The humble bicycle played a significant and important role during one of the darkest periods in British history.

The London Blitz was a major chapter in the history of World War II, characterized by the sustained bombing campaign carried out by Nazi Germany against Britain.

The term “Blitz” comes from the German word “Blitzkrieg,” meaning “lightning war,” and it aptly describes the intense, rapid bombings that took place.

The Reason Behind the Blitz

The Blitz began on September 7, 1940, and continued until May 11, 1941.

During this period, London was bombed for 56 out of the first 57 days and nights.

The attacks then spread to other major British cities, including Coventry, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, among others.

The bombings typically occurred at night and were initially focused on London’s docklands, an important industrial and military area.

As the Blitz continued, the bombing became more widespread and indiscriminate.

The primary objective of the Blitz was to demoralize the British public and government and to disrupt and destroy the United Kingdom’s logistics and production capabilities.

By targeting civilian areas, industrial sites, and infrastructure, the Luftwaffe (the aerial warfare branch of the German military) hoped to force Britain to surrender or at least weaken its ability to fight.

The Use of Bicycles During the Blitz

The prolonged bombing by Nazi Germany, devastated much of the city’s infrastructure, creating widespread chaos with bomb craters and debris littering the streets.

Amidst this destruction, transportation and communication networks were severely disrupted.

This is when bicycles became a vital mode of transportation in London for several reasons.

With fuel rationing in place, many Londoners who previously relied on cars or public transportation turned to bicycles for essential travel.

Bicycles were perfect for navigating bomb-damaged streets and debris-filled roads.

Their agility allowed riders to navigate around craters and blocked pathways more easily than larger vehicles.

While not as fast as a car, bicycles were a quicker alternative to walking, especially for messengers and emergency personnel who needed to reach various points in the city quickly.

Bicycles were crucial for wartime communication.  They were used by the Home Guard, Air Raid Precautions (ARP) wardens, and even news outlets to deliver messages quickly, especially when phone lines were down due to bomb damage.

Medics, firefighters, and police forces often used bicycles to reach bomb sites and provide aid.

Their maneuverability allowed them to navigate through the chaos and reach affected areas faster, especially in the initial response.

ALSO READ: Why the Bicycle Thrives During a Crisis

The Bicycle: A Humble Hero

For ordinary Londoners, bicycles became a lifeline for getting to work, carrying supplies, and even evacuating during heavy bombings.  They provided a reliable and relatively quick way to get around, especially with limited public transport options at night due to blackout restrictions.

Bicycle deliveries became essential for maintaining some semblance of normalcy. Grocers, milkmen, and other delivery services relied on bicycles to get essential goods to people’s homes.

But riding bicycles during the war wasn’t without its challenges.

Night-time blackouts made cycling hazardous, and bomb damage could cause punctures or make certain routes impassable.

However, the agility, affordability, and practicality of bicycles made them a crucial part of keeping London moving during the Blitz.

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

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This is all about coexistence. Like most sane people, we want cyclists and motorists to share the road space designed for both of them safely.

These 1000 or so words aren’t about driving a wedge further between motorists and cyclists. In fact, most cyclists are also motorists, so they understand both perspectives.

As cyclists, let’s help motorists understand what it’s like to ride a bike, and likewise, motorists, let’s try to keep an open mind about all this.

But the funny thing is that not every type of motorist cyclists encounter is necessarily bad – indeed, the first two we’ve categorized are just downright lovely!

The One That Gives the Widest of Wide Berths

As cyclists, the first type of motorist gives us the widest smiles.

They pass wide, very wide, their wheels almost touching the verge on the other side of the road.

Cyclists will also give this type of motorist 10 extra bonus points if they slow their speed when passing.

After all, the speed of passing traffic can, as a cyclist, be downright frightening at times.

Thankfully, we’re seeing this type of motorist more and more frequently on our rides.

Changes in road use legislation and an increase in cycling adoption are perhaps two reasons why we are seeing these changes.

The One That Gives a Knowing Nod

This one is from cyclist to cyclist, from one two-wheeled aficionado to another.

Picture the scene. You’re pushing a decent pace on your bike and feeling pretty fresh, considering that extra shandy you knocked back yesterday evening.

