A bike needs the right tools. This category covers all the gear you need. Learn about new gadgets. Find out what tools are best. Be ready for any repair.
Standing in a bike shop can feel overwhelming when you see 14 models that look almost identical. Picking the right ride starts with knowing your goals rather than picking a flashy color. Riding my hybrid bike through the busy streets of Seattle showed me how key the right setup is for daily fun. You will … Read more
Last week in Seattle, a friend rolled up with a Giant Seek 1 that refused to roll an inch. He looked like he had just tried to pull start a lawn mower on a steep hill. A bike does not have an engine, but when pedaling fails, it feels completely dead. I have spent years … Read more
Finding the right frame size can save you from severe knee pain, neck strain, and wasted money. When I bought my first commuter in Seattle, I assumed a medium frame fit everyone my height. I was wrong, and my lower back paid for it within three miles. This comprehensive road hybrid bike sizing guide will … Read more
A stubborn bike can ruin a sunny morning faster than a sudden downpour. Last week in Portland, a neighbor rolled up with a Giant Cypress 3 that refused to budge off the sidewalk. Your Cypress 3 does not have an ignition switch, of course. So when someone says it is “not starting,” they usually mean … Read more
Riding through Seattle on a chilly morning, nothing kills your mood faster than pressing the starter button and hearing absolute silence. Last spring, my own sportbike refused to fire up right before a group ride. I spent twenty minutes sweating in my full gear, only to realize my side stand was down half an inch. … Read more
Two mini bikes can both have a 99cc engine and still deliver very different ownership experiences. That is because engine displacement tells you only one part of the story. It does not tell you whether the tires match your terrain, whether replacement parts are available, whether the frame leaves room for future upgrades or whether … Read more
A quiet morning in Seattle turned into a total mess when my motorcycle refused to fire up right before my morning commute. Standing next to a dead bike when you need to leave for work is painful. You press the starter switch, hope for the engine to roar, and hear nothing at all. Dealing with … Read more
Two bikes sit side by side at the shop with bright rims and similar price tags. One has a straight bar, while the other looks like it belongs in a fast road race. Choosing a flat bar vs drop bar hybrid bike is a big choice for any rider. My test rides on the flat, … Read more
Hitting the starter button only to meet complete silence can ruin your day. This exact issue happened to a rider on a chilly morning in Phoenix, who feared a major fuel system breakdown. After a fast look, we found a single loose battery connection was the true cause. A quick turn of a wrench solved … Read more
Hearing absolute silence when you press the starter button on a premium machine is a stressful experience. This complete diagnostic walkthrough helps you fix the issue safely. One chilly Sunday morning in Denver, Colorado, a Diavel owner thought the starter motor had failed after the bike stayed silent outside a café. Turns out, the battery … Read more