The Bicycle Club

The bicycle was introduced in the 19th century in Europe by German Inventor Karl von Drais. He is credited with developing the first bicycle. He introduced it to the people in Paris in 1818. It is supposed to originate from the human-powered vehicle called Draisines. Drais invented a walking machine that would help him get around the royal gardens faster. It was known by many names, including the “velocipede,” “dandy horse,” “hobby-horse,” “draisine” and “running machine. It had no pedals and its frame was a wooden beam. It had two same-size in-line wheels with the front one steerable and mounted in a frame which was straddled. In 1839, Kirkpatrick MacMillan, a Scottish blacksmith, allegedly completed construction of a pedal driven…

Tadej Pogaar Talks Before the Season Start: The World champion, Tadej Pogaar, started his season in his team’s ‘home’ race on Monday, the UAE Tour. Before he kicked off his 2025 season, the Slovenian took time to answer questions from his UAE Emirates XRG team. With thanks to Matthew Greene of CSM Sport & Entertainment.The start of the 2025 season for Tadej Pogaar in the UAE TourTadej your 2024 season was absolutely remarkable. Now that youve had time to reflect over the off-season, how would you describe last year as a whole?“It was an incredible season, one I will always cherish. From the very start, I felt strong, and everything seemed to click into place. When I look back now…

In this weeks AIRmail newsletter, The Outer Line takes an in-depth look at trending cycling news: Women’s sport at a turning point, more on CO rules, continuing safety concerns, impact of tariffs on bike industry, double whammy of race attendance requirements and budget caps.# Catch up on pro cycling and its context within the broader world of sports with AIRmail Analysis, Insight and Reflections from The Outer Line. You can subscribe to AIRmail here, and check out The Outer Lines extensive library of articles on the governance and economics of cycling here. #Key Takeaways:Reaching a Tipping Point in Womens SportClarification on Carbon Monoxide RulesSafety Disaster at Etoile de BessgesTariff Impacts on Bike Industry?Combined Impact of Racing Requirements and Budget Caps?Optimal…

Our world of cycling literature tends towards realism, with not much in the way of fiction. Years after its publication in 1978 Tim Krabb’s The Rider still remains at the top of the list of novels about cycling, with honourable mention for The Yellow Jersey by Ralph Hurne, which appeared in 1973. The latter has even attracted attention from Hollywood screenwriters but has never developed further. In a sport that never lacks for grand spectacle and human drama, maybe reality somehow trumps the imagination but one can still write fiction that transcends the sports novel and addresses greater questions.A fine example of this is Dear Hugo, by British author/Italian resident Herbie Sykes. Sykes is a fine writer of non-fiction cycling…

UNIT 1 has taken a break from creating truly beautiful bike helmets to the step into the world of commuter backpacks. And with the UNIT 1 Torch Urban Backpack, they’ve delivered on its promise as a premium commuter daypack with several standout features that make it a strong choice for urban cyclists and travelers alike. Here’s my detailed take on this backpack: Comfort and Wearability The Torch Urban Backpack is exceptionally comfortable to wear. Compared to other backpacks I’ve used, the padding on the back and shoulder straps feels notably thicker and more supportive, making it easier to carry for extended periods without strain. Additionally, the chest strap is a thoughtful inclusion, helping to distribute the weight more evenly, especially…

For urban cyclists, safety is paramount. Navigating busy streets, sharing lanes with vehicles, and responding to unpredictable situations make cycling in cities both exhilarating and challenging. The concept of Active Safety is emerging as a transformative approach to making cycling not only safer but also smarter and more enjoyable. At its core, Active Safety focuses on preventing accidents before they happen, ensuring visibility, predictability, and protection at every stage of a cyclist’s journey. Pioneers in Active Safety Innovation At the forefront of bringing Active Safety to life is UNIT 1, an urban cycling brand bringing commuter accessories like helmets and backpacks, to life. Baked into their gear is lighting systems, and crash-response technology, exemplifies how Active Safety principles can be…

Cycling has long been hailed as the ultimate eco-friendly and health-conscious mode of transportation. Yet, despite the growing emphasis on sustainability and urban mobility, bicycle production in the European Union has seen a significant drop. In 2023, EU member states produced 9.7 million bicycles—a sharp 24% decrease from the 12.7 million produced in 2022. What’s causing this surprising downturn, and does it signal the end of the cycling revolution? The Numbers Behind the Decline According to Eurostat’s latest data, bicycle production declined in 14 of the 17 EU countries that reported figures for 2023. Notably, some of the largest producers experienced the steepest declines: Romania: A drop of 1 million units, bringing total production down to 1.5 million. Italy: A…

Let’s dive straight in: the Tenways CGO600 Pro truly stands out in the realm of urban e-bikes. This sleek, minimalist e-bike showcases Tenways’ commitment to designing a bike that doesn’t just excel in performance but also looks stunning. Its refined lines and subtle design make it a visual treat, ideal for city dwellers who value both function and style in equal measure. What sets the CGO600 Pro apart is how “normal” it feels when compared to other electric bikes. Tenways CGO600 Pro Review Range Terrain Style Value Quality 4.3 Summary The Tenways CGO600 Pro is a stylish, minimalist e-bike ideal for urban commuters. It delivers a natural, smooth ride, resembling a traditional bike, with steady motor assistance. Despite being single-speed,…

The LANKELEISI X3000 MAX is an absolute powerhouse of a bike, designed to tackle any terrain with ease while offering practical features that make it ideal for everyday use. If you’re looking for something that’s robust and versatile, this bike should be high on your list. One of the standout features of the X3000 MAX is its durability. This is an extremely robust bike, built to withstand the rigors of both off-road adventures and urban commuting. LANKELEISI X3000 MAX Review Range Terrain Style Value Quality 4.4 Summary A folding fat bike with a monster range. This really is a great all-rounder and has been built with lots of smart features that also make it an unlikely contender for people taking…