10 amazing reflective items for cycling in the dark

It's autumn again, and as the leaves turn shades of brown and fall to the ground, the clocks go back, and darkness creeps in earlier and earlier. As cyclists very well know, this time of year can be perilous. If you don't pay attention to the time, you can suddenly find yourself riding home in the early…

Cycling in London vs. New York: two cities on two wheels

London and New York, New York and London: two global capitals bursting with wealth, prestige and cultural dynamism, they’re unquestionably twinned at the top of any list of the world’s most marvellous cities. London is a richly diverse, open-doored metropolis, the throbbing heart of England and beyond which owes its thriving existence to no particular…

How our morning habits reveal where we’re from

A cross-European study has found that our morning habits correspond strongly to which part of the world we're from. The study was commissioned by consumer electronics brand Pure, and analysed the early-hours habits of those living in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Norway and Denmark. Respondents were asked what their favourite part of their morning routine was, whether that…

New colours and features added to Jawbone UP2 and UP3 fitness trackers

Wearables company Jawbone has unveiled a new design with a new strap for  its UP2 fitness trackers and 10 new colours for the UP2 and UP3, further expanding its portfolio of fashion-focussed activity trackers. Crafted by leading industrial designer Yves Behar, Jawbone’s new UP activity trackers are designed for 24/7 wear and can be accessorised with jewellery…

Ted Baker & Quella launch beautiful racer bikes

Bike envy has been taken to a new level, with the launch of made-to-order model by Ted Baker and small artisan bicycle firm Quella. The two British companies have teamed up to create the Italian-inspired racer, which is available in "Redfinn, Bluetail or Greengill". The stylishly retro bicycles feature a unique copper-plated design over a fine steel frame, as well…

#IFA2015 Samsung SleepSense wearable for improving sleep

Developed in conjunction with medical device manufacturer EarlySense, Samsung has announced SleepSense at IFA 2015 in Berlin. It's a new type of personal healthcare device that is supposed to help you improve the quality of your sleep. Just slip the sensor underneath your mattress to track your movements in the night. This sensor (pictured above) then syncs…

Following strangers on Instagram can depress you, says study

Following celebrities on Instagram can have negative psychological effects, as found by research published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. As Clapway reports, the peer-reviewed study, published in the journal's May edition, found that "there is growing evidence that following strangers on [social networks] and comparing oneself to others have important implications for well-being." It…

LIVALL Bling Helmet is the world’s first smart cycling helmet

With danger on the roads being an ever-present issue for cyclists, especially in London, it's about time we turned to technology to make ourselves safer - and the latest innovation comes in the form of LIVALL's Bling Helmet. While it doesn't look particularly special, this is no ordinary cycling helmet. LIVALL, a Chinese company, has integrated some…

9 bright & functional cycling accessories for summer (part 2/2)

Welcome to part two of Shiny Shiny's summer cycling round-up! This time I've tried and tested some fantastic accessories, and again, they're all chosen with safety and style in mind where possible. Click here to read part one, which is a round-up of bright and colourful clothing for female cyclists. 1. Overboard waterproof yellow pannier, £39.99 This…

Top picks for summer: colourful, functional cycling clothing (part 1/2)

Summer is here! OK, it's been here for a while - and so a round-up of the best clothes, accessories and the occasional gadget for summer cycling is long overdue. (Incidentally, we've got a list for winter, too, if you're in the cold camp.) Sadly, cycling can be very dangerous - especially for women - so…