Author: Jason Mitchell

When you put on a pair of gloves that were obviously optimized for cycling, it’s a thing of beauty. With a form and fit that’s made for on-bike performance, the Castelli Mortirolo Gloves check all the boxes for me in an ideal cold-weather glove. Castelli Mortirolo Gloves Features: Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper body Splash-resistant Brushed palm with outstitched fingers Ergonomic fit specifically for on-bike performance Silicone grip on palm and two fingers Zippered closure Optimized for 45-60 degrees MSRP: $79.99 Mortirolo’s fit “like a glove” Upon arrival, the Castelli Mortirolo Gloves made an immediate impression. “A zippered cuff huh? That’s interesting,”…

As a staple of winter, synthetic insulated softshell jackets are like a Swiss Army knife and serve as a go-to all season long. Comfortable and stylish enough for an evening out yet also capable enough for backcountry use, warmth and weather protection are key attributes. Jack Wolfskin’s JWP Atmos Jacket is their take on a versatile synthetic insulated softshell jacket for all-around use and it has a lot to appreciate. Jack Wolfskin JWP Atmos Jacket Features: Flex Shield recycled polyester outer fabric Water and wind resistant Variable Microguard Stretch insulation (60 g/m² in body and 40 g/m² in sleeves) Packable…

Everyone wants more power. But, can you really get more power for less? With the new SRAM Rival AXS DUB crankset, you can get one-sided power measurement included with your crankset or as an easy add-on. SRAM Rival AXS Power Meter Features: An elegant integrated design DUB-PWR spindle-based unit measures left side power to calculate total watts Proven Quarq reliability and accuracy (+/- 3%) Left-leg measurement only Long battery life (400+ hours) to power a season of rides User replaceable lithium AAA battery DUB bottom bracket adds durability and simplicity Waterproof (IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes) Lightweight…

Optimizing your running performance and power output hasn’t always been measurable outside of a stopwatch. The tale of the tape is only a part of the picture, so Nurvv Run Smart Insoles are here to provide a host of actionable data that can be used to improve form, fitness and overall performance. Nurvv Run Smart Insoles Features: Measures power, cadence, step length, pronation and foot strike GPS enabled devices track distance Connect HRM for additional data Encourages form improvements to reduce injury Trackers are IP67 rated for water and dirt protection 5+ hours of use Insoles have 16 precision sensors…

Electronic wireless shifting has reached new heights during the bicycle super boom. SRAM has somehow managed to expand their AXS lineup to both Rival and GX levels while also landing even more factory builds from just about every manufacturer on the planet. But… on the surface, electronic shifting on mountain bikes doesn’t quite have the same ring to it as it does on road and gravel bikes. I don’t know if it’s just personal preference or “roadie bias” but I haven’t even really considered electronic mountain bike shifting until the GX AXS level came to play. With electronic shifting comes…

We’re talking the primo stuff. Crème de la crème. Top shelf and all that jazz. This gear still has us giddy like a kid on Christmas morning. Memories of long bike rides, trail runs or adventures has us longing for more of that in 2022 and likely, many of these items will remain on those activities. So, without delay, we present the 2021 FeedTheHabit.com Gear of the Year. Koo Demos Sunglasses Sunglasses are an essential part of every bike ride. A good pair disappears while providing crystal-clear vision and wide coverage from the sun, dirt and debris. Koo hasn’t been…

It turns out that handlebar and frame packs are all the rage these days. So, whether you’re bikepacking or just want a seat pack alternative, it’s worth giving the Lead Out! Frame Pack a good looksie. Lead Out! Mini Frame Bag Features: Velcro and bungee toggle attachment points Left side stores slimmer items Right side accommodates larger items Water-resistant fabric and zippers Size allows access to water bottles Includes reflective touches Semi-structural foam liner Size: 11in x 13.5in x 8.5in  [2″ wide] Colors: Black, Charcoal (tested), Orange, White MSRP: $65 Keep that front triangle open for business! Most of the…

Premium kit maker, MAAP, has taken the cycling world by storm. With all the high-end brands on the market, MAAP continues to stand out with classic styles and functional fabrics. This time, they have taken aim at the growing gravel market with a unique mix of materials and style in their Alt_Road kit. MAAP Alt_Road LS Jersey and Cargo Bib Shorts Features: NATURALMATCH® merino wool jersey with other fabrics Mixture of mesh and fleece-backed fabrics underarms and sides Three rear jersey pockets and single zippered pocket Mid-rise collar that’s more compatible with jackets Elastic hem with silicone grip all the…

As part of the variety of jerseys in your closet, a go-to thermal jersey is an essential. With the Pearl Izumi Attack Thermal Jersey, you get a comfortable and versatile jersey for cold weather riding. Updated for fall 2021, this cozy jersey has been a workhorse for road, gravel and MTB use. Pearl Izumi Attack Thermal Jersey Features: Lightweight Transfer Thermal fleece fabric Full-length zipper Three rear pockets Zippered side-access pocket for your phone BioViz® reflective touches Utilizes recycled materials (47% recycled polyester) Form fit with stretch for layering MSRP: $100 Affordable thermal jersey Pearl Izumi has long offered a…

Insulated water bottles are a tricky prospect. On paper, they seem awesome, but in practice they just aren’t. Trek aims to change that with their new Voda Ice Bottles. The Voda bottle is a new design that’s available in both standard and insulated flavors. I’ve been testing the Voda Ice 20 oz and 28 oz bottles and I love the overall design, but it’s not without flaws. Trek Voda Ice Insulated Bottle Features Available in 20 oz and 28 oz sizes Leak-free closure Claims to keep water colder twice as long as a standard botle Flow Top cap offers easy…

