by Velospeak | Sep 2, 2014 | Uncategorized
The Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition, Yield to Life and Ghost Bikes are hosting a ride and vigil for Milt Olin this Wednesday, September 3rd. For those unaware, Milt Olin was struck and killed by a sheriff’s deputy while cycling on Mulholland. The deputy was busy typing on his mobile computer, and rear ended Olin at approximately 48 mph. Olin was pronounced dead at the scene. The District Attorney’s office announced they would not be pressing charges. The ride and vigil is being hosted with the hope the D.A. will reconsider this decision. More on the event can be found on the dedicated Facebook page. I think it is important to take a stand in this case, and I hope many will attend the ride to the D.A.’s office.
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by Velospeak | Aug 31, 2014 | Uncategorized
It is official. The cycling world now has enough options for any bike commuter to get to work in style. Ted Baker announced their entry into this burgeoning market with a new collection dubbed “Raising The Handlebars.” It appears to consist of the staples needed to get to work in a manner befitting even the most discerning workplace. The pieces are available online for those wanting to look good while commuting and working.
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by Velospeak | Aug 28, 2014 | Uncategorized
Yesterday was a particularly long day at work. Nothing bad, maybe just the mid-week hump day nature of it all. When I got home, I felt less than great. So, after quick hellos to the family, I hopped on the bike and rode up to the Observatory. The ride in total was only about an hour long, but the amount of good it did to lift my energy levels was immeasurable. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how a little bit of fresh air can do so much to restore the spirit. I will remind myself of this next time I feel I’m in the doldrums, and immediately hop on the bike.
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by Velospeak | Aug 28, 2014 | Uncategorized
A non-driveside view of the proof of concept bicycle designed in the BMC Impec R&D Lab. There are many design innovations on this concept, such as the integrated gearbox. Read more about it at the dedicated website for the R&D Lab. Or, head over to the BMC site to check out what is currently available from the good folks in Switzerland.
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by Velospeak | Aug 27, 2014 | Uncategorized
Rapha today announced the release of two jerseys inspired by the 30th Anniversary of the 1984 Olympics road race, and also to benefit the Davis Phinney Foundation. The jerseys are the Connie Carpenter long sleeve jersey and the Davis Phinney long sleeve jersey. Both will be available directly from Rapha starting September 5th, and 10% of the proceeds will go to the foundation Phinney founded in 2004 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The hope is to raise awareness of the foundation’s work while celebrating cycling in the United States. As a teen in LA, I was lucky enough to attend some of the ’84 Olympic cycling events here in Los Angeles. It was an unforgettable experience, and cemented my love of cycling. The iconic names and storied brands of the time remain with me, and these jerseys help to celebrate that era, all the while helping to support a worthy cause.
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by Velospeak | Aug 26, 2014 | Uncategorized
Just announced: the Parlee Altum Disc. Beautiful.
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by Velospeak | Aug 26, 2014 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized
“The best bib short available.” This is the goal Assos was shooting for when creating the new T.campionissimo_s7 bib shorts. Any bib short from Assos is already universally accepted as being the best on the market, so when trying to outdo themselves in creating a new range of shorts, you can imagine the research and testing involved. It may sound a bit strange to think of research and testing when referring to clothing, but the clothing created by Assos is anything but average clothing. It is designed to work as an integral component of the bicycle, with as much thought and development as goes into all the other bits on your bicycle. Assos is known for incredibly long development times, sometimes sacrificing profit for perfection in design. I’m sure it must be a tortured existence for those in the R & D department, but this results in the consumer getting the best possible product. The product often also comes at a high price, but let’s not forget that to get Ferrari performance, Ferrari prices must be paid. The T.campionissimo_s7 bib short is at the top of the range in the Assos line. It results from years of the aforementioned development process, and has features not found on any other short. The chamois is probably the most notable feature. It is made from 8mm-thick memoryFoam material that is essentially three layers. Each layer has a specific purpose, and when united, they provide ultimate comfort. The chamois is sewn into the shorts with breaks at either side, referred to as the goldenGate. This allows the chamois to stay united with the rider’s anatomy while peddling, and reduces the amount of friction felt by the rider. Combined with the kukuPenthouse, a cutout in the pad that creates a pocket for the male anatomy, make for the ultimate in riding comfort. I have gone on countless rides with these shorts, and each and every time, I am amazed at how comfortable they are. Another feature I especially like are the straps. They have been redesigned from the s5 line of shorts, and have been brought out closer to the arms. It is a more natural location for the straps, and again contributes to the overall comfort of the shorts. The material for the straps is also notable because it has a certain girth to it that keeps the straps from bunching up. The cut of the campionissimo is typical of Assos, and is best felt when in a riding position. When standing, you may feel a bit constricted, but when on the bike, it is an absolutely perfect fit. For this ultimate bib short, the retail price is just a bit over $500.00. Extreme, yes, but as I said before, to have a Ferrari, you need to pay Ferrari prices. I think any serious cyclist, given the chance to ride in these shorts, would probably sell that spare bike to get into them and enjoy what a few privileged cyclists have already learned. Assos has once again topped itself and created an amazing product that will be coveted and sought after by those seeking the ultimate cycling short.
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by Velospeak | Aug 25, 2014 | Uncategorized
The folks at Timbuk2 got together with the folks at the Red Hook Crit to design the perfect travel backpack. The result of this collaboration is the Timbuk2 Red Hook Crit backpack. Made from lightweight ripstop nylon fabric, this backpack is designed to tackle the needs of all Red Hook riders. I, for one, am thrilled to see a lightweight alternative to some of the other offerings on the market. Interesting collaborations such as these are wonderful to see, and the resulting product in this case benefits from smart design input.
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by Velospeak | Aug 22, 2014 | Uncategorized
Café du Cycliste is having a sale on most everything in their web shop. Head on over to get some of my favorite cycling apparel such as the Suzanne jersey, a head turner and an incredibly comfortable piece for long rides.
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by Velospeak | Aug 10, 2014 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized
It is no secret I am a huge fan of Freitag, and every year when I am in Zurich, I make a point of going by their flagship store. I love having a wander through the shop and looking at all the great products they have developed over the years. And, a trip up the stairs to the observation deck affords one of the best views in all of Zurich. On my yearly pilgrimage this summer, I was lucky enough to pick up the F151 Victor. This is a new release from earlier this year, and is squarely aimed at the cycling commuter crowd. It is a 16 to 23 litre padded backpack made from the same rugged truck tarps all Freitag products are made from. This is a roll top style bag that enables it to accommodate different loads. If you are carrying smaller items, just roll down the top, and close with the adjustable buckle. If the load is larger, it is simple enough to close at the top and secure with the same buckle. It is a tried and tested system, and very effective for accommodating all sorts of cargo. There is a separate compartment at the front, and within there are simple organizers for items such as pens, a phone, and corresponding chargers. There is an additional zippered pocket for an iPad and other loose items. On the side of the large front compartment, there is a zippered quick access pocket for storing essentials such as a wallet, passport or boarding pass. The main pocket with the roll top is perfect for a 15″ MacBook Pro, clothing, shoes, or any other larger item you might be lugging around. On the exterior of the bag is a strap for a U-lock and light. The placement is perfect for both. The straps are padded, adjustable and quite comfortable. I’ve spent the last week lugging around everything needed for my days at work, and I find the Victor to be top notch. The design is functional and neat, the comfort supreme, and the quality and construction excellent. I am sure this bag will remain with me for an incredibly long time, and I look forward to seeing how it ages and gains even more personality than it already has. And, I love the fact that the bag is absolutely one of a kind. Freitag continues to impress with the quality and design of their products.
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