Gear Patrol

Refresh Your Gear This Summer With These New Releases

3 minute read

A few modern and snazzy components, bikes, and gear have come across our radar, or have been consumed by the BICYCLIST team. If you’re looking for a refresh in some areas of your bicycling experience, look no further than these forward-thinking and note-worthy items that we’ve got our eyes and hands on.

ByKelley O'Toole
August 12, 2019

If you’re looking for a refresh in some areas of your bicycling experience, look no further than these forward-thinking and note-worthy items that we’ve got our eyes and hands on.

GEAR PATROL | BIKE

Jones Plus LWB Jones Bikes released their new complete build, the Jones Plus LWB (long wheel base). Similarly to the SWB, the LWB is ready for adventure immediately out of the box, designed around the 27.5″ wheel size, though 29″ and even 26″ wheels fit. This one is directed towards anyone wanting a bike that’ll last a lifetime, especially in bike packing and touring conditions. Jones offers the bike with the option of choosing knobby tires or slick tires, and includes the BICYCLIST favorite Jones Loop H-bar handlebar.

Jones Bikes LWB (knobby and slick tires)

GEAR PATROL | LOCK

ABUS 440A U-lock We have had a chance to use and inspect the ABUS 440A U-lock, and we don’t know how you would ever go back to a standard lock once you’ve used one with an intelligent alarm system. The 440A is ABUS patented technology and is an iteration of the Ultra 410 U-lock. The lock gives trigger warning beeps if it is disturbed. Any continued movement will trigger the full alarm and it will continue to do so as long as movement is detected. It’s basically the ultimate bike thief deterrent. The weight is around 1100 grams (2 pounds), but includes an innovative quick-mount that allows for carrying the heft easily. There’s no price we wouldn’t pay to protect our bikes, but this is one our wallet is happy about too.

GEAR PATROL | BOOK

“Ventoux“/”VeloNews Guide to the 2019 Tour de France” We’ve included two books that you may enjoy devouring during your summer vacation, including fiction and non-fiction. First, Ventoux is a wonderful story about friendship, loss, and getting through it set against the backdrop of the legendary Mount Ventoux. It was written by Bert Wagendorp and translated into English from Dutch by Paul Vincent. Also of interest is the VeloNews Guide to the 2019 Tour de France, a companion to the European tour, with detailed analysis, history and information of interest to all fans.

GEAR PATROL | HELMET

Thousand x Pocketo Thousand makes non-traditional bicycle helmets that are becoming increasingly popular for new commuters and bicyclists. This iteration of their premium helmet is designed in collaboration with Poketo. The Thousand x Poketo helmet collaboration features three different color-way options, including (pictured) the ‘Memphis Movement’ design.

GEAR PATROL | SUNGLASSES

Bike Goodr We were sent the Bike Goodr Super Fly sunglasses by listeners of the podcast. We reviewed them in real time on episode 152 of the Bicyclist Experience, and we are fans. They are lightweight, feature polarized lenses and are quite affordable at $35 a pair. Built to THRASH.

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Kelley O'Toole

magazine editor, podcast host

Jones’ Loop H-Bars Are Unconventional For Good Reason

ByRob Templin
March 26, 2018

The impetus for a new handlebar design came from Jeff’s desire to find a way to bring his hands into a more natural riding position. In the process, he tossed out some of the conventional industry bike-fit standards that have been the norm for the past decade or two.

6 minute read

Gear Patrol

The Arkel Rollpacker Rolls Light and Carries Heavy

ByRob Templin
July 31, 2018

Arkel’s newly released Rollpacker 15 and 25 seat bags utilize an innovative, patent-pending aluminum quick release hanger that eliminates the sway (what Arkel terms ‘tail wag’) common to other bag designs.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

SRAM GX 1×10: A Hybrid Optimizing Value And Performance

ByBob Becker
April 11, 2016

SRAM revolutionized MTB shifting several years ago with a 1 x 11 group that provided excellent gearing range…

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

ISM Endurance Saddle: A Saddle for Long Distance Comfort

ByVictor Prestinary
April 11, 2016

Ideally, a high quality saddle stabilizes the rider without their awareness or any conscious effort. The ISM PL 1.0 is a saddle that accomplishes this feat masterfully. ISM saddles utilize a design that many cyclists might consider a “triathlon saddle, but the PL 1.0 is a saddle for any serious bicyclist.

