In the latest Friday Debrief from BIKEPACKING.com, several noteworthy developments in the cycling world have been highlighted. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key updates:
Innovative Cycling Gear and Accessories
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Cyber Cycles Cross Blade DSC Gen 2 Fork: The German manufacturer has unveiled an updated version of their renowned Cross Blade DSC fork. This iteration boasts a redesigned crown for enhanced performance, increased rake, and the option for a front-facing hole. Additionally, the fork has been optimized to reduce weight while maintaining its customizable features, including height (400-440mm), steerer tube material, and mount locations. (bikepacking.com)
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absoluteBLACK Aether Tubeless Valves: Claimed to be the lightest tubeless valves available, these valves are crafted from a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, offering strength without compromising weight. They feature a bottom-sealing mechanism, similar to the Reserve Fillmore Valves, and weigh just 2.6 grams each. Available in two lengths, they cater to various rim depths. (bikepacking.com)
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Spurcycle Pro Mirror: Designed with input from the gravel and road cycling communities, this premium drop-bar mirror is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and features a tempered glass mirror. It offers tool-free installation and comes in two sizes: R35 (35mm) and R50 (50mm). (bikepacking.com)
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Incredibell Raijin: Inspired by the Japanese god of thunder, this bell delivers a sound exceeding 85 dB, ensuring riders are heard in various environments, from bike paths to busy trailheads. (bikepacking.com)
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Russel Makes TwEaKeR 2: A purpose-built prying tool designed to fix dents in aluminum bicycle rims. Crafted by Austin J. Russell, known for his expertise in CNC and manual machining, welding, and aluminum anodizing, this tool is a testament to precision craftsmanship. (bikepacking.com)
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Wolf Tooth Bike Parts Finder: This new tool allows customers to shop by bike brand, model, and year, displaying compatible parts such as headsets, bottom brackets, and seatpost clamps. Many of their other components and accessories are compatible with almost all bikes, including grips, bar tape, pedals, and chainrings. (bikepacking.com)
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4th Gen BTCHN’ Titanium Drop Bar: The latest iteration of BTCHN’ Bikes’ titanium drop bar features a refined fit, reduced circumference of the top section, and a redesigned butted center section to improve aerodynamics. Available in custom widths from 34cm to 50cm and flare options of 8°, 15°, or 25°, these bars are bent, welded, and anodized in Chico, California. (bikepacking.com)
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Rockgeist Little Dumpling 2.0: An updated version of the popular hip pack, now featuring waist compression straps for a customizable fit and a daisy chain across the front for attaching lights or carabiners. Available in four colors: Frost Teal, Cranberry Bog, Light Black, and Coyote Sunrise. (bikepacking.com)
Community and Event Highlights
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LITELOK Bike Theft Map: LITELOK has launched a live interactive “Theft Intelligence” map designed to raise awareness of bicycle and motorcycle theft trends by visualizing real-time theft data and hotspot locations worldwide. The platform aims to reveal risk patterns and support the company’s mission to help riders “Worry Less and Ride More.” (bikepacking.com)
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Stinner Refugio 32” Titanium Gravel Bike: Stinner Frameworks has introduced the Refugio 32” titanium gravel bike, a US-made 32-inch gravel bike available as a limited-edition pre-order. Only 50 frames are being produced, highlighting the exclusivity and craftsmanship of this model. (bikepacking.com)
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Aurum Bikes Across Andes Race: Aurum Bikes has released a short video documenting the journeys of two of its riders in the Across Andes race—an 800-kilometer route through Chile’s Araucanía region. The video showcases the beauty and ruggedness of this incredible part of the world. (bikepacking.com)
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Rene Herse on 32” Wheels: With more 32” technology hitting the market, Jan Heine of Rene Herse has addressed misconceptions about the new wheel size and the claims made by the industry about its potential benefits. Citing their own testing and basic physics-based concepts, it’s an interesting read about a new trend the industry appears intent on developing. (bikepacking.com)
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PNW Opens Canadian Warehouse: PNW Components has opened a Canadian warehouse, offering faster shipping, no customs delays, no brokerage fees, no surprise import charges, easier returns, and accurate CAD pricing. Bikepacking Collective members receive 20% off all of their products. (bikepacking.com)
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Firsthand Framebuilding Q&A: Firsthand Framebuilding has been busy prepping for their inaugural year of in-person framebuilding courses, based out of a new workshop in Portland, Oregon. Their first video covers some recently asked questions, including when classes will start, what they will offer, and more. (bikepacking.com)
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Soma It Takes Two Tandem Bike: Soma Fabrications has introduced the It Takes Two tandem bike, based around Rivendell’s now-discontinued model, the Hubbuhubbuh, with a few tweaks to keep it modern. After officially receiving the shipment from Taiwan, Luke from Soma took to the company’s YouTube channel to show off the bike and