Today is a big day for Santa Barbara’s Stinner Frameworks. Not only have they announced a new Carrizo All-Road bike, but with it, they’re introducing a complete range of approachable, made-in-the-USA bikes. Introducing the Stinner Select Program. With this new program, the Carrizo is ready to ship within days, not weeks or months.

California-based Stinner Frameworks has been building steel and titanium bicycles for over a decade, becoming a staple in the handmade frame-building world. Their continued growth and popularity put the brand in a unique and exciting position.

The “Select” program is designed to offer customers the best Stinner has to offer while “eliminating the wait time and potential confusion that’s often associated with a custom bike”. The dedicated, in-house production and manufacturing line will allow Stinner’s full custom side to continue to flourish, with “Select” bikes remaining in stock all year long.

The new Carrizo All-Road is built in the same facility, by the same team that builds Stinner’s famous custom offerings. The Carrizo will be available online and at select Stinner dealers worldwide.

The Stinner Carrizo “Select”

This new Carrizo all-road bike is handcrafted, powder-coated, and assembled in Stinner’s Santa Barbara facility. The frame uses lightweight Columbus Zona Steel tubes.

The complete Carrizo will sport a SRAM Apex AXS 12-speed drivetrain. The frame will be able to run 40mm tires, making it comfortable on paved, not-so-paved, and dirt roads.

Braze-ons for fenders and three water bottles make the Carrizo a tough cookie that’s ready for year-round adventuring. The complete will also have a full Easton cockpit and DT Swiss wheels.

Stinner Frameworks says they utilize common standards throughout the bike for easy maintenance, futureproofing, and serviceability.

Stinner Carrizo Geo

Retail, Sizes, and Specs

Frameset retail: $1695
Complete retail: $3895

Sizes: 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, and 60cm\

• Made in Santa Barbara, CA
• Colors: Mint and Desert (powder coated for durability)
• Frame Material: Columbus Zona Steel Tubing
• SRAM Apex AXS 12 Speed Build
• Tire Clearance: 40mm
• Easton Cockpit / DT Swiss Wheels
• Three bottle cage locations and fender mounts

StinnerFrameworks.com

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Minnesota machining Masters, Wolf Tooth Components (WTC), have added four fun colors to the Morse Cargo Cage line. The Morse Cargo Cage is unique in that it carries the same dot-dash mounting system as WTC’s uber-popular Morse Cage. This system allows for many mounting options for the user.

Now along with Black, the new colors added to the line are Olive, Espresso, Raw Silver, and Gold (for that extra cargo bling).

The Morse Cargo Cage is designed to increase the ability to bring stuff on your bicycle. This makes the cage ideal for bikepacking, sef-supported racing, coffee outside gear, or any time you need more space on your ride.

It can fit fork bags, fat Nalgene bottles, or even a stout and tasty burrito. You can buy these versatile cages by themselves, or you can add a pair of WTC’s new Cargo Straps to help secure said burrito to the cage. The Cargo Straps are sold separately as well.

The Morse Cargo Cage fits perfectly on a fork with three-pack mounting. Not to mention, it will also fit anywhere there are bottle bosses. There are convenient bolt mounting points on the angled sides of the cage for added versatility.

This is especially helpful on forks that have bottle bosses on the front or the back. In this scenario, you may be able to mount two cages on one fork leg.

The Morse Cargo Cages are made in Minnesota, USA from durable and corrosion-resistant 5052 aluminum.

Morse Cargo Cage Retail & Detail

Cargo Cage: $39.95
Cargo Cage + 2 Straps: $51.95
One Cargo Strap: $8.95

• Vertical positioning adjustment up to 35mm with Morse dot-dash mount pattern
• Mount options in the center of the cage, as well as on the right and left sides
• Designed to fit fork bags, 32 oz. Nalgene bottles, and more
• Five colors: Black, Olive, Espresso, Raw Silver, and Gold
• Three stainless steel bolts included
• Cage weighs 60g without straps or bolts
• Made in Minnesota, USA
• Replacement parts available

Check out all of the stuff WTC is up to at the link below.

