Hargroves Cycles Blog

Osprey Packs are now in stock

2012-03-09T11:49:00.002Z

An exciting new brand has just landed at Hargroves Cycles. Osprey Packs are now in stock online and for the month of March we are offering 10% Off the entire range.

For those not familiar with the brand, Osprey are based in Cortez which is in the mountains of Colorado - a perfect testing ground for their products.

Osprey Packs are ideal for mountain bikers looking to carry all their gear and fluids in one tidy solution. The bags offer excellent comfort and fit with plenty of room for a waterproof, spares, food and more.

Check out the Osprey Viper 4 for a hydration pack with room for extras on your ride.

Need more space? Check out the Osprey Viper 7 - a hydration pack with extra space for a whole days ride.

Scott Genius 30 Carbon - Another great offer!

2012-03-07T11:15:00.004Z

Last week I highlighted our amazing offer on the Scott CR1 SL, needless to say they are selling fast!

This week it's an offer for all the mountain bikers out there and its another cracker! We've got the Scott Genius 30 Carbon 2011 with over £1000 off!

The Genius 30 offers a carbon mainframe, Fox Talas RL fork, Avid Elixir R brakes, SRAM X7/X9 groupset and a DT Swiss wheelset. A very tidy spec all for £1989 - reduced down from £2999. Riders can switch between full travel with 150mm, Traction Mode with 95mm of rear travel, and complete lock out of both the fork and the Equalizer2 TC shock.

Scott CR1 SL Offer

2012-02-28T16:04:00.001Z

Sometimes we get offers here which are quite frankly amazing! This is one of them.

We've just taken delivery of a number of Scott CR1 SL's. The CR1 is a great bike and has always been well rated by the media. It offers a nice compliant ride without being too soft - its a great all round bike and never out of its depth. A perfect choice for sportive or long Sunday rides.

For those who know their Scott's they will instantly recognise that this is the top of the range model. Super light HMF grade carbon frame and fork, Dura Ace 7900 group set, Ritchey WCS Carbon finishing kit and Mavic Ksyrium Elite Wheels. Its not often you find a bike that you can't see anything you'd want to upgrade - the SL just has the parts list to die for!

We've got these in size 54 and 56 and they are available on 0% Finance just to sweeten the deal. Reduced from £4999 to £2989 I really don't think we will have these for too long so don't think about it too hard!

Ian Field's End of Season Review

2012-02-28T15:51:00.001Z

33 races done, 500UCI points scored, 1 British Title Won.

Sat here now it feels like it was a long season, which leftme both physically and mentally drained but on the other hand it doesn’t seemall that long ago I was sat at the top of a French mountain at the end of 2week training camp itching to get on the plane to America to start racinganother Cross season.

That 2 week training camp really set me up well for thefirst half of the season, I got off to a flying start in the U.S picking up themuch needed UCI points and maybe more importantly I picked up the craft ofbeing able to win a bike race again. I managed to win 2 UCI races while thereand also a mid- week night cross, my worst result was actually one of my best a3^rd place in the higher category C1 race at the final weekend in Gloucesterbagged me a load of points for the return to Europe but in the process I racedwith strong legs and confidence in high quality international field.

On returning to Europe it was a bit like back to reality forme and straight in at the deep end with the first round of the Superprestigeseries. In hindsight I actually did a pretty good ride here all thingsconsidered but at the time I was really disappointed with 22^ndposition. I was always expecting to struggle with the first few races as jetlag and a bit of fatigue from the training I was doing to make to make sure Icarried form further into the season this year held me back slightly. Howeverby the Second round of the World Cup series in the Czech Republic I wasstarting to feel good and should have bagged myself a top 25 position but Ilacked that killer instinct when I needed it.

A goal of mine most years is the Koppenberg Cross, it’sclose to my house in Belgium and on the right day the course suits me down tothe ground, ever since I first rode it 3 seasons ago now I have always thoughtI could do well here. It’s one of the toughest Crosses on the calendar andinvolves a good amount of climbing plus technical skills are needed for theinfamous zigzag descent. This seasons conditions were perfect for me, fast buta little slippy to make it a bit more technical on the descent. I had built itup in my head and was ready come race day. It was one of those days where itfelt like I was playing a computer game; if I wanted to accelerate roundsomeone I did it just felt easy. I was in 12^th moving forward withBart Wellens who had suffered a bad start; I held his wheel all the way up theclimb after 40mins of racing. Then on the descent I slid out on a corner andwhen it gripped again BAM. My tub had rolled, it’s the first time I have everrolled a tub. I was more than gutted; it hurt so bad walking back to the vanknowing I was pretty much guaranteed a top 12 at the legendary race.

I had to move on quickly and looked forward to my next goalwhich was the Koksijde round of the World Cup series. It was a dress rehearsalfor the World Championships, same course same riders and hopefully a reallygood opportunity to get everything dialled in for the big day in late January.It went really well and I got my best World Cup result of the year 22^nd.I felt super strong and technically really good on the course. It meant I couldgo away to Spain for 2 weeks at the beginning of December in a positive moodknowing I was at a good level to move forward from for the final part of theseason where my main goal of the season was, the British Championships.

The 2 weeks in Spain went really well and I couldn’t havedone any more training even if I had wanted to. They were really tough roads,steep long climbs and perfect tarmac made the 5hr rides there hard butenjoyable.

I came straight back to racing in Belgium which is when myback issue’s first arose, I had obviously pushed my body hard in the trainingcamp then on a super tough course at Namen just a few days later was just toomuch and my back packed up for the first time during the World Cup. From thispoint on my season was always on a knife edge between having form and having abad back. I struggled through the Christmas period of racing and got some speedinto my legs and technical skills back up to speed just perfect for the BritishChamps.

The championship races are always a strange one, with somuch pressure put on myself by no one else but myself in the past I have alwaysgot it wrong. Whether it be getting ill at the wrong time, organisers movingthe race due to a bit of snow or simply getting it wrong on the day myself withtactics and managing nerves I had never even been on the senior podium. Accordingto some this made me an outsider, I found this pretty disrespectful and wentabout the race like any other this season to try and keep things as normal aspossible. I was so relaxed compared to previous years and managed to somehowget through the weekend in the right frame of mind and I finally got the seniortitle I had wanted for sooooooo long.

