New Premises and an increased range of

everything cycling:

Brompton . Dahon . Mezzo our folding supremos

Bikeability Cycle Training Centre Mechanic Courses from 3 hour basic maintenance

to 2 day/5 day comprehensive mechanics. Suspension systems and hydraulic brake courses.

Wheelbuilding Training our speciality. Full bike fitting, set up and coaching service

Everyday and specialist cycling on one site: Downland Cycles, The Malthouse, Malthouse Road, St

Stephens Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7JA

01227 479643 www.downlandcycles.co.uk

The Heart of Wales Line

120 scenic miles: Swansea Llandrindod Wells - Shrewsbury

Plenty of room for folding bikes on our trains!

Lots of quiet lanes to ride along...

Visit our website www.heart-of-wales.co.uk

or call 01982 552727

Alien Electric Bikes & Conversion Kits

Only £599 incl Shipping

From £399

24v 20“ & 36v 26”, 700c up to 1000w

off road kits also available

www.alienbikes.co.uk

Are hills, headwinds, longer distances, illness or just getting on a bit a hindrance?

An affordable Alien electric bicycle can remove these boundaries and leave nothing but wide open freedom and fun - smiles guaranteed. And, even if you already commute by bicycle, an Alien conversion kit will definitely decrease the length of your daily commute and provide genuine, positive, benefits for the entire journey.

Please visit our website for more information or to buy securely online.

Alternatively, please call:

01592 657750

www.atob.org.uk

2

A to B 74 Oct/Nov 09 Ato

B magazine

Available from selected outlets, online at www.exacteditions.com or

by annual subscription on 01305 259998 or www.atob.org.uk

£13.80 (United Kingdom), £19 or US$27 (overseas airmail)

Issue 74 October/November 2009 A to B 40 Manor Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2AX, England

ISSN 1460-0587 . tel 01305 259998

email (editorial) atob@atob.org.uk (subscriptions & advertising) teresa@atob.org.uk . web www.atob.org.uk

Editor David Henshaw . Administration Teresa Ridout . Proof-reading Peter Henshaw

Contributors David Henshaw, Richard Peace,Teresa Ridout Printers Henry Ling . Next deadline 21st November 2009

Several years ago we asked for your experiences with the 16-inch (349mm) tyres fitted to the Brompton

and a few other folding bikes. Rolling resistance is really important in these small sizes, and punctureresistant construction tends to result in poor rolling resistance, so designing these tyres can be something of a balancing act.With new tyres arriving, and old ones being withdrawn, we’re asking again.What we

particularly want to know is the number of miles you’ve achieved per puncture, and overall tyre life. If you don’t keep detailed information, don’t worry. Even the vaguest seat-of-the-pants observations may be

useful, especially if you have experience of different tyres on the same ride. Just let us know your

experiences, by email, phone or post.

Contents EartotheGround:TheMole ...............4

AtoBLetters ..........................6

AtoBNews ..........................14

Products: 2010 Brompton Accessories . . . . . . . . .16

Technology:Eurobike ....................17

Tested: Mercedes Benz City Sprinter . . . . . . . . . .22

Infrastructure: Cambridge Guided Busway . . . . . .25

Tested: Urban Glow Reflective Waistcoat . . . . . . . .33

Commuting: Bike/Rail - Brompton S2L . . . . . . . . .34

AtoBSmalls ..........................40

COVER: 600 Bromptons lined up at the start of the 2009 World Championships. PHOTO: Anna Batchelor

www.atob.org.uk

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A to B 74 Oct/Nov 09