Back in 2016, when Otso Bicycles grew from Wolf Tooth Components, we were introduced to a new component brand, Lithic. At the time, Lithic was mostly an OEM house brand for Otso to spec their bikes with various components, Lithic has slowly grown into a brand of its own. Now, Wolf Tooth is calling it ‘Lithic by Wolf Tooth’, likely for the brand recognition, but the goal remains the same – to create high-quality components that often include details not found elsewhere.

Take their new Mountain Fork for example. On the surface, it’s a rigid carbon MTB fork, but as soon as you start digging into the details you realize that this fork may be the most versatile on the market.

Thanks to four different droput options, the fork will fit 15 x 110mm Boost hubs or 15 x 100mm non-Boost hubs, both with post mount or flat mount brake options. From there, the dropout flip chip can be used to adjust the offset/rake from 44mm to 51.5mm. Better still, flilpping the dropout chip still preserves your brake adjustment.

Suspension corrected for 120mm travel forks, the Mountain Fork has a 495mm axle-to-crown with the 44mm offset, or 498mm A2C with the 51.5mm offset. Offereing tire clearance up to 29 x 3.0″, the fork is only offered with a 1 1/8- 1 1/2″ tapered steerer. External brake routing makes it a cinch to swap between your rigid fork and a suspension fork when needed, and the three-pack mounts on each fork leg make it perfect for bikepacking duties.

Lithic Carbon Mountain Fork specs:

• Weights with dropouts and axle:
  • Flat mount 110mm Boost – 754g
  • Flat mount 100m non-Boost – 776g
  • Post mount 110mm Boost – 761g
  • Post mount 100mm non-Boost – 781g
• Tapered steerer tube: 1 1⁄8” – 1 1⁄2”, 275mm uncut length
• Brake mount is swappable – post mount is 160mm, flat mount is 160/180mm
• 15mm thru axle
• Offset/rake is adjustable – 44 or 51.5mm
• 495mm axle-to-crown with 44mm offset, 498mm with 51.5mm offset
• Tire clearance 29” x 3.0”
• Suspension-corrected for 120mm suspension fork
• Fork includes 15mm thru axle, expander plug, and brake cable guide
• Price: $629.95 USD

Lithic Carbon Gravel Fork & Fat Fork

Unlike the Mountain Fork, the Lithic Carbon Gravel Fork and Fat Fork (below) have been avaialble for some time as original equipment on Otso bikes. Both have fixed offset numbers, brake standards, and hub widths, but still offer a rigid carbon option for those that need it.

Lithic Carbon Gravel Fork specs:

• Weight is 515g with uncut 320mm steerer tube
• Tapered steerer tube: 1 1⁄8” – 1 1⁄2”
• Flat mount disc brake native
• 12mm thru axle
• 47mm offset/rake
• 420mm axle-to-crown
• Suspension-corrected
• Tire clearance 29” x 2.1”
• Full hidden fender mounts
• Fork includes 12mm thru axle, expander plug
• Price: $549.95 USD

Lithic Carbon Fat Fork specs:

• Weight is 740g with uncut 275mm steerer tube
• Tapered steerer tube: 1 1⁄8” – 1 1⁄2”
• 160mm post mount disc brake native
• 15mm thru axle
• 51mm offset/rake
• 485mm axle-to-crown
• Tire clearance 26” x 5.4” on 100mm rim
• Suspension-corrected
• Fork includes 15mm thru axle, expander plug, and brake cable guide
• Price: $649.95 USD

The post The New Lithic by Wolf Tooth Carbon Mountain Fork May Be the Most Versatile Rigid Fork appeared first on Bikerumor.

Located up north, in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, Salsa Cycles is no stranger to offering some of the best fat tire bikes around. And probably their most versatile fat tire bike, the Mukluk has now gotten a new name. That’s right, the bicycle formally known as Mukluk will now be called HeyDay!. Why, you ask? Here’s the reason for the name change, straight from Salsa’s mouth to your ears…er, uh, eyes…

“In 2020, Salsa consulted with a third-party group to audit our product names for problematic or offensive vocabulary. The audit and other external feedback identified the Mukluk name – inspired by traditional indigenous footwear in arctic regions – as potentially problematic. With this in mind, we have chosen to change the Mukluk name for MY24. We have developed a new name, Heyday!, that speaks to our brand values and the platform’s ride experience. We recognize that we have appropriated and benefited from the use of an indigenous term, and we are working on a plan to support the affected communities. We will have more to share in the future“.

Also, with this name change news, comes some spec and color updates for the Salsa Beargrease and the HeyDay! Let’s check those out.

Beargrease Update Details

The Salsa Beargrease is a “fat tire bike built to go faster than you knew fat tire bikes could go”. It carries with it a super-light frame and fork with clearance for a 27.5 x 4.0″ wheel and tire combo. It sports versatile frame and fork mounts, so you can pack what you need when heading over harsh backcountry terrain.

The bike was built to do everything from a snowy endurance race to packing what you need on it for a long-distance, overnighter bikepacking trip. With a 68.5-degree headtube angle, a long front-center with a short stem and wide bars, and 440mm chainstays, the long and stable Beargrease rides like a modern XC bike.

It looks like the Beargrease C XT will come in a yellow color, the Beargrease C CUES 11 will come in a silver color, and the Beargrease frameset will be a dark graphite color.

Beargrease Retail

Beargrease C XT: $3,999

Beargrease C CUES: $2,899 

Beargrease Frameset: $2,099 (frame, Kingpin Deluxe fork, and Cane Creek Series 40 headset)

The Beargrease C XT Spec

The Beargrease C CUES 11 Spec

Beargrease Frame Cargo Highlights

• Kingpin and Kingpin Deluxe forks feature four three-Pack mounts. Bearpaw Carbon fork on Cues build has two Three-Pack mounts
• Compatible with 170/177 ALternator rear rack using Salsa Rack-Lock or Post-Lock seatpost collar.
• Top tube mounts designed for use with Salsa EXP Series DirectMount Top Tube Bag
• Beargrease-specific frame pack available for all sizes (BG0101-BG0105)
• Lowride rack mounts on Kingpin Carbon and Kingpin Carbon Deluxe forks are compatible with Salsa Down Under Rack
• Two bottle mounts inside the main triangle on sizes SM-XL, one bottle mount on XS
• An accessory mount on the underside of the down tube allows for the use of Salsa Anything Bracket Mini or fuel, water bottle, or Salsa KEG.

Beargrease Frame Specs

• Internal-sleeved cable routing
• Internal dropper post routing
• 1x specific frame design
• 12x197mm rear spacing
• 100mm suspension fork-compatible
• five sizes (XS-XL) for a wide range of riders

Beargrease Geometry

HeyDay! Updates

Built for exploration, the newly named HeyDay! is what Salsa calls their “most versatile fat tire bike, designed to excel in the wide variety of conditions fat bikers face”. So, no matter if it’s the first time you’ve ridden in the snowy, rugged backcountry of the Northwest Territories, or getting out and exploring the sandy beaches of the East or West Coast, the Heyday! can handle it.

Offering a balanced geometry for stability, the 69-degree headtube provides the rider with predictable front-end handling. You can tweak your riding characteristics with the Alternator adjustable dropouts, moving them forward for quicker handling, or set the dropouts back for max stability and clearance for 26 x 4.8″ tires.

The new HeyDay! will be coming in two specs, the HeyDay! C Deore 12, the HeyDay! Advent, and the HeyDay! carbon frameset. The colors look to be a light green for the Deore 12, a frosty blue for the Advent, and black for the frameset.

HeyDay! Retail

HeyDay! C Deore: $4,299

HeyDay! Advent: $1,699

HeyDay! frameset: $2,199 (frame, Kingpin fork, and Cane Creek Series 40 headset)

HeyDay! C Deore Spec

HeyDay! Advent Spec

HeyDay! Frame Cargo Highlights

• Three-Pack mounts in the fork. Four Three-Pack mounts on the Kingpin fork (carbon model). Two Three-Pack mounts on Bearpaw fork (aluminum model)
• Compatible with Salsa Alternator 190 rear rack using Salsa Rack-Lock or Post-Lock seatpost collar.
• Top tube mounts designed for use with Salsa EXP Series Top Tube Bag
• HeyDay!-specific frame pack available for all sizes (BG84290-BG8423)
• Two bottle mounts inside the main triangle
• An accessory mount on the underside of the down tube allows for the use of Salsa Anything Bracket Mini or fuel, water bottle, or Salsa KEG.