At the junction you’re approaching, a motorist is waiting patiently.

You’ve spotted that he has an unusually beady eye on your bike.

To the uninitiated, your bike is just like any other—two metal triangles, two wheels, and a chain. But to cyclists, like the chap sitting behind the wheel of the car up ahead, your bike is anything but ordinary.

He’s spotted the neat front pannier rack carrying your work things, the dynamo powering your front light, and, perhaps, that gently aged leather saddle under your rear end. And so, yes here it comes… yes, you know it’s coming, he’s going for it… there it is, the knowing nod.

The fellow cyclist sat in their car admiring your bike and wishing they could be out there with you, feeling the wind in their face.

Enjoy some time processing everything from their working day but thinking about nothing simultaneously, too—the feeling of man and machine in perfect harmony.

The One That Just Can’t Wait

In a kind of 33% Sergio Leone, it’s time to go from the good to the bad. As a cyclist, you’ll have been there.

Plodding along on the daily commute to work, backpack on, admiring a tree you’ve never spotted before, nothing much going through your head apart from that oncoming car on the other side of the road that has just rounded a corner.

You’ve spotted them, and they’ll hopefully have seen you, but it’s of no real consequence, you’re riding on your side of the road, they’re driving on their side. But then… WHOOSH.

From out of nowhere a car overtakes you from behind at warp speed, putting you and the driver of the car going in the opposite direction in imminent danger.

Thankfully, thankfully, the driver of the overtaking car manages to nip in before colliding with either the car or little-old-you pedaling your bike.

Why, oh why couldn’t they wait until they’ve rounded the corner and overtaken on that lovely piece of straight road that’s up ahead?

The One That Gives Way

Don’t get us wrong. If there’s one thing that cycling teaches you, it’s that cars are big and ultimately pretty scary.

Therefore, even if laws in most countries put cyclists (and pedestrians) above other road users in all situations, it can be wise to give way to drivers at times.

This modus operandi (whether it’s right or wrong is for another day) means that now and again, cyclists come across a certain type of driver. No, after you. No, please, after you.

Once in a while, we cyclists will encounter drivers who can’t help but give way, even if you’ve pulled to a stop on the side of a single-track road or are approaching an obstacle, and they have the right of way.

One sunny morning, I was weaving through rush hour traffic, navigating a particularly narrow single-lane road. Ahead, a car was stopped patiently, signaling me to proceed. Despite having the right of way, I appreciated the kind gesture and gave them a big thumbs up in thanks as I pedaled past.

It may have held up the driver for a whole 20 seconds, but it made my day (and probably theirs too!)

The One That Flashes Their Lights

Riding a bike at night isn’t without its dangers. That’s why on unlit roads, cyclists need big, powerful lights—lights that reflect off the eyeballs of a squirrel at a hundred yards and help you spot a pothole just waiting to swallow up your front wheel.

Unfortunately, these bright lights can fall foul of the next type of motorist on our list – the one who flashes their lights.

We get it; it is disconcerting to see just one beam of light on the other side of the road, moving at a slower pace than you’d expect, but please – please – there’s no need to flash your lights!

A simple dip of your headlights is more than enough to acknowledge us and doesn’t run the risk of momentarily blinding us.

The Slow One

Some days, you’re the hammer, some days, you’re the nail—a motto for life, not just cycling. But in the peculiar case of riding a bike, some days can feel like riding with a booster pack, and other days can feel like cycling through treacle.

On the good days, especially riding in the city, you’ll sometimes come across a motorist who is very much out for a relaxed drive.

They drive so slow that it’s easy to keep up with them and even, heavens alive, you might think about overtaking them!

Now, before you get all Lycra-clad Lochinvar and fantasize about a daring city-traffic overtake, a word of caution.

These slow drivers can often be tourists unfamiliar with the city or nervous drivers taking extra care. The moral of the story? Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to sharing the road.

The One Who Needs a Chill Pill (and Maybe an Air Freshener)

Let’s talk about tailgating. We cyclists know the feeling all too well – that unsettling whoosh of wind as a car barrels up close behind you, leaving you feeling like a startled sparrow. 

Look, we get it, sometimes we’re not Tour de France champions, but there’s no need to play bumper bikes on the open road.

