September 2016

Ottolock: The Smart, Light Bike Lock

by editors on September 12, 2016

We weren’t the biggest fans of Otto Designs smartphone based rear derailleur tuner (reviewed here on DigitalTrends.com), but their new product, the Ottolock looks like a really smart way to secure a bike when you have to leave it for a short time (to get coffee, or run into a store for milk). We haven’t tested it, but it definitely looks like a step in the right direction. It’s light, doesn’t require a key, and can easily wrap around more than one bike. What more do you need?

If you’d like one, click the link to help them out on Kickstarter.

[Link: Otto DesignWorks]

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The WTB Riddler Goes To 45 Wide

by editors on September 1, 2016

wtb_riddler45

Looking for the perfect shoes for your gravel/CX steed? WTB might have just the tire for you with their Riddler 45c.

Expanding what gravel can do while happily accommodating dirt touring, the Riddler 45c corners with confidence on hard surfaces while still sinking its teeth deep into your favorite trails. It encourages exploration…through dirt, gravel, smiles, frowns, blood, sweat and tears. . . . Built for unfaltering speed through a wide range of conditions, the Riddler 45c delivers added gusto to the rider who finds themselves on the roughest of roads. Incredibly versatile in a what-can‘t-it-do type of size, this tire breathes capability when mounted to any drop bar bike.

It may be a little wide for CX racers who like to abide by UCI rules, but for everyone else, it look pretty sweet. The Riddler 45c’s are available at the WTB website. Click the link for more info.

[Link: WTB]

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Speedvagen’s “Surprise Me” Customs

by editors on September 1, 2016

speedvagen2

Portland, Oregon’s Speedvagen hand built steel bike company is rolling out a new experience for 2016 that stretches their already stretched creative bike design with a special paint scheme that you won’t see ’till you get it. It’s called the “Surprise Me.” Speedvagen’s Owner Sacha White explains:

“With our Surprise Me offering, we promise “No Hints, no regrets”. We’re known for our color work. Dating back to the early years, our customers have a lot of trust in our design sense. They provide a little direction and turn us loose, which is how to best harness our creativity and excitement,” White says. “We took this one step further, giving people the option to pick a flavor and let us run with it.”

This year’s SM offering incorporates new patterns, big blocks of gradient tones, and hits of vibrant contrasting color. Speedvagen controls the build process for each client: fit, design, fabrication, paint and build executed in-house. This level of attention to detail means the bike is tailored to each rider, balanced perfectly underneath, providing a sublime ride. For more info, click the link.

[Link: Speedvagen]

 

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