General Blog - Miscellaneous

These blogs are an eclectic mix that don't really belong to any one specific kind of bike/discipline, nor do they fall into any one individual category. The topics here cover subjects from how to buy with bike finance (including electric bike finance), through to detailed articles on all of the Cycle To Work scheme providers that we partner with. There are also numerous articles covering why you should ride at certain times of the year and what benefits it can have, how to layer clothing correctly and answering a current hot question; Are electric bikes worth it?

Halfords Cycle To Work

The Government cycle to work scheme has been around in the UK for 25 years, since it began in 1999. The premise behind the scheme has remained the same over this time, allowing commuter...

Can You Make Money From Electric Cargo Bikes In The UK?

The world is rapidly changing, and electric cargo bikes have become a cost-effective and environment-friendly mode of transportation. Besides, it's not only limited to personal use but also being...

Bike Finance At Westbrook Cycles

As the cost of living continues to rise it becomes a more and more appealing option to purchase a bike on finance. Whether you are looking to buy a commuter bike to make your trip to w...

Should I Use Bike Lights During The Day?

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply a massive range of bike lights suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes. Supplying a lot of these lights to our customers lead us to conversations...

Things Not To Wear When Cycling

If you are new into cycling, or have gotten back into cycling after a hiatus - be that mountain biking or cycling on the roads, it’s easy to find the experience a little more uncomfortable than...

Vivup Cycle To Work

The government cycle to work scheme has been around since 1999, helping commuters to purchase tax-free bikes. The idea behind these schemes was to cut down on CO2 emissions, reduce congestion and to help people lead...

Coronavirus And Cycling To Work

In the UK, everybody’s life has been touched by Coronavirus in some way or another - for some, it’s been a case of staying isolated, for some it’s been...

Why Commute On An Electric Bike

There are so many benefits to commuting to work on a bike, including better mental health, better fitness levels - and the admiration of your colleagues. The benefits of commuting on an electric bike are greater still, with a fantastic array of benefits - including fast, enjoyable riding and commuting - which allows you to turn up to work, in good shape and not too exhausted!...

0% Finance Scott Bikes

At Westbrook Cycles, Scott Bikes are always amongst our best selling products - and their bikes are also some of the most popular with the team here. Scott designs and manufactures a full range of...

Can You Trust Carbon Fibre Bike Frames?

As bike technology and innovation has pressed on in recent years, so has the materials used. One of the biggest changes in recent decades has been the introduction of carbon fibre as a frame material across all kinds of bikes - from super lean road racers to downhill mountain bikes...

Why Ride An Electric Bike?

Electric Bikes are being adopted by even the most stringent of cycling puritans, with the lure of an electric gravel bike, road bike and mountain bike - being too...

Cyclescheme Cycle To Work

Westbrook Cycles has been a supporter of the government cycle to work scheme since it's inception. The rules have changed slightly over the years, but the premise behind this program has...

Getting Ready For First Bike Ride

One thing we have noticed during the lockdown years, is the number of people coming back to cycling as a recreational activity, either after a break of many years - as well as more people than ever...

Green Commute Initiative Cycle To Work

The Green Commute Initiative (GCI) is a progressive and innovative scheme focused on promoting environmentally friendly commuting through cycling. This article delves into the origins of the GCI...

Should You Buy Ceramic Bearings?

There are some things in life that never change, regardless of technologies and advancements. One such thing that remains the same, despite all of the technological advancements in mounta...

0% Finance GT Bikes

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply the full range of GT Bikes - encompassing gravel bikes, road bikes as well as full suspension mountain bikes, alongside hardtail mountain bikes. GT have been making these bikes since 1979 - quickly starting to make their own mountain bikes in the 1980’s after concentrating purely on their range of BMX bikes...

Cycle Solutions Cycle To Work

The Cycle Solutions Cycle to Work Scheme is based on a prominent initiative in the UK designed to encourage employees to cycle to work, promoting both environmental...

Advantages Of Electronic Shifting

Electronic Shifting on both road bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes is no longer new technology - with many drivetrain manufacturers such as Shimano & SRAM all having had their electronic shifting options on the markets for many years...