HeyDay! Frame Specs

• Full-length internal cable routing
• 12x197mm rear spacing
• 100mm suspension fork-compatible
• five sizes (XS-XL) for a wide range of riders

HeyDay! Geometry (Aluminum frame)

HeyDay! Geometry (Carbon frame)

SalsaCycles.com

The post Salsa Cycles Has a HeyDay! After Mukluk Name Deemed ‘Potentially Problematic’ appeared first on Bikerumor.

Thule is starting the Sea Otter Classic a little early, unveiling an all-new rack with versatility, lights, and a ramp. The all-new Thule Epos is the standard EasyFold XT rack on steroids. It can carry up to three bikes of any discipline and has an impressive 66 lbs per bike (136 lbs for the 2-bike and 160 lbs for the 3-bike) weight limit.

What is it?

The all-new Thule Epos is a tray-loading bike rack with telescopic arms. The Epos holds the bike by the frame, wheel, or fork, allowing the rider to choose the best mounting solution.

The bike stays in place via new steel reinforced straps, the telescopic arm, and a pivoting head.

Will the Thule Epos fit my bike?

The shining point of the Epos is its versatility and safety. The Epos can fit wheel sizes from 16-29″, which is excellent for adult and kid bike transportation. As for tire width, the tray can fit road, gravel, cross country, etc — up to 3.2″ tires. If you’re looking to transport your fat bike, you’ll need a 5″ accessory strap, which Thule has.

Thule added extra length to accommodate all manner of bikes; the maximum wheelbase of the new Epos is a solid 1350mm (53.14″). So don’t worry about transporting those super-slacked 29″ downhill bikes.

Did you say ramp?

For those that don’t appreciate the heavy lifting e-bike ownership can entail. The new Epos folds up similarly to the EasyFold XT, and the addition of the wheels makes it much easier to move from the car to its storage slot. The new Epos offers an accessory ramp that makes loading easy. For easy storage, the new Epos follows the T2 and other Thule racks, adding two wheels to the bottom, aiding in transporting and maneuverability.

If you’re concerned about safety and visibility (who isn’t), the new Thule Epos also comes with an additional light and plate option. You can add the attachable Abus cable lock kit for those looking to double up with security.

Thule Epos Rack Specifications

• High load capacity with 66 lbs/bike and 132 lbs for 2-bike and 160 lbs for 3-bike carriers, enabling transport of all types of bikes, including heavy e-bikes
• It fits all frame designs from 20mm to 90mm in diameter
• Enables easy transport of larger bikes with generous bike spacing of 9.8 in and longer wheelbases up to 53 in
• Fits sizes from 16″ to 29″ and tire sizes up to 3.2 in and up to 5 in with accessory strap (sold separately)
• Prices:$1000 for the base two-bike model, $1,249 for two bikes w/lights, and $1,099 for the three-bike model.
• Available in MId-Summer from your Thule dealer.

We have a sample of the new Thule Epos on the way, so be on the looks for a full review and thoughts coming soon. For more information, check out Thule.com

The post All-New Thule Epos Rack Has a 160lb Weight Limit and Will Fit Any Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

Trek has renewed its Farley Fat Bike with an all-new aluminum frame and carbon fork, both of which are better-prepared to carry your necessaries on long-haul bikepacking trips. Mounts galore and custom-designed front and rear racks, dry bag holders, and bolt-on front fenders, combined with its 27.5″ x 4.5″ tires and make it a worthy-companion for over-night missions in deepest winter.

2023 Trek Farley

Trek has given its aluminum fat bike, the Farley, a new aluminum frame for 2023. It sees a slacker geometry, a shorter offset carbon fork for improved handling, and more bosses to carry even more gear and equipment. The fork has mounts for Trek’s 1120 front rack as well as lower leg mounts for additional carrying capacity. The frame has lots of new mounts, including:

• Top tube mounts – for a bag/box
• Inside of the front triangle – for custom strapless frame bag or bottle cages
• Downtube mounts – for accessory cages or fender with multiple positioning options
• Updated rear rack mounts with more secure attachment

The new iteration goes without the sliding-dropouts of old that allowed for rear-center length adjustment, replaced by a fixed rear-center length of 450mm (5mm shorter than previously) with a SRAM UDH at the dropouts. The frame is optimized around 27.5″ x 4.5″ tires on 100mm rims (or 26″ x 5.0″). Trek tell us they believe the Fat Bike industry has settled on this tire size, so the adjustability is now no longer necessary. During the warmer months of the year, massive tires may not be warranted; in that regard, it is possible to run 29″ x 3.0″ tires, though this requires a custom wheel with a 197mm rear hub width.

The Farley Alloy frame also sees other geometry updates. The head angle is 0.5° slacker at 68.5°, the seat tube is 1° steeper at 74°, and the reach is around 20mm longer – now 461mm on the Large. The new carbon fork sees a shorter offset of 42mm (down from 51mm).

Some other important frame details:

• Post Mount Front & Rear for 160mm (Max Front is 210mm, Max Rear is 180mm
• 100mm Threaded BB
• Maximum Chainring Size is 32t
• Maximum A2C is 513mm (equivalent to 100mm travel 27.5″ fork)
• No ISCG Mounts
• Internal Routing for Dropper Seat Post

The 2023 Trek Farley Carbon frame remains unchanged in every way, but the Carbon 9.6 model is updated with the new shorter offset carbon fork.

Pricing & Availability

There are three complete builds of the 2023 Trek Farley Alloy to choose from with pricing starting at $2,199.99 USD for the Farley 5. Bikes will be available by the middle of March, by which time more information on these new Fat Bikes will be available on the Trek website.

trekbikes.com

The post 2023 Trek Farley Alloy is Renewed for Expedition-Readiness appeared first on Bikerumor.

It’s been a big month for Revel Bikes. Earlier, the brand was extremely proud to announce the opening of their new facility in Taiwan. Now, perhaps in even bigger news, Why Cycles is being rebranded.

But first, a bit of history. After leaving Borealis Bikes, Adam Miller had his own carbon bike brand in his long-term plans. But while he worked on that carbon brand behind the scenes, he did what anyone would do – he started a titanium bike brand to pass the time. OK, that is probably an oversimplification, but the fact is that Why Cycles was born in 2016, with Revel Bikes following a few years later in 2019.

While the two brands use completely different build materials, there are a lot of similarities between Why Cycles and Revel Bikes. Both are founded on the idea of making the bikes that Adam and his team want to ride. All of the models feature progressive, but not extreme geometry, cool graphics and branding, and are designed for modern riding – whether that’s loaded gravel riding on 50mm tires, or shredding the latest downcountry XC/trail bike.

Even though Why Cycles already has a unique brand identity, the Revel/Why team have decided it would be be best for both sides to absorb the Why Cycles brand into Revel Bikes. The result is an even stronger lineup from Revel Bikes with options in carbon fiber, titanium, and Reynolds 853 steel. All of the Why Cycles models you know and love will continue under the Revel flag, with the R+ gravel bike and El Jefe hardtail available now and the rest of the lineup following.

We’re also happy to see that fun graphic details like the unique quotes on the inside of the chainstay are continuing on. New bike day is even more exciting when you don’t know what you’re gonna get!

More importantly, Revel notes that there will even be some price reductions for select titanium models and all of the lifetime warranties carry over.

“I’m thrilled to combine the Why Cycles products into the Revel Bikes brand, and the updates we made for future-proofed drivetrain compatibility are pretty awesome too. We’ve been operating both brands out of the same facility with the same people and same engineering processes, so it just makes sense to have it finally be the same brand,” states Adam Miller, Revel Bikes founder and CEO. “Revel will now be a true reflection of our obsession for all types of bikes under one roof and allow us to pass greater savings to our customers while providing the best customer service possible.”

revelbikes.com

The post Why Cycles Get Reborn as Revel Bikes, But with Same Great Titanium Designs appeared first on Bikerumor.

Earth+Kin, makers of “sustainably designed family gear”, officially launched their Mule ATW (all-terrain wagon) in October after a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign. The family business’ founders have backgrounds in design, engineering, and mental health. They want Earth+Kin to be a company that is about “more than gear” by focusing on family and community. Their products fuel their passion: “Supporting families in their physical and mental health”.

After looking and ultimately not finding a suitable non-profit to donate to, they decided to start their own. Now, 10% of Earth+Kin’s profit goes back into their e+k Foundation. The e+k Foundation’s mission is to improve the mental and physical health of families using nature as the playground.

The Mule ATW

The Mule is a “pull-tow-hitch” wagon with “dual-axle technology”. The Mule is designed to be towed behind your standard bike or ebike, or you can choose to pull it by hand or attach it to the back of your vehicle right in the trailer hitch. You can mount the Mule to any vehicle with a 2″ or 1.25″ trailer hitch with the 5 different vehicle attachment choices.

