ALL POSTS
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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…
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Although you can’t get your food delivered by drone yet, you can buy a variety of cheap drones to use as toys for capturing unique video footage. In this review, we’ll be looking at one of those cheap drones, the Ascend Aeronautics ASC-2400 which we stumbled across at our local Costco warehouse. There appears to be two versions of this drone on the market currently, the ASC-2400 we have here and a slightly more expensive ASC-2450 with Optical Technology which claims to offers better tracking. The ASC-2400 is marketed as a beginner friendly drone that can be flown by anyone…
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These days, it seems like most new cycling GPS computers are getting more expensive and complicated with advanced data metrics and capabilities. The new Beeline Velo 2 bucks that trend and offers a minimalist and intuitive cycling computer and routing software that utilizes user feedback for optimal routing. With the Velo 2, Beeline has retained the features that made the original Velo such a hit on Kickstarter but updated the user interface and added optional detailed navigation prompts. The Velo 2 retails for $97 and offers a new RockerTop interface with a LCD IPS circular display. In addition to the…
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If you’ve ever tried to coordinate or participate in a group bike ride you’ll know how frustrating it can be. Not only can you have unreliable participants who may start late, but some riders may run into mechanical issues or delays that cause them to miss the start time. Bryton’s new group ride and chat feature offers the ability to see other riders directly on your map and even send or respond to chat messages directly from your GPS computer instead of having to wait around or make calls to figure out if people are on their way. It’s a…
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For those doing time trials or triathlons, TT helmets are well known as the best-bang-for-the-buck option to improve aerodynamics. The Smith Jetstream TT is Smith’s latest TT helmet, an iteration of the Podium TT helmet, that allows you to sustain your speed and make every second count. Smith has incorporated a magnetically attached lens that integrates seamlessly with the helmet to improve aerodynamic performance. Retail price on the Jetstream TT is $380 and includes both a clear lens as well as ChromaPop tinted lens options. The helmet is offered in a few color variations including the distinctive Cinder Haze as…