The number one article of clothing for any urban cyclist should be a good pair of stylish, comfortable and functional trousers. A pair that fit well, look good and offer a good amount of stretch and breathability. Getting your legwear...
It goes without saying that being seen by other road users when you’re cycling is vital. And while a good front and rear LED set up is a decent start, something a bit more eye-catching – especially when you’re at...
Layering in the winter months is vital. And a key asset in your layering arsenal should be a nice hoodie. Pop on a t-shirt, throw over a hoodie or jumper and a medium-weight jacket and you should be plenty warm...
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of choosing the right road bike size. If you choose an ill-fitting bike, it can not only negatively affect your comfort during a ride but also reduce efficiency and put you at risk of...
For the most part of 2016, I have been wearing pretty much one pair of jeans: the Resolute Bay Cordura jeans that I reviewed back in March. It’s not that I don’t own other jeans. I probably own four or...
Last year I reviewed LUMO’s Herne Hill Harrington, a jacket that was particularly eye-catching due to its unique LED integration that ensures maximum visibility in low light. Now LUMO are back with an all-new, yet ever-so-familiar, jacket. LUMO caught people’s...
Having launched via Kickstarter on 2015, and enjoyed great success with their innovative range of stylish cycling attire (including the a dashing Harrington Jacket which we reviewed), LUMO are back on the lookout for investment for their next range of...
One of my favourite things to discover is an outfit that is functional for cycling without necessarily having been intended to be so. Any clothing that is comfortable, flexible, and ideally breathable, is off to a winning start. John Smedley’s...
Whether you are using your bike to commute to and from work, or you’re just hoping to look great when on a relaxing bike ride, these are the dos and don’ts you should follow when it comes to looking stylish...
Ask almost any person in Britain to describe what a cyclist looks like, and they’ll probably conjure up an image of a MAMIL (a middle-aged man in lycra). However, ask the same question on the continent – particularly in the...
Regular jeans can be some of most unforgiving pieces of clothing when it comes to cycling, they can get warm and sweaty, rarely offer much give (especially if you opt for a slim or straight fit) and can also leave...
I received a couple of new shirts before Christmas that feature, ahem, NASA technology. How many shirts do you own with NASA technology? Didn’t think so… peasants. Alas, though, I’m not about to join Tim Peake on the International Space...
When reviewing products for Discerning Cyclist, I often find that they tend to lean more towards style or – as is more often the case – functionality. It is a rare case indeed that discovers the perfect balance between the...
It’s here: Xmas 2k15. Merry Christmas, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Navidad, Buon Natale, Joyeux Noël, メリークリスマス! But what is the perfect Christmas gift for the cyclist in your life (short of a bicycle, of course)? Well, to help you on your...
Love it or loathe it, Black Friday has now been ‘successfully’ adopted in the UK – five years after the Americanism was first introduced the Brits by Amazon. Regardless of the riots in Asda and Tesco, one thing is for...
Cyclists often believe there are only two options when it comes to selecting what to wear for their ride. They can either: 1) wear cycling kit and then get changed when they reach their work place, or 2) wear their...
Last week I picked out four of the best merino t-shirts for cycling. Now, the benefits of merino tops for cycling are plentiful, but the trouble is: merino tops are not cheap. You’ll generally be looking at spending in excess...
Café du Cycliste do a great job when it comes to stylish cycling, catering both to sportier road cyclists and the everyday commuter cyclist. Indeed, while their impressive performance range looks great for what it is, it is their urban...
You can’t beat a good old hand-knitted woolly hat for the colder months, can you? It’s the epitome of a cosy winter. So it’s all the more impressive that On The Glo, who launched their Kickstarter campaign on 23rd October,...
Merino is a wonderful material when it comes to cycling. It wicks sweat. It keeps you warm when you’re cold, yet offers bountiful breathability when you start heating up. And it’s also odour resistant. All of which are fantastic qualities...
