Review: Arkel Small Handlebar Bag

On my 2011 France and Spain Touring trip I had plenty of time to consider how the bike luggage I was using could be improved upon and added to. Over those 1500 miles I created an image in my mind of the perfect kit set-up for Lite Touring; I wrote this up as my Comprehensive Lite Touring Kit List.

When I got back from the trip I spent a long time researching the best kit that I could find to take on my next big tour (which was planned for this September, but has been postponed to next year). I came across the Arkel brand; a Canadian company that makes incredibly high quality, lifetime guaranteed touring kit. I was impressed!

To test out the range I reviewed the Arkel Touring Saddlebag; it has a highly innovative design and quite frankly is the coolest and best made large saddle bag I have seen.

Spurred on by the saddle bag’s quality and the fact that Arkel has just set up a UK distribution depot (so the products no longer have to come air mail from Canada), I went in for a full Arkel set to fit my “image of the perfect Lite Touring set up”. This comprised of (in addition to the saddle bag) the Small Handlebar Bag, Dolphin 48 Waterproof Rear Panniers and Tailrider Trunk Bag. In this post I am reviewing the first of those products...

Handlebar bags are a piece of cycling luggage that is often scoffed at; some claim that they ruin the look of a bike and stop you from seeing the front wheel. However, from my touring experience, I found that they are an almost essential piece of equipment. They make your life far easier when you are on the move, by keeping your valuables close to hand and constantly in sight. I spent most of my France and Spain Touring trip wishing I had taken one.

Handlebar bags also don’t have to be cumbersome. This “small” handlebar bag from Arkel is the perfect size to fit on 42-44cm road handlebars, leaving you with plenty of space still on the bars, but enough room in the bag for everything you need to hand.

Firstly, build quality. Arkel kit all has a lifetime guarantee; that means if the stitching comes undone, the bracket breaks, or the waterproofing turns out not to be waterproof, then Arkel will replace it. That is probably the best indication of how good quality this stuff is. How many brands are that sure that their kit will keep going strong year after year? I can vouch that the Arkel quality is indeed outstanding; no stitch has been left unfinished, no detail overlooked. This really is kit capable of everything that back-and-beyond touring can throw at it.

The attribute that first drew me to the Arkel handlebar bag, compared to the competition, is its 100% waterproof design without the need for a rain cover. This is achieved through a neat two part system; the lid of the bag is fully waterproof (even more so because the map cover sits on top of it), the lid is then zipped to the main compartment with a waterproof zip, and then the main compartment is lined with a seamless waterproof “bag” that zips in and out. The design means that your belongings are effectively encapsulated by a seamless waterproof system when the lid is closed, and any water that gets through the outer seams of the main compartment will not reach your kit because the waterproof liner prevents it. Far better than having to take off a rain cover whenever you want to access your kit!

The second superb feature of the Arkel bag is the clear map case on the lid of the bag. The case is made of a high quality clear plastic, which looks like it certainly shouldn't discolour with UV exposure. You can either have the case folded back on itself to minimise the size, or you can fold it out for maximum coverage of the territory that you are exploring. 

The third great feature that is worth shouting about with the Arkel handlebar bag design is the bracket that fixes the bag to the handlebar. The handlebar part of the bracket consists of two neat aluminium mounts, which affix to the handlebars with allen key bolt clamps. The bag then has two slider fixings with metal clips; this means the bag simply slides on and off the bracket. These brackets on the bag can be covered by a velcro flap when the bag is off the bike, to prevent them catching on clothing whilst you are carrying it. The whole mounting system is simple, yet highly robust and secure; I would quite happily take the bag off-road and be sure that it would stay put. 

Additional great features include a sturdy shoulder strap that tucks under the map case when not in use; as well as a secure zipper pocket on the front for items that do not need to be kept in the waterproof compartment. This front pocket even has a light clip on it, so that you can clip on a high visibility light at night-time! To add even more organisation, there are also neat mesh pockets on the sides of the bag, which are ideal for stashing food in. That's a lot of features for a "small" product.

This really is a great bit of kit, and I won't be going on another bike tour without it. The build quality is fantastic, and the features plentiful and well thought out.

