Q. Some cycling-enthusiast friends are visiting me from the United States next summer. Is there a good general book about cycle touring in the UK you can recommend that would give me some ideas of where to take them?
AF, Hawick, Roxburghshire
A. You might start with The Ultimate UK Cycle Route Planner (£8.95, Excellent Books). It is a fold-out map that shows 16,500 miles of signed leisure routes - including the Sustrans routes. The scale is too big for local navigation, but the map would give you some idea of areas where your friends could enjoyably tour and not have to battle with too much traffic.
Lonely Planet has recently republished Cycling Britain (£15.99), which is full of good suggestions about getting off the beaten track the length and breadth of the UK. And if you think your friends might enjoy touring around your home country, then Paul Lamarra's Ultimate Scottish Cycling Book (£14.99, Mainstream) is a great primer. There are more suggestions at cycling-books.com.
Q. I want to buy a bike to use both for on-road cycling to work and occasional off-road cycling holidays. Can you recommend one that will perform well for both? I have around £400 to spend.
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LT, southeast London
A. A hybrid bike that combines the gears and front suspension of a mountain bike with the practicality of a utility bicycle suggests itself. For getting to work and back, mudguards and a rack make a real difference, so look for one that has them already fitted, or to which they can be fitted. Raleigh's Metro GLX at £315 would serve you well - mudguards and rack are already in place. Or, if you want something that looks a bit more sporty, the Marin Kentfield, at £375, might suit your needs - but mudguards would be extra. Put slick tyres on for your commute. When your off-road holiday beckons, take off the mudguards and fit a pair of knobbly tyres.
Need some bike advice? Email cycledoc@sunday-times.co.uk