Urban Velo - Bicycle Culture on the Skids

Crank Brothers Candy 2 Pedals

Many moons ago, Crank Brothers introduced their Candy pedals at Interbike’s outdoor demo. When the day was over, I bought a demo pair for a song, and some eight or nine years later they still work just fine. And while I’ve never personally had any issues with Crank Brothers pedals (and I own five pair) I’m to understand that their customer service is second to none.

The most noticeable difference in the updated design is that the Candy 2, 3 and 11 models feature a two-piece machined aluminum body (the entry-level Candy 1 still have a composite body). The various models also feature different materials and bearing configurations, which is reflected in the price, of course.

Formerly the Achilles heel of Crank Brothers pedals, the old cleats have been redesigned. The premium brass cleats use a more durable alloy and feature a two-bolt washer (similar to Shimano cleats) for up to 2.2 mm of side to side adjustment.

The Candy 2 pedals retail for $90 and carry a five year warranty. Check out www.crankbrothers.com

Fixcraft Top Tube Polo Pad

Fixcraft is a small company dedicated to bike polo equipment. Among their offerings is this clever top tube pad. It’s got enough material to hold up to four polo mallets, but it doesn’t look like anything out of the ordinary when it’s not loaded.

It’s such a simple concept that quite a few people are probably saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?” And as with most simple but ingenious devices, it works like a charm.

The pad measures 16.5” long and comes with approximately 3/8” thick foam padding. And you can get it in any color you want, as long as that color is black. The Polo Pad retails for $25. Check out www.fixcraft.net

Bicycling Science

Bicycling Science is one of those books that really should be on the shelf of any real bike nerd, full of more equations and notations than more than a few could ever hope to completely wrap their minds around. That’s not to say this isn’t a readable book, more that most people will find themselves skipping through the parts heavy on math and sticking around more for the history and the thorough explanations of what makes bikes work as some of the most efficient machines ever. From the dawn of wheeled machines on through the particular efficiencies involved in a drivetrain, the book is one part of a thorough understanding of the modern bicycle. Highly recommended, make sure you pick up the pictured 3rd edition, as I am to understand there are some significant changes from the commonly seen at swaps 2nd edition.

Chicago Wig Street Straps

Chicago Wig has been quietly making pedal strap foot retention devices for some time now, and it’s really only a matter of time before more people realize that Isaac is offering 3” wide straps. Plain and simple, the 3” wide strap means more contact area and a more secure connection to your pedals. It’s almost like sliding your shoe into another shoe.

The Street Straps forgo metal buckles and the like, and instead use a hook and loop fastening system. Not only are they easier to install than most other foot retention systems, the design is so stiff that the material really holds its shape, even if you accidentally step on the strap.

From a durability standpoint, I can attest to the fact that other Chicago Wig products are built to last. The sewing is professional and the materials are at industry standard or above. Thus far I haven’t seen so much as a single ripped stitch on the Street Straps. It is true that the hook and loop system eventually wears out, but because you’re likely going to set the tension once and forget about it until you get new shoes, it’s probably not going to be an issue.

The 3” wide Street Straps (tested) retail for $55 plus shipping, the 2” wide version is $45.

Check out www.chicagowig.com

Duro Sevilla 700×35c Tires

For the past six months I’ve been running a set of 700×35c Duro Sevilla tires on my Redline 925. Used primarily for playing polo and getting to and from the court, these tires have been taking a beating like none other. Right off the bat, getting to our main polo court involves riding on all manner of rough roads, and the surrounding area under the bridge where we play is littered with broken glass, thorns and God knows what else. To date, I’ve not had a single puncture flat with these tires. That could be luck, or it could be Duro’s Flak Jacket puncture resistant casing.

I really can’t count how many times people have remarked on the Tru Shine reflective patterned sidewalls. Not only do they garner attention, they shine like daylight in a car’s headlights. I had presumed that the reflective coating would eventually wear off or at least begin to crack or flake, but it pretty much looks like new after six months.

Considering the abuse, and the fact that I’ve continued to ride them as shown above without puncturing, I would say they get high marks for tread durability. I’ll chalk that up to Duro’s use of a 70A durometer rubber as opposed to the softer 60A used on their mountain and road racing tires. Incidentally, the front tire is in perfect shape, with no more than cursory signs of wear. And of course I won’t be pushing my luck—I’ll be replacing that worn rear tire ASAP. The Sevilla retails for $25 per tire.

