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Bike Master | Biking Tribe - Part 26

All posts by Bike Master

best mountain bikes for kids in 2017 featured image

The 5 Best Mountain Bikes for Kids in 2017 & How to Get Your Kids Riding

Mountain biking, especially those with suspension forks and a light aluminum frame, are great for kids of all ages. Though road bikes are great, a mountain bike is going to make it a whole lot of fun for your kids to get out and enjoy themselves with friends and with family. With so many different mountain bikes out there each featuring different wheel sizes, carbon fiber or aluminum frames, quality brake levers, as well as hardtail bikes and softail bikes, it can be difficult to find something that your children will really like and that be able to handle your child on some rough terrain. After all, you don’t want to be buying your child a bike every year from the local bike shop so you need something to grow with them and their skill level.

Specialized Riprock

This bike is designed to make sure you have a great ride whenever you want to get out there with the large tires that provide additional comfort and suspension. The Specialized Riprock is great for getting off the trails rather than just riding down smooth sidewalks and it has mechanical disc brakes, which are designed for stopping quickly and easily. There are even seven different speeds to choose from, which is great when the terrain starts to get a little rougher and your little one wants to keep right on going.

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Though a little expensive, this bike comes in several colors and makes riding a whole lot better for your little one, so they can learn to love bike riding with the entire family. They’re definitely going to want to be out there with you once they get a chance to look at this.

Cannondale Trail 20

With this bike, you’re going to spend a little bit less and you’re going to get a lightweight bike, which is great since most kid’s mountain bikes are really heavy. The Cannondale Trail offers six different speeds, so it works great on different terrain styles and is easy to shift from one speed to the next even for younger riders. It offers 20” wheels and works great on rough terrain as well as smoother. It has hand brakes that are similar to those on any adult bike and even though they’re not excellent, they’re still going to get a great performance that’s safe and comfortable for your child.

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Available in a couple different colors and both a girls and boys style, this bike has front suspension, SmartForm C2 Alloy frame and sets your child up in the ideal position for bike riding so they’ll be comfortable and prepared as they switch to a larger bike later.

Diamondbak Sync’r 24

The Diamondbak Sync’r is definitely a sleek looking bike that lets you go all over as a cross-country rider. It’s light, made with alloy, and it has a lower frame style that makes it really easy to ride whenever you want. It has a SRAM 1x11 drivetrain that’s found on a number of adult bikes as well as hydraulic brakes and a Suntour fork, also common with adult bikes rather than youth ones. All-in-all, it’s great for a child who’s really into riding and wants to get serious about it.

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The 24” wheels are large enough and comfortable enough for anything and the seat makes it great for children who have grown past their first bike and are looking for something that promotes a little more adventure. More expensive than most of the other options here, it’s definitely going to make sure your kids enjoy biking and that they will continue doing it for a long time.

Rocky Mountain Reaper

If you’re looking for something that will help your child go from a children’s bike all the way up to a full-size one then you’re definitely looking for the Rocky Mountain Reaper. Though it’s going to cost more than any of the other choices, it’s able to use both 24” and 26” wheels, which means you’re going to have no problem transitioning this bike to fit a growing child. It has tunable shocks that can easily be changed as your child grows and it has plenty of suspension and slack angles that will help your child perform on the roughest terrain.

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This bike has all the features you would look for on an adult bike and can easily keep your child entertained for any length of trip through any type of terrain, which is definitely the point. They’ll be able to ride it and enjoy it as well because the features are what they would expect to find on any bike, including one for an adult.

Transition Ripcord

Finally, the Transition Ripcord is right at the high end though not quite as expensive as the Rocky Mountain Reaper. It provides everything your child could possibly need from the 24” wheels to the slack head angle. There’s even a short chainstay which helps to make sure they can climb up hills or ride over rocky terrain. The low standover and the lower handlebar height makes sure that they get plenty of longevity out of the bike itself and it provides you with 100 mm travel shocks, which are great for more advanced but still young riders.

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There are hydraulic brakes to make sure that you can stop fast and 1x10 gearing so that they can always get up that hill the way that they want as well. With a moderate weight, compared to other mountain bikes and especially youth bikes, this one is something you’ll definitely want to consider. It comes in several colors and has everything you need to ride for an extended period.


With any of these bikes, you’re going to have no problem getting your kid out there and wanting to ride. They all let your child experience riding not just on their sidewalk, but through the park and even in rougher areas, which really makes the experience more fun. If you can show them the fun places they’ll be able to ride that mountain bike, they’re definitely going to be more interested in riding it for themselves, and it’s going to give them more options for speed and how they want to ride too, which is definitely a great aspect.​

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The 5 Best Mountain Bike Trainer Reviews for 2017

Whether on a road bike or mountain biking, getting some exercise in is great for all cyclists. When you can do it right in your own home, however, cycling even better. After all, who wants to spend a lot of time biking during the winter when there’s snow and ice or if you live in a busy area with streets you can’t easily ride on? Though some cyclists use road bikes, mountain bikes are also a great way to train and rear wheel mountain bike trainers can help you with all of that and more. Even for the most novice mountain biker, using an indoor trainer can help you train in your own home, you’ll get used to biking over extended periods, and you’ll build up your endurance and capabilities.

