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Thru Axle vs Quick Release - Which to Choose?

For many years now, there's been an ongoing battle between the thru axle and the quick release axle. At the moment, the mountain bicycle community has begun to greatly favor having a bike with a thru axle, as it has a few slight advantages over the standard quick release axle.

As an all-type bicycle rider, but more specifically a mountain biker, I always want to make sure that my bike has the best axles that'll hold my wheel through any terrain. To know which is best, I have to keep an open ear and an open mind on the advancements that every day brings.

In this article, we'll be taking a look at which bike axle reigns supreme and more importantly why.

How to Remove Rust from Bike Chain in 10 Simple Steps

Removing rust from a bike chain may seem like a demanding and laborious task. Surprisingly, there are a few methods, such as de-greasing and scrubbing the chain with a special brush that will make it easy to restore your bike chain to its former glory.

As a bike rider, keeping the bike chain in good conditions is a top priority. To accomplish this, I give it a polish or lubricate it every once in a while. However, after weeks of chemical buildup, a bit of rust will start to form on the chain without me even noticing. After some, time it´ll become very apparent that my chain is rusty. Before I throw it into the trash can, I´ll try removing the rust. It can help return my bike chain to its normal status for a significantly lower cost than buying a new one.

In this article, we´ll take a look at the necessary steps to remove rust from a bike chain, so that you can get back to riding as soon as possible.

How Much Do Bike Repairs Cost: A Guide to A Basic Tune-Up

When it comes down to the cost of repairing your bike, it really depends on what you´re trying to replace. It could be something as simple as patching up a tire, which you can do yourself for a minimal cost of around $5. Conversely, it could be a part that needs to be replaced and installed. In which case you´d need to take the bike to a bike shop, which is significantly pricier.

Unfortunately, bike repairs are a part of bike life. When I was starting out with bikes, I would always end up with a part that needed fixing. To avoid sending my bike to the local bike shop on a weekly basis, I had to learn how to give some regular maintenance to my bike. I learned to give it a basic tune up, change the brake pads and make sure the bike frame was in tip-top shape so I could safely continue riding it.

You can do this too. However, despite these previously mentioned efforts, sending your bike to the bike repair shop is inevitable every once in a while. It´s just important to know when to do it. To make sure you are as prepared as possible, we´ve compiled this article to guide you through the cost part of the repairs and what you could do to take better care of your bike.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Bike Tire (All You Need to Know)

Naturally, when it comes to bike tire replacement, the first thing that´ll come to mind about replacing your bike tires is the new bike tire cost. You´ll normally be able to find a decent tire for about $50-$200/tire with installation costs included. The price of the tire really depends on material, size plus the installation costs for the bike.

As a biker, you don't want to hear that you need to replace your tires, mainly because it's something that requires money and precious time and effort. For me personally, it was always a bit of a pebble in my shoe. However, it is a necessary evil everyone has to go through in order to keep riding and avoid a flat tire every now and then.

In this article we´ll take a deep dive into the bicycle tire world, understand the differences in tires and their prices, so you can know exactly what you´ll need to do to get your bike up and running.

Create a Bike Route on Google Maps in 5 Minutes

To create a route with Google maps, simply open the app, and place a start and end location. The most direct route will immediately appear. However, you can adapt it to your taste by using features such as the bike route option or setting way points.

As an amateur rider, designing a route with Google maps app really helped me get some stability with my training and get to know my city better. Planning your bicycle route with google maps is really simple and convenient because they have an option that specifically adapts the route for bicycle use. Taking into account bike friendly streets with dedicated bike lanes, bike trails and bike paths.

In this article, we´ll take a look at how to create a route with Google maps application in a few simple steps and how to tweak it to have the best possible ride, and find some hidden gems.

Can You Put Pegs on a Mountain Bike? A Quick Review

Putting pegs on mountain bikes is possible, however, it may come at a cost depending on the way you do it. Stunt pegs are most commonly seen and used in BMX and single speed bikes. They have the purpose of adding a little flair and style to bike riding, but with some imagination, they can also be placed on a mountain bike. However, mountain bike frames aren't really meant for pegs.

