2024 is turning out to be the year of the long top tube bag. Popularized by brands like Jpaks and Dispersed for bikepacking setups, these bags are becoming a hit in the gravel market, too. Post Carry Co just announced two new Slim Packs aero bags, a top tube and a small frame bag, that double the space without protruding into your bike’s slipstream. The Slim Frame Pack is $60 (pre-order pricing) and the Slim Top Tube Pack is $40 (pre-order pricing). Check out more at Post Carry Co.
Reportage
Inside / Out at Exposure Lights UK
Veteran mountain bike journalist Bob Allen takes us Inside / Out at Exposure Lights, a UK lighting company based in West Sussex. Read on for a brand background and deep dive into what it takes to make industry-leading cycling illumination…
Radar
BREAKING: Senate Passes EXPLORE Act Modernizing Outdoor Recreation Policy
As a New Mexico-based media outlet, we want to thank Martin Heinrich for his role in getting the EXPLORE Act passed! Read on for a press release on this momentous occasion and ground-breaking legislation…
Radar
Black Sheep Bikes Speedster Project: Small Batch Hardtails
Today, Black Sheep Bikes from Fort Collins, Colorado, is offering a first for the framebuilding operation: a production hardtail mountain bike. Photographer Josh Hicks penned a few words and delivered a fun gallery showcasing these new bikes Black Sheep has dubbed the Speedster Project. Let’s check it out…
Radar
IRD 110 BCD 1x Rings: Perfect for a 1x Vintage MTB Build
The number of silver 1x 110 BCD chainrings on the market is dismal. Particularly rings with smaller teeth count. IRD, or Interloc Racing Design, was formed in 1987 at the height of the MTB boom in America. Its latest product is a line of 104 or 110 BCD chainrings ($69.95). These rings are available in black or silver and in 34 through 38 tooth counts; 40 tooth count on the way in February for select rings.
These rings are 1x compatible without the use of a chain keep, but you might find that you’d need one if your rear derailleur doesn’t have a clutch. They’ll look great with your vintage MTB cranks, when paired with 1x chainring bolts.
You can order IRD products at your local bike shop through Merry Sales.
Radar
Soma Rufus Mini Velo
Mini Velos have been all the rage in the past few years, and we’ve documented a fair share of them as well. What began as a solution to compact housing in urban areas has spread worldwide, inspiring builders and companies to develop their own. The latest to cross our radar is the Soma Fabrications Rufus…
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Boneshaker MTB Crossbones Cable Hangers
Cable hangers or cable yokes are essential to proper cantilever brake operation. Over the years, there have been many iconic vintage designs, from Ringlé to the Onza Chill Pills, and more recently, we’ve been seeing a resurgence in these vintage-inspired components. One such is Toronto, Canada’s Boneshaker MTB group’s new “Crossbones” cable hangers ($60 CAD). These are sold in pairs and are available in a variety of colors now at the Boneshaker webshop.
Radar
Rad Bazaar Finds: A Stunning 1983 Diamondback Ridge Runner
Our Rad Bazaar is a thank you to all who sign up for The Radavist Membership, a $6.66/month or $69.69/year subscription plan that helps keep The Radavist rolling. If you want to help independent media, sign up for our Membership at the Rad Bazaar!
Sometimes, something so beautiful pops up on the Rad Bazaar that we have to share it! Check out this Diamondback Ridge Runner from Matt of Hobohubworks:
“1983 Ridge Runner! Lugged beauty. New Simworks Tires, new tubes, new chain, new brake pads, new bars, new grips, new cables and housing, rims were replaced by SE bikes double wall Rims. Everything else was taken apart cleaned and rebuilt. Size 22 good for someone 5’10+ Willing to ship! $500OBO”
For $500 this is a steal for someone looking for a great vintage mountain touring bike!
Check it out at the Rad Bazaar.
Radar
Gramm Tourpacking Diamond Bags Available in a Rainbow of 40 Colors!
The classic rando bag, totally reimagined by the minds at Gramm Tourpacking. At 7.5 liters, the Diamond Bag – see Josh’s review in our archives – offers a happy medium capacity perfect for all-day rides. The folding lid opens towards the rider rando-style, allowing easy access to critical gear while on the move. Just announced on Gramm Tourpacking’s Instagram, you can now custom-order the Diamond Bag in over 40 technical fabrics.
