jcc0042

Riva has to be one of the most underrated riding destinations. Spent a week there last year and did a shuttled 5,000-foot descent, went on an epic backcountry ride, caught a wild brown trout in the stream that runs through town, and consumed a liter of life-changing olive oil.

I initially had similar thoughts about another product WRP sells, but then I realized this guy is likely spending quite a bit just to develop each product and has to cover that fixed cost over a relatively small number of individuals just to break even. Basically every product he makes is specific to some bike or bike component. From the consumer perspective, I buy his products because he has created a solution I want and can only get from him, I value the solution more than he charges, and I can’t make my own version for what he charges. In short, he makes very complicated parts for very niche markets, and the people in those markets will pay a lot for performance gains!

This bag is the reason my bike comes with me on work trips. Very easy to handle both at the airport and in Ubers, on public transit, etc. In my experience with Southwest and American, a lot of airline employees won’t charge extra as long as you can keep this bag under 50lbs. I’ve never had anyone measure the bag, and I was even told by one employee that I’m unlikely to ever have someone measure it. Regarding how I get the bag below 50lbs (I fly with an overbuilt Stumpy Evo): If I’m traveling with my spouse or flying Southwest, I’ll simply take advantage of a second checked bag and put my cassette and pedals in there. I can’t remember if I’ve gotten it under the weight limit without using a second checked bag. One additional note: my wife’s SB135, pads, pack, and riding shoes can all go in the bag without breaking 50lbs.

About to order some Swiss cheese cranks.