Lezyne Micro Caddy Bag Review
Saddle bags are a needed thing in my life. Something that most bike shops forget to mention when they sell you that new road or mountain bike. Riding around with out tools, tube or inflation device is like driving around in your car with out a spare tire. Yes, you can call someone if you get a flat but that isn’t the empower cycling female I hope you are! Plus, a saddle bag can hold that phone for you as well.
Most folks don’t think twice about what saddle bag to put on their bike. They look at two things. Size and color. There is more to a saddle bag than you would think.
Tech spec of the Lezyne Micro Caddy
MSRP: $24.99-19.99
Sizes: Medium (tested) and Small
Colors: Black or White
What’s Unique of the Lezyne Micro Caddy
Two things caught me as I installed the Lezyne Micro Caddy.
The first is the white color. I love all things white and so far it has stayed white which is awesome.
The second is how the bag attached to the seat rails. It almost has wings that wrap back on itself. Making it so you don’t need a strap to secure the bag to the seat post to eliminate waggle.
A few other cool features:
• The multi-tool holder under the bag. This allows for easy access to do quick changes on the bike.
• Reflective piping around the bag. It doesn’t replace a light but it is nice.
Overall thoughts of the Micro Caddy
The bag is nice, it holds my goods under my saddle. I like the unique features that I haven’t seen on a bag before. More and more bike shops are carrying them which is also nice so that you don’t have to buy online. Something about being able to put it on your bike to see if you like it…you can’t replace it. The only thing I would change is for the interior to be white so I can see what’s in the bag easier!
This product was provided to me at no charge from Lezyne. My opinion is honest and opinionated, probably why you’re still reading. I wasn’t bribed or paid for this review.
Knog Blinder Arrow Light Review
We all know my obsession for lights and bags. I have so many of both as I’m always trying to find the perfect one. Rechargeable lights are something I really love. Especially the latest push for USB rechargeable. You see, before lights and bags I am a tech freak. iPad, iMac, MacBook Air, GoPro’s, Canon cameras, iPhones, you get the idea. I always have a computer with me, so charging a light through USB is really easy for me. Much easier than finding batteries at CVS.
Meet the Knog Blinder Arrow Light $44.99
I received a front light in the mail, and it has been on the front of my bikes since February. I’ve traveled with it to Frostbike, and utilize it anytime I’m on the road. I’ve had to charge it twice, it’s bright and easy to use. The mount works on all types of handlebar styles, widths and bends. The USB is easy to use, but you have to have the right room for it. It doesn’t fit in well right between two other USB’s due to the light size.
In Knog fashion they come in many colors & styles
Long term I plan to order a rear, as making a white front light bright seems to be easier than making a red rear light bright and eye catching.
Visit Knog’s website to view all styles!
This product was provided for free for review. I was not bribed or paid for this review.
Review: Bike After Dark Fireball Mark II Wheel Light
This review was put in play by Luna Cycles in Lenior, NC. I am very grateful for their time and assistance, and commuter knowledge!
Visibility is the bane of cyclists everywhere. As a daily commuter, I find myself riding in the worst visibility conditions: early morning light, evening dusk, rain, fog, and nighttime darkness. I wear high-visibility yellow, I strap a riot of blinking lights to the front and back of my bike – I’d get a head-to-toe glow in the dark tattoo if I thought it would help – all in a quest to be noticed by drivers. It was with this quest in mind that I jumped at the opportunity to try out the Fireball Mark II light from Bike After Dark.
Bontrager Vella Vana and Camu Bag Review
I am putting these two bags together in one review as other than straps and zippers they are much alike.
Getting women to use bicycles as a form of transportation is rather important to me. I feel as society see’s more women on bikes, as more women empower their children and families to chose a bike, the more we success we will have with getting better laws, infrastructure and movement forward in the US for bikes.
Making biking easier, more functional, and well better looking is a huge step in to doing the above. I feel Bontrager is making strides in this.
Bontrager Vella Vana Messenger MSRP: $110
A streamlined messenger bag that comes in black or a deep purple. The unique feature of this bag is on the back, under a zipper two clips are hidden to firmly snap this bag on to your rack.
