Meet new accessories with that certain something.
1. Osprey Raptor 10
We have yet to strap on a better bike pack than the Raptor 10, with its perfectly balanced carrying compartments, easy-to-access bite valve and smart helmet carrying system.
$129; ospreypacks.com
2. Icebreaker Tech T Lite Logobike
Everyone has a merino top that breathes when it’s warm and stays snug when it gets chilly, but New-Zealand-based Icebreaker mixed it up a bit and put new bike friendly graphics from American guest artist Adam Haynes (stickfort.com) on its latest tops for men and women.
$75; icebreaker.com
3. Ultralite Cirrus
Ok, road weenies, here’s a little porn for you. Colorado-based Ultralite boasts the lightest pedal system you can buy. These titanium stubs, which we were surprised were so damn effective when we got them on the pavement, weigh in at just 112 grams for the pair—including cleats. Plus, they are made in-state.
$395; ultralitesports.com
4. Kuat Dirtbag
Not every bike accessory has to be ridiculously expensive. These racks live up to their name at $13 and bolt anywhere they are welcome. New sizes fit road bikes and snowbikes.
$13; kuatracks.com
5. Native Eyewear Kodiak
Another Colorado-based brand, Native got the cool factor just right on these interchangeable-lens-shades—the comfiest we wore on long rides or just chilling around town.
$129; nativeeyewear.com
6. Giro Amare
Giro’s in-mold composite reinforcement allows the brand to provide more ventilation without sacrificing the all-important protective qualities of this helmet. Classy women’s styling (dig the flash of polka dots) gives panache on the blacktop.
$180; giro.com
7. Skratch Labs
The brainchild of Dr. Allen Lim, Skratch Labs works thanks to the right balance of sugars that optimize fuel supply and gastric emptying. The salt content is precisely calculated to match the amount an average athlete loses while sweating. And the all-natural flavors keep us from gagging.
$1.95 single serving, $19.50 1-pound package; skratchlabs.com
