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 this site when you buy at the store after clicking on a link*
Check out Know's Shop
*While there's no added cost to you, some stores pay commissions that support our product review and site expenses.
How To Choose and Save
HOW AND WHERE TO BUY BIKES ONLINE – 2021
If you are thinking about buying a bike online in 2021, it’s never been easier. Here’s how and where to do it along with bikes to consider.
THE BEST ONLINE BIKE STORE RANKINGS
This post gives you my up-to-date online bike store rankings of those with the best prices, selection, customer satisfaction, and support for cycling enthusiasts
ROAD BIKE WHEELS – HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FOR YOU
How do you decide which are the best road bike wheels for you and where you should buy them? This post answers these and other question we road cycling enthusiasts face when it’s time for new wheels.
Disc Brake Wheelsets
KNOW IT – ROAD DISC BIKES AND WHEELS
My new quick read email puts you in the know on a single topic and connects you to comprehensive reviews when you want to go there.
THE BEST CARBON WHEELSET FOR THE MONEY – PART 2
I review the performance of several value-carbon wheels in the second part of my search for the best carbon wheelset for the money.
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.
THE BEST CARBON DISC WHEELSET
If you own a road disc bike, you may be looking for that one all-around, carbon disc wheelset that performs well across a wide range of terrain.
THE BEST ROAD DISC WHEELSET UPGRADES
If you’ve bought a road disc bike recently, you’ve probably asked yourself…which road disc wheelset would be a real upgrade at a reasonable price?
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELS FOR CLIMBING
I review the latest and best lightweight wheels for climbing, explain why they are the right choice for some riders, tell you which I like, and why.
Rim Brake Wheelsets
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.
THE BEST CARBON ROAD BIKE WHEELS
If you are ready to spend good money on a set of all-around, carbon road bike wheels for your rim brake bike, dig into my reviews and comparison of the best
THE BEST ROAD BIKE WHEEL UPGRADE OPTIONS
I review the best road bike wheel upgrade options for bikes with rim brakes, most of which can be had for under $/£/€1000.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELS FOR CLIMBING
I review the latest and best lightweight wheels for climbing, explain why they are the right choice for some riders, tell you which I like, and why.
Gravel Riding
KNOW IT – GRAVEL CYCLING FOR ROADIES
In 4 minutes, get in the know and link to more about why roadies are riding gravel and the best gravel tires, wheels, shorts, and techniques.
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.
THE BEST GRAVEL SHOES
Looking for the best gravel shoes, we tested enthusiast-level shoes designed for gravel riding and mountain bike shoes you can also grind in.
THE BEST GRAVEL WHEELS I’VE TESTED
Gravel wheels are a breed of wheelsets for riding dirt and gravel roads that surpass what road wheels can give you. Here’s my report on them.
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.
THE BEST GRAVEL TIRES
Picking the best gravel tires for the surfaces you’re riding can make the difference between a fast, confident ride and a slow, shaky slog.
Tires
THE BEST TUBELESS TIRES
With new tubeless tires being introduced and a better understanding of how they perform, I’ve deepened and revised my evaluations and ratings.
THE BEST WIDER ROAD BIKE TIRE AND WHEEL SIZES
How wide should the tires be on your road wheels? Here are my recommendations for the best bike tire and wheel sizes to improve speed, comfort and handling.
Clothing and Accessories
BEST LIGHT AND COOL ROAD BIKE HELMETS
We review the best road bike helmets that are notably lighter and cooler than aero road helmets and other standard lids for enthusiasts.
THE BEST CYCLING SUNGLASSES
If you are a serious cyclist, you should wear cycling sunglasses. It’s not easy to pick the best cycling sunglasses for each of us. Here’s how we did it.
THE BEST ROAD CYCLING SHOES
Road cycling shoes should transfer your power efficiently, fit comfortably, look good, and be reasonably priced. The best ones I’ve reviewed do all of that.
THE BEST AERO HELMET FOR ROAD CYCLISTS
Before an aero helmet was created for roadies, helmets were mostly about protecting our heads while keeping us cool. Now, they can also make us faster.
Groupsets and Components
eTap vs Di2 vs EPS – WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Now that electronic groupsets from Shimano, SRAM, and Campy are well accepted, you may be wondering should I upgrade to eTap vs Di2? or EPS?
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.
Power Meters and Computers
THE BEST POWER METER FOR YOU
Choosing the best power meter is now easier than ever. Prices have stabilized, performance has equalized, and options have normalized.
WHY I SWITCHED TO THE WAHOO ELEMNT BOLT
The 2021 Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT is a clear winner, exploiting the Garmin Edge 530’s shortcomings and matching many features where the 530 excelled