Radical Atavism is about sharing stories from the road, knocking the dust off your bike, and reflecting on an experience. These thoughtful reflections, penned by autodidactic raconteurs, are just one of the feathers we’ll proudly peacock in our caps. Looking back at the past twelve months, we’ve got a list of ten articles that stood out from the rest. Included are stories from the birthplace of mountain biking in the US, of FKTs, CKTs, events, and more. Don’t miss out on this nostalgic trip through The Radavist’s Top Ten Stories of 2022!
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Reportage
Eating and Riding Italy’s TranSardinia Trail
During the final weeks of October 2021, Bec and I teamed up with new friends, Tristan and Belén to ride Europe’s longest off-road mountain bike route: The TranSardinia Trail.
A lesser-known, 450-kilometre trail starting at Olbia (Italy) in the north and flowing south, the TranSardinia follows a crocheted masterpiece of natural forest trails, dusty shepherd tracks, and jagged mountain passes – eventually finishing in the city of Cagliari. With 13,000 metres of total climbing, stunning camp cooking, a broken derailleur, and some pretty gnarly descents down baby-head strewn trails, the TranSardinia Trail kicked all our asses… in the best possible way!
Radar
Radar Roundup: Ukraine Aid, FRM Adventure Bike, Pretty Pretty Light, PNS x Pirelli, Rando Imperator, and It’s Always Sunny in Purbeck!
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
The Kory York K2 Tracklocross Frame is a Throwback
Rimini, Italy-based Kory York manufacturers its frames in Italy offers a unique frame the readers of The Radavist might enjoy. These K2 Tracklocross frames are inspired by the old Cannondale track frames and have all the right details. With five sizes and eight color options this frame would build up a treat. As with all its frames, the K2 is available as a custom geometry as well.
Specs:
100% Handmade
High Quality 7000-series T6 Aluminum Alloy
Handcrafted Smooth Welding
Straight Geometry
Size* : XS | S | M | L | XL (custom geo available on request)
Bottom Bracket Threading : BSA BB 68mm (English)
Seatpost Diameter* : Ø 27,2 mm by Dedacciai® (Ø 31,6 mm available on request)
Head tube* :External 1-1/8″ (Headset on request + 39€) Note: 1″ Classic by Columbus® available on request)
Weight: 1660g (S)
See more at Kory York.
Radar
Albion’s Ultralight Insulated Jacket
Albion is known for its minimally-branded performance cyclewear. The latest update from the brand is a new color in the Ultralight Insulated Jacket. This jacket weighs just 99 grams (size small), utilizes Clo’s Eco Vivo breathable recycled insulation concept in externally baffled panels to supply ample breathability, and comes with its own stuff sack to pack it away in a handlebar bag or jersey pocket.
Features:
Engineered fit – insulated and lightweight panels combined to optimise warmth and breathability
Ultralightweight, breathable micro ripstop fabric with C0 Durable Water Repellency (DWR) coating
Clo™ Eco Vivo recycled insulation
YKK Vislon 2-way zip with cord pullers
Stuff sack for high packability
Weight – 99 grams (size S)
Adjustable draw-cord hem with internal rear gripper
On bike fit – shorter front and dropped rear
Reflective logo trim at the rear
Fabric – 100% bluesign® approved recycled nylon
Made in Italy
Retail – $183
See more at Albion.
Reportage
Photographic Observations While Bicycle Touring Along the Tuscany Trail
I don’t consider myself an avid bikepacker. Yet, neither I think nor talk about riding my enduro bike (which I don’t have). Terminology in general has lost meaning for me in the past years in the bike world. I guess at the same time as many of us, I got overwhelmed with all the new kinds of everything, and the speed of development and diversity the market has achieved in such a short time. I tried to back off a little and find a short of safe place from where I can observe it all. And at the same time, the kind of biking I try to practice more is also quite determined by the act of observing.
Radar
Alba Optics: Delta Ultra Sunglasses
Alba Optics, an eyewear company based in Italy, began when its founders looked for an original mold for sports shades from the 80s. Once they found it, they began producing sunglasses in Italy, starting with the Delta. A little while later, they took the Delta and refined it, offering wider, 360º panoramic views. This new lens is called the U-Lens and it offers a more streamlined silhouette. The frames are made from a material called Tr90, a hybrid material fabricated from nylon and carbon fiber, organically compatible and safe to the skin, even after prolonged use. It is 20% lighter than other conventional materials and it offers more protection against crashes.
So what are the Delta Ultra sunglasses for? Gravel? Road? MTB? Whatever you want. The Delta Ultra sunglasses come with a carrying pouch, retention straps, and retail for €179,00 with free shipping to the USA. See more at Alba Optics.
Radar
House Blend: PaloAlto Bikes, Rivignano
Bombtrack continues its House Blend series with PaloAlto Bikes, in Rivignano, Italy. If you want to see what kind of builds come from this shop, check out a recent complete below!
