Life In The Saddle

The best-selling Scicon Aerocomfort Bike Bag has received some significant design updates. With thru-axle compatibility, added protection, and an overall lighter weight—the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0  is even more of a market-leader than before. Back in 2013, I reviewed the Scicon Aerocomfort 2.0 ( read the review here ). That bag has had some significant use: for transporting bikes on planes, trains, and even yachts. With many of my bikes  now having thru-axle designs though, the Aerocomfort 2.0 had required some questionable 'bodging' on my part to make it usable. I was therefore relieved when the new 3.0 was released—this new design is much improved. Thru-Axle Compatibility One of the biggest differences with the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag is that it will accommodate 12 mm thru axles on the front and rear of the patented suspension frame system. To fit thru-axles, you simply remove the QR inserts in the suspension frame, then use your bike's existing axles t...

The Italian brand Scicon is well known for their industry-leading bike bags and luggage solutions, but earlier this year they released an interesting new line of sports sunglasses; designed to offer maximum protection and clarity of vision in all cycling conditions and disciplines. The ScICON Aerotech Sunglasses have been my personal choice this summer, and I rate them highly. Regular blog readers will recall my review of the Scicon Aerocomfort Road 3.0 Bike Bag  — that innovative product revolutionised the ease of transporting a bike during air travel. The Italian innovators have not become complacent in their dominance of the bike bag market though, and in 2019 they have branched out into saddles, bib shorts, and eyewear. The ScICON Aerotech Sunglasses are the flagship model within the new ScICON Performance range. They are inspired by a quest for adaptability and versatility; to be usable whether you are a road cyclist, mountain biker, triathlete, runner, or any other...

My Eastway Emitter R0 is a truly custom build. At the start of 2016, we decided to do something a bit different with Team Wiggle bikes; rather than have identical loan bikes for the year, we would each have a frameset, and be responsible for building it up ourselves. The idea allowed us to choose parts that truly fitted our style of riding, and that were optimal for purpose. My Eastway Emitter is built up for endurance road riding, and has a distinctly Italian theme. The build kit features a Campagnolo Record mechanical groupset; as well as Campagnolo Zonda 2-way Fit wheels, fitted with Hutchinson tubeless road tyres (Read my blog on ' Going Tubeless on Road Tyres '). The finishing kit comes from fi'zi:k; whilst accessories come from LifeLine, Scicon Bags and Bar Fly. It might not be the lightest or most high-tech build, but it is comfortable and reliable. You need good reliable kit when you're riding  200 mile unsupported missions , and travelling abroad for ...

Last year, I wrote a post on Cross Country Ride: 'My Every Ride Carry' ; featuring all the kit that comes with me on a weekend trail outing. In this post, I turn to the tarmac, and what I would take with me on a weekend endurance road ride, or middle-distance event. Wearable kit: Kask Infinity Helmet POC Do Blade AVIP Sunglasses GripGrab Cycling Cap GripGrab Windster Gloves GripGrab HiVis HeadGlove GripGrab HiVis Thermo Overshoes These products have fast become my favourite kit accessories for autumn/springtime rides. The Kask Infinity helmet does a fantastic job of providing an enhanced shield from the cold. The POC Do Blade AVIP sunglasses, are perfect for giving added wind protection for your eyes, whilst their lenses are suitable for bright sunshine and dull days (Review of the POC Do Blade AVIP Glasses ). Then, the GripGrab Windster Gloves, Hammerhead Overshoes , HiVis HeadGlove and GripGrab Cycling Cap , are ideal for shielding your vulnerable extremit...

Christmas is coming, and that means stockings! In this post, I thought I would feature fifteen of the best cycling products that I've tested over the last year. They are all ideal stocking fillers, which don't cost the earth and would be ideal gifts for anyone that is into cycling. From energy bars to tyre levers, there's a real mix... Bounce Balls Bounce Balls are tasty little energy snacks, which are packed full of natural goodness. They contain carbohydrate from rice bran and starch, and whey protein to keep your muscles in shape. As a Christmas themed option, the new Cacao Orange flavour is seriously tasty with a morning coffee! View the Bounce Balls range (Link) Tate Labs Bar Fly SLi Mounts Keep handlebars clutter-free with an out-front mount. These new SLi mounts from Tate Labs are the best that I've used; I have the Bar Fly Sli BAM to hold a GoPro and Garmin Edge on my road bike, as well as the SLi-D MTB mount on my 35mm mountain bike bars. There...

Everyone likes kit comparisons. Whether it is what you take on a mammoth assault on the Himalayas, or what you carry in your everyday life (your EDC); it is interesting to compare personal preference and choice. In this post, I focus my attention on my off-road carry, and what comes with me on a cross-country weekend ride. Saddle bag or hydration pack? Hydration pack or saddle bag? For a long time, I've tossed up the pros and cons of riding with these luggage options on a mountain bike. There are significant benefits and disadvantages of both, but at the moment I've pared back my riding kit a bit, and I'm opting for the freedom of a saddle bag and jersey pockets. This is my XC Every Ride Carry (ERC)…  The Saddle Bag: Scicon Hippo 550 Saddle Bag The Hippo 550 is one of Scicon's biggest saddle bags. Yet, it is still compact enough that it doesn't swing about under your saddle and create irritating thigh rub. It uses Scicon's patented and highly effe...