Seeds of inspiration come from many places, people, and times in your life. Fyxo’s latest project was a trinity of such influences fused into one. Combining inspiration from Speedvagen, an old Shogun MTB, and MAD MAX to create his custom rusty Surly Krampus for Melburn Roobaix.
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Reportage
An Evening with Rocket Ramps’ New Flow Trail in the La Tierra Trails – Red Dog
May is Bike Month in the United States, and locales celebrate the beauty of the bicycle in various ways, from group rides, workshops, and advocacy meetings. In the Southwestern state of New Mexico, John contributed to the local scene in Santa Fe by shooting promotional photos of a new Rocket Ramps-built flow trail, called Red Dog, in the La Tierra trail network with a crew of ladies.
The trail officially opens tomorrow, so if you’re in Santa Fe, be sure to check it out. If you can’t make it, no worries—we’ve got a great gallery showcasing this short but sweet flow and skill-building trail.
Radar
The Cool Bus
What could be a better mode of transportation for five young B.C. shredders embarking on classic southern B.C. roadtrip than an old skoolie dubbed the Cool Bus? With the legendary freeride TV shows from the 2000s serving as inspiration and Shimano’s new gravity shoes on their feet, Jacob Murray, Natasha Miller, Lucy Van Eesteren, Mateo Quist and Ryder Bulfone climb aboard the Cool Bus and set out on a four-day, 1,000-kilometer pilgrimage into the past.
Radar
Affordable High-End MTB Helmet Review Roundup
You can spend $30 on a mountain bike helmet, or you can spend $300. So, Travis aimed for the middle and compared eight budget helmets with boutique swagger.
Radar
SQ Lab and Magura Take on Grip and Lever Ergonomics
Germany-based Magura and SQ Lab are hoping to get you fit better on your braking system thanks to a new ergonomics checklist the two brands announced last week. Based on a variety of metrics, you can fine-tune your brake lever setup, grip spec, and more. The metrics are very easy, such as the graph illustrated above, stating that size small hands need 2 cm of brake lever extension, medium hands need 3 cm, and large hands 4 cm. There are even metrics for handlebar height and brake lever angles.
If you’re interested in pain-free riding, this one is an interesting read. Do so at Magura.
Radar
Wolf Tooth GnarWolf Chainguide rev2
1x drivetrains don’t require a chain guard but on some bikes and in some terrain, the extra assurance is nice. For those wanting to ride with a chain guard on their gravel or mountain bike in rough terrain, there are a number of options out there, including Wolf Tooth’s GnarWolf Chainguide which just received some updates since its first launch in 2016. Let’s check out the features of the GnarWolf Chainguide rev 2 below.
Radar
Paul Component Engineering Cranks: It’s a Cult Thing
Ever-digging through cycling esoterica, John landed a set of Paul Component Engineering Cranks recently, thus spurring a desire to wax poetic about them, juxtaposed by a recent comment he read last month on this very website. Read on for a ramble…
Reportage
2024 Canyon Spectral Review: A Cult Classic for the Masses
When downcountry isn’t enough, and all-mountain is too much, there’s probably no safer bet than a 140 mm bike like the new 2024 Canyon Spectral. But that’s the problem. These are not precision instruments, nor are they unstoppable eaters of worlds. To stand out, a 140 bike has to either cast a very wide net or have some very clever tricks up its sleeve. After a couple months with the new Spectral, Travis discovered it does a little of both.
Radar
VIDEO: PEdALED – Yama MTB Collection
PEdALED just announced its Yama MTB collection featuring soft tones and hues in short and long sleeve jerseys, pants and shorts, and a riding jacket. Peep the collection video above and see the full Yama line at PEdALED.
Radar
Revelate Designs Nook Frame Bag Review: Cram and Jam
Ever intrigued by various ways to get stuff off his back and onto his bikes, John has been using the Nook frame bag ($50) from Revelate Designs on some full-suspension bikes this spring and has a quick review for us today. These little bags are an easy way to shift goods from your back to your bike. Let’s check out more below.
