2019-04-02 14:30
All good things must come to an end. Sadly, today is the end for the London Cyclist Blog. I created the blog back in 2007 because I was frustrated at the lack of information online for every… Read More
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London Cyclist | Happily Cycling In London Blog
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Cycling blog for commuters everywhere. Perfect for the average cyclist that wants to get more out of their every day cycle with tips, news and videos.
2018-08-03 07:53
In the UK, we love to go away for the summer. And naturally for cyclists, our favourite travel companions are on two wheels.
One of the main perks of cycle touring is that it’s cheaper… Read More
2018-07-25 12:46
The Hexlox is a tiny little magnetic attachment that sits inside your existing seat post bolt, headset bolts and wheels skewer bolts. With it in place, it makes it a lot harder for a thief… Read More
2018-07-11 08:11
Taking your bike on the coach or train isn’t always the easiest of feats.
But you might need to use public transport for a number of reasons: you want to do a bike trip that’s to… Read More
2018-06-01 10:46
Anti-pollution cycling masks are a fairly common sight in London.
It’s perfectly understandable – air pollution is a well-documented issue here, causing respiratory problem… Read More
2018-05-22 09:46
Last night, I came home and saw one stood in front of my Peckham flat. The other week, I spotted one sitting on Tower Bridge. I’ve seen them lurking around pretty much everywhere in Ha… Read More
2018-05-14 08:18
Guest post by William Manners
Visiting Amsterdam for the first time was an eye-opening experience. Staying in a district a bit outside the city centre, it was difficult not to wander a… Read More
2018-04-25 18:25
Recently, I switched from a rucksack to a rack and panniers in a bid to solve the mystery of my back pain.
This meant replacing my 18-litre rucksack with a 34-litre double pannier.
I wasn&rs&hell…Read More
2018-04-25 18:12
Cycling boasts tons of environmental benefits, leaving behind a very small carbon footprint.
But there are some things we burn through at an incomparable rate – namely parts and kit.
A… Read More
2018-03-29 11:37
I reluctantly left my bike with a friend to look after at the start of the year.
My landlord had decided to sell the flat I was living in and, rather than start the dreaded search for a new… Read More
2018-02-23 13:36
Travelling by bike is arguably one of the best ways to see the world.
You’re much more connected with your senses: smelling the bakery as you pass, feeling the breeze on your face and… Read More
2018-02-16 10:11
All cyclists have their regular routes – the one to work, the one to your mate’s house, the one to the bike shop.
But these can become tiresome day after day as you mentally move… Read More
2018-02-08 15:54
Last year we saw a number of advancements in bike lights and bike alarms, as innovative upstarts and established brands look for new ways to keep us safe while riding and to keep our bikes s… Read More
2018-01-31 09:39
I always find the time after the Christmas break until March or April when the flowers start coming out as a strange kind of limbo. No one really knows what to do with themselves. Some don&r&hell…Read More
2018-01-10 22:12
In a digital world where we’re constantly on the go, logged in and overwhelmed with information, it can be hard to find the time to sit back and relax with a good book. That’s w… Read More
2018-01-05 09:41
If you do a web search, cycling enthusiasts will praise the virtues of cycling shoes. They keep your feet in place on the pedals, the stiff soles give you more support and put less strain on… Read More
2017-12-25 09:30
What a year! For London cyclists, 2017 saw warnings of toxic air pollution levels, an Oxford Street transformation that rather rudely excludes bikes and slow progress from the city’s… Read More
2017-12-21 15:30
Every cyclist is different, from the bike they ride right down to their choice of socks.
However, there are common experiences that bring us together – the kind that make you nod with… Read More
2017-12-08 09:16
A new cycling accessories shop has opened in Hackney, specialising in bags for style-conscious commuters and families.
