You’ve probably given up a couple of things as the cost of living soars—and NO, we’re not talking about those new carbon-framed road bikes.

Many of us have made sacrifices in the face of sky-high food prices and lofty energy prices – and there are some ambitions that we’ve had to shelve

Unfortunately, if you’re under forty, home-ownership might just be one of them. While we’d all love a spacious garage where we can stow away our treasured bikes, the reality is often a cramped rented apartment. Sometimes, even just a room.

But, a small space doesn’t have to mean tripping over your commuter bike every time you get out of bed.

In these tough times, cyclists are getting creative in keeping their bike tidy and tucked away. Stick around to see five ingenious storage solutions you can implement, often even in a rented space.

1. Make it a Feature

Aero-dynamic monocoque or “one-piece” frames, cool geometry, precision welding – maybe we’re biased, but we think bikes can be works of art.

And what do we do with a work of art? We hang it on our walls, of course!

If you’re on Instagram or Pinterest, you’ve probably seen images of bikes taking pride of place above fireplaces and in loft spaces. What started years ago as an interior design quirk – think the ubiquitous fixie – is now a favored space-saving hack for many people.

 Are you worried you don’t have the space? Think about what wall space you rarely use. With many people streaming on tablets or phones, many tenants are choosing to ditch televisions, so you could consider mounting your bike where your old TV used to be.

If you’re using a shop-bought bracket, though, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely – and ask your landlord’s permission before drilling.

2. Divide it Up

Ask Kevin McCloud. For decades, partition walls have been synonymous with fireplaces or arty windows – but have you ever considered building one out of bikes? 

Come on! We’re not suggesting you get out a sledgehammer and start smashing through some structural joists, but you could invest in a bike pole. These low-fuss products are vertical bike supports, which can usually take upwards of two bikes.

Floor-to-ceiling, they typically clamp in place, meaning you don’t have to worry about scuff marks once your lease is over. They’ll divide up your space in an eye-catching way; making a change from the open-plan living that’s taking over interiors.

If you’re no stranger to a peloton or love a Sunday morning pedal around the park, it’s also insanely time-saving. Grab your bike and get going in a few seconds flat.

3. Take a Stand

Not every home is a forever home, and with this in mind, it doesn’t always make sense to embark on the Grand Designs-ification of your flat.

If your tenancy is short, or you’ve only got a few months left on your lease, consider investing in a purchase like the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity stand.

We mention Delta’s stand, in particular, because the brand topped the New York Times’ product round-up, and we’re in awe of the simple design, which only needs one screw fastening and a Phillips screwdriver to install.

As the name suggests, the rack uses the force of gravity to stay put – and tough steel tubing adds an unexpected splash of industrial chic to your living space.

Of course, there are plenty of other low-volume competitors available, so think about doing a spot of research to see which might fit best with your needs.

4. Get Clever with Carpentry

Yeah. We get it. You haven’t touched a saw since Year 9 Woodwork, and even then your creations left, well, a lot to be desired.

It might seem like a big step up from that wonky wooden stool you made to building a custom bike cabinet, but we promise you, it’s worth it.

There’s a host of YouTube tutorials available that will show you how to make a cupboard in which you can store your bike horizontally or vertically, and you’ll be amazed at how much tidier your room looks once your bike is out of sight.

Of course, the best storage solutions are also multi-purpose, so if taking a chunk of space from your room with a cupboard seems counter-intuitive, remember it’s also the ideal space to store cycle shoes, helmets, and any other accessories you might have.

This is a welcome relief for anyone who has had to live with their own or their partner’s pile of stinky lycra in the corner of the bedroom.

5. Trade it in

Before you come at us, we know this isn’t exactly a storage hack. But in urban centers, sometimes it can feel as if you’re crammed in like sardines.

We’ve certainly lived in rooms where you can touch both walls with arms out-stretched.

Good luck to anyone trying to wheel in a 29” full-size frame, so how about trading your full-size bike in for a folding bike?

Widely available through the UK’s Cycle to Work scheme, the most famous of the pack is, of course, the Brompton. It’s pretty hard to make it through a morning commute without seeing at least one city slicker on one of their A,C, P or T Line models – and some retailers will give you a discount if you trade in your old ride.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, there are other independent brands and designs available.

There’ll be a few sacrifices you’ll find yourself making: many folding bikes have more frame flex, fewer gearing options, and twitchier wheels than what you’re used to – but this will likely feel like a small price to pay for not getting yourself tangled in your spokes when you get up to make a cup of tea. Maybe you’ll even find yourself cycling more adventurously and further afield now you can carry your bike under one arm.

The Final Word

So your flat doesn’t look like something off Cribs. Frankly, neither do ours, but by implementing one or two of our storage solutions, you can free up space in your home and make sure your bike isn’t rusting out in the rain.

Whether that’s transforming your bike into an artwork or using gravity and innovation, give these a go, and let us know how you get on.

We bet you’ll free up space and live easier quicker than it takes to say “Ow, I just knocked my shin on my pedal again”.

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Nice try, fridge magnet, but there aren’t enough “inspirational” cushions, magnets, mugs, or peppy milk cartons on the planet to make you feel like a “hero” when you’ve had an awful day. 

At home and work, it feels like you can often be fighting an uphill battle: tight deadlines, tough bosses, personal and health challenges. But guess what? In our eyes, if you’ve put on your helmet and got your spokes spinning, even for a minute, you’re amazing. 

And, if you haven’t, here are six unexpected reasons why we think women who cycle daily are phenomenal and why you should try it, too. 

Oh, don’t worry: We won’t go all “Live, Laugh, Love” on you… 

Creating Liveable Cities 

You thought we were going to say exercise, didn’t you? Slow down. We’ll get to that later… 

But, have you ever heard of the ‘liveable’ or ‘ten-minute city’ movement? 

