Viral Bikes in Bentonville, Arkansas, is launching an updated bike – and to celebrate, they’re offering 10% off for preorders. Introducing the new Viral Bikes Dérive. The new Dérive will feature updated geo and design cues from the Wanderer Drop Bar Adventure Bike.

The titanium Dérive is also now being offered with a complete spec that includes Chris King wheels and headset, One-Up dropper post, stem, and handlebars, a Rock Shox Pike Ultimate or Viral Carbon Boost rigid fork, and SRAM Level Ultimate 4 piston disc brakes. The pricing below includes the Smart Shift system, but a manual version is available upon request.

Since the bike was originally launched in 2019, the Dérive has been Viral Bike’s most popular model. Considered by some (Bikepacking.com and The Radavist) to be “the ultimate bikepacking bike”.

Viral Bikes says that they have two Dérives that are currently being used on an around-the-world adventure and have traversed almost all of Europe. In fact, they are currently heading to South Ireland, on their way to Spain, so they can cross over into Africa via Morocco.

Check out this Teaser Vid

The Dérive’s updated geo is designed around 29″ wheels only. Plus, there is internal routing for the bike’s rear brake and rear dynamo light. Both of these factors help the Dérive look more refined.

Viral Bikes considers the Dérive their “do-it-all, bikepacking, backcountry, all country, made for anything. It can run a rigid fork or a 120mm suspension fork. It sports multiple mounting points for everything from fenders and racks to three water bottles on all sizes of frames. There’s even a three-pack mount on the bottom of the down tube and a “gas tank” mount on the top of the top tube.

Being this versatile means that the Dérive can be used for anything from your weekly mountain bike ride to the Tour Divide.

The Viral Bikes Dérive comes standard with the new Pinion Smart.Shift electronic shifting system. Both the wires and the battery for the system are internally hidden and protected. But, if you’d rather have the Pinon mechanical shifting system, just let Viral know when ordering.

Dérive Geometry

Dérive Retail and Features

Retail: $5,595 frame and drivetrain kit with Smart.Shift

• Viral Bikes triple butted titanium tubeset
• 29” x 2.6” tire clearance
• Pinion C1.12 gearbox delivers 600% gear range, that’s 80% more gear range than the new SRAM 1×12 system
• The manual Gearbox comes with a Gates belt drive, front and rear cogs, CNC cranks, DS2 shifter, lockring tool, and rear cassette spacer kit (available upon request)
• SmartShift Gearbox comes with Gates belt drive, front and rear cogs, forged cranks, TE1 trigger shifter, battery, charger, wiring kit, locking tool, and rear cassette spacer kit
• Rigid or 120mm fork compatible
• 31.6mm seat post, compatible with internal dropper post routing.
• 148mm Boost rear hub spacing
• IS41 upper/ IS52 lower headset bearings
• 4.25 lbs. for medium frame

Get your 10% discount by ordering your Dérive today, plus check out the other offerings that Viral Bikes has by hitting the link below.

Viral.Bike.com

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Hunt’s latest carbon Proven mountain bike dynamo wheels are just the thing for taking your rides further than ever. Looking one feature at a time, there’s nothing altogether revolutionary in the Hunt Proven Carbon XC Dynamo wheels. Instead, they combine proven lightweight, high-performance, and durable tech to build the first-ever off-the-shelf carbon MTB dynamo wheelset to light up and power the longest ultra-distance rides and races.

Hunt Proven Carbon XC Dynamo ultra-distance MTB wheels

A 30mm internal hookless carbon 29er MTB rim, no-nonsense J-bend steel spokes, a proven SON 28 hub dynamo generator up front, a super fast 2° / 180 POE Boost rear hub, and complete weight under 2kg with unending power.

This is a wheelset that has already been ridden in various R&D iterations to at least 9 wins at 4 of the toughest ultra races in the world over the past three years. Two Tour Divides, three Silk Road and three Atlas Mountain Races, plus a Colorado Trail race too. And now, it’s a stock wheelset you can order straight from Hunt, and just plug into your own ultra-distance bike – whether you plan on racing or just bikepacking without ever worrying that the batteries for your lights & gadgets stay charged!

