Pete Reynolds, Author at Discerning Cyclist https://discerningcyclist.com/author/admin/ Cycling in Style Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:29:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://discerningcyclist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-discerning-cyclist-icon-orange-1-50x50.png Pete Reynolds, Author at Discerning Cyclist https://discerningcyclist.com/author/admin/ 32 32 Engwe L20 Review: A Fat Commuter E-Bike Worth Having? https://discerningcyclist.com/engwe-l20-review/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:29:31 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60989

The Engwe L20 is a versatile e-bike that seamlessly blends utility and comfort, making it an excellent choice for daily commuters and leisure riders alike. This bike stands out with its robust design, which balances practicality and style. Its sturdy…

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The Engwe L20 is a versatile e-bike that seamlessly blends utility and comfort, making it an excellent choice for daily commuters and leisure riders alike.

This bike stands out with its robust design, which balances practicality and style. Its sturdy frame, complete with a rear rack and wide tires, makes it perfect for carrying loads or cruising comfortably on varied terrains.

The step-through design adds to its ease of use, especially for riders seeking a more accessible and comfortable ride.

One of the highlights of the Engwe L20 is its powerful motor and battery combination. With a top speed of 25 km/h and a range that comfortably covers long city commutes or weekend adventures, this bike provides all the power you need without sacrificing the smooth, controlled ride feel.

Whether you’re navigating traffic or gliding along park paths, the L20 keeps you moving effortlessly.

Engwe L20 Review
  • Range
  • Terrain
  • Style
  • Value
  • Quality
4.4

Summary

The Engwe L20 is a versatile e-bike with a powerful motor, 7-speed gears, and commuter-friendly features like integrated lights, a rear rack, and wide tires. Its step-through design ensures comfort, while its sturdy frame provides stability on varied terrains. Ideal for urban commutes or leisure rides, though slightly heavy.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Can handle various terrain
  • Storage space for bags etc
  • Great value

Cons

  • External battery

The pedal assist and throttle options give riders flexibility, making it easy to choose between a light boost or a full-powered ride.

The 7-speed gear system complements this, allowing you to handle hills or flats with ease, giving you that extra bit of control when you need it most.

The L20 is packed with commuter-friendly features. The integrated front and rear lights improve safety, while the suspension system softens bumps, making for a more enjoyable ride.

The rear rack and fenders are particularly useful for carrying bags or groceries, and the fat tires provide excellent stability, even on less-than-perfect roads.

If there’s any drawback, it’s the bike’s weight. The L20 is a bit heavier than some other commuter e-bikes, which could make it challenging for those needing to carry it upstairs or load it into a car. However, this weight contributes to its sturdy, reliable feel on the road.

Overall, the Engwe L20 offers fantastic value for those looking for a well-rounded, dependable e-bike. With its strong motor, practical features, and comfortable design, it’s a great option for both everyday commutes and weekend rides, offering a solid mix of performance and convenience.

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LANKELEISI X3000 MAX: A Folding Fat Bike for Daily Life? https://discerningcyclist.com/lankeleisi-x3000-max-review/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 20:57:45 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60963

The LANKELEISI X3000 MAX is an absolute powerhouse of a bike, designed to tackle any terrain with ease while offering practical features that make it ideal for everyday use. If you’re looking for something that’s robust and versatile, this bike…

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The LANKELEISI X3000 MAX is an absolute powerhouse of a bike, designed to tackle any terrain with ease while offering practical features that make it ideal for everyday use.

If you’re looking for something that’s robust and versatile, this bike should be high on your list.

One of the standout features of the X3000 MAX is its durability. This is an extremely robust bike, built to withstand the rigors of both off-road adventures and urban commuting.

LANKELEISI X3000 MAX Review
  • Range
  • Terrain
  • Style
  • Value
  • Quality
4.4

Summary

A folding fat bike with a monster range. This really is a great all-rounder and has been built with lots of smart features that also make it an unlikely contender for people taking on diverse multi-modal commutes.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Big range
  • Can fit in large car boots

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Smaller tyres than other fat bikes

The fat tires are a major asset, allowing the bike to glide over various surfaces—from loose gravel to snow—with remarkable stability and control.

