Tag: Review

E-bikes are taking over. And it’s a good thing. Last week, I actually stumbled across one of the original “e-bike review” websites and was astonished by how primitive the electric bikes mentioned on the website were. And they were only from about 2012. 10 years on and the electric bike market is huge. Demand is soaring and manufacturers are recognising the need for a diverse range of products. You can find electric hybrid bikes, electric mountain bikes, electric fat bikes, electric folding bikes… even electric folding fat bikes! Which brings me to the subject of this review: the Engwe EP-2 Pro. Fat Folding E-Bike The first thing we need to understand here: what on earth is the point of an…

I have been trying to find suitable trousers for cycling for a while. As a utility cyclist, I’ve struggled to get the right balance between practicality and style, especially when riding to work or to meet friends.  So when I had the opportunity to try out Vaela’s cycling jeans, I was very keen to give them a go. Not just because it may mean my trouser search would be over, but also because I can very much relate to their story of “being serially disappointed by the cycle clothes available to women” and “the general difficulties faced by women who wish to ride more easily and more often”.  I appreciate their mission to address this, and also the way they…

Two years ago I had my first ever bike stolen. But, as I explained at the time, it was my fault. In short, during a hasty locking of my bike, I simply attached my lock around the lamppost, but not my bike frame – which, as it turns out, is pretty important if you don’t want someone to walk off with your bike. The lamppost I safely locked to itself while someone easily walked off with my bike. The next day, I decided I needed to find the best cheap bike I could find. So, I went to Decathlon: the home of cheap bikes. I’d love to buy a fancy shiny bike with all the bells and whistles, but the…

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….

Al Kenya Kit Review: Al Bike Wear has brought out a striking new design for the summer with African overtones, all the way from Kenya. Our man Chuck Pea takes the colorful new kit on a cycling safari to see how it performs in the wild.Al (pronounced like the French allez) is an Italian company whose kit you might recognize in the pro peloton — currently worn by the Bahrain Victorious, Groupama FDJ, and Bike Exchange teams.That’s Al kit under all the mud and muckEn route to the Cyclamen jersey on Stage 5 of this year’s GiroClear sailing on the airstrip in Mende on Stage 14 of this year’s TdFIt’s also been ridden to two consecutive World Championships by Julian…

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…

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…