Crossword: Challenge yourself with our latest crossword on the theme of bike parts

Let’s be honest — we can’t all be out riding all of the time. Work gets in the way, the bike’s in bits on the stand, and right now, with the UK and big chunks of Europe sitting under a proper heatwave, actually turning the pedals feels less like a plan and more like a heatstroke risk assessment. When the trails are baked to dust and the tarmac’s gone tacky, sometimes the wisest move is to find some shade, get a cold drink within reach, and exercise the one part of you that won’t overheat: your brain.

So here’s our latest mountain bike crossword to see you through until the sun clocks off. Every clue points to a bike part — from the obvious stuff to the fiddly little bits you only think about when they break — and we’ve thrown in a handful of cryptic clues to make you earn it. There’s a hidden word tucked away in the grid as well, for anyone who likes a puzzle inside their puzzle.

Our crosswords are back for good, and this one’s a gentle re-entry: free for everyone, and purely for fun. From next week they get tougher, turn into a subscriber-only treat, and start carrying prizes for whoever can crack the hidden word. Consider this your warm-up lap — preferably somewhere with a fan on.

Play this week’s crossword

We will publish the solution in our next weekly word newsletter heading to inboxes on Friday.

And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you want to be in with a chance of winning a pair of new tyres from Kenda every month.

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