The “fat tire” equipped, 16″ wheels look to be good for sandy beaches or muddy trails.

The Mule connects to your bike’s rear axle using Earth+Kin’s proprietary attachment method. The steel attachment piece stays on the bike with the trailer attaching/detaching via quick release, stating that it takes only “4 seconds to remove”.

The Mule is constructed using 6063 aircraft grade aluminum and hardened steel making it easy enough to be pulled by your standard bike or ebike by using the trailer mount.

All of the components, like the handle, side rails, and wheels are attached to the Mule via quick release, making them easy to remove and store in the Mule.

The assembled dimensions of the Mule are 35″ (L) x 29″ (W) x 27″ (H). The interior cargo dimensions are 27″(L) x 18″ (W) x 16″ (H).

Every Mule comes with an elastic cargo net and a limited lifetime warranty.

The Mule Retail

Retail:

• $299 (wagon and cargo net only)
• $348 (with rear axle for bike trailer mount)
• $348 (with full mesh cover)
• $348 (with all-weather cover)
• $397 (with mesh or all-weather cover AND bike trailer mount)
• $348 (with vehicle mount option)

Check out other options for the Mule and all of the other items that Eart+Kin has to offer by hitting the link below.

Earth-Kin.Com

The post A Fat Tire Wagon You Can Tow with a Bike or Car? The Earth+Kin Mule ATW Hauls it All appeared first on Bikerumor.

Just in time for some winter riding, Colorado’s Moots Cycles has included their Forager Fatbike in the available prebuilt offerings. You can now get the prebuilt Forager with a full Shimano XT build, see below for build details.

Forager production is complete, and a limited number of complete Forager builds are available directly through Moots or select dealers. Once these overlanding, winter-crushing machines are gone, they’re gone for good.

The Forager is not just for cold surfaces, it would be a worthy companion on any bikepacking or adventure ride you can think of. Moots says they’ve “taken everything we’ve learned from building fat bikes for over 20 years and combined all of that knowledge into our most advanced offering in this category“.

So, it seems that either fresh snow, hard-pack snow, sand, or soft dirt, no surface should be left off the list with this beast of a bike.

The Forager frame has enough clearance to run a 27.5×4.5″ tire and includes fat bike standards like 197mm rear spacing, 120mm bottom bracket shell, and a boosted fork.

The frame build for the Forager uses a proprietary, double-butted top and down tube in the largest tube diameters that Moots has. This detail means that the Forager is the “strongest, stiffest, and best tracking fat bike the brand has ever made”.

Moots Forager Build and Frame Specs

Moots Forager Frame Geometry and Sizing

If you have any questions about ordering your own Forager or any of the Moots wonder steeds, click the link below. Or you can “book a demo” here, or find a dealer here.

Moots.Com

The post MOOTS Forager Fatbike, Now Available as Prebuilt Complete bike! appeared first on Bikerumor.

With a 60-mile range, a torque sensor, two frame options, and four pedal-assist levels, this fat tire ebike is dialed for off-road hijinks.

This article was originally published on GearJunkie.

The ebike world keeps getting more and more interesting. Case in point: the recently announced Aventon Aventure.2 fat tire ebike.

The Aventure.2 includes several upgrades over Aventon’s original model. The new additions theoretically give the Aventure.2 decent day-trip adventure bike chops.

Let’s dig into the details.

Aventon’s major upgrade over the Original Aventure is using torque sensor pedal-assist technology over a cadence sensor. Simplifying things as much as possible, a cadence sensor works by consistently assisting riders based on preset speeds. Cadence sensors measure if a rider is pedaling, provide power up to a certain speed, and then cut off power once that speed is reached.

Meanwhile, a torque sensor measures how hard a rider is pedaling and responds accordingly, depending on settings. The harder you pedal, the more help you get.

Aventon’s blog post describing the difference between the two pedal-assist technologies asserts that a torque sensor feels more like a classic bike riding experience. Another handy bonus: torque sensors tend to increase battery life, as they aren’t delivering a predetermined amount of assistance at a steady rate. Torque sensors are also more likely to appeal to riders who feel like e-bikes are “too easy.”

Aventon Aventure.2 Fat Tire Ebike: Other Features

The Aventon Aventure.2 comes in step-over or step-through frames and weighs about 77 pounds. The standard step-over frame comes in camouflage or slate, while the step-through frame rocks midnight or cobalt color schemes. Aventon uses double-butted aluminum in the construction. Aventon makes the frames in four sizes.

In the components department, there’s an eight-speed Shimano Tourney 12-32-tooth cassette, 26 x 4-inch tires, and hydraulic Tektro HD-E350 disc brakes. The Aventure.2 comes standard with a rear rack (another upgrade from the Original Aventure), and a front rack is optional. The front suspension fork has 80 mm of travel and includes lockouts.

But what about those electronics? One nifty feature is that the removable 48V, 750W battery hides away inside the frame. Not only does that streamline the visuals, but it also helps the Aventure.2 achieve its IPX4 water-resistant rating. Feel free to ride in light rain and through splashy puddles. But don’t take the Aventure.2 out in a heavy, sustained downpour or use a pressure washer to clean it.

The Aventure.2 is a Class II ebike, meaning you can legally ride it on dedicated bike paths at speeds up to 20 mph. Feel like getting on the road? Use the companion app to unlock it to a Class III and crank it to 28 mph.

A range of 60 miles opens the door for interesting off-road adventures, while the built-in headlights, taillights, and blinkers are perfect for urban riding. A backlit LCD monitors battery life, mileage, and pedal assist level. Speaking of which, there are four pedal assist levels to choose from — Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo.

Interested? Check out the Aventon Aventure.2 fat tire ebike. MSRP starts at $1,899, and Aventon ships for free.

aventon.com/adventure2

The post Aventon Launches the Aventure.2 Fat Tire Ebike appeared first on Bikerumor.

Aventon is getting into the holiday spirit by slashing prices across the board on its wide range of e-bikes.

Aventon spent much of last year rolling out new tech across its e-bike lineup to improve style, efficiency, and range. The latest bikes from Aventon feature integrated components and a slew of add-ons to help riders build the perfect bike to suit their lifestyle.

Right now, riders can get their hands on an Aventon eBike for up to $300 off MSRP.

Some of the biggest value comes with Aventon’s Level.2 commuter, and the burly Aventure fat-tire adventure bike. But every bike in the stable is cheaper than usual, at least for now.

Aventon Level.2

The Level.2 is Aventon’s commuting workhorse. It features integrated head and taillights that make riding in traffic safer, and an LCD screen mounted to the handlebars makes monitoring speed and power simple.

The bike is right at home on lengthy urban commutes, grocery runs, or casual rides. It also comes with a suspension fork that enables it to go a little further off the beaten path than many other rigid options.

It comes equipped with a 48v, 500w brushless hub motor and integrated battery with a considerable range of 60 miles and a top assisted speed of 28 mph.

A big draw of the Level.2., however, is its torque sensor, which offers more streamlined power delivery and increases efficiency.

Other features include 27.5 x 2.1 tires, disc brakes, an eight-speed drivetrain with an assistance throttle, and multiple pedal-assist modes, along with front and rear fenders to keep muck from the road off riders.

Weighing in at 54 lbs., the Level.2. comes in both step-through and step-over options in four colors: Polar, Himalayan, Glacier, and Clay.

The Level.2 usually goes for MSRP of $1,949. It is now available for a sale price of $1,799.

Aventon Aventure

The Aventon Aventure lands squarely in the category of one of the brand’s most capable e-bikes.

With super-wide 26 x 4 tires and a suspension fork, the Aventure can barrel through just about any terrain.

The Aventure runs on a 750w motor and a 720Wh integrated battery that has a range of about 45 miles on a single charge and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

For those who don’t want to pedal, at all, the Aventure features a throttle option, in addition to five levels of pedal assistance for folks who still want to give their legs a burn.

Like the Level.2, the Aventure comes with a backlit color display and app-sync capabilities, along with step-through and step-over designs for a more tailored fit.

The step-through build comes in Sand, Camouflage Green, and Glacier Red, while the step-over model comes in Sand, Camouflage Green, and Fire Black.

The Aventure usually goes for an MSRP of $1,999. Currently, Aventon is willing to let them go for $1,699, $300 off the usual price.

More Aventon options

If the Level.2 and Aventure aren’t what you’re looking for, Aventon has cut prices to the tune of hundreds of dollars on other models too.

The snappy and agile Soltera is currently available for $300 off MSRP. The Sinch folding fat-tire bike is available for $200 off MSRP. And the Pace 500.2 is going for $100 of the usual price.

