Latest Posts

The Fog of (Trade) War

I have hesitated to write anything about the economic state of the bike business lately, for two reasons. First, most of our readers aren't that interested. They wanna ride bikes, be inspired to ride

Revolting 178

Two Legs Bad, Four Legs Good. We can be reasonably certain that no cat ever crashed the economy. If you took a random Israeli dog and a random Palestinian dog, they’d probably be buddies.

TCI Friday – Your Gut

Back in the day I wrote a weekly outdoor column where readers took me on their favorite outdoor adventures. A fella wrote me that he had the best bike commute in the land, riding into Eugene, OR

Just a Couple of Dirty Words

In the superlative-heavy world of bicycle marketing there are two words a copywriter tries to avoid, and those words are 'heavy' and 'compliant.' Take those crayons out of the box and throw them in

Paceline Podcast 414

Conformity. How important is it to fit in? John wonders what we gain through conformity and whether the effort results in sufficient reward. Patrick takes a look at a looming issue in mountain bike

A Useful Review: the Handlestash

Last week I realized something kinda surprising. I don't have a bottle cage on my ebike. I don't ever fill a water bottle and bring it with me when I'm running errands by ebike, even if I'm out the

Cycling Infrastructure

Cycling Infrastructure. What exactly does that mean? Or include? Is that bike paths, bike trails, parking facilities, access to bikes? I believe all are important. Add to it a community that knows

Revolting 177

Hugs Are Better Than Drugs, But Drugs Are Also Pretty Good. Don’t do meth, you’ll lose all your teeth. Don’t do coke, you’ll lose your whole bank account. Don’t do Molly, you’ll sleep with your

Featured Posts

For Los Angeles

The wildfires in Southern California will go down as the most expensive natural disaster in the state's history. Combined, the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Auto fires, have burned more than 40,000

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,

Just a Couple of Dirty Words

In the superlative-heavy world of bicycle marketing there are two words a copywriter tries to avoid, and those words are 'heavy' and 'compliant.' Take those crayons out of the box and throw them in

Page One

The Fog of (Trade) War

I have hesitated to write anything about the economic state of the bike business lately, for two reasons. First, most of our readers aren't that interested. They wanna ride bikes, be inspired to ride

Just a Couple of Dirty Words

In the superlative-heavy world of bicycle marketing there are two words a copywriter tries to avoid, and those words are 'heavy' and 'compliant.' Take those crayons out of the box and throw them in

Paceline Podcast 414

Conformity. How important is it to fit in? John wonders what we gain through conformity and whether the effort results in sufficient reward. Patrick takes a look at a looming issue in mountain bike

Op-Ed

TCI Friday – Your Gut

Back in the day I wrote a weekly outdoor column where readers took me on their favorite outdoor adventures. A fella wrote me that he had the best bike commute in the land, riding into Eugene, OR

TCI Friday

You have experienced this. You're at a cookout or a party or a business function, and someone has ratted you out as a "serious cyclist" to some civilian type with questions about bikes. You get

It’s Not About the Wrenches

When people ask me why cycling occupies such a central, dare I say dominant, role in my life, I've taken to beginning with a somewhat cryptic reply. It's certainly not direct, anyway. "You say

Classified

A Useful Review: the Handlestash

Last week I realized something kinda surprising. I don't have a bottle cage on my ebike. I don't ever fill a water bottle and bring it with me when I'm running errands by ebike, even if I'm out the

A Useful Review: Clik Valve

Valves for bike tires come in exactly two flavors: Presta and Schrader. It's binary, either/or, and both types have strengths and weaknesses. That is, until now. Clik Valve is the first new valve in

Talk

Revolting 178

Two Legs Bad, Four Legs Good. We can be reasonably certain that no cat ever crashed the economy. If you took a random Israeli dog and a random Palestinian dog, they’d probably be buddies.

Revolting 177

Hugs Are Better Than Drugs, But Drugs Are Also Pretty Good. Don’t do meth, you’ll lose all your teeth. Don’t do coke, you’ll lose your whole bank account. Don’t do Molly, you’ll sleep with your

Paceline 413

This week John takes a look at just what we need when we head out for a ride. A helmet seems a given ... usually ... but what about that water bottle? Eyewear? Do you really need a cycling jersey?

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.