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Bike Master | Biking Tribe - Part 23

All posts by Bike Master

best flat bar road bike featured image

The 5 Best Flat Bar Road Bike Reviews for 2017

Road bikes share similar traits such as ultra-slim tires, gearing designed for the road, and agile handling. However, flat bar road bikes are designed to be in the upright position with flat handlebars when compared to drop handlebars. You could say that the seating position is a little like that of a mountain bike. This gives the rider a more comfortable position and sense of stability. Depending on personal preference, skill level, and the activity, road bikes are versatile enough to meet rider’s specific needs. Luckily, there are plenty of great options currently on the market when it comes to purchasing a flat bar road bike!

1. Vilano Diverse Performance Hybrid Road Bike

The Vilano Diverse Performance Hybrid Road Bike has earned itself 4.4 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Vilano is equipped with Shimano EF 51 ergonomic integrated brake lever and shifters with 24 speeds. It has front and rear Tourney TX derailleurs to aid in navigating various hills and slopes. Due to the fact that the Vilano is a hybrid road bike, it has the ability to go over different terrain such as nature trails. The tires are 700cc x 35cc. The frame and fork are made out of hydroformed steel for durability. The alloy linear pull cantilever V-brakes for efficient braking—this is the ideal bike for cycling enthusiasts.

vilano diverse performance hybrid road bike image

Features at a Glance

  • Hydroformed alloy performance hybrid frame and fork
  • Alloy linear pull cantilever V-brakes
  • Includes free pedals
  • 700cc wheels
  • Shimano components
  • 24-speed gears

Buy the Vilano Diverse Performance Hybrid Road Bike here on the Amazon website for around $240.


2. Giordano RS700 Hybrid Bike

The Giordano RS700 Hybrid Bike has earned itself 3.5 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Giordano RS700 comes in two sizes: Medium and large. The medium fits riders between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet with an inseam between 29 and 31 inches. The large bike fits riders between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet 2 inches with an inseam between 30 and 33 inches.

giordano rs700 hybrid bike image

The bike is equipped with durable alloy aluminum frame and 21-speed Shimano shifters and derailleurs for efficient and smooth gear shifting. The 700cc Vitesse Alloy rims help the bike transition from pavement onto rougher terrain. It is a great bike for riders who require or like a versatile bike.

Features at a Glance​

  • Shimano Tourney front and rear derailleurs
  • 700cc x 35cc tires
  • 21-speed gears
  • Alloy water bottle cage

Buy the Giordano RS700 Hybrid Bike here on the Amazon website for $223 and $300 (medium and large sizes available).


3. Schwinn Mens Volare 1200 Bike

The Schwinn Men’s Volare 1200 Bike has earned itself 4 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Schwinn Volare 1200 Bike is highly durable and lightweight with alloy aluminum, rigid framing. The rigid framing aids in giving the rider more control and maximum return. The 21-speed with rear derailleur and EZ Fire shifters are all made with Shimano components. The Schwinn Volare 1200 is also equipped with front and rear alloy linear pull brakes for precise and effective stopping. This versatile road bike can also be used on the sidewalk and is an ideal starting bike for serious riders without a huge investment.

schwinn mens volare 1200 bike image

Features at a Glance​

  • Alloy linear pull brakes in front and rear
  • Aluminum frame with rigid fork and alloy crank
  • Shimano 21-speed with rear derailleur
  • Shimano EZ Fire shifters
  • Lifetime warranty provided by manufacturer

Buy the Schwinn Men’s Volare 1200 Bike here on the Amazon website for around $270.


4. GMC Denali Flat Bar Road Bike

The GMC Denali Flat Bar Road Bike has earned itself 3.4 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The alloy bike frame aluminum offers a lightweight bike that is easy to control. Equipped with alloy calipers and brake levers, the GMC Denali will be easy to stop at a moment’s notice. The alloy Vitesse racing rims add a sleek look as well to being high performing. The bike comes with Shimano Revo shifters give the rider more ease and control over the bike and a Shimano derailleur for effortless and smooth gear transitions. The wheels are 700cc x 32cc and are ideal for cycling through city streets.

gmc denali flat bar road bike image

The GMC Denali comes in three sizes: small, medium, large. The small sized bike has a 16-inch by 48-centimeter frame and is 18x40x68 inches. The medium-sized bike has a 2.5-inch by 57-centimeter frame and is 18x40x67 inches. The large sized bike has a 25-inch by 63.5-centimeter frame and is 18x41x68 inches.

