Can-You-Put-Road-Tires-on-a-Mountain-Bike

Can You Put Road Tires on a Mountain Bike?

Mountain bikes (MTBs) are a lot of fun to ride and in fact, if you’re looking for an off-road vehicle that can handle even tough terrain, this is the kind you want. If you’ve had your bike for a while, you might be wondering, can I put regular road tires on my mountain bike? It’s something many MTB owners ask themselves at some point, and with good reason.

There are numerous reasons you might want to swap out your mountain bike’s tires for standard road tires, and if you’re curious about whether you can do this, the answer is a resounding “yes.” You can indeed replace the tires on your mountain bike with regular road tires; however, there are a few things you need to keep in mind first because you can’t just rush right out to the bicycle store, buy a set of tires, and put them on your mountain bike.

First off, it’s good to realize that the tires on a mountain bike are not only made differently than the tires on a standard bicycle, but they are a different size as well. You also have to take into consideration not just the tires, but the rims and all of the other components that you’ll need when finding replacement tires; but before we get to that, let’s start at the very beginning.

Why Do People Choose Mountain Bikes?

People choose mountain bikes over regular bikes for a variety of reasons. If you love the great outdoors and wish to bike away from the traffic, these bikes are just perfect. They allow you to enjoy some very challenging bike rides without having to worry about getting hit by a car or staying away from the vehicles on the road.

Mountain bikes offer many other advantages as well. For instance, MTBs:

  • Are a lot of fun
  • Allow you to get very intense with each ride
  • Let you explore a variety of terrains and landscapes
  • Allow you to ride at night
  • Come with a lot of fun accessories that you can add to make riding even more fun

When people want a challenging ride that is off-road because they love hiking trails or mountainous terrain, a mountain bike is just right. This type of terrain can be bumpy and rough, but if you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is likely exactly what you’re likely looking for anyway!

What Are Mountain Bike Tires Like?

As you can imagine, the tires on a mountain bike are different from the tires on a standard road bike. Bicycle tires are usually thin and inflated to around 100 PSI (pounds per square inch) – sometimes 120 PSI. On the other hand, mountain bike tires are usually … Read More

Clipless Pedals: Why Are They Called Clipless?

Clipless Pedals: Why Are They Called Clipless?

Have you recently been wondering why you could ever want to “clip-in” to a “clipless pedal?” It sounds absurd, right?

But before diving into where the clipless pedal got its silly name, or what a clipless pedal even is, it would be valuable to at least explore all the options, which can seem complicated and confusing.

Starting with the basics of the pedal’s anatomy may help some.

The pedal is the single most crucial aspect of the cycling experience. It connects the rider to the machine. Without the pedals, there is no energy transfer from the cyclist to the bicycle. And neither can go anywhere without them.

There are three main components to the pedal:

1. The spindle
2. The body
3. The bearings

The body mounts to the spindle, allowing for rotation along the spindle axis. The bearings simply allow this to happen with minimal friction and heat build-up.

Types

There are several different types of pedals, depending on what variety of cycling you intend to do.

Platform pedals

You may be tempted to conjure up visions of a three-year-old’s tricycle pedal when thinking about platform pedals. But they have evolved considerably, even in the last few years.

For example, the Bontrager Line Pro MTB Pedal Set offers some high-tech features for the serious cyclist:

  • Tuneable traction pins to help avoid foot slippage
  • Sealed cartridge bearings
  • 6061-T6 aluminum body

Platform pedals are commonly used by commuters, recreational cyclists, and mountain bike riders. The large, flat surface allows for more freedom and maneuverability. Also, platforms are ideal for those who wear street shoes while riding.

Pedals with toe clips

These are platform pedals that have toe clips and straps to secure the cyclist’s shoes on the pedal without slipping off. The toe clip is a thin metal or plastic attachment to the front cage of the pedal.

The toe clip is shaped like the toe of a shoe and its function is to prevent a cyclist’s shoe from slipping off the pedal during the forward pedaling motion. It usually comes with a strap made of nylon or leather that holds the foot securely in place. The main drawback of this system is that the rider has to first loosen the strap when coming to a complete stop.

Some manufacturers still make pedals with toe clips. Wellgo currently offers a platform pedal set with a combination toe clip & strap, which is designed to increase pedal stroke efficiency. However, when it comes to the mainstream, most riders prefer clipless.

What exactly are clipless pedals?

