A deep in use / "live with" comparison between SRAM AXS and Shimano Di2. I switched back to Shimano
SRAM AXS vs Shimano Di2 – The “live with” test – I switched back to Shimano. Why?
Route: Rowena Ups and Downs : Hood River, Mosier and The Dalles
The Rowena Loops near Mosier, OR offer a beautiful 67-mile ride with scenic views. Starting in Hood River, the multi-use path leads to Mosier. The Dry Creek climb and Rowena viewpoint are highlights. The route includes an optional 13-mile Cherry Loop and returns via Rowena Loops. Food and drink options are available in The Dalles.
Wheel Review: CK ARD44 vs Zipp 303 vs Princeton 4550.
Chris King ARD44 offers smoothness and absorbs road vibration, while Zipp 303 Firecrest excels on gravel. Princeton 4550 delivers efficiency and responsiveness. Each model has distinct advantages.
Fully Redesigned – Revel Rascal 2.0 – 140/130 -Trail Bike 29’er
The all-new Revel Rascal V2 is a fully redesigned trail bike, boasting updated geometry, award-winning kinematics, and a 130mm CBF suspension. With enhanced carbon layup for lateral stiffness and frame weight reduction, the Rascal V2 offers a stable pedaling platform and versatile ride qualities. The bike accommodates a broader range of riders and terrains with its fifth size option, XXL. Prices range from $3,599.00 to $10,499.00, with builds featuring reputable brands such as RockShox, Fox, SRAM, and Shimano. The Rascal V2 is meticulously assembled in-house for top-notch quality and performance.
The Slice Lite : Utility Bike by VVolt : Part 8 – Summary & Final Thoughts
The VVolt Slice Lite electric bike is a practical urban utility with real bike feel, convenient design, and impressive components. While it excels in ride quality and practicality, there are minor issues with the charging port, tie-down points, and lack of a clock on the computer screen. Overall, it's a compelling option for urban and small town riding, offering efficiency and fun.
Crosspoint Gear – Touch capacitive, knit glove
Crosspoint Gear has launched knit touch capacitive gloves, combining snug fit and high dexterity with waterproofing. The pros include a good fit, effective touch capacitance, durability, and a reasonable price of $47. However, they may not provide as much warmth as other options, and taking them on and off can be time-consuming.
The Slice Lite: Utility Bike by VVOLT : Part 7 – The scoop on battery life, charging & pedal assist modes
The Slice Lite utility bike offers different pedal assist modes, providing varying ranges and ride feels. Testing revealed discrepancies in predicted and actual distances, but overall, the power delivery is very natural. However, the charging port design and lack of a clock are noted drawbacks. Improvement suggestions include smarter charging features and a more user-friendly charging port.
The Slice Lite: Utility Bike by VVOLT : Part 6 – A quick illuminating note on lights
The Slice e-bike boasts impressive lights. The rear/side light is bright, consistent, and wraps 270 degrees for enhanced visibility. The front light offers a great pattern, brightness, and beam width, making it suitable for city riding. However, for rural areas with no street lighting, a handlebar light might be necessary.
The Slice Lite: Utility Bike by VVOLT : Part 5 – Is this #basket-life or basketcase?
The Basket-life on the Slice offers versatility for spontaneous and organized trips. Its durable build and lower center of gravity ensure secure and easy handling. However, the tie-down points may not accommodate all accessories. The PDW Loot bag fits perfectly, enhancing capacity and convenience, but design improvements for cargo nets may be beneficial in the future.
The Slice Lite: Utility Bike by VVolt : Part 4 – Design Features to love
The VVolt Slice Lite stands out for its unique design features: 1) Distinct truck-like aesthetics with a low basket for easy steering. 2) 270-degree wrap-around rear light for safety. 3) Practical split top tube and low-slung design. 4) Integrated front light on the basket. 5) Advanced gates belt drive for minimal maintenance and noise. 6) Stylish aesthetics and color options. 7) Well-designed vertical rear dropouts for easy maintenance. 8) Easily adjustable handlebar/stem and throttle assist. However, the removable front basket has visible metal work flaws.
