Friday Debrief: Black Mountain Cycles, Cerakote Bubblys, and the Bike Illuminati

We started “The Debrief” on our YouTube channel last year as a way of highlighting the week’s news and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. To take this a step further, we’re posting a weekly Debrief here on the site to highlight all of those things and more, including upcoming events and interesting things our readers shared in the comments. Check out this week’s findings below.

Bits & Bobs

New products that are worth highlighting but didn’t make the Dispatch…

SimWorks Bubbly Pedals in Ceramic Olive

New for 2022, SimWorks just released their beautifully crafted Bubbly pedals in a new Ceramic Olive color, partnering with Cerakote on a classy matte green finish that’s durable and long-lasting. The Bubbly pedals are made in Japan by MKS, available in polished, black, and the new olive colour, and cost $98 USD.

$98 / Made in Japan / Details

Black Mountain Cycles Frames Inbound

Beloved California-based Black Mountain Cycles just announced that La Cabra and Monstercross framesets are due to arrive in the coming weeks, and they’ve opened up orders online in preparation. La Cabra (pictured above) frames start at $1,195 and are being offered in a Peanut Butter brown paint job. The Monstercross starts at $875 and comes in Kinda Blue. Photo courtesy of Squeaky Wheel (@squeakywheel.cc).

$875-1195 / Made in Taiwan / Details

Updated BXB Better Half Frame Bag

Jay Ritchey over at Bags By Bird (BXB) in Tucson, Arizona, just announced some updates to the Better Half Frame Bag that have been in development for a while. First, the flap is slightly more rigid for improved flap-ability. Second, both small and large sizes are now being offered in short and long versions to better suit your frame size, geometry, and personal preferences. Orders opened yesterday, and they are made to order with your choice of fabric.

$110 / Made in USA / Details

Lichen Precision Through Axle Lever

CNC’d in Washington from the same folks who produce the Forager Cycles Cable Cherries, the new Lichen Through Axle Lever is a removable lever that lives in the end of your axle, ready when you need it. It’s held in place with two O-rings that are machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum and is offered in a variety of colours.

$25 / Made in USA / Details

Onza Tubeless Sealant

Just announced, Onza’s new tubeless sealant is said to seal holes and cuts up to 6mm thanks to microfibers. It’s designed to last the lifetime of the tire (up to 8 months) without changing and is made from a synthetic latex that is nonallergenic and ammonia-free. The sealant is available in 250ml or 1000ml bottles.

€16.90-€33.90 / Made in Europe / Details

Cannondale 100% Compostable Bottles

This year, Cannondale’s professional World Tour Road teams will be using the newly developed 100% compostable water bottles, addressing the issue of discarded plastic bottles that aren’t reused during races. Made from plant-derived materials, the bite valve, cap, and bottle body are completely compostable, free from plasticizers, heavy metals, and BPAs, making them both human and eco-friendly. While there is no news on when the bottles will be available to consumers, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Bryton Rider S800

The new Bryton Rider S800 is a new performance cycling computer featuring a large 3.4″ colour touchscreen, 36-hour battery life, advanced metrics, and compatibility with other applications, including Ride with GPS. The Rider S800 is offered in two options: the standard version that includes a protective rubber case and screen protector, mount, and lanyard, as well as the S800 T which adds speed, cadence, and heart rate sensors.

$399-479 USD / Made in Taiwan / Details

In Conversation

Exchanges and ideas that caught our attention in the site’s conversation section…

Velominati Rules

As a commenter pointed out in Jackie Baker’s excellent article on the principles of self-supported racing earlier this week, the discussion around some of these topics can get a little tedious, “Interesting stuff here. Reminds me of the Velominati rules. ’37. The arms of the eyewear shall always be placed over the helmet straps.’ etc.” Obviously, that’s putting a complex discussion simply. But it’s also a reminder of how granular topics within grassroots rules sometimes deserve logical interpretation and common sense ethics. If you haven’t seen the Velominati, prepare for some roadie bro humour: Velominati.com

Around the Community

News from around the bikepacking world…

Kerry Werner Sets Rockstar Gravel 250 FKT

Late Wednesday night, Kona rider Kerry Werner (@kerryw24) finished the 250-mile Rockstar Gravel route in Virginia in record time. It wasn’t until the last eight miles that Kerry decided a fastest known time was possible, and he apparently sprinted hard to make it happen. His official time is 18 hours and 30 minutes, just 13 minutes faster than Will Loevner’s 2021 record time. Also, if you missed it, be sure to check out Zoe’s account of the ride here.

In Search of the Ultimate Bullit Cargo Bike

This new series from Bicycle Love World showcases different Bullit cargo bikes and is already eight episodes deep. Watch the first episode above and then head over to their YouTube channel to watch the rest.

And Now This

Reflecting on the history of mountain biking…

All of our recent talk of ATBs had Lucas remembering this classic “old but new but old but new” video from several years back that features Chris Akrigg getting rad and having a hell of a time doing some good old-fashioned all-terrain biking with a bit of retro flair.

Born From Junk

FreeHub’s new “Born From Junk” traces the outlaw roots of mountain biking back to its raw beginnings in Crested Butte, Colorado. This must-watch short film follows a crew of unlikely innovators as they pursue wild times in the mountains and accidentally spearhead a global phenomenon.

Events Starting Soon

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon…

Pinyons and Pines

Taking off from Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Pinyons and Pines is a 300-mile self-supported bikepacking race that explores some of the best riding in the state, utilizing a mixture of singletrack, dirt roads, and some pavement. The grand depart is on May 12th at 6 a.m. and we’re excited to follow along. Find the live tracking map here.

Three Rivers Way

Three Rivers Way is an epic bikepacking journey through the deep woods and beautiful backroads of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. There are two routes to choose from: the 300-mile Vista or the 420-mile Mountain route. The grand depart takes off from Hiwassee Ocoee State Park in Delano, Tennessee next Thursday at 6:30 a.m. Follow along live here.

Wish We Were Here

Shedding a little light on a route one of us is dreaming about riding at the moment…

Miles Arbour: Back On My Bike

After nearly two weeks in bed knocked off my feet by a curious case of COVID-19, I’m antsier than ever to get out on my bike. While part of me craves an epic backcountry ride, I have a good feeling it’s going to take a while to get my lungs back, so I’m looking forward to casual urban rides around town with friends in the meantime.

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.