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Tool rolls- Those minimalist storage ‘bags’ which snuggle up under your saddle. You may have seen a few in the past. Well, we at RidingGravel.com have decided to check out three offerings. The SILCA Seat Roll Asymmetrico, the KOM Cycling Saddle Tool Roll, and the Topeak Burrito Pack.
The PR800 is a great light with features that make it a bit more versatile and useful for the long distance cyclist.
Now I often ride pure roadie wear on my gravel rides if they are long and fast over mixed surfaces…a typical gravel experience for around here. But for less of a ‘pace’ or for stuff like light bikepacking, I would grab the Explore stuff every time
I liked the overall feel and tacky grip, (when it was dry), of this tape. It does damp out some vibration – not all of them – so you end up with a nicer experience in regard to hand comfort. I liked how the cross-section allowed for the tape to have that soft-ribbed grip which aids in situations that might be a bit rowdier than your typical road surface.
Riding with the thicker DSP V2 tape was nice in that there was a bit of a reduction in buzz and the tape had a very noticeable give. It should be noted, however, that thicker tape means that your handlebar grip diameter will be larger. This may or may not be a positive for you.
Oh, and by the way, it cleans up out of your bottles really well. Just thought I should mention that before closing out here, because I hate it when something nasty starts growing in my favorite water bottles! Roctane- Check it out. I think it works well and it may help you get those big miles in this Summer and for the future.
This tool would definitely cover a lot of needs on a long, self-supported type ride where you may need to do some repair work to keep you going. It’s got a few things in there that are pretty iffy, (the tire lever, the 8mm hex key) , but for the common repairs I think its a winner.
All of these are not the ‘typical’ multi-tool that you would carry for three different reasons, but all of them serve a useful purpose. Outside the box can be a good thing.
And I rode it on the street. And I rode it in the dirt. And I rode it on good roads and bad roads. And I began to form impressions about the Outback…
Whether or not you are in for a ‘tool keg’ or not, the Byasi Container is a brilliantly made and easy to use solution for storage on the bike.
This is a well made garment from a company with a good reputation for foul weather gear. The Elements Jacket would make a fine piece for the commuter, gravel rider in certain situations, and for mountain bikers.
Handske Gloves was started because the company’s founders saw a “category that was being overlooked and taken for granted”. Started in 2018 with a Kickstarter campaign, Handske Gloves exists to “design and make high-performance cycling gloves to keep you cool, comfortable, and in control for any discipline while keeping you looking great on the bike.”
Getting the Ranger loaded was an exercise in deciding what not to take, because you can take so much stuff! I was finally down to a tool kit, tube, mini-pump, my camera, my iPhone, and a rolled up Endura rain jacket. I hadn’t even touched the capacity of the main compartment.
If you have a larger head size, as I do, now you have something that will not only fit better, but takes no prisoners in terms of protection, which previous “big-headed’ helmet options often did compromise on. Plus, it doesn’t cost a small fortune to buy into WaveCel with the Starvos. Well done, Bontrager!
What a mixed bag of results! The sealant is really top shelf stuff. Orange Seal has a high reputation with many riders and deservedly so. I can heartily recommend the sealant.
Castelli Perfetto Ros Gilet and Warmers: Quick Review – by Grannygear If there is anything more … Castelli Perfetto Ros Gilet and Warmers: Quick ReviewRead more
Panaracer Gravel King SK Tires: Quick Review – by Grannygear When I first built up the … Panaracer Gravel King SK Tires: Quick ReviewRead more
Topeak D-Flash Splash Guards: Quick Review – by Guitar Ted There are a lot of bikes … Topeak D-Flash Splash Guards: Quick ReviewRead more
You may have heard of the Robert Axle Project, (no! it isn’t a band!), and if … Robert Axle Project “Drive Thru”: Quick ReviewRead more
When the label says “When performance is a priority and water fastness isn’t”, you know they are speaking my language. In So Cal, from fall into winter, we can get rain of course, but mostly we get cold winds. So having a layer that is wind blocking is key to happy riding.
None of these tools are perfect. I probably would choose differently if my job required daily usage of tools like these to make a living, but for anyone that will only be occasionally wrenching, these are great choices.
The socks I wore most often were the Mini-Crew ones as that’s the length I most prefer for cycling. I have to admit that I am not a fan of the No Show Tab size, as that size shows nothing above the shoe line and rocks, dust, and debris are easily allowed entry into my shoes.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Muc-Off products and the high functionality of the solutions for cleaning, protecting, and lubrication. There isn’t a clunker in the group here and the fact that Muc-Off does try to take consideration for the environment is impressive.
Bar tape has come a long way since the thin, fragile cork-type tapes of days past. Now it is even high tech. The colors and thicknesses are quite varied and you can pretty much have it your way. It is also a disposable item, so it is not unusual to go through a set of bar tape each season. And with the cost of premium tape at near 50 bucks a pop, its not a trifle.