Having based my whole season from November onwards aroundthe British Champs even the next day I found it hard to get motivated even withthe new jersey on my shoulders at a race in Belgium. This was the story of therest of my season almost; having worked so hard for something for so long I wasdrained for the remainder of the season. I dug in to pull something out of thebag at the final round of the World cup and the final round of theSuperprestige went well but apart from that there really wasn’t much to talkabout apart from the UCI ruining my World Champs.

Fair enough I wasn’thaving a great ride in 36^th place but I was pulled on the 80% rulewhen I was 1min 30 off being at 80% while just off the back of a group of 6 Ihad been catching. It seems at some races in Belgium that the organisers don’tcare about anyone outside of the top 10 but to be denied racing for a top 30position at the World Champs due to maths error by a commisaire I was hackedoff to say the least.

With the season now behind me I’m glad to be sat here with afree weekend. Getting up and not having to think about going out on my bike ifI don’t want to is a nice feeling…. I know this will not last as it never doeslast long as I will be itching to get out training hard again long before myscheduled break is up! I have so many things to work on for next season to makethat next step forward towards being a regular top10-15 rider but I can’t waitfor the challenge. I will go into next season a refreshed rider and will wearthe National Champs jersey with pride at every race.

Cyclescheme bikes - sub £1000 bargains we like!

2012-02-22T11:55:00.000Z

As most people know £1000 is the ceiling for cyclesceheme bikes. I've been looking at a few bikes that sneak under this magic limit - my findings are below:
First up I've selected a bike which has just arrived with us - the Stevens San Remo Triple at £879.

You get a quality aluminium frame, 10 speed Tiagra groupset with a triple chainset and in my opinion an overall great looking bike with the exclusivity of being a Stevens!

Next up, a cyclescheme favourite the Specialized Tricross Sport at £900.

Aluminium frame, carbon fork, Sora 9 speed groupset and all the flexibility the Tricross brings. With it you get chunky tyres and solid build quality allowing you to take this off road as well as on your daily commute.

Moving to something with flat bars I couldn't resist bringing the Cannondale Bad Boy to eveyones attention. If you've never seen one of these then take a closer look - its pretty special.

At £799 you get Cannondales legendary aluminium frame and fork which is finished in matt black with reflective graphics - it looks really stealth while actually being highly visible at the same time! 9 speed groupset, disk brakes and slick Schwalbe tyres complete a great package.

Finally I had to include a 29er Mountain Bike. These make a lot of sense for someone commuting as they have a larger "faster" wheel on the road but also its still a mountain bike so fun off road at the weekends.

I've picked the Specialized Carve Comp. Its exactly £1000 and comes with a well tested aluminium frame, Rockshox fork, hydraulic disc brakes and the usual Specialized good looks!

Jon Dibben 6th at the Perfs 2012

2012-02-14T13:02:00.004Z

Sunday 12th Feb - Jon Dibben celebrates his 18th birthday with a fantastic 6th place in the Perfs Pedal Race 2012. Widely regarded as the season opener Jon had his work cut out with a big team from UK Youth dominating the event from the start.

Larry Hickmott caught up with Jon after the race

Specialized Red Ticket Promotion

2012-02-07T14:54:00.000Z

Some great offers IN STORE ONLY!

	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
ENDURO EXPERT EVO BLK/CHAR/RED	£4,000.00	£3,500.00
ENDURO EVO YEL/BLK/RED	£2,500.00	£2,200.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
CAMBER EXPERT RED/WHT/BLK	£2,000.00	£1,800.00
CAMBER ELITE LIME/BLK/CHAR	£1,800.00	£1,600.00
CAMBER COMP BLK/WHT/RED	£1,500.00	£1,300.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
HARDROCK SPORT DISC CHAR/BLK/WHT	£500.00	£450.00
HARDROCK SPORT DISC WHT/BLK/RED	£500.00	£450.00
HARDROCK SE BLK PUNK/RED	£340.00	£300.00
HARDROCK SE CHAR/WHT/BLK	£340.00	£300.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
MYKA SPORT DISC BLK/WHT/RED	£500.00	£450.00
MYKA BLK/WHT	£370.00	£330.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
TARMAC COMP WHT/BLU	£2,500.00	£2,200.00
TARMAC ELITE RED/BLK	£2,000.00	£1,700.00
TARMAC BLK/WHT	£1,600.00	£1,400.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
ALLEZ ELITE BLK/RED	£900.00	£800.00
ALLEZ SPORT WHT/BLU	£725.00	£650.00
ALLEZ 24 BLK/CHAR	£600.00	£525.00
ALLEZ 16 BLK/CHAR	£575.00	£500.00
ALLEZ 16 RED/WHT	£575.00	£500.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
SECTEUR ELITE RED/WHT	£1,000.00	£900.00
SECTEUR SPORT CHAR/RED	£800.00	£700.00
SECTEUR WHT/RED	£650.00	£550.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
CROSSTRAIL LIMITED DISC BLK	£1,200.00	£1,000.00
CROSSTRAIL PRO DISC BLK/SIL	£900.00	£800.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
ARIEL COMP DISC WHT/BLK/CRMSN	£700.00	£600.00
ARIEL DISC WHT/BLK/BLU	£450.00	£400.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
EXPEDITION ELITE BLU	£470.00	£400.00
EXPEDITION SPORT BLK	£370.00	£300.00
	ORIGINAL	SALE
DESCRIPTION	RRP	RRP
EXPEDITION ELITE LOW ENTRY BLU	£470.00	£400.00
EXPEDITION SPORT LOW ENTRY BLK	£370.00	£300.00

Team Update

2012-01-23T12:27:00.000Z

UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup #8, Hoogerheide, NED, CDM (World Cup)

Following their success at the national championships it is nice to see Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles – National Cyclocross Champion) and Steve James (Hargroves Cycles – U23’s National Cyclocross Champion) sporting the National Champs jersey with the recognisable red, white and blue stripes.
Elite mens – Ian Field (Hargroves Cycles) 27th

Under 23 Mens – Steve James (Hargroves Cycles) 49th

Behind the Bikeshed January Jaunt – 22nd January 2012

The combined Vet/Junior/Women race was won by Matt Hargroves (Hargroves Cycles) ahead of team mate Matt Woods. The lead two Hargroves riders led the race from start to finish and produced a gap of over 40 seconds in front of newly crowned over 60’s vet champion Dave McMullen. At the bell Matt Hargroves (Hargroves Cycles) started to pull away from fellow team mate Matt Woods (Hargroves Cycles) to take the win and be crowned as the Wessex Cyclocross champion and the Wessex junior champion. This is off of the back of a great year where Matt has not been beaten this year in the Wessex league. Matt Woods came second overall in the Wessex league.

