Over the last couple of years, our European correspondent Petor Georgallou has gotten to know Sour Bicycles, a small East German bike company who are trailblazing in their mix of domestic framebuilding in Dresden and continued importation of Taiwan-made bikes. Read on to hear about the unique conditions that have made the former states of East Germany a hotbed of innovation and manufacturing in Europe, as well as how a mega fail by Petor leads to the second of many shop visits in Germany.
Radar
A Review and Some Tinkering with Shimano CUES 1×11 Drivetrain
With Shimano releasing CUES to replace Alivio, Acera, and Altus groupsets, is it possible we are getting something better? CUES unites all the parts under its umbrella with the same flat cable pull ratio and chain pitch across 9, 10, and 11-speed drivetrains. Spencer Harding devised his own mix of CUES parts to fit his touring demands at a low price point. Check out what he found and his thoughts on this new parts offering from Shimano below…
Reportage
Ritchey Hangout: I’m Telling You, It’s Great Here
On February 25th, Ritchey and The Bike Sauce hosted a Ritchey Hangout event at Maverick Cycles in Whittier, CA. The meetup brought together cyclists from across Southern California in appreciation of all things Ritchey. The event was part group ride and part social hang, punctuated deliciously with a lunchtime BBQ pop-up from Bep Bep Kitchen.
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Bikepacking Iceland: When Things Go Low but Spirits Remain High
After completing the Westfjords Way Challenge in 2023, Werka Szalas and friend Louise Philipovitch decide they want to see more of Iceland. In the course of a week, they attempt to explore Iceland’s rugged and beautiful countryside, but like any bike tour, they find a few challenges along the way…
Radar
Roval Traverse SLII Wheelset Review: More Than A Threaded Rim
With its claims of 21% more vertical compliance, a 15-25% stronger profile, pinch-flat eliminating design and an innovative threaded rim and valve stem, the Roval Traverse SLII has a lot to offer. Not to mention, there’s a lifetime warranty. Let’s dive into all of those claims and details today with Spencer’s Roval Traverse SLII wheelset review…
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Marin Four Corners 2 First Ride Review
We recently highlighted the return of the Marin Four Corners 1 model, and today the brand released the more premium version, the Four Corners 2. This version features the same updated geo but with a few more modern amenities including: upgraded thru-axles, hydraulic brakes, and a 1x drivetrain while only clocking in at $1999 for a complete bike. Below, Spencer Harding offers a first look at Marin Four Corners 2…
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Glad We Crossed Paths: PAL X Smith Art Show Recap
This past Saturday, the PAL x Smith “Crossing Paths” art show brought a diverse crowd to downtown LA, uniting cyclists and individuals from all walks of life. With over 400 attendees showing their support, the event showcased a fresh perspective on cycling that resonated with the community. Glen Repol’s vision for PAL to serve as a bridge between art, street fashion, music, and more was clearly evident in the vibrant atmosphere of the event. PAL embodies its name, symbolizing the convergence of parallels and longitudes where diverse lines intersect.
Those who attended the art show witnessed firsthand the brand’s innovative approach to cycling, offering a refreshing and exciting glimpse into the future of cycling brands. The day was a testament to PAL’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the cycling experience for the new generation. Continue reading below for Glen’s recap accompanied by an extensive image gallery from the show!
Radar
A First Look the New Wizard Works Oglah Hip Pack
Launching today is the smaller sibling of Wizard Works’ Hobgob hip pack, The Oglah. The new pack retains many details of its predecessor but comes in a smaller package for those who don’t need to carry ALL their treasure with them on rides. Spencer got his hands on the new Oglah early and, below, outlines its key features. Read on to check it out!
Reportage
Canadian Carbon Fiber: A Factory Visit with We Are One Composites
We Are One Composites fabricates carbon bike frames, rims, and handlebars in North Kamloops, British Columbia. In this immersive shop visit and tour, Pat Valade delves into the brand’s inner workings, looking under the metaphorical hood, to learn about their origins, inspirations, meticulous manufacturing approaches, and quite literally, what makes the wheels go around…
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The Witches Cycle: Chapter 2
In Chapter 2 of The Witches Cycle it’s October for Vera and Mary. The days are getting shorter and the leaves are turning red as the two witches continue their mission of using their powers to protect the natural world by bike. Find the complete pages of the manga in the gallery and read more from the author, Tony Concrete, on his intention behind creating the series below…
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SLOWRIDER Presents “Always & Forever”: A Custom Classic Retrotec
Following up on “Groove Chronicles” which recently introduced the PAL x SMITH “Crossing Paths” Group Art Show, Matthew Mata-Aguilar is back with the custom Retrotec he built for the show.
