Check Out: Ultralight Russian Bars, Canadian Pedals, Fancy Lockrings, & an AirTag Mount

Nov 30, 2021
by Brian Park  



Some of the things I've been messing with the past few months.





North Shore Billet Daemon Pedals

North Shore Billet Daemon pedals
The Daemons are longer and narrower than most.

We may not be in the double bash era anymore, but North Shore Billet has quietly been making solid stuff here in BC for a long, long time. Their new Daemon pedal is CNCed in Whistler, and ticks a lot of the boxes for modern flats.

The Daemons have 2mm of concavity per side. We've seen a trend towards flat (and sometimes even convex) pedal shapes, and while there are merits to the different designs, most of our favourite pedals are concave. At 103mm wide the NSBs are fairly narrow to limit rock strikes (I'm a huge fan), but they're moderately long at 112mm so there's a good amount of platform to stand on. There are no weird bearing bulges, and they run on tried and true sealed bearings and bushings with some additional sealing.

I've only had them on a bike for a few short rides but so far I'm a fan. My poorly calibrated foot-grip-ometer puts them somewhere between a Nukeproof Horizon and a Chromag Dagga in terms of grip, but I haven't done any back to backs yet. I think we'll have to do another flat pedal group test sooner than later. It might just be in my head, but I think that the Daemons are easier to reposition the back of your foot with—possibly because of the narrowly spaced pins at the back. I'm sure a scientician can explain it to me in the comments.

So far the only two complaints from me are that they're pricy at $210 USD, and they're a little heavy at 438g. That said, the weight is in line with Vaults, T-Macs, Horizons, Wah Wah IIs, eThirteens, etc.

North Shore Billet Daemon pedals
2mm of concavity per side machined into the body of the pedal.
North Shore Billet Daemon pedal
Custom 5mm stainless pins.

Details
• Dimensions: 112mm x 103mm
• 2mm of true pedal body concave per side (14.75mm thick at the axle)
• 5mm long custom stainless steel pins with M4 thread (20 per pedal)
• Double sealed axle (VG style shaft seal with X-ring)
• Two stainless steel, sealed Enduro cartridge bearings (outboard) and an IGUS bushing inboard
• Nitrox coated axle for better surface hardness and corrosion resistance
• Weight: 438g pair
• Price: $210 USD
• More info at northshorebillet.com





Ogle Component Design Lockrings 2.0

Ogle Component Designs centerlock lockrings
Ever opened a tin of lockrings?

Joshua Ogle is a fascinating character in the pantheon of OG bike manufacturing. If you haven't read James Huang's incredible profile on Josh over on our sister site CylingTips, it's worth settling in to go down a rabbit hole. Basically, after some demons, soul searching, and a detour into fine watchmaking, Josh is back in the world of bikes creating some very cool tech.

These days he's doing wild chainrings, ultra expensive derailleur cages, and now some beautiful titanium disc brake rotor lockrings. Josh is often self deprecating about his work (of course nobody needs a $1K derailleur cage), but these lockrings do have the benefit of clearing almost every hub/fork/endcap/axle combination. No need to mix and match internal/external splines for King or Enve.

While they are a couple of grams lighter than stock alloy lockrings, that's not the point—they're just a really nicely executed thing, and I love that about them.

Ogle Component Designs centerlock lockrings
Some very crispy machining.

Details
• Grade 5 titanium brake lockrings
• Comes standard in 100 spline (Shimano, Campy, & some SRAM), but 144 spline (some SRAM) is also available
• Weight: 15g per set
• Made in USA
• Price: $127 USD (inc. USA shipping)
• Limited number available via Paypal
• If they're sold out, follow Josh at @oglecomponentdesign for his next run





Project4AGZE Apple AirTag Bike Mount

3D printed AirTag mount
A good short-term way to track down a stolen bike.

Marshall Farthing is just a guy who likes Toyota MR2s, shoots photos, and likes bikes. When the Apple AirTag came out he designed a 3D printed AirTag holder that fits onto bottle cage mounts, and its popularity exploded. Since then he's printed and sold thousands of them, updating the design a few times. He's even got a version for Samsung Galaxy SmartTags now.