The Goodordering range was created by Aussie expat Jacqui Ma, who has d… Read More
2017-12-01 08:00
Like it or not, Christmas is already on its way. Do you have a cyclist in your life to buy a present for? Are you wondering whether to get them a cycling gift, or just stick to the safe but… Read More
2017-11-24 10:27
One of the joys of cycling is freewheeling down a hill and feeling the wind on your face.
Unfortunately, it’s a distant dream in London. Some things you just can’t control, like… Read More
2017-11-16 12:39
Aside from saving money, getting to know your bike is a really enjoyable new skill to learn. It feels empowering to be able to spot and solve problems with your bike, without needing to take… Read More
2017-11-09 10:00
When you think of cycling in London, you don’t tend to imagine killer hills.
But if you’re training for an event or you just want to keep fit over the colder months, these short… Read More
2017-11-08 10:00
This is a guest post by John Scripps, Head of Programming and Product Development at Lee Valley VeloPark.
1. Embrace the weather – Winter in the UK can feel like forever so… Read More
2017-10-30 10:00
I remember back in October 2015 seeing Beeline on Kickstarter and thinking “what an odd, interesting looking little device”. Flash forward a couple of years to October 2017… Read More
2017-10-26 09:00
It’s getting cold, windy, rainy and dark earlier and earlier. It’s only natural to get despondent and gravitate towards the couch, Netflix and a packet of crisps. But there is a… Read More
2017-10-23 12:47
Cyclists are encouraged to indicate when they’re about to turn or change lanes so that other motorists know what they’re doing and to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
However, we g… Read More
2017-10-16 09:00
The new Knog PWR range – the Commuter and the Rider are bike lights with a built in power bank to allow you to charge your devices. In time, Knog will be releasing additional tec… Read More
2017-10-10 09:05
Taking your bike for a service is something that many of us put off for a whole raft of reasons.
You might not know where to take it, particularly if you’re newer to cycling.
In this i… Read More
2017-10-09 08:00
Summer is gone! Don’t be sad; be glad that autumn is here. The country gets extra beautiful during this time of the year so now is the time to get on your bike and go see some of the… Read More
2017-10-04 14:05
The days are getting shorter, colder and you’re finding yourself retreating into your cosy couch more and more. Well summer might be over but there are a lot of fun things to explore… Read More
2017-09-28 11:51
This week, I went along to a Cycle Speed Dating event at Look Mum No Hands!, with a roped-in supportive friend and my Dutch bicycle Millie in tow. Cyclists looking for love in Lycra came tog… Read More
2017-09-28 11:47
Whether you want a camera for safety, for video making, or to just have fun with – there’s plenty out there to choose from. We’ve hand picked a few that we recommend and ad… Read More
2017-09-22 07:54
Cycling at any time of the day is wonderful, but in London a serene night ride tops peak-hour pedalling for me.
And as the days are getting shorter and our cycle shorts are getting longer, t… Read More
2017-09-13 17:08
Cycling in London for the first time can be quite a dramatic change from what you might previously be used to. There are more cars, cyclists, pedestrians and generally a lot going on around… Read More
2017-08-29 07:10
So, you’ve signed up for a triathlon – that’s awesome. If this is your first time doing a triathlon, or if you’ve recently moved to a new area in London, you’ll… Read More
2017-08-28 14:33
We’ve looked at popular London cycing clubs and we’ve shared our guide to finding a cycling buddy. But what if you are looking for love? We take a look at a speed datin… Read More
2017-08-14 22:36
At just 11 miles long, the Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast is one of the shortest coast to coast rides you can do in the UK. Almost the entire route is traffic free.
Over the summer ho… Read More
2017-07-28 08:42
Brake the Cycle is a cycle touring company with a difference. Organised as a social enterprise, the goal is to explore sustainable living through cycling, adventure and community. London Cyc… Read More
2017-07-19 09:25
In the London Cyclist Friday newsletter we’ve recently been mentioning some of our favourite reads, including Bike Boom: The Unexpected Resurgence of Cycling by Carlton Reid and Bike N… Read More
2017-07-12 06:00
Shock announcement:
Many cyclists also own cars!
