In 2012, Sram introduced the first off the shelf 1x drivetrain. In the years since, 1x drivetrains have increased in popularity to a point that the majority of all new mountain bikes, bikepacking bikes, and gravel bikes feature them. Some road cyclists are even switching to 1x. That said, most manufactures still offer 2x and …
When the snow starts falling, the streets become icy and dangerous for cyclists. Studded bike tires give you enough traction to ride safely and confidently during the winter months. Whether or not you need studded tires depends on the climate and weather conditions you ride in. This guide lists the pros and cons of installing …
Fat bikes are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to mountain bikes for off-road riding and bikepacking. They are fun, unique, and allow you to ride places that no other bike can go, like deep snow and loose sand. This guide outlines the pros and cons of riding a fat bike vs mountain bike to help …
Cycling in the rain isn’t the most pleasant experience but sometimes you have no choice. Maybe you’re a commuter and your bicycle is your only mode of transportation. Maybe you got caught in an unexpected storm while out for a ride. Whatever the case, if you prepare properly, cycling in the rain doesn’t have to …
For years, 700c has been the default wheel size for gravel bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes, and cyclocross bikes. Recently, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of an old French wheel size called 650b. Many manufacturers are introducing bikes designed around 650b wheels. Some cyclists are swapping their 700c wheels for 650b. This …
When it comes to securing your bike’s grips in place on your handlebars, there are two different attachment systems to choose from. This guide outlines the pros and cons of lock on vs slip on grips to help you decide which grip design is best for your style of cycling. We’ll cover slippage, weight, comfort, …
The frame is arguably the most important component of the bicycle. Without it, you just have a pile of parts. When it comes to choosing a frame, one of the most important considerations is the material it is made of. This guide outlines the pros and cons of carbon vs aluminum bike frames. We’ll compare …
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 …
Thru axles are becoming increasingly popular these days. Over the past 10 years, they have pretty much become the standard on mountain bikes. Now, more and more touring and road bike manufacturers are making the switch. After some research and testing, I created this thru axle vs quick release pros and cons guide to help …
Are you thinking about switching from a traditional rack and panniers setup to bikepacking bags? I made this transition while preparing for a recent tour. After some extensive research and testing with both types of luggage, I put together this bikepacking bags vs panniers pros and cons list to help you decide which to go …