Okay, so a while ago I was sent the Salva Gamba waterproof cycling trousers from 24Bottles. And, after checking out there website I discovered that these cost €69! That’s just over £50 – for waterproof trousers. To me that seemed...
I’ve found the most unforgiving article of everyday clothing – when it comes to cycling – to be jeans. They’re thick, warm and don’t typically offer enough give or stretch for riding comfortably – making it hard even to get...
Just over a year ago I reviewed two of the Bellroy wallets range, the Elements Pocket and Elements Sleeve. And, since that time, I have been using only these two wallets. At first I was using the Elements Sleeve as...
In the past, whenever I’ve try to explain to somebody the concept of Discerning Cyclist, I say it is a website devoted to either: 1) “stylish cycling clothes” or 2) “stylish clothes that you can cycle in”. While these might...
In order to help get a better feel of what the Discerning Cyclist audience wants and feels, we’re running an exclusive survey until 30th November 2015 – creatively named the ‘Cycling Lifestyle Survey’. And, to show our gratitude to those who...
As another page on the calendar is turned, there’s no more kidding: summer is over. The days draw shorter, the air a little chillier, the ground damper and the sun no longer an occasional visitor, but a hazy memory. Alas,...
Probably the most important accessory to have on you when you’re cycling in the winter months is a waterproof jacket. That probably goes without saying. But you also need to make sure the jacket is lightweight enough so it doesn’t...
16 months ago I reviewed Closca’s first attempt at a folding bicycle helmet, following a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Despite being hopeful of the product bridging a style gap in the helmet market, I was left disappointing with the...
When I was a Spin back in May, one of the products that really caught my eye was the GO LED Bag from Port Designs. I had a little play with it at the exhibition and was really impressed, and...
Manufacturers have toyed with the idea of ‘bicycle power’ for a few years, i.e. how to generate usable energy from pedalling. The idea’s great, but the problem that typically arises is the extra friction the devices create – making it...
Blending cycling functionality, style and safety in cycling clothes and accessories has become increasingly popular amongst cyclists recently, and one of the most eye-catching projects currently on Kickstarter certainly ticks all three boxes. RA Reflective have come up with two...
One of the regular quips that I hear – and I agree with – regarding stylish cycling clothing, is the high price tags associated with the products. Unfortunately, that puts many cyclists off purchasing more functional yet stylish cycling clothes....
Since 2012, Gosia and Maciek from Bike Belle have been creating wonderfully chic cycling accessories – with a particular focus on making ladies cycling more stylish than ever. Elizabeth even reviewed a few of them a while back for Discerning...
Not having a shower at their workplace is one of the biggest gripes cyclists tend to have with their employers. Well, things have changed. And it’s nothing to do with your employer. A wet shower is so last year. Now,...
After reviewing the excellent Helly Hansen Universal Moto Jacket not long ago, I decided I tried out some more of Helly Hansen’s gear. In particular, their summer wear – the Kos Polo coupled with the HD Classic Shorts. Kos Polo...
When it comes to bike locks, the big problem I’ve always encountered is how to carry about my lock when I’m riding. For the past couple of years, my primary lock has been a relatively chunky D-Lock. It was great...
One of the latest Kickstarter projects to really catch my eye is Port Hardy, who have created some of the most discerning and elegant vintage bicycle bags I’ve seen in a long time. The Port Hardy range consists of various...
If you’re a fan of the awesome cycling illustrations that you’ll see from time-to-time on Discerning Cyclist, then you have come across the work of the super talented Ste Johnson! Ste and I started Discerning Cyclist back in 2012, and...
Summer’s here. But just because it’s heating up, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style during your ride. Instead, you just need to find the right clothes that fit well and are made from the best lightweight, breathable materials....
Amsterdam is a cycling inspiration for every city. But not only can city planners and governments learn from the Dutch capital, cyclists can also learn how to ride better thanks to this cracking infographic on ‘how to cycle like a local...
In 2012, I rode a bike for the first time since I was 16. I didn’t have anything against cycling – I loved it when I was younger – but as you enter your latter teens (in the UK at...