Other features in the bag include:
- A separate, elevated, sleeve for your laptop to keep it from hitting the ground
- Expandable when you need more room
- External key and wallet pocket
- Padded messenger strap
Bontrager Vella Camu Shopper MSRP $110
The basics of this bag are the same but instead of a messenger bag it is shaped to fit a paper grocery bag perfectly. The messenger strap is replaced with two hand straps and the top is closed by a zipper top.
The bag still has the installation feature onto a rack, expansion feature with a full zip around the bottom when you need to carry more and adds side straps to cinch down on the sides and keep things safe!
Things I Would Change (Cons)
The bags are really good and durable bags. They’ve encouraged my better half who is a true girly girl to branch out and use a bicycle for other things. With that, I have to make note of a few things that I hope in the next run they address.
- More mounts for blinky lights
- More reflective bits
- Some sort of tie down on the bottom for when I have precious cargo and can’t fathom the bag coming unhitched
- Maybe a rain fly
- More colors. Make it fun, make it eye catching. (Remember hi-viz yellow is the new black!)
Some other cool photos and features
This product was provided for free for review. I was not bribed or paid for this review.
Review: Burley D’Lite Child Trailer
I’ll keep you from reading my rant of why I feel that child bike seats are unsafe and can lead to danger for the child and adult. That will be saved for another day.
Earlier in the summer Burley sent out a D’Lite Child Trailer for review purposes. Walking into the review I knew from my experience in the past with Burley, their trailers and the quality they take around design and development – I would be pleased with the results of their D’Lite trailer. As my children are grown to 10 and 11 years old, I borrowed and stole children of all sizes for the review and testing. At the bottom of this is a ton of photos to hopefully document all the details that the D’Lite has to offer.
My Burley Trailer History
My first experience with Burley outside of selling them was back in 2005. The shop I was managing outside of Boston had a few rental Burley trailers to use on the local rail to trail. During the early spring before our rental period picked up I adopted a puppy. I used a kids trailer with a couple blankets and a short leash to transport my new puppy to the shop and back. She loved it, I loved it and it was perfect. Since then Burley has actually released the Tail Wagon which is a trailer designed for your dog!
My next experience with Burley was as a bike line. My small shop in Charlotte, NC stocked and sold their road line. Beautiful steel bikes, a dying breed. Since then Burley has restructured and really going after the trailer and pull behind niche.
My latest experience was with the Burley Travoy. An urban trailer I reviewed over at Commute By Bike. The review is also reposted on Bike Shop Girl with more photos.
Details of the Burley D’Lite Child Trailer
Rear Window Unzipped
Details pulled right from Burley.com
- Available in Green or Orange
- Replacement covers available in Yellow, Blue or Red
- Bowed-out sides for increased interior width/shoulder room
- Elastomer suspension system
- Exclusive height-adjustable handlebar that doubles as roll bar
- All weather cover with waterproof zippers
- Deluxe reclining padded seats
- Five-point harness and padded shoulder harness
- Removable, washable seat pad and shoulder harness
- Tinted side windows
- Adjustable sunshade
- Parking brake
D’Lite Specifications
| Number of children | 2 |
| Capacity | 100.0 lb/ 45.4 kg |
| Weight | 28.0 lb/ 12.7 kg |
| Interior height | 25.2 in/ 64.0 cm |
| Interior width | 26.4 in/ 67.1 cm |
| Interior seat width | 20.0 in/ 50.8 cm |
| Cargo space | 35.0 liters |
| Wheel size | 20.0 in/ 50.8 cm |
Key Features
The things I found unique and completely Burley:
- Tinted side windows
- Rear window that zips down for airflow and the child can see around
- Drink and snack holders on both sides the seats
- Reflective piping and logos all around the shell
- Easy to use
- Push button wheels
- Standard 20″ wheels, not the plastic kind
- Did I mention easy to use?
- Adaptable to all types of bikes
My Overall Feelings
The D’Lite delivered as I expected it to. The trailer isn’t the cheapest out there, but if you purchase an accessory kit this could become your do all stroller, running jogger and kid hauler. The ability to completely flatten, pull the wheels off and stow it in the back of your vehicle is irreplaceable for the family on the go. Why not have one killer trailer/stroller/hauler instead of 3 that do 3 different things?
