Dirt vs. Road

Whether you prefer exploring your local trail networks on your mountain bike, or drag racing around a cyclocross track, there are going to be times when you have to walk. And if you’ve ever busted your backside trying to walk sections in glorified ballerina slippers, you know exactly how frustr...

Calling a product a super-anything is bound to attract some skeptics, but when looking at the Yeti SB-95 Comp Enduro Complete Mountain Bike, there’s no denying that the Superbike moniker is fitting. Built around the beloved SB-95, the Enduro build comes with Factory series FOX Racing Shox suspe...

Santa Cruz's single pivot all-mountain bike carries a long history of nipping at the heels of XC racers and pushing long-travel freeride bikes to their limit. That continues with the latest incarnation of this highly capable design, the 27.5in-wheeled, 150mm-travel Heckler R AM Complete Mountai...

When revising the Tallboy, Santa Cruz made sure that any improvements were exactly that, an improvement. After all, why mess with a good thing? So, rather than make changes to the geometry on its best-selling model, Santa Cruz instead looked at ways to shave weight and improve stiffness. The re...

The Diamondback Mission 27.5 1.0 Complete Mountain Bike is built to kick-start your progression. Like the Mission series that came before, it’s highly capable, but this latest version ups the ante with bigger wheels and more aggressive geometry. And with FOX suspension and a Shimano one-by-ten ...

The 29er has been the mountain bike of choice for a few years now. And although the common perception is that the wheel size limits the design and frame geometry, manufacturers are continually proving this wrong through small changes that give the 29er more versatility. Born in the Northwest, t...

When Santa Cruz first introduced the Juliana, it was not only their first stab at building a womens-specific mountain bike --it was also a tribute to surf city resident, coffee aficionado, and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee Juli Furtado. That was almost fifteen years ago, and now SC is spi...

A revolutionary advancement for the dangerous sport of cycling, the ICEdot Crash Sensor mounts to any helmet and detects life-threatening impacts. If an incident happens, it uses a low-energy Bluetooth signal to trigger the ICEdot app running on a smart phone. Before alerting pre-specified eme...

Training with GPS just got easier. This is what makes the Garmin Edge 200 so alluring. It uses cutting edge tech to allow you to pretty much just turn on the computer and go, which should make it as popular with technophobes as it will be with technophiles.There is no transmitter to mount on yo...

The outer shell of Sombrio's Highline II Short is constructed from Quattro Flex Lite, a tough, four-way stretch fabric to ensure these all-mountain bottoms see you through the roughest trails. But, that doesn't mean the Highline is an abrasive ride. A soft inner face to the Quattro Flex works...

Mavic's Stratos H20 Shorts are an excellent representation of what's possible when top-tier materials, chamois compatibility, and fit come together to address the needs of mountain bikers. And now that the H2O Shorts add Mavic's Rain Tech ST and Dura Rain panels, those in routinely wet climates...

When you're traversing mandatory hike-a-bikes, it's good to know you'll have the secure footing of Five Ten's Hellcat Shoe. While your riding buddies slip and tiptoe in hard-rubber-soled, metal spiked, road-bike-based kicks, your Stealth-Rubber-equipped Hellcats will grip the terrain like dedic...

Some days you feel like going for a nice, relaxing trail ride. Other days call for a brutal, no-mercy hammer-fest. For the former, we recommend the Louis Garneau Montana XT3 Shoe. We also recommend the Montana for the latter. The Montana adapts to the type of riding you want to do with its remo...

When mountain biking first clipped in, options were based on design parameters established by road shoes. This meant ultra-stiff soles, and traction lugs as a second thought -- the result being wishful footing on slick roots and moss-covered rocks. On the other side of the spectrum, grippy grav...

Mountain bike shoes seem to come in two categories: those with ultra-stiff soles that provide excellent power transfer but terrible grip when you're forced to hike-a-bike, or soft-soled gravity shoes that feel like you're pedaling with slippers on your feet. Not to mention, women's cycling shoe...

It's been a while since the folks at Troy Lee Designs designed and built an all-mountain helmet. As is always the case with TLD, they came out with a bang. The A-1 Helmet is a definite departure from the Troy Lee norm, but it's built with TLD's legendary attention to detail and durability.The f...

Mavic's foray into cycling helmets didn't happen overnight. It took 25,000 head profiles and three years of research and design to for them to complete a product line of five helmets, including the mountain-bike specific Notch. By concentrating at the performance end of the cycling spectrum,...

POC makes the Trabec Helmet in two models. This Trabec Race Helmet has a greater proliferation of Aramid netting inside the molded EPS foam core than the standard Trabec. This gives it extra protection. Aside from the color options, this is the only difference between the two. Otherwise, it's d...

If you look closely, under all that enduro-influenced design, you can see Bell's mid-century motorsport heritage in the Super Helmet. Subtly paying homage to a time when engines were restricted by their creator's ability and leather protective gear was quickly abandoned in favor of the much saf...

