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Biking in the Rain

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Rain is going to happen – that doesn’t always mean you have to stay indoors and skip your ride. And what do you do if you’re bike camping or in the middle of on a long tour and it starts to rain? Following the right steps and tips can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe and still having a good ride, even when the rain is coming down hard. Remember these 6 tips whether you get caught out in the sudden weather or you make a plan to head out into the rain. The answer ultimately is affected by the type of bike you are riding — for example, gravel bikes have different rain dynamics than road bikes, and mountain bikes or fat bikes are different altogether. Tip #1: Slow Down! As with driving, one of the best things you can do when cycling in the rain is to slow down! Slower riding helps you see hazards in the way, including larger puddles or potholes that could cause you to injure yourself or damage your bike. When you hit an extended wet area, you can lose traction on slippery roads or terrain. Heavy rain also has a habit of obscuring obstacles. You will also be thankful for slowing down when you come to a stop, or an intersection.  While bike tires are surprisingly good while moving on a wet surface, they are not good when you have to stop quickly on a wet surface.  Allow extra time so you can really bump the brakes and come to a more gradual stop. Slowing down, even just a little bit, will help you identify larger puddles, potholes, and obstacles before you run into them. Tip #2: Use the Right Gear If you’re thinking about heading out in the rain or wet weather is on the forecast for the day ahead, it can help to have the right gear ready to go. There are a few different things you can use to increase your comfort, safety, and overall ride. Shoe Covers When riding a bike, whether it’s raining or you hit a single puddle, your shoes are going to get wet. As it seeps in, you’ll soon be dealing with wet socks and wet feet, which can lead to a very uncomfortable and cold ride. Instead, you can opt for waterproof overshoes. Not only will they keep the water out, they will keep your feet warm.  Waterproof Bike Socks You may also want to go for waterproof socks if it’s particularly nasty outside, because it is really soaking socks that are uncomfortable vs. wet shoes. I like the Sealskinz socks (here on Amazon) for these situations. I’ve used them during bad weather gravel bike races, and they work really well. The socks are perhaps not as breathable as a lightweight sock, so in hot weather you might want to think twice as they might cause sweating. But they are not that much heavier than normal socks, and in wet conditions I don’t think they can be beat. Waterproof Clothes In addition to shoe covers, there are plenty of waterproof clothes you can opt for to make your cycle more enjoyable. Waterproof cycling or running jackets, when designed correctly, will stay breathable while keeping rain out, even if you’re going hard or heading out for a long trip. Waterproof tights can do the same job.  The good news is that most cycling shorts are already designed in a way that won’t get saturated with water — the shorts will be the least of your worries.  It is really about your feet, torso, hands, and head. Cyclists should also consider adding waterproof gloves to their gear bag. Cold hands can make it difficult to concentrate, and all that water is going to make them slippery. Waterproof bike gloves can help ensure you keep your grip on your handlebars and aren’t thinking too much about the cold. And, of course, you want to keep your head dry. A helmet will do part of the work for you, but when that water drips in, it can get a bit frustrating. Cycling caps, especially waterproof ones, can be an excellent addition to your trip and are worn underneath your helmet. Glasses Don’t forget about protecting those eyes. Now that you’re keeping the water off your body, it’s time to think about keeping that water out of your eyes. Cycling glasses are an absolute must. They’ll shield your eyes from even pelting rain and keep any mud, dirt, or dust out, too. Keep in mind that the cycling glasses will need to be wiped often to give you a clear field-of-vision, and that because it is probably lower-light when raining, you may want to consider un-tinted or clear glasses. The goal of the glasses in this situation is more about safety than it is about sun protection. Lights You probably have lights already on hand if you’re going for early morning or late night rides, but are you bringing them along on rainy days? Yes, big time. It’s generally a good idea to have your headlights on in the rain – same goes with cycling. Dark clouds, heavy rain, and low light make it difficult for you to see, and, if you’re on the road or trail, for drivers and other cyclists to see you. Small LED cycling lights that blink can be attached to your front and rear to make sure you’re more noticeable to others. You are basically trying to do everything you can to be more visible to others. Mudguards Mudguards are another great addition to your bike if you don’t have them already. Even if you wait for the rain to pass, the roads and trails will still be full of water and mud. As you ride, that water and dirt is going to kick up. A mudflap or mudguard can keep the water off your back, legs, and feet during and after wet weather. Mudguards are not just for … Read more