Whether you’re taking it on a mountain trail or navigating through city streets, the X3000 MAX is more than capable of handling the challenge.

Engwe X24 vs LANKELEISI X3000 Max

Having previously tested the Engwe X24, another folding fat bike, I found some interesting comparisons between the two. The LANKELEISI X3000 MAX comes with front splashguards and a rear pannier as standard, which are practical additions that enhance its commuter-friendly design. T

he X24, on the other hand, has larger wheels that give it an edge when riding through deep sand, but they also add to the bike’s overall weight and bulkiness. While the X24 might be better suited for more daring mountain biking,

I find the LANKELEISI to be the better choice for day-to-day use and commuting. It strikes a balance between performance and practicality, making it a more versatile option for most riders.

Folding Fat Bikes

Another key benefit of the X3000 MAX is its folding functionality. If you have a large car boot, you can fold the bike and store it easily, which is a huge advantage if you have multi-modal journeys or if you want to drive somewhere before starting your ride. This feature adds a layer of convenience that’s often overlooked but incredibly useful in real-world scenarios.

In terms of value, the LANKELEISI X3000 MAX is a great deal. It’s packed with features that make it a strong competitor in the folding fat bike category, yet it remains accessible in terms of price. For anyone seeking a reliable, versatile e-bike that can handle a variety of conditions while still being practical for daily commuting, the X3000 MAX is a fantastic choice.

Overall, while the Engwe X24 may have the upper hand in certain extreme conditions, the LANKELEISI X3000 MAX excels as an all-arounder that offers great value, durability, and convenience for everyday use. Whether you’re hitting the trails or simply navigating your way to work, this bike delivers a solid and dependable performance.

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Tenways CGO600 Pro: The Perfect Commuter E-Bike? https://discerningcyclist.com/tenways-cgo600-pro-review/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:26:20 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60960

Let’s dive straight in: the Tenways CGO600 Pro truly stands out in the realm of urban e-bikes. This sleek, minimalist e-bike showcases Tenways’ commitment to designing a bike that doesn’t just excel in performance but also looks stunning. Its refined…

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Let’s dive straight in: the Tenways CGO600 Pro truly stands out in the realm of urban e-bikes.

This sleek, minimalist e-bike showcases Tenways’ commitment to designing a bike that doesn’t just excel in performance but also looks stunning. Its refined lines and subtle design make it a visual treat, ideal for city dwellers who value both function and style in equal measure.

What sets the CGO600 Pro apart is how “normal” it feels when compared to other electric bikes.

Tenways CGO600 Pro Review
  • Range
  • Terrain
  • Style
  • Value
  • Quality
4.3

Summary

The Tenways CGO600 Pro is a stylish, minimalist e-bike ideal for urban commuters. It delivers a natural, smooth ride, resembling a traditional bike, with steady motor assistance. Despite being single-speed, it’s sufficient for most city rides. Features like a belt drive and built-in lights enhance its low-maintenance appeal.

Pros

  • Maintains the feel of riding a “normal” bike
  • Easy to ride even if battery dies
  • Good range (up to 100km, but about 45km with full assistance)
  • Beautiful style
  • Lightweight (16kg)
  •  

Cons

  • Handlebars grips somewhat uncomfortable

Riding this bike closely mirrors the experience of riding a traditional, non-electric bicycle. The standout advantage is its ability to maintain a consistent speed of 25 km/h, which proves particularly useful when tackling headwinds or gently sloping terrain.

The motor delivers just enough assistance to smooth out your ride, enhancing the cycling experience without compromising the natural feel of pedaling.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that this model is a single-speed bike. While the motor does an admirable job of assisting you on moderate slopes, steeper inclines could pose a challenge since there are no gears to shift into for extra power.

This might be something to keep in mind if your regular route involves significant hills, but for most urban commutes, it’s perfectly suitable.