WolfToothComponents.com

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Last month, Cory wrote a piece on the “2-Watt saving” Aero computer mount made by California’s Nano Worx. Nano Worx is at it again with a new product. But this time there will be no watt savings. Introducing their new Nano Worx Hook Lever Multi-Tool – it’s compact, lightweight, and very clever.

The Nano Worx Hook Lever Multi-Tool integrates a tire lever with three cleverly stowed tool bits in the handle. The bits are slid into the handle, one on top of the other. Once they are inside the handle the included o-ring is stretched around it to secure the tool bits.

The tool uses an integrated magnet that holds the bits in place while in use and keeps them quiet when stowed. The Nano Worx Hook Lever Multi-Tool looks great for the rider who needs to free up space and lighten up a saddle bag.

Buyer’s Choice…

Offering the three “buyer’s choice” bits is a unique way for the rider to stow only the tools used the most. The choices are three of the following: M6, M5, M4, M3, or a T25. With a combo of an M6 (highly recommended for axle removal), M5, and the T25 you can make simple adjustments to your steed. Add the integrated tire lever and you have what you need for a trailside flat repair.

Retail and Detail

Retail: $40

• Maximum torque: 20Nm
• Weight: 40g (fully assembled with 3 bits included)
• Dimensions: 11cm long, 2.3cm tapering to 1.5cm wide

Check out all of the cool bike stuff Nano Worx has to offer by hitting the link below.

NanoWorx.shop

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German-made bicycle company Sour Bikes has a new all-road bicycle model. It’s been in the works for a long time. After four years in the “planning hopper”, taking their time to “do it right, and do it our way”, the new Sour Space Cake is finally here.

Sour felt that there was a significant gap in their bike offerings. A road-plus bike was the thing to fill the gap. They set out to design something fast and efficient, but something that could “get weird when the road turns rough”.

Space Cake to Tackle the “Paved” Roads

After countless prototypes and test rides, the Space Cake is here and Sour says it’s the most “road” bike they’ve ever made. The geo is tuned for long road days and adds durability. The tubing and frame parts are designed to be as light and efficient as possible.

Gone are the road bikes of yesterday. No more ultra-skinny, high-pressure tires on a “one-trick-pony”, road bike. This all-road bike is built for when the paved road fades into a gravel road and you want to take the long way home.

Sour says the Space Cake is light, responsive, and built for speed. Like all of the Sour bike models, the Space Cake comes with its signature, custom powder coating. Choose from bold, classy, or a little off-beat.

Mountain biking is at the core of Sour Bikes’ DNA, but they say all-road and gravel are at the heart of Sour’s off-MTB-season. As such, a bike like the Space Cake can be the perfect off-season tool even if you prefer knobby tires and full suspension.

Retail and Build Options

Frameset retail: 1,299€ for frame-only, or 1,549€ for the steel frame with the full carbon Space Cake fork
Complete bike retail: $5,999 € (Shimano Ultegra Di2)

Ultegra Build Kit Details

• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD-R8150
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Di2 FD-R8150
• Crankset: Shimano Ultegra FC-R8100, 172,5mm with 50/35t chainrings 
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-R8170+BR-R8170 with RT-CL800S 160mm Discs
• Cassette: Shimano ULTEGRA CS-R8101 11-30t with CN-M7100 chain
• Wheelset: Built by hand with Duke Baccara RX 42 SLR2 rims paired with Duke Bad Boy J-Bend, Centerlock hubs. 28h, Sapim bladed spokes.