In brief, the idea is to create cities that promote better well-being among residents, and that means more cycle paths, fewer cars, and parking bays, plus amenities you can access on your own two feet or wheels. 

It’s been claimed that swapping your car journey for a short jaunt has the same effect on your happiness as if you’d fallen in love. Phenomenal, right? 

So, if you’ve ditched diesel for a pedal-powered commute, you’re a) prioritizing your mental health and b) contributing to creating urban spaces that benefit the entire community. Less ambient noise and air pollution, more inclusiveness and safety. 

Rooted in Activism and Protests  

You might not consider cycling as a political act – but cycling was viewed as crucial to rights campaigners and feminists as early as the nineteenth century. And if you’re not convinced, take it from American activist Susan B. Anthony herself, who said: 

“Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel – the picture of free, untrammelled womanhood.” 

Women who cycled became known by the curious name of ‘velocipedestriennes’, and cycling quickly allowed for increased independence and self-reliance, at least for the upper classes in America and the UK. 

Annie Cohen Kopchovsky was the first woman to travel around the world by bike, a highly publicized event covered by newspapers and advertisers, supposedly as a wager – but it wasn’t until around one hundred years later that Connie Carpenter became the first woman to win gold in a cycling race at the Olympic games. But, what’s any of this got with whether or not you cycle to the shops? 

Well, cycling and activism still go hand in hand to this day. Despite repeated pushes, a Sustrans survey showed that as many as 76% of women never cycle.  Movements like Black Girls do Bikes have boosted participation in cycling, especially for women underrepresented in cycling communities. 

Another example is Velicoposse, a welcoming London cycling club that hopes to get more women and non-binary people onto the saddle. Being a member means you can try track cycling and slow skills sessions led by a qualified British Cycling coach. 

And who knows, maybe by getting on your bike, you inspire friends, family, and others around you to cycle too. 

No More Getting Lost

How are your navigation skills? Do you know your East from West and your Left from Right? 

These days, we’re increasingly reliant on digital navigation. Could you find your way around your own neighborhood if left to your own devices, or should we say device? 

The Guardian has reported that three-quarters of UK adults but cycling can help you regain the lost art of navigation. Exploring on your bike can help you discover neighborhoods that your phone might need help to take you through.

Looking up, rather than down at a screen, means finding hidden landmarks and getting to know some of your neighbors better. 

If you need a helping hand, why not plan out your route on a paper map? The OS maps that chart England are incredibly detailed, and you might learn something new about the trees, geology, history, and familiar streets of home. 

Great for Mental Health

There are days where everything feels like a struggle – and the thought of putting on a raincoat and your helmet and trudging out into the cold feels even worse. 

We’re not going to pretend that daily cycling is always a breeze, and certainly, we’ve all found ourselves aggravated by unthoughtful drivers or gusts that don’t stop. But science has shown that if you cycle, you’re actively improving your mood, and as part of a multifaceted approach, exercise can benefit your mental health. 

So, what does your brain look like on biking? 

Josie Perry, a British Chartered Psychologist, says we know that exercise might be as effective in some cases as antidepressants in helping deal with depressive symptoms. A bike obviously isn’t a replacement for therapy or SSRIs, but it can improve your mood. 

It’s why some local authorities are trialing exercise prescription as part of holistic treatment plans. Perry stresses that your attitude to cycling should be balanced. 

It is possible to become overdependent on cycling – as is the case with other forms of exercise – and if you find it the ‘high’ of bike riding interfering with your daily life and functioning, remember that there are professionals and organisations that can help you. 

Fitter, Stronger, Better

We all know cycling helps build muscles and reduce visceral fat, but have you given any thought about your skeleton any time recently? We don’t blame you if you haven’t, but those creaky old bones deserve some attention. 

Women are unfortunately exposed to higher rates of osteoarthritis: this is thanks to a cocktail of hormones and genetic predisposition. Higher body weight can elevate this risk further. 

Cycling is a non-weight-bearing exercise; it has a lower impact on your joints than running and can help you lose pounds if extra weight is also causing strain. It also preserves cartilage, so it might be a gentle alternative if you already suffer from muscle strain or foot troubles. 

Climate carbon 

In the face of the climate crisis, you can sometimes feel like the underdog. The idea of a personal carbon footprint was popularised by a well-known energy firm as part of their advertising campaign in 2004 – and with the global supply chains of multinational companies accounting for a fifth of global emissions, whether or not you put on your mudguards feels, well, futile.

However, according to Cycling UK, cycling emits some of the lowest levels of carbon of any form of transport, even lower than walking. This seems paradoxical, right? 

But, ask yourself, what do cars and walkers have in common? It’s the need for fuel!

 Of course, a cyclist needs a bite to eat, too, but to travel the same distance, they need less food than a walker. Okay, maybe it seems we’re picking at straws – but at 56g per kilometre for regular bikes and a miniscule 14.8g of carbon for e-cycles – cycling will help you tackle the current climate emergency  – if your actions are joined by timely, collective action in policy and law. 

Being a woman who cycles makes you powerful in some surprising ways. If you haven’t considered cycling before, many local councils run cycling proficiency courses and have a look online for clubs that are looking for new members. Cycling might not always be a breeze – we’ve climbed enough hills to know that for a fact – but it might make you happier, stronger, and even a better navigator. Not bad for a daily commute.  

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The post 6 Reasons Women Who Cycle to Work Are Absolutely BADASS appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

The diet industry is full of quick fixes and get-slim-quick schemes – but while these might allow you to drop a few pounds fast, they rarely take into account the importance of mental well-being and a healthy, well-nourished body.

Whether it’s shakes or seven-day plans, social media means that miracle cures have proliferated beyond the boundaries of lifestyle magazines. Where once you might have had to pick up a copy of Cosmo for advice on getting “beach-body-ready”, now all you have to do is open your phone.  