There’s nothing quite like heading out on a bike ride on a crisp winter day – beautiful scenery, an invigorating ride and, most importantly, you’re as fresh when you arrive home as you were when you left! In summer, it’s...
The days are lengthening, temperatures are rising, and there’s barely a cloud in the sky. This all means one thing: the season of the cyclist has arrived. As much as we’d all like to be committed, hard-core, all year long...
I can’t speak for the UK, but today felt like the day summer truly arrived. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the climate of south Germany, which has been quite frankly, lush. One of the key steps to getting ready for...
When I first saw Oopsmark’s Bicycle Wine Rack when meandering the curvaceous and often shady alleyways of the World Wide Web, I couldn’t help but smile. What a marvelous world we live in that such a pointless, yet poignantly perfect...
Every cyclist has experienced that maddening moment – when your chain comes off as you’re late for work or your gears jam as you’re slogging uphill. From stain removal to avoiding flat tires – this article will take you through...
A new study published by Toothpick has ranked all of the UK’s cities and towns based on how ‘bike friendly’ they are. Toothpick’s study used data collected by the Ministry of Transport and Sport England about the number of people who...
One of the big ‘perks’ of cycling that people often mention is just how cheap it is. Which is, for the most, true. There’s no fuel costs, no “road tax” and the general up keep is pretty low. Nevertheless, whether...
Cycling jackets, well more specifically cycling blazers, are something that many ‘office’ cyclists have yearned for. Blazers are one of the key items that generally aren’t built for cycling, as they are normally offer relatively little give on the back...
Launched in 2012 by fashion designer Jacqui Ma, East London-based Goodordering is one of several companies in the cycling fashion arena that got its big break thanks to Kickstarter. Drawing inspiration from Japanese school bags, Scandinavian design and retro luggage,...
My jacket for the last few months – as we’ve transitioned from winter to spring and towards summer – has been the Helly Hansen Universal Moto Jacket. Norwegian dynamos Helly Hansen are renowned for producing tough, lightweight, yet well-designed jackets...
A few months back, Le Col kindly sent me one of the neck warmers to try out. Now, I appreciate this is not at all seasonal – but at least you can plan well ahead for autumn and winter this...
The UK election takes place on the 7th May, so if you’re registered, you need to get down to your local polling station (or in my case by proxy) and make yourself heard. In this article I will try to...
Following on from my recent post about tips and potential destinations for an urban cycling holiday, this post will look at three more destinations you might want to consider for a holiday on two wheels. With summer right around the...
I caught up with Louis Pollack, the founder of Fairwear – a start-up brand in 2014 that launched some fantastic ‘performance inspired apparel’ that is great for cycling as well as before and after your ride. Last July, I tried...
Spin London 2015 is almost upon us, with the ever-growing-in-popularity urban cycling exhibition on from Friday 8th until Sunday 8th May. The first exhibition took place in 2012 and has been a rip-roaring success ever since, meaning the latest exhibition...
I was asked to test out some of Tesco’s Expert Outdoor Clothing Waterproofer and Wash products a while ago, to see whether – despite being half the price – they can match up to some of their competitors. These products...
There are many reasons why people choose to cycle. As we discovered in 10 Reasons Why People Cycle to Work, explanations ranged from happiness and health, to cost, calories and “not wanting to be stuck in a cage” (also known...
I’ve been awfully quiet on the Discerning Cyclist for the past couple of months. Something that certainly wasn’t my intention at the start of this year. I’m never sure how much of my personal life I should put on this...
Insurance is nothing new. There’s pretty much nothing you can’t insure nowadays, so you won’t be surprised you can also get cycling insurance. But what is it? And, importantly, is it worth it? But first, let’s get down to basics....
Every year, companies in the cycling industry hold a convention in Utah in order to showcase new products for cyclists. If you like keeping yourself in the loop with some of the newest bike parts and technology, here are three...
It’s estimated that more than half a million bikes are stolen in the UK each and every year, and experts are striving to encourage more and more of us to take better care of our bikes when they’re not in...
