Category: Bike Gear

Cycling is great for the body and the mind. Not only is it healthy and fun, but it can also sometimes be the quickest way to travel. When commuting to work in the city, cycling saved me many painful hours of sitting in a car or on a bus, inching along on clogged-up roads. But one of the best things about cycling is that it’s eco-friendly. Those who cycle regularly can take pride in doing their bit for the environment, at least in the travelling sense. I’ve had many a warm, smug glow whilst whizzing past lines of smelly, congested traffic on my way to work. But was my smugness entirely justified? Is cycling really as green as we think…

When it comes to commuting by bike, the most important piece of attire to consider is undoubtedly your pants (or shorts). After all, when you’re pedalling away, it’s your legs that are doing all the work. So having a comfy pair of keks is an absolute must. But even the comfiest of trousers aren’t always good for riding. The most typical issues your legs may encounter in a pair of trousers is that they are restrictive, hot or they “expose” you – ahem (i.e there’s little “rear” coverage). So over the years, I’ve covered trousers and shorts an awful lot when writing for Discerning Cyclist. I’ve even produced in-depth guides on various types of legwear, such as: Best Trousers for…

Bike lights are some of the most commonly stolen cycling accessories. Most bike lights attach to the bicycle with a simple clasp or clamp that’s easy to detach. That makes them an enticing proposition for thieves.  Read More: Best Rechargeable USB Bike Lights There is a solution, though. Lockable bike lights are fixed to your bicycle with screws and bolts so that they’re nearly impossible to steal. Do Bike Lights Get Stolen? Yes! Bike lights are frequently stolen. This is one of the biggest complaints amongst cyclists. Standard bike lights are easy to detach and can be taken in a matter of minutes. The issue is acute enough that some cyclists carry spare bike lights so that they’re never left…

Bamboo is a plant, or more specifically a grass. You’ve likely seen in in gardens, or used to construct products such as floors, or furniture. You can also use it to make smaller products like cups, face cloths, and gloves.  However, you can also find bamboo in bike form! What Is a Bamboo Bike?  A bamboo bike is one that has a frame made predominantly out of bamboo. This does not include the lugs holding the tubes of bamboo together to create the frame.  How Are Bamboo Bikes Made?  Bamboo bikes are made from carefully sourced bamboo (the strongest species). The bamboo is cut to size, then bonded together using lugs. The lugs are made from strong, mouldable materials.  The…

With its winding countryside paths, clifftop panoramas, and sweeping coastal vistas, the UK isn’t short of cycling routes. The UK government is also planning to invest heavily in cycling infrastructure, with an eye on a greener future. Cycling is certainly popular. But exactly how many bicycles are there in the UK, and how does this compare with the rest of the world? Is Cycling “Big” in the UK? The UK is in the middle of a cycling boom. Recreational and weekend cycling is up by 60% over the last two years. This is partly due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, investment in infrastructure shows a strong government commitment to making cycling even bigger. Sales of bicycles increased dramatically during the…

Consistently found up there with the very best cycle manufacturers, Cannondale has a rich and enduring history in both mountain and road bike sectors. Cannondale is a name synonymous with innovation, having long been at the vanguard of cycling technology. It’s is a universally recognised name in the bike world. The burning question, however, is ‘are Cannondale bikes good?’ Is Cannondale a Good Brand? Of course, all cyclists will agree that Cannondale bikes are good. And they may agree that they’re definitely worth the (sometimes hefty) price tags. Some of the models at the upper end of the brands’s road and MTB ranges are well into the thousands. However, like a lot of things in life, you tend to get…

Bikes, though wonderful, can sometimes be a little confusing to use. This is especially true when considering how to use bicycle gears. There are a number of variations with gear components, and things can seem complicated – especially for beginners! Sometimes, we just need a little helping hand. This includes learning how to get the most out of the gears on our own bike, as well as knowing when to change gear, or even which gear we should be in.  Understanding Bike Gears Understanding how to use bicycle gears can be tricky, especially when you’re new to cycling, or haven’t ridden in a while.  However, getting the most out of your gears, and understanding when it’s best to change gear,…

There are moments in a cyclist’s life that fill all of the senses. The excitement and speed of a long straight downhill. The dread when you scan the horizon, knowing the road you’re on is the only one around, and it’s going up and up. Seeing the lights of an open café, when you really need a break, or some food.  These moments are a response to how you might be feeling on a ride, and often catch you unawares. However, there are ways you can plot and plan a way to find the places that inspire these feelings. Or avoid them! It’s a little bit old-school these days to set off for a ride without knowing your route in…