April Tourist Trophy Posted on 10 May 2013 by Ed
Gavin’s journal of completing a different county each month of 2013*, last month…Cranborne Chase to the Jurassic Coast and back again
It must be spring, not only was the April TT ride the first all-day ride of the year, but it was also part of the first camping weekend of the year. A mate and his kids were coming along too so on Friday afternoon we jumped in their campervan/caravan combo and headed west.
The campsite was just over the border in Dorset, a place called Wigbeth, not far from Cranborne. As night fell, I was glad of the campervan rather than my tent as the temperature dropped to zero overnight. As dawn broke there was sunshine and broken cloud so just the arm and knee warmers, and a waterproof, rather than [...]
The Dope Bottle Posted on 9 May 2013 by Ed
We’ve just added our limited edition Dope bottles to the shop here, but have you ever wondered how they print on bidons? We have (yes, we need to get out more), and we thought we’d share it with you.
The fine chaps at The Bottle Factory turned this job round in super quick time so that we’d have them for last week at Spin London and they look great.
The process is the same as any other screen-printing but with one difference, the bottle is turned as the ink is applied.
Milltag x Wiggle Posted on 30 Apr 2013 by Ed
We are proud to announce our first major retail deal with online cycle giants Wiggle.
We are extremely excited about partnering with Wiggle and are even more pleased that they are big fans of what we do here, so much so that we have structured a deal that is little different from the normal. Rather than just have them take designs that are available at other smaller retailers, we have designed an exclusive Wiggle-only range.
The range starts with four items as follows:
National Jersey Collection
Finally patriotism can look cool. Milltag’s Wiggle exclusive take on the Great British and Belgian national team jersey. Inspired by the simple clean lines of the 60s but in 21st century fabrics and without sponsors logos spoiling the aesthetics. Ride with pride. These are the first two of [...]
Spin Urban Bike Show Posted on 30 Apr 2013 by Ed
This Friday we are at SPIN London – the worlds’ first urban focused bicycle consumer show & festival, making it’s debut in East London on the bank holiday weekend of 3rd, 4th, 5th May.
We’ll have plenty of stock at special prices and would love to talk to you about custom kit or anything Milltag. We’ve also got some special limited edition Dope bottles to celebrate our collaboration with local bike store brick Lane Bikes. We’ve not got many so better come down to guarantee getting your hands on one!
Where
Set in the historic hotbed of consumer cool & street culture at The Old Truman Brewery in East London, SPIN London promises to be the hottest ticket the city has to offer for cycle traders, enthusiasts & the general public. The nearest [...]
March Tourist Trophy Posted on 30 Apr 2013 by Ed
Gavin’s journal of completing a different county each month of 2013*, last month…Isle of White.
There was much deliberation about this ride. Firstly, I needed to find out if the Isle of Wight is part of Hampshire. If it was, I’d be breaking one of the rules of the Tourist Trophy: only two neighbouring counties allowed (invoking a sub-rule that East and West Sussex count as one county), and I’ve already used up Surrey and Kent. After some research it appears that the Isle of Wight is a county in its own right, or enough websites deemed it so for me to decide I wasn’t breaking any rules. Also the BBC weather website refers to the “County of the Isle of Wight”.
The weather was the other variable that had to be [...]
February Tourist Trophy Posted on 13 Mar 2013 by Ed
Gavin’s journal of completing a different county each month of 2013*, last month…Kent.
Back in the early 1990s I spent three years at art school in Canterbury, living in Whitstable in my first year. So, on this ride I would be riding some roads and visit places I once knew.
The planned ride would take me over the North Downs to the north coast of Kent, along marshland towards Faversham before heading south again and back over the North Downs. Much like a Sussex ride therefore, I would enjoy some lumpy hills, followed by a flat bit, and then more lumps. Geographically, Kent reminds me very much of East Sussex, more similar than West Sussex in fact. West Sussex wants to be South Surrey really! The main differences are East Sussex has [...]
Our plans in 2013 Posted on 28 Feb 2013 by Ed
Whilst it would probably appear that it’s been a pretty low key start to 2013, apart from a couple of blog postings and a January sale, nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve been working harder than ever designing and planning, wheeling and dealing to make this year something really special. Although I can’t spill all the beans yet, I can give you a few ideas of what’s going to be on the agenda:
BLB Collaboration and Partnership
Those eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed our new jersey designs have gone up in the shop for pre-order. Included is our collaboration with East London’s finest fixed gear emporium Brick Lane Bikes. The design is inspired by our mutual love for the more psychedelic pro jerseys of the past and the constant [...]
FHHV Roller Racing Party Posted on 19 Feb 2013 by Ed
The FHHV Spring Opener Party in conjunction with Rollapaluza Thursday March 21st 2013.
Friend’s of Herne Hill Velodrome are throwing a big fund raising Rollapaluza party to start the 2013 season in aid of the Save HHV Campaign. There will be great prize draws, amazing auction items including a signed Wiggo jersey, and very special celebrity guests.
The venue in London’s Canary Wharf can hold almost 800 people and we want to fill it to the rafters with lycra enthusiasts partying and spinning hard, all in the name of a great cause.
Venue: The Ledger Building, 4 Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London, E14 4AL. Time: 7 – 12pm
See you there!
Milltag x Full Windsor Posted on 19 Feb 2013 by Ed
Full Windsor successfully launched our Quickfix mudguards on Kickstarter last year, and since then they have been tirelessly working away on creating The Nutter.
The Nutter is a new generation of bicycle multi-tool, it is exceptionally simple and extremely functional. It combines the most commonly used bike tools into one high quality tool. Its unique design and distinctive form turns the tool into a handle, giving you more leverage than other multi-tools on the market. Most cyclists usually carry a set of tyre levers, a multi-tool and a spanner each time they go for a ride, The Nutter combines all these tools into one – saving you space, hassle and weight.
Here at Milltag, we liked what Full Windsor are doing and offered to help by making [...]
The Tourist Trophy 2013 Posted on 30 Jan 2013 by Ed
We put a call out at the end of last year for Milltagers (or ‘Cavaliers’ as we like to call them) with stories to tell to join us on the blog. We start with Gavin Peacock and his plan to do the Tourist Trophy…
“My good friend Jo Burt, over at road.cc, posted a challenge for 2013: The Tourist Trophy (TT) – to ride in a different county, not including your home county, each month*. (You have to do it now if we’re featuring you – Ed) The main reason I’ve taken to cycling again is that it’s such a great way to explore, so this is the kind of challenge that appeals. By bike you travel longer distances than on foot but still at a speed that allows you to observe. [...]
Women’s CX Photo Report Posted on 24 Jan 2013 by Ed
This year we welcome guest bloggers with stories and pictures from the cycling world. We start with Ed Rollason, a cycling photographer….
