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.

Stuff We Love: Twin Six Gear

 Here at the shop we have our favorites when it comes to gear, and Twin Six is at the top of the list for all of us. Twin Six is a cycling company that has a lot going for it and it would seem that's mostly because it's run by cyclists who use the stuff they make, just check out their manifesto. Lucky for us, this means high quality materials, reasonable prices, graphics that don't make you feel like you paid to be a human clothing brand billboard, and great fit and functionality. Also ladies, you are not left out on this one! They make a full line of women's specific tech tops and bottoms and I can personally say they rule. They fit well and look good, no overly girly graphics or colors here but they're still fun... think giant polka dots. Don't worry guys, you get some polka dots, too. Also not to be forgotten is a little surprise in the center back pocket of every jersey. The devil's in the details, Grandma was right.

Regardless of the fact that their gear is pretty rad, they also make the vast majority of it in the USA which is really cool. Shorts, jerseys, caps, water bottles, socks and gloves, all made in the USA, and all carried here at Bicycle Revolutions exclusively in the whole giant state of PA.

If you're interested in checking their gear out now is a great time, we just got our first shipment of their 2014 line yesterday! So come in, ask literally any one of us about our personal experience with their gear, and we'll give you the low down on why we keep buying more every season.

Just in from Chrome . . .

Do you ride bikes? Do you like carrying things with you when you're riding your bike? Do you know an awesome thing when you see one?

If you happen to answer yes to all of these questions, then you not only most likely already know about the SUPER CRAZY RAD LIMITED EDITION CHROME BAGS, but you probably really want one too. Alas, only 5 bike shops in the country managed to get their greasy hands on them.

Bicycle Revolutions is one of the 5 lucky shops that have these beauties. We have the massive, multi-use Sotnik duffle, the classic Sentinel pack and the low profile Victor utility belt all in the Woodland Camo/Orange limited edition color.

Come on in and check them out before they're all snatched up!

Announcing Foundry's Tradesman Search

The Ratchet

File this under totally awesome: Foundry Cycles, a new bike brand we're super excited about, is launching a nationwide search for five Foundry Tradesmen and women - ambassadors for the brand. "Why is this so awesome, and what does it have to do with me?" you may ask. Check it: These are dependable, performance-oriented bikes made to have the crap ridden out of them, and the responsibility of the Tradesmen and women is to do just that: ride them, talk about them, take them to races, commute to work and the store, let people take them around the block, answer questions about them, and document their experiences with the bikes. This is no small responsibility, so Foundry's Tradesmen and women get a free Foundry bicycle of their choosing for their trouble (and to have something to write and talk about!). This kind of opportunity doesn't come along very often - apply to be a Tradesman here!

The Auger

Bryan gave us a sneak preview of the bikes here, but let's review:
Foundry is the newest brand to emerge from the QBP brain trust (the home of Surly, All-City, and Salsa, among others). Based on the principle that a bike should be "like a well-crafted tool - crafted to work, crafted to last", the company is offering three bikes for 2012: the Ratchet, a road bike, the Auger, a cyclocross bike (in disc and non-disc versions), and the Router, a hardtail 29er. All are full carbon bikes, rigorously tested for strength and durability, with top-notch parts packages selected for their reliability.

The Router

The venerable Dirt Rag got a chance to do an exclusive test ride on the Router and they loved it. You can read about it here. I'm sure we are going to be reading a lot more glowing Foundry reviews as the bikes roll out!

Lunar Landing, Mission Accomplished!

Just received our Surly Moonlanders today! Best bike ever.

Introducing: Foundry Cycles!

We had some visitors today, our good friends from QBP (Quality Bicycle Products) in Minnesota. Industry leaders and innovators, who have brought you favorites such as Surly, All-City and Salsa. Now bringing Foundry Cycles to your favorite local bike shop.

We are excited to be offered the opportunity to partner with this new brand from our favorite distributor in the cycling industry, bringing you form and function in carbon fiber.

First we have the Router, Twenty-Nine inches of off-road fun! Three solid parts package options with the finest that SRAM, Rock Shox and Avid have to offer at $2900 for X7, $3500 for X9, and $5000 for XX.

Next we have the Auger. Cyclo-Cross action with 4 build packages offering rim brakes and disc brakes, in SRAM Rival for $3000 or SRAM Red for $3400.

