Tag: Bike

The wearing of bicycle helmets is one of the most divisive hot takes of cycling in the 21st century. Academic studies, motoring safety surveys and urban cycling gurus offer a spectrum of analyses as to the reasons why we do or do not wear them. Everyone agrees that they reduce the chances of head-injury. Once you reach adulthood, your head stops growing, and you get round to making a long-term choice of your lid. Some are aerodynamic, some are packed with additional technology like the MIPS system (which we discuss here), some can have a novelty twist, or be foldable to suit your needs. They all generally have a core feature of a moulded block of polystyrene foam (EPS), with…

We’re living in an age where our relationship with the environment is under scrutiny. More than ever before, we’re aware of how our behaviour (in terms of what we produce and what we consume) has a direct impact on the planet. A growing number of people will happily do their bit in response to pollution and climate change. There are few who still feel comfortable adding to the mound of toxic waste ending up in landfill, and in the oceans. But although we may want to recycle everything, some things are far easier than others to dispose of. Popping a milk carton into the bin on the driveway may be a cinch, but recycling bike parts and accessories is a…

Finding the right cycling backpack is a tough job – especially when you have an eye on style! Cycling backpacks need to be many things; robust yet comfortable, spacious but lightweight, waterproof while easy to access in a hurry. Getting all of these features on a backpack that’s also stylish is no mean feat, leaving many cyclists feeling disappointed. Designer backpacks usually lack features, while more functional designs aren’t always suitable for a smart work event. Read More: The Best Reflective Backpack for Cycling to Work Best Waterproof Cycling Backpack Rucksacks If you’re searching for a backpack that combines the best of functionality with a stylish aesthetic, read on for a rundown of our top picks. Bike Commuter Backpacks: Key…

The discerning cyclist ensures that each commute is enjoyable and worthwhile. Finding your own cadence and choosing an ideal route will help keep a smile about the place. All of this is geared towards reaching your work in a good frame of mind.  Getting there without stress for me always meant routine and planning. A former job required me to wear a suit, so I would keep one at the office. I then sacrificed a day of cycling to take in the ironed shirts I needed for the week.  However, if you prefer to carry a suit to work (or wear one) modern suit design and packaging solutions on the bicycle offer a range of options for cycling to work…

An age-old battle rages on our city streets between those who ride bikes and those who rob bikes.  It’s actually more complex than that when we consider there are drivers alongside us behaving like cyclists don’t exist!   Bicycle thefts fell from over 100,000 in 2017-18 to 77,300 in 2020-21. While answering the question ‘how common is bike theft’ this also highlights something more important. In whichever direction the statistics are trending, no-one wants to step out of a coffee shop, coffee in hand, to an empty space where your bike used to be. Cometh Apple to the rescue (yet again). 2021 saw the release of the Apple AirTag, a device manufactured to be used with Apple’s ‘Find My’ network to…

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…

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,…

In terms of your bottom half, there used to be pretty much two clothing options when riding a bike. One was Lycra, the other was being uncomfortable. And commuting by bike would inevitably mean taking a change of trousers. For those without decent changing facilities at work, this can be difficult. It can also be off-putting for people thinking about commuting. Mercifully, things have changed since then. There’s now such a range of cycling-specific trousers (or trousers suitable for cycling), that we’re literally spoilt for choice. Why is this? Put simply, because there’s a demand for them. It’s a great feeling to arrive at work in a pair of trousers that are comfy and look good. It’s an even better…