If you've recently perused Santa Cruz's Enve/XTR spec'd offerings, the experience most likely involved a bout of sticker shock. Thankfully, though, Santa Cruz isn't an exclusive manufacture for the world's elite. Instead, you'll find that the 5010 Carbon's R AM build kit creates an accessible e...

If you want a killer bike at a wallet-friendly price, Ibis’ Special Blend offers value rarely rivaled in the world of mountain bikes, and the Ripley Special Blend Complete Mountain Bike upholds this tradition. In case you’re wondering, it’s the same Ripley frame that has had magazine reviewers ...

Riding the trails requires being prepared not only with extra fluid but also with tools necessary to make on-the-go repairs. The Mavic Crossmax Hydropack 8.5 holds everything you need for a short ride, in a fit that won't cramp your style.  Sewn from durable, 420 Denier ripstop nylon, the pack ...

Carbon fiber, 29-inch wheels, and Virtual Pivot Point suspension is a combination that's satisfied the need of dirt worshipers for close to a half-decade. But, if you were of the fairer sex, you were stuck changing multiple parts in the hope that a bike not designed with your needs in mind woul...

This is what fat bike enthusiasts the world over have been waiting for. The team at Borealis drew from years of experience at the bleeding edge of fat bike development with the express purpose of making the Yampa X0/X9 complete bike the best possible tool for the job. You see, these guys have b...

The Diamondback Mission 27.5 2.0 Complete Mountain Bike is built to take your riding forward, especially when the terrain gets wild. Building on the Mission’s history as a bulletproof trail bruiser, it makes it even more capable with bigger wheels and a more aggressive geometry. And with FOX su...

Designed with the aspiring mechanic in mind, Pedro's Starter Tool Kit supplies the essentials — with room to grow. Pedro's fills its portable Burrito Tool Wrap with 19 tools, leaving open spots for expansion. The kit includes a cassette lockring socket and cog wrench, cable cutters, chain tool ...

When race day rolls around, there is no such thing as a frenemy. Slide the Zeal Rival Team Edition Sunglasses over your peepers to ensure no one can see the raging competitor lurking just below the surface when you're jockeying for position at the start. Swap lenses in and out of these full-wra...

You've been happy with the Garmin 500, we get it -- it's small, has useful data, and quite simply, it works. So, you're probably desperate for a reason to upgrade to the Garmin Edge 510 Bundle and OF Mount. Well, how about three reasons -- a longer battery life, a touch screen interface, and th...

Louis Garneau's Elite Power Shorts were designed to provide the ultimate combination of support and all-day riding comfort. It's no surprise, then, that Backcountry Bike Team athletes rely on this exact model for all of their races and training rides. Starting with the basic construction, Gar...

The Sugoi RSX Suspension Shorts take Sugoi’s extraordinary RSX mountain bike baggies and pairs them with a super-comfortable bib liner. The RSX’s have a devoted following that’s due mostly to its blend of technical fabrics and sleek, pedaling-friendly cut. So it only makes sense to add in a lig...

The Mavic Crossmax Shorts may be new, but they’ve already been to the top step of the podium at a handful of Enduro World Series rounds — at the hands of one Mr. Clementz. So if you’ve been speculating as to what the hard-charging Frenchman relied on to keep him covered during his incredible 20...

XC and all-mountain riders spend as much time in the saddle as they do standing up on the pedals. For that reason, a liner short with a chamois is essential. The Alpinestars Drop Shorts incorporate a removable liner with a chamois to reduce fatigue by absorbing shock and vibration. The chamois ...

Troy Lee designed the Ace Shorts to provide the freedom of baggies, while maintaining a functional, low-profile shape. After all, just because Lycra doesn’t cut it, it doesn’t mean that you won’t appreciate well-cut shorts that are slim enough to avoid catching on your saddle. The fact that the...

Hidden zipper vents, custom waist adjusters, and plenty of storage aren't the only things that make One Industries' Vapor Shorts a favorite among established riders. It’s also the four-way stretch polyester construction and removable liner with chamois that puts the Vapor at the top of gear lis...

Even freeriders have to pedal sometimes. Alpinestars designed Manual Shorts with DH and freeride in mind–a long cut, a loose fit, and plenty of pocket space and ventilation. Then it added a snap-in, removable mesh liner with a chamois to take some of the bite out of the pedal up.Alpinestars bu...

Garneau's Elite Power Team Shorts were designed to provide the ultimate combination of support and all-day riding comfort. It's no surprise, then, that Backcountry Bike Team athletes rely on the Elites for all of their races and training rides. Starting with the basic construction, Garneau ma...

We understand that it's easy to get caught up in the hype of "limited edition" products. However, while most limited offerings are mainly limited in quality and consumer-desire, Giro's Empire MTB Shoes are something that we've all been waiting for. And not surprisingly, Giro has exceeded all of...

