Cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life, a passion that connects people through adventure, endurance, and the freedom of the open road. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just beginning your journey, the Cycling Independent is here to bring you insights, stories, and the latest updates from the cycling world. Stay inspired, explore new trails, and embrace the cycling lifestyle.
Latest Posts Page One Op-Ed Classified Talk
Paceline Podcast 455
Stress does funny things to us. It can make us sleepy, irritable, drive us to drink or use other intoxicants. And the number it can play on our cardiovascular system, by hijacking our pulse and blood…
The Protected Heart
A cold wind blew off the Hudson River and into our faces. Even as I buried myself within the pack of 80 or so riders, I could feel the damp air move through the pack like water through fork tines. We…
The Interruptor
I’ve had several conversations in the past six months or so with cyclists who have had life get in the way of their riding. The reasons have been all over the map: travel—both work and for…
In-Person Bike Fitting With Padraig
Improving the relationship between the rider and their bike—it's not just about improving their comfort, but making a bike fit better makes the bike handle better. - Patrick Brady
Of the many…
Revolting 218
The Shape of Self-Destructiveness to Come. To say that we are our own worst enemies is to discount the ignorant hatred roiling the world at the present moment, BUT we can only control what we can…
TCIF: Rain Rides
A couple days ago I finished my day's work, got changed and headed out for a ride. Unremarkable, right? Not quite. It was pouring rain. And in the 50s. Yes, I wore thermal bibs, because duh.
…
Paceline Podcast 454
This week Lori and Patrick welcome guest David Wenger of Durata Training to the show. Wenger is a coach and bike fitter, not to mention a former national champion. His business, Durata, is based in…
Fit5 Pedals
I've known a few folks who have had a Peloton, Stages indoor bike or Wahoo Kickr bike and experienced some, uh, familial unrest due to different riders using different pedals. Fit5 is a pedal that…
Featured Posts
In-Person Bike Fitting With Padraig
Improving the relationship between the rider and their bike—it's not just about improving their comfort, but making a bike fit better makes the bike handle better. - Patrick Brady
Of the many…
Llamas, Donkeys and Sage
The Wuanita loop in Saguache (“Saw–watch”) County, Colorado was my third bikepack, but my first without the handholding provided by a 2021 “Bikepacking 101 Course” offered by Rim Tours in Moab, or a…
Part of Me
In my dream, I am riding up a steep climb on a narrow road winding through redwoods, barely able to turn the pedals. But I am happy. Ecstatic, really. I am one with my bike, an extension of my body,…
Page One
Revolting 217
Just Jibber Jabber. Sometimes you have a whole podcast planned, but then you get talking with your friend, and you keep talking, and one thing leads to another, and you blaze right through the ad…
Requiem for the Deep-Drop Handlebar
When I was a relatively new roadie, and one who thought he knew more than he did, I fetishized the Cinelli 66 handlebar. The Cinelli 66 Campione del Mondo was often referred to the Merckx bar, one of…
Op-Ed
The Protected Heart
A cold wind blew off the Hudson River and into our faces. Even as I buried myself within the pack of 80 or so riders, I could feel the damp air move through the pack like water through fork tines. We…
The Interruptor
I’ve had several conversations in the past six months or so with cyclists who have had life get in the way of their riding. The reasons have been all over the map: travel—both work and for…
TCIF: Rain Rides
A couple days ago I finished my day's work, got changed and headed out for a ride. Unremarkable, right? Not quite. It was pouring rain. And in the 50s. Yes, I wore thermal bibs, because duh.
…
Classified
Fit5 Pedals
I've known a few folks who have had a Peloton, Stages indoor bike or Wahoo Kickr bike and experienced some, uh, familial unrest due to different riders using different pedals. Fit5 is a pedal that…
Tadej Pogačar: Unstoppable by Andy McGrath
If you're 27-years old and someone writes your biography, then you must have done some pretty remarkable stuff, and thus appears this first attempt to understand the Pogačar phenomenon, based on…
A Review: Wash and Polish?
Washing your bike. Well, that is a big topic. I have broached it before. You can see that here. Today it is a review. Of bike wash. One particular bike wash—Squirt Biodegradable Bike Cleaner. Yes,…
Talk
Paceline Podcast 455
Stress does funny things to us. It can make us sleepy, irritable, drive us to drink or use other intoxicants. And the number it can play on our cardiovascular system, by hijacking our pulse and blood…
Revolting 218
The Shape of Self-Destructiveness to Come. To say that we are our own worst enemies is to discount the ignorant hatred roiling the world at the present moment, BUT we can only control what we can…
Paceline Podcast 454
This week Lori and Patrick welcome guest David Wenger of Durata Training to the show. Wenger is a coach and bike fitter, not to mention a former national champion. His business, Durata, is based in…