National Trophy – Round 6 Shrewsbury – 15th January 2012

Round 6 of the National Trophy was the stage set to decide the Overall series winners of the National Trophy, Hargroves Cycles team continued its success with Steve James (Under 23’s) and Daniel Tullett (Under 14’s) winning the National Trophy Series in their catagories

Senior / Under 23’s Men
There was a clear winner in the senior / under 23’s race, Liam Killeen so the competition was for 2nd and 3rd place in this race. In the chasing pack was Jody Crawforth (Hargroves Cycles) was leading Paul Oldham and Nick Craig but with a twist of fate Paul Oldham fell on a off camber section leaving Jody to take second place. Down the field, leading Under-23 rider Steve James smashed his rear mech in the mud and had to run back to the pits, dropping well down the field. But he continued on, and gained enough points to preserve his lead in the Under-23 category and move up to third overall.
Seniors: 2nd Jody Crawforth, 10th Andy Hargroves, 14th Steve James

This leaves the final overall standings for the season as 2nd Jody Crawforth , 3rd Steve James
Under 23’s: 3rd Andy Hargroves, 5th Steve James
This leaves the final overall standings for the season as 1st Steve James, 5th Andrew Hargroves

Juniors
In the junior race the led pack of Joseph Moses, Alex Welburn and Tom Armstong create a uncatchable gap from the chasing group which was led by Matt Hargroves (Hargroves Cycles) and Harry Franklin (Hargroves Cycles) and consisted of about ten riders. Eventually the Hargroves pair pulled away for a head to head sprint finish which saw Matt Hargroves power his way in front of his team mate.
4th Matt Hargroves (Hargroves Cycles)
5th Harry Franklin (Hargroves Cycles)
This leaves the final overall standings for the season as 6th Joe Kirkham, 9th Matt Hargroves, 10th Harry Franklin
Under 14’s
Dan Tullett (Hargroves Cycles) won the Under-14 boys race by around two and a half minutes from Kingston Wheelers’ Anthony Anderson and won the series comfortably

Ian Fields Blog - National Champion

2012-01-16T13:38:00.000Z

National Champion.

It feels good just writing the words I am National Champion.

I left you at the end of my last blog sat on the sofawatching the Superprestige race in Diegem unable to race due to a back injury.I am so glad I did that now, taking things easy then really helped make thedifference come national champs day, not a hint of injury was in my mind on thestart line and I raced pain free (sort of, my legs were still screaming comethe last lap).

After the day of rest on the sofa I was able to get straightback into training the next day with just over an hour sat behind the moped, itfelt so good to be out training hard with no real discomfort from my back. Irode the World Cup on Boxing Day but my legs were not really there and I endedup a disappointing 40^th. Still I was only just over 4mins down onthe winner which is a respectable time gap. I trained hard off the back of thisrace into the next one, which was a lower key event in Bredene I was reallyhoping for a much better ride here but once again I finished feeling as thoughI was lacking something. With not much time between then and the NationalChamps, in fact only 10days I put my head down and went about changing what wasin my legs! This involved going out in the rain and wind and hurting myself alot, these sort of intervals are never nice practically sprinting for as longas you can then when every part of your body is kicking and screaming tellingyou to stop you kick again. On one occasion I got to the end of one intervaland I had to literally stop and throw up. These are the days that no one see’sbut where races are really won.

I only planned a flying visit back to the UK for theNationals so that everything was as normal as possible in my routine. Itravelled back the Friday before with my Girlfriend and we stayed in a littlecottage just outside of Ipswich with mechanic Stefan and his wife Helen Wyman(7 times National women’s champ). Saturday morning was spent doing a TVinterview; it was a new and really cool experience for me to do this. In aweird kind of way it took my mind of the race as the questions were more aboutmy love of the sport and what is cyclocross rather than all about the race thenext day. I finished the interview sweating more than I had in training for agood few days!!! Hopefully the filming done at the National Champs will reallyhelp with the future of the sport getting more televised publicity in the UKand I was glad to do my bit.

The afternoon was spent riding the course and getting tuband bike setup perfect for race day. I really liked the course and thought theorganisers had done a cracking job with what they had to use at the venue. Itwasn’t the toughest course I had ridden but felt like it had enough to breakthings up and produce a worthy winner.

The night before the race is always a funny one, nervous andexcited for the next day’s race means you never sleep that well but usuallybetter than I did. A lot of the night was spent in the bathroom, I’ll spare youthe details but I was thinking my race was over before it had even begun. Thenext morning I felt awful and got on with breakfast as best I could. I tried tokeep everything normal but it clearly wasn’t. As the morning went on and I gotinto my race day routine, I started to feel better, got some good laps in onthe course to. I didn’t feel as good as the previous day but I had a job to doand got on with it. In previous years I have been way too nervous come NationalChamps day so really tried to relax and enjoy the day. Pretty much everyone whoknew how much this meant to me was there, my first ever coach Richard Wood whotook me to every race between the age of 13 and 17 and who really introduced meto and allowed me to start out racing at the National level was there alongwith the majority of my family and close friends.