Check out www.durotire.com

Visit www.urbanvelo.org to read these reviews and more.


	Crank Brothers Candy 2 Pedals Many moons ago, Crank Brothers introduced their Candy pedals at Interbike’s outdoor demo. When the day was over, I bought a demo pair for a song, and some eight or nine years later they still work just fine. And while I’ve never personally had any issues with Crank Brothers pedals (and I own five pair) I’m to understand that their customer service is second to none. The most noticeable difference in the updated design is that the Candy 2, 3 and 11 models feature a two-piece machined aluminum body (the entry-level Candy 1 still have a composite body). The various models also feature different materials and bearing configurations, which is reflected in the price, of course. Formerly the Achilles heel of Crank Brothers pedals, the old cleats have been redesigned. The premium brass cleats use a more durable alloy and feature a two-bolt washer (similar to Shimano cleats) for up to 2.2 mm of side to side adjustment. The Candy 2 pedals retail for $90 and carry a five year warranty. Check out www.crankbrothers.com Fixcraft Top Tube Polo Pad Fixcraft is a small company dedicated to bike polo equipment. Among their offerings is this clever top tube pad. It’s got enough material to hold up to four polo mallets, but it doesn’t look like anything out of the ordinary when it’s not loaded. It’s such a simple concept that quite a few people are probably saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?” And as with most simple but ingenious devices, it works like a charm. The pad measures 16.5” long and comes with approximately 3/8” thick foam padding. And you can get it in any color you want, as long as that color is black. The Polo Pad retails for $25. Check out www.fixcraft.net Bicycling Science Bicycling Science is one of those books that really should be on the shelf of any real bike nerd, full of more equations and notations than more than a few could ever hope to completely wrap their minds around. That’s not to say this isn’t a readable book, more that most people will find themselves skipping through the parts heavy on math and sticking around more for the history and the thorough explanations of what makes bikes work as some of the most efficient machines ever. From the dawn of wheeled machines on through the particular efficiencies involved in a drivetrain, the book is one part of a thorough understanding of the modern bicycle. Highly recommended, make sure you pick up the pictured 3rd edition, as I am to understand there are some significant changes from the commonly seen at swaps 2nd edition. Chicago Wig Street Straps Chicago Wig has been quietly making pedal strap foot retention devices for some time now, and it’s really only a matter of time before more people realize that Isaac is offering 3” wide straps. Plain and simple, the 3” wide strap means more contact area and a more secure connection to your pedals. It’s almost like sliding your shoe into another shoe. The Street Straps forgo metal buckles and the like, and instead use a hook and loop fastening system. Not only are they easier to install than most other foot retention systems, the design is so stiff that the material really holds its shape, even if you accidentally step on the strap. From a durability standpoint, I can attest to the fact that other Chicago Wig products are built to last. The sewing is professional and the materials are at industry standard or above. Thus far I haven’t seen so much as a single ripped stitch on the Street Straps. It is true that the hook and loop system eventually wears out, but because you’re likely going to set the tension once and forget about it until you get new shoes, it’s probably not going to be an issue. The 3” wide Street Straps (tested) retail for $55 plus shipping, the 2” wide version is $45. Check out www.chicagowig.com Duro Sevilla 700×35c Tires For the past six months I’ve been running a set of 700×35c Duro Sevilla tires on my Redline 925. Used primarily for playing polo and getting to and from the court, these tires have been taking a beating like none other. Right off the bat, getting to our main polo court involves riding on all manner of rough roads, and the surrounding area under the bridge where we play is littered with broken glass, thorns and God knows what else. To date, I’ve not had a single puncture flat with these tires. That could be luck, or it could be Duro’s Flak Jacket puncture resistant casing. I really can’t count how many times people have remarked on the Tru Shine reflective patterned sidewalls. Not only do they garner attention, they shine like daylight in a car’s headlights. I had presumed that the reflective coating would eventually wear off or at least begin to crack or flake, but it pretty much looks like new after six months. Considering the abuse, and the fact that I’ve continued to ride them as shown above without puncturing, I would say they get high marks for tread durability. I’ll chalk that up to Duro’s use of a 70A durometer rubber as opposed to the softer 60A used on their mountain and road racing tires. Incidentally, the front tire is in perfect shape, with no more than cursory signs of wear. And of course I won’t be pushing my luck—I’ll be replacing that worn rear tire ASAP. The Sevilla retails for $25 per tire. Check out www.durotire.com Visit www.urbanvelo.org to read these reviews and more.