Bike Equipment & Accessories

Being a senior citizen does not mean you stop caring for yourself and spend time watching television and looking at old photo albums. Keeping fit is the key to stay forever young at heart and do things many people cannot imagine at your age, and this is possible with the best mini exercise bike for the elderly.

Surprisingly many people don’t even know that mini exercise bikes exist, and they end up with useless pursuits of gym and diets that seem too difficult to follow at this age. The beauty of this equipment is that you can work out at your own pace while you are still sitting or standing.

The elderly do not have to get dressed and go out to exercise daily. With this compact and portable mini exercise bike, they can read a book or watch television while working out their quads, quadriceps, and hip flexors safely. No wonder this equipment is also recommended by many health practitioners.

So if you are looking for the best mini exercise bike for your elderly parents or grandparents, you have come to the right place. With so many brands, models, and features, it’s natural for anyone to get confused and find it hard to choose one out of so many that promise good results.

We know you do not have the time to sit down and compare, analyze, and select one mini exercise bike out of so many options available. The good news is that our team has done the homework for you. Our team has spent days reviewing several dozen products to create a list of the best mini bikes available online.

Read on to find our unbiased and detailed reviews of each product on our list. If you are in a hurry to choose, we suggest that you go with our editor’s choice – DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Cycle (learn more) that works with very low desks and a 5-function LCD that can track 160 hours of activity.

Best Budget Mini Exercise Bike – CNTLIFE Portable Stationary Mini Exercise Bike

1. DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Cycle

If you are working in an office and do not get the time to go to the gym, the DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Cycle is worth checking out. Due to its compact size and lightweight, it can be kept under the desk to let you enjoy a quick exercise when you take a break from work.

We are impressed that the DeskCycle works even with desks that as low as 27 inches and it includes an LCD display with six functions to monitor your progress. It features a patented magnetic resistance mechanism that ensures a smooth, healthy, and noiseless pedal motion … Read More

There’s just something iconic about the Mini Cooper. Regardless of whether you own a classic Mini or a modern one, each vehicle is full of signature charm. The cars are fun to drive, offer brilliant fuel economy, and are surprisingly spacious on the inside as well. However, if you’re into outdoor activities like bicycling, a mini cooper doesn’t have enough space to fit your bike.

Worry not though, as there’s another solution that’ll allow you to easily carry your bike everywhere in your Mini. Well, technically, the bike isn’t going to be inside the Mini.

Getting a bike rack for your Mini Cooper is an easy way to take your bike along with you wherever you need. Bike racks come in all shapes and sizes, but most people tend to overlook the fact that you’ll be able to find one that fits your Mini. The reality is that thanks to the popularity of the car, there’s a multitude of aftermarket accessories you enjoy. There’s so many options looking through them all can be difficult!

While getting a bike rack is a straightforward solution, there are a few things Mini owners need to consider when buying a frame. For starters, the impact of the weight of the bike rack on how the car drives and the functionality of the vehicle must be kept in mind.

The size will also impact what type of bike you’re going to be able to bring along. Additionally, while the Mini Cooper has retained the same shape over the years, there are a few differences among each model.

Keeping all these things in mind, here are the 8 best bike racks for a Mini Cooper 2020.

Editor’s choice – Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

Product Name	Dimension	Weight
1.  Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack	23 x 15 x 4 inches	8 pounds
2.   Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Bicycle Carrier Rack	20 x 15 x 9.02 inches	8.58 pounds
3. Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack	5.12 x 23.62 x 14.17 inches	11 pounds
4. Saris Bones EX Super Bike Rack Trunk	22.4 x 19.1 x 9 inches	13 pounds
5. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack	54 x 15 x 43 inches	52 pounds
6. SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack	15.4 x 3.5 x 13.8 inches	6.4 pounds
7. Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Trunk Mounted Bike Rack	19.8 x 10.2 x 33.3 inches	21 pounds
8. Mini Cooper Touring Bike Holder	n/a	9 pounds

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1. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

The top spot on our list goes to the Allen Sports Model 102 DB (learn more). This bike rack is capable of carrying two bikes because of its sturdy and … Read More

Do you have an unquenchable thirst for adventure and wish to carry your mountain bike on Subaru Outback every time you go off-roading? You have probably spent a lot of money upgrading your expensive bicycle; hence it derives the best bike rack for Subaru Outback.

