All Posts

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, we're celebrating an incredible milestone—The Shad Co.'s second anniversary—and we want you to celebrate with us! From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, our shop will transform into Shad Fest, an afternoon packed with industry-leading bike brands, exclusive giveaways, product demonstrations, food, drinks, games, prizes, and some surprises you won't want to miss. Whether you're a longtime customer, a weekend rider, a mountain biker, a road cyclist, or you've s

The latest generation of electric mountain bikes has completely changed what's possible on the trail. Today's eMTBs are lighter, quieter, more capable, and more refined than ever before. Whether you're looking to ride farther, climb steeper terrain, or simply maximize your time on the trails, modern electric mountain bikes offer an incredible riding experience without sacrificing the handling characteristics that mountain bikers love. At The Shad Co., we've carefully selecte

Let's be real: Phoenix has some of the best mountain biking in the country. We've got year-round riding, incredible desert scenery, hundreds of miles of trails, and everything from mellow family cruises to genuinely terrifying technical descents. If you can't find something to ride here, you're not trying. But here's what we see at The Shad Co constantly: people show up from out of town (or are new to the area) asking "where should I ride?" and we need to play twenty questio

Remember when mountain bikes were fun? Not "spend-three-grand-on-a-carbon-layup-consultation" fun, but actual "I-can't-believe-I-just-manualed-through-that-rock-garden" fun? Well, Fairdale remembers. And they've built a bike that's here to remind you what riding is supposed to feel like. Photo courtesy of fairdalebikes.com The BMX Company That Said "Let's Make a Mountain Bike" Here's the thing about Fairdale: they're not your typical mountain bike company trying to make ever

So you bought a shiny new bike, and it came with a warranty. Excellent! You're protected! Nothing can go wrong because the manufacturer has your back, right? Well... sort of. Maybe. Depending on what happened. And how you can prove it. And whether Mercury is in retrograde. Here's a conversation we have at The Shad Co approximately once a week: Customer : "My [insert component here] broke. It's under warranty, right?" Us : "Well, let's see what happened..." Customer : "I was j

You've got a great bike. You've been riding regularly. You're staying hydrated (because, Arizona). But something feels... off. Maybe your lower back aches after every ride. Or your hands go numb on long descents. Perhaps your knees are staging a protest every time you tackle South Mountain. You might think you're just getting old, or that cycling is supposed to hurt a little, or that you need to toughen up. Here's the truth: your bike might be working against you instead of

When community and nature come together, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what we’re witnessing in the relationship between The Shad Co bicycle shop and the Hawes Trail Alliance (HTA). Together, they’ve not only helped grow awareness for the beauty of the Hawes Trail network but also created a space where cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts can come together to protect and preserve these cherished trails. A Partnership That Paves the Way for Community Engagement

Tips for returning to the riding season in Arizona

A lighthearted look at the wonderfully weird world of bicycle service Photo courtesy of bikeroar.com Working at The Shad Co., we've...

A complete guide to the tune up services offered by The Shad Co.

The Rise of Gravel Cycling Gravel riding has exploded in popularity over the past decade, creating an entirely new category of cycling...

So, you've found a local group ride—awesome! Maybe it's your Tuesday night hammerfest, or your weekend coffee-and-clipless kind of crew....

Once upon a time, mountain bikers were stuck with their seat height like they were married to it – for better or worse, in sickness and...

Exposing the Rubber Revolution That's Been Undermining Your Rides Photo courtesy of trekbikes.com They're round, they're black, and...

Think eBikes are just for the elderly or out of shape? Think again. eBikes are for everyone — commuters, trail shredders, weekend warriors, and even hardcore cyclists. They amplify your ride, not replace it. Whether you're chasing speed, tackling hills, or just having fun, eBikes open the door to more miles, more adventures, and more freedom.

A Survival Guide for the Modern Mountain Biker Ah yes, mountain biking — that pure, dirt-splattered thrill that was supposed to be our...

Understanding the Magic That Keeps Your Wheels on the Ground Let's be honest: mountain bike suspension can feel like rocket science...

A reflective roast of Lycra, gravel betrayal, and the ghost of Lance Armstrong There was a time when road cycling wasn’t just a hobby —...

Hold onto your handlebars, folks — The Shad Co. is officially ONE YEAR OLD! 🥳 That’s right — we’ve survived 365 days of derailleur...

The Shad Co. supports multiple local race teams and especially youth cycling teams.