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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.

This is a review of some of the new product offerings from FOX Factor, RaceFace, and Ride Concepts.

This Saturday, March 29th, 2025, marks exactly two years to the day since my ACL surgery. The moment I’ve worked tirelessly toward, the...

If you’re a cyclist in the Mesa area or planning a trip to the Valley of the Sun, the Hawes Trail Network  is a must-visit destination....