As I demonstrate, a road bike with a trailer can work on a multi-day tour (just make sure the gearing will get you up the hills).
(Photo: Daniel Sharp)

(more...)

Publisher's note: This article was written by Tori Bortman. In the coming weeks, Tori will help you Optimize Your Ride by sharing her bike repair tips, tricks and perspectives.

Lube it up, wipe it down.
(Photos by Daniel Sharp)

Today's topic: the chain.

The chain is one of the easiest parts to maintain on your bike; but for some reason, it's also the most neglected. Maybe some of you are intimidated by chain-tenance? Don't be. Here's all you need to know...

Choose a good lube. Look for one that’s not too thick or thin, preferably with a solvent mixed in. My favorite is A.T.B. Lube (which stands for Absolutely The Best). I’m a fan because I want maintenance on my bike to take as little time as possible. Go ahead. Call me lazy (I prefer “efficient”).
(more...)

This guest article was written by Tori Bortman, owner and operator of Gracie's Wrench, which offers private and group bike maintenance clinics (and more). Tori wrote a similar article for us last spring, but this one's new and improved!

Spring is coming!
(Photos © J. Maus)

Thanks to El Nino, spring has officially sprung a bit early this year. Not that I’m complaining. More long weekend rides, less getting caught in torrential downpours -- I’m all for it.

You may be ready for spring... but is your bike?

If you haven’t taken the time this winter to give your bicycle a thorough re-vamp, now is the time. That doesn’t mean you have to go running to the shop. Start slow and bring your steed back to life with some simple steps that will make your next ride practically dreamy.
(more...)

Tori Bortman
(Photos © J. Maus)

Editor's Note: This article was written by guest author Tori Bortman. Tori is very active in the local bike scene. She's a co-host of the KBOO Bike Show, a promoter of bike polo and women-only alleycats, and she's the proprietor of her own bike mechanic training business, Gracie's Wrench (which we reported about two years ago and was featured in The Oregonian this past Sunday).

Today she shares a few tips about how to coax your battered bike (and psyche) out of the winter doldrums and into the sunshine ahead!

(more...)