Mountain Bikes vs Gravel Bikes

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I like to call my gravel bike my all-road bike because it goes on just about every kind of road. Mountain bikes, however, can be a little more terrain-specific. And while there is a lot of cross-over between the two types, gravel bikes are different than any other class of bike, including the beloved mountain bike. Keep reading to see just what those differences are, and how you use this information to identify the best bike for you! Handlebars One of the most apparent differences between a gravel bike and a mountain bike is the handlebars. Gravel bars have drop bars – that is, handlebars that curve down. A drop bar gives you a variety of hand positions to reduce fatigue over long rides and helps you get into a more aggressive position with a lower center of gravity for fast descents. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, have flat bars. These wider bars keep the bike from feeling ‘twitchy’ and give you better steering over technical sections. Geometry A less noticeable difference is the frame and the geometry of the bikes. Gravel bikes have a longer wheelbase than typical road bikes, which gives them more stability. But if you compare the wheelbase of mountain bikes, you’ll find that, in many cases, they are even longer than gravel bikes, which gives you even more stability. Suspension Most gravel bikes don’t have a suspension system. While there are a few brands that are starting to incorporate a limited suspension system in some of their models, such as Canyon and Lauf, for the most part, gravel bikes don’t have or need suspension. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, have various levels of suspension systems in their build. Older mountain bikes and cross-country mountain bikes are typically hard tales, which means they don’t have any sort of suspension. However, you can also find full-suspension and front-suspension mountain bikes. The suspension system reduces the amount of vibration and bumpiness you feel when you ride over rough terrain. It also helps keep the wheels in better contact with the ground, which gives you much more traction. So if you’re just riding on gravel trails and roads, you don’t need a suspension system. But if you’re bombing it downhill, climbing over rocks and roots, you’ll want one to make your ride more comfortable and safer. Bike Weight The drawback of a suspension system is that it makes the bike much heavier. Mountain bikes are definitely heavier than gravel bikes. For example, a typical gravel bike will weigh anywhere from 17 to 22 pounds. A comparable hardtail or XC bike will weigh around 20 to 25 pounds. Adding on a suspension system will make the bike even heavier. The type of tires will also add weight to the bike — and mountain bike tires are larger. Tires Tires on a gravel bike will be a little wider than on a road bike. For gravel, you’ll run anywhere from a 36 to 45 mm wide tire (although some of the newer models can handle up to 50, or even a tick higher). This tire width gives you extra comfort and traction compared to a road bike. However, most gravel bikes won’t be able to fit a tire wider than 45mm. Mountain bike tires are even wider. Cross country, or XC bikes, typically have a range of 2.1 to 2.4-inch tires. Downhill bikes may go as wide as 2.5 inches.  Fat bike tires, which are not mountain bikes but somewhat similar, routinely get up to 3 and 4 inches.  The mountain bike vs. fat bike comparison is a different one altogether, so let’s not get hung up on that. The wider the tire, the more comfort and the more traction you’ll get, but the slower you’ll go on a paved road. Gearing Gearing is also different between mountain bikes and gravel bikes. Many gravel bikes will use standard road bike gearing. However, you might also find something like a single 40t chainring with either a 10-42 tooth cassette or even a 1 – 52 tooth cassette if you’ll be doing more climbing. Mountain bike gearing is a little different. They generally use a 1x gearing setup since cadence isn’t a priority like it can be in faster gravel riding. So you’ll have a 30 or 36-tooth chainring with a 10 – 52 tooth cassette for easy riding uphill. In short, a gravel bike will give you gearing that allows you to pick up nice speed on flats and pavement.  A mountain bike has gearing that is much better a low speeds and uphills, but you will sacrifice top-end speed. Terrain Gravel and mountain bikes can cover a wide spectrum of terrain. Gravel bikes can be ridden on pavement pretty easily, yet they can also cover gravel, easy trails, and hard-pack dirt.  Gravel bikes can handle a surprising amount of terrain. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, are rarely ridden on the road, even with slick tires. However, they can be used on gravel, easy trails, hard pack dirt, as well as mud, and rough terrain such as rock gardens and downhill trails.  A very skilled cyclist can take a gravel bike on a lot of single track, but a mountain bike is much more forgiving if you pick a bad line. If you plan to be on really rough terrain, the riding position on a mountain bike will make you feel much more stable and secure than a gravel bike. Agility Gravel bikes have a shorter wheelbase and a more upright head tube angle. This gives them more agility at higher speeds and a tighter turning radius. On the other hand, mountain bikes tend to have a longer wheelbase and a more slacked-out head tube angle, resulting in a wider turning radius but much more stability when you’re speeding downhill over obstacles like roots and rocks. Combined with the wider bars, this results in mountain bikes that much more stable over rough terrain. It also keeps you from … Read more

Best eBike Battery

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When it comes to hitting the trail or pavement on your Ebike, you need a battery that isn’t going to let you down! But what should you look for in one? We profile some of the best Ebike batteries out there plus answer some of the most frequently asked questions about them! What You Need to Know About Ebike Batteries Before Getting Started Let’s cover a bit of basic information and terms you’ll need to know before we dive into some more technical information! Terminology Some terms that will come up in the article (and during your own research) include: Amperes (Amps) Amps refers to the unit of electrical current and is used all over the globe. You may also see Ah, which stands for ampere per hour. Voltage (V) V, or Volts, is the electrostatic difference between two conductors. Watts (W) Watts is the standard unit of power. The higher the watts, the higher the output. Wh stands for watt per hour. Types of Batteries Next, let’s dive into the types of batteries and what each strengths, weaknesses, and applications are. Lead Acid Batteries Lead acid batteries are inexpensive, heavy, and one of the least powerful options out there. While they can be used for golf carts and ebikes, they’re generally not recommended however for ebikes due to the downsides. Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Nickel-cadmium batteries have more capacity than lead acid, but not quite as strong as other options. They can also last quite a while if you give them proper maintenance. However, this battery tends to be more expensive and cadmium is, in fact, a pollutant. Nickel-metal Hydride Batteries As we continue the trend, nickel-metal hydride batteries are stronger than either of the two types above, but they are quite complicated. They’re not durable and not really recommended for e-bikes. Lithium-ion Batteries Lithium-ion batteries tend to be the go-to for most cyclists. Durable, long-lasting, and powerful, they’re everything you need on your ebike. They do, however, always need to be handled properly as improperly handled lithium-ion batteries can catch on fire. They also tend to be on the more costly side of the spectrum. There are several types of lithium-ion batteries available including lithium manganese, lithium cobalt, and lithium-ion polymer, each with their own pros and cons. What Should You Look For in an Ebike Battery? Now that you know the basics, what should you be looking for in an ebike battery? Power Before choosing an ebike battery, you’ll first want to look at the voltage, amps, and watts. All of this will affect your speed, how much current can get to your bike, and how long your bike will last during your cycle. Size, Shape, and Weight Of course, you don’t want a battery that is simply too big or too heavy for your ebike. Going larger could give you more power, but… will you be able to mount it on your bike? Range Estimates Range estimates should always be taken with a grain of salt. These are estimates, not guarantees. Part of this may be a sales pitch, so if it sounds too good to be true, it is. The weight and power of your battery will determine just how far your bike can go. A 6-8 lb lithium-ion battery, for example, tends to average only 20 miles. I recommend finding a battery with a range of at least 50 miles. Some can last up to 150 miles! Cost And, of course, you should always give consideration to your budget! Lithium-ion batteries are on the more expensive side, but there are less costly ones that should fit your needs. 3 Best Ebike Batteries Bosch PowerPack 500 The PowerPack 500 from Bosch is a frame or rack battery that is fantastic for ebikes. Lightweight and compact, they’re made for long distance rides. Here are some of their stats: Uses the Bosch eBike system 2 36 V 13.4 Ah About 500 Wh 5.7 – 6 pounds 13.9 x 3.6 x 3.5 in / 14.6 x 4,8 x 3.1 in Dual battery compatible Takes 3 to 15 hours to fully charge depending on type of charger used Fully charged, your PowerPack 500 should be able to go about 25 to 50 miles Mount: Frame or rack Bosch PowerPack 400 If you only need an ebike battery for quick jaunts, the PowerPack 400 can do the trick, too! Also made to be mounted on the frame or rack, this is a more affordable option if you don’t need all the power of the 500. Uses the Bosch eBike system 2 36 V 11.0 Ah About 400 Wh 4.8 – 5.7 pounds 13.9 x 3.6 x 3.5 in / 14.6 x 4,8 x 3.1 in Dual battery compatible Takes 2.5 to 6.5 hours to fully charge depending on type of charger used Fully charged, your PowerPack 400 should be able to go between 20-40 miles Mount:  Frame, rack, or top tube Shimano BT-E6000 The Shimano BT-E6000 is a rear carrier mounted battery and designed for the Shimano STEPS system. Available in black and gray, some of its stats include: 36 V 11.6 Ah 418 Wh Weighs about 2.58 lbs Fully charges in 4 hours With supported travel, it can last up to 93 miles on a single charge Mount: Rear carrier or rack Frequently Asked Questions about Ebike Batteries How do I know which battery will fit my Ebike? The batteries listed above will fit a number of bikes, but always be sure to check the measurements before purchasing. If you’re unsure if it will be compatible with your bike, try searching for your bike and the battery to see what others are saying. One way to get a backup battery is to buy a 2nd one at the same time you are buying your bike. As we were doing the research for our piece on the best e-bikes for seniors, we noticed that several manufacturers give a discount if you bundle a spare battery purchase with the bike. Can I … Read more

