Stories

Ten Best Fat Bikes and Their Advantages

February 10, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

Think of the fat tire bike as the monster truck of the cycling world. You might have seen one before; a bike that looks like it has car tires. To put it mildly — they’re FAT. They look ungainly, and for the most part they are. Bearing in mind that the over-the-top fat tire bike is not designed for speed or responsive handling, the fat tire bikes look really cool and they’re a blast to ride in conditions that a normal bike would go nowhere with. Following a brief run-down are ten of the best fat bikes out there right now. Have another one you’re a big fan of? Let us know in the comments below.

Fatties in Competition

Fatties have been around for more than a decade but have only captured the mainstream cycling world’s attention over the past couple of years. It’s due in part because of their versatility and the growing popularity of extreme adventure riding and racing. For example; hundreds of competitors ride fat bikes over the challenging Arrowhead 135 course every January in Minnesota. If you’re interest is peaked, there are a lot more racing and events out there just waiting for you and your best fat bikes.

Wide Tires

Standard mountain bikes typically have a tire width of about 2 inches. Fat bike tires are about double that — or more even. The massive tires can also be ridden at dramatically lower pressure. The width allows fat bikes to float on loose, non-solid surfaces where any other bike would just sink in and go nowhere.

Low Pressure

Mountain bike tires range from about 25–65 psi, but the gigantic fat tires can handle pressures as low as 10 psi or even less. Lower pressure allows the tire to grip the ground under the rider’s weight, drastically increasing the contact area of the tire thus increasing traction even of loose surface such as snow or sand where the fat bike is at home.

All Terrain

For other conditions, such as sand or soft snow, the extra width and low pressure allows the rider to float more easily over the softer, more unstable surface. The tires react to snow-packed and icy surfaces gliding through icy corners that can send you hurtling to the ground on a standard mountain bike. As an added benefit, the squishy tires also make for a much more comfortable ride on any surface as it’s a built in suspension.

The Best Fat Bikes For You

Now that you know a bit more about fat bikes here are ten of the best fat bikes for you to consider for a totally different riding experience.

Trek Farley

The Trek Farley may just be at the top of the food chain, both in performance, looks, and price. It also accommodates one of the widest tires out there at 5 inches.

Carbon or Alloy frame
Tubeless tires
Rockshock Bluto Fork
Up to 11 speeds

With up to six different models of the Trek Farley the models range from about $1,200 to about $4,800.

Surley Ice Cream Truck

The Ice Cream Truck is near the top of the best fat bikes list primarily because it has one of the largest, most voluminous tires out there at 4.8 inches. And it’s eye candy.

4130 chromoly steel tubing
Shimano SLX CS-HG81-10-speed cassette
Six frame sizes from extra small to xxLarge
$2,700.00

Specialized Fatboy

A worthy first-time fat bike, with only slightly less width at 4.6 inches.

FACT carbon fiber fork
M4 alloy frame construction
SRAM X7 Type 2.1, 10-speed
$ 1,699.00

Felt Double Double 30

Tires getting smaller at 4 inches in width, the Double Double is at home for daily use on any surface.

Aluminum Frame
Custom hydroform fork
Shimano 10-speed
$1,999.00

Borealis Echo XX1 fat bike

The echo is performance-oriented, with clearance for 4.8 inch tires.

Full carbon frame
Fully guided internal cable routing
SRAM XG-1195 cassette
$4,750

Turner King Kahn

The Kahn, with over five inches of travel and a massive foot print, allows a rider to stick lines only available to mountain goats and downhill pro’s in the past. When traction is virtually unlimited, a rider can push through limits. You only need to know one thing: This fat bike is full-suspension since Turner only makes full suspension bikes

$5999

Cannondale Fat CAAD 1

The bike for those who ride in every season on every surface. Fans of the “lefty” fork will recognize this unique design on the Fat CAAD.

Aluminum Frame
SRAM components
4.8-inch tires
Bike specialty — mowing things down
$3,730

Canyon Dude CF 9.0 EX

With an innovative carbon frame weighing in at an incredible 1550 g, this is one of the lightest fatties out there. The Dude may look fat but don’t let that fool you – nothing stands in its way.

SRAM drivetrain
4.0-inch tires designed for a faster ride than other fatties
Rockshock fork
$4273.13

Genesis Caribou

Not tied-down to specific single-season use, and much more than a just ‘snow bike’, the trail-orientated geometry and fat tires lend themselves well to year-round use.

Chromoly steel frame
Shimano and Samox drivetrain
4-inch tires
$ 1852.42

Moonmen #MOO

This bike is all about playing. Moonmen bikes are foremost about the joy of riding, especially when you’re floating over a fluffy snow, bike packing across the desert, or taking a podium at your local race series. This bike company is so new, that reviews are for the most part, unavailable. It also has so many different options, that listing even part of them is not fair, but here are the basics:

Single Speed
Titanium
$3600 and up

Finding The Best Road Bike Saddle For You

February 8, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

The majority of cycling articles focusing on bike fit don’t fully address saddle fitting. Fitting a road bike saddle works best when you start with the right size bike, or at a minimum, a bicycle that is close enough to your correct size to be comfortable and efficient. Finding the best road bike saddle should focus primarily on the contact points between the cyclist and the saddle assuming that your bike fits you.

Don’t Compromise When Searching For Your Best Road Bike Saddle

Bicycles are symmetrical. The human body is not. A saddle that is not right for your body and butt can compromise your position on the bike as well as your comfort. One saddle may be great for one rider while being the worst option for the next. A general rule of thumb for saddles is that it fits when it disappears, meaning that you’ve forgotten all about your saddle and don’t even know it’s there.The only thing on your mind is the ride and the scenery.

One Exception

An exception to this general rule of thumb is if you have been in the saddle all day for miles and miles. At this point, you’ll likely take note of your saddle. The thing is, if it didn’t fit, you wouldn’t have ridden this far.

