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Buying Guide Featured News

Best Christmas gifts for cyclists

Man Riding Wahoo KICKR Indoor Turbo Trainer

With Christmas a matter of weeks away are you still struggling with what to get your cycling mad friend, relative or partner? Or have you been landed with a secret Santa for a colleague who loves nothing more than being on two wheels? Don’t panic, we’re here to help.

We’ve put together a list below of gifts ranging from perfect stocking fillers for under a tenner right up to the ‘money is no object’ dream bikes. As cyclists, we have selected some products we would love to see under our Christmas Trees. These gifts are suitable for the majority of cyclists whether it be Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Gravel Riding or anything in between.

Under £10

Elite Fly Water Bottle
£5.99

As a cyclist, you can never have too many drinks bottles or ‘bidons’ as we call them. With the Elite Fly Water Bottle, the cyclist in your life can Sip like a pro from the lightest bidon ever made! With a 550ml capacity and sitting well under the £10 bracket, it’s the perfect stocking filler.

Under £20

Muc-Off Wash Protect and Lube Kit
£16.49

This time of year the roads and trails are filthy and as cyclists we like to keep our bikes looking their best!  This Muc-Off Clean, Protect & Lube Kit comes with the three steps needed to keep any bike in tip-top shape without posing a threat to the environment. With state-of-the-art formulas that are fully biodegradable their bikes will be gleaming all year round. At under £20 we think this is a gift any cyclist would be happy to unwrap.

Under £50

Park Tools MT30 Mini Fold UP Multi-Tool
£34.99

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you’re out cycling and although it’s impossible to carry your whole toolbox with you it’s certainly handy to have some essentials. That’s why the Park Tool MT-30 Mini Fold-up Multi-Tool is the perfect take-along tool for on the go repairs. It has some essentials such as Allen key and Torx drivers and packs away neatly to fit in any bag or pocket. Weighing in at just 153 grams and well under the £50 mark, this lightweight tool packs a mighty punch as a present. We certainly never leave home without ours!

Under £100

Exposure Trace Mk2 and TraceR DayBright with brackets Front and Rear Light
£85.00

This time of year, the days are short and even during daylight hours visibility can be at a premium. It’s certainly worth being safe and being seen. This premium and lightweight Exposure light set will certainly do the trick. Featuring USB charging, a choice of 6 burn times, DayBright pulse pattern and side illumination for 360 ̊ visibility this light set is packed with technology that’ll light up their face when they open this gift. At well under the £100 price point we think this makes the perfect gift for any keep cyclist.

Under £500

Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM Cycling GPS Computer
£299.99

Us cyclists love our data, constantly sharing and comparing our rides through various platforms. The Wahoo ELEMNT Roam is the most advanced computer yet, building upon on the success of the original ELEMNT. Compatible with all the popular cycling apps such as Training Peaks, Strava, Best Bike Split, Today’s Plan and all Wahoo Smart Trainers and most smartphones making it the perfect stand-alone bike computer and gift for any keen cyclist. This really is the gift that keeps on giving with turn-by-turn route guidance, crystal-clear 2.7” LED backlit display, huge battery life and wireless connection they can keep you updated with every kilometre they ride! It comes with everything they need to get out and ROAM and comes well within the £500 budget.   

The ultimate cycling gift

Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer V5 Smart Bike Trainer
£999.99

While there’s nothing better than getting outside and riding your bike that’s not always possible. There’s plenty that can go against you whether it be the elements, time or even dreaded injuries. That’s why Turbo Trainers are an essential piece of kit for any serious cyclist.

Our favourite is the Wahoo KICKR, providing the ultimate indoor experience. Compatible with most gravel, mountain or road bikes and with state-of-the-art wireless technology getting connected couldn’t be smoother. If heading outside isn’t an option they’ll certainly be glad to have this high-tech training partner at their disposal. It’s particularly good at pairing with Zwift which means the recipient of this incredible gift can meet their riding buddies in cyber space and keep up the social aspect of their rides from the comfort of their own home.

The Wahoo KICKR will certainly take up a bit of space under the tree and we don’t know any dedicated cyclist who wouldn’t be over the moon with this incredible present which is we think this makes the ultimate cycling gift.