Off-road race-ready dynamo generator wheels

Hunt developed the Proven Carbon XC Dynamo wheelset to meet the needs of their own Beyond racers – light, tough, and endless power. Like Josh Ibbet who I first rode with 9 years ago when I was introduced to Hunt wheels, soon after he had won the 2015 Transcontinental. Well now Hunt’s Beyond brand manager, Josh shared his green Mason InSearchOf adventure bike for these close-up shots of the new wheels.

The heart of the Proven Dynamo wheels is of course the also-proven SON 28 front dynamo hub generator. It’s the benchmark dynamo for any modern disc brake wheel build. And it’s especially been developed for efficiency and high power output at slower MTB speeds. So you can count on plenty of light, even when you resort to hike-a-biking.

The wheels are hand-built by Hunt, starting out with their standard Proven Race XC MTB rims, but with additional 3k weave carbon reinforcement around the spoke holes for even more durability. Especially important for a carbon rim ridden hard with fully-loaded bike off-road, far from any hope of repair or replacement if there were an issue.

The carbon dynamo MTB wheels are then laced 3-cross with 28 conventional J-bend triple-butted spokes and brass nipples front & rear for durability and serviceability. And they feature Hunt’s new fastest Rapid Engagement rear hub. With a 90-tooth engagement ring and 6 2-toothed pawls offset in groups of three, you get positive engagement nearly instantly at just 2° (180 POEs).

Tech details

• 30mm internal hookless tubeless 29″ carbon rim, with extra spoke bed reinforcement
• 36mm wide external x 22mm deep
• tubeless-rim tape and valves included
• 28 triple-butted (2.0-1.6-2.0mm) Sandvik stainless steel J-bend spokes front & rear, then laced 3-cross
• 16mm 14-gauge brass spoke nipples
• 2.25-2.5″ suggested tire width (min 2.0″, max 2.8″)
• Boost thru-axle only – e.g. 15x110mm front & 12x148mm rear
• SON 28 6-bolt disc brake dynamo generator front hub with deep groove ball bearings (629-2RSH SKF), alloy dust shields, rubber lip seals & pressure compensation system that prolongs bearing life by reducing water being drawn into the hub system. 5-year warranty from SON
• 3W / 6V output at 18-19kph; 5V output at 16kph.
• CNC-machined 6066-T6 heat-treated aluminum Hunt rear hub with 6 two-tooth pawls in a 3×2 arrangement, HUNT  S_RapidEngage 90T freehub with 2° engagement angle, and precise stainless steel cartridge bearings with dual full contact seals
• H_Ceramik freehub treatment (HG-only) for improved durability/resistance to cassette wear
• spare spokes/nipples, and dynamo electrical connections included
• 1966g weight, claimed per pair of wheels

Hunt Proven Carbon XC Dynamo – Pricing & availability

The new Hunt Proven Carbon XC Dynamo ultra-distance mountain bike wheels are available globally now for £1489 / $1800 / 1850€ and then ship directly from Hunt warehouses in the UK, US & EU for quick delivery. You can pick from freehub bodies to fit almost any adventure mountain bike, i.e. Shimano HG, MicroSpline, or SRAM XD.

Are you ready to take your off-road adventures further?

HuntBikeWheels.com

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Today marks the day that British bikepacking specialists, Tailfin, fully completes their Tailfin bikepacking gear. That’s right, with the inclusion of the new Bar Bag System, Tailfin says it now offers a full Tailfin setup for your bikepacking adventures.

Calling it the “most stable and user-friendly bar-mounted storage system out there”, Tailfin gives you four options to choose from. Also, the Bar Bag System is unique in that it offers specific options that are designed for drop bar or flat bar use.

