The weekly Debrief highlights small but important bits of news, products, and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. These include upcoming events and interesting items 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…

Shovel Research Barrel Adjusters

The creator of the Rod Steward Bag Support that was announced earlier this month just released some fancy brass barrel adjusters. They are machined from brass in the USA by Lichen Precision, are designed to last forever, and use a standard M5 thread. They are sold in pairs and include springs.

Made in USA / $45 at ShovelResearch.com

Tairin Silent S1 and Magratchet R1 Hubs

The long awaited Silent S1 and Magratchet R1 Hubs from British Columbia-based Tairin Wheels were finally announced. The S1 hub uses a unique dual star ratchet design that disengages while coasting for a completely silent design. The more affordable R1 hub uses the same internals as the S1, but has a single ratchet that is engaged via a magnet instead of a spring. The R1 internals can be swapped out for the S1 bits, if you desire. There’s a lot to dig into on these hubs, so head over to their website and Instagram to learn more.

Made in Taiwan / $465-$585 CAD at TairinWheels.ca

New 5Dev 104BCD Titanium Chainrings

California-based component manufacturer 5Dev just added 104BCD Titanium Chainrings to their webstore, claiming they offer reduced wear, better impact damage, and are perfect for riders putting down big watts. They are currently only offered in 34T or 36T, are compatible with SRAM and Shimano chains, and come in your choice of Raw, Bronze, Teal, and Purple.

Made in USA / $149 at Ride5dev.com

HindSight Rear View Mirror Sunglasses

After a successful first Kickstarter campaign, HindSight is back with its new and improved rear-view sunglasses. Designed in the UK, their glasses use a patented lens design that uses a semi-transparent coating on each edge of the lens, providing a “true mirror” view of what’s going on behind you.

$187 at Hindsight.Store

Eerder Metaal MKS Allways EzySuperior Pedals

Netherlands-based Eerder Metaal recently got their hands on some special edition MKS Allways pedals, designed specifically for Brompton folding bikes. Their version has a detachable/quick-release EZY left pedal and a standard right side pedal, since the Brompton doesn’t require a quick-release right side pedal.

Made in Japan / €115 at EerderMetaal.nl

Cane Creek Limited Edition Chameleon Helm

Cane Creek just released their latest limited edition Helm MKII fork in a unique earth-toned Chameleon colorway. It’s available in their 29″ wheel, 44mm offset platform, with a travel-adjustable air spring pre-set at 160mm travel or Helm Coil with travel pre-set at 160mm. While supplies last, it’s available for $1,099.99 and can be purchased factory direct or through select dealers and retailers.

Made in USA / $1099 at CaneCreek.com

Earth+Kin MULE

Recently launched, the new Earth+Kin MULE is an all-terrain wagon that can be towed behind your bicycle, pushed by hand, or can even attach to your vehicle’s hitch between uses. The MULE is outfitted with 16″ all-terrain tires, is made from 6063 aircraft grade aluminum and hardened steel, and offers an impressive 120+ cubic litres of storage, and has a 100 pound weight limit. The basket itself is made from 100% post-consumer recycled fabrics, and the MULE ships without any single-use plastic.

$300+ at Earth-Kin.com

In Conversation

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

20″ Tires

Neil put aside his preconceived notions about small-wheeled bikes and was ultimately had his mind changed after testing the new Bike Friday All-Packa (review here). A lot of us were a little skeptical about small wheels. What do you think about folders and 20″ tires? Let us know in the conversation below.

More Wide Shoes, Please!

Yesterday, we published a review of the Stomp Lox Slack shoes, a unique clipless cycling shoe with a Vibram sole, wide toe-box, and classy lace-up closure. It’s clear we’re not the only ones who appreciate a slightly wider-fitting riding shoe. Let us know your favourite wide-fitting shoe in the discussion below.

Around the Community

News from around the bikepacking world…

Transcontinental Mike Hall Bursary 2023

Transcontinental Race just announced on Twitter that they’ll be opening the 2023 Mike Hall Busary on Tuesday: “On Tuesday 31st January we’ll be opening applications for the Mike Hall Bursary for #TCRNo9. The Bursary fund reflects Mike Hall’s commitment to equality and Lost Dot’s ambition to lead on improving diversity, equality and inclusion within cycling.” Find original tweet here.

Team Chumba: Fatbiking in Minnesota with Alexandera Houchin

Each winter, Chumba-sponsored rider Alexandera Houchin makes it back to Minnesota for a winter fat biking trip on the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon race course. The video above is the first of many winter-themed bike videos from Alexandera. Stay tuned for more.

Incremental: The Continuous Improvement Podcast

Incremental: The Continuous Improvement Podcast is hosted by Uriel Eisen of Austere Manufacturing and Devin Bodony of Lichen Precision. The podcast explores Lean manufacturing principles in small manufacturing businesses and how to implement these ideas to improve business processes. There are three episodes out, and you can listen to the first one above.

Backyard Bike Camping with Bandon Bicycle Works

In mid-December of 2022, Bandon Bicycle Works in Oregon organized a “Backyard Bike Camping” group ride to Bullards Beach State Park. This little local winter adventure went from Bandon’s Old Town center to the Coquille River Lighthouse, making it an easy breeze compared to their typical bikepacking trips. Watch a fun recap video from their trip above.

Aluula Composites: Next Gen Fabrics

Based out of British Columbia, Aluula Composites has set out to design and manufacture innovative, ultra-strong composite materials. Their products, which started with technical sail fabrics for wind sports, are evolving to include a wider range of markets, including the outdoor industry. We’re curious to see if bag makers will jump on board. Learn more at Aluula.com.

Events Starting Soon

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon…

Fat Viking 2023

FAT VIKING is a winter ultra-endurance race in the highlands of Norway and an official qualifier for the Iditarod Trail Invitational. There are three distances to choose from: 50km, 100km, and 150km. The grand depart took off from the Vestlia Resort in Geilo at 7 a.m. local time. Follow along live here.

Arrowhead 135

The Arrowhead 135 is recognized in the book “The World’s Toughest Endurance Challenges” by Richard Hoad and Paul Moore as one of the 50 most challenging races in the world. It’s a human-powered Ultra Marathon taking place in the coldest part of winter in the coldest city in the lower 48 states. There’s a grand depart on Monday, and you can 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…

Mick Turnbull: Tian Shan Traverse

The Tian Shan Traverse is at the very top of our list, with much of our enthusiasm credited to the beautiful photos in the BIKEPACKING.com route guide. All that space, the mountains, the remoteness, the climbing (we’re both suckers for a hill). A riding trip to Mongolia a few years ago gave us a taste of riding in the steppes, and we’d love to venture back to a kind-of-similar landscape with our plus bikes.

Weekly Social

Some things we found around the ‘gram and elsewhere. This week, some posts from folks planning to attend the MADE handmade bike show this year…

Related Content

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info…

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