The truly perplexing part?  These tailgaters are often in the loudest, smelliest cars known to mankind.  Is there a correlation between road rage and a questionable exhaust system?  The scientific community may never know.

Here’s the thing, folks:  tailgating a cyclist doesn’t make you magically faster.  In fact, it probably just stresses you out more! 

Take a deep breath, enjoy the scenery (we cyclists certainly are!), and leave a safe distance.  Your heart rate (and our nerves) will thank you for it.

ALSO READ: 7 Things Cyclists Wish Motorists Knew About Riding a Bike

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Imagine pedaling down the street, wind in your hair, and the freedom of the open road ahead. Sounds pretty sweet, right? But wait. Do you know that around the world, there are some downright wacky rules that could put the brakes on your cycling vibe?

I’m not talking about wearing helmets or staying off the sidewalk. How about a law preventing you from cycling in a pool and another that forces you to keep your shirt on? Oh, and that’s only the start.

Let’s take a trip around the globe and navigate the quirky, bizarre, and sometimes mind-boggling cycling rules that exist.

1. Japan – No Umbrellas While Riding

You’re biking in Japan, and it starts pouring. You might think, “Cool, I’ll just pop open my umbrella and keep going.” Nope, not allowed. Japan says you’ve got to wear a raincoat instead. Why? Because holding an umbrella makes it super hard to steer and brake, especially when you’re weaving through those crowded streets. It’s all about keeping you from crashing into someone or something.

2. Germany – Drunk Cycling Penalties

Germany takes biking pretty seriously, especially if you’ve had a few. If you’re caught biking drunk (and by drunk, we mean a blood alcohol level of 0.16% or more), you could even lose your driver’s license. Yeah, you heard that right. It’s not just about cars; bikes can cause accidents, too, if you’re not careful.

3. Netherlands – No Mobile Phones Without Hands-Free Devices

The Netherlands is like bike heaven, but they’re strict about phone use on the go. Texting or calling while biking? Forget about it unless you’ve got a hands-free setup. This rule is here to stop you from zoning out and running into someone else. Stay alert, stay safe.

4. United Kingdom United Kingdom – No Passing a Horse on the Left

If you’re biking and come across a horse in the UK, you better not try to sneak past it on the left. According to the UK’s highway code, horses can freak out pretty easily, and a spooked horse is dangerous. So, give them space, and always pass on the right, nice and slow, to avoid any horse drama.

5. South Australia – No Bikes in the Pool, Please

This one sounds kind of funny, but in South Australia, they actually had to make it a rule: no biking in swimming pools. It’s all about preventing some really weird accidents and keeping the pool from getting wrecked. Just keep your bike on the road where it belongs.

6. France – Carry a Breathalyzer

For a while, cyclists in France had to carry a breathalyzer. It sounds kind of weird, but the idea was to cut down on biking under the influence. Even though they’re not super strict about it for bikers, it’s like carrying a reminder not to be dumb and bike drunk.

7. Belgium – Bike Bells Must Be Heard

In Belgium, your bike has to have a bell, and not just any bell. It needs to be loud enough to hear from 20 meters away. But don’t even think about swapping it for a siren or horn; those are a big no-no. The goal? Let people know you’re coming without scaring the daylights out of them.

8. Missouri – A Flag on A Pole

Imagine biking with a flag towering 15 feet above you. In Missouri, they thought about making every cyclist feel like a parade float. Picture trying to bike under low-hanging branches or power lines. You’d be the most noticeable thing on the road, yes, but for all the wrong reasons. Maybe stick to bike lights and neon gear? The law was never passed.

9. Connecticut/London – Too Fast and Too Slow

Over in London, they’re putting the brakes on speedy cyclists, limiting them to a snail-paced 8 mph in some spots. That’s slower than my grandma on her morning walk. Meanwhile, Connecticut has a law against going over 65 mph on a bike. Who are they making laws for, The Flash? Most of us are just trying not to fall off when hitting a speed bump.

10. Thailand – Keep Your Shirt On

Thailand decided shirts are a must when you’re on your bike, probably after seeing one too many sunburnt tourists turning their cycling tour into a topless parade. The fine for breaking this rule is pretty small, but the embarrassment of being called out might be worse than wearing a shirt drenched in sweat.

