ALL POSTS
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When it comes to clipless road cycling shoes it’s hard to beat the performance of carbon fiber shoes with dual dial closure systems. The combination of a stiff carbon fiber sole and dual dials provides the best fit and performance on the bike. Decathlon’s Van Rysel RoadR 900 carbon shoes give you that performance at an affordable price point. At only $199.99, the RoadR 900 shoes combine a full carbon outsole with exposed weave and dual ATOP dials to adjust the fit. The shoes use a perforated synthetic upper material for durability and flexibility. These are designed for 3-bolt cleats…
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Cannondale’s SmartSense system is an innovative and controversial approach to combining headlights, taillights and radars into a single seamless package. Rather than recharging three separate batteries and powering them on individually, the SmartSense system features integrated cable routing with a central SmartSense battery on the downtube of Cannondale’s bikes. This system is currently only available on the Synapse and Topstone bikes but we wouldn’t be surprised if it was extended to other model lines. A speed sensor on the front wheel allows all the devices to turn on automatically when the bike moves and shutdown if no motion is detected…
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Electric cargo bikes are arguably one of the most useful types of e-bikes as they offer versatility and functionality. Xtracycle is one of the founding companies in the cargo bike market and have helped advocate and expand the market for them. Thanks to advances in electric motors and battery technology, Xtracycle now offers multiple electric bike options for carrying children or gear quickly and safely. In this review, we’ll specifically be looking at the RFA (“Ready For Anything”) model which is one of their more compact designs. The bike retails for $4999 and features an attractive chromoly steel frame with…
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Inspired by the Italian word for light, the LUCE collection offers new additions to the KOO Demos and Spectro line. These combine the cycling-specific designs of the Demos and Spectro with transparent frames and bright lens colors. In this review, we’ll specifically be looking at KOO Demos in the LUCE Capsule collection. Retail price on the sunglasses is $190 and they are available in three different frame and lens combinations. The KOO Demos have a full frame construction with a lens-over-frame design that gives them a sporty semi-frameless appearance. They utilize an oversized single Zeiss polycarbonate lens with vents cut…
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The Wild Rye Baddie Bib is the brand’s first bib shorts and combines their expertise in technical fabrics and female-specific designs. They’ve taken the same high-end fabric used on their Alice and Alyssa chamois shorts but incorporated the extra security and comfort of mesh shoulder straps. The Baddie Bib shorts retail for $149 and are currently offered in female-specific size range of 0-18 in either a black or mahogany color. As with other Wild Rye products, the paneled design provides a flattering fit along the contours of a woman’s body and provides comfort on the bike while the strategic use…
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Smith’s Vert PivLock sunglasses combine an oversized frameless shield design with a new quick-release PivLock lens system. These are developed for cycling, running or other high-intensity sport use with a lightweight construction. Retail price ranges from $209 for the standard ChromaPop lenses and up to $219 for the mirrored ChromaPop lenses. Smith has incorporated a clever PivLock lens attachment system that allows you to rotate the temples off the lens with little fuss. The sunglasses even include an additional clear lens that’s perfect for riding in low visibility conditions. For comfort, the sunglasses have two-position non-slip Megol nose pads and…
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Top tube bags are a convenient and simple way to carry more gear or snacks on a ride. The new Topeak FastFuel Bag Bolt-On is their latest compact and padded top tube bag which can be attached to a bike using straps or bolted on using existing water bottle bosses. With a retail price of $44.95 the FastFuel Bag Bolt-On offers a versatile bolt-on or strap mounting system to accommodate a wide variety of bikes. There is a 0.5L storage capacity with a single large storage compartment and full length zipper. Topeak has also incorporated premium details such as a…
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Endurance bikes strike a balance between comfort and performance by utilizing less aggressive geometry and complaint setups to soak up harshness on the road. Cannondale’s popular Synapse series of bikes offer carbon fiber and aluminum options for new or experienced cyclists looking for comfort and speed. In this review, we’ll be specifically looking at the $5500 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 RLE which combines a full carbon frame with their innovative SmartSense system. As a mid-tier bike in the Synapse Carbon lineup, the Synapse Carbon 2 RLE comes equipped with the 12-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8000 drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes.…
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Tifosi launched the Swank collection of sunglasses nearly five years ago as affordable hybrid eyewear that could accommodate a wide range of faces. The Smirk is the latest edition to the collection and are designed to be fashionable yet functional. Pricing starts at $29.95 for standard lenses while the polarized lens is $54.95. Tifosi also offers prescription options for the Smirk with a wide range of options including transition lenses and mirroring that tops out at $329.90. Whichever version you pick, you’ll get a durable Grilamid TR-90 frame and the retro styling. The glasses also feature Tifosi Glide technology, a non-slip…