The Finger Test

Changing a saddle can take up to 15 minutes per seat when choosing and testing saddles. This means that many cyclists skip the hassle and make a seat choice by pressing a finger into it, testing it’s firmness or lack of softness.

Widely Advertised

Another option widely employed is simply choosing a saddle based on the one that is most advertised. This might actually work for the majority of cyclists, as most high-end saddles are tested and proven to be comfortable for the wide majority of riders. This is more down to chance however. You get what you pay for, both in time spent deciding and money.

Gender or Not

Keep an open mind as you search for the best road bike saddle. Most bike shops start you out by indicating saddles that are specifically designed for men and women with most women’s saddles being wider towards the rear. But some men find that women specific saddles are actually really comfortable and ideal for them. At the same time, some women realize that a men’s saddle is the better choice for themselves also. Gender specific is worth taking a look at, but choose the saddle that’s the most comfortable for you.

The Cutout

A popular design for bike saddles includes a cutout in the center of the saddle to relieve unwanted pressure in sensitive areas. A good-fitting saddle may not need a cut out if the support is in the ideal area for you. It varies from person to person but in general, male or female, it means not too much pressure in the front or in the center of the saddle. A cutout design may prove the most comfortable but at the same time, don’t discount saddles without a cutout before trying them first. You might be surprised as to which feels best.

Saddle Width

Saddle width has been a source of controversy for many years. A comprehensive study sums saddle width up like this:”Stresses within the perineum are reduced when saddles are sufficiently wide to support both ischial tuberosities”. (Your sit bones). You should find a saddle that is wide enough for your sit bones by measuring them and choosing the right width.

Back in the Saddle

With all that information fresh in your head, here are a few options for your best road bike saddle starting off with narrow and ranging toward wide.

Selle SMP

This full carbon model is at the top of the list. It’s designed for cyclists looking for the lightest weight possible. It sports a completely free central channel, eagle-beak nose and raised design that gives these models an aerodynamic touch. They are suited for smaller sized people with narrow pelvises.

Selle SMP Evolution

A good saddle for racing, and cycling in your free time. It’s a composite model with minimal padding. It relies on foamed elastomer padding where the ischial tuberosities (sit bones) and rear rest. The minimal padding also makes it particularly suited for thinner cyclists with narrow pelvises.

Specialized Phenom Expert

The Phenom Expert is designed with ‘adaptive edge’ construction. It allows the outer edge to conform to your body for a custom fit. Lightweight, stiff and efficient, this saddle features hollow titanium rails and the perfect amount of padding for those long grinds in the mountains.

fi’zi:k Road Arione R5 K:IUM

The Arione R5 features a Carbon Reinforced Nylon base and Wing Flex technology. This saddle is made for competition. It aids in high-performance because it takes into account that cyclists have varying degrees of flexibility, and human flexibility is in direct relation to riding behavior when cycling. Popular with pros such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas, this saddle has no cutout, and they like it.

Infinity N-Series

Bare bones saddle — it looks like a skeleton — this saddle is perfect for the cyclist who wants all the performance with none of the frills. One of the lightest saddles on the market, weighing in at just 210 grams, the N-Series Seat is made of injection-molded nylon. Its has two purposes: Comfort and Performance. Don’t let the odd look of the saddle deter you; it’s built to withstand the rigors of even the longest rides.

What Is Mechanical Doping?

February 4, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

At the 2016 Cyclocross World Championships held in Zolder, Belgium on the last weekend of January, a rider was caught for mechanical doping. To be exact, one of the bikes that Femke Van den Driessche, a 19 year old Belgian racing in the Under 23 Women’s Category, had was found by Officials to have a motor inside the frame. Mechanical doping suspicions have been around for years but this is the first case where a ride was caught for it. But just what is mechanical doping and how does it work?

What is Mechanical Doping?

Mechanical doping is when a rider installs a hidden motor on their bike to aid in pedaling. Previously, electric motors where not strong enough, small enough, nor quiet enough to avoid detection. In the past few years the technology has advanced to where all of these things can be achieved. The most widely known form of mechanical doping consists of placing a battery and motor in the seat tube of the bike which then drives the crankset spindle inside the bottom bracket. It is controlled by pressing a button on the handlebars. Because of the size of the seat tube, the motor doesn’t produce an exorbitant amount of power but rather only ten to fifty watts. In bike racing though an increase in that number of watts being transferred to the wheel is enormous. Races are often won by very close margins so even a ten watt advantage can be enough.

How It Can Go Undetected

Because of the advancement of mechanical doping and electric motors, a rigged bike can go undetected because it’s so quiet. In addition to being quiet, there is always wind, tire, and other bike noise in a race not to mention the sound from the crowd. Also, because everything is inside the frame there is no way of telling just by looking at a bike if it has a motor in it. The one tip off could be the control button on the handlebars but that too can be well hidden. Also, if riders are smart, they won’t use it to be significantly faster than other riders but rather use it to save energy while still going the same speed as the riders around them. Done in this fashion, they never look like they’re riding like they have a motor in their bike.

What Officials Use to Find It

Previously officials were using x-ray type machines to scan bikes after a race. They would not implement the check at every race because of the size of the machine and hassle and thus did not catch any riders. Recently however they began using an app on a tablet that can detect the radio waves given off by the electric motor. At the Cyclocross World Championships they were in the pits checking bikes during the race due to its non-invasive nature.

Why Are Riders Using It?

Riders in today’s peloton, both on the road and in cyclocross, are turning to mechanical doping because it is becoming harder and harder to “blood dope” without getting caught. Some riders are looking for that edge and have found it in the form of technology. At least up until now, it was also a lot less likely to get caught doing it so the risk/reward ratio was in their favor. Now with more stringent checks and heavy sanctions (clause 12.1.013) not only against the rider but also the team, will hopefully help to deter mechanical doping.