This post is sponsored by Aventon. To learn more about Aventon bikes and holiday savings, visit aventon.com.

The post Aventon Slashes Up to $300 from e-Bike Prices for the Holidays appeared first on Bikerumor.

The bicycle is an escape. An escape from daily pressures, which lately may seem all too real. While modern bicycles have gotten incredibly complex, it still all distills down into the same essence – balance, momentum, movement. We’re continually chasing that feeling, and honestly, most of the time it doesn’t matter what you’re riding, as long as you’re riding.

For those that want to make the most of their riding time though, all products are not created equal. While 2022 has continued to present challenges when it comes to the availability of certain products, we’ve still had the chance to try out some incredible bikes, parts, and gear that have earned the title of Editor’s Choice.

About Zach

In the 12 years that I have been writing for Bikerumor, there hasn’t been a lot of change for me personally when it comes to bikes. More than anything, my riding evolves with the season, picking the most appropriate bike for the terrain and the time of year. The caveat there is a notable shift away from road riding in favor of gravel, well, maybe adventure or ATB is a better term. I love that you can jump on a gravel bike and get the same level of workout that you would from a road ride, but with far more excitement exploring the offshoots, paths, and trails along the way.

While mountain bikes remain a big part of my life, time constraints mean I can’t drive to far away trails as often. Instead, you can find me most often riding from the house on various bikes, trying to dream up new adventures along the way.

Experience: Supermoon-lit Fat Bike Ride on the Beach

Fat bikes get a bad rap as a “winter-only” bike, but if I’m honest, I prefer them when it’s much warmer out. And sandy. Of all the rides I’ve done this year, there is one that I can recount almost second-by-second, it was that memorable.

While down south on a family vacation, we happened to be by the beach during a super Flower Moon, total lunar eclipse, and a king tide. The lunar eclipse ended up a bust due to cloud cover, but the next night the moon was still nearly full, the king tide had gone out leaving an insanely low tide, and I had the beach all to myself.

The moon was so bright that the reflection off the sand and water made lights completely unnecessary, and the super low tide made for fast riding conditions that went on for miles. Truly one of those transformative rides that you can’t really plan, but have to recognize when you’re in the moment.

Honorable Mention: eBike Tour of Austin with Bosch & BikeTexas

Towards the end of this year, I had a chance to zip down to Austin, Texas to see Claudia Wasko, the VP of Bosch eBike Systems Americas, give a presentation on battery safety at the Electrify Expo. While we were there, they set up a group ride with demo bikes from Electric Avenue and the Executive Director of BikeTexas, Robin Stallings was our guide. Not only was the Beno RemiDemi a fun bike to cruise around Austin on, but the tour that Robin led us on highlighted the impressive cycling infrastructure that Austin has put together so far.

The ride only further emphasized that eBikes are one of the best ways to take in a new city.

Mountain Bike

Editor’s Choice: Ibis Ripmo V2

Years ago, the Ibis Ripley v4 was an easy choice for my EC pick. It would still be in the running today – that’s how much I love that bike. So it’s probably no surprise that when I finally got on the latest version of the Ripmo, I felt right at home. Since I got the Ripmo V2 in for testing, Ibis updated it with the Ripmo V2S. It’s still mostly the same bike, just with an updated swingarm to include a SRAM UDH along with the accompanying 55mm chainline, and updated clevis bushings (which means you can find the Ripmo V2 on some decent sales currently).

The Ripmo has all of the things I love about the Ripley including a pedal-friendly ride with excellent suspension, room for a full-size bottle in the front triangle on a medium, Ibis’ awesome Pork Chop bags, plenty of tire clearance, and just a great overall ride. The Ripley is still my go-to bike for daily rides around home, but for bigger terrain, the Ripmo is an excellent choice.

Road & Gravel Bikes

Editor’s Choice: FiftyOne Bikes Assassin

Probably a sign of things to come, I spent a lot less time this year on a road bike, and a lot more time on gravel bikes. A highlight of the year was my time on the FiftyOne Bikes Assassin. This bike just struck such a balance between racing and adventure, it never really felt out of its element in spite of the circumstances. Great looks, supremely versatile, definitely one bike I miss having around.

Honorable Mention ATB: Hudski Doggler

I only had one ride on the Hudski Doggler, so while it wasn’t enough time to call it an Editor’s Choice, it left a big enough impression that I need to mention it. Riding the do-everything adventure bike through the hills of California including the former set of M.A.S.H was a blast, and the Doggler impressed me with its playful attitude and surprising climbing abilities. For a rider that prefers flat bars, the Hudski Doggler could check a lot of boxes and has an approachable price tag of $2,200 for the complete bike.

Fat Bike

Editor’s Choice: Why Cycles Big Iron V2

Fat bikes are dead, right? No, but generic me-too fat bikes with terrible geometry are.

On the flip side, well-designed fat bikes just keep getting better, and finally seem to be coming to terms with the bigger 27.5″ fat bike wheels and tires. The Why Cycles Big Iron V2 improved a lot from V1, and it’s the first fat bike I’ve ridden that’s been designed around 27.5″ wheels and tires that I truly love.

The ride quality from the titanium frame is top-notch, and the lack of any real finish means heel rub, bag rub, rust, and other frame damage is a non-issue. With my custom build, I got it down to 27.34lbs /12.41kg without pedals, but still with a Deore 1×12 drivetrain and 4oz of sealant per tire. It was good enough that I had to buy it.

Kid’s Bike

Editor’s Choice: Woom 1 Plus Balance Bike

Thanks to the Strider Sport 2-in-1 Rocking Bike, it seems like my daughter got off to an early start on the balance bike outside. Meaning, she quickly got to the point where she needed something with real brakes.

That’s where the Woom 1+ came in. At 2 1/2, she was just big enough to make the leap to 14″ wheels, and the dual color-coded hand brakes meant she quickly learned how to stop, properly. The One Plus also has a high-quality build with Schwalbe pneumatic tires that offer a lot more grip on various surfaces.

Throw in features like a removable steering limiter and removable “surfboard” for resting your feet on when coasting, and you have the ideal in-between balance bike for adventurous riders. My daughter’s only complaint? It doesn’t come in pink.

Tires

Editor’s Choice: Schwalbe G-One Overland

While gravel is getting hugely popular, not everyone is using their gravel bikes in the same way. I rarely toe the line for a gravel race, but I do take gravel bikes on all kinds of adventures. That usually means a balanced mix of pavement, gravel, dirt, sand, and most importantly, singletrack.

As soon as I saw the new Schwalbe G-One Overland tire I figured it could be the perfect tire for my needs. And I was right. This tire rolls very well on pavement, but has way more grip than you would expect once you get off-road. At 575g for the 700c x 45mm version, it’s not a lightweight, but also not too heavy – especially when you consider the durability of the Super Ground casing.

All in all, if you want a gravel tire that performs well everywhere and you’re willing to sacrifice a few grams to get it, you can’t go wrong here.

Wheels

Editor’s Choice Road: Roval Rapide CLX II Tubeless Wheels

Earlier this year, Specialized finally announced that their Roval Rapide & Alpinist CLX II wheels were officially tubeless-ready. Initially, I had requested the Alpinist wheels since they seemed like a perfect fit for the Specialized Aethos. But only the Rapide wheels were in stock, so I went with it.

I was blown away not only by how stable these wheels are in high winds but also by their climbing ability. I’m sure the Alpinist wheels would climb even better given their feathery weight, but I didn’t feel like I was giving anything up with the Rapide wheels – which just motor along the flats.

The only negative seems to be the $2,800 price tag. Though that hasn’t stopped Roval from completely selling out of its inventory.

Editor’s Choice Gravel: Shimano WH-RX870-TL GRX Carbon wheels

These wheels have everything you could want from a gravel wheelset – they’re light, have a 25mm internal width, a low-profile yet still aero profile, a responsive straight pull lacing pattern, and the legendary smoothness of Shimano cup and cone ball bearing hubs. There’s also a steel freehub body which is a big plus for running cassettes with split carriers so they won’t dig into the softer aluminum.

Their excellent ride makes them even more appealing, and that’s before you get to the almost-reasonable price tag of $1,399. I could go on, but just know that the Shimano WH-RX870-TL GRX Carbon wheels are certainly worth a look.

Editor’s Choice MTB: Reynolds Black Label 329 Trail Pro Wheels

Take one of the best hubsets on the market and lace it to a hookless, asymmetric, Reynolds MR5 carbon rim and you have a winning combination. The Reynolds Black Label 329 Trail Pros are Reynold’s highest-level trail wheelset with a 32mm internal width rim, and Industry Nine Hydra hubs.

