Words on PaperRobert Thorpe

Words on Paper

Lifestyle Blogs & Reviews by Robert Thorpe

It’s always fascinating how cycling is constantly evolving, and how we as cyclists interact with the cycling industry. In truth, we’re not just one, but several linked sub-cultures. Cyclists take their riding quite seriously – even if we won’t admit it! With this in mind, I thought that it would be kind of interesting to share a few thoughts across a range of cycling related subjects. I like to think that here at Pedalnorth, I work alongside some of the world’s best cycling lifestyle and culture writers. And, so, it seems only right that I also try to inspire others with a few words scattered radomly on paper.

You may or may not agree with my take on things, and that’s fine – cycling is a varied tapestry of people and thoughts. My writing will always be truthful and laced with integrity, though – a rare commodity in the modern world. My aim: to hopefully show that pausing and reflecting is better than knee jerk reactions. That kindness and altruism can inspire others more than narcissism and arrogance. I believe in helping others, smiling, sharing time as the most important gift – and I believe in seeking adventure.

I’ll share my favourite places to ride, the kit I like to use myself, and the people who inspire me. Ultimately, we have one life and we need to live it well. Riding a bike to explore the world, and to explore ourselves is a good way to live – or, at least I think so.  Off you go then, and have a read – and thanks! Your support for our website is really and genuinely appreciated, by all of us, but especially by me – thank you 🙂

2026 Spring-Summer Cycle Clothing Collection from ALÉ

As the cycling seasons begins once more, and we start to look ahead to warmer spring days and short sleeved jerseys, Italian brand Alé has unveiled its new Spring–Summer 2026 cycling apparel collection
January 28, 2026/by Pedalnorth Website

Who make the best carbon bikes in the world

Having looked at our own choice for the best carbon road bike, we wanted to open the field wider. Time then to consider who make the best carbon bikes in the world, per se. Now, that's a whole different set of consideratuons. However, it's the smaller, artisan brands that tend to stand out.
January 10, 2026/by Pedalnorth Website

What is the best carbon road bike in the world

It’s a complex question, I know, as there are so many carbon bike frame manufacturers out there in the world. However, for cyclists in Europe, you need to be looking closer to home at the best carbon road bike framesets in the world. Let us tell you why... it's TIME to ride!
January 7, 2026/by Pedalnorth Website

Reasons to buy a new bike in 2026

Whilst the cycling industry has failed in so many ways over recent years, it still has so many quite beautiful reasons to buy a new bike - and good ways of maximising your return. We take a short but emotive look at reasons to be cheerful in 2026 - by buying a bike for the right reason!
January 3, 2026/by Pedalnorth Website

Using a gravel bike as a winter road bike

Choosing a gravel bike as a winter road bike can be a sensible solution to an annual probelm for keen cyclists. Winter cycling brings on a whole spectrum of challenges and problems to overcome - especially for road cyclists. Wherever you ride, at some time in the year the weather will change and become either colder, wet or icy… or all three in one day!
November 18, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Gravel bike buying guide – choosing a gravel bike for adventure

When you’re looking to choose a gravel bike, what do you look for? Indeed, what does a gravel bike look like, and how do you choose between the growing range of gravel bike options. Here's a brief buying guide for gravel bikes, to help you to set out on your own gravel bike adventures...
November 10, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Defining Cycling Culture and Style

Defining what Cycling Culture & Style is can be a daunting task. Utimately, it's a fast moving entity; a tapestry of cycling styles that are loosely interwoven. Examing cycling culture, we look at various aspects of the global cycling community, concluding that basically... it's whatever you want it to be!
October 26, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Is this the best gravel bike brand in the world

The explosion of gravel bikes globally brings us to the question: ‘what is the best gravel bike in the world?’ Yes, we know about Kasia and Matthieu and Nico and all those top riders. However, in terms of the mass participation gravel bike races, which bike beats all the rest in performance, durability and the all-important style.
October 22, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Grindelwald Eiger Gravel Epic Route

Grindelwald is at the heart of the Swiss mountains and home to all manner of mountain adventures. This epic 3-day Swiss gravel biking route is one of the best you can find, and will test your spirit for adventure, whilst introducing you to the best mountain scenery in the world - Switzerland cycling!
October 13, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Bachalpsee MTB Loop Grindelwald

The Bachalpsee Loop is one of the best mountain bike routes in the Grindelwald area. Whilst it has a tough climb to start off proceedings, the epic views and quality of the trails are ample reward for adventure seekers
October 13, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

