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Best Ebike for Seniors

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ebikes outdoors trail

Best Ebike for Seniors: 5 Great E-Bikes for Older Riders Choosing the perfect electric bike can feel like a daunting task. Ebikes hit the scene fast, causing many of us to have to catch-up on learning all about their features and the finer points of different e-bikes. The good news is that, over the past few years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of ebikes — riding them, comparing notes with other cyclists who have them, and writing about them.  In this article, I try to synthesize everything I have learned, and explore and discuss the best e-bikes for seniors, focusing on factors such as comfort, ease of use and accessibility. The number of choices you have in ebikes has exploded, and to make the decision even more confusing, the e-bike manufacturers are often different than the tried-and-true bike manufacturers that you’ve known for years. When looking at ebikes for older riders, I always start by looking for the design and features that cater specifically to seniors’ needs. Features such as a step-through frame design, comfortable saddles, and easy-to-reach controls can make a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of the bike. I find it is also important to think about the e-bike’s power and performance, as well as its ability to handle various terrains, so that every ride is smooth and enjoyable. As I delve into the world of e-bikes for seniors, my goal is to provide clear and unbiased information to help you find the right e-bike for the type of riding you expect to do. After all, picking out an e-bike should be fun, not stressful. Understanding E-Bikes Key Electric Bike Features E-bikes come with a number of features that increase as you spend more. Perhaps the single biggest feature that will dictate the Ebike’s price is the type and power of motor and drivetrain. More on that later. As for other features, some bikes have features specifically designed for seniors, prioritizing comfort, safety, and ease of use. Some primary aspects include step-through frames for easy mounting, comfortable upright seating positions, and reliable suspension systems for a smooth ride. In addition, many e-bikes for seniors come with built-in rear racks, fenders, and lights for extra utility and safety. How Ebikes Work E-bikes combine the traditional cycling experience with an integrated electric motor, which provides assistance while pedaling. This added boost makes it easier for seniors to maintain a steady speed, climb hills, and travel longer distances with less fatigue. Typically, e-bikes come with easy-to-use control panels for adjusting the level of assistance, allowing riders to find the perfect balance between exercise and ease. What are the Ebike Classifications You have probably heard about different classes of ebikes. It makes sense to take a minute and explain what those classifications mean.  E-bike classifications help distinguish the motor’s power and speed capabilities. There are three main classes as far as most recreational buyers are concerned: Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph and only provide assistance when the rider is pedaling. Class 2 e-bikes also have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, but they can provide assistance without pedaling, often thanks to a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes are faster, offering assistance up to 28 mph. However, the assistance is only available while pedaling; there is often no throttle option for these models. On the trails around me, I’ve noticed that seniors often opt for Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes, as they strike a good balance between assistance and manageability. Please remember to always check local regulations before choosing an e-bike, as some areas may have restrictions based on the bike’s classification. The last thing you want is to buy an ebike that is not allowed on your local bike trail. How I Tested the Ebikes I have ridden all of these ebikes, some for extended periods of time.  My riding has mainly been on hardpacked gravel or paved trails.  I’ve been hanging around the local bike shops for years, learning about and even doing some work on different ebikes. Every chance I’ve gotten, I’ve tried to really understand what is differentiated about various brands and models of ebikes. There was a lot to learn, but I feel confident in recommending 5 ebikes I’m seeing around. 5 Great E-Bikes for Seniors Electra Townie Go 5i The Electra Townie Go 5i is a popular option for seniors because of its comfortable design which keeps the rider relatively upright. The bike features a low-step frame, making it easy to mount and dismount, and a Bosch mid-drive motor that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. I also like the wide, cushy seat and upright riding position that make it comfortable for long rides. The mid drive motor, in my experience, makes up for the smaller 250w power. It should be a good choice for most people who just want some extra power on uphills or on those longer rides. The pedal assist is smooth, kicking in when you need it but otherwise being seamless with your own pedaling. That makes it a good option for people who want to get their heart rate up but also have the benefits of the motorized assist. Pros: Comfortable, ergonomic design Bosch mid-drive motor for smooth power delivery Seamless shifting into pedal assist mode Easy to mount and dismount Cons: Higher price point compared to other e-bikes Some may want a stronger motor than 250w Power: 250 watts Weight: 55 pounds Find it Here. Cannondale Tesoro Neo X1 Remixte The Cannondale Tesoro Neo X1 Remixte is a versatile option, designed to take on both city streets and light off-road trails. I appreciate the reliable Bosch motor that offers a good balance of power, and the suspension fork that helps absorb bumps for a smoother ride. The Remixte frame is easy to step through, making it a great fit for seniors looking for accessibility. The Cannondale Tesoro is a pretty high-end bike, and for some people it might be more than they are … Read more

