Category: Bike Gear

Demand for folding bikes has boomed over the last couple of decades. Although they still make up a relatively small part of the UK market (around 4% of bikes sold), global sales are predicted to exceed 1.6 billion US dollars by 2028. There was a time in the not-so-distant past when a folding bike was a curiosity. Now, they are commonplace, particularly in cities where they’re a clear winner among many urban commuters. But although they seem like a recent phenomenon, folding bikes have actually been around for over a century – the first models being used by the military. But the first significant modern folding bike was the Stowaway, introduced by Raleigh in 1971. Fast forward to the 80s,…

Commuting into a place of work or study is becoming more appealing, and also necessary. City officials recognise the needs of those of us who travel by bicycle more closely than ever, and promotion of the health benefits associated with riding are now seen and shared everywhere. Traffic infrastructure is being specifically designed with urban riding and commuting in mind. The global pandemic forced a boom in cycling as a form of public transportation. There have been signs of this slowing, but the uptick in people getting on their bike for the first time is gaining momentum. Safe passage and a secure feeling created by improved (and linked) riding networks for people commuting by bicycle has never been better, and…

Cycling can reduce thigh and belly fat as well as benefiting the circulation of blood around the body, strengthening the heart and other muscles and increasing the metabolism. It is a low-resistance exercise which means it puts less pressure on the joints than running, walking or jogging. The visible results of cycling on fat reduction will depend upon a host of factors. But riding is proven to burn fat. Lifestyle, diet, birth gender and genetics can all influence the start and endpoints of taking fat from the belly and the thighs.  We have previously considered other physical benefits of cycling here – and on the cardiovascular system, blood circulation plus its influence on other known diseases. Cycling Fat Loss Fat…

When it comes to bike accessories, there’s stuff you use and stuff you don’t. Every now and then a new invention pops up that seems really cool – and it usually is – but the truth is, after a couple of rides, you just stop using it. Life tends to follow the path of least resistance and cycling is no different. If you can ride without it, you will. Bicycle indicators, I’m looking at you. Handlebar cup holders, you too. Welcome to the graveyard of cycling novelty items. Are Bike Cup Holders Pointless? But with regards to my latter example, why is that so? Probably the thing that has prevented bike cup holders from being common place is that most…

Whatever your beverage of choice, be it a delicious steaming hot coffee, a refreshing juice or something fizzy, a drink can be a lovely addition to your journey to work, or any other cycling trip. We seem to do a lot of activities as we cycle to work nowadays that we never used to, many of which involve using a smartphone. And as it’s become perfectly acceptable to multi-task as you cycle, why not have a drink on the go, too? That said, the last thing you want is your cappuccino spilling all over your legs, or having to navigate traffic and junctions with one hand. This is why, if you are taking a drink on your bike, you’ll need…

Cycling is well known to provide physical and mental health benefits. Overall wellbeing is helped by a positive boost to your mind, body and soul. Focusing on the body workout part, cycling is an aerobic, resistance activity which tones your core and lower muscles. Your arms get a workout too. What Muscles Are Worked While Cycling?  The main muscles activated while cycling are below the waist, but we also derive some benefit to the core and arms. Our power comes mainly from the glutes, the quadriceps, the calves, the hamstrings and the hip flexors. Balance and stability to deliver the power works the biceps, triceps and abs. No two people are the same but this guide puts forward a template…

Although cycling is a fantastic pastime, a way to keep fit and mode of transport many people will find at some point, they develop pain in their nether regions due to their saddle and the many issues they can unfortunately cause you. Butt (apologies I just couldn’t help myself) we no longer live in the olden times when saddles were just made from leather and metal without much variation: these days there’s a lot on the market regarding saddles and other products to help ease any issues that may arise.  Saddle Soreness: Bike Seat Hurts Butt Many of you, if not all reading this, will at some point have experienced soreness from being on a bike saddle. This soreness can…

Cycling to work is positive in so many ways. It’s free, healthy, sustainable, and we know that exercise is also great for lowering stress levels and improving mental health. If you’re new to it, be rest assured that cycling to work does get easier over time. Soon you’ll be fitter, healthier, and your route will feel like second nature. But doing the same journey every day at the same time can, for some, become repetitive. According to statistics there are still only around 4% of commuting trips being made by bike in the UK. While some cyclists are completely content with their own thoughts during their commute, others may want something else to entertain, stimulate or relax them. And if…