Mountain bike in a repair stand for DIY maintenance

DIY Bike Maintenance: How to Save Money on Repairs

https://youtu.be/Fh0zcVl-7WA Mizubikes may earn a commission from links in this post. Is your bike in need of some repairs, but you’re shocked by the high price tag from the bike shop? I recently came across a $940 repair quote to fix my friend’s bike, and I knew we could do it ourselves for a fraction of the cost. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps we took to complete the necessary bike maintenance, save hundreds of dollars, and keep the bike running smoothly. Doing bike repairs yourself isn’t just about saving money—it’s also a satisfying way to learn more about your bike and make sure everything is in top shape. ...

February 20, 2025 · 6 min
2025 Cannondale SuperX gravel and cyclocross race bike

2025 Cannondale SuperX Review: Gravel and CX Race Bike

2025 Cannondale SuperX. Image: Cannondale Why the 2025 Cannondale Super X Is the Ultimate Gravel Race Bike The 2025 Cannondale Super X is here, and it’s better than ever. With a sleek aerodynamic frame, improved tire clearance, and long-overdue design changes, Cannondale has taken an already legendary cyclocross and gravel race bike and made it even more versatile. If you’re wondering what makes this bike so special, here’s why the 2025 Super X stands out from the competition. ...

February 18, 2025 · 4 min
Road bike tires, mini pump and bike lights on sale

Road Bike Gear Worth Buying on Sale: Tires, Pump, Lights

This started as a February 2025 deals roundup. The specific deals are long gone, but these three items regularly go on sale, and they’re still what I’d watch for. Prices change constantly, so check the current price before you buy. Mizubikes may earn a commission from links in this post. Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR 700x28, Tubeless Ready (Pair) The Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR 700x28 is one of the best tubeless-ready tires on the market, known for its excellent balance of speed, durability, and puncture resistance. Whether you’re riding for performance or endurance, these tires deliver. ...

February 11, 2025 · 3 min
Selling used bike parts on eBay

Selling Bike Parts on eBay: Fees and Tips Explained

Got old bike parts collecting dust? Selling them on eBay can be a great way to make extra cash, hopefully to buy more bike parts. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll pay and how to maximize your profits. eBay Selling Fees: What to Expect 1. Listing Fees (Insertion Fees) Free for up to 250 listings per month. After that, it’s $0.30 per listing. 2. Final Value Fees (Selling Fees) When I wrote this, eBay took 13.25% of the total sale price (including shipping) + $0.30 per order for most categories. Example: Sell a derailleur for $50 → eBay keeps $6.93 → Your net earnings: $43.07. eBay adjusts these rates periodically and they vary by category, so check eBay’s current seller fee page before you price anything. Other Costs to Consider 1. Shipping Costs Smaller parts: $4–$8 (USPS Ground Advantage, which replaced First Class). Larger items (frames, wheels): $30–$80+. eBay offers discounted shipping labels to save money. 2. Packaging Supplies Reuse boxes and packing materials when possible to cut costs. 3. Optional Promoted Listings You can pay extra to boost your listing in search results. Tips to Maximize Profits Research Pricing – Check sold listings to price competitively. Write Detailed Listings – Include clear descriptions and good photos. Offer Competitive Shipping – Free shipping can attract buyers, but only if it makes financial sense. Sell in Bundles – Grouping parts together can save on shipping and attract more buyers. Consider Local Pickup – Avoid high shipping costs for large items. Final Thoughts Selling old bike parts on eBay is a great way to make extra money, but fees and shipping costs can eat into profits. Plan wisely, price smartly, and you’ll turn unused parts into cash in no time! ...