When you demand a combination of the perfect fit and unrivaled longevity from a mountain shoe, there's arguably no finer option than Sidi's new Dominator Fit Shoes. And now, the latest LTD version only enhances their drool-worthiness. With new materials and classic construction, Sidi left no st...

You’ll find the Troy Lee Designs D3 Carbon Fiber Helmet on the heads of many of mountain biking’s greats, and it’s not exactly a mystery as to why. First, there’s TLD’s storied heritage, which alone would be enough to keep its helmets on the heads of the sport's elite. Then there’s the fact tha...

The POC Trabec Race MIPS Helmet is light, fast, and built to exceed all previous standards of bike-helmet safety. Cutting-edge technologies like Aramid reinforcements and the MIPS system are designed to keep your gray matter in one non-concussed piece.MIPS technology allows controlled rotation ...

New to this year, the Technomicro microfiber upper of Sidi's Women's Dominator Fit shoes provides superb ventilation and the durability that's necessary for mountain biking. Even better, compared to last year's iteration, this Dominator Fit has been designed with a narrower heel cup and last. T...

Five Ten took the best of its original Maltese and tweaked it into what may very well be the perfect lightweight all-mountain shoe. Not only does the Maltese Falcon LT Clipless give you the option of running clipless or flats, but it also has a stiff-but-sensitive shank that provides all the pe...

More air forced through frontal vents equals better cooling; the downfall of larger openings is often weakened overall structure. The Maraka XC Helmet's 25 vents include five with Kali Protectives' Supervent technology to maximize air intake and, most importantly, to easily pass tough CPSC safe...

Smith Optics has become an icon for its killer shades, not to mention its lineup snow helmets and goggles. But the boys in Sun Valley spend most of the year riding mountain bikes on the region’s countless miles of velvety-smooth singletrack, and they wanted to keep their domes comfortable and p...

Your mother has been telling you that you're going to break your neck since the first time you jumped on a bike. The Alpinestars Carbon Bionic Neck Support employs high-tech material and carefully engineered panels to protect your neck and help your mom sleep a little better....

It only makes sense. You'll be wearing a pack anyway, so why not integrate spine protection? And, while you're at it, how about hydration? Thankfully, you can have them all at once with the Poc VPD 2.0 Spine Pack 25.Generally speaking, there are two types of body armor: soft, flexible armor th...

The POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard is a comfortable, sleeve-style knee guard that's light and comfortable enough to wear on every ride. POC"s revolutionary VPD material conforms to the shape of your knee for incredible comfort, then stiffens upon impact to provide the protection of a hard shell.G...

Strap your full face on the back, full the three-liter bladder with water, and let the Platypus Duthie A.M. 17.0 Hydration pack carry everything you need for a full day of mashing the pedals all-mountain style. Padded shoulder straps and an ergonomic back panel take the bite out of the added we...

The XTR Race PD-M980 Pedals are lighter, provide more stability, and shed mud better than ever before. These improvements are the result of a refined pedal body shape. The design is leaner than the 970, with all non-essential material shaved away. While this amounts to a pedal that is roughly 2...

Carbon fiber, VPP, FOX Racing Shox, and Shimano XT components are enough buzz words to make any knobby-tire enthusiast weak in the knees. Add to the picture 27.5in wheels and 125mm of travel and you've got a recipe for mountain bike of the year. But, the Juliana Furtado Carbon Primeiro Complete...

There are few bikes on the market that have as strong a history with hard charging riders as the Nomad. And while the Santa Cruz Nomad X01 Complete Mountain Bike may be the value-oriented option out of the lineup, you’ll forget that fact the moment it hits dirt. Now in its third generation, the...

We’re living in a golden era of mountain biking. Never before have you been able to get a bike with all the technical capabilities of the late 2000's World Cup DH race bikes, at sub-30-pound weights. And one of our favorite examples of this progress is the Niner WFO 9 4-Star Complete Mountain B...

Spread across the wide commercial complex of America, many brands paint an obese, money grabbing, and unhealthy picture of the good ol' USA. Alternatively, companies like Thomson, Industry Nine, Chris King, and Merlin, found bundled in this XLM XX1 Complete Mountain Bike package of singletrack ...

In the realm of aggressive use trail bikes, there's arguably no bike more classic than the Mojo HD. So when Ibis gave it an update, they dropped half a pound off the frame and increased the clearance to accommodate 27.5-inch wheels. And here we have the Mojo HDR 650b XX1 complete mountain bike....

The Twenty6 Predator is the low-profile standard in flat pedals. The revolutionary design is lightweight, comfortable, and extremely durable. The Predator's unique pin design and placement also gives you an edge where you need it most—the grip department.Concave platform supports the foot natur...

If you can read and follow directions, then having Pedro's Apprentice Tool Kit at your disposal will cut down on repair costs and downtime. Instead of a piecemeal tool kit, the Pedro's Apprentice Tool Kit is loaded with specialty tools in a turnkey package that covers much more than the basics....

