Category Archives: Products

Tifosi Optics Launches the new Kilo Endurance Sport Sunglasses

by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

Just released, the latest Kilo Endurance Sport Sunglass models from Tifosi Optics will have you riding in style on bright sunny days this fall. It’s also perfect for fall and winter glare and is available in three models with lenses for bright, low, and no light settings.

The new Tiposi line of Kilo Endurance Sport Sunglasses.

The perfect option is Kilo Endurance Sport Sunglasses

Tifosi Optics’ most unique cycling sunglasses are designed to enhance your ride. You will find an unrestricted view of the road or trail, offering maximum coverage and ergonomic face-fit protection from the elements.

The Kilo is available in three models, with two of the models equipped with multiple lenses. You will find their Blackout model, with a smoke polarized lens, perfect for those looking for a single-lens solution. The Kilo line, with the Blackout, will retail, starting at $69.95.

The Crystal Smoke Tifosi Kilo Endurance Sport Sunglasses, with polarized lenses and a handy carrying case.

The new Kilo line offers Tifosi’s new Clarion Red Fototec lens for better clarity. A photochromic lens that can adapt on the fly to ambient light, transitioning from a nearly clear tint in low light to a red mirrored smoke tint in full sun. This lens repeals, providing a clear view during the hardest workouts.

The White/Black Tifosi Kilo Endurance Sport Sunglasses, with three interchangeable lenses and a handy carrying case.

And, you will find all Kilo frames built with a lightweight Grilamid TR-90 that provides all-day
comfort. The rubber ear and nose pieces fully adjust and swell with moisture that guarantees they stay in place as you sweat. Plus, the polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof and vented, making the Kilo line ideal for endurance sports
like cycling or running.

The Yellow/Smoke Kilo Endurance Sport Sunglasses, with three interchangeable lenses, come with a carrying case.

Tifosi’s mission is to provide technically advanced eyewear to enthusiasts of
all sports and outdoor activities. All Kilo glasses here are tested and tortured to enhance
your sports activity. Regardless, if you’re running a 5k’er, riding your first century, or playing 18 holes of golf. Tifosi helps define its customers with enthusiasm to guarantee they have fun. So, find a store carrying Tifosi Sunglasses near you.

Hybrid bikes are one of the many available options for casual riding

by John Brown, HaveFunBiking.com

Trail bikes, fitness bikes, hybrid bikes, and dual-sport bikes all fall into the same category of bicycle. Although these bikes all occupy the same category, they have very different uses. Read on to find out what bike will fit your needs best.

Before Buying One Of Many Hybrid Bikes, Determine Where You Want to Ride

Hybrid

Road, trail, or offroad.

Hybrid Bikes for Road Riding

Paved surfaces are more inviting to cyclists than ever before thanks to bicycle conscience city planners and influential cycling groups. Bike lanes on city roads, bike paths on retired rail lines, and dedicated cycling trails are just a few of the options open for paved riding. Because of these options, there are many bicycles available for paved riding specifically.

Hybrid Bikes for Path/Trail Riding

By far, path and trail riders are the largest segments of casual cyclists. This is due to the vast availability of riding options. Due to the fact that there are tons of options, these bikes are designed to ride comfortably and efficiently through almost anything.   

Hybrid Bikes for Off-Road Riding

A newly emerging category is casual off-road riding. For this reason, many bicycle manufacturers have developed products to allow riders to enjoy trails comfortably. These bikes are similar to path/trail bikes, but usually include tires with more knobs and suspension.

How frequently do you plan on riding?

The cost of a bicycle can range from around $300 up to the tens of thousands of dollars. The most basic models use less durable materials like plastics rather than metals in the shifting components, and mild steel rather than stronger alloys for the drivetrain and cockpit. As the prices increase, stronger materials replace less durable materials, lending to a bicycle that will hold up better for frequent use. Consequently, at a certain price (different for every category of a bicycle), the durability doesn’t increase. Instead, the weight begins to decrease. A lighter bicycle is easier to control and accelerate (making for a more enjoyable ride). Determining how frequently you intend to ride and weighing that against the bikes you are looking at will ensure you get the right bike for your needs.

