Product: Win / Product: Fail

Product: Win

The nice folks from Crumpler Bags sent us a product to test, the Bumper Issue. It's a pretty straightforward hydration bag from the company that brought you some really great camera bags - and one of the weirdest Web sites around.

 

Unlike some of the offerings from that OTHER hydration bag company, Crumpler keeps it simple with one flap and one main storage area. There is no separate pocket for the hydration bag itself, and using the small front pocket becomes a choice of either/or as it can be difficult to access when the main compartment is stuffed full. There are very few bells and whistles when it comes to straps, pockets, zippers or do-dads. That's the Crumpler way, I suppose.

What is nice is the two side-access zippers on the main compartment which make getting to the stuff at the bottom a lot easier. The compression straps also keep things nice and tight if you're just rockin' the water and not bringing a lot of stuff.

Inside you *might* be able to carry a pair of shoes and a jacket, but not much else. One thing is for sure: you won't over pack this thing. The included bladder holds 70 oz., and the bite valve is a nice, simple design.

Here's one catch: with an MSRP of $95, the Bumper Issue should be no impulse buy.  There are a LOT of products of this size and at or below this price point, so Crumpler has their work cut out for them. Stay tuned for more updates about the Bumper Issue as we put it to the test in the next few months.

Product: Fail

Austrailian company Knog has burst on the scene in the last year with some really well-designed products. Their Frog lights have found their way onto every bike in America, it seems, but for good or for worse: at least a third of them are non-functioning when the package is opened. Most of the early customers have moved on to brighter options.

But what about those leather gloves I was pining for a-ways back? Well after puchasing a pair I was really excited. They looked great and felt terrific. Until I took them off. The red ink had bled onto my hands leaving them bright red for a few days. Subsequent wearings left the same red stain, despite my attempts to rinse out the coloring. And forget about keeping them white. The red ink turned the whole glove pink after one use. Since they came with no care instructions, I tried to wash them. This is what resulted:

Yuck.

April Fools - Or is it? Two new groupsets

File this one under Very Likely:

Shimano drops it's new Ultegra 6700 groupsets

File this one under Slightly Less Likely Unless I See More Proof:

SRAM-e? Wireless electronic shifting groupsets?

On test: Revolution Wheelworks REV-50X

One of the perks of being a high-powered bicycle blogger like myself is getting to test equipment. Granted, most of the reviews you see here are things I've purchased with my own money, but in this case a new wheel company, Revolution Wheelworks, sent me a pair of their carbon tubular wheels to test ride during the cyclocross season. Suh-weeet!

The company was founded on the notion that durable, lightweight wheels shouldn't have to cost a fortune. And they back it up with this set of 1380 gram carbon tubulars (actual weight w/ skewers, 20g under the claimed weight). They retail for $900, straight from RW. That's less than half of what you'd pay for similar wheels from the big-name companies.

Here's what they have to say about them:

Developed for cyclocross, the Rev-50Xs are also perfect for powerful road cyclists, offering the same benefits as the Rev50. For cyclocross, this durable wheelset will shed the competition as well as it sheds mud, and they wont get stuck in the muck with their wedge like profile. And like the Rev-50s they offer reliable stopping power, brake-modulation, and durability, due to their basalt-coated braking surface.

So far I have only one race under my belt on them, but they were perfect for the conditions at the Dade City race. I also plan on riding them for training and practice on my 'cross bike — within reason, and not saving them for race day. After all, I want to test their durability, and let's face it, most of us are not in the market for expensive wheels that we can only use a handful of times a year.

Stay tuned, I'll have more to say about these wheels in the coming weeks.

FSA 11-speed groupset?

This could be the first look at the next major groupset on the market.

Read more via KnobMag

World's fastest pedal-powered vehicle: 82.3 mph

Yes, I realize it's a recumbent...

Spotted in St. Pete

 

I N T E R B I K E !

Forget Christmas, Interbike, the week-long bicycle industry trade show in Las Vegas, is the most wonderful time of the year. Manufacturers bring out their latest and greatest goodies to unveil to the groveling masses (us).

I'll keep adding to this post all the coolest things I see online. I feel so left out this year, seeing as I finally scored a press pass - the show isn't open the public - but couldn't afford the trip. Thanks economic "slowdown"!

Full carbon Scott Addict cyclocross bike: [via Velonews]

Chris King bottom bracket cups: [via Carson Blume Photography]

Salsa's Fargo super-adventure-off-road-touring bike: [via Quickrelease.tv]

Salsa's Scandium/carbon singlespeed 29er, the Selma: [via twentynine inches]

Civia Loring commuter/grocery bike: Nice Rack!! [via EcoVelo]

Cervelo P4 (yes, that's an integrated water bottle above the bottom bracket) [via BikeMatters]

BikeMatters also shows us the new Mavic pedals:

And Speedplay platform converters. Because nothing is more PRO than buying extra gizmos so you can ride your clipless pedals in regular shoes.

Take Google Maps along for the ride

So far it only works for Blackberry phones and not the iPhone, but it's still pretty cool.

The Recycletron 1000

Bicycle commuter and cycling blogger Jack Sweeney couldn't stand the sight of so much litter along side the road during his rides. He decided to put his Xtracycle to good use and created the Recycletron 1000:

Read about its creation and how it works over at BicycleCommuters.com.

No frame is worthy

Thought your bike was bling? This NOS 1983 Campy 50th Anniversary Super Record group just sold on eBay for $4,161. Yikes!

[via RoadCycler.com]