Erik Bassett 
Gravel bikes have sold like hotcakes since circa 2014, but the discipline has arguably been “a thing” since well before the first Unbound race (formerly Dirty Kanza) back in 2006. I’ve owned a couple over the years: a Norco Search and previously a Charge Plug (back before Charge went all in on e-bikes), both of … Read more
Skateboarding and bicycling are basically opposites in several ways. Bikes are efficient and capable, but big and complex. Skateboards are compact and cheap, but slow and a bit unsteady. In fact, they’re so different that “harder” totally depends on what you want to use them for. As a lifelong cyclist who has also dabbled in … Read more
This is an overview of the lightest hybrid bikes you can buy in 2022. Back in the day, hybrids were entry-level bikes that looked (and felt) cobbled together from whatever MTB and road components that manufacturer couldn’t use up. Not exactly bikes to drool over. But it didn’t take long to realize that hybrids are … Read more
More than any other innovation, gearing transformed bicycles into the useful, versatile machines we know today. Even so, many riders—including yours truly—like to ride with a single gear, at least part of the time. Single speed vs. gears, in brief Single-speed bikes require less maintenance than geared bikes, especially in harsh conditions. They also cost … Read more
Folding bikes are good for almost any non-competitive riding on reasonably smooth ground. And they’re perfect if your trip involves transit or cramped storage. However, small wheels mean a slightly harsher ride, After owning and riding one daily, I’d say they’re more versatile than most people realize! But are they ideal for every situation and … Read more
As a new electric scooter rider, you’ll probably find yourself making two categories of mistakes. The first kind are issues of awareness. There’s a lot going on around you, in terms of both traffic and terrain. It’s just not easy to keep track. The second kind are issues of the vehicle. Electric scooters have some … Read more
The inventory of most local bike shops pales in comparison to what you see on Amazon. Every common style, from a gazillion brands, often with free shipping to boot. That’s awfully nice, especially amid a worldwide bike shortage that should linger at least through 2022. But convenience doesn’t mean quality, and ease of purchase doesn’t … Read more
Whoever said “it’s as easy as riding a bike” clearly never dealt with one that just wouldn’t shift. It’s extremely frustrating, but fortunately, it’s usually simple to fix. We’ll take a quick look at how shifting should work, then at what might be getting in the way. Here’s why your bicycle won’t shift gears Usually, … Read more
The water resistance of electric scooters is a little more complicated than you might think. At the risk of sounding like an equivocating lawyer…”What do you mean by waterproof? Does it count if it’s just not not waterproof? And define ‘water’!” In all seriousness, there’s some nuance worth understanding before you venture out into the … Read more
It’s frustrating when you could swear your electric scooter’s slower than before, yet nothing is visibly wrong. But what might be going on, and more importantly, what can you do about it? Electric scooters most often go slow because of a low battery or an accidental switch into eco/beginner mode. However, flat tires, mechanical brake/hub … Read more