But, where does leave someone looking for a real sustainable lifestyle change? While Discerning Cyclist is first and foremost a bike publication, we know that cycling can be beneficial for your physical well-being too.

In this article, we explore how cycling can help strengthen and ‘transform’ your body. We look at recent studies and interview female cyclists who feel that cycling has done wonders for their welfare. Everyone’s body is different, so this is by no means a one-size-fits-all guide, and is not a substitute for medical advice, but if you want more information on the body changes experienced by women, stick around.  

Effects of Cycling on Female Body

Cycling can have profound effects on the female body, both physically and mentally. Some of the biggest effects are universal, regardless of the sex you were assigned at birth. A large-scale study in Finland found that people who cycled for more than thirty minutes a day were at a breathtaking forty percent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Improved lung and heart capacity also come with the inner tubes – as well as improved executive functions. A University of Glasgow study found that cycling may put women at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. For any person of reproductive age, who menstruates, gentle cycling, like other aerobic exercise, may lessen the discomfort of period cramps.  

Female Cycling Muscles

As well as its cardiovascular benefits, cycling is known to strengthen and define the muscles. Cycling is, as you’ve probably experienced, a workout that primarily centres around the lower body. The muscles that experience the most use are the quadriceps, or the anterior thigh muscles if you want to get technical, the hamstrings, the calves and your core muscles.  

If you’re unsure of where to find these muscles, let us run through them quickly. Your quadriceps are the muscles on the front of the thigh and are most active when you’re pressing down on the pedals. The hamstrings help flex the knee during the revolution and protect the knee and hip joints. Your calves pull the pedal back up to the top of your bike, aided by the hamstrings – and your core helps you with balance.  

Female Cycling Before and After

Working out your key muscles will help you gain a toned physique – but more importantly, make it possible for you to take part in the activities you enjoy most. It’s hardly a surprise that strong lower body muscles come in handy off the bike, and no, we’re not talking about leg day at the gym. Running, climbing up the stairs to work, days out with friends and family can all be improved by stronger muscles and better aerobic endurance.  

“A very natural way of exercising”

Female Cyclist Jeannot

Jeannot, a Dutch native cyclist living in Portugal, says she finds cycling has been a “very soft, very natural way of exercising” that “without knowing, it keeps you fit”. She says her flexibility has increased, along with a marked improvement in her mental health. She says she’s in her head the moment she gets on the saddle. “You actively take part in where you are” she says “whether you’re in nature or the city. You have to be there. It’s like mindfulness”.

Cycling Body Transformation Female

There are plenty of women who’ve had their lives transformed by cycling.  

Trudi Louise, interviewed by Cycling UK, said that beginning mountain biking transformed her life physically, socially and mentally. It ‘has enriched my life with some pretty amazing times’ she says “[and] helped me through some rough patches in my life, kept me sane, kept me going and made me stronger.

“I used to hate photos of myself. This is ridiculous, and also a very common feeling for a lot of people…. It resulted in me having incredibly disordered eating and negative body image throughout my teens and university…. Cycling (and let’s be honest, therapy) has totally changed my perspective on this. It’s helped me understand who I am and what my body can do…”

Josie Lees

A report has shown that women enjoy not only the challenge of a good ride but the camaraderie of a day out on two wheels. In fact, there are dozens of groups founded especially to cater for female riders as well as non-binary riding clubs. 

Take a look at the experiences of Josie Lees, one of 2023’s 100 Women in Cycling for a glimpse of what cycling offers.

Cycling Legs Before and After

Many people are worried that cycling will make their legs ‘bulky’ – but this shouldn’t deter you from hopping in the saddle. Cycling has benefits that far outweigh how your legs might end up looking. Naomi, a freelancer living on the South Coast, says that beginning to cycle regularly ‘made my commute possible physically and mentally’. It was a moment of joy in an otherwise hectic schedule.   

You should also note that cycling is unlikely to give you the gnarly quads of a track racer unless you combine it with their intense schedules of resistance and weight training. Similarly, if you find yourself riding fifteen to twenty hours or more, the muscle you develop may well depend on the cadence of your ride.

Finally, remember that the strong, healthy muscles of a regular cyclist are to be celebrated, rather than hidden, and if you find your body shape transformed dramatically by cycling, brands like Rapha and Levi make casual clothing designed to fit the unique contours – the trim waists and strong quads – of a cyclist. 

Why Should I Start Cycling?

Many people take up cycling – MTB, road, casual and even spin and peloton – intending to lose weight, but rarely consider what they might end up gaining. Cycling can help people, including women, who find environments like your traditional leisure centre gym boring or alienating fall back in love with exercising – an important step given that according to research by This Girl Can, 23% of women don’t feel comfortable in themselves while exercising. 

However, the benefits can be enormous. You’ll find yourself taking fewer sick days at work, building a stronger immune system and cutting your risk of heart disease. Stronger joints and the boosted energy make it possible to fully engage in activities you may once have avoided. Women, in particular, may find themselves at a lower risk of osteoarthritis.  Like other aerobic exercise, it can also help you lose weight if this is a fitness goal for you.

How Do I Start Cycling?

The easy answer is to start pedalling, but if you’ve never ridden or this is your first time on a bike since childhood, there are many things you can do to help ease you into life on two wheels. If you never got the chance to learn how to ride, schemes like Bikeability offer low-cost training programmes. From there, there are a wealth of local and welcoming cycling groups looking for new members. If you live in a city, check your local network of cycle lanes and paths. 

If you’re worried about the cost of buying a bike, there are plenty of firms that will allow you to rent – often providing key safety equipment like a helmet or lock. Cycling UK has plenty of good guides, including positioning your saddle and checking your tyre pressure is correct.  You might also want to consider taking out insurance, also offered by Cycling UK, if you’re planning to travel abroad and cycle.