How To Know If A Rider Is Cheating

Whether it be mechanical doping or blood doping, the one way to know to at least ask questions of a riders authenticity is to look at a riders progression in the sport as well as at recent races. The human body is only naturally capable of so much improvement in a set amount of time. When a rider has a break-out result seemingly out of no where, that is when things need to be looked into. A breakout result doesn’t mean a rider is doping, just that they did come out of nowhere and that the question of “why” needs to be answered whether it be poor luck or poor racing tactics prior. In the event of Femke Van den Driessche, she had a stand out result seemingly from nowhere earlier in the year that should have, and did throw up red flags.

Bike racing is, well racing, people are always going to try and find a short cut whether it be mechanical doping or otherwise. Fortunately the governing bodies are doing more and more to combat it and with riders getting caught such as this Belgian rider, hopefully more riders are deterred from cheating and choose to do it the ethical and meaningful way.

Best Women’s Bike Saddle – Consider These 5

February 4, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

Women and men come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The choice of a women’s bike saddle is all about the individual and her needs as a cyclist. As far as purpose goes, it’s perfectly acceptable for roadies to put mountain bike saddles on a road bike, and vice-versa. It’s done all the time. With that in mind, here are a few good saddles for you to look at and consider. Specs and pricing may differ per location and dealer.

All-Round Women’s Bike Saddle

Selle Italia Women’s Diva Gel Flow Saddle

This great looking, women’s bike saddle is designed to bring unparalleled riding comfort and performance to your road or mountain bike.

Comfortable Flow

Reviewers say that the silicone gel inserts and elastomer suspension shock absorber system make the Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow the most comfortable saddle for immediate results. It’s not designed for racing. The Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow is perfect for those purchasing a saddle for the first time or even those looking to take their cycling to the next level. $159.99.

Endurance Saddles

Terry Butterfly Ti Saddle

Terry has been designing and testing saddles with female athletes, distance riders, and recreational cyclists for more than two decades. The Italian-made Butterfly is wider in the rear than typical race saddles for good support of a woman’s sit bones. It has a complete cut away through the nose and mid-section, making it flexible and comfortable against soft tissues. It’s low profile, with a flat top and multi-density injection foam that’s stiffer in the rear makes for more power while pedaling. Textured leather wears beautifully over time. It’s completed with a debossed butterfly graphic.$159.00.

Another All-Arounder

WTB Deva

While not a women’s specific saddle the WTB Deva provides added width with gel inserts to aid in support in the right places. It does not
have a full cut out like some of the other saddles but rather a small recess to relieve pressure on sensitive areas. $150

The Racer

Fizik Arione Donna Ladies Saddle

The female version of the Arione borrows technology from it’s highly sought out men’s specific saddle. The ladies-specific Donna K:ium Wingflex Women’s Saddle is Fizik’s answer to female riders who loved the shape of the men’s Arione, but wanted something that addressed their unique anatomical needs while still having the pro-level quality they could find in the men’s versions. The women’s model is slightly shorter and slightly wider at the rear to accommodate a woman’s wider sit bones.

Arione Donna – Support in the Right Places

This saddle also makes use of a high density foam padding and pressure relief channel running the length of the saddle. The foam is somewhere between medium and firm to offer the right kind of support in the right places. The shell itself, like the men’s version, is made from nylon reinforced with carbon and it makes use of Wingflex technology. The Wingflex shell flexes downward in the critical area where the inner thighs contact the saddle allowing for more efficient, full-range movement while pedaling. Tipping the scale at less than 200 grams, the Donna K:ium Wingflex is in line with some of the lightest minimalist men’s saddles. $160

Traditional Unisex

Scientists have measured sit bone spacing for large populations. On average, the sit bones in men range in width, between 100mm – 140mm — give or take a few mm — and women’s range between 110mm – 150mm. The two averages show an overlap of 30mm between men and women’s average sit bone spacing. The small difference typically discredits the common perception that saddles require gender specificity. This overlap is is covered well with the Brooks saddle to sum things up .

Brooks B17 Narrow Imperial

Brooks is synonymous with quality and they’ve been in the business of making handmade leather saddles for over 100 years. Brooks also has somewhat of a cult following. If you’re a product of the ’70s, your first bike may have come with a Brooks saddle.

The First Cut-Out

The Brooks Imperial B17 features a hole in the middle of the saddle that’s designed to relieve perineal pressure for both men and women. Though some may think this is a new trend in bike saddles, Brooks was actually the first to use this design way back in the 1890’s — yea, it’s been around forever.

For Serious Riders

The Brooks Narrow Imperial may not be your cup of tea if you’re an occasional rider. The first thing you notice about a Brooks saddle is it’s rock hard. Those who don’t ride much tend to sit harder in the seat, and much of the discomfort from a bike seat disappears after a few rides.

Conforms to You

Despite the rigid texture, the Imperial saddle flexes and absorbs road bumps. And once the saddle is broken in — probably less than 500 miles, the leather conforms to your butt, and it becomes a custom saddle that’s individualized for every variation in your rear end. That’s why many long distance cyclists have made Brooks saddles a tradition.

Old World Class

Last but not least: If you want to turn heads with a women’s bike saddle, the B17 will add a touch of “old world” class to your agile road bike. The basic model starts at about $130.00.