Complete Easton EA90 Cockpit

• Small size: 90mm stem; handlebar 400mm 16° flare; seat post 27,2x350mm; Easton bartape
• Medium and Large size: 100mm stem; handlebar 420mm 16° flare; seat post 27,2x350mm; Easton bartape
• X-Large size: 110mm stem; handlebar 440mm 16° flare; seat post 27,2x350mm; Easton bartape
• Saddle: SQ Lab 611 Ergowave XS-L 140mm XL-XXL 150mm
• White Industries Headset
• White Industries Bottom Bracket
• Tires, Schwalbe Pro One 700×34 tubeless

Frame Features and Geometry

Frame Features

• Tubing: Custom drawn, multiple butted, partly heat treated SOUR CrMo
• Headtube: 44 mm upper and lower
• Bottom bracket: External 68mm T47 threaded bottom bracket
• Axle: 12mm x 142mm thru-axle
• Seat post: 27.2mm
• Brake standard: FM160 Direct. More info here.
• Wheel size: Size S-XL 700C

• Tire clearance: up to 38mm
• Fender and rack mounts
• Recommended tire size 28mm – 38mm
• Two water bottle mounts inside the front triangle, a third bottle mount under the downtube
• AXS/Di2 ready cable routing
• Internal brake hose routing
• External mechanical cable routing
• SRAM Transmission compatible dropouts (“UDH”)

Geometry

Learn more about Sour Bikes’ new Space Cake, and check out their other frames and bikes as well by hitting the link below.

SourBike.com

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Today on Instagram, with the caption “Should we make this?”, Trek Bicycles teased a possible new full-suspension mountain bike. They’re calling it the PipeDream. The IG post continues by saying that the bike was designed by Trek’s Industrial Designer, Kyle Neuser, and “crafted by Trek’s prototype lab.”

According to the post, the geo is borrowed from the new Top Fuel, as well as the rear end and rocker link.

The Instagram post mentions that it was Kyle’s vision to “combine the natural damping of steel with the proven geo and pedaling performance of the new Top Fuel”.

Steel is Still Real

The PipeDram is running bolt-on aluminum shock mounts that allow for future suspension tuning. It’s also nice to see some exposed cable routing on the classic skinny steel tubes.

The paint scheme on the PipeDream is meant to reflect the colorways of the steel Trek bikes of the 80s and 90s – their attempt to remind everyone that steel can still meet the demands that today’s trails dish out.

This “prototype” checks a lot of boxes. It is both modern and retro, and very good-looking. This is not the first nor the last bike company to make a kick-ass steel full-suspension MTB, but it’s rare to see something along these lines from one of the manufacturing giants.

Yay, or Nay?

For more on this bike, or to give a Trek a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the PipeDream. Let them know if they should move forward with production, check out their Instagram account.

TrekBikes.com

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This guide is for those of us who ride all the things, or are just getting into the sport and haven’t quite found our tribe yet, some basics are loved by anyone who’s pedaling two wheels for fun or exercise.

Here are our top gift ideas for the cyclist (or cyclists!) in your circle, from budget stocking stuffers to roll-up-the-garage-door surprises at every price point…

REI is Linking Together a Bikepacking Bag Range

A good frame bag is a must-have for riders who love long-haul adventuring and bikepacking, or for commuters and everyday riders who want to keep weight off of their backs and have a little more space to carry essentials.

The REI Co-op Link Frame Bag provides a spacious, weather-resistant storage option that fills up the main triangle of a bike.

The bag comes in 5.25-liter, 9-liter, or 12-liter options, and can hold up to 10 pounds of gear.

The Link frame bag is composed of a puncture- and scratch-resistant nylon shell and polyester lining that makes the bag tough enough to handle the toughest conditions.

It also features a nonfluorinated durable water repellent that helps water bead up and roll off the surface of the bag, rather than soaking all your stuff.

The bag includes a 1.25-liter zipper pouch that nestles into the bottom of the bag, and a stuff sack to help keep things organized.

The bag sells for an MSRP of $80.

Sponsored Placement

Nite Ize

The Nite Ize Squeeze Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount provides a simple, yet elegant solution to mounting just about any phone to the bars or stem of a bike. 

The Squeeze mount offers a tool-free strap attachment system that allows for lightning-fast installation and removal without the headache of having to fiddle with tiny bolts or slim rubber bands that are a chore to unhook. 