And last, but not least, the Ratchet. A road machine that will surely leave you breathless. Available built with SRAM Force for $3200. and SRAM Red for $4200.

All three available as frame/frameset as well, with an unprecedented 10 Year Warranty! And just because sometimes things don't go quite as planned, a crash replacement policy bringing you 30% off of a brand new frame in the event you wipe out and break your Foundry Frame.

Hard working bikes, for hard working folks!

Looking forward to some of these rolling into the shop early 2012. Stay tuned for more news.

Mr Pink has landed!

I managed to get my hands on one of the Mr Pink sample framesets a little early. Just so happened to be my size. The rest of the frames should be arriving in a couple if weeks and completes to follow in march. Looking forward to sunny weather this weekend and some miles on this bad boy.
Thanks Jeffey!

All City: Nature Boy Zona Framesets Are Here!

At last, shop stickers!

We now have stickers for all you kids that love putting stickers on everything. Available in black, white and of course pink. All on clear backing.

We are selling them for $2 each or 2 for $3. Show your love.

What's inside?

New Goodies From Brooks

Still sifting through photos from the Inter-Bike trade show. Here are some lovely new offerings from Brooks that we will be receiving in a few weeks hopefully.

Candy colored Colt saddles, they are also doing an assortment of B-17's in colors this year.

Here are the "Organic Leather" saddles, new vegetable oil treatment for the saddles. They definitely have a unique look, wonder if they will feel any different?

Here is a close shot of the Navy B-17, very classy!

So excited to be getting in the newest goodies, keep posted for a mid november arrival. If you can imagine how big my Brooks order is this year, so many new and improved products, I had to get at least one of each...

All-City Prototype Track Cranks

Finally getting into my photos from Interbike. Jeffey let me check out these proto-cranks. Looking pretty beefcake! Good to see the kids at All-City moving on some new products, stepping up their game a bit.

Outboard bottom bracket bearings, and meaty oversized spindle.

Some nice machining on the back of those arms to keep them light.

And steel, replaceable pedal inserts.
Can't wait to see some production, get to work Jeff!

Now available with a threaded steerer tube!

After a little creative steerer tube threading, it is as it should be. Many thanks to Hozan for making a lovely cutting tool. Will do some more finished pics of it soon, but this was too exciting to wait.

More about my Metropolitan build

Just posted a bunch more pictures and stories about my Metropolitan build over on the AFFINITY CYCLES blog, go check it out. And more pics added to the FLICKR SET.

I Love It When A Plan Comes Together!

This project began with an introduction and a handshake in Vegas last September. Seems so long ago, but here it is in living steel!

Jason from Affinity Cycles told me about this very special collaboration project and I was sold.

The Metropolitan was a new model for Affinity, inspired by the traditional keirin geometry with original Affinity frame designs, and proven on the streets.

We have been given the opportunity to add our personality and flavor to this modern classic and are very proud to introduce it to you.

This unique collaboration between two kindred spirits is now available only at your favorite bicycle shop on 4th street in philadelphia. I invite you to come visit the shop and check out my build and talk about making one uniquely yours.

I am absolutely loving this bike and was able to get it out for a nice 40 mile ramble this weekend, taking full advantage of the holiday and the 90+ degree weather.

Each frame includes a custom badge in either silver or bronze, lovingly crafted by Jennifer Green at Revolution Cycle Jewelry.

There are four sizes 47, 52, 55 and 57 available in the BRevs green on green colorway for $500.

I will be building more of these as the days go by and you should check them out HERE!

Very Special Thanks To Adam Nordmeyer For His Photography Services!!!

Another teaser, photo shoot scheduled for Monday...

There is a NEW SHERIFF in town!

The ALL CITY: NEW SHERIFF track hubs are now in stock! We just received our first order today. A modern track hubset with a nod to the ultimate classic, for a reasonable price.

I already have two builds lined up for these puppies.

A classic shiny set of Velo Orange PBP rims with double butted Phil Wood spokes and polished silver 36h fixed/ fixed hubs.

And a burly murdered out wheelset with Sun MTX 33 rims, single butted Phil Wood Downhill spokes and some 36h fixed/ fixed hubs.

Currently available in 32 or 36 hole, black or silver, fixed/ fixed or fixed/ free for only $195/ set (front $95/ Rear $100)

It is now in the states! Should be in the shop on Tuesday!