The Diamond Bag is specifically designed to pair with the lightweight Allygn Diamond Rack. Select the Bundle for a deal on the set. For a larger bag, check out Gramm Tourpacking’s Diamond Bag (Tall) and Grill Bag.
See more at Gramm Tourpacking!
Radar
Cascada Jaunt Roll-Top Hip Pack
A Hip Pack can help get weight off your bike and on your person. Italy’s Cascada just released its Jaunt Roll-Top Hip Pack ($97). Made in Italy of durable and waterproof X-Pac VX21 fabric, an adjustable waist belt and 2,5-liter volume capacity, you’ll have enough room for a jacket, snacks, phone, wallet, and other riding essentials.
It features a roll-top main compartment for expanded carrying capacity and an easy-access front zippered pocket for stashing small items, the Jaunt Roll-Top Hip Pack will be ready for whatever adventure lies ahead. Two breathable mesh side pockets provide additional storage for small items, while bungee cords with stoppers at the front make it easy to stow trekking poles.
Likewise, additional bungee cords at the bottom provide an effective option for quickly storing a jacket or sweaty clothing.
Check out more at Cascada.
Radar
Chris King Precision Components Titanium Dropset Headsets
Chris King Precision Components has released a limited quantity of Titanium Dropset Headsets ($300). This is the first time the category-defining headset is available in titanium. Like all King’s headsets, the titanium DropSets™ feature King’s patented GripLock™ bearing cap…
Radar
Wolf Tooth’s Encase Pump Inline Mount
Wolf Tooth’s Encase pump made it onto John’s Favorite Stuff of 2024 list, and with good reason. These compact pumps, in 40 cc or 85 cc, can be thrown in your pack or bag and brought on every ride. Now, along with the standard included pump mount that can fit under a bottle cage, Wolf Tooth has an Inline mount that bolts directly to extra bottle or cargo bosses on your bike. They’re $14.95 and in stock now at Wolf Tooth.
Also, Wolf Tooth offers laser-etching on both its pump models now, too!
Radar
Officina Battaglin’s Made in Italy 1984 Frames are Limited to 12
Officina Battaglin just launched the 1984 (€3,800 frame), a limited-edition steel frame that celebrates the 40th anniversary of Giovanni Battaglin’s retirement from professional cycling…
Radar
Albion Cycling’s Winter Apparel Has Landed and We Picked Our Favorite Piece
Albion Cycling, known for its robust cycling apparel, just announced its Winter 2024 lineup, with a full men’s and women’s drop, and one piece in particular caught our eye. The Zoa Mountain Jacket (£240) is an insulated riding jacket, meant for those cold desert sunsets and long, exposed wintery climbs.
The Pertex® Quantum face fabric provides excellent windproofing and is combined with Primaloft Gold Active Insulation, to retain maximum loft and warmth to weight by removing the need for stitched baffles. Using a synthetic insulation also means that the Mountain Jacket maintains its warmth even when wet, and has loft retention to withstand repeated packing and unpacking.
See more at Albion Cycling.
Radar
Lōgōs’ New 1240 Gram Gída SL XC Wheelset
Lōgōs Components just announced a refresh of its Gída XC race wheel ($1,850), tipping the scales at a scant 1240 grams. Let’s check them out…
Radar
Sim Works Taco and Bubbly Pedals in Bronze
Sim Works‘ popular Taco and Bubbly pedals now come in a Bronze anodizing, this includes the full-size Bubbly and the Tiny Bubbly for those who prefer smaller platform sizes. These pedals are made in Japan by MKS and roll on cartridge bearings, not bushings, so they spin forever and ever. Roll on over to Sim Works to check out the Bronze finish!
Reportage
Omnium Mini-Max Review: Much More Than Just a Cargo Bike
After a full year of using the Omnium Mini Max cargo bike, John penned a review that reads like a love letter to this incredibly versatile platform…
Radar
Inside / Out at Significant Other Bikes
In the first installment of a four-part series looking Inside / Out of the BESPOKED SRAM Inclusivity Scholarship winners, our European correspondent Petor Georgallou joins Significant Other Bikes of Denver, Colorado.
Petor recently took a gonzo-style roadtrip through North America to visit four framebuilders who were awarded SRAM’s Inclusivity Scholarship to attend Bespoked in Dresden, Germany, last October.
Take a peek behind the walls in a special Inside / Out look at Ashley King and her company Significant Other Bikes.
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