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travel / gear / cool tools
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By Shawna Wagman
Accessories to help your next two-wheel tour roll smoothly
Pedal and ye shall find
Garmin Edge 705 GPS ($459.95)
Remember when a bike ride was an escape from technology?
That was before sophisticated GPS-enabled devices arrived on our handlebars.
With the flick of a thumb-operated joystick, powerful mapping capabilities and turnby-
turn street navigation, getting lost is no longer an option. Wireless technology
allows riders to measure and monitor heart rate, speed, cadence and altitude. All this
data can be saved, swapped and analyzed later on a computer. In short, this incredible
training and navigation tool goes beyond anything even the geekiest type-A gadget
lovers could imagine.
www.garmin.com
Helmet head
Axiom Tuck helmet ($65)
When I asked a bike expert what’s the most important thing to know about helmets, he replied simply, “wear
one.” As it happens, a helmet is likely what saved his life in a crash that left him in a coma for several
days. There’s no excuse for not wearing a helmet, especially now that they’ve become so comfortable. The
Tuck helmet has 20 crossflow vents, and the shell and foam are moulded together, adding to its lightness and durability.
It comes with a lifetime guarantee. Now, wear one.
www.axiomgear.com
Rack ’em up
Stealth bike rack ($100)
One of the most universally mountable racks available today, the Stealth bike rack does its job quickly and easily and leaves no
trace. That’s the beauty of the patented Stealth No-Contact System, which keeps this two-bike carrier from touching the paint on your car by resting on the
horizontal bumper surface. It fits most vehicles, including vans, SUVs and sedans, and is one of the few bumper-mount racks that does not interfere with
rear-window wipers.
www.stealthrack.com
Transport trailer
Burley Nomad cargo trailer ($470)
Leave it to the maker of popular child trailers
to come up with a lightweight way to transport other precious cargo. Thanks to its
innovative two-wheel design, which tows off to one side of the bike rather than directly
behind it, the Nomad trailer tracks straight, without tipping. Long-distance riders
can forgo panniers altogether and easily tow 45 kilograms of gear, riding almost as if it’s not there. It’s great for commuting and
grocery shopping too.
www.burley.com
Cache and carry
Knog The Boxer Rackless Pannier and Backpack($189)
No
wonder Knog’s clever cycling accessories win design awards
in Europe and in its native Australia. Durable modern materials
and thoughtful, but quirky, design features transform
portable storage containers into fantastically useful works of
art. Sling this handsome pannier over your bike — its builtin
aluminum frame attaches to the bike using cable ties and
three tiny widgets. Water-sealed zippers open to reveal backpack
straps, a padded laptop sleeve, internal organizer pockets, a waterproof tarp and a bright
orange backdrop for one of the brand’s irreverent cartoon characters.
www.knog.com.au
 The hot seat
Brooks B17 leather saddle ($125)
The best compliment that can
be paid to a bike saddle is that you don’t notice it. Such is
the benefit of a natural material like leather, which moulds
itself to the body over time. For every rider who swears by
the superior comfort of a Brooks saddle for long-distance riding, there’s one who will tell
you this classic beauty, made in England since 1866, is heavy and takes forever to break
in. No pain, no gain, say diehard fans of the saddle’s enduring retro coolness. And besides,
it’s now available with presoftened leather.
www.brooksengland.com
New jersey and daylong shorts
Sugoi Metro jersey and shorts($55/$80)
Forget skin-tight spandex — this soft and stylish fitted jersey is made of a sustainable
toasted-bamboo-based fabric known for its wicking, antibacterial and anti-stink properties. The all-day bike short is unrestricted
in every way: its versatile look takes you anywhere, while staying cool, lightweight and dry. The highly breathable mesh liner wicks
away moisture, and the seamless conforming foam chamois makes it an ideal touring cycling companion.
www.sugoi.com
 The hot seat
See and be seen
Nathan Cyclops LED safety light ($15)
Encased in
stretchy water-resistant silicone, these handy little lights grip steadily to any bar on your bike in
an instant, making you visible from up to 1.5 kilometres away. Pop them off and attach them to
another bike, a key chain, a backpack or even your dog’s collar to illuminate the way. Push the
centre of the “eye” to choose from a steady beam or a flashing light. Each two-pack includes a red
and a white light. Batteries are replaceable.
www.nathansports.com
CoolTools does not test products. Claims and specifications are provided by the manufacturers.
If you see travel products that may interest our readers, please e-mail editor@canadiangeographic.ca.
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