SideLights is a new Swiss start-up that wants to make cyclists more visible with their world’s first 360° & Double Beam cycling safety lights. The concept is simple, by lighting up the ends of your bars, motorists can better see cyclists at night when approaching from all directions. And since SideLights includes a pair of bright headlights (600-lumen combined) set wide at the ends of your handlebar, drivers are more likely to see you coming, and better able to judge your approaching speed.

SideLights bright cycling lights in your handlebar ends

Dreamed up by Swiss “BMX enthusiast and commuter cyclist” Arthur Claessens, and brother of Olympic BMX-medalist Zoé Claessens, SideLights was created with the singular goal of improving bicyclist safety by making them more visible to motorists.

Claessens’ patent-pending solution puts a multi-functional set of lights in each end of your handlebar to ensure 360° visibility. Facing forward is an adjustable angle 300lm headlight under each end of your grips. Facing back is a 100lm taillight. And emanating from the side is a 100lm side indicator with turn signals that are activated by pressing down on a large button with the palm of your hand, without having to really take your hand off the bar.

By mounting to the bike by sliding into the open end of your bar, the SideLights extend out just a few centimeters beyond your regular grips, but can offer full 360° visibility. It also lights the outer edges of the bike, so passing motorists are more likely to better understand the width of the cyclist, and then to also pass at a safer distance away from the rider.

And since the lights are set wide apart, they help drivers see you coming in an environment where they are expecting to see horizontal pairs of headlights, like on other cars. This set-apart arrangement also helps others more accurately estimate a cyclists approaching speed, improving safety all-around.

“As a regular cyclist, I wanted a product that was easy to use, efficient and, above all, safe for everyday rides,” explains Arthur Claessens.

Tech details

• each SideLight is 52x32x180mm
• aluminum main body with bar end bump protectors & stainless steel battery tubes
• ~150g per side
• white headlight output: up to 600lm (combined)
• yellow side lighting output: up to 200lm (combined)
• red taillight output: up to 200lm (combined)

• 3 lighting modes with long run times (combined lumen outputs include all lights)
• 150lm ECO for 8hr, 300lm MEDIUM for 4hr, or then 700lm FULL for 2hr
• battery: 2x 1500mAh batteries, USB-C rechargeable
• IP67 waterproof, for rain & dust resistance

• deemed ‘theft-resistant’ due to the need to use an extended tool to install & remove (once you pull out the battery)
• compatible with handlebars from 0-30° backsweep
• fits almost all grips with open ends (min 15mm internal diameter)
• optional grips & rearview mirror also available

SideLights – Crowdfunding pricing, options & anticipated availability

SideLights is currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to get the project off the ground. A seemingly unlimited number of super early bird deals remain for a price of 119 Swiss francs (~$137) for the SideLights Beamkit which includes the 2 bar mounted lights, 2 removable rechargeable batteries, a charging cable, and the extra long hex key to install them. There are also multiple packs for riders who want them on more than one bike, or shops that want to resell them.

SideLights already beat their Kickstarter funding target by 5x. They move into final tooling now, with backer delivery estimated to happen in April 2025.

SideLights.com

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To help their customers ride more, worry less, and live a “happier and healthier lifestyle”, Trek has launched two new hybrid fitness bicycles. Introducing the new FX2 and FX3. Trek says these two new models will bring more durability and capability to its fitness platform.

The new FX models look to be versatile bikes that can handle some performance, as well as dish out some comfort and utility. They are feature-rich with lightweight aluminum frames, 1x Shimano CUES drivetrains, and a carbon fork on the FX3.

Accessory Mounts

New for the FX2 and FX3 are standard mounts for bags, racks, and fenders. Also, there are new additional mounts for a low-rider front rack and an Adventure Boss frame bag.

More Durable Drivetrain

Another new spec for the FX2 and FX3 is the Shimano CUES Drivetrain. The new CUES drivetrain is designed to be a rugged drivetrain that improves the riding experience with more riding and fewer shop visits.