This is the confusing part. A clipless pedal is one that excludes the toe clip and strap. But this does not mean that there is no clip … Read More

Is It Illegal To Ride A Bike Without a Helmet In California?

Is It Illegal To Ride A Bike Without a Helmet In California?

Bike riding is a popular activity for thousands of Californians. It provides enjoyment, stress management, and physical health benefits. Cycling also is an environmentally friendly way to get around. Unfortunately, bike accidents do happen, but wearing a helmet can help prevent serious head injury. It might even mean the difference between life and death.

Is it illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in California?

Yes, if you are a child who is 17 years old or younger. The law also applies to children who ride on public property, streets, or designated bike paths and trails. Although adults aged 18 years and older don’t have a legal obligation to wear helmets, it’s still a good idea for them to put one on.

In California, wearing a helmet is not just about safety; it’s the law for children under 18. Whether you’re a child or an adult, riding a bike without a helmet could make you more vulnerable to severe head injury and possibly death. It also can cost you money and non-financial headaches.

The California Bike Helmet Law

What does the law say? Article 4 of the California Vehicle Code requires that anyone under the age of 18 who rides a bicycle on a street, bikeway, or other public bike path or trail wear a bike helmet that meets safety standards. Article 4 also applies to minor passengers of a bike trailer or a passenger seat attached to the bike.

The law doesn’t just apply to bicycles. Article 4 of the California Vehicle Code also states that children have to wear a helmet when they ride any non-motorized scooter or skateboard. This requirement also applies to roller blades or skates that the child uses on any public grounds, designated paths and trails, or the street.

What about people over 17?

There are no laws in California—or any other U.S. state—that mandates bike helmets for adults over 18 years of age. Adults have the freedom to decide for themselves. Nevertheless, proponents of the law typically argue that helmets are an important safeguard for cyclists of any age.

Not just any helmet will do. A bike helmet that complies with the California law must pass safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These standards ensure that the helmet fits properly and adequately to protect the head against impact.

Don’t confuse the bike helmet law with motorcycle helmet laws. Just like a car or motorcycle, a bicycle is a vehicle; it’s another mode of transportation that gets you from one point to another. However, helmet laws differ across vehicles. For example, in California, people of all ages who ride or … Read More

mountain bike

Can You Ride a Mountain Bike on the Road?

Getting the best bang for your buck when it comes to cycling is a natural concern that every rider has on their mind at one time or another. An increase in bike choice each year also comes with increased costs for the average cyclist.

The new generation of mountain bikes is no exception. With some costing over $10,000, it is no wonder cyclists of all levels want to get the most out of their purchases. “Multi-purpose” takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to plunking down your hard-earned cash for a new bike.

With that in mind, is it okay to ride your mountain bike on the road? To answer that question, it is necessary to thoroughly understand mountain bikes and how they operate compared to road bikes.

What is a mountain bike, anyway?

What distinguishes a mountain bike from its road-racing cousin is the overall design. They share similarities, but the mountain bike has different features to enhance durability over rugged terrain. These typically include:

  • Front or full suspension systems
  • Large, knobby tires
  • Stronger wheels
  • More powerful braking systems
  • Lower gear ratios for hill climbing
  • Straight handlebars for better comfort

Mountain bike manufacturers build their bikes with the outdoor adventurer in mind. Most true off-road riders have an independent streak and are often daring enough to challenge even the most brutal landscapes including:

  • Rocks
  • Loose dirt
  • Gravel
  • Tree roots

Some human-made courses offer additional obstacles known as Technical Trail Features (TTF’s) such as:

  • Rock gardens
  • Log piles
  • Specialized jumps
  • Narrow riding surfaces (“skinnies”)
  • Log rides
  • Near-vertical riding surfaces (“wall rides”)

Mountain cyclists not only ride on mountain trails but also on other specialized areas such as fire roads and narrower, singletrack trails.

Because mountain bikes can handle all of these extreme riding conditions, they have been popular for several years with urban riders. Due to their increased durability, navigating over potholes and curbs is no problem for these sturdy workhorses, which leads to another question:

What type of mountain bike should you get?

To answer that question, it is helpful to review the different types of mountain bikes offered:

1. Hardtail

The hardtail mountain bike is just how it sounds. There is no suspension provided on the back and performs well on smoother, less rugged terrain.

The common misconception about hardtails is that they are usually only offered as cheap alternatives, which is not the case. Some can cost into the thousands for a well-built bike.