Is Cycling Right For Me?

There’s no doubt that someone’s dream exercise routine is a nightmare for another. While your friend might relish a morning jog down a quiet side street, the thought of slipping on trainers and headphones could well break you out in a cold sweat. Cycling has gained detractors for its MAMIL stereotype, but once you look past this misconception, you’ll see that cycling is a sport where anyone is welcome.

According to a recent study, cycling doesn’t only benefit people on bikes. If the UK population had the same rate of cycling as our Danish counterparts, it would save the National Health Service £17 billion a year. Eight bikes can also be parked in one car parking bay, freeing up space in congested urban centres. Promoting cycling among children also offers them autonomy, only available to 1% of British children who currently cycle to school.

Of course, potential cyclists with pre-existing conditions should check with their medical teams – especially if these include problems with joints or respiratory conditions like asthma. However, if you’re given the all-clear, there should be nothing stopping you.

Here at Discerning Cyclist, we’re obviously biased, but we’d nothing beats being in the saddle.

The post Cycling Body Transformation Female: Before and After Effects appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

The Arctic Tern is a marvel. This tiny bird migrates over 40,000 miles every year – crossing several continents and basking in two summers. Impressive, isn’t it?

But, what exactly does this have to do with bikes?

The agile Artic Tern is the inspiration for Tern. This Taiwanese brand decided to design its impressive qualities into their folding bikes.

As of writing, Tern have eleven lines. Each have different spec tightly suited to your needs, but all retain a profound inspiration from and respect of nature.

Tern bikes are available in bricks-and-mortar retailers and online, but are these popular e-bikes any good?

Who are Tern?

Tern are a Taiwanese e-bike brand founded by Florence Shen and Joshua Hon in 2011. A multi-national company, they have offices in the UK, USA, China and Finland.

They take inspiration from nature in ways beyond their branding. Tern guiding ethos is a sustainable future and feel the e-bike is a core component of this aim. They want to make adaptable, but attractive bikes that get 

Tern have been working their way up the folding bike market for over a decade now. They’ve steadily gained brand recognition and are now one of the biggest hitters on the market.

What do Tern Specialize in?

Tern specialise in lightweight folding bikes. Prices are affordable, but the bikes contain high quality, big brand parts like Bosch drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. 

Buoyed by the growing popularity of e-bikes, around half of their range is electric. Cargo bikes allow riders to seamlessly reduce their car usage, and endurance folding models, like the Verge, for complex commutes.

Are Tern Bikes Good?

Negative reviews are relatively hard to find. Wired raved about the high-spec Tern GSD, and Hannah Bussey of Cycling Weekly claimed it changed her family life. The New York Times even listed a Tern model on their Best E-Bikes of 2023 list. It’s all highly convincing. 

Whatsmore, Tern’s attractive warranty policy lets you make up your own mind. When customers sign up for Tern Care in the first 30 days, their policy extends as far as ten years ahead – a whole decade of riding.

While admittedly not the most glamorous of features, it ensures that your chosen bike really is the best fit for your riding needs and style.

Is Tern a Good Brand?

Tern is a multi-national brand with offices in the States, Northern Europe, Asia and the UK. They have an increased commitment to sustainability, minimising their use of virgin materials in  packaging and removing harmful chemicals from the production chain. 

They say that their international scope allows continual innovation. Every hour, all twenty-four of them, someone in the Tern team is busy building, engineering or designing a bike.

Where are Tern Bikes Made?

Tern use factories in Taiwan and Mainland China. Some compotents, like batteries, come from other renowned brands, so are not made on-site. 

As mentioned, the company also have offices on most continents to help with shipping, shopping and spec queries.

Does Tern Make E-Bikes?

Tern do make e-bikes. It’s their speciality. From folding to cargo bike, there’s guaranteed to be one model that slots into your daily life with ease. 

They are also renowned for their acoustic or non-electric releases. These lightweight bikes have been built with city-dwellers in mind, offering maximum portability and intuitive geometry and storage. 

Tern Bike Review

Does a bike with the spirit of nature as well as precise engineering interest you? Then, what we’ve got next might pique your interest. Stay tuned for a round-up of their six most popular models.

Best Tern Bikes

The post Tern Review: Are These Popular E-Bikes Any Good? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

We get it. Your premium road bike is a downright joy to ride. The carbon frame offers silky smooth handling – and just wait for a descent on those oh-so-sleek tubeless tyres. But, what if you need something sturdier? A comfortable, powerful e-bike to haul your weekly shop or boost your small business? Think Velotric.

Velotric is a new e-bike brand,  founded by hardware pro Adam Zhang in 2020.  The team includes some of the brains at Specialised and Decathlon and produce and sell their cargo e-bikes at entry-level prices.

They’re an exciting prospect in a crowded market, but are their bikes any good? 

Who are Velotric?

Velotric is a Chinese brand that began in 2021. Its founder is Adam Zhang, formerly of e-scooter giant Lime and its team includes engineers from respected bike makers like Specialized.

A fresh bunch in an exponentially growing field, they oversee a production process that integrates modern features like Find My iPhone into clasically styled frames.

What do Velotric specialise in?

Velotric specialize in heavy-duty cargo e-bikes to lighten your load and brighten your day.

Recent itineration include a model with an extra-long platform for transporting bulky cargo – and a city bike for commuters.

In broad strokes, the brand’s mission is to make any errand comfortable and enjoyable with the right set of wheels. What this translates to is an impressively large scope of products which can even be customised further with their own brand accessories.

Are Velotric Bikes Good?

Velotric has generated a lot of chatter in the cycle journalism world. Forbes called it one of the best bikes under $1,400 – and praised the brand’s feature-rich. designs.