The money no object cycling gift

Specialized Aethos Expert
£5,500.00

We can all dream and this year top of our Christmas list is the Specialized Aethos Expert Carbon Road Bike. A bike that Specialized used every ounce of experience they`ve gained over the past 46 years and built a bike made simply for the love of riding. What could be better than a bike that is designed to straddle the line between perfect ride quality, extreme lightweight, and undeniable style. With quick-shifting, low-maintenance Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes paired with DT Swiss R470 Disc wheels if money really is no object then the Aethos is the perfect gift for the cyclist in your life this Christmas. Imagine the joy on their face when they open this up on the big day, the only problem you’re going to have is figuring out just how to wrap it.

The gift for the cyclist that has everything

E-Scooters, this years must have gift

We all know that person that is impossible to buy for. The person that has everything, but do they have an electric scooter? This years must have gift for kids and adults alike. Electric Scooters are the gift that makes getting from A to B quick, affordable, fun and easy. Any of our range of E-Scooters are guaranteed to make the recipient smile and provide unlimited hours of fun.

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Bikes Buying Guide Featured Kids News

Choosing the right size bike for your kids

Kids having fun on Specialized kids bikes

Choosing the right size kids bike for your child plays a big part in ensuring they enjoy the cycling experience and make the most of the health benefits associated with cycling.

Kids love bikes. They allow them to discover the environment around them with friends and family creating magical memories of fantastic adventures.

This year, in the lead up to Christmas, kids bikes are proving as popular as ever and with our Click & Collect service along with V12 and Klarna finance options we make it easy and affordable to get your kid on two wheels!

There are some questions every parent asks when buying their child a bike and this guide will help answer those and explain the best way to determine which size bike your child needs.

Which size bike does my child need?

Kids’ bikes are sized by wheel diameter rather than frame size. The wheel sizes from 12 to 24-inch fall loosely within age groups, but at Hargroves we have found that height is the best indicator for which bike to buy your child, rather than age. The sizes within the age range are a rough guide that you can use to help find the right bike for your child.

The below guide should let you know what size wheels you are looking for.

Hargroves Cycles Kids Bikes Size Chart Guide

12 inch wheels – Balance Bikes

These bikes have changed the way kids learn how to ride, with the main focus on them keeping their balance and learning how to steer. Research has shown that kids who learn how to ride with Balance Bikes progress quicker onto pedalled bikes, rather than kids who learn via stabilisers.

Cube Cubie 120 Kids Bike
2021 Cube Cubie 120 Walk 12in Kids Bike in Silver
£149.00

14 Inch Wheels

Moving on from the balance bikes you have the 14-inch bikes that introduce pedals, brakes and usually a single speed drivetrain. These bikes will go everywhere, from the pavement to fields, through mud and through puddles. They are durable and light and will give your little rider confidence in their riding.

Ridgeback Honey 14 Kids Bike
2021 Ridgeback Honey 14 Kids Bike In Pink
£179.99

16 Inch Wheels

Much like the 14 inch wheeled bikes, the 16 inch is the next step in your tiny cyclists’ life. Again they’re durable and easy to throw around. Most of these bikes are designed to be tough, thrown around and crashed into bushes. A perfect jumping off point to the larger bikes.

Ridgeback MX16 Kids Bike
2021 Ridgeback MX16 Kids Bike in Blue
£199.99

20 Inch Wheels

This is probably the bike that will define your kid’s childhood. Including more gears, stronger tires and light but sturdy frame, these bikes are for the kids who want to explore and have fun whilst riding. Most are equipped with V-brakes but some even have disc brakes for ultimate stopping power.

Cube Acid 200 Kids Mountain Bike
2021 Cube Acid 200 Kids Mountain Bike in Green
£329.00

24 Inch Wheels

Probably the last stop before your child moves onto an adult size (they grow up so fast). This is essentially a full sized bike scaled down for a child. Some have double or triple chainsets and even front suspension forks. Much like the 20 Inch bikes, brakes can be V-brakes or disc.

Scott Roxter 24 Kids Bike
2021 Scott Roxter 24 Kids Bike in Teal
£429.00

Mountain bikes for kids

Some kids and teenagers may find that an adult bike is the best fit for them and with that in mind, we have a huge range to choose from with 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheel options. At Hargroves our adult mountain bikes are sized in the traditional way.

Our selection of kids bikes are available in all of our stores, located in Southampton, Winchester, Chichester and Swindon and can be purchased online using our Click & Collect option.

We also have a variety of safety accessories, such as kids helmets and lights, which will ensure your child stays safe on their new bike.

Kid Riding Cannondale Bike
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Featured News

Hello, is it spring you’re looking for?