With so many good indoor bike trainers available, such as rear wheel trainers, wind trainers, magnetic trainers, and fluid bike trainers with progressive resistance, which one is for you? To help transform your mountain bike into an exercise bike and improve your heart rate, overall fitness, and cycling skills, we’ve put together a review of the best rear wheel indoor bicycle trainers available.

CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer

The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is a great choice for those who love biking for indoor trainer exercise or those who want to be ready whenever the weather finally breaks. It uses hydraulic fluid to provide the right amount of resistance and has a precision-based flywheel which allows you to shift gears on your bike to increase and decrease the intensity of the ride that you want. The frame is also made of steel, which makes sure the bike doesn’t tip or even wobble while you go and it’s going to last a long time.

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You’ll get everything you need in the set including two climbing blocks, a training mat, and even a sweat guard. You can also upgrade to more extensive (and intense) versions of the system if you prefer. With this one, you’re going to have a feeling like you’re really on the road and you’re going to have a strong frame that lasts as long as you want it.

Kinetic Rock and Roll 2.0 Trainer

With the Kinetic Rock and Roll 2.0 you’ll have a simple-to-use system that will definitely make you feel like you’re riding on the open road. It’s more expensive than others, but it does have a sensor that lets you track your workout and training on the app and provides similar movement to being on the road. You’ll be required to maintain the proper form with this trainer and you’re going to have less upper body movement while you’re at it. You don’t get a riser ring to secure the front wheel and you’re going to have a little bit louder unit, but it’s still going to provide plenty for you.

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With plenty of resistance and compatible with bikes between 24” and 29” wheels, this trainer gives you fluid resistance and plenty of power. It’s got some fun virtual reality features and a moderate weight that makes it easy enough to take with you if you need to travel and fun to ride anywhere at all.

Tacx Neo Smart Direct Driver Trainer

The Tacx Neo is definitely more expensive, but it’s going to give you a whole lot that you’re looking for. Primarily, it’s going to be virtually silent and it allows you to connect to a mobile device or use it on its own. You can increase the resistance to whatever you want by increasing your speed and you’ll get all different kinds of terrain going through the system as well. It’s great for those who really want to ride as much as possible even in the less than desirable weather of winter. What’s really great with this bike is you remove the back wheel to ride, which means less wear on your actual bike tires.

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This stand-alone fluid trainer is a little bit heavy and difficult to move if you find you want to change its location, but it will provide you with an excellent quality ride that you can enjoy for a very long time to come. You’ll also be able to get a very realistic ride no matter what the weather may be like outside. It comes with everything you need to get a great experience and can be folded up when it’s not in use so it takes up less space.

Kinetic Road Machine Smart Trainer

The Kinetic Road Machine Smart Trainer has a Bluetooth sensor that makes sure you know just what you’re getting out of the unit at all times. In fact, you’ll see power, speed, cadence, and the calories that you’ve burned so you can make sure you’re really getting the most out of this bike. It does heat up quite a bit over extended rides but uses fluid resistance and a cooling system to help with this process. The large tire roller diameter means that there’s less wear on your bike tire when you ride and it can hold a wheel from 24” to 29”.

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More affordable than many of the other options, this system can be a little bit difficult to assemble and it does take up a bit more space. You will have a great experience riding, however, which makes it great for those who really want a hard ride, like they would get out on the road. Some of the measurements may not always be ideal either, but you’ll still have a lot of fun and a good workout.

Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Trainer

Finally, the Blackburn Tech Trainer is great for those who want a more budget friendly option. It’s the least expensive of all of these trainers and it still gives you a great experience. It uses magnetic resistance and provides six different options for resistance. There’s even a remote lever on the handlebars so you’ll have no problem adjusting the level you want. The steel frame can be adjusted to the right height for you and the legs swing out to increase stability.

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This trainer can work with just about any bike and it’s going to get you what you’re looking for without a lot of added frills. It’s definitely a bike trainer that’s great for those who are just getting started or are only moderate riders.