While this kind of AirTag mount is easily removable, it's great for peace of mind when I have to leave my bike for any length of time. I'm using Torx bolts but you could use security bolts to make it a little tougher for would-be thieves. I've ended up putting these on all of my bikes. And yes, before you ask, it seems like Apple's anti-stalking tech still allows for a good amount of time before alerting anyone to its presence. I've seen lots of discussion on this out there, but we did a little test sending an AirTag along with a videographer when Tom went to Cumberland a few months back, and they never got notified. YMMV, an AirTag obviously doesn't replace the need for a big-ass chain lock.

AirTag mount
I have Project4AGZE AirTag mounts on all my bikes now.

3D printed AirTag holder
3D printed AirTag mount

Details
• 3D printed
• Available in Black, Red, Blue, or Grey
• Holds one Apple AirTag (not included)
• Flush mount option available for cages with offset.
• Price: $10 USD
• More info here and @project4agze





Björn Cycles (Moscow) Palka Handlebar

Bjorn bars
I'm relieved to tell you that their slogan is 'We are Bjorn to ride'.

Turns out there are two different Björn Cycles. This one is based in Moscow, Russia where Artem, the founder, makes high end carbon products by hand in his workshop. They CNC their own carbon molds, as well as do their own manufacturing, testing, and finishing in house. A graduate of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Artem is focused on lightweight components for everything from road and XC to enduro bikes. Björn is also the third brand to work with the American company Carbon (after Specialized and Fizik) to make 3D printed saddles. The Björn Setka saddle is currently the lightest 3D printed saddle at 135g (143mm width).

I chose a 31.8 clamp/780mm wide/20mm rise version of their Palka handlebars to try on my weird hardtail project. Fit and finish is excellent, and the bar came in at an impressive 168g. That's not quite Schmolke TLO territory, but there's no weight or usage restriction and it doesn't make me nervous to ride them.

I've only just mounted it up in the last few days, but initial impressions are that it's a bit more compliant than the SQ Lab bar it replaced (311 FL-X Carbon 12° low). That makes sense, the SQ-Lab is ~203g and 40mm shorter with less rise. Does it cross the threshold from compliant to sketchy? Not sure yet. Björn says they're molded under 50 bars of pressure to eliminate porosity and improve reliability under "the most extreme riding" but to be honest I haven't been able to find anyone else listing their molding pressures. Maybe next year I'll go down the EasyComposites rabbit hole and learn more about carbon molding.

I'm also curious to see how I feel about the Palka bars after a few more rides once I get use to their 5° up/7° back shape—I've been on 12° bars for a while so I compensated for less sweep with a shorter stem and my hands are in the same position, just at a different angle. I'll follow up if I don't get along with that, but sweep is pretty subjective and dependent on geometry, fit, etc... Anyway, I think they're going to be really nice on the Slim Donut.

Bjorn bars
The Palka looks like an excellent option for light trail bikes.

Details
• No usage or rider weight limits
• Weight: 110g (5mm rise, 700mm long) to 185g (20mm rise, 800mm long)
• Available in 31.8mm and 35mm diameters (31.8mm only for the 5mm flat version)
• Geometry of 20mm rise bar is 7° backsweep and 5° upsweep
• Geometry of 5mm flat bar is 8.5° backsweep
• Specific layups for each size, so you can't cut them down
• 2-year warranty, as well as 50% off crash replacement
• Price: $220 USD
• More info at bjorncycles.com


Author Info:
brianpark avatar

Member since Dec 29, 2010
214 articles

185 Comments
  • 104 21
 $127 Ti lockrings? It never fails to surprise me the number of doodads that seem to have no price ceiling whatsoever. In theory I am all for boutique and handcrafted stuff, but I also don’t want to be a Walmart greeter in my 80s to pay for my bike-related purchases.
  • 48 20
 It's sad how easy the cycling world is to milk.
  • 34 9
 I mean, you don’t have to buy them. But Ti lockrings seem worth being a greater at 80.
  • 84 17
 @Glenngineer:

In a world where there are multiple options to purchase a million dollar wristwatch, some $150 bicycle doodads that accomplish nothing are a silly thing to complain about.

If you think something is silly, and these are, then you know what you do?

Don’t buy them.
  • 16 2
 @hllclmbr: Seriously. People love stuff like this. I can't afford them and frankly don't really care. But I totally get why you would and if you're willing to pay why not?
  • 228 3
 I'm all for calling out ridiculously priced bike things, but in my opinion there's a huge difference between one guy making small scale runs of something he feels passionate about and making a small margin, and a brand that whitelabels a handlebar that costs $9 to make and sells it for $150 via a bunch of distributors, dealers, etc...