They all need a massive thankyou for making things as normal as possible on the day and treating me likethey always do. My nephew was on his brand new specialized hotwalk being pushedaround in a Hargroves top and helped keep the mood light. Bikes were prepped asusual by Stef and the guy who usually takes my jacket at the start hadtravelled from Belgium with his wife to watch the race!! My Girlfriend ranaround getting things for me and generally helping out which was a big help asvery often the smallest thing can annoy me before big races.

There isn’t too much to say about the race, you can read myrace report on my website for this but it went according to plan and mostimportantly I won!

As you can tell from reports on various websites it meantthe world to me to finally win the National title. However I didn’t have longto celebrate, a little while after the race talking with everyone and thankingso many people before a quick drive back to Belgium for the Otegem race thefollowing day. My head and heart wasn’t really in the right place for it as youcan imagine but I tried to get on with the race as best I could and rode roundfinishing in the early 20’s and collecting my start money.

It’s never a nice feeling not doing your best in a raceespecially as it was my first outing in the National Champs jersey (theoriginal podium version) but I can forgive myself given the circumstances. Twodays later my Skinsuit turned up from Hargroves cycles and Kalas, it looks socool and pretty classy if you ask me. The rest of my kit was taken to the Worldcup the following Saturday, not a bad turn around on a full set of kit if youask me!!!

I don’t often use my blogs as a thank you to sponsors but onthis occasion I have to,

Pete Hargroves (Hargroves cycles) who has backed me for thelast 4-5years, Specialized Crux frames, Shimano components, Pro bars and stems,Kalas kit, Dugust and Specialized tubs, Specialized shoes and helmets, PrendasAccessories, Trant, Next, Elliots, and MD Flooring for backing the team thisseason.

Next up will be my blog regarding the lead up and includingthe World Championships in koksijde, Belgium at the end of this month.

Andy Hargroves New Years Blog

2012-01-16T13:26:00.005Z

Hi Everyone,

Not put anything on here since before Christmas so thought I had best give you something to read!

Last time spoke to you I was going into the Essen GVA, it turned out that the course was my worst nightmare! The Mud was knee deep all the way round making the course long draggy and extremely hard. I somehow managed to pull and good result out, I wasn't lapped and I finished 36th. This was the turning point of me season because betweenthat race and the end of the year I wasn't lapped again. So at least I have moved forward over the season. The next race after that was Diegem Superprestige, it was an unusual race as my race didn't start until 6pm. Racing in the dark was a first for me in cross but fun all the same. Again I managed to get a good result not lapped and I was 43rd.

Christmas this year didn't really exist as I rode the world cup support event in Zolder. The race is staged around the banking of the famous race circuit, I finished 22nd in the end which I wasn't really too happy with. I had a bad start and never really recovered from it. 2 days after that I was back racing at Loenhout GVA. This is my favourite out of them made even better as my mum,dad and brother had come out! Living away from home you can speak to them on skype but it’s never the same as seeing them. I found Christmas quite hard as it is the time you see your family. I rode it last year and its one of the biggest out of them all. This year was no different the crowds were huge! My race went pretty well, I got a good start and stayed there out of nearly 100 starters I finished 43rd my best result of the season in Belgium and gave me a lot of confidence going into the National Championships.

The National Championships is probably the one day of the year I would rather forget. Although it's probably the day if the year I learnt the most! I didn't get my foot in at the start and then got caught behind a crash and then the lead group was gone and on the fast course I was never going to get it back. However the day was probably the best our team has ever had! You can’t really knock watching one of your mates take a national title the way the he did!

After a bit of reassurance and reassessment of myself I hit the final round of the British National trophy series. After last week I had a point to prove! Because of a bad ride at the national championships I missed my chance to go to the World Championships. This motivated me and after putting away the problem of not getting my feet in I was 10th in the end and 3rd Under 23. I finally made it to the national podium something I've chased all year! My last race is a race in France next weekend then I will be preparing for the road season.

I’ve so far been extremely happy with my season and I achieved everything I set out too this season and with one race to go I don’t think it will change! I will be back next year better and stronger as I know what to prepare for!

Thanks for Reading

Andy

National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Round 6 - Shrewsbury

2012-01-16T12:05:00.003Z

The 2011 - 2012 National Trophy Cyclo-cross season came to a close on Sunday with the final round in Shrewsbury.

In the Elite Mens Race Jody Crawforth finished 2nd behind Liam Killeen which put him 2nd overall in the series - Jody commented "Second both in the race and the series overall but it was going to take a miracle for me to take the series today! It may have been different if the European guys had come over and Paul had had a bad day. I enjoyed the course but it really slippery in places, the off camber section was OK but I was slipping about a bit on there. I crashed on the first lap and Liam got away but I don't think I was ever going to catch him the way he was riding today. On the last lap I decided to nail it through the woods and try and drop Nick, he had a small slip there and I pressed on and got a gap and I didn't want to lose second place so I put my head down. I was fairly happy with my result at the Nationals and today was good. Now I've just got to keep my form for the World Champs."

Photo:VeloUK

Andrew Hargroves had a good ride finishing in 10th place which was 3rd in the Under 23 race. Steve James had a bit of a nightmare snapping 2 rear dropouts and finally finishing 14th.

In the overall standings this put Jody in 2nd, Steve in 3rd and Andrew in 14th.

In the Junior Mens Race Matt Hargroves and Harry Franklin had a good day finishing 4th and 5th respectively.

Daniel Tulett again won the Under 14s race meaning he has won every National Trophy race this year - what a great achievement!

In the Under 16s Tomas Franklin finished 5th and Malcolm Cross was 10th in the Vets 50s.

Swindon MTB Demo Day 2012 - 6th May

2012-01-11T12:05:00.004Z

Ian Field's Blog - National Cyclocross Champion

2012-01-11T10:30:00.001Z

This was the big one. National Champs is always a strangerace, it means so much to so many people for different reasons but you canguarantee one thing. Everyone wants to win it!

