New Year’s resolutions

Here at Ribble Valley E-Bikes we know our e-bikes (it’s our business to, after all)! But we don’t expect everyone else to know all the ‘ins and outs’ of an e-bike and how it works. If you’d like some personal, no-nonsense advice about e-bikes to hire or buy, feel free to pop in and see us or give us a call. Meanwhile, we thought we’d run through a few of the basic benefits here, for anyone who’s been wondering what’s so great about these Lancashire e-bikes. What does the ‘E’ stand for in ‘Electric Bike’? As you might expect, the ‘E’ stands for Electric. This means that an e-bike works just like an ordinary pedal bike, but with an integrated electrical drive system. The motor only operates while you’re pedalling, so it’s not like a scooter or motorbike. It simply gives you an additional boost to make light work of hills and gives you a little extra help to cover more miles with less effort. Will an Electric Bike be too fast for me? No. You are completely in control and assistance is only provided up to speeds of 15.5mph. (25kmh). The power of the electric motor on all e-bikes is limited to 250 watt and because they are within this limit (unlike a motor vehicle) it means they can be used anywhere a conventional bicycle can – allowing you to take advantage of the many beautiful lanes and bridleways the Hodder Valley and Forest of Bowland have to offer. Are e-bikes complicated to operate? Not at all. And while the technology may differ between manufacturers, the general operating principles remain the same throughout. With one of our Volt hire bikes, for example, there’s an on/off button and a key ‘fob’ to switch it on. On the left handlebar there’s a small screen with two buttons next to it. Press ‘+’ or ‘-’ to choose the level of assistance you’d like: None, Normal, Low, Medium or High. And all the normal things like pedals, brakes, conventional gears etc are all exactly where you’d expect them to be. Who is the typical e-bike rider? You have to be 14 years of age (minimum) to ride an e-bike on the road. Other than that… there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ e-bike rider! So far, at Ribble Valley E-Bikes we have welcomed: Experienced cyclists looking to try a different riding experience. Occasional cyclists who want to improve their fitness. Families with young children who want to explore the countryside at more than a toddler’s walking pace! (Take a look at our accessories page to see the options for riding with little ones). Social groups looking for a new activity to share. Older cyclists who find hills a bit harder. Parents and grandparents who want to keep up with the kids on their bikes. Inexperienced cyclists, or those re-visiting cycling for recreation. People recovering from injuries and/or medical treatment. Under-confident cyclists who worry about not being able to finish a ride. Walkers/hikers who want another way to see more of the countryside in the time available. We’ve had a number of customers choose to buy an e-bike for the above reasons, as well as the fact they offer a cheap and healthy commute, without relying on public transport. How far can I go on an e-bike? The honest answer is – it mostly depends on the model of bike and the route you take. The stated maximum range for a Volt Pulse, for example, is 60 miles. But with the hills, fells and wind resistance we’re blessed with around here – that’s highly unlikely, unless you’re willing to put an awful lot of effort into pedalling the old fashioned way. Battery range is affected by factors like the terrain, rider weight, and how you choose to use the bike. You can go much further if you use the power more conservatively. When planning your first ride, we’d suggest you target a maximum 30-40 miles, depending on your level of fitness. To put it simply; you could keep it on high and laughingly fly up all the hills – but you would want to choose a shorter route. Or you can pedal a little bit harder, use the assistive power more sparingly, and go much further. It’s entirely up to you. Beauty and the bikes Based in the beautiful Hodder Valley (Dunsop Bridge), Ribble Valley E-Bikes Ltd is perfectly placed for customers to hire an e-bike an explore some of the best cycling routes and most stunning scenery in the country. We’re continuing to add new models to our hire fleet, and our online bike shop will soon be up and running with a wide range of bikes at sensible prices. As well as simply being a great day out, hiring an e-bike is also a good way to ‘try before you buy’.