Comfy and Active

The new FX2 and 3 utilize a less leisurely and more active riding position while maintaining riding comfort. It’s a riding position that lets the rider put more power to the pedals while staying safe, comfortable, and confident.

The Geometry

The Bikes

The FX2 Gen 4

Retail: $799

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL

The FX3 Gen 4

Retail: $1,049

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL

Check out all of the new 2025 bikes by hitting the link below.

TrekBikes.com

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If you visit this site regularly and you have groms in your life who love to ride, you’ve probably read our articles on Prevelo. We’re big fans of the work they do. Heck, Jordan’s given them the 2022 Editors’ Choice and they made the list for the 2024 Sea Otter Best of Show. They make high-quality bikes and bits for kids and are committed to great customer service as a brand. This year, the Prevelo founders have introduced a sister bike brand to round out the family bike ride with Eaglebear Bikes.

We teased about Eaglebear Bikes a bit back in April of this year at the Sea Otter Classic. But recently, I had the opportunity to drive down to their facility in Southern California to ride the bike and take a tour.

While there I got a tour of the establishment and a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at the HQ. Plus, some bonus activities included riding to a favorite, local lunchtime spot to enjoy some delicious burritos. Win, win!

Who Are Eaglebear Bikes?

Eaglebear Bikes is a “direct-to-consumer” bike brand. It was created as a compliment to the wildly successful Prevelo brand. Sister company Eaglebear Bikes targets the parents of the kiddos that shred the lil’ gnar on their Prevelo bikes.

Founded in 2024 by Jacob Rheuban, Jim Huth, and Owen Dickson, Eaglebear Bikes is run out of the same facility as the Prevelo brand. That’s important because Prevelo has a stellar reputation with its customers for impeccable customer service.

Being part of the same facility means that Eaglebear Bikes is part of an integrated effort with Prevelo. Using the same team to manage Eaglebear Bikes’ fulfillment, quick and thorough order customization and top-notch customer service can just about guarantee the same success that Prevelo has enjoyed.

The Eaglebear Black

Retail: $1300

Black is the first model for Eaglebear Bikes. There were a lot of ideas around how the bike was designed and spec’d. Black was designed while thinking of people who want to try cycling with the family but don’t want to spend a ton of money.

Or maybe, the cyclist whose very expensive bike is a bit overkill for the family bike ride. Or maybe someone who wants more comfort than their mountain/road bike can offer for a simple ride to get burritos.

The folks at Eaglebear spec’d the bike at the right junction of price/value. Black is a versatile, reasonably priced, well-spec’d bike to get out and ride, on just about any type of terrain.

Black comes in the “multi-use” configuration (tested), with 700x 45c wheels/tires. Or, you can get the “trail” version that comes equipped with more MTB-focused 27.5x 2.2 wheels/tires.

There is internal routing ready for a dropper post, if that’s your jam. But, also there are a boat-load of accessories that are available to get all of your bike needs covered in one place.

Accessories include colored lock-on grips, bottle cages, Mac Ride Child bike seat, front pizza rack, riser bars (tested), KS Rage dropper post, Eaglebear branded water bottle, kickstand, optional wheelset (with tires), The “Bell of Justice”, and for the “after the ride BBQ” – an Eaglebear Spatula and Tongs.

Eaglebear Black Specs

• Deore 12-speed drivetrain
• Full sealed cartridge bearings – Hubs, Headset, and Bottom Bracket
• Shimano Hydraulic Brakes
• Full Carbon Fork
• Tubeless-ready – Rims are pre-taped. Just add valves/sealant (optional add-on)
• Mounts for everything – Racks, fenders, bags, etc…
• Center Kickstand mount – If you’re putting kids on a carrier, Eaglebear recommends a double-leg stand.
• Sizing: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

Eaglebear Black Geometry

What Do I Think of the Eaglebear Black

I’ve been testing an XL version of the Eaglebear Black with 29″ wheels and the optional riser bar. Eaglebear publishes a claimed weight of 24.4 lbs (size medium), and my XL weighs in at a smidge over 26 lbs.

I think the bike is an awesome all-around bicycle. It has mounts for everything you need to attach. For instance, there are mounts for a top tube bag, three water bottle cages, fenders, front, and rear racks, as well as fork mounts.