Skratch vs. Hammer Perpetuem vs. Nuun vs. Zym

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Getting your nutrition right is critical if you are doing longer runs or rides. In fact, in my experience, way more athletes bonk because of poor nutrition than because of undertraining. There are many hydration mixes on the market, but there are 4 that we in our endurance training circles use and trust. They are Skratch Drink Mix, Hammer Perpetuem, Zym by Xterra, and Nuun. All are dissolvable powders or tablets that you mix with water to improve your performance while cycling, running, and other intense workouts. But which is better? I put these four popular products head-to-head to find out! Skratch Drink Mixes Skratch is a product developed by Dr. Allen Lim, who also helps develop the Skratch Labs line of drink mixes and bars. They contain simple sugars to help your body absorb and process nutrients more quickly. Skratch’s drink mixes also have electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium to help you maintain hydration levels as you sweat. Skratch uses real fruit for its flavors, and you can choose between lemon and lime, strawberry lemonade, oranges, hot apple cider, and more.  In our cycling circles, Skratch is very popular as a water-bottle additive because it is easy on the stomach. In particular, it tends to be a favorite of road cyclists and long-course gravel bike riders. Hammer Perpetuem Hammer Perpetuem is a product that has been around for quite some time and has a loyal following among endurance athletes. The founder is Brian Frank, who started Hammer Nutrition. Hammer Perpetuem contains maltodextrin and complex carbohydrates, proteins, auxiliary nutrients, and healthy fats to help you maintain energy levels as you exercise. It comes in four flavors, including caffe latte, chocolate, orange-vanilla, and strawberry-vanilla. Zym Zym is made by Xterra, the well-regarding maker of triathlon wetsuits and other tri gear. The folks at Xterra are endurance athletes themselves, and understand the finer points of in-workout nutrition needs.  It includes the electrolytes that your body is going to lose while working out and perspiring, and also includes a number of vitamins which helps you recover and prevents your immunity from being depleted when endurance training.  Zym comes in dissolvable tablets that are easy to carry in your bag or on a bike ride — we LOVE the tablet design because of its portability.  And the handy plastic container keep the tablets clean in case they are right next to dirty clothes in your gear back or bike grease in the shop. Nuun In the same category as the others, Nuun is on the market with a pre-workout, intra-workout, and recovery mix for athletes.  Nuun’s best sellers tend to be portable tubes of dissolvable capsules which similar to Zym, can be put into a water bottle and mixed to create the recovery or workout drink you are looking for.  Nuun is based in Seattle, and as a company focuses pretty directly on the workout nutrition market.  By the way, in case you are wondering, it is pronounced “noon.” What ingredients are in Skratch, Zym, Nuun, and Hammer Perpeteum? Skratch Drink Mixes Skratch has three different drink mixes, including their Superfuel, Hydration, and Recovery. Superfuel Contains plenty of carbohydrates and sodium with little sugar, designed for athletes who don’t take in enough calories to perform well. Hydration Has a lot of magnesium, sodium, and sugar, designed to replace electrolytes that you lose while sweating. Recovery Contains a lot of sugars, protein, and calcium with some sodium, carbohydrates, saturated fats, and iron. As the name suggests, Recovery’s designed to help you refuel for the next day after a hard workout. Protein note: Skratch’s Superfuel and Hydration don’t contain any protein. Only the Recovery drink mix contains protein – 8g per 50g serving. Overall, Skratch focuses on replacing your electrolytes to provide you with extra energy to boost your performance during workouts.  The company says that their intent is for Skratch blend to replenish minerals and hydration that you lose through sweating, which is why it is blended the way it is. Hammer Perpeteum Hammer Perpeteum contains plenty of carbohydrates, protein, phosphorus, chromium, copper, zinc, and iron with some sodium, potassium, and fat. However, these vary depending on the flavors. Overall, Hammer Perpeteum focuses on providing you with key auxiliary nutrients with no added sugars to keep you at peak performance during your long workouts. Perpeteum is also gluten-free and contains 7g of protein per 69g serving. That dose of protein is a BIG deal. Lots of sport drinks and mixes load you up on sugars and electrolytes. Having some protein in your mix means you will have a more balanced mix in your gut. Zym Zym focuses on electrolytes, something that athletes desperately need for performance as they perspire and deplete their energy reserves.  The typical Zym Sport blend is going to have plenty of sodium (300mg) along with the all-important potassium (100mg) and magnesium (50mg).  It does not contain protein, and it contains no sugar at all.  We like the no-sugar approach, as too many sport drinks were sugar-laden in past years. Nuun Nuun uses a sodium base for its Sport version of the product, which is the one we will focus on for this piece.  Like Zym, Nuun uses 300mg of sodium, followed by a health dose of potassium.  After that, Nuun emphasis chloride, magnesium, and calcium.  It also contains a small amount of sugar.  The other products (immunity, recovery, etc.) have different recipes, but we’re focused on the sport version. Which Activities are Skratch, Perpeteum, Zym, or Nuun for? Skratch Superfuel Superfuel isn’t designed for a certain type of activity. It’s for athletes who work so hard that they’re having a hard time taking in enough calories. Therefore, they’re unable to perform at their best. Superfuel is suited for those who are training for long and intense athletic events such as hardcore cycling and running but can’t always eat or pack real food. It’s perfect because it digests easily and won’t cause gastrointestinal distress.  In other words, it is easy … Read more