The Tenways CGO600 Pro excels as a commuter bike, offering all the essential features for daily use. It comes with front and rear fenders, crucial for staying dry on rainy days, and a built-in front light controlled through the bike’s mini-computer.

The rear clip-on light is a thoughtful touch, boosting your visibility on evening rides. Another highlight is the belt drive, which requires almost no maintenance, meaning the only regular task is ensuring your tires are properly inflated. This makes it an excellent choice for busy city commuters.

If there’s one minor drawback, it would be the handlebar grips. Initially, they felt a bit uncomfortable, but over time I adjusted. Thankfully, this is a small issue easily resolved with a swap to grips that better fit your preferences.

Priced at £1,799, the Tenways CGO600 Pro offers incredible value for what it delivers. It’s a well-balanced e-bike that combines style and performance, making it a solid option for those looking to enhance their commute with a bike that rides as good as it looks.

Whether you’re new to e-bikes or a seasoned rider, this model impresses with its perfect blend of practicality, performance, and aesthetics.

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Engwe M20 Review: Is It Really an E-Bike? https://discerningcyclist.com/engwe-m20-review/ Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:19:32 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60485

The rapid growth of electric bikes in the last couple of years has created a bit of a grey area. In the past, it was a easy to tell the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle. Essentially: the presence…

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The rapid growth of electric bikes in the last couple of years has created a bit of a grey area.

In the past, it was a easy to tell the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle. Essentially: the presence of a motor.

But with electric versions of both now commonplace, the line is becoming less distinct.

In legal terms (in the UK at least) an electric bike is classified as an EAPC (“electrically assisted pedal cycle”) if it meets the following criteria:

  • it’s power output doesn’t exceed 250W
  • the power doesn’t propel the bike beyond 15.5mph
  • shows the power output or manufacturer of the motor
  • shows either the battery voltage or maximum speed

If these criteria are met, it’s considered an EAPC and therefore basically treated as a bicycle in the eyes of the law.

But to the naked eye, the difference between electric bicycles and electric motorcycles isn’t so clear.

And the Engwe M20 is an excellent example of this.

This IS an electric bicycle, but it looks an awful lot like an electric motorcycle.

Indeed, among the people I know, this is probably the most talked about e-bike. People who aren’t traditionally big cyclists are very much drawn to this bike. Especially teenagers and people in their 20s.

And it’s not hard to see why…

PICTURED: ENGWE M20

But I don’t want to sound like I’m coming across judgy. This is a very cool-looking bike – and I think e-bikes like this are good for cycling.

The more people we can get interested in cycling, the better. The Engwe M20, with its motorbike aesthetics and powerful performance, acts as a perfect bridge for those who might not otherwise consider cycling as a mode of transport or recreation.

Engwe M20 Review
  • Range
  • Terrain
  • Style
  • Value
  • Quality
4.6

Summary

The Engwe M20 is a stylish, motorbike-inspired electric bike that offers a powerful ride with minimal pedaling effort. Ideal for younger riders or those new to cycling, it excels in urban environments, offering great value and ease of use, though its fixed seat height may limit comfort for some.

Pros

  • Huge range
  • Eye-catching design
  • Capable on all terrains.
  • Great value

Cons

  • Very low seating position
  • Not a typical “cycling” experince

It appeals to a demographic that might find traditional bikes unappealing or “boring.” The younger crowd, particularly male teenagers, will likely love the sense of power and speed it provides.

However, let’s be clear: riding the M20 is far from a traditional cycling experience. The bike is equipped with a 750W motor that can peak at 1000W, and it’s designed in such a way that you barely need to pedal.

PICTURED: ENGWE M20

It’s more about controlling the throttle and enjoying the ride, which makes it more akin to riding a low-powered motorbike than a bicycle.

For those who are deeply invested in the cycling culture and appreciate the art of pedaling, the Engwe M20 might seem like a step away from the essence of cycling.

But for someone looking for an easy, fun way to get around or to simply enjoy the outdoors without much physical exertion, this bike is perfect. It’s fast, fun, and, with its dual suspension and fat tires, it’s also incredibly comfortable on a variety of terrains.

