By Luke Marshall

Published: Friday, 31 December 2021 at 12:00 am


Where did 2021 go? It’s been another year of highs and lows. Overall though, it’s been positive with some fantastic adventures on my bike, excellent racing to watch and plenty of new bikes and tech to lust after.

 

I hope you’re seeing in the new year in style (Covid restrictions permitting), and here’s a quick look at the top stories on our site this week.

 

Did the kids get bikes for Christmas? Well, if so, we’ve got the lowdown on how to teach children to ride so they can get hooked on a passion that will hopefully last a lifetime. And don’t miss out on our article explaining how to give your bike a thorough safety check to make sure it’s working correctly and ready for adventure.

 

We highlight our best rides of 2021 and offer advice for how to ride your first century, double century or longer in 2022. Plus, with New Year’s resolutions on the horizon, we discuss the science of healthy habits and how to help form them for your training going forward.

 

And, if you haven’t scoffed the Christmas leftovers yet, we’ve got plenty of ideas for how to turn them into delicious meals.

 

Gore winter gear

"Gore's
Gore’s Endure jacket is a lightweight packable Gore-Tex PacLite shell suited to all-road riders who are hunting style and performance.
Felix Smith / Immediate Media

Our video editor Felix had a pile of Gore winter gear arrive, which should help him start 2022 with a bang. Plus, he’ll have no excuses for not sticking to any New Year’s resolutions.

First up is the Gore Endure jacket. This lightweight waterproof is aimed at all-road riders. Using Gore-Tex PacLite, it’s ready to be stashed and carried on mixed-weather rides and pulled out when needed. The hood fits over a helmet, and its regular cut keeps it functional but cool for café stops. Plus, there are a few more neat features.

"The
The Endure’s helmet-compatible hood should help keep you dry when the heavens open on your ride.
Felix Smith / Immediate Media

Overshoes are a winter essential. These Gore Shield Thermo covers use Gore-Tex Infinium to keep them windproof, breathable and water-resistant. There’s also a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to shrug off splashes and a fleece lining to boost warmth.

"Gore
The Gore Shield Thermo overshoes utilise Gore-Tex Infinium to keep them windproof and water-resistant.
Felix Smith / Immediate Media

The tight fit makes them streamlined, and the stretch material should help you fit and remove them more easily.

"The
The fleece lining in the Gore Shield Thermo overshoes adds warmth and comfort.
Felix Smith / Immediate Media

Keeping your hands cosy is a necessity for bike control. The Thermo Split gloves use Gore-Tex Infinium to protect your digits from winter weather. They slip the index finger to give you complete control of brakes, gears and riding tech but snuggle the other three fingers together to share warmth.

"Gore's
Gore’s Thermo Split gloves group three fingers together for maximum warmth while allowing you to keep control of your bike with a free index finger.
Felix Smith / Immediate Media

When it’s raining, you’ll need something more waterproof. The Gore C5 gloves use full-fat Gore-Tex to keep rain and wind at bay. In addition, they feature a silicone index finger, so you can still use touchscreens without the need to take them off.

"The
The C5 gloves from Gore are waterproof and will help keep your hands dry and warm on even the foulest-weather days.
Felix Smith / Immediate Media
  • Gore Endure jacket £229.99
  • Gore Shield Thermo overshoes £69.99
  • Gore Gore-Tex Infinium Thermo Split gloves £69.99
  • Gore C5 Gore-Tex gloves £69.99