Garmin fēnix vs. Forerunner

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Garmin Fenix 6s

When it comes to multisport watches, you have quite a few options.  As you research your options, you will quickly realize that many of your best ones are from Garmin. Garmin is a top-rated, trusted brand with several models to choose from which are great for athletes, cyclists, triathletes, and runners. If you’re having trouble deciding which to go for, here’s a rundown on the differences between two of their popular lines for triathletes and cyclists: The Fēnix and Forerunner. Many athletes end up going between the Forerunner and Fenix as their final choices, so we thought we would put them head-to-head. Garmin fēnix (Find it here)  The Garmin fēnix comes in a variety of different models designed for different needs and wants and is currently on the 7th generation, but you will still find some of the Fenix 6 models on the market.  Originally offered in 2012, each fenix generation has packed more functionality into an attractive design. It offers all of the functionality that Garmin puts in to watches — we consider it the top of the line in terms of Garmin multisport wearables.   Garmin Fenix Options At the moment, the Fenix comes in a few main options.  Within those main options, you have an abundance of watch face and band choices, all of which can be found at Garmin’s website. Garmin fenix 7.  The standard.  It is a full-featured wearable and fitness tracker, with Garmin’s typical 5-button layout.  It is going to be compatible with pretty much every Garmin product out there, ranging from the heart rate monitor to the Rally power meter pedals. Garmin fenix 7s.  A smaller version of the 6, for people who prefer a smaller watch face.  The 6s is sometimes assumed to be for people who have smaller wrists, but we know lots of big guys who just don’t want to have a massive watch.  A 7s is comparable in size to the watch that many people might buy at a watch or jewelry store (but make no mistake – it is a high-functioning fitness watch). Garmin fenix 7x.  A larger watch face than the 6, more of a military-grade watch with premium materials.  It also has some nice features like 2,000 ski area maps built in to the unit. Who is the Garmin fēnix for? The Garmin fēnix is designed for all types of athletes, especially ones who spend a lot of their time outdoors. It is an all-around health tracker, but in our experience you can really take advantage of the benefits when you are on the move outside, such as cycling, running, or skiing. The fenix is ideal for those who need a watch that can stand up to rigorous training and the wear and tear that comes with being outside in the dirt, sun, and snow, but also want a watch that is going to look good when worn with street or business clothing, especially the fenix version with the metallic bezel. This is where it has an advantage of the Forerunner, which looks more sporty and casual.  Whether you prefer to golf, swim, run, or climb, the fēnix has the tools you need to make it an adventure. Additionally, some of the models come with solar power, meaning you can take it on a longer workout or trip without having to worry about battery life. Depending on which model you opt for, the bands are designed for wrists between 108 to 225mm. It’s also great if you want a slightly larger display size in a watch. What is the Garmin fēnix made out of? In order to stand up to the harsh conditions you’ll be in, the Garmin fēnix needs to be made of the best material. Each of the materials depends on the type of fēnix you purchase, but here’s a quick explanation of what you can expect from each part of this Garmin watch. Lens A majority of the Garmin fēnix watches come with Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX. You can also opt for Sapphire Crystal if you want to spend a little extra. For those with solar power charging capabilities, the watch comes with Power Glass™. Case Each fēnix comes with a fiber-reinforced polymer case with a metal rear cover. Bezel The bezel, or ring that holds the watch face in place, can come in either stainless steel, titanium, or diamond-like carbon coated titanium. Strap Garmin fēnix watches come with a variety of different strap materials including silicone, leather, fabric, suede, and metal. Pay attention to the strap material you choose. Some will only fit a specific wrist circumference. On the 6, for instance, a silicone band will only fit between 125 to 208 mm wrist circumferences while a metal band can fit 132 to 215 mm. How is the battery life on the Garmin fēnix? The battery life varies quite a bit on the different models of the fēnix. While most last 14 days, you can get up to 59 days on the 6S – Pro Solar Edition with battery saver and solar on. It’s important to note that some features will drain your battery faster, especially if you are connected to other devices such as pedals or other monitors.  Battery saver mode helps, but reduces some functionality. What features do the fēnix watches come with? Designed for the outdoors, the fēnix watch comes with everything you could need while heading out, especially if you use Garmin Connect™. In addition to normal clock and smartwatch features, you can see some of these: Health Heart rate, including alerts when your heart rate is abnormal Oxygen level tracking Stress levels Sleep score Hydration Activity tracking Gym activity profiles Performance tracking Navigation and Sensors GPS Compass Barometric altimeter Gyroscope Thermometer Weather Safety LiveTrack Assistance Sports Apps and Tools Preloaded profiles and tracking tools for running, swimming, skiing, golfing, climbing, biking, rowing, kayaking, surfing, jumpmaster, tactical, cycling, snowboarding, and paddleboarding Daily workout suggestions Recovery time suggestions And more Music storage Connectivity with iPhone® and Android™, and Bluetooth … Read more

