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Where is 2021? It has been another year of ups and downs. Overall, however, it’s been positive with some fantastic adventures on my bike, great races to watch, and lots of new bikes and tech to covet.
Hope you see the New Year in style (if Covid restrictions allow), and here’s a look at the top stories on our site this week.
Did the children have bikes for Christmas? Well if so then we have the truth on how to teach kids to ride so they can get addicted to a passion that will hopefully last a lifetime. And don’t miss our article on how to perform a thorough safety check on your bike to make sure it’s working properly and ready for adventure.
We highlight our top hikes of 2021 and offer tips on how to ride your first century, double century, or more in 2022. Plus, with New Year’s resolutions on the horizon, we discuss the science of healthy habits and how to help shape them for your training in the future.
And, if you haven’t laughed at Christmas leftovers yet, we’ve got plenty of ideas for turning them into delicious meals.
Gore winter clothes
Our video editor Felix has brought in a stack of Gore winter clothes, which should help him get 2022 off to a good start. Plus, he’ll have no excuse not to stick to his New Year’s resolutions.
First, the Gore Endure jacket. This lightweight raincoat is intended for off-road bikers. Using Gore-Tex PacLite, it is ready to be stored and carried on mixed weather hikes and removed when needed. The hood fits over a helmet and its regular fit keeps it functional but cool for those coffee stops. In addition, there are some more interesting features.
Overshoes are a winter staple. These Gore Shield Thermo covers use Gore-Tex Infinium to keep them windproof, breathable and water resistant. There is also a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to prevent splashing and a fleece liner to increase warmth.
The snug fit makes them streamlined, and the stretchy material should help you get them on and off more easily.
Keeping your hands comfortable is a necessity for bike control. The Thermo Split gloves use Gore-Tex Infinium to protect your fingers from the harsh winter weather. They slide the index finger to give you complete control of the brakes, gears, and ride technology, but squeeze the other three fingers together to share the heat.
When it rains you will need something more waterproof. The Gore C5 gloves use fully greasy Gore-Tex to keep rain and wind at bay. Plus, they feature a silicone index, so you can still use the touchscreens without needing to remove them.
- Gore Endure jacket 229.99 €
- Gore Shield Thermo shoe cover 79.99 €
- Gore Gore-Tex Infinium Thermo Split Gloves 79.99 €
- Gore C5 Gore-Tex Gloves 79.99 €
Mount Laylo
Alex received the Laylo mount for the Bosch Purion e-bike display and controller, a stylish solution to the ever-growing problem of handlebar clutter.
Thanks to technological advancements, we are seeing our bikes become even more technologically integrated. So much so that it’s not uncommon to see someone riding an electric mountain bike with their own dedicated display and a GPS cycle computer attached to the bars. Then you need lights (if you’re riding at night), as well as a dropper post lever, a gear lever, and whatever else you want to get on the bars.
Mount Laylo has two purposes. One is to reduce the bulk of the bars to free up space; the other is to put the rack out of harm’s way when the bike is overturned, or in the event of an accident or collision.
The bracket is the same diameter as a 1 1/8 inch head tube and is 5mm thick. It acts as a headset spacer and can sit above or below your stem, staying in place thanks to the tightening force given by the top cap. But it doesn’t squeeze so hard that it can’t turn if it’s in contact with your knee or a tree in an accident.
The bracket can be reversed back and forth or upside down, but make sure there is enough space so that it does not come into contact with the frame when the bars are rotated.
The stand weighs 25g and the headset spacer section is made of CNC machined aluminum, while the tubular mounting part is nylon.
Since the tubular section replicates the 22.2mm handlebar section, the Laylo mount can also be used for other handlebar mounted accessories.
Cleaning products and lubricating wax Effetto Mariposa
If you are environmentally conscious, Effeto Mariposa’s new line of plant-based and biodegradable cleaners and oils may be just what you are looking for.
Its Allpine Light is a biodegradable cleaner that adds a water repellent polish. When your pride and joy needs a deep cleaning, this silicone-free solution can be used as a regular bike wash. Spray the bike with Allpine Light, wait a few minutes, then rinse with the sponge or brush for best results and dry with a cloth.
If you need a touch up or your bike just needs a quick refresh, you can also use it as a waterless cleaner. Just spray on a rag and wipe your bike down to give it a shine.
Allpine Extra is a biodegradable degreaser for chains and disc brakes. It uses pine oil, a natural solvent, and is said to be environmentally friendly (even if your chain lubricant does). Additionally, it is claimed to be safe on metals, chrome, painted surfaces, and carbon.
Simply submerge your chain, use chain cleaner or brush, apply and agitate. Wait a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
When you need to re-lubricate the chain after cleaning, Effetto Mariposa has Flowerpower Wax. This water-based wax emulsion lubricant uses sunflower seed wax, among other natural ingredients. It is claimed to have excellent cycling properties, adheres well to metal, and is naturally water resistant. There is no addition of fluorinated compounds, graphene, sulfides or alcohol. This is a vegan product.
It benefits from a 50/50 wax / water ratio higher than the more common 30/70 ratio of other brands. This should leave a thicker wax coating for the same amount of lubricant, improving durability and efficiency.
Effetto Mariposa says you can travel 300 kilometers with just one app on the road without heavy rain. A 100ml bottle should give you 25 applications. Mountain biking may require more applications.
- Effetto Mariposa Allpine Light Eco Bike Cleaner £ 14 / $ 18.99USD / € 16.99EUR per 1000 ml
- Effetto Mariposa Allpine Extra Eco Degreaser £ 16 / $ 21.99 USD / € 18.99 EUR per 500ml
- Effetto Mariposa Flowerpower Wax Chain Lubricant £ 12 / $ 15.99USD / € 13.99EUR per 100 ml
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