Two More To Consider

Selle SMP TRK Lady Saddle

This saddle is a unique design that features a larger dip in the center of the saddle to keep you positioned on the correct part of the saddle along with a dropped nose to take away even more pressure from sensitive areas. It also features a large cut out in the center of the saddle that at first glance seems uncomfortable but in fact aids in comfort. $65

Serfas Women’s RX Saddle

The Serfas Women’s RX Saddle is designed to increase blood flow and alleviate numbness with added padding and increased shock absorption. It also had a larger cutout than most saddles to relieve pressure and place it where it’s supposed to be, the sit bones. $56

Game Changing Cycling Gadgets

February 4, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

The cool thing about cycling gadgets, is that they come from the innovative minds of cyclists. And who knows better what a cyclist needs — or doesn’t need for that matter. Some cycling gadgets are are purely whimsical, while others are game changing.

Hidden Tools

It’s a never a good feeling to reach for your tools in your saddle bag when you have a repair on the lonely highway, only to find that something missing from your tool kit. What if you had backup tools? This cycling gadget, the Incog Bike Multitool, is designed to fit the majority of handlebars. The entire tool bends like a snake so it can be pushed in past any curves in the bar. The InCOG retails for $60 and is currently in its pre-order stage.

Mini-Mini Air Pump

All cyclists face flat tires, it’s a given. Have you ever reached for your air pump, only to find it’s been damaged, missing the collar, jammed full of dirt, or otherwise doesn’t work? A Mobo Pocket 4″ Air Pump will get you back on the road. It’s so small it fits inside saddle bags, pants, or jersey pockets. The sleek, lightweight aluminum design, can even deliver 100 psi. It weighs only two ounces and is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves. It also has a mounting rack.

On The Bike Flat Fix

This simple tool may revolutionize flat fixing on the road. It’s pure genius. The Patchnride hand-held tool is not much bigger than a tire lever. It works by inserting a small plug in the puncture while the tire is still on the bike. Air up the tire with your mini pump and you’re on the road again in minutes — or less. It’s so new, that you may have to pre-order it.

Reflective Socks Rock

It’s official, cyclists love socks. Reflective socks are not exactly cycling gadgets, but they’re still a cool innovative design that aids a cyclist. If for no reason other than they’re cool, and oh, yea, make you safer on the road, reflective socks just rock.

Jacket With Turn Signals

While we’re on the subject of game saving gadgets that make you safer, how about a jacket that has motion-activated turn signals. The Visijax smart jackets are perfect for commuting, road riding in inclement weather, or anytime during the day or night. The very fact that they light up can save your life.

Solar Powered Tail Lights

Why didn’t someone think of this one before. Maybe it’s because modern technology has actually made one that works the way it’s supposed to. Requiring no batteries, one full charge from the sun will give the Solar Energy Bike Tail Light Solar four to eight hours of light time. Using two bright LED bulbs, this light has three modes for safety. Never allow your batteries to run down again. It’s waterproof so you can use it in even the worst weather.

Light Speaker

No cycling gadget list would be complete without delving into the whimsical. The Buckshot Pro is a bomb-proof light that also serves as a speaker. It mounts to your handlebars, can really take a hit or deal with water. With wireless connectivity to almost any Bluetooth device, it charges at home via your computer, or any other device with USB.

High-Performance Saddle

The N-Series seat by Infinity is gorgeous. This is probably one of the most serious gadgets — if you can call it a cycling gadget — that has been introduced regarding saddles in years. It looks like a skeleton. This no-frills saddle weighs in at just 210 grams. The N-Series Seat is made of injection-molded nylon. It has two purposes — comfort and performance. Don’t let its looks fool you, it’s at home on the 3000-mile RAM for example — but equally at home on a ride across town.

Airbag Helmet

Borrowing technology from vehicle air bag systems. The Hövding AirBag For Cyclists is one of the most innovative safety devices ever conceived for cyclists.You’ve just have to see this one for yourself.

It’s a Hood

The airbag is designed like a hood. It’s made with nylon fabric that won’t rip when scraped against the ground. The hood protects nearly all of the head when inflated, while leaving the field of vision open. The airbag uses accelerometers to detect that a fall is occurring and quickly inflates the airbag before impact with the ground.

Soft and Gentle

The inflated airbag covers a much larger area than a traditional cycle helmet and is designed in consultation with current accident statistics. The protective airbag provides extremely soft and gentle shock absorption. The pressure remains constant long enough to withstand multiple head impacts during the same accident. After that, the airbag deflates slowly.

Cold Inflation

The gas inflator that inflates the airbag is placed in a holder in the collar on the cyclist’s back. The gas inflator is “cold inflation”, meaning that it uses helium.

Cycling Gadgets Going too Far?

Has cycling innovation gone too far? Would you discard your traditional helmet for an airbag? Do you need a solar powered tail light or a jacket that lights up? Maybe yes, maybe not. The important thing is, you have the choice. The innovators and inventors of cycling gadgets keep pushing the limits. They should be applauded and supported whenever possible for making cycling safer and more fun. Keep the gadgets coming.

Cycling in Cuba

February 3, 2016 by Ryan Taylor

There is an old saying “a man cannot walk into the same river twice, as both the man and the river have changed.”

My entire adult life I have wanted to go to Cuba to explore the small island nation that had stood up against its mighty neighbour, and won…. forming a very unique place in our world.

I wanted to see how its people live their day to day lives after its well known revolution, and in what state the country was in first hand. With Cuba’s communist ways quickly softening, I felt that the sooner I started this adventure the better. The river that is Cuba is quickly changing and, in upcoming years, that change is sure to be in leaps and bounds.

When a friend asked me if I wanted to join him on a 14 day cycling trip in November to Cuba, I quickly jumped at the chance. This trip would be settling two scores for me.

Number one; I wanted to see Cuba at the ground level. The best way to do this is, of course, by bike.

Number two; after a very busy work year I wanted to escape from society, ever so briefly, and simplify my life to riding a bike, seeing good friends, and relaxing. The trip was shaping up nicely.

I was very curious about the north eastern province of Cuba called Holguin. When I put ‘Cycling in Holguin’ into Google, almost nothing came up. I had no idea about its roads, the people, the terrain,…the best rides. All of these were things that I picked up only after I arrived and was able to talk to people and explore.