The biggest advantage of choosing the best bike rack is that your MTB stays secure and protected as your Subaru proves its immense off-road capabilities. However, if you search on Google for a bike rack for vehicles like Subaru Outback or Crosstrek, you will get about 58,00,000 results.

With more than hundreds of bike racks available online, it can be hard for anyone to choose that perfect one. We know you don’t have the spare time to go through each product and its features in detail. If you get one without much thought then you will end up wasting your time and money.

Don’t stress yourself much and relax because our team has done the much needed online research to help you out of this predicament. We have researched, reviewed, analyzed, and compared several bike racks to narrow down the search present to you our list of handpicked products.

Read on to find the complete review of the bike racks picked by our team. If you don’t have the time to read until the end, we suggest that you go with our editor’s choice – Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack (learn more). The best part of this sturdy bike rack is that it includes a hitch switch option that allows you to adjust the rack up or down depending on the size and style of the bike.

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1. Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Rack

The Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S (learn more) comes fully assembled and designed in a way to fit Sedans, Hatchbacks, SUV’s, and Minivans. With a sturdy construction and padded lower frame, the rack can easily accommodate three bikes totaling a maximum capacity of 99lb.

We love the thoughtful design comprising of individual soft cradles to protect the bike frame and add more security to the bicycles during transit. Thanks to the OE standard black e-coating on the exterior, it provides a good resistance from rust and damage.

As the product included DIY instruction in the manual, you can do the installation by self and make sure you use the provided safety strap to keep the bike stable while driving. We are happy that the manufacturer stands behind its product with a no-hassle limited lifetime warranty.

Product features and specifications

• Measures 25 x 4 x 3 inches
• Weighs 3 pounds
• 100% assembled
• Designed to fit 3 bikes
• Individual soft cradles
• Easy installation in minutes
• No-Hassle Limited Lifetime Warranty

… Read More

Believe it or not, toe clip pedals have been around since the late 1890s.

People have been using toe clips to stabilize and secure their feet on the pedals of road bikes for (literally) more than 100 years. They offer a lot more safety, a lot more stability, and a lot more security than you would have gotten out of “flat” pedals – and all of that translates to a smoother ride, a speedier ride, and a lot more confidence every time you pedal your bike.

At the same time, not all toe clips are created equal.

Some of the best toe clips can be used even when you are wearing casual shoes, whereas others require you to wear specialty “cyclist only” shoes that lock it into position, provide a lot of extra grip and security, and really help you become one with the bike in a way that would have been tough to do otherwise.

The trick is finding the right toe clip pedals for your needs, especially if you are going to be adding these to a road bike you already love to ride.

You’ll want to find some that are lightweight, durable, and extra secure while still being a pleasure to pedal – even when you aren’t wearing shoes specifically designed to cycle in (unless you want to bring other shoes with you in a backpack, for example).

But that’s why we have put together this quick guide.

Below we highlight six of the best toe clip pedal options you’ll find on the planet today.

All of these top choices have been carefully selected because of their build quality, the design and engineering that went on behind the scenes to create these pedals, and the results that they produce.

A little bit later we’ll get into a couple of key things you want to focus on when choosing any new toe clip pedal as well as tackle some of the frequently asked questions new cyclists have about this aftermarket upgrade.

Let’s jump right in!

Editor’s Choice – YBEKI Bike Pedals with Clips and Straps

Our Six Favorite Toe Clip Pedals for Road Bikes in 2020

#1. Venzo Shimano SPD Pedals with Toe Clips

The beautiful thing about these toe clip pedals in specifically is how versatile they are compared to a lot of the other options on the market right now.

For starters, these toe clip pedals work just as well on road bikes as they do on spin bikes and even on mountain bikes. You’re going to be able to attach these pedals to pretty much any bike you own (quickly and efficiently), keeping the pedal experience consistent across the board – something that’s tough to … Read More

You are here indicates that you’re concerned about the feeling of perennial numbness below the belt after a long bike ride. Let’s talk about balls today, yeah a sensitive topic for sure but almost every guy who enjoys cycling feels the bouts of numbness, acute testicular pain, and saddle sores.

If you fear the worst then let me clear the air and help you get rid of the misconception – Does cycling cause erectile dysfunction? No, sitting for long periods on an uncomfortable bike seat may cause pain in the groin, but it does not cause erectile dysfunction or infertility.

To support this, there was a study conducted using over 5,282 male cyclists and the results were published in the Journal of Men’s Health (July 2014 issue). According to the study, no matter how many hours or miles the cyclists logged each week, there was no connection found between cycling and ED.

