Why Cycles R+ v.4 all-road bike
The new 4th generation Why Cycles R+ titanium all-road bike makes a lot of improvements for a more capable, comfortable drop-bar “fun bike” that expands all the way up to an XXL frame size.
The R+ v.4 now comes stock with their (sister brand) Revel carbon fork, with tweaks to the frame to accommodate 700×50 or 27.5 x 2.1″ tires. A slimmer 27.2 seatpost improves comfort, and lots of mounts add capability and storage all over the frame. They updated the rear brake’s mount to make adjustments easier, and switched to SRAM’s UDH derailleur hanger so you can find a replacement at most any bike shop.
Framesets run $3,349, and complete bikes range from $5,299 (Rival) to $6,299 (GRX) to $9,299 (Red AXS).
Opinel 2022 Tour de France limited edition pocket knife
What better way to cut your cheese and baguette than with French knife maker Opinel’s 2022 Tour de France folding knife! The TDF produit officiel version of their popular No. 8 knife is designed in collaboration with adventure cyclist and graphic designer Matthieu Lifschitz (aka Manivelle).
Two editions celebrate iconic Tour de France symbols, with “Les Maillots” in honoring the yellow, green, and polka dot jerseys of the tour and “Landmarks” representing Ventoux and the Arc de Triomphe. Whittle your next s’mores stick out of this and spark up a good conversation about your latest tour.
Muc-Off hides AirTags in your tire
Want bicycle tracking that can’t be seen or easily removed? The Muc-Off Stealth Tubeless Tag Holder secures an Apple AirTag in your wheel, attached to their tubeless valve stems.
The design has a flexible, compressible base that mounts to their valve stems, reducing the likelihood of damage should you smash a rock or curb at exactly the right spot. The silicone-and-rubber cover further protects it from sealant. Retail is $45 for a kit with two valve stems, AirTag sold separately. Compatible with mountain bike tires and larger gravel tires.
Handup Gloves x Phil Gaimon Cookie Mitts
Want matching road bike gloves and oven mitt? Handup Gloves partnered with acknowledged cookie addict and ex-pro roadie Phil Gaimon to help you eat more cookies and do it in style. Get some here.
Specialized Cannibal DH tire eats dirt
The Specialized Butcher & Eliminator are some of my favorite trail/enduro tires thanks to their grippy compounds and supportive casings. But for DH World Cups, their top riders (Loic Bruni, Finn Iles, Chris Grice) needed more.
The new Specialized Cannibal GRID GRAVITY T9 tires take the ultra-grippy, vibration-reducing T9 compound and wrap it around a higher volume 2-ply 60tpi tubeless casing. The treads are big, with wide braking edges and staggered, well-supported side knobs. Designed for DH, Bike Park, and Enduro racing, they run $80 (€70) each and come in 29er and 27.5 x 2.4″ sizes.
Recommendation
Eliel Del Dios cycling kit
The Eliel Del Dios road kit is lightweight, aerodynamic, lightly compressive, and fantastically technical, with cavernous rear pockets. The material feels like stretchy paper from the future, with a dry feel that wicks away sweat like magic.
Multiple fabric zones feature different textures and functions, but come together with minimal seams. Unless you resemble a pro roadie, it runs slightly small – I tested the XL and didn’t like having the zipper pulled all the way up. Otherwise it’s very comfortable, even on long, hot rides. They’re expensive at $225 (jersey) and $350 (bibshorts), but seem like they’ll last for a good long while. Men’s & Women’s versions available, with matching vest ($225).
On Stage
Small Bites
- The Centurion brand is available for licensing from JMM Lee
- Serial 1 CTY bikes can now be locked remotely via Google Cloud
- Ergon GXR grips are their lightest ever, made with air bubble rubber
- Your Strava subscription now includes Recover Athletics’ prehab workouts
- Commençal’s prototype enduro mountain bike has a weird linkage
- The Hitch Kitchen puts a full camp kitchen in your trailer hitch
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