https://bicyclespokesman.com/A Bicycling BlogThu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTen-ushttps://bicyclespokesman.com/types-of-bicycle-tours/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTTouringhttps://bicyclespokesman.com/types-of-bicycle-tours/ Bicycle touring can take many forms. At one extreme, the rider plans the tour, carries all supplies and has no support. At the other end, a tour company plans the route, carries luggage and provides support. Self-supported touring is pure adventure. You carry everything on your bike. Fully supporte...https://bicyclespokesman.com/picking-a-bicycle-tour-company/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTTouringhttps://bicyclespokesman.com/picking-a-bicycle-tour-company/ I have done nearly twenty bicycle tours ranging from self-supported to fully supported. Choosing a tour company starts with destination. Some companies tour worldwide, others are limited. Decide how much biking versus sightseeing you want. The balance depends on the location. Key factors: destinati...https://bicyclespokesman.com/best-road-bikes-2008/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTRoad Cyclinghttps://bicyclespokesman.com/best-road-bikes-2008/ The 2008 season brought exceptional machines. The Trek Madone dominates with aerodynamic tubes. The Specialized Tarmac appeals to climbers with its round-tube design. Bianchi's Infinito brings Celeste to endurance. Colnago's EPS remains a boutique frame. Aluminum improved too: the Cannondale CAAD9 ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/mountain-bike-trails-utah/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTMountain Bikinghttps://bicyclespokesman.com/mountain-bike-trails-utah/ Utah is a mountain biker's paradise. The Slickrock Trail in Moab offers gravity-defying traction. The Wasatch Crest Trail drops 3,000 feet from Guardsman Pass. Beginners can start on the Jordan River Parkway. From Moab's red rock to Park City's alpine singletrack, the diversity is unmatched. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTMaintenancehttps://bicyclespokesman.com/how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/ Flat tires are inevitable but fixable in under five minutes. Remove the wheel. Use tire levers to pry one bead off. Inspect inside the tire for debris. Inflate the new tube slightly, work it into the tire, and push both beads onto the rim. Use thumbs for the final section. Inflate and check seating...https://bicyclespokesman.com/cycle-commuting-tips/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTRoad Cyclinghttps://bicyclespokesman.com/cycle-commuting-tips/ Commuting by bike saves money and reduces stress. Invest in good lights. Fenders keep grit off your back. Choose quiet routes over direct ones. A slightly longer route avoiding heavy traffic is usually faster and more pleasant. Carry a spare tube and multi-tool. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/review-shimano-ultegra-6600/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTGear Reviewshttps://bicyclespokesman.com/review-shimano-ultegra-6600/ Ultegra 6600 hits the sweet spot between performance and value. The redesigned STI levers are ergonomic. The front derailleur uses the wide-link design from Dura-Ace. The HollowTech II crank is stiff and light. At half the price of Dura-Ace, it gives up only grams and finish quality. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/tour-de-france-preview-2008/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTRacinghttps://bicyclespokesman.com/tour-de-france-preview-2008/ The 2008 Tour promises fierce competition. Alberto Contador defends his title against Cadel Evans and Lance Armstrong. Contador's climbing is unmatched. Evans is hungry after two second-place finishes. The route favors climbers with summit finishes at Hautacam, Alpe d'Huez, and Col de la Bonette. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/winter-cycling-clothing/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTGear Reviewshttps://bicyclespokesman.com/winter-cycling-clothing/ Riding in cold weather requires layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer. A thermal jersey provides mid-layer insulation. A breathable windbreaker blocks wind without overheating. Do not forget extremities: neoprene gloves, thermal shoe covers, and a windproof skull cap. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/bikepacking-101/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTTouringhttps://bicyclespokesman.com/bikepacking-101/ Bikepacking marries cycling and camping. A hardtail mountain bike with rack mounts is ideal. Shelter options range from lightweight tents to bivy sacks. Sleeping systems should be rated for the coldest expected temperature. Always carry paper maps as backup to GPS. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/carbon-vs-aluminum/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTGear Reviewshttps://bicyclespokesman.com/carbon-vs-aluminum/ Carbon offers unmatched ride quality and light weight. Aluminum is stiff, affordable, and improved with hydroforming. Steel provides a springy ride and is repairable. Titanium combines steel's ride with aluminum's weight. Each material suits different priorities. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/cyclocross-for-beginners/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTRacinghttps://bicyclespokesman.com/cyclocross-for-beginners/ Cyclocross is the most accessible racing. Short courses, varied terrain, and a welcoming atmosphere. Bikes resemble road bikes with wider tire clearance. Courses include pavement, dirt, grass, sand, and barriers. Technique matters more than fitness. The community feels like a festival. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/bicycle-touring-gear-list/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTTouringhttps://bicyclespokesman.com/bicycle-touring-gear-list/ Packing for a tour requires planning. Clothing: three jerseys, two shorts, rain jacket, shoes, sandals. Tools: multi-tool, spare tubes, patch kit, pump, chain links. Electronics: phone, camera, chargers, headlamp. Documents: passport, insurance, photocopies stored separately. ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/interview-jonathan-vaughters/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTRacinghttps://bicyclespokesman.com/interview-jonathan-vaughters/ Jonathan Vaughters discusses anti-doping, team ownership, and American cycling. On doping: 'The biological passport is a game changer.' On ownership: 'Running a team is like juggling chainsaws.' On American talent: 'The key is giving them opportunities to race in Europe early.' ...https://bicyclespokesman.com/suspension-setup-guide/Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:37 GMTMountain Bikinghttps://bicyclespokesman.com/suspension-setup-guide/ Sag is the foundation: 25-30% for XC, 30-35% for trail, 35-40% for enduro. Rebound damping controls extension speed. Compression damping resists downward forces. Volume spacers change the air spring curve. Start with manufacturer recommendations and fine-tune on the trail. ...