Italian sports cars are notoriously fast, beautiful and pricey. Well, Italian components are also fast, beautiful and pricey. With the new Campagnolo Ekar 1×13 groupset, Campagnolo aims to get more Italian goodness into the hands of more riders and as OEM spec on many bikes at retail.  Campagnolo Ekar 1×13 Groupset Features The only production 13-speed drivetrain 1x crankset only with narrow 145.5mm Q-factor Three cassette options (outlined below) 38, 40, 42 and 44T chainring options UD carbon fiber crankset Utilizes Campagnolo’s classic lever shape Extended thumb paddle for easier shifting Requires wheelset with N3W driver body MSRP: $1785 Italian…

It’s time to dance that fine line between having hands that are too warm or too cold and the Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Gloves are built to strategically navigate the fringes of rideable temperatures. With gel inserts and excellent tactility, the Cyclone Gel Gloves have enabled cold rides without being overly bulky. Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Gloves Features: BioViz® reflective elements for low light visibility Hook and loop closure for perfect fit 3D shaped gel pads for comfort Ax Suede Uno synthetic leather palm with 4-way stretch offers improved fit, breathability, and bar feel Three-layer softshell back of hand Touchscreen…

The original Fezzari Shafer gravel bike admittedly wasn’t too much to get excited about. However, the all-new Fezzari Shafer 2.0 has taken that bike and burned it to the ground in favor of a modern, fun and relevant gravel bomber. Since its introduction, the new Shafer 2.0 (as I call it) has gained praises from media and riders alike and — spoiler alert — I’m going to lump a bit more praise onto that growing pile. 2022 Fezzari Shafer 2.0 Elite Ekar 1×13 Features: MonoForm™ CleanCast™ Carbon Campagnolo Ekar 1×13 gravel groupset 10-44t 13-speed cassette with 40T chainring Fulcrum Rapid…

Time for a rally cap in cycling? Well, it’s hard to wear one backwards or inside out, but the Bontrager Rally WaveCel Helmet is a good one to keep the singletrack vibes going well past the 9th inning. Rally WaveCel Helmet Features: WaveCel, a collapsible cellular structure reduces rotational motion to the brain during impact Awarded 5 stars by Virginia Tech for safety standards Extended back-of-helmet shell offers additional rear protection BOA® Fit System to dial in your fit Washable helmet pads LockDown yoke dividers provide added fit adjustments Adjustable visor Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards 1-year Crash Replacement…

Lightweight, breathable softshell jackets come in a variety of forms. When softshells were introduced, they were stretchy, for sure, but still needed some kinks to be worked out. Now, in 2021, the diverse types of materials offered in softshell jackets creates an opportunity for each jacket to find a home. With that, I bring you to the Jack Wolfskin Hydro III Softshell Jacket and it’s time to share how it has fared over the past 6 months of testing. Jack Wolfskin Hydro III Jacket Features: Features Nanuk Dynamic Terry fabric with Super DWR Includes 2 hand pockets Fixed hood Dual-sided…

Last year, Zipp introduced their all-new 303 Firecrest and 303 S wheelsets with wider widths and somewhat controversial “tubeless-only” compatibility. Going on five months, I’ve been flogging the Zipp 303 S Carbon wheelset with tons of gravel and road miles and these affordable Zipp’s have a little something up their sleeve. Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless Wheelset Features: Hookless rim design 27 mm outer, 23 mm inner and 45mm depth Baked-on graphics (no more Zipp stickers!) Fastest aerodynamically with 28mm tires 76 / 176 DB center lock hubs Shimano or XDR driver body options Requires use of tubeless tires Lifetime…

The POC MTB Pure LS Jersey covers the trifecta of weather uses. You can wear it in the summer for extra sun protection. Or, you can wear it on cool morning rides or shoulder season days when it’s just a touch chilly. And, you can wear it as a base layer for colder rides. However you choose to wear it, the Pure LS Jersey is comfortable, stylish and versatile. POC MTB Pure LS Jersey Features: Quick drying and breathable mesh fabric Zipped side pocket for small items Cut to fit over VPD body armor Drop tail hem for added coverage…

Italians are known for their injection molding, fast cars and style. With the Kask Wasabi helmet, you get a little taste of their manufacturing skills, style and speed. Launched this spring as an all-weather aerodynamic helmet, the Wasabi has been a willing partner for cold and wet-weather riding. Kask Wasabi WG11 Helmet Features: Active ventilation system easily slides open/closed 100% Merino wool lining Octo Fit retention system Superior aerodynamics Eco leather chinstrap WG11 crash-tested and certified Made in Italy Weight: 315 grams (medium, actual) MSRP: $350 Aerodynamics and all-weather comfort? Indeed. Introduced ahead of the Spring Classics where weather is…

The Gore Wear brand, with obvious access to some of the finest materials available, remains a sleeper brand to most people. With a wide range of year-round kits, the heritage of Gore remains cold and wet weather gear (although their summer range is quite nice). The Gore Wear C5 Thermo Jersey has been a great option for cold weather road, gravel and mountain biking this fall. Gore Wear C5 Thermo Jersey Features: Thermal stretch Gore Selected Fabric Mesh insert in back panel for optimized ventilation Added sleeve length for proper coverage and dropped tail Ergonomic collar shape (shorter in the…

These days, hauling ride essentials can be done in a variety of ways. As of late, all the cool kids are opting for the handlebar bag. The Lead Out! Mini Handlebar Bag offers just the right amount of space for ride essentials and mounts up nicely for whatever you’re throwing at it. Lead Out! Mini Handlebar Bag Features: 1.3 L storage (8″x4″) Quick-release buckles on each strap Single bungee toggle to wrap around stem Water-resistant fabric and zippers (not waterproof) Mini pocket on one end Reflective stripe MSRP: $40 Stash a burrito or ride essentials — your choice Somewhere along…