HIIT for Runners and Cyclists

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If you’re a runner or cyclist, you may have heard of HIIT training. HIIT, which stands for high-intensity interval training, is a type of exercise that is growing in popularity. It’s a great way to quickly improve your fitness level and burn calories. In this article, we will discuss what HIIT is and the benefits it offers runners and cyclists. We will also review some popular streaming HIIT programs that you can do at home! Why should runners and cyclists do HIIT? For those who know what HIIT is, you’ll know that it differs greatly from your standard running or cycling sessions. These standard sessions are often very repetitive, whereas HIIT benefits your entire body. Let’s discuss some benefits of incorporating HIIT into your workouts. HIIT Will Improve Your Fitness Level HIIT helps you burn more calories than traditional cardio exercises, and it also helps to build muscle mass. This means that you will become stronger and faster over time. HIIT is far more challenging than traditional workouts alone. You will need to be relatively fit to begin with as HIIT can be pretty intense.  Consider it cross-training, working muscles other than what you normally would.  Many marathoners and triathletes are in the best shape of their year when doing lots of HIIT, versus those periods when they are piling on the miles. You’ll Burn Calories Quicker With HIIT, you’ll burn a much higher number of calories in a shorter period – you might find it to burn 5-10 times more calories than traditional cardio workouts. This is because HIIT uses more muscle fibers and causes the body to produce more heat, which leads to increased calorie burn. You give yourself fewer breaks to rest, so you’re burning more calories per minute. After your workout, you’ll continue to burn calories at a higher rate than you would with traditional cardio, too. You Can Increase Your Endurance You’ll be able to run, cycle, or swim for a longer duration after incorporating HIIT into your routine. These workouts help to improve the body’s ability to use oxygen and increase your muscles’ endurance, which means you’ll be able to run or cycle for longer without getting tired quickly.  There is a point where more running or cycling can barely move the needle on your VO2 max, but adding some level of resistance training can do it – as long as it is like HIIT where it keeps your heart rate elevated. You Might Improve Your Speed In addition to increasing your endurance, you are also training your body to go faster in shorter periods. This helps to improve your explosive speed and will have a positive impact on your running or cycling.  We all would like more of those coveted fast-twitch muscle fibers, and the explosive moves of some HIIT workouts can help do that.  In the same way that finding a running track and doing speed work can really help you, HIIT workouts will give your muscles a little more snap. You Will Probably Reduce Injuries Adding cross-training to your running or cycling schedule will probably have an effect you did not predict:  It may very well reduce the number of injuries you experience.  By workout-out different muscle groups, straining joints in a way that gradually adds strength and flexibility, and developing a strong core through core workouts, you will be taking steps to reduce so manyh of the overuse injuries that afflict endurance cyclists and especially runners. HIIT Can be Done Easily at Home Unlike going to a health club for a cardio class, or using the gym with a fully-stocked weight room, you can do HIIT at home (or in a hotel room, or really anywhere) with no equipment.  It helps to have a mat, but it is not critical.  The ease of workout is second to none, and you don’t need to spend 15 or 20 minutes driving to and from. We know some people who get a set of dumbbells for their home gym, and that makes sense.  But if you truly want a “no-equipment” workout option, HIIT is your best bet. What HIIT Workouts Are Out There? A few HIIT workouts that we have personally used, and the runners and cyclists in our circles swear by, include: TMAC 20 In terms of finding a workout that will easily blend in with the rest of your training schedule, TMAC 20 might be the one. People of all backgrounds are getting value from the TMAC 20 minute workout. While it was created for people who want to inject some high-intensity body weight training into their workouts, we have found it is great for runners, cyclists, and even skiers. If you are looking to improve your speed, increase your flexibility, and gain more endurance, then this will be a great program for you. It consists of full-body workouts that help strengthen your core muscles so that you have better stability and balance while running. A portion of each TMAC 20 workout focuses on the lower body, so we prefer to do it when we are not coming off a heavy mileage day on the bike. We like that TMAC doesn’t overlook your cardiovascular health as you will get your heart pumping during this workout. The routines don’t require any special equipment, so if you’re looking to get a great workout in without needing dumbbells or bands, get yourself the TMAC 20 program. You will need to be somewhat in shape if you want to successfully complete one of these workouts though. If you’re new to working out or intensive workouts, you’ll want to take it a little easy so that you don’t overexert yourself (but that is the case with all of these workouts). Several of the workouts begin or end with some combination of abs and stretching, which we find it really underdone with most endurance athletes.  That alone will give you fast benefits from doing the TMAC HIIT training. In winter, we like to tuck-in a 20-minute … Read more

