Velotastic

Posted on January 27, 2016February 10, 2026 by Paul

Cycle Grub

Eating on the bike is extremely important to avoid the dreaded ‘bonk’, but what you eat is equally important. One of our freinds has a created a fantastic new website Cycle Grub Providing healthy & not so healthy food inspirations to fuel your ride, before, during & after.

Check out their energy laden Granola Bars. This recipe is simple and like no other!!!

In a large saucepan, melt together:

Sunflower Oil – 120ml
Soft Dark Brown Sugar – 200g
Manuka Honey – 2 tbsp
Peanut Butter – 1 tbsp
Vanilla Extract – 1/2 tsp
Toffee Pieces – 2 tbsp

Once melted add:

Sesame Seeds – 25g
Sunflower Seeds – 25g
Dried Cranberries – 50g
Chopped Hazelnuts – 50g

Once all mixed gradually add 225g
thick cut porridge oats/oatmeal.

Transfer mixture to a 25 x 15 cm baking tin lined with parchment.

Press down firmly with a masher or similar then

Place in a fan oven at 160 degrees for 10 – 15 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t get over done.

Now this is the hard part!!

Allow the mixture to cool for around 3 hours (sorry), but goodness comes to those who wait!!

Once cooled, carefully use a sharp knife to cut the mixture in squares.

Wrap in foil, pop in your back pouch and enjoy on your ride.. remember, on long rides eat something every 45 minutes!!

Posted on January 22, 2016January 22, 2016 by Paul

Q + A with Handlebar Mustache

We managed to have a few words with Brett Richard, owner of one of our favourite brands – Handlebar Mustache.

What’s the history behind Handlebar Mustache?

We started in October of 2008 after buying yet another “cycling” tee shirt that I didn’t like the fit of. We decided that with our years of retail apparel experience, plus passion for cycling, we could/should start our own cycling tee company. Why not, it was only the worst economic downturn in our lifetime, why wouldn’t you start a small business. It’s funny looking back on the all the lessons learned and the evolution of our company. We knew a good bit but have learned SO MUCH. At first, we only had ideas and then had an artist render them, then paid someone else to print them. That evolved to Ashley learning Illustrator and us buying our own screen printing equipment.

How come you chose Handlebar Mustache as a name?

We actually had an entirely different concept in mind. Our former business partner had driven in and was staying with us over the weekend as we planned things out. As we sat down at our kitchen table, finalizing some design ideas, it just didn’t feel right. I asked him to go grab the shirt he had worn the day before it said “Why Do You Have A Mustache?” and something clicked for me. The idea we had been working on felt stuffy – we wanted it to be fun. That is when Handlebar Mustache was born. I drew the logo on a piece of scrap paper and we got to work on making fun designs.

What came first the tee’s or the socks? Shirts were first, socks came several years later. With socks, we wanted some interesting designs to wear on the bike. I owned so many all black socks and we wanted to add some detail, something with personality. Plus, we wanted pink socks, so that was the initial reason we started making socks. It grew from there; its a fun way to allow people to express themselves on the bike. They might love the shop/team they race for but not love the kit. Socks allow people to stand out a bit or add in a color to match their sock or bike.

Guessing from the names of some of your products, you are obviously big fans of the classics races. Which one is your favorite?

Oh man, hands down De Ronde. It’s the greatest bike race on the planet. We also love Roubaix, but the Belgians just make De Ronde special. We have had friends ask what it’s like during the race. We have described it as the Super Bowl played on the 4th of July. It’s a National event and everyone is tuned in or on the road side. It’s amazing and Belgium has our heart. Riding bikes and spending time in Flanders is our favorite things we do all year. And the beer gardens are a huge plus. Every race should have a beer garden and a jumbotron. You never miss a moment of racing.

Handlebar Mustache is based in Boulder. What’s your favourite ride or climb in the area?

Boulder is a very special place to live and ride. That fact is not lost on us. We fell in love the first time we came to visit (to see Andy Pruitt for IT Band issues I was having). We told ourselves we would live here someday. It took 7 years, but we made it happen. Riding in Boulder is unique because you can ride true flats, rollers, or go climb 10k ft in 50 miles. The Sunshine Canyon climb is hands down the best view in Boulder, so I would say that is the favorite (neither of us is a “climber”, so if you are gonna suffer the view needs to be worth it). Our favorite rides are the dirt roads in North Boulder. The views are special and it feels like you are 100 miles out, yet you are only 20 minutes from home.

What bikes are you riding at the moment and which one’s your current favourite?