4 minute read

Gear Patrol

Innovations For Riding Less Traveled Roads And Trails

ByRob Templin
November 8, 2016

At this year’s Las Vegas Interbike show, the growing bike-packing and gravel grinder niches were well represented, and we picked 5 of our favorite pieces of gear for the cyclist taking the less-traveled road.

2 minute read

Ride the Kona Course in Your Living Room: Rouvy Releases 40 km Bike Segment for Augmented Riding and Racing

ByThe Press Release Bot
February 13, 2019

Rouvy, a platform for cyclists and triathletes, has released its latest course for its augmented/mixed reality mode, IM Kona. The 40 km course is part of the iconic route for the triathlete world, which summits in Hawaii each year.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

The Hite Rite Changed How We Ride Mountain Bikes

ByBob Becker
June 5, 2018

This seemingly ubiquitous product is viewed as an essential tool in many MTB disciplines. It’s doubtful the Hite Rite will rise from its ashes, but it was the progenitor of a line of products that has contributed to the development of the modern MTB.

2 minute read

The Osprey Radial 26: A Multi-Purpose Pack With Ideal Cycling Accoutrements

ByVictor Prestinary
March 14, 2017

I have not been nice to this pack. I have overloaded it, stabbed it, cut it, pulled at every point, and it still looks like the day I got it (with some dirt patches). I have taken this bag on multiple flights as carry on, used it on hikes, and have carried on every bike-commute.

1 minute read

Zoic Introduces Men’s Carbon Bib Liner | ‘The Most Technical Liners I’ve Yet Come Across’

ByChris ReynoldsandThe Press Release Bot
February 7, 2019

New for 2019, the ZOIC Men’s Carbon Bib Liner provides ultimate support for long days in the saddle, ideal for enduro racers and bikepackers, The Carbon Bib Liner is engineered to maximize comfort and minimize irritation, from seamless straps up top to the Italian-made 3D stretch foam chamois inside

1 minute read

(Christoph Bayer) SRAM AXS – 13 Good Reasons Why Electronic Components on Bikes Are the Future | The Slow Death of ‘Buy It For Life’

ByChris ReynoldsandThe BAT Radar
February 6, 2019

We see the bike media et. al. falling over themselves to encourage a public dependence on component electronics. And both ebikes and component electronics have an intrinsic designed obsolescence, by virtue of these systems having a limited number of battery cycles. There won’t be ‘vintage’ drivetrains in 20 years as none of the batteries will be usable. I have a birthday coming up, maybe I’m being overly nostalgic to consider this.

3 minute read

Gear Patrol

Share the Work on the Trail with Modular Packable Tools

ByChris Reynolds
May 10, 2019

Trail Boss has pushed forward the idea of ‘rolling maintenance’, or the collective efforts of individuals to maintain mountain trails for running and cycling before conditions get to the point where organized action is required. This push in priority allows organizations to focus their resources on the problems that are out of reach for the individual. Namely trail access and advocacy.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

Hermes-Sport: Hand-built Wheels Made in Southern California

ByVictor Prestinary
February 1, 2016

Alex Webster is the man with the plan at this downtown San Diego wheel-building operation. Hermes-Sport channels Alex’s passion for cycling into high-performance wheels capable of handling the most challenging SoCal rides.

5 minute read

Gear Patrol

Gear to Stay Stylish on the Back to Work by Bike Commute

ByChris Reynolds
September 7, 2018

When your work attire demands more than a crumpled pair of jeans and a tee shirt, having solutions that help you feel your best without sacrificing your professionalism are important.