The mount fits any smartphone ranging from 2.3 to 3.6 inches in width. 

In addition to providing a secure and reliable hold on road, gravel, or even trail, the Squeeze mount also features unique 360-degree rotation to allow users to easily switch from portrait to landscape orientation.

The Squeeze mount is available in black or white for an MSRP of $26.

Sponsored Placement

Lectric Bikes

For those looking to put a little more power in their ride, there’s never been a better time to get your hands on an e-bike.

The Lectric XPress 750 e-bike makes commuting zippy and fun with a 750w rear-hub motor that offers 85 Nm of torque, which is more than enough power to effortlessly cruise up urban hills and bike paths.

The XPress 750 has a top assisted speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 60 miles. Other features include a color LCD display, torque sensor, and a suspension fork with 80mm of travel that makes the bike comfortable and extremely user-friendly.

The Lectric XPress 750 is currently on-sale for $1,299 in either step-over or step-through models. Plus, now through December 31 shoppers will receive $365 in free accessories with the purchase of an XPress 750.

Sponsored Placement

Best Cycling Gifts Under $25

Ornot MacGyver Strap ($8, available at Ornot) this versatile strap may seem simple and not very flashy. But what it lacks in the bling department it makes up for in the versatile market. Is the ride warming up? Strap your jacket to the frame. Don’t need your gloves anymore? Strap them to your bike. Carry an extra tube, your snacks, a banana, you name it, this strap will come in handy, Ornot.

Every cyclist needs a multi-tool along for the ride, and the Park Tool IB-2 ($19, available at REI and Competitive Cyclist) has most of what you’ll need in a tiny, lightweight package that fits in a saddlebag, jersey pocket, or even the tiny side pockets on some hydration pack waistbands. It’s a great starter tool or a perfect replacement for the weight weenie. (Check out all our favorite mini-tools here)

Chamois Butt’r may be the original anti-chafe cream (or at least the best known), but it wasn’t until they introduced their Coconut Oil & Shea Butter formula ($17.99, available at Amazon) that it became one of our favorites. Along with a good pair of padded shorts, a good chamois cream will improve rider comfort, especially if you’re not used to spending much time on a saddle. (Check out all our favorite chamois creams here)

Full disclosure here, the all-new Biking for Dummies book ($15, Amazon) was written by Bikerumor founder Tyler Benedict and co-edited by EIC Zach Overholt. As such, the book makes our technical expertise fun and approachable to the beginner cyclist but keeps plenty of interesting tidbits for enthusiasts, too. With an overview of every type of bike and every category of riding, plus detailed explanations of how all the latest components and technology works, it’s the perfect all-in-one summary of everything bike! If you have friends and family just getting into cycling, it makes a great gift to get them up to speed quickly.

Best Gifts For Cyclists Under $50

The Topeak SmartGauge D2 ($32.99, available at Amazon) digital tire pressure gauge does a bit more than just check the air in your bike tires, it’ll also check your suspension fork and shock (up to 250psi at least, so heavier riders might find it doesn’t quite go high enough on some rear shocks). It works with both Presta and Schrader valves, rotates to keep the screen in view, and has a pressure release valve to help you dial in your setup.

No matter what type of cyclist you’re buying for, they all have aches and pains. That’s why the KT Health Ice Sleeve ($29.99) is one of the best gifts for cyclists. We use ours a lot, and we’re convinced it’s resulted in more time on the bike with less pain. Unlike a traditional ice pack or bag of frozen peas, the Ice Sleeve is made from a soft, flexible fabric filled with a semi-solid gel that won’t ever leak. Not only does it stay in place so you can still move around the house, but it also provides gentle compression to help reduce swelling. Available in three sizes for use on knees, elbows, arms, legs, and other areas if you get creative.

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 ($33 at REI) is a compact first aid kit in a waterproof pouch that fits in a jersey pocket. This means it’ll fit in a hip pack, hydration pack, or glove box just fine, too. We take one with us on almost every ride, and there’s a bit extra room to customize it with whatever meds or little additions you want to add.