When I was a young rider, I started to do some stunts on my mountain bike and wanted to get some pegs for it. I didn't have any money to buy a BMX bike, so I just bought the stunt pegs and attached them. However, they did come with a warning to not give the bike very rough use. Fortunately, I followed the warning and was able to do some simple stunts with my bike.

In this article, we´ll try to answer the question: can you put pegs on a mountain bike? We´ll take a look at what stunt pegs are, as well as learn how to install them on your mountain bike. Finally, some of the ups and downs of taking the risk.

Can You Use a Bike Pump on a Car Tire? [Yes or No]

Car tires and bike tires work through the same principle of being filled with air. So, as weird as it may sound, it is completely possible to use a bike pump to fill your car tire with air. You´ll need a schrader valve and it will take considerably more effort to inflate the wheel.

Knowing this technique could help if you suddenly have low tire pressure and there's no gas station or garage in sight. Every time I go out on a road trip, I always take a bike pump and a tire pressure gauge with me. You never know when it can come in handy and since they're small, they´re very easy to carry. If you like, you could also bring a portable air compressor instead of the pump.

In this article we´ll take a look at how to inflate car wheels with a bicycle pump and check out some of the best bike pumps in the market.

How to Remove Rear Bicycle Wheel (Step-By-Step Guide)

You can quickly remove the rear bicycle wheel by changing it to the smallest rear cog, then disable the brakes, remove the wheel axle by fully rotating it and lastly tilt the derailleur. These steps are really simple and once you know the process you´ll be able to remove the wheel in under two minutes.

In my journey as a bicycle rider, I've encountered many challenges on the go. Among them were getting a flat tire (more than once) and even getting tire bumps. Therefore, wheel removal was an essential skill that definitely came in handy. It sure did for me.

In today´s article we´ll focus on explaining the process of removing the bicycle´s rear wheel as detailed as possible, so that next time you need it, you can easily sort it out.

When to Replace Bike Tires: 7 Signs to Look For

When you´re riding a bike, falling into a hole is always a possibility. While bicycle tires are designed to be durable, they are also not indestructible. Eventually, there comes a point where enough is enough, there are several telling signs on the tires, such as cracks on the tire´s sidewalls or a flat sport in the center and you can also notice it in the bike´s performance.

Knowing when to replace bike tires is very important and has come in handy many times throughout my biking career. I'm sure I’ve even avoided an accident or two thanks to this. By knowing when to act, you´ll not only be prepared to take advantage of your current bicycle tires but will also be aware of when it´s time to move on from them.

In today´s article, we´ll be talking about the best possible time to replace bike tires and some signs that may warn you when the time to replace them is coming.

How Long Does it Take to Bike 10 Miles: A Complete Guide

The average speed on a road bike is between 10-12 mph over flat terrain. By using simple math, it takes an average of about 50 minutes to bike 10 miles at a steady pace. The true duration will vary from cyclist to cyclist, mainly depending on their skill and experience on the craft.

When I first started cycling, to bike 10 miles seemed like a lot. Half the time I was tired. To ride for an extended period was tough. But when I made it, I was very happy with myself. To bike 10 miles, a bit of physical preparation is required, but it is generally a realistic goal for everyone in decent shape and with a good mountain bike or road bike.

However, there are many factors that can alter your cycling speed, some of these are physical, some psychological. some are environmental and some are purely technical. In this article, I´ll take a look at a variety of these factors and fits, so that the next time you go out for a ride, you can pedal toward your goal as fast as you can.

How to Turn a Bicycle into a Stationary Bike in a Few Easy Steps

There are plenty of ways you can turn your bicycle into a stationary exercise bike. The main principle as to how it works is by suspending the bike in the air. To accomplish this, most people use a trainer. It is easy to install, remove and use.

A couple of years ago I wanted to do this exact project. I thought it would be a huge undertaking that would end up requiring lots of time and hard work. Luckily, as soon as I started to investigate, I learned it was much simpler and could be done in a few simple steps. But most importantly, I learned that anyone can do it.

This article will focus on explaining the process of turning a bicycle into a stationary bike by using the two most common types of trainers (Bike Trainer Stand & Roller Bike stand) and how to install them.