Neither is "good value" but I've got a lot more respect for the little guy or girl doing their own thing.

I have no idea what Josh is making on these, but I bet after materials, a huge amount of his time (even at min wage), and a small percentage to offset his equipment, he's not making a lot of money on this small run of 50 pieces.

Nobody says these are necessary or that you should buy them. Just that they exist and I'm glad they do.
  • 43 2
 @brianpark: I agree. All the armchair price experts should rush out and buy themselves a 4 or 5 axis CNC machine and a 3D printer for prototyping, then spend a few hundred hours learning about and coding a CAAD program for their product and then see how much they need to charge for their first production run of 20!!

Not many people funnily enough because people like josh are generally in it for the creative and problem solving process and make/ sell just enough to pay bills and eat food (occasionally).

And as josh says himself - no one needs a $1000 RD cage but there are people who can afford it and are happy to throw that money at something to see if it is a bit different or just because it looks a bit different.
  • 3 4
 @brianpark: or for people with internal frame storage (SWAT box etc.) you could just put it in there. The average bike thief probably won't know to look there.
  • 10 9
 If you can't understand the price, the product isn't for you. See Lambo as the perfect reference.
  • 19 2
 Every year for my birthday and Christmas my wife's family bugs me for gift lists. I put fun stuff like that on the lists. So far I've gotten all kinds of nice bike stuff out of it. Also, Ti is a sexy metal.
  • 3 0
 But they come with a 5-year guarantee against skin irritation at crucial extremities. I would assume.
  • 3 0
 From the title, I was thinking the Russian bars would have AliExpress-like pricing. $220 is pretty high.
  • 7 2
 @hllclmbr: Just to keep the comparison sorta-kinda apples to apples-ish… a seven figure timepiece is a total non-starter for desk jockey like myself. Whereas I *could* spend a C-note on a rotor lock ring. I just wouldn’t.
I’m not trying to take a dump on Joshua, I am just pointing out my personal reaction is one of disbelief around the object in question. In my limited/ignorant opinion, despite the craftsmanship, the ring offers no benefit whatsoever to my ride experience. But again, I am no artist, and I am just a middle-class schmoe on Pinkbike. @brianpark agreed, the margin is doubtlessly slim, and the passion is huge. Hat tip to Joshua and to the lucky folks that can treat themselves to something nice like that. Counterpoint - does anyone *wear out* a lock ring? Or does the OEM part just become more waste in a bin? I’m just so puzzled. I need a cold, strong (craft!) beer.
  • 5 1
 @andrewbikeguide: i think you will find a lot of us end up doing aerospace or F1 work to make money and the passion products use the spare spindle time
  • 3 0
 you could buy some titanium cleats for that which would you rather have though......
  • 1 0
 @andrewbikeguide: Well said Andrew!
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: All well and good until they wind up on some hipster doofus pub crawler... then I'm back to being angry they exist.



Smile
  • 3 0
 @brianpark: too accurate. White label shit drives me nuts. Opening up catalogs from brands for doing next years booking orders and just seeing the same 8 bars with different branding on them.

Or one of a million Velo saddles with some different paint. Not a spec of R&D to be seen for miles.
  • 1 2
 @Glenngineer: historically bicycles in USA have always been a status symbol of wealth so it has always been this way.
  • 5 0
 @Glenngineer: anyone with tit$$ can be milked. But for real, I was just looking at headphones the other day, you can actually buy $70,000 headphones. headphones!
  • 3 0
 He said doodads haha
  • 2 0
 @RBalicious:

