Gear and Accessories

Speedplay vs Look: The Ultimate Pedal Shootout!

by

speedplay vs look

Is that the clip-clop of a pony trotting up the road towards you? No, it’s just a road cyclist eager for their morning coffee. Unlike mountain bike clipless pedals, road cycling pedals have an exposed cleat system that’s designed for one thing – to transmit power from your legs through to the bike.

If you’re new to clipless pedals, I’d recommend reading our complete guide to clipless pedals. In this guide, we compare two of the most popular manufacturers, Speedplay and Look, to figure out which pedals are best for you.

Read more

Speedplay vs Shimano: Which Pedal Is Right for You?

by

Pedals equal power. (At least in part.) And when it comes to road cycling, power is what it’s all about. With the right pair of pedals, you’ll be sailing up those hills faster than Sagan in a sprint.*

If you’re reading this article, I’m assuming you’re after a pair of road pedals. So, when we’re talking about Shimano pedals we’re comparing the SPD-SL range rather than the mountain biking SPDs.

If you’re new to clipless pedals, you may find our complete guide to clipless pedals useful, and if you’re interested in Look pedals, check out our comparison of Speedplays and Looks.

Right, let’s get started. Here’s a recap of what we’re looking for when comparing road cycling pedals.

*Cycling Hacks cannot guarantee this.

Read more

How to Stay Dry: 9 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets

by

best waterproof cycling jacket

Many cyclists say they don’t enjoy riding in the rain but, if you’re a daily commuter (in all weather, just like the postman) or the kind of rider that will opt for a day outside over the indoor trainer, you’ll likely need — and want — a good waterproof cycling jacket.

There are many options out there and some of them get very expensive. So let’s clear up any confusion and figure out what the best waterproof cycling jacket is for you.

Read more

The Best Mountain Bike Tires to Conquer Any Terrain

by

best mountain bike tires

Choosing mountain bike tires isn’t as easy as it sounds. Like most things in the bicycling universe, there are more choices than ever to fit the type of rider you are and the kind of riding you do.

There are several factors you should consider when looking for the best mountain bike tires. Tire weight and width are only the tip of the iceburg.

For a good all-around tire that sheds mud well and rolls fast, we love the WTB Velociraptor.

Read more

Aerodynamic Meets Comfy and Cool: Kask Protone Review

by

 

kask protone review

 

Next to buying a pair of cycling shoes, buying a helmet is one of the hardest bike gear choices to make. With such a wide selection of cycling helmets in the marketplace, where does one begin? Factors like safety, number of vents, weight, comfort, and price definitely come into play.

Kask Protone Helmet | Competitive Cyclist
Kask Protone Helmet | Competitive Cyclist

Kask ran the Protone through the expected wind-tunnel paces in order to design a model that dodges the wind whether you're head-on in the drops or in virtually any other cycling posture imaginable.

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Lasso Brag

Read more

The Best Direct-Drive Trainer? Elite Drivo Long-Term Review

by

Elite Drivo Review

When you think of high end, direct drive trainers, two names instantly come to mind:

Check Price
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Lasso Brag
and Wahoo KICKR. As a record number of riders do battle on Zwift, the big players in the smart trainer market have finally stepped up to answer the call with some heavy hitters.

While Tacx touted their near-silent Neo and Wahoo claimed a true-to-life ride experience, Elite released the Drivo, a behemoth — built like a tank — with near perfect power accuracy. But is the Elite Drivo a third party contender or a worthy candidate for the best direct drive trainer?

Read more

Get Fast! How to Find the Best Wheels for Your Road Bike

by

Best Road Bike Wheels

Eddie Merckx said it’s better to ride up grades than to buy upgrades, but if you’re looking for an instant performance boost, a new wheelset is your best bet. Use this guide as your cheat sheet to navigate different wheel materials, decide on rim depth and width and pair the best road bike wheels with your terrain and cycling goals.

Read more

The Best Gifts for Cyclists: The Ultimate Holiday Guide

by

In search of the perfect gift for the cyclist on your list? From action-capturing drones to ride-saving tools and cool coffee cups, we’ve got a gift sure to please everyone from the casual cyclist or commuter to the hard charging racer or tech savvy gear junkie. If you’re pressed for cash, we’ve got that covered too.

Read more

A Quick and Dirty Guide to Biking in the Rain: 24 Tips to Stay Dry

by

 

biking in the rain

What’s the best plan for the days when your training plan, weekly group ride or that Fondo you paid top dollar for, don’t coincide with a sunny weather forecast? Some days you just have to kit up and ride in the rain. When the pros do it, it often leads to some of the most action-packed stages. Biking in the rain takes a few additional skills, but if you dress accordingly and follow a few tactical tips, not only will you discover what you’re truly capable of, but you’ll learn to enjoy and embrace those rainy rides. 

Read more

The Most Comfortable Bike Saddle? Selle SMP Drakon Review

by

 

selle smp review

In the middle of the summer, my saddle started going south. There’s no worse feeling than slaughtering yourself on climbs all day only to come home to a saddle sore. I had been straddling a Specialized Toupe for years. Sure we weren’t great friends, but we had an arrangement that appeared to be working…until now. I decided to give the Selle SMP Drakon a try for a few reasons. Mainly, as a manual muscle therapist and movement geek, I was drawn to the way the saddle perfectly positions the pelvis. However, there are a few tricks to getting it set up in the perfect position, which I’ll cover in my full Selle SMP review.

Selle SMP Drakon | Competitive Cyclist
Selle SMP Drakon | Competitive Cyclist

Selle SMP saddles have a distinctive look that's focused on making your ride as comfortable as possible. The model here, the Drakon, is one of its most popular, and like the rest of the brand's lineup.

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Lasso Brag

Read more