Privacy Policy

Updated on

Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how bikeask.com collects, uses, and protects information when you visit and interact with our content. We aim to be transparent and respectful of your privacy. This site is primarily informational—focused on bicycle questions, how-to guidance, and product/gear education—and we collect only the information needed to operate, improve, and secure the experience.

By using the site, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the site.

Information We Collect

We may collect information in a few ways:

Information you provide voluntarily

  • Messages you send through contact forms or email, such as your name (if included), email address, and the content of your message.
  • Information you choose to include in a question, such as bike model, component types, riding conditions, or problem descriptions.

Information collected automatically
When you visit the site, some information may be collected automatically, including:

  • Device and browser information (e.g., browser type, operating system, device type).
  • Approximate location (derived from IP address, typically at city/region level).
  • Pages viewed, time on page, referring/exit pages, and interactions (e.g., clicks, scroll depth depending on analytics settings).
  • General technical data used for security and performance (e.g., error logs, timestamps).

Cookies and similar technologies
We may use cookies and related technologies (like pixels or local storage) to remember preferences, measure performance, and support analytics and advertising/affiliate features as described below.

How We Use Information

We use collected information for purposes that generally include:

  • Operating the site: delivering pages, maintaining functionality, and improving load speed and reliability.
  • Improving content: understanding what topics readers find helpful, identifying content gaps, and updating guides.
  • Responding to requests: replying to messages, handling feedback, and addressing corrections.
  • Security and fraud prevention: protecting the site from abuse, bots, and malicious activity.
  • Measuring performance: analyzing traffic trends and engagement to improve structure and clarity.
  • Supporting monetization (when applicable): measuring affiliate link performance and showing relevant advertising.

We do not sell personal information in the ordinary sense of directly exchanging it for money. However, some third-party services (like advertising or analytics providers) may process data in ways that could be considered a “sale” or “sharing” under certain privacy laws. See “Your Choices & Rights” for options.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Cookies are small files stored on your device. We may use:

  • Essential cookies that help the site function properly.
  • Preference cookies that remember settings such as consent choices (where used).
  • Analytics cookies that help us understand traffic and usage patterns.
  • Advertising/affiliate cookies that may track visits and purchases when you click an external link.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may impact certain features or the accuracy of analytics and advertising measurement.

Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services to help run the site. These may include:

  • Website hosting and content delivery networks (CDNs) for speed and stability.
  • Spam protection services to reduce unwanted submissions.
  • Email services to reply to inquiries.
  • Analytics providers to understand site usage.
  • Advertising networks to display ads.
  • Affiliate networks or retailers that process purchases when you click outbound links.

These third parties may collect or receive information about your activity to provide their services. Their data practices are governed by their own privacy policies.

Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure

bikeask.com may display advertisements and may include affiliate links in some articles. Affiliate links are special URLs that can track referrals. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Important notes:

  • Affiliate earnings help support the site’s operating costs and allow us to keep publishing free informational content.
  • We aim to recommend products and gear based on usefulness, compatibility, and common rider needs—not on commission rates.
  • Prices, availability, and promotions can change after publication. Always confirm final details on the retailer’s site.

Some advertising partners may use cookies or similar technologies to show ads based on interests or approximate location. You may be able to opt out of certain forms of interest-based advertising through device settings or industry opt-out tools, depending on your region.

Analytics

We use analytics to understand how visitors use the site—such as which pages are most popular, which searches lead to content, and how readers move through guides. This helps us:

  • Improve navigation and readability
  • Update outdated information
  • Identify common bike problems and questions
  • Measure the success of improvements

Analytics may collect identifiers like IP address (often shortened or handled with privacy safeguards depending on configuration), device/browser details, and on-site behavior.

Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect information using administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate for an informational website. These may include secure connections (HTTPS), access controls, and routine monitoring.

No method of transmission or storage is completely secure. While we work to protect information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you suspect a security issue, please contact us.

Your Choices & Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights related to your personal information, such as:

  • Requesting access to information we may hold about you
  • Requesting correction or deletion of certain information
  • Objecting to or restricting certain processing
  • Opting out of targeted advertising or certain “sharing” uses (where applicable)

Practical choices you can use:

  • Browser controls: block or delete cookies; set tracking prevention.
  • Device controls: limit ad tracking on mobile devices (if available).
  • Ad choices: some advertising providers offer opt-out mechanisms for interest-based ads.

If you contact us to request deletion or access, we may need to verify your request and may retain limited information as required for security, legal compliance, or operational needs (for example, maintaining records of consent where relevant, or keeping minimal logs to prevent abuse).

Children’s Privacy

This site is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take reasonable steps to remove it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect operational, legal, or content changes. Updates will be posted on this page. Continued use of the site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Contact Information

For privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns, contact us through the site’s contact page. Include “Privacy” in your message subject and describe your request clearly so we can respond efficiently.