Banked turns are more fun
The Alchemy Arktos is an intriguing suspension platform, in that its chassis can be reconfigured to change the suspension travel with the change of the link and shock. In addition, the Arktos 135 and 150 iterations also feature the ability to run a mixed-wheel configuration. I’ve been spending some time testing the 135 MX, which […]
Adding an adhesive-backed wrap to carbon bike frames has become a standard upgrade for most mountain bikers in order to protect our investments. Our basic go-to solution has been a clear 3m polyurethane, but if you’re ready to spice up your ride, a Bellingham-based company called Ground Keeper is offering some great-looking new options for […]
The Leatt 2022 Natural Range makes a shift towards minimizing environmental impact and features apparel with naturally sourced materials. One of the potential changes the company has made is a move towards plastic-free packaging on all of their 2022 products.
When the PNW Components Range bar hit my radar I had to try one. It boasts a slight increase in the sweep from typical rise bars intended to increase wrist and back comfort without compromising performance handling. It looked like a viable solution for alleviating discomfort on high mileage multi-surface XC/ all road style rides. […]
Here in Oregon, a face mask is mandated for indoor activities. With winter coming, finding a comfortable facemask suitable for indoor athletic endeavors has been a priority. My favorite to date has been the Ion-Defense Face Mask from Showers Pass. Features & Specs (via Showers Pass) Available in 3 sizes: small, medium, large Materials: 90% […]
Patagonia is a brand known for making products that last. Most brands would prefer you buy new stuff every year, but that’s not how Patagonia does things. Case in point: my oldest piece of apparel is a Capilene long sleeve top that I’ve owned for almost 20 years now. It feels unheard of to have […]
EarSHOTS is an audio company out of New Zealand that designed Bluetooth headphones with a unique feature: a magnetic ear clip that keeps them locked in place. For mountain bikers, trail runners, and other active outdoor enthusiasts, it means riders can focus on the ride without earbuds that fall out or annoying headphone cords. Features Magnetic earclip […]
Hiplok was founded with the purpose of designing and building quality security products for cyclists. A u-lock has traditionally been the go-to method of securing a bike in urban settings; they’re small, easy to carry, and relatively light, especially when compared to a heavy-duty chain. The downside is that they are vulnerable to high-powered angle […]
The 2021 Alchemy Arktos is an intriguing mountain bike. The Arktos is sold in three different travel options, (120/135/150) but by changing out the rear shock and part of the linkage, the suspension travel of the bike can be adjusted. This makes for a versatile platform, and with all the options, places it in the […]
I have a rule where bikes aren’t allowed to be leaned against my vehicles, as they’re almost always poorly placed, resulting in scratches when the bikes inevitably tip and slide to the ground. For those that just have to lean gear against the rig, there is now a product designed to protect your car (and […]
I’ve been stand-up paddling boarding for a few years now, but this summer I transitioned from a casual enthusiast to SUP addict. It began with an upgrade to a longer all-around touring (inflatable) board that was more stable than my first board. The Pacific Northwest contains hundreds of potential paddling destinations, and Portland being the […]
The Robert Axle Project is an Oregon-based company that specializes in making thru-axles for bikes. Their main two products are axles for attaching trailers to your bikes, and the Lightning Bolt-on Axle. The folks at Robert Axle are axle specialists, and if you have a bike, they make an axle that fits it. We’ve written […]