1 minute read

(David Kennedy) First Ride: Enve Aluminum Road Hubs

ByThe BAT Radar
February 4, 2019

David Kennedy: While there are a lot of hub companies to choose from and Enve in the past…

3 minute read

Gear Patrol

Bike, Light, Action! Hands on with the dependable Ravemen 1200

ByChris Reynolds
July 11, 2018

The Ravemen 1200 is a solid piece of gear that is dependable and intelligently designed. The only surprise is a pleasant one, with a street price of $90 at your LBS.

4 minute read

Gear Patrol

CyclingMOFOS MOFO50s: No Mountain High Enough

Byshaneyorke
April 24, 2017

As soon as I clipped into my bike, I could tell that the hard work from the staff at cyclingMOFOS in creating the ultimate wheelset at a fraction of the price had definitely paid off.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

Finally, A Helmet You’ll Look Forward To Wearing

ByKelley O'Toole
December 28, 2016

Her friend’s death had a great impact on Gloria, prompting her to pursue an alternative, but rewarding career move. Gloria Hwang started Thousand Helmets with one major goal in mind: to make helmets that were too stylish not to wear, her part in encouraging cyclists to protect themselves.

1 minute read

Gear Patrol

Carbon Wheelset under $800 and Backed By A 1 Year Warranty ? Go On…

ByVictor Prestinary
August 29, 2016

Monoprice has traditionally been a manufacturer of electronics and accessories, but the Rancho Cucamonga-based company has created an outdoor department that will feature a select number of carbon bicycle components. They have developed some relationships with carbon fiber manufacturers overseas to bring quality components to consumers at a lower price point while still being able to offer a 1-year warranty for local customers.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

Schwalbe Durano DD

ByVictor Prestinary
July 17, 2016

Quiet, smooth, and fast, the DD proved to be a perfect option for long rides to improve comfort and provide all of the traction needed for fast descents and steep climbs. Power transfer to the pavement is smooth and consistent, particularly on steep hills, without any wasted effort on straightaways.

4 minute read

Gear Patrol

These Headphones Change How You Listen To Music

ByRob Templin
April 26, 2017

After several months of testing, I found that AfterShokz’s Trekz Titanium claim to being the “safest alternative to traditional sports headphones and ear buds” wasn’t just Vegas Interbike hype.

3 minute read

Gear Patrol

Training and Racing with the LEOMO TYPE-R Wearable Technology

ByRick Schultz
March 13, 2017

LEOMO unveiled their new motion capture device called the TYPE-R, a wearable measurement tool for competitive cyclists, triathletes and their coaches that, for the first time allows them to analyze form on the road where they train and compete versus in a lab or studio.

1 minute read

Gear Patrol

Adjustments are Easy with the Portland Design Works Bindle Rack

ByVictor Prestinary
March 14, 2017

The Bindle Rack by Portland Design Works turned out to be a great multi-use rack in our fleet. I used it on my city bike as a very handy commuting rack to carry spare shoes, clothes, and other daily items.

watercolor painting of man on bike with helmet

4 minute read

Gear Patrol

Helmets: A Style Guide

ByKelley O'Toole
July 17, 2016

Buying a new helmet or upgrading from an old one can be hard if you don’t know where to start. Due to advancements in modern helmet technology, many options are now available. Depending on a rider’s budget, type of biking, style preferences, and comfort needs, a suitable helmet exists for everyone. But knowing what you want can make your search easier.

1 minute read

Gear Patrol

Two Wheel Gear Backpack/Pannier

ByKelley O'Toole
May 6, 2016

Two Wheel Gear recently introduced a new style to their line of versatile commuter bags, the Pannier Backpack Convertible looks like a backpack, but has the capabilities to transform into a pannier. A discreet zipper pouch in the back of the bag opens to reveal a Universal Rixen & Kaul rack attachment system that mounts on your bike if you prefer to ride without any baggage on your person.

