top notch product reviews and NW bike routes
Selecting high-quality bib shorts for cycling, emphasizing factors like proper sizing, chamois fit, compression levels, aesthetics, and seams. Recommendations include Castelli Endurance 3, Ornot Cargo, and Rapha Pro Team 3, highlighting that investing in quality results in comfort and performance during rides.
Discovering Le Col, a European brand with appealing premium marketing but limited technical details. After purchasing a jersey and bib shorts,I appreciate the quality but critiques fit issues and thick chamois padding. Overall, the brand doesn't live up to premium, and advise caution when buying at full price, recommending discounts for better value.
Bikes have evolved with more complex hydraulic brake systems that, despite their advanced design, can be serviced at home with the right tools and techniques. Maintenance, like bleeding brakes, is crucial for performance. Using the correct oil type and following safety precautions ensures effective repairs, making it a manageable task for skilled individuals.
Krietler has introduced the Killawatt, a magnetic resistance add-on for its rollers, enhancing indoor training by providing realistic ride feel and increased resistance. Priced at $159, this simple device effectively improves training intensity for both beginner and experienced cyclists. It maintains the classic roller benefits while allowing for a more challenging workout.
USWE, a Swedish brand, gained popularity in the US for its 2L Outlander Pro backpack, designed for minimalism and hydration in gravel races. Its innovative harness technology prevents unwanted motion. I plan to review a new 12L mountain bike pack, choosing it for its capacity and external straps for additional gear.
The MagicShine SeeMe R300 is a digital rear light with radar technology, offering safety alerts for approaching vehicles. Priced at $129.99, it features good packaging, easy pairing, and automatic functions but suffers from some false positives during use. Comparatively, the Garmin Varia is pricier but reportedly better tuned.
As a long-time fan of Krietler rollers, I'm excited for Krietler's new Killawatt device, which adds variable resistance up to 350W, overcoming previous limitations. Let's test this soon! #trainingseason
Precise Engineering is crucial in bicycle parts, often overlooked when choosing components. Having experience with a low-quality pulley led to significant wear, highlighting the importance of proper engineering. The takeaway is to prioritize quality and reliability from reputable brands, rather than opting for aesthetic upgrades that may compromise performance.
As we get back into rainy and winter months we get harshly reminded of our footwear choices. It's worth a recap for the mind or for those new to commuting / riding in inclement weather the right gear can make hell of a difference. Any of the following products will make your ride more comfortable, allowing you to ride for longer or motivating you to ride when otherwise you wouldn't.
The ZTTO HAG5 is a $30 derailleur hanger alignment tool by a Chinese brand specializing in metal tools and bicycle components. It checks, straightens, and aligns the derailleur hanger for smooth gear shifts. Despite minor drawbacks, it's well-built, precise, and offers great value for occasional use, compared to pricier alternatives.
Buckyrides 