The new Bar Bag System utilizes a two-piece design that provides a high level of stability, adjustability, and quick attachment. There are four different sizes to help make it easier for users to pick just the right size for their adventure. The system is modular, so if you want to buy more than one size and swap them out depending on the adventure, it’s easy to do.

Unique Features

The drop bar version of the bags features a patented Wavelock closure. This allows the user to maximize capacity and eliminate “closure guesswork”. The bags will not interfere with brake or shifting controls.

The Bar Bag is 100% waterproof and uses a CNC aluminum mount system that uses multiple axis points of adjustment for the perfect fit. The two-piece design keeps the bag away from the bars, allowing for the full range of hand positions that are associated with using drop bars.

The mount is compatible with all round 31.8 and 35mm bars, and the narrow (11.6mm) clamp width takes up minimal real estate on the handlebar. The clamps are adjustable to accommodate the different width stems and aerobar setups, and the X-Clamp allows for instant release from the bars.

Drop Bar Version

This version of the Bar Bag System, as mentioned earlier, uses the unique new WaveLock closure system. This helps with bag symmetry while maximizing capacity as well as gives your hands room while on the hoods.

To use the WaveLock system, “simply roll the bag as per a standard dry bag (two complete rolls make it waterproof) and clip the metal bars into the corresponding wave shape for a solid and secure lock”. When keeping the bag symmetrical on the other side, just repeat and utilize the same position wave shape.

To keep things symmetrical on the other side, repeat and utilize the same positioned wave shape. Positioning of the WaveLock has been deliberately chosen to eliminate any hard edges that could catch on shifters and hands.

There are two volumes available: 9.1 liters and 12.5 liters, measuring 160mm and 180mm in diameter, respectively. The smaller volume bag can effectively fit a narrower 36/38cm handlebar width.

Flat Bar Version

Flat bars are less restricted and easier to work with regarding the available bar real estate, so Tailfin offers two larger capacity versions. Tailfin’s bags are wider than most which they say is mostly due to the extra stability of their system.

But to eliminate tire buzz, the flat bar bags are wider but use a smaller diameter. Available in 14.7 and 18.9-litre volumes with diameters of 150 and 180mm.

Tailfin kept things simple with the double clip closure mechanism, providing a completely waterproof storage solution without limiting available space. Large-capacity external pockets provide a huge amount of additional storage and enable quick access to your kit. 

Optional Accessories

There is a complete range of accessory mounts available for the Bar Bag System. They provide an interference-free fit of typical handle-bar mounted accessories like computers, lights, and even action cameras.

• GPS device mount – Independently adjustable and compatible with Garmin and Wahoo devices – also compatible with K-Edge inserts.
• Universal mount – 22.2mm diameter, side fitment, to attach any compatible device.
• Go Pro/action cam compatible mount – standard triple prong fitting. Available for center or side positioning.

Bar Bag System Retail

Bar Systems (bag + handlebar mount)

• Small Drop Bar | £230 | $300 | €280
• Large Drop Bar | £240 | $315 | €290
• Small Flat Bar | £240 | $315 | €290
• Large Flat Bar | £250 | $325 | €300

Accessory Mounts

• 22.2mm Bar (side) | £12 | $15 | €15
• GoPro (central) | £12 | $15 | €15
• GoPro (side) | £12 | $15 | €15
• GPS (combine with GoPro mount) | £12 | $15 | €15
• All Accessory Mounts | £40 | $55 | €50

Check out all of the bikebacking goodies at the link below.

Tailfin.cc

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The new Restrap Downtube Bag is as simple and straightforward as its name implies. Yes, this is just a small waterproof roll-top bag – about the size of a large water bottle – that straps around your bike’s frame to give you overflow storage where you didn’t have any. No need for a spare set of cage bolts – it can actually tuck in anywhere you have free space. So, you can strap this thing onto a gravel bike, a bikepacking bike, or even your mountain bike…

Restrap Downtube Bag provides 1.2L of waterproof storage

The Restrap Downtube Bag is meant to be strapped under your downtube – really any ‘dead space’ on the bike you aren’t using.

