ALL POSTS
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Aerodynamics have become an increasingly important aspect of cycling. Not only are there aerodynamically shaped bikes on the market, but there are also accessories that claim to also reduce drag. In this review we’ll be looking at one of the latest aerodynamic products from LightSKIN, the NACA Road front headlight. With a retail price of $270 the NACA Road is an StVZO certified headlight with an optimized projector lens and sleek profile based on the NACA airfoil. The NACA Road offers up to 520 lumen output and runtimes that range from 1.5 to 7.3 hours depending on which mode is…
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Smart helmets not only protect you in an accident but can also keep you visible while riding. The Unit 1 FARO helmet that we have here in this review is one of the most feature filled helmets we’ve reviewed to date. The retail price of the helmet ranges from a base price of $209.90 up to $277.20 with the optional MIPS and turn signal addons. Not only does the FARO have 500+ lumen output but the helmet also features a multi-element LED grid hidden under a sleek fabric cover. A well designed companion app allows for full customization of the…
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LightSKIN is known for their innovative integrated bicycle lighting systems. One of their first products and winners of the 2010 Red Dot Design award was a seatpost with integrated lighting elements. In this review we’ll be looking at the latest LightSKIN S341 seat post which offers more output modes and an improved seat clamp design. Retail price of the seatpost is $99 and it features 5 flush mounted LEDs in either a matte black or a polished finish. Note the LightSKIN also offers the seatpost in a StVZO complaint S311 variations, E-Bike, Dynamo as well as 27.2 and 31.6mm diameters.…
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Situational awareness is one of the most important aspects of cycling as you should always be riding defensively. Rear radar systems are a passive way to detect vehicles behind you but have been an expensive option as the Garmin Varia has been the only mainstream option. That’s all changed now with the introduction of the Magene L508 and the co-developed Magicshine SEEMEE 508 we’ll be looking at in this review. The SEEMEE 508 has a $139.99 retail price and utilizes standard radar communication protocols. Not only is the SEEMEE 508 more affordable, but it also features a built-in brake sensor…
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Between GPS computers and headlights, it’s hard to avoid handlebar clutter on bikes these days. That’s what inspired LightSKIN to develop flat handlebars with an integrated LED. It’s a sleek design that has a built-in LED headlight directly into the handlebar itself for a clean and theft-proof setup. LightSKIN offers the aluminum handlebars in three primary variations: H2B (battery), H2E (e-bike / external battery), and the H2D (dynamo powered). In this review we’ll be looking at the $130 LightSKIN H2B handlebar in the matte black finish – however, they do offer a polished option at the same price. The H2B…
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Although Reelight is best known for their battery-free bike lights, they’ve recently introduced the LUX lineup of battery powered lights. The new Reelight Lux are versatile and stylish battery powered lights that can easily be used as headlights or for outdoor activities. Reelight offers the LUX in two variations, a €54 LUX 350 and the €67 LUX 700 variation we have here in this review. The LUX 700 blends styling elements from flashlights and bike lights such as a removable 2600 mAh 18650 battery and handlebar mount. There are six output modes with three constant modes and three flash modes.…
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Hitch tray bike racks offer a secure and simple way to transport bikes without any contact points between the rack and your bike frame. The Yakima StageTwo is marketed as a premium tray hitch bike rack and offers a variety of convenient safety and usability features. Yakima offers the rack in both a 1.25” and 2” hitch receiver in either a dark anthracite finish or the white vapor finish shown in this review. The StageTwo has a premium $849 retail price and can be extended to a four bike configuration with a $549 add-on. Constructed from a steel main spine…
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Diamondback’s Haanjo gravel and adventure bike lineup was developed to be versatile and capable on both road and dirt. Since their initial introduction, Diamondback has continually updated and refined the lineup with both aluminum and carbon frame variations. The $2,050 Haanjo 5 is currently one of the top aluminum options available in the Haanjo lineup and what we think is one of the best values. Diamondback equips the Haanjo 5 with 11-speed gravel-specific Shimano GRX drivetrain, HED components and tubeless-ready HED Tomcat Disc wheelset. The 6061 alloy frame features Diamondback’s endurance geometry which uses a relaxed tall headtube for a…
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While Kokopelli might be better known for their durable and well constructed packrafts they also have a Moki series of kayaks. In this review we’ll be looking at the Moki-Lite which is the lightest kayak Kokopelli currently offers. At $699 the Moki-Lite is designed for adventure paddlers looking for a durable, portable and lightweight kayak. The Moki-Lite weights in at only 26.7lbs and uses rigid drop-stitch floor and three chamber design for stability and safety. Kokopelli describes the kayak as an entry-level type 2 kayak that’s recommended for flat water and bays / inlets. The Moki-Lite includes everything you need…