11. Dallas – No Biking Indoors

In Dallas, they’re really serious about not bringing bikes inside public buildings. Maybe they had one too many cyclists trying to ride through the library aisles or someone tried to park their bike inside a shopping mall? Whatever the reason, your bike will just have to brave the elements outside.

12. Australia and Colorado: No One-Handed Riding

Down Under and in the mountainous state of Colorado, they insist you keep at least one hand on the handlebars. It’s probably for the best, considering the number of things that could go wrong if you’re waving both hands in the air like you just don’t care… while on a bike.

13. Arizona – No Gargling While Biking

 The best for last. Arizona took a stand against mobile mouthwash sessions. Maybe they were concerned about cyclists spitting on the sidewalk or perhaps it was just too distracting. Either way, it’s probably best to finish your dental hygiene routine at home.

These rules might sound a bit out there, but each one’s got its reasons. Whether it’s keeping you safe, protecting others, or just making sure everyone gets along on the road, they’re all about making biking a better experience for everyone.

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“There’s something wrong with the thingy that connects with the other thing below this thing.”

If you frequently use the word “thingy” when trying to explain a problem to your bike mechanic, you’ve come to the right place.

The world of bikes can be daunting at first, but you’ll soon learn that the cycling community really looks out for each other.

Maybe you don’t know your chainstay from your seat stay or the skewer from the fork. No worries. Below, we’ll give you a super easy breakdown of all the bicycle parts and explain them in a way you’ll never forget.

Easy Definitions for Each Bike Part

Pedal: It’s like a little flat dance floor for your feet to make the bike go zoom.

Hub: The belly button of the bike wheel that lets it twirl like a ballerina.

Skewer: A long, skinny metal picnic stick that keeps the wheels from rolling away without you.

Brake: The bike’s “whoa!” handle that makes you stop when you might be going too zoomy.

Crankarm: It’s a strong metal arm that plays tug-of-war with the chain when you stomp on the pedals.

Chain: Think of a metal caterpillar that tickles the gears into spinning.

Rear derailleur: It’s like a little metal guide that tells the caterpillar (chain) where to crawl on the gears.

Rear cassette: A stack of metal donuts that the caterpillar climbs up and down to make you speed up or slow down.

Tire: The bike’s shoes that need to be pumped up, not tied.

Spoke: They’re like the bike wheel’s bones, keeping it nice and round.

Seat clamp: A bike’s way of giving the seat a hug so it doesn’t pop up when you go over bumps.

Seatpost: The bike’s elevator for your bottom, letting it go up and down to the perfect height.

Saddle: Your bike’s chair, but without any cushion for extra adventure feels.

Brake & shift lever: The magic wands on the handlebars that help you stop and turn invisible gears.

Handlebar: The bike’s steering wheel, but without the horn.

Head tube: It’s the bike’s neck, holding the front wheel’s brain in place.

Stem: This is like the bike’s nose—it’s where the handlebar is stuck on.

Fork: The bike’s two metal legs that hug the front wheel.

Down tube: The bike’s slide, from the handlebars to the pedals.

Bottle cage bolts: These are like tiny robot hands that hold your drink for you.

Top tube: The high beam you’d walk if you were a bike tightrope walker.

Chainstay: It’s the bike’s tailbone that connects the pedals to the back wheel.

Chainring: These are the bike’s monster teeth that munch the chain up and down.

Front derailleur: The chain’s front elevator that moves it to the floor it wants.

Wheel rim: It’s the circle the tire wraps around, like a snake hugging a tree.

Seat stay: The bike’s backbone, stretching from your seat to the back wheel.

Seat tube: It’s the pocket where the seat elevator (seatpost) lives.

Cables: The bike’s secret spaghetti that sends messages from your fingers to the brakes and gears.

Bottom bracket: It’s the bike’s spinning heart hidden in the belly of the bike where the pedal arms join.

If you’re concerned that you might forget some of the words, we’ve got a great solution. Get yourself a coffee mug, shirt, tote bag, or print of Discerning Cyclist’s limited edition Bicycle Anatomy 101 series.

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This viral video might change your mind if you’re unsure about investing in a proper bicycle lock system.

A 14-second video online shows a bicycle thief using an angle grinder to cut through a bike lock like a hot knife through butter.