How Much Does A Mountain Bike Weigh? (Why Does It Matter!)

Mountain bikes have an average weight between 28lbs and 30lbs, but they can be as heavy as 40lbs depending on the type of mountain bike you are looking at.

As a cyclist of many years, and an ex-semi professional rider, I am someone who has worked in bike shops. I have spent a lot of time around bikes and know a lot about them. Mountain biking is one of my favorite things to do, and when I'm not riding, I'm usually working on bikes.

In this article, we are going to speak about the different types, average weight, why mountain bikes are so heavy, if the weight matters, how to make your bike lighter and the best upgrades for your bike.

How to Inflate a Presta Valve and Do It Properly?

To inflate a Presta valve, you must unscrew the core valve, push a pump on, and inflate it with air. Once inflated, remove the pump and screw the core valve back up.

As someone who has worked in the cycling industry for years as an athlete and in bike shops, I am asked many questions on bike maintenance. I absolutely love to share my knowledge and help others get into cycling.

In this article, were going to tell you everything you need to know when it comes to inflating a Presta valve. We will look at how to identify Presta valves, how to set up a bike pump, how to inflate the tire, how much to inflate the tire, and things to be cautious of.

Can You Put Road Tires On A Mountain Bike? - How Safe Is It?

The short answer is, yes, you can put road tires on a mountain bike, but it does come with a few complications. You need to know these before you start, to make sure it is safe to use.

As an experienced cyclist and someone who has done years of work in bike shops, this is a question I get asked regularly. It needs to be done correctly, and there's a lot to watch out for when putting a road bike tire on a mountain bike.

In this article, I'm going to explain why you would use road bike tires on a mountain bike, what you need to check before you make the conversion, whether road bike tires are better, and the advantages, and disadvantages.

Hydraulic vs Mechanical Disc Brakes, What Should You Be Using?

Hydraulic disc brakes are much better. They require less maintenance, are more powerful, and can self-adjust. Compared to mechanical brakes they are more efficient.

As a bike shop worker and semi-professional rider, I feel I have a good understanding when it comes to bikes and components. 

In this article, I’m going to tell you why I feel hydraulic is better than mechanical when it comes to bikes and braking. We are going to talk about how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages of each in different situations.

Exercise Bike Vs Elliptical Trainer, Which Is Better?

When you think about cardiovascular workouts, we all have a weapon of choice to hit our fitness goals. A common question we get asked is whether you should choose an exercise bike or an elliptical for your workout. I believe for all round fitness the elliptical trainer is better.

As a personal trainer, I have helped people hit their fitness goals for many years. A big part of what I teach people is how to use cardiovascular machines such as exercises bikes and elliptical.

Fat loss, muscle tone, and even comfort, which will be better? Find out below.

Drop Bar Vs Flat Bar Bike: What Should You Be Riding?

Drop bars are used on road racing bikes and flat bars are found on mountain bikes. I have ridden all over the world as a cyclist and found both drop bars and flat bars useful in my adventures. You would be surprised at how well they work in various terrain.

The purposes of drop bars and flat bars are very different. They have their special uses, and each can be great or terrible depending on the situation. It’s a challenging question to answer as it is so unique to the owner of the bike.

In this article, I'm going to talk about riding drop bar bikes and flat bar bikes in different environments and the benefits you will get from each. Let's also look at the pros and cons of each. On top of that, I want to run through some frequently asked questions.

Is It Possible? Can You Ride A Mountain Bike On The Road?

As a cyclist who has been riding bikes for many years, I often get asked, "Can I ride a mountain bike on the road? Of course, you can, but there's a lot to consider before you do.

Most cyclists use mountain bikes for their intended purpose, but some cyclists use them on the road for fitness, commuting, and even just fun rides. I am one of them. I have been doing this for years alongside riding semi-professionally, and have a wide range of experience cycling and using different types of bikes. A mountain bike isn't my first choice of bike to use on the road, but it does work.

Fast or Slow: How Long Does it Take to Bike a Mile?

