Category: Bike Gear

What is the Best Time of Year to Buy a Bicycle?

Wondering where to start to buy a bicycle? It’s not complicated if you have a clear idea of what you want, have a budget, know what size frame suits your measurement, and know that it’s available for you to collect or to receive delivery of. If you’re disciplined enough to save money, and have a specific model in mind before the day that your piggy bank is brimming, I doff my cap to you. Most of us are in a perpetual whirlwind of advertising, dreams and reality-avoidance, biting at upgrade offers and being drawn in by new models, or the promise of new components. But when is the best time to buy a bicycle? We’ll try to put some context…

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3 Best Bike Saddles for Commuting [Find Your Perfect Seat]

Finding the best bike saddles for commuting is important. Apart from being uncomfortable, an ill-fitting saddle can also cause lower back problems, and can even give you a poor posture. Saddles that are too narrow don’t support the pelvis or bone structure, whereas an overly wide saddle causes the dreaded chafing. That’s not to mention saddle sores, and a range of other rarer problems including nerve damage to the perineum. The problem is even worse on the commute, which necessarily means you’ll be on your bike every day. A poorly fitted or poorly designed saddle will wreak havoc with your body, leaving you feeling tired before you’ve even reached the office. Finding the best bike saddle for commuting can seem…

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Types of Bike Locks (and Which is Best?)

Even the best bike lock cannot guarantee your bicycle will be waiting when you return to it. Over 100,000 were stolen per year in England and Wales from 2002 to 2021. As cycling becomes more popular as a commuting alternative, a marketplace for stolen models is created.  Thieves will look for the quickest and quietest way to take a bicycle. Find areas with CCTV, or near areas with security patrols. Check the area around you – abandoned single wheels are evidence of a popular area for bike thieves. Build in some time to your commute to find the safest spot. Find something immovable that you can legally attach it to. Attach the frame and wheels where possible. Avoid placing the…

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How Much Should I Spend on a Bicycle Helmet? [ANALYSIS]

Cycling is one of the most social media friendly pursuits in the world. It provides colour, incredible landscapes (urban or rural) and gives off a whiff of health and mental alacrity. It also provides frame after frame of cool shots, and images of movement, fun and dynamism. And fashion.  There is so much more clothing available to anyone who enjoys cycling than was around fifteen years ago, and in many more ranges too. Although there is some way to go in providing adequate and stylish clothing for every shape and size of body, the same cannot be said for bicycle helmets. The breadth of sizes, options, accessories, fashion, aerodynamics, and colours can all be subsumed by one factor. They have…

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VanMoof vs Cowboy [E-BIKE COMPARISON]

There’s no doubt about it. E-bikes are booming. By 2023, it’s expected that there could be around 300 million e-bikes in circulation worldwide. And as the phenomenon spreads, more and more brands are producing high-spec e-bikes for assisted urban riding and effortless commutes. The appeal of e-bikes, in a nutshell, is that you can cycle further and for longer. Journeys are no longer limited by distance, hills or individual fitness level. And riding an e-bike does improve fitness, burning only 25% less calories than a standard bike. Competition is fierce among leading e-bike brands, and VanMoof and Cowboy remain two of the frontrunners. We’ll take a look at the differences and explain why they are two of the most popular…

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Best Electric City Bikes [Top 7 for Commuters]

If like many commuters you are tired of strenuously riding to and from work on your regular bike, or just looking for a quick alternative that isn’t driving nor an electric scooter, then you may have considered an electric city bike. As there’s so much on the market currently that sits within this category, you may feel it’s a bit of a minefield trying to navigate the best options for you. But rest assured, we have you covered with our top 7 picks of electric city bikes for commuters. Is An Electric Bike Good for Commuting? An electric bike is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a commuter bike. First and foremost, it’s a great eco friendly alternative to clogging…

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Discerning Cyclist Exclusive: 15% OFF AT DUER

For years, DUER has been one of my favourite activewear brands. I’ve covered them a tonne and even ranked them in the top 12 urban cycling brands – despite not actually being a “cycling brand” per se. Anyway, I’m delighted to say that DUER wants to give something a little special to the Discerning Cyclist audience, in the form of a 15% exclusive discount. Use code DISCERNING15 at the checkout to claim. Shop at DUER ABOUT DUER Designed for movers, DUER performance offers apparel that’s built with technical design features, and tons of stretch. Embrace the season with warm weather essentials for soaking up the sun and summer fun. DUER Pants and Shorts feature fabric designed for warm weather performance…

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Cargo Bike vs Bike Trailer: Which is Best? [PROS + CONS]

Cargo bikes and bike trailers are excellent ways to transport goods, pets and even children! They make your bicycle more versatile, and they’re great if you want to replace a car with a bike. Although the two might seem similar, there are quite a few differences and choosing can be difficult. If you’re torn between them, here’s a rundown of the pros and cons associated with both. Cargo Bikes Cargo bikes are widely popular across Europe and have been catching on in the UK in recent times. If you’re looking to replace a car and commit yourself fully to cycling (and you have more than you can fit in a rucksack), cargo bikes make transporting everything from the weekly shop…

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