For over a decade the Feedback Sports Pro Bicycle Repair Stand has set the standard for full function, professional grade, portable bike stands. This stand features adjustable height, from 42-71 inches, and 360-degree rotation. The patented Slide-Lock clamp offers quarter-turn action to get bik...

With the nearly constant refinement of bike parts and pieces, we've entered into an era of very lightweight components and frames. While this makes for easier rides up the mountains and more comfort out on the flats, the increasing importance of respecting manufacturer's torque specs makes an a...

Perform at your highest level, regardless if you're throwing fastballs or pedaling down twisty canyons with the Oakley Radarlock Path Heritage Collection Sunglasses. These cutting-edge, multi-sport sunglasses feature an O-Matter frame with surge port channels for cool air flow, lightweight perf...

Every time that GoPro launches a new generation of cameras, we're left confronting the age-old adage, how do you improve on perfection? Well, how about reducing housing size and weight by 20%, reducing distortion by 33%, speeding up Wi-Fi, a SuperView mode, and increasing battery life by 25%? W...

You've probably already guessed that the Garmin Edge 810 Bundle and Map Card grants you access to every available metric known to man. So, we won't focus on the obvious. Instead, let's take a look at the new features that distinguish the Edge 810 from the 800.Starting at the screen, Garmin plac...

Having a solid connection to the pedals is important, but so is being comfortable and supported when it comes time to hop off the bike. This is where Giro's Republic Shoes jump in, as they pull double duty by smoothly transitioning from the bike to the street with ease. In other words, the days...

Who doesn't appreciate value? We certainly do, and if you're looking at the Louis Garneau LS-100 Shoes, you must as well. We simply can't think of any other shoes that better match technology features with price. In fact, with a BOA L4 retention system, a stiff outsole, and nearly unrivaled ven...

What happens when you forgo kangaroo leather and Microtex for mesh and Microtex? Around a 26 gram weight reduction, actually. This is one of the defining features that separate the Fi'zi:k R3 Donna and the R5 Donna Shoes, and in our opinion, this makes the R5 almost more desirable. The R5 Donn...

Contemporary logic tells us that we need to refinance the house in order to invest in a quality pair of cycling shoes. And if weren't for Shimano, that might be true. However, with new developments like the SH-R107 Shoes, you get in the weight ballpark of Shimano's top-end offerings, carbon com...

Even if you're new to road riding, you deserve a bike that checks off the boxes on your wishlist without damaging your wallet. However, Diamondback understands that not every cyclist wants a bike for the sole purpose of racing. For this reason, the Century 2 Complete Bike features a build and g...

To us, the hallmark of a Giro design are its three central vents. And, not coincidentally, you'll find this feature on the Giro Saros Helmet. It was originally part of the Prolight design, but nearly every subsequent helmet has revolved around the three prominent central holes. To us, this trid...

Although recognized more often among mountain bikers than road cyclists, the Diamondback legacy draws upon over a century of road experience to develop a line of bikes for every rider imaginable. And while Diamondback, originally known as Centurion, was formed in 1969, in 1999, its pedigree was...

At a glance, the Wilier Izoard XP 105 Complete Road Bike is deceptively similar to the Italian master's top tier Cento1. Not surprisingly, it may even be close enough to fool the learned observer. So, should the Izoard XP make Cento1 owners a bit jealous? Well, if you look at the price tag, it ...

To understand a little about the pedigree of Diamondback bicycles, knowing the name Centurion Bicycles is paramount. Formed in 1969, Centurion began importing bikes into the United States. Over a twenty-year span, it evolved into Centurion/Diamondback and then simply Diamondback. In 1999, Ralei...

The Niner RLT 2-Star Complete Road Bike could be described by any number of niche categories, but we prefer to simply call it a workhorse. It’s not a race bike, although with a powerful motor it wouldn’t stop you from putting up solid results in a road race if you pinned on a number. It’s not r...

No one's going to argue that sports-car-like handling, the most advanced and exotic featherweight materials, as well as the utmost rigidity are ever undesirable traits in a race bike. But the reality is that not everybody is searching for a bicycle built solely to win the longest and hardest ra...

Yes, the big news is that carbon finally worked its way down the line and infiltrated Shimano's 105 pedals. Wearing a strikingly similar look and feel as its older brothers, along with borrowing many of the same materials and construction methods, the all-new Shimano PD-5700C SPD-SL redefines t...

Yakima has made the SuperJoe Pro 2 to deliver two bicycles safely to the trailhead. Trunk mounted racks are easy to get to and offer an affordable alternative to roof rack systems. The SuperJoe Pro 2 holds two bicycles to the tail end of almost any vehicle. Yakima Stable Cradles secure each bik...

Chemists will tell you that the element Xenon is a noble gas that's heavier than oxygen. The Gore Bike Wear Xenon S Short-Sleeve Jersey, on the other hand, feels lighter than air. It's a welcome contradiction. Rather than being sewn with thread, the seams of the Xenon S Short-Sleeve Jersey are ...