For me, these strike the perfect balance of stiffness to compliance, yielding a wheel that offers traction in spades, yet is deceptively quick. When paired with my (still) favorite tire setup of Schwalbe Wicked Wills (soft compound up front), these wheels have delivered some of my best rides of the year.

Editor’s Choice Affordable MTB: Ibis Blackbird Send 29 MTB Wheels

The Reynolds wheels are truly amazing, but we know that a lot of riders won’t be able to shell out $2,299.99 for a wheelset.

At $529 for the pair, I’ve been very impressed with Ibis’ Blackbird Send 29 wheels. They’re on the heavier side being aluminum and offering a 35mm inner width rim, but these wheels are meant to take a beating – and they deliver. The rear wheel has extra reinforcement to send it big, and both rims use Stan’s BST to eliminate pinch flats and create a better interface with the tire. The wheels include a 7-year, no-fault rim warranty, and 2-year warranty on the hub, making these a solid choice for shredders on a budget.

Components

Editor’s Choice: Reserve Fillmore Valves

At the end of 2021, I put a pair of Reserve Fillmore Valves on a pair of fat bike wheels destined for the Why Big Iron V2 above. If I have issues with valves, it’s usually on my fat bike wheels due to the volume of sealant used, the amount of time they sit idle during “non-fat bike season”, and the gnarly conditions they get exposed to (road salt, sea salt, freezing conditions, etc.).

A full year later, the Fillmore valves on those wheels are still working flawlessly. They’re easy to use to adjust tire pressure trail-side, and still allow a high volume of airflow for easy seating of tubeless tires.

Editor’s Choice: Wolf Tooth Resolve Dropper Post

There are a lot of droppers on the market, but if we’re talking premium level posts, the Wolf Tooth Resolve is my current favorite. It allows for more travel on my bikes with the claimed lowest stack heigh on the market, has a great feel to the operation, and the self-bleeding feature really works. It’s also serviceable at home, including easy travel adjustments to make it fit on your frame. Pair it with the WTC ReMote and you have one of the best dropper setups around.

Gear

Editor’s Choice Helmets: Bell XR Spherical

If you want an amazing gravel helmet, get the Bell XR Spherical. If you want a versatile adventure helmet? Check out the Bell XR Spherical. What about a mountain bike helmet without a visor and enduro-level protection? Take a look at the Bell XR Spherical.

This helmet manages to cover a lot of different categories with great looks and seriously impressive weight. It’s more protective than road helmets, which is good news for adventures that get a little sendy. But it’s also far more breathable than a lot of MTB helmets out there, and quite a bit lighter at just 285g.

It’s become my go-to helmet for any adventure rides, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Editor’s Choice Sunglasses: Roka Halsey Sunglasses

These glasses were a pleasant surprise. Purpose-built cycling glasses are great, but let’s not kid ourselves – they’re often not the most stylish thing off the bike. For those of us who want high-performance shades that can seamlessly transition from adventure to après, the Halsey glasses from Roka check a lot of boxes.

I have a small nose, so I struggle to get many sunglasses to fit properly. Roka includes three different nose pad thicknesses in the box, even for their casual styles (there’s even a little tool to help change them). Using the guide, you can use the pads to make sure the glasses are sitting on your nose correctly, which positions them correctly for your eyes.

The Halseys also have grippy pads at the temple which keeps them planted on your face, even when sweating. Just as important, I’ve put mine through the wringer and they seem to be the most durable sunglasses I’ve used in terms of scratches on the lenses (there aren’t any).

Available in a number of colors and different lens shades, there’s even a custom option to design your perfect pair.

Editor’s Choice Bike Rack: Kuat Piston Pro X Hitch Rack

I’m so close to being finished with the full review of this rack, but just know this: it’s my favorite so far. I’ve lived with many of the tray-style racks on the market (including 1Up), and the Kuat Piston Pro X takes the title on its ease of use. It’s not the lightest, and probably not the toughest in terms of rigorous off-roading, but for a bike rack for the typical rider, it’s nearly perfect. Stay tuned for the full review, but in the meantime if you’re looking for a new rack, you really can’t go wrong with the Piston Pro X (as long as you can afford it).

Editor’s Choice Road/Gravel Clothing: Rapha Brevet Insulated LS Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey

For those of us that ride in cold & wet places half the year (or more), Rapha’s newest Brevet Insulated Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey is worth a look. Starting with a Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper shell, the jersey eliminates the need for a jacket in most cases with a breathable, windproof, and water-resistant layer built right in. On the inside, “Active Insulation” mimics the performance of Polartec Alpha, offering an impressively warm jersey that also breathes incredibly well.

I purposely rode in this jersey on a warmer day with temperatures reaching into the 50s (F), and while I was sweating from being too warm, I managed to stay comfortably dry so when the temperatures dropped back down, I wasn’t soaked and freezing. On the other hand, the jersey works down to much colder temperatures and without the need for layers. A thin baselayer was all that was needed for a ride in the mid 30’s, and I was more comfortable than my usual setup as the temperatures fluctuated.

Just keep in mind that this is a jersey and not a jacket, so the cut reflects that. Not that you would need to, but don’t expect to be able to layer a bunch underneath.

Editor’s Choice: Evoc Gear Bag 55L

How could I forget the Evoc Gear Bag? I got this at the tail end of last year, and it has accompanied me on almost every bike adventure by car that I’ve taken this year. At 55L, it’s big enough to fit almost all the gear needed for a ride depending on the type, and the adjustable dividers and numerous pockets make it easy to organize. The bag has backpack straps for easy movement with both your bike and gear, and the cover unzips to double as a changing mat.

Editor’s Choice Bags: USWE Zulo 2L Hip Pack

I’ll admit – I’m not a huge fan of hip-packs. I like them in theory, but in reality, I find that most are saggy annoyances that affect your ability to pedal – or breathe. The USWE Zulo 2 on the other hand, is successful for a few reasons: it’s small, well-shaped, and doesn’t try to overdo it.

The banana shape hugs your hips well, and the single buckle strap, while small, seems to stay tight and is easily adjusted. For longer rides, I’ve used the included 1L hydration bladder which is just enough to let you carry extra water without feeling like you’re carrying a small watermelon in your pack. On shorter rides, you can ditch the bladder, and just carry the essentials with enough storage space for the essentials.

The only caveat is on my sample, the magnetic hose clip broke instantly the first time I tried to use it. Fortunately, I had some spares from another pack lying around, but if you buy one for yourself, make sure you test it before heading out for your first ride. It’s an easy fix, but an annoying one on an otherwise stellar bag.

Editor’s Choice Bikepacking: Specialized Packable Down Jacket

To be honest, I didn’t even know Specialized was making a down jacket until it showed up at my door. I’m so glad it did, as I’ve been searching for the perfect down jacket to bring along for bikepacking adventures where storage space (and warmth) is a priority.

The Specialized Packable Down Jacket is exactly that – packing down into the included stuff sack that measures about 8.5″ x 3″. The jacket is also extremely light at 235g including the stuff sack. Yes, there are lighter jackets out there, but many ultralight down jackets eliminate features to get the weight as low as possible. The  Specialized offers dual main zippers, two zippered exterior pockets, two internal pockets, an adjustable elastic hem, and a hood that’s large enough to slip over a helmet, but cut so it also works without a helmet.

Packed with Allied Feather + Down 90/10 down/white goose feather and mixed with PrimaLoft Bio to attain an 800 Fill Power, the jacket is impressively warm for how light it is. So far, I’ve been comfortable wearing it down to the mid-20s (F) with just a t-shirt underneath, so with a few layers thrown in, you should be able to make it through some cold nights at camp.

Editor’s Choice: Elite Rizer Climbing Simulator

Last year, I spent a lot of time on the trainer in the winter months trying to prepare for the season. I knew that I was attending the Roads, Rocks, and Reggae gravel event in Alabama early in the season, which meant I would see some solid climbing to kick off the year. So I took the chance to try out the Elite Rizer Climbing Simulator to see if it would help.

By all accounts, I am not a good climber, but I found myself consistently at the front of the ride and summiting each climb with less effort than expected. I’d have to say that the Elite Rizer actually works – the result being a much more dynamic trainer workout that taps muscles usually left out during indoor training.

At more than $1,000 though, the Rizer is quite expensive, but I would buy this first over a trainer rocker/roller platform. As an added benefit, it provides in-game steering for programs like Zwift, which works much better than the Elite Sterzo. The Rizer is definitely not for everyone, but for anyone looking for the most realistic indoor training possible, it adds another dimension to your riding.

Editor’s Choice Off the Bike: Hoka Challenger ATR 6

For me, the time has finally come to consider running. I feel like I’ve reached a point where I need to change things up in terms of cross-training, and suiting up for a run is faster and easier than getting ready to ride – especially in the colder months of the year.

