Ethan Caldwell

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

I have spent the last three months testing bike computers on everything from smooth fire roads to rocky singletrack throughout California. After logging over 2,000 miles across 10 different GPS units, I can tell you that choosing the right bike computer for gravel riding makes the difference between confidently exploring new routes and getting lost … Read more

I spent three months cycling to work with a sweaty back and a sore neck. Every morning felt like a battle between my laptop, my change of clothes, and the growing puddle on my shirt. If you are reading this, you know the struggle. The best cycling backpacks for commuters solve these exact problems with … Read more

After testing dozens of bike computers over the past three years and logging more than 15,000 miles on the roads around Malibu, I can tell you this: the right GPS unit transforms how you ride. I learned this lesson the hard way during my first century ride when my phone died at mile 62, leaving … Read more