by Velospeak | Dec 3, 2013 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized
Summer has turned to Autumn, and the temperatures are rapidly dropping, even here in Los Angeles. The weather gods have dictated recent highs of only 60 degrees. That is cold for us here in SoCal, but one advantage of the cold is being able to try out the jackets lingering in my closet. One such item is the Nau Highline Blazer. It has been a staple of the Nau collection for many years running, and for good reason: this is a good looking coat. I don’t go a single day wearing this coat without getting a compliment. People are drawn to it, and I think it has to do with its unique design and use of different fabric panels. In some ways it looks as if it belongs to a different era, and perhaps a different place such as Switzerland or Austria. It has that retro feel, and yet all the advantages of modern materials and design. It is made from wool flannel and waxed cotton, both of which are treated with a DWR finish for weather protection, making it completely waterproof. The coat employs a center back vent for movement, and there is a button up collar for added warmth as well as two hand pockets, one left chest pocket, and one drop-in internal pocket. The Nau Highline Blazer is an amazing jacket that stands out from the crowd, all the while doing what the best technical gear is meant to do – keep you warm and dry.
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by Velospeak | Dec 2, 2013 | Uncategorized
This project is really too cool. Two obsessed guys in Germany whittling down a SRAM Red rear derailleur to a paltry 80 grams. Incredible. Try and read more about it on Light Bikes, a German blog.
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by Velospeak | Nov 30, 2013 | Uncategorized
The new Kill Spencer Athletics Collection is now available. There are footballs, soccer balls, baseballs and bats, all handmade in their Silverlake workshop.
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by Velospeak | Nov 30, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Thule EnRoute Escort backpack is the largest in the Thule arsenal with an internal volume of 29 liters. The bag is divided into three main compartments, allowing for separation of the commuting essentials. The compartment closest to the back is designed to carry a 17″ MacBook Pro and an iPad. Both compartments are well padded and keep the devices safe. The central compartment is the catch all of the bunch, and is the best place for an extra jacket, shoes, and other miscellaneous items. The third compartment is meant for pens, business cards, keys, and other smaller items. There is an additional “Safezone” compartment for an iPhone and glasses. This is a crumple free zone that cannot be smashed, as it is hard construction. Despite its many pockets and features, the overall look of the bag is simple. The bag is black with fluorescent yellow highlighting that is both highly visible, and also serves as an attachement point for a blinking light. The bag has been in my commuting rotation for many months, and no matter what essentials I throw in, the bag handles it all very well. A laptop, iPad, boots, U-lock, and other items are carried without issue, and the design of the compartments evenly distributes the weight, making it a breeze to have it all on your back. I try and avoid carrying many items, but when the occasion arises, this is the bag of choice. Thule has done well with their entire line of luggage, and having now used several pieces, I think the quality and price point are tops in this incredibly competitive segment. The Thule EnRoute backpack lists for $119.95, and is available directly from Thule, or locally at many fine retailers.
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by Velospeak | Nov 29, 2013 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized
Today is post Thanksgiving, and a thanks is in order to Fizik for sending me the R1 shoes to review. These are their flagship shoes, and I’ve been using them for several months now. I had been lusting after this specific shoe based on the elegant and simple design. Too many products in the cycling world scream out with colors and logos and over wrought design. The R1 shoes are the antithesis of this. They are subtle and designed for function. The shoe is made from kangaroo leather and nylon mesh that is melded to a carbon outsole. The previous version had more kangaroo leather, but this updated version went for more nylon mesh to achieve a lighter weight and provide better breathability. The weight of a size 43 shoe is 239 grams, bringing it within the fighting weights of the other top market shoes. The closure is a carbon fiber buckle with two sail cloth velcro straps. The buckle has a double click adjustment allowing for precise fit. The sail cloth straps, changed from white to black for this updated version, are simple affairs, and have a solid piece at the end to make for a solid finger hold when tightening. The insoles use Sidas Technology from France, and are heat moldable for full customization. The tongue pad is removable, and the heel cup is shaped to further control slippage. The fit of these shoes is perfect. These would work well for anyone with a medium width foot. I have ridden long and hard in these shoes, and have had no issues whatsoever with numbness or pain. The R1’s allow me to do exactly what I want to do, ride for miles in perfect comfort. Once I’ve put the shoes on at the beginning of a ride, I needn’t think about them until I am through with the adventure. The sizing is accurate, so no need to makes guesses when ordering these shoes. For cyclists not wanting branding to be the source of design inspiration, or for cyclists wanting complete comfort and retention in a beautiful package, the Fizik R1 is the obvious choice.