Initially, I didn’t think I’d be into trail running, simply because I couldn’t see myself driving to an MTB trail without my bike. But trail running has opened up new trail systems where bikes aren’t allowed, which helps keep things fresh and exciting.

When it comes to running, a lot of my various cycling gear carries over (hats, gloves, casual jerseys, etc.), but the one big difference is the shoes. I love the Hoka Challenger ATR 6 for light trail running and jogging around the neighborhood. They’re noticeably more comfortable than my previous running shoes, and have a big impact on my ability to recover after a run, which is currently, not great. But that’s part of the fun – seeing continuous improvement nearly every run and hopefully translating that to fitness gains on the bike next season.

Many more great products have passed through our hands this year, but this collection highlights the best I’ve seen or ridden. Full disclosure: Each of these products has been chosen purely on their performance and/or technological merits for the reasons described above. Under no circumstances were any of our selections paid for by their producers. Nor was any preference or favor given to advertisers or brands who invite us on trips. Our selections are limited to products that we’ve actually spent time riding/testing in person. So, a brand’s willingness to invite Bikerumor to join a launch event, or to provide product samples, does make it more likely that we will have considered their products simply because we’ve had a chance to try them firsthand.

The post Bikerumor Editor’s Choice Awards 2022 – Zach’s Best Bikes, Parts & Gear appeared first on Bikerumor.

If you’re looking to upgrade your fat bike’s wheels, you have until December 31st, 2022, to get your order in for a set of Industry Nine Fat Bike Hubs before they take them out of production for another year.

Built on the 0.52º engagement Hydra freehub internals, they come in two different sizes for the rear hubs, and one up front. All have quick-release end caps to let them fit more bikes and frames. Here are your options:

• 135mm QR or 135/142/150mm x 15mm TA front  – 200g
• 170mm QR or 177mm x 12mm TA rear – 314g
• 190mm QR or 197mm x 12mm TA rear – 347g

All of them are the Classic hubs, using 6-bolt rotor mounts and standard 32-count spoke flanges for J-bend spokes (versus Industry Nine’s proprietary alloy spokes). MSRP from $250 for the front and $475 for the rear, all are available in 11 different anodized colors. Add ceramic bearings for +$190 to +$335.

IndustryNine.com

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Calling Big Sky Country home, and making bikes worthy of their state moniker, Esker Cycles have released two new titanium freedom machines, the Walden Ti Fat Bike and the Lorax Ti Gravel Bike.

Esker is a relatively young bicycle company that has produced some great bikes, like the Elkat and Hayduke. They are no strangers to producing bikes that are made for mountainous terrain and backcountry exploration.

Lorax Ti

Continuing to follow the practice of naming some of their bicycles after environmentally poignant literary works, Esker’s Lorax Ti follows suit. You won’t find a Truffula Tree while out crushing forest service roads on your Lorax, but Esker thinks you will find comfort on your ride.

Saying, “thanks to the vibration absorbing characteristics of our titanium tube set, generous tire capacity, and a geometry that says – “let’s go a little farther,” Lorax Ti is the bike for gravel adventure.” 

Esker says on the corrosion resistance of titanium helps them keep their promise of longevity and durability. The Lorax Ti is said to have a “neutral geometry allowing it to ride predictably and comfortably”. The frame has multiple mounting points to handle your multi-day adventures, for example, three-pack mounts on the top and bottom of the downtube, full rack and fender mounts, and full bolt-in frame bag mounts in the front triangle.

The frame is double-butted, cold-shaped 3al/2.5v titanium that is routed for an internal dropper post, and can clear 700cx50mm tires (29″x2.0″). the frame also has Esker’s proprietary, adjustable Portage Dropout System.

Lorax Ti Geometry Chart, Frame Spec.

Frame Specs:

• Tire clearance for up to 700×50 (29×2.0)
• 44mm headtube – size-specific headtube lengths for a refined fit
• 68mm English threaded BB shell
• ISO 160mm native disc brake mounts on 4-position adjustable Portage dropouts (single speed capable with the included change of hardware)
• 142mm hu spacing
• takes a 31.6mm seatpost
• 35.0mm seatpost clamp diameter
• bolt-on cable guides for versatility
• designed for 400mm length forks, ENVE Adventure or Whisky No 9 MCX forks recommended, or suspension forks up to 60mm of travel such as MRP Baxter or Fox 32 Taper Cast

Pricing, and Availability

The Lorax Ti is sold as a frame only, including a Wolf Tooth seatpost collar and headset.

Retail $2,300

Custom builds are available, enquire with Esker or your local Esker dealer.

Walden Ti

Just in time for winter, the Esker Walden Ti is ready for your next excursion. Named after an important literary piece about Transcendentalism, the Walden Ti may have you feeling unified with all of Earth’s creation while floating over the sands and snow around Walden Pond, or grinding over unchartered territory on your next exploration into the wilderness.

The Walden Ti plans to deliver on the same Eskar promise of longevity and durability, and using double-butted, cold-shaped 3al/2.5v titanium will ensure that they can. The Walden frame is routed for an internal dropper post. The wheel size is 27.5″ and can take tires up to 4.5″ or with a 26″ wheel, tires up to 4.8″.

The frame is also designed for a 490mm fork, or a suspension fork for up to 120mm of travel. The Walden also has Esker’s proprietary, adjustable Portage Dropout System.

Lorax Ti Geometry Chart, Frame Spec.

Frame Specs

• 44mm Headtube – size-specific headtube lengths for a refined fit
• Tire clearance for 27.5×4.5 or 26x 4.8 tires
• 100mm English threaded BB shell
• ISO 160mm native disc brake mounts on 4-position adjustable Portage dropouts (single speed capable with the included change of hardware)
• 197mm hub spacing
• Takes a 31.6mm seatpost
• 35.0mm Seatpost clamp diameter
• Bolt-on cable guides for versatility
• Designed for ~495mm length forks, ENVE Fat or Whisky Fat rigid forks recommended, or suspension forks in 100mm or 120mm travel

Pricing, and Availability

The Walden Ti is sold as a frame only, including a Wolf Tooth seatpost collar and headset.

Retail $2,300

Custom builds are available, enquire with Esker or your local Esker dealer.

EskerCycles.com

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Late last month, I attended the Philly Bike Expo for the first time. It was quite the experience, getting to see all of the amazing small frame builders. But, there were quite a few amazing small bag makers there as well. And you know how much I love bike bags and small bag makers.

Being right by the entrance, and having so many of their bright-colored products on display, they were one of the first booths that caught my eye.

Take A Trip Bags is a one-man operation, run by Michael Bock out of Bend, Oregon. Take A Trip was launched in December 2021. Michael told me he has been steadily expanding their product line since. Their bags are said to be influenced by bikepacking, messenger bags, and fashion brands.

After spending 3 years as a bicycle messenger in Seattle, and doing a frame-building apprenticeship program with Human Powered Machines in Eugene, OR. He then taught himself how to sew and set his sights on starting Take A Trip Bags with a focus on creating “innovative and functional products with a fun, playful vibe”.

Creating “practical carry solutions” all centered around the bicycle, from commuting, messenger work, bikepacking, and touring, it seems like Take A Trip Bags can cover it all.

Day Trip Frame Bag

The Day Trip Frame Bag looks like a fun pal to have with you no matter what you’re doing on your bike. The Day Trip Frame Bag is a “universal fit” frame bag and is said to fit most bikes but, according to the website “full suspension may not fit well”. The bag can be flipped around to best fit the frame you have. It has two zipper pulls, so it can be opened from the front or the rear. It includes all 3 oversized velcro one-way straps and a stabilizing shock cord.

The fully bound construction adds to the bag’s durability with a water-resistant zipper. It is 15″ long, 6″ tall, and 3″ wide, and has a port for a bladder hose or charging wires.

Retails for $75

To Go Box

This unique product caught my eye immediately and was one of the first photographs I snapped at the Expo. The To Go Box is a two-part storage system designed around the Wald 137 and 139 baskets. The two parts are the hinged lid and the form-fitted liner. Both parts are designed to work together or apart, allowing customization to fit your needs.

It is constructed of 1000d Cordura and 18oz vinyl-coated polyester. It has a pocket on the top of the lid with a water-resistant zipper. The top pocket is combined with a shock cord that can snug down a jacket or extra layers.

The lid is given some structure with a plastic stiffener, allowing for the stacking of stuff on top of the To Go Box. The lid is also hinged with cam straps, allowing for quick adjustment for varying-size loads.

