CushCore makes ‘The Ultimate Tire Lever’
Last year when I was trying out some of the new CushCore tire inserts, I appreciated the feeling of the liners, especially for cornering support and confidence, but whew, they can be a doozy to install. CushCore didn’t ignore this issue, and now they have one serious tire lever which will hopefully make the job a little easier.
The CushCore Bead Dropper has a rubberized ergonomic handle. Instead of making the case for an early onset of arthritis like other tire levers, the Bead Dropper has a huge handle and thumb flange for easily applying more force and leverage. CushCore says the lever is strong enough for CushCore installs on DH tires, and still wont scratch a rim. They are confident enough in the design that the Bead Dropper has a lifetime warranty. I haven’t tried it yet, but will have some tires to test soon, and will use the Bead Dropper to put a set of CushCores back in so look for something in the future. MSRP on the Bead Dropper is $20.
The options are endless on the e*thirteen Vario Infinite Dropper Post
e*thirteen has a new dropper out, and it has a wide range of adjustability. The Vario Infinite Dropper Post has a gas spring, which they say gives it infinite travel adjustability. The limit is configurable by 30mm with minor hardware adjustments, and the lever has been redesigned for a more tactile feel. There are also three mounting positions with the lever, to ensure a safe fit with any cockpit.
The Vario Infinite comes in a few different specs: a 30.9mm diameter available in either 120-150mm adjustable travel, or 150-180mm, and the same travel ranges are available in a 31.6mm seatpost diameter. The seatpost is priced at $209 and the lever at $50.
Santa Cruz donates PPE to Lost Sierra first responders
Santa Cruz Bicycles has generously donated personal protective equipment manufactured in-house to first responders in the Sierra Nevadas.
The Santa Cruz R&D team has been making face shields for first responders since California first issued a stay-at-home order by using the machinery typically used for cutting carbon fiber or making prototype frames.
Santa Cruz spent a week-and-a-half evaluating designs and getting feedback from healthcare professionals before finalizing the designs. They are reusable and sterilizable.
The PPE went to a long list of first responder groups in the Sierras.
“With a little help from everyone, we’ll get through this together and come out as an even tighter community on the other side,” said Santa Cruz Bicycles in a statement.
New Fidlock bottle TWISTs easier
Fidlock is known for their fancy little magnetic gadgets, like helmet clasps, and these TWIST bottles that rid bikes of gaudy cages. Fidlock has a new TWIST bottle out with a few improvements. The TWIST bottle 590 is designed to have an even stronger connection to the base. Along with a new bottle cap and high flow valve, it comes with an optional dirt cover for the mouth piece so riders aren’t swallowing sand.
The TWIST bottle 590 fits 1/4″ lower than the previous TWIST 600, and Fidlock says that the new design is more intuitive to use. The bottle holds 590ml, or about 20oz of liquid, and is available in two colors. Exact pricing isn’t available yet, but should be similar to the TWIST bottle 600 at $40.
Slime makes a to-go bottle and Tire Tackle box
Slime has a new mini-toolbox made just for tire repairs, the Tire Tackle. The tackle box has two tire levers, a valve core keychain tool that works for Presta and Schrader valves, a pencil gauge for Schrader valves, twenty 1-inch SKABS (tube patches), a metal scuffer, replacement valve cores, and extra valve caps.
Slime also has a new to-go size bottle of their sealant. Slime says their tube sealant can seal a puncture of up to 3mm wide, and that the sealant lasts up to two years. The bottle has 4 oz of fluid, and retails for $5. The Tire Tackle costs $10. Both are available at Wal-Mart.
An active shirt with a built in mask
Although restrictions are starting to ease up around the globe after a tough couple of months, one thing that seems like it will stick around is the prevalence of face masks, even while recreating.
The Center for Disease Control recommends wearing a cloth face mask to mitigate respiratory disease transmission, and with the trails in many places gaining a lot of new visitors, some people will want one when they ride.
This long-sleeve shirt by Liteside is made for hot days, with a quick-drying, 4-way stretch fabric and a lightweight hood that works as a full hood, a partial face mask, or a neck warmer. The Liteside shirt is made in the US, comes in several sizes and colors and retails for $75.
Traction Coffee partners with Yeti Cycles for the month of May
Traction Coffee, co-founded by Yeti Cycles racer Shawn Neer, roasted up a limited edition coffee in collaboration with Yeti that will be available in May only. Two dollars of every bag purchased will go toward the Road2Recovery Foundation. The non-profit helps action-sport athletes with financial assistance if they suffer a debilitating injury. The coffee will be a whole bean dark roast. See more at Traction Coffee.