Is that you, Nelson?
  • 2 0
 @gossman: There is even a Jeep SUV now that’s over $100K USD. What a time to be alive….
  • 3 5
 @bonfire: Some eons ago a veteran shop employee told me that big bike companies just chose their (then only) alloy frames from catalogs from Asian manufacturers. It blew my mind. I’d fallen victim to the fallacy that my “M4 Metal Matrix Stumpjumper” was somehow special. Hahahaha
  • 5 0
 I’m too much of a dick to be a Walmart greeter, so I’m out. I love the $10 AirTag holder tho, I can afford that and still be a dick about it
  • 2 0
 @DizzyNinja: Pick a store to be a greeter and be a dick about it.
  • 1 1
 @tacklingdummy: Man, not all high end stuff made in usa or germany.
There is also very nice Ti frame company based in Moscow too. And much more.
  • 1 0
 @portnoy: Not saying high end products can't or don't come from Russia. However, the cost of manufacturing in Russia is extremely less than US and Germany. Labor costs in Russia are 1/5 to 1/6 of labor costs in US and Germany. So, you would think the prices would be lower. That was my point.
  • 2 0
 @tacklingdummy: The thing that always strikes me when costs come into it is that the cost might be lower ,but is the skill level lower ? if it isn't what would any commercial operation do ? Iv'e seen some pretty good far eastern welders who output some pretty high quality stuff in comparison to some high five slapping bros, of course they are denigrated because of their country of origin The lad at triton bikes might disagree with labour costs, he looks to have a skilled team and from his comments in the past costs aren't that low for him to produce a very nice ,ask him he's very open about stuff
  • 1 0
 @Compositepro: Bro...where do I buy Ti cleats?!!?!?!?
  • 3 1
 @sngltrkmnd: One must consider ALL aspects of the purchase to fully measure its value. I for one LOVE finding the cool Ti bits...having conversations with the person who makes it....waiting for it to come, the joy of installing it and then if/when someone notices it on my bike, I get to relive the journey by telling the story of the purchase.
  • 3 0
 @Bertleman: lol they were on here a couple of weeks back for about the same cost as a lunar rover
  • 2 0
 @Bertleman: From Silca.
  • 7 0
 @hllclmbr: Nah. Pick something to not buy and be a dick about it.
  • 1 0
 @Explodo: Putting my order in pronto! I'll need 3 pair for all my shoes!
  • 2 0
 @sngltrkmnd: that Vet is half right. Real brands like Giant, Spec, Trek design and in some instance build their own.

But so many b and c list brands do not. Just white label.

