Friday, June 21, 2013

1000 Mile Review- Fyxation Session 700 Tires


Any one who has done any length of cycle touring knows that your tires take a beating.  Whether your're fully loaded, riding in shitty weather conditions, or attempting to carefully maneuver that patch of gravel and uneven asphalt, you need a tire that can handle it all.  When we first began touring we wanted efficient tires that rolled smooth and allowed us to pedal fast (yes, we know we not road racers).  But one quickly learns that the thin-walled, slick tires best suited to fast road biking aren't going to cut it for the demands of tour cycling. After replacing countless tubes, wearing through outer tires, and many other headaches, my bike was upgraded to a snazzy set of urban riding tires from Fyxation...the Session 700's in BRIGHT PINK to be exact. These beauties have proven their worth to the moon and back.  Over 1000 miles they look barely used although they light pink color does tend to stay and look dirty.  I would suggest a dark color if you're all about aesthetics.  But, what I am most impressed about since their debut, I have not had to replace a SINGLE tube!  While at first I was a bit skeptical of the so-called 'pattented Kevlar™ puncture protection', these tires are sturdy and have unbelievably great traction. With not having to worry about constant tube replacement, touring is much more enjoyable.  From newly laid asphalt, to wet compacted limestone trails to gravel paths, these tires handle it all and more.

Diamondbacks' Airen 1...From Road Racing to Weekend Touring

As far as entry level road bikes go, the Diamondback Airen 1 is definitely a contender that will take you well into your road cycling career.  A precisely built piece of art, this fairly light 7005 alloy frame, carbon fork, and shimano-outfitted bike is just what women want. Diamondbacks' 'Divine Design' geometry is specially created with the female cyclist in mind. Kinetics, asthetics, and comfort all go into this lovely little speed machine.  Having been riding the 2012 model for just over 2 years, I have put her through quite a beating.  Pedaling her for everything from weekend road rides to upgrading her with wider wheels and racks for short and efficient tours, my Airen 1 has proven to be one strong and versatile road warrior.

Extremely affortable, reliable components, and sturdy frame allow for veratile touring use that most high-line road bikes aren't cut out for. The Airen 1 model is complete with plenty of rear rack and water bottle braze-ons, and plenty of room to attach touring essentials. While a compact geometry frame, the chainstay is just long enough to provide heel clearance for your small to medium rear pannier bags.  For those looking for a quick and light, short distance touring bike, checkout Diamondbacks' line of Airen bikes! 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

DIY Frame Bags

image source: http://jdfinley.com/sewing-diy-top-tube-frame-bag/
Many people are discouraged from cycle touring by the fear that they could never fit everything they need in the relatively small space that panniers provide.  My first suggestion would be pack lighter people!...but seriously, there are times when I wished I had just a tad more space than my two rear Deuter LS Panniers provide. While there are several commercial bike bag options out there, many bike enthusiasts have been inspired by the many Do-It-Yourself ideas floating around the internet. One of the more unique bag sets I have come across is the Top Tube Frame Bag tutorial from JDfinley.com.  There are great photos along with concise instructions that just about anyone with basic sewing skills can follow. Find the complete directions here:  http://jdfinley.com/sewing-diy-top-tube-frame-bag/

We would love to see your completed projects! Send us a photo of your very own DIY panniers at cycologie(at)gmail.com or upload them to our Facebook Page!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

#'s Behind the Movement


Welcome to Cycologie!



Welcome to Cycologie.org- your source for the latest and greatest news, gear, reviews, tours, and more in the world of cycling and self-supported touring! While our passion lies in adventure cycle touring, it is our mission to promote the sport of cycling and commuting by bike as well as working to advocate publicly funded biking infrastructure in cities across the globe.   It is our goal to open people's eyes to the positive effects that hopping on the saddle of a bike can have on health, happiness and our environment. As bicycle travel aficionados, we noticed a lack of a ‘go-to’ place for cycle touring information.  Inspired by the overwhelmingly, rising interest in bicycle travel, we decided to make our entrance into the cycling community.  

Cycologie was founded to help others fall in love with bicycle travel by providing an in-depth collection of cycling and cycle touring information- from bicycle buying basics to packing for self-supported tours.  Whether you are a cycling pro and touring junkie or are entirely new to the world of two-wheeled travel- Welcome!  Have a look around. We look forward to you thoughts and comments. 

Happy Cycling!