The amount of time it takes to bike a mile can vary. There are several aspects that determine how long it takes to tackle a mile. On average, it takes someone to 11 minutes to bike a mile, regardless of the factors.

I have a naturally competitive streak so when I first got into cycling, I was determined to beat the best time to cover a mile. This led me to do some research on the average rider, as well as the factors that can impact the overall time.

In this post, I will look into bike type and weight, gearing, wheel size, tire type, slope, surface type, weather, and fitness level that may impact the answer to our question: how long does it take to bike a mile?

How to True a Bicycle Wheel (Without Replacing It)

To true a bicycle wheel, you’ll need to play with the tension of the spokes by fastening the nipples. Once adjusted, the spoke will correct the deviation of the rim, allowing you to ride your bike like nothing ever happened.

I have been riding bikes for more than a decade, during which I've bent countless numbers of wheels and had to true them by myself to save the cost of going to a mechanic each time. 

In this article, we will go over the different techniques to true a bike and answer the most common question about the art that is wheel truing.

Do All Bikes Have Quick Release Wheels?

Quick-release wheels were a mystery to me when I started cycling. I understood the concept and wanted it but wondered, do all bikes have quick-release wheels?

No, not all bikes have quick-release wheels. Some still require you to use tools to remove the wheels.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at how you can tell the difference between the axles, how to convert your wheels to a quick-release set-up, and plenty of other factors.

So, let’s dive right in.

Do All Bikes Have Gears?... Bicycle Gears Guide 101!

When I started looking for my first bike, I was mystified by its gears. Nor was I even sure if all bicycles had gears. So “do all bikes have gears?” is not such a silly question! Let’s break it down.

The vast majority of bikes have gears, though there are exceptions. The number of gears there are will vary depending on the bike. Some bikes such as single-speed, fixies, and the occasional folding bike, don’t have gears.

In this guide, we’ll be looking at why bikes have gears, how many you should have, and which is best for you.

Do All Bikes Have Inner Tubes? - Take A Look Inside

Bike tires are great until you get a flat. When that happens, you need to know what you’re doing so you might be wondering “do all bikes have inner tubes?”.

The majority of bike tires do have inner tubes, but not all. There are some good reasons why your bikes should have inner tubes and there are some drawbacks too (we’ll get into this later).

I use both tubed and tubeless systems on my bikes, so we’ll be looking at the pros and cons of each and how to tell whether your tires have tubes or not, plus more.

Do Electric Bikes Burn Belly Fat or Just Another Misconception?

I started my cycling journey while being overweight so this is close to my heart. I found that the more I rode, the more pounds I lost. I’m not talking big rides either. I would try to combine frequent low-impact rides with high-intensity interval sessions thrown in, which worked well to increase my progress.

When you use an e-bike to exercise, you’re doing an aerobic exercise which increases your metabolism. What this translates to is your body burning calories, leading to burning belly fat.

In this guide, we’ll be answering the question "do electric bikes burn belly fat", what the best training plans are, and a few other methods to get you to your weight loss goal.

Hybrid Bike Tire Pressure... Your Guide To Easier Cycling

To get the most out of your hybrid bike tire pressure, you should have the pressure set to 40 - 70 psi.

There's more to managing your pressure than just pumping air into softer tires and letting it do its magic. However, it's not a hard job and you can master it quickly.

Is Cycling Aerobic Or Anaerobic? - Don't Hold Your Breath

Whether you like to ride in a leisurely manner or power through your rides, you may have wondered, “is cycling aerobic or anaerobic?”, is it your lungs or your legs that give you the power to make it to the finish?

Cycling is both aerobic and anaerobic. To get the most out of your training and maximize your performance, you should vary your training to accommodate both. Your lungs and your legs benefit from both aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

How To Tighten A Bike Chain In 5 Easy Steps!

If you find that your chain keeps dropping off or coming loose, you will need to tighten it to prevent an accident.

As an experienced cyclist who has fixed chain issues on many a roadside, I can tell you that it doesn't mean that there's a problem with the bike. It likely means that there's not enough tension in the chain and it doesn't fit properly anymore.

I'll walk you through the steps on how to tighten a bike chain below.

How To Remove Bike Pedals In Less Than 5 Minutes!