2. Full suspension

The full suspension mountain bike offers both front and rear suspension. This category breaks down into several other subsets:

  • Cross country
  • Trail
  • Enduro
  • Downhill

Suspension travel is an important specification (spec) for full suspension bikes and … Read More

Best Bike Computer For Duotrap

5 Best Bike Computers For Duotrap for 2023

It doesn’t take long for casual cycling to turn into a passion. You are soon filled with that ardent desire to beat your own records, chase goals, and set new heights. You may constantly hear you mind saying ‘how long, how far, and how fast’. To quench your thirst, anxiety, and inquisitiveness, you may end up getting some of the most advanced bike tools and gadgets.

The Duotrap for road bikes is a similar tool that is an all-in-one integrated to track speed and cadence sensor and send the data to your bike computer. This wireless sensor of Duotrap fits into the chainstay of bikes to give you a clean look without compromising with the aerodynamics. This ANT+ enabled integrated frame sensor wirelessly transmits data to the bike computer or mobile phone.

If you are in the market looking for the best bike computer for duotrap then expect to be confused with a plethora of choices available online. To help you choose the right product, we have handpicked the bike computers after extensive reviews and comparisons with similar products in the category. Read on to find our unbiased review of each Duotrap-enabled bike computer.

Those who do not have the time to go through all the reviews, for them we recommend the Gramin Edge 1000 with Bike Cadence Sensor (learn more). This is a smart bike computer with a host of features, compatibility with sensors and enhanced connectivity to help you make the most of your time on the road.

#1. Wahoo RFLKT+ Bike Computer for iPhone & Android

When you want to train like a pro and measure your bike activities optimally, you need a powerful device like the Wahoo RFLKT+ bike computer. This wireless bike computer helps in displaying essential data from integrated tools and cycling apps on the screen. The Wahoo RFLKT+ connects with all the ANT+ sensors no matter which product you use for measuring speed/cadence sensors, power meters, or heart rate monitors.

We are impressed to know that Wahoo RFLKT+ sports the highest screen to computer ratio, plus the display fields are fully customizable. It allows you to decide which app or sensors data is most important to be displayed on the screen.

Besides being compatible with Duotrap, it also works with popular cycling apps such as Map My Ride, Wahoo Fitness, Ride with GPS and Cyclemeter. There are 3 mounting options available, plus the bike computer is also waterproof and shockproof.

Product features and specifications

  • Measures 8.8 x 4.5 x 1.8 inches
  • Weighs 2.08 ounces
  • Big and Customizable Screen
  • Accurate Altitude
  • ANT+ Connectivity (IOS Only)
  • Waterproof and Shock Proof
  • No recharging needed
  • Easy mounting options

User/ Customer reviews

Both road cyclists and … Read More

cyclist wearing bike helmet

How Long Does a Road Bike Helmet Last?

When did you last replace your road bike helmet? A bike helmet is perhaps the most critical protective equipment you wear on your ride. A helmet that’s in good shape can mean the difference between a good day and a bad one. An old or damaged road bike helmet won’t likely give you the protection you need, and you’ll need to replace it.

How long does a road bike helmet last? You can probably use your helmet for 5-10 years. Standard-setting organizations like the Snell Memorial Foundation say that five years is the maximum. Some helmet manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet after just three years, especially if you ride a lot of hot, sunny days.

If you don’t ride very much, you might be able to hold onto your helmet for more than ten years. However, you might be better off replacing the helmet every 5-10 years in case it accumulates wear or damage that you might not be able to see. If you care about bike safety, there are signs that your current helmet is no longer safe or reliable.

How to Tell If You Need to Replace Your Road Bike Helmet

You’ve had a crash.

Keep in mind an important rule of thumb: If you crash while wearing your helmet, replace it, no matter how minor the accident. A bike helmet is a single-use piece of safety equipment. If you’ve worn your helmet during a crash, you might not be able to see any damage, such as compression on the foam liner hidden by the external shell.

The shell is sun-faded or brittle

When the shell gets exposed to too much ultraviolet or UV light, it can become brittle, and it’ll eventually crack and not hold up during impact. Is the color of the shell faded? Faded color could be a sign of diminished protection. Even though many manufacturers put UV inhibitors in the plastic, these inhibitors can fail.

Your helmet acts as a beer can

You probably know that when you press in a dent on an aluminum can the dent pops back out. Try the same thing on your helmet’s shell. Less expensive helmets sometimes do this, but if this denting occurs all over the helmet, the expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam underneath is likely crushed.

