BIKE ACCESSORIES
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Flat bar handle bars are a popular option on commuter bikes, mountain bikes and for bike packing thanks to their stability. The Redshift Sports Top Shelf Flat Handlebar is a twist on the classic flat bar that adds rise and some sweep to optimize comfort and ergonomics. Retail price for the handlebar is $129.99 and it is offered in either a 50mm or 70 mm rise option. The handlebars have a 14 degree backsweep along with a 5 degree upsweep. From the factory, the handlebars are 800 mm wide and the 6061 T6 aluminum bars can be trimmed to a…
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Ergonomic grips are a popular option for flat bars as they can improve comfort and stability thanks to their special shaping. The Redshift Sports Cruise Control takes that concept and adapts it for drop bars with aero upper extensions and drop bar grips. Redshift offers the top grips and drop grips for $49.99 for each set or as a combo for $89.99. The top grips attach underneath bike bar tape and create an aero bar profile for additional comfort when riding upright. The drop shift grips are similar to ergonomic bar grips but are specially shaped to be placed at…
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The Garmin Edge 850 is the latest GPS in Garmin’s 800 series lineup and offers many of the features of the flagship 1050 in a smaller and more affordable package. In terms of Garmin lineup, this is a mid-tier cycling computer that shares the same updated screen as the Garmin Edge 550. As such, the Garmin Edge 850 has a retail price of $599.99 and features a 2.7” color touch screen. It’s Garmin’s latest screen design which is a high resolution vivid LCD with 420×600 pixel resolution. The Edge 850 also features all of Garmin’s latest gadgets and features including…
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Tailfin’s rack systems have been one of the best on the market with innovative quick release axle mounts and various accessories to accommodate any type of rider. The new Tailfin Journey is a more affordable alloy-only version of their bike rack that is part of Tailfin’s simplified rack offerings. The retail price for the Journey rack ranges from $185 to $280 (note, $270 as tested with a QR skewer and panniers) depending on whether you choose to add the pannier mounts and which bike attachment style you choose. Tailfin has taken their patented skewer quick-release and seatpost quick release design…
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Topeak’s Zi:RAK is a new minimalist bike rack from Topeak that is designed for versatility and flexibility. It’s actually part of a family of products with various mounting options and accessories that work with new rack mounts and Topeak’s existing Quick Track MTX 2.0 bags. For this review we have the Zi:RAK original which is $139.95 while the ZiRAK with the MTX adapter is $154.95. The rack has a simple aluminum construction with quick release seatpost mount and eyelet, thru-axle and strap options for the base. Topeak includes pannier mounts for both sides and offers a number of accessories such…
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As a cyclist it is important to have the right tools for repairs while being mindful of weight and bulk. The Wera Bicycle Set 15 tire lever set combines a three lever set with multiple integrated bits and features to make the most out of the space tire levers occupy. This additional functionality doesn’t come cheap though as the tire lever set retails for $39.99. Wera has incorporated their clever spring loaded 4-in one bits that combine for bit types into a single reversible bit. Additionally, there is a valve core tool as well as valve ejector for French valves…
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The Garmin Varia was one of the first bike radars on the market and the only radars for a number of years that offered a clever way to monitor traffic behind a bike while riding. In recent years, the Garmin patent has expired which has opened the flood gates to everything from Trek to Bryton branded bike radars with more features and brighter lights. The Garmin Varia RearVue 820 is Garmin’s long awaited update to their radar that puts Garmin back at the top of the bike radar market. Despite the increased competition, the retail price of the radar has…
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The new Magicshine URBO bike light set consists of the ultra-light FL and TL headlight and taillight. It’s a compact and portable light set that offers a sharp beam cutoff headlight and smart features for safety and performance. Retail price for the light set is $46.98 with the headlight and taillight available separately for $24.99 and $21.99 respectively. The URBO lights are a new design from Magicshine that offers a sharp beam cutoff for the headlight and a single dispersed LED design for the taillight. The headlight is rated for 300 lumen while the taillight is 50 lumen. Both of…
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Magicshine markets the VIVEE 50 as a design-forward smart taillight for riders who want visibility, simplicity and style. It is a unique looking halo style taillight that packs an impressive range of features into a compact form factor. The taillight retails for $39.99 and features a 50 lumen output COB LED arranged in a halo-like ring. Despite the budget price, the VIVEE 50 is compatible with the FTR LightSync remote for single button power on and off of the VIVEE 50 and a compatible headlight. Magicshine has also incorporated a brake sensor and their PelotonSync Flash feature to automatically synchronize…