Tag: Bike

There’s no denying that electric bikes are very exciting. They give cyclists a way to go further and faster without having to work harder, resulting in a more enjoyable ride that doesn’t leave you drenched in sweat. However, people still have a lot of questions about electric bikes, which is understandable seeing as their popularity is still relatively new. There are many cyclists who are intrigued by the concept of an e-bike, but are wary of shelling out a lot of money for something that might just be a gimmick, or that they feel they might not use as much as a regular bike. Here, we’ve created a one-stop-shop of electric bike statistics and facts to help you understand e-bikes…

A saucepan, a garden spade or a backpack. Three utilitarian items that, when well designed, perform their job without even so much as a modicum of fuss. So well in fact that you may never notice their intricacies or foibles. Bike tires (or tyres) can and will fit into this narrative, barring one chin-scratching, angst-inducing event – a puncture. Punctures can, at best, ruin a glorious sunny ride or make you late for work. At worst, a punctured bike tire can quickly render a bike dangerous to ride. For most cyclists, including us here at Discerning Cyclist, a riding life is never truly puncture-free. But, with a little bit of care and attention, some steps can be taken to reduce…

Ignore the sceptics – electric bikes are the business. Power over hills, get one over on local traffic, wave goodbye to public transport, and have fun doing it! For electric bike converts like ourselves, e-bike wattage is one of the first topics would-be buyers hit upon. 500W e-bikes are a popular rating. But how fast can a 500W electric bike go? How far can it be ridden? In this article, Discerning Cyclist will aim to answer those questions (and much more besides). E-Bike Wattage [EXPLAINED] The wattage of an e-bike refers to the power output of its motor. This figure can be calculated as follows – bear with us here because this is important – multiply the voltage supplied by the battery…

Pedals are vital for stable and comfortable cycling. They’re one of the three contact points between rider and bike. Their purpose is to transfer the power created by the rider’s legs. Commuters and sports cyclists have different requirements from their pedals. Road racers and mountain bikers rely on being able to guarantee a fixed foot position, to stomp down consistent power. They also need quick release mechanisms. Commuters don’t need these features. How Do Bike Pedals Work? Bike pedals convert power to move the bicycle. You’d have to run with the bike underneath you if you didn’t have them. They’re fixed to one end of cranks, and work together with a chain and gearing to propel you. You place your…

Bike pedals help to convert the power of our legs into the effort needed to turn the wheels forward. They need to be comfortable for commuting and ideally, non-slip, so we can reliably step on and off as we go to and from work or study. Pedal variations owe much to the sportier side of cycling, but most of us will be happy with a standard flat pedal. What Are the Different Types of Bike Pedals? Commuters will be familiar with the flat, rectangular pedal from their first bike ridden as a kid. Sportier riders may have seen a stubbier version designed to house a special shoe with added cleats. Then there are smaller, almost round models designed to take…

Named after Scottish inventor and all-round brainiac James Watt, the ‘Watt’ is an internationally recognised unit of power. When Mr Watt was tinkering with steam in the mid-1700s he wouldn’t have dreamt that his surname would become the standard rating for all electrical devices around 200 years later. But here we are in the age of electricity, and everything from the humble toaster to the latest electric bike has a watt (or W) rating. Although this might seem a bit like a school physics lesson, understanding the Watt vis-à-vis electric bikes is a good idea before buying an electric bike. This guide aims to help understand what the Watt rating refers to when it comes to an electric bike before…

Picture the scene. You’ve found the brand new bike you want, and you’ve finally saved up enough to buy it. You can’t wait to get on the saddle and ride around the city, spice up your commute on two wheels, go on weekend adventures or try out some gnarly mountain bike trails, but there’s one thing standing in your way: storage. If you live in a city,  chances are you have a small apartment with limited storage space, and certainly not enough for a bicycle. There might be a communal bike shed, but the waiting list is probably years long (trust me, I’m still waiting for a spot in my block’s bike shed and it’s been FOREVER), and what do…

One of the most important considerations to make for urban cyclists and commuters is your pants – after all, this is what surrounds your cycling engine. Urban cycling trousers can come in many shapes and sizes, depending on your needs. If you live in the a wet climate (the UK for example), then waterproof cycling trousers may be an everyday requirement, or at least an option to have in your bag. But if you’re riding to the office in fair weather, maybe you’ll just want some smart cycling trousers. Looking for Women’s Cycling Trousers? Check These Out Best Cycling Trousers for Commuting for Men Of course, while you want your trousers to be practical, when you’re looking for the best urban cycling…