Tips & Tales
13Dec
13Dec
07Nov
07Nov
When you “accidentally” drink too much champagne
Champagne is my Achilles heel!
Recently, we went to one of my lovely friends' 50th birthday parties. It was a beautiful evening, and I completely lost track of how much I had to drink with my glass always miraculously being filled.
26Oct
26Oct
We all know that relations between road users on 2 and 4 wheels aren't always cordial. But with so many of us driving and cycling, we think they should be.
Here's one way you can help us to spread the love...
24Oct
24Oct
Iris Slappendel: women's cycling legend
Iris Slappendel is one of the most extraordinary women in cycling.
If you haven't heard of her, here's why she's such a beacon to us and many others.
09Oct
09Oct
Our famous VeloVixen Women's Cycling Chat Group is the most talked about chat group in female cycling - isn't it time you joined us to experience it?
07Oct
07Oct
Are you trying to lose weight and not succeeding? Feeling like you are doing everything right but still can’t lose weight.
How are you sleeping? That could be the missing bit...
02Oct
02Oct
Which Castelli winter top do I REALLY need?
Castelli make some of the finest, most technical top halves in cycling. But whilst they're all incredible to wear, it's not always easy to decipher which ones will work best for you. Here's our jargon busting guide to have you kitted out properly...
19Sep
19Sep
Do you listen to your gut? When it is not working as it should, it reveals so much; from bloating, belching, smelly wind and - yes - questionable number 2s.
Not a topic everyone likes talking about but it's at the root of so many health issues.
13Sep
13Sep
Trek-Segafredo's Abi van Twisk has competed with the very best in the world.
But she's a South London girl at heart and just loves riding her bike. She reckons everyone should take a leaf out of her book...
11Sep
11Sep
Improve Your Mental Health by Cycling through Winter
We all know that exercise benefits our physical health but what about our mental health? Recent research has shown that two-thirds of people spend less than an hour per day outside during autumn and winter. There's never been a better time to get out on your bike!
23Aug
23Aug
Do you crave foods? Carbohydrates, salty or sweet? Food cravings is something Catherine hears about most weeks in her clinic - and knows a lot about from personal experience.
21Aug
21Aug
We all want to improve out cycling. Here are 10 relatively easy wins (nos. 6 and 10 are especially easy!) to make you an instantly better cyclist.
06Aug
06Aug
Fiona Kolbinger - instant cycling icon
Earlier this morning, Fiona Kolbinger made cycling history. Not just women's cycling history. Cycling history for the ages. In winning the notorious 4000km Transcontinental Race, Fiona levelled the playing field like few others in sporting history.
26Jul
26Jul
Let's face it, the UK's not famous for blazing heat. When the mercury passes 20c we're prone to flapping about as though we're living in the Dubai desert. Fans and paddling pools sell out, and public fountains are gridlocked. But it can, and most years it does at some point...
24Jul
24Jul
23Jul
23Jul
Bikepacking with Children Pt.1
There isn't much that Juliet hasn't done on a bike. But going bikepacking with a toddler could be the biggest challenge she's yet taken on. This is just the start...
19Jul
19Jul
Why am I so tired? Fatigue... the number one factor leading cyclists to nutritional therapist Catherine. Here's her advice on how to combat it.
12Jul
12Jul
The first time I rode my bike up a hill I had to get off and push. I pushed my bike over the brow of the hill and slumped down on the verge to admire the view. I had no sense of satisfaction, I had hardly justified a rest, but my wobbly legs needed to regroup. The pros make it all look so easy, so effortless. The reality, I found, was somewhat different...
11Jul
11Jul
Are you taking on a 100km ride this year? If so, here are pro rider Tiffany Cromwell's 8 Top Tips. Even if you're already a seasoned 100km veteran, you're sure to learn something...
10Jul
10Jul
So we started selling bikes. Sounds simple, doesn't it?!
After all, we've been leaders in women's cycling kit for over seven years, so why not sell bikes? But we had to be 100% confident. Here's how we choose our bikes.
04Jul
04Jul
9 Tips to Love your Padded Cycling Shorts
Get them right, and padded cycling shorts are the gateway to a smooth, comfortable ride. Find out how to wear and care for yours correctly to enjoy miles upon miles of pain-free, efficient cycling.
03Jul
03Jul
There are many reasons we may feel anxiety with our cycling - fear of the danger, performance anxiety or anxieties driven by the stories we tell ourselves.
