The Radavist

While doing reviews of higher pricepoint products like the Kitsbow Alpha Snap Jacket, I’ve found it’s best to set the expectations in the opening paragraph, so here I am, setting those expectations. Now, this jacket is close to $400. It’s made in Canada, from Polartec® Alpha® insulation, a fabric used by the military for years. Read that as very expensive fabric please. This review’s intent is to answer if indeed, the Alpha Snap Jacket is worth the pricepoint, addressing anyone who might be considering the purchase, yet want more information.

I’m not trying to sell every single reader of this site a $400 jacket, I’m simply showcasing some details and thoughts of said jacket to help anyone who has considered buying it. If you want to read on, please do, if this jacket isn’t for you, no worries, no harm done.

I love this ad spot for Cycling Canada! Especially the #RubberSideUp sequence. Check out the behind the scenes too.

These past few cut and sew pieces from Kitsbow are some of my favorite apparel items to surface in the bike industry. The Alpine Snap Jacket is an new spin on a classic staple for both touring or mountain biking, as well as general outdoor activities. While other companies use down, Kitsbow uses Polartec® Alpha insulation, originally designed for the United States Special Forces, which will keep you warm whether you’re wet or dry, without having to remove layers.

The pricepoint ain’t exactly cheap, but the Alpine Snap Jacket is made in Vancouver, Canada and looks like it’ll be a piece you’ll be holding onto for a while.

See more at Kitsbow.

Scott from Porcelain Rocket has been developing a bag that seamlessly integrates with the Jones Loop bar. I love seeing creative ways to literally make use of every square inch of space on a bikepacking rig.

More to come from Porcelain Rocket. See more at the Porcelain Rocket Flickr.

Kitsbow’s made in Canada, merino wool Riding Tees are back in stock, now in new colors. Perfect for touring, MTB riding, cross riding and even off-the-bike afternoons. Mix in a set of arm warmers to keep you warm during winter dawn patrols. Merino is warm and naturally anti-microbial, so it won’t smell after a ride.

See more at Kitsbow.

Fall is here and everyone’s already got their favorite flannel or wool overshirt aching to get pulled out of the closet. For those looking for their next favorite shirt, check out these new Pendleton Wool shirts from Kitsbow. The Icon has perforated stretch gussets at the shoulders for increased mobility and ventilation. In case you find yourself Rubber Side Up on the trail, there are even laser cut 3X Dry Schoeller panels strategically placed over shoulders and elbows for abrasion resistance.

See more on The Icon at Kitsbow.

Scott at Porcelain Rocket has been working on this new modular saddle bag system for some time now. Dubbed Mr. Fusion, this harnessed bag system utilizes metal struts that either attach to your seat post, or post clamp.

I know this isn’t the first harness system out there, but I’m pretty stoked on how it turned out.

See more at Porcelain Rocket.

I’m on the road and won’t have access to WiFi over the next few days – or at least I don’t think – but I really want to post about this. Scott from Porcelain Rocket has a brand new website and it’s really worth checking out.

So good dude!

Considering that this subject has been covered so widely over the years, this video came together quite well. Bern profiles the Montreal bike messenger scene, by documenting a local rider, Jesse in a two-part series called “MTL 10-9: Tales From The Road”.

Check out more information at Veloi Bike.

Is this trap, or dubstep? I don’t even know anymore but I like the new Funeral Cycling kits.

Marinoni, one of the most renown Canadian frame builders are celebrating 40 years of craftsmanship with an exclusive 40th Columbus SL road frameset:

“The Marinoni 40th Anniversary SL is a lugged tubular Columbus SL frame with a classic look and geometry. The frame is offered stock with a BSA Italian bottom bracket and a choice of either threaded or threadless steel fork. Options of chromed finish give it a nice retro look. The 40th Anniversary SL is offered in 5 stock sizes and is also offered with optional custom geometry.

Available as a frameset, or in three Campagnolo groupset of configuration: Veloce Silver, Athena Silver and the very exclusive 80th Anniversary.”

I love this so much and I wish more builders would engage in their heritage more. Seriously, what an awesome idea!

Call it a hip bag, call it a lumbar bag, or just man up and call it a fanny pack. Whatever you call it, they’re practical and yes, I even prefer to use one as a camera bag, as opposed to a backpack while riding. Porcelain Rocket’s new limited run for Hunter Cycles is pretty boss. I can only wonder how to order one?