Field Tested Gifts for Cyclists

When it comes to cycling gear and accessories I'm always looking for something new that is functional and improves my ride.  I have field tested a lot of products over the years and found items that worked great and others that didn't.  This post will highlight some products that met or exceeded my expectations and would make great gifts for the cyclist (or yourself) on your holiday shopping list.

Knog Oi Bell

After using other bells in the past on my mountain bikes I wanted one that would fit stealthily on my bars.  The Knog Oi Bell fit the bill perfectly.  I could install it neatly seated between my brake lever and dropper post lever so that it isn't very noticeable, that is until I ring it.  This bell has a loud tone and resonates nicely to alert others of an approach or overtaking.  The Knog Oi Bell comes in two sizes, Small for 22.2mm bars (pictured above) and Large for 23.8 – 31.8mm bars.  Installation is easy and handlebar cables aren't a problem with a built into the mount cable management system.  Knog Oi Bells come in numerous colors, Classic (shown), Luxe and Limited Edition models.  The Classic is available at local bike shops, online retailers and has an MSRP of $19.99.

Revelate Designs Hoppper Frame Bag

When I saw that Revelate Designs had come out with a new frame bag that would fit most bikes and allow me to still have a bottle cage in my main triangle, I had to have one.  Not only does the Hopper Frame Bag fit smaller frames but also many full-suspension frames with a vertically mounted shock.  There are no zippers on this bag but rather an adjustable magnetic closure that can easily be accessed with one hand.  This single compartment, 4 Liter bag is made with Dimension Polyant VX-21 with abrasion resistant finish, 420-denier diamond ripstop lining and closed-cell foam making it very durable and water resistant.  It is a great bag for storing a tool/flat kit and still has plenty of room for snacks and even a windbreaker.  Accessing bag contents while riding is very easy with the large opening flap and closing it securely is even easier.  Visit the Revelate Designs website for a sizing chart and printable full size PDF pattern.  Makes a great gift for any mountain biker or fatbiker.  Available from Revelate Designs and your local bike shop for $79.

Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Way Wrench

with Locking Hex Drive

I've always carried a set of the Original Fix It Sticks in my on-bike tool kit and have used them regularly for small jobs working on bikes in my shop.  Since Fix It Sticks came out with the newest version of their Ratcheting T-Way Wrench I've switched over and it's now my compact multi-tool of choice.  The Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Way Wrench with Locking Hex Drive accepts any standard 1/4" bit and holds them securely with magnets on all three ends.  The spring loaded magnetic locking collar makes this multi-tool configurable to get into tight places and breaks down for more compact storage on the bike.  The reversible ratchet makes quick work of shop and trailside repairs or adjustments.  Pair it with a Mounting Bracket, T-Way Case or Chain Breaker for a great gift that is sure to get used.  Available from Fix It Sticks for $48. 

EverClear Frame Protector

I have been using EverClear Frame Protector on my bikes for years.  It's the perfect solution to help keep your frame's paint job looking brand new.  EverClear comes in 2″ x 60″ 12M (MicroMeters) thick rolls in Matte or Glossy for $13.99/roll.  The EverClear Frame Protector Sheet works great for larger areas and custom cut pieces and is available for $19.99.  The sheet comes in a 2' x 8" strip that is  8M (MicroMeters) thick.  I've used the sheet for protecting areas bikepacking bags come in contact with my frame and to protect the finish on crank arms.  Never leaves a gluey residue.

Anker PowerCore Essential 

20000mAh Power Bank

For the cyclist on your list that is a long distance rider, bikepacker or commuter, the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank has enough energy stored in a cell phone sized package to last you for days.  This ultra-high capacity battery bank has the power to charge an iPhone or Android phone up to five times.  It features twin USB ports so charging a cell phone and cycling computer at the same time won't be a problem.  With a combined output of 15W, this power bank charges devices quickly.  While it doesn't come with a wall charger, I added a 20W USB C Fast Charger ($13.99) and a USB C to USB C Cable, 60W Type-C PD Fast Charging Cord ($7.99) to charge the power bank in half the time (10 hours) as using a 5W wall charger with the included Micro USB cable.  The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank is available in black or white from Amazon for $49.99.

