Life In The Saddle

Christmas and birthday gift ideas for cyclists can be tricky, especially when the two-wheeled fanatic in your life seems to have a wardrobe packed full of cycling kit and more bikes and bike parts than you could possibly imagine necessary. In this post, I look at some alternative gift ideas for cyclists, focussing on the adventure cycling and bikepacking niche. All these products are gadgets and accessories that I have tried and tested on recent adventures, and that I believe would make great gifts for the bike rider in your life. LifeSaver Wayfarer Water Purifier Earlier this year I visited Sri Lanka – a country where even many locals choose not to drink the tap water for fear of contaminants. Purchasing and carrying bottled mineral water with you can be difficult and tiresome though, so a high quality water filter is the easiest (and most environmentally friendly) solution. The Lifesaver Wayfarer Water Purifier is made in Britain and claims to be ' the world's safest ...

For over five years I have been using a Wahoo ELEMNT for daily rides, trans-continental bike tours, and everything in between; it has done the job admirably, but it hasn't been perfect. Earlier this year, I was introduced to the Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS Cycling Computer. I was intrigued. This American brand has produced a cycling computer with the power and screen quality of a modern mobile phone, and with some very neat features. After a few months of testing, this is my review… The Hardware Before diving into the functionality of the Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS, it is worth considering the unit itself and the hardware that it is composed of. The Karoo 2 uses a 3.2" HD colour screen, with 292 PPI; that is significantly more definition than any other cycling computer I have used to date. The unit is housed in a lightweight polycarbonate shell, with the option to customise the colour with add-on kits—as I have done with the funky orange colourway! Inside, there are high-performance ...

Cyclists can be a difficult bunch to choose birthday and Christmas gifts for. I hope that this selection of products will offer some new and interesting options for stocking fillers or birthday gifts for the two-wheeled fanatic in your family or friend group. From bar tape to body lotion, and hip bags to hand torches; there is sure to be something in this gift list that would be a good present for the cyclist you know and love. Marvellous Maps Great Britain Adventure Map I love maps and I love adventure. This Great Britain Adventure Map provides incredibly detailed coverage of the best adventure possibilities that the UK has to offer. From ideas about hiking trips, to beaches, historic highlights, sea kayaking destinations, bicycle touring routes, and long-distance driving routes; there is sure to be something that tickles your fancy and inspires your next adventure. I have spent hours poring over it, and each time I find another highlight that I add to my bucket list of places to ex...

For as long as I can remember I have been a user and advocate of natural medicine. I recall putting arnica gel on bumps and bruises as a small child; smelling the relaxing tones of lavender in the bathroom after an active day in the garden; or drinking cups of honey and ginger tea to soothe a dry throat or a cough. At its heart, natural medicine considers the harmonious connection between people and plants — using it to help us recover and thrive in our everyday lives. For the last two years I have been a Weleda Arnica Ambassador. In that time, I have enjoyed learning even more about Anthroposophic medicine: the holistic view of the human being that promotes a healthy balance between body and mind, using the power of nature and plants. In this blog post, I share some of my favourite products from the Weleda range. These balms, lotions and gels are what I consider to be the perfect choices for an outdoor enthusiast's bathroom cupboard; helping you to relax, rejuvenate and repa...

It pays to be organised, on epic adventures and in everyday life. Bellroy is an Australian brand that makes everyday organisation that much easier, more practical and stylish; I have used their Elements Phone Wallet for every bike ride I have been on in the last seven years. In this review post, I look at another new and updated product within their range: the Bellroy Travel Folio – your solution to being organised, safe and stylish when travelling for work or pleasure. The Bellroy Travel Folio received a significant redesign for 2023, but its predecessor was a long standing favourite with many of my travelling companions, and I have always been keen to put one into my own luggage when jetting or sailing off on long trips and adventures. The concept is simple: a compact leather wallet that can house your passport, cards, travel documents, foreign sim card and cash – in a slim and organised folio. Measuring 185 x 120 x 20 cm, the Bellroy Travel Folio will slip into a bag or pocket...