“Defeated Champion”The women’s national cyclocross championship has become fairly humdrum in the last 7 years. Helen Wyman, queen of cross, has rolled into town, ridden the opposition into the ground and departed wearing the red and blue bands. This year the audience got a shock, and the championships were better for it.
I went to the second day of the National Championships after a long spell out of the ‘game’ so to speak. A house move, a change of location and a life suddenly more complicated had all intruded in on what is usually my busiest season of the year. This year has been different, I’m actually starting my season [...]
Milltag x FAC Posted on 13 Dec 2012 by pete
Alas, not the long awaited Factory collaboration (Peter Saville, we’re still waiting for the call) as the title would suggest…I took the opportunity last week to visit our Factory in deepest Slovakia to check on production of the latest jerseys and brief in some new products we hope to release next year. Here at Milltag we take pride in the quality of our jersey’s and this is entirely due to great working relationship we have with the factory. Manufacturing in Europe, although more expensive, gives us access to the latest materials and technologies and we are lucky to have found a facility that’s happy to produce small volumes of high quality product. Slovakia may not be the first name you think of in terms of European cycling but like us [...]
Milltag on stage Posted on 12 Dec 2012 by Ed
Last week saw Ned’s Atomic Dustbin return to the stage in Wolverhampton for their last hoorah of 2012. And boy did Mat look a Bobby Dazzler in his Milltag!
Huge thanks to Mat and the rest of the band for being such a pleasure to work with and I look forward to catching up with them for a Ned’s ride in summer 2013.
Snow Roads Posted on 22 Nov 2012 by pete
It’s been nearly a year since I last rode 200km in a day, and it seems like a lifetime ago that I completed the SR series (200, 300, 400 & 600km events) and qualified for PBP 2011. Like most cyclists, my priorities change from year to year and the chance to ride with friends on sportives and cycle tours this season has been a welcome change. But, like a moth to a flame I find myself inexorably drawn back into the world of Audax and scanning next year’s calendar….hmm, 400km with 10,000m of climbing in 24 hours, how hard can that be?
I’m back on the Audax trail this Sunday, an inocuous sounding 100km around the South Downs starting in Petworth. I’m getting lift down but will have to cycle back [...]
Vulpine Cycling Fete Posted on 8 Nov 2012 by pete
We missed the event put on this Summer by our friends over at Vulpine but we’re looking forward to the Christmas edition we’ve been invited to take a stall. The posters arrived this morning, a timely reminder that it’s only just over 3 weeks away. Anyone in the London area on Saturday December 1st be sure to pop in and say hello. We’ll have plenty of stock at special show prices, plus one-off samples and stocking fillers for sale. Come on, it’s Christmas. Full details are on the Vulpine site but here’s the essential info;
Date: Saturday 1st December Location: Balham Bowls Club, 7-9 Ramsden Road, London Sw12 8QX Time: 3pm-9m
Much more information here
Milltag x UAL Launch Posted on 20 Sep 2012 by Ed
Earlier in the year we had a competition with the University of Arts London for students to design a cycling jersey inspired by London. Next Thursday we finally unveil the winning design and three runners-up at Central Saint Martins College. So if you are in the area, come down and say hello. Did we mention there will be free beer thanks to Camden Town Brewery? Go to the Facebook event page and RSVP so we make sure there is enough beer.
Wiggo 3 Hits The Road Posted on 14 Sep 2012 by pete
Our wonderful new Wiggo 3 jersey got it’s first road test this weekend at the Southern Sportive, a 155km ride through and over the South Downs. I’m not sure if I felt inspired by the athletic endeavours of our sportsmen this Summer but I certainly gave it a good go, and with over 9000 ft of climbing it needed it. The weather was perfect, too perfect in fact, so as temperature rose and energy levels started to wane I felt like I was being slowly cooked from the inside. Having gone off strongly, leading our group over the early climbs my recent lack of miles started to take it’s toll and I rather limped home, even stopping for a welcome ice cream on the way in. Still, I finished with [...]
Herne Hill Velodrome Posted on 13 Sep 2012 by Ed
As we have teamed up to help the Herne Hill Velodrome with the launch of the first in a series of products with the jerseys (see short sleeve and long sleeve), I headed down there armed with my camera last Sunday on a beautiful late summer day for the Dave Creasey Sixs.
The entrance between the houses on a leafy suburban street.
Lovely logo.
Let the racing commence.
Youth at speed.
Although this is racing, anyone is welcome to join in with beginners sessions.
The track retains it’s old school charm.
The velodrome is under threat of closure. Please read the following and visit www.savethevelodrome.com to become a Friend and donate money. Alternatively, buy one of our special jerseys or products where all profit goes to this amazing theatre of cycling. Thank you.
“The Campaign was established in [...]
Milltag x Ned’s Atomic Dustbin Posted on 14 Aug 2012 by Ed
We are pleased to announce a collaboration with 90s indie favourites Ned’s Atomic Dustbin.
The band contacted us following our work with the likes of Pixies and The Wedding Present and we’ve been working with them on designs. Thankfully they really liked what we’d done – so much that you’ll have the choice of 3 different designs which will be going up on the site this week. Make sure you are on our mailing list to be the first to see and purchase.
Pre-orders will be taken for a month at which point we will manufacture the orders.
Chapeau Wiggo! Posted on 22 Jul 2012 by pete
Well done Wiggo, Cav and all at Team Sky, what a way to finish it off. Raising a glass to you tonight, look forward to seeing you back on home soil for the Gold run.
Break the Cycle Kit Posted on 28 Jun 2012 by Ed
We designed and produced kit for the Break the Cycle ride earlier this month and here are some pictures of Ben Breeze and his team looking good.
SuperU – The Raid Pyrenean Posted on 25 Jun 2012 by pete
SuperU – Raid Pyrenean 2012 from Milltag on Vimeo.
I’ve been back just over a week now from completing the Raid Pyrenean, enough time to get some thoughts together about this pretty special trip, and cut the footage together into a short film ‘SuperU’. This is shot very much as a companion piece to last year’s ‘Towards the Ocean‘ and 2009′s ‘Whisky for Breakfast‘( London Edinburgh London).
It’s fair to say that the Raid Pyrenean still presents a fair challenge to most cyclists, climbs like the Tourmalet, Aubisque and Pailheres go on for ever, and then a bit more, at a gradient that, whilst not savage, is enough to keep you stuck in bottom sprocket for the entire climb. The weather can play a big part too, descending the Tourmalet in the cold, [...]
Cycling Sri Lanka Style Posted on 17 Jun 2012 by Ed
Those regular blog readers amongst you have been pretty starved of any updates for a while, the reason being that I’ve been taking a break for it all before the usual summer madness with my feet up in Sri Lanka (while Pete is currently cycling over a load of mountains in the South of France). But far from leaving my bike obsession at Heathrow I managed to find time to undertake a quick photographic look into the Sri Lankan bike scene…
Bikes are everywhere from city to countryside, highway to beach… (Photo by Pete Robertshaw).
