by Velospeak | Jun 5, 2018 | Uncategorized

Rapha is experimenting with color on the newly released iridescent Crit Collection. Consisting of an aerosuit, jersey, Flyweight jersey, Pro Team bib shorts, and women’s Flyweight jersey, the pattern and colors are meant to resemble an oil slick. I admit to being drawn in by the print, and find it visually soothing. Rapha continues to push into new territory with each and every release. This particular collection is bound to draw a response from the cycling crowds, and is available today directly from Rapha.

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by Velospeak | Jun 4, 2018 | Uncategorized

Pictured above and below is one of two new wheel sets released by Stan’s NoTubes. This particular wheelset is dubbed the Grail CB7 Pro, and is aimed squarely at the gravel/adventure market. Designed to accommodate tires ranging in size from 25 – 40mm, these wheels will turn heads with their well designed graphics, and their incredibly light weight. The pair comes in at a meager 1277 grams, putting them in the company of a tubular wheelset. The Grail wheels are designed to be run tubeless, a given considering Stan’s long history innovating in the tubeless realm. These wheels would be perfect on an Open, and I hope to provide some real world testing in the future. For now, hit up the Stan’s website to read more.

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by Velospeak | May 1, 2018 | Accessories, Product Reviews

I first became aware of Bialetti espresso makers on a trip to Europe in the 80s. I happily purchased my first Bialetti, and then lovingly transported it home, where it served me well for many years. Then, with income from a new-found job, I graduated to powered espresso machines, and set Bialetti aside for some time. This was a mistake. Recently, I was in the position to try a Bialetti Musa for a camping trip, and was reminded of how good these machines are for creating the perfect espresso. At the campsite, the machine kept us happily caffeinated. Each use brewed a barista-worthy espresso, so good, that I’ve found myself using the machine back at home. It’s a very simple brewing process, and the machine can withstand plenty of abuse. It can be thrown into a backpack, used on a campfire, and then slip easily into daily life in the kitchen. Bialetti offers a product that hasn’t changed much over the years, and there is a reason for that. The machine has been perfected, and when something is perfect, there is no need to try and make changes.
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by Velospeak | Apr 18, 2018 | Accessories

Today Garmin announced a slew of new products, one of which is an update to the Varia rearview radar. The new version, dubbed the RTL510, has vertical orientation. This means it runs along the seat post, giving it a more integrated look. I’m hoping to catch this, among many other exciting new releases, at Sea Otter. Follow my Velospeak Instagram for a stream of Sea Otter coverage.

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by Velospeak | Mar 15, 2018 | Bicycles

An entirely new bicycle from Canyon has been announced. The new Grail is intended for all road, gravel, adventure, and anything else you can throw at it. It is worth scrolling through the photos, and especially worth noting the handlebars. More to follow, but in the meantime, enjoy the link.

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by Velospeak | Feb 2, 2018 | Uncategorized

Time is releasing a new bike, the Alpe d’ Huez, a climber’s delight. This is the lightest offering from the company, and it promises to be a capable contender in the mountains. It’s so wonderful to see a new offering from this storied marque, and I trust this bike will reignite the passion for the company. Time is at the top of the game in the pedal market; good to see them upping the bike game as well.


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by Velospeak | Jan 12, 2018 | Uncategorized


I came across Spengle Carbon via the Velospeak Instagram account. Spengle is a company based in Zurich, Switzerland, which is manufacturing a spokeless carbon wheel set. Nicely done website, and an interesting product for certain. This wheel is bound to raise a few eyebrows in the cycling world, and I admit I’ve developed a strange fascination with it. Could look good on an Open….
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by Velospeak | Jan 11, 2018 | Uncategorized

Today’s ride to work will be aboard this Tern Eclipse. It should be a quick commute.
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by Velospeak | Dec 13, 2017 | Accessories, Bicycles, Product Reviews

The holidays are upon us once again. It flies in the face of science, but they seem to come more quickly each passing year. I sometimes long to be a kid again, when the time for opening presents felt like an eternity away. Christmas Eve would arrive at long last, and the wait would end. What a glorious time. As an adult, it all ends too quickly, but seeing it through the eyes of young children keeps it magical.
This time of year is also when everyone starts releasing their gift buying lists. I take a slightly different approach, and present some of the things I am currently thinking about or obsessing over and that I feel are worth noting. They could make great presents for those cyclists on your list.. So, in no particular order, here they are: (more…)
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by Velospeak | Nov 17, 2017 | Accessories, Made in the USA, Product Reviews


Crashtag is a California based company making what could be the most essential accessory for the cyclist: an ID tag with all your most important information in one convenient location. The tag is made of titanium, and is worn as a necklace. There are two sizes to choose from, one larger with a built in bottle opener, and a smaller model without the opener. One side has a graphic of your choice, the other side your personal information. There are several choices for the cord, from a simple string with magnetic closure to a more traditional ball chain. There is plenty of room on both size tags for the pertinent information needed in case of an emergency. The text is laser-etched, and the tags are made in the US. The Crashtag is a simple and reasonably priced product that could go a long way to help save your life.
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