That does not make you immune to the cycling discomforts and pains. However, you can prevent it by maintaining a correct sitting posture or using the best bike seat for your balls. The specially designed bike seats limit the perineal pressure and significantly reduce the incidence of poor positioning.

The correct bike fit and saddle adjustment also distribute the weight to the right places – your sit bones or ischial tuberosities. Other factors like the correct position of handlebars also help in minimizing the pain and numbness in the testicle peripheral area.

Finding the perfect bike seat is easier said than done as the market is flooded with a plethora of brands and models that can confuse even an experienced cyclist. To minimize your stress, we have reviewed several bike seats based on their design, quality, build, and customer reviews.

Read on to find our unbiased reviews of the prostate friendly bike seats handpicked by our team. If you are in a hurry to place your order, we suggest that you go with our editor’s choice –  Bikeroo Most Comfortable Bike Seat (see Amazon) for Men, a versatile saddle that comes with a hollow core, center cut, waterproof cover, and mounting tools.

#1. ISM PR 3.0 Saddle 235mm x 145mm: Black

If you feel numbness in your butt and man parts after a long cycling trip, consider replacing your existing bike seat with the ISM performance recreation saddle. Based on the same model as the ISM’s performance short saddles, the seat comes with extra padding for comfort.

The design features PR 3.0, which is ISM’s premium level padding plus a wider 145mm rear end suitable for upright bikes or anyone who struggles to get a suitable position. Equipped with the 60-series foam and gel padding, this … Read More

When you travel to a parking lot close to work and have a few blocks or miles to go, then a bike can make the trip much easier and faster. Having a functional bike rack will allow you to commute to work from any location. You can avoid the traffic and get where you need to go on time.

Taking care of ourselves means spending time exercising. One fantastic way is to bike your favorite trails. If you own a Honda CRV, then having a bike rack that fits your gear is necessary. You can travel to state parks, hiking trails, or take a weekend trip to a location near you. All you have to do is find a place to park and get your bike down from the rack.

Helping the environment is great motivation for getting more exercise. When you have a bike, then you can travel anywhere you want. When you want to take your bike with you to go on vacation or travel to a new destination, then all you have to do is hook it up to the rack. We talk about several types of bike carriers in this review, including items that tilt to allow you better access to the cargo area of your vehicle.

If you are in a hurry to make your bike rack purchase, then we suggest going with the Thule T2 Pro XT Bike Rack (learn more). This model requires no tools for assembly. You can purchase an add-on for two-inch hitches to carry an additional two bikes on the rack. This item folds up to stay out of the way when you are not carrying bikes. The rack also tilts out of the way to let you access groceries, fishing gear, and camping supplies.

Comparing Eight Bike Racks for Honda CRVs

	Bike capacity	Max Load	Folding	Weight
1. Swagman XC2	2	35 lbs. per bike	Yes	35 pounds
2. Tyger Auto TG-RK4B102B Deluxe	4	132 pounds	No	28.2 pounds
3. Thule T2 Pro XT	2	60 pounds	Yes	51 pounds
4. Saris Bones Car Bike Rack	2-3	35 lbs. per bike	Yes	11 pounds
5. BV 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack	2	35 lbs. per bike	Yes	39.1 pounds
6. Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack	2	35 lbs. per bike	Yes	11 pounds
7. KAC Overdrive Sports K2	2	60 lbs. per bike	Yes	49.8 pounds
8. Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Racks	5	175 lbs.	Yes	20 pounds

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1. Swagman XC2 – Best Stable Bike Rack

When you travel on the highway or go long distances, you need to know your bikes will be secure for the trip. The Swagman XC2 Bike Rack comes with a … Read More

Gel seat covers for bikes are a great way to get into the saddle without ending up walking around like you just got off your horse. The biking snobs will tell you that the hard seats are better in the long run, once you develop your seat. Well, if you are planning to ride in the tour de France and measure your miles by the month not by the hour, why go through the agony?

For those of us who ride for pleasure and are not willing to go through the painful indignities of developing a saddle-resistant butt, gel cushion bike seats are an excellent option. With a silicone gel suspension and various levels of foam padding, gel seats provide riders with a pain-free ride.

The main cause of saddle soreness is the pressure that rider’s experience on their sit bones. Harder seats do not absorb the thumps and bumps common to street surfaces leaving you feeling like you have been under torture, not a leisure ride. Let’s have a look at 8 the best gel seats covers in 2021 and see if we can find your perfect fit.