Using 6 snap hooks to attach it to the basket, the inside liner protects your goodies from getting road debris, water, and dirt up in the To Go Box keeping your belongings spiffy and clean. There is a handy elastic pleated interior pocket (made from recycled 400d bag cloth) and two off-center drain holes.

Retail $90 (no lid), $190 (to fit Wald 137), $210 (to fit Wald 139)

My Little Bungee

The My Little Bungee is a great little item. They are small-diameter, adjustable bungee cords made specifically to be used with Wald baskets. Each of the bungee’s ends securely clips right to the basket’s rails. They can be tightened by pulling on the tail of the cord.

You can combine a few of them to create a little cargo net scenario. They come in different sizes so, you can fit them to just about any sized load, or strap stuff to the outside of your basket.

They can be used off of the bike as well. Like, cinching a multi-tool, tire levers, and CO2 cartridge together. Or, a long ride’s worth of small, individually wrapped snacks.

Retail: $9 each or 3 for $24

The sizes are: Xs (12″), Sm (22″), Md, (26″), Lg, (30″)

Colors: Black, Turquoise, and Pink

That’s it, I hope you enjoyed this quick little look at a really cool independent bag maker. I didn’t cover all of the little bags they have to offer like the Seat Roll Up, Snack Pack, Bike Friday Frame Bag...so, go check ’em out.

And while there, check out the fun colors and cool products by hitting the link below!

TakeATripBags.com

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Ashland Oregon’s Jones Bikes is stepping up to replace their fender vendor (see what I did there?). The goal? To make their own Jones Fender Blanks for tire sizes from 3.8″ to 4.8″. These fenders can be bought as blanks with separate, specific-size black fender stays or silver adjustable stays to fit your bike, allowing for a more custom fit with little modification needed.

After losing their fender supplier, and taking a few years looking for a new one, Jones Bikes were never able to find a good replacement for them. Jeff had fenders on his bikes but wanted to stock some, as they were constantly getting requests from customers.

Tired of searching, Jones Bikes decided to just buy the tooling and molds for the fenders and are getting them made by the same USA fabrication company that made them before.

The Jones Fender Blanks are made from “tough, light, and durable ABS” so they are supposed to be very resistant to impact damage or cracking.

They want you to know that they don’t have complete fender kits, sets, or installation instructions yet. But they do have the fender blanks and some of the original fender stays in stock now.

The black stays (above) are said to be the last of the basic 15″ and 16″ fender stays that were made by Jones Bikes’ original fender maker.

• Made from aluminum and painted black
• Available in 15″ or 16″ lengths
• These are said to fit well on Jones bikes and “other bikes”
• May need some bending, cutting, and drilling for the best fit

The silver stays (above) are said to be the last of the adjustable stays made by Jones Bikes’ original fender maker.

• Made from aluminum and fully adjustable with M5 stainless steel bolts and washers
• One size, adjustable. Min 12″ and max 17″
• Bare aluminum silver
• These are said to fit well on Jones bikes and “other bikes”
• May need some bending, and drilling for the best fit

They are planning to offer complete fender sets that will be ready to install on your Jones Bike. These fenders will fit other bikes as well, but Jones states that they will “require fitting, measuring, drilling, cutting, deburring, some hardware, and a secure installation to be safe and effective”.

Fit and Pricing

These fenders are said to be perfect for 29 Plus / 29″x3″, 27.5 Plus / 27.5″x3″, and fat bikes.

Price:

• 3.8″ & 4.2″ Front fender blank: $80
• 3.8″ & 4.2″ Rear fender blank: $105
• 4.8″ Front fender blank: $160
• 4.8″ Rear fender blank: $185
• 15″ Fender Stays fixed – each: $35
• 16″ Fender Stays fixed – each: $35
• Fender Stays adjustable – each: $70

Order your Jones Bikes Fenders, or get more info at the link below.

JonesBikes.com

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As the cold air starts to hit our daily rides, most riders are looking through the packed-away winter gear, searching for the perfect kit combo. Those looking to keep super toasty all winter, no matter where you’re located — listen up. 45NRTH just launched an updated and revamped Naughtvind collection, ideal for the harshed snowball that winter can toss.

The Naughtvind kit update collection includes the Naughtvind Bibs, Naughtvind Pants, Naughtvind Jacket, and Naughtvind Vest. The new line features a new slate colorway and utilizes 88% recycled nylon in the outer shell of jackets, vests, and pants.

That’s not all; the winter wizards over at 45NRTH launched an updated Sturmfist 3 — one of our absolute favorite winter gloves ever. So get your fat bike all tuned up, and let’s chat winter gear.

45NRTH Naughtvind Jacket

The updated Naughtvind Jacket looks similar to the previous version with water and wind-resistant shell material and pit zips to air out as needed. The shell is abrasion-resistant, slightly stretchy, and made with 88% recycled nylon. Similar to its predecessor, the updated Naughtvind Jacket has an extended rear draping tail that keeps the moisture off your backside.

The jacket has both open and zipped pockets for water bottles and valuables. The design team kept the asymmetrical front zipper front the previous version and were happy to see it. The offset design prevents the cold metal from rubbing against your chin when in the riding position and looks good on/off the bike.

Available in Women’s cut (more fitted) in sizes XS–XXL and Men’s (straighter) cut in sizes SM–XXL
Two colorways: Black and Slate
MSRP $295

45NRTH Naughtvind Vest

Think of it as cold weather armor; this versatile piece will help many riders take the edge off those cold mornings without the bulk of a full jacket. It’s the same water and wind-resistant soft-shell material the jacket uses, made with 88% recycled nylon.

The rear mimics the long rear drape of the jacket model with an adjustable hem to cinch in the fit and keep in the heat. The Naughtvind vest has two open rear pockets and zippered/lined front pocket.
Available in sizes XS–XXL.
MSRP $160

45NRTH Naughtvind Pants

If it’s going to get cold, you want to keep your whole body warm, and the Naughtvind pants are a great counterpart to the Naughtvind jacket. The pants come crafted from the same stretchy, water and wind-resistant soft-shell outer as others in the Naughtvind Collection.

The cut is high-waisted to keep your backside warm and adjustable waist and ankle cuff, just in case. The Naughtvind pants have fleece-lined thigh areas to help with the natural pedaling feel and two vents to release excess heat.

Available in Women’s cut (more fitted) in sizes XS–XXL and Men’s (straighter) cut in sizes SM–XXL
Two colorways: Black and Slate
MSRP $210

45NRTH Naughtvind Bibs

The 45NRTH Naughtvind bibs are a perfect counter partner for the pants mentioned above but can operate independently. The 45NRTH Naughtvind bibs boast a wind-resistant front thigh panel that repels slight moisture. The back panel is open with venting and has three pockets for extra-base mile food storage.

The chamois-less design means you must wear shorts underneath, but at least you can pair your favorite pad with the bibs. The updated 45NRTH Naughtvind Bibs features a 4/5 leg length and fits well with winter riding boots.
Available in sizes XS–XXL
MSRP $250

45NRTH Sturmfist 3 Gloves

The updated 45NRTH Sturmfist 3 comes rated for comfort from 10 to 30 degrees F (-12 to -1 degrees C) and is all about fit. The “lobster-claw” design pairs fingers together for added warmth — which can be especially nice for people prone to cold digits.

The 45NRTH Sturmfist 3 is crafted from wind and water-resistant soft-shell outer with AX® Suede synthetic leather palm for grip and control. The insulation is Primaloft® 6 oz Gold insulation with Cross Core Aerogel technology with Primaloft® ECO needle insulation with grip control on the palm.

The lining; is made with a blend of 44% Merino wool, 35% recycled polyester, and 21% polyester to keep hands warm and gloves smell-free after the rides. The 45NRTH Sturmfist 3 uses an Infinite hook-and-loop wrist cinch for glove retention. The fingers are covered with conductive synthetic leather on the thumb and index finger for touchscreen use. While all the digits are pre-curved for natural hand position on handlebars
SM–XXL
Two colorways: Black and Slate
MSRP $110

The new 45NRTH Naughtvind Collection and Sturmfist gloves are available now at 45NRTH retailers. For more information, visit
www.45NRTH.com.

The post Updated 45NRTH Naughtvind Collection and Sturmfist Gloves Arrive Just In Time for Winter appeared first on Bikerumor.

Industry Nine hubs are known for their precision, quick engagement, durability, and of course, their wide range of colors. Naturally, that made them a popular choice for fat bike builds, which left a lot of people wondering why they suddenly disappeared.

Good news – they’re back. Mostly…

Industry Nine has relaunched their fat bike hubs, but only in the 15 x 150mm and 12 x 197mm configurations with 32h j-bend hub shells with Hydra freehub bodies in XD, HG, or MicroSpline.