February 10, 2025 · 2 min
Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro Ultegra Di2 at the bike shop

Tarmac SL8 Pro Di2: Complete vs Custom Build Cost

Is it cheaper to buy a complete built bike or build one from the frame up? I recently had a chance to check out the Specialized SL8 Pro Ultegra Di2 complete bike at my local bike shop and it got me thinking, is it cheaper to build one from the frame up or buy the complete bike. So I decided to do a cost breakdown of what the individual parts cost, both at MSRP and at some of the deal prices I’ve seen lately. Let’s start with the what you get when you buy the Specialized SL8 Pro Ultegra Di2 model ...

January 14, 2024 · 7 min
Tubeless road bike saddle bag essentials laid out

Tubeless Road Bike Saddle Bag: 5 Essentials

Here is the list of 5 items I have in my tubeless road bike saddle bag Specialized SWAT Mini CO2 head with a CO2 cartridge Specialized SWAT Conceal Carry multi-tool Dynaplug Racer Pro Park Tool tire lever Tubolito Tubo-Road spare tube Mizubikes may earn a commission from links in this post. Seat bags can get heavy We spend thousands of dollars shaving small amounts of weight off our bikes, weigh them, then strap on a heavy filled up seat bag. Because most of us aren’t racing, we will have a seat bag on our bikes 100% of the time. A great way to ensure you aren’t adding too much weight to your bike is to minimize the seat bag weight while still ensuring that you are ready for anything. ...

December 14, 2023 · 4 min
Budget bike tools for beginner home mechanics

Best Budget Bike Tools for Beginners: Buy vs Skip

Prices were checked when this post was written and have likely gone up a bit since, but the buy-this-not-that logic still holds. Mizubikes may earn a commission from some links. You want to start working on your own bike but are on a budget You have just made the decision to start working on your own bike, and there are many great reasons to do so. Some great reasons to work on your own bike are: ...

December 9, 2023 · 4 min
Cannondale CAAD13 aluminum road bike

Cannondale CAAD13 vs SuperSix Evo: Is Aluminum Worth It?

CAAD 13 aluminum vs. 2023 SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod carbon cost comparison Cannondale has always continued to make quality aluminum bikes for as long as I can remember, even after carbon took over the top step and the CAAD 13 is no exception. The question is, is aluminum still a good value with all the reasonably priced carbon options out there? Just comparing the framesets The CAAD 13 framesets can be found for around $1000-$1400 and I’ve seen some go for even cheaper used. That usually includes a frame, fork, headset, and a seatpost. Comparing this to the new Cannondale 2023 SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod which goes for $4500 new. ...

November 1, 2023 · 3 min
Child bike trailer and rear child bike seat compared

Bike Trailer vs Bike Seat for a 1-Year-Old

Quick answer: If you ride a road bike, want to bring a second kid or a dog, or care most about protection in a fall, get a trailer. If you need something light, cheap and easy to store and your bike has rack mounts, a rear child seat is simpler. We chose a trailer. Mizubikes may earn a commission from links in this post. My baby is turning one, and it’s finally time for a bike trailer or a bike seat I have been patiently waiting till I can take my daughter out on bike rides with me in a baby bike trailer. Most of the bike trailers I have looked at recommend that the baby be at least 1 year old. Check the manufacturer’s minimum age and whether your child can sit up unsupported with a helmet on before the first ride. My plan is to look at options for trailers and the bike that it will be hooked up to. ...

September 27, 2023 · 3 min
Zipp 303, ENVE SES 4.5 and Roval Rapide CLII carbon road wheels

Freehub Sound Test: Zipp 303 vs ENVE SES vs Roval

Freehub sound is one of those things nobody admits they care about until they hear it. Some riders want silence, some want the buzz, and a lot of us just want to know what we’re signing up for before spending a couple thousand dollars on wheels. So I put three popular carbon road wheelsets back to back: the Zipp 303, the ENVE SES 4.5 and the Roval Rapide CLII. Coast each one, listen, and decide which you could live with on every ride. Sound isn’t a performance spec, but engagement design affects both the noise and how quickly the hub picks up when you start pedaling, and that’s worth knowing before you buy. ...

September 17, 2021 · 1 min