12 Rock-Solid Reasons to Install Fenders on Your Bike

Bicycle fenders seem like an afterthought to many riders when sunny skies prevail. But when dark rains descend, that spray bath from your slicing wheels makes a compelling case for adding fenders! In this article, we’ll cover: Trust me, while fenders may not seem “cool,” anyone soon grateful for a set when the heavens open up. Don’t be caught unprepared! Fenders Defined: What Are Bicycle Fenders Anyway? Before detailing why bicycle fenders matter, let’s cover what exactly they are for …

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Hot Rod Your Rad: How to Unlock Hidden Speed on Rad Power Bikes

As every Rad Rider knows, flying down local trails or bombing along back roads on one of these electric beasts delivers a unique sense of two-wheeled freedom. But what if your trusty Rad Power Bike could go even faster while retaining all its torque-y, hill-climbing goodness? The expert tweaks ahead will show you how to safely tap into extra velocity potential from your battery-powered buddy that the manufacturer limits to 20mph…without voiding your warranty or breaking the bank! Let’s get …

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How to Adjust the Chain Guard on Your Road Bike for Smooth and Safe Riding

If you’ve ever experienced your pant leg getting caught in the chain when riding your road bike, you know how dangerous that can be. An improperly adjusted chain guard is not only a safety hazard but can also cause unnecessary noise, friction, and wear and tear over time. The good news? Adjusting the chain guard on your road bike is an easy, do-it-yourself task that can prevent accidents and damage. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll teach you everything you need …

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How to Bleed Juicy 7 Brakes?

Having properly bled brakes is absolutely essential for the safety and performance of your bike. Air trapped in the hydraulic lines can severely reduce braking power, leaving you unable to stop when you need to. Bleeding flushes the old fluid and bubbles out, restoring braking function. But for many bikers, brake bleeding seems complicated and best left to the pros. While it does take some care, patience, and the right tools, it is a task any mountain biker can learn …

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How to Adjust Those Cantankerous Downtube Shifters

From the pantheon of curmudgeonly bike components, downtube shifters stand out as one of the more temperamental. While many cyclists pine for their graceful retro aesthetics, getting these finicky devices tuned properly can try one’s patience. However, with some mechanical sympathy and a few handy tips, you can have your vintage steed shifting smoothly. The Allure of Retro Shifting Before indexed shifting changed the game, downtube shifters graced the cockpits of road bikes for decades. Their mechanical elegance speaks to …

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Bleeding Shimano Brakes Without a Funnel? Here’s How This Hack Can Save Your Next Ride

The sun is shining as you set out for an epic mountain bike adventure. You’re eagerly pedaling up the first big climb when disaster strikes – you squeeze the brakes, and the lever sinks all the way to the handlebar! No matter how hard you pull, the speed barely decreases. You can almost hear the brakes wheezing out a lame “sorry bro!” as you frantically pump the lever. We’ve all felt that terrifying heart-dropping sensation of weak, failing brakes. But …

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How to Change Hope Brake Pads for Smoother, Safer Stops

SCREECH! That spine-tingling sound every time you hit the brakes can only mean one thing—it’s time to replace your worn out brake pads. As much as we’d love our brakes to last forever, those pads take a beating mile after mile and eventually wear down like erasers on pencils. Don’t let squealing, grinding brakes go on too long. It’s only going to get worse, and you’ll just end up causing damage, getting stranded somewhere, or worse yet, getting in an …

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How to Change Road Bike Groupset?

So you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade the groupset on your road bike. Maybe your old shifters and derailleurs are looking a bit dated. Or perhaps you want to shed some weight with a lighter groupset. Whatever the reason, swapping out groupsets can completely transform the performance and feel of your bike. But where do you start? With so many groupset brands, components, and compatibility issues, it can get confusing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need …

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How to Change Ultegra Chainring?

As your cycling performance increases, you may find your bike’s stock chainring sizes are no longer optimal for powering up climbs or hitting top speeds on descents. The solution is likely new chainrings, but for many riders, changing them on a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain seems intimidating. Not to worry – with this detailed tutorial, you’ll learn proper chainring selection, compatibility, removal and installation steps, front shifting optimizations, and everything in between. You’ll gain the knowledge to upgrade your Ultegra bike’s …

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The Complete Guide to Understanding Shimano Claris vs Tourney Groupsets

If you’re in the market for a new road bike, hybrid, or fitness bike, you’ll inevitably come across component names like “Shimano Claris” and “Shimano Tourney.” These refer to Shimano’s groupset hierarchy – the collection of bike parts that make up the drivetrain and braking system. But what’s the difference between Claris and Tourney, and how do you decide which is right for your cycling needs and budget? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about these …

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