I got a good start and settled down into the lead group, forthe first 20mins Liam Killeen was content to set a good pace and try and simplyride people off his wheel with his Diesel like riding style. Around the 40minmark there was still a group of 5 at the head of the race and it was beginningto get difficult to hold my preferred position of 2nd in the group. I put in abig attack on the hardest section of the course, I got a small gap but it wasdecisive. I sat up and let them come back to me, Liam immediately carried onwith his unrelenting style. I attacked again the following lap and that was itthe race was set it was going to be a 2lap race one on one against Liam. Overthe last lap Liam really tried to stretch things and kicked out of every corneras hard as he could. He was taking some risks in the corners but I always feltcomfortable following. With the final section being a tricky off camber seriesof corner before a short uphill drag to the finish it was vital to lead intohere. I left it to the last possible moment to overtake into these corners sohe didn’t have an opportunity to come back at me. I left the braking late andgot into the corner well clear only for me to feel my back wheel being hit justas I tipped it in. Liam unfortunately went down and I was left to ride the last400m to the line.

My first National Elite Title!

National Cyclocross Championships 2012 - 6 National Titles

2012-01-09T09:51:00.001Z

What a weekend!

Ian Field - National Champion
Steve James - Under 23 National Champion
Daniel Tulett - Under 14 National Champion
Hargroves Cycles - National Team Champions
Hargroves Cycles - Elite Team Champions
Hargroves Cycles - Findus Cup Winners!

Ian Field crosses the line to become National Cyclocross Champion(photo: Jacob James)

Team Photo - 3 National Champions(photo: VeloUK)

The weekend kicked off in fine style on Saturday with a win for Daniel Tulett in the Under 14s race. Daniel was in full control from the gun and looked completely in control from the very start.

In the under 16s race Tomas Franklin finished a solid 6th place and Harvey Lowe wasn't far behind in 13th.

In the Vets 50 race Malcolm Cross was 7th - only just over a minute off the winner. Keith Sheridan finished 3rd in the Vets 45 race - a well earned podium for Keith.

Sunday started with great promise. Steve James took a fine victory in the Under 23s race to become National Champion.

The main event kicked off at 2.15 with Hargroves Cycles riders Ian Field, Jody Crawforth and Stu Bowers all keen for success. Ian Field started the race as the favourite and he did not disappoint. The race went down to the last corner where Ian touched wheels with mountain bike specialist Liam Killeen. Ian showed his class and stood stronger in the tussle - the victory was secured and Ian crowned National Cyclocross Champion. Hot on his heels was Jody Crawforth grabbing the final podium position.

National Cyclocross Championships Preview

2012-01-06T11:37:00.003Z

This weekend is the National Cyclocross Championships in Ipswich.

Once again we are sending a team that really means business:

Elites

Ian Field - Ranked no 1 GB rider
Jody Crawforth - The winner in 2009
Stu Bowers - 6th last year

U23

Steve James - Leader of the national points series
Andy Hargroves - Member of GB team who went to the world cup in Belgium

Junior

Harry Franklin - Last years youth champion
Matt Hargroves - South of England champion
Joe Kirkham- Member of GB team who went to the world cup in Belgium
Matt Woods - leader of the wessex league

Youth

Harvey Lowe - Wessex league winner
Tom Franklin - London champion
Dan Tullett - National road champion

Vets

Malcolm Cross - Previous medalist
Keith Sheridan - Regional champion

Best of luck to everyone riding!

Stevens Cyclo Cross 105 - A great bike deserves a great review!

2012-01-06T09:23:00.000Z

We are all really proud of being the exclusive suppliers of Stevens Bikes in the UK. It's a great brand with a fantastic heritage of producing high quality, lightweight, race winning bikes.

Stevens have a huge heritage in cyclocross - arguably THE number one cyclocross brand in the world! We recently sent the latest Stevens Cyclo Cross 105 over to the team at Cycling Plus for a serious work out. Needless to say, they were seriously impressed with what they received. For under £1000 you get a full 105 groupset, super light aluminium frame and all the characteristics of a race thoroughbred. Don't take my word for it though, read the review for yourself!

Ian Field - Bredene Race Report

2012-01-04T13:22:00.002Z

14th @1min 58 Heading in the right direction again. With a smaller stand alone event I tried to take my opportunity of scoring a top 15 finish for the first time this season and managed to do so. I got another good start but just missed the split for the front group on the second lap. This left me chasing solo and in the high winds it was always going to be a losing battle. I settled into a chase group and managed to get the better of them all come the kick for the line. My back was fine throughout the race infact the best its been for a while on such a bumpy fast course. This is my final preparation race before the National Champs on the 8th January. So now I need to get my head down and do the final bit of hard work before the big day in Ipswich, UK.

Staff Bikes - Andy Powell's 2012 Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29er

2012-01-03T15:35:00.001Z

This year I'll be taking to my second serious seasion of mountain bike racing. Last year I had a bit of a dabble entering some Southern XC races, a few Gorricks and a Reading Rampage or two.

I have a little more focus this year - the plan is to get to my expert licence which means putting in some good finishes in quite a number of sport races. I managed a few podium places and quite a few top 10s so I reckon this is realistic IF I get my fitness together! To put you in the picture I'm a second cat on the road, a relatively capable cyclocross rider and a once capable mountain biker of old(I'm 35 now and I started racing mountain bikes when I was 15)

As most people will be aware 29ers are big news this year and I'm expecting to see lots at the races. I'm not one to follow the sheep, but coming from a cyclocross background a bigger wheel instantly makes sense.

We've got some lovely bikes here at Hargroves Cycles which sometimes makes deciding what I actually purchase quite difficult. There were probably 4 or 5 bikes on my list this year from Specialized, Scott, Cannondale and Stevens - I decided it had to be a hard tail and after much consideration I opted for a Specialized Stumpjumper Expert Carbon 29er

Its a great looking bike, but I'm always keen to improve and "de-standard" any bike I buy. Firstly I like to make things look a bit custom and secondly I like shedding some weight.

First trick then - upgrade rear tyre to S-Works, remove the inner tubes and run the wheels tubeless. I added a cap full of Stans fluid. This saved me a total of 220g - nearly half a pound gone already.

Next step - saddle, seatpin and stem. It had to be a Phenom Pro Carbon - super light and comfortable too. I opted for the new S-Works stem and also the new satin finish S-Works seatpin.