But rather them than me, bikes have to compete for road space with all manner of traffic, from tuck-tucks…
….makeshift human-powered carrying devices…
…mental bus drivers (overtaking on blind corners a speciality). To add to the ‘excitement’, all vehicles [...]
Up, up and away Posted on 8 Jun 2012 by pete
With Ed away on his jollies these past two weeks it’s been left to me to steer the good ship Milltag. It’s been pretty hectic with plenty of custom orders arriving in time for the Summer(?!) but a real pleasure to get to know some of our customers, what a lovely bunch you all are. Anyway, the captain is back on Monday with tales from the exotic East just as I leave these rainy shores for that notorious hotspot, the French Pyrenees.
On Monday I start the Raid Pyrenean, a 720km jaunt along the entire length of the Pyrenees, starting near Biarritz on the Atlantic Coast and finishing on the port of Cerbere on the Med. Along the way we climb all the big beasts of the Pyrenees; the Aspin, Tourmalet, [...]
Brother Cycles Jersey Posted on 23 May 2012 by Ed
We recently designed and produced some jerseys for the chaps at Brother Cycles. You’ll have to ask them if you want one…
Copenhagen-Barca on Cargos Posted on 23 May 2012 by Ed
A few weeks ago I got an email from Casper in Denmark:
“Hello Milltag!
We are two guys who are going to travel down Europe by cargo bike this spring/summer. It will take about 25 days with breaks. We would like to order some jerseys…”
Jerseys done and sent, the lads set off last week and you can follow their journey on their blog: cargobikejourneys.blogspot.com
Sadly, today we hear the plan has had to be delayed: “Casper have had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic chock), and have stayed the night at the hospital in Rheine. It will probably take a few days for him to recover his strength but we’ll be back soon. On the positive side, we will have some time to edit a video and take some good pictures around [...]
Milltag Cavaliers Jersey Posted on 23 May 2012 by Ed
Following the announcement of our ultra division: the Milltag Cavaliers, back in April. We can unveil the official Cavaliers jersey.
Remember, this jersey cannot be bought, only awarded: to those Milltag aficionados who are worthy of particular recognition for their endeavors in the field of cycling for Milltag.
It’s the jersey that all our competition winners will get, so, if you are awarded our favourite Owner’s picture each month, then you get one.
But more than that, perhaps you’ve a Milltag or cycling story that you think should see you or a friend honoured? We’ll be the judge of that…send them in and maybe you’ll become one of the Milltag Cavaliers.
Remember, it’s not necessarily about just riding well, it’s also about looking good and standing out from the peloton.
We look forward to hearing [...]
Cosmic Bike Polo x Milltag Posted on 10 May 2012 by Ed
We are delighted to finally officially announce our partnership with current back-to-back UK and London Winter League Hardcourt Bike Polo Champions: Cosmic.
“Established in 2009, when Todd and Tomasito approached Mat one winter’s evening at a throw-in session, with the idea to create a new polo vision - Cosmic3 was born.
The triangle was strong and in their first year of being together, Cosmic3 became UK Champs and runners up in the European Championships.
In Autumn 2010, Rupert aka Snoops (formally Netto Superstars & 3 Beards 1 Cup) replaced Tomasito, who had moved to Amsterdam earlier in the year. Cosmic3 then became known simply as COSMIC.
On some occasions, the full cosmic line up may not be in a position to consist. In such cases, [...]
Orders and Updates Posted on 10 May 2012 by Ed
As the rain continues to fall on London, here’s a couple of important updates…
Outstanding Orders: The last month has been very hectic here at Milltag HQ as some of you may know. We’ve got plenty of orders that are currently being manufactured by our wonderful factory and we know that some of you have been waiting a little longer than we anticipated to get your jerseys. We apologise for this delay and have been given a scheduled delivery date by the Milltag Machinisters that they will be us on 15th May. This means that you will get your items very shortly after that, and hopefully this should then see a change in the weather here in the UK so you can get on your bike and show your new jerseys off.
Custom [...]
Rainy days and Fridays Posted on 4 May 2012 by pete
Ever since Bespoked when we unveiled the ‘Milltag Machine’ i’ve been itching to get out for a proper test ride, but since the heady days of that proto Summer we all know what the weather has dished up for us. I’m not totally averse to a bit of rain and have been pounding away on the training bike whilst ‘the machine’ remains hooked up on the garage wall. I decided to swap out the double chainset for the more realistic compact that I will be running to get through the Raid Pyrennean (720km, 100hours, 12,000m climbing) and managed this minor feat of mechanics apparently without too much trouble. Finally, a gap in the weather window meant I could put in a training ride a couple of weeks ago. Well, the bike [...]
Milltag x Walz Caps Posted on 19 Apr 2012 by Ed
Just a quick post to announce that your will soon be able to purchase the first Milltag signature cap, designed by us and made by our favourite cycling milliners over in California: Walz Caps
I won’t reveal the design to you just yet, but suffice to say it will look good day or night, on or off your bike. Fingers crossed they should be with us by the end of the month ready for the summer sun.
Note. Those eagle eyed amongst you at Bespoked Bristol may have seen the handful of limited edition caps made from some of our jerseys by Walz and these will also be available soon.
Guest Artist: Rebecca J Kaye Posted on 18 Apr 2012 by Ed
With the new format Facebook pages, we thought rather than blow our own trumpet with our pictures, we’d like to use the space for new bike related artists and designers. A kind of ever-changing bike art gallery for up and coming artists if you like.
So, I’m pleased to announce our first artist is Edinburgh based Rebecca J Kaye.
“Born in Wales, I have lived and worked in Edinburgh for the past ten years.
My illustration style is colourful and bold, communicating literal meanings through simple visuals.
Originally trained as a statistician and latterly in creative advertising, I now split my spare time between illustrating, print making and cycling.”
Check out all her work at her site, she has prints for sale and they are very reasonably priced!
www.rebeccajkaye.com
If you want your work showing both her [...]
2012 Tour De France Jerseys Posted on 17 Apr 2012 by Ed
I wouldn’t normally eulogize about another manufacturer’s cycling jerseys, but this is different…
Yesterday I was lucky enough to be invited to see the new Tour jerseys by Le Coq Sportif and I think they are really rather special. Le Coq Sportif made the Tour jerseys for many, many years before loosing them to Nike in 1988 so they are determined to make an impact with these new designs.
The design for the actual jerseys that will be worn by the pro-riders feature a new Le Coq Sportif logo updated by Ron Arad (more contemporary and now facing right to look forward, not back), a new collar design that gives it an almost a ‘real shirt’ collar look and has extra tech in the form of longer skin tight sleeves and extra [...]