Removing your old bicycle pedals can seem that a workout in itself and one I haven't always won...until I found out the right way to go about it!

Part of the problem comes from the fact that 'righty tighty, lefty loosey' doesn't necessarily apply and I feel like that's been ingrained in us so why won't it work?

Before we dive into answering that, I want to show you what I'll be covering in this guide:

How To Raise Handlebars On Mountain Bikes: A Cyclist's Manual

Achy neck? Back pain? General numbness?

These are all signs that your handlebars on your mountain bike could be too low. Knowing how to raise handlebars on mountain bikes could be your answer.

I know this as I suffered from bad back pain for several rides before I figured out what the problem was. A few millimeters can make the difference and it's a 10-minute job.

In this guide we'll be looking at:

Best Bike Brands - The Cyclopedia

To help you we’ve rounded up the 40 best bike brands with a small description of how long they’ve been around and what they are known for.

Buying your first bike can be a daunting task. Even if it’s not your first, the endless brands and varieties in the market can even confuse the pros.

How good a bike or the brand is doesn’t just depend on the price or “premium” feel. The quality of components, how long they’ve been around in the community, and the number of smiles they’ve put on our fellow bikers are important things to consider.

How To Put A Motor On A Bike Step By Step (Easy & Simple Guide)

Putting a motor on your old bike is a great step to giving you more speed and your bicycle and new lease of life.

I used to snub my nose up at everyone who wanted to have a motor on their bike. Why would you do that? Well, one day I tried a bicycle with a motor and I found out exactly why you would!

A little kit can transform your bike with a motor. Want to know how?

Learn How To Remove a Bike Crankset Before It Gets Crankier

No one born ready for any profession they choose. A doctor has to spend years studying before he can treat a patient. Fortunately, removing a bike crankset isn’t as complex as the human body and can be quickly and easily mastered.

Our guide on how to remove bike crankset will ensure you’re equipped with everything there is to know and ready to go at any time.

How to Get Bike Grease Out of Clothes - 7 Proven Methods

I’ve stained my pants more times than I’d like to admit, which led me to test out most of these techniques. Some of them work better than others. Personally, I’ve had my fair bit of luck using dishwashing liquid and baking soda but I was still surprised by the efficacy of some of the least-known hacks.

In this article, we’ll be covering the most effective techniques, so that you know exactly how to get bike grease out of clothes. Here are the 7 most effective ways I've found to eradicate even the most stubborn grease stains.

How To Shorten A Bike Chain In 3 Easy Steps!

Bike chains of the incorrect length can cause serious shifting performance and take out the enjoyment of cycling. Removing a few links from the chain is the answer and it's quick to do!

I've been that rider. That rider who ignores maintenance. About to cycle up a hill, change gear and the bicycle takes a while to respond. After a few times, I began to learn bike chains and the importance of shortening them when needed!

How to Raise Handlebars on Mountain Bikes: A Step-by-Step Approach

Whether you're a professional mountain biker or an enthusiast, it's important to know how to maximize bike performance, comfort, and safety. Today, we're going to look at how to Raise Handlebars on Mountain Bikes.

How To Convert Bicycle Into Electric Bicycle- Stepping Up Your Cycling Game

A bike can be converted into an e-bike by installing a conversion kit. This will provide the bike with a motor, powering it through either the front wheel or the rear wheel.

As a true e-bike convert, I was keen to explore the world of converting your old bike into a powered bike. E-bikes are incredibly popular and the sales are only set to continue so I too wanted to make the switch!

Cycling Safety Essentials: How to Adjust Bike Brakes

How do I know if my brakes are in bad condition?

Before you learn how to how to adjust front bike brakes, let’s take a look at how you can evaluate their condition. Here's a simple method for testing your brakes.

How to Turn Left On a Bike – The Safest, Fastest and Easiest Maneuvers

Since the general rule is that you should cycle with the flow of traffic, cyclists are supposed to keep to the right side of the street. So a left turn essentially means that you're going up against traffic rather than following it.

Sounds scary, but it doesn't have to be! In this post, we're going to show you how to turn left on a bike as safely and efficiently as possible.

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