The stem is actually slightly heavier, but it really looks good. Overall this saved me a further 192g. I've added a set of the latest Shimano XT SPD pedals

The results are below - a total of 454g was saved after a few cable changes and tweaks. The bike now weighs a very respectable 22.05lbs which is 10kg on the nose!

I've got some more plans too. I like to have 2 wheel sets if possible. This gives me a choice of tyres when I'm at the races and makes things easy when the conditions change. Ill update the blog when these come in - I've got the new Hope Pro 2 EVO 29er wheels coming in.

Our Clearance Sale is Live!

2011-12-24T17:31:00.000Z

"Yawn, it's just another sale!" Well not so my bargain hunting reader - we have some pretty exclusive offers and some amazing pricing going on so let me get you to the interesting bits fast -

2012 bikes - ie the latest models with 10% Off AND 0% Finance! Are we mad? No but we wont be repeating this until the same time next year and we can only run it for 2 weeks.

Sale bikes with 0% Finance! Mad? Insane more like - huge discounts and 0% finance - Seriously now - deals do not come any better than this - we challenge you to find a better offer.

All 2011 bikes are reduced to clear, many have 30% or more off, some have up to 40% Off

We don't just sell bikes - check out some of the other great deals below -

GoPro cameras and accessories ALL have 25% Off
Everything Garmin has at least 15% Off
Everything Sportful has 25% Off - Including winter clothing - how very appropriate for this time of year

Met helmets have 40% Off
2011 Mavic wheels have 20% Off, 2011 Mavic clothing and shoes has 35% Off
Everything Gore Bikewear has 15% Off with some items at 25% Off
Everything from Lezyne has 15% Off

Ian Fields Blog Update

2011-12-23T13:47:00.002Z

Whenever there is a long gap between me writing blogs itusually means I have been really busy training and racing hard. This time is nodifferent!

I ended the last blog on the disappointment of theKoppenberg Cross and as I mentioned next up would be the Superprestige atHamme. I got a really good weeks training in between the two races and moralewas high as my Girlfriend was able to come and visit for just over a week.Being away from friends and family the majority of the year is hard so when youdo get to see them it really makes a difference. Even the 5mins before thestart of the world cup at Kokisjde with my Brother, sister in law, best mate fromschool and my little Nephew really gave me a boost before the race.

Hamme went ok; it was the fastest Cross of the year averagednearly 30kph which is pretty outrageous when you take into consideration thedead turns and the fact you were off and running up steps twice a lap! Imanaged to slot comfortably into the second group and was moving through thegroup nicely into the top 20 when there was a crash in the group and I washeavily baulked. I chased hard for the remainder of the race but ended up a slightlydisappointed 22^nd. My minimum goal in this these races remains’ top20 (on the results list at the end of the coverage on TV).

Another hard weeks training in the tank between Hamme andthe local classic Gavere was really good and the weather was still holding! MidNovember and I was training without gloves and no thermal jacket needed. Itmakes those longer rides so much more enjoyable not having to dress so you looklike the Michelin man just to stop yourself freezing to death on a 3hour ride.Gavere is a super tough course with plenty of technical descents and hardclimbing each lap, right up my street. I felt really good warming up on thecourse and got a really good start riding into the top 20 on the first lap thenon a small steep bank there was a crash ahead of me, I went to go round it andone of the riders pushed their bike straight into my front wheel ripping out aspoke and leaving the front wheel rather buckled. I limped to the pits andchanged bikes. I was back in the low 30’s feeling hard done by. I could havegiven up and spat my dummy out but I put my head down and tried to see what Icould do. Like always with an extra bit of adrenaline inside you I went deeptrying to catch up, a little too deep. It left me struggling towards the end ofthe race and I ended up 18th. I was so frustrated, once again a bit of bad luckhad put pay to a top 15 at another big race. I have a rule with racing though,I allow myself to be grumpy for the remainder of that day then when I wake up inthe morning it’s behind me and a new week is ahead where I can make adifference for the next race.

This next race just so happened to be Koksijde World cup,with no world cup in the UK this is the closest it gets! Only 45mins from theEurotunnel plenty of Brits make the journey every year. It makes it reallyspecial for me and all the British riders competing there. Along with the factthe course is legendary with huge sand sections which were even deeper thisyear due to the lack of rain. In parts of Belgium it hadn’t rained for anamazing 51 days!!! Belgium, no rain, 51days!!! I left nothing to chance though,the Wednesday before the race I went up to the course and did 3hours ofpractise. I hate to think how many laps I totalled but it would have been alot. I started off struggling then hit agolden patch of being able to ride the majority of sand sections finally as Itired I moved back to the struggling phase! When this happened I called it aday and drove home, content no one had done more than me that day. With theWorld Champs being on exactly the same course as the World cup it had even moreriding on it than usual, it’s not often you get a dress rehearsal for the worldchamps just 2months before.

I got a really good start and my training in the week reallypaid off, for the first time on the Koksijde course I felt good. With so manypeople shouting my name it felt good to re pay them with a top 25 finish (mygoal at this year’s World Cups) I actually finished 22^nd one of mybest world cup results ever. I was so pleased and this leaves me in a reallypositive frame of mind for the world champs come January. I finished the raceabsolutely knackered. A very long wait in dope control ensued as I sat theredowning bottle after bottle of water. Eventually I was able to leave and startthe long journey north to the following days Superprestige which was innorthern Holland, Gieten.

Sometimes I really do wonder about the Cross calendar inEurope and think it is designed with no thought what’s so ever. 4.5hrs sat in avan straight after a race isn’t the best way to recover from an hour of full oncross racing especially as I didn’t get to warm down after the Koksijde race. Ireached the hotel in Holland just before midnight, showered and jumped into bedlegs still twitching from that last lap in the sand dunes.

The following days Superprestige was super slippy and toughgoing. All morning my back felt a bit dodgy. Come the race it totally locked upand anyone who knows about bad backs will know once this happens you have nopower coming out of your legs. I called it a day with 2 laps to go. I hatepulling out of races but sometimes as a Pro you have to keep the bigger picturein mind.

