Hybrid bikes draw inspiration from mountain bike design, so they overlap in function and appearance. But they’re far from interchangeable. Hybrids can wade into a bit of off-road riding, but…
Category: Bike questions & beginner guides
Dutch Bikes vs. Beach Cruisers (Not As Similar As You’d Think…)
Key points: Dutch bikes are best for general urban use, but still pleasant for simply cruising. True to their name, beach cruisers are fun on slow and flat rides, but…
These 9 Things Make Some Bicycles Faster Than Others
Even with the same level of effort, two bicycles can feel wildly different in speed. It can seem like you’re inching up a gentle slope on one, yet practically flying…
Getting The Perfect Single-Speed Gear Ratio (Beginner’s Guide)
Single-speed bikes are easy to maintain and liberating to ride. But when you only get one gear, it’s got to be the right one! Here’s what you need to know…
Hybrid Tires On A Road Bike? (Yes, But Watch For This…)
If you want a smoother ride or better traction out of your road bike, then tires are the first upgrade to make. For some folks, that means swapping to hybrid…
Long Vs. Short Chainstays Explained (For Road & City Cycling)
Chainstay length has a noticeable effect on ride quality, but it’s hard to isolate from other factors. There’s no magic length that suits all bikes and situations, so this article…
A Simple Guide To Hybrid Bike Gearing (3 Key Questions!)
Hybrid bike gearing can be a little mystifying as a new rider. For some of us, it’s about getting the widest possible range to cover everything from steep dirt climbs…
The Truth About Toe Overlap (& How To Minimize It)
There’s a long-standing debate over whether toe overlap matters. Some say it’s an unnecessary risk and usually a result of suboptimal design priorities. Others say it’s a harmless and silly…
Hybrid Bikes With Drop Bars? Think Again!
On the right bike, drop bars make you a more powerful and aerodynamic rider. They even offer more hand positions for all-day comfort. But on the wrong bike, they can…
Cyclocross Bikes: Decent Commuters, But Not For Everyone
Wherever there’s a large contingent of bike commuters, you’re bound to see some cyclocross (CX) bikes in the mix. They’re rugged, readily available, (usually) accessibly priced, and often versatile enough…