I will be reviewing more of the products from the Arkel range over the coming months, but it is well worth checking them out yourself. They can all be ordered directly from Arkel online: www.panniers.com.

Ride Stats: August 2013

August 2013...

• Yet again beats my record for the number of miles I have done on the bike in a month (I did last month too)
• Has included a real mix of riding; from the Channel Island, to France, to commuting to my new job at Wiggle
• A fair bit of off-road riding in there as well, when I've had the chance. I'm hoping to do more in September.
• Suprisingly, despite including my holiday and a fair few BBQs, my weight has remained steady
• Overall a very good month both on and off the bike

Race Report: Surrey League Kermesse - Don't Give Up!

When you turn up to a race and find out that the race before yours on the same circuit had 25 punctures, it doesn't bode well. When your race briefing includes a warning of a cattle grid on the course, and a warning of deer on the course, it rather adds to the trepidation. Oh, it was raining as well. 

Anyway, enough complaining, today Sambo and James came with me to the last of our Surrey League races in West Sussex.  It was an exciting one...

The course took us through a deer park, and some rough road surfaces, and was composed of 12 laps of the 3.5 mile circuit.

On the fourth lap I launched an attack, with Jimbo slowing the pace momentarily on the front, I kicked off the front. Bringing a bit of my mountain bike experience back into play I went on the worst section of road.The attack worked, two riders came with me and we were opening up a good gap on the main field. It was tough going, the course didn't give much let up, you were either holding on flying over the flinty rough road in the deer park, or pushing hard on the main road section. We held off the main field for five laps of the twelve lap course, but it wasn't to be. VC Meuden got themselves organised and painfully reeled us back in. I have to admit I was a bit gutted.

Just after we were caught, with four laps remaining, I became one of the many victims of a puncture on my front wheel (Sam got a puncture on the first lap, and by the end of the race a total of thirty riders became puncture victims!)

Jimbo was awesome, and as I put my hand up to pull off he came with me and gave me his front wheel. I was back on course within 45 seconds and chased relentlessly. Honestly I have never pushed as hard as I did to try and get back on in those remaining four laps, all I wanted to do was get a result for the team. Unfortunately I didn't manage it, I finished just 25 seconds behind the main field, who had ramped it up considerably in the last few laps.

Covered in mud, the three of us headed back to the car. I think I probably came in around 15th, the "main field" was so depleted by punctures that the 14 riders in front of me were all that was left. It wasn't quite how I wanted to finish my Surrey League races for the season, but hey it could have been worse. Perhaps I'll put some cyclocross tyres on next time...

N.B. I can't help but think that with the race being sponsored by South Downs Bikes, they might have provided a neutral service vehicle, so that at least some of the 30 puncture victims didn't have to walk back to the start. I'm grateful the race was put on, and apart from the surface, the course was actually quite good, but for the unlucky ones that punctured a few miles from the HQ (like Sam) it was a long walk home. Just a thought.

Before all the mayhem began...

Review: Ragpicker Summer Pro-Race Socks

Ragpicker is a London based firm, run and owned by a small group of dedicated road cyclists. It was set up following the success of British cyclists in London 2012, and aims to produce a selection of classic, innovative and beautiful kit for road riders.

When the firm was first set up, they kindly sent me their classic cycling caps to use (you have probably spotted them on the blog in photographs). As the firm expands, they are adding to their range, and their Pro-Race Summer Socks are the latest piece of stylish kit I have had to review from them.

Firstly, I would like to point to the great value. The socks come in a three pack of green, pink and dark blue, all for a superb price of £20. Cycling socks are expensive, by sock standards, but these are a great value option by any reckoning.

Second up, the styling: classic white with colour bands. These are socks that will complement almost any race strip, and although using white socks in wet conditions will almost certainly demand a good dose of Vanish when you put them in the wash, they are still my favourite colour choice.  

Finally the quality, these are made of a technical wicking fabric, which is holding up well with multiple washes. The more durable fabric on the heels and toes also seems to be dealing well with multiple rides and walking around in socks.

