Life In The Saddle

When it comes to wearable bicycle locks, UK brand Hiplok owns the show. Their cable locks and chain locks pioneered the concept of ditching the bike bracket and carrying your lock on your hips, with an adjustable Velcro belt. The new Hiplok SPIN Chain Lock is the latest release, and the first combination chain lock in the range.

I have always been impressed by the quality of Hiplok products. From their super solid Sold Secure Gold rated Hiplok GOLD Chain Lock, which has accompanied me on many city errands; to their miniature Hiplok FLX Cable Lock and innovative Z-Loks that are perfect for bikepacking and lightweight touring. All the products are superbly designed and the highest possible quality level for their intended use and price tag.

The new Hiplok SPIN Chain Lock is another superior design from the brand and fills the category of a lightweight chain lock with a combination closure.

The Hiplok SPIN uses the same chain as the Hiplok Lite—my most used lock within the Hiplok range.…

For the past six years, I have worn an OneLife ID identification wristband day-in-day-out. I originally reviewed the simple but potentially lifesaving ICE wristbands on the blog in 2013, and noted then that they are an essential 'Every Ride Carry'. I continue to advocate their use, with great support.

Being able to be easily identified in the event of an emergency is a huge benefit to paramedics and hospital staff, and anyone else attending the accident scene. Detailing known allergies and past medical history on your ICE medical ID bracelet could be life-saving in the event of hospitalisation and treatment.

OneLifeID is a UK business that produces a range of ICE bracelets and tags; the above pictured recycled tyre Stealth wristband is my current everyday wear. The products are subtle, stylish, and super durable; but they achieve their aim with great success; you can detail a surprisingly amount on the wrist band itself, and then add further information to an online profile t…

Intercity travel should not mean heavy rigid cases that swallow up your belongings like the kitchen sink. The Modal collection from Chrome Industries is a range of versatile and durable bags that will allow you to stay organised and flexible on your travels—both on and off the bike. The Chrome Summoner Backpack is the mid-sized 32 litre rucksack from the brand, and it has proven to be a superbly designed travel bag.

Chrome Industries were the pioneers behind the original sling bike messenger bag. More than 20 years ago in the city of Boulder–Colorado the brand created the now famous bag out of seatbelt buckles and straps, five bar webbing, and double-lined bombproof interiors. Their strapline now reads 'Building Indestructible Gear Since 1995'—a claim that they reliably hold true to.

Chrome Industries bags are not just built to last in the urban jungle though, they are also designed to be practical, lightweight, and stylish. The Modal collection is all about fulfilling those …

With each additional long distance bike tour, my bikepacking kit list shortens and lightens. On returning from each trip I can usually par back my equipment based on 'use versus weight' calculations. The Arkel Bags Signature BB Handlebar Bag could well be the minimalist lightweight handlebar bag that I have been searching for to use on future bicycle touring trips.

Handlebar bags are great for stashing valuables in that you do not want to lose in the cavernous depths of your panniers. On my last few tours, such as the #CoastsandCols, #7Countries7Passes, and #RoadsFromRome, I used traditional rigid style handlebar bags or large roll-bag bikepacking handlebar bags; from brands like Arkel, Thule and Restrap. These bags were great, but they were also quite cumbersome and restricted your view of the front wheel.

The reality was that on these past bikepacking trips I used to fill my handlebar bag with everything from jars of peanut butter to rolls of toilet paper (some would say t…