Ergon GE1 Evo Factory ($39.95, available at Ergon) Most grips that boast relief from hand numbness, often end up feeling too vague and squishy, leaving the rider feeling less in control. The GE1 Evo Factory grips manage to accomplish the real job of offering relief from hand discomfort. Plus they offer great damping that doesn’t leave you feeling disconnected from the trail.

For $40, the Ergon GE1 Evo Factory grip is a low-cost, upgrade for your bike that will yield very noticeable differences in your ride feel and hand comfort.

Rapha Racing Books

Unsure about what to get the roadie in your life? Are they too particular (like all roadies), and you don’t want to buy them the wrong gels or kits? Check out Rapha’s newly released coffee table books. They are the perfect addition to any roadies training den or living room.

Kings of Pain ($55) is a hard-back book filled with beautiful (to cyclists) photos of the sport’s most iconic days. It is also packed with short stories and information to engage even the most tangential cycling fan. 

The Extra Mile ($45) is another highly recommended book by Rapha. It covers the start and progression of the brand through the years, what influenced it, what events it held, and everything in between.

Also, you should buy your favorite cyclist a liter of Stan’s No Tubes Race Day Tubeless Sealant ($44 at Stan’s). Pretty much every serious bike rider has gone tubeless for all the right reasons over the past decade or so. But most of us forget that we have to actually refresh the sealant in our tires at least every year. Many new tubeless sealants have come and gone, but Stan’s was really the original. And you’d still be hard-pressed to find a better and more universally appreciated sealant than their Race Day formula. This is a super practical one, like finding new merino socks under the tree. But we’re all adults, right? And this is a gift all of us would be happy to unwrap.

Bicycle Gifts under $100

The Muc-Off 8-in-1 Bicycle Cleaning Kit ($80, available at REI) gets you all of the essential brushes to clean every part of your bike, plus a spray-on cleaner that gently releases grime from your chain or road spray. We like this because it lets us add whatever degreaser and chain lube we like, and it’s half the price of their bigger kit while still giving you all the right brushes.

We are firm believers that every bike should be equipped with a bell to help stay safe by being heard. The Spurcycle Original Bell ($59 at REI) is not only our favorite, but it is a real thing of beauty. It can be heard pretty far away with its distinctive “ring”. It’s a sharp but pleasant ring that we’ve witnessed penetrate trail users’ headphones. These are precision-built in the USA for a lifetime of bell ringing. Comes with the ability to swap from a handlebar with a 2.22 diameter, to a bar with a 31.8 diameter.

If your favorite cyclist has been dropping hint that they need more hydration, the Camelbak Hydrobak Light 50oz ($65) could be a good place to start. The minimalist hydration pack includes a 1.5L (50oz) Crux reservoir with a Quicklink disconnect hose and an Air Support Light back panel with ventilated harness straps. There’s also a secure zippered pocket for essentials and the ability to carry a helmet, spare tube, and a light.

Regardless of what type of cyclist you’re buying for, there are times when we’ll skip the full Spandex kit but we still want some padding. Whether it’s for a long spin around town or a casual ride with friends. The Club Ride Woodchuck (Men’s, $60 available at Club Ride Apparel) and Montcham (Women’s, $60 available at Club Ride Apparel) are super comfortable under regular shorts (or even jeans), with just enough compression to support muscles on longer, harder rides, too. They’re great under MTB baggies, too!

Don’t forget your Local Bike Shop! In fact, any of this stuff you can find locally should be bought locally. And let’s face it, there’s always going to be some repair we don’t wanna do ourselves or some part we need in a pinch. Buying local and supporting your favorite bike shop means they’ll be around when you need them! Grab a Gift Certificate to your cyclist’s favorite shop so they can get exactly what they need when they need it!

