I can confidently say that SaltStick FastChews were a lifesaver during Unbound and saved me from a DNF. The company sent me samples in late February, but the temperatures in Chicagoland made it impossible to test the product. I waited for the weather to warm up, and then Unbound arrived. The combination of a challengingContinue reading “SaltStick FastChews: The difference between a DNF or finishing strong”
Category Archives: Product Reviews
USWE Rush 8L Hydration Pack Review
No Dancing Monkey on My Back! I’m writing detailed product reviews on gear that got me through the Unbound Gravel race. One key item was a USWE Rush hydration pack. What sets it apart from other hydration packs? The No Dancing Monkey (NDM) design. The team behind USWE (pronounced you-swii) grew up riding off-road motorcyclesContinue reading “USWE Rush 8L Hydration Pack Review”
Cycling Sunglasses Roundup
Sunglasses for Every Budget and Personality The first half of this year saw a large number of new sunglass models from a variety of brands. In my roundup of shades, you’re bound to find a pair to fit your face, personality, budget, and riding style. Several brands have incorporated sustainability into their materials, packaging, andContinue reading “Cycling Sunglasses Roundup”
Tailwind High Carb Fuel Review
Designed for High-Intensity Efforts Just before Sea Otter Classic in early April ’25, Tailwind Nutrition launched its newest product― High Carb Fuel mix. This new product mix immediately caught my attention for a couple of reasons. First, it was developed with the help of Ellen Campbell, an elite cyclist I met at The Cycling HouseContinue reading “Tailwind High Carb Fuel Review”
Peppermint Cycling’s Women’s Signature Jersey, Bibs, and Socks
I wasn’t familiar with Peppermint Cycling until they contacted me to stop by their booth at Sea Otter Classic to view their 2025 Spring/Summer line. The company, founded in Montreal, Canada, designs cycling apparel for women. They feature comprehensive collections for road, mountain, and gravel riding. Peppermint Cycling’s new Spring/Summer 2025 apparel includes: Road: CompletelyContinue reading “Peppermint Cycling’s Women’s Signature Jersey, Bibs, and Socks”
Showers Pass Elite Jacket Receives an Update
The Elite III jacket recently received a significant update. Known as Showers Pass’s flagship cycling jacket launched in 1997, the Elite III retains the classic fit and heritage styling while introducing several improvements to enhance a cyclist’s comfort and performance. What’s New with the Elite III Jacket? Showers Pass uses Porlite waterproof-breathable technology for itsContinue reading “Showers Pass Elite Jacket Receives an Update”
Find Your Stolen Bicycle with this Ultimate Bike Tracker Solution
If you’ve ever had a bicycle stolen, you know all too well that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. I had that feeling firsthand in the summer of 2019 while vacationing in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. We walked out of a restaurant only to find an empty hitch rack. Two fat bikes were gone! IContinue reading “Find Your Stolen Bicycle with this Ultimate Bike Tracker Solution”
ASSOS Everyday, Every Ride Performance Solution
Step into any local bike shop that stocks ASSOS apparel, and the racks are a sea of black. But that all changed in February with the launch of their new DYORA R line of jerseys and bibs, which includes new color options and an entry-level price point! It’s been over a decade since I lastContinue reading “ASSOS Everyday, Every Ride Performance Solution”
Stay Fueled with Easy Access to Nutrition
I first became aware of Relevate Designs by listening to Lael Rides Around the World podcasts. The company is from Lael Wilcox’s home state of Alaska and has been designing bikepacking gear since 2007. In her podcasts, Lael kept mentioning the Mag-Tank bag she uses for carrying her nutrition, making it easy to stay fueledContinue reading “Stay Fueled with Easy Access to Nutrition”
Add a Layer of Warmth to Your Winter Rides
Velocio launched its new Deep Winter Base Layer this winter. Like any base layer, you want it to be warm, close-fitting, wicking, and breathable. The Deep Winter Base Layer checks all the boxes and is the perfect complement to one of Velocio’s winter jerseys. (Read my recent review here.) The lightweight warmth comes from aContinue reading “Add a Layer of Warmth to Your Winter Rides”
Sunflowers and Pedals 