Mount Hood offers exceptional mountain biking with a route starting from near Government Camp. The ride includes Bennett Pass, Gunsight Ridge Trail, and Gumjuwac trail, each with unique features and challenges. The diverse terrain features alpine ridge running and forested descents, offering stunning views. The route also includes Forest Road 3540 with rewarding vistas.
New SRAM Red AXS – 2024 Update
The new update to the Red Groupo brings significant changes, notably in the design of the Hoods. This includes new shape levers resembling GRX, improved braking power and modulation feel, integrated electronic button switches, larger clearance for finger wrap under hoods, and adjustable lever reach. A detailed review by Ben Delaney is also available.
Radar and rear warning lights. Can a Garmin Varia or Magene Radar Light make you feel safer?
Radar technology can sense cars and alert the rider, making them feel safer. Recommended for rural roads and cyclists who wear headphones, but I find it less useful in the city. The Garmin Varia RTL515 is preferred for its design and brightness. What do you think?
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.
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 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.