Best Cycling Gifts under $250

Sure, you can get cheaper floor pumps, but few if any will outlast a Silca. In fact, chances are this will get passed down to the next generation of cyclists from its original owner.  The Silca Pista Plus Floor Pump ($200, available at REI) is a do-it-all pump with its special Presta valve chuck that makes it quick and easy to inflate any bike you’ve got. And it’s fully rebuildable, so it won’t end up in the landfill if something does break.

Technically, this combines two under $100 gifts to save a bit of cash as one Knog Blinder 1300 & Blinder R-150 Rear Bike Light Set ($150 direct from Knog) because cyclists need to see AND be seen. So, while each is solid on its own, this combo is even better together. The USB-C rechargeable Blinder 1300 headlight is like a tiny super-powered flashlight that you can strap around a handlebar, clip to a helmet, or hang under your out-front GPS mount. It’s bright enough for extending your road, gravel, or most mountain biking in the winter months, and snaps securely on & off the bike in a second. The Blinder R-150 taillight is simply bright and easy to loop around a seatpost, and has a USB-A plug built into its mount so you never need a cable to keep its battery topped off. Simple bright lights mean your favorite cyclist doesn’t have to stop riding just because Daylight Savings is back.

Theragun Mini

If you’re looking for the perfect gear bag companion for the rider you list, the Theragun Mini is it. Its small size and lightweight build make throwing in any race-day bag super easy. The updated Theragun Mini is 20% smaller than the previous one and has three settings to loosen up your muscles (lower back especially) pre- or post-ride.

Since incorporating the Theragun Mini into my pre-race warm-up, I’ve noticed less back pain and shoulder tightness during the race. It provides a slight “wake-up” to the muscles without overstaying its welcome. The $199 price tag is enough to make it a premium gift, but if you’re lucky, you can find refurbished ones on the TheraBody site for $140. Plus, it has an excellent case for falls, drops, and mishaps. My Theragun Mini has hit the pavement more than I can count, and it’s always good to go when needed. 

Best Cycling Gifts over $250

Every cyclist should have a good work stand, and if you’re working on heavy e-bikes (see below), you’ll need a heavy-duty work stand ($495 ). The new Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic HD Bike Repair Stand ($495 at REI) is a burlier version of their impressive work stands that’s meant to handle ebike heft. Even if you’re not working on ebikes, heavier bikes like long travel mountain bikes, commuter bikes, and anything else that isn’t light weight will benefit from the bigger tubes.

Whether your favorite cyclist gets lost on purpose or by accident, make sure they can always make their way back with the wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 GPS bike computer ($400 at REI). The smart navigation features are easy to use, which is wahoo’s calling card – no need to spend hours learning how to use your GPS, just get on and go. The color screen has just enough color to call out important information, but it’s still easy to see in bright sunlight and the battery lasts long enough for all but the longest adventures.

The post Best Gifts For Cyclists: What to Get Your Favorite Bike Rider appeared first on Bikerumor.

After a post-Covid hiatus, the UK’s Royal Racing is back with a new Limited-Edition Series of its popular Core Gloves. As a brand that prides itself on making a “no-nonsense kit for the real rider”, these new gloves promise to be “versatile and comfortable with the Royal Racing styling turned up to the max.”

Core Gloves seem to be a staple item for Royal. The Core Series offers all-around performance with what appears to be a lightweight design with minimal padding or extras.

Royal Racing’s Limited-Edition Core gloves are available in various styles, with limited-edition graphics, so riders can decide to make a statement or keep things low-key.

Royal Racing Core Glove Pricing & Availability

Retail:
Adult: £24.99
Junior: £22.99

UK – Available through your local bike show or, at RoyalRacing.com
US – Exclusively through CambriaBike.com

• 4 limited-edition graphic styles
• Durable 4-way stretch back of hand fabric
• Vented AX suede performance palm
• Sticky printed palm for max grip
• Secure hook and loop closure
• Moulded cuff for security

RoyalRacing.com

The post Royal Racing is Back with New Limited-Edition Core Gloves appeared first on Bikerumor.

