The new face of user supported international cycling media showed itself today, March 16, 2023 with the launch of Escape Collective: The Home of Independent Cycling Journalism. You will know many of the names behind the new brand (Wade Wallace and Caley Fretz are “mostly in charge”) as they’ve been responsible for creating some of the best cycling media of the last decade. Not to go too deeply into it, but many of them left their (private equity funded) former corporate media employers after experiencing buyouts and “consolidation.” But they’ve rounded up their crew and are already offering up some solid content.
Here’s how Caley Fretz puts it:
This is an incredible moment. We finally have somewhere for you to bookmark and open up every morning and scroll through and, hopefully, find a bit of inspiration or enjoyment or simply some information you didn’t have before. This is the start, the very first day, of a vision we have for what bike media, and outdoor media more broadly, can be. It’s a vision many of you have literally bought into and one we cannot wait to bring to life.
Make sure to checkout the site, bookmark it, and most certainly subscribe, because these are the good guys.
PS: None of this should be confused with the Australian cycling apparel brand Escape. (Wonder how this trademark situation will go?)
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.
Rapha, is inviting you to join them at Rapha LA on April 27, 2019 at 4pm for the launch of the limited edition Nelson Vails collection (inspired by his first team – Toga Tempo Thunder Bolt), with a special twist.
Nelson Vails himself will join us to share stories of a memorable career, from New York City bike messenger to Olympian. Nicknamed The Cheetah, the Harlem raised rider was the first African-American cyclist to win an Olympic medal, and was inducted into the US Bicycle Hall of Fame in 2009.
We recommend hanging out with Nelly on any cycling occasion, but this limited edition kit launch looks like an even better reason. Rapha will have drinks, food and the full collection on display for purchase. To RSVP, please click the link.
With an Instagram post of their Oakland, California store front and the words “We Out” Manifesto Bike Shop is calling it quits. Here’s what they said:
That’s right. After nearly 11 years in business, we are calling it quits. Out last day open will be Thursday, January 31. It has been a good run.
Though we never made it to the shop, it was always good to see what legendary Sacto skateboarder Sam Cunningham and co-founder MacKay Gibbs were up to with the shop. We’re certain they will be missed. Hopefully, Sam will let us know what’s next for him.
Waited until the last minute and didn’t grab your favorite cyclist a gift? Check these out. We lagged so hard we didn’t even make this list. It appeared fully formed in our inbox. Either way Amazon will have them to you well before Santa even fires up the sleigh.
ABUS Bordo uGrip Lite | $59.99 | Amazon Prime Link Lightweight but sturdy, the uGrip Bordo is a folding lock made of hinged steel bars and a simple snap closure design. The lock is easy-to-use, compact, and tucks into your bag or pocket—so you can always have one with you for quick errands.
Showers Pass IMBA Jacket (Women’s) | $199.95 | Amazon Prime Link From hitting the trails to running errands in the city, this 2.5-layer hardshell breathes and vents just enough to keep your sweat from sticking around. Support a non-profit with the ideal winter layering jacket, as a portion of the proceeds benefit the International Mountain Biking Association.
DZR Shift | $69 | Amazon Link Good boys and girls might need two stockings to hold a fresh pair of kicks, but these DZRs will light up some eyes with their subtle good looks and comfort, enhanced by stealthy cycling performance thanks to a stiffened midsole for better riding efficiency without sacrificing walkability or style.
Mission Workshop Sanction | $205 | | Amazon Link Compact and weather-proof, the Sanction is a sleek solution to protecting all the daily essentials on a cycling commute to work or school. Built to last a lifetime with military spec construction and waterproof compartments, it’s bound to be a holiday gift turned year-round favorite.
Silca Ypsilon Travel Kit | $80 | Amazon Prime Link The mechanic’s favorite y-wrench gets an upgrade in precision and functionality. A variety wrenches for the most common use cases in cycling are now readily available in one tool, so you can ensure the bike mechanic in your life is prepared for anything this holiday season.
UAG Plasma Feather-Light iPhone XR Case | $39.95 | Amazon Prime Link Did your favorite rider pick up the new iPhone, only to leave it unprotected? Give the gift of phone security with a lightweight and tough case from UAG.
State Bicycle Co Core-Line Singlespeed Bike | from $299 | Amazon Link Anyone’s eyes would light up at the sight of a bike in their holiday gift pile. Any model from State’s Core Line of affordable and stylish single speed bicycles would make a memorable gift sure to make a star of the giver.
It’s October so that means Sockguy has their latest version of their annual spooky socks up on the website for a limited time. What better way to sock out Spookycross? To grab a couple pairs, click the link.
Watching Bikes vs. Cars has given us a much better understanding of the reasons for the drama we all face every single day as we try to do something as simple as riding our bikes. One of the best cycling documentaries every made, Bikes vs. Cars is now available on Netflix. Search for it, watch it, and then share it with everyone you know.
On the morning of May 1st, 32,000 cyclists from every state in the nation and dozens of countries around the world will come together in lower Manhattan in support of Bike New York’s free bike education programs. From there, they will ride 40 miles through the five boroughs of New York City on car-free streets, which will include the FDR Drive, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and the Queensboro and Verrazano-Narrows Bridges.
Sound like something you’re into? Follow the jump for all the details.
Tired of using rocks, sticks, and trash to prop your bike up for those perfect Instagram moments only to have to spend hours Photoshopping them out later? Pure Fix bicycles announces today (April 1, 2016) their all new No-See-Stand using “clear-shadow technology.” The invisible kickstand holds you bike up perfectly and delivers “Instagram gold” every time. The stand is being offered today for the introductory price of $12.99. Click the link for more info.
We don’t ever leave our bikes out where they can be molested, but if we did this Abus Brooklyn Chain would probably do the job (even if it is heavier than our road bike). The set-up features the following:
Open 10mm/120 cm hardened steel loop chain
Fabric sleeve prevents damage to frame and paint job
80/TI50 TITALIUM™ Padlock features a solid lock body made from TITALIUM&trade aluminum alloy offering higher security at a super light weight