Radar
Saturday Rad Bazaar Finds
Today, we’ve got a fine selection of used goods from the Rad Bazaar, our Group Ride subscribers‘ selling platform, featuring some unique offerings. Let’s check it all out!
Reportage
Sea Otter Classic 2024: Hudski Bikes Doggler V3 – All the Updates
The Radavist thanks 1-Up USA for sponsoring our Sea Otter Classic 2024 coverage!
At Sea Otter Classic 2024, John caught up with Hudski Bikes to check out their new V3 Doggler prototype. If you recall, John loved the Hudski Doggler V2 he reviewed last year and made some mindful notes of what he’d change in the next version of this affordable jack-of-all-trades flat bar bike. Did Hudski read his notes? Read on to find out…
Radar
Industry Nine SOLiX M Hubs and Wheelsets
Industry Nine has spent 2024 rolling out all-new lightweight chassis hub systems through the SOLiX lineup. First came SOLiX G and SOLiX SL wheelsets, and now SOLiX M brings the same quick engagement, low weight, and reduced drag to their lightest and fastest mountain bike wheels yet. Let’s check out some Quick Hits on the three new SOLiX wheelset offerings and an all-new hubset below.
Reportage
Pre-Sea Otter Ritchey Preview: All-New Montebello Randonneuring Bike, Redesigned Outback, P-29er Frames, and More!
The Radavist thanks 1-Up USA for sponsoring our Sea Otter Classic 2024 coverage!
While on the road to Sea Otter, John swung through the Ritchey HQ in the South Bay and got to check out some new models that are coming out tomorrow. Check out a sneak peek of the all-new Montebello randonneuring bike, the redesigned Outback, and P29er, along with the Superlogic Butano Ridge integrated handlebars and some shop ephemera below!
Reportage
From Paul Component Engineering and HotSalad Bicycles: The Wild and Weird Sierra Roamer
It’s become a tradition for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Paul Component Engineering to collaborate on an off-the-wall bike to showcase at Sea Otter Classic and then raffle off to raise money for a select non-profit. An enigmatic headturner, this year’s collective build will benefit The Roam Collective and came together around a custom titanium frame made by HotSalad Bikes. Dedicated to women past and present in cycling, the Wild and Weird Sierra Roamer pays tribute to legendary mountain biker Jacquie Phelan and her Cunningham race bike, “Otto.” Take a closer look below and consider contributing to the raffle!
Radar
2024 RockShox Psylo Gold RC First-Ride Review
Sometimes, the bike industry throws cost-conscious consumers a bone, and the 2024 RockShox Psylo Gold RC is a meaty one. Travis has been chewing on it for a couple weeks now, and he’s got a review with almost no flesh-based metaphors.
Reportage
Southern Oregon’s Coastal Treasures: Riding Whiskey Run Singletrack
Last summer, a group of friends experienced a broad sampling of some of Southern Oregon Coast’s natural wonders and recreational outlets; in hopes of spreading the word to enthusiasts (from near and far) who are on the hunt for that next off-the-beaten-path destination.
Coastal Southern Oregon is quickly becoming a popular destination, with ample access to the outdoors, engaging community experience, and ever-expanding singletrack, like the Whiskey Run Trail Network. Continue reading below for an overview from Steven Smith, accompanied by Chris Hornbecker‘s excellent photography, of what this region offers…
Radar
The History of MTB Evolution Show is This Weekend at Santa Cruz Bicycles
This weekend, April 13th and 14th, Santa Cruz Bicycles is hosting the next Velo Cosmos showcase with Team Old Soil on the history of mountain bike evolution. John will be there, documenting the fun so if you’re in the area, be sure to swing by!
Santa Cruz Bicycles Factory Store
2841 Mission St Extension
Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
9 AM – 4 PM