"I’ve had a hard time finding a reasonable replacement for the old style ODI Longneck grip. Fortunately, Fyxation recently released a grip that I’ve been riding for some time now and have found to be more than adequate. The grips, patterned after their popular Session tires, are cushy, comfortable and durable. I tend to grab my bars like a nervous maniac and wear through grips rather quickly. I’ve had zero problems with these. In addition to the grips I’m running a pair of Fyxation’s alloy bar caps. These have been especially nice since all I’ve ever know are easily damaged plastic bar ends. I’m boring and I like black, but the grips are available in more colors; pink, green, orange and white. The bar caps are available in corresponding colors as well. If the BMX style grip doesn’t suit you, Fyxation offers the same thing in a track style. I highly recommend these if you want a grip that looks good, feels good and wears long." –700cmx

FYI: We have these grips in our store.

Tags: Reviews

Brian from Bikereviews.com wanted me to share this review with you all... so check it HERE!

Tags: Reviews

Recently, Subin from the F.L.A.M. sent me a VAGX x Death Pedal Messenger Bag to check out. First, big props to Kareem of Death Pedal for collaborating with VAGX in making one helluva nice bag. From day one, I've been intrigued with VAGX and to finally have one of their products in my hands is awesome.

When it comes to marketing, VAGX goes the extra mile as they provide a slip-cover (tote bag) for your messenger bag. Inside the tote bag, I also found a nice fat stack of stickers and spokecards.

The bag is made from Cordura Ballistic 1680D, a very heavy weight nylon with a urethane coating... making this bag tough and versatile. What really caught my eye was not the numerous DP artifacts, but the impeccable stitching. Bad stitching is my pet peeve and I've seen way too many bag manufacturers fall short in this category.

The main torso strap and buckle system is heavy duty… absolutely no slippage of the strap. The strap also features a velcro tie that conveniently bundles up any extra slack. Another cool feature about the strap is the removable shoulder pad. The shoulder pad itself is perfectly sized, well designed, and super comfortable.

The inside of the bag is vinyl lined and features the words "Death Pedal" on the backside of the main flap… a very sweet touch. The two front pockets featured on this bag are super WIDE! One pocket is equipped with a zipper and the other with a velcro flap. There is also two compression straps with metal crimped ends to handle your oversized loads.

The main compartment of the bag is spacious and features a removable floating pocket. The floating pocket features two large storage compartments. The front of the floating pocket is divided up into smaller compartments for your daily essentials (i.e., pens, MP3 player, iPhone, etc.). Also, if your flip over the floating pocket… you have a perfect food mat for your grab-n-go lunch!

I must say… quite an impressive messenger bag!

Tags: Reviews, Bags

A few weeks ago, I received my custom made backpack from Nathan at Velo City Bags. The size I went with was the Medium (+) which measures 14" W × 19" H × 9" D, 2394 in³. The process of customizing your messenger bag or backpack is quite easy with the use of their online building system. Everything is laid out for you… from sizing to colorizing.

Now, this is not the first time I had a Velo City Bags product in my hands. Last year, Nathan sent a messenger bag prize for the Rose City Fix event. So before I even received the backpack, I already knew the quality and construction would be topnotch. Well, I was right… absolutely superb craftsmanship!

The features on this backpack are mind-blowing. The main compartment has enough generous space to load just about anything you desire. For example, I easily loaded 5 saddle boxes with enough extra room to add more goodies. There is a stash pocket also located in the main compartment that is perfect for your important documents or even a laptop.

This backpack also features a large interior front pocket sectioned off into two large compartments. The divider for the two interior pockets has sectioned off pockets for your smart phone, MP3 player, writing utensils, etc. There is also an exterior pocket perfect for a mini u-lock, mini pump, small electronics, and tools. On each side of the backpack you will find a perfect sized pocket for those easy access items such as your u-lock or water bottle.

On the front of the backpack you will find two adjustable compression straps that come in real handy for those extremely large loads. I easily managed to lockdown a frame to the backpack in 30-seconds flat.

When it comes to comfort and stability, this backpack has got you covered. The back padding provides extra comfort... especially when hauling those heavy loads. Also, the chest and belt stabilizer straps help you keep those heavy loads centered to your body.

All in all… a fantastic workhorse backpack!

Tags: Reviews, Backpacks

“So I have had these for over 2 months now, and boy are the awesome. They have proven to be super durable and most importantly comfortable. I have had zero problems with them, and the adjustment is perfect for me. I also like that although I got white, they aren't that dirty yet even with the terrible weather.” –Tyler (Resistant)

Photo credit: Zach Hoffner

Tags: Reviews, Foot Straps

Archive Bags... located in San Francisco have some serious sewing skills. The Hip Bags I received are simplistic and display an ideal size.. The expandable design allows you to maximize the most out of these Hip Bags... finding a home for your tools, wallet, cell phone, etc.

