Contender In The News: Ryan Talks Spring Cycling & E-Bikes

Ready to get back on the bike this spring, but not sure where to start? 

You’re in luck. With warmer temperatures back in the mix (hopefully for good this time) Contender owner Ryan Littlefield has been out and about, sharing his expertise with the local media on all things spring cycling, from how to select an e-bike to the latest and greatest in clothing and accessories to the best local cycling routes, be it road, gravel, or a casual cruise with the family. Check it out: 

• Fox 13’s THE PLACE: Morgan Saxton, host of Fox 13’s midday lifestyle show The PLACE, dropped by our Salt Lake City shop to chat with Ryan about 3 great rides for spring, along with recommended bikes and gear for each. Ryan touched on the Liberty Park bike path for family adventures (followed by ice cream at 9th and 9th, naturally), Emigration Canyon for roadies (a tried and true classic, and arguably Utah’s most heavily trafficked bike route), and Round Valley’s Big Easy for a beginner friendly mountain bike loop that’s fun, flowy, and ready to rock in the spring. Among the goods Ryan touched on, we’re especially fond of the smokin’ deals on these his and hers Scott Speedster road and gravel bikes; the vibrant colors of these IRIS road kits; and this mountain bike bell from Timber–a must-have for making sure your trail etiquette is point, letting runners, hikers, and other cyclists know you’re in the immediate vicinity, and on the move. 

• KSL NewsRadio's Let’s Get Moving with Maria: Ryan also went deep on all things e-bikes with KSL NewsRadio’s Maria Shilaos, who hosts a health and wellness podcast, and is an avid e-mountain biker herself. Among Ryan’s tips for selecting an electric bike: start with the kind of riding you intend to do–urban, road, gravel, or mountain biking–and from there, make sure you net out with your desired level of electric assist and battery range. As a quick reminder, Class 1 electric bikes top out at 20 mph of assistance, Class 3 electric bikes top out at 28 mph, and the range of most batteries can be extended with a range extender. Our favorite of all Ryan’s advice? Be open to e-bikes, including the myriad use cases–from commuting to errands to lapping flow trails–along with the reality that they can be ridiculously fun, and a fantastic complement to analog or acoustic bikes. As Ryan likes to say, “there are those who love e-bikes—and there are those who just haven’t tried them yet.”

Happy spring riding, and if we can help out with anything, please don’t hesitate to send us a message, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344.