We love the Advanced RECO Urban, so it came as little surprise that it blew the judges away at this year’s Eurobike event.Eurobike is a major event on the e-bike calendar; it is the central platform for the bike and Ecomobility world.As described on the website: ‘It plays a leading role in transforming the energy and transport sector, driving social change and setting new standards in the areas Sport, Leisure, Health and Mobility.’Each year, a prestigious team of expert independent judges highlight the most exciting products that go above and beyond in their field.In 2024, RECO Urban was recognised not only for its many sustainable properties, but also for its elegant design and comfortable ride. Check out this summary from the judges:‘The RECO Urban impresses with its innovative and sustainable frame manufacturing using injection moulding process. Made from 100% recyclable material, it combines 40% carbon fibre from the automotive industry with 60% of a high-quality plastic matrix. The sustainable concept is complemented by an appealing design featuring distinctive lines and seamless transitions.‘The Bosch Performance SX motor ensures lightweight and comfortable riding, while the belt drive enables low-maintenance mobility. The RECO Urban is an elegantly designed bike that convinces with stability and stylish restraint, shaping the future of urban mobility sustainably.’ Here at Ribble Valley e-Bikes, we have three different versions of this versatile ebike:The Urban compact standardThe Urban compact LF (Lights and fenders)The Urban compact LFC (Lights, fenders and rear rack) This bike comes with a 400Wh integrated battery as standard, with the option to add an additional external 250Wh – complete with bag.Quality is guaranteedAdvanced bikes, like the RECO Urban, are backed up by a 30-year frame warranty.The brand also doubles the standard 2-year Bosch warranty on the drive system, taking it up to 4 years.Super sustainabilityThe environmentally friendly RECO Urban is made from injection-moulded carbon composite material, and saves 68% CO2 emissions compared to a conventional aluminium frame.And if that’s not enough?The frame is also 100% recyclable at end of life.You don’t need to take our word for it -Read this review from expert Dan Trent:‘At first glance the Advanced RECO Urban uses a relatively conventional ‘diamond’ shaped frame, albeit with chunky, squared off tubing into which a Bosch motor and battery have been neatly integrated. Look closer and you’ll realise it isn’t actually tubing at all, but a moulded one-piece composite structure with some neat design features like a flat crossbar with sculpted underside that then separates around the seat tube and around the rear wheel. It’s all very neat, the frame-mounted motor driving a hub gearing system via a maintenance free belt. So, no chain to maintain or leave oily stains on your clothes. Wiring, cables and hoses for the electric drive, gears and brakes are all tucked into the frame for a very clean look as well, the bike available in a stripped-back version for the real minimalists or, as tested here, with a full set of mudguards and a neat rear rack.’See the Advanced Urban Reco in action..https://youtu.be/p4ji5XSIYwQ?si=AZymzuR--_cYwoCdOther Award Winners:RECO wasn’t the only winner at Eurobike 2024!Many of our other favourite stocked brands are highly celebrated too.The Moustache J has won Eurobike Gold, German design council award, Design and Innovation award, Gold iF design, and the Ca-Go CS 200 was one of just nine entries to be awarded the prestigious Eurobike Gold award.

This year marks our fourth annual Wimbledon delivery; providing five brand new eco-friendly e-bikes for the security team to use for the duration of this iconic event.Wimbledon is a massive site covering a very large area, so e-bikes provide a quick, easy and carbon-neutral way for the team to travel swiftly between various points.Sustainability is important to the Club, and the organisation is striving for net zero by 2030.Ribble Valley e-Bikes is proud to provide bikes to this prestigious event, and this is our fourth year – which is testament to our exceptional levels of service and quality.Which e-bikes did we take?This year’s bikes are the T-Tronik step-through models from Bianchi.These were selected for their ease of use and comfort.It also helps that they are available in dark matt green; very fitting for Wimbledon!What happens to the bikes after the event?The e-bikes are delivered two days before the tournament and used for a fortnight while the event is running, plus an additional two days after while clean up is underway.After the event, they are collected by Roger who brings them back and makes sure they are fully serviced before being added to our hire fleet.To keep our hire fleet current, we add new bikes each season and retire our older bikes.These are often made available for sale on the pre-loved e-bikes section our website.Unfortunately, we don’t get to see any of the matches while we’re there delivering and collecting, but it’s a pleasure to know our e-bikes have become part of such a much-loved and well respected British tradition.So, we’ll be at home watching it from the comfort of the settee – eating strawberries and cream, and looking out for e-bikes in the background of any behind the scenes footage!

