If you’ve spent much time in large cities, especially in Asia, you’ve probably noticed adults riding surprisingly small-wheeled bikes. Some have the conspicuous hinges of folding bikes. But, with a keen eye, you’ll notice that others lack those hinges. Those bicycles are called mini velos, and they can be incredibly convenient for certain situations. Let’s … Read more
As a new cyclist, fenders puzzled me. Some bikes include them. Some bikes don’t. And most bike shops have half a wall covered in aftermarket fenders. What gives? They’re so useful that shops stocks dozens…yet they’re not always installed off the rack? With experience, I found that it depends not just on the type of … Read more
Folding bikes fit a ton of utility into amazingly little space. That’s mostly thanks to ingenious design, but it also requires some compromises. After owning one long-term, testing several more, and researching extensively, I’ve found a few things worth sharing. And that’s exactly this guide is going to do. If you want to know what … Read more
Ever forget to charge your lights, or trying to eke a few more minutes out of a super-low beam? Or remember to charge them…only to forget to put them back on before heading out the door? Bicycle dynamo lights take charging out of the equation. They also let you use headlight models with specially design … Read more
Commuting by bicycle is just unusual enough that it’s hard to find good, concise, and practical information. Many of us don’t know anyone who regularly bikes to work. If we do, they’re often what you might call…hardcore. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! But it can be hard to relate to the Lycra crowd if … Read more
For all the benefits of bike commuting, it has some notable disadvantages. And it’s certainly not the typical way of life here in North America–or, really, most other places. So, if you’re contemplating taking up a two-wheeled commute, it’s perfectly reasonable to question whether it’s worth it. And that’s exactly the question we’re going to … Read more
The most practical commuter bike is the one that’s on hand. But if that one is a BMX bike, made for flying around the park or track or jumps, then you might be second-guessing whether it makes sense for commuting. Having bike commuted for years and also spent a little time riding BMX, below is … Read more
Nearly all bicycles require the rider to shift gears manually, although many bikes have only a single speed and do not shift at all. Shifting gears on a bicycle is easy, but continually thinking about whether you’re in the right gear can take some of the fun out of a ride. You might think there’s … Read more
Nothing’s more fun that thick, constricting, water-logged denim chafing your thighs as you ride, am I right? Kidding aside, the average pair of jeans is kinda sorta usable for cycling…just like a garbage bag is kinda sorta usable for rainwear. Far from ideal, in others words. But it’s OK. You’re not relegated to wearing tights … Read more
The choice of handlebars defines your riding experience more than any other single component. From leisurely cruiser bars to aero racing bars, there’s an incredible range, but they all broadly fall into three categories. Swept-back, drop, and flat bars are all used for multiple purposes. But for practical scenarios—like commuting—what are you going to happiest … Read more