We’ve not ridden a Velotric design, but the spec sheets are promising: a Shimano drivetrain, five levels of pedal assist and a 500W motor. With a two year warranty, you’ve got more than enough time to test out whether the brand is a good see fit for you.

Is Velotric a Good Brand?

Velotric have garnered coverage from Electrek and CNN. For a shiny new brand, their line-up has certainly got reviewers talking.

CNN’s Tobey Grumet Segal said that the T1 was impressively easy to assemble, even for the most inveterate flat-pack deniers. Mountain Weekly said that their brawny Discover has enough power behind it for a featherlight ride feel.

Where are Velotric Bikes Made?

Velotric bikes are manufactured in China, but the brand have offices in Carson, California. Their email, phone number and US address can all be found on their website.

Do Velotric Make E-Bikes?

Yes, Velotric do make ebikes. Infact, cargo e-bikes are their speciality.

As well as the Go! and Packer! – sturdy designs for heavy loads – the brand’s latest offerings include a fitness and commuter bike.

Velotric Bike Review

If you’re taking on the kind of errands that require a serious machine, Velotric might be just the ticket. Stick around to our complilation of the brand’s most popular models. 

Best Velotric E-Bikes

The post Velotric Review: Are These Cargo E-Bikes Any Good? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Sometimes, a spec sheet will land on our desks that could get the most seasoned cyclist teary-eyed. It might be the geometry of the lightweight carbon frame. Or some easy, breezy tubeless tyre. The catch? A price tag is upwards of £3,000.

So, what if that’s way out of budget? Or if you’re hunting for a back-to-basics model that’ll still ride with finesse?

Retrospec might be your answer. It’s a young outdoors brand, straight out of Perris, California.

Their range is adventurous, laidback and importantly, highly affordable.

Customers can expect retro styling that wouldn’t be out of place on a Beach Boys’ album cover. You can immediately picture yourself coasting through San Francisco, or Sacramento streets.

The question is, however, are Retrospec’s bikes any good? 

Who Are Retrospec?

Retrospec are a Californian bike brand, founded back in 2008. Laidback and wallet-friendly, the team started with just one product – the Harris Fixie, but now sell over 130 different items, tested in their own Adventure Lab.

They’re committed to making the outdoors accessible for all – which is why their products are priced affordably.

What Does Retrospec Specialize In?

Retrospec specializes in products for the great outdoors – whichever way you’d like to explore it. We’ve previously included their bike accessories in a round-up of stylish helmets – and are impressed by the breadth of products available, including paddle boards.

Are Retrospec Bikes Good?

Retrospec are an affordably-priced retailer – and the lower prices mean swapping Shimano gears and big-name tyres for own brand alternatives. The frames are mainly steel – as opposed to carbon and aluminium. These features might coalesce into a less responsive ride than you’re used to.

This is common among all bikes in this price bracket – and certainly isn’t a deal-breaker. Models, like their hybrids, do come with bigger-name features like Shimano drivetrains. Customer feedback on their site itself is positive and for less than half-a-grand, you can snap up a beautiful-looking pair of wheels for errands and weekend adventures.

Is Retrospec a Good Brand?

The accessible pricing is something we’ve seen crop up repeatedly in brand reviews. Here at Discerning Cyclist, we’re excited by their aim to make everyone feel at home in nature and the retro-inspired visuals deserve a round of applause too.

It looks as if Retrospec are taking inspiration from mid-century design classics. The bikes feel visually in step with the West Coast’s rich natural heritage – and have a lovely bohemian edge. There are easy step-through frames, or sleek fixies to suit all tastes.

A handful of reviewers have struggled with assembly, but if this is your first time buying a bike, your local bike store can always guide you through the process. Others have mentioned ways that they’ve switched out some components, like the saddle, to fit their specific needs.

A pan-state US brand, we haven’t got our hands on one yet to check the ride.

Where are Retrospec Bikes Made?

Retrospec bikes are designed in-house in Los Angeles and manufactured and shipped from China. They have roughly 1,000 authorised retailers across the States and a lovely online shop. 

Do Retrospec Make E-Bikes?

Retrospec do make e-bikes. At the time of writing, there were a range of city, folding and fat-tyre e-bikes available on their website.

What really sets them apart from the pack design-wise, in our opinion, is their e-beach cruiser. Visually, it’s a playful nod to the brand’s breezy Californian location – and we imagine it will inspire many other designers to follow suite. 

Best Retrospec Bike Review

Considering one of these hugely cheerful and accessiblely priced bikes? We’ve put together a list of Retrospec‘s most popular models. 

The post Retrospec Review: Are Retrospec Bikes Any Good? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

For most of us  – the closest we’ll come to a racing a McLaren car is on a Scalextric track. 

And while that might be better for the planet than its full-sized counterpart, it does lack… some of the wow factor.

So, what if we told you the McLaren comes in e-bike form? And a folding one at that? 

Gocycle are a UK bike brand, founded by an ex-F1 engineer more than twenty years ago. Although Gocycle isn’t affiliated with McLaren, founder Richard Thorpe stresses that decades spent honing lightweight chassis for the team fed into the design of the Gocycle range.

The bikes themselves are slick, monocoque designs – worthy of LeMans. They’ve garnered a raft of glowing reviews from key cycling publications. 

Interested? Here we provide a round-up of reviews to help you get acquainted with the British brand. 

Who are Gocyle?

Gocycle are a British bike brand, founded in 2001 by ex-McLaren engineer Richard Thorpe.

In a market dominated by American and Asian manufacturers, it’s one of a handful of e-bike brands to be based in Europe. Their head office is actually based in Chessington, England.