I should probably start this post with a disclaimer, one that may greatly offend and possibly upset the cycling community. Okay, here it goes… I don’t like coffee. In truth, I’m not really bothered about any hot drinks. They just...
Cyclists are caring more and more about their appearance on the saddle. There are men who won’t be seen riding without having had a bit of a beard trim beforehand, and women who would never entertain the idea of putting...
Not all ‘celebrities’ cycle for publicity… … some, like a lot of the population, actually enjoy getting about town on two wheels. In a change of pace for the Discerning Cyclist, we thought we’d run through 11 of the most...
My bike is extremely basic. It cost me £120 new and is probably now worth a generous £40. But, that hasn’t stopped people trying to steal it before, as you can see from the picture below. (Some thieves are cretins....
With cycling growing in popularity across the UK, could electric bikes be the bridge needed to convince motorists to ditch four wheels for two? Some people love them, others loathe them. But for anyone considering following Bob Dylan’s lead and...
They say hair of the dog is the best recovery method for a hangover. So, obviously, what better way to get over that lingering stress of Christmas shopping than a splurge in the January sales? It sounds horrendous, I know....
There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning – set for work – then taking a peak out of the window to see the last thing in the world you wanted to see… bloody rain. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed...
Post compiled on behalf of Montague Burton who are celebrating the modern gent by providing dapper tips and style knowledge as part of their #justtheticket campaign. The Discerning Cyclist has compiled a list of seven of the most common varieties of cyclist...
[FASHION PHILOSOPHY RANT WARNING] It’s strange how what you wear can alter your mood and even how people treat you. It’s an extension of you. Maybe more than that, it’s your front cover. You’re not supposed to judge a book...
Have you drawn the office cyclist in your Secret Santa? Never fear, The Discerning Cyclist presents a mixture of fun and practical stocking filler ideas for under £30 that you can get from Amazon. Winter Cycling Smart Phone Touchscreen gloves...
If you’re a regular reader of Discerning Cyclist, you may have noticed that I’m a big advocate for stylish clothes that have performance aspects subtly built in suited for commuting on a bicycle. However, when it comes to cycling-friendly office...
Post compiled in tandem with pro cyclist, Liam Stones, on behalf of Montague Burton who are celebrating the modern gent by providing dapper tips and style knowledge as part of their #justtheticket campaign. There’s nothing more quintessentially British than being...
Following a raucous debate on helmet use in cycling following Chris Boardman’s comments this week. We’re asking which side of the fence are you on? Comment with your thoughts below.
In the second part of our series on cycling clothes that also work in the office, we take a look at the best cycling shirts you can cycle in. You can read PART 1 – Trousers – here and PART 3...
This is the first of our three-part series on cycling attire that is perfect for the office. Part 2 – Shirts is now also available, as is Part 3 – Footwear. A rhetorical question usually comes up when talking about...
So how do you like to get to your destination? Tell us about your commute in the comments section below and why you opt to wear what you do.
With the parliamentary debate on cycling set to reignite once more, British Cycling today published an academic paper to highlight the benefits investment in cycling can bring, not only to cyclists, but the entire population. British Cycling today published a...
Winter’s upon us. That means there’s nothing to do but wrap up warm and keep riding until the sun comes back. It will… I think. Don’t worry though. You don’t have to look like a prat to ride a bike...
Finding trousers that are not only office-appropriate, but also cycling-friendly has been one of the toughest things to find since starting The Discerning Cyclist over two years ago. Some kecks look smart but don’t function too well. Some are poorly...
I’ve long been doubtful as to the value of ‘cycling shoes’ for commuter cyclists, like myself – probably because I’ve never owned a pair and have suffered no cycling atrocities despite this fact. The ones I have seen knocking around...
A new season is upon us. Unfortunately that season is autumn heading into winter. Summer is over kids, go home. Sorry. The good news is that with the new season comes new clothes lines. The better news is that brands...