One of the standout aspects of the M20 is its value. For its price (normally well under £1500/$1500), you get an e-bike that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well.

The battery life is impressive, offering a substantial range that makes it practical for longer rides or commutes. The build quality, while not premium, is solid enough to withstand regular use.

In conclusion, the Engwe M20 isn’t just an e-bike; it’s a gateway into the world of cycling for a whole new audience. It’s a bike that could very well ignite a passion for cycling in those who might never have considered it before.

Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or someone just looking to try out the latest e-bike craze, the Engwe M20 offers something unique and exciting. It’s not just a bike; it’s an experience, and it’s one that’s hard to beat for the price.

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Review: Loop Micro Mount https://discerningcyclist.com/review-loop-micro-mount/ Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:03:22 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60936

The small company, Loop, with their two carefully designed, high-quality – but pricier – bike phone mounts have drawn our attention since they launched on Kickstarter a while back. We’ve had the Micro Mount, the smallest of their two two…

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The small company, Loop, with their two carefully designed, high-quality – but pricier – bike phone mounts have drawn our attention since they launched on Kickstarter a while back.

We’ve had the Micro Mount, the smallest of their two two bike phone mounts in for review. Does the Micro Mount do the business? And should it be considered one of the best bike phone mounts available?

Loop Micro Mount Key Features

The majority of bike phone mounts have two drawbacks. First, they usually require you to purchase an accompanying phone case to mount the phone to your bike – not ideal if you’ve already got a case you like or don’t want your iPhone ensconced in a world of additional rubber and plastic.

Second, most bike phone mounts look damn right awful. Flappy straps or bags topped with see-through plastic are two things that I’d rather my bike isn’t adorned with.

Loop Micro Mount aims to offer a solution to both these issues.

Micro Mount is a bike phone mount which is mounted by replacing the bike’s stem cap. The way it attaches makes it possible to orientate your phone in either portrait or landscape mode.

It doesn’t require an extra phone case to work and when not in use, the clever retractable mounting arms leave you none the wiser about what it is. It’s also machined in metal for strength and durability.

So Micro Mount has a universal design, it’s all-metal and it’s retractable. Let’s look at those three features in greater detail.

Universal Design

Micro Mount’s major selling point is its universal design – both for phones and bikes. It doesn’t require a special phone case, nor does it require a separate mounting piece to attach a phone to your bike.

If your bike has a standard stem, then the Micro Mount will fit – simply unscrew your stem cap with the included fallen key and replace it with the Micro Mount – it takes less than a minute.

Loop won’t work with older bikes with quill stems or other specialist bikes such as Brompton or electric cargo bikes.

So onto the phone side of things, how universal is Micro Mount?

Pictured throughout this review is my iPhone 11 (complete with a basic rubber case), which has a width of 2.81” (71.4 mm). Micro Mount held onto this nicely, good to know seeing the current iPhone 15 is just 0.2mm wider and the equivalent Samsung Galaxy S24 is a shade narrower at 70.6mm.

For good measure, I also slotted in my old iPhone 8 Plus into the Micro Mount. At 3.07” (78.1 mm) the mount held the phone perfectly steady. Loop says that Micro Mount works with all phones up to 85mm wide. This covers the majority of modern phones, even with the addition of a case.

Do watch out for bulky phone cases that add depth to your phone as well as width. Micro Mount will only accept a phone with a depth of 14.5mm.

If you’re worried, Loop has a handy specification page with all the exact measurements you’ll need to find out if your phone will fit.

All-Metal Construction

Loop began as the brainchild of an industrial design and product development agency and it tells. Holding Micro Mount in your hand, it feels really solid, well-made – and well finished – the packaging design is neat too – if you’re into that kind of thing.

When riding with Micro Mount, its grip is very solid – I never felt that my phone would dislodge and because it’s bolted to your bike it’s never going to part with that either!

The rubber finish on the lips of the Micro Mount does a good job of protecting your phone too. If you don’t have a case on your phone, I really wouldn’t worry Micro Mount would scratch your phone. The rubber is soft to the touch but still delivers enough friction to keep the phone in place.

