by Velospeak | May 1, 2020 | Accessories, Product Reviews
First things first. This will be a biased review. I say this because I’ve been using espresso machines from Pasquini for years, and have a fondness for this LA based company. When given the opportunity to try their Bezzera BZ-13 machine, I jumped at the chance. But, before I get into that, let me say I’ve been happily using the Pasquini Livia G4 espresso machine for over 10 years. It’s a beauty to look at, and a pleasure to use. And the coffee is, of course, excellent. (more…)
{ No Comments }
by Velospeak | May 1, 2020 | Bicycles, Product Reviews
The Berk Composites Lupina Padded saddle is my first choice in saddles. For a limited time, a 10% discount is being offered on all Berk saddles. Help support a small company, and help support your cycling comfort by purchasing a saddle directly from Berk. The discount code can be found on the Berk Composites Instagram account.
{ No Comments }
by Velospeak | Apr 2, 2020 | Bicycles, Uncategorized
An updated version of the Factor O2 was recently released, improving on the first generation by incorporating manufacturing processes used on the flagship O2 VAM. These techniques combine to make version 2 stronger, lighter and faster. One other item of note is the additional clearance for tires up to 30mm, a welcome bit of news for those of us relying on the “bigger is better” maxim. Available in both rim and disc brake versions, and for both electronic or mechanical shifting, the O2 is available now starting at $2700.00. (more…)
{ No Comments }
by Velospeak | Mar 2, 2020 | Accessories, Product Reviews, Uncategorized
Winter in LA has been exceptionally cool. That isn’t to say we don’t have it easy with our weather, but for lifelong Angelenos, it is always a test when the temperatures drop into the 40s. The sun may be shining, but the wind combined with the cool air make for a daunting combination. To deal with this varying climate, I chose to test Isadore Apparel almost exclusively for the last two months. The results are in. (more…)
{ No Comments }
by Velospeak | Feb 3, 2020 | Accessories, Uncategorized
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is gauging interest in a specialty plate created to support cycling programs within the State. In order to launch the program, 7500 people need to pre-order the plate. If that magic number is reached, the DMV will issue the plates, and funding for bike skill development and nutrition education at the elementary school level will be established. Additionally, grants will be provided to bicycle coalitions throughout the State. A cycling themed plate proudly displayed on your car seems like an especially brilliant way to support cycling. More info can be found here.
{ No Comments }
by Velospeak | Jan 6, 2020 | Accessories, Product Reviews
The photo above is of the new Tubolito inner tube, and it clearly shows what may be one of the best reasons to splurge on an expensive tube for your bicycle. As packaged when new, a standard jersey pocket could easily accommodate 5 of these tubes. Actually, the pocket could easily hold more, but given the reliability I’ve had using these tubes, a couple would be more than enough. Tubolito is based in Austria, and the tubes are entirely manufactured in Europe. They are incredibly lightweight, and are available for all cycling applications. (more…)
{ No Comments }
by Mike S. | Dec 31, 2019 | Accessories, Product Reviews
Replacing my older MTB gear with the Shimano S-PHYRE RC9 is probably the most significant change recently made to my bike rides. Currently, I’m riding a gravel/adventure bike with a bunch of fancy components. However, I know one of the most important aspects of my ride has been the addition of the Shimano S-PHYRE RC9 shoes. From long stretches along the SoCal beaches to a quick jaunt up to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, these shoes make rides quite an amazing treat. (more…)
{ No Comments }
by Velospeak | Nov 27, 2019 | Accessories, Made in the USA, Product Reviews, Uncategorized
The Rodney leather gloves made by Philleywood of Los Angeles are a revelation. Gloves are one item on the short list of most tried accessories for riding a bike, and I find I’ve been through my fair share from many different makers. Most are of high quality, but after trying the Rodney’s for the first time, I’d be hard pressed to go back to another glove.
First off, even before trying them on, these gloves were special. The sheepskin leather is like no other I’ve felt. It is incredibly subtle and soft, and the gloves in turn, feel like luxury. I’d followed the instructions on the site to measure my hands, and at first fitting the gloves felt a bit tight. This is on purpose, as they stretch and conform to fit your hands after the first few wears. Many gloves have a break-in period that involves chafing or some other sort of annoyance, but the gloves from Philleywood are an entirely different story. From the very first ride in them, they were virtually perfect. The oddest thing to wrap your head around is the feeling that you aren’t wearing anything at all. They’re the embodiment of the expression “fitting like a glove.” (more…)
{ 1 Comment }
by Velospeak | Nov 20, 2019 | Uncategorized
Really looking forward to this show at The Cub House. My two favorite things in one spot. What could be better!
{ No Comments }
by Velospeak | Nov 5, 2019 | Accessories, Product Reviews
As a bike commuter, finding the right bag for carrying all that is needed for work and beyond can be a challenge. Two Wheel Gear, a company based in Vancouver, BC, has met the challenge, and introduced the Pannier Briefcase Convertible bag. The pannier style bag has been thoughtfully designed with the cycling commuter in mind. (more…)
{ No Comments }