The following morning I flew early to Malaga, Spain. 2 weeksof unbelievable weather and great training on tough roads began. I went therein good form and looked to build upon that hopefully making another step up theladder. I felt good for 2 weeks and did some really good riding completing somereally tough days out which just wouldn’t have been possible staying in Belgiumespecially as soon as we left the weather began to turn cold and wet.

I returned a few days before the World cup round in Namen,Belgium. Another course which is usually right up my street. I was well up forit! I started well and settled in, looking to move forward over the first fewlaps but suddenly the back pain was back, really hurting when I got off thebike and tried to run. With three steep run ups a lap I was really struggling.Not wanting to pull out I eased off the pedals and cruised a full lap droppinginto the late 40’s finally my back began to ease and I could start racingagain. I put in some top 25 lap times towards the end and got back to 37^th.Once again I can sum the day up as frustrating. When I could actually use mylegs they were good!!

With so much racing coming up over the Christmas period itwas my first priority to get things sorted a deep tissue trigger point massageand a Chiro appointment later I’m sat here on the day of the Superprestige inDiegem unable to race. However I’m allowed to train hard tomorrow and race thenext round of the world cup in Zolder, Belgium on Monday. Yep that’s right Ispend Christmas day pre riding a world cup course then the evening in a randomhotel. Hopefully my body will allow me to race full on at the world cup andanother top 25 is on the cards.

“Tough times are there so you can have a good time lateron-- and really appreciate it!”

Until next time, Fieldy.

Vredestein Fortezza TriComp Quattro Bundle Offer

2011-12-19T11:55:00.000Z

Its worth pointing out a few offers now and then as sometimes they can get hidden away amongst everything else.

We've got a great winter road tyre offer - Vredestein Fortezza TriComp Quattro tyres and tubes - 2 of each for £53 which is half price!

Don't take our word for it though - Bikeradar have an review here

"This is Vredestein's four-season training/racing tyre, as the ‘quattro’ part of its name suggests. Puncture resistance is good – better than you'd expect from a lightish tyre – through both the tread and sidewalls, thanks to Vredestein’s bead-to-bead ‘Full Contact Protection’. "

Andy Hargroves Blog Update

2011-12-16T20:47:00.004Z

Hello Everyone,

This is my first blog so you’ll have to give me some feedback as to how it’s gone! But here we go!

My Name is Andy Hargroves and I’m a full time Cyclocross rider for Hargroves Cycles-Specialized, aspiring to make it as a pro in the elite cyclocross field. This is my first season in Belgium living and breathing cyclocross as most Belgians do!

As this is my first blog thought that I’d give you a bit of picture of how my season started and how I built up for it. I started with 2 weeks in the alps with Ian Field, Helen and Stefan Wyman, Annie Simpson, Jamie Burrow and Gregg Shrosbree. I have to admit I never expected it to be so hard! We stayed at the top of Les Deux Alpes which meant a 17km or 8km climb at the end of the ride! I’m typically not a climber and 2 weeks of solid climbing sounded like hell to me! But I stuck with it and after a few days or getting used to the altitude I started to improve on the climbs, which for me was not getting blown out the back the moment the road went uphill! After 2 weeks of doing all of the famous alpine climbs featured in the Tour de France I started to feel like I was getting fit and started to find some form! But I was definitely ready for racing!

After the 11hr drive back from the Alps I arrived at my home for the winter, Oudenaarde. Oudenaarde is located just south of Gent. I moved into ‘the chain stay’ it’s a house run for cyclists run by Gregg and Holly Germer. As I didn’t plan to start my season for a few weeks I got to know my surrounding and found out where everything was. The training roads around this part of Belgium are some of the most iconic in the world! I’m right in the middle of the famous cobbled bergs used in the Tour of Flanders. So I regularly train on the roads steeped in road racing history! I started my season on the 18^th of September with a ‘B cross’. Although these are the lower level local races in Belgium they are still at the level of a round of the British National Trophy! As the big races haven’t even started quite a few of the real top under 23’s turned up. The race was won by former Dutch U23 champion. Corne Van Kessel. I came in at 24^th which I was happy with and a good place to start the season.

From that race I moved on through the season training and racing hard, with a few weeks ill. I got round to my home race. Round 3 of the British National Series in Southampton. This is a race that I was desperate to do well in as it was my home race and lots of people that I knew would be there watching. Luckily it was my day! I got the best start I have ever had going from 35^th on the grid to 9^th by the first corner. I was then able to hold on the group for most of the race falling off at the end. I held on to get 12^th. My best ever result in the national series I was 5^th Under 23 but importantly for me the 3^rd British Under 23 home. Behind Jack Clarkson and Luke Gray, being in the top 4 Under 23’s meant that I was selected to go to the Koksijde round of the World Cup. This meant racing in GB kit which is a very good feeling which is hard to explain. But I always feel proud when I pull it on! 2 Weeks past including a DNF at Asper Gavere superprestige because of a crash. By the time I got to the World Cup I was ready to race again.

Koksijde is one of the most famous cyclo cross races because of the sand! I got a really good start in the race getting up to about 35^th but I fell apart in the proceeding laps and got pulled out with 2 laps to go. The next day was the next race, in a completely different country! Round 4 of the British National Series, after all the travelling and racing I felt tired before I even started and my race showed it after another good start I fell back quickly after missing the front group. I did get the chance to race with 2 legends of the sport for some of the race. Roger Hammond and Nick Craig were in the same group of me for most of the race. I came in 21^st which considering all the travelling and hard racing I was very happy.

Next up for me was a really hard weeks training to prepare myself for the busy Christmas period of racing. In Belgium running and race is a business and with no-one at work over Christmas it’s the ideal time to run a bike race. So they have one pretty much every day between Christmas and New Year. After a solid week and a half of training I rested up for Round5 of the National Series. I arrived back to the UK to be greeted by rain. It never stopped until I left! This meant for an extremely muddy race as Bradford always is, I’m not usually too great in the mud but I surprised even myself and proved that my time in Belgium might be making a difference. I came home 12^th again just missing out on that top 10 and those UCI points that would make a great deal of difference!

