Hands On Archives | BICYCLIST

Hands On

Jones Bikes PLUS SWB Complete Is A Do-Everything Wonder, Built To Thrash

ByChris Reynolds
April 23, 2019

No matter the adventure you have planned, the Jones Bikes Plus SWB Complete should be seriously considered. Don’t let the wide tires deceive you, this bike is just as comfortable and practical on the streets as it is on the trail. Reliability, repair-ability, and designed durability are turned to 11 and ready for wherever the road takes you.

3 minute read

The 24-Hour Bike Overnight: The Bike Considerations and Provisions To Make The Most Of Your Time On and Off the Saddle

ByChris Reynolds
February 8, 2019

An experiential guide using the Poseidon ‘X’ adventure bike as the muse for a 24-hour overnight trip over suburban landscapes, steep grades, fire roads and wilderness trails. Wherever your journey will take you, please consider these suggestions for making the most of your time in the saddle.

7 minute read

(Richard Cunningham) Review: Niner RIP 9 RDO | One Model, Two Dedicated Frame Designs Supporting 29 and 27.5 Wheel Sizes

ByChris ReynoldsandThe BAT Radar
February 5, 2019

Niner is releasing one RIP 9 RDO model dedicated to 29-inch wheels, and a separate design for 27.5-inch wheels, but also under the same model moniker. This is a divergence from previous strategies seen in the industry, but may set the standard going forward. [email protected]

1 minute read

Hands On

Catrike Pocket Recumbent is a High Performance Ride

ByRob Templin
August 3, 2018

The Catrike Pocket is fun and easy to ride. It can maneuver easily through tight spaces with its narrower track and even if you don’t ‘need’ a light ride we think you won’t mind this extra bonus when climbing your local hills.

8 minute read

Hands On

In Search of A Million Lifetime Miles: Breaking Into Three Wheels With The Greenspeed GT20

ByRob Templin
November 24, 2017

“Over the years, I’ve had to remind a few of my cycling friends, on their high-zoot carbon fiber wonders and full ‘racing’ kit, that while recumbents might look strange, we’re all part of the same cycling community.”

12 minute read

Hands On

Outerbike | Why Cycles Supple Seven ‘S7’: Ski Lift Optional While Riding this Hardtail

ByVictor Prestinary
September 24, 2017

The secret to Why Cycles Supple Seven is the rectangularly tapered downtube and seat tube connection to the bottom bracket, allowing each to fit on the cylindrical surface without overlapping.

1 minute read

Hands On

Outerbike | Proudfoot Proudfat: Sailing Smoothly All Across Colorado

ByVictor Prestinary
September 21, 2017

The Proudfat frame features a number of considerations to accommodate the rear triangle. The down tube and seat tube connect to the bottom bracket, but a second cylinder sits right above the bottom bracket in line with the seat tube that acts as a pivot point for the rear suspension.

2 minute read

A Weekend of Riding at Outerbike 2017 in Crested Butte, A MTB Playground

ByVictor Prestinary
September 15, 2017

The Outerbike festival in Crested Butte this past August was surrounded by the mountains of the Colorado region, allowing for a mountain bike playground for riding demo bikes from some of the best outdoor/adventure brands.

2 minute read

Hands On

Alter Cycles Reflex 300: Frame Flex Is Your Friend

ByChris Reynolds
August 16, 2017

Alter Cycles represents the latest thinking from Mark Groendal’s refining and tuning his unique flexible top-tube, flexible down-tube bicycle design over the past 35 years. The technology, revolves around allowing the rider to increase his power stroke; additionally, some of the spring’s rebound provides momentum to the bike.

3 minute read

A Response To Designed Obsolescence: Sage Titanium Bicycles Barlow Adventure Bike

ByChris Reynolds
August 11, 2017

In this commodified world, a bike that stands with personality and a strong design intention is the Sage Titanium Barlow – a sturdy, reliable titanium bicycle thats essence is American, an intentional direction led by founder David Rosen to escape the overused carbon fiber that hit its peak in the 2010’s.