Best Cycling Glasses

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“Hole!” I heard it, loud and clear, yelled by the riders in front of me. But I never saw it coming until it was too late. I hit that darned pothole dead on. It was jarring and painful, but somehow I managed to keep the rubber side down and navigate my way through. Unfortunately, I was wearing the wrong cycling glasses, and the holes in the road blended into the shady spots as we rode through the woods. A few circled back to check on me when they heard my yelp, but I learned just how valuable a good pair of glasses can be. I was wearing a pair of Tifosi Alpe 2.0 with polarized lenses. The glasses are comfortable; they stay right where they are supposed to and fit my small face. The trouble is that the polarized lenses – great for clear, bright days with lots of sun glare – can smooth out how a surface appears, making potholes in shady spots easy to miss. The key point of my story is that cycling glasses — along with a helmet and cycling gloves — are just as much about safety as they are about comfort or style. So if you, like me, are searching for the next best pair of cycling sunglasses, you’re going to want to check out the Tifosi Tyrant, the Tifosi Jet, the Suncloud Slant, and the Oakley Radar.  We tested many glasses over the past couple years, but kept coming back to these four. They are easy to find, fit well on most faces, and durable enough to survive a rough ride on your gravel bike, or even being stowed away in your cycling jacket for a few hours. Tifosi Tyrant Tifosi Tyrant glasses are a win for the best all-around glasses. The Tyrant line is perfectly stylish with lightweight half frames and plenty of color options to choose from. You can select Tifosi’s color schemes or create your own customized color options. Feel free to purchase extra lenses for extra colors, or if you prefer polarized for the sun’s glare, Fototec, which changes color depending on the sun’s brightness. The Tyrant lenses help your eyes focus on what’s important and are vented to help prevent fogging, especially if you are wearing a mask. In addition, this wrap style gives your eyes extra coverage from the sun, wind, and debris. A great pair of shades when you are on a long road bike ride and don’t want the various elements and wind angles to dry your eyes out. Tifosi Tyrant frames are made of strong but bendable nylon so you can adjust the fit to your face. The ear and nose pieces are also adjustable, so you can create a customized, comfortable fit that is highly slip-resistant. A protective case and bag are included. I love the Tyrant line because you get a lot of customizable features, protective glasses, and great style at a reasonable price. The only downside is that this line is intended for more average or medium-sized faces, so if you have a larger shaped head, you might need to look at different pairs of glasses. Here on Amazon. Tifosi Jet Sticking with the Tifosi line, let’s take a look at the Tifosi Jet glasses. These glasses will give you shatterproof eye protection and great style at a very reasonable price. In addition, Jet lenses are designed to reduce distortion so you can see more clearly while providing both UVA and UVB protection. Think of the Jets as the more affordable Tifosi. Jet frames are made of the same sturdy nylon that you can bend slightly to adjust to your face. In addition, the nose and earpieces are made of specialized rubber designed to stay put no matter how much you might sweat. I personally love the Jet line for the excellent eye protection and cool sporty style at such a budget-friendly price. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many color options to choose from like you find in the Tyrant line, and you can’t customize your ear and nose pieces, either. But you can purchase multiple lenses, colored lenses, and clear reader lenses. Replacement nose and earpieces are available if needed, and a protective case and bag are included with your purchase. These frames are designed for medium-sized faces, so just like the Tyrant line, if you have a larger face, you might need to consider a different brand of glasses altogether. Here on Amazon. Suncloud Slant The Suncloud Slant is another reasonably priced pair of sporty glasses. They come standard with 100% UV protection and a zippered case. Suncloud lenses are polarized to reduce glare, but the glasses come with an extra pair of lenses designed to be used in low light conditions.  Many cyclists in our circles think that the combination of a reasonable price point and great fit and performance makes these the go-to glasses on the market today. What’s unique and different about the Slant line is that you can choose between a 6 or 8 Lens Curvature. What does that mean? The 6 lens curvature is a flatter shape across the front of your face. The 8, on the other hand, is more rounded, which provides a little more of a wrap style to protect your peripheral vision. The best thing about the Slants is that you can decide if you want a flatter-shaped pair of sunnies or a more rounded, wrap look. Keep in mind that the standard lenses are polarized, which could cause trouble in areas of dappled shade and lower light. Thankfully, Suncloud is prepared for this by including that extra set of lowlight lenses. We are fans of the rose-colored lenses (there must be a joke in there somewhere), and like that you can ride with these glasses and not have as much of a sweat issue due to the constructions and where the lens sits on your face relative to a helmet. Here on Amazon. Oakley Radar If style, brand, and … Read more