Lezyne Tubeless Kit

Many mountain/fat bikers are now riding tubeless tires on their bikes for quick sealing of punctures and to run lower tire pressures without the risk of pinch flats common with using tubes.  But not all of them carry a plug kit for larger punctures that sealant can't seal up.  This is why I recommend those running tubeless to always carry a tire plug system.  I've had to use mine several times now and it saved the ride from becoming a long walk of shame back to the start.  After using a couple of different models I settled on the Lezyne Tubeless Kit because of its small size, ease of use and the storage tube that holds the plugs doubles as a handle.  This kit has become a staple in my on-bike tool kit for all of my bikes.  The large sized plugs work best on mountain and fatbike tires so I also purchased some Genuine Innovations Sides of Bacon from my local bike shop so I could use it with my gravel/commuter bike tires.  Available from Lezyne and local bike shops for $19.99. 

GoPro Hero 9 Black

When GoPro released their latest Hero 9 Black Edition with a bunch of new improvements making it their best camera ever, I knew it was time to upgrade.  I have had a couple of months play around with all of the features and WOW, the video and photos are amazing.  New on the Hero 9 is a video front display, pro-quality 20MP photos, up to 5K video resolution, 30% more battery life and GoPro's most advance stabilization ever with HyperSmooth 3.0.  Other features include 8x slo-mo, TimeWarp 3.0, Hindsight to capture footage before you start recording, Live Burst, Scheduled Capture, Duration Capture and HyperSmooth video live streaming.  

If you have a commuter, mountain biker or roadie on your list, they would love to get this feature packed new camera.  The Hero 9 Black Edition is available from GoPro and GoPro retailers for $449.  If you act while GoPro has their Holiday Sale going on you can pick up this camera for $50 off and it includes a 32 GB MicoSD card and Camera Case.  Save $200 with their Holiday Sale Bundle which comes with a Magnetic Swivel Clip, Spare Battery, Floating Hand Grip, 32GB MicoSD Card, Camera Case and a one year subscription to GoPro which includes unlimited cloud storage in full resolution, total camera replacement and up to 50% off of GoPro gear, mounts and accessories.

Inexpensive Cycling Accessories For Your Ride

There are a lot of bike accessories out there to better your ride experience and the following five are products I use regularly that are under $10.  They are simple in design but do their intended job effectively.

Rough Riders

$5

Rough Riders is a new product from Miles-Wide Industries that was designed to give fingers a better grip on shifters, brake and dropper post levers.  They work for both road and mountain bikes.  This extra grip is made possible with a product called "Stubble" that acts similar to sandpaper.  Rough Riders are very thin, slightly elastic and waterproof for use in any riding condition.  Available in Black and Burgundy from Miles-Wide Industries.

CamelBak Podium Mud Cap

$6

If you're anything like me, you enjoy riding off the beaten path and may encounter sand, dirt and mud along the way.  This is where the CamelBak Podium Mud Cap for their Podium bottles comes in real handy.  Unlike their old style mudcaps, this one just slips over the nozzle and is ready for use.  Keep all of the grit and grime out of the valve so you don't end up with a mouth full of it.  Made out of Silicone and comes in colors Black and Blue.  Available from CamelBak, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Bontrager Storage Bottle

$7

One thing a cyclist should never leave on a ride without is a rescue kit that contains the items needed to get you up and rolling again in the event of a mishap. The Bontrager Storage Bottle is perfect for such a kit.  It has enough space to store the items I always carry with me in a convenient package that fits securely in my water bottle cage.  Available from Trek, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

General HeroMount for GoPro

$7

I had a more expensive GoPro Handlebar Mount but was not happy with the bulkiness of it and wanted to get something smaller.  I found the General HeroMount Handlebar Mount for GoPro on Amazon for under $7 and decided to give it a try.  Its design allowed me to mount my GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition neatly out of the way under my bars so as not to take up space on my cockpit that already contained my Garmin and a headlight.  This mount held my GoPro very secure and made for some great video without any vibration or shaking.

I liked this mount so much that I bought a second one to put on my fatbike so I could easily mount my GoPro to the bike of my choice for that day's ride.  Made from aluminum, weighs 45 grams and fits bars from 30-32mm.

Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2

$8

Through many miles of commuting and riding I've found that the simple ring of a bell is very effective to alert other cyclists and pedestrians of my approach and passing without startling them.  I recently got a new road bike and I wanted a bell that I could mount on drop bars that would be easily accessible while riding without having to move my hand placement to ring it.  The answer was the Mirrycle Incredibell Adjustabell 2.

This bell has a fully adjustable handlebar clamp (fits bars 15-39mm) so it can be placed anywhere on the bar.  The dinger can be adjusted to any position around the dome of the bell making for a truly custom fit for ringing with a finger or thumb.  Available in black or silver from Mirrycle, Penn Cycle and other fine bike shops.

Interbike 2015 Outdoor Demo Finds

I spent two days looking at all the new offerings from the bike industry and what a better place to see them first and test some of them out than at the Interbike Outdoor Demo.  While my posts concentrate on the fatbike and gravel scene, I came across some products for those that also share my interests.  Below are some of my finds.

Vee Tire Snowshoe XL

Vee Tire is introducing the Snowshoe XL Studded fatbike tire for 2016 with a 120 tpi folding bead (shown above) and a 72 tpi wire bead with a silica compound that is designed to hold traction at lower temperatures.  This 4.8 inch studable version has 240 carbide-tip studs and a Vee rep told me the folding bead will retail around $200 putting it more affordable than 45NRTH's folding bead Dillinger 5 and Bontrager's 3.8" Gnarwhal.

9:Zero:7 Whiteout Team

The 2016 9:Zero:7  Whiteout Team carbon limited edition frame/fork combo to build up was displayed at the Outdoor demo as a super lightweight build of 18 lbs. 15 oz.  $3100 price tag to start your build.  This bike was crazy light and is expected to be the fatbike racing choice coming into this Winter.  Get one before they are all gone.

Raleigh Roker

 

For the gravel enthusiast, Raleigh has taken the Tamland to the next level with two lightweight carbon choices.  The Raleigh Roker LTD is their top-notch carbon gravel/adventure bike with clearance for tires bigger than 40c, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting.  MSRP on the Roker LTD is $5299.99.  For the budget-minded cyclist that wants the same lightweight carbon chassis there is the Raleigh Roker Comp.  This model features the new Shimano 105 shifter and hydraulic disc brakes with a price tag coming in at $3299.99.

Crank Brothers Candy 7

Crank Brothers introduced its new Candy 7 pedal for 2016.  Although not yet available, the Candy 7 is "competition-oriented with new integrated traction pad" with an all new body shape.  This pedal has upgraded the Candy 3's inner needle bearing with an igus LL-glide bearing and an enduro cartridge outer bearing that the rep told me would not have to be rebuilt as often as the Candy 3.  When available, the Candy 7 will retail for $165 a pair.

SKS Fatboard Fender Set

Coming in January from SKS is the Fatboard Fender Set.  The quick-release rear fender with an adjustable two-hinge arm to accommodate your bike's geometry and a downtube front fender with straps,  they quickly and easily attach to to the bike.  Made of rigid plastic, they have plenty of coverage to keep you dry on those messy Winter/Spring rides. MSRP is $54.99 for the set.

GoPro Hero4 Session

GoPro introduces their new Hero4 Session, which is their "smallest, lightest, most convenient camera yet".  It shoots video in 1080p60 and photos in 8MP.  This tiny camera weighs in at only 74 grams and has an easy one-button control to capture video or time-lapse photos.  Use it with the free GoPro app for your smartphone or the Smart Remote to access most of its modes.  It is compatible with all GoPro mounts, is waterproof to 10m and has Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote app control and social media sharing.  Available now for $399.99.

Surly Wednesday

I had a chance to ride Surly's newest offering, the Wednesday fatbike.  It's a 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel frame bike who's geometry I felt really comfortable with.  I test rode a small frame and it felt really good out on the trails at Bootleg Canyon.  I don't have a chance to experience the elevation changes and climbing like Bootleg Canyon has to offer and this bike made me feel right at home on trails that are much more technical than those back in Minnesota. The Surly Nate tires grabbed the loose terrain nicely proving that they are not just a snow tire.

With its 2X10 drivetrain, I never felt the need to shift into the smallest chainring on some of the steeper climbs where converting the Wednesday to a 1X10 drivetrain is definitely an option.  This bike is Bluto-ready and comes with the new My Other Brother Darryl tubless-ready rims for the affordable price of $1499.