Accessories are dumb easy to white label.
  • 53 9
 Is an orange called an orange because of the color orange or is the color orange called the color orange because of an orange?
  • 58 0
 Wrong article..
  • 5 2
 The later
  • 14 0
 No one asks this about peach but the answer is the same in both cases.
  • 1 0
 @littleskull99: Orange doesn't fit in to some people either. Maybe this is where someone felt it belongs.
  • 1 0
 What's better than eating a mandarin?
  • 2 0
 @oldfaith: are peaches orange?
  • 9 0
 Before the colour orange was called the colour orange it was called geoluread. The orange fruit comes from China and used to be referred to as chinese apple. The name orange is derived from pomme d'orenge. The fruit far predates the colour. The orange fruit eventually got called an orange after the colours name was changed.
  • 1 0
 Dunno about orange, but Palka means stick in russian.. or d!ck, in jargon.. anyway, sounds hightech
  • 1 0
 Well an orange is coloured tangerine and a tangerine is coloured orange
  • 3 0
 @Average-Pinker a picture of a kitten is a picture of a cat...
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: thanks for leaving the (bad) dad joke hanging.
Haven't heard that one in years.
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: What's worse than eating a mandarin and finding pips?
  • 44 2
 In Russia carbon handlebars break you.
  • 32 1
 Might have been Bars Handle You. (and it's Soviet Russia) Smile
  • 42 0
 @Chuckolicious: In Soviet Russia, you don’t handlebars, bars handle you.
  • 3 0
 @louiefriesen: In Soviet Russia, you weigh less than carbon handles bars.
  • 38 13
 Russian made doesn’t fill me with confidence which odd given they clearly make a nice missle or two
  • 10 2
 The 185gr 800mm wide and no use age or weight limit sounds iffy.
  • 13 0
 @Jesse221: check out their instagram. Someone has shown the difference of the cutaway views of their bars and other handlebars. I'm impressed and I would trust them.
  • 8 1
 @Jesse221: I guess we'll see, but that's only ~40g lighter than Renthal Carbon Fatbars.
  • 26 1
 maybe they are best for racers who are *russian* to the finish line?
  • 5 0
 @Spencermon: I'm a sucker for that carbon weave.. I don't know what it is about it. Maybe nostalgia? I remember a lot of the earliest carbon frames using that weave. The weave, the understated graphics, and the weight? I might actually give these a go next spring.
  • 3 0
 @brianpark: in percentage terms - significant
  • 4 0
 @Jesse221: Those limits are a warranty /liability thing, they have more to do with the legal system of the country where they are made than with actual performance.
  • 2 0
 @mikealive: unfortunately, I like my current bars and I like the 12 degree back sweep they have, but after having a few conversations with the engineer at Bjorn, I wouldn't hesitate. Also, they made a top cap that isn't just CNC milled carbon but it's actually made out of a mold. I'm a sucker for unique top caps.
  • 2 0
 @Spencermon: Sensus makes a few silly topcaps, all nicely machined/anodized aluminum.
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: that’s 40gr of carbon though not aluminum or other metal. That’s a pretty big difference in wall thickness. Not saying it will fail I’m just saying look at almost all the bars on the market of similar dimensions and they’re all in the 210-225gr range. I wouldn’t want to be the Guinea pig on the one outlier of a bar is all I’m saying.
  • 2 0
 @Jesse221: look up @smokytrain on Instagram. He has been posting the process behind their manufacturing.His post from 20 May 2020 shows the inside of the bar comparing it to other brands carbon bars. heavier isn't necessarily stronger. The description also talks about load testing till failure.
  • 3 0
 @Spencermon: interesting, will do.
  • 3 0
 @Jesse221: Bars with similar dimensions from Schmolke, Tune, MCFK, etc are lighter than these. I'm not necessarily saying they're bombproof, just saying this weight doesn't necessarily mean they're sketchy either. We'll see!
  • 29 0
 *3D printer sold separately
  • 1 0
 @brianpark right up you're alley I'm thinking. Christmas presents for pinkbike commenters!
  • 1 0
 @Pylie1: hah yeah, there are a bunch of good AirTag mount designs available for 3D printing. I thought about making my own, but tbh for $10 each I'd get Marshall's version since he's worked all the kinks out already and making a lot of them. I thought I'd be downloading cars and stuff, but I usually end up using my printer mostly to design and make things that aren't available elsewhere.
  • 2 0
 You wouldn't download a̵ ̵c̵a̵r̵ an air tag mount.
  • 18 0
 Had to double take ‘fancy LOCKrings’
  • 5 1
 Unlike the other item you thought you saw that can only be found on Epstein Island
  • 3 0
 Technically speaking, it's not a part of your bike's cockpit. Ya I did...
  • 16 1
 but how will i mount my airtag on my 36 inch bike with no water bottle mounts??
  • 10 0
 Duck tape
  • 5 0
 If this thing is supposed to secretly tell you where the thief brought your bike, I don't get why it isn't more stealth. Shouldn't be too hard. The fruitlogo may actually attract thieves who aren't interested in bikes but attribute additional value to anything that bears that logo. Unless your bike has a Hope Headdoctor (or similar) or that "idon'twanttothreadmysteerer" OneUp tool storage thing, they could probably make it like a star fangled nut and people wouldn't notice.
  • 25 0
 A 36 inch bike is inherently theft repellent.
  • 6 0
 better question...why make the mount perfectly round and obviously looking like a tracker? I'd prefer it just look like a raelly wide water bottle cage base than "Oh, look...a perfectly round circular thing that looks like it could have a battery inside it"
Just saying...if you're gonna hide a tracker...hide it. Beer
  • 9 0
 @vinay: there's no apple logo visible on the airtag mount, and if it's under a bottle cage it's pretty low profile. This isn't something I'd trust to prevent theft on its own, but for example smetimes I ride my gravel bike to the pub and lock it up (with a big u-lock) out of my sight, and it's nice to be able to check on it every once in a while. If someone takes the time to cut the lock and sprint off on it, I don't think they'll notice the AirTag in the 15 minutes before I see on the app that it's gone.
  • 3 0
 @brianpark: 100% agree (I just bought 6). For a relatively low cost (including the Airtags) it can't hurt to add an extra layer of security on top of the locked bikes in a locked shed.
  • 1 0
 @ismellfish: you have AirTags on bikes that are locked up inside of a locked shed? Are you in Thompson, Mb?
  • 1 0
 @coadymacmillan: Probably in any town in North America. Locked bikes in locked sheds get stolen constantly.
  • 16 1
 dont think i'd like to be behind russian bars!!!
  • 7 0
 Slim Donut? Did the Grim Donut become gluten intolerant? Because gluten free donuts are unthinkable and a crime and I'd rather have a side of Omicron.
  • 9 0
 That's what we've dubbed my 120mm XC hardtail with a 62.5° HTA, big brakes, etc.
  • 3 0
 @brianpark: Slim Gonut
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: I'll be curious about the fork with that HA. Usually some level of binding happens with super slack HA. Are you using a lyrik at 120mm?
  • 2 0
 @Ososmash: SID. And no noticeable binding—I bet it's sitting at more like 64°-66° when the fork is into its travel and I'm actually hitting things.
  • 2 0
 @Ososmash: www.pinkbike.com/photo/20221568 an old photo, but it's coming along.
  • 1 2
 @brianpark: looks nice, but also odd and confusing.. such a mishmash of unmatchable parts.. truly a donut
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: nice to see the cotic in the wild of Canada.
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: wtf is that guy talking about!! That thing is a work of art... beautiful build.. probably light and whippy and fun!
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: How are you liking your Cotic? I had a Solaris Max set up a lot like that, great ride but the chainstays were a bit long for me (444mm) in a size small.
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: How tall are you?
  • 1 0
 @Joecx: I enjoy it a lot. I run it with a short fork, angleset, and lightish parts so it's definitely XCish. The long-ish chainstays aren't too bad for what I want the bike for—pedaling. Would probably go another direction if I wanted a more agile, jibby play bike. Biggest downside is it's pretty heavy.

