Author: Jason Mitchell

Gore Wear always showcases the pinnacle of Gore’s fabrics. With the new Torrent Cycling Jacket, Gore Wear has delivered a versatile, breathable shell that will repel even the most intense rainstorms. Used as a layering piece, you can also use it in the winter for added warmth and wind protection. Built with an efficient fit, the Torrent is at home on the most demanding rides and represents one of the best shells on the market. Gore Wear Torrent Cycling Jacket Features: Light and breathable jacket for protection from the wind and rain GORE-TEX Active sheds water and guards against the…

Backed by Giant Bicycles, CADEX has emerged as a bleeding-edge component manufacturer taking aim at top brands like Zipp and ENVE. Currently, CADEX offers wheels, handlebars, tires and saddles at the very highest end of the market. With the popularity of gravel, they not only have some of the lightest gravel wheels on the market, but also the lightest gravel bar on the market. I’ve been testing the new CADEX AR All-road handlebar and it makes for an impressive cockpit for modern road and gravel bikes. CADEX AR All-road/Gravel Handlebar Features: Drops feature 8-degree flare and 3-degree outsweep for added…

Tifosi continues to kill it with budget shades that still perform at a high level. Their Sledge remains one of my favorites and the brand new Rail seems to be hot on its heels. A wide range-of-vision and lightweight design are just the beginning, so let’s dive in. Tifosi Rail Sunglasses Features: Oversized rimless design Adjustable temples and nose pieces Grilamid TR-90 frame De-centered polycarbonate lenses Full UV protection Includes 3 lenses (except Fototec model, tested) Clarion Red Fototec lens offers variable 14-64% VLT Weight: 31 grams MSRP: $79.99 Wide vision, low price I don’t care what the trendsetters wear,…

Outdoor Vitals is coming in hot with a growing collection of ultralight backpacking and outdoor gear. Their Ventus Active Hoodie is a great representation of the type of gear they offer with tons of versatility that makes it easy to love. Built for backpacking, but I’ve been happily wearing it hiking and trail running this spring. Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie Features: Lightweight 3DeFX body-mapped insulation Outer shell is 20D ripstop nylon with DWR Lining is 2D ripstop nylon Hidden inner collar pocket Thumb loops Perforated underarm vents Athletic fit Generous size range from S-3XL MSRP: $179.97 Ventus Hoodie is…

As a mega-brand, Salomon makes a wide variety of footwear, apparel and hard goods from skiing to hiking and everything in-between. With that breadth of products, they have in-house experts who dive deep into the products they create. For years, Salomon’s trail running line has remained fan favorites, with their limited-edition S/Lab products setting the tone. A new shoe in the line, the Ultra Glide is built for lightweight comfort and also has the ability to go from road-to-trail if that’s your thing.  Salomon Ultra Glide Features: Maximum cushioning Low-profile 4mm Contagrip outsoles Energy Surge midsole and rocker shape Breathable…

Long road or gravel rides require added versatility and cargo capacity. Sure, load up your bike with frame bags, but if you can avoid it, just plop everything into your jersey pockets and into the various pockets on the  Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts. Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts Features: Italian PRO Transfer fabric balances feels luxe Levitate™ PRO Chamois pad with triple-density padding Drop-tail design for nature breaks Laser-cut bib straps for superior next-to-skin comfort Thigh cargo pockets and rear pocket at base of straps Laser-cut raw edge leg hem construction for seamless transition to skin PI…

Canada is a gravel wonderland and Louis Garneau isn’t about to get left in the dust when it comes to gravel-focused apparel and gear. While some “gravel” kits are lumberjack-inspired, my bet still remains on those based on efficient road designs, but with gravel-specific niceties, like extra pockets and subdued colors. With that, the Garneau Garnott LS Jersey is just that. Louis Garneau Garnott LS Jersey Features Airdry 100 honeycomb fabric Three rear jersey pockets with two side pockets Reflective accents on pockets Standard-height collar Fixed “ring” cuffs Regular fit MSRP: $129.99 Garnott LS for gravel and more Arm warmers…

Campagnolo isn’t wasting any time capitalizing on their recent successes during the bike boom. Tops on that list is certainly their Ekar 13-speed gravel groupset, which has opened up Campagnolo to a new, growing segment of riders. To that end, the all-new Campangolo Levante gravel wheelset has all the right moves to make a splash into the gravel scene. The right wheelset is key to being able to transition from road to gravel and singletrack with confidence. And, the proper inner width and tubeless compatibility are also tops on everyone’s minds. With the Campagnolo Levante wheelset, you’re also getting high-performance wheels…

No question, proper-fitting and performing shoes are one of the most important aspects of any ride. Many gravel riders just use their MTB shoes and the brave ones ride road shoes and pedals. Those who know, rock a gravel-focused pair of shoes like the new Scott Gravel Tuned and enjoy efficiency and comfort on road, gravel and singletrack. Scott Gravel Tuned Shoes Features: Dual BOA L6 fit system Nylon carbon composite sole Adjustable ErgoLogic insole system Sticki Rubber compound outsole Stiffness index of 8 Performance fit 2-hole cleat compatibility Weight: 379g each (44.5 actual) MSRP: $179.99 Gravel-focused and ready to…

An all-new Colnago superbike is rolling out of Cambiago, Italy and it marks 68 years in business for the manufacturer. Setting the table for a set of three new bikes, the Colnago C68 is the all-rounder with forthcoming allroad and gravel models based on the same molds. The C68 will also be Colnago’s first foray into the direct-to-consumer business model (in Europe first, US sometime next year). Frames will continue to be handmade in Italy and will now be available in a total of 7 sizes. Both stack and reach vary between all sizes and the overall fit remains racy,…