Pearl Izumi Bike Shorts

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Since 1950, Pearl Izumi has been providing premium gear for riders of all levels from beginners to top-notch triathlete champions. Each piece has been rigorously thrown through the wringer by testers all around the world, and to add the icing on top, all their products come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing or materials defects! If you are looking for some awesome bike shorts, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of their most options: Pearl Izumi Quest The Pearl Izumi Quest is one of the most popular lines from this brand. Versatile and beginner-friendly, it is perfect for someone that wants an all-rounder pair that is relatively affordable. You can’t get any better quality at its price range, which is probably why it is a frequent headliner of “Best Buy” lists of many cycling sites. Their price is not the only good thing about them; they’ve also added and renewed their design to make sure that you can stay on the seat longer. One of the biggest selling points is the reduction of thigh-on-thigh and bum-on-seat friction, which feels wonderful, especially for longer rides. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry for relatively long periods and you’ll avoid chafing from sweat and heat. However, some cyclists have reported that it DOES get uncomfortable after extended periods say, after 20 to 30 miles, especially on humid days outdoors. The Quest shorts can lose their comfort after a few hours, and the waist tends to slip down. Cyclists that want to cover some serious distance might need shorts with more features, but for the casual or beginner rider that heads out for a couple of hours, this is a versatile pair of shorts that is excellent value for money. Best for: Beginner cyclists that are looking for their first pair of cycling shorts to wear on most rides. They will suit rides with a duration of about two to three hours. They also offer plenty of comfort for short, intense rides like during spin class! Pros: Great quality at an affordable price Go-to pants for beginner cyclists Tough, supportive material with low chafe risk The materials and padding will reduce friction between your legs and the seat as well, minimizing injuries. Cons: Might be uncomfortably damp after long hours More suited for shorter rides Waistband has been known to slip Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts Another one of Pearl Izumi’s staples, many have argued the Attack line to be quite a step up from their Quest. They are most popular if you’re moving on from your first pair of shorts as a beginner and are getting serious about cycling. The Attack shorts can go for longer miles and periods as they wick moisture much better than Quest. Instead of a waistband with a drawstring, the Pearl Izumi Attack pants have a gel-grip waistband to keep the pants in place. They also have fewer seams which give extra comfort for cyclists. The higher-quality fabric and better design flow along the body nicely, which gives cyclists more efficient rides and less energy is exerted. This is because their 8-panel construction provides more flexibility during a ride, compared to normal pants that have panel construction that can be somewhat restrictive. One of the most prominent features of these pants is their seamless 3D race chamois. It provides enough padding and protection with a thickness of 13mm contoured form. This feature lessens friction points and relief in selected areas. On the flip side, some users have expressed their dislike for padding. Although it provides comfort for longer rides, it can be seen as too thick according to experienced cyclists. Another issue you might face is the fabric’s thinness and seams. Because it’s been redesigned to have a thinner fabric for a lighter and more flexible feel, it can get damaged easier than in previous versions. Best for: Beginner cyclists who are going for longer-distance rides. They’re great for middle distances of about 50 miles give or take if no serious chafing or pressure issues are apparent yet. Pros: Value for money for beginner bikers Great moisture-wicking materials Anatomically comfortable with their 8-panel construction, giving flexibility and efficiency during rides. Cons: Some cyclists might not be comfortable with the thick padding Issues with fabric thickness and maintenance because it can get less flexible and stretched if worn too often. Pearl Izumi PRO What do you get when you blend comfort, style, and cutting-edge technology? The Pearl Izumi PRO! They’re crafted to support long rides, with Levitate PRO chamois and their Italian PRO Transfer fabric that wicks moisture better than anything currently on the market. Although you might be worried the laser-cut raw edges on the pant leg might make it ride up, you’d be surprised that their printed silicone gripper holds very nicely. They have a 7-panel construction to give more flexibility and minimize seams, which means these pants can fit the contour of your body much better and you can ride more efficiently. Some may feel surprised by their additional compression, which makes for a tighter fit. But overall, it will keep it in place and make the fabric blend seamlessly with your body. One of the best features is the perfect blend of nylon, polyester, and lycra used in their Italian fabric. You’ll feel warmer during cold days, but it still provides breathable fabrics that wick away moisture quicker than average shorts during hotter days. The chamois is of good quality and has a floating top sheet feature that moves with your body while the padding stays put. This reduces irritation, but still provides padding when needed. There’s not a lot to complain about the PI PRO shorts, since they’re beautifully designed and chock-full of advantages. Some might feel that these shorts can feel a bit too tight due to the compression fit, but other than that it’s a great product for long-range riding. Best for: Elite cyclists that cover some serious miles and want their apparel to go the distance as well … Read more

