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Becoming a Pro Cyclist at 18: Possible or a Mirage?
Let me hit you with the cold, hard truth right from the get-go: it’s a long shot, kid. But don’t let that ruin your parade. You came here for answers, and I’ve got plenty to give—just not the ones you might like. So sit tight, strap your helmet on, and let’s see if you’ve got…
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Broken Tip of a Presta Valve? Do This.
So there you are, standing in your garage, staring at your bike like it’s a disloyal dog that bit you. The tip of your Presta valve just snapped off, and you’ve got that sinking feeling in your stomach. It’s like when you were young, you bent your mom’s favorite spoon out of sheer curiosity, and…
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Bringing Your Own Parts to a Bike Shop: Good or Bad?
I walked into the bike shop with my own bottom bracket, and the mechanic looked at me like I’d just spat on his wrench. “Where’d you get this?” he asked, flipping it over like it might be counterfeit. “Online,” I said. He nodded. That was all he needed to hear. The unspoken rule had been…
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The 7 Magical Things That Happen Upon Switching From a Hybrid to a Road Bike
Alright, let’s start with the truth—hybrids are for people who don’t want to choose. They’re the 7-Eleven of bikes, half roadie, half mountain. But once you make the leap, once you switch to a road bike, the world changes. You feel the wind differently. You look at the asphalt and think, “I could eat that…
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High IQ Tips for 20-Somethings Learning How to Ride a Bike
You’re 25. You’ve got the world at your feet—or so you thought until you tried to ride a bike for the first time. Balancing on two wheels feels like trying to juggle flaming chainsaws while blindfolded. Let me tell you, it’s not as easy as it looks, and you’re not alone in this. But here’s…
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Your Bike Was In Sleep Mode For a Year (Do This Before Taking It Out)
Ever let your bike hibernate for a year? It’s like sending it off to a mental health retreat for a break, and now you’re back, ready to take it out for a spin. But hold up. You can’t just hop on and hope it works like it did last time. No, no. That bike’s been…
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How To Get Mentally Comfortable in Your Cycling Kit
The embarrassment of wearing that tight spandex…. It’s like your body’s on display, but not for any reason you asked for. Cycling kit—the neon colors, the shiny fabric, the perfectly molded shorts that hug every curve. The question hounds you: What are people thinking? And yet, we keep wearing it. Why? Because underneath all that…
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A Rookie Dilemma: Older High-End Bike vs. A New Entry-Level Bike
The choice that keeps you up at night, staring at your bank account, wondering if it’s worth it to invest in something that’ll leave you crying into your seat after one too many hills. It’s the age-old question for rookies in the cycling world: Do you go for the vintage, high-end beauty with a frame…
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Let’s Discuss Bike Improvements Over The Last Decade
Let’s face it: bike technology has been moving at a pace that makes the average rider’s head spin. I mean, ten years ago, the top tech was the stuff of dreams, and now? We’re talking about bikes with so many gadgets and gizmos that they practically pedal themselves. Okay, maybe not quite, but if you’re…
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My Take On Muscle Cramps On Long Rides
So, you’ve been riding for hours, heart racing, wind against your face, and then – bam! – out of nowhere, you feel it: the dreaded muscle cramp. Those electric bolts of pain shooting through your quads and hamstrings like your muscles just decided to call it quits. You’re not alone, my friend. Cramping after long…