Next up for me is Essen GVA the start of the busy Christmas period which will see me race 5 times in 1.5 weeks. After that is nationals but we’ll see how that goes!

Any questions you have for me tweet me @andyhargroves

Thanks for reading! Until next time...

Christmas Delivery and Opening Times

2011-12-15T15:15:00.002Z

We don't all of a sudden stop sending out packages tomorrow(Friday 16th December) but we are recommending this as the latest day to order from us. Needless to say we will be processing,picking,packing and sending out right up until the very last minute but please remember its in the hands of Royal Mail once its left us..................... If you are in any doubt - please give us a call.

Christmas In Store Opening Hours

Friday 23rd December	9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 24th December	9am - 4pm
Sunday 25th December	CLOSED
Monday 26th December	CLOSED
Tuesday 27th December	10am - 5pm
Wednesday 28th December	9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 29th December	9am - 5:30pm
Friday 30th December	9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 31st December	9am - 5pm
Sunday 1st January	CLOSED
Monday 2nd January	9am - 4pm
Tuesday 3rd January	9am - 5:30pm

First ride: Stevens Xenon - Road CC review

2011-12-14T14:32:00.000Z

Road CC have been riding our Stevens Xenon. Take a look at what they think..........................

Road CC

Swindon Store - Some updated photos

2011-12-14T11:43:00.001Z

If you haven't visited our Swindon Store then take a look at the gallery below. Swindon is our newest store and is just over a year old now. I think youll agree it's looking really good.

Dugast Rhino Review

2011-12-14T09:37:00.002Z

The cyclocross season is well under way and the mud has finally arrived in the UK . You need more grip, you need to run low pressures - well there’s only one tub around to do the job – its the Dugast Rhino. The Dugast Rhino really still is the choice when the going gets tough – nothing else can quite do the job.

Recently Challenge have released the Challenge Limus which is now in stock as a tub or clincher. The Limus looks totally different to the Rhino tread pattern and reviews Ive seen seem to be saying the Rhino is still the mud king. The Dugast Rhino has deep tread blocks and supple sidewalls to provide good mud shedding grip and extra feel at low pressures. I’ve ridden the Rhino for 3 or 4 seasons now and if I was to only own one pair of tubs it would be the Rhino.

Even in the dry they roll well and they still feel safe and predictable on the corners without dragging too much. I would always suggest using Aquasure on the sidewalls to prevent them cutting up or rotting. Fit the tubs and then Aquasure as close down to the rim as you can. Obviously never jet wash the sidewalls directly as this can damage them and may also remove glue.

Rock out with your Pot out!

2011-12-13T15:16:00.008Z

Just in time for Christmas we've managed to get our hands on some more of the TSG Rockstar Evolution Skid Lids - You can find them here

Designed by riders for riders, not only will you look the "bee's knees", these helmets have a really nice fit and come with two sets of different thickness pads to fit any size noggin!

National Trophy – Round 5 – Bradford Mud Bath

2011-12-13T15:00:00.001Z

Bradford's Peel Park hosted Round 5 ofthe 2011-12 National Trophy and once again the riders were facing very muddyand slippery conditions. The course is particularly testing with theinfamous mud banks providing entertainment for the crowds as ever.

The first highlight of the day came from Daniel Tulett withanother victory in the Under 14 category – once again Daniel showed his classfinishing 2 minutes 8 seconds ahead of his nearest rival! Daniel leads thecompetition overall and remains in the green jersey.

In the under 16 race Tomas Franklin finished a solid 7^thplace. In the Junior race Joe Kirkham was our best finisher in 6thplace with Harry Franklin in 9^th Matt Hargroves in 13^thand Matt Woods 18th.

The main event kicked off at 2:30pm with the course alreadycut to shreds from the previous races. Pit crews were kept busy as riders camein to swap bikes on every lap or even more! Jody Crawforth was the teamstop finisher once again making it on to the podium for a great 3^rdplace.

Steve James was the top Under 23 finisher once again andretains his green jersey finishing a fantastic 5^th overall.

Another cracking ride from Andrew Hargroves placed him just outside the top 10 in 12^thplace – Andrew now lives and trains in Belgium and it is obviouslybeginning to pay dividends.

We are hiring!

2011-12-13T13:45:00.000Z

Buyers Assistant

Closing date: 6th Jan 2012
Salary: £15,000
Holiday entitlement: 20days per annum
Hours: 40hrs per week

We are currently seeking a Buyers assistant to work in our Southampton based distribution office. This is a hugely varied, hands on job and a successful applicant would need to perform general stock control duties which will include the following:

• Receipting goods in /out to our designated retail network
• Maintaining and organising stock control to maximise space
• Strong coordination with the buying team and the store managers
• Demonstrates and maintains a clean and tidy work space
• Be able to work and achieve strict deadlines.

Candidates must be methodical and have an organised approach with a natural flair for problem solving, a strong knowledge of bicycle related products would be advantageous along with a basic computer literacy. This role would suit a School leaver / young person who would like to join a team with clear possibilities for progression. A clean driving licence would be advantageous but is not essential

You must be prepared for manual handling.

All applications should include an up to date CV along with a covering letter and be sent to jobs@hargrovescycles.co.uk

2012 Mavic Kit

2011-12-13T12:10:00.000Z

We have just finished adding all the 2012 Mavic kit to the web site. There are a few new items that are a first for Mavic. First up this is the first year Mavic have produced helmets and they look really good.

We have the Plasma, Plasma SLR, and Syncro - you can find them all here. The Plasma SLR is the top end helmet pictured below and is £150 - the fit is amazing.

Dont forget we've still got 2011 Mavic wheels with 20% Off!

Our Blog is back

2011-12-08T11:35:00.000Z

Hi All,

Our blog is finally back after years of absence! There's no faster way of getting news and updates out there so we are going to be updating this as often as possible. Over the next few weeks you'll find various staff members adding into this blog with news, reviews, product updates etc etc