Realize your ambitious mileage goals for this season with the help of the GORE BIKE WEAR Men's Xenon 2.0 Bib Short. This bib is made for long-distance rides thanks to its advanced chamois, ergonomic fit, and supportive fabric.Xenon 2.0 chamois features high-density foam and a design that elimin...

Louis Garneau's CB Carbon Bib Shorts are built for the cyclist that puts long hours into the saddle. Essentially, it embodies all of the features necessary for this task, only at about half of the typical asking price. Unlike common dark textiles that absorb radiant energy, Louis Garneau treat...

Contrary to popular belief, quality bib shorts don't have to cost more than your average training wheelset. Case in point are the Giordana Silverline Bib Shorts. Finally, the Silverline has begun to receive trickle-down technology from FormaRed. For a fraction of the price, the Silverline utili...

The origins of "endurance" are in the Latin indurare "to harden or make hard." And while we wouldn't wish that anyone's long endurance rides are harder, we know that sometimes they feel that way. Castelli's Endurance X2 Bib Shorts are designed to keep you comfortable no matter how long your bum...

The Castelli Velocissimo GT Bib Short was constructed of 210 gram Affinity Lycra. This fabric is lightweight and helps to wick moisture away from your skin. Additionally, it features a 4-way stretch so that they retain their shape and fit you properly ride after ride. The shorts have been const...

As the most technical jersey in Castelli's women's collection, the Certezza was developed through extensive wind-tunnel testing and by applying new paneling designs. The result is a sleek, comfortable riding top that hugs your torso and keeps you supported while in the saddle. The Certezza jer...

Giordana has added the Silverline Women's Bib Shorts to their lineup to provide a low-cost, high-performance alternative to the bank-breaking offerings that have flooded the market. The comfort and performance perks these bib shorts offer make them a favorite. Moxie, the Silverlines' main body...

In between Castelli's comfort-focused Gisele and its race-optimized Body Paint, falls the Vizio Tre Women's Shorts. Essentially, Castelli design the Vizio Tre to balance comfort and efficiency with support and fit. All the while they're loaded with enough Castelli tech to confidently see you th...

The Castelli Principessa Shorts are the total package, combining a race-level cut with base mile comfort. Essentially, these shorts bridge the divide between the Castelli's top-tier Body Paint 2.0 and the more indoor/outdoor versatility of the comfort-driven Castelli Gisele's. These Shorts ar...

Gore Bike Wear has won a special place in our hearts because of their impressive engineering attention to even the most minute of details in nearly every garment they produce. Take the Xenon 2.0 Shorts, for example. If you prefer the convenience of a short, but demand the comfort and support of...

Building on the simplicity and hugely versatile lens-swapping technology of their legendary Sliders, the Smith Pivlock V-system of lens interchangeability is a natural and elegant optical evolution. The merits of this design allowed Smith to go blow-for-blow with some of the most entrenched opt...

The Diadora Tornado Road Shoe is designed with all the bells and whistles of the Proracer 3, but is constructed with materials that won't set your wallet ablaze. One of the differences you'll see between the Proracer and the Tornado is the construction of the sole. While the Proracer is carbon ...

There's little doubt that Sidi is the world's best-selling cycling shoe, and the Sidi Genius Fit is destined to be one of its most popular models. Similar to the Genius 5 Pro, the Fit uses the same design, only with both technology and material upgrades. Sidi constructed the uppers of the Geni...

It's a rarity that one shoe can combine comfort with rigidity. After all, by definition, the two are at odds with each other. However, not every shoemaker has the pedigree or the ambition to innovate that Shimano does. And for its latest top-tier offering, the SH-R320 Shoes, Shimano pushed past...

Pedal with the Giro Factress Women's Shoes to power over climbs and spin through the flats with a custom, supportive insole and a foot-hugging Teijin microfiber upper. Equipped with Easton's EC90 carbon fiber soles, the Factress is ideal for for weekly Crits, or besting friends on weekend-warri...

Wilier puts it, "The spirit of the Gran Turismo is embodied in the soul of the GTS." What the Italian frame manufacturer really means is that its new GTS was developed for riders who want that lively race feel in their road machines, but without the aggressive race fit. To achieve this, Wilier ...

When the engineers at Louis Garneau began researching the history of aerodynamics for its new Course Helmet, they found that there were considerable differences between aerodynamic equations and practical applications. In other words, the extensive research and wind tunnel testing would only ta...

How much do we love the Giro Atmos Helmet? So much that it's been a permanent fixture in our cycling closets since it first appeared on the scene. Sure, we've flirted with some new, good-looking lids, but we've always come back to our true love, the Atmos. The Atmos was the first helmet that e...

Calling the Catlike Vacuum Helmet the most conventional looking helmet in the 2012 Catlike line would be tantamount to arguing that Cippolini's pink skinsuit for the 2005 Giro was his most conservative wardrobe choice. Granted, it's not as immediately memorable as Catlike's top-shelf Whisper Pl...

