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You know how some people can pinpoint the exact moment their life changed? For me, it was a rainy Tuesday afternoon in 1980 when I picked up a copy of Richard Ballantine's "Richard's Bicycle Book" from WH Smith. I was fourteen years old, bored out of my mind, and had no idea that this quirky little book would set me on a path that would eventually lead to repairing bikes at GC Bike Repairs. The Book That Changed Everything Back then, cycling wasn't the trendy thing it is today. BMX was just starting to catch on, and most adults saw...

Thinking about converting your trusty bicycle into an e-bike? You're not alone! With more folks in Portsmouth, Southsea, and Gosport looking to make their daily commute easier (especially with all those hills around here), e-bike conversions have become incredibly popular. But here's the big question: should you tackle it yourself or leave it to the professionals? Let's be honest – safety should be your top priority. The choice between a DIY conversion and professional installation can make a massive difference to your riding experience and, more importantly, your wellbeing on the road. The DIY Route: Tempting but Tricky We get...

Summer's winding down, and Portsmouth's about to serve up its classic autumn cocktail: cooler temps, more rain, and shorter days. If you're planning to keep pedalling through the season (and honestly, why wouldn't you?), your trusty bike might need a bit of TLC to handle what's coming. Let's be real – autumn cycling in Portsmouth isn't just about grabbing a jacket and hoping for the best. The weather here has its own personality, and your bike needs to be ready for it. Here's everything you need to know to keep rolling safely and comfortably through the season. What Portsmouth's Autumn...

Summer's winding down, and Portsmouth's about to serve up its classic autumn cocktail: cooler temps, more rain, and shorter days. If you're planning to keep pedalling through the season (and honestly, why wouldn't you?), your trusty bike might need a bit of TLC to handle what's coming. Let's be real – autumn cycling in Portsmouth isn't just about grabbing a jacket and hoping for the best. The weather here has its own personality, and your bike needs to be ready for it. Here's everything you need to know to keep rolling safely and comfortably through the season. What Portsmouth's Autumn...

E-bike conversion kits have become huge news across the UK cycling scene, but with that popularity has come a fair bit of controversy—especially around safety, tech advancements, and what the law expects of both riders and shops. If you’re thinking about converting your bike to electric, or fitting kits for customers, it’s vital to know what you’re getting into. Here’s the state of play for 2025. The Legal Framework for E-Bikes in the UK If you want your converted e-bike to be road-legal in the UK, several rules apply—no matter whether your bike was born electric or built from a...