Category: Bike Gear

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…

The popularity of E-bikes is soaring. Although sometimes controversial amongst more traditional cyclists, they currently account for a large proportion of all bike sales. VanMoof bikes are one of the most popular brands, but are they worth the price? These bikes are renowned for their sleek, futuristic looks. They also make big promises around extended battery life, and come with a lot of built-in tech. If you’re wondering whether a VanMoof E-Bike is right for you, read on as we break down the important details. How Long Has VanMoof Been Around? VanMoof was founded in 2009 by the two Dutch brothers Ties and Taco Carlier. They established the company with the simple aim of developing a better city bike. Neither…

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…