Editor’s Choice – Cevapro Bike Saddle Cover for Narrow saddles
Daway C6 Large Wide Foam and Gel Padding for Large Saddles

Brand	Dimensions	Weight	Materials	Bike Saddle Types Suited
1. Daway C6 Large Wide Foam and Gel Padding	11.81 x 10.63 inches	16 ounces	Eco Silica Gel and High-Density Foam	Large Saddles 7.5″ to 10″
2. Bikeroo Large bike Seat Cushion Wide Gel	11 x 10 inches	12.3 ounces	Supportive Gel and Soft Foam	Large saddles
3. Zacro Gel bike Seat Cover BSO31(Standard Size)	11 x 7 inches	8 ounces	Supportive Gel Padding	Standard saddles
4. Fitivate Peleton Bike Seat Cover	11.2 x 7.09 inches	11.4 ounces	High-quality Liquid Silicone gel	Narrow seats not for cruiser bikes
5. Zacro Gel bike Seat	11.4 x 10.4 inches	13.4 ounces	Supportive Gel Padding	Large Saddles
6. LuxoBike Excersise Bike seat Cushion Cover	11 x 7 inches	8 ounces	Silicone Gel and Memory Foam padding	Standard size saddles no cruiser or wide saddles
7. Domain Cycling Premium Bike Gel Seat Cushion Cover	10.5 x 7 inches	9 ounces	Soft Silicone Gel and Stretchy Lycra	Narrow seats only
8. Cevapro Bike saddle Soft Silicone Padded Bike Seat Cover	11 x 6.69 inches	8.8 ounces	Multi-layer memory Foam, stretchy Lycra, and Premium Thickened Gel padding	Narrow bike saddles only

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#1 Daway Comfortable Excercise Bike Seat Cover C6

The Daway C6 is a durable and ergonomically designed saddle seat cover that delivers maximum comfort for your stationary bike or road bike. Many people complain that gel seats are hot, and become sticky but in … Read More

You may have a gorgeous and expensive bike frame but it’s good only as long as you have the best hubs for mountain bike. The hub forms the central part of the bike’s wheels (both rear and front), and it connects to the wheel’s rim through spokes, allowing the wheel to spin on bearings.

The type of mountain bike hubs you use will determine whether your wheels make a buzzing noise while spinning or stay silent as you catch up your riding mates from the behind. Besides the noise, the quality of hubs also decides how far the pedals turn before the rear wheel begins to spin.

As a bike enthusiast, you already know that the front and rear hubs differ widely. The front hubs typically constitute a tube that has an axle, a disc brake mount, and bearings. The rear hubs on the other hand include freehub and a ratchet that vary in design and performance based on brands. 

If you are in the market looking for the best hubs for mountain bikes, you will need to consider five important things – materials they are made of, bearing type, disc mount standard, axle type and rims.

Those who are in a hurry to get new hubs, our team has done the research work for you based on the factors mentioned above. We have reviewed numerous front and rear hubs to come with a list of top 3 products in both categories, with their detailed review. 

Read on to find our complete review and if you don’t have the time to read until the end, we suggest the SHIMANO front and rear hub for anyone who doesn’t want to take chances with quality. For others who want good aesthetics along with quality performance, we would recommend the attractive-looking Talisman DC4 Dual-Ano 6-Pawl Disc MTB Hub Set.

Front Hub

The front hub comprises of a tubular body (mostly made of metal) with a set of bearings at both ends. They may be loose ball-type bearings or the cartridge-type ones that press in like a single unit. The axle may be either secured to the frame using quick-release clamps or bolts, depending on the type of bike.

#1. SHIMANO Front Mountain Bicycle Hub – HB-M525

The Shimano HB-M525 Front Hub is one of the well-designed and a good value disc-compatible front hub that comes with a standard 6-bolt disc rotor fitting. It works best with the Deore hydraulic as well as mechanical disc brake systems.

The low-friction Borozon treatment for bearing surfaces enables a smooth action and long bearing life. We love the low-maintenance design that comes with only a single contact seal to keep water and mud away. The product is available in 32 and … Read More

If you are spending more time on your bike than your feet most days and your job involves delivering items to clients, you will need a specialized carrier bag. Comfort and ease of access are essential when working on two wheels, as well as durability and design.

The eight best messenger bags combine form and function, are stylish and practical. No one wants an uncomfortable ride, and you need a messenger bag that aids you in doing your work and not hinders you. Protective padding and comfortable cross straps and a whole host of other features are what you need to consider.

