Whether you are riding around the latest and greatest the bike industry has to offer, an old school relic, or the die-hard four season commuter, admittedly as a cyclist, you care about the bike you are on. Keeping your bicycle running smoothly will only ensure the longevity of the bike, its performance, and the overall enjoyment you will get out of every ride.

While many tunes and services are best left for your friendly local bike shop, the first and foremost is something everyone who rides is capable of maintaining.

So you’re looking at a new bike. Maybe you’re looking to hit the open road. Maybe you’re wishing for an easier way to get around town, or maybe you just want to escape for a gravel adventure in the afternoon sun. Whichever it may be, a bicycle is an age-old ticket to motion and freedom. The bicycle has evolved into a variety of different purpose-built machines and choosing the right one for you can be challenging. Fortunately our Skirack team is here to help guide you to your dream ride.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the bike buying process and intimidated by the innumerable options out there, fear not. After reading this short guide you will be able to confidently choose your next ride. We will go over just a few basic steps that will help you narrow down your search as well as some finer points to think about before making your final decision.

Spring is here and it's biking season! Folks are getting their bikes out of winter storage or contemplating a new purchase. A growing number of you are electric bike owners already or prospective buyers. This article is about how to care for your e-bike, answered frequently asked questions and how get the most out of your e-bike purchase.

Since the start of the 2020 Pandemic, many people around the world were not able to go for a bike ride with their friends. While I'm not a competitive rider, the primary reason I'm out there is the social fun, a few high fives, some solid exercise and a post ride beer. No matter if it's the mountain bike, a gravel route or just ripping around town on a single speed it's the fun of seeing friends and sharing an experience that almost all of us can enjoy. Exercise and socializing are necessary parts of day-to-day life.

What many people soon discovered and enjoyed is the flexibility that an indoor bike trainer provides, especially in inclement weather or when it gets dark earlier in the day during the fall and winter months. A bonus is having the technology to share bike rides with friends in the virtual world of Zwift; an app that connects with a compatible bike trainer's Bluetooth and ant+ and lets you ride, train, race and chat from the comfort of your own home.

Hometown: Burlington VT

Years of Experience: 11 Years here total at The Skirack as a mechanic. I've been the Catagory manager/Buyer for Snowboard product for the last 10 years and the Bike Parts and Accessories buyer for the last 3 years. I've been and avid rider and biker for around thirty years.

Outside Interests and Hobbies: In winter it's getting as many days on snow as my schedule and body will allow. Usually at Sugarbush or Bolton and the surrounding backcountry. Summer time its long rides off the beaten path especially if it involves camping, or just a quick cruise around town to meet up with friends for a beer. Golfing, disc golf, seeing live music or just hanging out with my Wife and our dog.

When is an appropriate age to start including kids into bike adventures?

1 year is the recommended age provided by the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) where babies develop the neck strength required to support the weight of a helmet and to keep their head from bobbing when riding over bumps.

Once your kiddo turns 1, there are many child bike gear options we carry at Skirack which are explained below, starting with the most important: a bike helmet.

Exercising in the heat can create many challenges. Hydrating, food intake, proper clothing choice, and many other factors are essential to keeping you out there on a sweltering day. Many people think water is the key to a hot day...sure it is...but you NEED electrolytes or your body will suffer. It is also important to understand how to carry your fluids as well. This can carry over to not only hot days, but any training day. I am going to break it down for you to help with training, racing, and general exercise during those hot days.

Whether you are riding around the latest and greatest the bike industry has to offer, an old school relic, or the die-hard four season commuter, admittedly as a cyclist, you care about the bike you are on. Keeping your bicycle running smoothly will only ensure the longevity of the bike, its performance, and the overall enjoyment you will get out of every ride.

While many tunes and services are best left for your friendly local bike shop, the first and foremost is something everyone who rides is capable of maintaining.

As mountain bikers, getting through the ups and downs of the Vermont fifth season aka "mud season" can be challenging. One week, trails are dry and open - and the next week, they are closed due to rain (or even snow).

To get through this difficult time, we have come up with 5 things you can do instead of biking on the trails.

Keep up-to-date on trail status, find your Vermont Mountain Bike Association chapter and learn more about mud season at: vmba.org).

The Popularity of Bikes

Are you feeling cooped up and ready to get outside during 2021? You’re not alone! The past year of travel restrictions and unprecedented challenges have changed all of our lives. One silver lining is that more people have taken up new outdoor hobbies as a way to get out of the house, get back into shape, or safely socialize while relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

Bicycles have always been a great way to get out in the fresh air, and in the summer of 2020, their popularity skyrocketed. Everyone desired the utility, freedom, and ability to explore that a bicycle provides. As a direct result of their newfound popularity, every type of bike, from kids bikes to electric bikes, have been in demand like never before.