Unfortunately, that means that the 170/177mm fat bike hubs from I9 have officially been discontinued.

Note that also this is a truly limited edition, and all orders must be placed to Industry Nine by Friday, December 2, 2022. Meaning you have less than a month to order up your fat bike hubset before they’re gone, again.

Hubs start at $250 for the front and $475 for the rear, and are available in all standard I9 colors.

industrynine.com

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There were so many amazing collaborations being showcased at the Philly Bike Expo this last weekend, it was hard for me to focus my efforts. But one struck a chord and was also debuting at the PBE.

The limited edition collaboration between Swift Industries and the legendary, alt-cycling mecca, Blue Lug bike shop out of Japan. The collection also incorporates some joy-inspiring art from Japanese artist, Okataoka

According to the Swift Industries website, “every Fall, Swift releases a special, limited edition Holiday Collection of bags and accessories to celebrate cooler temps and autumn vibes.”

Let’s take a look at this year’s collection.

Caldera Collection Catalyst Pack

The Catalyst Pack is a mid-capacity bike bag. You can attach this bag to the handlebars or to your saddle, it’s designed for either. If you don’t have a lot of clearance and you run narrow handlebars, this bag is said to be a good option for such cases. It looks great for any of your two-wheeled adventures, long days on gravel, road or dirt touring, bikepacking, or commuting… on skinny or fat tires it seems ready for the party.

The Catalyst Pack has a capacity of 6 liters and retails for $195.

Caldera Collection Bandito Bicycle Bag

The Caldera Bandito Bicycle Bag appears to be the right size to carry some of your essentials, like layers, handkerchiefs, tools, or a couple of PB&Js. It can also be used on just about any steed in your stable. The pictures above show it only being used as a worthy saddle bag. But, it is said to be “at home” as a handlebar bag as well.

The Caldera Bandito Bicycle Bag has a capacity of 3 liters and retails for $115.

Caldera Collection Sidekick Stem Pouch

The Caldera Collection Sidekick Stem Pouch is full of utility and looks like the perfect day-ride bag. The Sidekick can keep your water bottle, snacks, phone, camera, or anything else that you need handy and within reach. The Sidekick comes with two mounting systems. It can mount to your handlebars with three included velcro straps, or can piggyback to Swifts’ Kestral Handlebar Bag, Area Pack, Anchor Hip Pack, or the Merlin Randonneur Bag with Molle snap straps

You can even hitch a couple of the Sidekicks up to the side of your Wald basket (shown) to take it to the next level. The Caldera Collection Sidekick Stem Pouch retails for $70.

Caldera Collection Reflector

The Caldera Collection Reflector embodies form & function. It is both aesthetically pleasing (with the joyful art of Okataoka) and a great piece of safety gear. It can be hung with pride from any part of your bike, letting drivers know where you are and that you give a hoot about both safety and style.

The Caldera Collection Reflector retails for $22

Caldera Collection Tenugui

The Caldera Collection Tengugui again strikes that perfect balance of both form & function. It can be used as a hankie, bandana, or towel for your camp kitchen, and the kitchen at home. It’s also handsome enough to hang on your wall, after all, it does feature art from the Japanese artist Okatoaka.

The Caldera Collection Tengugui retails for $16

Caldera Collection Dry Sack

The Caldera Collection Dry Sack is a great way to keep your goodies dry. Again, blending good looks with usefulness, the Dry Sack is ultra-lightweight and the roll top can be packed to the hilt and stored in or out of an existing bike bag. Not being tied to just being used on the bike, it can quickly become an essential piece of your outdoor kit.

The Caldera Dry Sack is fully waterproof with fully taped seams. I didn’t see the liter capacity on the website, but the measurements are 40cm x 26cm. It comes in colors Coyote Brown or Algae Green (shown).

The Dry Sack retails for $25

Caldera Collection Long Sleeve Tee

The Caldera Collectio Long Sleeve Tee is ready for cooler temperatures. Again, brandishing the wonderful and whimsical art of Okataoka, this tee looks like a one-of-a-kind garment for your closet collection.

The Calders Collection Long Sleeve Tee comes in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large. It retails for $40.

See more of what Swift Industries has to offer plus check out all of the bike goodness of Blue Lug by hitting the links below.

BuiltBySwift.com

Global.BlueLug.com

The post Swift Industries X Blue Lug debut their Caldera Cycling Bag & Clothing Collection! appeared first on Bikerumor.

News outta Nutmeg Country, Connecticut’s Ron’s Bikes has announced its new shoe! After 2+ years of development, these new shoes will finally be available on Ron’s Bikes’ website by the end of the month.

The new wide-toe box, SPD-compatible shoes are constructed with full-grain leather and are being made for Ron’s Bikes by Japan’s Stomp Lox. Ronnie says that they are “designed to be highly bike-a-hike-able while offering moderate stiffness for all-day rides with stops at the bowling alley”.

Sign-up for the newsletter to get updates on availability at the link below.

RonsBikes.com

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Two years ago at the weekly PAUL Components 11 am Monday meeting, an important decision was made. That day, Paul announced that Nov. 2nd would be known as International Single Speed Day (it also happened to be his and his pal Amanda’s birthday).

PAUL Components has been a long-time proponent of single-speed mountain bikes as they were one of the first, if not the first company to make a designated single-speed hub for modern mountain bikes. You can still get the WORD (Wacky One-speed Rear Device) rear hub from PAUL now.

So for the last two years, on November 2nd, a bunch of people take to their single speeds and share their experiences, one-speed steeds, and birthday wishes on Instagram with the hashtag #InternationalSingleSpeedDay

Well, Paul wants to do it again this year… but this time, they’ve got prizes! Yes, this year, PAUL Components is going to pick their three favorite #InternationalSingleSpeedDay posts and the winners will receive…

A Handlebar from BTCHN Bikes…

Or, PAUL Barbarian Hoodie…

Or, A Radavist Feldspar Jacket…

THERE ARE NO RULES! Pick a single speed, any single speed, set your derailleur stops, duct tape stuff, and don’t charge your Etap this or Di2 whatever, or heck,  take your kid’s bike… in the words of PAUL’s own California Travis “you don’t need a bunch of fancy new-fangled shiftamabobbers to have fun on a bike.”

Go for it, ride bikes and be merry… don’t forget your hashtags!

PaulComponents.com

The post Paul Component Engineering Declares Nov. 2nd is International Single Speed Day! appeared first on Bikerumor.

It’s flannel season! Time to slip on that comfy plaid shirt and get out for a ride… but you’ve put on some weight over the winter, eh? Not to fear, Kitsbow Cycling Apparel now offers more sizes than ever of their Icon Flannel.

With the introduction of the new Ample Athletic fit for women, Kitsbow now offers 59 different fit and size options of their Icon Shirts in a curated collection of plaid wools, heathered wools, and denim.

The Icon is offered in two cuts for men in the Signature Fit and Relaxed Athletic Fit. The women’s Icon shirt has two cuts as well, the Icon Shirt for Women and the Ample Athletic Fit.

Signature Fit

This fit has fitted shoulders and a fitted torso. It’s slimmer and more form-fitting. Kitsbow says it’s a “more traditional true-to-size garment”.

Icon Shirt for Women

This fit is designed with a women’s frame in mind, enhancing the body shape while leaving room in the chest and hips.

Relaxed Athletic Fit

This version of the Icon is cut with more room in the shoulders and chest allowing for what Kitsbow says is a wide range of motion and a moderately tailored look. This cut looks like it might lend itself to easier layering.

Ample Athletic Fit for Women

This cut was designed quite simply to accommodate more bodies by adding necessary shaping in the chest and hips.

“One of the hallmarks of the Kitsbow Apparel experience is the tailored fit,” says David Billsrom, one of the leaders at employee-owned Kitsbow. “The product team constantly strives to increase the number of fits and sizes, so that the customers have a true choice in selecting a garment that really fits their body. We all know that this is a deep challenge, inherent in the apparel business, and I’m proud that Kitsbow currently offers 4,600 different size/fit/color combinations in our product catalog ”

Kitsbow says their Icon performance flannel is built to last a lifetime. The Pendleton wool is said to breathe, allowing it to stay “fresh”. Kitsbow declares that the Icon flannel is designed to be the “best fitting, best-looking wool shirt you will ever own.”

And now with more sizes and fits, there seems to be an Icon for just about anyone.

Both the men’s and women’s Icon Flannels retail for $259

Sizes are:

Men’s: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Length: Reg, Tall and Short

Women’s: XS, M, L, XL
Length: Reg, Tall and Short

Kitsbow.Com

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