Are you a Milltag Cavalier? Posted on 5 Apr 2012 by Ed
Milltag Cavaliers are those Milltag aficionados who are worthy of particular recognition for their endeavors in the field of cycling for Milltag.
We have created a special Milltag Cavaliers jersey – to be unveiled soon – and the only way of getting your hands on one is if we think you deserve one!
It’s the jersey that all our competition winners will get, so, if you are awarded our favourite Owner’s picture each month, then you get one.
But more than that, perhaps you’ve a Milltag or cycling story that you think should see you or a friend honoured? We’ll be the judge of that…send them in and maybe you’ll become one of the Milltag Cavaliers.
Remember, it’s not necessarily about just riding well, it’s also about looking good and standing out from the [...]
Bespoked Design Competition Posted on 30 Mar 2012 by Ed
We held a competition for the lovely folks who turned up in their hundreds last weekend for Bespoked Bristol: to design their perfect cycling jersey, with the winning entry getting made for them.
It was a tough choice, but here are our favourites, with the winner at the bottom.
Eliza Southwood
Ciara Southwood
Tink Hastings
Riley Brightwell
Kris McGowan
Hollie Taylor
Gil Southwood
And the winner is….
We love the freeform Jackson Pollock-esque linework, colour choices and especially as it is by the budding artist Nadia Mae Chapman (aged 2 and a half). Well done Nadia, we’ll be in touch to complete your jersey!
Thanks everyone for entering.
Londoners on Bikes Video Posted on 30 Mar 2012 by Ed
Great new vid from Londoners on Bikes featuring our design work… Vote with your bike!
Londoners, want a mayor who cares about cycling? from martinib.eu on Vimeo.
www.londonersonbikes.org
Keirin Documentary Posted on 16 Mar 2012 by Ed
Nice little film by Jonathan de Villiers about Japanese Keirin racing. Loving the superhero armour/jersey combo.
Chasing Rainbows Posters Posted on 12 Mar 2012 by Ed
I’m always a sucker for a bike poster competition and in the lead up to the UCI Track World Championships in Melbourne in 3 weeks, local website Bikefest have been gathering entries for posters to advertise the event. The gallery is here, but here are some of my favourites (and therefore possible Milltag collaborators?!)….
Bespoked Bristol Coming Soon! Posted on 9 Mar 2012 by Ed
Bespoked Bristol : the UK’s prestige bike event promoting the international talents of independent makers and designers of the bicycle world will shortly be upon us again. This year it takes place on 23rd-25th March at Brunel’s Old Station, located in the historic railway terminus building of the Great Western Railway situated right next to Bristol’s Temple Meads railway station.
We will have a load of jerseys with us as special Bespoked prices, a competition to have your own design made, giveaways and also the Qoroz RaceWon bike (below) that we are currently giving the Milltag treatment to show off our collaboration with the titanium bike company.
See you there!
Vintage Jersey Database Posted on 9 Mar 2012 by Ed
I’ve recently started using the online mood-board website Pinterest, and it’s great. Basically it’s somewhere to save all those images you find where surfing the net and want to keep without cluttering up your computer. Anyway, I’ve started a board with the aim to collect as many cycling jersey images as humanly possible (obviously!) which will hopefully develop into a full database for inspiration and information on historic jersey designs.
The Pinterest page in question is here and I’m looking for your help to get as many jerseys in there as possible. Just email me with links or images to ed@milltag.cc or if you think this is something you would like to really get involved with then I’ll give you a login to this page so you can add more jerseys [...]
Bike Polo: Kings in Action Posted on 6 Mar 2012 by Ed
The London Bike Polo League reached it’s climax on Saturday with the final game between the Kings (decked in their Milltag jerseys) and Cosmic proving to be the decider. Cosmic took the title but Max assures me that “we gave em a run for their money!”
Here’s some great shots of the action by Will.
And there’ll be more very exciting polo news to come soon…
Project Qoroz Posted on 2 Mar 2012 by pete
Taking advantage of the great weather, I headed down to Hampton Court to arrange some publicity shots for a new collaboration with Qoroz bikes we’ll be unveiling at Bespoked Bristol later this month. I’ve been testing their top of the range ‘Race Won’ titanium bike over the past month and suffice to say this is one fast machine. We’ll be talking more about our plans soon but here’s a few shots to whet the appetite (pics courtesy of Charlie Birchmore).
At the Olympic Velodrome Posted on 17 Feb 2012 by Ed
Our own Pete was one of the lucky 6,000 to be at the first proper event at the new Olympic Velodrome last night as the final round of the Track World Cup kicked off. When not cheering on Team GB he managed to take these shots. Jealous?…in a word, yeah.
Go!
A lesson in aerodynamics.
Keep pushing.
On the line.
Can I have this guy’s job?
UAL Comp at Camberwell Posted on 16 Feb 2012 by Ed
Yesterday saw a quick visit to Camberwell College of the Arts to see some of the initial ideas for our competition to design a jersey inspired by London (previous blog entry here).
I won’t spoil the final judging day that takes place on the 7th March or give any unfair advantage to any students, but I’m really excited to see the final entries if this was anything to go by. I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up making a series of London jerseys based on what I saw!
Good work, carry on!
Y
Lab Rat Posted on 9 Feb 2012 by pete
Back in the Autumn of last year I answered a blog posting on my cycling club blog asking for volunteers to take part in a research study. The requirements asked for performance cyclists aged 18-30, I qualified on neither count but fresh from my exploits in France (PBP), I sent my details in anyway. I suspect the research team had to widen the criteria because at the beginning of the year I heard that I’d been selected, and that the study would take place at the British Olympic Medical Research facility at UCL in central London – yes, I could be responsible in some small way in delivering Cav to gold this summer.
I’ve never bothered much about the performance data side of cycling – HRM, power meters and the like [...]
Have you got the Milltag Gene? Posted on 9 Feb 2012 by Ed
The boffins at the Milltag Lab have stumbled across what they think could be evidence of a specific gene that confirms there are certain cyclists that are pre-ordained with the sense of style and individuality provided by Milltag.
Fig 1: Case No. E10/76C (circa. 1981)
Think you have the gene? Our scientists want you to post your own evidence on our Facebook page.
The best will win their own one-off custom designed jersey and our favourites will be collected together for a full thesis later in the year.
The Life of an Elite Cyclist Posted on 3 Feb 2012 by Ed
There’s a bit of us all in these…Caution: Contains colourful language (not suitable at work).
Series 3 Jersey Artists Revealed Posted on 27 Jan 2012 by Ed
The third artist series of jerseys are currently being developed in four darkened studios up and down the country and we can now reveal that the artists will be (in no particular order)….
Ben Steers
Steven Bonner
Matt Giordano-Bibby (aka Baddesigner)
Andrew Thorpe
Stay tuned for the designs!