The best womens cycling clothing

Women’s cycling kit matters, because having uncomfortable clothing, or a women’s cycling jersey that causes chaffing or doesn’t offer support, can turn an enjoyable ride into an ordeal. Time to give you some tips on choosing the best ladies cycling kit
September 27, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Schwalbe Racing Ray and Racing Ralph Addix Speed XC Tyres

Testing tyres for mountain bike XC is actually great fun.We took out the latest Schwalbe Addix Speed Racing Ray and Racing Ralph combination, mixing things up a bit, to see how they performed in all aspects. The result was definitely grin-inducing
August 31, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Finding inspiration within cycling

The cycling industry is always talking about inspiration, yet in so many different ways. WE here about great wattage power and great bikes and how people look. However, it's all just bullshit really. When we press pause and think about it, inspiration comes in so many seemingly ordinary ways; alongside of course, some truly inspiring indivuals who ride their bikes quietly challenging themselves.
August 29, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Alé Maglia Quick cycling jersey

Alé Cycle Clothing have been producing some of the highest quality, high-performance cycling clothing for a few years now. This exciting Italian brand, continue to lead the peloton in the style stakes. We took a look at of their latest jerseys, and one that could easily become a cycling classic
August 13, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Women in Cycling – Interview with Celine Vandenbroucke

Whilst coming from a cycling dynasty, it is her own strength of character and spirit that defines Celine Vandenbroucke as one of the leading women within the global cycling industry. This determined and inspiring woman lights up in conversation, as she shares her story at world-leading brand, Ekoi, with us.
August 8, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Riding off-piste for off-limits mountain bike adventures

Life is not a dress rehearsal, and we often forget that we should take our own pathway. We're given 85400 seconds in every day, to do with what we choose. How will you use yours...
July 22, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Great bike shops – Cycling Heaven in Vienna

Vienna is a city that is renowned for several reasons. It's also home to one of the best cycling shops in central Europe too - VELETAGE. We spoke with Kurt, the owner and found out more about this cycling emporium of excellence
July 10, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Cycling into spring and summer

There’s currently a chaotic feeling of uncertainty around the world and the global cycling scene. However, we all have to stay focused and to try to ride into a more positive future. I’m not advocating retail therapy as a solution. No, not at all. Rather, it’s simply time to accept that we need to pause and reflect on how we spend money on new bikes and new cycling products.
May 1, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

The spectrum of cycling and life

Cycling is something quite unique. We can’t adequately label it, nor describe it, for it has so many forms, variations and a rich tapestry of people who choose to ride. However, we all share one thing - a sense of adventure, as we find freedom on two wheels
April 12, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

SQLab Saddles for Prostate Problems and Back Pain

Now that we’ve got you sitting relatively comfortably on your new SQLab step saddle, we want to talk with you about those medical issues which some cyclists unfortunately have, and which can benefit from even more detailed technical thinking from those clever people at SQlab. Let's look at bike saddles for back pain and prostate issues
February 15, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Effective ergonomics and choosing the correct bike saddle

Making sure that your bike saddle is comfortable and that it is the correct saddle for you, is more important than we usually give it credit for. It’s important to ask yourself the question: ‘am I sitting comfortably?’
February 14, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Mental well-being and the positive effects of cycling

Mental health can be devastating, and there are far more people suffering it than we believe. At various levels, from the onset of stress to a more serious depression, we all have periods where the world just seems unfriendly and confused for us. Thankfully, cycling can be a positive way of countering these feelings.
February 10, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Masham Moor Gravel Route

A superb introductory gravel bike route from the historic Dales market town of Masham. It takes you across high moorland, along tree lined lanes and through woodland, as you taste the gravel biking opportunities of this epic cycling location.
February 6, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Cycling accident alert systems – crash sensors and locator devices

Heading into the hills on road or trail, especially when riding alone, can bring a wealth of risks to the ride. We want to be adventurous, but we also need others to know that we're okay - and more importantly, when we're not okay. Time to take a look at Crash Sensors and location devices for cyclists
January 27, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Choosing the best road and offroad cycling shoes

Finding the best cycling shoes in the world is a challenge. Ultimately, we're all built differently, and that includes the uniqueness of our feet and how we use them. Add to this, that brands can't easily shout out that they probably make the best cycling shoes, then we've got an additional barrier. Time then to look at what does make a great cycling shoe even greater.
January 6, 2025/by Pedalnorth Website

