The Best Gear From Outdoor Retailer 2018
Bikes may not be the center of attention at Outdoor Retailer, but the thousands of pieces of gear on display all have one goal cyclists can appreciate-to get you outside. So, we scoured the showroom to find 10 of our favorite new, updated, or buzzing products that you'll love to use before, during, or after your next ride.
AfterShokz Trekz Air
The safest way to listen to music on a ride.
Price: $149.95
Riding with in-ear buds isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal in several states. Headphone brand AfterShokz has created an effective and downright cool solution to staying alert on a ride while still being able to jam: bone conduction. Instead of shoving a bud inside your ear, the Bluetooth headset called the Trekz Air sends sound vibrations through your cheek bones just under your ear lobe, which translates to music when it hits your inner ear.
The technology is wild and takes some getting used to. But, at a full and clear volume, we were able to carry on a conversation. That means on the road or trail, you can listen to music while still maintaining full awareness of your surroundings.
Boulder Denim Jogger-Chino Hybrid
Commuter pants you won't want to take off in or outside the office.
Price: Available early 2019
Founded on a Kickstarter in 2015, Boulder Denim sought to create the ultimate performance jeans. The company was fully funded in 20 hours with its first product, a stretchy denim jean ideal for bike commuters who’d rather not change when they get to work.
On the first day of Outdoor Retailer 2018, the company launched a new Kickstarter to fund the second rendition of their flagship jeans. The update incorporates 360-degree stretch material that, its founders say, won’t lose tension or become baggy overtime. In less than 24 hours, the campaign more than quadrupled its $20,000 goal.
That, in part, may be due to the brand’s extension outside of denim. They introduced a jogger-chino hybrid, which not only provides a dressier look, but incorporates features specifically designed for cyclists. The ankles cinch to prevent loose material from getting caught in your spokes, plus deep, stretchy pockets on the thighs will prevent a wallet or phone from falling out. Just as important, the fabric is water and mud resistant. Droplets slide right off the material and mud can be wiped away with a paper towel if you do get any splatter on your ride into work.
Kuju Coffee
The best way to get a decent brew in the middle of nowhere.
Price: $33.83 for a 10-pack
Kuju Coffee’s founders learned about the concept of a single-serving pourover while on a trip to Asia a few years ago. They thought the idea, if packaged correctly, was genius for backpackers and campers who want a decent cup of joe without having to carry a ton of extra gear.
Each single serving packet, about the size of an energy gel, contains a disposable pouch that carries the grounds. Once you fasten the pouch to your mug, you simply pour hot water onto the grounds, getting a quality drip coffee in a few minutes. But just as important as the novel method, the company prides itself on sourcing quality roasts so you aren’t stuck with any crappy instant powder out in the boonies.
Rylo
Capture cinematic footage on the gnarliest of descents.
Price: $499
It’s hard to pick the best feature of this shockingly tiny device. There’s the fact that it captures stunning 360-degree video, or the fact that it fits easily in the palm of your hand. Though maybe the most incredible function isn’t even in the camera itself, but the accompanying mobile app. Upload your footage from a bumpy, technical descent, and the software automatically smooths the imagery.
It sounds too good to be true, until you see the thing work. The company demonstrated footage from a recent ride where they tied the camera to a string and fastened it to a drone. The resulting video was nearly unwatchable as the camera bounced all over the place. But using the in-app stabilizer, the footage instantly turned cinematic, keeping the cyclists at the center of the frame no matter where the camera moved.
do Little Mid-Mount Child’s Seat
The best way to ride with your kid-without dragging them behind you.
Price: $110
Though it’s been around for over 20 years in New Zealand, the do Little Mid-Mount Child’s seat hasn’t been available in the U.S. until this July. Rather than hauling your kids in a trailer, which can take up a ton of space in your trunk or garage, the do Little sits in front of you.
The whole rig is designed to be adjustable, not only to your bike frame-it extends to accommodate multiple road and mountain styles-but to your growing child as well. The company says it’s ideal for two to seven year olds, giving them the wind-brushed feel of a ride as you safely shepherd them around the neighborhood.
GU French Toast
A delicious breakfast staple, made into fuel for a great cause.
Price: $36 for box of 24
Liquifying a breakfast favorite sounds like a dubious idea, so we were skeptical when we tasted the latest energy gel flavor from GU. But, texture aside, it’s an easily palatable and (dare we say) delicious addition to the company’s line of mid-ride fueling options. It comes across as more maple syrup than French toast from the start, but a note of cinnamon at the end keeps the flavor interesting.
Though, the taste isn’t even the best part. GU partnered with NICA to develop the flavor. It was created in conjunction with a crew of high school cyclists, and 10 percent of the proceeds from the gel will go straight to the organization-helping youth riding outreach across the country.
OttoLock
A bolt-cutter resistant lock that cinches for extra security.
Price: $75
The problem with most steel bike locks? Their rounded tube shape typically can’t withstand a decent pair of bolt cutters. To try and deter would-be thieves, the founder of OttoLock employed physics. Instead of that cylindrical design, the OttoLock looks more like the width and height of a wrist watch using three layers of steel coated by plastic. The shape diffuses the energy from set of large bolt cutters, so even though you can crack through the plastic, it’s exponentially harder to bite through the steel.
The unique shape also allows the lock to cinch, which means you get a more snug fit against your bike frame and the rack or pole you’re securing it to. To unfasten the lock, you use a four-digit combination. The one drawback, according to the company’s founder? If you forget that combination, it can be nearly impossible to slice through the steel and free your ride.
Trigger Point GRID VIBE+
Four vibrating intensities dig deep to recover aching muscles.
Price: $100, launching in 2019
Everyone’s favorite foam roller got a high-tech upgrade last year when Trigger Point added vibration to their best-selling GRID foam roller. Now, the new GRID VIBE+ features four vibration speeds so you can customize your recovery routine. The higher speeds help bring blood flow and oxygen to your muscles during your warmup, while the lower speeds work well to relax the muscles and minimize pain post-workout.
Dakine Thrillium Shorts
Upgrade your next enduro with these breathable shorts.
Price: $120, available February 2019.
Bike park days are about to get a lot cooler-literally. The new Dakine Thrillium Shorts are designed to breathe when you’re bombing downhill on dirt. Made with four-way stretch Schoeller fabric, these shorts feature laser-cut mesh detailing on the waist and inner thigh for max airflow (especially when wearing a pack) and stretchy panels to keep you comfortable on and off the bike. Plus, the zippered pockets make it easy to stash your essentials even with gloves on.
Thule Rail 12 Pro
Bomb down the mountain without losing any of your stuff.
Price: $199, available later this year
Known for their bike racks, Swedish company Thule jumped into the soft goods game last year with their Vital road backpacks. The series included two features riders love: the jersey style pockets, which keep things like your phone and keys secure yet accessible, and a magnetic system to fasten the hydration tube to the front right strap, which automatically fastens back in place after you take a sip so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.
Now, Thule wants to break into endure and mountain riding with the Rail 12 Pro. The pack includes the pockets and magnets, but adds touches key for any long ride on technical trail. Straps on the back can hold a faceplate or knee pads when you don’t need them, plus a lightweight sturdy back plate offers protection if you crash.
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