Tara Seplavy
Deputy Editor
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.

The Most Reliable Bike Pumps We've Tested—and Still Use
We’ve tried countless pumps over the years—these are the ones that keep performing ride after ride.

Fly up Climbs with These 7 Gear and Bike Setup Tips Our Experts Swear By
Gear isn’t a replacement for fitness, but the wrong equipment or setup can hold you back from reaching your climbing potential. These gear recommendations make climbing easier and faster on hilly rides.

Is There Such a Thing as the Best Bike?
If that’s your question, you may be missing the point. Here’s what to ask instead.

Shifting on Most Bikes Is Good, Yet Still Troublesome. Here Are 6 Ways It Can Improve
Our expert breaks down the details and features she wants to see from Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo on potential upcoming road and gravel groupsets.

The 12 Best Commuter Bikes for Getting Around Town or Campus
From cargo-hauling e-bikes to office-friendly folders, these are the best commuter bikes for any budget and space.

The 9 Best Hybrid Bikes For Exercise, Commuting and Casual Fun
These Expert-Recommended Hybrid Bikes Will Get You Where You're Going

Bikes and Gear Are Not the Best Thing in Cycling, It’s the People You Meet and the Relationships You Make
I didn’t see any truly exceptional bikes or gear at Sea Otter Classic. However, I reconnected with many friends and met new ones—that is the thing that makes cycling events and gatherings special.

How I Fixed My Sore Knee with 3 Simple Foam Roller Exercises You Can Do at Home
Knee pain is a common cycling ailment—this is what happened when I recently felt soreness, and how our expert personal trainer helped me fix it.

The 7 Best Bike Locks Keep Your Bike Secure Everywhere
Every cyclist needs a bike lock. These are the ones we trust.

Three High-Quality Expert-Endorsed Tools That Will Level Up Your Home Bike Workshop
Our deputy editor recommends the tools worth paying extra for when building a bicycle workshop, plus three bonus gear recommendations for home mechanics to take it up a notch.

The 13 Best Electric Bikes of 2025
We've ridden thousands of miles on e-bikes—from commuters and cruisers to cargo haulers, folders, and mountain bikes. After all that riding, these are the ones we keep coming back to. No matter your style or budget, there's something here you'll love.

The 8 Best Folding Electric Bikes of 2025
Zip from home, to the train, to work—or anywhere else—with these fantastic folding electric bikes.

Bike Prices Will Soar Due to New Tariffs—Our Expert Shares 5 Tips to Help You Save
The “reciprocal” tariffs will potentially raise bike prices by thousands of dollars, but there are some ways you can get the gear you need without breaking your budget.

Is State’s New 4130 Hardtail the Best Trail-Ready Mountain Bike Deal of 2025?
State Bicycle’s entry into the mountain bike market is a solid, value-packed cromoly hardtail, and it’s a great bike to get into mountain biking and more technical trail riding.

Scott’s New Lightweight Addict RC Pro Is My Favorite Race Bike for Long Rides
Aero might be everything, but lightweight bikes have undeniable appeal and unmatched coolness.

The 27 Best Road, Gravel, Mountain, and Electric Bikes of 2025 Selected By Our Experts
Our editors rode tens of thousands of miles to test and evaluate these award-winning bicycles; for long rides or commuting, on pavement or dirt, one of these bikes might be perfect for you.

The 7 Best Expert-Tested Electric Bikes of 2025
Our editors rode dozens of cargo, commuter, mountain, and road e-bikes to select the best of the year.

Our Editors’ 6 Best Gravel Bikes of 2025 for Rides, Races, or Adventures of All Sizes
From bikepacking to long-distance races and everything in between, these are our favorite gravel bikes for multi-surface riding.

2025's Best Mountain Bikes—8 Great Bikes for Trail Riding, Racing, and Pure Fun
Our editors tested mountain bikes on trails across North America to pick their favorites.

Ride Faster and Farther with Our 6 Best Editor-Tested Road Bikes of 2025
Built for speed and distance riding, these award-winning bikes are designed for long rides, racing, training, or simply enjoying the open road.

6 Gear Must-Haves That Add Comfort, Safety, and Convenience for Your Next Long Ride
Be ready for your next long-distance ride with our expert’s essential tips and advice.

The 10 Best Hardtail Mountain Bike of 2025
Whether you want a lightweight cross-country rocket or a cheap trail ripper, one of these hardtail mountain bikes will work for you.

7 Pieces of Cycling Gear and Bikes We’re Testing That You Need to Know About
Staff Picks: Tires for XC mountain bikers, a bike trailer for active families, and an easy-to-use indoor trainer are among the products our editors are currently riding and enjoying.

The 8 Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2025. So Far.
From entry-level hardtails to long travel enduro rigs, this list has a bike for every rider looking for pedal-assisted trail adventures.

I Ride Every Day Though All Kinds of Bad Weather. Here Are My 5 Tips for Staying Warm and Dry this Spring.
Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy provides clothing and accessory advice to optimize your cycling wardrobe for any spring bike ride.

This Basic Measurement is Missing from Many Cycling Computers
E-bike computers and pricey head units provide useful information to riders, yet they often fail to display one important detail.

Building a Perfect, Fully-Stocked Flat Kit is Easier than You Think
Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy tells you what is in her bikes’ seat bags and helps you assemble a great repair kit for road or gravel riding for less than $90.

Aventon Combines Tech, Performance, and Value for Its New Level 3 Commuter E-Bike
Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy commuted through ice, snow, and freezing temperatures while testing Aventon’s category-leading electric bike.

These Common Household Items Are Handy for Cyclists
Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy and Test Editor Dan Chabanov chat about everyday items you might have around the house to use for bicycle cleaning, maintenance, and repair.

Save Money and Improve Performance with Our Expert’s Recommended Road Bike Upgrades
Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy shares 10 great upgrades for road riders for under $100—including how to save big on some pricey gear.

Many Cyclists Make This Critical Chain Lube Mistake
Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy and Test Editor Dan Chabanov discuss how much chain lube to use, the different lube types, and when to apply it.
Gear that Helps Older Cyclists Ride with Less Pain, More Fitness, and Improved Confidence
Our expert recommends 12 upgrades and changes that keep seniors enjoying their bikes and riding.