Bike Features

Disc brakes vs. rim brakes

Hybrid

Rim brakes work by two rubber pads squeezing the aluminum rim of your wheel. They are inexpensive, functional, and lightweight. When conditions are good, they work incredibly well. Disc brakes use hardened semi-metallic pads to squeeze a hardened steel rotor. Disc brakes produce an enormous amount of friction, and that friction can overcome poor conditions. To summarize, both brakes work, but disc brakes work better in poor conditions.

Suspension vs. no suspension

Hybrid

Bikes that go off-road typically use suspension forks to silence the chatter of gravel paths, dirt roads, and trails. Bikes with rigid forks tend to handle better because they are laterally stiffer and end up being lighter due to the lack of moving parts.

Wheel size

hybris

26″ x 1.75 and 700×37

In this category, you will find smaller wheels and larger ones. The smaller wheels are usually 26” in diameter and around 2 inches wide. The larger wheels are sized out at 700 c (roughly 28″ in diameter) and usually are between 28 and 42 millimeters wide.

Differences

Once you have figured out where and how often you want to ride, and you learned about some of the features, it’s time to learn about the differences in the bikes.

Hybrid Bikes

Hybrid bicycles at one point were the only bike in this category. They get their names from the fact that they were initially a hybrid of a mountain and road bike. Today, a hybrid is a great bike for fun and fitness. They usually incorporate suspension forks to smooth out the road. Most types use a tire that is 30-40 mm wide and well suited to gravel roads, rails to trails, or paved roads. If you are looking for the most comfortable ride across the largest segment of conditions, a hybrid is a right choice for you.

Fitness bikes

Fitness bikes share a lot of features with hybrids. They have similar wheel sizes, riding positions, and gearing. Where they differ is that hybrids incorporate a lot of features to add comfort, while fitness bikes focus on efficiency and being lightweight. If you are the type of rider who wants to get a great workout and enjoy your neighborhood or local bike path, a fitness bike is a right choice.

Dual Sport bikes

Dual sport bikes are a new and quickly growing segment of this category. The Dual sport bike is similar to the hybrid, in that it uses suspension. Where it differs from a hybrid is that they are designed for off-road use. By changing the rider position, incorporating wider tires, and using disc brakes, these bikes excel on bike trails that are a bit more technical. If your adventure takes you off the beaten path, dual sport bikes are the tool of choice.

How to choose

Paramount to buying the right bike is trying them. Start with a bike that fits you correctly. Take it for a good 10-15 minute ride to see how it handles. Ride it on hills and on some path if possible. Next, try some other models that use different features. Test riding will quickly highlight the benefits of disc brakes, suspension, and tire sizes. Once you feel comfortable on a few bikes, try them back to back and figure out which is the right fit for you.

Check out the latest styles for 2021

Thanks to the latest reviews from 29 experts at BikeRide.com, see 46 of the best hybrid bikes to consider when buying your next bike.

About John Brown the author

As a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer, John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit and that particular fever is still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated to a service manager and then store manager.  Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping each and every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, parts, or just share your latest ride. You can also see more of John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.

Sledge Sunglasses are designed by cyclists for your riding comfort

by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

Thanks to today’s oversized styles from Tifosi Optics, choosing a pair of eye-catching sunglasses for cycling is easy and affordable. The latest Sledge models will have you riding in style when the sun is shining. Plus, if you are like me, when you want a more detailed view,  they comfortably fit over your prescription glasses. Either way, you wear them, you will get the airy fit and the protection you desire.

Each pair comes a full lens kit that includes an additional clear and high contrast AC red lens, plus a hard case and soft bag for cleaning.

Styling comfort with Sledge Sunglasses

Tifosi Optics’ newest cycling sunglasses are designed to enhance your ride. Offering maximum coverage and ergonomic face-fit protection from the elements, you will find an unrestricted view of the road or trail.