It is well worth checking out Ragpicker.cc and following the firm’s progress. These are guys that know what the cycling enthusiast wants, and are producing kit that fits the bill with great style and flare. I look forward to seeing their range expand, it’s going to be good!

Review: Salice 005 Sunglasses

Almost a year ago I reviewed my set of Salice 006s on the blog (Link); they were a great set of shades, and proved popular both with myself, and you blog readers (It is one of the most viewed reviews to date).

Unfortunately however, a slight incident with a pothole last month left my 006s under the wheels of a taxi. I was distraught. However, looking on the Salice website I found the new 005 model; in neon yellow! Cool! I got a set, and here's my thoughts on them...

If I liked the 006 model, then the 005 I love. They look fundamentally different; they have two separate lenses. The lenses tilt inwards slightly towards the cheekbones, giving a more aero look, and the fit is narrower and more secure on your head.

Sunglasses choice is crucially about looks for most people, however, you also need to consider build quality, value and features.

Build quality of the Salice 005s is great; they have strong hinges, the lens quality is superb, and the feel of them is sturdy, yet lightweight. Value is also right up there, at £69.95 RRP for the standard model, and only £15 more than that for the Polarized model, these glasses are bags less than the Oakley Radarlocks or Fast Jacket (the later of which is most similar in styling, with two separate lenses).

Features of the Salice 005 model are also abundant for that price tag. Salice have over 100 years of experience in producing eyewear, and it shows. The lenses for example have three small vents at the top, highly effective at preventing fogging and keeping your eyes cool. The nosebridge is a soft rubber, and can be bent into shape to fit your faceshape. The arms also have a grippy rubber, which hugs the side of your face, and means that even on the bumpiest of descents these glasses stay put. To only add further to the value of the package, the 005, like all Salice glasses, comes in a soft vault case, with a set of clear lenses to pop in for darker days, and a wipe clean cloth. That is a lot of bang for your buck!

Overall, I can't fault the 005s at all. These are a set of spec's designed to excel in demanding conditions, last a long time, and provide superb comfort and clarity. They do all that at one highly respectable price tag. Well worth a look if you need some new sunnies for the August rays.  

Photo Blog: GripGrab Summer Products

GripGrab was started in 2000 by three Danish brothers. Its mission is to design and produce clothing accessories for runners and cyclists that excel in extreme conditions and use. They make gloves, overshoes, headwear, socks, arm warmers and leg warmers of the highest calibre. This is kit that is good enough for the pros, yet the range is broad enough for every budget.

At the start of 2013 I became a GripGrab Local Hero. The role supports local riders who love to ride, race and train hard, while also spreading the word about the GripGrab brand. The position has allowed me to test many products from the GripGrab range, and I can honestly say that it is some of the highest quality, best designed, and most superb value kit I have ever used.

I'm so impressed by the GripGrab kit that I want to share it with the readers of the blog. To give an idea about the products I thought a cool way to do this would be a photo blog. If there is anything that you see in this range of summer GripGrab kit that you would like to hear more about, drop me a comment below, or through Twitter.

The GripGrab range is available in the UK from Wiggle (Link)

GripGrab SuperGel XC Full Finger Gloves

GripGrab High Cut Summer Socks

GripGrab High Cut Summer Socks and World Cup Mitts

GripGrab SuperGel XC Full Finger Gloves

GripGrab World Cup Mitts

GripGrab Regular Cut Summer Sock

(More photos to come as the summer continues... )

Book Review: David Millar's 'Racing Through The Dark'

Belief. Something that can take years to establish, yet seconds to dismiss. A word that in the 1990s and 2000s held little association with the spectators’ perception of professional cycling. With the Festina Affair, Operation Puerto, Ullrich, Landis, Contador and Armstrong, to name but a few, it was hard for cycling fans to watch the performances of their idols, without at least some scepticism of the honesty of the entailing victories.

A month ago, I read and reviewed Tyler Hamilton’s ‘The Secret Race’ (Link). Hamilton’s account of the widespread doping leaves you with a distinct distrust of the professional peloton, and gives a stark realisation of how widespread doping became.

