The Radavist

What better way to segue into NAHBS and documenting handmade bicycle frames than to visit a facility that produces handmade carbon wheels. Today I’ve been touring the Zipp factory in Indianapolis where I got to see the process from cutting sheets of carbon to testing current and future products. As you could imagine, a lot of this process is top secret, but Zipp allowed photos of specific areas throughout the afternoon.

Expect more reportage to come before NAHBS content begins.

Or maybe they’re Jailhouse Rock?

Cycling caps are both an icon of cycling and an incredibly functional piece of apparel. They shield the sun from your face, redirect sweat from your eyes and hide hat messy, mat of hair while at a cafe or a bar, post-ride.

Design and construction must go hand in hand when conceptualizing a product, regardless of simplicity. These Stinner Frameworks caps were designed by Team Dream Team, built by Pace in California and are one of the most carefully executed designs I’ve seen. All of the lines match up perfectly, something that isn’t illustrated accurately in Aaron’s product photos, so I took the liberty of documenting it myself.

I know this was a bit long-winded, but I like to take the time with products like this.

See more at Stinner Frameworks.

Search and State’s popular S1-J Riding Jacket is back for 2015 in a new color. For those who don’t like wearing head to toe black (what is wrong with you!?), there’s a new option: Sandstone. Head over to Search and State to see more information. I might add that this is one of my favorite cycling jackets I own.

Made in New York.

Inspired by the Bel Airs of the 1950’s, this backroads Retrotec is remarkably as easy on the eyes as I’d imagine it’d be on washboarded gravel roads. With clearances for a 45mm tire, this build included hydro Di2, the new Whisky No.9 CX fork with fender mounts and one of those nifty Brooks Cambium saddles.

You’ll also spy 2 winchester shells in the bar ends, with special meaning to the owner, Matt, who works for QBP. Those shells shot his late gramps’ ashes into the woods. To further up the ante, the seat pack is one his wife’s gramps used in the Korean War to hold ammo. Matt uses these items to remind him how bad-ass his grandparents were… and it kinda puts the pain encountered while pedaling a bike into perspective.

Thanks to Marty Wood for the beautiful photos and the crew from Angry Catfish for help on the build.

We’ll be seeing this bike at NAHBS next month! Til then, check out more below!

… and a few new products including skewers, outboard bb’s, stem caps and other miscellaneous items. Everything is photographed in detail and it really shows the craftsmanship of Phil Wood products.

When I first came across this MTB on the 44 Bikes Instagram, I immediately was reminded of a 1980’s BMX frame. Turns out, this is for a man entering his retirement in Connecticut. The client approached Kris of 44 Bikes with a few ideas of what he wanted, pointing towards specific products like a Rohloff system, as well as a few color notes, but let Kris and painter Jay Nutini take over from there. The resulting design exudes speed, despite the upright riding position.

For the long term this bike is initially for rails to trail usage and buzzing around town, but it’s infused with true 44 Bikes trail shred-technology so when the client is ready to ride single track, the bike is waiting for him.

Check out more photos below, and follow 44 Bikes on Flickr!

Twin Six’s 2015 made in the USA apparel line has some gems in it, including the Providence Jersey. Inspired by the Eye of Providence, with radiating lightening bolts and rendered in light yellow, this design is available either as a full kit, with matching bibs and a cap, or just in a jersey.

See more at Twin Six.

After a muddy race, trail ride or even jetsetting, you’ll quickly find it necessary to keep your stinky kit and poison oak-covered socks separate from the rest of your luggage. Or maybe you just want to keep your shoes nice and safe? Designed to fit just that, yet small enough for a backpack or your carry-on luggage. Introducing the Kit Bag from Strawfoot.

Available in two materials: a black camo Japanese micro-fiber with a subtle, debossed camo pattern in very limited supply for $98 or a USA-made charcoal duck cotton canvas with a water-resistant finish for $88. Measures: 13″ x 9″ x 4″. These bags are made by hand in Santa Cruz and are in stock now at Strawfoot.

See more product photos below.

It is of popular opinion that wider is better when it comes to mountain bike rims. Maybe that’s what prompted Velocity’s redesign of their Cliffhanger rims. 30mm wide, short sidewalls with a reinforced spoke bed and tubeless-ready, the new Cliffhanger might be what you’re looking for…

The Cliffhanger will be offered in 29, 27.5, 26 and 20 inch wheels, with 32 through 48 hole drillings, and either machined or non-machined sidewalls. For finishes, you’ve got a few options: either Black ($82.99 NMSW, $90.99 MSW), or Reflective and Polished for an additional cost.

Made in Florida, by Velocity and hitting shelves now. See more at Velocity.

Nao at Tomii Cycles posted this photo on his Flickr the other day and it really struck me as both a unique photo and construction method. The juxtaposition of the cold, hard steel and the warm, rich hardwood, coupled with precision tools really speaks a lot about framebuilding. To top it off, the simple wood screw at the fork end shows a no-nonsense approach to the builder’s m.o.

I see a lot of framebuilder’s process photos, yet this one really did it for me.

Now it’s time to get over to Tomii cycles to shoot some photos, don’t you think?

ILE new custom bag option just launched and they’re doing things a bit differently. You can print out a blank bag linesheet and color it in, then scan it in and email it, or simply create your color palette in photoshop. Head over to ILE for more information.

Sean from Team Dream recently visited Garrett at Strawfoot and came across a neat project he’s working on with Oakley. These small tool pouches have a ratcheting wrench and a Crankbrothers tool. They’ll fit in your pocket, or your bag. Unfortunately, these aren’t for sale. Not yet anyway. Hopefully that’ll change!

Check out how the whole thing comes together in this Gif that Sean made.

If there’s one company’s products that have been thoroughly – read “roughly” – tested over here, it’s Topo Designs. From their bags to their apparel, this Colorado brand makes products that take a hefty beating. New to the line this winter are these hefty camp pants. Built to last, built to fit and best of all, built in the USA. While they’re not designed for the bike, I’ve found they still work just fine.

Available in three colors and various sizes now at Topo Designs.