ALL POSTS
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GOREWEAR’s SWIFTRIDE series combine their popular C5 Opti items with fresh graphics and functionality for road and gravel cycling. For this review, we have two of the latest pieces in the SWIFTRIDE collection: the SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts and the SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey. The bib shorts retail for $100 and use a tightly knit fabric material with elastic mesh bib straps. GOREWEAR has integrated their cup into the bib shorts as well as reflective details. To match the bib shorts, GOREWEAR has the $100 SWIFTRIDE Optical Jersey which features matching graphics. The jersey uses recycled materials and features four pockets…
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Lumos is well known for their bike helmets that combine sleek designs with integrated lighting elements for additional safety. The Lumos Nyxel is one of their latest helmets and is an urban style helmet with sleek front and rear LEDs elements hidden into the rim. We were lucky enough to get an early sample of the Lumos Nyxel helmet so some of the specs may change with the final retail version. Retail price for the helmet currently ranges from $129 up to $259 for the e-bike version. We have the $209 MIPS version with the Quin crash sensor which can…
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The Quick Release Light 1000 is one of KOM Cycling’s first bike lights and offers a unique dual-side mount and pivoting lens design to differentiate it. As with other KOM Cycling products, the Quick Release is a clever twist on existing products that is designed to improve usability and versatility. The light retails for $119.99 and offers 1000 lumen output from a single LED. What sets the light apart is the dual sided mounting which has Garmin and Wahoo adapters for both the top and bottom. This allows the light to be mounted under or above an out front mount.…
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Top tube bags are a convenient way to carry additional food or gear on a bike as they are easy to access while riding and take up unused space. Topeak’s new Fastfuel Drybag II is the latest variation of their waterproof top tube bags. With a retail price of $54.95, the Fastfuel Drybag II is a 0.8L top tube with a TPU construction. The bag is fully waterproof with a smooth rubber zipper to keep weather out of the bag. Topeak has designed the bag to be mounted using Velcro straps or two bolt slots for a secure attachment. With…
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For 2025, Shimano has introduced a new collection of sunglasses that use Shimano’s RIDESCAPE lens technology. The S-PHYRE SL are the latest light-weight S-PHYRE sunglasses that use a one-piece lens with a rimless design to optimize weight and visibility. Despite the S-PHYRE name, the sunglasses have a relatively affordable $140 retail price and have a compact fit. The sunglasses have a frameless design with a large single piece lens that’s available in RIDESCAPE Road, Gravel and Off-Road lens options. Shimano has utilized an aerodynamic design with soft curves, a hidden nose pad and flush temple arms. The nose pad also…
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Top tube bags offer convenient storage for food or gear right behind the headtube and can supplement or replace traditional saddlebags. Topeak’s new Toploader Drybag is a new addition to Topeak’s top tube bag lineup and offers large capacity and a waterproof construction. With a retail price of $54.95, the Toploader Drybag is a large 1L top tube bag. Topeak has used a TPU construction and smooth operating rubber zipper to make the bag fully waterproof. The bag can be bolted on or attached using two bottom straps and one headtube strap. As with other Topeak bags, there is a…
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ROKA has taken their popular retro-inspired Torino sunglasses and updated them to create Torino 2.0 sunglasses. These new versions have replaceable nose pads and spring loaded hinges for improved comfort and versatility. Retail price for the ROKA Torino 2.0 range from $190 to $225 depending on the lens with a $235 custom option that lets you mix-and-match lenses with different frames. The sunglasses have an aviator silhouette with oversized two piece lens shape. To customize the fit, the sunglasses have an interchangeable nose pad along with ROKA’s float fit frame design. The ROKA Torino 2.0 combines a retro style with…
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With standard side-entry bottle cages you have to make sure you purchase the correction version as they are a directional design. Topeak’s Dualside Cage series are a clever solution to this issue by making the cages to be reversible. In this review, we’ll be looking at the new Dualside Cage EX which is a budget friendly addition to the Dualside product line. Retail price on the cage is only $12.95 and does not include mounting bolts. The cage is a lightweight polymer design and it is designed to work for bottles between 72 and 75mm. Topeak has designed the cage…
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Ratchets are a more efficient alternative to standard wrenches or Allen keys that allow you to quickly loosen or tighten bolts in hard to reach areas. Topeak’s Ratchet Rocket Essential HD is the enhanced version of Topeak’s Ratchet Rocket Essential kit and features a high torque ratchet for doing tasks like pedal installation. The kit retails for $62.95 and has 15 available functions using the ratchet, extension and 12 bits. One of the main features of the kit is the high torque ratchet which is a heavy duty reversible aluminum ratchet that is rated for up to 60 Nm. The…