Not all of us are mountain goats. Anything that purports to make that slog up Guardsman Pass a bit easier is sought out with enthusiasm. Boardman knows the importance of weight when it comes to climbing, as it proves in the new SLS frame. The SLS was designed to ride over the highest mountain p...

New road, gravel grinders, whatever you want to call them, there's no denying their immense popularity as of late. However, so much of what passes in those circles are heavy, flex'y beasts that are far too cumbersome to be inspiring when you really want to fly. Needless to say, we were thrilled...

Ridley is best known for two things — Belgian pride and incredibly fast race bikes. So, what do you get when some of the hardest folks in cycling combine the best attributes of the Damocles and the Excalibur? The result is the Ridley Fenix/ Shimano Ultegra Complete Road Bike. And while its raci...

Using its lauded and medal winning (gold and bronze in triathlon at the '12 games) AiR frame, Boardman has created a mid-level, race-ready bike that will get you to the finish line fast. Years of expertise in racing against the clock have given Boardman a unique perspective into the technology ...

The wait is over for a ProTour-level build from the masterminds at Ridley. After carefully selecting their renowned carbon Fenix frameset as a starting platform, they built up the machine using a sound blend of some of the best components available. With a top-shelf Campy drivetrain, Deda cockp...

Unless you've been meditating in a cave for the past couple of years, you've most likely caught wind that Shimano created a carbon fiber Ultegra pedal. Yes, the PD-6700 carbon pedals were 60 grams lighter than their aluminum counterparts, and they were moving closer and closer to resembling a d...

In mountain biking, people talk of privateers. That's most of the world — people who buy their own stuff. And when counting pennies, doing spreadsheet calculations, and analyzing cost-per-gram, the less flashy parts — the Chorus', Force's, and Ultegra's of the world, often provide 99% of the pe...

For over a decade the Feedback Sports Pro Bicycle Repair Stand has set the standard for full function, professional grade, portable bike stands. This stand features adjustable height, from 42-71 inches, and 360-degree rotation. The patented Slide-Lock clamp offers quarter-turn action to get bik...

Whether you ride a road bike or a downhill bike, the Yakima Stick Up Bike Rack holds your ride when you travel. This unique design clamps down over the top of your frame, so it works regardless of your bike's size or shape. Plus, you're not dealing with a bunch of straps and buckles when you us...

When we first heard the expression, "paralysis by analysis, " we weren't sure what to think. We knew how to sift information during a bike ride. Then we saw the SRM PC V computer. Four lines of data at all times, plus a fifth line that toggles between two different metrics. Brain pain. You were...

The discussion over the effectiveness of fabric verses bare skin in races against the clock is never-ending. It's been proven, by the numbers, that certain textures of fabric placed across the direction of wind flow are more aerodynamic than bare skin, but that's only if they have been engineer...

With more cyclists moving into either full-piece or hybrid suits, Garneau created its Course Skin Suit to provide you with both aerodynamic efficiency and pure functionality. The lower portion of the suit was made from Garneau's CB Gladiator fabric. This material features a knit that has a hi...

The Castelli Aero Race 4.0 jersey seems to have everything you could want in a race-ready jersey. But, never one to rest on its laurels, Castelli took the jersey back to the wind tunnel, in addition to garnering feedback from its professional riders. The result is the AR 5.0 Full Zip Jersey. As...

The tailored shirt. Bespoke. The fit is perfect. So perfect, you don't need exciting colors or patterns to call attention to yourself. The look doesn't shout; it speaks softly, confidently. It's the look of a master, a patron. This is the why of the Capo Padrone Short Sleeve Jersey.This jersey ...

Giordana's Trade FRC Torre Jersey represents over 30 years in the world of cycling, and, as the word "torre" translates — "towers" over the Giordana lineup. Based on three decades of fabric engineering and manufacturing, it features unmatched fit, creating a "second skin" that moves with you on...

With Giordana's new EXO System Jersey, it pursued the Holy Grail of cycling jerseys -- the balanced combination of comfort, support, and aerodynamics. Not surprisingly, Giordana nailed it on the first try. With five fabrics, three of them brand new, and a cut that both supports the muscles and ...

For decades, wool was the go-to fabric for cycling jerseys. Then someone tried cotton, which failed miserably. Then finally polyester — which to this day has been a staple. And while the basic content of the fabrics has remained the same, the Capo Drago Jersey is a new evolution in jersey const...

When most of us hear the words 'body paint,' we think of Mardi Gras or wild Vegas shows. But that certainly is not what Castelli had in mind when it coined the phrase to describe this line of high-quality cycling wear. The Castelli Body Paint 2.0 Bib Shorts will fit so well that you'll feel lik...