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by Velospeak | Nov 27, 2013 | Uncategorized
Read the story of this Cinelli Laser Nostra prototype being auctioned for $47,500.00 at the RED charity auction over at Bike Rumor.
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by Velospeak | Nov 21, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Budnitz Model No. 3F (Special Edition) was delivered to me a couple of weeks ago, and the moment I set eyes on it, I smiled. This seems to be the reaction the bike elicits. Everywhere I go, people smile, ask questions, and are generally smitten with the Budnitz. There is something special about this bike, but it’s hard to put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the clean and beautiful design, or its simplicity, or perhaps it’s the incredibly beautiful components. The giant Schwalbe Super Moto tires also might be part of the equation, as they truly are gigantic. All these attributes combine to make this bike one of the most fun rides I’ve had in many years. It is impossible not to smile while riding the No. 3F. The bike is meant to tackle anything urban life throws its way, and I found myself aiming for obstacles just to feel the bike smooth out the ride. The frame is just right, and the fork has just enough flex to simulate suspension. The brakes are solid, and the brake levers by Paul Components feel incredibly good in your hands. Pretty much all the components with the exception of the aforementioned levers and brakes are branded Budnitz, and they are top quality. Most of the parts are handmade, and suffice to say they are top shelf, and work exactly as they should. All the specs are listed quite neatly on the Budnitz site, as are the different combinations available for each model. All the bicycles come standard with the Gates GTX Center-Track belt system. This replaces a standard chain, and guarantees you will never have to deal with dirty pants. If I were to choose my dream Budnitz, I think I would go for the standard No. 3 with a Rohloff 14 speed rear hub. This would definitely be the ultimate city bike, albeit one you might not want to leave locked up in front of the grocery store. The Budnitz bike range varies in price from $2600.00 to over $6000.00 if you add on every bell and whistle. They are not inexpensive, but those looking to own one of the most beautiful and smile-inducing bicycles ever made should head over to the Budnitz site, and start configuring their ultimate city bike. Included in the purchase is a theft replacement policy, giving you 20% off a replacement bike, which should cover the deductible on your renters insurance policy. The bicycles are shipped to you almost entirely assembled in one of the cooler looking bicycle boxes I’ve ever seen. The only assembly needed is to install the front wheel, and attach the handlebars. It couldn’t be simpler to get the bike on the road. But, if you aren’t comfortable with performing the minor assembly yourself, Budnitz will refund the price to have it done at your local shop. If not already apparent, I really love this bicycle. I would happily ride it every day to work and beyond. The smiles from observers, and more importantly, the smile on my own face, are worth every penny the Budnitz Model No. 3F commands.
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by Velospeak | Nov 20, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Chrome Pop-Up Hub is open for business this weekend at Orange 20. There are so many great events surrounding this month long pop-up. It is definitely worth a look.
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by Velospeak | Nov 15, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Yolande jersey by Café Du Cycliste has been released in new colors. The navy blue is my favorite, though the green comes a close second. The weather is turning here in LA, so this jersey might be the perfect item to stock up on. I love the Simone merino polo I currently have, and would very much like to try one of Café Du Cycliste’s more technical offerings. This is a brand making huge strides in the finicky cycling market, and I’m pleased to see them doing so well. Now it’s time to see them get a stronger foothold in the US market.
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by Velospeak | Nov 15, 2013 | Uncategorized
Today’s Bizarro.
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