Blog
Which Bike Pump Do You Actually Need?
Formby Cycles' Guide to Getting It Right Whether you're a weekend rider, daily commuter, or trail addict, one thing’s for sure: a reliable bike pump is non-negotiable. Tyre pressure plays a huge role in comfort, control, and avoiding those annoying flats. But with so many pump options out there, how do you know which one to pick? Here’s a quick, no-nonsense guide to the different types of bike pumps — and which one will work best for your riding style. What Kind of Pump Do You Really Need? Different bikes, tyres and riding habits require different types of pumps. Before...
Haibike AllMtn CF 11 TRN/IQ 2025 – The Gearbox-Driven eMTB Revolution
The 2025 Haibike AllMtn CF 11 TRN/IQ marks a bold new chapter in electric mountain biking. Haibike, long recognised as a pioneer in ePerformance bikes, has taken a huge step forward by integrating the revolutionary Pinion MGU (Motor-Gearbox Unit) into a sleek, high-performance carbon frame. Blending power, precision, and playful trail handling, this £8,999 trail machine is built to conquer every type of terrain—without compromising on innovation or ride feel. A Revolution in eMTB Design At the heart of the AllMtn CF 11 lies Pinion’s MGU E1.12, a fully integrated motor and gearbox unit designed to eliminate the need for...
How Cycling Can Help You Live a Greener, Healthier Life
As sustainability becomes more important in our everyday choices, cycling stands out as a simple yet powerful way to reduce our environmental impact. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or enjoying the outdoors, choosing a bicycle over a car can make a significant difference. In this article, we explore five key ways cycling contributes to a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. 1. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Motor vehicles are a major source of CO₂ emissions, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Cycling, on the other hand, is a zero-emission mode of transportation. Swapping your car for a bike—especially for...
Your Guide to Bike Helmets – Ride Safe, Ride Smart
At Formby Cycles, we know that a good helmet isn’t just smart – it’s essential. Whether you’re racing the tarmac, hitting the trails, commuting to work or heading out for a Sunday spin with the family, the right helmet keeps you protected and riding with confidence. But with so many styles and features on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. So, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you pick the best helmet for your riding style – plus a few of our top recommendations from our in-store range. Why Your Helmet Matters Reduces head injury...
Cube Nuroad: One Bike. Endless Possibilities.
If you're looking for a bike that can handle the weekday commute, Sunday gravel spins, and the odd weekend bikepacking escape, the Cube Nuroad should be on your radar. Built for comfort, versatility, and real-world riding, it’s a bike that doesn’t ask you to choose between road speed and off-road capability — it delivers both. Gravel, Your Way.One of the standout features of the Cube Nuroad range is choice. Whether you’re new to gravel or upgrading your current setup, there’s a model that suits your needs. The range includes eight different builds, with both aluminium and carbon frames available —...
Hydration: The Quiet Key to Better Rides 🚴♂️💧
It’s not flashy, and you won’t notice it until it’s missing—but hydration is one of the most important factors behind your performance on the bike. Whether you’re out for a café spin or deep into a day-long gravel adventure, how you hydrate affects everything from how your heart works to how sharp your reactions are. And here’s the kicker: you only need to lose 1% of your body weight in fluid to feel the effects. At 2%, your endurance drops, fatigue kicks in, and everything just feels that bit harder. Everyone’s Different—So Hydrate That WayThere’s no single “right” way to...
Lapierre Crosshill CF 2025 – Fast Gravel Meets Adventure Versatility
Lapierre’s all-new Crosshill CF 2025 arrives with a clear ambition: bring race-level performance to the gravel scene, without forgetting the adventure-ready DNA riders have come to love. Previously available only in aluminium, the Crosshill now gets a full carbon makeover, and it’s immediately clear this isn’t just a frame swap—this is a full rethink. At the heart of the Crosshill CF is a more aggressive, sportier geometry, with subtle design touches like flexible seat stays built in to smooth out the chatter when things get rough. Lapierre claims a 3% increase in compliance here—small on paper, noticeable on long rides....
How to go Tubeless
Setting up your wheels tubeless? It's a great upgrade—less hassle with punctures and better ride performance. Here’s our expert step-by-step guide to get you sorted. And of course, if you get stuck, our team is just a call away
Wahoo Bolt V3 - Small but Mighty
Small but MightyAt just 95g, the BOLT is lighter and more compact than its big sibling, the ROAM. It’s perfect if you want something minimal and aerodynamic, without sacrificing performance. And despite the smaller body, the screen is still plenty big enough for all your data, maps, and turn-by-turn directions. You’ll also notice an upgrade in the buttons—they’re now convex, making them much easier to press with gloves on, whether you're out on a frosty morning or mid-race. BOLT vs ROAM – Which Should You Choose?If you value screen size and slightly longer battery life (the ROAM offers around 17...
The Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3 stands out.
Whether you're new to trail riding or looking for a capable commuter, the Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3 delivers solid performance at a great value.
Cycling tips for the novice
Cycling is a healthier, more enjoyable, and greener way to travel, often quicker than motorised alternatives. More people choose cycling for transportation, making safety tips essential for an even better ride.
Gain insights into family dynamics with the Giant TCR Advanced Pro.
According to popular belief, one is never more than six feet away from a Giant employee in Taiwan. Similarly, a Giant-made bicycle is never too far away, highlighting the vastness of its manufacturing influence. In fact, the bike you're currently riding is most likely influenced by Giant as well. Do you notice the sloping top tube and small main triangle? That's because of the "compact" geometry invented by the late Mike Burrows in the mid-90s, and popularized by the Spanish team ONCE in their iconic bumblebee colors. The Giant TCR, released in 1997, played a significant role in shaping the...
