ALL POSTS
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Whether you’re building bikes from the frame up or just need to adjust your saddle position you should own a torque wrench. Torque wrenches ensure that the bolts on your bike are properly secured so that you don’t have a critical component come loose mid ride or ruin an expensive component by snapping a bolt. In this review we’ll be looking at one of Topeak’s latest offerings, the Topeak Torq Stick Pro 4-20 Nm set. Retailing for $199.99, this is a complete tool set that includes a click style Torq Stick torque wrench, 18 bits, a reversible ratchet tool, extender…
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Wedge style saddlebags have been a popular option for cyclists due to their compact size and easy to access compartments. Topeak’s SideKick Wedge Packs are a unique variation to traditional wedge packs as they have a semi-rigid construction and side access panels. In this review, we’ll specifically be looking at the Topeak SideKick Wedge Pack which features a zippered side opening. Topeak offers two different sizes for the SideKick, a $44.95 small 0.5L version and the $54.95 medium 0.75L version we have in this review. Although the SideKick Wedge Pack has been around for quite a few years, Topeak’s new…
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The Bluemel mudguards have a rich history that extends back to the 1800s and feature an iconic squared profile. For 2022, SKS has revamped the classic Bluemels with upgraded features and blacked out aesthetics. While the fenders are offered in a number of variations, in this review we’ll be looking at the $74.99 700 x 28-37 variation in both the standard finish and the upgraded matte black $84.99 STYLE version. These are bolt-on fenders and require mounting eyelets or SKS’s optional mounting clamps. The Bluemel fenders are constructed using an aluminum core with plastic coating for durability and lightweight. SKS…
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When it comes to cycling water bottles, one size rarely works for all cycling disciplines or bicycle setups. Polar Bottle has realized this and added new two size offerings for their popular Muck and Breakaway collections. In this review we’ll be looking at both bottles, the compact 15oz Session Muck and the high capacity 30oz Breakaway. As with all Polar bottles, these are made in Colorado with affordable retail prices of $11 and $13 for the Session Muck and Breakaway bottle respectively. Both bottles have a single wall construction with 100% BPA-free construction. Polar has incorporated their excellent two-piece Surge…
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Handlebar Jack broke into the cycling scene with their innovative and clever bicycle handlebar jacks. Although the jacks were great products, one of the issues with them was how to easily carry them on the bike. In this review, we’ll be looking at the Handlebar Jack Tool Pack which is specifically designed to carry the Original Handlebar Jack, the Saddle Jack or any other repair tools. Handlebar Jack offers the Tool Pack separately for $74.95 or as a bundle with other Handlebar Jack products like the Original Handlebar Jack or Saddle Cover. The Tool Pack is a rollup style saddlebag…
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Electric air compressors have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional manual pumps for inflating bike tires. While there are a lot of electric pumps on the market, most of them are designed for home use and aren’t portable enough to bring on a ride. CYCPLUS is looking to change that with their latest AS2 (formerly branded as the Cube) portable bike pump which is an ultra-portable pump that easily fits in a jersey pocket. What we have here in this review is an early look at the CYCPLUS AS2. It’s recently been released as a part of a INDIEGOGO…
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MAAP’s Alt_Road collection is a high performance apparel lineup that is designed to keep you comfortable and protected while exploring new routes. In this review, we’ll specifically be looking at the MAAP Alt_Road LS Tee which leverages Polartec Power Dry fabric. With a retail price of $95 the Alt_Road boasts 50% recycled PET fiber content. It’s a lightweight and highly breathable jersey that MAAP has designed for country roads or around town. Polartec Power Dry is described as a next-to-skin moisture management fabric that’s quick drying and offers lightweight. MAAP has developed the LS Tee for warm weather riding with…
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When it comes to personal watercraft you typically have three categories to choose from: sleek kayaks, versatile canoes or utilitarian rafts. The Kokopelli Twain is a two person inflatable that blends the line between canoes and rafts. Kokopelli describes the Twain as a canoe style packraft as it combines the streamlined shape of a canoe with a flat bottom raft construction. The Twain retails for $1,299 and has an optional $150 TiZip that adds an integrated gear storage area. Despite a two person 600lb capacity and 10 foot length, the Twain only weighs 13.6lb and packs down to the size…
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Inflatable packrafts and kayaks are portable alternatives to traditional rigid options and a rapidly growing segment in the industry. However, one of the big downsides to inflatable products is the inflation part as it can take some time to inflate everything up to the proper levels with hand pumps. Kokopelli’s solution to that is the portable Feather pump which can quickly inflate packrafts, kayaks or SUPs. The Kokopelli Feather pump retails for $49.95 and can be used for inflation or deflation and includes a number of adapters. Using a USB rechargeable 3600 mAh battery, the Feather pump can quickly fill…