5 minute read

Behind the Curtain, BICYCLIST Wandering The CABDA Exposition, In Search Of Value, Innovation and Quality

ByBICYCLIST StaffandChris Reynolds
February 7, 2019

The inaugural west coast version of the industry bike show took place at the Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego, California on January 16 and 17th of 2019. Here are some of the goods that caught our eye. Subscribe to the BICYCLIST Experience podcast for additional information on this field trip

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

A Test Ride With The Build-a-Jersey from California-Maker Walz Caps: Time To Form Your Team

ByKelley O'Toole
November 27, 2017

Walz Caps jersey builder is fun to use and the final product is expertly sewn. The jersey would look striking on a pack of club riders cruising down PCH, the colors are bright and eye-catching.

1 minute read

Gear Patrol

Bryton Rider 100 GPS

ByVictor Prestinary
May 19, 2017

I really enjoyed using this GPS unit. It was simple, small, light-weight, and worked 100% of the time. Unlike larger brands, the Bryton Rider 100 turned on right away, and let you begin timing within seconds of pushing the power button.

3 minute read

Gear Patrol

Secure Your Gear! New Solutions To An Old Problem

ByChris Reynolds
August 18, 2017

We have some suggestions for upping your bike security game with some recent innovations that make this much less of a compromise than carrying 10 pounds of steel chain.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

Back to School, Back to Work in Grayscale

ByChris Reynolds
November 7, 2019

Consider improving your commuting experience with some of the latest iterations and designs to make the most of your time in the saddle.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

The Henty Enduro Backpack Hangs Tight

ByChris Reynolds
May 23, 2018

The Henty Enduro Backpack is a smart collaboration of outdoor essentials with integrated hydration bladder, uber storage options and an innovative movie horizontally of the hydration bladder, acting as side and back impact protection.

1 minute read

Gear Patrol

Staying Illuminated with the Lumos Helmet

ByVictor Prestinary
February 16, 2017

The helmet is light and comfortable, perfect for commuting or night riding. This is a great product, not because it has a lot of features, but because it has a few features that work very well and reliably.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

Rock “N” Roll GOLD Chain Lubricant

ByChris Reynolds
July 17, 2016

As most chain lubricants require a cleaning step prior to application, Rock “N” Roll chain lubes stand out. It combines the two steps leaving one less thing to carry on a multi-day tour and one less thing to forget while traveling – not to mention the time-savings of being able to clean and lube at the same time. And all of this comes at a price well below the average of available alternatives.

3 minute read

Gear Patrol

Winter Heat Wave On The Horizon- This Castelli Kit Will Keep You Cool

ByChris Reynolds
December 2, 2017

In another homage to Italian racing history, the “Rosso Corsa” moniker of Castelli is a shout out to the red international motor racing color of cars entered by teams from Italy.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

The Shiny Bits Make You Safer

ByChris Reynolds
May 21, 2018

The next step of PROVIZ apparel evolution has been the development of their Sportive collection, a performance apparel line focused on road visibility. The design is understated, and appealing for those that appreciate black on black. The safety police will appreciate reflective material on front and back, as well as day-glow accents that provide side awareness of the rider.

2 minute read

Gear Patrol

Urban Exploring: Beyond Basics – SpurCycle Bells

ByJustin Macias
August 25, 2016

I purchased a SpurCycle bell that I had seen at NAHBS (North American Hand-Built Bike Show).The bell creates a powerful, but pleasing sound, that holds a ring much longer than other bells. I like the bell so much that within the first few weeks of having it on my road bike, I ordered another one just like it for my mountain bike.

4 minute read

Gear Patrol

The Gift List: For the Road Warrior or Armchair Racer

ByChris Reynolds
December 13, 2018

We’ve compiled this year’s holiday gift list for the road warrior or armchair racer. A seasoned veteran of turning pedals can be a difficult person to shop for when holidays are near. Most will already have all the gear they require; if it was needed they would have it. Solution? Books, a fresh set of tires and some new warmers. Simple pleasures.