Features at a Glance​

  • 21-speed gears
  • Alloy calipers/alloy brake levers
  • Alloy Vitesse racing rims
  • 700cc x 32cc tires
  • Shimano derailleurs and Revo shifts
  • Alloy water bottle cage
  • Comes in various sizes

Buy the GMC Denali Flat Bar Road bike here on the Amazon website for between $178 and $250.


5. Tommaso La Forma Hybrid Bike

The Tommaso La Forma Hybrid Bike has earned itself 4.6 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. Built with the overall goal of being an efficient, lightweight road bike, the Tommaso La Forma is the way to go. The compact aluminum frame is combined with an HCT carbon fiber fork that dampens vibrations for easy riding and also comes with a lifetime frame and fork warranty from the manufacturer, Tommaso. The bike has 27-speed Shimano Acera Rapid Fire shifters for quick and in-control gear shifting for hills and rougher terrain. The bike is also equipped with linear pull brakes for quick and easy stopping. The bike comes in various sizes for comfort, efficiency, and safety. The hybrid bike is ideal for city commutes and riding on trails!

tommaso la forma hybrid bike image

Features at a Glance​

  • Lifetime frame and fork warranty by the manufacturer
  • Shimano Acera Rapid Fire shifters
  • Aluminum frame with HCT carbon fiber fork
  • Linear pull brakes
  • 27-speed gears
  • 7 00cc wheel size

Buy the Tommaso La Forma Hybrid Bike here on the Amazon website for around $550.


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A Review of the Best Road Bikes for Kids: Top 5 Reviews for 2017

Though mountain bikes are great in their own way, when it comes to commuting, long rides, or sports, road bikes are the way to go. Road bikes are designed for durability and comfort and are perfect for recreational use and racing. It’s no secret that kids love to ride bikes, either. Whether it is to and from school, with family and friends, or for a budding cyclist, finding the right road bike is and wheel size important. Road bikes vary depending on the targeted age group and skill level. However, with so many features available, such as disc brakes, different frame and forks, and wheel sizes and frame sizes, there is so much to consider. Therefore, we have put together our list of the best road bikes for kids review for 2017. So, read on before you hit the local bike shop.

1. Diamondback Podium Youth Road Bike

The Diamondback Podium Youth Road Bike has earned itself 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The bike is built with all the features of an adult road bike, but for smaller-sized bodies. It has 24-inch wheels that are an inch in width. The drop handlebars look just like the pros. The drop handlebars measure 380 mm in width and 100 mm in length. It is equipped with 16 speeds for various degrees of hill climbing and levels of difficulty.

diamondback podium youth road bike image

The body frame is made out of a lightweight aluminum material. The frame is equipped with a replaceable derailleur hanger which adds more durability. The Diamondback Podium is the ideal bike for kids with an interest in cycling for sport.

Features at a Glance​

  • 24-inch wheels
  • 6061 aluminum frame
  • Drop handlebars
  • 16 speeds
  • Replaceable derailleur hanger
  • Aero Alloy straight blade fork for handling

Buy the Diamondback Podium Youth Road Bike here on the Amazon website for around $500.


2. GMC Denali Road Bike

The GMC Denali Road Bike has earned itself 3.9 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. Geared towards kids between the ages of 9 and 12, the Denali is a great starter bike for cycling enthusiasts. The bike’s frame is made of alloy aluminum for durability and an incredibly light weight. Other components and key features are made from alloy aluminum as well. The frame is equipped with an alloy water bottle cage for the health and safety of the cyclist. Braking is a breeze with the alloy calipers and brake levers.

gmc denali road bike image

The bike tires have alloy Vitesse racing rims for a higher quality tire to rim interface. The Denali has 21-speed gears and smoothly shifts between gears with the help of a Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts. Whether using the bike just to ride to school or for long rides on various terrain, the Denali goes that extra mile!

Features at a Glance​

  • Alloy water bottle cage
  • 21-speed gears
  • Alloy Vitesse racing rims
  • 24-inch wheels
  • Shimano derailleur and Shimano Revo shifts for smooth gear shifting

Buy the GMC Denali Road Bike here from the Amazon website for around $221.


3. Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike

The Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike has earned itself 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Giordano Libero comes in two types, one catered towards boys and another catered towards girls. The difference is the sizing (and color scheme). The framing of the boy’s bike fits riders who are between 4 feet 7 inches and 5 feet with an inseam between 26 and 29 inches. The girl’s bike fits riders between four feet 4 inches and 4 feet 8 inches with an inseam between 25 and 28 inches.

giordano libero 1.6 road bike image

The bike frames are made of 6061 aluminum with a steel fork. The bike is designed for durability and efficiency with Shimano Claris 16-speed STI shifters and derailleurs. These coordinate with the aluminum road crank. The 24-inch wheels are 1 ⅜ inches in width for excellent grip on the sidewalk; this is the ideal choice for kids going into racing!

Features at a Glance​

  • 6061 aluminum frame
  • Dual water bottle mounts
  • 24-inch wheels
  • 16-speed Shimano Drivetrain
  • 1 1/8th threadless seam
  • Shimano front and rear derailleurs

Buy the Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike here on the Amazon website for between $460 and $476 (two different versions: One for boys and one for girls).


4. Diamondback Bicycles Clarity Kid's Pavement Bike

The Diamondback Bicycles Clarity Kid's Pavement Bike has earned itself 3.8 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Diamondback is ideal for casual or long rides and is a great starter bike for a child with an interest in racing one day, but is not ready to commit. The bike is made from aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to manage. The derailleur hanger is replaceable for added durability. The bike is equipped with a 14-speed drivetrain for long rides and linear pull brakes for easy and quick stopping. The aero alloy straight blade fork provides the rider with easy and precise steering. This bike is catered towards girls.

diamondback bicycles clarity kids pavement bike image

Features at a Glance​

  • 14-speed drivetrain
  • Replaceable derailleur hanger
  • Linear pull brakes
  • Aero Alloy straight blade fork
  • 24-inch wheels

Buy the Diamondback Bicycles Clarity Kid's Pavement Bike here on the Amazon website for around $230.


5. Kent Super 20 Boys Bike

The Kent Super 20 Boys’ Bike has earned itself 3.6 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Kent is made for younger boys who have graduated from training wheels or are new to long distance riding with the family. The wheels are just 20 inches and designed for smaller bodies. The framing is made from fully welded dual-suspension steel with shock absorption on the seat and handlebars. It also has a downhill front suspension fork for safety. The bike is equipped with a 7-speed gear with twist grip shifting that kids will have no trouble getting the hang of quickly. The seat can be easily adjusted with an alloy quick-release seat clamp. The bike is on the heavier side, weighing 36 pounds.

kent super 20 boys bike image

Features at a Glance​

  • 20-inch wheels
  • 7-speed gears with twist grip shifting
  • Alloy quick release seat clamp
  • Dual-suspension steel frame
  • Downhill front suspension fork
  • Shock absorbing seat and handlebars

Buy the Kent Super 20 Boys’ Bike here on the Amazon website for between $80 and $100.


bike wheel lock featured image

Bike Wheel Lock: A Look at Wheel Locks for Bike Touring

When you are going on a bicycle tour, the chances are you are worrying about whether or not your bicycle wheels will be missing when you come back. Most bikes nowadays are fitted with a quick release skewer to easily allow you to remove your wheels without the use of tools. While they are incredibly helpful if you end up with a flat tire, they are also an easy way for people to steal your rear wheel bike tires, the bike wheel, or even the entire bike frame itself from the bike rack.

So, how do you prevent this from happening if you have a bike with wheels that have a quick release skewer, or even just plain old wheel attachments? The best thing that you can do is to purchase a quality bicycle lock for your wheels.

Since there are so many different types on the market, it can be pretty overwhelming trying to figure out which one is a good buy. We are going to help you out. In this article, you will find a guide that will help you find the right type of bicycle lock for your wheels and help you protect your bike wheels!

Cable Locks

cable lock image

While cable locks do help to prevent your bike from being stolen, they also tend to be super easy to cut with wire cutters. Cable locks tend to be a cheaper option when compared to most other bike locks, which is a plus for most people but don’t just buy it because of that reason. They are a good buy if you are not too worried about your bike pieces being stolen in the area that you are. However, if you are really worried about your bike being stolen stay away from cable locks.