Yes, it’s gonna get muddy behind your front tire down there. But it also could be the perfect spot to pack away a rain jacket or of set rarely used tools and spares that you’ll feel better knowing are there if you need them.

The bag has been in development for quite some time, and has already been “put through its paces” at demanding adventure races including the Silk Road Mountain Race, Land Between, and Bright Midnight.

Will it fit?

How close your front tire gets to your downtube will really determine whether it will be a good fit for you. It will tuck in between your crankarms, and even behind a big chainring in most cases. The bag is about 24cm long when packed and will stick down from your frame at least 8cm. And you should leave a couple of extra centimeters for safety’s sake – a lesson learned from personal experience.

As a rule, road & cross bikes often won’t have enough space. Nor will some smaller-sized bikes or those that are really pushing their max tire size limitations. But adventure-y gravel bikes, especially bikepacking-specific bikes should have plenty of room, and most mountain bikes will too.

Extra storage wherever you need it

But it doesn’t have to go under your downtube either. A quick bit of bad-photoshopping fun suggests a lot more spots on Restrap’s Cotic Jeht trail bike that could fit an extra little bag since the steel mountain bike only has one set of bottle cage bosses. It also will sit nicely on a cargo cage, too. I’m not saying that these spots are all good ideas where to stick a Restrap Downtube Bag. But I’ve used a similar bag like this in the past, and definitely strapped it on a dodgy spot and was mostly fine.

A small-diameter roll-top bag like this can be a pain in the butt to stuff bigger gear into, like say a rain jacket. A bit easier you can fill it with a couple of spare tubes, a tool, levers, patches, some C02s, and just swap it around from bike to bike in seconds. Any way you look at it, it’s really nice to be able to easily carry more gear on a bike when there aren’t other options. And since this pack is quite small – and adjustable in volume – with a wide secure velcro strap, it tends to actually be quite secure on the bike once you strap it into place.

Tech details

• 1.2L of additional storage anywhere you can find space to strap it on
• fully waterproof roll-top lined nylon construction, vegan-friendly
• 9cm wide x 8cm deep x 24cm long when packed and rolled shut
• secure 5cm wide velcro Hypalon strap, with built-in grip bad to stay in place over any terrain
• long enough to wrap around a 19cm or 7 1/2″ circumference tube (~6cm or 2 3/8″ in diameter)
• fast tool-free install, no cage mounts or braze-ons needed
• 130g claimed weight
• made in-house by Restrap in Yorkshire, England

The Restrap Downtube Bag – Pricing & availability

Restrap makes this little Downtube Bag 100% in the UK and still sells it for a reasonable £50 / $75 / 60€. It even comes with their lifetime warranty against defects so you know it’ll keep your goodies safe. And gear does eventually wear out, so Restrap offers repair services if you ever manage to wear it to the bone after years of bike adventures.

The Downtube Bag is available now with global delivery – shipped locally from inside the UK, US, or EU depending where you are. So you get it fast, and don’t have to worry with any unexpected taxes or fees.

Restrap.com

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Over the past months, there have been several sneak peeks, teases, and glimpses of Ritchey’s new Montebello. Well, the teasing is over. Introducing the Ritchey Montebello frameset. You may or may not remember that I highlighted it in my Favorite Bikes and Sites Sea Otter post back in April. The Ritchey Montebello is designed for those who long for longer rides, rides that are even longer than long-distance.

The Ritchey Montebello is built with proprietary triple-butted Logic steel. It sports an increased stack, a longer wheelbase, and a lower bottom bracket than its Road Logic counterpart.

Geometry, Tire Clearance, and a New Fork

These geometry choices deliver a stable ride ideal for randonneuring. There are also other, more practical frame features, like all of the fender and rack mounts that all of us Ritchey lovers expect.

Tire clearance is pretty generous at 700x40mm without fenders and 700x36mm with fenders. Something new for the frameset is the Ritchey Brevet Carbon Fork. This fork is designed especially for the Montebello and has mounting options for either a porteur or lowrider rack.