You heard it here first. Many cyclists enjoy using said cars for heading off to far flung places to ride their bikes.
Transporting them invol… Read More
2017-06-22 18:25
Helmet hair is the worst.
This guide isn’t going to promise that you’ll look like a L’Oreal advert after a long ride (here comes the science: perfect hair isn’t going… Read More
2017-06-16 11:23
Something kind of awesome happens when women come together, especially in London. Like when the Women’s March echoed a chorus of ‘love trumps hate’ and ‘girls just wa… Read More
2017-06-06 09:37
Cyclists – like Victorian children – are better seen than heard. We know this, despite my first foul-mouthed instinct when faced with a reckless driver. When it comes to making… Read More
2017-06-05 13:24
Kryptonite or Abus? This used to be the extent of your bike locking choices. Now, it’s a little more complicated. Do you want a keyless bike lock? A bike lock with GPS? A bike lock tha… Read More
2017-05-28 17:22
Guest blog by Robbie from Isle of Wight Guru
The Isle of Wight’s Victorian seaside resorts and stretches of fossil-filled coastline feel a long way from London, but it’s only ab… Read More
2017-05-22 09:56
Originally published 12/07/2010, updated 22/05/2017
The number of cyclists in London is rising and these happy pedal pushers need fuel. More specifically, they need to find this fuel at a ca… Read More
2017-05-15 17:14
This is a guest post by Richard Cantle, founder of Stolen Ride. The site helps cyclists re-unite with their stolen bikes.
Hackney Peddler
We sell Abus, Kryptonite and Knog. A… Read More
2017-05-12 07:14
One of the things I’ve always loved most about cycling is that pretty unbeatable feeling of happiness as you pedal along with the wind in your hair, regardless of whether the sun is sh… Read More
2017-05-10 08:07
I’ve asked Jeff Jones, founder of Flyingeese to share his favourite cycling routes and climbs in Portugal.
Cycling was a lifeline for me when I worked in the City. It was as much… Read More
2017-05-05 09:27
We meet the first of our ‘heroes on wheels’ – Londoners who use their bikes to do brilliant things – Harri Symes, founder of Thighs of Steel, an epic charity cycle w… Read More
2017-04-27 16:14
Europe’s fastest-growing bike event Spin Cycling Festival returns to London for its fifth edition from the 12th – 14th May!
Having grown from a small cycling event established i… Read More
2017-04-27 09:05
Many Londoners found themselves rubbing in dollops of after sun lotion in the aftermath of April’s freak heatwave. Despite having to nurse red raw skin and deal with dodgy tummies… Read More
2017-04-18 08:00
Look! That strange burning orb that’s suddenly appeared in the sky – what is it? Could it be… the sun, heralding the end of winter and the beginning of a season bathed in… Read More
2017-04-17 09:05
London’s poor air quality has been in the headlines and, as a cyclist, this invisible danger is a major concern.
According to figures from Kings College London, by… Read More
2017-04-11 10:30
Things I know to be true: One, that cyclists are, for better and for worse, exposed continuously to the elements. Two, that England’s elements are regularly, reliably on the soggy sid… Read More
2017-04-06 07:06
Earlier this year, I came off my bike after swerving out of the way of a small child on an icy patch of concrete. I managed to cycle away very slowly and shaken up. I had pulled a muscle in… Read More
2017-03-29 07:02
Even if you haven’t mounted a bike since you were young enough to non-ironically enjoy listening to Steps or Westlife, you’d probably find it easy enough to rent out a Boris bike… Read More
2017-03-28 16:20
To many, mindfulness sits in a murky world of levitating, meditative smuggery, #CleanEating and crystal hugging. However, the humble message of mindfulness is simple: it’s about… Read More
2017-03-23 08:49
I somehow survived my first winter as a cyclist. It was a long slog of navigating through icy roads in the darkness and ensuring visibility by dressing like Christmas tree wrapped in tinsel… Read More
2017-03-16 19:35
The area surrounding Maidenhead ticked a lot of boxes when I was recently looking for a weekend away from London. Great gastropubs, cafes, lots of cycle routes along the river, old manor ho… Read More
2017-03-09 23:54
On a wet, windy and miserable day I shouted to my girlfriend: “Quick! Put your dhb Women’s Flashlight Highline Waterproof Jacket on and run outside! There’s no time to was… Read More
2017-03-02 14:49
Ever since Google Maps added directions for cyclists, I’ve been a very regular user.