6 minute read

The Trail Blazing Pedego Ridge Rider

ByBob Becker
July 5, 2017

The Ridge Rider is a mountain bike powered by an impressive 500 watt Dapu brushless geared rear hub motor. The bike has five levels of pedal assist (PAS) with a throttle override for full power on demand at each level plus a throttle-only mode. The motor was more than equal to any ascent that we attempted and the drivetrain and brakes performed with the excellence we expected of them.

2 minute read

Stromer e-Commuter ST1 X: Half the Price and Just As Good

ByBob Becker
June 9, 2017

The ST1 X has the same frame as the ST2 S and both models move stealthily. We tested the ST1 X on both short rides and long touring expeditions. The three levels of PAS, low, medium and “Captain Kirk, can we slow down a little” were very effective in moderating speed, and we were able to exceed 30 mph on this bike almost as easily as on the ST2 S.

2 minute read

Hands On

The Brompton Folder: A Sporty And Performance Inspired Commuting Star

ByVictor Prestinary
May 25, 2017

Riding the Brompton Superlight folding bike is fun and functional – a perfect option for the vigorous and city commutes. We didn’t get a single flat during testing, and the tires needed almost no additional air beyond the initial pump.

1 minute read

Hands On

Recommended for the Bike Fitter and Experienced DIY-er, Ergon Cleat Tool

ByRick Schultz
May 12, 2017

I tested Ergon’s TP1 DIY Cleat-Fitting Tool. Having been trained in correct cleat placement and having fit hundreds of cyclists, this review is based on what I have experienced over many years of bike fitting.

4 minute read

Hands On

Meld Solutions And Their Full Carbon Custom Fit Saddle System: A Review

ByKelley O'Toole
January 20, 2017

Meld Saddle Review – There is a sense of security while riding with the Meld custom saddle – I feel locked in and more in sync with my bike. Rather than noticing discomfort or pain throughout the ride, I feel relaxed and secure which allows me to focus more intensely on pedaling and breathing.

5 minute read

Hands On

Utilizing The Lightweight Benefits of Carbon

ByVictor Prestinary
November 8, 2016

This 187-gram seatpost features a very minimal saddle mount and measurements on the post for referencing different bike configurations (forget notching and scratching), and comes in a very approachable $50. Pick up this quality seatpost for an easy decrease in weight.

1 minute read

Hands On

It’s All In The Details For This Women’s Cycling Apparel

ByKelley O'Toole
November 8, 2016

At the heart of Coeur Sports is the drive to make functional and flexible women’s apparel for the best athletic performance and most comfortable ride/run/swim possible. With cool innovations like a bib side zipper and a sports bra with hidden pockets, female triathletes and cyclists are obsessed with the brand.

1 minute read

Hands On

A Helmet For Your Own Theme Song

ByVictor Prestinary
November 8, 2016

Load up the Coros app on your phone and the helmet easily connects via Bluetooth. The speakers use bone conduction audio that converts sound waves into vibrations bypassing the ear canal and eardrum. This leads to a very decent sound quality while still hearing the world around you, such as cars and other potentially dangerous obstacles.

2 minute read

At-Home Chain Cleaning With The Muc-Off x3 Dirty Chain Machine

ByChris Reynolds
November 2, 2016

Living in apartments and condo’s made a task like drivetrain cleaning challenging, but with the Muc-Off Dirty Chain Machine, the task can be contained, keeping the nasty bits off your floor, ceiling, dog etc.

2 minute read

Roam Free: An Experiential Guide To Ultralight Bicycle Travel

ByRob Templin
August 17, 2016

A trip I’ve documented to Arizona was a good example of how you can tour light on your next vacation (whether flying into a destination or taking off from your front doorstep). You’ll enjoy the freedom of cycling on your own schedule and not a tour company’s agenda – saving enough in the process to easily cover the cost of the equipment discussed here.

4 minute read