Here’s the latest and greatest cycling gear for the week.
What We’re Stoked About
Silca Reimagines Classic Pump, Launches Special-Edition HX One
The big – and maybe only – knock on Silca pumps has been the price. But with the release this week of the Pista, those complaints may no longer hold air. The resurrection of Silca’s famed track pump retails for $125, on par with top-end pumps from Lezyne and other manufacturers.
“We wanted to make the new Pista as good as people remember it being,” said Silca’s Josh Poertner. “The new version is everything the old one was, but has three times the feature set.”
The cleat-friendly footrest is 20 percent wider than the classic version, while the pump body is also slightly thicker and taller. The air hose rises straight up off the gauge, allowing the user to store it flat in the back of their car or in Silca’s new travel case (available with the pump as a set for $199; alone for $90). To celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary in 2017, the pump will be available in the classic orange until the end of the year.
Silca is also releasing a new special-edition version of its HX-One hex key set, laid out in a handsome American walnut case (compared to beechwood for the standard set) with the Silca 100th anniversary badge. Both the wrenches and bits are made of the same hardened Swiss steel. Only 500 of the $185 kits will be made and available to the public. Both items are available now.
Hands-On
North St. X-Pac Pioneer Hip Pack
Fanny packs have made a massive comeback this year, and North St. has made one of the best we’ve gotten our hands on. Made in the USA of waterproof sailcloth and zipper, it’s kept our gear perfectly dry so far (although we haven’t had it out in monsoon-type conditions yet). The Pioneer 12 we tested has 350 cubic inches of storage, with multiple pockets inside and out to keep everything organized. Perhaps best of all, it also doubles as a handlebar bag. It can be yours now for $89.
First Look
Yuba Supermarche Cargo Bike
Who needs a car when you can ride this awesome cargo bike from Yuba? Carry up to 220 pounds of gear or humanity in the front, as well as 80 additional pounds in the rear. The step-through aluminum frame sits atop two 20-inch, disc-equipped wheels. The Supermarche is available now for $2,600.
You’re Gonna Want It
2018 Cannondale Synapse
The Synapse has been a popular pick for endurance riders for quite sometime, and Cannondale has refreshed the bike for 2018. The SAVE flex zones in the frame and fork remain from previous years, while the micro-suspension of the chain stay and seat stay have been re-engineered. SAVE was also integrated into the aero-looking and highly adjustable handlebar and stem combo, as well as an integrated seat post. Cannondale claims the frame is 10 percent stiffer than previous models, even after losing 220 grams. Keeping with the comfort ethos of the Synapse, riders can now run up to a 32 mm tire. We love the hidden fender mounts on the frame, especially considering how often we’re caught out in the rain. Riders planning to replace the stock wheels with a set of their own should be aware that it uses 12 mm front and rear thru-axles. More than a dozen Synapse models are available, starting at $2,500.
Leave a Reply