There are signs of the revolution all over!

Holguin is the area where Fidel Castro was born in the small town of Brian in 1926 and also where he returned to start the revolution with Che Guevara in the early 50’s. Watching movies such as the ‘Motor Cycle Diaries’ or the two movie series called ‘CHE’ before your visit would add a lot of value to your stay as you explore the area.

The revolutionaries lived in the mountains around Holguin for years gaining strength and attacking the American supported Batista regime before overthrowing the government in 1953. While riding in Cuba one is sure to encounter many monuments commemorating Cuba’s very active history.

This would be an average quality road in Cuba.

As soon as I threw a leg over my bike it became apparent that Cuba has great quality roads….but not many of them! This is an area where most transportation and farming are done with horse and carriage. Dirt roads are the veins of this system. Exploring Cuba is best done on a gravel grinder, or modified cyclocross bike. My race ready, DI2 equipped road bike worked great, but to get to the meat and potatoes of Cuba, you need to access dirt roads. Think 30c tires minimum. I felt like there was a hidden world only accessible through exploring these side roads, and for my next adventure I would be sure to take a different bike.

When riding from the resorts you will find your options are either riding ‘left’ or ‘right’ as an out and back on paved roads. This is where the cross bike comes in handy as there are thousands of roads and mountains to explore in Cuba, BUT most of them aren’t paved. That being said if you are there for a week you won’t get tired of the paved routes.

If you are looking for a guide while in Holguin you will be greeted with very capable locals who tend to hang out in front of the resorts in the mornings. Some will be using bikes from the 70’s that should have been retired in that decade. They most likely will be using running shoes, but don’t let this fool you as they are very very strong riders. Most of the cycling gear Cuban’s use has been given to them by visiting cyclists, so expect to see shoes that don’t fit and parts working together that would make Joe Friel cry. Wheels and tires that are so thread bare that these locals are taking their life in their hands using them.

Should you take a selection of jerseys, helmets, parts, tubes or such as gifts, it is greatly appreciated. Most of the gear is distributed amongst the cycling community to those who need newer parts, or those who it fits best.

I stayed on a resort in the North Eastern part of the island. There is a large concentration of resorts in this area, and if you’re looking for a relaxing cycling trip this is the way to go. It is nice to romanticize about touring from one end of the island to the other while sleeping in a tent, and surviving on nothing but bananas and sugar cane. It’s equally nice knowing that after a long day in 30 degree Celsius heat you will have a shower, a bed, a meal and a place to let loose or even relax for the evening.

The resorts use the ‘star’ system most people are accustomed to. Don’t let a low star rating fool you however. The ‘stars’ system in Holguin Cuba doesn’t seem to indicate quality, but rather what type of trip you want, and amenities offered. Out of the blue I stumbled upon a very small resort which was only rated as 1 star, and was very inexpensive, yet beautiful, quiet and the definition of ‘middle of no-where’. The only prevailing noise was the waves from the beach and the wind in the palm trees. Instead of monstrous buildings, we were greeted with individual cabins that ran along the beach. If you were looking for some time to get away with someone special, and hide from the world I would recommend taking the time to check out locations in relation to the beach, and read forums and reviews. Cuba’s lodgings can be diamonds in the rough, and reward people who put in some work in the form of price, quaintness and beauty.

There are all modes of transport in Cuba, cars, bikes, busses, horses, buggies. Everything is utilized.

Cars and bicycles will forever be fighting for real estate, and one of the most interesting parts about Cuba are the cars. They are mostly made up of Russian era Ladas, with a few 50’s Chevrolets thrown in, and the odd Chinese car whose name no primary english speaker can pronounce.

Diesel is the fuel of Cuba, and as a result expect to be covered in grime after every ride. Because a Lada from the 50’s costs the equivalent of $20 000 CDN, you don’t see many cars on the road. Horse and buggy are the primary source of transportation. Overall, riding 2×2 you generally feel pretty safe as drivers seem accustomed to going around horse and buggies.

As expected, the beaches in Cuba are fantastic. The best ones are always the ‘locals only’ ones. Fortunately they are not hard to find. I would recommend Playa Blanco, which also hosts a monument to Christopher Columbus who landed in the area in 1492. It is worthwhile to relax and take some time in this area. There are a number of great ‘for locals’ restaurants, and also ones which have catered themselves to tourists, but in a charmingly Cuban way. These bear no flash or refinements North Americans are accustomed to, and the payoff is incredibly delicious and fresh fish usually caught hours before the meal.

A menu at a roadside restaurant in Cuba.

There are 2 currencies in Cuba. Any tourist can change their currency for the ‘Convertable” where $1 CDN is worth about .75 CUC. To put this in perspective, 1 CUC is worth about $25 Cuban dollars which can buy a bag of cement. Cubans are loaned their land from the government, but have to build on it if there isn’t a house on it. So $1 CDN is a small fortune to them. Only recently have Cubans been able to spend the ‘Convertable’ currency as freely as the Cuban Dollar.

Be sure to tip often. Although there are very few stores while riding through Cuba, there are often people who will sell you a plantain or banana on the side of the road. Even in November temperatures hover in the 30’s with high humidity. 1CUC for a couple of bananas is a lifesaver to both you and the fellow you bought them from.

Make a point to ride through the smaller towns in Holguin Provence. It’s important to remember that this small country primarily trades with other Spanish speaking countries and was put in a tough spot with the fall of the USSR which was its primary supplier of goods, fuel, farm machinery, and other foods. You get a sense that a lot of farmers were forced to revert back to farming with oxen as regular parts and farm machinery left with the Soviets. As a result some things deemed a necessity by North American standards are either too expensive, have long waits to receive it, or are simply unavailable.