You can see damage on the foam liner

The EPS, which is fitted against the outer shell, is a very important element that shields your head from impact. The EPS won’t deteriorate from age alone. You still should check it for any cracks or deep dents. Even in a relatively new helmet, a damaged foam liner will not protect you properly.

The chin strap is worn out

A little sweat … Read More

Bike-Repair-Stand-for-carbon-frame

5 Best Bike Repair Stands For Carbon Frames for 2023

As a beginner, you start with small trips around the neighborhood or maybe to a friend’s house across the town. But, as you gather more skills and confidence starts kicking in, you feel the urge to embark on long rides on the countryside, go road racing or take on a challenging mountain trail.

The more you ride, the more maintenance your bike needs, especially after a long trip. If you had a fall or accident, there might be a lot of things that need attention and can be fixed without going to a repair shop. Even if your bike comes home unscathed, there might be a loose bolt derailleur to be adjusted.

The bike repair shops are no doubt important and indispensable, and some things are best left to the experts. However, there are many simple repairs and regular maintenance jobs that can be DIY but for this, you need to take the bike off the ground.

Spare the horror of leaning your expensive carbon bike against a kitchen table or bench. Instead, get a good work stand for your bike garage or shed. However, if your expensive bike has a carbon frame, you need to be careful about the type of repair stand your use.

Most professional and mountain bikers use carbon frame bikes due to their lightweight, great acceleration, climbing, comfort, and control features. By trying to put your expensive or customized bike on a regular work stand, you may risk damaging the frame or paint.

This is why you need the best bike repair stand for a carbon frame, but finding the perfect one from so many options is not an easy task. Leave it on us, because we have done the research work for you and created a list of handpicked bike repair stands specially designed for carbon frames.

If you don’t have the time to read this till the end then we would suggest that you opt for the BIKEHAND Bicycle Repair Mechanics Workstand (learn more) that has everything you need to repair an existing bike, customize/ upgrade with features, build a new one or restore an old bicycle.

#1. Feedback Sports Sprint Work Stand

When you ride like a pro, it’s also time to invest in a work stand that can help you secure your bike like an expert mechanic with a dropout and bottom bracket. This workout stand by Feedback Sports is engineered with care and precision to meet the demands of evolving bike manufacturing standards. It helps with installing new parts, cleaning the drivetrain, adjusting derailleurs, and regular maintenance.

The stand works around the aero mast to avoid contact with seatpost and ensure that no damage is done to the carbon frame. … Read More

Best Bike Computer For Strava

The 5 Best Bike Computers For Strava for 2023

As you start taking the challenging routes, riding longer distances, and covering scenic countryside, your bicycle needs something extra to pack a punch. This is where the best bike computer for Strava and compatible with other useful outdoor apps for recording activities come into play.

The modern bike computers of today have come a long way from the original and humble cyclo-computer that was designed to calculate the distance. These compact devices feature Bluetooth, GPS chip, WiFi, ANT+, Strava Live Segments, and much more.

For the beginners, Strava is one of the world’s best tracking apps that is compatible with your smartphone, bike computer, GPS watches, head units and a host of other popular devices. It helps you record your performance metrics and stats to delve deep into the details later on.

Besides recording your riding data, you are also allowed to export your outdoor activities and share your adventures with friends. Strava also works like a social networking platform for like-minded bike enthusiasts to share their races on the news feed and comment on each other’s activities.

 Strava also turns your bike computer into a storehouse of new race routes and riding trails. If there’s a road that has been ridden or run, you can expect to find it on this global community. So, whether you wish to build a new route, seek a suggestion or get inspired by a friend’s activity, you can do them all here.

I am sure that gives you a fair idea why serious bikers love to be on Strava and make sure they are connected on every ride. However, if you start looking for the best Strava compatible cycle computer, expect to be confused with so many options available online.

To make it easier for you to find that perfect one, we have reviewed dozens of bike computers for Strava and handpicked a few based on our research, analysis, and comparison. If you are too busy to read till the end then we recommend the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer (learn more) that can be used both on the trainer and bikes to get great results every time.

#1. Garmin Edge 830 Mountain Bike Bundle

If you want to put your endurance to test or emerge as an unbeatable racer then you must check out the Garmin Edge 830 Mountain Bike Bundle. This is a performance GPS bike computer with impressive touchscreen and mapping features.