Given all the bib shorts on the market, it's a little surprising to us that we don't get excited about more of them. The Giordana Trade Torre FRC Bib Shorts are a notable exception. The fit is precise and the chamois is seemingly perfect, making them rival the best of the best. Trade FRC Torre...

We won't sugar coat it. For years, we've viewed Giordana's FormaRed Carbon bib shorts as the pinnacle of comfort. However, never being one to rest on its laurels, Giordana has finally surpassed the monolith of FRC, and the name is the EXO System Bib Shorts. Sure, a host of synonyms come to mind...

Since the Padrone Short Sleeve Jersey represents Capo's best efforts at fit and comfort to date, the only way to have matching bib shorts was to push their design to new levels to match it. The Padrone Bib Shorts are that next level.The fit has been refined from their super corsa paneling desig...

You don't wear the Capo Drago 2.0 Bib Shorts to go unnoticed. You wear them with that glimmer in your eye that says you've got something up your sleeve. Their racy, "painted-on" fit and menacing red stitching certainly draw attention, but a deeper inspection reveals a highly technical pair of s...

As the most technical jersey in Castelli's women's collection, the Certezza was developed through extensive wind-tunnel testing and by applying new paneling designs. The result is a sleek, comfortable riding top that hugs your torso and keeps you supported while in the saddle. The Certezza jer...

We've found that a serious cyclist is just that, regardless of gender. And every serious rider deserves top-end apparel. The Giordana Forma Red Carbon Women's Short Sleeve Jersey is built to be at least as good as the men's stuff -- just cut to fit ladies. And of course, there's no sacrificing ...

You shouldn't have to bare all in order to stave off the heat. Nor should you have to sacrifice race-worthy designs for an anatomic, women's-specific fit. And while there are droves of those able to satisfy one of these needs, only Louis Garneau does it all in one jersey with its Course Superle...

The Trade collection is the latest addition to the Giordana apparel line. It features the fit and fabrics  previously found only in the top-tier Giordana FRC line, in a collection suited for the rider who values durability and value alongside the best materials available. The Trade Flash FRC Je...

For years, Giordana's FormaRed Carbon bib shorts have been the benchmark of comfort. In fact, this position has been so reinforced that we've always found hard to believe that Giordana could top it once, let alone every year. However, 2013 brings yet another iteration of the FormaRed Carbon Cus...

For years female cyclists have felt like second class citizens in the world of high-quality cycling wear, victims of the enduring misapprehension that ladies don't need top drawer stuff when they are riding. Though some brands have given lip service to the idea of 'women-specific' items, only C...

Giordana's FormaRed Carbon bib shorts have been the benchmark of comfort for riders for years. In fact, we find it hard to believe that Giordana is able to continually outdo itself with each year's new iteration. Well it has once again. The Trade Flash FormaRed Carbon Bib Shorts are the perfec...

Proper race bibs aren't just Lycra panels swathed in sponsors' logos. The Louis Garneau Women's Course Race Bib Shorts feature muscle supporting fabric, comfortable seaming, and a chamois that you'll wear stage after stage in sheer comfort. Louis Garneau constructed the bib shorts from its pro...

Back in April of 2012, as Tom Boonen's incredible solo breakaway closed in on a fourth victory at the Roubaix velodrome, his smiling face was on every camera, and on that face, the then-unreleased Radarlock Path Polarized Sunglasses. The Radarlock is perfect for hellishly long days in the sadd...

The heart and soul of the Oakley Polarized Racing Jacket Sunglasses is speed. Whether you're gunning for record-breaking RPMs on your two-wheeled steed or going for broke on the last mile of your run, the Polarized Racing Jacket Sunglasses are born pace-setters. Style certainly isn't lost in th...

If you spend as much time racing as training, you want the lightest, stiffest bike and components as possible. But, did it ever occur to you that if you're wearing the wrong shoes you're losing valuable power? The Diadora Vortex Pro is not the lightest shoe on the market, but it does feature an...

Sitting atop Lake’s cycling footwear hierarchy are the CX402 Shoes, and we have to admit, they certainly fit the bill. With a kangaroo leather upper, prized for its durability and suppleness, and a moldable Custom Fit carbon fiber sole, you’re all but guaranteed a fit that’s second to none. Of ...

In the never-ending quest for helmet lightness, one fact makes us rest easy: Even the most feathery helmets must pass the CPSC safety standard for impact resistance. If, for example, you've ever picked up a Giro Prolight or Aeon helmets, you know why this is a concern. It seems impossible that ...

Eagle eyes at the 2012 the Tour may have noticed a new, and yet-unreleased Sidi shoe beneath Green Jersey winner Peter Sagan as he stormed to each of his impressive three stage wins. Now available to assist with your own pursuit of the maillot vert, are the Sidi Wire Shoes -- the next footwear ...

The Empire is back for 2014, and this time around it makes its appearance even leaner and stiffer than the beloved inaugural release. An updated sole composition and new upper material are responsible for the refined makeup, with this specific version being released as a limited, collaborative ...