Micro Mount isn’t designed for off-road riding but taking it down a light gravel path shouldn’t be out of the question in my book.

Looking at Loop’s website they suggest that Micro Mount looks so good, that it becomes part of your bike. If you colour-match it to your bike’s stem, I’d be hard to argue with that. Micro Mount is available in either black or silver.

Retractable

If you will, Micro Mount’s party piece is its ability to retract when not in use. How great you think this feature is will depend on two things. How much you value your bike’s aesthetics and how cluttered your bike’s handlebars are. Let me explain.

Like many of you, I’m sure, my bike riding has changed over the years. Gone are those fancy-free days when I could be in the saddle for however long I wished. Whether it was an extra loop on the commute home from work or a ride on both Saturday and Sunday, the march of life has certainly altered my riding habits.

Bike rides these days usually involve work or running errands with the odd ride for fun squeezed in when time allows. This is where Micro Mount has done the business for me. Its position on the stem has meant I can do away with that GPS mount, but keep my front light and handlebar bag mounted neatly.

Micro Mount has been perfect for navigation when heading to an unfamiliar part of town – simply snap in my phone, tap the directions and pedal away.

And when I have had the chance for a longer ride, Micro Mount has saved me charging up that long-forgotten GPS tracker to track my ride. In went my phone – on went Strava.

Is the Loop Micro Mount Worth it?

Yes, it isn’t going to suit everyone and every bike, but the Micro Mount is an excellent bike phone mount. It saves you from faffing with a compatible phone case and its mounting position leaves your handlebars free for mounting other bits and bobs.

If you’re a road bike rider who uses your smartphone for navigation or ride tracking and you like to maintain ‘the look’ of your bike, then get the Micro Mount, it’ll be a neat, useful addition to your bike.

Price-wise, you could say that Micro Mount is expensive, but when you factor in the total cost of an equivalent setup from the likes of Quad Lock or Mous, it’s not more expensive.

And for those comparing Loop to the bargain-basement options on Amazon, Temu or AliExpress, then you’re probably missing the point. This phone mount is a quality item and should stand the test of time.

Where To Buy the Loop Micro Mount?

Unlike its sister product, Loop Mount Twist which is available on Amazon, Micro Mount is currently only available via Loop.cc and selected third-party retailers. Shipping from Loop direct, is offered worldwide and at reasonable rates too.

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Do You Need a Cycling Buddy? I’m Looking! https://discerningcyclist.com/cycling-newsletter/ Fri, 03 May 2024 11:04:38 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60873 Sign up for cycling newsletter

Hey, It’s Pete here. At Discerning Cyclist, we’re always trying to be innovative and find creative ideas to share our love for cycling with everyone else. Every week, I send a compilation of the best urban cycling news and stories…

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Sign up for cycling newsletter

Hey,

It’s Pete here. At Discerning Cyclist, we’re always trying to be innovative and find creative ideas to share our love for cycling with everyone else.

Every week, I send a compilation of the best urban cycling news and stories from around the world to our newsletter subscribers.

This is a no-nonsense letter/message/note from me to you, in which I share my favourite stories and give you a heads-up on our latest endeavours.

Don’t worry – it’s not spam. I hate getting those in my inbox, too. This is just one cyclist speaking to another, sharing thoughts, ideas, and insight.

You can sign up below (and if I ever spam you, you can put a stick in my wheel spoke).

Happy cycling.

SIGN UP HERE:

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Can’t see the form? Click here.




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Annie Londonderry: The First Women To Cycle Around the World https://discerningcyclist.com/annie-londonderry/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:26:07 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60745 Annie Londonderry, originally Annie Cohen Kopchovsky

In 1894, Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, a 24-year-old mother of three, set out from Boston with little more than a bicycle and a dream. Annie, later known as Annie Londonderry, began her journey on June 25, 1894, when she rode away…

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Annie Londonderry, originally Annie Cohen Kopchovsky

In 1894, Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, a 24-year-old mother of three, set out from Boston with little more than a bicycle and a dream.

