ALL POSTS
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Magicshine’s Monteer series of wired mountain biking headlights are a popular option among cyclists looking for high output lights at budget friendly prices. The series currently consists of five options: the Monteer 3500S, 5000S, 6500S, and the absurdly bright 8000S where each of the model names match the max lumen output. In this review we’ll be taking a closer look at the most affordable headlight in the series, the Magicshine Monteer 3500S. Although the $199.99 retail price may sound high to new cyclists, the Magicshine Monteer 3500S offers an impressive value with 3500 FL-1 verified lumen output. To achieve the…
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Marketed as “your first GPS bike computer” the new Shanren Miles GPS computer is a unique budget priced GPS. Like other Shanren products such as the Raz Pro taillight, the Miles computer was launched from a successfully backed Kickstarter campaign that surpassed its funding goal. While Shanren may not be as well-known as companies such as Bryton, Garmin or Wahoo they aren’t new to GPS cycling computers as they’ve developed six previous computers. With a retail price of only $89.99 the Shanren Miles GPS is a very accessible GPS computer that has full ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity for speed, cadence,…
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If you spend more time off the road than on it, then it’s important to ride with the right helmet.The new Lazer Jackal MIPS claims to be just that and is described as “the new go-to helmet for mountain bikers.” The Jackal MIPS is the most expensive mountain biking helmet Lazer currently offers with a retail price of $199.99 (note a non-MIPS version is available outside of North America). Rest assured though, with the premium price comes premium features such as Lazer’s dual-direction Advanced Turnfit System dial fit system and a magnetic Fidlock buckle. Trail riders will also appreciate the…
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If there is one clothing piece of clothing that nearly everyone owns it’s a hoodie. Depending on the material and style, hoodies can be worn around the office, house or on hikes and provide warmth and versatility. In this review we’ll be specifically looking at Outdoor Research’s Baritone Full-Zip hoodie which is a mid-weight upper that’s part of their Baritone collection. The collection currently consists of this full-zip hoodie as well as a quarter zip variation. Constructed of blend of polyester and spandex with a soft brushed interior, the hoodie also features Outdoor Research’s Active Temp technology. Active Temp is…
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When it comes to cycling shoes, Bont Cycling is well known for their anatomical and heat moldable carbon fiber shoes. However, they haven’t been known for affordability which is why we’re excited to be reviewing the new Bont Cycling Motion shoes. These are Bont’s most accessible cycling shoes to date and don’t sacrifice quality or fit to achieve the lower price point. Despite being just about $100, the Motion shoes have a stiff fiberglass anatomical sole design and integrated construction. The microfiber uppers are perforated for ventilation and utilizes a three velcro closure system. Bont Cycling also offers an optional…
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Bryton is well known for the affordable and feature-filled GPS cycling computers. Whether you’re looking for a color touchscreen or basic speed display, Bryton’s computers offer one of the best values on the market. The Bryton Rider 15 is one of the company’s most affordable computer models and in this review we’ll be looking at the latest version, the Bryton Rider 15 neo. With a retail price of only $69.95 for the headunit, the Rider 15 neo offers a number of features not typically found at this price point. The Rider 15 neo supports 3 satellite systems (GPS / Galileo…
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As a cyclist it’s important to ride defensively and to always be aware of your surroundings. Even if you follow all the rules of the road, all it takes is one distracted driver to ruin your day. That’s where The Beam’s Corky rear view mirror comes into play. With a retail price of ~$30.00 the Corky is a compact folding rear view mirror that is designed to fit drop bars from 21-23 mm in diameter. The simple bar plug design makes installation quick, while the rotating body and ball socket mount provide 360 degrees of rotation. The Beam also offers…
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While direct drive trainers have gained popularity, traditional wheel-on trainers offer a number of benefits. The direct contact between the tire and trainer makes wheel-on trainers compatible with a variety of bicycle drivetrains and also provide a more realistic feel. That’s why we are excited to be reviewing the Elite Tuo smart wheel-on trainer which combines interactive features and a contemporary design. The Elite Tuo uses a magnetic resistance unit that can simulate upto 10° slope and is rated for 1300 Watts with an impressive 5% accuracy. To reduce wear and tear on the trainer and bike, the Tuo also…
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As a cyclist, it’s important to carry extra parts and gear on rides to prevent getting stranded on the side of the road. If your saddlebag and jersey pocket are already full or you’re looking for a minimalist option, then the Lizard Skins Tube Strap is a great option. As the name implies, the Lizard Skins Tube Strap is a velcro strap that is designed to attach on seat tubes, saddles, downtubes, top tubes, or pretty much anywhere you need it. It features an elastic inner strap to hold on to tubes or other items securely while non-slip silicone strips…