It is compatible with sensors and brings superior activity performance monitoring at your fingertips with easy access to a data including training load focus, VO2 max, altitude acclimation, hydration, nutrition, and recovery. To help you get better in the game, the MTB dynamics also tracks the … Read More

Best Wireless Bike Computer With Cadence

6 Best Wireless Bike Computers With Cadence 2023

When cycling becomes more than just a casual activity, it’s time to take your bike riding to the next level. Whether your objective is to get a cardiovascular workout, relieve stress, or train for an upcoming race, the best wireless bike computer with cadence can help you achieve your goal.

In a fast paced, data-driven world of today where everyone is obsessed with numbers, a bicycle with the computer is the new trend. They come in all shapes and sizes, and capable of measuring a variety of things such as the distance traveled, calories burned, trip time, heartbeat rate and so on.

The bike computer may also serve as a speedometer to measure your average and maximum speed, to help you push your limits. You may use it to measure the total distance you have traveled, how long it took you to arrive at your destination, and measure your cadence too.

It’s a common sight these days to see cyclists, both casual riders and professionals with a cycle computer mounted on their handlebars. While the casual bikers are okay with a basic computer with cadence, the racers may seek more information out of their cyclo-computer.

Let’s not forget that the number of features and the amount of information, the cycle computers provide have a direct impact on the price. Besides making your cycling more calculative and well-measured, it also adds a lot of excitement to the sport and motivation to put in that extra effort. 

No matter what brought you here, we know that you are currently confused with so many options for wireless cycle computer with cadence. Relax and take it easy! Our review team has done the entire homework to pull you out of the dilemma and help you make your choice.

Read on to find the detailed reviews of the top-rated wireless bike computers handpicked by our team. We have also included a buying guide to further make it easier for you to pick one from our list. If you don’t have the time to read till the end then we recommend the JOYCUNE Bluetooth Bike Computers offers some of the best features to help you improve your bike riding, at an affordable price.

#1. SHANREN Raptor II Bluetooth Smart Wireless Bike Speedometer

When you wish to turn your bike into a hi-tech gizmo, consider SHANREN Raptor II wireless speedometer. This is a 2-in-1 bike computer that comes with some amazing features geared at improving your ride and adding more comfort and convenience. Hailing from the house of Shanren Raptor, this is the first-ever bike computer that comes integrated with an ultra-bright headlight to give you added safety on dark roads. With simple and easy-to-use controls, the … Read More

Best Mountain Bike Pants For Winter

5 Best Mountain Bike Pants for Winter for 2023

As a passionate biker, I have never feared bad weather or rough terrains before taking on the longest road routes or a hilly trail. I am proud to say that along with my group of ardent bikers, we have covered some of the most challenging terrains, often in freezing cold weather.

So, what is it that keeps us going despite the hurdles that the weather and difficult route throws at us? Well, it’s the right cycling outfit and gear. In this post, we will talk about the best mountain bike pants for winter that form one of the most essential and protective garments for any bike rider.

The riding trousers or bike pants are not lycra tights, but they are often made from similar materials that shorts are made from to give you comfort with protection and warmth. In the past few years, the riding trousers have undergone a lot of change in terms of tailoring technique and fabric technology.

They are no more looked upon as something that is reserved only for the downhill racers. You can find bike pants for winter and also for wet trail ride (waterproof pants). The bike mountain pants are no more heavy, thick, or clunky. Instead, they are made of stretchy breathable fabrics, slimmer knee pads, and vents.

Beginners often think why do they need to invest in mountain bike pants. Why can’t they wear their regular thermals, lycra pants, or just regular jeans? Well, it just takes one ride or maybe two in cold weather wearing a simple leg warmer or regular trousers to realize that they are not the ideal solution.

 MTB pants not only provide the much needed extra warmth but also acts as the first layer of protection from the muddy pellets flung by the fast action of wheels. They also defend you against any fern burn or gravel rash in case you accidentally fall.

If you are in the market looking for that perfect mountain bike pants for cold weather, the wide range of options available are sure to confuse you. We have spent several hours reviewing dozens of cycling trousers for winter and comparing them to make it easier for you to find the right product.

Those who are in a hurry to place an order can go with our editor’s top pick Sobike NENK Winter Pants Men Cycling Pants. Mad from a double-layer synthetic material, superior breathable, windproof and waterproof outer layer, these pants are perfectly cut and tailored for bikers taking the mountain trails.

#1. INBIKE Winter Fleece Windproof Thermal Pants

When cold weather does not deter you from embarking on a biking trip on the mountains, equip yourself with superior quality bike trousers such … Read More