Wahoo Kickr Bike Review

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I’m kind of a pushover for Wahoo cycling equipment. Last year, when I upgraded to the Wahoo Kickr Axis, I knew I would never want to go back to another brand of trainer. It does exactly what I need it to do on top of being extremely reliable. Wahoo products as a whole are well-designed and worth the investment.  We have been loyal fans of the Core Kickr, it’s entry-level smart bike trainer, for years. But at first, I wasn’t totally sold on the Wahoo Kickr bike. I expect it to be the same quality and awesomeness as my other Wahoo products, but is it worth the investment? Let’s take a look. What Is the Wahoo Kickr Bike? Price Check the Kickr Bike Here To put it simply, the Wahoo Kickr Bike is an indoor training bike that measures speed, cadence, distance, gradient, and power. You’ll find it can max out at a whopping 2200 watts with an accuracy of +/- 1 percent. This bike easily trumps your typical stationary bikes, bike trainers, and spin bikes with its technology, fit, connectivity, and ease of use. First of all, you might not recognize it as a bike except for the handlebars, saddle, and pedals. It has a futuristic appeal, with no tires to speak of, a broad 3-legged base, and a neat little spot for your water bottle. It’s a sleek-looking machine built to give you an incredible indoor riding experience. Ride Feel Wahoo worked really hard to create this superior indoor ride experience. I think they accomplished their mission with their unrivaled flywheel technology, which is just one of the factors that make the Kickr Axis and the Kikr bike so good at creating and maintaining a sense of momentum. The Kickr Bike also incorporates everything the Kickr Climb has accomplished with real-time gradient simulation on 20% inclines and -15% declines. In other words, when your software sends you uphill, the bike tilts to give you – and your muscles – the actual sensation of going uphill. So not only does it feel more realistic, it challenges your muscles as if you were really outside climbing a hill. Shifting and Braking Experience Another incredible feature of the Kickr Bike is the programmable shifting. It doesn’t have any physical gears, cassettes, or even a chain. Instead, it’s all virtual, which means you can set it up to match your favorite manufacturer’s shifting experience, such as SRAM, Campagnolo, or even Shimano. Don’t forget Wahoo’s use of haptic technology, which makes shifting and braking feel real. Gear ratios are also fully customizable. This means you can match the gear ratios on your favorite climbing bike if you’re heading up ADZ on Zwift or make the gears match your race bike for the next excursion in Crit City. You can customize the number of speeds and the tooth count on your virtual cassette. And don’t forget the brakes! While you don’t really need to use brakes in games such as Zwift and Rouvy, at some point, braking might be included as these platforms continually add and upgrade their routes. Wahoo already thought of this and put virtual brakes on their Kickr Bike. Customizable Bike Fit Another unique feature of the Kickr bike is its customizable fit. First of all, you can change out the bars, saddle, and pedals to whatever you find comfortable. Move the pedals to simulate different crank lengths. You can make all kinds of adjustments, including reach, stack height, standover height, saddle height, setback, and crank length on the Kickr bike. There’s an included app that will help you find just the right fit, or if you’ve already had a professional bike fit, you can input those numbers into the app, and it will tell you how to adjust the fit. In addition, you can save different user profiles, so if you are sharing the Kickr bike with your family, it is quick and easy to pull up your settings and make the necessary adjustments each time you use it. Another cool thing here is that you can play with the fit on the Kickr bike as if you were going to a shop to try out different-sized bikes, bars, or cranks. So you can really use the it to dial in your fit, and then you can transfer those measurements to your IRL bike if you choose. Connectivity Recently, Peloton bikes shot up in popularity with more and more people working out at home. But Peloton bikes are only good with the Peloton app. The Kickr bike, on the other hand, works with many different platforms, including Zwift, Rouvy, RGT, TrainerRoad, not to mention your cycling computer and the recently released Wahoo SYSTM app. You can connect via Bluetooth and Ant+. Ease of Use Personally, if setup is cumbersome or takes too long, I probably just won’t do it. And that’s why I have a dedicated bike on my Kickr Axis. I don’t ever have to move it or remove it. It just works. And that’s part of the beauty of the Kickr Bike, too. It just works. When you pull it out of the rather large box, you’ll notice it’s mostly put together already. You’ll need to attach the bars, saddle, pedals, and flywheel, and you’ll need to plug it in. But other than that, it is ready to go in just a few minutes of setup time.  Note that you can use any pedals you want with the Kickr bike, which is one advantage it has over the Peloton bike. Price Price check here.  Honestly, the price is the real, um, kicker here. It just isn’t cheap, and if your budget is tight, this might not be the best way to go. At $3.500, you want to make sure you’re not just buying an overpriced clothes hanger. But if you’ve got the coin to drop and you are a dedicated indoor rider, this machine is definitely worth the money. One way to justify the savings is if … Read more

