There was a point in time when I wanted to be a professional cyclist. But not the lycra-clad, hairless-legged, genetically freakish variety… for some reason I had decided that in every way my dream job was being a bike messenger....
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...
What do the Bible, £50,000 and 20 servings of lamb curry have in common? Or perhaps a laptop, 2 tomahawks and a spare change of underwear? Well, these are all things that at some point have been in my rucksack...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Ever since I started Discerning Cyclist (over seven years ago now, crikey!), Chrome Industries has always struck me as a brand that just gets urban cycling. They understand that commuters and other city riders don’t really want to carry a...
If you find yourself carrying your valuables to work on your back every morning, having a rucksack that suits your needs is essential to a good commute. Whether it’s for sturdiness, fashion or visibility, at least one of these six...
I’ve been enjoying trying out a bit of Chrome Industries gear in the past year. First the impressive Ex Gas Can Waterproof Backpack, then the legendary 415 Workboot and, most recently, I’ve been getting to grips with the Vale Sling...
Sometimes the most important consideration when choosing a backpack is whether or not it’s waterproof. If you’re riding around town with your valuables – such as your laptop – and there’s a downpour on the horizon, you don’t want to...
If you want a tough waterproof backpack for cycling, the Craft Cadence IPX5 is more than a worthy contender. This isn’t one of “will it/won’t it?” waterproof backpacks that are “water resistant” and should keep your stuff dry in all...
When it comes to bags, there are many options available to urban cyclists: the messenger bag – as popularised by bike couriers, pannier bags and of course, the good old backpack. While many may disagree with me from a style/sweaty...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
By Elizabeth A. Floyd from the tinlizzieridesagain blog. My normal “around town” bike has a giant front basket that I brought home to Washington, DC, from Copenhagen, carefully packed in a suitcase. So I don’t really have much need for a small handlebar bag....
Now I’m not one to be seduced by cheap gimmicks, but the Timbuk2 Chug Laptop Backpack has a bottle opener on its strap. You heard. If that alone is not enough to convince you that you want this bag, then...
For the discerning lady or gentleman who cares to cycle (discerningly of course) there’s is a bicycle not for high sport performance or weekends going down a mountain but for a civilized mode of transport used at a leisurely pace....
To cycle with a bag is pretty much a necessity really. Very few occasions you will find it okay to leave the bag at home and venture out on the humble push bike alone. Finding a bag that suits your every day needs whilst...
Unless you are going a very short distance on your bike it’s usually a good idea to carry some kind of object that you can transport some cycling essentials. Now who you are will depend on what you truly decide...