‘Racing Through The Dark’ by David Millar is fundamentally different. Yes, it is a confession, and in part it is a justification of the doping that Millar undertook in the early 2000s. However, crucially, it makes you believe in professional cycling again. It gives you faith that things are changing, if slowly, for the better. It reveals that doping is not a black and white subject, but a complex, difficult and deeply psychological battle for those that become involved in it.

Millar’s account takes you on a personal, highly informative journey. Guiding you through his years as a struggling teenage neo-pro, through his early achievements on the professional scene, into the dark days of doping and the off-the-rail activities of his two year ban. Then out the other side, with his renaissance as a clean rider, and as a strong advocate in the fight against the doping culture.

The final word in ‘Racing Through The Dark’ is “Redemption”. A word that epitomises how the reader feels towards Millar as the book progresses. For me, David Millar has always stood out in the peloton; his sense of perspective, educated viewpoints and years of experience make him a classy interviewee, and a believable and personable character. It is that character, which is only reinforced through the account of his behaviour in ‘Racing Through The Dark’, which makes you trust in Millar’s comeback, and in his ability with the help of others, to change the entire sport for the better.

It is highly unlikely that professional cycling is fully clean; in a sport where the athletes are always looking for the smallest of gains, the benefits of doping are too great to exterminate from the minds of the competitors. However, there is no doubt that things are hugely better than they have been in the past; teams like Garmin, Sky, HTC Highroad and others have all been seen to take a highly anti-doping stance, and lead by example at proving that victory can be achieved on pure talent and without the aid of drugs. ‘Racing Through The Dark’ is undoubtedly the best explanation of this transformation that I have read. Superbly written, this is a first-hand account of a battle against doping. It is a must read for anyone that doubts the transformation of the sport; bringing the world ‘Belief’ back into the cycling diction.

Ride Stats: July 2013

July 2013 was my biggest month to date in terms of miles on the bike. Which was hard going, as I was out of the country for two weeks on a sailing holiday. I took my bike with me, but the rides were slightly lower paced than in other months due to the lack of racing and team mates to ride with. Now I'm back, the focus will be on re-gaining some of the lost power, in hope of some good results in the later part of the season.

Review: Half Baked Brand "Ride Like You Mean It" Jersey

Half Baked Brand are a Devon based outfit that make a whole range of cool, quirky and unique custom jerseys. Last month they released one of their latest designs; the “Ride It Like You Mean It” jersey. It is a feature packed top, at a great value price tag, and it is sure to make you stand out in any peloton.

The jersey is a stunning sky blue colour; quite easily one of the nicest, if not the nicest coloured jersey that I own. The theme is truly classic; with the white and red bands bearing a resemblance to jerseys of a by-gone era, and giving a very traditional appearance.

The looks may be classic, but this is a modern jersey in terms of the materials, design and feel.

Boasting three good sized and well elasticated rear pockets, as well as an additional smaller zipped valuables pocket, there is plenty of room for all the ride essentials for those long summer miles. The full length zip facilitates maximum ventilation when you’re pushing hard on the climbs, and the strong zipper design is easy to re-engage and zip up for the descents, even on the move (something that is becoming increasingly difficult with the smaller zippers that feature on many new lightweight jerseys). The hem has got a superb, chunky gel gripper to stop the top riding up your back, and the material is a medium-weight but breathable polyester.

The ‘Ride It’ jersey has a more relaxed cut than many of my racing kits, but then this is not designed to be an all-out aero design. Instead, the relaxed feel, loose sleeves and soft collar, make it a great choice for all day riding.

The thing that sets this Half Baked Brand jersey apart from many others is the attention to detail. The writing on the collar, the high quality material, and the strength of the stitching make this jersey unique; whilst the classy design provides a touch of flair when you spot yourself in window reflections as you fly past.

All the Half Baked Brand jerseys are very reasonable on the wallet; with the range starting at price tags as low as £25 (Link) That’s great value considering the build quality and features of these tops.

If you are looking for a unique, modern, and well-designed top to ride in this summer, HBB is well worth checking out; it’s something a bit different, it’s British, and there are even cow-print jerseys if you are going for the Devon look!   

'Ride Like You Mean It' Jersey £46.50 from HalfBB.Com (Link)