The fork is a full carbon fork and takes a bit of the edge out of the small chatter bumps. The bike has very comfortable geometry that offers a nice upright riding position and would be great on any terrain. The stock saddle is very comfortable. I didn’t fully love the feel of the grips, but that is easy and cheap to fix.

The Shimano Deore drivetrain is perfect for this type of bike. It is easy to adjust, and reliable, making perfect shifts all of the time. The 10-51 rear cassette provides a great amount of range. The non-branded crank gets the job done and should last a long time.

The Shimano flat-mount hydraulic brakes are a nice touch on a bike at this price point. They look fantastic and stop with authority.

In Conclusion

Overall, the bike “rides light”, rolls well, and pedals effortlessly. The geo feels nimble and predictable. It’s the perfect steed to go out with the family on a bike ride. The Eaglebear Black is a handsome bike for anyone who wants a simple “no-fuss” easy-to-use steed for everyday endeavors.

And for $1300, the Eaglebear Black isn’t priced out of reach. If you are in the market for a bicycle like this, I would highly recommend it.

All direct-purchased bikes are tuned/customized before they ship, adding options that can be installed before the bike ships, like dropper posts, racks, and upgraded bars.

For more info, to reach out for questions, or to grab an Eaglebear Black for yourself, hit the link below.

Eaglebear.com

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In an attempt to #savethetrackbike, Ritchey recently released the Garden City track frameset. Ritchey states the new Garden City combines an urban fixie with a track bike, for a “contemporary version of the multi-purposed fixie”.

The Garden City can be whatever kind of bike you want it to be (sans gears). It uses a triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel tube set and can hold a 30mm wide tire. The frameset comes with an EPD coating, keeping corrosion, dirt, and contaminants from wreaking havoc on the frame.

The frame is designed to fit up to a 55t chainring, so if you wanted to sprint around the local track you could. If the track isn’t your jam, that’s OK too. The frame is equipped with places for bottles and brakes so it can be used as a stylish commuter as well.

Garden City Frameset Retail & Specs

Retail: $1199

Frame

• Frame material: heat-treated, triple-butted Ritchey Logic steel tubing
• Ultra-light forged and machined straight 1-1/8″ headtube
• 27.2mm seat tube with integrated seat collar (max torque setting: 6Nm)
• Bottom Bracket: 68mm, English threaded
• Chainline: 49mm
• Max Crankset: 55t
• Bottle cage mounts: 2
• Dropout: Horizontal 120mm bolt-on
• Frame weight: 1,950g (size large)
• WCS headset included (upper IS42/28.6 – 16mm stack height | lower IS42/30)
• Colors: Midnight Violet and Moon Yellow

Fork

• Ritchey Comp Carbon Road Fork included 1-1/8″ straight steerer
• Axle to Crown: 368mm
• Rake/Offset: 43mm
• Steerer Length: 300mm
• Weight: 525g (uncut steerer)
• 30mm max spacers below the stem
• Standard quick release

Tire Compatibility

• 700 x 28c tire clearance (depending on tire/rim manufacturer)
• Frame spacing: 38mm
• Fork spacing: 32mm

Ritchey Garden City Geometry

The Garden City will come in sizes S / M / L / XL. It is a limited edition frameset, with 100 uniquely numbered frames being produced. And will be in stock and ready for purchase on October 15th at the link below.

RitcheyLogic.com

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Look, there’s nothing we haven’t already covered in the new Ass Savers “Bits n’ Peaces” collection created with playful British illustrator Jody Barton. But these colorful little items brightened my rainy day when I spotted them, and they are pretty much all functional products that I actually use on many of my bikes. Plus, one of the greatest things about Ass Savers’ simple fenders – from the OG Ass Saver, to their Mullet, to the most recent Win Wing – is that these affordable accessories are an easy way to add a splash of color or originality with something practical for your bike…

Ass Savers Bits n’ Peaces artists series fenders & more!

