Before every ride, ask yourself two key questions: How long or how far am I going? And how remote will I be from civilization or a local bike shop? In this three-part blog series, we’ll break down what to carry based on your ride type and risk tolerance. We’ll cover gear recommendations for the minimalist, the day tripper, and the backcountry long-distance adventurer. Today, we’re starting with the minimalist approach.

A common question we hear in the shop is “Why does this bike have pedals, but that one doesn’t?” The short answer is entry-level bikes usually include pedals, while enthusiast bikes usually do not.

There are three main types of pedals:

• Flat pedals

• Clip-in (clipless) pedals

• Dual-sided (combination) pedals

Below is a quick guide to each.

There are three main ways to inflate a tire on the go: a mini (hand) pump, a CO₂ inflator with cartridges, and mini electric compressors. Each has its place, along with its own pros and cons. Rather than a long-winded explanation, we’ll break down each option simply so you can decide what works best for your riding style.

Your only responsibility: bring your bike in periodically so we can inspect the system and check or top off your sealant. We’ll take care of the rest—so you can enjoy fewer flats, better ride quality, and more time on the bike.

Because of this, our lighting setup is carefully dialed. We’ve found the ideal combination to be 1200+ lumens on the handlebars paired with at least 1000 lumens on the helmet. The bar light provides your main field of vision, while the helmet light lets you see into corners and down the trail.

As we move closer to winter, one of the most common questions we get is about the best off-season maintenance for your bike. Since most bikes see less use and face tougher weather from fall through spring, this is the perfect time to give your drivetrain a fresh start—beginning with a proper chain wax.

We’ve moved beyond the stage where fixing a dead eBike (from a reputable brand) feels daunting. But it still requires the same methodical approach we use with complicated mechanical issues. While there are only so many variables in an eBike system, identifying the right one quickly is key—especially when we want to avoid giving customers sticker shock at pickup.

Using some of his hard-earned Bar Mitzvah money, Noah headed over to our neighbors and partners at Jamis Bikes.