Ribble Valley E-Bikes specialises in (you guessed it) …ebikes. But currently ebikes are only for ages 14 and up, so we also stock the absolute best ‘conventional’ bikes for kids. We did a huge amount of research before choosing which brands to offer. Ribble Valley E-Bikes is one of only a handful of specialist stockists of Woom bikes. These are available online or from our Dunsop Bridge HQ. What’s so special about Woom? There are zero compromises with a Woom bike; 90% of parts and components have been specially designed for children and exclusively produced for Woom. Woom bikes are 40% lighter than most kids bikes – and research shows that children learn to ride up to three times faster on a Woom bike – compared to conventional children’s bikes. What makes a good bike? Kids’ version Woom bikes are bright, fun, fast, and comfy to ride. They’re not too big and hard to get on and off, and they are very light, so they’re easy to manage. They have colourful matching helmets and really loud bells. Plus, they’re super cool to look at. Why choose a Woom bike? Parents’ version We did a huge amount of research before deciding which bikes we wanted to stock here at Ribble Valley E-Bikes, and Woom kids bikes were at the very top of the list. Designed in Vienna, each one has been created to perfectly consider the age and ability of the rider. The various models in our range mean there are safe and stable (yet lightweight) bikes to see children right through their formative years. The lightest kids bikes you’ve ever seen? The lightweight aluminium frame of each of these bikes has been designed with a low centre of gravity to minimise wobbling and toppling. A Woom 2 pedal bike (for ages 3 – 5 ish) weighs just 5.2kg. This means that it’s easy for kids to manage, but also – very importantly – it’s easy for you to carry when your child inevitably gets distracted and insists on paddling / collecting sticks / twirling around / having a piggy-back ride. The importance of geometry The ergonomics are slightly different for each bike. It’s not simply a difference in size, but a more in-depth response to what children need at different ages. Woom Co-Founder Christian Bezdeka explains “Not all of the sizes have the same features since beginner riders need a different geometry compared to intermediate or more advanced riders.” For the smaller bikes this translates, in part, to having a long wheelbase and positioning the seat lower ‘into’ the bike, means that stability is at its greatest – and yet, little riders are able to enjoy a confidence-building upright sitting position thanks to a flat seat angle, without feeling they are perched precariously on top of the bike. Attention to detail The ‘main reason’ we chose to stock both Woom bikes at Ribble Valley E-Bikes was actually a lot of little reasons. The attention to detail that goes into these bikes is second-to-none and is evident in a myriad of ways. Chain guards prevent clothes (and ankles) getting stained and scraped, and the steering limiter on the smaller bikes prevents overturning and falling. Different coloured brakes offer at-a-glance recognition and tiltable handlebars can even shorten or lengthen the reach to suit different torso and arm lengths, effectively creating a bike that is bespoke sized to your child. Top tips for choosing kids bikes: If you want to chat about your requirements, feel free to pop in and see us – or get in touch – for an honest, no-obligation chat about which bikes might best suit you and your family. – Consider what will encourage them to use it Good quality kids bikes might cost a bit more than cheap models, so you want to be sure they’ll get a lot of use out of it. Kids can be fickle, so take into account their favourite colour, and if a pickup rack is required for school bags, snacks or other important items… – Consider what type of cycling they’ll be doing If you live on a farm and go to Gisburn Forest at the weekend, chances are you’re going to want a mountain bike. If you’re more likely to be in town, or on smooth-surfaced roads and lanes, you’re not going to want big knobbly off-road tyres. Think about the area around your house, and where you may go cycling as a family. – Think about their height and agility Some bikes are lower than others for children with shorter legs, and have lower frames for stepping over. If your child isn’t the best at balancing – you’re going to want a bike with a low centre of gravity to build their confidence. Nobody enjoys feeling unsafe and teetering about! – Don’t succumb to wishful thinking However much you might like to think your child’s new bike will be ridden carefully and stored perfectly, you know that it is occasionally going to be dropped, scraped and temporarily abandoned at the gates of the park. Choose a robust model that can withstand knocks and bumps. Look for longevity via kickstands and durable materials on the sides of the seat for when it is leant or dropped against a wall. – Read the reviews What may at first seem like a significant spend, suddenly seems much more sensible when you read reviews like “fine-tuned and perfected, woom bikes are the gold medal standard in kids’ bikes” and ‘After enjoying a balance bike, Wilf’s Christmas present was a beautiful, lightweight yellow Woom pedal bike from Ribble Valley e-Bikes – and he was riding it without help by Boxing Day!’ Don’t take the retailer’s word for it – not even ours. Read what other genuine customers have to say. Adventure is out there! Cycling is a fantastic, healthy hobby to start young and continue through the years. Squish bikes and Woom bikes are the perfect models to build confidence and encourage a life-long love of getting out on your bike.