Wheel Locks

Wheel locks are also known as o-locks, ring locks, and frame locks. These types of locks are found on all bikes in the Netherlands, Japan, and most of Europe. These types of locks attach directly onto the frame of your bike to help prevent it from being stolen. Once it’s installed, you will just insert your key and push down the level so that a metal ring slides between the spokes of your back tire to prevent it from being stolen.

wheel lock image

They are incredibly convenient too because they are installed right onto your bike. No longer will you have to worry about ensuring that you packed your bike lock when you go on trips or lugging around heavy chains. It’s right there on your bike, all you need is the key.

While these types of locks are great, they are not ideal for overnight security in a big city; anyone could just lift up the back wheel of your bike and be gone. They work best for if you are just stopping for a little break, running into a shop, or taking in a view.

D-Locks or U-Locks

These types of locks are more secure than cable locks, plus more than likely if a potential thief were to see one of these they would walk away. Instead of a cable that can easily be cut with a wire cutter, these types of locks use metal as the loop and then have a lock attached to it. Because of this, they can easily resist just about any type of tool that someone would use to remove it.

d u lock image

If you decide to go with this type of lock, you need to find one that leaves little to no space between it and the area that you are locking it around; this helps ensure that your bike is safe.

Some downsides to D-locks (U-locks) are that they are incredibly bulky and heavy. Therefore, they are rather cumbersome to carry around when you are on a bike tour. They can also be rather expensive and might not actually work to protect the area of your bike that you are hoping to protect.

Heavy Chain Locks

These are a great buy if you are living in a big city and are worried about your bike wheels being stolen. They are incredibly durable and keep your bike secure—you can leave it on overnight and know that everything will still be there in the morning. They resist any type of tool that someone would use to remove it, just make sure that you get a padlock that is just as sturdy.

heavy chain lock image

While these are incredibly secure, they can be super expensive and heavy and bulky to carry around on your trips.

Locking Wheel Skewers

Locking wheel skewers disable the quick release skewer feature on your bike which prevents thieves from using that convenient function to steal your wheels. They are easy to install and they don’t take up any extra room on your bike or on your person. Plus, you can use them on your seat if it has a quick release skewer as well!

A downside to this type of lock is that they can require a special wrench that comes with it in order to install. If you lose this wrench, then you are either stuck without the quick release function on your bike, or without a really good bike wheel lock.

Bike Lock Keys vs. Combinations

Keyed locks are exactly as they sound: Bike locks that require a key to unlock it. They are easy for someone to pick if they want to, sometimes all they need is a ballpoint pen. They usually come with two keys so that you will have a backup if you lose one, but you could also get a new one made by a key maker. You will find these types of locks on U-locks and chain locks.

Combination locks are locks that require a certain code to be entered into them in order for them to unlock. They are super convenient because you don’t have to try to remember to grab your lock keys as you are leaving, but they can also be annoying because you should remember a code. They are a step up from keyed locks, but they can have the same issues as them. You will usually find these on cable locks.

Keyed locks and combination locks work well if you are really not worried about it being picked or if you live in a low crime area, but not ideal if you live in a big city with a lot of theft.


In the end, it’s up to you and your needs to help you figure out which bike wheel lock is perfect for you. But, hopefully, this guide helped make it a little easier for you when you’re out shopping!​


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Top 5 Best Wireless Bike Computer Reviews 2017

If you are an avid bike rider, or you just want to be able to track how far you go, your current speed, etc., when you’re on a bike ride, then a bicycle computer is a good thing to have. Bike computers help you keep a record of your bike trip and even help you learn from it.

Bike computers attach to your handlebars and will tell you your speed, how far you’ve gone, and allow for GPS if you choose to purchase one with that feature. Because there are so many features that you can find on a bike computer, none of them are the same whatsoever. It’s up to you to decide what features you want the most and which features you could live without.

Wireless bike computers are ideal because there isn’t the need to hide or contain a bunch of wires for the computer to work. They are easy to install, small, and they can easily be moved from one bike to another. One of the major downsides to a wireless bike computer is that most of them take batteries, which can become costly, annoying, and battery life is varied.

