Vanilla workshop as seen by Leave it on the Road.
Category Archives: bicycles
Field Test: Portland Design Works Full Metal Fenders
Dan over at PDW was kind enough to send over a pair of their Full Metal Fenders which have been installed on my road bike for a few months now. Both Dan and Erik have been working on the fenders for several years going through prototype after prototype to find the perfect design to fit frames not generally intended to fit fenders. They’ve been a lifesaver on wet and snowy rides this Winter keeping me as dry as possible (and therefore warmer) due to their extensive coverage. Some may scoff at the $120 price tag but if you’re a regular follower of this site you probably already understand the value of well made things.
The hardware is all very well thought out and makes for easy adjustment later down the line should you decide to tinker the fender-lines to perfection. Yes, I do that. The fenders themselves are made from anodized aluminum and fit 23mm tires. Again, the coverage is excellent- you stay dry and your friends stay dry.. everyone wins. If you’re down about not being able to fit fatter tires fear not because a 45mm version is on the way.
The original fender stays reached the rear wheel’s skewer but in order to utilize the fender eyelets on the dropouts of my frame I needed a little extra length. I had an extra set of fender stays that I cut down to the size I needed them, they’re certainly wider than the included stays but it allows for a more even fit.
Filed under bicycles, field test
Cielo Tanner Edition
Cielo has teamed up with fellow Portland craftsmen Tanner Goods to offer both their Sportif Classic and Cross Classic (pictured above) in a special edition that includes three beautiful hand-crafted bags- a saddle bag, handlebar bag, and frame bag. The frame bag is what caught my attention immediately: the button studs make attachment and removal a smooth process. Why would you need to take it off and on the bike so much? Because it doubles as a shoulder bag, fantastic. Oh, and the color-matched Honjo fenders are part of the package, too. This build will be on display at NAHBS in Denver if you’re lucky enough to attend later this month to drool over it in person.
Filed under bicycles
Team Sky
Emily Maye shoots the newly launched Team Sky outfitted by Rapha. Many of Rapha’s regular and pro team fit pieces get the team color treatment, which I love, and will all be for sale if you feel like playing Wiggo. Speaking of the mod in the yellow jersey, I think the smartest piece from the collection is the target base layer made up in tribute to Wiggo. Check out the whole shoot here.
Filed under bicycles, photography
Hunt Deux
The Nord bros and their Deux North squad is at it again, this time they’re climbing in the Adirondacks and checking out some demolition derby. Watch it here.
Field Report: Philly Bike Expo 2012
Filed under bicycles, field report, Philadelphia
Ride In The Woods
Can’t complain that this downed tree is the only Sandy damage that I’ve been inconvenienced by, hope all is well with you and yours.
Title insp. by LWC!
Filed under bicycles, outside, Philadelphia
Hufnagel Skewers
Perhaps not everyone can appreciate the beauty in these handmade skewers Hufnagel is now offering but I’ll be lying if I said I didn’t wanted a pair for my randonneur bike. Top off the perfect build with a set if you’re not a weight weenie- now for sale at West America as well as some other new soft goods.
Filed under bicycles