In the blink of an eye, the hooded thief stole a bicycle in broad daylight while people walked past, and a bystander filmed him.

The incident reportedly took place on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, London.

The X account, named, London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn), shared the clip with fellow Londoners commenting that this is sadly a very common sight.

“Right by Columbia Road flower market. There has been rampant bike theft round there for over a decade,” YouTuber Tom Rowsell wrote.

Street artist Joe Bloggs added, “And if you challenge him, he would use the grinder on your skull. Believe me, you don’t want that.”

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

We recently asked fellow cyclists whether angle grinder-proof locks exist and, if they do not, what cyclists can do to keep their bicycles secure.

The bad news is that there aren’t any bike locks that are entirely angle grinder-proof, but with technology rapidly advancing, multiple locks offer steel-tough protection, and there are many ways to keep your trusty steed safe from the grubby hands of bicycle thieves.

The new generation of bicycle locks is made from hardened material and designed to be very difficult and time-consuming to cut with an angle grinder.

These locks can deter thieves, as they are less likely to target a bike that is well-locked with a resistant lock.

Materials capable of resisting angle grinders are often too heavy or cumbersome for everyday use, making the lock less practical for cyclists. Additionally, enhancing a lock’s resistance usually increases its cost, making it less accessible for the average bike owner. This delicate balance between security and practicality remains a central dilemma in the development of theft-resistant bike locks.

ALSO READ: How to Prevent Bike Theft: 17 Priceless Bicycle Security Tips

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We’ve all seen the iconic footage of the horse joining a peloton of cyclists in 1997 during the Critérium International, a three-stage race held in southern France.

It shows a brown horse leaping over a fence and joining a group of cyclists while TV cameras roll. The footage later made it into the French film Amélie and went viral again in 2023, when it resurfaced.

Now, the internet is buzzing over a similar incident during the opening stage of the 2024 Arden Challenge in Belgium’s Luxembourg province.

The video shows a brown and white horse galloping behind a peloton of riders – its rider missing.

Luckily, 23-year-old cyclist Lars Daniels, who grew up around horses, knew exactly what to do as he broke away from the group and took control of the runaway horse.

“I do indeed have some experience with horses. As a little boy, I grew up at a horse-riding school, and today, I still go to jumping events. I have some friends who still often ride horses,” Lars told the Flemish newspaper, Het Nieuwsblad, following the incident.

After handing the horse over to a police officer, Lars continued to finish the race with his fellow cyclists. He was praised for his professionalism in handling a situation that could have easily turned out bad.

WATCH THE FOOTAGE HERE:

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I remember the first fall from my BMX as a kid. I was trying to do an epic wheelie when I lost control and ended up on my backside with my bike on top of me.

Bicycle “fails” often happen when riders become too comfortable with their ride and push themselves beyond their limits.

It took me a while before I tried that wheelie again, but ultimately, I made it and went on to do some pretty cool tricks that I sadly won’t be able to pull off at my age anymore.

Sometimes, when scrolling social media, I find funny “bicycle fail” videos that take me back to my daredevil days.

While our aim at Discerning Cyclist is to inform and share bicycle facts and information, it’s always important to have a little fun.

So, I searched the web for some of the latest bicycle bloopers to watch. Remember, never try these at home.

WATCH HERE:

Stay safe out there.

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“Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens.”

Those are the wise words of 19^th-century New Yorker and cycling evangelist Dr K.K. Doty.

Ask any cyclist if they’ve seen something strange on their commute, and they will surely have a story that would surprise you.

I once cycled upon a crime scene that looked like something straight out of an episode of CSI, with crime scene tape, police, and a body under a blanket. To this day, I don’t know what happened, but it was definitely one of the most unexpected things I’ve ever seen while out on a ride.

We recently asked cyclists on Reddit and Facebook if they had encountered any strange things while out on a commute, and the answers did not disappoint.

Here’s a collection of just some of the weirdest sights cyclists have seen while riding.

Wild Animals

Animal encounters seem to be one of the most common when it comes to strange cycling sightings.

Reddit user BlackberryHill once saw a bald eagle perched in a tree. “She let me get very close and take a photo.” While Christian Clausen saw “a little weasel dragging a mouse”.

