Reviews
First Look: Rapha Grand Tour Shoes
June 6, 2013
First Look: Mavic Plasma SLR Helmet
May 22, 2013
4 Moments from a Ride with TB14
May 20, 2013
Recent Posts
Released: Rapha La Centième Collection
June 15, 2013
Photoset: 2013 Air Force Cycling Classic - Clarendon Cup
June 9, 2013
Tulsa Tough & Cry Baby Hill
June 6, 2013
First Look
Jun
6
If you’ve been in the industry for any length of time, you inevitably fall into a product overload meh-laise. Product releases devolve into an expected laugh fest of proprietary techno-babble. You handle $8K bikes with nearly the same indifference as you would a $1K starter. Where once there was joy there is only ennui.
And then something like the Rapha Grand Tour Shoes ($450USD) arrive and like a bidon full of water splashed upon the face on the blazing hot switchbacks of l’Alpe shocking you into focus, reminding you you’re tete de la course on the way to a win. Multiple layers of amazing await your discovery merely by opening the box. Once again, you’re enthralled by a product and you haven’t even turned a pedal in anger with them yet.
May
22
Shod upon the skulls of the unfortunately-kitted-like-the-Canadian-ice-skating-team Cofidis, le casque jaune du Mavic draws nearly as much attention as their striking shoes.
The Mavic Plasma SLR helmet ($220USD) uses de rigueur in-mold construction with a carbon fiber (fibre in the UK) skeleton typically found on models at this price point. What really strikes me about this helmet is its remarkably refined finish. It creates an aesthetic that’s a notch above most brands.
For more information on the Plasma, check it out on Mavic’s site.
May
15
To tell you the truth, I had no idea Catlike made glasses. I have always been focused on their schweet helmets. Yet after more than a few rides in ‘em, I assure you they exist.
The Catlike D’Lux glasses ($175USD) come with the usual 3 lenses (mine: mirror, smoke, clear) and a totally badass case. Catlike USA says this model is the only one available in the States. That makes me haz a sad since there are a few others that look pretty wicked.
Check out the D’Lux on Catlike’s site.
May
8
Obviously these chaussures de vélo are already legend in the peloton. The past couple of years have seen team kits fantastically contrasted by Mavic’s Zxellium Ultimate shoes ($475USD). Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Boredom’s doing some testing.
Marcus Burghardt depends on more than aesthetics on steroids to put power to his pedals and the Zxelliums come fully stocked with a veritable tome of technical buzzwords. Full carbon outsole, carbon upper frame, and carbon heel counter all bearing the moniker Energy make the stiffness. And where there’s no carbon, there’s yellow.
I’ve been wanting to get my feet into these zapatos for a long time. Hopefully they’ll live up to my unreasonably ludicrous expectations. Check out the Zxellium Ultimates on Mavic’s webportal.
Apr
29
There’s always room for another black and white (and gray), merino, cycling jersey. I’ve had my eye on Café du Cycliste ever since Tati name dropped them with a “Aight Playa.” Or, was it a “Correct.”? Regardless, now I’m putting my puffy winterized body in one.
The Café du Cycliste Violette ($172USD) is a spring/summer merino jersey with a “Sur le Bitume” performance cut. It has a few extra and useful zippered pockets as well as the usual high end jersey features such as: iPod pocket and cord port, pump pocket, and reflectivity.
Since it’s nearly May here in #BikeDC, I’m hoping to get some more rides in this beauty once winter ends in June.
Apr
24
Specialized recently sent me a pair of their S-Works Turbo 24 Tires ($65USD). While I’d normally be stoked at the chance to ride some neumáticos grandes, I’ve been throwing down epic miles on 25s (or grande-er) for the past 2 years—more than half of that on Spesh’s own Roubaix Armadillo Elites. So a 24 is ironically a step back. Regardless, testing they shall get.
These gomme are emblazoned with the disclaimer, “FOR RACING ONLY.” Further emphasizing this are their 220tpi thread count, minimal (compared to their Armadillo) Blackbelt puncture protection, and super sticky Gripton rubber compound.
Although I’ve been riding these for a few weeks, I’d like to see how they react to a 23mm rim in addition to the 19mm Mavics I have them on now. Then I’ll have a decent enough idea of how they ride to do a review. I’ll keep you updated.
Apr
3
Lazer recently sent me one of their latest commuter focused urban helmets, the Sweet ($100USD). Like many of the urban helmet designs on the market, it comes replete with the requisite “love it or hate it” aesthetics. I, of course, had to take it a few steps further. When asked what colorway I would prefer, I, of course, chose the Flash Orange cornea punch. Let’s just say people look at this helmet. A lot. I’d go so far as to say it’s unequivocally #visibilitydoping.
It’s not for the faint of heart.
I’ve been riding it for the past couple of months this winter and it’s worked well. It handles head covers with ease. Next test is the heat and humidity of #BikeDC.
Mar
31
Not everyone sees a reason to shell out major dinero for their cycling optics. When I was running a shop, it was a massive benefit to have Tifosi rounding out my optics selection seeing as a majority of customers scoffed at the big names’ prices.
The Tifosi Optics Podium ($69.95USD) are rimless full-wrap, with 3 interchangeable lenses (red, smoke, clear). It fits medium/large faces and comes stock with all the appropriate safety acronyms.
I like the look and heft of these glasses. It’ll be interesting to see how they pair with different helmets both functionally and aesthetically (most important).
Mar
25
The Catlike Whisper ($225USD) is one of the more legendary helmets in the pro peloton. Its polarizing design plays no small part in that legend. Fueling the fire of legend are teams like Euskaltel Euskadi, Cervélo Test Team, and Movistar.
From the standpoint of the US bike industry it’s had some issues. It took a long time for it to get CPSC certification so it could be sold here in the States. That, in turn, has created a sense of wariness around the casque. Regardless, those who’ve used them, love them and swear by them.
I’ve been interested in the Whisper for quite some time and I’m stoked I’m finally able to put some time in one and provide some feedback. A full review will follow, but only once I’m able to see how the airflow handles #BikeDC’s infamous humidity. Yet, as I’m typing this, 6 days into spring, it’s snowing. It might be awhile…
Until then, enjoy some hipster shots of this stunning helmet.
Dec
22
As a longtime user of bike locks it’s refreshing to see an actual challenger to the lockdown U-locks (D-locks in Europe) have on fiets security. While the de facto lock’s been my go to shackle for years, they generally suck when it comes to finding things to lock them to.
I’ve only become aware of ABUS this year and its awesomely monikered marquee shackle, the Bordo 6000 ($110USD). [Ed Note: Is it pronounced 'abuse' or 'aboose'?] However, its compact stature that unfurls into 90cm of street object hugging, bike keeping wonderment piqued my interest.
Let’s spend a few minutes with our neuen Freund from Germany.
The ABUS Bordo 6000 Folding Lock