Sometimes, you need to throw a little shade. That’s especially true when you’re posted up at the trailhead on a hot day with the sun blazing overhead. If you happen to have driven to that spot, an awning for your roof rack can be an oasis from the heat – as long as it is quick to deploy and easy to stow. Something like the Yakima MajorShady 270.

I’ve used the MajorShady at trailheads after a bike ride while chilling and having some lunch. I use it a lot for lunch stops while out Jeepin’ around the deserts and mountains on day trips. But, mostly I use this awning for shelter from the elements while on camping trips.

Let’s get the tech details and retail out of the way before I get into how it performed.

The Yakima MajorShady 270

The MajorShady 270 is a freestanding 270-degree, roof-mounted awning. And, as far as awnings go, this one is pretty pricey at a retail of $949. At the time of this writing, it looks to be on sale for $759 on the Yakima site.

This awning comes in two flavors, left-hand swing and right-hand swing. Meaning, that you can have it open from the passenger side of your vehicle or the driver’s side. Because the Yakima tent that I was reviewing at the time of mounting the awning, opened to the driver’s side, I opted for the awning to open on the passenger side.

It uses heavy-duty support arms, which aid in a super easy deployment. The awning material is made of 420D poly-cotton fabric with PU coating. This means it’s not only durable and waterproof but very light. the vinyl travel cover is not too tight and makes it easy to slip on and off, as well as zip it closed and open.

One added thing that I love about the awning’s appearance is the topo pattern that is on the top and bottom. The MajorShady 270 also has two support legs that clip up out of the way when not needed.

Yakima claims that it provides 80 square feet of sun and weather protection. I never measured it, but it does a great job of protecting you from the elements.

MajorShady 270 Retail & Specs

Retail: $949 (on sale as of this article $759)

• Weight: 46.5 lbs
• Dimensions: L 90″ x W 8.5″ x H 10″
• Minimum crossbar spread: 26″
• Limited one-year warranty

Installation

I used the Yalima Rib Cage which allowed me to add roof racks to my Jeep’s fiberglass roof. The Rib Cage reinforces the removable roof and allows for the load bars to be attached, which means I can use a rooftop tent.

I used Yakima HD Load Bars to install the tent and awning. The awning came with “L” brackets which made it easy to install. The MajorShady 270 isn’t very heavy, but it is a little awkward to get into place. So, to make the installation easier, I used two people to slide it onto the top of the HD Load Bars. The install took about 15-20 minutes.

How it Performed

The MajorShady is so easy to deploy and break back down, which means that I use it more. Less than a minute to deploy, and a little over 2 minutes to close up. For me, the fact that it was so easy to deploy, made me want to deploy it all the time, which I did.

You would definitely need to use the two built-in support legs and guy lines when using the MajorShady in very windy conditions. I try to never camp in severe winds, so, I’ve never had to use the legs and line when using the awning.

Like most awnings that are attached to vehicles, using them is not always ideal. Sometimes the sun is in a spot that makes deploying traditional “straight” awnings a futile effort.

But, with the MajorShady and its 270 degrees of coverage, this happened hardly ever. There was rarely a time when deploying the MajorShady resulted in unuseable shade.

Another cool feature is the small pole on top of one of the braces. This lil’ bar can be left down when there is no rain or erected when there is rain. Deploying this lil’ pole helps the rain drain off the edge of the awning, preventing surprize puddles on the top of the awning.

With it mounted to the roof, it didn’t add a lot of additional wind noise in the Jeep when at highway speeds. And I didn’t notice a hit in MPG either.

In Conclusion

The Yakima MajorShady is great to have attached to the Jeep full-time. I use it more than I ever thought I would. One of the big reasons for that is the ease of opening and closing it.

It allows for quick deployment and easy breakdown. Sure, it’s a pricey addition to your vehicle, but it is a quality piece of gear that I suspect will last a lot of years.

My wife and I spend a lot of time in Southern California deserts, and I can’t imagine not having it when we stop for lunch under that desert sun. I have a tailgate table on the Jeep and use it to eat and prepare food.