I always joke I have one nice bike, and it’s true. Some of mine were sold along the way to upgrade screen printing equipment. My go to bike is my Mosaic RT1 – it’s my all time favorite bike. I would have never considered Ti years ago, but seeing larger tube Ti bikes and the details Aaron and team put into the bikes, I had to have one. That bike is simply amazing. The Ti seems to deaden part of the vibrations I had experienced with carbon on rough roads. It’s stiff but comfortable to ride. It’s got 28 Clement Strada LGGs on it (they measure 29.6 on that rim) and it goes anywhere. We ride lots of dirt here, and it’s the best bike I have ever ridden on Roubaix cobbles. Those stones are the true test for any bike and it passed with flying colors.

Who are your all time favorite riders?

Tom Boonen for me and the Mrs. quickly responds with Peter Sagan. Fabian is also a favorite. We are witnessing some of the best classics riders in history and it’s been amazing to watch. Boonen to me is the smoothest rider to ever ride cobbles. He is built to ride them and makes something so savage look supple. We have had the opportunity to meet both Boonen and Sagan on multiple occasions and they are both amazing. Watching Sagan win in Richmond was special, and we are so excited to see such a unique talent continue to develop and win big races.

Where do you get the inspiration for your sock designs?

It could happen anywhere honestly. Some have come from street art, something we saw while on a ride, a movie, or just from playing around in an App or a Program.

Handlebar Mustache Decade Pro Green Socks

A big thank you for Brett for taking the time out to answer our questions. Check out our inventory of Handlebar Mustache products here.

Posted on January 15, 2016January 21, 2016 by Paul

The Mighty Cornithian

There are names that are evocative of a golden age when epic challenges were completed in an old school British stiff upper lip style. An era when we had adventurers that relied on stamina and determination rather than technology.

On 25th June a new sportive gives a nod to these past times – The Mighty Corinthian.

Based in the Lake District, a stunning part of England that is already home to the cycling’s Fred Whitton Challenge and running’s Bob Graham Round, the Corinthian takes in 301 km of the national parks finest roads.

Conceived by Lake Distric resident and event director of Sportive Lakes Alan Brenton, the route is designed to mimic the experience of the great one day classics of the past, the event covers the entire range of Lake District landscapes – all on classic, pre 1987 bikes.

Alan ‘We were looking for a fourth event to complete our annual calendar. We like our events to be distinctive, special and we were struggling for a concept. Around the same time I read Tim Moore’s ‘Gironimo’ followed by William Fotheringham’s ‘Fallen Angel’ and the seed was sewn. I started to think about how we could create a very different retro event, one which was all about a classic ride and less about the festival. I rode the route in April as a research tour, at the time it was 285km and a bit too challenging. Someone said “if I’m doing 285, I want to do 300!” and the idea was born.

Whilst the route is long there will be no pointless suffering, with the harshest Lakes climbs avoided and the finest landscapes visited.

Alan added ‘We’re developing a reputation for events with high levels of support and great food, where fun and friendship are more important than speed. So, there will be at least five food stops with real, quality food matching the time of day. We’ll have quality vintage hire bikes and great on-course support. We want people to succeed, so we’ll do everything we can to get you around – the rest is up to you!’

After the floods at Christmas 2015, this event is a good way to support the Lake District economy as it recovers from this disaster and get a classic ride in stunning secenery too.

Event website – www.themightycorinthian.co.uk

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Paul

The Brew Stop

Whether riding solo or with friends a cafe stop is an integral part of any ride. Since the earliest rides a network of cafe’s has been built up that accommodate the rider’s need – the CTC’s Cyclists Welcome scheme has existed since it was formed in 1878.

But what makes a good cycling cafe ? In recent years many bike shops have used offering coffee and cake as a useful selling point and several eateries have opened with a cycling theme. Surely good cafe is more than slapping a few posters and a bike on the wall and having a nice Italian coffee machine ?

Like any business, service is the key. No thirsty (and hungry) cyclist wants to be hanging on for half an hour for a brew. And when their order does arrive just because they arrive by bike the quality of the fare should be of a decent standard.

Riders should feel welcome. Cyclists contribute a lot to the rural economy and often in winter months they can be the only customers in some eateries.

Decent, secure bike parking is another must, preferably within site of the cafe. There are many anecdotal cases of riders bikes being taken whilst they are having a brake which leaves a very sour taste in your mouth.

Here are a few of our local favourite cafes that have nailed what makes a good eatery and offer something a little different to the beige and bland offerings of some…..

Caudwell’s Mill

Based in a working Victorian mill, Caudwell’s mill cafe has been an institution for cyclists for years. One of the quirky things about this eatery is that it is vegetarian, but not in a way that you would notice. Although it does not offer the standard big breakfast on its menu, it has a mix of delicious salads and quiches at lunchtmes.

Rowsley, Derbyshire

website: http://www.caudwellsmill.co.uk/

Highfield House

Based on a working farm with attached shop, the quality of the big breakfast offered here is nothing short of superb. All the meats come from the farm and the quality of the tea and coffee offered alongside them is top notch.