‘What’s that?’ you say, as you spot an odd and unusual occurrence through the gap in your curtains. You throw them back and the light of day pours in, your face shines with joy and hope. It’s blue sky, beautiful, clean blue sky. And what’s that there? It’s the sun! Oh, the sun, how we’ve missed you. The month of February has been a cruel mistress to all those who enjoy the two-wheeled hobby that we call cycling, the wind and rain and grey skies and misery. Even the hardiest of cyclists, having braved and battled through the storms, shed a tear as the first light of spring rises from the horizon, greeting them like a long-lost friend.

Due to this phenomenon you may find yourself lingering on gravel bike collections, finger hovering over the ‘buy now’ button, eyes glazed over with desire and lust, you’re not alone.  Ideas are formed with the coming of spring, a sense of pining and adventure grips us. Sitting at work, daydreaming about exploring the curves and camber of the great outdoors. Lunch breaks spent route planning, google maps poured over, squinting at lines on the screen determining whether your 28mm tyres are up to the task or should you bite the bullet and drop £2000 on a new bike? (24-month finance doesn’t even count as buying does it?)

Let’s, for arguments sake, say you went on to purchase your new gravel toy. You come home one day to the unmistakably large box that signifies a new bike. Once opened you gaze upon it in wonder, the shape is alien yet so familiar and the knobbly tyres cause an intake of breath in anticipation, the weekend can’t come quickly enough. You envisage yourself flying down tracks, the flash of greenery invading your peripheral vision, mud clinging to the tread of the aforementioned knobbly tyres. Life is good when you’re out and free.

As you excitedly cram your bike packing bags with spare clothes, gels, tools and tubes you can’t help but feel like a pioneer ready to discover the undiscovered, joining the list of explorers who set out with nothing more than a change of clothes, a route and a pre-determined destination with a booked hotel and a few local restaurants saved on your phone. Your riding clothes are neatly laid out next to your bed, shoes cleaned, and bike primed, feeling like a young child preparing for their very first day at school. Just one more sleep.


Saturday. Eyes open, instantly alert. It’s the day. Alas, a dreaded sound is coming from the window, a window that presented so much joy a mere few days ago has betrayed you. You slowly draw the curtains and feel your heart sink as the full extent of the weather becomes apparent, the rain and wind have seemingly returned with vengeance. You furrow your brows in determination and slowly change your clothes for a more weather appropriate getup, trudge down for breakfast and brace yourself for the worst. What else are you supposed to do? It’s a non-refundable hotel.

To view Hargroves selection of gravel bikes – https://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/gravel-bikes
Bags, packs and paniers – https://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/packs-and-luggage

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Cycling Guides Featured News

Winter Miles, Summer Smiles

Racing in the Rain
How it feels riding in the current conditions.

It’s always hard to motivate yourself to ride at this time of year; its cold and wet outside, you’re in the middle of a gripping new TV series and the overindulgent eating and drinking throughout the Christmas period has left you feeling sluggish and unfit. Your New Year’s resolutions to be more active and eat healthier are already sat on the shelf growing dust while the sofa is becoming a lot more familiar. Despite this, you must resist the temptation to put it off until the better weather arrives in spring. As the age-old cycling proverb goes, ‘winter miles, summer smiles’, and as clichéd as it sounds, it represents the truth.

Peloton racing in the rain

We, as cyclists, want nothing more than to ride the sweeping contours of stunning roads surrounded by sunlit vistas, sweating up climbs and coasting down hills, our faces fixed with a countenance of joy.

What we don’t want is to experience all of this while staring down at our stems, desperately gasping for breath and counting down the minutes until it’s time to stop for a break. In order to maximise the enjoyment of summer rides we must persevere through the uncomfortable winter months. So, that requires you, yes you, to leave your castle of comfort, throw on a few layers and get out into the cold to clock up some essential miles.

Even Zwift riders experience the snow

For those of you that aren’t keen on the great outdoors in the winter months and the seemingly constant deluge of rain then keep those Zwift miles high. Admittedly, indoor trainers don’t quite replicate the experience of spinning down country lanes with the wind blowing you all over the place. However, they’re the next best thing and will help you build/maintain your level of fitness until the sun starts blessing us with its presence.