I also received a Wallet that features two inside pockets for your plastic and one huge wide-mouth pocket for your paper currency. Seriously, I don’t know how many times I’ve complained about a wallets currency pocket being too small. I’m so tired of seeing my wallet in the folded position with bills sticking out this way and that way. But the Archive Bags Wallet has put an end to all of that!

Tags: Wallets, Reviews, Proper, Hip Pouches

Josiah from 5Bling sent me some black Streamline gloves. They could not have come at a better time since I was in the market for some new gloves. The material is awesome. It’s some kind of stretchy rubber material that flexes with ease. The thickness of the gloves are perfect... not too thick and not too thin. With a snug and warm fit, there is no doubt these gloves are perfect for all seasons... indoor or outdoor.

Tags: Reviews, Proper, Gloves

So to start off, these PEDAL STRAPS are real burly and solid. Since they are so stiff, it makes it really easy to get in and out of your pedals, which I love. Its always a pain when straps are too floppy and it takes forever to get your foot into them. I especially like the aesthetics of the straps, the all black with the little RESISTANT label looks real clean. I honestly can't really think of any improvements or changes I would make to these straps. I guess, if anything, somehow make them easier to put on the pedal, but I don't know how reasonable that is, since they aren't too difficult in the first place.

Overall, I really like these straps. I've been riding them for a little bit and haven't had any problems. Though, I haven't been riding them long enough to see how well they hold up to the elements or my beatings, but I can tell they will do just fine. The overall quality is great and I can see myself riding them for a long time.

Review by Jordan Burt.

Tags: Reviews, Foot Straps

Dosh sent me a few samples of their 6-Card wallet. If your like me and use plastic as your choice of payment... this wallet will fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Fear not, this wallet is also equipped with a stainless steel money clip for all your bank notes. The wallet material (Desmopan - thermoplastic polyurethane) is water and chemical (i.e., grease, oil, etc.) resistant... perfect for you're cycling adventures. Also, the material allows the wallet to be very flexible... even with all your cards in stowed away.

One thing I noticed about this wallet that made it really shine was how secure your cards stayed in place. I was shaking this wallet like crazy to see if any of the cards would fall out. Not one single card made any attempt to move! Another feature I like is the size... just slightly larger than an iPhone/iPod. So you can conveniently stow the wallet away in your hip pouch, cell phone pouch, etc. The days of worrying about your wallet falling out of your back pocket as you ride is OVER because the Desmopan material allows the wallet to grip securely to the inside of your back pocket.

See more @ Dosh... amazing details!

Tags: Wallets, Reviews

Mark from HANDWORKS sent me a pair of GRIP straps via Hong Kong. Right off the bat… these straps were easy to install with its integrated buckle system. What stands out about these particular buckles is that they are thicker than what others have been using. And with the thicker buckles, it was easier to grasp them when installing the straps. As an added bonus to having thicker buckles… they will withstand all the abuse you throw at them… especially grinding tricks.

Another great feature about these straps is the material used on the top portion of main foot strap. It's almost like a polyurethane material which seems to be an excellent water repellent. Riding in the rain, I noticed the water beading right off the straps. So if you live in a place that gets tons of downpour, this feature may suite you very well!

Overall, I think the GRIP is a great FRS and I think the majority of trick riders will appreciate them. For inquires, contact HANDWORKS @ chackongshop[at]gmail.com.

AND YES... all praise to Hold Fast for paving the way in the FRS dept. When you make something so damn good... others will follow suit.

Tags: Reviews, Foot Straps

The kind folks @ Fabric Horse gave me a Lock Holster Belt to try out. The first thing you need to know about this particular belt is that you don’t need to run it through your belt loops. You simply wrap it around your waist and lock it down with the industrial button snaps. And with the u-lock holster stitched in place, you don’t have to worry about your mini u-lock migrating to the center of your arse.

The last utility style belt I bought was from Transient. It was stiff, bulky and irritating to the body. When I ride... I want to ride relaxed without any distractions. So with the Fabric Horse Lock Holster Belt... it’s flexible, lightweight and comfortable to the body. Lastly, you don’t have to worry about this belt folding or buckling over since it just over 1.75-inches wide.

Fabric Horse also offers a Belt Look Key Ring and iPhone/iPod pouch to expand your belt.

I highly recommend you pick up one of these affordable belts. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

TWO THUMBS UP... WAY UP!

Tags: Reviews, Locks, Holsters, Belts