What's New? Mostly Everything.

So we're all excited for the spring for a number of reasons. It's great because you don't have to bundle up to leave your house and the outside world actually has colors again. Another reason? Fun new gear. I don't know about you but I'm so thoroughly sick of all my warm winter gear that I want to torch it. Lucky for us all we've recently gotten a bunch of spring and summer orders in and some of the stuff rules enough that I wanted to share.

The summer line of Twin Six jerseys. There are quite a few but these two are my fave, I so wish they made the black and white flag one in women's.

Limited edition colors of Chrome Citizen and Mini Metro messenger bags for those of you that think Chrome bags are cool but just can't get into their standard colors.

We also got a ton of new Sock Guy socks. The ever favorite Sriracha and Unicorn Express socks are back in stock along with some wild new neon and leopard spotted thangs.

It's definitely a good time to come by if you want some fresh new gear.

Just In: Chrome Shorts

We've been getting a lot of calls from people searching for the Chrome Industries Folsom and Union shorts now that the weather seems to finally be letting up. Well just in time for shorts time of year, we got a full size run of both styles in! At first glance they're fairly similar, so Gary tried them on so we could compare and contrast.

Left are the Folsom and right are the Union.

The Folsom shorts are a little shorter and slimmer cut. They have a built in u-lock holster, two back pockets and Dickies style front slant pockets. The Union are looser and longer, have a single snap back pocket and more jeans-style front pockets.

Both styles are made with water resistant 4-way stretch fabric and have a double layered seamless inseam gusset to keep you comfortable while riding. They also both have reflective emblems on the back for added nighttime visibility.

At $120 for the Folsom and $100 for the Union, they're some high quality and stylin' shorts that will keep you comfortable and looking good both on and off your bike this summer.

New in the Shop: Chrome Knurled Welded Bags

Chrome Industries has just released a new line of bags called the Knurled Welded line. Of the four bags in the line, two are two strap packs and two mount to your bike racks. These bags were designed to be all-weather commuting bags, and Chrome managed to find a way to make them even more waterproof than their other bags which is fairly impressive.

So what exactly does "knurled welded" mean? Well in regular waterproof bags the seams are always the weak link. You can't sew something without punching little holes in it, and little holes aren't exactly great at keeping water from getting places. Chrome and most other bag companies have found clever ways to make the seams all but completely waterproof anyhow, but the knurled welded approach is different. Waterproof fabric is always made of some sort of melt-able material. Knowing that, think about a grilled cheese sandwich. How many times have you tried to peel one of those open after it's been cooked and the cheese is all melty? It isn't coming undone, at all. That thing is fused closed, and no matter how hard you wish you could reposition the slice of tomato in there it's not going anywhere. If you think about it, Grilled Cheese Science makes the perfect waterproof seam and that's exactly what Chrome has done with these bags. Not only did they cook and fuse the seams together like a good old fashioned grilled cheese, they made them slightly textured (or knurled) so they can't pull apart even when a lot of lateral force is applied. Smart and smarter. Add a roll-top and you've got a bag you could fill with iPhones and throw in a river without concern. Ok maybe some concern just because, you know, they might sink.

The attachment system for the rear rack was really straightforward and only minimally fussy to install. Once I got it on there it didn't rattle at all and getting the bag on is really easy but also visibly quite secure. Slap it on and it will silently and securely carry your stuff wherever you go. The tote designed to sit on your front rack is even easier, you just clip it in place with two quick release buckles and you're done. No sweat.

We've got all four bags in store so you can investigate the pretty clever rack attachment system in person. Chrome does it again. Seriously, what crazy utilitarian thing will they make next?

Limited Edition Chrome Bags in stock!

Chrome has released their newest limited edition bags and we're lucky enough to be on the list of exclusive shops that got them! Not only did we get two of everyone's favorite Citizen messenger in their Reflective Camo 2nd Issue fabric, but we also got the Barrage, their new two strap bag which is some serious business.

The new camo fabric is overlaid with a glass bead print which reflects light from up to 100' away so it's built in visibility when you need it. All these bags are made in the USA, are super tough and guaranteed for life. The new Barrage is a waterproof, rolltop bag with a built in external cargo net for transporting those things that either too big or too gross to put inside your bag. What a good idea right?

Come in a check them out! We can even show you how cool the reflective print looks by shining some of our high power bike headlights at them.

