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…

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…

The Engwe L20 is a versatile e-bike that seamlessly blends utility and comfort, making it an excellent choice for daily commuters and leisure riders alike. This bike stands out with its robust design, which balances practicality and style. Its sturdy frame, complete with a rear rack and wide tires, makes it perfect for carrying loads or cruising comfortably on varied terrains. The step-through design adds to its ease of use, especially for riders seeking a more accessible and comfortable ride. One of the highlights of the Engwe L20 is its powerful motor and battery combination. With a top speed of 25 km/h and a range that comfortably covers long city commutes or weekend adventures, this bike provides all the power…

The rapid growth of electric bikes in the last couple of years has created a bit of a grey area. In the past, it was a easy to tell the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle. Essentially: the presence of a motor. But with electric versions of both now commonplace, the line is becoming less distinct. In legal terms (in the UK at least) an electric bike is classified as an EAPC (“electrically assisted pedal cycle”) if it meets the following criteria: it’s power output doesn’t exceed 250W the power doesn’t propel the bike beyond 15.5mph shows the power output or manufacturer of the motor shows either the battery voltage or maximum speed If these criteria are met, it’s…

  The small company, Loop, with their two carefully designed, high-quality – but pricier – bike phone mounts have drawn our attention since they launched on Kickstarter a while back. We’ve had the Micro Mount, the smallest of their two two bike phone mounts in for review. Does the Micro Mount do the business? And should it be considered one of the best bike phone mounts available? Loop Micro Mount Key Features The majority of bike phone mounts have two drawbacks. First, they usually require you to purchase an accompanying phone case to mount the phone to your bike – not ideal if you’ve already got a case you like or don’t want your iPhone ensconced in a world of…