Here are 6 ways that you may find help if you find the anxiety train pulling into your station.
27Jun
27Jun
So Jeni went on her first cycling holiday.
It was wonderful - but she came away having learnt lessons she'd never have thought of...
26Jun
26Jun
If the cap fits: 9 reasons why cycling caps rule
What is it about the humble cycling cap? Surely a cap is a cap is a cap? How can a simple piece of elasticated peaked cotton stir up such emotions and evangelising amongst cyclists who claim to be 'in the know'?
When it comes to complying with how things 'should' be done in cycling, we're the first to suggest a dose of rebellion. But with caps, we can't get enough of them. Why so?
21Jun
21Jun
See cycling in a whole new light
Have you ever cycled into direct sunlight and felt like your eyeballs were melting in their sockets? Is your ride partner magnetically attracted to loose road chippings?
Well, let us guide you into the wonderful world of cycling eyewear, where looking 'spec-tacular' is just as achievable as giving your eyes the protection they deserve.
17Jun
17Jun
Your Sportive Survival Guide
We love sportives - these organised, well-marshalled events are a brilliant way to challenge yourself, ride fantastic roads and have fun. Especially if you set about them the right way, says Juliet Elliott...
10Jun
10Jun
We recently asked you, our friends and customers, to give us your top tips that you wish you'd known when you first started cycling.
We were inundated - which goes to show the generosity of spirit in the cycling world. You may be surprised by some...!
01Jun
01Jun
Going Sleeveless
Pssst - want to know the best way to wind up cycling fascists? Sleeveless cycling jerseys. Once impossible to find, now there are almost too many to choose from. Here are our top tips.
31May
31May
Catching up with Rachel Atherton
5-time World Downhill Mountain biking champion Rachel Atherton has been a dominant force downhill MTB for more than 10 years. Maria caught up with her to get the latest lowdown on her extraordinary career - which shows no sign of slowing!
20May
20May
Danny, Daisy and the cutest cycling video ever
Danny MacAskill has long been one of our favourite character in cycling. He definitively puts the 'skill' into MacAskill, and has never knowingly taken himself too seriously.
So when we heard about his latest video, 'Danny Daycare', our ears pricked up as only fox ears can.
16May
16May
"My overwhelming emotion recently has been the feeling of belonging."
Jeni is living proof of just how cycling can become a bedrock of social interaction and happiness way beyond the bike itself.
06May
06May
For many years, ASSOS of Switzerland was one of the most respected names in cycling. The only catch, from a female cycling perspective, was their notoriously... how would you say?... 'traditional' approach to marketing their women's kit.
Then in 2016, everything changed.
02May
02May
This summer, we're supporting world record Atlantic rower Kiko Matthews woman as she takes on single-use plastic via an epic bike ride, riding 7200km around the British coastline whilst raising awareness of plastic misuse.
25Apr
25Apr
Ever find yourself falling into the trap of feeling you have to ride with certain people, to grind out particular distances? Jeni has an alternative approach that just might make you fall in love with cycling all over again.
12Apr
12Apr
We all know how good even an average ride can make you feel. But cycling can improve more about your life than you might have thought.
08Apr
08Apr
10 Great Cycling Goals for Summer
Juliet offers you ten inspiring, fun-filled cycling activities and goals that will make these summer months the best you’ve ever experienced.
03Apr
03Apr
Jeni Sanderson is an expert in positive psychology - and we all know how crucial that can be on your bike. Here's how to get the best out of yourself, both in cycling and beyond...
01Apr
01Apr
11Mar
11Mar
Improve your cycling with these 5 minute daily yoga exercises - designed to boost power, help prevent injury and improve bone density.
01Mar
01Mar
The London Bike Show will never have seen the like. We're joining forces with those lovely folk from Casquette to host 'Casquette LIVE with VeloVixen'. It promises to be THE big reason for coming to this year's London Bike Show (29-31st March)...
21Feb
21Feb
When we asked you for your stories about how you got the cycling bug after the age of 40, we expected a few tales. But not 100s! And such moving, inspiring ones at that.
Here are just some of our favourites - and the eventual winner...
14Feb
14Feb
How to stay positive cycling when you feel like stopping
Just because it’s hard, it doesn’t mean you suck. Sometimes we all need an attitude adjustment.