Annie, later known as Annie Londonderry, began her journey on June 25, 1894, when she rode away from the Massachusetts State House, a pearl-handled revolver at her side for protection.

Her quest? To circumnavigate the globe on two wheels and prove her entrepreneurial prowess.

Annie Londonderry
Image credit: www.annielondonderry.com

Cycling Into the Unknown

Annie’s adventure took her from the United States to France and beyond.

Adapting quickly, she traded the cumbersome women’s bicycle for a lighter men’s model, donning bloomers, much to society’s dismay.

Her journey was as much about ingenuity as it was about endurance—financing her trip through advertising on her bicycle and attire and delivering lectures embellished with tales of her travels.

Challenges and Triumphs

Each continent brought new challenges, from negotiating travel on steamships to cycling across foreign lands.

Despite skeptics who doubted her, Annie reached Chicago on September 12, 1895—two weeks before her deadline—claiming her prize and securing her place in history as the first woman to bicycle around the world.

Her journey is chronicled in Peter Zheutlin’s book “Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry’s Extraordinary Ride,” offering an in-depth look at her exploits.

An Enduring Legacy

Annie Londonderry’s story remains a touchstone for cyclists and adventurers, symbolizing what can be achieved with grit and vision.

Her ride around the world shattered expectations and paved the way for new generations of cyclists, particularly women, to pursue their own paths of freedom and adventure.

ALSO READ: How Bicycles Paved the Way for Women’s Rights

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How Modern Bicycle Jousting Reimagines Medieval Tournaments https://discerningcyclist.com/bicycle-jousting/ Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:21:32 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60613 Bicycle jousting

Inspired by the excitement and grandeur of medieval France, with its chivalric tournaments, where knights in shining armor clashed in jousts to prove their valor and skill, comes bicycle jousting. Instead of charging horses, these knights are riding… bicycles. This…

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Bicycle jousting

Inspired by the excitement and grandeur of medieval France, with its chivalric tournaments, where knights in shining armor clashed in jousts to prove their valor and skill, comes bicycle jousting.

Instead of charging horses, these knights are riding… bicycles.

This quirky concept of bicycle jousting blends traditional chivalric competitions with the innovative spirit of the early days of cycling.

A Humorous Nod to the Past

In the late 19th century, as bicycles became more popular, the French nobility began to experiment with new ways to use these two-wheeled wonders.

Bicycle jousting emerged as a humorous and entertaining sport that echoed the martial competitions of their ancestors.

Just like the knights of old, participants would don helmets and carry lances, but their steeds were the bicycles of the time, complete with handlebars instead of reins.

These jousting events were more than just a nod to the past; they were a playful way to show off one’s balance and skill on a bicycle.

Imagine the spectacle: nobles in pseudo-armor, maintaining their poise on slender, early-model bicycles, charging at each other with lances poised!

Blending Tradition with Innovation

Bicycle jousting represents a fascinating intersection of tradition and technology.

By incorporating elements of historical knightly tournaments into bicycle competitions, the French nobility was not just having fun; they were making a statement about their adaptability and openness to new ideas.

It was a way of honoring their history while embracing the future possibilities that bicycles represented.

This sport, bizarre and entertaining to modern eyes, also highlighted the human love for competition and spectacle. It showed that the desire to compete and entertain transcends time and technology.

People have always looked for ways to test their skills against others, whether on horseback, on foot, or on two wheels.

Beyond the laughs and cheers of the crowd, bicycle jousting had a deeper cultural significance.

It was a playful critique of the aristocracy’s role in a rapidly modernizing world.

As the industrial age advanced, traditional roles and activities were being reimagined.

Bicycle jousting allowed the nobility to stay connected to their heritage in a changing world.

A Lesson in Adaptation

The story of bicycle jousting teaches us a valuable lesson about adaptation. It shows that embracing change doesn’t mean forgetting the past.

Instead, it can be an opportunity to reinterpret and revive traditional customs in new forms.

By combining their historical love for tournaments with the emerging technology of bicycles, the French nobility demonstrated that tradition could ride along with innovation.