London Art Student Competition Posted on 27 Jan 2012 by Ed
We are proud to announce a special jersey design competition with the students of London’s University of Arts.
For those that don’t know, I am a graduate of Camberwell College of Arts and in this hugely significant sporting year for London we at Milltag want to create a jersey that encapsulates all that is great about our fine city. What better way to do this than through a competition with the best young creative talent that London has to offer??
The competition runs till early March and is open to any student at one of the six colleges that makes up the UAL (Camberwell, Central St. Martins, Chelsea, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Art). The winning design (judged by a panel including myself and tutors [...]
New Year, New Milltag Posted on 20 Jan 2012 by pete
It’s been a quiet start to the New Year here at Milltag HQ but plans are now well underway for some interesting projects we hope to be involved with over the next few months. First off, we’ll be unveiling our stealth winter jacket ‘The Dragsman’. This our first Milltag branded product so we’d welcome your feedback – good or, heaven forbid, not so good. In addition to a new jersey series, we have some other products in the pipeline which we hope to have ready in time for Bespoked Bristol on March 24th.
Talking of Bespoked, we are in talks with a bike manufacturer about working on a custom designed bike to show on our stand. This is part of an ongoing collaboration which involves some design and rebranding work plus [...]
Farewell Transmission Posted on 6 Dec 2011 by pete
It’s been a truly epic year for cycling; the most exciting TDF ever, an even more exciting Vuelta and then Cav’s win in the World Champs made 2011 a memorable one for all the right reasons. For me, Post-PBP could have been a huge anti-climax but a combination of the fantastic Autumn weather and the desire to keep some semblance of fitness has seen me complete a couple of 200km audaxes over the past couple of months. On Saturday I found myself on the start line just outside High Wycombe for the South Bucks Winter Warmer, unofficially known as The Tour of Sainsbury’s, so called because all the controls happen to be Sainsbury’s garages. The route takes you south through Eton and onwards through Surrey to the turnaround point at [...]
Old Band T-Shirt Day Posted on 2 Dec 2011 by Ed
Today is 6music’s “Wear your old band T-shirt to work day” and it feels apt to pay my own personal homage to the great band T-shirt. You see, looking back over the years I think it’s not an understatement to say that band t-shirts changed my life and made me the man I am today….
Back in 1991 as a 15 year old, I found music, proper music that is. Gone were Guns N Roses (no offence Axl), replaced by Ride, The Stone Roses, Blur, Catherine Wheel and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin. Now, OK, perhaps looking back 20 years later the music of the Neds isn’t deemed as ‘classic’ as the likes of Ride and the Roses, but they were MY band. Over a period of about 18 months, I amassed thirteen [...]
Christmas Sale Posted on 1 Dec 2011 by Ed
This year we thought we’d help you out before Christmas, rather than the making you wait till a January sale with our MASSIVE sale across all stock.
Jerseys are discounted from 28% to a seriously daft 65%!
Take advantage before 14th December, when the sale ends (last day of UK Christmas postage for Milltag too).
Merry Christmas!
Milltag Bicycle Polo Division Posted on 30 Nov 2011 by Ed
Over the past few months we’ve been working hard developing our new sub-division: Milltag Bicycle Polo (MBPD for short).
The sport is growing rapidly, especially in London, with matches played practically every weekend. On top of this there are also a number of top-class international tournaments during the summer with UK teams increasingly battling for the higher places.
With this in mind we want to help support the sport by providing kit for the top teams, so here’s the first for the London team the North East Kings.
The bike polo specific jerseys have been designed with the same quality you’ve come to expect from our normal cycling jerseys. With the same eye for a tailored silhouette, aided by the elasticated sleeves, hem and pockets, the jerseys are designed so as not to [...]
INSA Show Pics Posted on 18 Nov 2011 by Ed
Here are some more pics from the show last week, including model Arabella D in the unreleased special edition jersey.
All the INSA x Milltag jerseys are now sold out!
(Pics: Teddy@Protein)
The Dragsman Cometh Posted on 18 Nov 2011 by Ed
Some of the more eagle-eyed amongst you my have seen a teaser of our new jersey last week, but here’s a bit more about the first fully designed Milltag product: the “Dragsman” winter jersey.
The all black thermo fabric wouldn’t perhaps seem the best choice for those darker winter rides, but thanks to the Milltag Orange fluro reflective piping and some mega high-tech hidden black reflectives the Dragsman means you don’t have to remove your retina burning outer layer the second you dismount for fear of looking like you’ve just left a rave.
We will be making a short initial run of 30 in time for Christmas (UK postage) so anyone interested in getting hold of one for only £80.00 should email me this week to make sure they are first on [...]
INSA show now on! Posted on 11 Nov 2011 by Ed
The Show opened last night with several hundred turning out to see the exhibition, drink the beer and scoff the fish tacos. But before the carnage (more pictures next week), here’s how it looked.
The exhibition continues at 18hewettstreet.co.uk until 20th November. Jerseys available in our shop!
INSA Photoshoot Posted on 8 Nov 2011 by Ed
In readiness for the show and release of the jerseys this Thursday, myself and INSA directed a photo-shoot of the jerseys at the weekend to get your juices flowing.
Thanks to Tom and Dan for modelling/showing off your bike handling skills and Bernard for the great shots.
INSA x Milltag Jerseys Posted on 4 Nov 2011 by Ed
Only a few days to go before INSA’s latest show takes place on 10th November at 18 Hewett Street, London EC2A 3NN and we can now unveil our collaboration jerseys that will feature…
There’s a colourway there to match both the photographs on display, but also pretty much any bike colour imaginable!
Don’t forget if you are signed up to the newsletter you’ll get first chance to purchase one of the three jerseys of each colourway this Wednesday, before the show even opens it’s doors.
INSA x Milltag Posted on 27 Oct 2011 by Ed
We are extremely pleased to be able to announce a very special collaboration with the high-heel loving street-artist INSA for his ongoing public installation project “Girls on Bikes” this November in London.
“Working with volunteer models, bikes (INSA’s current preferred icon of commodified culture), and large scale painted walls INSA creates momentary installations in public spaces.
In this set of photographic works the viewer is instantly confronted with a series of subjects fighting for attention. INSA orchestrates a conflicting dialogue between all the elements and explicitly subordinates the value of his own street art to both the possessed object of the bike and the overtly sexualized female presence. Thus questioning our individual perceptions of the ownership of public space, of sexuality and of belonging(s). And by using the colour spectrum as a [...]
The Slow Coast Posted on 27 Oct 2011 by Ed
One of my favourite design inspiration websites is “It’s Nice That” and they recently did an interview with Nick Hand, a cycling designer who cycled the British and Irish coastlines. What sets his journey apart is that during his travels he interviewed and recorded many fascinating people along the way who had a wide variety of artisan jobs and then produced a lovely book of his meetings. A nice twist on the normal cycling journal.