Each of the vented Sledge lenses fit into the lightweight yet durable Grilamid TR-90 frame of your choice. And all three lenses are guaranteed shatterproof while providing 100% UV protection.

Cycling sunglasses designed by cyclists

The perfected cycling eyewear at an affordable price, Sledge glasses range from $69.95 to 79.95. Click on each of the four-color options below and choose.

Crystal Orange with a Clarion Blue lens

 

Crystal Red with a Clarion Yellow lens

Matte Black with a Smoke lens

Matte White with a Smoke lens

Like me, you will find that the Sledge line of sunglasses offers the ideal tint for any lighting condition. Each pair is shipped with a full lens kit, which includes an additional clear and high contrast AC red lens, plus a hard case and soft bag for cleaning.

Team up with Tifosi during the Covid-19 crisis

Tifosi face shield donation to health care workers during covid-19

In addition to making affordable eye protection for you, Tifosi is also doing what it can to protect healthcare professionals during the Covid-19 crisis. The company recently announced that they would be donating a face shield to health care facilities during the month of May for every pair of sunglasses sold on their site. For more details, check out their post here.

The Apres-Ski Recovery Boot works well for post fat biking activities

by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

Like the Telic’s sandals, the new Apres-Ski Recovery Boot is the perfect footwear, after fat biking the snow-covered trails. With a fun-filled day of pedaling through the woods and open fields behind us. It was time to slip on some comfortable walking footwear and enjoy the local festivities. Here my wife found this Recovery Boot, made for post-ski therapy, perfect for the activities we enjoyed after fat biking.

After a fun-filled day of pedaling through Minnesota’s True North landscape, the boots support technology added to the comfort.

The Apres-Ski Recovery Boot fit

As I mentioned Telic is best known for its comfortable sandal footwear. Telic originally designed the Recovery Boot for skiers in the snow sports industry to help them relax after training and competition. What they found incorporating the Novlaon Footstrike Technology from the sandals, the boot had a soft supportive fit for added comfort for any post-outdoor activity.

Very attractive, I liked the idea that this boot was lightweight, water-resistant, and had a nice traction control outer soles.

Stylish, and very supportive with great shock absorption.

Trying these boots, my wife found them stylish, very supportive with great shock absorption. So we found these boots kept her feet warm while we walked around the apres festivities after fat biking.

The new Telic Apres-Ski Recovery Boot turned out to be the perfect footwear for post-fat biking fun, after riding the snow-covered trails.

This bike pic Saturday, enjoy your time out riding the trails with family and friends as the fall colors are at there peak.

A healthy energy boost makes any off-road cycling adventure better

by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking.com

If you are like me, I like to carry a few energy boost jell packs while enjoying nature in the wild. On my latest adventure, before the snow covered the Northwoods landscape, I found Trail Butter. Trying them I found they were delicious and provided a level of energy that lasted longer. Plus, having several flavors added to the experience and fun of mountain biking in the true north.

Trail Butter flavors in the 1.15 oz. packets for an energy boost.

A natural energy boost source while off-road biking in the true north

Wanting to get one more bike adventure in before snowfall in the upper Midwest, I spent four days exploring the Beltrami Island State Forest, near Roseau, MN. A mammoth forest covering more than 700,000 acres it’s about 30 miles south of the Canadian border. With Roseau several miles away I wanted to maximize my time and the weight of what I carried along. Using a couple of primitive campsites along the 140-miles of logging roads and trail loops the Trail Butter packets fit my needs well. Each day,

The 4.5oz size was my choice on my recent Northwoods trip.

I averaged about 30-miles of mountain biking from the established base camp for that section of the State Forest. Every five or six miles I stopped and enjoyed a single-size serving size of the Trail Butter. Stopping periodically for an energy boost of this nut butter made it easy to complete the planned route in plenty of time before dark.

