Cycling, whether it be for your daily commute or for pleasure, is a simple form of urban mobility. That being said, does your bike need to have a bell when you are riding? Is it a legal requirement? Knowing your...
To some, the straightforward technology involved with cycling has always been part of its enduring appeal. The act of turning pedals and wheels projects utilitarian simplicity. It opens up the world and permits escape into it. Commuters who cycle to...
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so while you may have a preference between chain locks and U-locks as far as bike protection is concerned, ideally you should equip your bicycle with one of each when leaving it unattended....
There was a dilemma I used to face each day on the way home from work. Perhaps it’s a reflection of my incredibly fortunate life so far that this choice was probably the worst thing about my day… One option...
By running Discerning Cyclist, I regularly get offered the chance to review cycling gear. At first it was a real novelty to get “free stuff” in exchange for an honest written review about it. But after nearly nine (!) years...
Typically, when I commute, I need to carry my laptop with me. That means I normally need a decent sized backpack (which at the moment is Chrome’s Mazer Vigil Pack). But sometimes, particularly on an exploratory weekend ride, I don’t...
Last month Apple revealed their latest product last week: the AirTags. Basically, they’re designed to be used for things like helping find your keys, but many have been wandering if they can be used as a tracker. So, can you...
I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the two people in the jungle who run into a lion. The first person gets down on his knees to pray; the second person starts lacing up his boots. The first person asks...
US Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said, “There are many things you can point to as proof that the human is not smart. But my personal favorite would have to be that we needed to invent the helmet. What was happening,...
Every now and then, when I make a post about backpacks, I get a comment something along the lines of “urgh, backpack! Ride with a pannier bag!” However, the trouble I found with most pannier bags is that while they’re...
When I left home, my parents’ biggest worry wasn’t that I would be unprepared to leave. Nor was it that I’d be irresponsible with my freedom and turn to many of the vices this world has on offer. Despite the...
It’s official. Summer’s over kids, go home. But all is not lost. September is actually one of my favourite times of the year. The weather is (usually) pretty good, the days are still nice and the craziness of the summer...
For a while, I’ve been looking for a lightweight backpack that I can use to carry my laptop and some other daily essentials. Not a chunky bag that can carry all my gym gear and what not, just a slim...
I hate carrying extra stuff with me when I ride. My normal ride consists of about a 4km journey into the town where I then go into my co-working space. If I get a puncture, whatever. There’s a bike shop...
I’m a sucker for a Kickstarter. Really. It’s an addiction. And it’s no secret that Kickstarter and IndieGoGo projects are a bit of a lottery. For every cool gem I get to enjoy, there’s a big steaming turd delivered through...
If you’ve got a backpack you love, but it’s not waterproof, then a waterproof backpack cover might well be your saving grace when a downpour arrives. This is one of the latest cycling accessories from CYCL, the company behind Winglights...
[NOTE: Park & Diamond seem to be expereincing a lot of delays and production problems currently, so I wouldn’t recommend ordering one right now. However, there are more foldable bike helmets that you can buy at the end of this...
Note: CYCL Face Guard is currently out of stock, but the Respro Techno Mask is a recommended alternative. CYCL… you may recognise the name. This is the brand behind the innovating “Winglights” – the bicycle indicators that were featured on...
With the cold snap of winter now well and truly upon us, there’s never been a better time to buy a cycling neck warmer if you’re regularly out on your bike. An invaluable item of clothing for cyclists, they offer...
Tired of typical U-locks or chains to keep your bike safe when leaving it unattended? If so, then a foldable bike lock might just be your way forward. Made from metal plates, connected by rivets, the plates inside a folding...
If you’re in need of something a little more comfortable to sit on as you cycle to and from work, have you considered arguably the most comfortable bike seat there is – the padded bike seat/gel saddle? With a gel...
If you’re looking for a convenient bag for your bike which offers quick and easy access, handlebar bags are definitely the way you should be looking. They offer you the ideal place for you to store the belongings you may...
To save you having to rummage around in your jacket pocket looking for your phone should you suddenly need it during your commute, a bicycle phone mount is a great piece of kit that will remedy this problem for you...
If you’re tired of rummaging around in your house or garage looking to make room to store your bicycle, a bike wall mount might offer you the perfect solution. Especially if for those with limited space, a wall bike rack...
It’s been a miserable day weather-wise, and with work done, it’s time for your cycle home through the drizzling, endless rain. Thankfully, while most of your body might get soaked during your commute, your backside won’t, thanks to your own...
As an innovative alternative to the traditional model, Swedish company Hövding created their world’s first “inflatable helmet” with an airbag in November 2011 after years of researching. But just what is a Hövding “helmet”? How does it work? And what...
When you’re out cycling braving the elements, it’s just as important to keep your hands warm and dry with bike gloves as it is your feet with thermal socks. Here are seven of the best winter cycling gloves of all...
It’s getting towards that time of year again. The most wonderful time of the year, they say, unless you’re scrambling about for a last-minute Secret Santa cyclist present. That old chestnut can really dampen your spirits. In all seriousness, though,...
Riding your bike can be a great thrill in itself at times, but it can also be nice to have some cycling headphones to listen to music, podcasts and more with at the same time. Here are five of the...
If you’re tired of carrying such heavy weight on your back as your cycle, perhaps to and from work or after going shopping, then a bike basket might be the perfect answer to easing that load. There’s plenty of range...