The power of positive thinking is real. And so is the power of negative thoughts.
30Jan
30Jan
In a recent Strava report, what stood out the most was that “cyclists in their 40s and 50s ride further and faster.” I wanted to investigate if cyclists really are fitter in middle age than in their 20s...
28Jan
28Jan
Part two of Maria David's epic Christmas Rapha 500 ride - in which she covered 500km whilst everyone else was beached on the sofa after one mince pie too many.
27Jan
27Jan
Around England in 500km for the Festive 500 - Part 1
17Jan
17Jan
08Jan
08Jan
Setting yourself a big challenge is a great way to motivate yourself to increased fitness, becoming a better cyclist and a huge sense of euphoria and pride.
But this year I'm focusing on something more subtle. And it needs a little imagination and sparkle.
23Dec
23Dec
Reflections on these times
This is a turbulent time for cycling, for retail, for politics. Actually, for our world as a whole.
These are our year end thoughts - things are not nearly as downbeat as you might think!
21Dec
21Dec
19Dec
19Dec
How cycling can help in the darkest hour
"Well I went for my walk with little success. I only managed 0.9 miles before I had to give up go home and build a jigsaw instead. Sorry it's not going to be a light and fluffy read today."
Read more about how Elaine rebuilt through the support that only cycling can offer.
15Dec
15Dec
Styling it out in Milan and Lake Como
Maria David is in love with Milan and Lake Como - both the chic urban living and, of course, the cycling. Let her show you around some of her favourite places and routes...
11Dec
11Dec
They're our most popular product bar none. They're made in Latvia. People keep coming back to buy more. And they attract rave reviews. So just why do us female cyclists love them so much?
06Dec
06Dec
04Dec
04Dec
When it comes to presents, sometimes a cleverly considered combo can add so much more to the occasion - especially if you get to save as a result.
29Nov
29Nov
Presents for cyclists aren't easy at the best of times. Whether you're the giver or the lucky recipient there's just so much choice! Here are Juliet Elliott's top festive picks.
28Nov
28Nov
Some firms spend millions on expensive ad agencies for their Christmas campaign. We spend £2 on mince pies and head out into the rain to see what happens...
22Nov
22Nov
09Nov
09Nov
When I met Lizzie Deignan
It's been all change for former World Road Race Champion, and Yorkshire's finest, Lizzie Deignan. She recently became a mum to little Orla, is back on the bike already - and has even found time to design cycling kit...
02Nov
02Nov
Be the first to wear NEW Anna's Legs - for FREE!
They're the most antipated cycling leggings of the year. You can be the first to find out about them - or even WIN a pair.
25Oct
25Oct
When most people try GORE's clothing, they're won over immediately. But sometimes technically awesome gear needs some explaining. Let us guide you around...
23Oct
23Oct
What I've learned about saddle soreness
Let’s be honest, bums and bits weren’t made for saddles. If you're suffering, you're not alone. After 10 years of looking for solutions, here are Juliet's Top 10 Tips...
13Oct
13Oct
None of us have ever experienced saddle soreness... have we now?! What better people to tell you about how to improve an often unmentionable problem than GB Cycling's experts...
11Oct
11Oct
The Gabba's lightweight and wind/rain resistant design is second to none and it's fully breathable too! So why should you own one? Watch the video review to find out...
03Oct
03Oct
VIDEO: Cycling to the South Pole - first and fastest
When it comes to the most insane adventures on a bike, cycling to the South Pole would have to be right up there. Especially to be the first human being to do it. Maria Leijerstam was that person. Let her tell you more...
02Oct
02Oct
VIDEO: Testing Yourself to the Limit on Two Wheels
How do you get a riveted packed house on the edge of their seats at the Cycle Show? Why, you put a microphone in the hands of two extraordinary ultracyclists, Naomi Freireich and Philippa Battye, and ask them to tell some tales...
02Oct
02Oct
VIDEO: BMX superstar Shanaze Reade in conversation
There are few women who have dominated their sport like Shanaze Reade has with BMX. Anna Glowinski chats to her about how she learnt her trade on tracks lit by car headlights and by the age of 11 was travelling to the World Championships in the US on her own...
