Tested: Yakima Holdup Hitch Bike Rack
Yakima introduces their new and improved Holdup hitch bike rack with integrated locks, adjustability and a beer opener. Why did we ever use roof racks?
Race Ridden and Trail Tested: 2014 Fox Racing Shox Talas 34 and Float X Shock
With enduro-fluenza spreading like wild fire, I got the opportunity to check out the 2014 enduro-bred suspension from FOX at the opener of the Oregon Enduro Series in Hood River, Oregon. Accompanied by moto all-star Jeremy McGrath, a slew of Fox’s finest engineers, and top American enduro racer Lars n’ Bars Sternberg, we set out on the trails to get our fill of the amazing terrain. Although the days were socked in and gloomy, it made for an unreal mud shredfest! To top it all off, I got to put the new 2014 product to work against the best Pro enduro guys in the country. After leaving Oregon, I have managed to put the new suspension to the test in the dry Colorado high country. Smashing it through rigorous 30plus minute descents and strenuous hour-long climbs. Post yin and yang conditions, here is the lowdown on what Fox has in store for trail riding and enduro racing in 2014.
The Orion - Waterproof Cycling Jacket by Mission Workshop
If you're looking for a waterproof cycling jacket that you can use almost anywhere - urban or expedition, to the corner bar or to the far reaches of the planet - check out the Orion jacket by Mission Workshop. It's stylish, tailored, simple and incorporates cutting edge Swiss technology that gives the jacket a wide range of comfort. For me, it sets the high bar for the best all-around cycling jacket I'ved used.
A Peek: Trek Lush SL 29er for Women
To take a break from the long work days running around on foot at the Sea Otter Classic, I signed up to ride the MTB Gran Fondo at the event. Having never been to Sea Otter, I took a leap of faith and assumed I could “demo” a bike from any number of manufacturers for the recreational 20-miler. It was a bit of a gamble because there was a chance I would end up without a bike. But the other risk was getting a bike in my size.
Tested: Mission Workshop - The Vandal - Bike & Travel Pack
The Vandal is a wild and varied pack that expands and features a roll top. It's created for both biking and traveling, either or both. It's made in the USA by the guys who originally started Chrome and their cool new gear is once again turning heads and stirring imaginations. I tested the Mission Workshop Vandal in Colorado and South America over several weeks...
Specialized Unveils Women's Full-Suspension 29er
Specialized continues its offerings for the female rider with the new Rumor, a full-suspension women’s specific 29er that’s been two years in the making.
Cookbooks Serve Up Real, Wholesome Recipes for Athletes
Ask endurance riders what’s the hardest part of riding for 12 or more consecutive hours and they will all tell you the same thing: nutrition. I’ve been an adventure racer and a long-distance mountain biker for the past 10 years. Along the way, my race meals have consisted of everything from Twizzlers and Coke (not recommended), to Denny’s (also not recommended), to countless gels, bars and chews.
Be Like The Sheep - Tested: Ibex & Icebreaker Wool for Spring
Ah spring. Spring! That magical time when the temperatures rise just enough to tease you with the thoughts of summer. A time when a young man’s mind turns to sheep…uh, I mean wool. Nature’s perfect material for spring weather, everything from sideways blizzards to balmy sunny days nearly 60 degrees.
Here are a few of my favorite spring wool pieces from Ibex and Icebreaker - wool knickers and jerseys that can cross over seasons. Why wool? Because evolution can create better than humankind. Be like the Sheep.
Tested: Niterider Pro 1500 Race LED and MiNewt Pro 750 LED Combo Light Set
Quite simply, the best bike lights I've ever used. Super bright. Durable. Long burn. This Niterider light combo lights up the whole forest and lets you ride as fast during the night as you do during the day. Break yourself from the chains of the time of the sun!
Tested: Osprey Verve 10 Womens' Specific Hydration Bike Pack
Like most outdoor sports, mountain biking is primarily a man’s world, at least in terms of gear. So I was happy to find the women’s specific Osprey Verve 10 Hydration Bike Pack. I’m an intermediate mountain biker and most of the rides I did in this pack were one to three hours. I used the Osprey Verve 10 on around 20 rides for this review.
It's about time companies are making women's specific mountain bike gear! Go Osprey!
Tested: MRP G3 Chainguide
Refined for Greater Durability and Lighter weight
As one of the OG chainguide manufacturers, developing mountain bike guides as early as the mid 90s, MRP has been at the forefront of chain retention systems as they have slowly worked their way from the gravity and DH scene in to the trail and XC market.
New Power Meter Could Have MTB Development Applications
If you follow the world of cycling technology with even a casual eye, you’ve by now heard about the new power meter from Boulder, Colorado-based Stages Cycling.
Tested: Lupine Piko 3 Light
180g light that boasts an amazing 750lumens all in a discrete package
The miniscule li-ion battery pack for the Piko3 is the size of a multi-tool and its 55-gram, CNC-machined aluminum lamp head mounts stealthily to any vented helmet.
Tested: Alchemist Hannibal Hoodie
Great Fit, Comfy, Eco-Friendly Material and Simple Style
Designed as an eco-conscious casual hoodie, the Hannibal Hoodie combines a comfortable fit with eco fabric technology. Boulder, Colorado based Alchemist creates a range of two-wheel inspired clothing, from OG T-shirts to Custom Lycra race kits. The Hannibal hoodie is the newest addition to Alchemists line of casual goods.