Ashover, Derbyshire

website: http://www.highfieldhousefarm.co.uk/

Jodrell Bank

There’s not many cafe’s located at a grade one listed building that’s been a key part of the space race for nearly seventy years.

The cafe is located in the visitor centre next to the telescope. The menu is an eclectic mix of traditional sounding breakfasts and more exotic lunchtime fare including shredded Morococan lamb on flatbread and bratwurst in brioche bun. The centre has a purpose built bike shed and an open eating area when the weather permits.

Macclesfield, Cheshire

website: http://www.jodrellbank.net/

Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall is one of the great Tudor palaces and a big part of Elizabethan history. Run by the National Trust this sprawling estate can be seen from miles around. Sat in the courtyard besides the main house is the stables restaurant. Despite being a fairly standard menu, the food is cooked well and staff are very cheery.

Chesterfield, Derbyshire

website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall

Loaf

Situated in the lovely village of Crich, the setting for the 90’s drama ‘Peak Practice’, Loaf, as the name suggests, is an artisan bakers. A lovely touch at this cafe is the table service. The cafe has a lovely contemporary feel inside and of course the ever so nice aroma of freshly baked bread. Our fave are the scones with flavours such as chocolate orange.

Crich, Derbyshire

Website: http://www.theloaf.co.uk/

Posted on December 7, 2015December 7, 2015 by Paul

Fresh Mugs Monday

As well as hunting down some of the worlds nicest independent labels to carry in our inventory we also like to dabble in a bit of art and design ourselves.

Since their introduction a few years ago our range of mugs have gained traction and become one of our best selling product lines.

We’ve just brought out some additions to our range. Not because it’s Christmas, but because we wanted to. They are inspired by our love of cycling and we hope you enjoy them too.

The Track Mug

The design came about from a visit to one of our local velodromes.

Belgie Mug

Roughly based on the Belgian team jersey.

British Champs Mug

Based on our home country’s jersey.

Check out our full range of mugs here.

Posted on November 10, 2015August 23, 2020 by Paul

God and Famous

The latest brand that’s been added to Velotastic’s every growing portfolio is God and Famous.

This independent design label was established in 2012 in New York and is heavily influenced by the US track and fixed gear communities.

God and Famous complement our existing range and provide apparel that will help you stand out from the peloton. There inventory includes socks, caps and t-shirts and all come in a signature monochrome colour scheme.

Posted on November 3, 2015November 3, 2015 by Paul

Go, Go Pacifico

Every now and then we see a brand that pushes things to a different level.

Sockdoping has been around for a year or two now. We find it a great fun way to express yourself and an antidote to the trend for muted jerseys with conservative designs.

Many of our favourite brands, including Handlebar Mustache use geometric patterns with strong colours to come up with some spectacular sock designs.

Pacific and co do things a little differently. The brand was founded in 2013 by Aixa Sanuy and Lidia Ansio in Barcelona. As well as using traditional geometric patterns, Pacifico use artwork inspired by nature and everyday objects for their designs.

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Posted on October 12, 2015 by Paul

Life in Miniature

Miniature cyclists we first made on the continent in the 1930’s as a part of a board game that like many similar ones, involved racing your player around a cardboard route with the winner chosen by the luck of the dice.

The models were either made if a zinc alloy, plastic or a combination of the two (a metal bike and plastic rider). Transfer kits were available so as you could decorate your miniature in the style of your favourite rider and they were sold in newsagents for pocket money prices.

The popularity reached their height in the 1960’s with several companies manufacturing the models and some businesses making over half a million miniatures per year.

Their popularity declined and by the end of the last century there were only a few businesses left going.

We stock models from one of the oldest suppliers that has been making them in France since the 1950’s. The company, based just outside Paris makes 10-20000 models per year using a technique that has not changed much in half a century.

The miniatures are painted in a variety of colours including tour and national jerseys and trade teams. Due to them being hand painted each one has it’s own charm and uniqueness.

Now the models are not used as part of a board game but are avidly bought by cycling fans and collectors worldwide.

Check out our current inventory here.

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Paul

Introducing Handlebar Mustache

One of the trends that seems to be taking off in the UK cycling scene is sock doping.

Like many things to do with bikes, cyclists can spend hours debating the subject of socks – black or white, under or over leg warmers, length.. it can take up most of a cake stop if you are not careful.

There is an UCI rule regarding socks that was introduced in 2012: Socks used in competition must not extend above the middle of the leg. For many riders this would be a no-no anyway as the use of compression socks whilst riding has never really caught on (unless you are a fan of swimming before you ride and running afterwards).

simpson poulidor poggio 64 — Raymond Poulidor and Tom Simpson wearing white.