The Slice Lite: Utility Bike by VVolt : Part 3 – Out of box adjustability
Handlebar adjustment - quick and tool-free changes in reach, height, and orientation. Despite initial skepticism about its durability, no issues after two weeks of riding, including standing and exerting force on the bars. This innovative solution enables easy customization for a perfect bike fit.
The Slice Lite: Utility Bike by VVOLT : Part 2 – Initial observations
The Slice bike impresses with its maneuverability despite its size, making it ideal for city travel and storage. With a 60-mile range on Eco mode, it offers practicality for errands. However, its top speed of 20mph and 60lb weight may limit speed. Eco mode provides a 20% boost, maintaining a bike-like feel. Downsides include the lack of a clock and a rattling rack.
The Slice Lite: Utility Bike by VVOLT : Part 1 – The first Ziiiiip
VVolt's new Slice Lite electric trucker bike has a seriously rad design with smooth power delivery and great electronics. Embarking on a 30-day city bomb with it and plans to share more insights.
Skyline , it might make you rethink a bad weather cycling trouser / pant
The Showers Pass Skyline rain trousers offer a balance between commuter and road racer needs, providing protection from rain and wind. The slim, durable design and high-quality materials ensure comfort and long-lasting use. However, sizing may pose challenges for taller individuals. The trousers feature functional elements like reflective tape and a key pocket, enhancing safety and convenience.
Bike Builder Focus: Blandford Bicycles
Chris Blandford of Blandford Bicycles operates a custom bike workshop in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Influenced by his grandfather, he transitioned from graphic design to bike building, incorporating engineering craftsmanship into his work. His signature urban town bikes are a blend of modern technology, clean lines, and attention to detail. Chris's precision and problem-solving skills are evident in his custom-made tools and fixtures.
Bike Builder Focus: Ira Ryan Cycles
Ira Ryan, a passionate bicycle builder in Portland, Oregon, creates unique custom steel bikes with a focus on impact, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. With 18 years of experience, he prioritizes shared values and craftsmanship over typical industry standards. Recently returning to solo work, he aims to pursue pure satisfaction in his craft. Explore his creations at iraryanbicycles.com.
The closing of 2023 and a jabble of cycling planning thoughts for next year
As we close out 2023, I hope you have had some great riding, even some good riding, or any form of riding that takes your fancy and keeps you enjoying life. My spouse will certainly tell you that I am not a planner by any means, and knowing that reminds me that it’s this time... Continue Reading →
Magene S3+ Cadence / Speed Sensor $16 – great for indoor training and maybe even outside
Magene is a quickly growing Chinese electronics company from Quingdoa in the East of China. They have been around since 2015 and make cycling products such as trainers, lights, power meters , batteries, wiring systems for e bikes and also sub brand Exar carbon wheels. The Magene S3+ Cadence/Speed Sensor is $15.99 .The Wahoo equiv... Continue Reading →
Bookman – Volume Bike Light
The Volume is a new product from Bookman. It's a well designed front light with some really nice features.Bookman is a small Swedish company that has been around for quite a few years, since 2012 but not with a massive brand presence like the big name companies who pour tons of money into advertising. Often... Continue Reading →
Bike Builder Focus: Feather Cycles
Rocky Feather, a skilled bike builder in York, UK, specializes in custom frame designs using steel and stainless steel. With over 13 years of experience, he transitioned from professional welding to crafting bikes. Ricky's work gained recognition through collaborations and participation in elite races, showcasing his adaptability in construction methods and commitment to cycling. His bikes are available through the Bike2Work Scheme, promoting cycling in the UK.
Runner vs Cyclist. Cyclocross or Trail Run?
A peculiar event held in West Yorkshire, UK. Every year the Bingley Harriers running club challenge the cyclists to a race over a fell laden off road course. This amazing combination that is not often seen, is made even better by the ruggedest terrain and the endurance required. This event has been taking place for... Continue Reading →