In 2012, Sram introduced the first off-the-shelf 1x drivetrain. In the years since, 1x drivetrains have increased in popularity to the point that the majority of all new mountain bikes, adventure bikes, and gravel bikes come with them standard. Some road cyclists are even switching to 1x. That said, most manufacturers still offer 2x and …
Zachary Friedman
When dressing for cold weather, you have a number of insulating fabrics to choose from. Two of the most popular materials are fleece and wool. The best fabric for winter clothing depends on the weather conditions you expect, the activities you plan to do, and your personal preference. In this guide, I will outline the …
Mexico is becoming an increasingly popular choice for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. The country offers a low cost of living, beautiful scenery, world-class food, excellent weather, and a high quality of life. Having said this, there are a few drawbacks you should take into consideration before making the move. Crime rates are high in …
When it comes to bicycle handlebars, you have two main choices. This list outlines all of the pros and cons of drop bars vs flat bars to help you decide which style to go with for your next bike. I’ll cover comfort, efficiency, aerodynamics, hand positions, climbing ability, and more. I’ll also outline a few …
The most important decision to make when choosing a folding bike is which wheel size to go with. The wheel size plays a major role in the folded size of the bike. Smaller wheels allow for a smaller fold. That said, there are some compromises to choosing a smaller wheel. They can have an effect …
Belt drivetrains are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to chain drives on bicycles. Particularly among commuters and bicycle tourists. Belts are clean, low maintenance, and long-lasting. Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider. This guide outlines the pros and cons of belt drive vs chain drive bikes. In this guide, I’ll cover performance, efficiency, …
Thru axles are becoming increasingly popular these days. Over the past 10 years, they have pretty much become the standard on mountain bikes. Now, they’re even becoming common on road bikes and touring bikes. After some research and testing, I created this thru axle vs quick release guide to help you decide which axle style …
At a certain age, many travelers start to feel like they no longer fit in at hostels. This feeling may start to creep in when you’re in your late 20s to early 30s. You may start to feel out of place when everyone else is in their late teens to mid 20s and you’re significantly …
At this point, disc brakes have pretty much replaced rim brakes across all categories of cycling. In the early 2000s, they became standard in mountain biking. The last holdouts were road riders. Since the UCI began allowing disc brakes in professional road racing in 2018, they have become even more common. When it comes to …
An internal gear hub is a type of bicycle gear system where the gears and shifting mechanisms are enclosed within the rear hub. These systems have anywhere from 2-14 gears. Internal gear hubs are becoming increasingly popular. Particularly on touring bikes and commuter bikes. After some extensive research and testing on Rohloff and Shimano hubs, …