Google Maps does a fairly good job of choosing a bike friendly route and it’s a pretty good i… Read More
2017-02-10 09:54
One of the most common questions I get asked is: “How do I meet fellow cyclists?”. It seems many of us want to socialise beyond our current friendship groups, but we don’t… Read More
2017-02-02 10:44
With over 6 million worldwide sales, Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence” still captures the imaginations of people across the globe. Provence’s charming cobbled stree… Read More
2017-01-12 17:03
If cycling is in your blood and you need a fix, these twenty Instagram accounts are perfect for keeping up to date with cycling. They might also convince you to break out of London, hit… Read More
2016-12-16 10:17
As anyone who’s walked down a high street and felt uneasy at the countless chain stores will agree – it’s important to support local shops. With this in mind, we’ve t… Read More
2016-12-15 17:18
Waterproof cycling trousers are a staple for anyone who commutes to work on a regular basis. They offer protection from getting soaked in the rain, which is an uncomfortable way to start you… Read More
2016-12-09 07:30
You may have noticed that we’ve been a little quiet lately here on London Cyclist. There is a reason for that: I am hanging up my blogging shoes for the time being. London Cyclist… Read More
2016-11-24 07:30
We have thus far reviewed two items from the new Vulpine autumn/winter range, the Commuter jeans and the Waxed British Harrington. Both items have been great and we have been really imp… Read More
2016-11-14 07:30
We got our hands on the regular Knog Blinders last year and generally liked them. They are handy, easy to charge and bright enough to be seen on busy London streets. So, when we were offered… Read More
2016-11-07 17:18
With a subtle reference to the U.S. election, I bring you 5 things cyclists should learn to love.
1. Electric Bikes
“Cheater!” is my gut reaction when I see someone riding… Read More
2016-11-04 15:05
The goofy grin on my face is because I’m thrilled to be trying out Vulpine’s new British Waxed Harrington Jacket for a review on London Cyclist. If you find yourself wearin… Read More
2016-11-04 07:34
Last week we brought you a run down of some city worthy SPD shoes I have good experience with. I promised you an in-depth review of one of these pairs, the DZR H2O’s, so here it is.
Wh… Read More
2016-10-28 06:45
In the city you want to cycling around in things you are comfortable in. However, you don’t always want to wear lycra. You want to be able to go to the pub or a restaurant and not feel… Read More
2016-10-24 09:15
Cycling in London is a real pleasure and my favourite way to get around. However, there are close calls that remind you why people are often hesitant to travel by bike.
These moments are&nbs&hell…Read More
2016-10-20 09:38
Keeping your feet attached to the pedals is really awesome but can be a bit scary and inconvenient in a city. Some of the shoes can also be hard to walk in and make you look just a little si… Read More
2016-10-19 13:31
Cycling caps are a quintessential part of road cycling but they have their uses in the city too – I have a couple that I like wearing for various reasons outlined below.