@MxMizrahi: 5'7" if I stand up real straight, with a ~30" inseam and +1" ape index. One working shoulder.
  • 5 0
 Why aren’t people making AirTag mounts that don’t look like AirTag mounts?
If I was a criminal the first thing I’d look for is an AirTag or tracking chip, etc. If it’s in a AirTag shaped mount they’re making my job easy. Unless you have 2 and this is the decoy.
  • 14 0
 The irony is that the reason you're not a criminal is you're smart enough to think about a crime before you commit it. I'd wager 99% of criminals wouldn't even think that, much less notice that tiny black box
  • 2 0
 @baxterbike: What’s the difference between an inmate and a criminal? Stupidity
  • 1 0
 I have this exact mount on my mountain bike under a synchros water bottle cage that has a multi-tool. It’s very inconspicuous.

Also - airtags don’t work inside a metal or probably even carbon frame, or in a stem, etc. Needs to either be mounted on the exterior of the frame or hidden away in a frame bag. There is also a mount that doubles as a reflector that would be even more incognito.
  • 2 0
 @skyroach: You could try to stick an air tag under the rim tape. Might work.
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: stupidity, luck, or extreme wealth
  • 5 0
 31.6 handlebars? What's the catch between 31.8? The .2mm makes it more compliant?
  • 5 0
 Those handlebars look like they are Bjorn for greatness...well more like mediocrity when mounted on my bike.
  • 1 0
 @brianpark How do you like those SQLabs? I was on the On-One Fleegle 15 degree bar on my old bike. Very comfy, but too narrow for my new ride. Figured I'd try the stock 7 degree bar.... my wrists hate me. Struggling to choose between the the carbon SQLab 30x 12s and 16s on the new ride.
  • 4 0
 That carbon weave . . . oooh! :-)
  • 1 1
 Raw carbon > Paint. Show me your bike/parts are carbon without having to tell me which parts are carbon...
  • 4 0
 Concavity. Scientitian. Jeez.
  • 4 0
 The height of ridiculosity!
  • 9 0
 I'm a regular rocket surgeon.
  • 4 0
 @brianpark: nice malaphor!
  • 3 0
 brofessor
  • 1 0
 @brianpark which pedal is grippier in your opinion, the NP Horizon or Daggas? I get that the daemon sit in between, but not sure if you are going from less grip to more grip or viceversa. Cheers!
  • 1 0
 I use Five Tens and the Horizons are a good medium-traction option. Daggas have a TON of traction, although they're a little wide for my preferences, and heavy.
  • 1 0
 Can someone make an air tag holder that mounts to the underside of the steer tube please? I’ve seen the ones that mount in place of your top cap, but underneath would be even better.
  • 1 0
 OneUp steer tube plug and super glue
  • 3 0
 Project4AGZE should use Torx security hardware, or something similar.
  • 6 4
 unfortunately, air tags are useless if ur bike ACTUALLY gets stolen... unless your mom steals your bike...
  • 4 0
 I've been wondering this too now that these are all the rage on anti-theft. Aren't they only as good as the bluetooth range is? So like ~300 ft maybe? If someone steals a bike I'm sure theyre going to travel further than 300 ft.
  • 4 0
 They can talk to any iPhone and give you a location, if your bike gets stolen in the city and the thief moves it across town, or uses an iPhone and is too stupid to turn off the Bluetooth it'll provide a location.
  • 3 0
 @yoimaninja: yes theyre bluetooth, but they use nearby iphones if it's out of range of your phone. so as long as there is an iphone within ~100m then its trackable
  • 2 2
 @BikesBoatsNJeeps: Really? I'm not sure this is how it works. Pretty sure it has no independant communication method outside of Bluetooth. Are you saying it will communicate with any nearby iphone wth bluetooth enabled and use its data to send information about the location? This also seems farfetched unless you explcitly pair the device to the said iphone.
  • 4 0
 @rbonnell: Read this. Explains how it works: www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-airtag
  • 1 0
 @DanielP07: Interesting I did not know that about them. Unfortunately not android compatible Frown
  • 1 0
 @yoimaninja: They don't have to be within range of your phone - they ping of of other people's phones to give you a location. I have one tucked into my headtube, and I was able to "check in" on it when it was at the shop recently.