The fork comes with threaded drilling in the crown for either a rack or lighting. And speaking of lighting, the fork has internal routing for a dynamo light as well… what would a Rando bike be without a dynamo light? And yes, the fork has the hallmark of all Ritchey forks, a 1-1/8″ straight steerer.

Available as a frameset only, the Montebello is priced at $1,699. It’s currently available online and at Ritchey stocking dealers.

Montebello Frame Specifications

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Heat-treated, triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel tubing – TIG welded
• 12mm thru-axles in front and rear
• Rack and fender mounts
• Ritchey WCS Carbon Brevet Fork included
• Internal Dynamo Routing
• Porteur or Low-Rider Rack Mounts
• External cable routing w/ routing for Di2 12-speed
• Tire Clearance: 700 x 36c tire clearance with fender, 700x40c without (depending on tire/rim manufacturer)
• Headset: WCS headset included
• (upper IS42/28.6 – 16mm stack height / lower IS42/30)
• Frame Weight: 2,000 g (size M)
• Fork Weight: 415g (uncut steerer)
• Total Weight: 2.4 kg (size M)
• Color: Hot Sauce

RitcheyLogic.com

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The German Brand Tout Terrain uses decades of experience equipping cyclists to explore the globe on two wheels. Today we look at their two new powerful problem solvers, the CINQ Plug is a convenient USB-C charging port that is now available to cyclists in North America.

The CINQ Plug6 Plus integrates directly into a bicycle steerer, allowing the user to conveniently charge their electronics without the worry of dynamo hub speed.

The CINQ Plug5 Pure is a standard charging port that saves the rider 145 grams by doing without the charging optimizer that the Plug6 Plus has. Meaning that charging will be affected by the speed of the dynamo hub.

The CINQ Plug is currently in its sixth iteration and is appropriately named the CINQ Plug6 Plus. It takes the place of a standard stem top cap, with the body of the power post fitting snuggly inside of a 1-1/8″ steer tube (inter diameter must be 24.1mm).

Then, once the CINQ Plug6 Plus is installed, it optimizes the energy generated by a dynamo hub. Therefore, provides consistent and reliable charging, regardless of riding speed. It also comes with an external protection cap to protect it from the elements. After external testing, the results were that dust and heavy rain would not damage the electronics, meeting the requirements for an IP65 rating.

Plug6 Plus Charging

Looking under the hood, you’ll see where the Plug6 Plus is different. The fully encapsulated electronics reliably protect the plug from environmental influences. It will also automatically detect when the dynamo light is on, dynamically optimizing the amount of current going to the device being charged.

PowerModule that fits down into the steer tube will provide enough power regardless of dynamo hub speed and when stationary. So, the Plug6 will continue to charge the end device. Power-hungry devices will be buffered with up to 1200mA.

CINQ Plug6 Plus Specs and Retail

Plug6 Plus Retail: $359
Plug5 Pure Retail: $249

• Compatible with 1-1/8″ forks with top headset cup (tapered or straight)*
• Connectivity: USB-C standard
• Protected from dust and water jets (tested according to IP65 standard)
• Dimensions (Power Module): ( L x W) 160 mm x 24.0 mm
• Operating range: -15°C to 60°C
• Input: AC from the dynamo
• Max output: 1.2Ah
• Battery Specs: 1100mAh LiFePo
• Weight: 195 g including all components

*The fork must have an inner steer tube diameter of 24.1 mm. There must be sufficient steerer length and the fork must be open at the bottom or have internal cable routing.

Tout-Terrain.Bike

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Last year, Osprey teased their now-available Escapist bikepacking and frame bag collection. This year, they’re adding to it, but looking at it from the racing side of things with new hydration vests. There’s also big updates to the Raven and Raptor MTB packs, and lots of sizes for the frames bags.