24Sep
24Sep
Giving it a tri - taking on the Chantilly triathlon
Last year when on a cycling trip to Paris I stumbled across a triathlon in the elegant town of Chantilly. It looked a pretty big event, with the town, which is normally famous for horse-racing, filled with triathletes. It was a glorious day, and in fact I enjoyed the vibe so much that I got waylaid over there and arrived in Paris quite late that evening.
I decided at that moment that I would take part in that triathlon.
20Aug
20Aug
7 ways to fit cycling into a busy life
Managing work, family, chores and time on the bike is a fine juggling act.
When life gets busy, stress levels ramp up or time is short it can be easy for exercise and recreation to slip down our list of priorities. Juliet Elliott should know...
15Aug
15Aug
Riding with Dame Kelly
How my ride went with Dame Kelly Holmes; clue: I wasn’t first up the climb, and I didn’t win the sprint to the café!
I had the privilege of going on a women's bike ride with Kelly Holmes last month. Yes, Kelly Holmes, the double gold medallist from track and field. Recently she's got into cycling...
26Jul
26Jul
It may seem counterintuitive adding another layer into your summer kit mix, but, believe it or not, it can actually help keep you cooler. Find out how...
19Jun
19Jun
No More Hate
Like the sport itself, cyclists are a hugely diverse bunch. Much as those in the anti-bike brigade like to think it, we’re actually not all the same. We are everyone. Inciting wars between road users and slagging off everyone who likes riding a bike shouldn’t be the last acceptable form of bigotry.
13Jun
13Jun
Should I wear knickers under cycling shorts?
Have faith in your padded cycling shorts and find out how ditching your knickers can lead to a comfier ride.
12Jun
12Jun
The Women's Tour 2018 - a preview
The 2018 OVO Women's Tour is on! June 13-17th sees the world's finest female road racers battle it out across the UK. Here's Maria David's exclusive insider's guide to the stages... with some surprising insights.
06Jun
06Jun
Triathlon athlete and World Champ Simone Mitchell reveals six of her key training exercises to improve strength, both on and off the bike.
01Jun
01Jun
June 3rd: 1st Official UN World Bicycle Day
Sunday June 3rd marks the very first official United Nations World Bicycle Day. This is a big day in the history of the bicycle. For the UN to bestow an 'International Day' tag on anything is quite a moment. In this case it's especially significant.
31May
31May
Welcome to VeloVixen's Strava Club
Do you Strava? The fact that we use 'Strava' as a verb proves - if proof were needed - that the most popular cycling app of all time has come of age.
We're really excited to invite you to our VeloVixen Strava Club - a great way to bring together our amazing community of female cyclists. So why should you join us?
15May
15May
What to Wear During Your First Sportive
So, you’ve taken the plunge and finally signed up to a cycling event. Kirsty shares her top tips on what to wear during your first organised ride.
10May
10May
Testing out the Tour de Yorkshire hills
On the first weekend of May, the top names in cycling - men's and women's - battled it out across Yorkshire in front of 2 million spectators. Maria David went to try some of what they did for herself...
02May
02May
What should cyclists eat? Fuelling for long rides
01Apr
01Apr
Hotpantz - proven to improve leg strength by 11%
At VeloVixen, we like to keep a careful ear out for the latest in cycling kit technology. And sometimes the news is just too exciting to keep to ourselves.
We can't reveal the brand in question, but we can exclusively reveal that secret testing is currently taking place in the central mountains of Colombia on a hot new range of cycling kit.
And when we say it's for a hot new range, we really mean it.
27Mar
27Mar
My First Crit
There's no denying that road racing is really hard.
If you want to do yourself justice you're going to have to deal with nerves, physical pain, perhaps some fear and potentially some risk. These are all things I choose to accept.
That doesn't make me a badass, it just makes me a bike racer. I'd like to tell you about my first race.
26Mar
26Mar
Use our guide to create a versatile ensemble that will keep you cycling in comfort as we emerge from the depths of winter into the unpredictable Great British springtime.
23Mar
23Mar
Just why were we so blown away by Castelli's new chammy pad? Watch and find out - whilst witnessing Fran and Liz 'shimmy in their chammy'...
17Mar
17Mar
Riding The Night: 8 Tips To Cycling After Dark
As partners with Women V Cancer Ride the Night, the UK's biggest women-only charity night cycle ride, we share our 8 top tips to keep you cycling safely after dark.
Read our guide on how to stay safe while cycling past the hours of daylight - we think you may be surprised by some of what's included!