In the end I do believe that trailers are safer, allow you to bring two kids, clothing, and they are tucked behind UV windows, rain fly’s mesh, and a roll bar. 5 point harness system will keep every kid in place. Extra room allows you to put snacks and toys in with them, without the ability of them throwing it overboard.
I hope to explore how parents can get their children interested in riding in the trailer, how to do it safely and tips/ideas of how to get out with your family. In the end it is completely how the parent handles taking the their child, how they encourage healthy living and being outside.
Disclaimer: This product was provided at no charge. I was not paid or bribed for the review and was completely as judgmental as I am with everything else in my life.
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- Nice and Compact
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- Beer Carrier
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- 5 Point Harnesses
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- On the Go
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- Drink and Snack Holders
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- Tinted Side Windows
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- Bike Hitch into Trailer
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- Bike Hitch with Pin
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- Rainfly
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- Reflective Piping
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- Rear Window Unzipped
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- Foot Brake Lever
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- Rear Brake on Wheel
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- Taped Zippers
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- Sunshade on Mesh Fly
Review: Lizard Skins DPS 2.5 Bar Tape
Lizard Skins DPS Handlebar Tape Review
Details from Lizard Skins:
2.5 mm thick for that extra bit of comfort. At 82” of lengththere is ample length for any bar & 50 grams per set
MSRP: $38
Initial Thoughts
When I first saw the Lizard Skins handlebar tape popping up in the local bike shops I was intrigued. Anytime a company comes out with a product that is twice the price of their competitors they are either idiots or they have some amazing technology worth the cost.
Second thing I saw was that the Lizard Skins company doing a great job with merchandising. They give shops that order a certain amount of minimum product a great eye catching point of purchase. It is a handlebar that allows a consumer to try out the tape, some even have pieces of all the colors and styles available, this is the seller. The tape is different and Lizard Skins knows this – allowing you to try it. It reminds me of the really nice tape you can buy for fancy tennis rackets. It is a bit tacky to touch and only becomes more tacky if it becomes wet. It really hits on the name of the company “Lizard Skins.”
There are many colors to chose from, along with the thickness of tape. 2.5mm is the one I went with for better shock absorption, but there is also a 1.8mm for those that like to “feel their bars.” The color, pink of course!
Long Term Review of the Lizard Skins Handlebar Tape
While my review package of tape showed up in early summer, I wanted to put the tape through its paces. As the tape is almost $40 to wrap a handlebar I wanted to make sure it was worth the cost and continued to feel tacky, padded and pink.
Every time I get on my cyclocross bike with this handlebar tape installed, I am impressed. 600 miles on the handlebars, and the pink is still going strong. A bit dirty, but still pink and tacky.
Overall Thoughts
Not everyone needs to spend this much to wrap their handlebars. If you have a problem with sweaty hands, slippery handlebar tape, maybe have to wear gloves for grip, or you wear through tape a couple times a season.
This tapes for you.
I’ll leave you with this. While at my local cyclocross practice a friend and gear whore, George, saw my tape, felt my tape, asked me about my tape then quickly went out and bought his own tape (not in pink). We both realized quickly that it is durable and perfect for cyclocross.
Disclaimer: Lizards Skins provided this tape free for review, I wasn’t paid or bribed.
Preview: Specialized Cycloross Tires
As cyclocross season is getting rolling, cyclocross product is rolling in the door for test riding and abusing in the name of reviews! One of the most sensitive subjects for cyclocross racers (other than bike geometry) is tire choice and pressure.
2012 Specialized Cyclocross Tires
Three new cyclocross tires focused on from the big S, Specialized Bicycles. One for each terrain, hard packed, mixed conditions, and wet or muddy conditions.
Specialized Trigger Tire
This is the tire for the hard pack conditions, and developed with the help of Todd Wells.
Details: Sharp but shallow diamond tread pattern in the center. Increased and more stable blacks in the shoulder for cornering in hard surfaces.
Trigger Tubular TPI: 290 Weight: 420g MSRP: $100
Trigger Pro TPI: 120 Weight: 275g MSRP: $55
Trigger Sport TPI: 60 Weight: 405g MSRP: $35
Specialized Tracer Tire
Details: One tread that covers all courses, a center knob providing good traction, shoulder knobs to adapt on hard or loose grounds.