When Sidi re-writes the book on cycling footwear, the Italian label isn't content to reserve all of that innovation and performance-granting comfort to the boys. Replacing the top-tier Ergo 3 is the new Wire Shoe — a full 60 grams lighter than its predecessor and now with a sole and a fit caref...

Typically, we're used to making certain sacrifices in the name of low weight -- namely, to that of strength. However, this design principle is entirely unacceptable for helmets, as protection is a helmet's primary function. Thankfully, though, the engineers at Catlike have continued to push the...

The brain trust at POC pretty much rewrote the book on mountain bike protection only a few short years ago, and with the Octal Helmet, POC is about to do the same thing for road riders. In keeping with its history of innovative designs, POC built the Octal to maximize protection, while maintain...

Titanium holds a magic power over cyclists. No, it's not the lightest material out there. That distinction goes to carbon, but it is highly durable. And, when your quiver only has room for one frame, shouldn't you choose one that will last a lifetime? The Merlin Extralight/SRAM Force 22 will wi...

In case you've been living under a rock, the age of the aero road bike is upon us, which makes Wilier's timing perfect in introducing the Cento1 Air Dura-Ace - Ultegra 11 Complete Road Bike. As the next evolution of the Cento1 SR, you already know that this is a thoroughbred that loves to go fa...

Ridley's engineers set out on a new mission right on the heels of the Helium's release. The goal was to maintain the stiffness and stability of the proven original, while at the same time reducing its overall weight. The result of their efforts is the aptly-titled Helium SL. At around 1050 gram...

Boardman Bicycles, the namesake of Olympic champion and world hour record holder, Chris Boardman, was established in 2004. In the short span of 9 years its sponsored athletes have received numerous accolades, including a Triathlon Championship in the '12 games by Alistair Brownlee and a bronze ...

For 2014, Orca has completely reworked what was the memorable Orca Gold, Silver, and Bronze line. And by reworked, we mean completely redesigned. Yes, the legendary status of the Orca is still imbued into its frames; the changes made propel Orbea's design to yet another level of perfection. The...

The orca, or killer whale, is one of the apex predators of the ocean. In other words, it has no natural predators of its own. And, like its namesake, Orbea's lauded frame is at the top of industry innovation and design. Previous years gave us the Gold, Silver, and Bronze models, but for 2014, t...

You've been waiting for years, drooling and poring over discreet photos of Team Garmin Sharp prototypes at every race in the world. Yes, for more than three seasons, we've been guilty of this too. However, the wait is finally over, as the Garmin Vector Powermeter Pedals have arrived to market. ...

It should really come as no surprise that two of Germany's incredibly talented carbon fiber engineering teams joined forces and designed a wheelset that sits in a class all its own. With both Markus Storck and Heinz Obermayer driving the collaboration, the resulting Meilenstein Obermayer Tubula...

When you race, you want the best of low-rolling resistance and grip from your tires. The Veloflex Carbon Tubular features excellent grip for cornering as well as racing in wet conditions in a 320TPI corespun tubular.  Veloflex's tubulars are hand-sewn in Italy, where everyone knows cycling. Th...

Pinarello and Campagnolo. The two icons stand as both the pinnacle and base of the deeply rooted foundation of Italian cycling. Nothing compares to their commitment to preserving the sport's history, while at the same time valiantly marching ahead with an eye toward innovative perfection. This ...

Over the generations of Dura-Ace, we've become more accustomed to seeing the gradual incorporation of carbon fiber. And while this seems like an interpretive advancement, Shimano has remained steadfast in its purposeful placement. So, instead of senselessly making every facet of the Dura-Ace gr...

Analog gauges are not just difficult to see, their accuracy can often be questionable. When it comes to tire pressure, a discrepancy of a few psi is not only going to affect ride characteristics and comfort, it can also be the difference between a podium finish and a finishers' medal. For that ...

Arundel Sideloader bottle cages were designed specifically to address bottle access issues for folks that ride small or compact geometry frames. Rather than forcing you to pull (or attempt to pull) your bottle fully upward, its minimalist profile allows you to pull the bottle up just a bit, the...

The first thing you'll notice about the Biknd Helium Bicycle Travel Case is that it has air bags for your bike. We should note, by the way, that it doesn't use helium in any way -- just air. The name 'Helium' stems from the lightness of the case. It weighs only 24 lbs empty, and considering the...

Transporting your big rigs requires a beefy rack like the Kuat NV 2 Bike Rack. This burly bike rack hold them in place as you speed through several states toward dirty downhill freedom. The front and back tire-ratcheting design secures 20- to 29-inch wheels and leaves 13 inches between bikes to...

You've been happy with the Garmin 500, we get it -- it's small, has useful data, and quite simply, it works. So, you're probably desperate for a reason to upgrade to the Garmin Edge 510 Bundle and OF Mount. Well, how about three reasons -- a longer battery life, a touch screen interface, and th...