Gearzilla » City Biking

The North Face Etip Gloves

nborchelt — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:00:11 +0000

www.thenorthface.com
If there is one piece of gear that I have fallen in love with this winter it is The North Face Etip Gloves. I try not to let the cold stop me from being outside, so I needed something where I wouldn’t have to take off my gloves to type, read, or take pictures on my iPad mini. With cost in mind, I first tried a pair that were knit and had a tiny sensor ball in the index finger… it worked maybe 50% of the time and typing a message was nearly impossible. So after some extensive research, I bit the bullet and spent the money to get something that most claimed worked. The stretch knit gloves are comfortable, keep my hands warm, AND the X-Static finger caps work every time I want to flip a page on my Kindle app, type an email, or take a photo. I also really like the silicone pattern on the palm as it allows me to feel that I have a comfortable grip on my iPad. Trust me, these gloves are worth the price.
-Jennifer Seabolt

Triple Aught Design New Stealth Hoodie LT

nborchelt — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:00:03 +0000

www.tripleaughtdesign.com
If Conrad Anker were the CEO of some well-known social-networking site, this is the kind of hoodie that he’d be seen sporting. In short, it does the business when conditions are at their worst, including during several frigid nighttime rides and downpours this winter. The jacket employs Schoeller’s sophisticated Nanosphere technology to offer reliable water- and abrasion-resistance (a claim to which we can attest, with the caveat that water beads up and has habit of dripping off onto other more casual, non-water-resistant apparel like shoes and jeans!). Compared to other burlier winter coats, the Stealth Hoodie almost feels a little flimsy, but this is an illusion. Triple Aught’s “c_change” membrane provides wind- and waterproofing, while offering breathability when things get more aerobic than running from a little rain; the non-fussy nylon exterior protects against abrasion without making you look like Robocop. By itself, it’s not the warmest of pieces, but layer up and you’ll be snug. Overall, as Mark Zuckerberg might say, “Like!”.

Editor’s Note: We also reviewed an earlier model of the Slealth Hoddie LT; the new one boasts additional features (like the use of Nanosphere)…and a higher price.

Winter OR Round-Up: Osprey

nborchelt — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:00:27 +0000

www.ospreypacks.com
“The Internet of Things” was a big, buzzy phrase at last year’s CES, as online accessibility continues to become part of our daily lives. And while the outdoor industry probably won’t ever go full-cyborg on us, we have seen some smart tech-centric products over the last few years, from avalanche airbag backpacks and outdoor-focused apps to smartphone cases with batteries and high-def videos of…everything. And in fall 2013, Osprey’s Portal line of packs (pictured) will continue this trend, targeting traveler and touch screen-dependent subway riders. The seven packs, like the Tech Commute, will have touch screen-friendly see-through windows and padded sleeves for tablets and smart phones, in both messenger bag and backpack styles, starting at $99.

They’re also making packs for the more active commuter (read: the cyclists, runners, and in-line skaters—hey, we see one in DC every once in a while!). Designs like the Radial ($159) and the Spin ($139) will have a nicely vented back panel, a padded laptop sleeve, an integrated rain fly, and bike-friendly features like a dedicated U-lock pocket.

We also look forward to the new line of snow packs. The Reverb ($89), for example, will target the lift-access resort set who might also want to do some in-bound (or sidecountry) hikes. It’ll open via the back panel (so it lays in the snow with the shoulder straps facing up, thus keeping them dry), let you carry your skis diagonally (or your board vertically), and has space for all the essential backcountry tools as well as an extra layer and a hydration reservoir. The Kode ($129) ups the ante with more storage (including a stowable helmet pouch on top), the ability to carry the skis A-frame or diagonally, side-zip access, and a hydration sleeve in three different pack sizes.

