I’m Jared, and Mizubikes is where I write about the bikes I build, ride and wrench on.
I’m an engineer by trade. My day job is hands-on work in embedded systems, motion control and medical device process development, so I’m used to reading spec sheets skeptically and measuring things myself. That habit carries over to bikes. When I write about a wheelset, a drivetrain or a frame, I want to know what the numbers actually mean on the road or trail, what it costs per gram, and what you give up to get it.
I’m based in Southern California and ride road, gravel and mountain bikes. Lately that means a 2026 SuperSix Evo with a 13-speed 1x drivetrain, a Cannondale Scalpel HT I converted into a drop bar gravel bike, and a Stumpjumper 15 Alloy trail build. I do my own builds and maintenance, and a lot of what’s on this site comes straight out of my garage.
What you’ll find here
- Builds: complete parts lists, real weights and what I’d change, like the Factor Ostro VAM V2 and the hardtail gravel conversion.
- Comparisons: head-to-head breakdowns with specs and prices, like Epic 8 vs Epic 9 and ENVE G SES vs Zipp 303 XPLR.
- Buyer’s guides: what’s worth buying and what isn’t, from gravel tires to budget bike tools.
- Repair and maintenance: practical guides like how we turned a $940 shop quote into $215 in parts.
How I write
I try to be honest about tradeoffs and clear about what I’ve actually tested versus what I’m reporting from specs and other reviews. When I haven’t ridden something, I say so. Prices and specs change, so posts include the date they were last updated.
Watch the builds
Most builds have a companion video on the @mizubikes YouTube channel. If you’re into 3D printing and maker projects, I also run MizuMakes.
Affiliate disclosure
Mizubikes is reader-supported. Some links on this site are affiliate links, including links to Amazon, Canyon (through AvantLink) and Worldwide Cyclery. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate relationships never decide what I recommend, and when a brand provides a product or a discount, I say so in the post.
Questions or corrections? Get in touch.