Tout Terrain Single Trailer.  It's worth every penny.  We imported one from Germany. I know, I know its a mountain bike trailer.  It has a second setting on the suspension to lower it to the ground.  Its a dream to cycle with compared to any other trailer I've pulled. ... View more

Both.  I bike so often its easier to keep flats on.  If I'll be going on a ride over 20 miles, then I might switch to clipless.  It's easier to keep feet on the pedals when you are tired. ... View more

Yep, had one of those too.  The rope kept coming off the pulleys.  Also hung bikes upside down too long and the air socks started leaking oil.  ... View more

Smarties.  The colored candy that's in a roll.  Basically pure sugar?  I'd have my son do laps around the house (yes inside).  One lap, one smarty. Eventually two laps, two smarties.  We did a lot of riding inside then we was ready to go outside.   ... View more

This is spot on.  When I've reboxed bikes I'll often make some additional reinforcement from folded card board. It's also helpful to just see how a bike is packed in initially.  I'm sure you can Google some pictures. Typically the front tire is removed and the handle bars.  Thoses are then placed next to bike in the box.  Don't leave any loose parts floating around.  Everything should go into bages and be taped to the box or the bike (really the padding around the bike.   Make sure you have the tools you need to reassemble the bike!  ... View more

Pinkbike's trailforks app is my go to research tool. I'm starting to trust the popularity rating more than the actual rating of the trail. Strava heatmap is also a great way to find some hidden gems.   ... View more

I live in Phoenix as well and have commuted a lot over the years.  Saddle bags are the way to go if you can.  I have a set of Ortlieb.  In one bag I can fit all my work stuff and climbing gym gear if needed.  Pros: Weight is off of you.  Your back can breath so its cooler.  Bages are massive.  Cons: They suck to carry around.  You need to secure all the straps every time you ride.  Getting a strap stuck in your rear tire is a pain.  Having said all of this, this for pure commuting.  I'm a mountain biker at heart with trials tendencies.  More often than not I'm riding with a backpack because I link some trail riding in.  Also I can't hope a bike with saddles bags.  But... when I do have my commuter bike with saddle bags it feels like I'm playing on easy mode. ... View more

Sounds like you have a real infant, in which case the slings that you wear on front of you are better.  When they are bigger and can hold their head get a backpack.  The slings are better to start, balance it better, you can check on your little one easier, easier to shade.  However, makes you hotter as they are strapped on your chest.  Also, I couldn't carry our sons as long as my wife.  Too much back pain.    We have a "Little Life" backpack that has a sunshade with it.  Its easy to hang it up on trees but it helps.  We also normally carry a reflective umbrella (go-lite, sorry the company is gone now).  Most important it keep the sun off of them and keep them in a good position in the carrier.  ... View more

Weirdest?  Meh.  It's super hard to tear me away from my staple: Peanut M&M's.  Mountain biking, climbing, canyoneering, long distance hiking.  Peanut M&M's have saved me a bunch.   ... View more