles Salts Mill – One of the largest Cycle Shops in the UK

Make sure that when you buy your bike, you also invest in another essential piece of kit – a helmet.  These days, no one would get on a motorbike or a horse without a helmet so it amazes me that they’re happy to mount a bike and take to the roads with no protection.  As a cyclist, you are vulnerable and it makes sense to take as many safety precautions as you can to minimise risk – always wear a helmet; choose high visibility clothing; and, if cycling at night, make sure you have lights.  In terms of safety on the roads, try to be as visible as possible – remember how difficult it is to spot cyclists, observe good road sense and always be cautious.  Another piece of kit that you should not leave the garage without is a bike tire repair kit – cheap and easy to carry, you could be very glad of this if you find yourself with a puncture in the middle of the Dales!

Having invested in the essentials to get you started, you can gradually build up the additional kit which will make your cycling more comfortable and improve your performance.  Warm cycling gloves, padded shorts and cycling glasses will all be greatly appreciated if you plan to spend many hours in the saddle!

Like everything, practice makes perfect.  If you don’t feel confident, start off by cycling in an open area, off-road while you get familiar with the gears and brakes.  Then progress to short rides, either at times when traffic is lighter or on quiet roads.  This will also give you a chance to build up your fitness, ready for the Tour de Yorkshire