Ibex Breakaway 2 Jacket

nborchelt — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:36 +0000

shop.ibex.com
When you wear this piece for the first time, it feels much too stylish to be dragged through the muck. But like that pretty-boy quarterback who can actually stand up to the game’s rough and tumble, the Breakaway jacket performed for our tester when conditions required on road crud-splattered winter bike rides and blustery, wet day hikes. (It’s easy to wash, too; just put it on a delicate cycle and line dry.) A durable shell at the torso and arm areas keeps wet and wind out, while a four-stretch Climawool weave on the back and inner arms lets the piece breathes easily when doing aerobic activities like biking and running. The fabric blends merino wool with Lycra and nylon to create a warmer, more durable layer . There’s a front-panel chest pocket and cavernous back pocket to stash exercise essentials, without overloading the shell with zips and trimmings (no bad thing, as it cuts a svelte outline for uses other than outdoor exploration). A patch of reflective fabric near the bottom of the left sleeve also adds another layer of visibility that was often appreciated by our commuting cycle test team, while the stylish two-tone aesthetic didn’t scream that we’d rather be on our bikes—a touch of style that helped in more fashion-forward spots we occasionaly frequent after the long ride toward home.

Rapha City Wind Jacket

nborchelt — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:00:52 +0000

www.rapha.cc
A wispy jacket that can be scrunched up and stashed in a pocket, you’d be forgiven for accidentally putting this out with your plastic-bag recycling (big mistake, though, given the price tag). In fact, this jacket may qualify as the biggest example of looks can deceive. Our tester managed to put this piece to the sword on fall and winter bike rides when conditions would fluctuate from balmy to windy to wet. The lightweight jacket—designed after the transparent rain capes worn by pro cyclists to allow for visibility of sponsors’ logos and race numbers—is surprisingly warm and comfortable. In fact, our tester even wore this out during a late-night bar hop and was pleasantly surprised to be the recipient of multiple compliments and requests to finger the lightweight micro ripstop nylon (yeah, we know, the sacrifices we ask our gear testers to make here at Gearzilla…). But cycle-specific detailing like the elastic cuffs, a drop tail, laser-vents, reflective logos, and a burly DWR laminate do keep it firmly in place on the saddle.

The Invisible Bike Helmet

nborchelt — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:05 +0000

Okay…Invisible may be a stretch. But the Hovding helmet certainly qualifies as the stealthiest helmet on the market. The helmet is fully disguised as a short, over-padded scarf that gas-inflates with a burst of helium when internal accelerometers and gyrometers indicate abnormal movement. Think of it as an airbag custom-designed to cover your head, one powered by a rechargeable battery that plugs into a USB port (approx. 18 hours of coverage per charge). The product is the brainchild of two Swedish cyclists who were annoyed by the clunky, fashion-frozen helmets on the market and set out to make an invisible one. Seven years later with more than $1 million in venture capital funding, the Hovding hit the market in 2012, and has received a slew of European awards. Question is: will it win the hearts of the helmet-abstaining urban hipster? The different “shell” styles (which retail for $75) that cover deflated helmets should help.

Check out a cool video profile of the inventors.

Available in M and S sizes; If the bag inflates during an accident you can’t re-use the helmet. You can return it to be recycled and Hovding will offer a replacement discount. They also analyze the “black box” inside the helmet, which records ten seconds of crash data to help inform future product iterations.

Bern G2 Helmet

nborchelt — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:00:31 +0000

bernunlimited.com
As one tester who’s spent over a decade urban cycling can attest, 2012 marked the year of the hard helmet. Legions of single-speed city riders (like our tester) have gotten over the vanity of biking sans protection. And most of ‘em have eschewed the cycle-obsessed, aerodynamic designs for skateboard-inspired models like those made by Bern. In East Coast locales it seems as if Bern has cornered the market. With helmets like their G2, it’s easy to understand why. But let us not pigeon-hole the G2 as solely a cycling helmet. Bern has made its mark on the ski and riding scene as much as in urban cycling circles, and this versatile helmet is equally at home on the slopes as it is in the saddle. The all-weather helmet is made of Bern’s proprietary “Zipmold” hard foam, a liquid foam-injection process that delivers better weight-to-strength ratio, resulting in a lighter, low-profile helmet that meets all the safety standards. The snap-in winter liner adds additional warmth—a feature we loved on blizzard-condition days, or when we faced temps in the teens during our daily commute. Up top, an easy-access slide lets you adjust the airflow through eight strategically positioned vents, which is a great feature as you ride (or ski or bike) into spring. And when the snow melts and you are relegated to just the bike, swap out the winter lining for the EPS Summer Comfort Liner ($15) and keep on pedaling. We tested it in warm fall temps, and didn’t overheat (thanks especially to the vents), but we suspect the helmet could prove hot in the humid, 100-degree-plus days of late July and August (likely something specific to this helmet). One bit of advice: before ordering, assure your fit is spot-on. Unlike some bike and snow helmets, there’s no fit adjustment here, a feature that certainly reduces the weight but also could prove prohibitive if your hair style (and corresponding hair volume) varies more than David Bowie’s.
The helmet includes a goggle strap clip in the back; audio knit liners with speakers in the ear pads are available for $60

