and 50p for a chainring bolt, giving a total of £58.40. Add that to the £180 purchase price and I spent £238.40, which was only slightly over my original bike budget. Remember to source extras as locally as possible - to save on postage and petrol fees

When it comes to triathlon kit, the bike is likely to be your biggest single purchase. Don't be surprised if your eye is drawn toward top-of-the-range time-trial bikes with exquisitely sculpted carbon frames, swooping aero bars and deep-section carbon wheels. They are beautiful-l...

"I'm trying to lose weight, so I always eat breakfast and just have fruit for lunch. But I come home from work quite hungry, and crash if I go for a run before dinner. Any suggestions for a quick energy hit that doesn't involve lots of calories?" – RutjosnabetYour answers...I cou...

STOCKING FILLERS (under £10) PaceTat, £1.99 (or free if you submit two reviews on www.ransacker.co.uk) www.pacetat.com Make sure you never lose track of your time with the ingenious PaceTat. The temporary tattoo won't chafe and will withstand limitless rain and sweat, but washes...

X-Tenex Laces (£9.00)Kerry says: This week's Gear Pick is a great budget-friendly pre-payday treat. They may look simple (and colourful) but these inexpensive elastic knotted laces could transform your running. Simply lace up the trainers and use

Weight 352gEvaluation Shock! The Saucony Jazz 5000, which has been a budget mainstay of Saucony’s range for six years, has been dropped. The good news: the new budget mainstay is virtually indistinguishable. It has exactly the same soft, cushioned

Weight 350gEvaluation If you liked last year’s Wave Phoenix – and there’s every reason you would have done – you’ll enjoy the 2001 version. This protective, supportive budget shoe keeps the same thick, cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and fan

the midfoot – but you wouldn’t go out of your way to find it. And as Avia is currently a small company with limited distribution, you probably would have to go out of your way.In short The 257 is fine, but basic. Against other budget cushioned shoes, it

onto the medial side, it belies its ‘budget’ status. As you’d expect, the ride is simple and unfussy, and not as smooth or responsive as more expensive models. It’s certainly not a shoe for high-mileage runners, or anyone other than a neutral to mild

Weight 319gEvaluation Asics is a past master at producing sturdy, no-frills budget trail shoes. Models such as the Gel Guts and Trespass were perfect for runners who did a bit of trail running, but didn't want to spend a fortune. The Trail Attack