Category: Bike Gear

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….

Electric bicycles are fast-becoming a viable mode of transportation for many people of all cycling levels. They feel like conventional bikes to ride, but come with a small battery-powered motor that provides assistance while pedalling. Appealing for their ease of acceleration with less effort from the rider, e-bikes are being used more and more for commuting, tourism, sport, and leisure. According to the Confederation of the European Bicycling Industry, about five million e-bikes were sold in the UK and Europe in 2021. However it’s no secret that e-bikes come with a steep price tag that may shock first-time buyers. In this article we’ll break down why electric bicycles are so expensive, and what exactly you’re getting for your money.  How…

Belt chains have a myriad of advantages over their more traditional, chain counterparts. They’re quieter, offer a smoother ride and tend to last longer – not to mention requiring nearly zero maintenance! All of this comes at a cost, though, so belt drives are usually more expensive. Belt drives and foldable bikes are a powerful combination offering an even more convenient ride and letting you take your bike anywhere. Since these bikes are getting more popular, there’s a lot of choice. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are our top picks… Can You Get a Belt Drive on a Folding Bike? Yes! Belt drives are a popular choice on folding bikes. Unlike chains, belts can be virtually ignored…

When considering a new bike purchase, it’s usual to carefully consider a few important factors. One of these factors is likely the weight of the bike, which can often sway our final decision when choosing between a couple of options. This therefore is still going to be an important aspect when deciding upon an electric bike. So with that in mind, here’s a list of the lightest electric bikes currently available. Electric Bike Weight Electric bike weight may be a contributing factor as to why some people have been put off of purchasing or using one in the past. However, as they’ve become a solid option within the market, new technological advances have meant the weight at present is far…

Cycling is one of the healthiest activities you can do, however, there are still some persistent myths that suggest otherwise. Most of these are completely false, and in some cases the exact opposite is true! Read on as we bust the top cycling myths. “Cycling is Bad for Your Balls” This might be the most common myth of all – but there’s no evidence whatsoever to back it up! Can Cycling Reduce Sperm Count? You might have heard that continued pressure on your perineum reduces sperm count (due to decreased blood flow) but this link is purely hypothetical. In fact, cycling is more likely to increase your sperm count and your general reproductive health. That’s because frequent exercise, being active,…

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…