News

What are the benefits of the cycle to work scheme?
Whether you’re just getting started as a cyclist or you’re a seasoned expert, cycling to work can have a huge range of benefits in your daily life. The cycle to work scheme helps people to reap these rewards by spreading the cost of buying cycling gear. When you buy a bike with a cycle to work scheme, technically your employer buys it. Then you rent it off them for a time, paying off the cost in instalments, sometimes as a deduction from your wages. At the end of the agreed... Read more...
Does running improve cycling?
Whether you cycle competitively, to stay in shape, purely for fun or a combination of all three, you may be keen to step up your cycling game. It’s often said that running can help improve your cycling performance, but is this true, and if so, how?   Does running improve cycling performance?   In short, yes - running can be extremely beneficial when it comes to improving your cycling performance. Below, we delve a little deeper into how donning your trainers for a run could be the perfect cross-training activity... Read more...
Can you enjoy pro-level cycling on a tight budget?
When it comes to cycling inspiration, there’s nothing better than watching the elite. Events like the Tour de France can light a spark in many amateur cyclists, but it’s easy to see that the competitors are riding the very best bikes money can buy. If you’re an amateur cyclist who doesn’t have access to lucrative sponsorship deals or grants, can you really cycle at the same standard as the pros?    Of course you can. With affordable gear, a good training plan and a can-do attitude, it’s possible to enjoy... Read more...
Does bike grease come out of clothes?
All cyclists know that bike grease can be a nightmare to get out of clothes. Whether you have to fix a dropped chain mid-ride or you get stuck into some bike maintenance at home, your heart might sink when you see those stubborn grease stains appear.   But is it possible to get these oily marks out of your favourite cycling clothes and other garments, and if so, what’s the best way to do this?   Does bike chain oil come out of clothes?   Fortunately, it is often possible... Read more...
Super-expensive cycling gear: what do you get?
Every great cyclist has had to master the art of balance - and not just while they’re in the saddle. When it comes to sniffing out your next set of wheels, the trick is to find the right balance between cost and quality. And to do that, you need to understand what it is you’re actually paying for when you shell out for that top of the line kit.   Are expensive bikes worth it?   First things first, let’s begin by looking at arguably the most important piece of... Read more...
How does cycling improve mental health?
Whether you’re all about testing your skills on challenging new trails, taking in the scenery on bikepacking adventures, or simply getting from A to B, chances are you know all about the benefits of cycling when it comes to your physical health. After all, as well as being a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, getting on your bike gives you the chance to build your muscle strength and improve flexibility.   But did you know that spending time in the saddle can benefit your mental health too?  ... Read more...
How to wear cycling clothes
If you’re looking to get started with cycling on a budget, it’s understandable to want to cut costs wherever you can. One area you might be tempted to do so with is cycling clothing. After all, do you really need a whole new set of clothes just for riding your bike?    As always, the answer isn’t quite as simple as you might like. Strictly speaking, you don’t need cycling clothes in order to get on your bike and ride it - so if you’re a casual rider and you... Read more...
Getting kitted out for cycling - what you need to know
  Here at Planet X, we know how infuriating it can be to try to find good quality cycling gear without paying overinflated prices. Over the years, we’ve built up a community of cyclists both professional and amateur who love cycling just as much as we do - and we’re determined to make our sport as accessible to everyone as we possibly can. That’s why we keep our prices low and our standards high.    Want some top tips from the horse’s mouth? Keep reading to get familiar with the... Read more...
How to get fit cycling
 Although we stay for the enjoyment, the social connections and the exhilaration that cycling brings us, many of us start cycling for the health benefits. Whether you’re considering getting started with the cycle to work scheme or you simply want to get out of the house in a fun and exciting new way, cycling is a brilliant opportunity to enjoy yourself while boosting your fitness.    But how exactly does cycling impact your health? How does cycling improve fitness? It’s a well known fact that regular exercise is very good... Read more...
Living The Ti Life: Exploring Titanium Gravel Bikes
More cyclists are choosing to ride titanium gravel and adventure bikes these days, and after taking a closer look at these sleek machines, it’s not surprising.   Using titanium as a frame material has many cycling-specific benefits.    STRONG, LIGHT AND DURABLE Titanium gravel bikes can be 45% lighter than steel bikes and they are stronger than their aluminium siblings First of all, it is very light, maybe not as light as carbon fibre, but when you look at titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio you can forgive this slight weight increase, for the... Read more...
How to train for a cycling event
Getting ready to take on a new cycling challenge? We’re here to help. The days and weeks leading up to a cycling event can be a nervous time, especially if you’ve never been to one before, but the good news is, you’re not alone. Even seasoned professionals get nervous before a big race - and the key to moving past those nerves is knowing you’re fully prepared for the challenge ahead.    From logistics to fitness and back again, there’s plenty you can do ahead of time to make sure... Read more...
How to improve balance on a bike
If your cycling isn’t improving the way you want it to, it could be a sign that you need to change up your usual training routine and target some of your weaknesses. Sometimes this can mean taking measures to improve your overall fitness, and other times you may need to look more specifically at your technique.   One aspect of cycling technique that can often get overlooked is your ability to balance well. This helps you to maintain a good riding position while in the saddle, which has a number... Read more...