Best Indoor Cycling Floor Mats

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Wahoo KICKR

Indoor cycling trainers continue to get more popular as people are looking for ways to stay in shape as they rethink gym memberships, and try to stay out of dangerous road traffic.  Apps like Peloton, Zwift, and TrainerRoad have made this possible, but you have to get the space adequately set up before downloading the app and hopping on the cycle. When we first started working out indoors, we are using regular old dumb trainers. Now, we use smart trainers. Both have the potential to be sweat-inducing. That sweat can really eat away at the floor’s finish. Plus, your bike and trainer setup can scratch wood floors or snag carpet.  So what do you do? When you have found the right bike and trainer combo, we recommend making sure you have a good cycling mat to lay it on.  A good mat is perfect of a good Zwift space, or any other trainer space.  A supportive mat will keep the cycle bike from sliding, which could scratch hardwood or rip carpet flooring. Buying a mat for your cycle bike isn’t as big of a buying decision as to the cycle bike itself, but buying a quality mat will pay dividends in the long run. What makes a good cycle mat? What do they cost? Where do you find one? We kept asking ourselves all questions, so we decided to take the initiative to find the best cycle mats on the market. Read on as we discuss the top cycle mat brands based on their price, quality, and versatility. What Makes A Good Indoor Cycling Mat? Before we discuss our top choices for indoor cycling mats, let’s discuss what makes a good cycle mat in the first place, considering they probably aren’t the main discussion at dinner. To begin with, a good indoor bike mat is big enough not only for your cycle bike to sit on but also for you to stand on when mounting or dismounting the bike.  The size may not seem that important, but ensuring you have a mat that fits the bike is essential to protecting your floors. If you have the room, go a little big with your mat, so you can place additional workout equipment and shoes or give yourself a stretching area after a cycle session. Next is having a mat that has a little noise insulation as it will make your bike setup a little quieter. This is nice for people living in apartment buildings or other living spaces where there are others below, such as if your bike trainer is setup above other rooms in your home. You definitely want the mat to be water resistant. If you are cycling hard, not only will you sweat, but you will be drinking water that is could spill on the mat. Having a water-resistant mat will ensure that the mat material doesn’t warp or mold.  It would also be very bad for the mat to get wet and then trap underneath it, perhaps damaging the floor below. The mat should also have an anti-slip material on the bottom. While cycle bikes are heavy, that doesn’t mean that they couldn’t slide around on the floor. A good anti-slip material will keep you and the bike in place during an aggressive ride. Lastly, the mat should be durable.  This goes without saying, but you want it to last you for a long time.  In addition to stress caused to the mat by cranking on the trainer and bike, you will probably be stepping on the mat with SPD cleats or other bike cleats that can dig-in a bit. Last thing you want is to poke a hole on your first use. Now that you have an idea of what makes a good cycling mat let’s look at our top picks. Best Indoor Cycling Bike Mats Best Thin Mat: Saris Indoor Training Mat Price check on Amazon. The first cycle mat on our list is the Saris Training Mat. Not only do they make great indoor bike trainers and one of our favorite smart trainers (the H3), but their mat is a great counterpart. It is a heavy-duty mat that keeps sweat and grime off the floor, but it is also one of the biggest cycle mats on the market at 65” X 35”. This is great for longer cycles or for individuals who want extra room for other workout equipment. The Saris mat is durable and absorbs noise well, so don’t worry about bugging your roommates or neighbors. Its waterproof material is resilient to spills, giving you plenty of time to wipe up water, sweat, or any other moisture that hits it. While it does have durable construction, it is surprisingly slim at only 4mm thin, making it easy to roll up and store. When it comes to price, Saris is competitive. Typically it can be found around $75 depending on where you look. The main complaint that the Saris training mat is that the plastic can smell. If you are sensitive to odors, this may be something to consider before purchasing. Best Brand: Wahoo KICKR All-Purpose Training Bike Mat Price check on Amazon. The Wahoo KICKR mat from from the same family as the popular Wahoo smart trainer, and is the perfect partner for your indoor cycle mat. Like the Saris, it is durable, water-resistant, and larger than other mats. Surprisingly it is longer than the Saris by a whole foot! The KICKR is impressively quiet because of its thick insulation. Your family and neighbors will be thankful that you went with this mat when you are hitting a cycle session early in the morning. It’s also great for consumers who plan on having their cycle sit on the mat for long periods of time. However, it can be a pain for those who plan to move their cycle often because the mat is so thick that it is bulky when rolled up, taking up an ample amount of space. Like the Saris … Read more