Another Reddit user had a close encounter with a beaver, saying, “I saw a beaver walking down the street in Seattle a couple of weeks ago. Big buck teeth, flat tail, the whole deal. This is the first time I have seen one up close; all the cartoons are really accurate.”

“I saw an armadillo a few nights ago. It’s pretty common to see them where I live, but it’s different to see one moving at 12mph instead of 40mph. I could see it digging in the dirt and eating something. I was so excited and happy,” another cyclist shared.

Brownschuh, on Reddit, wrote, “A fox ran across the rail trail, and a hawk followed close behind. It was a pretty cool way to start the day, as I was commuting to work. Oh, and an albino squirrel was a weird discovery. Sadly, he was too fast for a picture or video.”

“A Rabid Great Dane. He was massive and frothing at the mouth. I was about to go under an underpass when I saw him come out of the bushes. I barely made it to the downhill and lost him. When I got to the top on the other side, I saw he had stopped chasing me, and I yelled at him. Bad idea. He started chasing me again for about five miles. The Santa Ana winds were blowing against me. He came within inches of my heels several times. I was past the point of exhaustion, and only sheer terror kept me pedaling,” Reddit user Wardrop said.

Weird People

The second most common encounter is with our fellow human beings. But these are encounters of a…uhm…different kind.

Reddit user Aintaword saw “Two people coming out of the woods, giggling and still putting their clothes on.”

NxPat shared, “Years back, I was touring in Japan, a rural area. I decided to pull off in a little parking area for a break. I heard some music and chanting up a pathway, so I decided to take a look. I shouldn’t have. Four middle-aged couples were dancing naked around a giant stuffed panda. I got back on the bike as soon as I could and got out of there.”

According to Katy Le Sage, she once came across a “naked couple in bondage gear” while riding her mountain bike. “I never want to see that image again,” she added.

ThePhillyBerto also had a curious encounter: “There was a homeless guy who’d set up what looked like a living room with tables, chairs, etc. but would keep the lane clear so you’d cruise right through his ‘living room.’ I went through it twice, once on a multi-use trail and another time in a bike lane.”

One cyclist shared that they once found a person “resting on a bike trail with a pillow under his head,” while another saw a “lady singing opera on the rail trail while walking in a calico dress.”

Domino Dom saw an exhibitionist in the city park. “I think he was thrilled to see me,” Domino added jokingly.

Strange Things

A Reddit user shares, “I saw a handgun in the bike lane. I stopped about 60’ away and called dispatch. I waited for an officer to show up. I later asked a friend from PD what the story was, and the gun was stolen from another town.”

Poor Barry Tungseth found dozens of mannequin heads with makeup on. “It was in the middle of the woods, at least a mile from the nearest road.”

Then there’s Rhonda Snyder, whose experience is quite unique. “I was riding in spring and noticed a set of keys melting in a snow pile on a gravel road I ride. It was my own keys to my bike lock, which I lost on a previous ride.”

While luck was on Rhonda’s side, the same can’t be said for Ben Wolf and Andrew M Hartley.

“I got hit by lightning three times,” Ben wrote, adding, “I probably should stop riding in thunderstorms.”

Andrew, on the other hand, looked a gifted horse in the mouth, and it would come back to bite him later.

“On a bike tour through Pennsylvania, I picked up a crescent wrench from the road. At my lodging the night after, I gave my host the wrench out of gratitude for his hospitality. Two days later, I needed the wrench for a repair, as the wrench I was carrying was too small. Apparently, God had put that wrench in my path for a purpose, and I missed the message.”

No matter how big or small, strange or interesting. One thing is for sure. Riding a bicycle will ensure you experience the world from a different perspective, encountering unbelievable things along the way and providing plenty of stories to tell when you return home.

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I was sitting at a café, having a post-ride coffee. I placed the black Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 next to me on the floor. After our second ride together, it stood sturdy to my side.

It’s one of those things you proudly carry with you.

I guess it’s what they call a statement piece in the fashion world. The statement I was making was that I was serious about my gear.

But, If there’s one thing I’ve learned, the universe will quickly humble you.

If my goal was to catch the attention of fellow café patrons, I certainly did a fantastic job at it. My right hand collided with my coffee cup as I wildly gestured mid-conversation, sending my freshly brewed cappuccino flying onto my lap.