Radar
Mission Workshop/Acre Relaunches Cycling Apparel with Made in Italy Line
Our friends at Mission Workshop have re-launched their in-house line of cycling apparel, Acre, with a new lyrca kit collection using innovative materials like Dyneema and Quattro to up the ante in kit design. This launch is in stock now, for men and women, in a variety of colors with minimal branding.
See the full lineup and complete story at Mission Workshop.
Radar
Cascada’s Raw Lightweight Merino Jersey
It’s hard to beat merino when it comes to a material suitable for riding in various environmental conditions. Cascada knows this and that’s why their newest jersey is more like a lightweight merino t-shirt. These new jerseys are 50% merino and 50% polyester, this ensures your jersey will last longer and be resilient to moths. For €80,00, you can pick between either sage or rust for a jersey that is made in Italy. See more at Cascada.
Radar
Suplest: Road Pro Game On Edition Shoes
Suplest’s carbon fiber road shoe model the EDGE+ Road Pro LTD got a makeover in a “GAME ON” colorway inspired by Fabian Cancellara’s two-time Olympic wins. These special edition shoes feature Olympic colors overlayed on an all-white upper sole. These shoes feature an Anatomic Wrap design which allows the shoes to conform to a number of foot shapes and sizes, a carbon shield wrap under the closure to help spread out the pressure from the BOA system closure, and come with SOLESTAR insoles, which were specifically designed for the rigors of road cycling.
To see more about the EDGE+ Road Pro shoes, head on over to Suplest.
Radar
Cascada: Lakewood Adventure Shorts
With warmer weather on the way, your riding shorts will quickly become your weekend camping shorts, swim trunks, and more. Cascada’s Lakewood Shorts are made of tear-resistant, lightweight, and quick-drying ripstop fabric. They are a stripped-down, bare essentials shorts, perfect for on and off the bike adventures.
Specs:
-100% Polyamide rip-stop fabric
-Tear resistant
-Quick drying
-4 pockets (two side and two rear)
-Length 19″ outseam
-Packable into back right pocket
-Made in Italy
-Retail €75,00
See more at Cascada.
Radar
Ingrid Components Announce Made in Italy 1x Drivetrain
Ingrid Components, makers of made in Italy components, just announced their complete 1x drivetrain system. It’s one of the most stunning kits we’ve seen and it comes at a premium pricepoint, but based on our hands-on experience with the brand’s components, it’s gonna be good. Check out the breakdown below and ordering information at Biciclista USA.
Radar
Pegoretti Cycles: Reflections
In Reflections, Pegoretti riders around the world share their stories of life during the past year, their thoughts for the future, and how cycling, community, and creativity help them find moments that matter.
Radar
Albion’s Ultralight Insulated Jacket + Backpack
Weighing just 99 grams in size small, the newest piece of apparel in Albion’s kit is an ultralight, insulated jacket that combines warmth, breathability and packability. This new jacket uses Clo’s Eco Vivo recycled insulation and utilizes 100% recycled nylon ultralight ripstop face fabric with a C0 DWR coating to provide some shower resistance. Made in Italy.
Pricing: Jacket – £145, Bag – £35, Bundle – £170
See more at Albion.
Radar
Gaerne Updates their Winter Road and Mountain Shoes
Gaerne, Italian makers of performance cycling footwear, have updated their two winter riding shoes just in time for frigid temperatures. The G.Ice Storm Road shoes have a new sole that is made of nylon-impregnated carbon that delivers a thin thickness and increased stiffness. The sole has a non-slip insert in the toe and an interchangeable pad in the back. Meanwhile, the G.Winter MTB shoes received a new “MTB 3Density Sole”, which is a hybrid material, combining nylon and fiberglass materials, making it durable, lightweight and thin. The G.Winter MTB shoes also have removable studs on the front toe for increased grip. Both shoes retain their warm cuff to keep your ankles warm and dry.
See more at Gaerne.
Radar
PEdALED’s Jary Collection: All-Road Hooded Merino Jersey
PEdALED recently launched the Jary collection and within this robust catalog of new pieces lies this beautiful All-Road Hooded Merino Jersey.
This jersey is made from a merino wool blend for natural breathability, durability, and body-heat regulation. It also incorporates ripstop chest panels to combat cold wind and keep your core temperature in check while also protecting against scratchy plants in the woods. The balaclava-style hood keeps the cold off your head and face, coupled with windproof cuffs to keep unwanted gusts out.
The entire Jary collection is a looser-fit, allowing you to layer up and dress more casually. These are designed in Japan and made in Italy.
The All-Road Hooded Merino Jersey retails for $180 at PEdALED.
Radar
In Constant Competition
This is the story of Jacopo Lahbi and his non-stop challenge to climb Monte Grappa from all of its 10 routes. 455 km and 16,500 m elevation gain, all in one tough sitting. A monumental feat for any cyclist, it’s an almost unthinkable challenge for a world-class track and field athlete.