(Taken from Live Ribble Valley Magazine Issue 132 – April 2022)We’re very lucky in our little corner of Lancashire that there are great opportunities to explore by bike, whatever your age, ability or interest.Whether you want to take in the views, take it easy, take the kids, or take a ride on the wild side – you can do it all, and it all starts in Dunsop Bridge. We’ve highlighted just a few routes here, with full details online.For familiesFirst things first – an ice cream at Puddleducks and a trip to the park! Practice with the children’s trailer or kid’s seats up Brennand Valley (look out for kingfishers) and then tootle over to the Wild Boar Park via Little Bowland for a scenic ride and fun-filled afternoon. Comeback via Chipping and grab a brew at Chipping Farm Shop, or an evening meal at the Inn at Whitewell.For foodiesIndulge in some of the best food in the North West, right on our doorstep. Set out over Jeffrey to Ribchester for breakfast at Stydd Garden, carry on to Hurst Green for a cycle around scenic Stonyhurst and lunch at The Shireburn, and then pedal up an appetite for the best steak you’ve had this year, at The Red Pump Inn. Head back over Hall Hill, and don’t worry, the electric drive will give you a boost when you need it after such a deliciously decadent day.For adventurersWhether you take your own bike, hire one from our Dunsop HQ and enjoy the ride through Slaidburn and past Stocks Reservoir, or arrange to have one of our e mountain bikes delivered to The Hub; Gisburn Forest is THE place to go for mountain biking and off-road trails.For explorersVersatility is key to this scenic route – you can build your own adventure, depending on how fit you’re feeling or how far you’re committed to going. From Dunsop Bridge to Slaidburn via Back Lane, there are a number of loops (of different distance) you can then choose to take across or around Easington Fell and return via Waddington Fell, Whitewell, or Chipping. Your efforts will be rewarded with great views at every turn.

‘Tis the season to get organised!Yes, we know it’s autumn and you’re probably still enjoying jack o-lanterns and bonfire toffee, but some very organised people are already starting to think about Christmas.Don’t panic if you haven’t yet hit the high street; we have the perfect present for those ‘tricky-to-buy-for’ friends and family.We have gift vouchers available!Available in any chosen value, these vouchers are versatile and make the perfect present, because the recipient can choose whether to put them towards bike hire, or the purchase of a new bike.And there’s plenty of time for them to make up their mind, because vouchers are valid for a full 12 months.If you know someone that’s been eyeing up an e-bike but hasn’t yet taken the plunge, a voucher could let them try before they buy. We have e-mountain bikes available to hire from mid-November.– PLUS, we knock the hire value off the purchase price.Why not consider vouchers for discerning kids this Christmas too? It might help bring their dream woom bike under budget, and avoid them having to settle for a cheaper, heavier conventional bike.And let’s face it; there are only so many multi-tools you can buy your dad, and your sister won’t thank you for another picture frame.Why not combine a voucher for e-bike hire, with a voucher for your family’s favourite local restaurant or hotel? We’re spoilt for choice with so many award-winning eateries within cycling distance.Whether it sparks a love of cycling, or simply leads to a lovely day out – you can’t go wrong with a Ribble Valley E-Bikes gift voucher.Give us a call on 01200 426246 or send us a message and we’ll be happy to help.

