There’s nowt as strange as cyclists, so the mainstream media would have you believe. Why do these odd folk persist on getting everywhere on time, for free, without destroying the environment, and all while keeping themselves fit in the process? Why indeed!
However, even the most die-hard rider recognises we’re not all the same. Of course, there are commuters and roadies and mountain bikers and cycle tourists and leisure riders. But even within and across disciplines, there are also cyclists that do things just a bit differently. They follow their own path.
Sometimes, though, no matter how wonderfully unique and committed you are, you still need a little help to do things your own way. And that’s where Topeak comes in. When it’s a matter of practical kit that will help you to enjoy your cycling exactly the way you want, Topeak has the answer.
So we’ve put together a list of perfect Topeak products that will fit right into the lives of certain cycling characters. The question is, which one (or perhaps: how many) are you?
Do you like your socks pulled up precisely three inches from the shoe opening? Is it crucial that your underlayers are whiter than white? Do you set a date on the calendar to replace your helmet at precisely one-year intervals? Then, we would guess, the need to make sure your tyres are at exactly the correct pressure needs no explanation.
If you’re the kind of rider who likes everything ‘just so’, the JoeBlow Sport III pump is ready to become your new best friend. The highly durable steel barrel and base, as well as the ergonomic padded handle and new hammer-style TwinHead® DX5 valve head make inflating tyres a total joy. But the true pièce de résistance is the enlarged 3in chronograph-inspired gauge, which will allow you to get your tyre pressures absolutely pin-point accurate.
The metal band Bring Me The Horizon once screamed that sleep is for the weak – a sentiment no doubt shared by members of the Audax community. But there’s also a body of hardy cycling souls who would add other unwelcome facts of life to that list, such as wind, drizzle, rain and snow.
If you’re a cyclist who thinks nothing of hopping aboard when all others are cocooned in a car, bus or train, then Topeak’s Pannier Drybag is for you. Made from a tough, sonically-welded and seam-sealed waterproof material, with a watertight roll-top closure, this incredible luggage solution provides everything you need to carry with maximum protection from trail dust, road spray and any type of wet weather. And with Topeak’s new Handle Loc system, it can be quickly and securely attached to and removed from any pannier rack.
In this world of inequality, is there any starker a sign that cyclists are classed as second-class road users than the fact pedestrians and cyclists have to walk into and queue for a cup of coffee, while – where facilities allow – drivers don’t even have to open their doors for a hot beverage at drive-thru Costas, Starbucks or MaccyD’s?
Now, though, brothers and sisters, things have changed and a revolution is a-wheel.
Thanks to Topeak’s Modula Java Cage, any cyclist who simply can’t survive without a direct hit of caffeine doesn’t have to choose between saddle or skinny latte. The Modular Java Cage’s adjustable height and diameter means you can happily fit a reusable coffee cup to take on your bike with you. It’ll even hold a cylindrical portable speaker if you want some on-saddle entertainment.
We mentioned earlier about the rider who won’t let the elements beat them. Closely related – a temperamental sibling, if you will – is the rider who shows nothing but disdain for the supposed limitations of the bike as a heavy transport device. If you can fit it on and balance it, you can ride with it.
Obviously, that’s going a bit far. But if you really do want to get the most practical carrying capability from your bike, the Super Tourist DX rack is your answer. As Topeak’s toughest tubular aluminium rear rack – which will fit bikes with 26in, 650B or 700C wheels – it is perfect for heavy-duty, long-distance load lugging and has been especially designed to fit around disc brakes. Integrated side bars provide a lower pannier attachment point-allowing more space for cargo on the rack top, and its QuickTrack® compatibility meaning it can be used with any MTX TrunkBag, rear basket or pannier bag.
Got a rich daddy? Think education is overrated? Actively change your opinions depending on Twittersphere reactions? Desperately try to hide your privileged background by general coarse behaviour and preying on young minds even though you’re knocking on your 30s? (Get the impression our writer’s had to watch too many Sidemen videos?)
If you’re somebody who simply can’t stand to be unconnected even for the duration of a bike ride, then the Topeak Ridecase is for you. And even for people who live in the real world, the Ridecase offers huge practicality. It has a scratch-resistant, dual-density, non-slip, high-grade engineering polymer/rubber exoskeleton for shock and impact protection, and its full angle adjustment allows viewing in portrait or landscape modes while on the bike. It’s even compatible with Lightning cable charging, so you don’t have to faff with taking your phone out of the case when it runs out of power.
Some people suggest that cyclists can be anti-social folk. Not that we go around tagging public infrastructure or hang about on park benches quaffing cheap electrolyte drink. But by a bike’s nature, cycling can a be a pretty solitary pastime. However, if you really want to experience the world as a solo cyclist, there’s nothing quite like riding at night. And to do that safely, you need good lights.
The Powerlux USB Combo set is the perfect answer to all your night light needs. With easy USB charging, IPX6 water and dust resistance, low 33g weight per unit and bi-directional tool-free mounting and removal, every practicality is catered for. The most important thing, though, is that they pack a maximum 100 lumens of front output and 25 lumens at the rear, so you’ll be sure to see and be seen.
Well... as far as "decent sentence" goes - back when 8 years was a really substantial sentence*:...
And not even a link to a local rag to substaniate the story... Its almost certainly going to be a £120 FPN thats been ignored multiple times...
In the third picture you can see that they've beautifully colour-matched the olive-green mudguards to the olive-green frame and then fixed it to...
3 pairs of Back Rollers: first set, standard, as reviewed (older, though); City for up front; and XL as upgrade replacement for the first set....
But but the cyclist is "in the middle of the road" !! What's a person with limited time / places to go to do?
I don't agree with damaging property but the rest holds very true.
As the father of a four year old this really rings true. With a newborn at home during lockdown I rode the turbo trainer a lot more, which was...
Decent quality....
Pas Normal is a high end brand that frequently shows up on Sport Pursuit for a fraction of the RRP....
I am definitely keen to continue. Maybe one year I'll close that gap to the very top players.