Panaracer RiBMo Long Term Update
Since I first reviewed the Panaracer RiBMo back in September ‘08 they’ve remained a favorite city tire of mine, particularly due to the flat resistance. They are not race tires, and don’t ride particularly well when it really comes down to it, but in the city keeping tires inflated is normally of much more concern than the finer points of tire ride quality. They handle predictably, and wear slowly even if you skid frequently on a track bike or playing polo. The pictured 26” x 1.5” tire was just retired after six months of constant use on the polo court. No penetrating flats the entire time, but after skidding through the first layer of threads it was time to replace it. Six months of use skidding on the back of my polo bike on our relatively rough courts works for me, I can’t say I’d ever expect much more from any tire out there. Still a favorite, I swapped it out for the exact same tire model. Available for around $35 each in a variety of 26” and 700c sizes.
Check out www.panaracer.com
Chrome Soma Laptop Bag
The Chrome Soma is a pretty interesting little laptop bag. It’s the size and shape of a small backpack (13.5” wide, 15.5” high, 5” deep) but it’s got a single sling-style strap like a messenger bag. It’s more of a general use backpack than a cycling bag, but it definitely works well for bike commuters as well as college students, airline travelers or anyone who needs to travel with their laptop in tow.
Construction highlights include a gusseted 1680 ballistic nylon outer shell with an 18 oz weatherproof truck tarp liner inside. The shoulder strap is padded and has a quick-release seatbelt buckle (with an integrated bottle opener). The cross-chest strap is easily stashed in the outer side pocket when not in use, and there’s a basic nylon handle for carrying it like a briefcase, too.
The padded laptop compartment is 11” x 15” which is claimed to hold up to a 15.4” laptop. It fits my 13” Macbook just fine. The internal organizational pockets are well thought out, with large pockets for magazines and paperwork
The Chrome Soma is available in black on black, or red on black and retails for $140.
Check out www.chromebagsstore.com