BIKE ACCESSORIES
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If there is one accessory every indoor cyclist should own, it is a training mat. Not only does it keep sweat and grime off your floors, it also provides a non-slip surface and noise isolation. The Elite Trainer Folding Mat is a foldable portable trainer mat that retails for $62.99. Made of polyester and PVC material, the folding mat features an anti-slip backing. Although it’s compact when folded up, the mat opens up to a generous 1800 x 900 mm (approximately 5.9’ x 2.9’) size. Elite currently only offers the mat in a black finish. The Elite Trainer Folding Mat…
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Bryton is well known for their high-value GPS computers and large portfolio of models that range from entry-level computers to aerodynamic computers. With the new Sport line of cycling computers, Bryton is shifting their focus to the high-end road cycling market with improved hardware and training functionality. The Bryton S500 is the first computer to be offered in the Sport line and replaces the Rider 750 as their top-of-the-line model. With a retail price of $299.95 or $375.95 with sensors, the S500 undercuts equivalent Garmin and Wahoo GPS computers while offering more features. The large 2.4” screen of the S500…
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While Fenix is best known for their extensive lineup of everyday carry (EDC) and tactical flashlights, in recent years they’ve also experimented with bike lights. In this review we’ll be looking at their latest bike light, the BC26R headlight. The light has a retail price of $89.95 and has an impressive 1600 Lumen output from a single Luminus LED. As with other Fenix lights, the BC26R features a replaceable battery with threaded tail cap. Although Fenix includes a 5000 mAh ARB-L21-5000 Li-ion battery with the light, the BC26R can be used with 18650 batteries using the Fenix ALF-18 battery holder.…
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As a cyclist you often have to “yell” at cars, pedestrians, or even other cyclists to make your presence known. Whether you’re cursing at a car that cut you off or just letting pedestrians know you are passing them, a bike horn is a great way to improve your safety. The Hornit db140 is claimed to be the world’s loudest electric bike horn with a ear-piercing 140dB that ensures people hear you coming. The latest version of the Hornit dB140 now features a universal Garmin style quarter turn mount that makes it easy to attach to bikes or third party…
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Designed to be invisible when it is off and bright when it is on, the Trace taillight is one of Hornit’s smallest taillights. The Hornit Trace retails for a very affordable price of $16.95 and offers runtimes from 12-72 hours. With a focus on compact size, the output of the Trace is limited to 15 lumen in the daytime flash mode. The Trace offers three flash modes for daytime or nighttime use as well as a constant mode which is a great option for nighttime riding. While the Hornit Trace may lack the blinding multi-hundred lumen output that has become…
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Affordability and cycling GPS computers are two phrases that you don’t usually hear together. Thanks to companies such as Coospo that’s something that is changing as they offer a variety of GPS computers at accessible price points. In this review, we’ll be looking at their most affordable option, the entry-level Coospo BC26 GPS computer. Although the brand Coospo may not be familiar to everyone, it’s actually short for Cool-Sport and was founded in 2011. At only $35.99 the BC26 is the cheapest GPS computer Coospo offers and features a large 2.3” FSTN screen. Designed to be easy to use, the…
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As out-front bike light and computer mounts increase in popularity, more and more people are mounting bike lights upside down. If your bike front light has an anti-glare or directional beam design, mounting the light upside down can actually increase glare and reduce the effectiveness of the beam. The Moon Sport Rigel 700 solves this issue with a reversible anti-glare lens that allows the light to be mounted in either direction safely while reducing glare. With 700 lumen verified output and a retail price of only $57.84, the Rigel 700 is a compact and bright commuter light. The headlight uses…
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Although bike headlights have continued to get brighter and offer more features they’re almost always only offered in simple black finishes. Magicshine has decided to change that with their latest $89.99 RN 1500 front headlight. What’s unique about the RN 1500 is that Magicshine offers the light in three eye-catching anodized colors: Space Gray, Wine Red, and Deep Blue. The colored finishes allow you to match the light with your bike color scheme. The RN 1500 is not only stylish but also offers modern amenities such as USB-C charging port (which supports USB C2C) and a Garmin compatible quarter turn…
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If you’re looking for a way to make your bike standout and drop a few grams in the process then carbon fiber bottle cages are a great option. In this review we’ll specifically be looking at Topeak’s latest SHUTTLE CAGE XE 3K carbon fiber bottle cage. It’s marketed as an ultra-light, aerodynamic and relatively affordable 3K bottle cage. It accomplishes this with a feather-weight 22 gram weight and a $62.95 retail price. Although that isn’t particularly budget friendly, compared to other 3K carbon fiber cages it’s quite competitive. The SHUTTLE CAGE XE 3K is constructed of Torayca Japan T700 and…