Tracer Tubular TPI: 290 Weight: 420g MSRP: $100
Tracer Pro TPI: 120 Weight: 285g MSRP: $55
Tracer Sport TPI: 60 Weight: 405g MSRP: $35
Specialized Terra Tire
Details: Sharp edged tread that clears well in mud and muddy
Terra Tubular TPI: 290 Weight: 425g MSRP: $100
Terra Pro TPI: 120 Weight: 305g MSRP: $55
Tires in for Review
One set of each of the Terra and Trigger tires showed up and are being mounted to give you a full review! For now go check out Specialized full run of cyclocross tires on their website.
The FTC makes me tell you that I receive these tires for free for review. I was not paid or bribed, but I wouldn’t mind making a dollar on this.
Review: Answer Products ProTAPER 650 XC Handlebar in Pink
While at Sea Otter this past spring I was hooked up with the new pink Answer Products ProTaper XC Flatbar. After installing and riding the bar for a couple months (15 or 20 rides) I can give some honest feedback.
ProTaper 650 XC Bars Details
Width: 685mm Weight: 235g (flat) Back Sweep: 3º Colors: PINK, Mango, Red, Green, Brunette (brown), Black
Answer ProTaper 650 XC Review
While the handlebar got me at the word “pink”, the weight and options are really what kept me interested. Even though flat bars really aren’t my gig, not giving enough sweep for my longer distance hauls. I ended up riding these bars for a couple months on my geared Airborne Goblin and then moving it to my Surly Karate Monkey single speed. The weight and taper were confidence inspiring, especially when you use a stem like Thomson that can sometimes crack handlebars when not installed correctly. A bike shop could carry a few of these bars in different colors and really add some flair to customers bikes. Check out more Answer bars on JensonUSA.com
This product was given to me at no charge for reviewing. I was not paid or bribed to give this review and it will have my honest opinion or thoughts through out.
Preview: Ergon PC2 Pedals
Pedals on a commuter are always an interesting dance.
Platform, clipless, toe clips, and then which brand/level? For my around town getter I try to keep platforms on year around to be able to hop on and just GO! The bike I keep at my office in Uptown Charlotte is this type of bike. Originally with BMX style platform pedals, $10 Wellgo pedals, they did well as a pedal but only when I had soft bottom shoes on. When I had dress shoes or some sort of heal the pedal’s “spikes” didn’t grab and became very slippery when wet.
Ergon PC2 Pedals
For 2011 I am on the Ergon Commuter Team where we are testing out their new products and talking bike commute goodness! In July I was sent a pair of their new PC2 pedals to give a spin and give feedback on. While this isn’t going to be a full review I did want to preview them and give my initial thoughts.
Details from Ergon on the PC2 Pedal
- Developed composite by Magura (the brake and fork company)
- Inner foot stop to keep correct foot positioning on the pedal
- Ultra narrow q-factor
- Integrated reflectors
- Anatomically contoured platform, 6º angle for better joint alignment, knee angle correction
- Maintenance free polymear bearings
- 3M-SafetyWalk™ creates a slip free platform
- MSRP $69.99
Initial Thoughts of the Ergon PC2
The PC2′s remind me of beach cruiser pedals with the sand paper feel on each side. This works very well and no matter the shoe so far, they hold a grip.
The pedals are size specific, I’m on a small pedal but at the maximum shoe size with a euro 42 shoe. Two of these pedals do feel very large in your hand, but once on the bike they feel supportive under feet and keep traction between your shoe and drivetrain.
After a handful of rides I am really enjoying these pedals. With an MSRP of $70 I hope they continue to impress me and provide a good alternative to BMX pedals and clipless for commuters!
Camelbak Octane 18x Review
Camelbak Octane 18x
MSRP: $99.00
Water Capacity: 100oz
Size: Expanded 20L, Closed 16L
Weight: 1LB
80 mile road rides, epic mountain bike rides, a Swiss Army knife that folds into a camel’s back. The Camelbak Octane 18x is a great bag. You’ll make some sacrifices on the long day trips for a lighter bag, but overall this is a great water hauling bag.
How the Camelbak Octane 18x Fits
To save some weight they take the structure and extra padding from the pack. The bag can be rolled up and the shoulder straps are thin. With tons of weight this would make the pack pretty uncomfortable but with clothes and water it was great. I never used it to haul down hill gear on my back! As a woman I normally have issues with the chest strap being too high on my neck, or stuck across my boobs. This one had enough room to move up and down without hindering.