Ranging from $80 to $90, the Frame Bag comes in three sizes, with a smaller Wedge bag adding a bit of extra storage for $60. Combine them with the top tube bag, handlebar roll bag, and a roll-top saddle bag, and you’ve got a complete setup.

All of them use a PFAS-free DWR coating and waterproof zipper with 100% recycled 210D nylon. Velcro straps attach them to the frame.

Osprey’s original Escapist packs were larger, aimed at casual bikepacking. But with the top tube and wedge bags working great for long-distance gravel racers (and the growing popularity of such events), they needed a proper race vest.

They said a lot of riders were using their running vests, but now there’s a bike-specific option that adds some clever features. It’ll come in 3L and 6L sizes with a 1.5L hydration bladder inside. The 3L can stuff a few things in the main reservoir compartment, but the 6L gets a dedicated cargo section and tool-roll lower zip pocket.

The front has two stretch mesh stash pockets (one on the 3L) in front of zippered mesh pockets that are sized for larger snacks, a phone, folded maps, etc.

Adjustable side and chest straps help you dial in the fit. Both sides feature a handy sunglasses sleeve…slide one arm into the small hole and it kinda traps your shades when you need to stow them.

The Osprey Escapist race vests won’t be available for a while, likely early 2025, though. Same for…

…the next generation Raptor and Raven mountain bike hydration packs. Both will get a new, slimmer version of their Lid-Lock helmet capture. The new “handle” is a lot thinner, but a bit wider, which will make it easier to slide into narrower helmet air vents and also hold them more securely.

The Raptor (above) will come in 10L and 14L sizes. Both have zippered tool rool pockets on the bottom and a front stash pocket for jackets, but the 14L stacks a zippered cargo pocket in front of that:

Where the current Raptor/Raven bags had a front zippered storage pocket with the same two little mesh pockets and key hook, the zipper and access were on the side and made it hard to see what all was in there. Now, it has a large U-shaped opening that reveals all. Teh small orange bungies on the inside of the flap are used to tighten up the Lid Lock.

The Raptor (men’s) and Raven (women’s) will also get new colors, the Airscape back panel padding, size zip pockets on the hip belt, and their full-zip hydration reservoir pocket with magnetic hose management on the sternum strap.

Osprey.com

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It seems like a small update, but Restrap’s new Race Top Tube Bag Short fills the short gap that’s been lurking on the top of their adventure racing bikepacking bag line-up for four years. Newly adding an option for direct bolt-on mounting, it’s a more compact solution for easy-access storage.

On that same line, Restrap also just introduced some unique sideloader Side Release Cages that will be especially interesting for bikepackers and mountain bikers cramped for space, who need a super secure way to carry water bottles in their frames.

Restrap Race Top Tube Bag Short easy-access storage

More than simply shrinking down one of their most popular bikepacking bags, Restrap updated and overhauled their Race Top Tube Bag, while at the same time making it Short. It’s now the third size – with the original and later Long – sharing many of the same details. But this new Shorty bag adds the option for a direct bolt-on mount to toptube bosses (in 2 positions).

Tech Details

The 1.2L Restrap Race Top Tube Bag Short is designed for shorter off-road adventure rides, or for bikepackers who prefer extra clearance over their frame. The smaller bag is made of waterproof X21 fabric like the rest of the Race series, backed by another waterproof 6oz nylon lining in bright orange to make it easier to fit small items inside. A YKK aquaguard zipper keeps all your goodies inside safe. Stretch mesh pockets on either outside will keep a snack close at hand, or stash your trash after you’ve eaten them.

Inside a light plastic insert gives it structure and keeps it upright, whether you bolt or strap it on. There’s also a foam pad to cushion and quiet its contents. And a stretch strap to secure heavier items inside while riding over rough terrain.

Plus, Restrap’s tall front half-wrap sheath + cord and clip fits around pretty much any headset and stem combo. It offers stability to pull against for the traditionally sticky waterproof zip, whether bolted or strapped to your bike.

