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intermediate bike tools Keeping a bicycle in top shape requires more than just basic know-how. Once past the beginner phase, investing in intermediate-level tools can make home repairs more efficient and help extend the life of any bike. The right intermediate bike tools allow cyclists to complete complex repairs, perform detailed adjustments, and maintain components that often require more finesse. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most useful intermediate bike tools every cyclist should consider adding to their workshop. ...

Upgrading a hardtail mountain bike into a gravel beast with a drop bar setup is easier than ever with SRAM’s AXS wireless components. Here’s the complete list of parts needed to pull off a clean and functional hardtail gravel bike drop bar conversion. Choosing the right parts ensures your bike remains fast, durable, and comfortable across all kinds of terrain. Essential Parts Needed for a Hardtail Gravel Bike Drop Bar Conversion SRAM Force eTap AXS Drop Bar Shifters (wireless) SRAM GX Eagle AXS Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle Boost Crankset - 170mm, 12-Speed, 32t Sram XG-1275 GX Eagle 12-Speed Cassette SRAM AXS Batteries and Charger Gravel handlebar: Zipp SL 70 XPLR Drop Handlebar - Carbon 31.8mm 40cm Matte Black Shorter Stem (60-80mm for ideal reach and handling) SRAM Hydraulic Brake Calipers Handlebar Tape Brake Hose/Cable Routing Supplies (if reconfiguring brakes) Choosing Brake Calipers for a Post Mount Frame Most mountain bike frames, including hardtails, use post mount brake calipers. This is an important detail when selecting brakes for your drop bar conversion. You have three solid options: ...

2025 Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Alloy frame in raw aluminum finish, ready for component swap in workshop setting Wondering how to plan a mountain bike frame swap without replacing all your components? I’m preparing to swap my Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Alloy over to the 2025 Stumpjumper 15 Alloy—and I’m sharing exactly what will carry over, what needs replacing, and what to look out for, especially if you’re running a mullet setup. ...

Hardtail gravel bike conversion Gravel bikes are all the rage—but what if you already have a capable hardtail mountain bike frame sitting in your garage? That’s the question I asked before starting a hardtail gravel bike conversion using a Cannondale Scalpel HT. Spoiler: with the right parts, it might be better than a dedicated gravel frame—especially for mixed terrain, chunkier fire roads, or long-distance bikepacking. Why Convert a Hardtail to a Gravel Bike? The Cannondale Scalpel HT is a lightweight, progressive XC race hardtail, and it turns out to be an ideal platform for a hardtail gravel bike conversion. Here’s why: ...

Specialized Aethos The Specialized Aethos might be the most quietly brilliant road bike out there. It’s not aero. It’s not a race bike. And it’s definitely not one of those overhyped showcase bikes built to dazzle on Instagram more than real roads. But it is light, smooth, and a blast to ride—especially if you’re juggling work, family, and a tight training window. The Aethos isn’t trying to win races. It’s built for riders who just want to enjoy the road, feel fast, and get that little rush when the climb kicks up or the group ride speeds up. It doesn’t shout “pro-level performance,” but it definitely delivers it in its own way. ...

Balance bike vs training wheels—it’s one of the first big decisions you’ll face when buying your toddler’s first bike. If your little one is around 2 years old and ready to ride, you’ve probably wondered which option will help them build confidence, balance, and coordination. As a parent going through this decision right now for my own daughter, I spent time researching both. Here’s what I found—and which style we’re going with. ...

2025 Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Meta Description: Explore the full 2025 Specialized Turbo Levo 4 e-MTB lineup. Compare features, motor power, and pricing across the S-Works, Pro, Expert, and Comp models to find the best Levo for your ride style. The 2025 Specialized Turbo Levo 4: Power, Range, and Ride Quality The 2025 Specialized Turbo Levo 4 lineup represents the next evolution in full-power electric mountain bikes. With redesigned geometry, advanced electronics, and suspension tech like Genie shock across the board, every Levo 4 model is built to deliver high performance and confidence across all types of trail terrain. ...

Learning to fix your bike at home is easier than you think. With a few beginner bike repair tools, you can save money, skip unnecessary trips to the shop, and gain confidence in your bike maintenance skills. Whether you’re a new cyclist or just want to be more self-sufficient on the road or trail, this essential starter kit includes everything you need to tackle the most common bike repairs yourself. ...

Building your dream bike is one of the best parts of riding, and for me, that dream is based on the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Alloy. I set this rig up to thrive on aggressive trail and enduro riding, with a mullet wheel setup and a dialed parts list built around performance, reliability, and fun while still keeping budget in mind. Here’s a full breakdown of my custom Stumpy EVO build and why each piece made the cut. ...

alt=‘SRAM Eagle Transmission 70 and 90 vs Shimano SLX, XT, XTR full drivetrain components side-by-side’ If you’re shopping for a new mechanical drivetrain in 2024, you’ve likely come across the new SRAM Eagle 70 and Eagle 90. These newly released groupsets bring modern mechanical shifting to a more accessible price point—fitting in just between SRAM’s GX and SX lines. But how do they compare to Shimano’s popular SLX, XT, and premium XTR drivetrains? ...