At Run Oregon, we embrace all forms of physical activity beyond just running. Many of our bloggers (and likely many of our readers) are multisport athletes. If you are, or aspire to be, a multisport athlete, we’re excited to have you join us in this new journey. Welcome to Bike Oregon!
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While many of us participate in running races, Andrew competes in a variety of competitive cycling races in the Pacific Northwest.
When it’s time for a long day on the bike there’s a laundry list of things that need to be ready. Favorite cycling kit, enough nutrition shoved into every pocket, full bottles and sunscreen are all critical but just as important are a comfy saddle, tire repair kit, and a trusty lock. Without those things anyone’s best laid adventure plans can be cut far too short. We recently checked out a few items to make sure our ride is the best it can be.
Velo Saddles Angel Revo
- Features: Recycled knitted saddle fabric, plant based bioplastic shell, lightweight nitrogen infused foam, Titanium rails.
Topeak Gravel Gear Bag
- Features: Neat and secure tubeless repair kit
OnGuard Chain Lock
- Model: 8125 Mastiff Combo Lock, 8030 Doberman, 8024 Rottweiler
- Features: (for the Mastiff) Titanium reinforced hardened steel links, fabric chain cover protects bikes paint, user settable combo.
A big game changer for longer and more enjoyable rides is finding the perfect saddle. It needs to have the right shape, enough cushion, be lightweight and don’t forget it needs to look good. Velo Saddles is nailing this. I am currently riding the Angel Revo model and have been enjoying every minute of my rides.
Out of the box it just looks and feels great. The foam is supportive and firm, the rails are lightweight titanium, and the outer fabric is a recycled knitted fabric that feels like a mix between velvet and leather. So basically, awesome. I change riding positions often on the bike from relaxed freewheeling to aero tucked to climbing, so I need comfort all over my saddles and this one gives me that.
I’ve spent 6 hour endurance days, 1 hour crit races, and anything in between on this saddle and have really bonded with it. I’ll be riding this one until it wears out.
With comfort dialed in and tons of miles ahead, the last thing I want to worry about on a remote road is which of my buddies brought a repair kit. So why not be the friend that has it covered? Topeak really shines in this area, with a huge selection of saddlebags, handlebar bags, phone bags, top tube bags, the list goes on.
he bag that I have been throwing on for bigger rides is the Topeak Gravel Gear Bag, even if there’s no gravel in the forecast. This kit keeps my pockets free for snacks and more snacks, and has everything I need if a buddy or I rides over the inevitable hazard. It comes with tubeless plugs, multi tool, master link pliers, and CO2 pump. It’s important to note, however, that it does not come with an inner tube or the CO2 cartridges, so you’ll have to stick those in there yourself.
The kit secures to the downtube by 3 Velcro straps which can be cinched tight so there’s not a lot of wobble while pedaling hard up those steep sections. The bag is a bit bigger and heavier than the small saddlebag I use for shorter distances, but when the stars align for a full day ride this is an easy choice.
After a big ride, I know I’m not the only one that likes to stop with the crew to grab a bite or brew before those last couple miles home. This is where things can get sketchy, leaving a loved and cherished bike unattended outside a pit stop while reminiscing about the day that’s been conquered. That’s why I am always looking for lightweight and effective bike locks so that I don’t get stranded and bummed out, and can have peace of mind when running errands or meeting up with friends.
OnGuard has just about any type of bike lock you could want in any size, and with either a combination or key. The combo locks are super easy to set a personalized 4 digit pin and the keyed locks are smooth and reliable. I have been using the 2.5 foot Mastiff Combo when heading into town because I don’t have to carry around a key, I can wrap it anywhere on the frame without it getting in the way, or I can toss it in a pocket or backpack without noticing it.
When I go out with others who don’t have a lock I like to throw the Doberman Coil Cable lock in my bag so that I can get two or three bikes locked together securely. And for my family’s cargo e-bike we use the hefty Rottweiler, and we don’t worry about a thing. All these models give peace of mind and are super easy to set and stow so that I can be sure when the tab is paid and I go back outside, that my bike is there waiting for me and for another epic day.
As Summer winds down, and the days get shorter there’s a push to get as many last warm miles in before things get wetter and cooler and the indoor trainer starts looking better and better. Having everything comfortably dialed in with products like these for the last big days of the season has been crucial. With fewer things to worry about pre-ride, I am able to better focus on the road, my friends, and making memories along the way.