There’s no reason that you can’t bike in your own home and use it as a way to get plenty of exercise. These tools are actually quite easy to use and attach your bike and they’re super small too, which means that they don’t take up too much space in your home. You can easily hook up your bike and get started when you want and then you can easily put it away whenever you’re done. It’s definitely an exercise tool you probably haven’t thought of much, but it will definitely work well for any purpose.​

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The 5 Best Hybrid Bikes for Women in 2017: Ride with Pride

If you’re looking to really get started riding you’ll want to have the right bike to make it easier for you. A hybrid comfort bike is great for those who need something they can be commuter bikes or can handle more serious terrain. What’s more, they are ideal for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on more than one bike but want the right bike size and a smooth ride. Mixing your road bike and mountain bike into one is definitely going to help you get a great look and a great fit for anything that you want to do. Below, is a list of 2017’s best road bike and mountain bike hybrid bikes for women that boast a number of features such as suspension forks, lightweight aluminum frames, Shimano brakes and gears, disc brakes, and much more to help you tackle almost any road.

Sixthreezero EvryJourney Women’s Hybrid Bike

This Sixthreezero EvryJourney Women’s Hybrid Bike definitely looks sleek and it has a great price to go along with it. Of course, that’s not all you’re going to get with this. You’re also going to get color options and an aluminum frame that makes the bike lightweight and super easy to transport wherever you want to go. It offers 7 speeds so you’re going to have just the right amount of resistance while you ride and enough power to get through any type of terrain. Not only that but you get a step-through frame that makes it easy to get on and off and you’ll have a foot-forward seat and pedal position, which makes sure you’re comfortable no matter your height.

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This hybrid bicycle has front and rear handbrakes and works well for longer commutes and shorter ones. The cushioned seat keeps you comfortable and the synthetic leather and classic stitching ensure it’s going to last and look great at the same time.

Schwinn Discover Women’s Hybrid Bike

Next is the Schwinn Discover Women’s Hybrid Bike, which provides you with an aluminum frame bike with a slightly less traditional style. It comes in white for a clean and simple look and offers 21 speeds and a Shimano rear derailleur. The brakes are Promax alloy linear pull and there’s even a gear carrier on the back so you can always be prepared for whatever you want to do. The handlebars have a swept-back style and the saddle is designed with plenty of padding so you’ll be comfortable while you ride. The 28” wheels provide just the right amount of traction for you to ride over anything and the handlebar brakes are easy to use.

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This bike can help you enjoy any type of ride you want to take and will also make sure that you’re easily able to transport it. At a moderate weight, it’s definitely a bike that any woman is going to enjoy riding and it’s going to provide you with the perfect riding experience.

Northwoods Springdale Women’s Hybrid Bike

The low price of the Northwoods Springdale Women’s Hybrid Bike makes it a great option for women who like to ride but don’t do it often, though the high quality means that even those who love to ride will have no problem with this one. It promotes a healthy, upright position for riders and uses 700 c wheels for stability, durability, and success over any type of terrain. Not only that but you get alloy rims and an alloy quick release seat clamp so you have more than enough durability and the ease of adjusting your seat, however, and wherever you need to.​

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Rear fenders keep your bike and you safer and the aluminum frame keeps the entire thing lightweight so you can transport it whenever you want. You’ll also have the ability to carry anything you want on the rear rack, making this a great bike for those who are commuting or planning to stay out all day. With 21 speeds, this is a bike for someone who really wants to get out there.

Gama Bikes Women’s Hybrid Bike

With this hybrid bicycle, you’re getting a moderate price and you’ll have plenty of support and everything. The Gama Bikes Women’s Hybrid Bike uses 26” wheels that can get you through any terrain with a smooth ride and has plenty of space to carry anything you might want in the front basket. Available in several colors, this bike has a low step-through design that makes it easier than ever to get on and off of and the 6-speed functions ensure that you’ll have the right amount of power for smooth surfaces as well as less desirable ones. Not only that, but the saddle is weatherproof and capable of standing up to anything.

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The chain guard makes sure you don’t get grease on your clothing and the steel springs under the seat make sure that you don’t get jostled around too much when you’re trying to enjoy your ride. This bike is easy enough to transport when you want to and it comes almost entirely assembled so you don’t have to wait too long in order to be able to get out there and start riding.

Diamondback Vital 2 Complete Hybrid Bike

This bike comes in two different sizes so you can make sure it’s going to work just right for you. Made with aluminum, the Diamondback Vital 2 Complete Hybrid Bike is lightweight and easy to carry or ride, as well as pick up if you happen to tip it. It’s designed to give you just the right seating and to make sure that you can easily get on and off with the low step-through framework. The handlebar brakes are designed to stop you quickly and easily and the rims and tires are made to last and made to work no matter where you want to ride.

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The grips on the steel handlebars help to absorb a lot of the shock from rough terrain, which helps you to feel more comfortable when you’re riding. The comfort suspension throughout also helps with this, no matter where you might be taking that bike for a ride.