“Outside of its more competitive corners, cycling is an inherently relaxing activity—the repetitive, circular motion a meandering meditation, a journey towards inner peace.“

Simple Swedish fender maker Ass Savers describes their “Bits n’ Peaces” collaboration with Copenhagen-based artist Jody Barton as a project to celebrate cycling’s lighter side. And maybe just spread a little bit of peace and love with some light and colorful art.

“What’s finer than a snack among the pines or a swim stop in a glassy lake? I like the way an empty road can work itself into a full mind. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of peace. In fact, we could all do with quite a bit more. Any way you like to take it—take this as a peace sign and hopefully find some peace yourself as you pedal on your way.”

– Jody Barton

Ass Savers Bits n’ Peaces – Pricing, options & links to our previous reviews

This special Bits n’ Peaces artist collection includes the following:

• a 27€ Win Wing 2 strap-on gravel bike fender, like I reviewed last autumn, and put on every gravel bike I ride.
• a 16€ Speed Mullet toe-saving fender that straps around your bike’s downtube, which I reviewed 6 years ago.
• a 13€ Mudder Mini tiny gravel bike fork fender that I reviewed with that Mullet (and is on all of my own gravel bikes today.)
• an 11€ classic Ass Saver Regular for when you just want to clip a better-than-nothing fender to your saddle rails

• a 24€ soul searchers cotton cycling cap
• a 15€ 500ml transcendentalist Tacx Shiva water bottle
• a 15€ cotton musette for “earthly belongings”

There’s also apparently a colorful poster, a “zine”, a “peace-spreading” reflector, plus plenty of stickers & decorative tape to “help spread the message of inner peace”. We’re not sure how you get the rest of that, but presumably, it will just come when you order any of these functional goodies directly from Ass Savers online.

Ass-Savers.com

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It may still be September, but those in northern latitudes know Winter is just around the corner. For many, that means hanging up the bikes for the season. But for the hearty, it simply means a change of scenery – and clothing.

No one knows that better than 45NRTH. The name says it all, but the winter clothing and tire experts from up north live it every year. Their newest footwear option is called the Öland, and they don’t look like your typical cycling boots.

Instead, the Ölands are built with a “premium waterproof” leather construction that instantly reminded us of the 45NRTH x Red Wing Leather Limited Edition Wölvhammers. It’s important to note that the Ölands are NOT made with Red Wing Leather, but the ECCO leather used for the Ölands should break in similarly to the Leather Wölvhammers which is part of why those boots have become my favorite winter option. 45NRTH points out that ECCO’s leather is “made with Bioscavenge and DriTan technology to save and recycle water during manufacturing. Leather Working Group-certified.”

Inside the Ölands, you’ll find 100g Primaloft insulation which gives them a recommended temperature rating of 20º to 45ºF / -7º to 7ºC. Unlike the Wölvhammers, or any other 45NRTH boot, the Ölands use a traditional lace closure with a high top cut. The lower lace guides are captured, while the upper two pairs are hooked so you can easily unlace and open the tongue – which is required to get your foot in.

When it comes to fit, the Ölands seem to be right on the money with past 45NRTH boots. I requested a pair of 42s which are the same as my Wölvhammers and Ragnaroks, and the fit is just about perfect with a pair of 45NRTH Swiftwick winter socks (which are definitely thicker than most cycling socks, but not the thickest winter sock).

Inside you’ll find a thin, but sculped Syksol insole. There doesn’t appear to be any insulating feature here, just a metatarsal button and a sculpted arch.

On the bottom, you’ll find a real rubber outsole with anti-slip microglass inserts that will continue to provide grip even as the sole wears. The boots are compatible with flat pedals utilizing the included cleat plate, or with two-bolt cleats for clipless pedals.

Where these differ from your traditional winter or hiking boot is that the outside shaping is more slender to prevent rubbing against cranks and frames. Also, the back of the upper cuff is made from a more stretchy material to allow it to flex as you pedal. I will say that initially, pedaling in the Ölands is a bit stiff, but better than expected – and it should only improve as they break in.

