SCHWALBE TYRES
The renowned Schwalbe Marathon Plus, as fitted to millions of bikes the world over by owners who want peace of mind when it comes to avoiding punctures. The Marathon Plus is the classic choice if you want to reduce the odds of a flat tyre to the lowest they’re ever likely to be in a design which isn’t solid rubber.
The current version of the Plus is easier to fit than its predecessors and has improved grip as well, thanks to Schwalbe’s latest Addix rubber compound.
Schwalbe’s standard Marathon has a lot going for it, as it has most of the puncture resistance of the Marathon Plus (5/7 rather than 7/7), but it weighs less, has a slightly more comfortable ride and a lower rolling resistance (which is the amount of energy required to roll the tyre along the road when you’re pedalling).
The standard Marathon is a great all-rounder of a tyre, whether it’s fitted to the 16inch wheel of a Brompton or the narrow 700c wheel of a fast commuter bike.
The Delta Cruiser Plus is one of our favourite puncture-resistant tyres because of its low rolling resistance, smooth ride quality and affordable price. While it might not have the same durability or off-road grip as the Marathon (on towpaths, for example), it’s still rated 5/7 by Schwalbe for puncture resistance.
If you want a tyre that will make middle-distance or local rides comfortable whilst lowering the odds of a puncture, the Delta Cruiser plus is well worth considering.
SRAM CASSETTES
SRAM’s PG 850 cassette is a very popular choice for 8speed drivetrains with its quick, crisp gear changes and good durability. (We stock 7speed cassettes too).
Available in a range of ratios.
For 9speed transmissions SRAM’s PG 950 cassette has always been a good option. The plated finish inhibits rust which is a real bonus for year-round commuting.
Available in a range of ratios.
We stock SRAM 10, 11 and 12speed cassettes for both road and off-road use at a range of price points. As ever, these are available in a range of ratios.
IMPAC INNER TUBES
If your bike has inner tubes with a Schrader (car-type) valve, we stock quality replacements from Schwalbe, Impac and Rubena in a wide range of sizes from 12inches up to 29inches.
Looking for inner tubes with the narrower Presta valve type? We have plenty of those in stock too, whether the slimmer tubes fitted to kid’s bikes like Isla or Squish and adult road bikes, or ones suitable for wider tyres.
This style of valve is known as Woods or Dunlop. Although it’s old-skool by today’s standards (and tends not to be the most leak-proof valve), there are enough older bikes out there that we also stock this type.
SHIMANO FREEWHEELS
Shimano freewheels – there is no better current freewheel (trust us, we’ve tried loads!) While this 7speed freewheel might cost a bit more than its competitors, it can’t be beaten for reliability and gear-change quality.
Like the 7speed, this 6speed freewheel is designed for back wheels whose gears screw onto the hub (centre) of the wheel rather than sliding on like a cassette. This one is unrivalled for use in 6, 12 and 18speed drivetrains.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
SRAM CHAINS
The PC 850 is another very capable all rounder which works unsurprisingly well with SRAM cassettes.
Like the PG 950 cassette, the 951 chain is an excellent choice for cycle commuters.
We stock SRAM 10, 11 and 12speed chains for both road and off-road use at a range of price points.
CHAINSETS
Sunrace’s FCM500 has the same plus points as its FCM300 sibling but comes with ratios of 24-34-42T. Crank length is the very popular 170mm. This chainset typically suits bottom-bracket axles around 122.5mm long.
Sunrace’s FCM300 triple chainset offers great value if you’re after ratios of 28-38-48T suitable for 6-8speed transmissions. Its aluminium pedal arms keep the weight down while the steel chainrings are very durable.
We stock a range of Shimano chainsets, from the more affordable Tourney versions which offer terrific value for money, to the lighter, higher-end mountain and road types like Deore and 105 for example.
PUNCTURE REPAIR
Schwalbe don’t just make some of the best tyres and tubes in the business – their tyre levers are also a very effective way of getting tyres safely off wheel rims without damaging them.
An indispensable part of the tool kit that travels with cyclists wherever they go is a puncture repair kit. For decades now, Weldtite have been making great kits that provide reliable repairs to get you moving again.
Park Tool make a very wide range of tools, many of which are considered the workshop standard for the jobs they’re designed for. Their tyre levers, made in a more traditional style than the Schwalbes, are also a great choice.
PUMPS
So, you’ve got your puncture repair kit, tyre levers and a spare inner tube sorted but you’ll still need a pump with you when you’re out riding. Beto’s small, light but mighty Double Shot pump will get your tyre pumped back up, and to the correct pressure thanks to its handy gauge.
Giyo’s GF-55E track pump is what we use here at the BITSB workshop, day in, day out. The steel barrel makes for a very solid, durable pump that shifts air quickly and efficiently while the long hose makes positioning easier than is the case with many other pumps.
If you’re after a more traditional hand pump, perhaps one which fits on the frame of your bike, this one from Oxford fits the bill. It comes with a short, flexible hose as well as an adapter to work with three different types of valves – Schrader, Presta and Woods.
WHEELS
If your bike needs a new bolt-on front wheel, whether it’s designed to work with rim brakes or discs, we have suitable wheels in a range of sizes.
If your bike needs a replacement quick-release wheel, we stock both front and back wheels in a range of sizes and types for both rim and disc brakes.
If your bolt-on back wheel takes the older freewheel rather than cassette gears, we can help with supplying those kinds of wheels as well.