Life In The Saddle

I have been using a set of Aftershokz bone conduction headphones daily, ever since I reviewed the Bluez2 headphones back in 2015. The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are the re-branded and most up to date model within the Shokz range. This latest model offers a few notable updates over its predecessor – the Aftershoz Aeropex. The updates include better sound quality, a better noise-cancelling microphone, quick-charge functionality, and an outstanding ten hours of runtime. In short, these new headphones take an already exceptional product and improve upon it. About Bone Conduction Headphones Bone conduction headphones allow for an open ear listening experience—where the headphones sit next to the ear, rather in the ear like an earbud. The result is that your ear canals are kept clear, so you keep your ambient sound listening capabilities—a vital safety consideration for cyclists and runners, as well as a necessity for optimum balance and stability. Back in 2015, with the Aftershokz Bluez2

A handlebar bag is an undeniably useful addition to any adventure bike; allowing you to carry valuables and long ride essentials safe and close to hand. The new Chrome Industries Doubletrack Handlebar Sling Bag takes the concept of a handlebar bag and makes it even more useful and versatile; by allowing it to also be adapted into a sling shoulder bag or hip pack. The Doubletrack Handlebar Sling Bag has a vintage look and feel to it. The hard-wearing water-resistant canvas construction, with the leather logo patch and roll-top closure, instantly appeals for its retro heritage style. Chrome's signature styling is the start of the Doubletrack handlebar, but the real merit in this design lies in the practical details… Storage comes in the form of the main compartment with its roll-top closure and magnetic fid-lock clasp—though the brand does not claim this compartment to be waterproof, it has proven to be very weatherproof. There are then two mesh pockets on the side of the bag fo

Big wheels on modern 29er mountain bikes demand flat top bars; they allow you to achieve that low powerful position for speed and efficiency. Extra bar width is also a real virtue—letting you to pump the bike over challenging terrain, and to keep control of your steering as you tear through the countryside. The Ultimate USE RIP handlebars were a much warranted and long-awaited upgrade to my trusty Pivot Les 29 mountain bike. This bright orange bike is approaching its ten-year anniversary, with countless race miles on all kinds of terrain across Europe, from the Dolomites to the forests of Denmark. The core of the bike remains the fantastic carbon fibre frame that I first enjoyed in 2013, but over the years I have been progressively upgrading the bike rather than splashing out on a new ride. The Ultimate USE RIP Flat Carbon Handlebars were designed for aggressive XC riding and racing. Their flat profile, with an eight degree sweep and 720 mm width, provide a powerful low position

Carbon fibre has become the go-to material for the vast majority of high-end bike components; its light weight and structural strength is un-matched for most applications. Thomson have defied that trend though, with their range of beautifully machined alloy seatposts. Alloy seatposts have a number of advantages that I will discuss in greater detail below; but put simply, the Thomson Masterpiece Alloy Seatpost offers almost all the advantages of a carbon fibre post, with greater reliability and durability. Thomson Alloy Seatposts have been spotted on world class off-road race bikes for a number of years; offering a build quality that delivers the ultimate reliability. For starters, the tube and head of a Thomson seatpost are machined from one piece of high strength 7000 series aluminium; because the head is not pressed or bonded in, it delivers superior strength. The clamp on a Thomson seat post is exceptionally low profile, so there is no risk that the clamp will rub or touch o