Ball bearings

  As a beginner in cycling, I never thought something as small as a   bike stem   could make such a big impact. But after feeling discomfort during long rides and struggling with control on turns, I realized it might be time to make a change. That’s when I decided to replace my bike stem — and honestly, the results were amazing. If you’re also new to this, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through  why I made the switch , what tools I needed, and  step-by-step how I replaced my bike stem , all based on my own experience. I also upgraded to the  Falcarbon FS20 Carbon Stem , which I’ll talk more about below. Related Articles:  How to Change a Bike Stem . Why I Decided to Replace My Bike Stem At first, I didn’t even know what a bike stem did. But after doing some research (and feeling real neck pain after every ride), I learned that the stem connects your  handlebars  to the  steering tube . And it affects way more than you’d think: Comfort : A sh...

  When I first dove into mountain biking, I quickly realized that mastering the trails wasn’t just about strength or speed — it was about control and precision. One crucial component that made a massive difference in my ride was the MTB stem. This little part, connecting my carbon fiber handlebars to the front fork, became my secret weapon for handling tight corners, steep climbs, and technical descents. It influences not only how my bike responds but also my posture and overall comfort on those long rides. Whether you’re into cross-country (XC), trail riding, or ripping down steep downhill tracks, choosing the right MTB stem can totally transform your experience. Over the years, I’ve tested many stems and learned what works best depending on your riding style and goals. Let me share some insights and top picks that could help you elevate your mountain biking game. Related Articles:  Best MTB Stem . What Exactly Is an MTB Stem? Think of the MTB stem as the “handlebar connector...

  When I first got into mountain biking, I didn’t realize how important the right saddle size was. I used to think as long as it looked cool or was made by a popular brand, it’d do the job. But after long rides on rough trails, I started feeling the consequences — numbness, discomfort, even pain. That’s when I dug deeper into what really matters: saddle fit. Why Saddle Fit Matters on the Trail A well-fitting MTB saddle can make or break a ride. When you’re out there grinding up climbs or bombing down rocky descents, comfort and support aren’t luxuries — they’re necessities. If the saddle doesn’t match your sit bones (your ischial bones), you’ll feel it. Too narrow, and you get pressure in all the wrong places. Too wide, and it rubs your thighs raw. Trust me, it’s not something you want to ignore. Finding My Saddle Size: The Turning Point One of the best things I did was measure my sit bone width. It sounds technical, but it’s actually pretty easy. I sat on a piece of corrugated ca...

  What I fear most during a ride? A sudden flat tire. It happened on a bright and sunny weekend. I was full of energy, pedaling up a mountain trail, ready to conquer the hills. Then —  pssshh  — a sharp rock punctured my tire. Just like that, all the air was gone, and my ride came to an abrupt end. If you’re a cyclist, I’m sure you’ve been there. Whether you’re into off-road MTB, long-distance touring, or just a daily commuter, flat tires are an unavoidable nuisance. But then I discovered something simple, yet incredibly effective:  Bike Tire Liners . And honestly, they changed the way I ride. What Are Bike Tire Liners? Think of them as a thin shield that sits between your outer tire and inner tube. They may look unimpressive, but they block sharp objects like glass, nails, and rocks before they reach your tube. Ever since I started using them, my tires have barely had any issues. Why I Swear by Bike Tire Liners Here are the top reasons why I’m hooked: Puncture Resis...