When Thorpe quit his engineering job at McLaren, no one could have predicted how popular e-bikes would become. Automobile pioneer, Lee Iacocca, of Mustang had had little success in selling his prototype to the public. Undeterred, Thorpe drafted designs for an intuitive ride

Now, Gocycle is busy lapping its competitors. CNN, Bike Radar, and Cycling Weekly have all given the latest model four stars or more. The latter even called it a design classic.

What Does Gocycle Specialize In?

Gocycle specialise in high-spec, integrated folding e-bikes, inspired by racing cars. Their prices reflect this.

The current generation – which comes with barely-there motors, integrated chassis, and lightweight frames – costs upwards of three-thousand pounds. Consider them Brompton’s flashier cousin.

Are Gocycle Bikes Good?

Sometimes, a shiny award speaks louder than any ad campaign, and thankfully, Gocycle have awards to spare.

The majority of the brand’s offerings have ended up on an end-of-year Best E-Bike round-up at one point or other.

We haven’t had the chance to test them out, so we can’t verify their claim that their new fast folder collapses down in under ten seconds – or whether, their app really does offer a uniquely personalized riding experience.

If you’d like to try a Gocycle model for yourself, there’s a link on the website to arrange a free test ride.

Is Gocyle a Good Brand?

A quick Google search will indicate that GoCycle is a well-reviewed British brand – liked by members of the public and the cycling press.

It’s likely this popularity which saw its most recent GoFundMe reach the top 1% of projects.

Some Google reviews do mention delays in repairing and an inconvenient need to have the bikes shipped overseas to fix more serious problems.

What does make Gocycle attractive, regardless, is its location. For shoppers in the UK and Europe, the brand is a welcome chance to buy a bike that hasn’t flown or sailed thousand of miles to your retailer.

If you ditched your combustion engine on environmental grounds, this alone is a selling point. If you’re an American consumer, you might want to check out our post on US bike stores for a retailer closer to home.

Where are Gocycle bikes made?

GoCycle bikes are developed and manufactured in England – making one of the few European-built e-bikes currently available. The brand is a regular exhibitor at London’s Cycle Show – often premiering new design features to their cycling peers.

Does Gocycle Make E-Bikes

Gocycle does make e-bikes. Thorpe founded his brand in a bid to produce a pedal-assist bike as slick as the cars in Formula One.

At a time when e-bike technology resulted in surprisingly clunk machines, Thorpe wanted a design that would please casual urban cyclists and design nerds alike.

Light rides that could fold down in seconds – while ideally possessing the same road manners, rolling resistance and power as a full size frame.

Gocycle Bike Review

Like a smartphone, Gocycle‘s bikes come in various generations. The most recent is the G4. Below, we’ve created a round-up of their current offering.

Best Gocycle E-Bikes

The post Gocycle Review: Are These Folding E-Bikes Any Good? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

The phrase “direct-to-rider” bikes might have you scratching your head – not least if you’re used to getting your bike shipped or picking it up from a local store.

But this business model is the driving force behind Alchemy.

A morning visiting the brand’s Rocky Mountains HQ might involve a tour of their exquisite showroom. It could mean a trial ride, or a measurements session accompanied with an artisan-roasted espresso.  

Once you’re back home, the  brand’s eight-strong team of fabricators will then craft a bike bespoke to you – and courier it straight to your door

It’s a step-up from screwing on your own seat post.

But how does Alchemy hold up in reviews?

Who are Alchemy?

Alchemy are an ambitious Colorado bike brand – with a growing reputation. With a small-but-mighty team of eight, they oversee your bike, from fabrication all the way through to delivery. 

They were founded by Ryan Cannizzaro back in 2008. Their offering includes all-dayers, gravel, road, and mountain bikes.

They also build something that can’t be sold: longstanding relationships with their riders.

What do Alchemy specialize in?

Alchemy’s distinguishing feature is their small-scale, low milage production.

With everything from prototyping to welding done in-house, they maintain build quality at every step. Alchemy say that while the traditional bike shop model is great for selling bikes, their approach makes for a better ride.

With precision components and beautiful geometry, these bikes have premium prices. Frame and fork, for example, start at around $5,000 on their ultra-lightweight AU collection.

Are Alchemy Bikes Good?

If you’re tailoring each bike to your customer, it’s only natural that riding experience will vary from person to person.

Reviewers have called models like the Arktos and the AU range light, reponsive and comfortable.

To say the compententry is high-spec is an understatement. Along with a premium Shimano drive-train, features like David Earle’s SINE Suspension platform makes for versatile performance machines that we imagine should handle tricky terrain well and climb nicely. 

Is Alchemy a Good Brand?

Collated reviews for Alchemy – on sites like Google – are almost five-star – four-point-seven at the time of writing, in fact. Staff names are reassuringly dropped and personal praise is given freely – showing that their customer-oriented approach isn’t just a savvy marketing ploy.

A high rating, like this one, gives an indication of Alchemy’s burgeoning status and speaks to public appreciation for features like their lifetime guarantee.

Where are Alchemy Bikes Made?

Alchemy’s bikes are manufactured in their workshop in Colorado – a boon if you like your bikes beautiful and local.  

Even their exquisitely-welded frames are painted by an in-house team of artists. Using their polymer-ceramic mix, they’ll paint according to your exact specifications

They also sell “off-the-peg” bikes like the Arktos – a highly capable enduro model, according to customer reviews.

Do Alchemy Sell E-Bikes?

Yes! Alchemy do sell e-bikes. Their eRonin is an acclaimed electric gravel bike that, like the rest of their line, is handmade by experts in their Colorado workshop. It can, of course, be ordered online.

Expect a streamlined integrated design with a powerful mid-frame drive system. It comes with the same DARE golden promise as the analogue models. This means you can return the bike for any reason in the rare event the ride isn’t right for you. 

Alchemy Bikes Review

If you’re considering becoming one of Alchemy’s loyal customers, we’ve got a line-up of some of their popular products.

