Heres a complete guide to electric bike batteries, including a description of the various battery types for electric bikes. We also explain how to get the most out of your electric bike battery, so that you can get optimal battery life and performance. Includes videos and descriptions of the various battery types. The post Electric Bike Batteries: How to Choose the Right One and Get the Most Out of It appeared first on Average Joe Cyclist.

Carrick on Suir has a population of 5000 people. The population of the World is 7.9 Billion. The Tour de France has taken place 110 times. 40 individuals have won the Green Jersey in the Tour de France, as some have won it more than once. Statistically there is a 1 in 158 million chance []The post Who are your 5 people? first appeared on .

So, you're a cyclist. You eat hills for breakfast, chase horizons for fun, and consider lycra a second skin.But when it comes to strength training, you might think, "Isn't that just for bodybuilders and gym enthusiasts?"Well, grab your energy bar and listen up, because we're about to muscle through the myths and get to the heart of what strength training is all about for cyclists like you.The benefits of strength training for cyclistsStrength training, often an overlooked aspect in the world of cycling, is a key component to enhance performance, endurance, and overall cycling experience.Heres why incorporating strength training into your cycling routine can be a game-changer:Enhanced Riding PowerThe core of a cyclist's power comes from the lower body. Strength training, especially focused on the legs and core, significantly increases this power.Injury PreventionRegular strength training strengthens not just muscles but also tendons, ligaments, and bones. This reinforcement reduces the risk of common cycling injuries, particularly those related to the knees and hips.Improved Balance and StabilityCycling, at its core, is about balance and stability. Strength training, especially exercises that target the core, improves a cyclist's ability to maintain balance and control over the bike. This is particularly beneficial in challenging terrains and during long rides where fatigue might impact posture and efficiency.Enhanced Endurance and Fatigue ResistanceStrength training improves overall muscular endurance, enabling cyclists to maintain optimal performance for longer durations. Stronger muscles tire less quickly, reducing the overall fatigue experienced during long rides.Boosted Metabolic EfficiencyIncorporating strength training to your workout can boost your metabolism, aiding in more efficient energy utilization and fat burning. This is beneficial not just for weight management, but also for maintaining a high level of energy during long cycling sessions.Balanced Muscular DevelopmentCycling primarily utilizes certain muscle groups, which can lead to imbalances. Strength training can correct these imbalances, ensuring a more symmetrical development of muscles. This not only improves cycling performance but also contributes to overall physical health and posture.Increased Flexibility and Range of MotionRegular strength training, particularly when combined with mobility exercises, can improve flexibility and range of motion. This leads to smoother, more efficient pedal strokes and can enhance bike handling skills.Mental ResilienceStrength training challenges the body in different ways compared to cycling. Overcoming these challenges can build mental resilience, a crucial trait for cyclists, especially when facing tough rides or competitions.For all these reasons, strength training should not be a supplementary exercise for cyclists; it should be a fundamental element of their exercise routine to improve their performance.How to improve your performance with a strength training personalized for cyclistsStrength training for cyclists isn't a ticket to the bodybuilding world. It's more about building functional strength, tailored to boost your cycling prowess.Every muscle group gets an invitation to this party your core, back, arms, and those tiny stabilizing muscles that hardly get any limelight.Strength training is a way to balance your workout, as it adds those essential nutrients to your exercise regimen, ensuring your body doesn't become a cycling-only machine.It's about refining your body so that every pedal stroke is more powerful yet feels easier, about ascending hills with a new sense of ease and feeling your bike respond to a stronger, more efficient you.And let's not forget the mental benefits. Strength training is a crucible that forges mental toughness and discipline. It's about learning to push through barriers, not just in the gym but on the bike. Every squat, lift, and press translates into mental fortitude that comes in handy during those long, challenging rides.Would you like to see some examples?Powerful leg workouts for cyclistsRegardless of whether you use an eBike or a traditional bike, as a cyclist, your legs are your nerve center. But, while cycling itself is an incredible leg workout, incorporating specific strength exercises can help you increase your pedal power.Let's dive into the main exercises that can turn those legs into cycling powerhouses: SquatsSquats are like the Swiss Army knife of leg exercises versatile, powerful, and effective. They