Category: Bike Gear

If you’ve decided to commute to work by bicycle, you might well be considering using a folding bike. As the name suggests, these are collapsible bikes that are compact and easy to transport, perfect for tucking away when you get to the office or if you don’t have much space to store a bike in your home. However, as folding bikes tend to have smaller frames and wheels than regular bikes, they are often stiffer and less shock-absorbent. They’re often considered less comfortable on bumpy surfaces and potentially more difficult to ride. This is why you should consider a folding bike with suspension, for better ease of cycling and improved comfort. At Discerning Cyclist, we’re here to help with our…

When you think of folding bikes, it’s likely that Brompton is the brand that first comes to mind. It was back in 1975 that the company’s founder, Andrew Ritchie, invented a bike with a three-part fold – a bike that could be transported anywhere and everywhere with ease. The rest is history. However, decades of premium precision engineering and innovation means the end product can cost a fair few bob, with Brompton bikes ranging from £850 to over £3,750, depending on the model. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality folding bike, it’s likely you’re considering a Brompton: the brand is universally recognised, the bikes are all built in the UK, and the design is now all but synonymous…

Bicycle tyres (or tires) are one of the most important parts of your ride. They are the only bit that touches the surface you travel along. They provide grip, comfort, puncture-resistance, and a certainty that you should be able to stay the right way up. How Often Do Bike Tyres Need to Be Replaced? Tyres need to be a reliable and hard-wearing component. Along with most other forms of transportation, the part which makes contact with the road surface is going to need to be replaced. An average bicycle tyre ridden on smooth surfaces, and kept correctly inflated, should last around 3,000 miles. Cycling is a very sustainable form of transportation, and even though parts like tyres need replacing there…

Helmets aren’t what they used to be. In yesteryear, their sole purpose was to protect your head in the event of a crash or fall. But the times, they are a-changin’. First the helmets got lighter and prettier – making them more appealing to wear. Which is great. But over the past few years, we’ve seen a new wave of smart bike helmets – which aim to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. The primary way this is achieved is by adding built-in lights (such as indicators and brake lights) so that cyclists can be better seen and their movements understood. And those are just some of the things that the Unit 1 FARO Smart Helmet can do….

Electric bicycles are fast-becoming a viable mode of transportation for many people of all cycling levels. They feel like conventional bikes to ride, but come with a small battery-powered motor that provides assistance while pedalling. Appealing for their ease of acceleration with less effort from the rider, e-bikes are being used more and more for commuting, tourism, sport, and leisure. According to the Confederation of the European Bicycling Industry, about five million e-bikes were sold in the UK and Europe in 2021. However it’s no secret that e-bikes come with a steep price tag that may shock first-time buyers. In this article we’ll break down why electric bicycles are so expensive, and what exactly you’re getting for your money.  How…

Belt chains have a myriad of advantages over their more traditional, chain counterparts. They’re quieter, offer a smoother ride and tend to last longer – not to mention requiring nearly zero maintenance! All of this comes at a cost, though, so belt drives are usually more expensive. Belt drives and foldable bikes are a powerful combination offering an even more convenient ride and letting you take your bike anywhere. Since these bikes are getting more popular, there’s a lot of choice. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are our top picks… Can You Get a Belt Drive on a Folding Bike? Yes! Belt drives are a popular choice on folding bikes. Unlike chains, belts can be virtually ignored…

When considering a new bike purchase, it’s usual to carefully consider a few important factors. One of these factors is likely the weight of the bike, which can often sway our final decision when choosing between a couple of options. This therefore is still going to be an important aspect when deciding upon an electric bike. So with that in mind, here’s a list of the lightest electric bikes currently available. Electric Bike Weight Electric bike weight may be a contributing factor as to why some people have been put off of purchasing or using one in the past. However, as they’ve become a solid option within the market, new technological advances have meant the weight at present is far…

Cycling is one of the healthiest activities you can do, however, there are still some persistent myths that suggest otherwise. Most of these are completely false, and in some cases the exact opposite is true! Read on as we bust the top cycling myths. “Cycling is Bad for Your Balls” This might be the most common myth of all – but there’s no evidence whatsoever to back it up! Can Cycling Reduce Sperm Count? You might have heard that continued pressure on your perineum reduces sperm count (due to decreased blood flow) but this link is purely hypothetical. In fact, cycling is more likely to increase your sperm count and your general reproductive health. That’s because frequent exercise, being active,…