Garmin’s big daddy, top-of-the-line cycling computer just got a solar update with the new Edge 1040 Solar.
Harnessing the power of the sun, the Edge 1040 Solar features a Power Glass™ solar charging lens, giving cyclists even more ride time between charges–up to 100 hours in battery saver mode –while multi-band GNSS technology provides more accurate GPS positioning in challenging ride environments, such as dense urban areas or under deep tree cover.
The Edge 1040 Solar is big and expensive. It retails for $749.99. This makes it a bike computer for people who really love big cycling computers. We’re still happy with our Edge 500 and a phone in our back pocket, but if you don’t mind the size and paying as much for a bike computer as you’d spend on an iPhone then the 1040 Solar might be right for you. For all the details click here, or follow the jump.
Our favorite designer, the world famous teller of stories, layer downer of thick lines, and all-around epic human Aaron Draplin continues his partnership with Smith Optics with the addition of a cycling helmet collaboration. Same great Smith helmets, but with a head full of DDC flavor. Click the link to check out the collection.
The Summer Series is where it all started and to this event continues to be the staple of the Quick n’ Dirty vibe. You can expect a fun, fast, and challenging series of races that keeps you tuned up, doesn’t break your wallet, and in most cases, gets you home in time for dinner. However, we will have food vendors on site if you want to kick back, relax, and grab a bite to eat at the race.
You’ve got five more chances to race. Click the links below to sign up!
Race Day Schedule:
Registration opens at 4:00pm
Kids race starts at 5:00pm
Race starts at 6:00pm
WHERE:
Lake Hodges Boat Ramp
20175 Lake Drive, Escondido, CA GOOGLE MAPS
This address takes you to the gate of the parking lot. Proceed through the gate and follow the road to the boat ramp parking lot. For additional details please click the link!
Velocio is not a company we’ve followed closely over the years, other than to say they make our favorite riding vest: one that fits well, packs up small, and has perfectly sized pockets. They also make cool women’s bibs. If you’re unaware, check them out. But today (March 9, 2022) the company announced that they have sold their business to the Chicago-based cycling giant SRAM.
Here’s Velocio’s explanation:
What’s exciting is that we’ll now have SRAM’s backing for more independent product design and development, including a still bigger push towards sustainability in our product offerings and how we deliver them. We’ll also have SRAM’s reach into racing and teams as well as their insights into global distribution and retail support. If the burden of a growing business is to grow ever further, there are few partners more suited for that future in the cycling industry than SRAM.
And they’re right, but for us buyouts are always a big bowl of sweet and sour soup. We’re happy for the founders on a great exit, yet saddened by more consolidation in the cycling business. Founders are always optimistic about their new opportunities under a bigger umbrella, but rarely do they end up with much more than the same corporate decision tree that forces “efficiencies” and increased margins, and reduced costs. And that’s never good for product.
For the rest of the Velocio sale statement, please click the link.
San Diego, California’s world famous Belgian Waffle Ride today announced that their 2022 race will have super boosted prize purse.
. . . the prize purse for the BWR CA on April 30, 2022 will be the largest ever for a gravel race with over $50,000 in cash and prizes being distributed between the top five men and women, inclusive of a $5,000 purse and prizes for the top three junior riders, 18 and under, who compete in the Waffle. The BWR CA is the first stop of the 2022 Quadrupel Crown of Gravel Series, which will feature its own soon to be announced prize purse for the top four male and female riders with the lowest cumulative times for the four-race series. The Quad includes the Hell of the North, South, East and (Mid) West.
For all the official details, please follow the jump.
We were just dealing with messed up old valve stems on our MTB today, thinking what a nightmare it was going to be to replace the valves just so we could get some air into the tire.Then we saw this story on Vital MTB on the Reserve Fillmore valve stems and it was like a divine revelation. We already ordered a pair ($50 for two, ouch). You can, too, Right here. Then maybe we can figure out how to “inject the sealant” through the valve. Haven’t really figured out that part of the equation yet. But we’ll let you know.
The producers of the Belgian Waffle Ride series of gravel racing events announced today that they have signed on Specialized as their official bicycle and bicycle fitting technology partner for the Belgian Waffle Ride in Lawrence, Kansas October 29-31, 2021.
For the first time, Monuments of Cycling is bringing its iconic form of racing to Kansas, where a vibrant cycling culture anxiously awaits this new spectacle to be known as The Hell of the Mid-West. Now with Specialized onboard, the BWR KS promises a deep field and exciting support from the leading bicycle brand. The BWR, which is celebrating 10 years in 2021, will provide professional and amateur cyclists alike the opportunity to ride the most coveted roads, punctuated by dozens of off-road sectors over a 111-mile route throughout the northeast region of Kansas, giving the event its unique complexion.
For the official word from Monuents of Cycling, please follow the jump.
When Mike’s Bikes the “small chain” of 12 bicycling stores in Northern California was sold to the Pon Group in August many wondered what would happen to their deal with Specialized, seeing as the Pon Group is the parent company of Santa Cruz, Cervelo, Gazelle, and Focus, among others. Well, wonder no more. In an letter to Northern California cyclists, Specialized announced today (September 7, 2021) that their product will no longer be sold at Mike’s Bikes, saying:
. . . Mike’s Bikes has provided first-rate service to Specialized riders for the past 23 years. They’ve been a great partner, but our relationship with them has ended as they undergo new ownership by a European Cycling company. . . We’re working quickly to ensure that Specialized riders in Northern California not only remain supported but that their experience is better than it’s ever been before. We’re continuing to improve on online experience so you can shop with us how you’d like.
It couldn’t have happened to a nicer brand. Kind of fun to see Specialized getting the sharp end of the business stick every once in a while. But hey, now that Specialized has done everything they can to squeeze small bike retailers out of business, they’re kinda left with selling direct online. All we can say is, welcome to Canyon country, Specialized! Hope it all goes well for you, because, like most, we absolutely love your shoes!
Atomik Carbon announced today (June 1, 2021) a new series of handbuilt aluminum wheelsets for gravel bikes called ALRG.
Starting at only $699.99 for a complete wheelset, the Atomik ALGR29 is the only handbuilt gravel wheel laced to American-made hubs at its price point. Designed to provide premium performance and unparalleled value for modern gravel riding, the ALGR is crafted from 6066-T6 aluminum for an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The ALGR29 is engineered to offer a more vertically compliant ride, making it the rim of choice for gravel riders who prioritize comfort.
For the official word from Atomik, please follow the jump.
Registration opened today, May 4, 2021, for a unique, new, cycling, music, and food festival from the people who bring you the Belgian Waffle Ride. It’s called Blazing Saddles: Rumble at the Ranch. And it will be held October 15-17, 2021 in Escondido, California.
“The festival was conceived during the downtime of Covid, when the riddle was posed: In 2000, if Coachella and Sea Otter Bike Festival had a lovechild, what would it be like today?” says Monuments of Cycling CEO, Michael Marckx. “It will be a festival to showcase Southern California’s thriving cycling, culinary, beer and music scenes and will be presented with an appreciation for bringing the world together again in a beautiful, idyllic and rustic oasis. In addition to 6-, 12- and 24-hour racing for both mountain bikers and gravel riders (for individuals and teams), BLAZING SADDLES, not unlike Coachella, will incorporate camping options with a seamless, interactive experience for all guests and be the first festival of its kind. We love festivals, but no one has ever brought all these complementary things together in one three-day extravaganza!”
Registration is open today. Click here for all the details, of follow the jump for more of the official word from Monuments of Cycling.