I just looked at it, and it says it was at my house as of 6:34 this morning...I'm guessing because that's the last time I was near it, and there aren't any other phones nearby for it to ping off of during the day.

...which makes me think, if someone broke in while I was at work, I guess there wouldn't be anything that would "tell" me my bike was gone. I need to look and see if there's some kind of notification I can set if it goes on the move without me.
  • 1 0
 @mab411: temporary solution would be if u have an old iPhone, put it in a draw in ur garage with bluetooth on. air tag should ping off that if your bike moves. just gotta remember to keep that phone charged
  • 1 1
 Tell me you don’t know how they work without telling me…
  • 1 0
 @mab411: There is an antistalking feature:
www.macrumors.com/2021/06/03/apple-airtags-anti-stalking-measures
At the current time, ‌AirTags‌ play a sound after three days of being away from their owner. After the update, ‌AirTags‌ will begin playing at a random time in a window after eight hours and within 24 hours.

This was an old article from June.
Basically if your bike gets stolen you better get it back quickly because it will alert the thief eventually.
  • 2 0
 You have to hope that the battery doesn't run out, which it will constantly! I had one these things for my keys an I was putting new batteries in every few weeks! Also there's no alert to tell you they've run out, only way I knew was to test the thing, which is how I know the range is about 10ft (indoors)
Ditched it in the end, more trouble than it was worth!
  • 1 0
 @nojzilla: what? batteries should last for about a year, and IIRC there's a low battery warning both in app and a sound. I wonder if your had an issue that was draining the battery? FWIW all 5 of mine are still going strong and no issues and I got them sometime in the summer.
  • 1 0
 @nojzilla: mines been going since may
  • 1 0
 @rcrocha: you can hack the AirTags to disable the chime.
  • 1 0
 @coadymacmillan: haha that’s if they can get through my electric fence, past the cameras and break down the steel bars on the doors.
  • 3 0
 Guess I should read!
  • 2 0
 Ohhh, LOCKrings... much less interested now (sad face)
  • 1 0
 Who else clicked on the airtag link just because you were interested in the 4AGZE in the creators name?
  • 1 0
 The surface finish on the Ti lock rings is not "crisp", more like chatter city.
  • 17 18
 Why does anyone spend $200 on pedals? I get the cheap plastic ones and am super happy. Also, someone keeps hitting my pedals with rocks, so I have to consider pedals to be a consumable.
  • 15 0
 I also run plastic pedals but these are made in NA while the plastic ones are made in Asia so price isn't really comparable. I like the grip, durability, and weight of my $60 oneup plastic pedals but can understand why people would spring for something made in NA that will likely last a lifetime

edit: also consider deity tmacs are $180 and made in Asia
  • 9 16
flag bonfire (Nov 30, 2021 at 10:46) (Below Threshold)
 @lyzyrdskydr: nah, I’m over this being made by white peoples means they’re more expensive or better made.