Alternatively, not everyone wants a messenger bag to use for deliveries. Some choose the comfort of the messenger-style bag, at the office, or commuting, and we have options for those folks as well. If you are looking for the best messenger bag, please read on and find the messenger bag that most suits you.

Editor’s choice – TIMBUK2 Lightweight Flight Messenger Bag

Brand	Dimensions	Material	Compartments
1. Manhattan Portage Medium	16 x 12.5 x 8 inches	Cordura plus nylon	Large central interior zippered compartment and a large zippered compartment under flap.
2. Chrome Industries Mini Metro Messenger bag	21.02 x 14.65 x 2.05 Inches	Durable nylon	Main compartment with the option to add on pockets (purchase)
3. Leaper Retro Messenger bag	9.4 x 12.4 3.4 inches	Washed canvas with PU leather decoration	Seven different compartment choices
4. Timbuk2 Especial Cycling messenger bag	15.6 x 17.7 x 12.02 inches	Weatherproof exterior	7-compartment options
5. Timbu2 lightweight Flight Messenger Bag Medium	18.1 x 12.2 x 7.1 inches	Waterproof TPU liner	Laptop compartment, various inner pockets for small items, side Napoleon pocket
6. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag Medium	18.1 x 14.6 x 12.2 inches	Waterproof TPU liner	5 compartments and organizer
7. Tourbon Cycling Bike Saddlebag/Messenger Bag	9.65 x 8.66″x 3.54 inches	Waterproof canvas	Outside pocket, inner compartment
8. Banjo Brothers Messenger Bag	14.5 x 11 x 7 inches	9 exterior pockets and large internal divider

#1 Manhattan Portage Medium Bike Messenger Bag

The Manhattan portage is a durable and spacious bag with easy access to the main compartments and a cross-fit strap to stabilize your carry load. The cordage nylon is tough, and the inner watertight vinyl covering is great for poor weather and is a bright and sunny yellow.

The portage seems the best fit for those who carry lighter loads as the main strap is not padded. The Manhattan portage is super safe with two wide, reflective bands that are perfect for riding at night or dusk.

The main compartment has a sturdy closure with a Velcro band and two durable clasps. There is a back pocket … Read More

Whether you want to build up a fixed gear bike or change a few factory components in your new bike to improve performance, the single speed crankset is an important part to consider. As an essential component of your bicycle’s drivetrain, it can make or break the performance.

The crankset helps in converting the reciprocating motion from the rider’s legs into a kind of rotational motion that aids in driving the belt or chain. This in turn drives the rear wheel to accelerate your performance on any type of terrain.

Unlike the traditional cranksets, the modern ones come equipped with advanced features and a few models will include bottom brackets to better your game. As these components are lightweight, they do not add any extra weight to the bicycle.

That being said, what to look for and what to avoid in a Crankset can be tricky as there are so many different brands and styles to choose from. Furthermore, there are so many things you need to consider – optimal gearing ratio, track components, suitable parts, and so on.

Stress no more, because we have scoured the Internet and reviewed more than a dozen products from different brands to help you choose best crankset for single speed. Read on to find the detailed review of the products carefully selected by our review team.

If you are in a hurry to get your single speed crankset and don’t have the time to read until the end, we suggest the Retrospec Fixed-Gear crankset (learn more). It has a durable build quality, lightweight, and comes with several color options at an affordable price.   

1. State Bicycle Co. Fixed Gear/Single Speed Bike Crankset

This solid three-piece forged 6061 aluminum crankset by State Bicycle Co has gained popularity among riders due to its ability to look great on all types of bikes. Available in various colors and 46 tooth count, it provides an excellent manufacturing quality at a low price point.

The complete crankset is made from forged alloy and the arms are made of sturdy 6061 aluminum to give more durability to the product. It comes with a stamped chainring that is 170 mm in length, featuring an impressive ratio of tooth count and chain length.

Compatible with 1/8″ chains, the crankset is best suited to help bikes designed for the less hilly area, to achieve higher speed. Built securely with 5 bolts, these cranksets give the bikers more reliability when riding on any type of terrain. Although the build quality is great, you may sometimes see occasional paint chips in certain areas.

Product features and specifications

• Measures 11.5 x 6.8 x 2.4 inches
• Weighs 1.7 pounds
• Bottom bracket not included
• Fixed Gear/Single

… Read More