Depending on whom you ask, bike geometry either lets you predict fit and ride quality with scientific precision…or it’s some sort of voodoo. Some folks will get hot and bothered…
Category: Bike questions & beginner guides
The Best Time To Buy A Bicycle (What You Need To Know)
Patience pays when you’re buying bicycles. Over the years, I’ve personally saved thousands just by shopping slightly out of season. There’s no single industry-wide sale date, but discount are still…
What Are Bicycles Made Of? (Complete Materials List)
Bicycles have several dozen parts, but most are made of just a few materials. Some, like rubber tires, are obvious and standard. But others, especially frame materials, are varied and…
How Long Do Bicycles Actually Last?
As a new (or new-ish) cyclist, you’re trying to make cost-effective choices on several levels. “Is that new bike worth the price? Should I just fix mine? Do I really…
Here’s Why Your Bike Feels Slow (And What To Do About It)
A slow-feeling bike is endlessly frustrating. You might perceive it as a “mushy” pedaling feel, or your usual gear feeling wrong, or like battling a headwind that isn’t there. Whatever…
Why Commuter Bikes Rarely Have Suspension (Explained For Beginners)
People commute on many different types of bicycles. Some have suspension, but the vast majority do not. Most commutes are on paved routes, which are smoother enough that suspension doesn’t…
City Bike Tire Pressure: What Commuters Need To Know
Getting tire pressure just right can transform how your bicycle commute feels. Too hard, and you get a harsh ride with poor traction. Too soft, and it’s hard work that…
How Many Gears Does A Commuter Bike Need?
As a new bike buyer, all those numbers get overwhelming. Frame geometry, wheels standards, axle widths…before long, you feel like you’re reading an engineering textbook. But if there’s one set…
Can You Commute On A BMX Bike? (7 Things You Need To Know)
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…
Are Belt-Drive Bikes Worth It? Here’s What You Need To Know
Who would not want to spend more time riding their bike and less time adjusting and cleaning it? Belt drives promise to make them happen, and we’ve seen several more…