ALL POSTS
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Topeak’s known for the bike pumps whether it’s the JoeBlow floor series or portable mini pumps. In this review we’ll be looking at one of their mini pumps specifically designed for road cyclists. The $47.95 Roadie 2Stage Mini pump is a compact bike pump that’s only compatible with Presta valves. What sets this pump apart from other mini pumps is the two stage inflation that offers a high volume mode (0-75 psi) and high pressure (75-160 psi) mode. At only 6.4” in length the Roadie 2Stage easily fits in jersey pockets or saddle bags for inflation on the road. The…
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If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line cycling shoes, you don’t have to look any further than Shimano’s S-PHYRE RC9 shoes. Not only are these one of the most beautiful shoes on the market, but they leverage Shimano’s vast experience for a precise fit and power transfer. These are the third generation of the S-PHYRE shoes and have subtle improvements to optimize the fit. The Shimano S-PHYRE RC903 shoes retail for $450 and feature a dual BOA Li2 dial closure system. These are one of Shimano’s stiffest cycling shoes with a full carbon fiber outsole and anti-twist heel cup. Shimano has…
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Unless you’re a professional cyclist with a support team trailing you, it’s essential to carry tools for roadside repairs or adjustments. In this review we’ll be looking at one of Topeak’s smaller folding mini-tools, the simply named Topeak Mini 9. With a retail price of only $21.95, the Mini 9 multi-tool offers 9 functions. There are two rows of swiveling tools attached to an anodized extruded aluminum body. There are six allen wrenches ranging from 2-8mm which can be used for tightening stems or removing thru-axles. Additionally there is a T25 Torx wrench and a PH2 phillips head to cover…
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While a photo may be worth a thousand words, having video footage of a crash or near hit can be priceless. Magicshine’s new Seemee DV is their first combination taillight and camera which acts like a rear dashcam for your bicycle. As with other Magicshine products, the Seemee DV undercuts the pricing of popular Garmin and Cycliq camera taillight while adding features. The Seemee DV retails for only $119.99 and combines a 1080P HD camera with a 30 lumen COB LED taillight. Video footage is saved onto a removable MicroSD card, an 8gb card included but the Seemee DV supports…
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Shimano’s S-PHYRE series not only includes the popular RC9 cycling shoes but also a wide range of cycling apparel. In this review, we’ll be taking a look at the Shimano S-PHYRE sunglasses which offer clear optics and pro-level features. The CE-SPHR2 sunglasses we have are the second generation of the S-PHYRE sunglasses and retail for $220. Shimano has incorporated their RIDESCAPE lenses and a clever magnetic attachment system. Pulling up on the magnets on the lens and corresponding frame edges allows you to swap them out for the included clear lenses for low-light conditions. The S-PHYRE sunglasses are oversized cycling…
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Properly fitting insoles can be the difference between comfortable shoes and painful shoes while cycling. Designed in collaboration with Cobra9, the Bont Cycling Vaypor insoles are a high quality upgrade for Bont Cycling shoes. Bont offers two variations of the insoles, the $99.95 Vaypor versions we have here with multiple arch height options and a more simple single $39.95 Riot option. These insoles are nearly identical to Cobra9’s SemiPro insoles but have been slightly altered to improve ventilation and fit in Bont Cycling shoes. What separates these insoles from standard disposable insoles is the carbon fiber core and dual density…
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If you needed proof that fashion is cyclical you wouldn’t have to look further than sunglasses. Most brands are reaching back into their catalogs and revamping classic designs with modern optics and frame materials. The Smith XC sunglasses in this review are no exception as they were originally part of Smith’s 1983/1984 skiing collection. Smith has brought them back with a $179 retail price and modern Evolve Bio-based frame and ChromaPop lens options. The combination of retro styling and cutting edge optics means the XC sunglasses give you the best of both worlds. One of the main features of the…
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The Triban RC500 cycling winter jacket is a softshell jacket specifically designed for cold weather riding. It’s part of Decathlon’s Triban sub brand which offers a wide range of affordable bikes and cycling apparel that is available worldwide at the Decathlon stores and website. The jacket has an affordable $99.99 retail price and offers a windproof exterior with fleece lining for insulation. It’s a water repellent design that can provide protection from light rain or road spray. Decathlon has incorporated a number of clever features in the jacket including reflective stripes for nighttime visibility along with a removable neck gaiter.…
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Thousand first introduced their Heritage helmet back in 2015 as a retro styled helmet designed to make people want to wear a helmet. After nearly 8 years of being on the market, Thousand has released the updated Heritage 2.0. The helmet retains the affordable $99 retail price and unique color schemes that help it stand out in the crowded urban cycling helmet field. With this updated version the helmet boasts six vents for improved cooling as well as a more inclusive fit. Thousand has redesigned the fit system to accommodate both round and oval shaped heads. As with the original…