With Trail Butter no gooey aftertaste

As I have found with some of the other energy products on the market, with Nut Butter there was no pasty after taste. I also found the company’s claim on its website description, as “slow-burning” and this was also true. The almond component of the nut butter mix offers a ready source of fat that burns slowly, perfect for any outdoor activity. Not like some of the other energy products I have tried, full of high fructose corn syrup or other sugar that doesn’t sustain you for very long.

Offered in four flavors and three different sizes

A 16oz jar of Trail Butter works well back to base camp or at home.

The Trail Butter packaging comes in three different styles and to date come in four flavors, with their Spiced Chai Seasonal Nut Butter Blend. Their regular flavors include the Original Nut Butter Blend; Maple & Sea Salt Blend; and the Dark Chocolate & Coffee Nut Butter Blend. Like the Original flavor, which is an almond nut base with chocolate and cranberries, you will find 680 calories to turn into energy in every single serving. Sizes include:

  • The single-serving 1.15oz packets that are easy to open and resemble the packaging of a typical gel. This size works well when disposing of the packaging isn’t an issue.
  • The 4.5oz size was my choice on my recent trip. It gave me several servings in one reseal-able, easy to eat out of the pouch. I just had to decide which flavor I wanted to carry each day.
  • Also available in 16oz jars. This size works well for those who are able to make it back to base camp or at home to prepare a sandwich.

Made in the U.S., Trail Butter is manufactured by a small company out of Portland, OR.  and sells for a reasonable price. So check out their website and give Trail Butter a try for your next adventure!

A perfect pair of sandals can add to your bicycle touring adventures

by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking.com

If you are like me when cycling in a new area, it is fun to get off the bike and walk around a historical area, along the beach or venture into a shopping area, especially with sandals. Many times these extra-curricular stops can lead to more treasured memories.

Telic Energy Flip Flop is a comfortable sandal for both men and women.

The only problem, hiking around in bike shoes isn’t always the best for walking. And, even if your bike shoes are fairly comfortable for walking you don’t want to get them wet or dirty, especially if you use them in conjunction with clip-on pedals. So having a second set of footwear, a pair of comfortable Telic sandals along,  can add to your comfort and fun.

Easy to carry when biking

A bungee or carabiner is the perfect way to hang Telic sandals from the seat post.

Lightweight it is easy to bungee the Telic sandals to your bikes frame or seat post if you don’t have a bike rack or large enough handlebar bag. I found that a carabiner (rock climbing gear clip) also works well. Hook the clip into the straps of the sandal and the bottom of the bike seat.

Telic sandals make the perfect footwear when bike touring

From the energy Flip-Flops to the Z-strap or the women’s Mallory it’s easy to carry along a quick change of comfortable sandals.

Telic Women’s Mallory Sandal offers a comfort slide with Orthotic Grade Arch Support

They look good and feel great with enough medial arch support to keep you floating when not pedaling. With the ergonomic technology the Telic’s heat-sensitive Novalon material molds to the shape of your foot, eliminating pressure points making each step is pretty cushy.

For more information or to order a pair check out their website today!

Think of your next adventure with a pair of comfortable Telic sandals – Happy feet!

The perfect wearable and convenient bike lock, the Hiplok Spin

Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking.com

Testing out the new Hiplok Spin, trail riding and running errands the lock offered me hassle-free convenience in keeping my bike safe. Having a bike lock along to secure your investment is a good practice, though it can be cumbersome. With a cable or u-lock, how to store it if you don’t have a large enough saddlebag, or if it does fit how do you pack it so it won’t rattle around or snag an item of clothing, that is the question? Now with the simplicity of the Hiplok Spin, wear it as a visible belt, and as fast as you can click the lock, you are ready to leave the bike secure.

The neon yellow Hiplok Spin offers added visibility when riding.

 

The Hiplok Spin bike lock makes multiple stops convenient

Running into the store, near the trailhead, was fast, easy, and secure with the Hiplok Spin.