Pearl Izumi Quest Cycling Shorts Review

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The Pearl Izumi Quest cycling shorts are undoubtedly one of the top cycling shorts currently available to athletes. Pearl Izumi is one of our favorite gear makers, and you could argue that the Quest cycling shorts are their most versatile bike shorts for the money. Their reliable design has been created to assist men and women with meeting and exceeding their cycling goals, all while providing a high degree of comfort. Athletes that specialize in cycling will truly appreciate the superior quality, comfort, and technology found in these cycling shorts. The quality of these cycling shorts will provide athletes with an item that will be durable and will stand the test of time. The Quest shorts can be found on Amazon, and are at the lower-end of cycling shorts range in terms of pricing.  That makes them a great option to have a stock of in your workout gear drawer, and a great option for at-home cycling where you just need a basic set of good bike shorts. The Pearl Izumi quest shorts are one of the most popular, versatile bike shorts on the market today. There is a clear reason why the Pearl Izumi (aka iZUMi) Quest cycling short is one of the most demanded cycling shorts by serious cyclists and triathletes. As with all Pearl Izumi products, the high quality woven into these shorts shines through every time that they are used. Athletes will love their enhanced fit and the construction that seems to go with all types of riding. The Pearl Izumi Quest cycling short provides athletes with a high degree of comfort for the price, because of the way in which it rapidly pulls moisture away from the body and the seat pad that is a step up from most entry-level shorts. Athletes are able to stay focused on their workout as their cycling shorts work with them to provide their body with comfort and care to maximize their ability to endure an intense workout. This support will be felt during the workout but also after the workout, because drier skin (while working out) means improved health of the skin. When heat gets trapped against the body athletes will often experience the development of rashes and other skin discomfort. These popular shorts sharply decrease the likelihood that athletes will experience these annoyances because of the way in which they wick moisture away and cool the body all at once. Quest Bike Shorts Features Technology and the needs of athletes truly combine in the Pearl Izumi bike shorts, and the Quest keeps these features at a reasonable price point. Men and women athletes will both truly enjoy the comfort that is provided to them in the Enhanced technology that pulls moisture instantly away from skin Significant sun protection and sleek design Combination of nylon and spandex to provide an excellent fit with superior comfort High quality seams, meant to reduce chafing Newer models feature a color “splice” across the short legs, giving them a splash of color PI uses a 14% spandex mix in their shorts, on par with the better shorts we see on the market. Athletes get a great value with this cycling short, when considering how many uses they are likely to get over the garment’s lifetime. The high quality of this product will provide athletes with a product that they can use and love over and over again. Once athletes try this product they repeatedly choose it over other cycling shorts that are on the market. Price Range The Quest short typically costs around $50, depending on the style purchased and whether it is for a male or a female. That puts it at just $5 – $10 more than the Pearl Izumi Sugar shorts, which are intended for shorter distances and less-intensive use. Note that the Quest shorts can often be found for as low as $35 if you find them on sale in the size you need. User Experience Our experience with the Pearl Izumi shorts is very good, especially for shorter riders and indoor cycling where you might not need perfect endurance padding or the highly-breathable fabric that you would want on a hot day outside. Any avid cyclist knows that it can be difficult to find a cycling short that provides excellence in comfort while also providing the physical support needed while doing a long hard ride. However, these shorts do the trick. They meet and exceed the needs of women and men alike by providing superior comfort to the unique needs of each athlete. These highly popular cycling shorts continue to be in greater demand because of the excellence with which they are made. As with any cycling short, when on the road they are easy to forget about – a sign of true quality. It can be extremely tempting to simply choose a cycling short based on price. However, the slight cost difference up front results in a truly significant cost in performance and workout experience. Athletes cannot afford to cut a corner and pass up quality shorts for a cheaper pair. Whether they are a highly trained athlete or someone who is just beginning to learn how do cycling, these shorts are an essential component of the cycling workout even though they carry a price tag that may be uncomfortable to some. The shorts can usually be had for $65 or less, however, and at that price they are a worthwhile investment given Pearl Izumi’s reputation for durability. Alternatives to the Quest Shorts The Pearl Izumi Quest shorts are not the only good shorts on the market, in their price range.  There are a couple others shorts that we really like, based on first-hand experience.  If you find any of these on sale, we tell you to consider stocking up. Garneau Classic Gel Shorts In the category of “nothing fancy, but a good all-around short,” The LG Classic Gel shorts are one of our favorites to have in the drawer.  They might not be the … Read more

Best Dumbbell Racks

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At some point in your fitness journey you may be looking around your workout space and seeing the clutter. When it comes to creating a comfortable and motivating weight lifting area, a dumbbell rack is a great place to start. As we see more and more endurance athletes get in to weight and strength training to maintain muscle mass, a small weight area in a home gym is common.  Along with doing some at-home HIIT training, keeping a few dumbbells around offers the best flexibility for home workouts.  Keeping dumbbells on a rack is the way to go. But, the importance of a dumbbell rack is not just for storage and organization. It contributes to the ease and safety of workouts both at home, and in the gym. Imagine how good it will feel to never have to lift a heavy dumbbell off the floor again. We all want the hardest part of our workouts to be the reps, not the retrieving and replacing of equipment.  Just like how having a Zwift or Peloton setup in your basement is such a time saver, the whole point of having the dumbbells at home is to get able to sneak efficient workouts in. What Should You Look for in Dumbbell Racks? First things first, you need to identify what you need out of a dumbbell rack! Are you looking to downsize your current setup in order to make more room in your workout space? Maybe you’re making a jump from beginner weights to heavier dumbbells and need a rack to support your transition. Or, perhaps you are dipping your toes into the world of dumbbells and want the best product for the lowest price. Regardless of your motivations, you may get lost in the variety of dumbbell racks at your disposal, but there are key things to keep in mind that will help you to narrow down your search. Weight Capacity Each dumbbell rack has a weight limit ranging between 200-1500 lbs depending on size, design, and material. It is important to make sure the rack meets the requirements of your dumbbells, and many cyclists use rather heavy weights to work the big muscles used in cycling.  So, if you are looking to store pairs of 5, 10, 15, 25 pound dumbbells, a weight limit of 200 lbs may be sufficient for you, but insufficient for someone looking to store say, four to five dumbbells 50 lbs or heavier. Safety The overall design of a rack contributes to the safety and convenience for the user. Some features to pay attention to are: the angle of the racks (racks that have layered tiers or angled rails for dumbbells are especially important if you’re dealing with heavier weights in order to prevent injuries), spacing of the rack (consider your dumbbell type and size so that you don’t risk pinching fingers or dropping weights), and the material of the rack (look for sturdy material like steel instead of rubber and plastic variants). Sizing You can narrow down your search by looking for dumbbell racks that best fit your gym space. When considering where a rack might fit, don’t forget to leave enough space for the easiest access to the weights. Be sure to take into account the size of the rails for the dumbbells themselves and if they are compatible with the ones you wish to store. Best Dumbbell Racks To get you started, here are three of the best dumbbell racks for any gym level. They are easy to assemble, safe, and kind to your wallet. Royal Fitness 3-Tier Dumbbell Rack The Royal Fitness rack is the largest and strongest of the three listed here, with a weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. All three tiers are angled using rails, which are compatible with several variations of dumbbells. Angled rails are a good edition for a rack with this weight capacity, allowing you to handle your heaviest dumbbells with ease. The rack is also supported by a triangular base for maximum stability, an d is celebrated for its safety. If you’re looking to store other weights, such as kettlebells, this rack might not be for you due to the rail design. Yet, a three tier design, versus a one or two tier, gives the user optimal storage for a wider range of weight. If you are sharing space with a lifting partner of different capabilities, this could be a good option to house multiple weight sizes. Pros: Large, strong, and provides great presentation of dumbbells Cons: Anecdotes of shipping issues / blemishes on new products Find here. Cap 2-tier Rack Slightly smaller, but just as sturdy, this two tier option does a lot for its size. The first tier is flat while the one below it is angled for easy removal of dumbbells. Most consumers use the upper section for smaller weights, but with a weight capacity of 500 lbs the design allows for you to use both the top and bottom rails for heavy weights. So, if you have a few pairs of ultra-heavy dumbbells, the safety of this rack will do the trick. The Cap 2-tier is great for small spaces that are looking to do a lot: compact, stable, and versatile. It is also a good option if you’re needing to store double the amount of weights. Side by side, two of these racks can be arranged more conveniently than other, larger options, especially if you’re having to be creative in limited gym space. Pros: Easy access to weights if you have space against a wall Price is right Cons: Need two racks if you have a full dumbbell set Find here on Amazon. Cap A-frame Where this rack lacks might, it excels in efficiency. The A-frame design is an ideal space saver, and with the dumbbells stored on the exterior there is space to store other equipment, such as kettlebells, underneath. It holds 200 lbs and would be ideal for neoprene dumbbells, but is compatible with several different dumbbell types. … 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

