Beginner cyclists often don’t give much thought to the amount of air that should be in their tires. What matters is whether or not the tire has air in it, and if it does, the bike is ready to ride. Bicycle tire pressure is, in fact, a rather complex topic and having the right pressure for not only the type of bike you ride, but also the kind of tires you use and terrain you ride on is critical for a good ride quality and handling characteristics. In this article we explain the basics of tire pressure and tell you how to put the right amount of air in your tires. What units do we use to measure ..read more

Keeping your drivetrain clean and properly lubricated not only ensures optimum mechanical operation of your bike, but also extends the longevity of the components of your drivetrain that suffer wear from friction. Bicycle chain lube comes in different varieties for different uses and riding conditions, and the process of finding the right one for the type of riding you do can be a little confusing. Most chain lubes have a chemical formulation to optimally perform in certain riding conditions, and this each kind of chain lube comes with its specific advantages and drawbacks. To minimize the me ..read more

While a certified bike mechanic will certainly have the tools and skills required for jobs that are beyond the scope of a home mechanic’s mechanical repertoire, a modest measure of do-it-yourself bike maintenance will allow you to stay on top of the regular service routine that will not only increase the longevity of your bike, but also allow you to perform temporary fixes in emergency situations when you do not have easy access to a qualified mechanic. This article will present an overview of the most essential bike maintenance tasks as well as a list of the necessary tools and supplies. Keep ..read more

Modern mountain bike suspension components have come a long way. The latest crop of suspension forks for XC, trail and downhill bikes make use of lightweight materials and advanced suspension engineering to deliver performance that meets the demands of various disciplines of mountain biking, and allow riders of all abilities to customize suspension performance to their riding style and local terrain. That said, the downside of the incredible level of customizability offered by modern mountain bike suspension components is the dizzying array of adjustments, which - for the average rider -can be ..read more

Unless your bike has an electronic groupsets, chances are your drivetrain and/or brakes still depend on a properly fitted and adjusted set of steel cables and outer cable housing to function. These cables have been used on bicycles for a long time for several good reasons: They are cheap to manufacture They are reliable, easy to adjust without special tools … and easy to find pretty much everywhere! While electronic groupsets are cycling technology marvels that do away with cables, chances are the average home mechanic isn’t equipped with the tools or the skills to work on them. In contrast ..read more

Your mountain bike’s cockpit is highly customizable and absolutely critical to your comfort, confidence and control on the trail. Indeed, as one of three bike-body contact points, along with your saddle and pedals, the cockpit is your bike’s proverbial command center, the place where steering happens, gears are changed, and brakes are actuated. Set-up starts with picking the right width handlebar, getting it positioned properly, and then adding brake levers, shifter, and other cockpit controls. Most MTBs these days also have a dropper post lever. Some also include suspension adjustment control ..read more

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Whether riding a mountain or road bike, your disc brake pads undoubtedly fall into this category. When working properly, you barely notice them, as they seamlessly—and silently—slow you down. But when overly worn (they don’t last forever, after all), disc brake pads can emit an ear-splitting shrill, damage your brake rotors, or even fail to work altogether. Thus it’s critically important to examine your disc brake pads from time to time, and replace them when necessary. The good news is that with the right tools and little know ..read more

Pop quiz: Name the basic bicycle maintenance task that takes about 90 seconds, requires almost no skill, and helps keep your prized two wheeler running quieter and more efficiently, while also preventing rust and extending the life of your drivetrain. The answer, of course, is lubing your chain. So what do you need to know to reap this bevy of benefits. Below are some tips and tricks that will help you get the most from your next lube job. Tip # 1 - Not all lubes are created equally While you might think lube is lube, there are some important considerations, starting with choosing a wet or dry ..read more

Got a new set of pedals but not sure how to take the old ones off and put the new ones on? Keep reading and you'll have your pedals swapped out in no time. How to remove and install new pedals on your bike You might think removing and installing pedals on your bike is a simple task. And if you’re practiced in the procedure, you’d be right. It’s not complicated. But it’s also easy to get wrong. Indeed, if you manage to cross-thread or overtighten one of your pedals, you could end up with a stuck pedal or in the worst case, a destroyed crankarm. So before making this highly avoidable—and potenti ..read more

Several months ago, in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown, I read an article posted by the New York Times titled “The Mountain Bike Cure: Exercise, Fresh Air and Fellowship.” The author is woman who spoke on her experience with depression in an environment of isolation due to the pandemic. The mental health of people across communities became a very real concern during this time. I am the mother of three small children, who desperately missed and needed socialization. I found myself feeling disconnected, even though I had daily video calls with work colleagues, a loving husband by my side ..read more