Review: Full Windsor Quickfix Fender

Soon after posting Full Windsor Quickfix & Foldnfix Foldable Bike Fenders entry, Mark from Full Windsor presented us the opportunity to test out these two fenders in the mentioned post. Within a week, they were delivered to my house. The Quickfix fender seemed to be the obvious choice for testing due to its lack of hardware.

The Full Windsor Quickfix is one of the most easy, space saving, and stylish fenders I have ever worked with. From out of the packing to mounting it on my frame… it was less than 30 seconds. Even without the instructions, its origami design does all the guess work for you. Several clear vinyl strips are included in the packaging to protect your frame against rubbing.

The fender itself is made from polypropylene plastic which makes it very durable and stiff. And once the sides were folded in… even more stiff! The snap buttons are industrial grade and feature black studs that blend perfectly with the fender. The fender mold is so precise that the fender centers perfectly with your rear wheel.

The Quikfix was ace throughout my entire ride in Portland's torrential downpour. With its rigid form, spastic bobbling of the fender was kept at a minimal low. Most importantly it did its job and kept my behind... debris free. Foldable and easy to stow… the Full Windsor Quickfix is a solid fender hands down!

Designed in London | Made in the UK

This is (Y)NOT Another Fish in the Sea

When the boys of YNOT sent me The Gulper backpack, I was overwhelmed with joy... especially after seeing this beauty in action @ Interbike 2011. The Gulper is not your run-of-the-mill backpack! It's original, functional, and bombproof.

What caught my attention when I first saw The Gulper was its size. Not too wide, not too short... just proportionally on point! I usually get annoyed when a backpack has way too many steps in compressing its shape and size, but not this good ol' boy! As Tom Mosher was demonstrating this wonder backpack, I was really intrigued with the single front strap and how easy it was to adjust the shape and size of the backpack. Kudos for that!

The 1000D Cordura exterior shell features a front pocket w/two divided compartments, two side pockets w/compression straps, well-padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, back padding, and reflective accents. One feature I wanted to point out is the use of eyelets at the base of the side pockets. This is an important feature... especially if you live in a very wet climate. In a wet environment, side pockets are usually prone to take on moisture. With the use of eyelets on The Gulper... water is easily expelled from its side pockets. And that's a win-win for me!

The interior of The Gulper features a florescent orange vinyl truck tarp liner which makes it soooo easy to find what you are looking for. I never could understand why so many companies use black interior liners?! Lastly, you will find an interior pocket perfectly sized for your large documents or laptop.

The Gulper is a sound backpack and I highly recommend one if you're in the market for a new backpack.

Thanks Tony and Tom!

Review: The Orp

A few weeks ago, Tara from Chrome sent us the new Orp backpack which is part of the Cardiel Travel System. The Orp is an ultra-lightweight roll-top backpack with minimalist features… perfect for day trips or grab & go missions. Made from 100D double-coated diamond ripstop nylon with Chrome's signature durable truck tarpaulin bottom panel… you can be assured that the Orp is waterproof and built to last.

Compared to other lightweight backpacks out in the market... the Orp clearly separates itself from the pack and delivers the best overall performance in my opinion. My findings are based on construction, details, aesthetics, price, and overall performance.

Two compression straps are located on each side of the Orp makes it quite a piece of cake to roll the gate and lock it down. The subtle padded shoulders straps and sternum strap adjust perfectly for light to heavy loads. Inside you will find a divider sleeve about the size of a laptop to organize your cargo… so you don't have to dump your items into one chaotic pile.

The Orp is a highly versatile backpack and we highly recommend you pick one up if your in the market for something ultra-lightweight!

Photo credit: Jason Finn | Model: Meg

Review: Cykling Premium Bike Case

Last year, I did a lot of traveling and never left home without my bike. My main weapon for hauling my bike around was a Sunlite Hard Bike Case. This particular case did exactly what it was meant to do, but there were a few downslides. Hard cases are generally heavy and vulnerable to extreme manhandling by baggage handlers. Since most hard cases have exterior plastic composite parts... finding your wheel casters or locking mechanisms broken off is no surprise. So I was toying around with the idea of trying out a soft case and Cykling came through by presenting me one of their Premium bike cases.

From out of the shipping box to the floor, it was quite easy to setting up this case with the provided illustrated instructions... simplistic and more detailed than your average IKEA instructions.

The first step in setting up the case was to assemble the "U" shaped backbone that defines the shape of the case. Some soft cases don't utilize a backbone which can cause the case to slope or lean to one side. The backbone consisting of polyfoam and polycarbonate was quite easy to assemble. Polycarbonate is impact resistant and were commonly used in the production of the 1st generation iMac's and Powermac G3/G4.

Once the backboned was assembled, it was very easy to insert both pieces into the top section of the case which is accessible with the provided zippers. Immediately, you can see the case taking its form below.

The interior wall of the case features a velcro modular system and visible yellow buckled compression straps (perfect for low light conditions).

The modular system provides a padded tool box large enough to stow just about every tool you will need to assemble/dissemble your bike.

The interior walls of the case feature two integrated zippered wheel bags with protective axle barriers. These barriers prevent your axles from laying damage to your frame during transport. Without these barriers... constant vibrations during flight time can cause the axles to puncture through the wheel bag and tear up your paint.

The velcro modular system also features a meshed (breathable) helmet zipper bag and an extra padded box for your doodads. Also, you will find an extra zippered bag located on the flap.

Once everything is placed in their proper locations... you can see how spacious and simple it will be to slide in your frameset and strap it in. The padded tool boxes also serve as platforms to properly stage your frameset within the case... which is a nice bonus!

