Reader Cody asked, “have you ever written a post on how you would approach budgeting purchases from an enthusiast’s standpoint?” This is it.
Find what you're looking for at In The Know Cycling's Know's Shop
- Compare prices on in-stock cycling gear at 15 of my top-ranked stores
- Choose from over 75,000 bikes, wheels, components, clothing, electronics, and other kit
- Save money and time while supporting the site when you buy at a store after clicking on a link
Guides
CHAIN WAX – FASTER, BETTER, CHEAPER WAYS
You can now chain wax faster than ever before with measurably better results and at a quantifiably lower cost than using an oil lube.
ENTHUSIAST’S GUIDE TO CYCLING NUTRITION
Cycling nutrition practices have changed a lot in this decade. I’ll tell you which ones enthusiasts should follow to get the best performance
BEST CYCLING NUTRITION MIXES, GELS, CHEWS AND BARS
After testing a range of cycling nutrition products, we chose the best drink mixes, gels, chews, and bars for different types of rides.
Wheelsets
THE BEST ALL ROAD WHEELS
What if you could ride one set of “all road” wheels that performed as well as the best road and gravel wheels and save money?
THE BEST GRAVEL WHEELS
Gravel bike wheels come in alloy upgrade, value-priced carbon, and high-performance models. See our reviews of the best in each category.
THE BEST VALUE CARBON WHEELSET
Looking for the best value carbon wheelset selling between US$900 and $1500? Here are my price and performance ratings and reviews.
THE BEST ALL AROUND CARBON DISC WHEELSET
Our reviews and ratings of the best all-around carbon disc wheelsets for riding a wide range of road terrain and racing disciplines
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELS FOR CLIMBING
The best lightweight wheels for climbing, why they are the right choice for some riders, and which I like and why.
THE BEST AERO BIKE WHEELS
Aero bike wheels look, ride, and race fast. Here’s my review of the best aero wheelsets for flat and rolling riding, road racing, and crits.
Gravel Gear and Kit
THE BEST GRAVEL SHOES
Looking for the best gravel shoes, we tested enthusiast-level, off-road shoes good for performance-level gravel riding and events.
CHOOSING TIRES FOR GRAVEL EVENTS
Choosing the right gravel bike tires can seem nearly as daunting as Neo battling to free humanity from the Matrix. It doesn’t have to be.
THE BEST GRAVEL BIKE SHORTS
The best gravel bike shorts perform on a long gravel ride like road bike bib shorts and give you the utility and protection of MTB shorts.
GRAVEL RIDING TECHNIQUE FOR ROADIES
For all of you roadies who have come to gravel for the change of pace and pure fun of it, here are a few tips I’ve learned from riding it.
Tires
THE BEST GRAVEL BIKE TIRES
Picking the best gravel bike tires for the surfaces you’re riding can be the difference between a fast, confident ride and a slow, shaky slog
THE BEST TT TIRES FOR ROAD RACING
Should amateurs use TT tires for road racing? Miles raced the ENVE Race Day, Continental Grand Prix TT TR, and Schwalbe Pro One TT to find out.
THE BEST TUBELESS BIKE TIRES
If you want the best tubeless tires for your road bike, there’s a lot to consider. I’ve reviewed what matters most and rated the top tires.
BEST ALL-SEASON BIKE TIRES
Read how I rated three all-season bike tires sold by companies whose top tubeless racing and training tires are among the best.
Bikes
ENVE FRAY – PERFORMANCE ENDURANCE
The ENVE Fray is a distinctive take on the modern all-road bike. It sets the benchmark for a category I call Performance Endurance.
PARLEE OURAY – BIKE IN THE NUDE
I review the Ouray, an all-road bike from the premium bike brand Parlee Cycles for those who want a fast, responsive, and comfortable bike.
Cervelo Aspero – A $4K Gravel Race Bike
Conor and I discuss our experience riding and racing the newest, $4,000 model Cervelo Aspero, what we like and don’t, and who it’s best for.
TREK MADONE SL 7 GEN 8 – FAST AT HALF THE PRICE?
Does the $6,500 Trek Madone SL7 Gen 8 at half the price of the top-of-the-line SLR 9 perform well enough for an aero or endurance bike rider?
Apparel, Shoes, Helmets, Glasses
BEST CYCLING BIB SHORTS
A good pair of cycling bib shorts is key to a great day on the bike. Here are my reviews of the best ones for 2+ hour rides from known brands.
THE BEST GRAVEL SHOES
Looking for the best gravel shoes, we tested enthusiast-level, off-road shoes good for performance-level gravel riding and events.
THE BEST ROAD CYCLING SHOES
If you are a serious roadie, riding one of the best road cycling shoes is worth the added performance and enjoyment it can give you.
THE NEXT BEST ROAD BIKE SHOES
Trek’s latest Velocis sets a new bar for room and comfort against the Specialized Torch 3.0 and Shimano RC703 in this category of second-tier, $250 road bike shoes.
Electronics
BATTLE OF THE ELECTRIC BIKE PUMP BRANDS
How do electric bike pumps from well-known brands such as Silca, Trek, and others compare with those from pioneers like Cycplus and Flextail?
WAHOO TRACKR RADAR vs GARMIN VARIA RTL515 – THE DRIVER’S VIEW
Here’s how the Wahoo TRACKR RADAR and Garmin Varia RTL515 radar light compare based on what the driver sees rather than the cyclist.
EDGE 850 vs. ROAM 3 vs. KAROO 3 BIKE COMPUTERS
My tests of the Garmin Edge 850, Wahoo Roam 3, and Hammerhead Karoo 3 have changed my view of which are the best mid-sized bike computers.
GARMIN EDGE 1050 OR WAHOO ELEMNT ACE
Are you the type of ride that should consider a Garmin Edge 1050 or Wahoo Elemnt Ace? If so which is better for you?
Drivetrain & Cockpit Components
HOW TO CHOOSE ROAD RACING BIKE SADDLES
Looking for a modern bike saddle for road racing to help you ride faster? Fellow tester Miles shares his experience, guidance, and selections.
SRAM RED AXS – SHOULD AN ENTHUSIAST BUY IT?
Would Nate, one of my fastest fellow enthusiasts and testers buy the SRAM Red AXS groupset? Watch the video in this review to see.
BEST ROAD BIKE PEDALS
While road bike pedals may not be sexy or expensive, they are vitally important to your performance, comfort, and safety out on the road.
3D-PRINTED SADDLES AND THE SEARCH FOR COMFORT
Are 3D-printed saddles the way to get better comfort for your butt and improved performance from your unique anatomy?