POC Crane

by | Nov 28, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized

POC Sports is a company that made a huge impression at Interbike. They specialize in snow sports as well as cycling, and the lines include armor, helmets, eyeglasses, gloves, and clothing. The design sensibility is modern and clean with an emphasis on safety. The product design is so striking, that even in a huge hall filled with hundreds of vendors, POC stood out. The product beckoned, and I was happy to oblige. The one product I’ve had the chance to try is the POC Crane helmet in the beautiful blue you see above. This is designed as a freeride helmet, though I’ve been using it as a commuter helmet in the M-L (55-58cm). The fit is quite good, especially for someone as finicky as I tend to be. The airflow is good, provided by the ten vents running across the top. The positioning of the straps provides for easy attachment. No having to untangle straps to get this one cinched up. The adjustment at the back is simple to use, and the pads comfortable. Lastly, the color is amazing. Of course it will also be available in other colors, but the blue is a keeper for me. The company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has already won a bevy of product design awards from around the world. I suspect that trend will continue, and I look forward to seeing future offerings geared towards the road cyclist.



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Tern Verge X20

by | Nov 27, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized


The Tern Verge X20 is the first folding bike I’ve ever ridden, and what a pleasure it was. I wasn’t able to travel with it, but I did use it in multiple situations where it got folded up and tucked in the trunk. Super easy to do, and really compact once folded. It serves its purpose well as a reliable folder, and with the optional suitcase, I’m quite certain it would travel well also. The other aspect of the folding bike is the ride, and I admit I was skeptical about a cycle with small wheels. However, I used it consistently for commuting and general around town rides for close to three weeks, and in that time found it to be an incredibly capable bicycle. Not just capable, but also really entertaining. The X20 really moves, thanks in large part to its light weight(21 lbs.), the top of the range SRAM Red drivetrain, and the specially sourced FSA crankset with custom 55/42 gearing. The handling is precise, and given the 20″ Kinetix Pro wheels, incredibly agile. It feels as if this bike has an upper hand in terms of maneuvering due to its compact size. This translates into smiles for me, and I’m quite sure I had an ear to ear grin each time I rode the bike. In the time I had the Tern, I could only raise an issue with one thing. I wanted a longer reach stem to facilitate a longer reach position. Thankfully, when returning the bike, I was assured this was being taken care of, and that a longer stem was in the works. With that change, the geometry would be perfect for me. As is, the Tern Verge X20 is nearly perfect for the segment it serves. It is a capable and reliable folding bike that can take you anywhere, as well as be taken anywhere your travels may dictate. I definitely can imagine seeing the world on the Tern X20.



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Assos T FI.13_S5

by | Nov 27, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized


Assos is the standard bearer in the cycling apparel business. Their reputation is that of a no compromise company, designing and manufacturing the finest cycling clothing available. The advertising is particular and the prices are high, making it a difficult task to review their product objectively. Speaking with members of the cycling community about Assos, I am regularly asked if the high prices are justifiable. Well, yes, in terms of bibs, they absolutely are. The Assos T FI.13_S5 is quite possibly the best investment a serious cyclist can and should make. These bibs are the top of the line offering from Assos, and retail for approximately $370.00. Expensive, yes. Worth the money, absolutely. These are the most comfortable bibs I’ve worn. The construction of these shorts is an incredibly complex 6 panel race cut, comprising several different fabrics. Assos’s designed A430 is used for the side panels, A431 for the inner thighs, and a high elastic fabric for the front panel. A carbon mesh is used between the straps at the back of the shorts to reduce static between the jersey and bibs. The FI.13 chamois is a two piece pad system designed to alleviate pressure on the genital area. The pads are stitched separately and are dimpled for heat dissipation. The chamois is amazing and works really, really well. The shorts are available in black and white, with a size range of small through TIR. The design of these bibs is incredibly high caliber and the end result is extreme comfort on the bike. I do believe the price of admission is warranted, though be forewarned that once the Assos T FI.13_S5 are tried, it will be very difficult to go back to the other bibs in the closet. They are that good.



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A Friend’s Olmo

by | Nov 12, 2012 | Uncategorized


Yesterday I was given a full tour of Frankfurt by bicycle. The Olmo you see above is the bike I was lent by a friend to use for the day. The tour was incredibly enjoyable, and I marvel at how fun it is to see a new city by bicycle. I enjoy walking as well, but find it more satisfying being able to cover more ground by bicycle. I was taken to the West End, the North End, the East End, and the southern bank of the Main River. I saw industrial parts of the city, residential parts of the city, and everything in between. The bike lane system is quite complete here, with many of the lanes separated from the streets. Everyone bikes here. On Saturday it was pouring rain, and as I stared out my hotel room window, I saw a steady stream of cyclists braving the downpour. Even the weather doesn’t seem to deter people from the easiest form of transportation. Bicycles seem to be treated as equals to cars, thereby making it a much safer experience than in Los Angeles, a city where cyclists are still considered to be a bit of a nuisance. I know it’s changing in LA, but I wonder if cycling will ever be as accepted as it is in Europe.



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Ergon GP1 Biokork

by | Nov 12, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized


It seems fitting to write about the Ergon GP1 Biokork grip while in Frankfurt, as Ergon is a company based in Koblenz, Germany. I became aware of this company not long ago, and have been duly impressed with their offerings. As evidenced from their product line, much research goes into everything they sell. Ergonomics is the backbone of the design process, which translates into incredibly comfortable to use products. Case in point are the GP1 Biokork grips. I installed them on my touring bike with relative ease. Gone are the days of desperately trying to shimmy on a new grip. These slide on easily, and clamp down with a simple hex key. In my case, I did need to scoot over the gear shift to give the clamp a solid grip onto the handlebar. Once on the bars, a choice needs to be made as to how to angle the grip. There are suggestions on the package which I followed, and I’ve been quite happy with the set up. These grips fit like a glove. They are comfortable over long distances and actually help to make the ride more enjoyable. For those that prefer a look other than cork, there is the original GP1, an all black grip offering the same excellent ergonomics of the cork version. As an aside, at Interbike, Ergon gave us a sneak preview of their upcoming CF3 Pro Carbon seatpost and SR3 Pro Carbon Saddle. Both are excellent designs, and I look forward to giving them a try in 2013.



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