It’s a perfect bike lock when you are meeting a friend at a restaurant for lunch, picking up a book at a library or running in to use the restroom at a trailhead. A well-designed and thought-out wearable bike lock system it’s easy to adjust, making it hassle-free when putting it on or taking it off. With the added convenience of an integrated four-digit, resettable combination lock, there’s no need to carry a key. This wearable, lightweight bike lock, available in black or neon yellow for added visibility, adjusts easily to fit your waist (26″ to 44″) without being locked to your body.

When the Hiplok Spin may not be enough

When planning to leave my bike in a questionable high-traffic area, the Spin would not be my solo-choice. For more extended periods of storing my bike out in a public place, I prefer using a combination of a cable and D-lock. It provides a more secure solution to protect my bike from theft when I am away from it at a meeting or the theater. See Hiplok’s helpful bicycle security chart; it may help you find the right lock for your ride.

Ideally, you should always use the most secure lock your budget will allow with a secondary lock for wheels and accessories. However, in the real world, carrying extra items while biking, isn’t always practical. Each ride is different, and you need to balance security with practicality in choosing the right lock for securing your bike.

A bicycle headlight that works well on or off the bike

By Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking

No matter what time of the year there is never enough daylight and having a bicycle headlight is a necessary item for any cyclist riding on the road or on trails. Over the last couple of months, I have had the chance to test the Fenix BC21R v2.0 bicycle headlight in several applications with memorable success. Retailing at less than $75, the Fenix worked well while commuting by bike and fat biking through the snow. This 1,000-lumens capacity light offered me several beam output settings that I needed at dusk and in the dark to see and be seen. Plus its makes a handy stand-alone flashlight when not on my bike.

This light easily clips-out from the handlebar, in a minute’s notice, to become a handy flashlight.

 

 

The Fenix BC21R v2.0 bicycle headlight out of the box

The Fenix bicycle light comes packaged and inside the box, you’ll find:

The light fits well in the packaging with the extra parts tucked behind the form-fitting plastic holder.

  • BC21R v2 Light head
  • Fenix rechargeable Li-ion battery
  • USB Type C charging cable
  • A handlebar mount, with two extra rubber mounting shims
  • Spare O-ring
  • User manual
  • Warranty card

The light fits well in the packaging with the extra parts tucked inside. The Fenix branded 18650 Li-ion battery is pre-installed in the headlight with a small piece of insulation that needs to be removed before charging and using. The housing of the bicycle headlight is engineered to protect it from dust and foreign objects and is perfect for safe cycling on those rainy days.

Bike commuting with the Fenix bicycle light

As the days get shorter (up through December 22nd  with winter solstice) using the Fenix bicycle handlebar light gave me several beam options with the lights four settings. Plus, while commuting or running errands the light was easy to remove at stops, for security and/or to plug it in for an added charge.

Through the woods on a snow-covered trail

Fat biking over the snow-covered trail the beamwidth of the Fenix was more than adequate.

Recently fat biking through the snow-covered forest I found the beam width adequate, the majority of the time in the lights medium mode. But, when the trail became more technical, it was easy to bump it up to the Turbo Mode. At 1,000-lumens, with two-hours of run time, the output was near that of riding in daylight.

A recap of the Fenix BC21R v2.0 bicycle headlight

The Fenix bicycle light is an interesting alternative to most lights in its price range. The light comes with a chargeable battery that can be easily replaced. It offers a high-quality optic lens with four settings for beam spread to make your time in the dark and low-light periods enjoyable. And with the convenient bicycle mount the light easily clips-out, in a minute’s notice, to a handy, multi-mode flashlight. For more information on Fenix and to order a bicycle headlight go to their website here.

The perfect gift for those with cold feet – GooseFeet Down Socks

The perfect solution when cold feet are an issue after fat biking, ice fishing or while sleeping. GooseFeet Gear Down Socks is a perfect solution. They also make great backcountry hut or ice house footwear with the Over-Bootie. By themselves the elastic ankle cuffs at the top of the sock ensure they stay put and keeps the warmth in. And the socks conveniently pack into a small stuff sack (included).

Choose from two lightweight materials for your Down Sock order

Two sock materials to choose from.

