the best cycling products to celebrate National Bike Month
The month of May is National Bike Month, and while every month feels like bike month here at Verde, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the trends that have engulfed the industry in recent times. The past few years have been a turbulent time period for the outdoor industry, nonetheless the bike sector, but one clear upside is emerging: more people are riding bikes than ever before.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a global bike boom. As gyms closed and office workers began commuting to their living rooms, outdoor recreation was one of the only activities that was considered safe. Huge numbers of people started dusting off their old bikes and buying new ones. The surge in demand corresponded with factories shutting down as well as other supply chain complications.
Preliminary data shows that people who started cycling during the pandemic–or rekindled a relationship with their bike–are still participating in the sport. According to one consumer study, half of the sport’s participants either started or returned to cycling in the last two years. And another study says that the same is true for more than half of women cyclists. This trend marks a huge opportunity for bike and bike-adjacent brands.
In honor of Bike Month, these are the best new bike products that have been released this spring, and some of our other favorites. Whether your readers are mountain bikers seeking out the toughest trails, townie-riding commuters, or road cyclists searching for a new personal record, all of these riders are seeking out the best gear for their next ride.
Diamondback Haanjo 8C
The Haanjo 8C is Diamondback’s premiere, all carbon adventure race bike. It’s also Diamondback athlete Rach McBride’s bike of choice!
Meet the newest member of the Haanjo family. The Haanjo 8C is Diamondback’s first all carbon adventure bike. Utilizing the fan favorite DB carbon frame with endurance geometry, this bike continues in the Haanjo tradition of rugged comfort, with a relaxed headtube angle and carbon fork. This time around, Diamondback has added Easton EC70AX carbon wheels, as well as carbon handlebars and seatpost, making the ride even lighter while keeping the stability of WTB Riddler 700×37c tires. A Shimano GRX drivetrain keeps shifting smooth with gears that work with you to conquer pavement, gravel, and dirt. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line performance bike that can do-it-all including keeping you comfortable, the Haanjo 8C is your new go-to.
Diamondback Haanjo 6C
The Haanjo 6C is our #1 recommendation for bikepacking adventures.
Wait — is this a road bike? A cyclocross rig? A commuter? The answer: Yes. The Haanjo 6C features a lightweight full carbon frame and fork, designed to balance stability and speed on- and off-road. Since the Haanjo 6C is meant to explore, it’s equipped with a SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain and a quick yet bomber HED Tomcat disc wheelset. Want to make an attempt on the sound barrier? The powerful and reliable TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes ensure that you also bring the Haanjo 6C safely back to earth (or within sight of your riding partners).
Diamondback Haanjo 5
The Haanjo 5 is the perfect bike for riders who aren’t quite ready to make the carbon jump, but still want the gravel performance Diamondback is known for.
You’re lost. And that’s a good thing because the Diamondback Haanjo 5 is a gravel bike designed to help you get off the beaten track. That’s why we built it around our trustworthy 6061 alloy frame and carbon fork with thru axles front and rear. The path off road is rarely flat and smooth. Accordingly, Diamondback outfitted this beast with plenty of gears as well as HED Tomcat wheels shod with grippy WTB Riddler 700×37c tires. Finally, we’ve updated this ride to include Shimano GRX600 2×11 shifters, giving you more control when you need it. Looking for your next great adventure? When the road turns bad, this bike gets really good.
Kitsbow Marlette and Essplanade
Kitsbow Cycling Apparel makes all of its clothing items at their facility in Old Fort, North Carolina on a made-to-order basis. The Marlette is a women’s merino tank top, perfect for hot weather riding or townie cruising. Pair it with the women’s Madrone shorts. The Essplanade is your classic button up shirt, perfect for the transition from work to an evening MTB ride. Pairs well with the men’s Haskell Lighterweight shorts.
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
This May happens to be Tailwind Nutrition’s 10th anniversary. The brand was spawned in Durango, Colorado when the founder was searching for a drink mix that tasted good and was easy on the stomach. Tailwind Endurance Fuel blends electrolytes and calories to keep you fueled all day, no matter what endurance activity you’re doing. Check out the new, caffeinated Matcha flavor.
Chamois Butt’r Coconut
Chamois Butt’r is the original chamois cream trusted by cyclists to alleviate chafing and saddle discomfort. The product will also help during any activity where unwanted friction may occur. Check out the Coconut version, which is the first-ever chamois cream to use certified organic ingredients.
Gregory Men’s Endo and Women’s Avos
Gregory Mountain Products’ mountain bike hydration packs include tool pouches and internal organization to keep your gear accessible and secure, while the Shift RS stability system keeps the packs in the perfect riding position. The Endo 15 includes an extra quick-access pocket as well as Gregory's 3 liter 3D Hydro Reservoir. The Avos 15 is fitted specifically for women.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Overshort
These shorts tick a couple boxes on our outdoor gear list: Comfortable, longer, modest shorts that strike a balance for hiking and backpacking, and the ability to layer over bike chamois for road rides or mountain adventures. Built with OR’s all-time best-selling Ferrosi fabric, these shorts have the same trusted abrasion resistance, breathability, weather protection, and stretch that now comes in a 46% recycled material. On rock, trail, and water, from spring through summer and fall - you'll be a happy camper if you wear your Ferrosi.
10 Barrel Brewing Apocalypse IPA
Just like the sport of mountain biking, 10 Barrel’s Apocalypse IPA has its roots in the West Coast. This beer uses a combination of whole leaf and pellet hops to create a full bodied flavor. 10 Barrel wants to remind all of the downhillers and freeriders that the Send is Near, so Go Big or Go Home.
Yakima StageTwo, HangTight, and GateKeeper
“Take it Easy” - that’s Yakima’s tagline and mission. The PNW brand wants to help you get outside and transport your gear. The StageTwo is a premium hitch-based tray rack that features “stadium seating” for additional clearance and to protect from friction. The HangTight is a vertical rack perfect for transporting 4-6 bikes. Yakima recently updated the GateKeeper tailgate pad to include G-hook straps and an integrated bike lock loop.
ROLL Recovery R8 Plus
Every athlete knows the value of post-workout recovery. ROLL has taken everything they've learned over the years and designed the next evolution of the R8. Dial in the perfect amount of deep tissue massage force with the adjustment dial. An FDA Registered Medical Device, the R8 Plus targets the IT-bands, quads, hamstrings, calves, shins, gluteus, arms, and more. It takes the work out of rolling and is compact enough to take anywhere.
