Urban Velo - Bicycle Culture on the Skids

Fix It Sticks

Fix It Sticks are geniusly simple modular tools—a Y-wrench in a multitool, with two identical aluminum wrench bodies fitting together to form a T-shape that can deliver four flavors of torque far better than folding versions. Each pair features four different non-removeable bits with no small parts to lose, available in common combinations for $30 per pair or with custom bit combinations for an extra $5. Start bolts by spinning the body in your hand, tighten them down using the T-shape, easily applying up to 15 Nm of torque (enough to meet most bicycle torque specs). The Fix It Sticks make quick work of roadside repairs and adjustments, but given the torque limit of the wrench body it’s best to use shop tools to break free stuck bolts as I cracked the Fix It Sticks body trying to loosen a stuck quill stem bolt. No tool fits every bolt, but it’s hard to find a place beyond a bottle boss or inconvenient rack mount that the Fix It Sticks can’t reach. At 51 g per pair the Fix It Sticks are a lightweight addition to the travel kit—combined with a chain tool and a wrench fitting your axle bolts of choice you should be able to fix most any roadside mechanical. Increase the torque spec to be able to handle stuck bolts and I’d be among the first to outfit my workbench with a full assortment of Fix It Sticks. www.fixitsticks.com

Giro Ride Jersey

As the name implies, Giro’s New Road collection was designed with road riding in mind. They’ve put an emphasis on fashion, creating a high-end alternative to gaudy lycra and spandex. Giro took the approach of making high-performance cycling wear that makes no bones about what it is, but simply looks so nice that you wouldn’t feel self-conscious wearing it into the café.
Made from a merino wool blend the Giro Ride jersey features an eight inch zipper and three rear pockets. The fabric looks and feels like high-quality cotton, but performs like the original technical fabric should. Other features include forward facing vents on the shoulders and a rubberized elastic waistband. The jersey is not quite form-fitting, but it’s far from baggy. The blend of 80% wool and 20% polyester makes the Ride Jersey significantly more durable than 100% wool garments, thus it can be machine washed and tumble dried. The $150 Ride Jersey was sewn in California from imported raw materials and is available in sizes XS-XXL in four colors. www.giro.com


	Fix It Sticks Fix It Sticks are geniusly simple modular tools—a Y-wrench in a multitool, with two identical aluminum wrench bodies fitting together to form a T-shape that can deliver four flavors of torque far better than folding versions. Each pair features four different non-removeable bits with no small parts to lose, available in common combinations for $30 per pair or with custom bit combinations for an extra $5. Start bolts by spinning the body in your hand, tighten them down using the T-shape, easily applying up to 15 Nm of torque (enough to meet most bicycle torque specs). The Fix It Sticks make quick work of roadside repairs and adjustments, but given the torque limit of the wrench body it’s best to use shop tools to break free stuck bolts as I cracked the Fix It Sticks body trying to loosen a stuck quill stem bolt. No tool fits every bolt, but it’s hard to find a place beyond a bottle boss or inconvenient rack mount that the Fix It Sticks can’t reach. At 51 g per pair the Fix It Sticks are a lightweight addition to the travel kit—combined with a chain tool and a wrench fitting your axle bolts of choice you should be able to fix most any roadside mechanical. Increase the torque spec to be able to handle stuck bolts and I’d be among the first to outfit my workbench with a full assortment of Fix It Sticks. www.fixitsticks.com Giro Ride Jersey As the name implies, Giro’s New Road collection was designed with road riding in mind. They’ve put an emphasis on fashion, creating a high-end alternative to gaudy lycra and spandex. Giro took the approach of making high-performance cycling wear that makes no bones about what it is, but simply looks so nice that you wouldn’t feel self-conscious wearing it into the café. Made from a merino wool blend the Giro Ride jersey features an eight inch zipper and three rear pockets. The fabric looks and feels like high-quality cotton, but performs like the original technical fabric should. Other features include forward facing vents on the shoulders and a rubberized elastic waistband. The jersey is not quite form-fitting, but it’s far from baggy. The blend of 80% wool and 20% polyester makes the Ride Jersey significantly more durable than 100% wool garments, thus it can be machine washed and tumble dried. The $150 Ride Jersey was sewn in California from imported raw materials and is available in sizes XS-XXL in four colors. www.giro.com	Surly

Surly