Guides

Can you build your own bike?

Ever looked at the range of bikes on offer and wished you could handpick components from different models and combine them into your own bespoke bike? With Planet X’s customisation options, you can. With this available on bikes from our ranges of roa

How to wash cycling clothes

By the time you’ve finished a long or exhilarating ride, cleaned and lubricated your bike and finally got back into your home, washing your cycling clothes might be the last thing on your mind. That little voice in your head tells you it can wait unt

Getting kitted out for cycling - what you need to know

Here at Planet X, we know how infuriating it can be to try to find good quality cycling gear without paying overinflated prices. Over the years, we’ve built up a community of cyclists both professional and amateur who love cycling just as much as we

Pedals: Fitting Instructions

There are many different types of pedals, flats, rat-traps, clip'n'straps, clipless, Shimano, SPD, Look compatible, Time Compatible and many others. But, they all have two things in common, they always come in pairs and each pedal only fits into one

Pedal Types Explained

Navigating the world of clipless and flat pedals can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re looking for. It can help to understand the purpose of each type of pedal and how they differ from one type of bike to another. Choosing the wrong type of ped

How much and when to drink when riding

How to pack your bike for bikepacking

How to Prepare for Cycle Touring

Want to go on a bike tour this summer? Learn some tricks and techniques to help you prepare for the journey below, from choosing the right bike to packing wisely. But first, let’s make it clear what exactly we mean when we talk about bike touring.  W

Can you repair Carbon Bike Frames?

If you’re a keen road cyclist, chances are you’ve considered getting a carbon fibre frameset to up your performance in road racing conditions. The material is lighter compared to metal alternatives, giving you the edge of reduced drag and increased s

What are the different types of mountain bikes?

With so many different mountain bikes out there, it can be difficult deciding which one is best for you. To make the right choice when buying your off-road bike, it helps to get to grips with the various types of mountain bike available. From hardtai

How many different types of bikes are there?

If you’re just getting started with your new cycling hobby, one of the first purchases you’ll likely make will be a bike. However, it’s not quite as simple as picking the first one you see. Bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and picking the right on

How do you measure a bike frame?

We’ve said before that getting a bike that is the right size for you is vital to ensuring you have the most successful and enjoyable ride possible. Whether you’re riding on the road or on rougher terrains, your performance will be affected if you’re

Does bike grease come out of clothes?

All cyclists know that bike grease can be a nightmare to get out of clothes. Whether you have to fix a dropped chain mid-ride or you get stuck into some bike maintenance at home, your heart might sink when you see those stubborn grease stains appear.

Cycling clothes - not just Lycra

If you’re looking to get started with cycling on a budget, it’s understandable to want to cut costs wherever you can. One area you might be tempted to do so with is cycling clothing. After all, do you really need a whole new set of clothes just for r

You don't need expensive gear to progress

Improving your cycling performance can feel impossible at times. You’re ready and willing to step it up a gear, but your bank account slams on the brakes at the cost of that flash new gear you’ve got your eye on. No matter how much you think it would

Where is my bike frame number?

Nobody likes to think about their possessions going missing or being stolen, but it’s important to prepare for that eventuality to give yourself the best possible chance of recovering your belongings. One thing you can do to improve your chances of f

Carbon Vs Titanium

Titanium tubing offers a magical combination of efficiency and compliance.  Giving a resilient ride on rough surfaces that smooths out and absorbs road buzz and small bumps alike.  Larger diameter tubing provides a brilliant balance of stiffness to e

Sram Rival 1 VS Force 1

We love 1x drivetrains here at Planet X. A number of the advantages of a 1 x drivetrain come from the simplicity of the system. You don’t get chain rub, your bike is quieter, and there is less chance of dropping the chain on bumpy terrain. As a resul

Unboxing your new Road/Gravel Bike

Once you receive your bike from us it will be delivered as the picture shows, simple assembly is required. Remove the packing from the bike, and fit the seatpost. Please ensure you tighten this to the recommended torque setting using a torque wrench.

Setting up your new bike

Once you have your beautiful new bike at home it's time to get it set up before taking it out for the first ride. Getting the saddle height and levers set up correctly will make all the difference to riding comfort whilst on that all-day epic. Also,

How to go Bikepacking

When it comes to planning your next bikepacking adventure setup, the options are vast. It really is up to you. Freedom is at the core of the bikepacking and each setup is as unique as the adventurer using it. What bike do I take?. Where do I go?. How

What is Bikepacking

Bikepacking in essence is the combination of backpacking and bicycle riding. Similar to cycle touring, bikepacking trips are self-supported with stops at chosen spots along the way for rest and food. Bikepacking is slightly different to cycle touring

What is a gravel Bike

Gravel bikes have become massively popular in recent years probably due to their versatility and the different riding opportunities they offer. A gravel bike is essentially a drop-bar bike that has been designed to be as capable on the road as it is

How to unbox your new mountain bike

Once you receive your bike from us it will be delivered as the picture shows, simple assembly is required. Remove the packing from the bike and fit the front wheel. Once the front wheel is fitted and correctly tightened, place the bike either in a wh

How to Plan a Bikepacking Route

Finding out how to plan a bikepacking route is often a case of trial and error. Something you develop over many successful (and failed) adventures. You include bits of a trip you like and leave out the parts you didn’t. This said there are certain th

Campagnolo eKar

Born on Mt Ekar, the 13-speed Campagnolo Ekar is not a conventional groupset. Ekar is the world’s lightest gravel groupset: reliable, durable & fast. With a wide range, close ratio and no compromise, Ekar is designed from the ground up to give you th

Print your invoice via the website.

To print a copy of your invoice simply log into your account on planetx.co.uk, click the account icon in the top right hand corner. click on the download invoice button next to the order in your order history. This will download your invoice in PDF f

What is the max chainring I can use?

Frame Mech Hangers Directory

FrameMech HangerMTBBootzipperhttps://www.planetx.co.uk/products/on-one-frame-replacement-rear-mech-hanger-1?variant=43837873094886Wrekkerhttps://www.planetx.co.uk/products/replacement-rear-mech-hanger-for-titanium-frame-models?variant=43837878108390V

Sram Shifter recall

Following recent communication from SRAM regarding the voluntary recall of specific models of SRAM eTap AXS shifter brake levers. We would like to reassure our customers that this recall does not affect any shifters sold by Planet X, as part of a com