target your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, the primary muscles used in cycling. Doing squats helps in building endurance and explosive power, which translates to more efficient and powerful pedal strokes. DeadliftsDeadlifts are another all-star exercise for cyclists. They work the entire posterior chain, which includes the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Stronger hamstrings mean better support for your knees during cycling, reducing the risk of injury. Although deadlifts also enhance your core stability, essential for maintaining good posture and balance on the bike. LungesLunges are fantastic for cyclists because they mimic the pedaling motion, making them highly functional. They target your quads, hamstrings, and glutes but also engage your core and hips, improving your overall stability and balance. Lunges also help in correcting muscle imbalances between your legs, ensuring a symmetrical strength development. Leg PressThe leg press machine is excellent for isolating the leg muscles used in cycling. It allows for a focused workout on the quads, hamstrings, and calves, enhancing your ability to push pedals with more force. Since it's a machine-based exercise, it's easier to control the weight and reduce the risk of injury. Calf RaisesCalves might not get the limelight in cycling strength training, but they play a crucial role. Strong calves contribute to a smoother pedal stroke and provide stability to the ankle joints. Calf raises, simple yet effective, can be done almost anywhere at the gym, at home, or even while brushing your teeth!Core strengthening for cyclistsA strong core is the foundation of your cycling stability, power, and endurance.Let's explore the top strength exercises to fortify your core, enhancing your cycling performance from the inside out. PlanksPlanks are the bread and butter of core workouts. They target not just your abdominals but also work your shoulders, chest, and back. Holding a plank position builds endurance in all the core muscle groups, essential for maintaining an optimal cycling posture, especially during long rides. Russian TwistsCycling is not just a forward motion; there's a lot of rotational movement involved, especially when navigating through turns or uneven terrains. Russian Twists are excellent for strengthening the obliques and improving your rotational control. Bird DogsThis seemingly simple exercise is a powerhouse for improving core stability and balance. Bird Dogs require you to extend opposite limbs while maintaining a stable core, mirroring the balance needed during cycling. They also enhance coordination and strengthen the lower back, a critical area for cyclists. Dead BugThe Dead Bug exercise might have a funny name, but its seriously effective for core strengthening. It involves moving your arms and legs in opposition while keeping your core engaged, which trains your abdominal and improves your spinal stability. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining a strong, stable posture on long rides. Leg RaisesOften, cyclists focus on the upper abdominals, but the lower abdominals are just as important. Leg raises are excellent for targeting this area, essential for a strong pedal stroke and overall riding posture. They also help in reducing the risk of lower back pain, a common complaint among cyclists.Incorporating these core exercises into your routine will not only enhance your cycling performance but also protect you from injuries and improve your overall posture.Cycling training tipsWhether you are an experienced cyclist or new to cycling, there is always room to improve your experience beyond incorporating strength training.Here are some tips to take your cycling to the next level:Embrace VarietyCycling on different terrains and inclines not only breaks the monotony but also challenges your body in new ways. For instance, riding a gravel eBike allows you to tackle diverse terrains, from smooth city streets to rugged country trails, enhancing your adaptability and skills as a cyclist.Fine-Tune Your FitComfort is key to a great cycling experience. Customizing your bike to fit your body perfectly can make a significant difference. With customized ebikes, you can adjust components like the saddle, handlebars, and the stem length to align with your physique and ensure a more comfortable and efficient ride.Monitor Your ProgressKeeping track of your rides, including distance, speed, and terrain, helps in setting realistic goals and measuring improvement. Use a cycling app or a GPS device to monitor your progress and stay motivated.Rest and RecoverRest is as important as training to improve performance. Make sure you get enough sleep and rest days to allow your body to recover and avoid burnout.Ready to Enhance Your Cycling Experience?Discover our range of premium super light eBikes with customization options.Visit our online store

