Ethan Caldwell

Finding the best running shoes for big guys is not as simple as grabbing the most cushioned option on the shelf. When you are carrying extra weight, your footwear needs change dramatically. I learned this the hard way after going through three pairs of standard trainers in six months, wondering why my knees ached and … Read more

I have spent the last three months riding electric mountain bikes across every trail I could find. From rocky descents in the Santa Monica Mountains to fire road climbs in the Santa Susana range, these e-MTBs changed how I think about trail riding. Electric mountain bikes for trails are no longer just for beginners. Our … Read more

Getting lost on a century ride taught me a lesson I will never forget. I had been using my phone for navigation, but the battery died at mile 62, leaving me stranded on unfamiliar gravel roads. That was three years ago, before I started testing dedicated bike computers with maps. Since then, our team has … Read more

When the water temperature climbs past 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a full-sleeve wetsuit goes from helpful to suffocating in a hurry. I learned this the hard way at a July Olympic-distance race in Austin, where I spent the entire 1500m swim fighting the urge to rip my suit off mid-stroke. That experience sent me on a … Read more

Finding the best frame bags for gravel bikes transforms how you approach every ride. I learned this the hard way during my first multi-day gravel adventure. My pockets bulged with snacks, tools, and a phone that kept digging into my thigh on every climb. After that trip, I started testing frame bags seriously. That was … Read more

Staying active as we age gets harder, but it does not have to mean giving up the joy of cycling. I have watched my own parents struggle with traditional bikes, dealing with joint pain and balance concerns that made riding feel more like a chore than a pleasure. That changed when they discovered electric bikes … Read more

Getting lost on a remote gravel road 40 miles from home taught me one thing the hard way. Your phone is not a reliable navigation tool for serious cycling. I had 12% battery left, no cell signal, and a setting sun. That was the day I started testing bike computers for navigation. Over the past … Read more

Finding the right triathlon wetsuit changed everything for me when I completed my first ocean swim at the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. I remember standing at the starting line, terrified of the cold Pacific water, until I realized my wetsuit was doing exactly what it should. It kept me warm, positioned my body correctly, and gave … Read more

After 2,400 miles of mixed-terrain bikepacking across the Pacific Northwest, I learned that your handlebar bag can make or break a trip. The best handlebar bags for bikepacking keep your essentials dry, accessible, and stable enough that you forget they are there. I have tested everything from budget-friendly options to premium dry bags on everything … Read more

I have tested dozens of electric bikes over the past three years, and the budget category under $2000 has completely transformed. What used to be a market filled with questionable dropshipped products is now packed with legitimate, well-built machines that can handle daily commutes, weekend trails, and everything in between. I put over 500 miles … Read more