Read the interview with Nick here and see his website here.
The Work Cycle Posted on 21 Oct 2011 by Ed
We recently came across a nice little website celebrating cycling to work: The Work Cycle.
The site is “a self-initiated project by Bristol-based creative production agency, Pixillion…There’s a different kind of relationship developing at work with people falling in love with riding their bikes all over again. We want to explore how the Work Cycle is beginning to shape the workspaces that we journey to”.
We look forward to having the Milltag HQ featured on there in due course!
Tribal DDB Amsterdam
Muchbeta
Poke
Full Metal Jersey Posted on 21 Oct 2011 by Ed
As the road cycling season has drawn to a close, I feel now is a good time to fill you in on all our latest happens chez Milltag…
Firstly, a thanks to all those who have made our second summer so much fun. Milltag would not exist without your custom, support, photos and ideas.
That’s not to say that we are done for the year, oh no, we’ve got a few more projects on the go which will have you forwarding links to family and friends in time for Christmas (sign up to our Newsletter on the homepage and you’ll be first to hear about them). We’ve got our Halloween special glow-in-the-dark Tee (below) that is only available till the end of the month. And, we will also of course be producing [...]
Towards the Ocean: A Film Posted on 14 Sep 2011 by Ed
He went to France, he rode, he conquered…
Here’s Pete’s film about the 1200km that were Paris-Brest-Paris 2011.
Towards The Ocean – PBP 2011 from Milltag on Vimeo.
See the Road.cc piece about the film here.
Eurobike 2011 in pics: Oddities Posted on 2 Sep 2011 by Ed
Here are some of the more strange bikes we saw.
Peugeot bronze dipped thing?!
Felt’s Red Baron!
The Moonlander by Surly.
Words fail me.
Electric bike, Storck style!
Felvobike’s “Orca”: Brilliant! We want one (after the Cervelo R5ca, of course!)
Eurobike 2011 in pics: Bikes Posted on 2 Sep 2011 by Ed
Eurobike 2011 in pics: No bikes Posted on 2 Sep 2011 by Ed
Orders Update Posted on 26 Aug 2011 by Ed
Just a quick update on a few of our pre-orders that folks are waiting for:
THE BIKE SHOW: Shipped out this week, so if you haven’t got them yet, they are on the way. If you don’t receive yours by next Friday (UK) or in 10 days (Rest of World), please contact us and we will do the work of tracking them down. Sorry these are a little later than expected, but to make up for it you get the signed limited edition Rich Mitch screen print!
THE WEDDING PRESENT, KEEP CALM and GB LEGENDS: Due to arrive at Milltag HQ in about a week to 10 days time, they will be shipped immediately they come in.
I think that’s it for now. Don’t forget to take a picture of yourself in your new [...]
Pete completes PBP! Posted on 26 Aug 2011 by Ed
News from our Audax Adventurer came in last night:
“I completed Paris Brest Paris in just over 78.5 hours, arriving back at 1.50am on Thursday August 25th.
These bare facts that can’t possibly convey the highs and lows of this most epic of cycling events. I’ll post a full ride report a little late when i’ve had a little more time to reflect on the event, and there is a film in the pipeline too. For now I’m just glad I made it, relieved it’s over but mostly delighted that all the effort, training and preparation paid off. It’s time to reacquaint myself with the family now, safe in the knowledge that as far as cycling goes I’ve completely emptied the tank on the roads of Northern France.
Bon Courage.”
Well done Pete, we [...]
Buy Wilco album & Win a bike?! Posted on 18 Aug 2011 by Ed
Bike Show Print Posted on 18 Aug 2011 by Ed
All those people who pre-ordered our Bike Show jersey have a little surprise in store for them when the jersey arrives at their door in about a week… this lovely limited edition screen-print signed by The Bike Show logo designer Rich Mitch. Our way of saying thanks for waiting for your order.
Artcrank London 2011 Posted on 16 Aug 2011 by Ed
It’s that time time again…on Friday, August 19, the 2011 edition of ARTCRANK London will return to Look Mum No Hands! with a new set of original, limited-edition bike posters — all of them selling for £30.00. This year’s ARTCRANK London will feature posters by 24 UK artists, including the graphic talents behind The Ride Journal and boneshaker. See you they…
Crayonfire TdF 2011 Prints Posted on 16 Aug 2011 by Ed
Crayonfire (aka Neil Stevens) is an illustrator and blatantly a massive cycling fan as this year he produced a beautiful print for every stage of the Tour De France!
Using bright colours and geometric shapes I’m really taken with these prints. I’ve just got to work out which to buy (here).
Here are my favourites:
Green Jersey Sprint Winner! Posted on 29 Jul 2011 by Ed
David Devennie won the first ever Milltag Email Sprint comp and wins an ultra special edition jersey. His email came through just 8 seconds after our email was sent!
On finding our he had been victorious he said “Can’t believe it – I am delighted! I have been sitting at my desk since 11 this morning on standby! My wife told me I was sad, but I have the last laugh now!”
Well done David. Here’s what we’ll be making for you….
RESULTS (Top 15):
1. David Devennie 13:20:21 (0.00) 2. Daryl Stickings 13:20:30 (+0.09) 3. 44/16 13:20:31 (+0.10) 4. Bradley, Dean 13:20:32 (+0.11) 5. David Bamber 13:20:34 (+0.13) 6. Tom Graham 13:20:44 (+0.23) 7. James Dick 13:20:52 (+0.31) 8. Ant Meek 13:20:52 (+0.31) 9. Seth Pistol 13:20:58 (+0.37) 10. Sarah Bibby 13:20:59 (+0.38) 11. Simon Morton 13:21:00 (+0.39) 12. Joshua Roberton 13:21:01 (+0.40) 13. Jørgen [...]
World in Motion Posted on 29 Jul 2011 by pete
I was searching the New Order Catalogue for a suitable title for what may be my last post before I head off for Paris. Trouble was, there were to many to choose from…Confusion, Paradise, Regret – check…Every little counts, Sooner than you think, Let’s Go, Round and Round – oh yes. I think we have a contender for our next music inspired jersey. Anyway, it’s a little over 3 weeks now to the start of PBP, too late to change anything now, not going to become a super grimpeur overnight now so best to focus on the challenge ahead and prepare mentally as best you can. It’s said that the challenge of long distance riding is only 10% physical, and 90% mental and I guess there is something [...]
Milltag Green Jersey Competition Posted on 26 Jul 2011 by Ed
Here’s your chance to win an absolutely one-off Green Edition Manx Missile jersey (below) to celebrate Cav’s historic triumph in the Tour this year.