Islay Jura Blog(Written by Connor McCullough)A number of years ago, myself and my friend Steve took a trip to the island of Islay, in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. That trip was before either of us were really into camping or cycling that much so it was very new to us. Ever since that trip we said they we would come back and explore the island some more. Fast forward about 6 years to May 2023, and we finally have organised that trip again. 6 years on we are also now both much more experience cyclists and campers and hopefully a bit more prepared for this trip. While Im not (yet) a Fustle bike owner, the guys at Fustle very kindly let me borrow one of their demo bikes for the trip.We didnt really have any specific plans for the trip other than to get the boat from Ballycastle to Islay, cycle across Islay, get the boat to Jura, explore some of Jura, cycle to Craighouse, then get the ferry back to Islay and explore some of Islay.Day 1Ballymena - Ballycastle - Islay - JuraThis was by far the biggest/longest day on the trip.I had planned to drive to Ballycastle, to meet Steve, and get the Kintyre Express across to Islay, but I decided at the last minute the evening before to set off from my house by bike and cycle the 30 miles to Ballycastle.I cycled to Ballycastle, grabbed a coffee and pastry from Ursa Minor, and then met Steve at the harbour, before getting onto the Kintyre Express ferry to Port Ellen, on Islay. The boat takes around about 60-90 minutes depending on weather conditions.We arrived in Port Ellen, Islay and got some more food before hitting the road across the centre of the island across to Port Askaig. There wasnt loads of gravel on the trip, but the roads were mostly small, narrow, rural roads. In Ireland they would be called, Boreens, Im sure there is a Scottish name for them to. We crossed Islay, and through the Dunlossit estate, along the side of Loch Ballygrant, and arrived in Port Askaig in time for a big feed of lunch at the Port Askaig Bar and Hotel.We took the small ferry across the 700m wide Sound of Islay, and landed on Jura. The first point of order on Jura was to find a spot to camp for the night. I had already checked out a few possible spots digitally with the help of google maps and street view, so we had 4 or 5 options to choose from. Once concern we had, was that we hadnt realised that the Jura Fell Race was taking place that weekend, so there were about 200 extra people on the Island, who were also mostly camping (for context the entire population of Jura is around 196). Thankfully most of these people seemed to be camping in and around Craighouse, and we were albe to find a suitable spot for ourselves, only a mile or two from where we got off the ferry. Scotland has legally enshrined right to roam legislation, so we were legally allow to camp nearly anywhere. Before setting up camp we went and explored a gravel trail we had spotted, that lead to the Paps of Jura. We had planned to do a full loop of the trail, but the gravel trail ended up being pretty tough going and time consuming, so we only went for a few miles, before tuning and coming back to the spot we had picked to camp for the night.We set up camp, and spent the rest of the evening just enjoying the solitude, peacefulness and remoteness of our camp. The only down side was the relentless Scottish midges and Ticks. There were literally hundreds of tiny insects determined to eat us alive.You can see the full day in the video belowDay 2Jura - Port Askaig - Bunnahabhain - Port Charlotte - Machir BayAfter a pretty peaceful and great nights sleep, we headed back to the ferry and back across to Islay. We had planned to go and visit the Jura Distillery in Craighouse, but with the fell race on, and the fact the distillery was closed, we chose to give that a miss (we will try to go back in the future). After the ferry back to Islay there was a steep climb out of Port Askaig which got the heart rate up, and the legs warmed up. So far the weather on the trip has been amazing, warm, sunny and next to no wind, but on the ride out to Bunnahabhain, the weather closed in, and it became wet and windy. Bunnahabhain Distillery is one of 10 whisky distilleries on Islay. I have previously visited Lagavullin, Laphroaig, and the gift shop at Ardbeg, so was looking forward to visiting a couple more distilleries on this trip. We arrived at Bunnahabhain, and although there were no tours happening that day, one of the members of staff in the gift shop/visitor centre was happy to give us a tour. I love the sights, smells, sounds (and taste) of Whisky Distilleries, so I always enjoy the tours. They are all much the same yes, but each has something unique in their process or story.After our tour, it was back on the bikes. The weather was still grim, so rather than the planned gravel track through a forest, we just stuck to the main road and headed for Ballygrant with a plan to stop at the Ballygrant Inn for some lunch. Turns out the Ballygrant in was closed, so another change of plans and we headed to a little cafe for some lunch. At the cafe we met another cyclist, who was cycling around and camping on Islay. He joined us on our ride, battling a fierce headwind, from Ballygrant to Port Charlotte, where we stopped for a quick pint of the local beer, and to get some advice on the next part of our planned route. Thankfully we were told that our route was doable, so after saying bye to our new cycling friend, we headed out of Port Charlotte and up to Kilchiaran, where we cycled up a gravel access road to a radio mast, and then around the side of the hill and down a farm track that took us into the sand dunes and beach at Machir Bay.We pitched our tents in a