The stunning “Always & Forever” truss fork Retrotec is a collaboration with PAUL Components and Ultradynamico, in addition to Jaime of Fabrica de Rosas who helped with the build.
Continue reading below for Matthew’s rundown of this special project!
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From Madrid to Tucson: The 2023 Komoot Women’s Arizona Rally
Last fall Cristina Maristany joined 70 other riders from all over the world in the Sonoran Desert for the Komoot Women’s Arizona Rally designed and hosted by Lael Wilcox and Rue Kaladyte. Over eight days, the self-supported group camped under the stars and overcame the challenge of traveling through remote zones with limited food and water. The total route was over 400 miles (650km) and 25,000ft (7,600m) of elevation through breathtaking Southern Arizona landscapes.
Below, Cristina recaps this spectacular ride with her own wonderful photos, in addition to a gallery from event photographer Ashley Gruber, and a video she produced about the rally….
Reportage
Sips and Service: Hello Bicycle Cafe and Shop Visit
Iterating on the modern-day classic of bikes and coffee, Hello Bicycle & Cafe offers denizens of Tucson, Arizona, a lovely place to land right off the popular Loop bike path. The cozy cafe is stocked with local pastries and it sits right next to a well-organized shop, offering everything from factory-level suspension service, to complete bikes for purchase. It’s become one of Spencer Harding‘s favorite hangs and he shares a shop visit below…
Radar
A First Look at the Bedrock Sandals Cairn 3D Evo
Bedrock Sandals have become a mainstay in the cycling world since the brand released the now-famous Cairn sandal line. Launching today, Bedrock expands its growing footwear lineup with the Cairn Evo sandals. Sporting a refined sole with a truer-to-size footbed, there are a variety of small changes amounting to making one of our favorite adventure sandals even better. Spencer Harding recently got his toes in a pair of the Cairn Evos and, below, shares a first look at the 3D Evo and other new releases from Bedrock Sandals…
Radar
2024 Touring Bikes and Rigid MTBs Under and Around $2000
All of us here at the Radavist have been on a bike tour at some point. With the proliferation of bicycle touring and bikepacking in the modern bike zeitgeist, many options exist for a “touring bike.” This also means it can be hard to sift through all those options. With bikes that span from the “skinny tire” gravel bikes to the monster truck fat bikes, touring bikes can be whatever you need of them.
We compiled a list of touring bikes and rigid MTBs under or around $2000 to help you find your first or next tourin’ rig…
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Coarse Grounds: Bicycles and Coffee With Gravelo Workshop
Bicycles and coffee go together hand-in-hand. We’ve covered countless shops that seamlessly pair the two and today, Andy Karr takes us inside Gravelo Workshop in Asheville, North Carolina…
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The Gumbo Hauler: Jesse’s Stumpjumper Clydesdale Conversion
Everyone loves dogs and bikes so of course hauling them together just seems right. Spencer Harding recently documented Jesse’s classy vintage Stumpjumper frame, equipped with a Crust Bikes Clydesdale fork, and full cantilever brakes that’s an adept doggo transporter and so much more. Let’s dive into all the fun details and gawk at a cute pupper below!
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Bike Touring Cork in Ireland: Hardtails, Hills, and Horses
Nick McIntyre takes us on a mosey through Ireland’s southernmost county on some choice cuts from the Golden Age of 26-inch MTBs. Sharing company with a small group of friends, Nick writes about rolling past stashed-off coves, winding back roads, and an unexpected day making petty bets at the Ballabuidhe Horse Fair after one of the wettest Irish summers on record. It was a given that there would be some downpours to deal with along the way, but these only made the odd break in the clouds all the sweeter. Read on for Nick’s retelling of bike touring in Cork and don’t miss his 35 mm gallery.