There’s no reason not to ride your bike all the time and with one of these hybrid bikes, you’re definitely going to have no problem doing just that. You’ll be able to go through the flat terrain as well as the less ideal terrain, which definitely makes sure that you can have some fun. With any of these bikes, you’re going to get some great features and you’re going to have something really fun to play around with whether you need a ride to get to your job or a way to have some fun with your friends on the weekend.​

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The 5 Best Bike Chain Lock Reviews for 2017

Protecting your bike is crucial if you’re hoping to keep it for any length of time and that means understanding the best locks you can find. Bolt cutters, angle grinders, and simply forgetting to lock your bike help bike theft. To stop a potential bike thief in their tracks, a quality rear wheel chain lock shackled to a bike rack makes a virtually immovable object. A chain lock can be one of the easiest to use and most secure types when it comes to doing just that. Of course, with so many different padlocks, security chains, locks and disc locks available, it can be difficult to find the right type of lock you’re looking for, which is why we’ve done some of the work for you. Each of these security chains will help you keep your bike frame secure and will be easy to transport. Chain locks, and cable locks like Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-locks and the Abus Granit X-Plus make great bicycle locks, but which are the best? Here is our list for 2017.

Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Mini

The Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Mini is designed to give you a high-quality rear wheel lock at a moderate price. While more expensive than some locks you’ll see around, this one does have some good features. It’s not too heavy to carry with you when you’re biking or traveling, but it is large enough and quality enough to make it difficult for those who may want to steal your bike away from you. That’s definitely the entire point after all, right? With this, you get manganese steel 9 mm chain links that are four sided and provide a disc-style cylinder that resists anything a thief may throw at it.

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If you’re in an area where a lot of rain or freezing temperatures are likely you may want to protect the lock from this as much as possible as it may seize up under these conditions. On the positive side, you can use it for just about anything as the lock itself has a 21.5” chain.

Abus Locks Chain 1010 Key City

The Abus Locks Chain 1010 Key City is more expensive than other options, but it does have a lot of different features that help with that. You can choose from two different chain types and sizes and with either one, you’ll get the patented Abus-Plus cylinder, which is definitely going to deter anyone looking to grab your bike or anything else you lock up with it. At the same time, it’s super easy for you to use and offers a lighted key and automatic keyhole cover. Somewhat heavy, this lock is definitely secure and has a covering over the entire thing that makes sure your bike won’t get scratched.

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No matter what your plan is with your bike, you’re going to have no problem with this lock. It will help you keep the bike protected when you’re not using it and is simple enough to carry around with you when you want to ride. That’s definitely going to pay for itself in the long run.

Kryptonite Evolution 4 Integrated Chain Lock

The Kryptonite Evolution 4 Integrated Chain Lock comes in about moderate on price but features plenty of options on size. You also get a patent-pending link design that doesn’t use pins but still creates a secure connection between the chain and the deadbolt. You won’t have any weak sections and you’ll definitely have the power to secure anything you want with the manganese steel and six-sided chain links. Not only that but it uses a disc-style cylinder that will resist just about anything and has a weather resistant nylon coating that keeps your bike from getting damaged while you’re trying to protect it.

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There are three stainless steel keys as well as two standard and one LED key so you can always have one with you and always see what you’re doing. What’s really nice is that the lock is lightweight and easy to carry with you no matter where you want to go or how you’re getting there.

Abus Granit Citychain

The Abus Granit Citychain is definitely one that you’ll want to take a look at as well. It has plenty of length as well as plenty of durability to make sure no one is going to get your bike without a fight. It has a high-quality lock as well as the cover that keeps the chain itself from scratching your bike or causing any trouble. You’ll have no problem attaching this to your bike any way you want and making sure that it’s going to stay where you want it to. Even better, it’s got a moderate price tag that you’re definitely going to love.

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It can be a little bit heavy to carry around with you for an extended period of time, but you’ll be getting a lot for the effort that you put in, which is definitely going to be worth it.

OnGuard 8017 Beast Lock

Finally, the OnGuard 8017 Beast Lock is less expensive than the other options here, though still a moderate price. It comes in a range of different sizes, so you can always get whatever you need to lock up your bike or anything else you might want to secure. Not only that but it uses an X4 Quattro bolt locking system and has a moderate weight. The chains themselves are made with reinforced steel that’s resistant to cutting and the hexlinks have a narrow width that makes it more difficult to get into as well. On top of that, it has a double layer of nylon fabric that is resistant to scratching and more.

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You won’t have a problem carrying this around and you’ll be able to keep your bike safer than you might have thought. It’s definitely going to be worth the cost and it’s going to be easy to use with 4 keys and an LED key that lets you see what you’re doing all the time.


A bike chain lock is great because it lets you get plenty of protection from a bike thief or anyone else. Not only that but it’s small, which means you can easily store it wherever you want while you’re traveling and biking. Rather than a large, heavy lock that weighs you down on your bike or in your pack, this one is easy to put in a bag or hook over the frame of the bike while you’re riding and then lock up whenever you want. You’ll definitely be ready to go whenever and wherever you want.​

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