Socks are however a great way to show a little individuality whilst you are out riding your bike. Gone are the days of the choice being black or white socks – it used to be said that black socks were for training and white for racing, now there are a whole palette of colours and designs to choose from.

Socks_White-2__31517.1435165004.1280.1280 — Y’all act like you’ve never seen a pair of white socks before.

We have just started stocking a range of socks from Colorado based company Handlebar Mustache. The brand fits in well with Velotastic’s ethos of stocking apparel that you don’t normally see in your local bike shop.

Handlebar Mustache Ride Angry T-Shirt — Ride Angry

Handlebar Mustache socks are made in the USA and come in a variety of designs. The brand also screen print there own t-shirts that are great to wear when you are off the bike.

In these days when many in cycling have adopted the unofficial ‘rules’ socks and its associated sartorial minefield, socks are a great way to put your own mark on what you wear and stand out from the crowd.

Posted on September 9, 2015September 9, 2015 by Paul

Spice up your life.

With the nights drawing in and the weather getting cooler the time of year when it’s really hard to keep your cycling mojo. I’ve been riding nearly 30 years now and hit this invisible wall every September. Here’s a few ideas I’ve picked up along the way to keep your momentum going.

In the mix

Many of us fall into the habit of doing the same route time after time. This can of course lead to predictability and boredom. One way of making things a little more interesting is to start doing some of your favourite routes in reverse. Those challenging climbs become technical descents and bits with a usual block headwind become faster and easier. You could also take the road less ridden and explore side roads that you’ve always wondered where they go.

Change sport

I’m not talking about taking up golf or tennis but changing the type of bike you ride. The obvious ones are MTB, Cyclocross and road, but there’s also other diverse bicycle based fun to be had such as bike polo and Trailquest.

Go solo

Single and fixed gear bikes are great fun. They also improve your rhythm, smooth out your pedal stroke and improve your technique. I regularly ride one to commute to and from Velotastic HQ with a set of panniers on and it adds a whole new dimension to the hills around Chesterfield.

Make friends
Often it’s easier to ride if you have told someone you are going out with them. Joining a club is a great way to meet new friends with a similar interest and keep your cycling going through Autumn and Winter. The British Cycling website is a good place to start looking for clubs.

Any old iron

One of the reasons that I started Velotastic was a love of taking bikes to bits. A great way to keep your cycling interest going is to buy an old bike of eBay or Gumtree and do it up. Old steel bikes are a lot more forgiving that carbon and aluminium ones for learning bike maintenance and a lot simpler. It’s also a way to learn how your bike works which always comes in handy for when you have a mechanical. Velotastic carries a range of parts and accessories for making your ride that little bit special.

C’Mute
With the nights getting shorter time to get the miles in after work becomes limited. One way round this is to start riding to work. You also get to know your local area a lot better and learn all the cycle routes and quiet back roads. Local cycle campaigns are also worth a look at joining because rather than just grumbling about bad local infrastructure the good ones also lobby and work with councils to try and improve things.

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Paul

Top Trumps

One of the things we like about cycling is the way it keeps us in touch with our youth. Those heady days of mucking around with your mates on your bike, not a care in the world and having fun.

Every now and again we come see products which remind of these simpler times. One of these is Pro Cycling Trumps.

If you’ve never played Trumps before the concept is simple. On each card is written a set of vital statistics. If you’ve got the best in one of the categories you win the round.

It’s a great game and as it’s small, it’s very portable and can be played virtually anywhere.

Pro Cycling Trumps have resurrected this old favourite with three different packs – 2015 Mens, 2015 Womens and Legends.

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Paul

A is for Alpe.

A is for Alpe. One of cycling’s mythical climbs.

B is for Belgium. Home of the classics.

C is for Coppi. Il Campionissimo.

D is for Disc. On their way soon.

E is for échappé. French for breakaway.

F is for Fignon. He won the Tour twice, but is famous for losing it once by a few seconds.

G is for gears. That help riders go fast.

H is for Hinault. The Badger or le Blaireau in French.

I is for Indurain. Big Spaniard, big lungs, big legs.

J is Jacques Anquetil. Le Maitre.

K is for Kassien. Cobbles in Flemish.

L is for lead out. The train that gets sprinters to the line.

M is for Musette. A riders feed bag.

N is for neutralized zone. The bit before the race begins.

O is for Orica. Australian men’s and women’s pro teams.

P is for Peloton. A big bunch of riders.

Q is for QOM. The first women to the top.

R is for Ronde. A race with tough cobbled climbs.

S is for Sprinter. The quickest in the pack.

T is for Time Trial. Against the clock.

U is for up. When the climbers come out to play.

V is for Ventoux. The giant of Provence.

X is for Xavier Tondo. Taken too early from us.

Y is for Yellow. The leader’s jersey.

Z was a team. Who had Lemond and Millar amongst others on their books.