Review: Levi’s Commuter 2012: Mobility Fleece
Since the O20 launch party for Levi’s 2012 Commuter line is tomorrow, I thought I would drop my review of the Mobility Fleece. It’s my morning commute/ late night riding hoodie and works good as such, however there is a change I would make to next year’s or this fall’s design.
When partnered with a bag, its killer, you are warm and cozy, feel super snug. The zipper vents are perfect for when you start to over heat, one zip down on each arm and you are getting that cooling air flow right when you need it. A big hood covers your dome when you want it, and large front pockets fit most items, for when you are bag-less. One simple change and this hoodie would destroy all comers. Jersey Pocket on the back would be a great improvement to this fleece, I don’t understand why there are no jersey pockets! Maybe, I have just gotten spoiled by everything labeled as a “riding gear’ and expect them all to have the bells and whistles, that come with that title. Don’t get me wrong, this has replaced my other “riding hoodies” and has gotten into my lineup of cold day riding gear. Levi’s has a good thing started here with their commuter series and I’m stoked to see how they will improve on it.
Check out the full line here
Review: Chrome ORP
I have been rocking the Chrome ORP for the last few weeks as my weekend day bag. It’s such a good day bag. This past Saturday, I spent the day running around with the ORP, at the end of the day I shot some photo’s of the bounty I carried in it. Enjoy.
First, I’ll talk about the features, of course. It’s a rolltop backpack, except the buckles are on the each side of the bag and can be tighten down or run loose depending on how you like it or what you are carrying that day. It looks small, but it can fit a lot of stuff in it. There is one pouch pocket on the inside for smaller items, but it doesn’t close and is pretty deep by its self. Most of the time throwing items inside the ORP, that where they went, in the pouch.
Not sure what this feature was for, but I found a use. CBNC.
I was at Orange 20 and couldn’t pass up this deal on a Wald basket for my cruiser bike and the ORP swallowed it up, the basket, my camera, slaps, some riding snacks for this week’s long rides and my Levi’s Commuter Fleece (more on that later this week). It fit all of that and was perfect on my back, couldn’t tell I had a basket in there. No real issues with the ORP, it has become my go to bag for short trips and errands. It’s ultra lightweight, so when empty, you don’t even feel a bag on your back, I really can’t wait for my travels over the next few months, so I can really put this to use as a day bag. Being able to stow this inside my larger bags and bust out as needed really stokes me out. Great product Chrome.
All Hail Cardiel!!!
Review: Fyxation Comet Drops & Loop Bar Tape
Fyxation a few weeks ago sent me a pair of their Comet Track Drops. I was a die-hard Nitto fan for a long time (still am) and was nervous to switch out my Nitto Drops (loved those bars) for the Comet track Drops.
From the maiden Voyage, I was hooked. Made my cockpit so much lighter and they were great from the start. I feel aggressive with my sprints and climbing hills in the drops have become a joy again. The Comet Drops are super stiff and are holding up to the pressures of being a daily commuter. I have pushed long road rides in the drop position with no complaints at all.
Now onto the Loop Cloth tape. Been about a month of commuting, racing and hard training rides. The cloth tape looks and feels brand new still. I’m already a huge fan of cloth tape on any type of bars, so the switch from my normal brand was easy. It has held up wonderfully and will prolly last a few more months.
Swoop the Comet Track bars
Swoop the Cloth Tape
Review: Levi’s Commuter 2012: Chambray Workshirt
Been rocking the Workshirt all week. So many compilments on it, regardless if I was on the bike or off. Arm pit vents to keep you cool and the stash/ jersey type pocket on the back is a nice touch. Fits my tool roll perfectly and is very easy to get in and out off. I would love to see a zipper or magnet type of button to keep it closed, but otherwise this shirt is the bee’s knees.
Chrome ANZA
I recently got a Chrome Anza for these harsh winter months in LA. This Jacket rocks. Pair it with a Cobra (Cobra review here) and you are good to go. I wore this all last weekend in SF, where it was cold and rainy kept the elements out. Rocked all day yesterday with a hoodie, during our downpour of the year, here in LA and was it was perfect. This jacket looks great on, you feel sleek and smooth, ready to cut through any weather. Works well against the wind as breaker too. Most the time in LA, I wear this with a t-shirt and I am totally protected against the elements.
This is my only issue with the Anza. The snap button on the back pocket. If you are carrying a heavy load on your bag it tends to dig that button right into your back. Chrome could solve this by making it velcro. Otherwise, this has become my main top layer winter riding jacket. Perfect.