I’ve never had a metal pedal fail, other than bearings. All pedals last a lifetime if you change out the bearings. Pretty easy stuff.

I also run plastic OneUp’s and they’re excellent.
  • 1 0
 Deity death traps are the best pedals ever!
  • 1 0
 Agreed! I like the idea of aluminium or magnesium pedals better, but have been running nylon flat pedals on my trail bike for a season now without any issues.
  • 4 0
 Same here. My Oneup composites have lasted longer than my Chromag Scarabs riding the same trails on the same bike. Also easire to replace pins with the two sided thing. I also find the oneup's grip better as well since hte Scarabs body gets quite slick when wet.
  • 4 0
 I used to think nice pedals weren't worth it until I tried Deity TMACs and now I'll never go back. They have 14 large diameter pins (not the tiny needly ones on most plastic pedals) and a huge platform that you just cant find in any other pedal. Ridiculous grip
  • 6 0
 @rbonnell: I actually really like those OneUp Composites. Probably my favourite composite pedal.

@camcoz69: Yeah exactly. The right pedals for you are worth it. Pedals and grips are our only touchpoints (descending), so it's pretty important to find what works best for you.
  • 3 0
 @rbonnell: I certainly prefer my OneUp composite pedals to the DMR Vaults that they replaced. Doesn't matter how smashed they get, they're green all the way through, so still look ok, and the nylon is certainly gripper than painted aluminium when wet
  • 2 0
 Are you saving money to buy the lockring?
  • 10 0
 "Why does anyone spend $200,000 on a car? I get a cheap one and am super happy."
  • 5 0
 @bonfire: NA production is more expensive because our labor + production costs are higher

But since you want to make it a race thing I'll greenwash: the NSB pedals cover a lot less ground on polluting ships and trucks to get to my doorstep than a set from Asia. Might not be the same for you but I guarantee NSB employees also have better working conditions than their Asian counterparts if you want to bring workers rights into this

My biggest complaint with the oneups is the service kits + pins cost almost as much as a new set, so most people are just gonna toss them and buy new ones. I prefer to repair things so I'll buy the kits when the time comes but I'm considering the NSB's or Yoshimura
  • 1 0
 @rbonnell: right? I’ve broken one and that was the least of my worries from that shuttle trailer incident. But I’ll likely never buy anything else again, grunty, cheap, and lasted for ages.
  • 1 0
 agreed. There's a balance between value and performance. I tried premium pedals once, supposedly able to withstand hard strikes, the bearings (bushings? i don't recall) were shot after the first hit. Won't make that mistake again.
  • 1 0
 guess if I were forced to chose between China and Russia I'd have to go with Russia
  • 1 0
 What's the distance on those AirTags? Don't you need to be near enough for Bluetooth to engage?
  • 2 1
 There is no way in hell in paying 127$ for a PAIR of lockrings!
  • 9 1
 If i had, forgive the cliché, dentist money those lock rings are exactly the kind of thing I'd burn it on for the lols. I don't though so I'm in the same boat as you and 99.99% of other mountain bikers - probably why the guy only does production runs of 100 at a time.
  • 2 0
 @n734535: Let you in a little secret… people with money, don’t waste it on things like that. The majority of millionaires consistently make good financial decisions and sacrifices. Those 15g’s will have to one of those sacrifices.
  • 4 4
 Airtag mount? You can print the dumbest things nowadays and it's big news on pb!
  • 1 0
 Ultralight and Russian. Uh-huh
  • 6 0
 How about Regamaster? Lightweight and very desirable car wheels, originally forged in Russia. (The brand has been resurrected and is now made in Japan, but the reputation was built there.)
  • 1 0
 Tired of forgetting your lockrings even exist? Me either.
  • 1 0
 Got to love the price tags.
  • 1 0
 North Shore Billet tup
  • 1 3
 Russian bars sounded good until I read they are $220. You'd think they would be cheaper. I was thinking AliExpress prices. Lol.
  • 5 5
 $200 for a set of pedals. GET f*ckED...
  • 1 0
 Spending money on contact points is a good thing IMO. Pedals are one of the few components that I beat up,and it has impact on the feel of the bike
  • 1 0
 @lenniDK: Ive never used these pedals before so i wont so anymore but im totally fine woth my stamp 2
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