Ribble Valley E-Bikes has the perfect way to keep up with the kids this October Half Term!Whether you bring their own bikes from home, or hire from our selection of (non-electric) children’s bikes, parents and grandparents will have no trouble keeping pace with the kids on one of our e-bikes. You can easily match their energy levels with the helpful boost of the electric motor!Little brothers and sisters not quite ready for their own bike? They can ‘ride’ with mum or dad using one of our toddler trailers (with helpful rear storage area) or rear-mounted children’s seats.You can read more about how an e-bike works in our blog post ‘What is an e-bike and who is it for?’There’s an amazing number of routes you could take direct from our Dunsop Bridge HQ, or you can even hire e-bikes on a longer term basis and keep them for a few days to really make the most of the Lancashire Half Term.Lancashire may be in ‘tier 3’ but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the best the county has to offer. Getting out in the fresh air and soaking up the autumn scenery is a great way to enjoy a little ‘normality’ with family and friends at the moment.It’s important to follow all relevant government guidelines, but in most circumstances, the ‘rule of six’ still applies in the great outdoors – so exploring the countryside on an e-bike is a great way to catch up with loved ones. And – thanks to the electric motor on our e-bikes – you won’t be playing ‘catch up’!From outdoor art to forest foraging, take a look at some of our suggestions for things to do with the kids in Lancashire this autumn.With Christmas approaching, hiring one of our fantastic children’s woom bikes is also a great way to ‘try before you buy’. And the same goes for the ‘big kids’ and our e-bikes!Check out our sales website here.While you’re in Dunsop for a fun-filled activity day, why not also squeeze in a visit to some of our neighbours? You can stock up on delicious snacks from Puddleducks Tea Room, and maybe enjoy a walk with some furry friends at Wood End Alpacas?We’d love to see you, just give us a call to book.Have a lovely Half Term Holiday – however you spend it.

Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque seasons to be out and about in the Hodder Valley on one of our e-bikes, whether you’re exploring with the family, or enjoying some scenic solitude.Hiring an e-bike gives you the perfect way to get out into nature at its most beautiful and enjoy all the advantages that autumn has to offer, while making short work of Lancashire’s well-known hills and fells.Aim HighThe higher the hill, the better the view – so don’t forget your camera.Choose a route that has a bit more altitude than you might tackle on a conventional bike, so you can really feel the benefit of the e-bike’s power boost.(Read our previous blog post for a reminder of how an e-bike works ).You might head towards Whitewell Woods where the shade of the autumn leaves casts a honey-coloured hue at this time of year, and make your way up Hall Hill for one of the best views of Mellor Knoll and the Hodder Valley while the hillsides are bronze with bracken.Why not plan your ride to coincide with a hearty, warming lunch at The Inn at Whitewell or Red Pump?If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, it doesn’t get much more autumnal than Browsholme Hall’s ‘Woodland Glade’ micro lodges.Forest ForagingWhether you have a warming homemade crumble in mind, or a festive flavoured gin, woodlands and hedgerows provide an abundance of tasty treats for you to take home at this time of year, and – unlike speeding past in a car – e-bikes give you more chance to spot sloes, blackberries, beech nuts, crab apples, elderberries and more.Bring a backpack for any findings, or add a rear pannier to your bike hire booking and take advantage of the extra (waterproof) space to bring dry clothing in case you get caught in a seasonal shower.Visit the Woodland Trust website for recipe ideas, and be sure to follow their guidelines for safe and sustainable foraging.Show Us Your Knits…Although crisp, bright October days still offer plenty of sunshine – it’s not going to be as warm as a summer bike ride. If you’re not planning on pedalling up too much of a sweat, lose the lycra and get wrapped up in your winter woollies. You’ll enjoy any stop offs more if you can enjoy the view without feeling the chill.Autumn Arts and CraftsWho says a wreath is just for Christmas? A homemade autumnal wreath for your door or table can bring some much needed colour and ‘warmth’ to your home at this time of year.It doesn’t have to be perfect – half the fun is in the gathering and the making.During your e-bike ride, collect different leaves, seed heads, pine cones, rose hips, feathers, rushes, reeds and more for a seasonal garland with lots of texture. There’s plenty of ideas on sites like Instagram and Pinterest, or take inspiration from local florists like Flowers from the Heart in nearby Slaidburn.Family FunE-bikes are a great way