by editors on March 16, 2023
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?)
[Link: EscapeCollective.CC]
by editors on March 13, 2023
Just a reminder that one of the most fun road races in Southern California is quickly approaching. Sadly, the Tour de Murrieta no longer features their legendary half-gravel TT to kick things off, but the two-day (April 1-2, 2023) event still includes one of our favorite fast, flat road loops and a piping hot six-turn criterium with one of the longest finish straights in the western states.
The Downtown Grand Prix is a fast paced, 6 turn grand prix course. The course has a little bit of everything making it a challenge course even for the most talented and experienced racer. Teamwork is the name of the game as position is everything as you enter the last turn and exit onto a 500 meter, blistering fast straight away to the finish.
The Circuit Race is a challenging 4 mile circuit. On paper this course seems relatively docile. However, with lap speeds in the 25-30 mile per hour range the seemingly “mild” climbs begin to take their toll. Those looking for a break away will most definitely use the climbs as a launch pad while the sprinters’ teams will set a blistering pace in an attempts to discourage attacks. This course is a racer favorite and never disappoints its spectators!
Click the link to get more info and to register.
[Link: Tour de Murrieta]
by editors on January 27, 2023
Monuments of Cycling has partnered with Florida-based Mumu Cycling Apparel to create a new BWR collection for the 2023 BWRs and the Quadrupel Crown of Gravel. The BWR collection features shirts, hats, water bottles, caps, arm warmers, vests, hoodies, jerseys and bib shorts. And, the best part is they look great!
We are so excited about this collaboration! The collection took its inspiration from the Belgian National Team Colors but there are more options than ever before. . . Mumu will fulfill all existing pre-orders including those placed before January 8, 2023, and will reach out with further details. For any questions, please contact bwr@mumuapparel.com.
For for the full line and all the details, please click the link.
[Link: Belgian Waffle Ride]
by editors on November 2, 2022
It’s great to see someone you ride with get the props they deserve from what’s left of the cycling media. And Road Bike Action’s interview with San Diego’s Phil Tinstman is a nice reminder of the kind of quality people cycling brings together.
Currently, Phil is a partner in Monuments of Cycling (the organization that puts on the Belgian Waffle Ride series), and in between planning races for the ever-growing gravel series, he also found the time to be a part of the eight-rider team that set the record for the fastest time in the arduous Race Across America (RAAM). And, as if that wasn’t enough pedaling, shortly after his RAAM effort, Phil flew to New Mexico and won big at the 45+ Master’s Criterium National Championships.
To read the entire interview, please click the link.
[Link: Road Bike Action]
by editors on October 19, 2022
No one wants dirty discs. And Muc-Off has just announced the perfect solution: Muc-Off’s Disc Brake Cleaner.
The unique formula breaks down unwanted particles which can compromise braking performance. It has added conditioners that rehydrate the disc brake pad to dramatically reduce brake squeal and prolong the disc brake life, leaving discs and other braking componentry clean and contaminant free.
For more info, please follow the jump.
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by editors on June 8, 2022
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.
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by editors on June 1, 2022
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.
[Link: Smith Optic]
by editors on May 17, 2022
by editors on March 9, 2022
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.
[Link: Velocio]
by editors on September 7, 2021
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!