To win, simply make sure you are signed up to our newsletter (on our homepage) and wait for this week’s newsletter to arrive in your Inbox (usually Friday lunchtime GMT). Then, email me (ed@milltagcc.com) and the first person that I receive said email from, wins the jersey – an email sprint competition if you will!
Road.cc loving our Tommy Posted on 19 Jul 2011 by Ed
Great review for our Tommy appeared on Road.cc this week. Shame they didn’t notice the Eschler tags all over it (it’s not CoolPlus), but we forgive you Liam thanks to the 4.5/5!
We’ve only got a couple of mediums left and we won’t be making any more, so…. you know the rest….. buy, buy, buy! ALLEZ!
The Milltag Kid’s Club Posted on 13 Jul 2011 by Ed
I’m not sure the real owner’s will get these jerseys back….
Ralph (Waste) and Rayman (McFaul) hit the roads in their Milltags (not sure who the other dude in the shades is!). Thanks for these pics go to Rebecca Cleal.
Save A Cyclist Campaign Jersey Posted on 13 Jul 2011 by Ed
“No matter whether you’re a pro or an amateur cyclist, everybody has experienced some kind of abuse, near miss, accident, injury or even the loss of family members or friends because of careless drivers. We all know the punishments for motorists who injure or kill cyclists on our roads are no way near severe enough. So what can we do to make a change?
Save a cyclist campaign is all about changing peoples’ attitudes towards cyclists. We need people to be able to relate the “annoying” cyclist to the man he saw shopping with his family earlier in the day. We need them to see cyclists as human beings as well! ”
This is the idea behind the Save A Cyclist campaign and here at Milltag we are proud to be official [...]
The Void Posted on 11 Jul 2011 by pete
Hello world, it’s been a little while since I was last in touch. Here’s what i’ve been up to as the weeks count down to PBP. Having qualified and been issued with a frame number (no. 5652, fact fans) there’s no turning back now but motivation has been an issue. That and the glorious Summer weather we’ve been having. Anyway, I planned some mountain biking in Wales with the kids in early June but the presence of proper hills rather put them off the idea of this so we had to curtail the trip after 25km’s or so. The following weekends were taken up with family camping trips, the Bristol show and other real life responsibilities that somehow prevented me from getting on the bike for any serious milage for the [...]
Milltag on 6 Music Posted on 8 Jul 2011 by Ed
With the Tour win under way, even BBC Radio 6 Music’s Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie couldn’t avoid chatting about it this week, although not with any kind of knowledge or interest!
As an avid listener (before switching over to watched the Tour) I managed to get a mention for our Pixies jerseys and the upcoming designs for The Wedding present! If you want to listen again to their cycling ramblings amongst top tunage then get over to the BBC iPlayer and listen to Wednesday’s show (we get a mention at about 37.30!) It was a brief bit of fame but I’m going to enjoy it…. and the jerseys are in the post chaps!
Custom Keep Calm Jersey Posted on 7 Jul 2011 by Ed
Now you can get a jersey so limited that only you will own it! Following the comments and emails wanting us to make a Keep Calm & Pedal On jersey we thought it would be nice to give something back and let you choose what it says on the back. So for £70 you get the standard “Pedal On” text, but for an extra £10 you can have any 10 characters you want! So “Keep Calm Eat Cake” “Keep Calm Drink Tea” or even “Keep Calm Kick Ass” are all now possible!!!
Orders being take now (pre-order), delivery expected by end of August 2011. Available in Men’s and Women’s sizes from Small to XL.
Head here to see and order…
Peloton Price is Right! Posted on 1 Jul 2011 by Ed
With the tour due to start tomorrow, anticipation has reached fever pitch here at Milltag HQ. So much so that we’ve gone a little crazy and devised a competition with the only winner, you the loyal customer.
Here’s how it works
We already have our Wiggo and Cav jerseys, but we have assigned the other 10 Milltag jerseys to our favourite riders in this year’s Tour de France, a kind of Milltag fantasy pro team if you will. The team is made up of 4 GC contenders, 4 all rounders and time trial specialists, 2 sprinters and 2 super domestiques. Here’s a list of the riders, the jersey they are riding for and their category;
B Wiggins Wiggo II (GC)
M Cavendish Manx Missile [...]
Twitter 1000th follower Giveaway Posted on 1 Jul 2011 by Ed
We hit 1,000 this week and to celebrate we are giving away a jersey, print and stickers to one lucky person.
And that person is….drum-roll please…… Jon Griffin aka @JontyGriff from Ramsgate in Kent.
Please DM me Jon and I’ll get the goodies off to you. Well done.
The next milestone will be 5,000 and we’ll do it all again.
Keep Calm and Pedal On Posted on 29 Jun 2011 by Ed
I’ve been asked by a couple of people whether we might do a “Keep Calm & Carry On” jersey as per the GB Legends series and I’d like you to decide.
Here’s what the jersey would look like:
Just add a vote by commenting at the bottom of the post and if there’s enough interest then I’ll get it up for pre-sale and get it made. Over to you.
Draw a Bike for a Charity Tee Posted on 24 Jun 2011 by Ed
Sadly, due to family illness, the Draw a Bike project will not be used to produce a print for Artcrank London in August.
Instead, we have decided to extend the entry period till later in the year and then produce a T-shirt with all the drawings on. Then, all the proceeds will then be going to Cancer Research.
So, whether you class yourself as an artist or think you can’t draw for toffee, we want you to email in a drawing of a bike (my quick sketch is above) and as it’s for charity there is NO EXCUSE.
Email me (ed@milltagcc.com) with your picture (one colour please) by the end of July (or post on our Facebook) and we’ll then produce a screenprint with every bike on it. We will also produce an [...]
Bowthorpe rides 670KM in 24 hours Posted on 17 Jun 2011 by pete
Our man James Bowthorpe managed to clock up a stonking 670km during his 24 hour roller ride in the window of Look Mum No Hands yesterday. Chapeau to you sir, a legendary performance and glad Milltag could be part of it….er, you can keep that Tommy jersey by the way.
He was originally aiming to complete 300 miles (500km) but i guess he must have got carried away – come on, we’ve all done it, and added an extra 170km just for the hell of it. ID magazine were covering the event so we’re looking forward to seeing the Milltag range in all it’s glory, JB very kindly offered to road (roller?) test a few for the ride.
Respect is due.
You can also listen to The Bike Show’s interview with James on [...]
A Trail of Two Cities Posted on 17 Jun 2011 by pete
There are plenty of cycling blogs out there, including my own modest contribution to the genre here on the Milltag site but rarely do I find one that as entertaining, witty and evocative as this one. It records a recent trip from Paris to London, nothing so special about that except when you realise they are doing in on Penny Farthings!