to explore with the family and get the little ones (and big kids) excited about the outdoors this autumn, especially during the October Half Term.Although you have to be 14 to ride an e-bike on the road, we’ll soon be adding children’s e-bikes to the hire fleet (and sales website) for use on private routes.Until then, we have conventional kid’s bikes available to hire or buy – or they might prefer to bring their own – and parents or grandparents will have no trouble keeping up, thanks to the integrated electric motor on our e-bikes.For younger children we have toddler trailers or rear fixed kids seats available, plus a ‘tag-along’ also coming soon.Nurture A Love Of NatureKeep an eye out for the last of the conkers to take home and string for a game, or find a quiet space to embrace your inner Andy Goldsworthy with some land art. (Don’t forget to tag us if you put them on Facebook or instagram)Bring along some paper and crayons for the kids to try bark or leaf rubbing, or pocket the perfect materials to build a fairy garden or dinosaur land when you get home.Earn Yourself A Pub LunchWhen it comes to award-winning eateries, we’re absolutely spoilt for choice in and around the local area.There are too many to list here, but keep in mind that – as well as The Red Pump and Inn at Whitewell – The Parkers Arms in Newton, James’ Places, The Higher Buck in Waddington, Three Millstones in West Bradford and Spread Eagle at Sawley will all offer a warm welcome to e-bikers once you’ve cycled up an appetite.Don’t forget to ring ahead.Barking Up The Right TreeThe foliage across Lancashire offers a dazzling display of colours throughout September and October.Download the Woodland Trust’s ‘Tree ID’ app before your ride and you’ll be able to impress the family by identifying trees using their leaves, bark or branches.Vitamin D-elightfulAutumn often brings clear and bright blue skies, allowing us to soak up the last of the sunshine before the winter weather begins to draw in.Keats described Autumn as the season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’, and with dappled sunlight shining low through the trees – it’s hard to feel anything but mellow.Sunshine is our main source of Vitamin D and Good Housekeeping Magazine reports that a little sun can also contribute to: being a healthier weight, enjoying improved sleep and having lower blood pressure. Combine the sunshine and fresh air with the endorphins released during exercise and an autumn e-bike ride is set to put you in a great mood.And, should the weather turn drizzly? At least you’ll feel you’ve earned a fireside lunch even more.Don’t forget to look out for rainbows between shifting showers.The Power Of Outdoor ExerciseStephen Buckley, head of information at MIND charity reminds us that physical health and mental health are undoubtedly linked and (especially in current circumstances) advises getting exposure to the outside world as much as possible and creating routines that include physical exercise, The MIND website also points out that spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including conditions like anxiety and depression, it may also help combat seasonal affective disorder.And according to British Cycling, studies have also shown that regular cyclists enjoy the general health of someone approximately 10 years younger. As a low impact exercise, it is also much kinder on your joints than many other aerobic activities.And Finally… Wonderful WildlifeOne of the many advantages of an e-bike is the fact that it is just as quiet as a conventional bicycle, and – unlike a car with its humming engine – is unlikely to startle and scare away wildlife before you get a chance to see it.Look out for deer along woodland edges, especially early in the morning. Roe deer are the ones you’re most likely to spot in the Forest of Bowland.Many birds begin their migration at this time of year, so keep an eye on the sky for impressive starling murmurations. Kingfishers, however, are UK residents all year round, and beautiful flashes of their blue feathers have recently been spotted darting above the River Brennand.Hire one of our e-mountain bikes and head for the exciting off-road trails of Gisburn Forest and you’re likely to see an abundance of birdlife as you pass Stocks Reservoir.According to United Utilities, Stocks is rated as the most important of the organisation’s 160 reservoirs for wildfowl, and is high amongst the best sites in north west England.“Up to 30 species of wildfowl can be encountered during an average winter and amongst often spectacular numbers of common species one might come across more uncommon species such as Red Throated Diver, Whooper Swan, Gadwall, Ring-Necked and Long-Tailed Ducks. From October to March, the most numerous water birds are Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Canada Geese.”To get started with YOUR autumn adventure – give us a call, and Stef or Roger will be happy to help. image credit: Joe Hayhurst https://vimeo.com/466265779