ROAD CYCLING IN THE BRECON BEACONS
Starting point what3words: incline.pioneered.exact
Distance: 50m (80km)
Riders: Paul
The Brecon Beacons - a panorama of sweeping valleys and mist-shrouded peaks. It’s a dream destination for cyclists, and Temple rider, Paul, took to this stunning terrain with his Temple Road 1. This sleek, high-performance bike proved itself as an ideal companion, tackling the winding roads and steep gradients with ease.
Into the Brecons & up to new heights…
In the quiet, cool morning air, the Brecon roads stretched ahead, the Temple Road 1 gliding smoothly through the first miles of rolling pavement, winding along the River Usk. With each gentle turn, the landscape slowly opened up, and Paul found himself easing into a rhythm, the early morning stillness a welcome shift from the usual rush of city life. Soon, the route began to climb as the road cut through woodland near Groesffordd, where the Reynolds 853 steel frame - the highest grade of heat-treated steel - came into its own.
Lightweight yet incredibly resilient, this frame responds to each pedal stroke, propelling you forward and making steep gradients feel surmountable, inviting you to savour the gradual work of the ascent for a genuinely rewarding ride.
GEARING UP FOR GREATNESS
As the road steepened further towards Pen-y-Crug, the Shimano Ultegra DI2 Groupset came into play. This powerful 12-speed system, featuring a 50-34 crankset and an 11-30 cassette, made light work of the rising landscape. Climbing steadily, Paul rode past old stone farmhouses and sheep-dotted fields, where the first panoramic views of the Brecon peaks appeared through the mist. On these rougher surfaces, the hand-built Hunt Four Season Pro wheelset provided Paul with excellent balance and support. Their tubeless-ready design absorbing minor road imperfections for a smoother journey.
The road back home
After reaching the summit near Talgarth and pausing to take in the stunning landscape, Paul continued venturing down the unfolding path which quickly transitioned into a thrilling descent through narrow, winding roads. The Temple Road 1 truly shined here; equipped with Shimano MT800 disc brakes, it handled the twists and sharp drops effortlessly. With reliable stopping power, even on damp and moss-lined roads, the bike offered complete control. Paul could navigate his exhilarating descent with full confidence, knowing its reliable components and responsive design would keep him steady on every sloping ridge. The Panaracer Agilest tires gripped firmly, even on slick patches, bringing stability through each drop towards Llangorse.
Reaching the valley floor, the journey continued on the flatter, scenic backroads near Llanfihangel Tal-y-llyn. The secluded Welsh scenery provided a uniquely peaceful escape, with Paul’s journey away from the busy city filled only by the sound of his wheels on tarmac.
TOOLS FOR THE JOB
Set Up for Your Next Adventure
The Brecon Beacons offer a blend of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, and the Temple Road 1 is built to excel in these conditions. Designed with the spirit of the classic clubman in mind, this bike combines elegance with top-tier performance. Its Reynolds 853 frame and hand-built Hunt wheels balance resilience and agility, providing stability on both the challenging climbs and technical descents. Meanwhile, Shimano Ultegra components deliver smooth gear shifts and precise braking, making the Temple Road 1 as suited to tackling the steep climbs of Pen-y-Crug as it is to gliding through quiet valley roads near Llanfihangel.
SHOP ROAD CYCLING
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