Climbing one of the notorious Yorkshire hills

Without doubt those first few miles are going to be tough. The cobwebs are clinging to your muscles for dear life and those previously well-oiled joints are creaking and moaning in despair, you may even feel sunk, like riding underwater, but it’s time to dig deep and push on. Have a plan, ride with an achievable distance, don’t get ahead of yourself and set out for a century unless you’ve maintained a good training programme throughout December. A steady 50 miles, or even 20, with some rolling hills and a good climb to get you back into the motions is what you need to get your year on the bike kick-started.

The hard work you put in now, slogging through the grey and cold countryside, will pay dividends when the darling buds of May start to bloom and you can keep those legs spinning for hours, so what are you waiting for?

Views like these is what every cyclist wants to see.

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Bikes Buying Guide Featured News Parts And Accessories

A beginner’s guide to bike pedals

Pedals with cleats

As one of your three main contact points on a bike, pedals are a vital part to consider when building your dream machine. But with many different types out there, all designed for different disciplines, choosing the ones most suited to you can get a little complicated.

Do you opt for flats or clipless? Shimano or DMR? The pedal market can be an absolute nightmare for newcomers. Fear not, however, for we’ve put together this handy beginner’s guide to teach you the art of selecting the perfect pair of pedals.

Step 1: Choosing the right type of pedals

Many of you may have clicked on this guide to learn which pedals are the best for saving weight, improving performance or generating more grip against your shoe, but before we get into all that technical jargon we first need to identify – quite simply – what type of pedal is best suited to your kind of riding.

If you’re focused on doing lots of climbing or you feel like you want to race your bike, then you’re going to want to dive straight into the clipless pedal market. These pedals, sometimes referred to as ‘clip-ins’, securely attach your feet to the pedals, offering increased control over the bike and better power transfer. It’s a confusing name, so try to remember that in this case, ‘clipless’ actually means ‘clipped in’. And if you’re wondering why this is the case, it’s all thanks to the traditional old-fashioned toe-clips – they’re ‘clipless’ in reference to the lack of toe-clips rather than the clipping together of cleat and pedal.

Clipless pedals will also ensure that your feet are always aligned in the correct position over the pedal axle, enabling more effective power transfer through the pedals and helping you go faster.

Clipless pedals work via a spring mechanism in the pedal that allows you to ‘clip’ the cleats – handy bits of plastic or aluminium securely fastened to the base of your shoe – in and out of the pedals. Most clipless pedal systems are simple to master, just push your toe forward into the pedal and then press down with the ball of your foot until you hear an ever-so-satisfying ‘click’. To take your foot out, simply twist your heel outwards (away from the bike) until the cleat releases. 

MTB-specific clipless pedals look a little different to road-specific clipless pedals – they’re more compact and often not as aerodynamic. One of their main advantages over road-specific clipless pedals, however, is that they’re double-sided, allowing you to clip straight back in with ease.

Flat pedals, or ‘flats’ as they’re more commonly known in the industry, are the kind you most likely had on your first bike. These are the perfect pedals for the more chilled out riders among you, those who aren’t worried about efficient power transfer or perfect ‘above-pedal-axle’ positioning.

Flats are especially good for those MTBers who regularly find themselves riding dicey downhill trails. Flats give you what most clipless MTB pedals cannot: a large stable platform that allows you to move your feet around. Moving your feet helps you to shift your weight around the bike, an essential skill when it comes to riding technical downhill terrain. There may also be moments when knowing you can put your foot down without warning can prove immensely reassuring, for instance, to steady yourself over leaf-strewn trails or on particularly sketchy corners. All that being said, while traditionally, elite downhill racers might not have used clipless (because the amount of pedalling in DH is minimal), even they are moving onto clipless now in pursuit of more speed and stability.

If you really want to nerd out, check this video from Pinkbike where some of the Enduro World Series’ professional riders talk through their own pedal/shoe setups.

Step 2: Key features to look out for

When it comes to MTB-specific clipless pedals most riders opt for sturdier and more robust materials, like aluminium. Pedals with a large degree of mud-clearance are also preferable because you’re going to be throwing up a lot of dirt as you rag your bike around the trails, particularly in the wetter winter months. The DMR V-Twin offers a really nice ‘goldilocks zone’ between the wide platform of a flat pedal and the security and control of a clipless. Ideal, particularly if you accidentally unclip, then struggle to clip back in. You’ll still have plenty of pedal to play with as you push through the technical stuff.

