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It’s already August, with the Tour de France and the Tour de France femme packed with tech trends, the final nail in the coffin for rim brakes and tubeless dominance, and the weather in the UK is once again turning sultry after its annual four days of sunshine. .
July also sees us head to Eurobike for our Mega Tech Roundup, and try and answer the tricky question of which upgrade will give you the most bang for your buck.
In addition to the usual set of technologies that we have for review in the last four weeks, there are a few more optional things at the door, so we take the opportunity to highlight these, instead of the usual carbon-fest.
We’ve got gravel fashion, camera portage, and bikepacking-friendly coffee, so sit back and check out what landed here last month.
Ostroy Resort Shirts and Cargo Bibs
While road cycling is steeped in culture, and still somewhat under the thumb of ridiculously written rules, the free-spirited nature of gravel allows you to get away with slightly more challenging fashion concepts. Enter New York-based Ostroy, who caught my eye when he created the Bike Resort shirt.
At a glance, it’s just a normal, if slightly decorative, short-sleeved shirt. However, put it on and you’ll realize it’s made from the same material as the best cycling jerseys. If you have never ridden in a shirt before you lose; On hot days the extra airflow more than makes up for the aero shortcomings (unless you’re racing) and being made from lycra elevates the form better than cotton and linen. What’s more, there’s even a back pocket for your phone.
A quick blast to the pub in the sunshine to get dressed on a Friday before heading straight from work without the need for an awkward wardrobe change at the office.
Alternatively, pair it with cargo bibs in a striking yellow pair and you’ll still have the capacity to carry everything you need for a full day out. Of course, some traditionalists say bib shorts should be black, but to them I say you’re missing out on bringing a little sunshine to the process, which can only be a good thing. Capacity Ostroy To see the rest of the region.
Stacked coffee bags
Bikes and coffee go together like clotted cream and strawberry jam (jam first or we’re out) or, for those who don’t live in South West England, like cereal and milk. I’m a bit of a coffee nerd, and I’ve tried a few tricks for coffee on the go, with varying degrees of success. Fast is easy and fast, but it tends to taste like an old shoe bottom. The Aeropress and Grinder make great coffee, but it’s faff, and borderline painful when surrounded by middling herds in Scotland.
Enter the coffee bag, in this case from Heaped. You get a small bag filled with freshly ground coffee, just like a tea bag. Simply boil it in a fashionable enamel pot, add a little water and cook for a few minutes. You get 14 bags in a box, enough for a two-week visit if you just need a morning camp brew, and the bags are fully compostable if you’re in a situation where burial is warranted.
If you’re a complete coffee maniac who weighs their water (like me, it must be said) it’s a little hard to call, but a simple water level gauge and stopwatch will do you good. Results for wild-in-breeding. The end result is very similar to the French press in terms of mouthfeel, with more finesse traveling through the bag. And this is not a criticism, I love the French press.
The beans are 100% Arabica and sourced from Central and South American growers. What’s more, 50% of the profits go to support environmental causes and coffee growers. Head over to Heaped to learn more and stock up for your next bikepacking trip.
Outer shell camera strap
For most of us, a phone is all we need when we ride. It can fit in the pocket of your jersey or cargo shorts and you’ll be snapping pretty cool pictures these days. Most of the time I just take it out with me, but the rest of the time I’m forever trying to find a way to safely and easily transport my perfect camera.
The first of three camera portables this month comes from San Francisco-based band Outer Shell. While it may look like a relatively standard harness at first glance, the main feature that sets it apart for life on two wheels is the addition of a stabilizer strap that attaches below your shoulder. Anyone who has tried using a basic sling strap while driving knows that within minutes your camera has migrated from your back to swinging dangerously around your knees.
An additional stabilizing strap keeps the camera firmly in place, but cleverly uses a Fidlock magnetic clasp that opens and closes with one hand for easy access to the camera when needed. The camera can be deployed, fired and re-raised without having to stop pedaling, which is saying something.
I haven’t put that many miles on it yet, but from what I’ve done it’s performed extremely well and is the best harness-based system I’ve ever used on a bike. The wide shoulder strap relieves pressure better than most I’ve used, and the daisy chain loops are very adjustable to find the camera’s position. Better yet, it comes in leopard print and a host of other colors. Go to Outer Shell for more information.
Chrome Tensile Hip Pack and Niko Camera Sling 3.0
For single camera outings and general use the external shell strap is great, but there are times when it just doesn’t cut the mustard. If it’s raining, if you’re riding in the mud without mudguards and you’re throwing a squeegee all over your back, or if you have to bring multiple cameras or spare lenses.
A hip pack is my go-to when I’m riding in gravel riding conditions, so I’m looking forward to using this new Tensile Hip Pack from Chrome, and maybe even ruining Snow White’s exterior. There’s room for a camera, alongside the basic riding accessories I need in a lightly padded interior with enough room for an extra layer or a ton of snacks. It’s also portable if you don’t pack it all the way in and there’s room for a couple of cans of your favorite juice on the side.
Sure, you can use a frame bag or a bar bag, but wearing your camera around your waist isolates it from the harsh vibrations that can damage delicate internal components and sensors.
For more involved shoots, I was lucky enough to be sent a Niko Camera Sling 3.0 with a space camera, extra batteries, chargers, lenses, filters and other accessories that come with the hobby of photography. A unique camera bag with many sealed compartments.
It can be worn as a hip pack, but I prefer to wear it as a sling bag with a stabilizing strap to keep it on my back. It cannot be used regularly as a hip bag, but when it is called for, the organization with extra capacity and commitment is highly appreciated, as is the solid construction; A lifetime warranty is included, and while it’s not as waterproof, there’s the rubber tarp construction and waterproof zippers found in the Chrome range. (Opens in a new tab)So I’m sure he’ll at least kill the body.
Cafe du Cyclist Marinette bibs and Betty Jersey
I think I’ve made it clear in my time that I’m a fan of some unusual clothing choices. An airy gravel jersey is definitely my cup of tea, and Betty’s jersey from Cafe du Cyclist is a particularly nice earl gray mug.
It’s effectively a t-shirt with a back pocket, but cut to ride with a short, dropped tail at the front, with a handle at the rear end to stop it from riding too much. The material is luxurious and breathable, but to be honest I like it because it simultaneously reminds me of a vintage PE kit and I wonder what the crew of the USS Enterprise would look like if Starfleet was part of France (USS Enterprise?).
Naturally, it’s good to pair any jersey with some shorts, so Cafe du Cycliste has kindly sent the new Marinete Shorts (each item has a cute French name, just to keep it cute).
These are the brand’s standard BB short, but they don’t feel like anything else. The fabric is slightly pressed, and slightly textured to the touch. Although I have yet to put any serious miles in them, they feel premium and are very comfortable. The legs are cut long, with invisible grips and a pad in the saddle that is fixed for long days.
Most impressively, the straps and upper are made primarily from recycled polyester, while the legs are made from over 50% biodegradable polyester. It looks like they need to be decomposed to take full advantage of their biodegradable properties, but it’s a start towards creating a more sustainable future for the cycling apparel industry.
Head over to Cafe du Cyclist to find out more.
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