New from Chrome

We just got in some new and limited edition bags from Chrome. You should probably get one of these.

First up is the  SALVAGE AIRBAG CITIZEN. This is a super limited item. Only 200 of these were available worldwide. They are made with reclaimed pre-consumer airbags dyed a nice olive shade. Each bag is unique, numbered and made in the US. They are sold out on the Chrome site, but we just got 2 in, so hurry up!

Also in the shop in the newly redesigned WARSAW II BACKPACK. It is part of the pro series of bags so it is a beast. It is big, but has compression straps so you can cinch it down. They improved the shoulder straps, made the dimensions more convenient and added a bunch of handy pockets. There is a manifest pocket that doesn't require opening the bag to get to, a tool pocket on the bottom of the bag, and a sneaky hidden spot too - shhh. And yes, it too is made in the US.

Gift Guide - Bags

Bags. They're one of those things that you use a version of at a borderline absurd frequency without even realizing it. Getting groceries, picking up takeout, commuting with your laptop... there's a bag for that. Coming from someone who rides for transportation year round I can tell you that there are a lot of different riding scenarios you need a bag for. Having the right tool for the job is the difference between feeling like your bag is a good old friend and constantly adjusting and fiddling grumpily while you're riding uncomfortably. There are many styles and brands to choose from, but these few are the best at what they do.

- Traveling Light -
Fabric Horse Halfbelt - $89 (in stock only)

For a second let's just pretend this utility belt isn't the most fun portage option available and just talk about how insanely useful it is. With a u-lock holster sewn in, a cell phone pocket, a flat pocket for cards/IDs and a large pocket for various smallish items, it's absolutely perfect for riding around town when you don't need much with you. The large pocket is the perfect size for two cans of beer (they just fit!), or your lights, a small book to read by the river, a little something to hide in the geocache you're hunting for... the list of silly one off items you could build an adventure around goes on and on. It's also a good option when you're going to be riding to someplace crowded like a show or a bar, no need to make enemies of the people around you with a big unwieldy pack or messenger bag. Another benefit of carrying on you hips? No sweaty back in the summer, or strap tan lines. The whole thing is lined with vinyl so it's waterproof and they come in several sizes and colors varying from neutral to acid trip rainbow. Plus they're made in Philly, pretty cool.

- Everyday Medium Loads -
Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger - $140

The Chrome Industries Citizen messenger bag is by far our most popular messenger bag, and with a hardcore waterproof interior and Chrome's signature quick release seatbelt buckle it's no surprise. This bag can carry up to a 17" laptop and even has internal fasteners so you can secure Chrome's laptop sleeves in place. It also has straps for attaching accessories like cellphone holsters , reflective straps for added visibility and a nice little organizer pocket. As if this all wasn't enough, it comes in a ton of colors, both left and right swing shoulder straps and is made in the USA.

- Your Bike as an SUV -
R.E.Load Midpack - $250

So you have to pick up a 50lb bag of dog food on your way home, or grocery shop for three weeks at once, or you're going to a clothing swap and want to get rid of everything you own... this bag is the one to do the dirty work. The main compartment has a flat pocket that can hold a laptop in a case and an interior organizer pocket that's perfect for multi-tool, flat repair, pens, etc. The large outer pocket is great for carrying anything you don't want buried under your 50lbs of dogfood and the side pockets have mesh bottoms so you don't have puddles from rain or condensation. They're made with 1000D Cordura and some even have Ballistic nylon bottoms to be extra tough, so no need to worry about beating on this bag, that's what it was built for. Lastly, the whole bag is lined with vinyl coated nylon so it's waterproof.  *Also of similar size and hardcore-ness is the medium Flight Pack, who's little sibling is reviewed here.*

- Inconspicuous Portage -
Fabric Horse Weekend BD Tote -  $120

While it's really nice to have a tough as nails cycling bag, sometimes what you need is a tough as nails bag that looks a little less, well, athletic. Have no fear, we have just the right bag for you. This tote is made of waxed canvas so it's classy looking, but also weather resistant which is always a good thing if you're out in the elements, plus it has a waterproof vinyl lining. It comes with a removable cross body shoulder strap, has four interior pockets, one exterior pocket and a D-ring for attaching a carabiner. Zip this baby closed, put it in your Wald front rack and ride off into the sunset.

Saturday Only: More Deals!

Here are some more deals in addition to and on top of the smoking hot bike sale!