People mix up three different parts of the rear hub. A freewheel is a gear cluster that screws onto the hub and contains the ratchet that lets you coast. A cassette is just the stack of cogs. A freehub is the splined body on the hub that the cassette slides onto. The ratchet lives in …
Bikes and Cycling
The frame is the one part you cannot cheaply swap later. Forks, wheels, and groupsets come off. The frame is the bike. Steel, aluminum, carbon, and titanium all make good bikes. They do not all make good bikes for the same rider. I used to split this into four vs-posts. This is the combined version. …
If you’re a heavy rider or if you plan to carry lots of cargo on your bike, you might be wondering, do bikes have a weight limit? The answer is yes. When choosing a bicycle, it’s important to understand the weight capacity. You’ll have to choose a model that can support the weight you plan …
When the wind speed reaches 30-35 mph, cycling can start to become dangerous. A strong gust of wind could blow you into traffic. It could also blow debris into the road or into your eyes. At wind speeds below 25 mph, it’s really just an annoyance. If you experience 40-50+ mph wind, it’s best to …
To lose 1kg (2.2 lbs) of body fat, you need to burn around 7800 calories. In one hour of cycling, the average person will burn around 720 calories while outputting 200 watts of power. If you burn 720 calories per hour, it will take you about 11 hours to lose 1 kg of body weight. …
Mudguards can help keep you and your bike clean and dry. Whether or not you need mudguards depends on the climate where you ride, the terrain you ride, and the type of riding you do. This guide answers the question ‘do I need mudguards on my bike?’ To answer that question, I’ll explain what exactly …
Electric bikes are becoming an increasingly popular mode of personal transportation around cities. But what happens when it’s raining? If you’re commuting, you need to ride rain or shine. If you’re trail riding, you may encounter puddles or get caught in a storm. Can you ride electric bikes in the rain? The short answer is …
When buying a new bike, one decision you’ll have to make is whether you want to buy a men’s, women’s, or unisex model. In the past, women’s bikes were just smaller men’s bikes with a downward sloping top tube. They came with cheap components and they were painted in pretty colors. These days, there are …
E-bike hub motors come in two different designs. There are geared hub motors and direct drive hub motors (also known as gearless hub motors). A geared hub motor has a gear reduction system built into the hub. A direct drive motor powers the hub directly. Each design has its own benefits and drawbacks. Geared hub …
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular for touring. They allow you to cover more ground each day while putting in less effort. Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider. This guide explains everything you need to know about electric bike touring. We’ll cover range, charging on the road, e-bike maintenance, cost, transporting e-bike, batteries, e-bike …