Pearl Izumi Cycling Shoes

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I started my cycling journey on a very tight budget, so my first pair of road cycling shoes were a discounted and discontinued model of Pearl Izumi Mountain Bike shoes. And to this day, they are still my go-to shoe for gravel, CX, bad weather riding, and bikepacking. So I was excited to see how Pearl Izumi has revamped some of their classic cycling shoes to be both technologically and stylishly on-trend for this year. Pearl Izumi makes some of our favorite cycling gear, from bike shorts to jerseys, so we trust their quality.  Let’s take a look at Pearl Izumi’s cycling-specific shoes, including the best from their roster of high-end road shoes, mid-range road shoes, mountain bike shoes, and gravel shoes. High-End Pearl Izumi Road Shoes Pearl Izumi offers two models of high-end road shoes with a men’s specific fit and one high-end road shoe with a women’s specific fit. But really, there is no reason why women can’t wear a men’s shoe and vice versa. A high-end road shoe is designed to be stiff and lightweight, so you can apply max power to the pedals without being weighed down by a heavy shoe.  They fit the theme of high end road bikes — trying to shave off weight wherever you can. You’ll find most high-end road shoes are available in 3 bolt cleat configurations, and Pearl Izumi shoes are no different, especially the Pro Road V5. Pro Road V5 After two years of hard work, the Pro Road V5 has been redesigned with an even lighter-weight upper shoe and a stiffer carbon sole, saving you a whopping 22% in shoe weight. In addition, the upper shoe is a knit design, which further increases this shoe’s flexibility and ventilation where you need it the most. The Dual Boa fit system lets you adjust your shoes on the fly, with easy micro-adjustments and quick removal if needed. These shoes run small and fit slim, so you may need to order a half size up for comfort. Also, it is worth noting that these shoes are only available in the classic three-bolt road shoe system, so unless you have an adapter, you won’t be using these with your SPD cleats. The Pro Road V5 is available in both men’s and women’s specific fits. A steep price tag offers plenty of benefits that you would expect to see from such a high-end shoe. However, if $400 is too much for your budget, you won’t lose much ground by stepping down to a mid-range shoe. Mid-Range Pearl Izumi Road Shoes A mid-range road option will still give you a hearty cycling shoe with plenty of benefits. You’ll lose a little bit of weight savings, maybe a boa or two, and you likely won’t have any full carbon soles in this price category. However, with four men’s and four women’s models to choose from, there are plenty of popular options, from laces to boas and nylon soles with carbon plates. So you’ll still have a sleek, fast shoe without the hefty price tag. Attack Road You see the Attack name on lots of Pearl Izumi gear.  In fact, some of our favorite Pearl Izumi cycling shorts are the Attacks.  When it comes to shoes, the Attack line was designed to rival cycling shoes at far more expensive price points. Rather than a dual boa system, a single boa reduces the price while still providing even pressure across the foot for a comfortable fit. And that little boost to the heel is designed to allow for easier walking, should you have to actually get off the bike. A carbon insert assists power transfer without the hefty cost of a full carbon sole, too. And the best part of these is they come in both women’s and men’s specific fits and include both two-bolt and three-bolt cleat fits. Keep in mind, though, you may want to install walking adapters with your cleats to protect the sole of your road shoes in the event you need to do a little bit of walking. Pearl Izumi Mountain Bike Shoes Any good mountain bike shoe worth its nylon will provide a stable fit that is stiff enough to pedal with power but flexible enough to hike off-road and quickly shift your weight around on the bike for stability. It has to have grip, great fit, breathability, and foot protection. Mountain bike shoes are generally two bolt/SPD compatible to help shed mud and clip in and out easily for technical terrain. Pearl Izumi delivers four women’s specific and five men’s specific mountain bike shoes, alongside various all-road and flat-pedal, grippy kicks. The X-Alp Summit The Summit is clearly a favorite mountain bike shoe in the Pearl Izumi lineup. This shoe offers a combination Boa Fit System with Velcro straps to give you the most comfortable, adaptable fit. The sole is a nylon composite to provide you with a balance of pedaling performance and ease of walking, with a rubber outer sole that offers lots and lots of much-needed grip. Finally, don’t forget the ventilation system, which helps the shoe dry more quickly, and a reinforced toe box to protect your feet. The X-Alp Summit is two bolt/SPD compatible, which is the industry standard for mountain biking and gravel riding. Pearl Izumi Gravel Cycling Shoes Last but far from least is the gravel category in Pearl Izumi.  Gravel biking has become really popular as of late, and cyclists are finding that slightly modified gear is ideal. A gravel shoe gives you the best of both worlds, and if you can only pick one pair, this would be the category to choose from. Gravel shoes are lightweight and stiff like road shoes, but still have a bit of grip to navigate tricky hike-a-bike sections. They may offer less foot protection than mountain bike shoes but still have plenty of breathability for those sweaty hill climbs. Naturally, they are created to work with SPD/2 bolt cleat systems. When gravel riding, it is pretty … Read more

Nike vs. Pearl Izumi Cycling Shoes

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Which cycling shoe is right for you?  Two top brands are Nike and Pearl Izumi.  Between the two, it’s not an easy choice to make when you’re in the market for new cycling shoes. We’ll take a look at each of these brands and compare a few of their most popular cycling shoes so that you can decide which one’s best for you. Nike Before we take a look at some of Nike’s top shoes, let’s discuss their history. The more you get to know Nike, or Pearl Izumi for that matter, the more you can connect with the brands. Nike is the largest sporting goods company in the world and has been around for over 50 years. Originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports, it was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. They wanted to build the perfect running shoe, and it started with the Nike Cortez. Nike would get its current moniker in 1970 and, to begin with, they only dealt with running shoes, equipment, and some apparel. It wasn’t until later (around 1987) that they decided to branch out and expand their production. Today, they focus on a broad range of sports and fitness activities, including cycling shoes. Best Nike Cycling Cycling Shoes Nike SuperRep Cycling Shoes When it comes to Nike and bike shoes, there is really only one line — The SuperRep.  Nike has put all of its cycling focus on making one really good pair of bike shoes.  These are decidedly designed for indoor riding — spin classes or Peloton-style riding inside.  They are not the shoes you get for long tours outside. Nike’s SuperRep cycling shoes are a crowd favorite! They’re a great option for beginner cyclists or even seasoned riders who plan to do much of their riding indoors. They can be a great option to just keep in the gym bag. Affordable, the shoes are made with synthetic materials and have a lace-up closure. This type of lacing keeps your feet strapped down as much as possible so that you can focus all your energy on pedaling. The SuperRep’s are also extremely lightweight, weighing around half a pound, which is ideal if you’re looking for a fast and responsive cycling shoe. They have a stiff carbon fiber plate in the sole, ensuring that all your power goes straight to the pedals to give you more speed and better performance. These shoes very consistently end up feeling a bit snug and small. That is easily solved by ordering a size up. You probably want to order 1/2 size higher than normal right away, or there is a pretty good chance you will find yourself returning for a larger pair. The shoes are compatible with both 2-bolt and 3-bolt bike cleats, so you should be able to use them with any setup that your home bike or your gym uses.  They do NOT come with cleats – you need to install those yourself.  If this makes your head spin, read our comprehensive bike cleat guide. Find the Nike SuperRep Here on Amazon Pearl Izumi Pearl Izumi has been around for even longer than Nike, founded in 1950! They started as a small retail shop in Boulder, Colorado, and began selling cycling apparel. Pearl Izumi’s founder, John Gremer, was an avid cyclist, and he wanted to design cycling apparel that worked. The company later focused on other sports, such as triathlon clothing, because of the popularity of active endeavors at that time. Pearl Izumi’s cycling shoes have become a perennial consideration for the top bike shoe of many types. They have always been a company that cares about the environment, too. They were one of the first companies to create recycled cycling clothing and work with organic materials. This is something that Nike has started to do more of in recent years, but Pearl Izumi was one of the pioneers in this area. They now have several locations and subsidiaries all over the world. Best Pearl Izumi Cycling Shoes Pearl Izumi X-Alp Biking Shoes Pearl Izumi’s X-Alp shoes are some of the most popular biking shoes on the market. They’re versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, including cross-country cycling, trail riding, and even commuting. They’re made with tough synthetic leather and have laces for a more secure fit. The soles are made with injection-molded rubber, which is great for gripping on all sorts of surfaces. The “Summit” model is intended for mountain biking, the non-Summit models are outstanding for gravel biking. Pearl Izumi designed the shoes to focus on comfort on top of performance. The mesh lining on the inside is very breathable, which will keep your feet from getting too hot and sweaty. They also have more arch support than other Pearl Izumi models, making them ideal for cyclists with flat feet. The heels are also reinforced so that you can wear them all day without worrying about blisters. The only thing to look out for is the shoes being too wide if you have Crank Brother pedals. These are shoes that you can easily where while walking around for extended periods of time, so they are great if you need shoes that you can use in spin class and then while doing strength work, or if you want a shoe that you can ride somewhere and then get off and walk around and explore.  We personally like this type of shoe for using on our home bike trainer, because it is easy to jump off and tend to things (like a screaming child) without removing the shoes first. Find the X-Alp Here on Amazon. Pearl Izumi Men’s Tour Road Cycling Shoes Pearl Izumi’s Men’s Tour road cycling shoes are another great pick for cyclists, especially outdoor riders. You can wear these shoes for racing or everyday riding. They have a sleek and simple design that you’ll love. The laces provide a snug fit, while the soles are made with carbon rubber, which is fantastic for … Read more

