Vicky Balfour
Vicky rediscovered a love of cycling as an adult and relishes the joyful freedom it brings. She went on to train as a bike mechanic while working at her local bike shop, before branching out into event mechanics and teaching. Vicky now combines freelance writing with bike restoration and volunteering at her local Limitless cycling group. A passionate advocate for inclusive cycling and the benefits cycling can bring to all, Vicky is often out with members of her extended family on a range of different adaptive cycles. She is regularly seen swapping between her rigid fork adventure bike, enduro full suss, Brompton or her restored 40-year old school bike.
Recent articles by Vicky Balfour
Your tech questions answered | Why don't bike manufacturers adopt a universal system for aligning the stem in the correct position?
Having your handlebar misaligned, even by a degree or two, can cause a big headache
Your tech questions answered | How do I clean my chain and cassette?
The best products to use and what to avoid
Your tech questions answered | Is it safe to ride a road bike on gravel tracks?
Can a road bike cope with the rigours of gravel riding?
Your tech questions answered | Can you adapt non-Boost wheels to fit a new Boost frame? Yes – but it's complicated
Symmetrical and asymmetric adaptor kits explained, plus a history lesson on axle spacing standards
Your tech questions answered | Why electric bike tuning kits could put you on the wrong side of the law and void your warranty
What UK law says about tuning kits, plus information from Shimano about how they could affect your ebike’s warranty
Your tech questions answered | What is the best kind of bike for someone with Parkinson's disease? Electric bikes, hybrids and trikes compared
From step-through hybrids to recumbent trikes, we explore the best options for riders with Parkinson’s and other mobility challenges
Your tech questions answered | Should I buy a gravel or road bike as my do-it-all bike?
Can a gravel bike do everything?
The best places for family-friendly mountain biking in the UK – read our comprehensive trail centre guide
Where to take your family cycling on traffic-free forest trails in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
How to start mountain biking: an absolute beginner's guide to MTB tech, gear and trails
From picking your first mountain bike to understanding essential kit and where to ride, this guide has everything you need to get started
Your tech questions answered | Are there any GPS watches that are good enough to replace a bike computer?
Can a smartwatch do the job of a bar-mounted GPS?
Your tech questions answered | How can I make shifting easier?
How to ensure your bike's gear changes are smooth and reliable
Your tech questions answered | Should I upgrade from a gravel bike to a hardtail MTB – and if so, which one?
How to spend £2,000 on a new hardtail
Your tech questions answered | Which four-piston brakes and rotors are compatible with my converted ebike?
How to increase stopping power after fitting an ebike conversion kit
Buyer’s guide to adaptive bikes: how they can transform the lives of disabled riders and their families
Everything you need to know about adaptive bikes, from the different types to how to buy one
Your tech questions answered | What the heck do mountain bikers wear under their shorts?
The pants question answered
Everything you ever wanted to know about tandem bicycles
Our in-depth guide has all the information you need to get started with a tandem
Buyer's guide to adult tricycles
Everything you need to know about adult tricycles, from the different types to where you can ride them
Review | Topeak Ninja Master+ Toolbox PT30
Everything you need, in one small package
Review | Park Tool MTB-5 Rescue Tool
Sturdy and practical multi-tool for mountain bikers
Review | Lezyne Rap II CO2 19 multi-tool review
Comprehensive multi-tool made from anti-corrosion coated aluminium
Review | Crankbrothers M19 multi-tool
The complete multi-tool from Crankbrothers
How to assemble a bike in 10 steps
New bike day is one of the best of the year, don’t let putting together the bike ruin the party
Review | Decathlon 500 Bike Workstand
Entry-level bike repair stand
Review | Lifeline Home Mechanic workstand
A simple and effective stand at a sensible price