Bag Size Specs & Pricing

The black with reflective logos bag sells for £60 / $84 / 72€. The 1.2L Short bag is 24cm long overall. Compare that to 37cm for the 1.5L Standard and 49cm for the 2L Long. The new Restrap Race Top Tube Bag Short weighs as little as 115g in bolt-on mode. Or 120g with its single rear attachment Fast Strap.

Restrap Side Release water bottle cages

Sideloading cages are a mainstay of full-suspension mountain bikers, loaded bikepackers, and really any cyclists riding small bikes. So what makes the Restrap Side Release cages stand out? Yes, they are kinda just another side-opening plastic cage. But Restrap Side Release cages molds a hook into either side of the opening. So, you can snap a heavier-duty o-ring across to keep the two sides from opening up and ejecting your bottle over rough surfaces. The rubber ring can be tucked securely away when not needed. But will secure you bottles when the going gets rough.

Restrap Side Release bottle cages sell for £15 / $21 / 18€ and weigh 51g a piece. And their symmetric design with a flip-down base means one cage can work for either right or left-handed release. Plus, there’s 25mm of up-and-down adjustment to tuck your bottles in tightly. And Restrap ships the cages with a rubber ‘Grip Strip’. You can mount between the cage and your frame for a more sure mount or to protect your frame.

The new Race Top Tube Bag Short, new Side Release cages, and two sizes of recycled BPA-free Tacx Shiva water bottles are available now direct from Restrap.

Restrap.com

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Crankbrothers laces up a new set of Candy Lace shoes, slimmed-down and dialed-back to meet the needs of gravel and XC riders. These latest clipless mountain bike shoes feel like a far departure from the gravity shoes we’re used to seeing from Crankbrothers, but unsurprisingly look like a perfect match to their mini Candy MTB pedals. Perfect for the mixed surface adventures you’re likely to get up to on a Candy pedal, the new Candy Lace shoes are ready for everything from all-road riding, to gravel bikepacking, even to cross-country mountain biking, too.

Crankbrothers Candy Lace gravel and XC adventure biking shoes

Crankbrothers designed the new Candy Lace with a wider range of off-road cyclists in mind… “for those long, adventurous rides.” It is a simple, slim profile shoe with a tough synthetic upper, hard-to-argue-with laces, a mid-stiffness fiber-reinforced nylon sole for good pedaling, and a lugged rubber outsole for plenty of grip when it comes time to hike-a-bike.

Designed to be a perfect match to Candy pedals for all-road, gravel, bikepacking, and cross-country mountain biking adventure rides.

Tech details

The Candy Lace features a water-resistant synthetic upper built for toughness, with perforations throughout for ventilation. Plus, a polyurethane film overtop to make them easy to keep clean. Then, classic laces for an easily adjustable relaxed fit, plus a loop to keep your bows out of the chain.

The shoes also get protection via rubber toe & heel bumpers that wrap up from the sole. But also extra TPU reinforcements fully across the toe and on the outside to resist scrapes from any adventure you undertake.

Crankbrothers doesn’t give a real stiffness rating. But says a fiber-reinforced nylon shank in the shoe promises stiffness “for optimal power transfer on every pedal stroke”.

On the bottom, the Candy Lace features a lugged tread design made from “durable MC1 Match” rubber compound developed to “withstand seasons of use” and offer “reliable off-bike traction for wherever your adventure leads”. An extended 35mm long cutout for 2-bolt SPD cleats offers plenty of room for most everyone to get cleat placement perfect for their ideal fit.

Of course, the cleat box and mid-shoe tread blocks are perfectly designed for a supportive interface with Crankbrothers Candy pedals. Probably making the Candy Lace the perfect setup for long-distance adventure riders who already use Crankbrothers pedals.

Weight-wise, Crankbrothers claims the Candy Lace tip the scales at 340g (per shoe, size 42).

