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Update (October 2026): this build is finished. The final bike ended up different from the plan below. It got drop bars right away, a Niner RDO rigid fork instead of the ENVE, and SRAM Rival XPLR AXS with Garbaruk’s 13-speed 10-52 cassette instead of a GX Eagle mix. It weighs 18 lb 7 oz with pedals. The full parts list, weight and ride impressions are in Mountain Bike to Gravel Bike Conversion: Garbaruk 10-52 13-Speed Build, and I later tested 2.35" tires on it in I Put 2.35" MTB Tires on My Drop Bar Gravel Bike. The rest of this post is the original plan, and the reasoning still holds. ...

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. ...

Quick answer: All four Levo 4 models share the same carbon frame, 160mm travel and 840Wh battery. The S-Works gets the stronger motor (111Nm vs 101Nm). The Expert is the value pick: you get the same frame, the same battery and a FOX 38 for $4,000 less than the S-Works. 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. ...

Mizubikes may earn a commission from links in this post. 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. ...

If you’re shopping for a new mechanical mountain bike drivetrain, you’ve likely come across SRAM Eagle 70 and Eagle 90. They’re SRAM’s mechanical versions of its Transmission groupsets, and they bring that hangerless, frame-mounted shifting to a much more accessible price. But how do they compare to Shimano’s popular SLX, XT and XTR? In this post, I break down the major contenders by weight, MSRP and overall value: SRAM SX, GX, X01, Eagle 70 and Eagle 90, and Shimano SLX, XT and XTR. ...

Today I’m unboxing a frame I’ve been genuinely excited to try — the 2025 Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Alloy. The real kicker? It’s on sale right now, marked down from $2299 to $1499 for the frame and shock. At this price point, it’s easily one of the best values in the trail bike world today. To be honest, I’ve always had a hard time justifying alloy frames priced north of $2000, so this discount made the decision much easier. ...

If you’re debating whether to upgrade from Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 to Dura-Ace R9200 Di2, you’re probably wondering: Is the weight savings worth the extra cost? In this post, we break down the weight differences for each component, the cost per gram saved, and whether Dura-Ace delivers the best bang for your buck. Weight and Cost Comparison: Dura-Ace R9200 vs. Ultegra R8100 Shimano’s Dura-Ace groupset is its top-tier offering, boasting lighter materials, refined shifting, and marginal gains in performance. Meanwhile, Ultegra R8100 delivers similar performance but at a lower price point, making it an attractive choice for many riders. ...

Buying a bike can be a significant investment, especially if you’re considering a high-end model. But did you know you can save a lot of money by buying a used bike instead of a brand new one? Not only can you find great deals, but purchasing a used bike also allows you to access top-tier models at a fraction of the original price. However, many potential buyers hesitate because of concerns about risks, such as frame issues or worn-out components. The good news is that transferable warranties can help mitigate those risks and ensure peace of mind while saving money. ...