The rides for the most part are largely out and backs. If you wanted to do loops, expect to be in the saddle for over 150 km, unless you have a cross bike and a guide. The mapping system that I have seen only covers the larger arteries of the island.

Internet is sparse in Cuba. At the resorts you can typically buy it for around $2 an hour, but getting the cards to give you access is sometimes difficult. It is important to remember this is not a ‘supply and demand society’. The internet is still a new thing in Cuba and most locals simply don’t have ANY access to it. I’ve been told that some civilians do have it, such as doctors, to keep up with current studies and trends.

Overall Cuba is a land of contradictions. It is stuck in its adolescence in the world market, but has a very tumultuous history. As its communist ways soften it has shown its defiance to one parent, while building its relationship with the other, and as a result offers a very unique experience. Cuban history is still very much apparent, and easy to find.

In the next 50 years I feel Cuba will become a power house in cycle tourism. However, the raw, true experience that many want to see, will be watered down with each year passing as Cuba grows and evolves.

Ten Best Folding Bikes for Traveling

February 2, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

A folding bike is bicycle that can be compacted by folding or separating some of its components. Older designs were primarily for leisure, touring, and commuting. Contemporary folding bikes include sleek road bikes and mountain bikes. They are designed to be as lightweight as possible and can be folded easily without using tools. Are folding bikes something you can use? Here are the best folding bikes and a brief run down of what folding bikes are.

Old-School Folders

Early folding bikes were hard to ride, heavy, crude, slow to fold, and often collapsed in a heap. But the early ’90s changed all that when rail operators and airlines began to tighten restrictions on conventional bike transportation. The concept of a super-compact foldable bike caught on, partly because they could still travel for free, and they were lighter in design and materials.

New Designs Rule

Contemporary designers have developed at least 150 folding bike designs and thanks to developments in smaller tires, technology and frame materials, the ride quality, weight and performance of the best folding bike is similar to that of their rigid cousins.

Some Distinct Advantages

Foldable bikes offer distinct advantages over conventional machines. It’s the freedom to travel anywhere with your folding bike that gives it a magic quality. A folding bike opens up entirely new ways of traveling.

Things to Consider in a Folding Bike

You’ll be carrying the bike by hand. The more you pay, the lighter the machine (typically). Generally speaking. folding bikes are more expensive than their non-folding counterparts.
Folded size is important too. If you expect to travel by air, the smaller the better.
Small wheels usually give lighter steering but a harder ride.
If you can’t live with small wheels, folding bikes are available with standard wheels, but they won’t fold as small.
Anything with a tire bigger than 20-inch will fold slowly, with more difficulty.
Bikes with 16 or 18-inch wheels have a limited range, but the best are still capable of 50-100 mile rides.
Avoid production or department store folding bikes. They tend to be heavy, with weird or clumbsy folding mechanisms and are just all-in-all a bad purchase.

The Ten Best Folding Bikes

In no particular order, here are ten different models to look at and consider. Note that bicycle specifications, availability, and stated prices may vary without notice in different regions. Always check specifications with your local supplier.

The Montague Boston

Use this one for city touring, around town for errands, commuting or appointments.

Full size, 700c wheels
Folds in 20 seconds
Weighs in at 24 lbs
Single speed
19 or 21 inch frame
$699.95
Buy Here

Pacific If Mode

Think of it as the Tesla of folding bikes, high-end and luxurious.

For city commuters who use public transport.
Looks at home folded up on a subway train or in an office.
Performs on the street like any full size bike.
Dual speed system
14.7 kg
$2,850
Buy Here

Montague Swiss Bike

This is your folding mountain bike option. Go anywhere, mud, dirt, and it climbs like crazy.

Front suspension
26-inch all-terrain tires
Folded Size: 36-by-28-by-12
32 lbs
Frame sizes 16, 18 and 20-inch
$629.95
Buy Here

The Ritchey Break-Away Steel Cross Frameset

Frameset only, but can be purchased fully built. Great for a cyclocross option. Rugged. It splits in half.

Full size bike can be split apart to fit into travel case
For serious roadies who travel by air
Add your own components and wheels
$1,499.95

Brompton M3L

This company has a long-standing reputation for quality and stability in compact folding bikes.

Fold size 22.2-by-21.5-by-10.6 inches — one of the most compact among comparable folding bikes.
16-inch wheels.
Three-speed gearing
25.3 pounds
Retailing from $1,280

Dahon Speed D7

A good folding bike without breaking the bank. Provides a surprisingly smooth

and stable ride for a folding bike. A budget price that gets high marks for value.

Seven speeds
20-inch wheels
15 second fold down
28 lbs
Folded size 11.7-by-25-by-25 inches
Retailing from $1,280
Buy Here

Bike Friday 1st Class tikit

Reported to be the fastest compact foldable bike on the market. Ggets high marks for its excellent ride quality and easy-to-use folding mechanism. reviewers say the bike is solidly built and has a comfortable ride. The quality of the ride defines the Tikit.

Folded dimensions: 35-by-24-by-15 inches
16-inch wheels
25.8 pounds
Shimano Nexus eight-speed internal hub (thus the speed)
$1,998

Dahon Tournado

Full-sized luxury in a folding road bike. A good choice for tourists and travelers who want a packable bike for touring or exploring. The frame comes apart into two pieces, so that after some additional disassembly the entire bike fits into an airline-legal suitcase

Full sized, 700c wheels
24 pounds
Folded size of 11.7-by-29.3-25.7 inches.
10 to 15 minutes to fold up
Comes with it’s own travel bag on wheels
Triple-ring drivetrain

Citizen Barcelona

Affordable, compact and reliable. Even though the Citizen Bike Barcelona doesn’t have the smallest fold, reviewers say it is comfortable to ride and the price is hard to beat. If comfort and value trump speed and compactness, then you’ll appreciate this bike’s laid-back sensibility

20-inch wheels
Three speeds
30 lbs
30-by-27-by-15 inches
$399

Ravello Bikes – Modifying Your Current Bike Into a Folding Bike

Ravello Bikes takes your existing bike, aluminum or steel, cuts it in half at strategic points and places flanges in place to disassemble and reassemble the bike. This is a great option if you already have a bike and want it smaller for travel. The flanges add some weight by functionality wise it is more or less the same.

