August is here and the heat is getting serious, isn't it?
Something I recently experienced that made me feel the summer heat was when I stopped by a convenience store and parked my bike; the saddle had become impossibly hot, almost giving me a burn. (Lol)
It’s surprising how quickly a saddle can heat up...
(The steel frame is the same. Often, when I try to grab the frame, I’m shocked by how hot it is.)
The level of summer heat seems to rise every year, and riding a bike has become quite tough. While I’d love to just lounge around in an air-conditioned room, I think there are rides you can only experience in the summer.
WTB has just released a new saddle and grips to boost your mood for heading out on a ride, even in this sweltering heat!
WTB Devo – Pick Up Cromoly
WTB Devo – Pick Up Cromoly
Price: 14,850 yen (tax included)
When it's this hot, I want to load my bike into the car and ride along cool roads surrounded by nature. That’s where this saddle with a "pick-up" handle comes in handy!
It’s a revolutionary saddle that is useful not only when loading your bike into a car but also for navigating over rocks or roots in sections of a trail where you can’t ride through.
I personally keep my bike inside my apartment on the second floor, so it’s a struggle to carry it up the stairs. I’m always soaked in sweat...
I suppose you could grab the frame or seatpost to carry it, but if you have a frame bag or saddle bag attached, your grip options become limited.
In those situations, this pick-up handle is surprisingly helpful!
The padding, which is neither too thin nor too thick, reduces pressure on the sit bones. It’s designed for comfort, supporting that feeling of wanting to ride a little further than planned because you’re having so much fun.
While it’s a sporty-looking saddle, I think it’s actually a great saddle for city bikes as well.
For example, it comes in handy when you need to support the bike while crossing a pedestrian bridge, or when you take a wrong turn and need to turn the bike around to head in the other direction.
Also, because the shape of the saddle widens gradually from front to back, providing solid support for the sit bones, you can pedal comfortably without the insides of your thighs rubbing against it.
Three new grips also released
WTB Burr / Trace / Wavelength Single Clamp
Price: 5,280 yen (tax included)
WTB has also introduced three new grip models: Burr, Trace, and Wavelength.
The Trace and Wavelength models both feature a waffle pattern on the back of the grip where your fingers naturally wrap around, enhancing grip strength.
They feel soft to the touch and you'll want to keep touching them. Personally, I like the feel of the Wavelength.
The tapered 30/32mm diameter grip creates a natural arm line and improves bike control on technical terrain.
The Burr is 30mm in diameter, slimmer than standard grips, making it easier to hold for those with smaller hands—a key point.
And, with the tapered internal sleeve adopted in all models of WTB's new grip line, there is less twisting at the end of the grip when you squeeze down.
Summer has only just begun, so let’s fully enjoy our summer rides with new gear that keeps our spirits high and helps us beat the heat!!
