Ball bearings

  When I’m out riding on rough trails or pushing through long mountain routes, my hands are my first connection to the bike. And trust me, choosing the right mountain bike grips makes a huge difference. It’s not just about holding the bars — it’s about comfort, control, and making sure I can ride longer without my hands going numb. Why MTB Grips Matter to Me I’ve ridden with bad grips before, and it’s not fun. On bumpy terrain, good grips help absorb vibrations and reduce fatigue. When I’m descending or riding in wet conditions, I need grips that won’t slip. And when grips wear out, it’s not just annoying — it’s unsafe. So now, I only ride with grips that actually support my hands and improve my control. How I Choose the Right Grips Over the years, I’ve learned to focus on three main things:  material, installation type, and grip shape . Material-wise , I love silicone grips. They’re soft, absorb shock well, and work perfectly with my carbon handlebars. Rubber is also great fo...

  When I first noticed my bike’s handlebar grips feeling loose and uncomfortable, I figured it was time for a change. I didn’t know much at first, but I soon learned that replacing handlebar grips is a basic skill every cyclist should know. I discovered that over time, grips can wear out, crack, or get sticky. Mine had definitely seen better days, and I wanted something more comfortable and secure. When I Knew It Was Time to Replace the Grips I looked closely at my grips and saw small cracks and some hard spots. Worse, one side was starting to slip when I rode. That’s when I realized I needed to take them off and put on new ones. What Tools I Needed Before starting, I grabbed a few simple tools: A flat-head screwdriver Rubbing alcohol (or soapy water) A clean towel An Allen wrench (for lock-on grips) A hair dryer (optional for heat) Figuring Out My Grip Type Turns out, there are two main types of grips: Push-on grips  (the ones that slide on with friction) Lock-on grips  ...

  When I first got into cycling, I didn’t think much about the bike stem. I focused on the frame, the tires, even the pedals — but not this small piece connecting the handlebars to the fork. It turns out, the   bike stem length   plays a huge role in how comfortable I feel and how well my bike handles. Once I figured that out, I started diving deeper to understand it properly. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned and how I measured my bike stem like a pro. What Is Bike Stem Length? At first, I had no idea what stem length meant. But it’s actually quite simple — it’s the horizontal distance between the center of the steerer tube (the vertical tube that connects to your fork) and the center of the handlebar clamp. Most stem lengths fall somewhere between  60mm and 130mm , depending on the bike type and your riding style. This small measurement has a big impact on how stretched out or upright I feel when riding. How I Measured My Bike Stem Length I wanted to get th...

  When I first got into cycling, I thought handlebars were just… well, handlebars. Something to steer with, maybe lean on when I’m tired. But after riding through cities, across mountain trails, and on long touring routes, I’ve come to realize how   critical handlebar choice really is . It’s not just about how they look — it’s about how they feel, how they guide your posture, and how they impact your performance and comfort. Whether you’re grinding up steep off-road climbs or cruising city streets, the right handlebars make a massive difference. Why Handlebar Types Matter (From My Saddle) Take it from someone who’s ridden with just about every bar out there:  handlebars are the unsung heroes of your ride . They affect your posture, wrist comfort, balance, even your speed and efficiency. For example, when I’m commuting, flat bars give me great visibility and control in traffic. But when I’m racing or going for distance, drop bars are a no-brainer — they’re aerodynamic, off...