Often worn alo… Read More
2016-10-12 07:03
In the past I have read stories of normal people saving lives with first aid on their way to work. Someone collapses on the train you are on, or starts choking on their blueberry breakfast m… Read More
2016-10-07 06:51
We have reviewed a few pannier options in the past. I myself use panniers in the city on occasion and do enjoy not carrying things on my back. My main problem with panniers for day-to-day us… Read More
2016-10-03 06:00
I value my head. It’s great for hanging hats. I also value my brain, I spent a long time in university growing it. Therefore, most times I cycle, I wear a bicycle helmet. It’s a… Read More
2016-09-30 06:18
It may seem like an odd time of year to be talking about getting into road riding, but if you are a savvy shopper, now is a great time for a new road bike purchase. Most bike companies have… Read More
2016-09-29 06:57
It’s a topic of hot debate among those that consider themselves hard core cyclists. To many tyre pressure is all about marginal gains; the speed improvements between 100psi and 11… Read More
2016-09-23 06:30
I have told you where we cycled last week on our first ever bike tour, now here is a run down of the gear we carried with us. This is not an extensive list, that would be dull… Read More
2016-09-13 08:01
Don’t forget it is Cycle to Work Day tomorrow! I hope you all enjoy all the special events on today and encourage lots of your friends to start cycling to work.
This is… Read More
2016-09-08 09:22
There’s a little more to a bike fit than the right frame size. Here are some tips for making sure you buy the right size bike, and get it correctly setup.
Side note: We’ve a… Read More
2016-09-02 07:03
Electric bikes can be a little contentious. We are not talking helmet debate levels, but they still generate surprisingly strong feelings among the people on bikes population.
I like th… Read More
2016-08-31 09:59
*This is a 2016 update to a 2014 guide*
Backpacks and rucksacks for cycling come in all shapes and sizes.
Whilst it is more than possible to use any kind of backpack while cycling, there are… Read More
2016-08-26 06:30
Whilst riding around London, it’s likely you’ve developed your own internal GPS for getting around. But what happens when you want to venture further? Or try completely new route… Read More
2016-08-25 10:55
Squash, water, smoothie, coffee, tea, whisky – whatever your preference is for on the bike drinking, having a decent bottle will keep your drink cool or warm. A good cage to keep it in… Read More
2016-08-16 16:26
How do you determine a cycle friendly city? The scientific way is the Copenhagenize Index. It looks at a number of variables including commitment to infrastructure, modal share and gender sp… Read More
2016-08-12 06:40
Parts of London make you forget you are in a major city. We’ve all got our favourite spots – from Hampstead Heath to The Lea Valley. Today, we’ll cover… Read More
2016-08-11 13:14
This week we bring you a profile of two companies who have joined forces in an effort to help people cycle in style: Goodordering and The Cycling Store.
I met with Naomi, of Hackney St Clou… Read More
2016-08-05 06:30
Whilst you may lock your frame and rear wheel with a reliable D-Lock, what about your front wheel? If someone can simply undo a quick release or remove a bolt, they can run off with you… Read More
2016-08-03 08:59
I am very much an advocate of ‘wear what you want, ride what you want’. Yes, we review a lot of products designed for cycling and a lot of bikes which have features that make lif… Read More
2016-07-28 10:50
It is that time of year again – RideLondon is back this weekend for its 4th instalment and this year it is bigger than ever. Here is a run down of what is going on for the 3 days and t… Read More
2016-07-26 11:22
In 2009, I bought a Kryptonite New York Standard bike lock. Since then, I’ve never had my bike stolen. No need to review further bike locks. The end.
But wait.. it’s now 2016. Ha… Read More
2016-07-22 08:45
Bicycle specific insurance is a good idea for commuters in London and we have discussed some providers and policies before. Not only does specific insurance cover your bike, but it covers yo… Read More
2016-07-21 11:15
No matter how much I decide I’m going to cycle slowly and take my time on a commute, I end up speeding up. Either because I’m late, because I got delayed along the way, or b… Read More
2016-07-15 07:00
Keeping your bike secure in London is hard. Especially if you leave it locked up outside every night. Factor in the charming British weather and it’s no surprise that many people choos… Read More
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