0% Finance Giant Bikes

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply the full range of Giant Bikes - including Giant Mountain Bikes and Giant Road Bikes, all of which are able to be purchased with flexible finance options online, including 0% finance options. Finance options are available across the full range and across all different bike budgets, allowing our customers to purchase the very best possible bike for their requirements, with less money to spend upfront...

Cycling at Home during Coronavirus Outbreak

Cyclists are a resilient bunch, and it’s been widely reported that both professional and amateur cyclists are meeting in virtual reality to work out at...

Coronavirus - Time To Encourage Cycling

Transport is one of the biggest concerns with the outbreak of Coronavirus - and as part of social distancing measures, it’s become very difficult getting from one

Excuses to Buy Another Bike

At Westbrook Cycles, we are lucky to have access to the very best and most exciting bikes from the world’s leading manufacturers of both mountain and road bikes. One of the issues that...

Bike2Work Cycle To Work

The Bike2Work scheme is a pivotal initiative designed to promote cycling as a healthier and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation to work. At its core, Bike2Work offers a...

Reasons To Ride In The Rain

If you ride your road bike long enough in the UK - there will come a time when you get caught in the rain - and in our experience here at Westbrook Cycles - we recommend tackling the rain...

Enjoy Benefits Cycle To Work

The Enjoy Benefits Cycle to Work scheme represents an innovative approach to promoting healthier commuting habits and environmental stewardship among employees, while also providing substantial financial benefits to both employers and employees. This scheme, facilitated by Enjoy Benefits, allows employees to purchase bikes and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice arrangement, thereby saving on Tax and National Insurance (NI) contributions...

0% Finance Cannondale Bikes

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply a full range of Cannondale Bikes - encompassing both road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid/adventure bikes. One of our best sellers, Cannondale Bikes have always been at the forefront of the...

Cycling In Low Winter Sun

There is certainly some irony in writing about the risks and challenges associated with cycling in sunlight, during the winter months - when sunlight can seem a rare occasion. In truth, winter...

Caboodle Cycle To Work

The Caboodle Cycle to Work scheme, operated by Caboodle Technology, offers a compelling and cost-effective way for employees to purchase bikes and cycling equipment through a salary sacrifice...

Reasons To Wear A Cycling Jersey

At Westbrook Cycles, we cannot think of anything but a cycling jersey to head out on the bike in - whether it’s a mountain bike jersey or a road bike jersey, we find the performance of a...

My Benefits World Cycle To Work

The My Benefits World Cycle To Work scheme is an innovative program designed to promote healthier commuting options and financial savings for employees across the UK. This cycle...

Bike Frame Material Choices

In a world of almost endless bike choices - encompassing road bikes, electric bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes and hybrid bikes there are so many different choices and options to choose...

Are Electric Bikes Worth it?

Although the introduction of electric road bikes and electric mountain bikes may seem new - they have existed in various forms for over twenty years. Not until...

Cycle Scheme Electric Bikes

Recent changes to the Cycle Scheme - lifting the previous cap of a maximum bike budget of £1,000 - now sees a range of electric bikes become affordable through the cycle scheme. The budget change has come about because of a...

Best Cycling Jackets

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply an excellent range of Cycling Jackets. These jackets have been designed using a mix of synthetic and natural martials - providing a warm, comfortable jacket...

Best Bike For A 60 Year Old Man

At Westbrook Cycles, whether it’s online or in our North Yorkshire store - we deal with customers shopping for bikes in so many different ways, and frequently we hear the question - what’s...

GoGeta Cycle To Work

The GoGeta cycle to work scheme is a groundbreaking initiative in the UK, designed to revolutionize how employees and employers engage with cycle to work benefits. Unlike traditional cycle...

Indoor Cycling Kit And Clothing Guide

Increases in training technology, now allows cyclists to have a realistic and immersive cycling workout in the comfort of their own home. Years ago, one of the only options of a home cycling...

Layering Winter Cycling Clothing

The winter months provide plenty of challenges for cyclists, long routes and days out can be restricted by available daylight hours, and the colder/wetter weather can end up ruining what could...

