Cycling Hacks

How to Choose the Best Bike Trainer: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

January 6, 2023September 8, 2019 by Cycling Hacks Team

If you want to turn cycling into a year-round activity, but don’t live in a warm locale, chances are you’ll need an indoor bike trainer. For years cyclists equated training indoors with a cycling death sentence, but then apps like TrainerRoad, The Sufferfest and Zwift transformed these mind numbing indoor miles into an opportunity to ride the world’s best courses and compete against our virtual and real-life cycling friends.

With so many apps and trainers flooding the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What trainers are compatible with which apps and do you need a smart trainer to use Zwift? And what exactly is a smart trainer? From magnetic to direct drive, here’s everything you need to know to get started with an indoor bike trainer.

Best Cyclocross Bikes Under $1,500

September 15, 2022September 8, 2019 by Cycling Hacks Team

Can’t decide between a road bike and a mountain bike? Or maybe you love the idea of riding on dirt roads and gravel, but don’t feel comfortable riding them on a road bike.

Enter the cyclocross bike. In a nutshell, it’s a little rougher and tougher than a road bike, but faster and more fun to ride on the road than a mountain bike. It’s also the perfect commuter.

If you’re looking for the best cyclocross bike under $1,500, here are some of my favorites, including our number one pick, the value-packed Women’s specific Raleigh RXW here.

What Are the Best MTB Clipless Pedals?

May 22, 2022February 9, 2019 by Cycling Hacks Team

6 Awesome Mtb Flat Pedals for Every Rider

May 22, 2022February 9, 2019 by Cycling Hacks Team

Most of us have been riding flat pedals since childhood. It’s simple, it’s instinctual, and liberating to just hop on and off the bike in your sneakers. Being attached to your bike by means of friction and gravity is part of the first experience you had on a bicycle, so there’s no specific reason that you must get “serious” with clipless pedals.… Read more

What’s the Best Fat Bike Tire for Your Big Wheeled Adventure?

September 15, 2022November 16, 2018 by Alison Ingleby

One man’s meat is another man’s poison. But we’re not just talking about food…

If you’ve ever asked your mates for their opinion on the best bike tires, you’ll know that there’s no “one size fits all”. Tires are a very personal choice, and the best tires for you will depend on your riding style and what type of terrain you cover.

The Best Mountain Bike Grips for the Money + Complete Buying Guide

July 6, 2021November 4, 2018 by Jonathan Nolte

The “contact points,” where your feet, hands, and butt touch the bike are the most important fine-tuning component choices one can make. Mountain bike grips come in an array of options that allow you to customize how you control your bike, so let’s consider your options.

If you’re looking for a great all-around set of grips, I’d recommend ESI’s offerings.

The Best MTB Handlebars For Every Bike + Buying Guide

March 6, 2022November 4, 2018 by Jonathan Nolte

If you’re looking for an upgrade for any mountain bike, handlebars determine how your bike fits and handles in profound ways. Consequently, choosing and setting up your handlebar is essential unlocking the handling potential of any mountain bike.

Handlebar Features to Consider

Dimensions – The width, height, and angles of a handlebar will determine how it it fits your body and suits your riding style.

The Best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Bike Deals 2022

January 6, 2023November 3, 2018 by Cycling Hacks Team

Nothing is sweeter than unwrapping some carbon swag for the holidays. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your favorite cycling fanatic or upgrading your own gear by taking advantage of some massive price drops, we’ve compiled the best discounts and coupon codes into one handy guide. The best Black Friday Bike Deals have already started. Many are time-limited, so we’re monitoring them every hour. Keep checking back for the best cycling deals.

In-Depth Stages Gen 3 Power Meter Review + Power Meter Buying Guide

June 25, 2021September 26, 2018 by Alison Ingleby

Stages power meters are known for two things: bringing power meters into the budget range of the everyday cyclist, and gracing Team Sky’s Tour de France winning bikes.

But despite their endorsement from the pros, Stages haven’t totally dominated the power meter market. Issues with the reliability and accuracy of data, plus the waterproofing (or lack of) of the casing plagued earlier generations of meters, issues which Stages claim to have fixed with this year’s Gen 3 range.

A Grand Unified Theory of Shred: Lee McCormack on Mastering Mountain Bike Skills, Bike Fit and Finding Your Flow

March 6, 2022September 7, 2018 by Jonathan Nolte

When you ride your mountain bike with skill and confidence, time slows down. Your whole world becomes the few feet of trail in front of you and you just flow. There’s nothing like it.

More time in the saddle only takes you so far in this pursuit, which is where learning from a teacher like Lee McCormack comes in. His book Mastering Mountain Bike Skills, classes, and “Lee Likes Bikes” online school exist for those who want to achieve the kung-fu bike skills that lead to this transcendent experience

I joined the Lee Likes Bikes online school to get a taste of Lee’s teaching style and then caught up with the mtb guru later to hear his take on everything from his research to the state of the bicycle industry and how he balances family life with his unconventional career.