The Belt Drive Bicycle — Will it Replace the Chain?

January 29, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

The belt drive bicycle is not a new invention. Motorcycles from the early 1900’s had belt drives. Museums around the world have old motorcycles wearing leather or reinforced rubber belt-drive systems. But as engines developed more power and torque, they needed something more reliable than leather or cheap rubber which lead to the invention of the modern day chain.

The History of The Belt Drive Bicycle

The chain driven motorcycle became the norm with more powerful engines. Belt design however continued to improve over the years, driven largely by applications such as fan belts. With newer rubber and cord formulations, chains were again beginning to be replaced with belts on big cruisers such as the Harley-Davidson.

Why It’s Important to Bicycles

You might ask; “What’s this all got to do with bicycles”? It’s got everything to do with bicycles because the belt drive on a belt drive bicycle is smoother than a chain and in the long run, more reliable. Belts are also lighter and help reduce overall mass.

Silent Running

The quietness of a belt is not the only virtue. There’s something to be said for a reduction in drivetrain noise. Belts do not rust, they resist environmental pollutants, and require no lubrication. You’ll also notice a near-instant engagement on a belt drive bike, versus the subtle lag of a chain.

Why They Differ

Belts are manufactured differently than chains. Belts are one continuous loop, with an inner carbon-fiber cord layered with polyurethane teeth and a nylon outer coating. They do not have any moving parts like the links and pins of a chain. This fact alone is enough to ask why they haven’t been on bikes for years.

Longevity and Wear

Belts wear slowly and evenly. The only wear that occurs is between the belt teeth and sprocket teeth. Belt drive systems are reported to last at least twice as long as chain systems and often five to ten times as long. Some cyclist testify that their belts have over 20,000 miles on them — we’re talking single speed bikes for the most part.

Why We Don’t See More Belt Drive Bicycles

It’s been suggested that belt drive bicycles are superior to chain driven bikes. So why haven’t we seen belts replacing the antiquated, noisy, dirty, heavy chain? Well it’s not that simple. Belts can’t flex sideways like a chain. Belts require frame modifications during construction. Belts require internal gearing to provide shifting options. These are just a few of the reasons why belts probably won’t replace chains.

No Side Flex

The main disadvantage of a belt is that, unlike chains, they do not take to side flex. This makes it impossible to shift onto different cogs for different gear ratios as the next cog over isn’t in a straight line from the front chainring which would require lateral flex.

Can’t Be Separated

Here’s where it begins to get complicated; It’s one thing to break a chain, install it on the bike, and then reattach the links to put the chain back together. But belts cannot be opened like a chain so the frame of the bike must be separated to install the belt. Frames must be built with a separation point somewhere within the drive side rear triangle. Fortunately more and more designers are realizing this fact and are making frames with split points designed into the seatstay or dropout — but these are still relatively uncommon.

Internal Gearing

So, we’ve solved the problem by inventing bike designs that split in the middle to install a belt. But what about the sideways flex not allowing for gear changes? This problem has also been solved with internal gearing. This means you can have gears in the rear hub that change your gear ratio. Internal gearing generally is limited in the ratios it offers and is also difficult to work on or service.

Road Bikes

The use of a belt drive bicycle in competitive road racing, or any road bike in general, is limited by the technology of internal hubs which are uncommon in road bikes. Another reason why we don’t see more of them on road bikes is that belt-drive systems are slightly wider than chain drive. Most roadies prefer the sleeker, more aerodynamic chain drive along with the wider range of gearing options.

Commuting Bikes

Commuting bikes are one of the fastest-growing segments of the bike market. This is where we will likely see more belt drive bicycles. Many companies already have options for a belt drive bicycle particularly for single-speeds as well as some internally geared options. A belt drive bicycle makes for a great commuting option because of their cleanliness and lack of maintenance.

Belts Versus Chains

Despite the advantages of a belt drive bicycle, chains continue to dominate the market. They are compatible with the majority of bikes and they can be modified to fit any frame and with any length. Chains make more sense for long distance or touring cyclists offering piece of mind because they are easier to find and replace. The chain is a a relic and belt drives have given it a run for it’s money in some regards but in the general sense of riding and functionality, the conventional chain will be the go to option for the foreseeable future.

Pro Cycling Team Hit by Car in Spain – How to Improve Awareness

January 26, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

This past week the World Tour Team Team – Giant-Alpecin had a training camp in Calpe, Spain where many teams flock for winter miles because of the good weather and terrain that is available. Bad luck struck however when a tourist from Britain was driving on the wrong side of the road and hit six of the riders, head on. Fortunately, all of the riders are in stable condition following the accident.

Improving Awareness

This brings up the continued issue of bike safety and awareness on the roadways. These riders were all professionals competing at the top level of the sport and have logged countless miles on the roads for years. If an event of this magnitude can strike a group of riders at this level, it can happen to anyone. In this instance, poor driving was the cause and it just happened to be a group of cyclists around the next bend and not another vehicle.

However, this goes back to the article, Safety in Numbers: More Cyclists, Safer Cycling, which sites that an increased number of cyclists on the roadways results in an increased awareness for cyclist, and thus a lower incident rate. In addition, it also increases the overall safety factor on the roads in general. It’s unclear of the exact circumstance, but had this women been properly educated about the increased cycling traffic on the roadways because of being a popular destination for cycling teams, she hopefully would not only have been more aware of cyclists on the roadways, but also in the overall attention to her driving in general. This hopefully would have resulted in her paying more attention and remembering that this location drives on the opposite side of the road than what she was used to at home.