Fezzari Bike Overview

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Fezzari Bike Overview

If you love road bikes, you’re no doubt going to want want to consider Fezzari. Fezzari ranks among the best of them — its class, features, and the experience it offers to the riders are a class apart. In this article, you’ll get to know more about Fezzari road bike models, their features, and why they’re a stand-out option. We’ll also talk about some other bikes that deserve your consideration. Overview of Fezzari “Fezzari” means “be in the moment.” Their team is made up of experts who have a passion for cycling, innovative cycling products, and the latest tech in the industry. They also have the experience to back it up — Fezzari’s experts have worked with many other top notch bicycle companies around the globe. Fezzari works to provide a custom, ideal bicycle buying experience with a love it or return it guarantee. Customize it at checkout, take it for a test ride and if it’s not for you, you can return it within the first 30 days. Based out of Lindon, Utah in the United States, where their road bikes are assembled, the body frames come out of Taiwan, where a majority of high-end bikes are assembled. The multiple bike components are sourced from different areas, including Japan (Shimano), the USA (Fox), and Taiwan (SRAM). They focus on delivering  A perfectly designed and assembled bike made to highest standards The best quality road bikes with a focus on high-class Great customer value Personalized support On the expectations of cyclists Guaranteed satisfaction An unforgettable riding experience At checkout, they ask for information for their “32-point custom setup” to ensure your brand new road bike fits you. Some things they’ll ask for include your height, weight, age, gender, measurements, and riding position. You can also opt for certain upgrades like tubeless installs, protection, pedals, and other accessories. They will then create your custom bike designed to your specs.  We are seeing this kind of customized, fitted, “site-unseen” biking purchasing process within gravel and mountain bikes as well, and nobody we know has regretted getting the wrong sizing or fit. You will be talking to an actual person at Fezzari, not simply filling-out boxes on a website. Fezzari has been catching our eye lately, and we felt they were worth a deeper dive.  We liked what we saw.  Later on, we will spend a minute talking about how they compare to some of our favorite road bikes on the market today. Fezzari Road Bike Lineup Fezzari offers stand-out bikes that are definitely worth a look if you’re heading out on a road biking journey. Their lineup includes the Empire, Catania, and Murdock Apex 1X. Empire Called “The King of the Road,” Fezzari’s Empire was designed to be their fastest, most comfortable, and most lightweight bike they have. It features unique Monoform™ CleanCast™ carbon construction — a 1 piece mold rather than tube-to-tube or monocoque. This means there’s no bonding or frame alignment issues. Available in a variety of different setups and colors, you can choose the one that fits your needs on the road as well as your budget. Each one offers a different combination of drivetrain, cockpit, wheels, and more. It’s the one you want to select if you’re looking for performance and endurance above all else. If comparing to Trek, you would probably put the Empire side-by-side with the Madone. The different build options include SL Team Edition SL Pro Race SL Pro Elite Race Rival AXS Elite Rival AXS Elite Comp Sport Some other noteworthy features available on some of the Empire bikes are Fully internal cable routing 32mm tire clearance Dropped seatstays Sloping top tube Road-disc tuned frame FrameDefense Tech derailleur hanger The Fezzari starts at a multi-thousand dollar price point, but you have to compare it to other bikes in the same range for a true apples-to-apples comparison.  Given the lightweight monoform construction, we think the pricing is more than justified if that is the range you are going after. Catania A good value bike.  If you need a road bike that can do it all and is designed for endurance, the Catania may just be for you. High performing, tough, and comfortable, it’s a stand-out choice that makes slopes a breeze. The Catania features alloy tech, Fezzari Intensive Stretch Testing (FIST), and Full Bike System (FBS) Analytics, which make the most of the newest technologies and efficient systems. Designed to give you strength and control when you’re out and about, some features you’ll want to note on the Catania: Powerful braking in all conditions Internal cable routing Increased strength thanks to smooth welding A Fezzari FD2 carbon fiber fork for road vibrations Durable wall rims Road dampening seat Shimano Sora 9-speed shifters and deraillers A great all-around road bike, we would be considering the Catania to be in the same general category as the Cannondale Synapse, if comparing to more mass-produced units.  If your plan is to get a good quality frame, with disc brakes, and then adding bike upgrades to it over time, this could be an affordable way to start. Murdock Apex 1X A hybrid, the Murdock Apex 1X is a road bike that is great for city roads and bike paths. No matter where your commute, fitness routine, or casual ride takes you, the Murdock can handle it. Like the Catalina, it also features alloy tech, FIST, and FBS analytics. It’s a lightweight, comfortable choice with clearance for 40c tires, tubeless options, and a Shimano drivetrain. Not a road bike, we included it on this list just to give a more complete picture of the lineup. The Murdock also comes with Rear rack mounts Two water bottle mounts Fezzari F2 carbon fiber fork Sram Apex 1x drivetrain Sram Hydraulic disc brakes A focus on ergonomics Fezzari Alternatives There is absolutely charm, style, and comfort that comes with Fezzari bikes, as well as the savings you will probably be able to get.  Fezzari offers very good value.  It is always helpful to … Read more