Uses of the Octane 18x
Expandable, from 16L of room to 20L when unzipped. This holds a good amount, more than the bag could probably support on your back comfortably. I stuffed it with clothes, shoes and food one day. Due to not having tons of back support it is easily conformed and the bag’s light weight material ended up looked like a sack of potatoes. I loved the waist pockets with key clip and the zipped up minimal sizing. I used this bag on the road since it was so light, on hike a bikes, and simple rides around town. As long as the bag isn’t loaded down it is pretty ventilated. It doesn’t have any fancy mechanics to keep it off your back, so you do get sweaty, but the bag isn’t heavy so it isn’t horrible during my southern humid commutes.
Final Thoughts and Review of the Octane 18x
When I was approached my Camelbak to review some of their product I had things in mind. I’ve used many “all day” packs. Ones that carry your life on your back comfortably. I wanted something for cross country riding and possibly using on longer road rides. Weight and ability to still haul was what I needed.
The Camelbak Octane 18x answered all my wants. While it isn’t going to be perfect for everyone, it fits what I was looking for and that is rare in my life.
Bontrager RL WSD Mountain Bike Shoes Reviewed
Long Term Bontrager RL Mountain WSD Cycling Shoe Review
MSRP: $139.99
Sizes: 36-43 euro (including half sizes between 37.5-41.5)
Details: eSole insole, durable heal cup and toe box, two straps and a third ratchet with buckle
Shoes and saddles have always been the two most sensitive areas with me. I’ve owned several brands over the years, previous to owning the Bontrager shoes my feet were found in pink Sidi Dominator’s for 3 years. When I was looking at the Bontrager cycling shoes they were for back up, for rain or during endurance races when you may need an extra pair of shoes. Quickly, the e-soles inside and the fit of the Bontrager RL WSD shoes won me over. I went from a pair of $280 cycling shoes, to $140 shoes and they made my feet happy enough I would have paid $300 for them!
Initial Feelings of the Bontrager RL Mountain Shoe
Part of me wished the shoe came in a couple color variations. Coming from my pink and red Sidi Dominators I wanted something with character and funk! The black and blue design grew on me, having some feminine flair but not a ton. The moment I put the shoes on I felt like Cinderella as the shoe fit like a glove. I was able to take out shims beneath my cleats during my first fitting with the shoes. This is due to the eSole insole system that had variable arch support, keeping my foot from rolling in towards my crank which had been causing me knee pain for the past 6 years. Yes, a proper fitting, arch support, shoe helped me with the knee pain I had been dealing with forever (including over 18 bike fittings!)
Side View
Main Features of the RL WSD Shoe
The key selling features to me were the following
- fit
- neutral yet fun color
- ventaliation
- toe box protection
- toe spikes for cyclocross or mud
- price
Overall Review of the Bontrager Shoes
If the shoe fits, wear it. I have gone through so many different pairs of cycling shoes to find on my first long ride that they make my feet go to sleep. While I may receive product for review on Bike Shop Girl, and they may end up being shoes, I will continue to purchase Bontrager shoes for my personal shoes. Shoes, much like any piece of clothing, is based on fit and your needs. The shoes have lasted me almost two seasons as I purchased them two years ago while an employee at a shop. Now that I pay retail for most things, I will still be happily paying the $140 for these shoes, I’m actually weighing the option of purchasing the RXL version mainly due to the patent leather and gold look (plus much lighter/stiffer.) I wear these shoes DAILY, for commuting, road riding, mountain biking and everything in between. My family lives mostly on a shoe string budget and even with that I will still be happily paying for these shoes. There are some things in your life you shouldn’t skimp on, for me it is my cycling shoes.
Sidebar
I feel that I should add one last thing to this review. To some people $140 is a lot for cycling shoes, for others compared to Sidi or other more boutique shoes this is half of what they normally would pay. Products to me shouldn’t be weighed by cost. If something is going to help you be a better and happier person it should be worth you saving your pennies, OR in the case of these shoes be open minded to something cheaper than I normally would have purchased. Also, my shoes are worn out. The have become flexy and the back heal has started to peal apart. They still ride wonderfully but are slowly finding their way to becoming my “rain shoes.”