Putting the Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack to the Test

As the blood rushed to my cheeks in pure embarrassment, my crotch got a hot soak. To my horror, the brand-new Troubadour also fell victim to my uncharacteristic clumsiness. This never happens to me until I take a luxury backpack for a bike ride, of course.

As a waiter rushed over with a cloth to clean up the mess I had made, my priority was the bag. “This is why you can’t have nice things,” I thought. My spirits were immediately crushed when I realized the bag was probably ruined. We all know milky spills are the worst. They have a smelly after-effect that’s usually a nightmare to get rid of.

The first swipe of the serviette instantly removed the liquid dripping down the front of the bag. A second swipe, and it was gone. The bag is waterproof, and I can confirm it is also coffee-proof or spill-proof. Lucky for me, even the zippers on the bag are designed to keep water out.

Later, when I arrived home, I wiped the bag with a wet cloth just in case. It looked as perfectly new as when I first removed it from its Troubadour packaging.

I must mention the packaging. Anyone with an Apple product will know that unboxing a new product can provide a serotonin rush equal to receiving a gift from Ol’ Saint Nick. There’s a rush of joy when you slide the sleek-looking bag out of its comfy cocoon—the epitome of quality and luxury from when you set your eye on it.

The Troubadour Backpack is Packed with Pockets

Then comes the exploration phase, when the newly acquired product is thoroughly investigated. First, there’s a small front pocket—perfect for your keys. The zipper is barely visible.

The bag is separated by two large compartments: one in the back for a laptop and notebooks and a larger front compartment for everything else. When I say, “everything else,” I really do mean it.

The bag has what they call “clever pockets.” They each have a purpose. One can hold a pen; the other is perfect for a phone. There are pockets to hold two water bottles and still enough space to add a freshly folded change of clothes.  

I can also confirm that it perfectly fits a pair of boxing gloves, as I used it as a gym bag and as hand luggage on a recent flight. “I was just telling him, you have such a nice backpack,” the woman beside me said as the flight attendant closed the overhead storage before departure.

Just yesterday, as I was standing in the lift admiring the backpack in the interior mirror again, I spotted something on the left shoulder strap. I’ve had the bag for weeks but failed to notice the zipper to another hidden compartment. I zipped it open and instinctively put my phone inside—a perfect fit.

Then, reading through the specs again before writing my review, I learned about another secret hiding spot. This one is made for a tag to track your backpack.

It might seem small, but this attention to detail is a big deal. It shows an understanding of consumer needs and beyond. Troubadour knows what you need and even what you don’t know you need.

The backpack is light, modern, and soft to the touch. It’s sturdy and holds a contemporary rectangular shape. Every pocket, zip, pouch, and compartment is intentional and well-thought-out. If this bag were a pen, it would be a Montblanc. If it were a watch, it would be a Rolex. This bag is a Troubadour, the only backpack you’ll ever need.

This review is based on an independent assessment of the product supplied to Discerning Cyclist. While the product was provided at no cost for evaluation purposes, our review remains unbiased, objective, and solely reflects the views and experiences of the reviewer. No compensation was received from the manufacturer or any other entity for the creation or publication of this review.

The post Troubadour Apex 3.0 Review: The Beautiful, Idiot-Proof Backpack appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

The Pope’s bicycle is up for auction, and it’s a pretty decent steed.

Pope Francis’ Pinarello F12 road bike was gifted to him by Colombian professional cyclist Egan Bernal during a visit in 2021.

Bernal, a Catholic who said that he prays to God before important stages, said that meeting the Pope was the greatest thing to have happened to him, even more than winning the Giro d’Italia 2021 or the Tour de France in 2019.

The powder-blue and white bicycle represents the Argentinian flag – the Pope’s homeland. A private seller is selling it online through the auction site Catawiki.

It’s described by the auctioneers as “a unique piece in the world, both for what it symbolizes and for its particular design”.

The bike is estimated to sell from €25,000 to €30,000.

There was no reason given for why the Pope was selling his bicycle.  

WATCH: Egan Bernal meets the Pope

The post Holy Smoke! The Pope Is Selling His Bicycle appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.