DT Swiss 350 Review

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DT Swiss 350

The DT Swiss hub and wheelset is a favorite with the cycling community.  You see the used as a rear wheel base on many road bikes, and lately we have noticed it has been a popular choice for gravel bikes which we are seeing more and more of. Why?  It is a great, all-purpose hub and wheel upgrade for people in the market for one. DT Swiss has been one of the top manufacturers of bike wheels for over 27 years. They have produced several top-shelf bicycle wheels and components that increase speed, smoothness, and durability.  Headquarter in, as you might guess, Switzerland, DT Swiss is a trusted brand for cyclists. The DT Swiss 350 hub is available for both mountain bikes and road / tri (and gravel) bikes.  For this review, we will err a bit on the road/gravel hub, but the features and engineering is similar in both. Read on as we review the DT Swiss 350 hubs and how they size up to their competitors. DT Swiss 350 Review We give it two thumbs up. The DT Swiss 350 (here on Amazon) has been a reliable choice for road bikers for over ten years. Each year, they seem to increase the overall performance while decreasing weight. The nice thing about the 350 wheel hubs is that they still have the signature DT ratchet inside, but now they are faster than ever. Depending on your needs, the DT Swiss 350 hubs are offered in eight different models. All eight models are made with high-grade aluminum that gives durability and lightweight, but they vary in size and weight.  On the road bike size, the hubs’ weight for the 350 is a light 108 grams, but if you need even lighter you can get a relative of the 350, the DT Swiss 180, at just 87 grams. The 350 hub has a proven power transfer and light construction, making it a great choice for anyone looking to build their own wheelset from scratch.  You will see the DT Swiss hubs used as the base for many custom-built wheelsets at local bike shops, a good sign that the hub is one that experienced bike mechanics reach for often. The nice thing about the 350 is that they can quickly swap from one freehub body to another. This means that a rider can easily change out the hubs and cassettes from bike to bike without using advanced tools or needing to be a bike mechanic (although it always helps). The no-tool concept of the 350’s gives riders convenience when switching drivetrains. DT Swiss claims that these conversions can be made within seconds, but most riders will probably want to take a couple minutes to do it right and inspect their work. What’s New in the DT 350? As we stated above, the 350 hub wheels aren’t a completely new product to the DT Swiss lineup. Mainly, the DT Swiss made some refinements to the 350 series to make them lighter while still maintaining durability. The 350’s seems to be taking a similar angular construction as DT Swiss’s elite 240 hubs to help shed grams. The difference is that the 350’s don’t come with the same high-end price tag, which makes them an excellent choice for mountain biking enthusiasts who want a premium hub at a lower price range. There are some other relatively recent upgrades to be aware of in the 350’s. One of the most noticeable changes is the new end caps. This may not seem like an important upgrade, but the notched caps make them easy to pop off without using a tool. Having these caps gives you an advantage if you need to maintain your hubs or swap freehubs or axle standards. The caps are also compatible with older generations of the 350’s and 240 hubs. The new generation of the 350’s claim to have twice the engagement upgrading them down to 10 degrees. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t adjust the hubs to your specific bike and style of riding. The hubs still have an adjustment range of 6.7 degrees to 20 degrees giving you plenty of engagement options. DT Swiss 350 Options As we mentioned, there are several options to choose from on the DT Swiss 350s.  In fact, there are 52 different available models of the 350!  You can find a variation that works for you, even if you are riding a mountain bike or fat bike. You can get DT Swiss 350 hubs with the ability to run the straightpull spokes, the type that don’t have the J-bend built in to them.  Because the J-bend is often a weak point in a spoke, eliminating it from the design can reduce the odds of breaking spokes while on the road.  In our experience, this is an upgrade worth consider for those running gravel bikes, because on the gravel you tend to find yourself in more “spoke compromising” situations and tend to break more spokes than a typical road-rider does. The Axle system can come in 5mm or 12mm, accommodating most of the new bike frames we are seeing on the market today — those with open dropouts or thru axles. You can also customize based on if you are using disc or rim brakes. Overall, the DT Swiss wheelsets and hubs will accommodate most of the bikes being made today, and pretty much everything we come across.  The only thing we see it not fitting is an extremely customized, handcrafted cycle (in which case, if you are not building it to be compatible with commonly available components, we suggest you rethink). Price Check If you are sold on the new DT Swiss 350, then now all you need to do is get them ordered.  You can find them here on Amazon, just be sure you order the right specs for your particular bike. The 350’s claim to fame is that they are lightweight and just as durable as the DT Swiss 240’s, but at a … Read more