Let me get this out there right off the bat… the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie lives up to its name as something you’ll want to wear every, single, day. It’s great for lounging, work, play and especially for traveling.  Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody Features: Capilene Cool fabric Includes HeiQ® Pure odor control 50-100% recycled polyester Wicking fabric made with minimal seams MSRP: $55 Hoody on the daily (or travel) Around Utah, I’ve gotten plenty of uses with the Daily Hoody, but its greatest attributes have shone through when used for travel. A Caribbean cruise served as a test…

The good folks at Speedplay did a great job for many years delivering arguably the most knee-friendly road pedals on the market. But, expanding their reach with a sometimes confusing pedal offering did cause riders and retailers alike to scratch their heads. In 2019, Wahoo Fitness acquired Speedplay to take their Zero Pedals to the next level — and also develop a pedal-based power meter. The midrange Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedals are the sweet spot in the line and Wahoo’s changes can be felt. Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedals Features: Adjustable float (up to 15-degrees) Stainless steel dual-sided design Walkable, areodynamic…

Bollé has long been known for quality optics for snow, water and everywhere else. With a recent update, their new Volt+ lenses are said to offer better clarity and a 30% improvement in color perception. With rubberized temple tips and nose pieces, the Bollé Score sunglasses have been on test for a good bit, so let’s see how they compare. Bollé Score Sunglasses Features: Available with Volt+ polarized lenses (AI-optimized, patented technology) High-contrast lens with optimized white point Lightweight and flexible TR90 nylon frame Thermogrip® rubber on nosepad and temple tips Score Volt+ available in matte black (tested) and teal…

ENVE doesn’t typically get tricky with their product names. No, they usually just call things what they are. I still love the ENVE Road Handlebar and consider it one of my favorites. Taking that further, the new ENVE SES AR Road Handlebar offers a modern drop bar shape for all-road adventures. ENVE SES AR Road Handlebar Features: Aerodynamic tops to reduce drag Compound flared drops keep a natural hood position Internal and external cable routing options (Di2 compatible) Stepped tops for clean taping 76mm reach and 127mm drop (with 23.5mm flare) Available in 38-46cm widths 5-year warranty with lifetime crash…

Bontrager’s WaveCel technology isn’t new any longer. Their collapsible, shearing protective honeycomb-like material provides significant benefits in all the flavors I’ve tested. Now, the venerable Circuit helmet gets the WaveCel treatment with a few other twists for good measure. Bontrager Circuit WaveCel Helmet Features: WaveCel advanced helmet technology BOA® Fit System lets you easily secure and adjust your fit with one hand Blendr magnetic mount system easily integrates a GoPro camera and Bontrager lights Made of 50% post-consumer recycled polystyrene FlatStrap semi-fixed strap dividers lay flush and move fore and aft for a perfect fit Soft, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and washable…

Not just for yoga or lounging with the crew, the Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers have been great for  trail running, dog walks and just about everything else I’ve thrown their way. These versatile, stylish joggers are definitely easy to live with. Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers Features: Slim fit joggers for trail, town or active use Articulated knees for increased range of movement Adjustable drawcord waistband 100% recycled polyester stretch ripstop body fabric 91% recycled polyester/spandex cuffs and waist Fair Trade Certified™ sewn DWR finish MSRP: $89 Do-it-all joggers Slim-fit joggers are increasingly popular for all-around use. There’s something about an efficient, slim…

Over the years, I’ve tested first-generation GPS watches with mixed results. Going into the Wahoo ELEMNT Rival review, I wanted to believe that the unit would perform on par with Wahoo’s bomber cycling computers. I mean, if they could squeeze all that goodness onto my wrist, I’d be stoked. Now, after a year of testing, I’m here to report that the Rival has great promise, but does suffer from some first-generation glitches that I had hoped Wahoo would have avoided. Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Features: Built-in optical heart rate tracking 64-bit color screen Ceramic bezel and Gorilla Glass…

Castelli has long partnered with Gore-Tex on their cold and wet-weather kits. With the latest Castelli Perfetto RoS Long Sleeve (a.k.a. jacket), you’re getting Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper throughout for the ultimate in wind and weather protection while remaining supremely stretchy and breathable. Castelli Perfetto RoS Long Sleeve Features: Exclusive GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® 205 on front faces WINDSTOPPER® 203 Stretch on rear-facing surfaces for extra stretch and breathability Taped shoulder seams for extra rain protection YKK® Vislon® zipper for easy sliding, covered for extra wind and rain protection Zippered ventilation openings on side of chest 2 rear pockets with pump sleeve…

House brands are making serious waves in the wheelset and cockpit market and Cadex isn’t about to be left behind. Giant-owned Cadex has released several industry-leading road wheelsets and is now leaning into the gravel space with the all-new AR 35 Disc Wheelset and gravel tires to go alongside the previously-released AR Handlebar (in for review). In a space where marginal gains are highly-valued, the new Cadex AR Disc Wheelset drops the competition in weight, lateral stiffness and transmission stiffness. To make a fast wheel, it needs to be responsive. But responsiveness can be difficult to quantify, though it can certainly…

While POC may be more well-known for their helmets and other protective gear, their apparel lineup is renowned for it’s design, fit and function. Protection is the name of the game for the folks at POC, so protection from nasty falls or the elements all come together with the new POC Mantle Thermal Hoodie. POC Mantle Thermal Hoodie Features: Constructed from a stretchy and insulative recycled double-layer thermal polyamide Uses fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment Brushed lining for comfort Zippered rear pocket Full-coverage hood can be worn under a helmet Lycra cuffs Sunglass holder pocket MSRP: $180 A MTB pullover that’s much…