When the MajorShady is deployed, the rear area of the Jeep is fully covered and protected from the elements. This allows us to prepare food and eat in comfort.

If you are serious about adventuring by vehicle, and are out and about venturing in remote areas, the MajorShady is a worthy investment to add to your gear. Even if you would like some shade while you kick back and share food and drink with your riding buddies, I would seriously consider purchasing the Yakima MajorShady 270 Awning. It’s been a game-changer for us.

Check out some more details on the MajorShady, as well as all of the accessories and goodies Yakima has to offer by hitting the link below.

Yakima.com

The post Yakima MajorShady 270 Awning Throws Shade Anywhere (In a Good Way) appeared first on Bikerumor.

Cane Creek’s latest product isn’t a groundbreaking gravel suspension fork or a colorful rim brake, but it is something that many bikes need. As far as Cane Creek’s lineup goes, this is one of their simpler products, but it looks like a cool, lightweight, and handsome stem, so let’s check out the details.

Let’s start with the weight. The GXC has a claimed weight of 96g for a 60mm stem. That’s a pretty light aluminum stem. The GXC is made from forged and machined 6066 aluminum and uses stainless steel hardware.

GXC Claimed Weight

• 60mm: 96g
• 70mm: 104g
• 80mm: 112g
• 90mm: 116g
• 100mm: 120g

GXC Details

The GXC sports “ghosted, laser etched” branding which looks low-key and attractive. Cane Creek GXC comes in polished black or polished silver. It’s a premium finish that would usually be on stems that could cost twice as much.

The new stem has an angle of +/- 6 degrees and is compatible with Cane Creek’s computer mount. It has a stack height of 42mm and uses a 31.8mm bar clamp. It comes in five length options: 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, and 100mm.

Made specifically for gravel and cross-country mountain bikes, the GXC uses an aesthetic that “matches the overall size, shape, and proportions of modern gravel and cross-country frames.

GXC Retail and Features

Retail: $70

• Colors: Polished Black & Polished Silver
• Lengths: 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, and 100mm
• Angle: +/- 6 degree
• Bar Clamp: 31.8mm
• Steerer Clamp Height: 42mm
• Material: Forged and Machined 6066 aluminum alloy
• Hardware: Stainless Steel
• Graphics: Ghosted, laser-etched Cane Creek Logos
• Accessories: Compatible with Cane Creek Computer Mount

Check the GXC Stem out as well as all of the cool bits at the link below.

CaneCreek.com

The post Cane Creek GXC is a Sleek, Lightweight Stem for Gravel or XC appeared first on Bikerumor.

Camp and Go Slow just landed a big one. Known for their beloved bar tape that draws inspiration from colorful wildlife, their new Trout Tape is “inspired by the tough and elusive Brown Trout”. It’s made using the same processes and durable custom-dyed nylon yarn as the brand’s Eastern and Western Rattler tape.

The new Trout Tape is said to be softer and smoother than the Rattler tape. Inspired by the Brown Trout’s gorgeous colored scales, the colors should still look fantastic with your fave leather saddle.

Retail and What You Get

Retail: $44

The new Trout Tape comes in two 3300mm long rolls for the widest bars. The rolls will be packaged in a high-quality mesh drawstring bag. This bag is great for other uses, like storing loose goodies to throw in a bigger bag.

The Trout Tape, like the Rattler tape, is backed with the same 1.5mm of foam (the perfect amount, BTW) for just the right amount o’ cushioning. The bar tape is made in Taiwan and the bag is cut and sewn in Seattle.

What You Don’t Get…

No bar end plugs are included, (I suggest going with these, so add it to your cart). And no “finishing tape”, who uses it anyway?

Just like the Rattler Tape, the Trout Tape can be cleaned and doesn’t stretch much, making it completely reusable. It’s a great product from a great lil’ brand. Click the link below and get yours before it sells out. You won’t regret it.

CampAndGoSLow.com

The post Camp And Go Slow Release New Bar Tape Celebrating the Handsome Brown Trout appeared first on Bikerumor.