Moving Electrons to Help You See

We have been pretty satisfied with the Momentum line of bicycles from Giant. The "Street" model is just about all a person needs to get around town and pardon our French but a hell of a value at $425. A couple weeks back we decided the only thing that would make it more ready for commuting is a set of dynamo lights. We're big fans of dynamo lighting- secure, always-there lights with no need to worry about charging and more illumination than most mid-priced battery lights. So we set up a Momentum Street with a Shimano Dyamno -equipped wheel and a set of B+M lights. The Shimano hub is a disc-ready model in case someone ever needed to transfer the system to another bike, and we also equipped the hub with a Pitlock lockign skewer, which is just about the only truly theft-proof system on the market. The EYC front light is tiny and BRIGHT!, and the rear Secula fender-mount light has a reflector plus a bright ring of LEDs.

The best part about the package is that it can be had for $675. We think having good lighting is imperative for commuting, and this balance of bike cost/light cost is pretty reasonable for someone who rides to work year-round.

Clean, Classic, Classy. Twin Six Rando Custom

We've stocked Twin Six clothing for a few years now, and dig how their line is full of solid designs- timeless without being "retro" but not lacking for solid cuts and good technical features. Over last winter, they introduced a line of frames with the same vibe, and we recently had the opportunity to build up someone's Dream Bike on the "Standard Rando" frameset. Tim worked with customer Cory to make a value-packed go-anywhere machine for, well, going anywhere. A mixed Ultegra/105 drivetrain was matched to a hand built set of DT 350 hubs and WTB Frequency CX tubeless-ready rims laced up with DT competition spokes. TRP brakes, Easton/Salsa/Brooks stuff rounded out the package. Nothing too fancy, but all great durable stuff that should last a long damn time and handle just about anything from commuting to gravel to Randonnee rides (surprise surprise...)

Classic lines with modern geometry. Well suited for many styles of riding. Twin Six, you may be new to the frame game but they know a thing or two.

Shimano 105 cranks and derailleurs with Ultegra Shifters, Chain and Cassette. Put the dollars where performance really matters.

Wheel MFG PF30-Shimano adapter bottom bracket. Threads together to solidify a generally weak BB interface. Also, Enduro sealed angular contact bearings. Portland winters, meet your match.

Chris King headset- in traditional boldface logo, keeping the theme of white/silver on black with the Shimano/King/Easton/DT Swiss/WTB parts.

TRP Spyre brakes are awesome and quiet. Enough said.

All Road AWOL - Custom Build

Michael didn't even know he was looking for a better bike when he saw the AWOL frameset in the shop, but one thing led to another and soon he was taking his first "little" shakedown ride from Lake Oswego to Cascade Locks and back...and he couldn't have been more pleased with the comfort and handling of his new AWOL. This build didn't deviate too much from the flavor of the stock AWOL comp, just dialed it in for how he rides. Lots of road, sometimes loaded, but more about the ability to ride where ever his will takes him with no problems. Plenty of gear range, tubeless tires and dynamo/USB power are the stars here.

Clean lines - room in the main triangle for a Revelate / Salsa frame bag. Extra water capacity down low.

Wide gearing. Mtb rear derailleur and cassette with road compact up front.

We dig TRP disc brakes. DT swiss wheels with Schmidt front hub.

POWER! Supernova "Plug" USB adapter powered by dynamo.

Big rotor, smooth stopping. Schmidt SON hub, Salsa skewer.

Specialized Trigger 33mm tires, good for paved - to - medium gravel roads. Tubeless, natch.