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How functional does a gimmick have to be for it to stop being called a gimmick? Consider down-tube storage compartments for example. They seemed like a novelty at first, but use one for long enough and you might wonder why they’re not on—or in—every new bike. Travis Engel had a similar experience testing the Bookman Volume 800 and Volume 1500 bike lights. They’re loaded with gimmicks, some of which should probably be standard on every light. Still, they’re not quite perfect.
The playful, go-anywhere-themed Element + Pelago Silvo collaboration hits Richard Pool hard with a heavy dose of teenage skateboarding nostalgia. Read on for his review (and accompanying playlist!) for this bullmoose-equipped and gravel-ready commuter, built around an eccentric bottom bracket for the singlespeed conversion this bike is asking for…
Based in Seattle, Washington, Swift Industries is a bike bag company known for blending classic randonneuring aesthetics with modern functionality. Co-founded in 2008 by Martina Brimmer and Jason Goodman, the brand has grown from a basement DIY passion project to a mainstay in the bike luggage space. In celebration of their 15-year anniversary, Hailey Moore writes about Swift’s journey over the years from its founders’ punk roots, to landing shelf space in REI.
Today’s Readers’ Rides is spurred by a request John made in our Super Something Ti seatpost and stem post earlier this week. Remi built up a Sklar Super Something as a commuter and it came out… well, you’re going to have to look for yourself!
We love to see people re-using vintage bikes for modern exploits. It’s one of our absolute favorites. So when Harrison sent this into our Readers’ Rides inbox, we spent a good amount of time frothing over it. Let’s take a look!
Purpose-built for commuting, the Ortlieb Commuter Day-Pack High Visibility brings new meaning to the term reflectivity. But before you start picturing a Day-Glo aesthetic, this piece utilizes a high-luminosity yarn that’s woven throughout Ortlieb’s signature black, waterproof fabric. After testing the backpack through moody Portland commuting, Bicycle Crumbs shares his review.
Curating custom bikes for people is something I’ve done, dare I say, “since forever.” For nearly 20 years the most common way a custom project lands on my plate is someone desiring a build akin to my current ride. In the early years, it was track bikes, singespeeds, and classic road bikes. More recently, popular interest seems to have shifted to e-bike conversions capable of carrying small humans, bulky gear, or a combination of both.
Well, this one got out a bit early. Marty sent his NAHBS Woodville over to the Levi’s crew for some camera time. The bike was used on a trainer to display the new line of Levi’s commuter jeans. More to come but in the meanwhile, check out more info at the Geekhouse Blog.
I wanna see Brad in a pair of commuter jorts. Just sayin’