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How the Danish Royal Family Created a Country of Cyclists https://discerningcyclist.com/royal-family-bicycles/ Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:07:40 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60688 Royalty cycling

At the turn of the 20th century, Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, found itself at the heart of a cultural shift that would weave its way through the city’s cultural and architectural identity. This shift didn’t come from the usual sports or…

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Royalty cycling

At the turn of the 20th century, Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, found itself at the heart of a cultural shift that would weave its way through the city’s cultural and architectural identity.

This shift didn’t come from the usual sports or entertainment celebrities but rather from Denmark’s own royal family.

Thanks to royal backing, cycling, once a modest means of getting around, was transformed into a symbol of elegance and accessibility.

Cycling Royal Influencers

The Danish royals started embracing bicycles back when the world was just stepping into modern times.

It was none other than figures like King Christian X and later Crown Prince Frederik IX who spotlighted cycling.

Opting for bicycles over their lavish carriages and cars, they rode right alongside their people.

This public display was unusual for the times as bicycles were generally seen as the transport of the common man.

This surprising nod from the royals around the early 1900s turned the bicycle from a simple tool into a refined leisure activity.

If cycling was good enough for the king, it was certainly good enough for the average citizen.

DID YOU KNOW?
Bicycle monarchy (or bicycling monarchy) is a British term for the more informal and modest personal styles of the royal families outside the UK. This term was influenced by royals like the late King Frederik and Queen Ingrid of Denmark, who took to their bicycles during WWII in solidarity with their subjects and as a show of defiance to the Nazi occupiers. – BBC

The Democratization of Cycling

The royals’ choice to ride bikes became a strong democratic symbol, showing that the pleasure of biking was universal, cutting across social classes.

This encouraged Copenhagen’s residents to take up cycling too.

Royal figures like Princess Thyra and Prince Knud, often seen enjoying a ride, helped cement cycling as a part of Danish life.

Firstly, it highlighted the bicycle as an affordable and practical choice for everyone, regardless of social standing.

Secondly, it encouraged the public to engage in a healthier, more active lifestyle, which was accessible to all.

Cycling in Copenhagen soon became not just a way to get around but a part of the city’s cultural identity.

A Lasting Impact

The royal enthusiasm for cycling sparked significant changes in city planning.

During King Christian X’s rule in the interwar period, there was a push to develop urban spaces that catered to cyclists.

This effort only grew under Frederik IX post-war, with Copenhagen ramping up its commitment to a bike-friendly infrastructure.

By the 1970s, with Queen Margrethe II at the helm, there was a resurgence in the city’s biking culture.

This period saw the development of extensive bike paths and the pedestrianization of major streets like Strøget, drawing the city closer to its cycling roots and further from car traffic.

Today, Copenhagen is often cited as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. It boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, traffic laws favoring cyclists, and widespread bicycle parking facilities.

The city’s commitment to cycling is evident in its urban planning policies, which prioritize bicycles over cars in many areas.

This has not only helped reduce traffic congestion and pollution but has also fostered a more community-oriented and sustainable urban environment.

Crown Prince Frederik (IX) in front of Christiansborg Palace, 1939. Photo: H.M. Kongens Håndbibliotek ©
Crown Prince Frederik (IX) in front of Christiansborg Palace, 1939. Image credit: H.M. Kongens Håndbibliotek ©

A Mix of Tradition and Forward-Thinking

Now, Copenhagen’s identity is deeply tied to its cycling culture, a tradition that is as royal as it is progressive.

The city streets, once trod by royal processions, now pulse with the rhythm of its vibrant biking scene.

The royal endorsement of bicycles in the early 20th century continues to influence the city’s transport policies today.

Copenhagen’s evolution into a cycling paradise underscores the role of the monarchy in molding its cultural and environmental landscape.

From King Christian X to Queen Margrethe II, the royals showed that progress often comes on the back of tradition.

This cycling legacy, fostered by the monarchs, stands as a powerful example of how a simple, sustainable activity can drive significant change.

Cycling in Copenhagen is more than just a mode of transport; it is a cultural emblem that stands for equality, health, and environmental consciousness.