On the scale, a single 42-size boot checks in at 651g. Compare that to 894g for the same size 45NRTH x Red Wing boot and it’s clear that the Öland is a good bit lighter.

The 45NRTH Öland will sell for $260 in sizes 36-44, 46, and 50. Available now.

45NRTH.com

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(In his best infomercial voice) Are you tired of blowing your arms out, pumping your tires, and adjusting tire pressure trail side with an old-school pocket pump? Are you embarrassed that other riders on the cafe ride will notice you pulling a non-motorized (gasp!) pump from your jersey pocket? Save your arms for high-fives and stage dives with the all-new Muc-Off AirMach Electric Mini Inflator! 

Muc-Off AirMach Electric Mini Inflator – What is it?

On a serious note, the new AirMach Electric Mini Inflator from Muc-Off looks pretty cool and is super compact. Plus, who wouldn’t like to save some time airing up after a flat or riding home from the trails? 

The Muc-Off AirMach Electric Mini Inflator is a compact (64x56x28mm) mini-electric pump for trail or road side inflation. 

How much does it weigh? Muc-Off claims it weighs 97g (114g with the silicone case) and will inflate two tires to 100psi, making it a versatile road and off-road inflation tool.  

Muc-Off AirMach Features 

The construction of the Muc-Off AirMach is fully alloy and contains a brushless motor. The motor runs on a 300mAh lithium-ion battery that fully recharges in 25 minutes via USB-C. 

The USB-C port doubles as the air intake to reduce the unit’s complexity and weight. Thanks to Muc-Off’s protective silicone case (included), the AirMach is safe and secure from drops. 

“At Muc-Off, we continuously seek to develop products that improve the cycling experience. The AirMach Electric Mini Inflator embodies our drive to innovate and serve the evolving needs of our fans. It’s designed to help riders get back to the action as fast as possible with minimal effort.”

Alex Trimnell, CEO of Muc-Off.

Will the AirMach Work for My Bike? 

Muc-Offs AirMach is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, making it easy to use on different bikes. If you’d like to add some length to the AirMach, Muc-Off also offers an upgraded AirHose (Sold separately) for tight-to-reach places and smaller wheels like kids’ bikes. 

Does it have a pressure gauge? No – and if you care about that, you might need to look outside the Muc-Off inflator assortment. 

Pricing – Muc-Off AirMach

• Price: £90 / €105 / $115 
• AirHose extension: £5 / €8 / $8

Both are now available globally from the Muc-Off global dealer network, selected e-retailers, and directly from Muc-off.com.

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On the occasion of the UCI Road World Championships in the backyard in Zurich, Swiss shoemaker Suplest unveil the latest evolution of their top Road Pro carbon-soled road cycling shoes. Now lighter than ever, the Road Pro shoes get an all-new upper construction and unique forefoot flex designed for improved high-performance pedaling comfort.

And in addition to the new top-tier road cycling shoes, Suplest also has 2 new pairs of off-bike shoes, as well. The official sneakers of the Swiss Cycling team at road worlds, they come in both classic and more modern style options to choose from…

Suplest Road Pro carbon-soled road race cycling shoes

This latest iteration of Suplest’s top-tier carbon Road Pro further refines their flagship road cycling shoes, while carrying over much of their core tech. That means you still get the same Anatomic Wrap asymmetric construction for comfortable and adjustable fit, no matter your foot shape or volume. You still get the thin Carbon Shield beneath Boa wires for more even pressure distribution. And you get the 3D-Heelcounter shaped heel cup for solid support and a secure fit.