What elevates this tale above the ordinary though is the authors’ musings on life, cycling, continental breakfasts as such like. Here’s a little taster –
“Todays’ ride was the best so far, we battled out of the Etap after a Spartan breakfast that would have been considered being put on a ‘special diet’ in Colditz, the drizzle lubricated our bearings and we were off up the N1 trying to get to [...]
Bristol Handmade Bike Show 2011 Posted on 13 Jun 2011 by pete
A big thank-you to everyone who came along and said hello over the weekend, the show was a great success – small but perfectly formed. It was a pleasure to share the stand with our comrades from Brother, the frame and jersey collaboration looked awesome – the best in show (in a category of one). Special thanks to Will and James for manning the Milltag station in Ed’s absence, rest assured he was texting hourly from his secret poolside location. Finally, thanks to the junior Milltag team Jack and Sol for doing a sterling job promoting our wares. Here’s a couple more images of the show…
Comrade by Brother x Milltag Posted on 6 Jun 2011 by Ed
A teaser of what you can expect when the collaboration with Brother Cycles is unveiled in full at Bespoked Bristol this weekend.
Design by Milltag.
24hr Cycling Freak at Look Mum… Posted on 6 Jun 2011 by Ed
We are very proud to have joined forces with James Bowthorpe and his latest adventures, starting with design and jerseys for a 24hr cycle in the window of Look Mum No Hands next week! Here’s all you need to know about the event:
…BOWTHORPE RIDES AGAIN!… ROUND THE WORLD MAN BECOMES WINDOW DRESSING FOR 24 HOURS
Have you ever seen someone give a talk after they’ve been cycling for 24 hours non-stop? Here’s your chance.
James Bowthorpe will be cycling for 24 hours straightin the window of Look Mum No Hands! on Old Street, starting at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15th of June and finishing at 7.30pm on Thursday 16th June. He is aiming to ride 300 miles in the 24 hour period.
The start date is no coincidence – in one year’s time James will [...]
Desktop Peloton Posted on 6 Jun 2011 by Ed
I recently found these figures on Ebay and upon winning the auction found the seller to have recently bought a couple of our jerseys!
Paul currently sells the figures only on Ebay (here), but hopefully we can help him get him his own website in due course. In addition, we are discussing the possibility of doing some Milltag specials in due course. Stay tuned!
At Bespoked Bristol this week Posted on 2 Jun 2011 by Ed
I’ve mentioned it a few times already on here but it’s worth drawing your attention once more to our debut stand (with Brother Cycles) at Bespoked Bristol
Opening to the public on Saturday 11th-12th June, we will be showing off all our wears and you will be able to try them on before you buy! As a special incentive to get down there, we are planning special show only sale prices on all the jerseys so you could save some cash on the normal online price.
Also, and perhaps more importantly, the Brother Cycles x Milltag collaboration get’s it’s premier and with a fair few promo items hanging around the Milltag office at the moment it may be worth getting to our stand early to see what you could bag.
Unfortunately, not all [...]
Unknown Pleasures Posted on 1 Jun 2011 by pete
Well, I did indeed survive the beast but don’t think I tamed it, more likely it tamed me. This was the hardest ride I have ever done and gives me plenty to ponder in the coming months. But, as all good ride reports should, I should start at the beginning.
Saturday morning, 4am alarm call, the usual drill except this time the starting point is Waltham Abbey in Essex rather than the now familiar Chalfont, adding the necessary 80km to the route to bring it up to and over the required distance for a PBP qualification ride. A smaller field of 50 or so this time, a determined looking bunch if ever I saw one. A ragged start at just after 6am and we were away, and I soon found myself [...]
PROJECT BIKE SHOP is go! Posted on 31 May 2011 by Ed
Here at Milltag, we think it’s about time we celebrated the true heroes of cycling.
Forget your Tour Riders.
Forget your Rainbow Stripe wearers.
Forget your Medal Winners.
We’re talking, of course, about the true champions of the chainset, the princes of the puncture repair kit, our saviours in so many times of need.
In recognition for the sterling work they so tirelessly toil over to keep us on the road, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to finally honour the humble local bike shop.
“Project Bike Shop” is an opportunity for local bike shops across the world to collaborate with us and have a limited edition jersey produced.
How it works
We will work with bike shops together with a local artist to design a jersey celebrating the shop and local area. The template for the jersey [...]
Jeff Parr Velo Art Posted on 27 May 2011 by Ed
I’ve been meaning to mention Jeff of a while now as he has a few Giro inspired pieces on show at Look Mum No Hands and every time I see them I fall more in love with them.
Capturing pro-cycling through art is never easy – the bicycle is often quoted as one of the most tricky things to draw, along with horses and hands, however, I digress – Jeff manages to achieve this so well. I sincerely recommend if you are in London to head to LMNH and see them in person, they are beautiful and painstakingly detailed.
You can see more of Jeff’s work at www.jeffparr-veloart.com
Brother x Milltag Posted on 27 May 2011 by Ed
Another taster of the collaboration between ourselves and Brother Cycles ahead of the Bespoked Bristol show in two weeks time. The jerseys are done and the frame is currently being finished….
Patisserie Cyclisme Posted on 26 May 2011 by Ed
As a cyclist who likes his food I love this site started by Louise McCall: Patisserie Cyclisme
As she says: “Over the last few months I have got to know lots of fantastic cyclists from all around the country, we all share a love of the bike but also the cake and the coffee, so I thought it might be good to pool ideas, reviews, routes and good tech services and shops on Posterous as it’s a great platform. Twitter is great but here we can add more in depth info, cakes and hopefully plot an interactive map along the way.”
Next time you plan a ride, make sure you check there’s a decent cake vendor on the way, there’s even an interactive map!
LFGSS 2011 Jersey Posted on 26 May 2011 by Ed
We recently completed a run of jerseys for the London Fixed Gear & Single Speed Forum and here it is in all its glory.
Designed by Matt Giordano-Bibby as an homage to WWII fighter pilot jackets, it features all the usual Milltag features and is made with our new Eschler fabric.
Don’t forget that if you want us to produce any number of custom jerseys for your club, charity or whatever, just get in touch with me at ed@milltagcc.com and we can get you decked out, I’ll even help you with the design (no other jersey company will do that for you!) Click on the Design? tab above for more details and to download our template and do some design yourself.
A hard day on the iron horse Posted on 23 May 2011 by pete
We all love being out on our bikes – the open road, the sense of purpose, the glorious weather…wait a moment. Anyone who was out this weekend might be wondering where summer went to, seems like we’ve fast forwarded straight to late Autumn and as for that wind, God help me next week on my final qualifier if it’s anything like that for the 300 kms out to Taunton. Anyway, I made it out on Sunday and revisited much of the Silly 50 route that caused me so much trouble back in March, this time without the same anguish so a couple of thousand km’s of riding since then seems to have paid off. Next weekend it’s the Beast From The East, my final 600km PBB qualifier. Expect a ride [...]
