Happy Halloween one and all.
But more importantly, which cycling-inspired spook are you dressing up as tomorrow night? Bradley Wiggins’s lost jiffy bag? The stone that crashed Tadej Pogačar at the Vuelta? 2021 Mark Padun? Or the ghost of the Specialized Venge?
Regardless, we’ve been busy writing articles rather than carving pumpkins here at Cyclist this week, and even though the pro season is well and truly over, we’ve been busy feeling all nostalgic over the 2026 season. Robyn has rounded up her breakthrough riders this season, while I’ve put together my women’s team of the year. That said, we’ve still got an eye on 2027 after last week’s Tour de France route reveal. Call the bookies, because we have our picks for all stage winners and jersey wearers at both the men’s and women’s race.
Meanwhile, over in the audio world, Robyn was joined by Matt Stephens on the Cyclist Magazine Podcast earlier this week to discuss all things pro racing and his own story, from rider to commentator and TV pundit.
However, now it’s time to get spooky – time to get Ahoogy – and get into the drops. I promise that’ll make more sense in approximately two seconds’ time.
Ahooga A-Max folding bike
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
If there’s anyone you should trust with bikes, it’s the Belgians. So move over Brompton, it’s time for the continent to do folding bikes.
A month ago, I got my hands on Brussels-based brand Ahooga’s folding bike, named the A-Max. I’ve been putting it through its paces on my 10km commute and zipping about London. That’s not to say it hasn’t been hoofed through a few Tube stations in recent weeks too – I blame the cooling temperatures.
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
Ahooga’s only non-electric fold-up bike is called the A-Max, and it’s claimed to boast ‘the smallest fold on 20-inch wheels’.
Yes, the A-Max crumples down to dimensions of 72cm x 69cm x 37cm, thanks to its tri-fold system. Unlike some Brompton folds, the A-Max ditches any spinning levers and hinges and instead trusts a big clip around the top tube, decorated with the silhouette of Brussels’s Atomium.
The rear end is similar to a Brompton though, with a spinning lock under the seat post junction to allow the bike to be tucked into the frame, ready to be pushed about the platform of Liverpool Street station.
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
The unique 20-inch wheels make this more agile than some folding rides, and its chunky tyres make this very towpath and off-road friendly. Those wheels, along with a large chainring, support claims that the A-Max requires ‘the same effort as on a standard bike’.
However, what sets the Ahooga apart from the Brompton is the triangular frame and ‘BMX-inspired’ geometry. The triangular shape and hinge-free tube hinges make the bike more structurally sound according to Ahooga. The lack of hinge in particular is said to make the mainframe much stiffer and sturdier because the frame is in one piece, meaning ‘it will never flex or break when pedalling’.
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
On a weight front, the A-Max’s lightest build tips the scales 13kg, around 1kg lighter than Brompton’s similar-looking G Line, despite the A-Max’s chunkier tubes. This is attributed again to the bike’s hinge-free frame, which allows the Ahooga to bypass the heavy reinforcements often needed to guarantee stiffness in this part of the bike.
The model I’ve been riding, pictured here, comes to 14kg, although that might be worth it for Shimano’s Alfine rear hub. While heavier, the eight-speed internal gear hub results in a cleaner look and lower maintenance, which is ideal for a commuter bike.
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
The A-Max comes with two gearing choices, either Alfine or a traditional eight-speed cassette, but there’s just one choice of frame size. However, there’s a clamp to adjust handlebar height, so it’s hardly a restriction. Starting this year, you can also customise the paintjob, frame decals and even add your name on the top tube.
To make the commute even more of a breeze, the E-Max is essentially the same bike but with a discreet battery tucked away inside the usually hollow top tube. The logo on the front also lights up in those versions, giving it a little razzmatazz. If that’s got you thinking, check out our review of the E-Max on Cycling Electric.
Magicshine Purple Collection lights
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
Since the sun now seems to set just moments after lunchtime, I’ve been riding the Ahooga with this trusty pairing of lights from Magicshine’s Purple Collection. A tribute to Prince, I imagine.
On the front, we’ve got the Evo 1700 UT, which is more of a performance light than a commuter one.
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
You guessed it, this bad boy delivers 1700 lumens with an impressive 206m claimed beam distance. That beam is automotive-grade, according to Magicshine, and its flashing patterns can be customised on the Magicshine app.
The light hangs from your computer mount and can be paired with other devices, including your rear light, using ANT+ and FTR LightSync. You can also hook the lights up to your Di2 groupset via the Shimano app. There, you can programme the buttons at the top of the hoods to control the light. Ingenious!
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
On the rear, I’ve been impressed by the ingeniously named Seemee 400. It’s weather-resistant, drop-tested and boasts a claimed 107 hours of battery life, all packed into an 80g unit.
Dual LEDs deliver up to 400 lumens, supported by the brand’s Optillumin lens and 360° OptiTracing halo for increased and extensive visibility. To boot, the light has five shining modes and offers a smart brake sensor to improve road presence.
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
The rear light comes with a mini quad-lock, which allows it to be clicked into place using either a strap around the seat post or a hanging rail that sits below your saddle.
Great Scottish Bike Rides by David Barter
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
Next year, Scotland will host the Tour de France’s Grand Départ. I’m sure you already know this, but Edinburgh’s Tour role has been flung back into the limelight over the past week following the full route reveal and the release of tickets for the Team Presentation outside the Castle.
So with all this cycling going on in Edinburgh next summer, I imagine a few of you sassenachs are planning on making a trip of it.
Luckily, David Barter has you sorted with his guide to Great Scottish Bike Rides, charting 25 breathtaking routes around Scotland, from Dumfriesshire to the North Highlands.
Cyclist/Ewan Wilson
It’s not all shortbread tin and sitting in North Coast 500 traffic. The book visits every corner of the country, balancing big hitters, like Bealach na Bà in Applecross, and those off the beaten track, like the Tweed Valley near Moffat.
It’s Cyclist-approved too, though only by coincidence. The book’s 20th route features a climb that’ll appear in Cyclist Issue 180, set to hit the shelves and door mats of the UK very soon.
Each of the 25 routes comes with its own map, profile and downloadable GPX file. That’s accompanied by a slice of local history, cycling lore and a taster of what’s to come on the ride – rain, probably, and midges around the time of the Tour de France.
What we’re into this week: Charlie Skien
Without sounding too much like Jools Holland, it’s time for music.
This month, I’m going to shout out Norwegian artist Charlie Skien (pronounced the same as Hollywood’s enfant terrible Charlie Sheen). The vocalist, who hails from a city called Skien, has just dropped a new single ahead of what can only be an expected album. His last record Det gjør ikke vondt ended up being my most played of 2025, so I have high expectations for what’s to come from this Scandinavian indie rocker.
Skien, real name Andreas Høvset, is also the frontman for the band Verdensrommet, who released their second album Siste Gang last month. I haven’t been in the drops since then, so consider this its time in the spotlight. For a taster, take a listen to the track ‘Stemmen Din’, which is bound to crop up near the top of my Spotify Wrapped this winter.