Nau Highline Blazer

nborchelt — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

www.nau.com
This may label us craft-obsessed hipsters, but we love it when old school sensibilities marry with the technical universe that dominates today’s outdoor gear industry. Nau—naturally based in “hipster-rich” Portland—shares this passion of merging the old world and new, a feat perhaps best exemplified by their Highline Blazer. The classic, two-layer wool flannel jacket has been treated with a poly laminate to provide waterproof protection while simultaneously taking full advantage of wool’s all-natural insulation, breathability, and odor resistance. Panels of waxed cotton along the forearms, back, and collar reinforce the weather-resistance on the places you need it most, and taped seams seal in other potential weak spots in the jacket. The lining boasts a subtle checked pattern, with a drop pocket ideally suited for one of the 1,001 smart phones of the world. On the front are two buttoned hand pockets and a button chest pocket. You can dial in the tailored fit by adjusting the waist tabs, button cuffs, and button-down collar. The back split flap also snaps at the bottom, but we confess that this seems more an affectation than technical design element. The five-button front closure rounds out the fashion-forward details. The result is a jacket that looks perfectly paradoxical, something of the past, present, and future (to really time-travel go for the light gray color, the most bold and fashion-forward of the three color ways). It fits snugly (though not as tight as the latest pair of hipster jeans); if you like bulky sweaters or sweatshirts you may feel cramped.

Hop in the Saddle Guidebook

nborchelt — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:00:01 +0000

www.hopinthesaddle.com
Beer? Bikes? When two great things come together, we’re left only to wonder why it hadn’t already happened. Released this month the new guidebook Hops in the Saddle marries the best of Portland, OR: its expansive craft beer scene and its copious bike-friendly city streets. Written by Portland locals Elle Thalheimer, Lucy Burningham, and Laura Cary, each bike route has been carefully crafted to show the best of the city’s five neighborhoods, complete with detailed maps and cue sheets, catering to riders of all levels. The book also provides great “Bike Nerd Extended Routes”, and details on the city’s best breweries, bottle shops, and beer-, bike-, and budget-friendly bars and restaurants, written with both in-the-know authority and a sly sense of humor. Oh, and buying this book also means you’ll have to visit Portland—which is something we heartily endorse.

Nutcase Multisport Helmet

nborchelt — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:00:25 +0000

www.nutcasehelmets.com
Inject a bit of joy into your daily ride by ditching the boring helmet of yore and wear burst of mad color and design from Portland, OR-based Nutcase. The structure of the helmet itself is fairly straightforward: an injection-molded ABS shell with a poly inner foam for high-impact protection, paired with three sets of differently sized internal pads to help achieve the perfect fit. Up top you find two front intake valves, with seven top-mounted and two rear-mounted exhaust vents, an adjustable spin dial for the perfect fit, and a great, anti-pinching cloth-lined magnetic chin strap that clasps together like magic—all of it CPSC-certified for safe bike riding. But Nutcase’s dedication to design—bright, brilliant patterns and colors (as well as more subdued varieties)—really set these helmets apart, from watermelon to polka-dot to paisley. The helmets do run hot compared to the more race-friendly models on the market. A midday urban ride in Portland and Washington, DC, left more than one tester warmer than a traditionally vented helmet, though they were great on 40-degree autumn mornings.. But these aren’t made for century rides in the heat of summer; they’re to let you express your inner child while on your daily commute. And naturally they make a bunch of equally fantastic (and equally safe) children’s helmets for $60.