Copenhagen’s transformation into a cycling city is a prime example of how influential figures can champion a simple, sustainable practice and effect significant cultural and environmental changes.

The Danish royals of the early 20th century not only changed the way their subjects moved but also set a precedent for future generations, proving that sometimes, the most enduring revolutions start with a simple pedal push.

For those interested in the detailed history of cycling in Copenhagen and its royal influence, resources like the Copenhagen City Museum or the Danish Royal Library offer extensive archives and exhibits on this transformative period in the city’s transportation history.

ALSO READ: How the “Phantom Cyclist” Became WWI’s Most Intriguing Myth

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How Bicycles Paved the Way for Women’s Rights https://discerningcyclist.com/bicycle-suffrage-women/ Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:33:10 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=60587 suffrage movememnt and the bicycle

In the late 19th century, a time marked by rigid social norms and restrictive expectations for women, a simple invention—the bicycle—became an unexpected symbol of freedom and change. The women’s suffrage movement, which fought tirelessly for women’s rights to vote…

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suffrage movememnt and the bicycle

In the late 19th century, a time marked by rigid social norms and restrictive expectations for women, a simple invention—the bicycle—became an unexpected symbol of freedom and change.

The women’s suffrage movement, which fought tirelessly for women’s rights to vote and have equal standing in society, found an unlikely ally in this new mode of transportation.

The bicycle not only challenged the status quo but also empowered women in ways that were both practical and profound.

Breaking Away from Victorian Restrictions

During Victorian times, women were expected to wear heavy, cumbersome dresses and corsets that limited physical activity and were a daily reminder of the restrictive roles women were supposed to play in society.

Enter the bicycle: a tool that required practical attire to ride. Women cyclists started wearing bloomers—a type of baggy pants that were considered scandalous at the time—because they were much more practical for riding.

This shift in fashion was not just about comfort but was a bold statement against the restrictive clothing that women were expected to wear.

By choosing bloomers over dresses, women cyclists were taking control over their own mobility and, symbolically, their own lives.

Women with bicycles
Beverly Bayard and Lorline Davis with bikes circa 1920. IMAGE CREDIT: THE EVERETT COLLECTION/CANVA PRO

Susan B. Anthony and the Bicycle

Susan B. Anthony, a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement, recognized the profound impact of the bicycle on women’s liberation.

She famously stated that the bicycle did “more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.”

This was because the bicycle made it possible for women to move freely and independently in a way that they had never been able to before.

With a bicycle, a woman could travel on her own to work, to social engagements, or just for pleasure, without relying on a man or public transportation.

This newfound mobility was a tangible form of freedom that contributed significantly to the growing sense of independence among women at the time.

The Bicycle as a Symbol of Equality

The bicycle‘s impact went beyond practical mobility. It became a symbol of equality and empowerment.

As more and more women took up cycling, it became a visible sign of changing attitudes towards women’s roles in society.

The bicycle suggested that women were not just capable of handling new technology but were also entitled to the same freedoms enjoyed by men, including the freedom to vote.

The sight of women riding bicycles became intertwined with the broader movement for women’s rights, illustrating how technology and social change are deeply connected.

SUFFRAGE HIKE OF 1912
The suffrage hike of 1912 from Manhattan to Albany was staged to bring attention to the issue of womens suffrage. IMAGE CREDIT: EVERETT COLLECTION/CANVA PRO

Lasting Impact on Society

The relationship between women and bicycles during the suffrage movement highlights a key point: technology can be a powerful agent of social change.

The bicycle not only changed how women moved through the world but also how they saw themselves and their place in society.

It supported a shift towards more practical and equal considerations in clothing, which reflected broader desires for social equality.

The story of women, bicycles, and the suffrage movement is a compelling example of how even the simplest technologies can play a significant role in cultural shifts.

For women in the late 19th century, bicycles were more than just a way to get around; they were a path to freedom, a challenge to societal norms, and a ride towards equality.

ALSO READ: What is “Bicycle Face” (and Did it Stop Women Cycling)?

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