Crankbrothers Candy Lace – Pricing, options & availability

The new Crankbrothers Candy Lace shoes sell for $160 / 160€ and come in whole EU sizes 35-49, plus half sizes 37-47. Pick your preferred style from three color options. Black on black with a natural gum rubber sole, dark on light blue with a matching blue sole, or white on grey with a grey rubber sole.

The Candy Lace shoes are available now both online direct from Crankbrothers, and through your local bikeshop.

Crankbrothers.com

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Silca has a couple of small new Grinta bikepacking bags. But they’re geared more towards long road & gravel rides, rather than backcountry adventures. Calling them fast-packing bags, Silca’s canister-style Grinta Handlebar Bag and roll-top Grinta Saddle Bag are meant to just pack a few extra liters of gear for those longer, fast rides.

I’ve been riding with each in recent weeks. And appreciated the extra storage without having to overstuff my jersey and jacket pockets. Think: extra layers for rides in changing weather and extra snacks for long days away from easy refueling pitstops.

Silca Grinta light & compact bikepacking bags for fast-packing

Silca describes the new fast-packing Grinta adventure bags as based in the brand’s “commitment to performance, functionality, and rider experience, catering to both competition and casual exploration.” They rooted the design of the saddle bag in their popular Mattone seat packs, with a red plastic wire Boa-dial system for secure adjustability.

Tech details

Silca makes both bags from “weatherproof” CyclePET fabric, seam-welded to keep water out and your gear dry inside.

The 172g bar bag gets a waterproof YKK AquaGuard zipper. The 213g saddle bag features a simple roll-top closure, that’s paired with a 1/4-turn air release valve so you can easily compress it down no matter what you pack inside.

Who needs fast-packing bags?

Whether you really need bikepacking bags when you aren’t riding overnight is a matter of opinion. And hot debate. Plenty of roadies oppose even a conventional small saddlebag, thinking you should carry your gear in jersey pockets or a hollowed-out bidon in your 2nd bottle cage. To them I say, “ride on, and leave me be.”

Just like on MTBs where I long ago ditched the CamelBak, on road and gravel bikes I want to ride without a load on my back. Saddlebags are generally the best solution. And more size options – with easy-to-use features – are always a net positive.

Riding Impressions Review

This Silca saddlebag is especially useful, as it packs down neatly with the roll closure and on/off pressure release valve. Sticking just a light jacket inside, the main Boa loop let me really squeeze it down so it was small and out of the way.

But there was still enough room to stuff a rain jacket, a down jacket & leg warmers inside for colder weather rides. And anyway you pack it, the Boa setup does a great job of keeping the bag from swinging around underneath your saddle.

Realistically, I’m less interested in the cylinder hanging off the handlebar, but that’s just my personal preference. The Grinta bar bag is simple, functional, and actually accessible while riding from the single front zipper. With a removable plastic liner that gives it structure and keeps it from flapping around when less full.

Then, 2 rubbery main straps around the bar and a third webbing strap that can loop around your headtube or stem to keep it from swinging. Both with basic foam spacers to keep the bag just off the bar. The plastic buckles that close the straps are a bit fiddly. And it took me a minute to get used to them. But so far seem secure and kept the bag firmly in place over rough gravel shaking, as well.

Combined together, the pair are perfect for late winter rides when carrying an extra jacket plus arm & leg warmers. That means I can push hard through intervals on pre-season training rides, without worrying about freezing my ass off when a mid-ride storm rolls in and I have to descend out of the mountains soaked in sweat.

Silca Grinta bags – Pricing, models & availability

For now, Silca offers just 2 models of Grinta fast-packing bags. There’s the $95 / 115€ Grinta Handlebar Bag with 2L capacity inside the simple zip cylinder. And the more complex and unique $160 / 195€ Grinta Saddle Bag with 2-5L of roll-top capacity that you conch down and secure with two sets of BOA dials & red wires.

Both are available and in-stock now direct from Silca, or from their partner retailers.

I also wouldn’t be too surprised to see more options in the future. I might ask for a matching small partial frame bag or a toptube bag? Now, we wait and see how these first 2 are received.

Silca.cc

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