Since not all wireless bike computers are equal, which ones are the best for you and which should help you avoid? In this article, we’re going to go over five of the best wireless bicycle computers that you can find on the market today that is worth the money you’ll spend on them.

CatEye – Strada Wireless Cycle Computer

cateye strada wireless cycle computer image

Price: $49.99

Key Features:​

  • Shows cyclists their current, max, and average speed, total trip distance, elapsed ride time, pace arrow, and clock
  • Automatically knows when you’ve stopped and stops counting time and averaging speed
  • The base is the only button you need; it allows you to toggle through all functions easily
  • Easy to mount, adjust, and move
  • You can switch it between bikes and it has a dual tire size

Pros:

  • While this computer is tiny, it is incredibly accurate when it comes to your average speed, trip distances and time
  • Incredibly easy to mount onto your bike and adjust if need be, all with your hand.
  • Easy to change between functions while you’re going. Instead of a bunch of different buttons, there’s just the one that you need to hit
  • It’s wireless, so you don’t have to try to hide the wires or move them out of the way

Cons:

  • This computer does require batteries in order for it to work
  • It’s easy to accidentally touch this computer and have all of your data erased or changed
  • Removing the computer can be quite tough to do, it requires a lot of force and can erase your information in the process

CatEye Velo Wireless Cyclocomputer

cateye velo wireless cyclocomputer image

Price: $40.00

Key Features:

  • Comes in multiple colors
  • Single button operation with eight functions
  • Wireless sensor
  • Provides current, average, maximum speed, trip distance, and total distance
  • Has an auto start and stop, power save, and sleep mode

Pros:

  • The quality of this product feels as though it is meant to last, cyclists won’t have to worry about it breaking suddenly
  • There are so many features on this computer, all of them are easily accessible with the single button on the computer
  • Once the magnet and sensor are securely installed onto the bike, it’s secured tightly. It’ll barely move, plus the sensor doesn’t require adhesive so there isn’t any residue left behind

Cons:

  • After a couple of weeks, some buyers found that this computer stopped working. They found that the wireless connection was no longer working

Garmin Edge 25 GPS Cycling Computer

garmin edge 25 gps cycling computer image

Price: $169.99

Key Features:​

  • One of the smallest cycling GPS computers in the world: Weighs only 25 grams
  • Great GPS setting; tracks your location even under tree cover
  • Connected features allow you to easily share details of your ride with friends via social media
  • You can easily pair this with a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor, and speed sensor
  • You can download courses, view personal records, and more

Pros:

  • This unit is so simple to use, even the design of the computer itself is simple
  • Incredibly compact, it’s the same size as a wristwatch
  • The screen is easy to read; you can flip between a clock, a data screen, and a rough map of the path you’re traveling
  • There’s a beep that lets you know that you’re flipping through pages and the buttons are large enough that you can easily touch them if you’ve got gloves on

Cons:

  • You do need to buy additional add-ons if you want to be able to track your heart rate or speed

Lezyne Mini GPS Bike Computer

lezyne mini gps bike computer image

Price: $129.00

Key Features:​

  • Has GPS option
  • Tracks your speed based on current, average, and maximum speed
  • It has 100 hours of memory on it
  • Very small and easy to install

Pros:

  • Easy to use and set up
  • Battery life is good, especially considering it does take batteries
  • Easy to switch between bikes if you need to
  • Easily saves maps, your mileage, and vertical feet climbed

Cons:

  • The GPS does require some time to connect to a signal

Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS

garmin edge 520 bike gps image

Price: $249.99

Key Features:​

  • Offers in-ride challenges through Strava live segments
  • Pairs with compatible indoor trainers for data display and control
  • It has automatic uploads, live tracking, smart notifications, sends/receives courses, social media sharing, and weather functions

Pros:

  • The screen size is large enough to take a quick glance while you’re riding but small enough that it doesn’t take over your handlebars
  • Battery life lasts 8 hours, as long as you don’t have the backlight on all the time
  • The GPS assistance works wonders if you’re riding around on tricky paths and trails

Cons:

  • The configuration of information can be somewhat unreliable; it can sometimes leave the screen reading off gibberish
  • There is a lot of lag time when it comes to maps updating, using the cadence sensor, and the maps tend to freak out when you go on a new trail

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