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…
Category: Bike questions & beginner guides
Getting The Perfect Single-Speed Gear Ratio (Essential 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 right 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…
Mountain Bikes Aren’t Great Commuters (But You Can Make Them Work)
The best way to try bike commuting is with the bike you already own. And for some of us, what’s on hand is a mountain bike. But when you look…
Folding Bikes Climb Like Champs (IF You Get This Right)
Folding bikes are extremely versatile, but they’re not quite as capable as their full-size counterparts. Most of them just aren’t made for rough terrain or aggressive riding. But in terms…