Improving Our Safety

As with the Giant-Alpecin Professional Cycling Team, it’s often the case of dumb luck. You just can’t predict or expect something like that. After better educating and making the general public more aware, it is up to us to better our odds of avoiding incidents. The best solution is to simply ride roads that have less traffic and a wider shoulder. These are often rural country roads however which have the greater likelihood of vehicles travelling at faster speeds, and blind turns such as the case here in Spain, but less of them. With greater odds of reducing your crossings with vehicles there is still always a risk. In the event that something like this does happen, it’s just a matter of how you react and how quick as well as the driver. The best thing you can do to prepare for this is to just make sure your bike handling is up to snuff so you can brake and/or put your bike exactly where you want to go without even thinking about it.

Stay safe riding and don’t let the likelihood of incidents deter you from riding. There are far more things that have a greater risk factor and just being aware of your surroundings significantly lowers your risk. Keep your head up and pay attention. And enjoy the ride.

Starting a Bike Shop

January 18, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

Who hasn’t wanted to own a bike shop? Who hasn’t wanted to just work in a bike shop? The idea of self-employment and doing what you love is a dream that most cyclists have at times. But do you have the drive, the motivation, the determination, not to mention the money, for starting a bike shop? It’s more complicated that it seems, but if you’re willing to take the risk, nothing could be more fulfilling.

Starting a Bike Shop – Business Plan

A brilliant business plan, strong execution, quality service, effective advertising, location and targeted clientele are all part of the equation of starting a bike shop. Building a company that grows and profits is inherently difficult. It’s essential to come up with a great idea, fund the business somehow, and then you have to actually do what you say you were going to do. If you can prove that you can do all of these things well to a bank or an investor, they may just give you a loan for for starting a bike shop.

Leap of Faith

Most things in life that people aspire to do aren’t easy, but once you take the leap of faith, it’s all about commitment. People start businesses all the time, and most of them aren’t bike shops. They’re opening restaurants, retail shops, hair studios and professional services of all kinds, which is also really hard too. So if you open a bike shop, you have to love it and be committed to it.

Opening Expenses

Budget calculations beforehand is the recommended approach; it’s the only way really. A business plan includes finding and possibly renovate a retail spot, as well as a budget for initial inventory, hiring employees, and enough money left over to provide a buffer to last at least a year.

Location, Location, Location

Location can depict startup costs. A newly opened bike shop in San Fransisco, Huckleberry Bicycles, projected they’d need a 2,000 square foot store and the rent would be $6-8,000 per month. Renovating the store would cost about $100,000 doing the work themselves. The initial inventory to get started would be about $75,000 and $25-50,000 would cover miscellaneous expenses. $100,000 would serve as the buffer so they could confidently hire a full-time employee to run their service center.

Income – Where From?

Deciding what your projected income will be and how you’re going to obtain it is part of the business plan. Will most of your income be from retail, the selling of new bikes, or will the income be from bike repair and servicing, or both. It can make a difference.

Smaller Communities

Starting a bike shop in bigger cities might rely on retail purchases of new bikes, whereas a location in a smaller town might rely more on servicing and repairing bikes. A friendly, peaceful spot, in a small town is a self-employment suggestion if you’re good at working on bikes and it gives you a relaxed, pleasant life. Smaller communities are a good potential market for bikes and servicing and one that’s been neglected for too long. Beginning in the early ’70’s, bikes outsold automobiles for the first time in history — someone has to service all those millions of machines.

Small Town Start-Up

Start-up costs in smaller towns is far, far less than in large cities. Smaller towns, no less than 10,000 people, is calculated at just enough to provide the volume to support a bike shop business. It’s not recommended to try in anyplace smaller. Some figures have startup costs as low as $10,000 or less. Rent for unoccupied buildings can be as low as $100 or less. A small building in the very center of town is just about perfect. An old gas station on a good site would be good for a mom-and-pop bike shop.

Wholesale Dealers

You will need to line up wholesale suppliers to furnish you with bicycles, parts, and accessories before your grand opening. And remember, the closer your wholesale source, the less you’ll have to spend for freight charges, and products will likely arrive quicker.

Advertising Expenses

Budget enough money for advertising. A simple, direct advertising approach works best. And most successful business agree that a good, exterior sign can do more for your business than almost anything else. The amount of advertising money you spend is up to you.

Two Brands

Your initial supply of bicycles should allow the customer a choice of at least two brands. If you’re dealing with reputable dealers, they can help you decide on the best colors and frame sizes to start with. But be cautious, wholesalers may want to sell you more expensive bikes than your customer base can support. In the beginning it’s best not to tie up your limited capital in expensive items that may or may not move. But keep them in your brochures to order in case someone wants a higher-priced model.

Dedication and Family

Remember, if you run the shop yourself it’s likely that you will be spending weekends and some nights in your shop, away from your family. As with anything in life, balance is key.

Jobs and Income

If you’re not independently wealthy, you’ll also have to have enough income from somewhere, to pay the mortgage on your own home, buy groceries, shoes for the kids, utilities etc. Can you still work at a different career and run the shop as well? Will you quit your existing job and focus on the shop full time? These are all questions that you need to answer before making the first move to starting a bike shop. You can work out the details later but the big questions need to be answered for a well thought out business to be successful.

Diversify Your Shop

Bike shops are shifting gears around the country. A recent survey by the National Bicycle Dealers Association of 4,000 establishments found that 12 percent have coffee bars, 11 percent offer spinning classes and almost 5 percent serve beer. About 1 percent offer massages, yoga or full-service restaurants. Diversity may be the key to keeping the doors open so keep your options open.

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