nice sheltered flat part of the dunes, just behind the beach, and settled in for the evening. This camping spot wasnt quite as remote and isolated as the night before and there were a number of people who came to the beach that evening, but it was still generally pretty quiet.You can see the full day in the video belowDay 3Machir Bay - Kilchoman - Port Ellen - BallycastleOur final day of this trip! Another great nights sleep, and a slow morning, but after packing up camp we went and explored Kilchoman Military Cemetery - which is a memorial to and final resting place of some British and American soldiers who were shipwerecked off the coast of Islay during the First World War.From here it was onto distillery number 2 of the trip. Kilchoman Farm Distillery. It is a distillery that does the whole process on Islay, from growing their own barley, right through the process to bottling and shipping. It was a really fascinating tour, and one of their Whiskys is called Machir Bay - named after the beach that we had camped at the night before, so I had to buy a bottle of that to being home (although it was challenging to find the space in my bikepacking bags for a full bottle of Whisky in a box!)A straight run from here back across Islay to Port Ellen, for a spot of lunch, before a very very quick visit to he gift shop at Laphroaig, and back to the ferry. We had a very rough crossing back to Ballycastle so I was glad to be back on solid ground!You can see the full video of day 3 in the video belowOverall it was a great trip. Mostly great weather, good cycling, good fun, great company, and generally just great craic exploring more of the Inner Hebrides that we havent explored before. I cant wait to go back, and explore more of Jura, or even further afield to some of the other Islands. The Fustle Causeway GR1 was the perfect bike for this trip, it was fast and fun on the roads, and stable and reliable off road. It held up well with my full backpacking setup on it and was just a joy to ride.Thanks again to the team at Fustle for the lend of the bike.You can see more details about my full bikepacking setup and gear in the video below.

Many people think that the main health benefit of cycling is weight loss. Sure, it helps but the main health benefit of cycling is that exercise will dramatically improve your health throughout your life and protect you from most of the dread diseases. In fact, exercise has so many health benefits that the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has declared that exercise is a miracle cure for most of the diseases that kill us. Specifically, it dramatically decreases the chance that you will become sick at all. And this applies to both physical and mental disease.The post Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases appeared first on Average Joe Cyclist.

Liam OBrien has enjoyed an important first in his cycling career; working for the overall winner in a top flight pro race after being called up to the Lidl Trek World Tour line-up again. Though still aged just 19 years, and in his first season out of the juniors, OBrien signed for Lidl-Trek Future Racing []The post OBrien (19) called up to Lidl-Trek World Tour team again for mega week appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

It is often said that you are what you eat. This is because the fuel that goes into our body has a direct impact on the way we feel and the energy output of our bodies. The same can be said about our minds. You are what you read. If you spend all day looking []The post You are what you read first appeared on .

Proper maintenance can significantly enhance your electric bike's performance and extend its lifespan. And no, just wiping it down after a ride isn't going to cut it.In this guide, we'll dive into the world of electric bike maintenance, sharing the best advice and tips to keep your eBike in top condition.So, let's get down to business and ensure your electric bike is always ready for the road ahead!The importance of ebike maintenanceThe heart and soul of an electric bike, what distinguishes it from traditional bicycles, lies in its drive pack. That is, in the motor and battery pack. So, if you want to ensure that every ride is as smooth as the first one, you should pay special attention to the maintenance of these components.In this regard, we must keep in mind that the drive pack of an electric bike requires specific care, which goes beyond cleaning and greasing your bike.In addition, regular inspections of the motor and battery can prevent common electrical problems, such as software or controller failures, sensor malfunctions or other connection problems.The good news is that Crow bicycles drive pack is housed in a removable tube. So, in the event of electric failure, you can continue to enjoy your bike in muscle mode while it's being repaired.In any case, let's see what tools you need for optimal maintenance of your electric bike.Tools and equipment for electric bike maintenanceThe tools to carry out the maintenance of an electric bike, are not very different from those you would need in case you have a traditional bike. You know, Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, tire repair kit, torque wrench, etc.The only thing you need to add is everything related to the maintenance of your