Wattbike Review

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wattbike review

When I am shopping for the perfect indoor exercise bike, there are some non-negotiables. The ride has to be smooth and feel as close to my real bike as possible, the gears have to change seamlessly, the software must include ANT+ to connect to my heart rate monitor and Zwift, and the full setup must be unobtrusive in my home. When I got the Wattbike Atom to review, I focused on those non-negotiables as a serious cyclist but also carefully considered how the bike would feel for the average consumer. Let’s break down why I found the Atom to be the pinnacle of indoor bike training and why it outshines the oft-promoted Peloton in some aspects of ride experience.  The Wattbike – What you Get When you first open the surprisingly compact box, you immediately notice that the Atom comes already mostly assembled. From the outside, it seems impossible that this trainer could be nearly ready to ride. It just looked and felt too small. All I had to do, though, was get it out of the box and into my training space. This was easy enough to do on my own, as I just had to cut out the sides of the box, lean the bike (just less than 100 pounds) onto the skater wheels built into the front, and roll it out of the box itself. There were only some pieces requiring minor assembly: the optional aerobars (with tablet holder attached) and pedals. An Allen key was included and I was ready to ride in less than 5 minutes after attaching my preferred clips and the aerobars and adjusting the seat and handlebars to my own measurements. Knowing my own measurements made my setup quick and easy, and even if you need to find your own measurements, Wattbike makes it easy on their website. They also email you instructions after you purchase the bike, which is even more convenient. There were no unnecessarily long cables that I would need to tape down or cover to prevent tripping, so the last thing for me to do was to connect to Zwift, which was incredibly simple with the Wattbike’s built-in ANT+. If you do not use Zwift, Wattbike also has their own app with some impressive stats available during your ride. We’ll get to those later. What We Like About the Wattbike Some of the nice things about a Wattbike are the general benefits of cycling indoors.  You don’t have to worry about traffic or weather, you aren’t going to get a flat tire, and you don’t even have to throw on a helmet or cycling glasses.  But what, specifically, makes a Wattbike Atom a bike worth riding? We liked many things about the Wattbike itself upon examination.  The aluminum frame, 97 pounds, up to 22 gears, and only 100 inches long, I found to be sleek in its gray, black, and red palette and blends into the background of my office. I can easily wheel it out of its corner when I am ready to train, and I don’t have to break my back to get it out of the way when I’m wiped out from a ride. We noticed that most of the Wattbike’s features are highly-customizable, which is important because riders are obviously of different sizes.  One of the only non-customizable aspects is the crank length which is a ‘standard’ 170 cm. For many that is shorter than usual, but currently I have seen a trend toward shorter crank shafts. That being said, 170 could actually still be too long for some, but the difference should be miniscule. You’ll have to judge for yourself whether that’s a deal breaker, but I doubt it will be for anyone.  I also noticed that the power cord was not as long as it would need to be if I wanted the bike in the center of a large room, but it was perfect for my own needs. The bike is advertised as being able to adjust easily for at least four multiple users, and if you were to take advantage of this opportunity, it would require only a minor change for each individual training session. Another change that may be necessary is that you may want to swap out the seat and handlebars for your own, and this is easy enough to do with an Allen key (although you likely wouldn’t want to have to switch back and forth every time.) Wattbike also boasts its state of the art electromagnetic resistance gear shift system with the Atom and for good reason: the changes are seamless whether you’re adjusting manually on the handlebars or through the Zwift or Wattbike app. Wattbike Connectivity and Ride Experience Speaking of Zwift – connecting to the Atom was as simple as any device connection I’ve seen, and I was ready to ride my favorite course within a minute of opening the app — so the Wattbike is a viable contender when it comes to your ideal Zwift setup.  Wattbike also saves you money by allowing use of your own device rather than a built-in screen (which would have potentially fewer compatible apps), but that also means you don’t have a built-in USB port to charge whatever device you’re using. Something I didn’t expect was how much I would enjoy using Wattbike’s own app to track things like pedaling efficiency. So once the bike is plugged in, seats and handlebars are adjusted, your iPad is fit securely into its holder, you’ll be ready for your first Atom ride! The first thing you’ll notice when you start your first ride (which I did through the Wattbike app in a ‘quick ride’) is, of course, the sound. Wattbike’s website states the Atom runs at about 70 decibels, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was compared to previous indoor trainers.  While new trainers like the Tacx Neo 2T and Saris H3 re uber-quiet, this is just a tick louder and much quieter than spin bikes of … Read more