While they’re expanding their line into the UK, we haven’t had the luck to ride one yet – but with an ever increasing reach, we hope that day will come soon.

Best Alchemy E-Bikes

The post Alchemy Bikes Review: Are These Premium Bicycles Worth It? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

As far as electric bikes brands go, Senada doesn’t yet have the widest brand recognition. While a casual cyclist can name Raleigh or Cube, this wallet-friendly Hong Kong-based brand is relatively unheard of. 

Founded in 2020, Senada aimed to do something than most of their competitors hadn’t: create an affordable all-access e-bike for shoppers previously priced out the market.

Fast-forward three years, and the burgeoning brand has six models they say handle sand dunes just as smoothly as snowy tracks

But the question is, how good are these affordable e-bikes?

Who are Senada?

Senada are a Hong Kong e-bike brand with warehouses in California and New Jersey. They’re one of the newer bike brands – founded in 2020 – and retail primarily through the brand’s website and Amazon.

Take a look at their product listings and you’ll see affordability is one of their by-words.

What Does Senada Specialize In?

Senada specialises in chunky e-bikes – otherwise known as a ‘fat bike’. The broad tyres on a ‘fat bike’ offer a less twitchy, more assured ride –  often along with increased grip. Although an Asian brand, Senada has an eye on the American market with two offices in the US. 

Are Senada Bikes Good?

Senada have received relatively little attention from the cycling press – with the majority of the best reviews coming direct from YouTube unboxings and Amazon GB and US reviews.

The latter group tend to be impressed by the  sturdiness and battery life of their new bikes.

A US-based shopper even questioned whether the bike would be strong enough to pull along a bear if needed – a use we certainly don’t condone at Discerning Cyclist! 

Is Senada a Good Brand?

We haven’t got our hand on a Senada bike, so we can’t speak personally to the riding experience. YouTubers certainly had good things to say about the twenty-six by four inch wheels and its burly frame.

These aren’t light bikes – tipping the scale at around 29kg – but given that Senada aren’t jostling to be the next Brompton challenger, it shouldn’t be a problem.

We like the brand’s two year warranty and uniquely, the brand’s physical locations in the States.

This should hopefully save you hassle if any problems arise with your bike and prevent the need to ship your wheels out of the country for repairs. 

Where are Senada Bikes Made?

While there’s no specific address widely available , it looks as though Senada e-bikes might be made in Hong Kong, where the brand’s main branch is located.

Do Senada make e-bikes?

Senada do make e-bikes. In fact, it’s the only product they make and you’re spoilt for choice.

Their current featured collection has bikes like the Venom and Saber – and takes inspiration from the long visual heritage of dirt bikes. They also have folding bikes for those living in the city.

Senada Bikes Review

The brand have a gamut of fat-tyre e-bikes – all with the same tough no-nonsense styling. Below, we’ve listed some of the their most popular and well-reviewed models.

Best Senada E-Bikes

The post Senada Bikes Review: Are These Budget E-Bikes Any Good? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

E-bikes first generated buzz because they could help people ride well into old age. Creaky joints and worn-out knees no longer posed a problem – if helped out by a nifty lithium battery

But, e-bikes – or pedelecs, as they’re also known – have since found a market among young adults. A mid-point between a bike and a moped provides mobility for a generation all too often stuck relying on lifts or a stripped-back bus service.

Minimum age limits, however, are often unclear, especially in places with devolved governments. Discerning Cyclist’s handy guide outlines key e-bike laws – and lets you know where exactly these rules apply.

Can Anyone Ride an E-Bike?

Not everyone can cycle an e-bike. EAPCs—electrically assisted pedal cycles or pedelecs—can travel fast, so many countries have imposed minimum age restrictions, even if no license is required to ride. In Denmark, certain US states, and Canadian provinces, you can’t set off on a pedelec unless you’re wearing a helmet.  

Surprisingly, some regions even class e-bikes as motor vehicles. In these rarer instances, you’d need to treat the bike like a car. That means obtaining any appropriate licenses, insurance, and number plates.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride an Electric Bike?

Most people will be able to ride an e-bike before they can legally drive. In the UK, you’ll need to be over 14, and within the European Union, the minimum age hovers around this number, depending on the country.

In the US, there is no blanket rule on e-bike riding. The federal government has yet to introduce national legislation, so it’s up to state governments to define their own minimum age.

Take a closer look at state government law, and you’ll see how widely e-bike rules can vary. Arizona, for example, has no restriction on e-bike use, whereas, in Idaho, a child can’t cycle a motor-assisted bike until their sixteenth birthday.

If you’re looking to learn more about limits worldwide, continue reading.

What Age Can You Ride an E-Bike in UK?

You must be over 14 to ride an e-bike in the UK. However, it’s important to note that you must be 18 or above to rent an e-bike from a public hire scheme (such as Lime or Santander).

However, if you’re a parent or carer and fancy a spin around one of London’s leafy parks with the family, you can hire one of TFL Santander bikes for an ‘additional user’ aged 14 and upwards. You’ll need to accept responsibility for your child’s bike use and verify that this TFL policy remains in place before you ride.

What Age Can You Ride an E-Bike in USA?

Here’s where it gets a little complicated. There’s no universally recognized minimum age for e-bike riding in the US. This means that the limit is around fourteen years old in some areas of the country. In others, you can ride with a battery – at least theoretically – from birth.

However, most states are united in one legal requirement. Delaware, Florida, Maine, North Carolina, Maryland, and Montana require riders under the age of sixteen to wear helmets before riding an e-bike.

In New Mexico, Indiana, and other places, it’s a requirement until eighteen. With American e-bike speeds often reaching 25mph, a helmet should be on your radar even if you’re a few years (or decades) past eighteen.