Inspired by cycling friends

It's been over two months since I rode a bike. To some people, that may not sound too bad. However, when I tell you that it's because of a life-changing health issue that isn't too good. Thankfully, I'm constantly inspired by some amazing people...
December 8, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Which indoor bike trainer is right for me

With the continual advancement of AI and cycling industry tech, including training apps; how can an ordinary novice cyclist, or indeed and experienced club cyclist choose the indoor interactive cycling trainer, or the right SMART trainer for themselves.
October 16, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

VOTEC Gravel Fondo Route – Heidelberg Germany

Heidelberg is home to the oldest university in Germany, a splendidly historic church and several nearby castles. Alongside the Neckar River, it's a great place to explore by gravel bike.
October 9, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

3T Bikes at Cycle Store Zurich 2024 UCI World Championships

Whilst this blog is about 3T bikes and their presence at the UCI Worlds in Zurich; more importantly, it's about pausing to remember Murial Furrer and other young cyclists, lost too frequently. Rest in Peace, Murial.
October 3, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Camelbak Podium Water Bottle Range

It's hotting up outside and it's definitely time to start looking at water bottles. Robert and Nadezhda take a look at the latest bottles from world leaders in hydration, Camelbak 🙂
October 1, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Regensburg to Kelheim Gravel Ride

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the 12th-century stone bridge at Regensburg is the starting place for this day trip to Kelheim along the river. Taking you into the heart of Bavarian history and culture, with all the facilities of Regensburg on hand for a weekend trip into cultural Germany
September 30, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Munich to Starnberger See Gravel Ride

This route is adapted from the well-known Bayern-Grevet series of events. It's an opportunity for a long one-day adventure, or more sensibly a two-day trip out to the beautiful Lake Starnbeger. With over 2 thirds of the route on gravel or cycle trails, it's a super route for an off-road adventure, exploring the forests and trails.
September 22, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Designing Cycle Shoes for Women

In case you haven’t noticed it, women are built differently from men – it’s a fact. All too often, historically, brands have simply produced downsized products for women, and have failed either deliberately or otherwise, to recognise the physiological differences. Yes, the cycling world simply used a ‘Pink it & Shrink it’ mentally, failing to understand the specific needs of women as athletes.
September 19, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Buying a bike that fits you properly

When sitting in a car for the first time, we adjust several aspects to increase our comfort. However, we frequently go to the same level of detail in buying a bike - yet we really ought to. Time then to examine the importance of identifying our own uniqueness when buying a new bike
September 17, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Mittenwald-Ehrwald from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bike Route

It's time to explore the beautiful cycling routes around Munich, as we ride out to Tegernsee and the lake. This magical place in the hills is the gateway to the Bavarian countryside, and close also to the magical town of Bad Tölz, on the Isar River. A great day or two on the bike.
September 16, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Munich to Tegernsee with Bad Tölz gravel bike route

It's time to explore the beautiful cycling routes around Munich, as we ride out to Tegernsee and the lake. This magical place in the hills is the gateway to the Bavarian countryside, and close also to the magical town of Bad Tölz, on the Isar River. A great day or two on the bike.
September 16, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Bavaria 5 Rivers Cycle Route

The 5 Rivers cycling route in Bavaria is an easy muti-day cycling route in Bavaria. However, it has along its way, some of the most captivating cultural history in Bavaria to explore.
September 15, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Munich exploring castles and Bavarian Mountain views

This cycling route in Bavaria takes you from Munich and into the countryside of Bavaria, passing several castles along the way, and heading into the Bavarian Alps. It's a bikepacking trip in Bavaria that we suggest you ride by gravel bike over a few days.
September 13, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

Rudy Project Skudo cycling helmet

We've been busy recently, testing the latest road cycling and gravel biking helmets from Italian brand, Rudy Project. Their Skudo cycling helmet sits neatly in the mid-range for price, performance and quality, making it a great choice for all riders.
September 4, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website
Rudy Project Kilion Impact X sunglasses in white, with photochromatic lens

Rudy Project Kelion Sunglasses with Impact X 2 Lens

Rudy Project have surpassed themselves with the latest ImpactX® 2 lens used in their Kelion road cycling sunglasses. Yes, I know, the lens is always an important element to road cycling sunglasses – that’s plainly obvious. Read on however, and find out why we really like these new high performance sunglasses from Italy
August 25, 2024/by Pedalnorth Website

It’s Time to Ride – with Time Bikes!

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