Gallery: Pedals, hi-vis shoes, and tubeless boosters at Sea Otter Day 3 – VeloNews.com Gallery: Pedals, hi-vis shoes, and tubeless boosters at Sea Otter Day 3 | Carbon Fahrrad Umwerfer Installationssatz

There isn’t a triple option for EPS. In fact I don’t think there’s a triple option for any e-shifting system.

In general, women have narrower ankles than men and smaller feet. Women’s shoes are therefore a slightly different shape, and some models are available in smaller sizes than the 36 that’s usually the lower limit of men’s ranges. Women’s shoes are not always different in design to the men’s version though, sometimes it is just the colourway that changes so check before you buy. As with all shoes, it’s personal preference with regards to fit and just because you are female doesn’t necessarily mean you will be better off in a female style shoe. Try before you buy.

There are four well-sized, widely-spaced, replaceable pins on each side, which offer plenty of lateral support but don’t restrict movement so much that unclipping strains your knees.

HT currently offers three different models of clip-in pedals, all with unimaginative names: the M1 (XC), the T1 (Trail) and the X2 (DH Race).

In our recent podcast with pro rider and former observed trials champ, Jeff Lenosky, he mentioned that he rides clipless on the trail, and flats when it’s time to perform some legit tricks. Between Lenosky and the reigning EWS champ Sam Hill there is certainly some legitimacy to riding unclipped.

Just make sure you get the right size and valve type, and that your gift recipient doesn’t ride tubeless. Or, if they do ride tubeless, you can always buy them a bottle of sealant instead, which is seasonally appropriate as it’s exactly the same color and consistency of egg nog. (Warning: do not attempt to drink sealant—or egg nog for that matter.)

This may blow your mind, but lots of people work really hard to make cycling better for the rest of us, and despite what you may have heard they’re not all underwritten by George Soros. Does your mountain biker support IMBA? Is your bike commuter a member of the local advocacy group? If not, make a modest donation on their behalf, or buy an item that benefits them. Bikes Not Bombs, World Bicycle Relief, Star Track, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association…there are all sorts of two-wheeled organizations dong all kinds of good work who need your support.

Rachael is happiest on two wheels, she’s been riding bikes for a good few years now after horses got too expensive! Partial to a race or two Rachael also likes getting out into the hills with a big bunch of mates. She’s been writing for a long as she’s been riding and is equally happy getting stuck into a kit review as she is creating stories. 

Time says: "The Xpro 10 is the perfect pedal for road cyclists, from enthusiasts to competitive athletes. The body of this pedal has been reinforced thanks to a new design and a more durable carbon material. Power transfer and stability are improved with a pedal surface of 725mm2 – 25mm2 larger than the Xpresso (700mm2). The lower fairing was created to improve aerodynamics and protect the carbon blade. The Iclic system has been redesigned to allow for a more positive cleat engagement and to be more comfortable. The adjustable carbon blade has 3 positions of clip-fin tension. Like the Xpresso, the stack height is low, keeping the cyclist’s sole as close to the centre of the pedal axle as possible. This, along with the large pedal surface area results in incomparable pedalling efficiency and comfort."

Then, on the way back home, her bus driver "had to stop the bus for a couple of minutes to take a restroom break at a Burger King in front of a stop."

Tech writer Dave Rome has been spinning circles with a pair since September last year, using them for everything from bunch rides to commuting to gravel rides and trail riding.

“I used to use Speedplay and still think they are the best pedals in the business, but they failed me so many times (three catastrophic failures in big races/events), admittedly because of my lack of maintenance. I switched to Shimano, which have been flawless ever since.”