Orbea FAQ

Orbea is employee-owned and is part of Mondragon Cooperative Corporation - which is Spain’s largest bike manufacturer. Is Orbea A Good Bike Brand? Yes! Orbea is an excellent bike brand. The bikes designed and manufactured by Orbea cover all cycling

Is The UK Cycle To Work Scheme Worth It?

In the United Kingdom, the Cycle to Work scheme has been a popular government initiative designed to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution. It was introduced as a tax exemption incentive under the Green Transport Plan, allowing employees to spend on bikes and cycling equipment tax-free, effectively saving up to 25%-39% on the overall cost of buying a new bike...

Reynolds Cycling

Reynolds Cycling are now offering a limited lifetime warranty on all of their wheelsets purchased after January 1st 2017. Both road and MTB wheelsets are included in the warranty and it is stron...

Clipless Pedals

Clipless Pedals are one of the most important developments in cycling technology. Heavily inspired by the world of skiing, clipless pedals connect the rider to the pedals in an incredibly efficient...

Argon 18: History

In the world of competitive cycling and high-performance bicycles, Argon 18 stands out amongst the world’s leading bike brands. Argon 18 is known for its innovation, quality, and passion towards the sport of cycling. In this post, we look at the history of Argon 18 in greater detail, from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized name in the cycling world.

How To Finance An Electric Bike

Electric Bikes are not cheap - and good electric bikes, especially good electric mountain bikes are not cheap at all! They are however absoloutely worth it. It’s important not to become too intimidated by the initial purchase price of a bike, the vast majority of electric bikes are bought through finance. In this post, we look at some of the best ways to purchase an electric bike.

Guide To Finance Your New Bike

Step 1: Determine Your Budget. Decide how much you can afford to pay monthly and the total amount you are willing to spend on a bike - these two decisions are the most important, as they work out what you are comfortable spending, and what type of bike that you can afford.

Folding Electric Bikes - Just For Commuters?

Folding Bikes have long been a popular choice with commuters, making it easier than ever to get exactly where you need to be - with all of the convenience and security of a bike that you can pick up, and carry into the office or onto the train. It’s natural progression to see the electric bike field start to dominate the folding bike market, with a range of electric folding bikes that are now commonplace on the commuter streets of most towns and cities.

How Long Do Electric Bike Batteries Last?

Generally, an electric bike battery lasts between 3 to 5 years of use. This lifespan can vary based on several factors, including the type of battery, usage patterns, and maintenance practices. As electric bikes become older on the market, we are seeing an increase in customers asking questions about their electric bike batteries, and when they need to replace the battery on their bike.

Does Temperature Affect Electric Bike Batteries?

Just like any other battery-powered device, the performance of an electric bike's battery can be significantly influenced by temperature. In this post, we'll explore how cold temperatures affect integrated electric bike batteries and provide tips for maintaining optimal battery health.

2025 New Cube Bikes

With the 2025 range of Cube Bikes launched in one big swoop, Cube have bucked the trend of bike launches in a couple of different ways. Most of the time these days, bike manufacturers like to drip feed new bike models into the marketplace, and it’s pretty common practice for these bikes to have had a hefty price increase year on year too.

Scott Bikes History And Milestones

Scott Bikes are one of the largest bike brands in the world, and here at Westbrook Cycles - we have been working with Scott closely, ever since we started in business. Today, we represent the full collection of Scott bikes, ranging from hardtail mountain bikes and gravel bikes, to road race bikes and race specification full suspension mountain bikes. In addition to this range, there’s also a range of Scott Electric Bikes, designed for every terrain - from the smoothest of tarmac to the roughest of downhill trails.

Why Use Bike Lights During Daytime Hours

Regardless of the reasons why, we’ve all seen cyclists using their bike lights during daytime hours - some of us may be wondering why, but that’s largely irrelevant, the main point is, that we have seen them in the first place! Whilst bike lights are predominantly used in the winter months, where darkness hours are longer lasting and inescapable - there’s a good case for bike lights to be used during all seasons all levels of daylight - much in the way that most vehicles now use daytime running lights, including both cars and motorbikes. In this post, we look at some of the reasons why you should switch on your bike lights during daylight hours & keep them with you, VS just bringing them out when when light levels are low.