For flat pedals, the more contact area the better. Look for low-profile broad platforms with lots of little pins which will really help you secure your shoes against the surface of the pedal and maintain traction. The Shimano Saint M828 is a truly epic flat MTB pedal that’ll give you loads of grip and control over the bike. 

Step 3: Don’t forget the cleats

If you’ve chosen to go down the clipless route, you’re going to need a pair of cleats. These are pieces of plastic, or aluminium, that attach to the base of your shoe and allow you to clip into your clipless pedals.

You can purchase cleats with differing degrees of ‘float’. Float refers to the amount of lateral rotation you can make once the cleat is clipped into the pedal. For a super-tight and power-efficient bond, go for a small degree of float. If you’re worried about clipping in and out, or just need to give your joints a little bit of wiggle room, opt for a larger degree of float. 

One last thing to remember: Most MTB-specific clipless pedals use a two-bolt system, while road-specific ones us a three-bolt system, so make sure you select the right ones for the pedals you’ve chosen!

Be sure to check out our full range of pedals by clicking here.

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Featured News

The game changing Turbo Levo SL

Specialized call the all new Turbo Levo SL a game changer and it’s not hard to see why. E-MTBs have improved in popularity almost exponentially since Specialized last delved into the electric trail bike sector, so much so that they have now brought out a range suited for every rider. With the powerful SL 1.1 motor doubling your power output, Specialized promise more time on the trails, less lung-busting when climbing and more time soaring through the air. That can only be a good thing, right? The Specialized motto for this range is “it’s you, only faster,” and with its powerful motor and range extender add-on, the Turbo Levo SL it certainly backs up this promise.

In this blog we take a look at the models in the range that we have at Hargroves Cycles and the other power assisted adventure and mountain bikes we stock.

Turbo Levo SL from Specialized

It’s easy to see where Specialized got the inspiration for this one – hallmarks from their popular Stumpjumper bike can be seen throughout. It looks, feels and rides like it too, only it’s got a bit more oomph, and with a lightweight battery, even when the motor isn’t engaged it handles like a dream. The Expert Carbon weighs in at 17.3 kilograms, making it a super lightweight power-assisted bike, which means you can take on the trails, hills and tracks faster than ever before. 150 millimetres of suspension are provided by FOX’s 34 Performance fork and DPS shock, and SRAM Eagle GX drivetrain polishes of the quality components on this top-notch bike. 

Perfect for day-long riding and adventures, the Turbo Levo SL is your introduction to the world of e-MTBs. 

The next model down is the SL Comp Carbon. As with the whole range, this still comes with 150 millimetres of travel, only the provider is slightly different – this time it’s FOX’s RHYTHM 34 fork and DPS shock compared to the Performance on the SL Expert. The motor has a maximum speed of 20mph – enough to get you up that tricky climb and then some.

Specialized have also brought a budget option to the range for riders who want the benefit of a power-assisted bike without paying the premium for a carbon frame. The SL Comp is the perfect option for such a rider. With an aluminium frame, it may not be as light as it’s siblings, but it retains the robustness and performance associated with a Specialized trail bike. It also doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to performance. RockShox provide 150 millimetres of front and rear suspension which, combined with the motor, still gives you all the fun of the fair just like the other bikes in the range. An added perk is that all the new Turbo Levos can be synced with the Mission Control App so that the rider can tailor the motor to their specific riding style. This budget SL Comp is perfect for first time e-bike riders.

Other e-MTBs

Here at Hargroves Cycles we also stock e-MTBs from Cannondale, Bergamont and Scott. These models are a bit closer to the SL Comp and Comp Carbon than the SL Expert, which stands head and shoulders above its challengers.

That being said, Cannondale’s e-MTBs offer premium performance at a respectable price. The Habit Neo 2 range for 2020, for example, has 130 millimetres of rear and 140 millimetres of front suspension allowing it to perform on the trails with that added kick of the motor.

The E-Trailster from Bergamont also rides like a quality trail bike and boasts a powerful 75 Nm of torque thanks to its integrated Bosch drive unit.

Scott have also dipped their toe into the world of e-trail bikes with the Spark eRide 910 which gets its power from a 500Wh internal Shimano battery. With a dropper post, quality components and respectable travel, the Spark eRide is an aluminium trail bike of the highest quality.

There we have it – your introduction to the new range of e-MTBs from Specialized as well as a look at the other brands we stock. Why not come down to one of our shops, compare the bikes in person and start your electric trail bike journey with us? Our friendly staff will help you find the right bike to fit your riding style.