Recently in Shopping Category

So far I think I've got six (6) expressions of interest in the Team Bee jersey. Just need four more to make the minimum and then I'll start the process of ordering. So if you are interested and haven't already said so, please leave a comment with your name to let me add you to the list.

Have spoken to the folk at Plan Bee:

"We cannot accept donations to the Plan Bee campaign as we aren't set up as a charity but if you would like to donate to help bees please see the Bumblebee Conservation Trust's website"

So the £5 I'd originally proposed would go to them to aid their work.

Like everyone who rides a bike, I love riding through the countryside in bloom in spring and summer as it bustles with colour and life. The smells of the flora and fauna that make it home are something we should all cherish, not just as memories

Bumblebees are just one of the creatures which make an invaluable contribution to keeping it that way. We should do something to help them go about their business without worrying where their next buttercup is coming from.

Do you want to find yourself riding through a drab landscape, devoid of such wonders as nature creates? I don't, so that's why I think we should support the humble bumble (other bees are available).

In this age of austerity it's also important to remember the vital work bees do in supporting the economy: Loss of bees could be 'a blow to UK economy'

The Hour - TL from Mr Jones on Vimeo.

"I wanted to use words that would instill a sense of value that an hour is a unit of time to be or do or think or act in some way that makes us realise its passing. In a subtle way to instill a sense of mortality that is tempered by an idea of how to occupy this hour that will pass but once." Graeme Obree

Now if you're thinking of something to get the cyclist in your life (or just yourself) for Christmas, that doesn't come under the bracket of "things you're only likely to use while riding a bike", this has to be a pretty good bet.

It's a lovely timepiece, it's got a great story to it and it's a limited edition of 100 so quite desirably exclusive.

Buy The Hour designed with Graeme Obree from Mr Jones Watches for £145

Spotted this while checking out Le Coq Sportif's Eroica competition. It's a very nice take on their original cycling kit but done in a modern fashion style.

It's available to buy online at Shop Le Coq for 120 Euro

There's also a pretty sweet World Champion Polo for 70 Euro

Having a bit of a clearout of used and no longer needed parts:

Deda Elementi Newton 26 stem, 100mm - perfect for fans of classic handlebars of 26mm standard diameter.

Tetkro 992AG Oryx Cantilever Brakes with pads and straddle cable

Tetkro 992AG Oryx Cantilever Brakes with straddle cable, pads not included

Ashima Aero Ultralight 3 Function Brake Blocks

Ashima Aero Ultralight 3 Function Brake Blocks

My mum wants to get a bike and she wants me to help her find one. Now that's a lot more challenging than most requests I get for help with finding a bike.

Seriously struggling to come up with a range of ideas at a suitable price. Seems if you're small, female and looking for something simple and fun, then the market is pretty thin. Would love any help you readers can offer. Please comment and stick in links to anthing you

The first thing I've done is to break down the request to help narrow the options.

• Type of rider: Female, nearing retirement, about 1.50m (5ft) tall
• Reasons for cycling: Exercise, contemplating a cycling holiday next year
• Type of riding planned: Pottering about, nipping to the shops, exercise
• Expected riding surfaces: Canal towpaths, bridleways, road and path. Possibly some light woodland trails. Some areas can be hilly
• Weather conditions: All-year British

So taking that information, I'm trying to break it down into must-have and would-be-nice features.

Must have

• Step through frame
• Mudguards
• Wide gear range
• Low maintenance
• Rack
• Fun to ride
• Nice to look at
• Available from the range of bike shops within the Woking area

On the shortlist so far

Charge Lazy Susan - from Evans Cycles

Raleigh Ladies Pioneer Elite 1 - from Raleigh Bikes

Raleigh Oakland - from Evans Cycles

Dawes Street Elite 2010 Women's Hybrid Bike - from Evans Cycles