Choose fabric material along with several colors. Then they are filled with 850+ power premium goose down treated with DownTek for water-resistance.

10D Fabric – This new material has an amazing next-to-skin feel and is ultra-lightweight, but still has a DWR treatment and is 100% down-proof!  Colors available include Navy Blue, Forest Green, Black, Lime Green, Purple, and Brick Red.

20D Fabric – Is nylon and the most durable fabric they offer. It has a DWR treatment applied to the outside surface, so it will resist a small amount of water before allowing it to get the Down inside wet. Current colors available include Red, Aqua Blue, Magenta, Denim Grey, Hunter Green, and Black.

Socks are designed to keep your feet warm all night long

If you’d like to wear your Downsocks around camp or during midnight calls of nature, add a pair of waterproof Over-Booties to your order. They are specifically designed to fit over and protect your Down Socks during outdoor use. When purchased together, they make the perfect ultralight sock/camp shoe combo.

Order a pair from GooseFeet today!

Finding safe drinking water was easy with the H2gO Purifier

by Russ Lowthian, HaveFunBiking.com

When mountain biking or hiking, it’s nice to find the right gear that can help cut down on carrying extra weight, like water. On a recent backcountry field trip into Minnesota’s north woods, I had the opportunity to use the Aqua Research H2gO Purifier. This purifier was the perfect device to provide safe drinking water without adding additional weight to the gear I packed. No regrets choosing the H2gO Purifier for this Bold North trip was easy to use and safe. This compact purifier will be a mainstay accessory in my luggage when water is questionable on future trips.

Converting natures surface water was easy with the H2gO Purifier

I planned to spend four days exploring the mammoth Beltrami Island State Forest, near Roseau, MN. Even though there were a couple of well water locations in this forest covering over 700,000 acres, five rivers with headwaters here aloud for more convenient water options. With primitive campsites along the 140-miles of logging roads and trail, I wanted to maximize my time on my off-road bike exploring the area. Using the purifier to disinfect water along the trail allowed me room to pack several other luxury items of comfort.

Stopping alongside a stream it was easy to process safe drinking water.

The H2gO Purifier is small and easy to pack and works well eliminating any harmful organisms from the lakes and streams I stopped at for water. The coffee I brewed after processing this True North water was enjoyable too. Only one time did I wish I had a filtering device along? There were some specs of sediment in the water, but a sock from an extra clean pair I had worked.

How the H2gO Purifier works

This handheld purifier works by converting table salt and water into a disinfectant through an electrolytic process. Easy to perform in the field, first I mixed the salt and water in a small applicator bottle. Once the salt dissolved, I then added the solution into the reaction trough on the front side of the H2gO Purifier. Next, I selected the amount of water I wanted to purify (1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 liters). Then holding the button for two seconds, the reaction starts. It takes approximately 15 seconds per liter to create a disinfectant concentration. Then ready, I poured the disinfectant from the purifier into the water I planned to consume. Finishing by shaking or stirring and then after 30 minutes, depending on how clear the water is, it is ready to drink killing all pathogens.

 

This purifier is certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) meeting their classification for Household Water Treatment Systems. A single dose from the H2gO Purifier meets WHO treatment standards for viruses and bacteria. While in-house testing shows multiple doses of in-activate protozoan cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

The purifier also has a built-in solar panel for alternative charging and an LED flashlight for added functionality. The unit can also run off your cell phone battery for charging.

The H2gO Purifier comes complete with a detailed instruction manual, salt mixing bottle, safety indicator strips, a micro USB cable with a wall charger, and a mesh carrying bag to keep everything together.

In summary

In my experience using the H2gO Water Purifier is an ideal device when the water you want to drink is questionable. This purifier creates a disinfectant to kill organisms in your drinking water. Be aware of your surroundings (mine pits, old wells, etc.) as this purifier will not remove heavy metals or sediment. In comparison to other chemical purifiers, this is far superior as the taste is better, works faster and is much easier to transport, not to mention safer.