We recommend visiting the People for Bikes website for more detailed state-by-state information. Their handy factsheets – created to push for clearer legislation – give a run-down of e-bike rules and bylaws in all fifty states.

They even discuss their use in the country’s vast National Parks, in case you’re hoping to breeze through the redwoods at Yosemite or take a loop around the Rockies.

What Age Can You Ride an E-Bike in Canada?

No two provinces in Canada are alike and the same goes for the country’s e-bike age laws. On the famously picturesque Prince Edward Island, e-bikes are classed as a moped, meaning you’ll have to be at least 16 and carry a licence to ride.

If you’d like to ride in leafy Quebec, you’ll also need a licence. Other provinces, like the maritime New Brunswick, specify no minumum age applies.  

It’s interesting how the nation’s famously cycle-centric cities, like Montreal and Vancouver, are adapting differently to the e-bike boom – and it pays to make sure you’re aware of requirements.

With fines for underage riding in Ontario setting you back as much as $500, your e-bike use might not only illegal. It’ll be very costly.  

What Age Can You Ride an E-Bike in Australia?

Despite Australia’s vast size, its minimum age restriction is similar from territory to territory. Riders under 16 in Queensland are not allowed to cycle without supervision, and in West Australia, they are not allowed to ride e-bikes at all.

In Tasmania, you must be over 16 and wearing a helmet. In Victoria, the minimum age is lower at 12. In New South Wales, there are currently no age restrictions. The Nothern Territory has the most stringent requirements, with cyclist required to be 18 or over and wear a securely fitted bike helmet.

What Age Can You Ride an E-Bike in Europe?

Although the 27 EU member states agreed on key directives for e-bike power more than three years ago, minimum age proves a stickier subject. In countries like Belgium and Denmark, a cyclist of any age can take to the roads on a 250W bike.

In fact, in the latter, the only bikes with age restrictions are the new class of ‘speed pedelecs’ – permissible on cycle paths, but able to zoom along at speeds of 28mph. For these bikes, the Danish authorities ask riders to be fifteen.

With such variation, it’s worth checking directly with the authorities of any country you’ll be visiting, especially if you’re following a pan-European cycling route like EuroVelo.

Do You Need a Licence for an E-Bike?

It depends on where you’re riding. In the UK, an e-bike – or EPAC to keep it official – doesn’t require a licence as long as you’re over the minimum age limit and your bike hasn’t been modified. In the US, it varies state-by-state with some states placing e-bikes in the same class as a Cadillac.  

In mainland Europe, EU directives lay out ground rules for e-bike power and speed limits, but they don’t specify whether a user requires a valid driver’s licence. As a result, each of the 27 EU countries has an e-bike licensing laws you’ll need to consult.

Do You Need to Wear a Helmet on an Electric Bike?

You’d be hard-pressed to find a universal law when it comes to wearing a helmet on e-bikes. Although the Highway Code suggests that all cyclists wear a helmet, there is no legal requirement to wear one in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

However, studies have shown that buckling up can drastically reduce your risk of a serious head injury – and with injuries sustained on e-bikes possibly more severe, the lack of a legal requirement doesn’t mean you should hold off buying one.

In some EU states, the rule around helmets is more stringent. Both Italy and Ireland require e-bike riders to wear a helmet if they’re under the age of eighteen. This aligns with legislation in the US, which in many states, makes it illegal for teenagers to cycle without helmets.

More Rules on Electric Bikes

So, you’re old enough to legally cycle and own an e-bike? Below, you’ll find a round-up of more general rules covering everything from power to pavements and bike path use.

You might have noticed that being on the same continent – or even in the same country – does not

As you’ll have noticed by now, being on the same continent – or even in the same country – doesn’t always mean that riders are governed by the same set of laws. We’ve complied e-bike rules in the UK, USA, EU and Asia – so that you can get your head around e-bike ownership wherever you’re reading from.

E-bike Rules UK

If you haven’t already read the Discerning Cyclist’s article on need-to-know laws in the UK, here’s a brief resume.

The most commonly known UK e-bike laws surround the power and speed of the bike. The maximum power should be 250W and the electric motor must not be able to propel the bike beyond 15.5mph. The throttle cannot propel the bike beyond 3.7mph. 

This is because the e-bike must be powered primarily by pedals. Otherwise, it won’t be classed as a bicycle.

Your chosen bike must also have its power output visible on the frame and the manufacturer of the motor, maximum speed and battery voltage must be clear to all.

Providing it meets all regulations, you can ride your electric bike wherever you can ride a pedal bicycle. That means roads, bike paths and trails and bridleways, but firmly excludes pavement.  

And finally, as explored, you must be over 14 to ride an e-bike, and often over 18 if the bike is part of a ‘city bike’ scheme  

E-Bike Rules USA

Very few e-bike rules are set by the US federal government, but one does apply regardless of your state flag, E-bikes must only be able to travel up to 20mph on motor power alone. If accompanied by pedalling, the maximum permissible speed increases to 28 miles per hour.  

Otherwise, the rules vary depending on your state, which makes for a confusing situation for consumers and retailers alike. Again, we recommend checking People for Bikes for detailed information on your home area.

E-Bikes Laws Around the World 

According to Sixth Tone, a state-owned publication in China, the country rolls out almost 30 million e-bikes on average each year – but what are the rules for the people that ride them? In China, different regions define and govern e-bike use differently. This is because national cycling legislation can be supplanted by local laws.

In Beijing, for example, e-bike users not only have to register their e-bike with the local government, they need a driver’s licence too. Apparently, there are more than 200 million registered e-bikes in the country. 

In Japan, registration is also mandatory and top speeds are limited to 24mph. In the past, cycle retailers have been prosecuted for selling faster imported models, which under Japanese law, are classed as motor vehicles and require plates.  

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