Tag: First Impressions

My first bicycle-specific torque wrench was a large, beam-style model. With a length of nearly eleven inches, it was fine for home use, but wasn’t practical for in-the-field adjustments. Handheld, clicker-style torque wrenches were more compact, but still too bulky for my bikes’ tool rolls or seat packs. Weighing in at less than 120 grams, and not much longer than a tire lever, the Topeak Nano TorqBar X ($54.95 MSRP) is ideal for workshop or trailside use.

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A staple among cyclo-tourists and commuters, Ortlieb’s products are famous for their durability and functionality. While the storied German brand might not be the first marque that comes to mind for bikepacking or gravel touring, the Ortlieb Gravel-Pack panniers ($180 MSRP) deliver added storage for the times when frame packs and handlebar rolls come up short on capacity.

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If you were a bike nerd in the 90s, you probably remember Spinergy’s iconic Rev-X wheels. With their eight carbon spokes, the futuristic-looking hoops were all the rage in the pro peloton and domestic race scene. And while the Rev-X is no more, Spinergy’s current offerings are anything but low tech. Utilizing the company’s patented PBO composite spokes, Spinergy wheels are available for practically every discipline, including four gravel models. So when the California-based company asked if I’d like to test their new 650B GX gravel wheelset ($599 MSRP), I simply couldn’t say no.

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Founded by a team of avid riders working in the bicycle industry, newcomer Marque Cycling offers a practical selection of accessories, tools, and bar tape and grips. By working closely with the same factories that produce goods for the big brands, Marque can offer reliable products at affordable prices. We recently tested three of the company’s tools, putting them through the wringer in the workshop and on the trail.

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