I swapped out a regular pair of wheels (non-tubless) for a pair of tubeless a couple of years ago. Did a lot of research at the time as I did not want to spend big bucks on this particular bike.  My choice was a pair of wheel from "Stan notubes" https://www.notubes.com/   After 5000 miles of use, I have had zero issues and they ride as well as my very expensive carbon wheels that I have on other bikes.  They impressed me a lot. BTW Stan's is the leader in tubeless bicycle tires.  They claim that that most road wheels can be converted to tubeless wheels for the cost of tape, a new valve and sealant.  I have not tried, but they are really the experts in this area, so maybe..... ... View more

We have raised two young men. My oldest son started mountain around 8 years old and my youngest at 6. Both were riding serious cross country trails early on and very quickly progressed to downhill at whistler.  While I have been riding mountain bikes for decades, I enrolled my boys in mountain bike camps in Whistler. The programs were excellent and they learned how to ride properly.  Children listen to "pros" more than they listen to parents.   If I were to do it again, I would do the same thing. Hook them up with a professional learn to ride program or an advanced riding program.  There are many around. BTW my boys loved WORCA the best and it was reasonably priced.    These are the programs I tapped into https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/whistler-mountain-bike-park/bike-school/all-bike-school.aspx https://www.worca.com/youth-camps-1         https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/whistler-mountain-bike-park/bike-school/all-bike-school.aspx   ... View more

For me a trip begins with the planning, especially on a multi-day backpacking trip to someplace new. Studying the maps and guides, creating a detailed trip plan, reserving permits and backcountry sites, making a menu and creating our gourmet DIY dehydrated meals, selecting, gathering, and checking gear and supplies are all part of the fun and adventure for me! On the back end, the trip isn't fully over until all the gear is cleaned, checked, and stored away properly.  That said, with all the photos and memories from our big trips, the adventure will always live on in our minds and they fuel the dreams and plans for whatever comes next! ... View more

This is a wonderful question! I think I should differentiate between camping (staying at the same place, with short hikes around) and backpacking (moving from place to place with your whole equipment). For camping, I don't think there is a "minimum" age. Children get used to be (and sleep) outdoors surprisingly easily. We started taking our kids camping when they were old enough to sit without back support, about seven months old, and hiked with them on a back carrier (nothing fancy, just a piece of fabric with ties) or a stroller if the trail allowed it. In my experience, the key for kids willing to walk is (suspense)... make them walk. Even when they were toddlers, I was surprised by how long they could walk as long as the hike was interesting and snacks were provided; that meant stopping every now and then to look at rocks or flowers, pointing at animals, making funny noises, you know the drill. For backpacking, it depends on each family. We didn't backpack long distances as a family until recently (my kids are 8 and 10 now); they got tired, they whined a bit, but they enjoyed it immensely and despite all their complains, as soon as we arrived to a nice place they would get all bouncy and run around while we parents could hardly stay on our feet. My take is that around five years old (again, depending on each kid) they are already able to hike for 5 or 6 miles, as other people mentioned, provided that you supply them with water, snacks and interesting conversation, so to speak. ... View more

I'll be embarking on my second Boundary Waters canoe adventure later this month. Here are a couple of shots from May 2019     ... View more

@Michael_Rerun - Another option would be to swap out the bars themselves, as bars come in different rises. It would be a smaller change than the Stem Raiser @REI-JohnJ linked (~1" vs. 3"), but sometimes small adjustments can make a big difference in feel/comfort. Another thing to consider is that raising the stem will also push it slightly closer to your body due to the angle it sits at, while a different rise bar will maintain the horizontal distance. ... View more

Arizona: Snowbowl - Fun Vacation rental nearby: https://lovelyandlimitless.com/2020/10/15/flagstaff-glamping-cabin-rental-arizona/ Arizona: Mount Lemmon Arizona: Sunrise Ski Resort Colorado: Purgatory Resort Colorado: Telluride Ski Resort  California: Big Bear Mountian  - Fun Vacation rental nearby: https://lovelyandlimitless.com/2018/04/27/stay-big-bear-california-a-frame-cabin/ ... View more

Seconding @TomIrvine but will add that it is most likely the grips and not the bars themselves. If the grips are friction fit -- the classic rubber that "slides" on (more like forced on...) and stays in place through friction alone -- then you can absolutely cut the ends off as needed. If, however, the grips are "lock-on" and they are secured in place with a small screw on a lock ring collar at the end(s), this style of grip usually has a plastic core inside. Depending on the design, it may or may not be designed to have a removable end plug. Even if it's a solid end, you could maybe try drilling a hole to accept a plug, but it can be tough to do cleanly. I wouldn't recommend cutting this type of grip shorter as it likely could compromise the integrity of the plastic core. The best solution might just be to buy new grips that will accept a mirror. Thankfully grips are relatively cheap at $15-20. ... View more

I've never had to do it myself, but I have seen many times that people swear by bikeflights.com ... View more

Haha that's good to know, thank you! ... View more

Hi @BriannaMcCall - Thanks for your patience as we confirmed this answer! If you use your REI Mastercard with Apple Pay on an REI purchase you will receive 5% back.  Let us know if you have any additional questions and we'll be happy to help! ... View more