drive pack which, in case you have a Crow or any other electric bike with a Fazua motor, is limited to:Brush and clean ragsIn the same way that cleaning your ebike before storing it can improve its efficiency, it is also advisable to clean your Drivepack to keep the electrical system of your bike in perfect condition. To do this, a brush to remove dirt from the components and a clean rag to remove any traces of moisture will suffice.Silicone pasteOnce it is clean and dry, apply a little silicone paste on the contact area to protect it from moisture with the help of a brush.White grease or lubricantNext, we will add some lubricant or white grease to the turning area of the Dirvepack to increase the smoothness of your rides.Absorbent paperNext, we will use some absorbent paper to remove dust and dry the part of the bike where the Drivepack will be placed. We will add a bit of lubricant in the contact area, as well as some silicone paste in the contact area, just as we have done with the electric pack.Crosshead screwdriverOnce you have cleaned and greased the Drivepack of your electric bike, you should check that the wheel magnets are correctly aligned with the speed sensor, and tighten them with a crosshead screwdriver if necessary. The maximum distance recommended by the manufacturer is 17 mm.In the following video, we show you how to carry out the maintenance of the Drivepack of your electric bike properly.Remember, regular maintenance not only extends the life of your electric bike, but also enhances your riding experience.So, gather your tools, roll up your sleeves and give your eBike the care it deserves.5 crucial tips for maintaining your electric bikeMaintaining your electric bike is as important as wearing a helmet every time you ride.That's why we want to share with you some tips that will help you extend the life of your battery:1 - Remove the battery from the tube to charge itThe inside of the tube containing the motor and battery assembly may contain traces of dust and moisture. For that reason, in addition to carrying out the maintenance that we have indicated in the previous section, it is advisable to remove it from the tube every time you are going to charge it.2 - Prevent the battery from being completely dischargedRegularly check the state of the battery, especially if you have not used it for a long time. Ideally, check the charge level every 6 months and always keep it between 30% and 80% charge, even if you do not use it.3 - Keep the heatsink cleanCleaning the heatsink of the drive block with a brush will help dissipate heat and improve the performance of your eBike.4 - Store your eBike in a suitable placeWhen not using your eBike, store it in a cool, dry place to protect the electrical components from moisture and extreme temperatures, which can damage the battery.5 - Professional ServiceA professional service at least once a year is essential to keep your eBike in perfect condition, and it can also help you identify potential problems as soon as possible.If you're thinking about getting a new two-wheeled companion or simply want to explore new electric bike options, be sure to check out our eBike Buying Guide. We assure you that there you will find all the information you need to make the right decision.Although, if you prefer personalized advice, you can also write to us, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.I WANT PERSONALIZED ADVICE

Two sistersAndrea Harrower & Cathy Booth, both who are very close friends of Fustle founders Alastair & Julie,on two bikes took on 480 miles in an epic two day endurance event cycling around the whole of NI to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancerNipanc.It was in memory of two loved ones. Andrea, her grief still raw following the death of her husband Paddy last July. Cathy not only lost her brother-in-law to this devastating illness but also her schoolfriend of 30 years, NatalieWilson, who left behind 3 very young children.The idea was that of Paddy, Andreas late husband who wanted something good to come out of his devastating journey with Pancreatic Cancer. He challenged them to an epic endurance cycle around the periphery of Northern Ireland and they even took his much loved Giant mountain bike on the roof of the 'support vehicle' to take him along for the ride.Our Causeway Backroad Core has been known to cover a very diverse mixture of terrain but 480 miles all on road non stop over 48 hours takes it's performance to a new level. A message we received from Cathy who is known for many road cycling achievements including Ironman events, Race around Ireland and many more read..."FUSTLES ARE AWESOME - SOO COMFY OVER 48 HOURS AND COULDN'T HAVE WISHED FOR A BETTER BIKE TO TAKE ON THIS CHALLENGE".They have smashed through their fundraising target of 60k, then 80k and have raised the bar again to 100k. The money will be invested by NIPANC into pancreatic cancer early diagnosis and screening. The estimated amount raised just now is 96k.Their Just giving page is open for a few more days, if you would like to help cross that 100k mark feel free to donate on the link below.https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pedaltheperiperyCathy and AndreaCongratulations and a massive well done from all of us at Fustle and the extended Fustle Family.