Kuat NV Bike Rack Review

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Kuat NV Bike Rack Review

We gave the Kuat bike racks a good look, and liked what we saw. The Kuats fall squarely in the top-end, sturdily-built, robust hitch mount rack category, and the Kuat NV 2.0 comes equipped with looks, adjustability, versatility, and ergonomics that allow it to deliver optimum performance, making it one of the better car bike racks you are going to find on the market. So let’s dig right in and see why we like the Kuat NV 2.0 a solid choice among portable bike racks. Kuat NV 2.0 vs. Kuat NV Base There seems to be a bit of confusion surrounding NV 2.0 and NV Base, so let’s get that cleared up right away. With both the racks offering the capacity of holding two bikes 60 lbs. each,  the NV 2.0 has a higher price point than the Kuat NV Base. You can also expect the signature Trail doc repair stand, which is not offered with the NV Base. Also, when installed in the hitch, NV 2.0 will sit closer to your vehicle when folded down and has a glossy powder finish instead of a matte black finish like the Base. Besides that, there aren’t many other differences. See the specs and price on the Kuat NV 2.0 here See the specs and price on the Kuat Base here Kuat Market Position Most people who follow the cycling equipment market know that Kuat NV 2.0 is among the most expensive brands on the market. By comparison, the Thule T2 Pro XT and Yakima Tray each come in at slightly lower price points respectively, depending on discounts at the time.   For a discerning buyer, there are some things that separate the Kuat NV 2.0. The first key difference is in the visual aesthetics: Kuat NV 2.0 may be more visually appealing and stylish in comparison to the other two, depending on your tastes. Secondly, other racks don’t quite have the strength-to-weight ratio that you find in the Kuat NV 2.0. I mean, weighing in at only 52 pounds, it allows you to carry two bikes, and with its adjustable front tire cradle system and fully integrated hitch locks and cable locks, you can bet your bike is not going anywhere once mounted. It is basically a “no-tool install” as well with a tight hitch cam system and numerous other features that justify its hefty cost. The Thule T2 Pro XT racks provide solid competition to the Kuat.  We think the Yakima probably comes in 3rd place of the bunch — sorry Yakima.  We would still gladly use your bike carriers though. Let’s have a detailed look at some more of the Kuat’s key specs and what they might mean to you. Key Kuat Benefits Kuat has delivered a bike rack that is at the top of the market when it comes to its features, whether that be its ease of use, the security it offers, or its style. Its sturdy design allows it to be used for long hauls. Regarded as one of the most user-friendly bike racks on the market, it is easy to both snug up and release the ratcheting arm. It is equally easy to use the rear-wheel straps while the main mast pivot contains a lever for easy lowering and raising of the rack, which can be operated with the foot, so no need to bend down and operate the lever with hand.  That is nice when you have your hands full while cycling solo. The adjustable tire cradle at the front and the rear ratcheting strap make it easy to load a bike on the beam. Also, the cradle can be adjusted such that it minimizes the contact between the bikes, and the ratcheting strap can be adjusted to accommodate wheelbases of different sizes.  That is nice for those who are biking as a family, or perhaps have two bikes of wildly different sizes (like a fat bike and a road bike). As for the locks, expect nothing but the best from Kuat NV 2.0 as it comes equipped with multiple. This includes: Burly cable locks (one for each end of the tray) to be looped through the rear triangle of the frame, so bikes can’t be easily taken when on the rack. A hitch pin lock (for securing the rack onto the vehicle), so the Kuat rack itself can’t be easily removed while you aren’t looking. All the locks share the same key, which is convenient. Then there’s the powder-coated finish of Kuat NV 2.0, which is also more durable in comparison to paint finish; not only does it retain its fresh looks for a longer period, but also, it is scratch resistant. Assembly is ideally a two person job, but is easy and can be completed with the help of clear and concise directions and tools provided by Kuat. The best approach to this is bolting the main support mast with the two sections of the tray. The main support mast can then be easily connected to the rack by aligning their holes and bolting them tight.  As with any self-assembly job, we always recommend checking the unit after the first and second uses to be sure that it is all holding together as intended. Our First-Hand Kuat Experience and Road Test After giving the Kuat carriers a good road test, both installing and loading, and also driving with a bike, we liked what we saw with the NV 2.0.  We did our testing with either 1 or 2 road bikes on the unit. On the road, we found the Kuat is sturdy and solid without much bike movement. When loading and unloading, it offers easy handling for bikes that weigh as much as 60 lbs.  Because we were often using this while solo, we needed to be able to clamp the bike on to the carrier easily and with one hand, while positioning the bike. The carrier did a nice job on that front. We also applaud Kuat for the nice job they do … Read more