But now there’s a new lighter 1-piece upper that starts with a 3D-mesh, coated in a thin TPU layer for improved durability and comfort. And there’s a new ‘Flex Zone’ in the forefoot developed with pro cyclists that Suplest says “maximizes foot comfort during the pressure phase on the pedal” without compromising stiffness. The shoes are still rated 10/10 for stiffness with the full UD carbon sole prioritizing pedaling efficiency

Tech details

• TPU over 3D-mesh sandwich construction
• 2x Boa Li2 dial retention with mix of textile & plastic wire guides
• 10/10 stiffness Ergo 360° full UD carbon sole with integrated thru-ventilation channels
• classic 3-bolt cleat attachment with long fore-aft adjustment and cleat positioning guides
• non-replaceable SUPtraction rubber toe & heel tread blocks with wrap-around protection
• whole EU sizes 39-47, plus half sizes 42.5-44.5
• designed in Switzerland, manufactured in Taiwan
• claimed weight 245g per shoe (size 42) including the premium Solestar insole

Suplest Swiss Cycling sneakers

Suplest were also quite happy to hype their new limited edition casual shoes, announced as the ‘Official Sneaker supplier’ to the Swiss federation’s national cycling team at the World Championships in Zurich. The Suplest Classic & Sport ‘Swiss Cycling’ sneakers were developed as team wear for Worlds, and are ‘sustainably produced’ in Portugal from European materials. Worn by the ‘entire Swiss road cycling national team and staff’ at Worlds this week, you can buy them now in limited numbers on-site in Zurich or direct from Suplest online.

The natural leather Suplest Classic White Sneakers are all about simplicity. They get white leather lace-up uppers and off-white non-marking rubber soles with embroidered ‘Eddy’ the bear Suplest and ‘Swiss Cycling’ logos, plus subtle red tongue & heel accents.

The Suplest Sport Black Sneakers combine a checkerboard ripstop nylon upper in between suede leather reinforcements for a more modern tennis shoe style. They are meant to be lighter and more breathable, and feature a higher multi-color EVA midsole. These lace-up trainers also feature embroidered ‘Eddy’ the bear Suplest and ‘Swiss Cycling’ logos, plus more red highlight accents.

Suplest on- & off-bike shoes – Pricing, options & availability

Suplest offers the new Road Pro shoes in three colors – all-white, all-black, and then a slightly off-white team version with more prominent Suplest logos. The new carbon-soled road shoes sell for 419€, but won’t officially be available to consumers until December 2024.

As for the off-bike sneakers then, the Classic White shoes sell for 249€ in whole sizes 36-46. And lastly, the Sport Black shoes sell for 229€ in whole sizes 36-46.

Suplest.com

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Cargo bikes & cargo bike conversions have been Xtracycle‘s jam for 25 years. Just recently, they announced the newest member of their cargo family, the Hopper. Xtracycle said they designed the Hopper to be the most intuitive, compact family cargo bike on the market. Let’s check it out.

The new Hopper has a shorter wheelbase, so it rides closer to a regular bicycle. Plus, it can fit riders from 5′ to 6’5″. And even though it’s on the smaller size it can still haul a claimed 500lbs (we’re assuming this includes passengers).

Steve Zourntos, who’s the Head of Product over at Xtracycle says that they’ve “taken everything [they’ve] learned about cargo bikes and wrapped it up in this nimble, easy-to-use package.” He added that the Hopper is ideal for school drop-offs, errands, and commuting. It can even park vertically, making it the “perfect solution for urban family”.

This is the first eBike for Xtracycle that comes equipped with a throttle. Plus, it comes with Hooptie passenger bars, a front PorterRack, full-coverage fenders, integrated lights, and a beefy center kickstand.

Hopper Key Retail and Features

Retail: $2999 (introductory price of $2499 from October 11th through the 13th)

• 750W rear hub motor 
• 720 Watt hour battery
• torque sensor assists up to 28 mph 
• 20” wheels
• 60 miles on a single charge
• hydraulic disc brakes
• front suspension fork
• suspension-dropper post

The Hopper is available for pre-order at the link below. It will be shipping nationwide on October 11th. The Hopper will be available for purchase at the introductory price of $2499 until October 13th. These prices include free shipping and local assembly where available.