15Mar
15Mar
Castelli - a Tale in the Sting
Q. What do a 19th century Italian tailor, a designer for the Milan Ballet and the first ever lycra cycling shorts have in common?
A. They are all part of a rich 140 year history that's led to today's most recognised brand in cycling: Castelli.
Throw in a heart attack on a famous Italian climb, family feuds, Olympic gold medals and controversy in the pro peloton and it begins to sound more like a Sicilian soap opera than the backdrop to a cycling brand. But then again Castelli is no ordinary brand.
02Mar
02Mar
The VeloVixen family expands...
It's been the harshest of late winters, but we've taken the opportunity to welcome new faces into the warm heart of the VeloVixen den! Well, maybe not so new...
01Mar
01Mar
Endura - you see a lot of it around, don't you? Were you guilty of assuming it's a bit... generic? It's time to think again.
Turns out nothing could be further from the truth, especially with a depth of female design talent in their ranks and a massive new name on their books for 2018!
15Feb
15Feb
Top 7 best upgrades for your bike
If you’re looking to upgrade your old bike or make the very most out of a new investment these are the best value bike upgrades that make give the biggest increase in cycling performance
24Jan
24Jan
I've been organising Spring cycling holidays in southern Spain, and speaking to a lot of potential participants. It's been really revealing. Why are so many worried about letting others down, when they're perfectly capable?
I want to see women taking ownership of their enjoyed sport, I want to see them unapologetic for wanting to be somewhere and looking for reassurance from nobody but themselves.
18Jan
18Jan
Simone Mitchell became 2017 AG World Champion in 70.3 Ironman. She's a triathlon superstar, but equally great at getting the best out of 'normal' people.
In this 2nd video, Simone shares another brilliant 6-part training circuit suitable for beginners right up to the elite. You don't even need equipment!
16Jan
16Jan
Happiness in Small Steps
In a world in which we're bombarded by ways to compare ourselves to others, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. It's easy not to appreciate your own achievements.
All the more reason, Juliet argues, to take stock of where you are and where you’ve come from, comparing yourself against no one else but… yourself!
15Jan
15Jan
Since joining the VeloVixen range in 2014, the Urbanist padded cycling knickers have become our best selling range of all time, making their way into our top-5 favourite lists time and time again.
Learn more about the background to Urbanist in their original Kickstarter Project video...
12Dec
12Dec
If you've ever wondered what single stylish top can cover most conditions - or act as an invaluable layer on colder rides - then Rivelo's Pateley may be your answer. Fran can tell you more...
11Dec
11Dec
If you've ever wondered what single stylish top can cover most conditions - or act as an invaluable layer on colder rides - then Rivelo's Pateley may be your answer. Fran can tell you more...
06Dec
06Dec
The VeloPac RidePac is one of those really simple ideas that can genuinely make a difference to you. It's the one piece of kit you need to keep your valuables safe and dry on a ride - and they look great too.
01Dec
01Dec
VIDEO: current thoughts on women's cycling - from Anna Glowinski
Cycling role model Anna Glowinski takes no prisoners when it comes to women's cycling. This is an important 15 minutes from someone who can talk the talk - but really walk the walk too.
27Nov
27Nov
Whether we brush off the gloomy predictions of our weatherwomen and men or not, we can’t get around the fact that for the next few months we’ll need to wrap up warm if we want to continue cycling (and enjoying it) throughout December and into the new year.
21Nov
21Nov
When news emerged earlier this week about the launch of Pinarello's new e-bike, the Nytro, at first it seemed like a solid, positive step from a major bike manufacturer to catch the growing wave of e-bike sales.
But then the Pinarello marketing department got hold of it. And that's where the trouble began.
15Nov
15Nov
We're all guilty of ignoring our stretching, even Anna G herself. Not one to let the grass grow under her feet, here Anna shows us a great sequence of cycling-specific stretches from her home beach in Spain. Where grass doesn't grow.
14Nov
14Nov
Like all MASSIVE global retailers, we've got our own blockbuster ad - here are Liz and Fran to talk you through some of the VeloVixen highlights this festive season... Hold onto your hats, folks!
Magento Blog extension by aheadWorks
© 2018 Velovixen. All Rights Reserved. Pedalling Forth Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 07865739.Unit 28, Wheatley Business Park, Old London Road, Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1XW // contact@velovixen.com // +44 (0) 1302 249 323