The only components I had to remove... other than the obvious was the seatpost/saddle and stem/handlebars. Once these items were removed and the frameset was placed into the case... it was time to strap it in.

The buckled compression straps securely strap your chainstays and seatstays with in seconds. Rear triangle secured!

Another set of buckled compression straps is provided to secure your fork. Front end... definitely secured!

As you can see... everything is buttoned up nice and secure. Take notice on how much room is left over after packing your bike. You might as well pack your clothes while your'e at it. I know I would. Closing the case and zipping it up... minus any hiccups was a win-win. The weight of the case with its contents was comfortably nice. Definitely not heavy enough to pay for that overweight fee at the airlines.

The exterior is made from 600D nylon and water repellent. For extra protection... the case is lined with 16mm polyfoam padding. The rear wheels are recessed which prevents the wheels from being damaged or hung up on foreign objects.

The beefy handle is a perfect fit your for hand and properly positioned for easy upright transport. Just lift with good posture and roll! No hunching over and backaches! Just above the handle... you will find a clear vinyl pocket to stow your personal information.

A lot of thought went into designing this superb Premium Bike Case by Cykling. It was like a giant toy and I had tons of fun with it. If you're in the market for a soft bike case... I HIGHLY recommend checking out the cases provided by Cykling.

Huge thanks to Ian for providing the case and props to Jason Finn for snapping photos.

Gnar(ly) Lube

Recently, I received a few samples bottles of Gnar Lube... Blue Opal for extreme weather conditions and Pink Delicacy for dry weather conditions. Currently, PDX is dumping buckets of rain, so this was the perfect time to try out the Blue Opal.

What I like about the Blue Opal is the blue pigment color which visually helps oil your chain properly. The oil itself isn't too thick like some oils, so I definitely noticed my chain not picking up too much road debris after riding in a storm. And the best part after my well-soaked horrendous ride... the oil remained.

I look forward to testing out the Pink Delicacy when we actually have a dry season.

Thanks Gnar Lube!

Spotlight: Road Runner Hip & Cell Pouch

A few months ago, Brad from Road Runner sent me a hip pouch and cell pouch to check out. If you’re not familiar with Road Runner… it’s an emerging Long Beach based outfit that makes really nice custom bags.

I had the idea of using Meg to model these items, while my buddy Jason Finn snapped the photos. Like myself, Meg has a slender figure and the hip pouch fits her frame perfectly. What I like about this pouch is the lines and shape it forms. All in all… this is a very basic hip pouch that incorporates those must have features like an integrated u-lock holster, D-ring, and most importantly… waterproof.

The cell pouch is sized perfectly for your smart phone. With its adjustable velcro strap… you can virtually mount this pouch on any shoulder strap you throw at it… thick or thin. Currently, Road Runner has made several improvements on the cell pouch which you can view HERE.

I definitely look forward to trying out more Road Runner items b/c they have a good thing going…

Velo City Bags | The Runner

Several weeks ago, Nathan from Velo City Bags sent me one of his new Runner messenger bags to test out. When Nathan was designing this bag, he was thinking it would be a perfect bag for women. Though it’s a unisex bag… my friend Kati was the ideal candidate to commence with the testing.

The Runner has all the quality details you would find in their entire line of courier bags and backpacks. The size and shape is a perfect fit for scholastic and business minded people. Kati instinctively packed the Runner with documents, her laptop, clothing, and tons more. Heavily packed, her shoulder and upper torso found comfort with the well padded shoulder strap. She immediately pointed out how much she loves the quick release strap buckle b/c it allowed her to remove or swing the bag around to the front with ease. The Runner also proved to be 100% waterproof worthy during our recent snow and rain storms.

The attention to details is on point… from the exterior to its interior. Under the main flap, you will find one expandable pocket with media slots for all your essential needs. The generous main compartment is vinyl lined and features a velcro secured pocket for your secret stash. Kati also pointed out how she loves the compression straps which allowed her to carry even larger loads in a secured manner.

For a simple, yet very functional bag, we have to give the Runner two thumbs up… way up! And the price is on point!

Photo credit: Jason Finn

Introducing: The COG x Chrome Southside

It’s no secret that Chrome and COG Magazine are staples in the urban cycling community… so a collaboration between the two just made sense. Introducing the COG x Chrome Southside kicks.

As you can see… these oiled full-grain leather shoes feature COG and Chrome embossed accents. The mid-ankle support is well padded and extremely comfortable around the ankles.

The plush tongue provides full upper support and the signature COG insole is a welcoming mat for the sole of your feet.

I loved that these shoes were already laced up in box and in a matter seconds… I was ready to hit the asphalt.

Portland is notorious for having non-stop rain, so the COG Southside's oiled leather really makes for a good winter shoe, let's water bead and roll right off.

After a few seconds adjusting my straps to the width of the shoes… I was ready to embark on one cold and wet ride.

The low profile design assures that these shoes are bike and toe-clip ready… perfectly paired for pedaling power and braking.

There is no breaking in these shoes… they are snug as a bug and provide your feet with the utmost stability.

Even with no-show ankle socks and the brisk cold weather… my feet felt perfectly warm.

The rubber gum sole makes them extremely comfortable off the bike and transitions very well for pedaling power due to its stiffness.

Testing out the COG Southside kicks was just a true pleasure and I highly recommend trying out a pair to get the full effect. I promise… you won’t be disappointed. Available now @ Chrome!

Big thanks to the Corinne and the Chrome family for hooking me up a pair to try out. Also, huge thanks to Brenton Salo was snapping the photos!