Xtracycle.com

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Nordest’s latest gravel bike is trying not to take itself too seriously. Because sometimes you just want to pedal your bike for fun or head out an adventure, not necessarily to set KOMs everywhere you ride. So, they’re calling the limited edition 3003 a flat bar gravel bike. Sure, you could still slap a drop bar on there and crush some kilometers. But why not just sit up, sit back, and enjoy the ride…

Nordest 3003 simple steel flat bar gravel bike

The new steel 3003 is a gravel bike, but with quite a different attitude than the aero gravel trend we’ve been hearing a lot. Instead, this is Nordest founder Pedro Jerónimo’s “personal vision of what a flat handlebar gravel bike should be“. It’s a simple steel flat bar gravel cruiser built for a wide range MTB-style drivetrain (with UDH compatibility) and big volume 29×2” tires to cruise over any type of road or trail surface.

“The calm life!

That’s what I had in mind when I designed the 3003. I can admire the landscape in comfort, safely seated. The adventure no longer means counting the miles, and the clock doesn’t distract me. The night sky moves along its path, or the sun shines overhead, and I roll along, enjoying every moment, every trail, every road, always calm.”

How does flat bar geometry compare to the Albarda family?

Nordest already has two steel Albarda dropbar gravel bikes. So, why the limited edition flat bar option, and how does this new Nordest 3003 really compare?

That’s the trick. Nordest calls the new 3003 a flat bar gravel bike, but it doesn’t really have to be a flat bar bike at all. That’s really just motivation to opt for a more upright position when you decide on your own custom build.

It looks to us like the 3003 is something of a happy medium between the lighter Albarda 2 and the more laid-back, MTB-inspired Super Albarda. A compromise in between with relatively stable geometry that can be ridden for any type of terrain, whether you want a more upright flat bar position or not.

The 3003 features a quick-handling 69° head angle, a steep 74.5° seat angle to shift weight forward, medium long frame Reach, comfortably high (but not extreme) Stack, lots of BB drop, and short for a cruiser 420mm long chainstays. As off-road bikepacking bikes have gone super long and slack, the new Nordest 3003 sits right in the middle between gravel & adventure. And Nordest thinks that’s a great place to sit up with a flat – or gently rising – bar, and enjoy the ride.

Tech details

• welded from double-butted 4130 chromoly steel tubing
• long reach geometry optimized for flat handlebar builds with a short 50-80mm stem
• max tire clearance 700cx50mm/29×2.0″ or 650bx53mm/27.5×2.1″
• 1x (max 46T chainring) or 2x (max 50/34T compact chainset) compatible with chainstay yoke
• fully external cable routing, plus internal routing for a dropper seatpost
• 2x 3-pack anything cage mounts on downtube, standard seattube cage mount & toptube bag mount
• plus 2x 3-pack anything cage mounts on either steel or carbon fork options
• full rack and fender eyelets
• UDH, and thus compatibility for SRAM T-Type direct mount transmission derailleurs
• threaded BSA bottom bracket
• flat mount disc brake
• 12x142mm thru-axle spacing (thru-axle included with frame)
• 27.2mm round seatpost (28.6mm alloy seatclamp included with frame)
• straight 44mm headtube for 1 1/8″ ZS44/ZS44 or 1.5″ tapered ZS44/EC44 headset
• claimed frame weight: 2490g (size Medium)
• designed for a 400mm axle-to-crown 1.5″ tapered steerer fork with 52mm offset (factoring in the external lower headset cup)

Nordest 3003 gravel frame – Pricing, availability & options

This new flat bar gravel Nordest 3003 is being offered now as a limited edition frame or frameset pre-order – in 4 sizes. Just 50 frames will be made, and it’s up to you how you want to build it – whether flat bar or dropbar. Pre-order pricing starts at 599€ for the frame only – in your choice of glossy Racing green or Sand – eventual full retail price of 749€. Custom paint is also always possible as an add-on cost.

If you want Nordest to include a fork with it, two frame kits are available – both including a Cane Creek 40 headset and 50mm stem. The 749€ Steel Kit pre-order then includes a straight steerer unicrown steel fork and the 899€ Carbon Kit includes a tapered steerer full carbon fork with adjustable rake – both with anything cage & fender mounts.

The limited 3003 series will be ready in January 2025 so you can build it up – like with these affordable MicroShift Sword groupsets. And you’ll still have time to start cruising again after the winter, with free shipping included in Nordest’s pricing for EU buyers.

NordestCycles.com

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