When I’m writing a review for Discerning Cyclist, I try to ensure I cover all the bases: what the product is suitable for, how the product looks, good points, bad points and, of course, letting you know the features of...
4th September 2014 marks national Cycle to Work Day, an initiative that, you guessed it, encourages people to cycle to work. I’m very aware that many visitors to The Discerning Cyclist may already be regular cycling commuters, but that doesn’t...
An advert popped up on my Facebook feed not so long ago that I felt compelled to click. The link took me to a page telling me how to slim my wallet. My interest was piqued. A Marketing Tangent I...
Should cyclists be allowed to wear earphones? Yes, it is their choice. Yes, but it shouldn’t be recommended. Yes, but only one earphone. No, it should be illegal. Other Please Specify: free poll
Looking for the best stylish cycling gear for discounted prices? A host of cycling brands are currently offering huge discounts on their end of summer range, and we’ve picked out some of the best for you below! Rapha – up...
What is sugru? Form and fix the stuff you love. That is the motto of sugru, who produce self-setting rubber – effectively, useful Play-Doh for adults. How to use sugru The process is simple: wash your hands, open the mini-pack...
When The Discerning Cyclist was launched in 2011, one of the key aspects I was interested in was finding cycling clothes that were office appropriate. During the journey I’ve come across successful attempts and some not so successful. But there...
I’ve been meaning to make the plunge into using a pannier for a long while now. Regardless of how well built a backpack is, it doesn’t half give you a sweaty back – not a great look when you roll...
Otto London have forged a growing reputation in producing waterproof capes for cycling and they kindly sent me one of their capes along with one of the new t-shirts from their new BANG! line to try out, made in collaboration...
Tom and Jerry, Batman and Robin, Morecambe and Wise, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, Marmite and Cheese… you should probably add Hackett and Cooper to that list of partnerships that just, well, work. Who? Cooper Bikes make bicycles – cool...
Okay, this might not be a ‘cycling accessory’, per se, but it is certainly a life accessory. And, as cycling is a part of life, I’m gonna say it’s fine to review a case for a phone. It needs protection...
We get sent all sorts of things at the Discerning Cyclist to check out – and this is certainly one of the most ‘interesting’ yet. Made by Foska, this Heinz Tomato Ketchup jersey is certainly an eye-catching number – something...
This week, I decided to ask followers on Twitter and Facebook why they choose to cycle to work. QUESTION: If you cycle to work, why do you choose the bicycle over other modes of transport? #whycycle — Discerning Cyclist (@discerningcyc)...
Guest post by Sonia Holcomb. Summer time is approaching. The weather (should) be warming up and therefore so does your ride. Arriving at your destination doused in sweat and drowsy isn’t ideal though, especially if you make the daily commute...
Guest post from Lance Rand. When looking to buy a bike and you ask the opinion of a lot of your friends, chances are you’ll be left with two basic choices: fixed gear or not. If you have a few...
Bicycle helmets split opinion among cyclists. The safety aspect is undeniable, but many of us still opt to go without. But why? Largely it comes down to comfort, vanity and practicality. Helmets can be uncomfortable, make you sweat more, are...
Suits and bicycles rarely mix – much to the frustration of many. But has Parker Dusseau come up with, not a compromise, but a solution in the form of the Commuter Suit? Parker Dusseau, based in San Francisco, was formed...
Dish & Duer No Sweat Pants – Review
25 Apr, 2017
VeloHalo: The Bike Lights in the Spotlight
1 Feb, 2017
Primal Wear Paxton Men’s Hoodie – Review
20 Jan, 2017
Top Tips for Cycling in Style in Any Season
11 Jan, 2017
How to choose the right size bike for you?
1 Jan, 2017
Resolute Bay NX1 Cordura Cycling Jeans – Review
21 Dec, 2016
10 Reasons Why People Cycle to Work
4 Jun, 2014
Everything You Need to Know to (Re)Start Cycling
11 Jul, 2015
How to Protect Your Bike from Thieves in 4 Steps
13 Jan, 2015