Ryders Eyewear got their start twenty-five years ago in 1986 when neon was everywhere. Those times have passed, but Ryders is still bringing to the scene eyewear for cyclists, skiers and snowboarders a like. Ryders eyewear sent over a pair of their photochromic and polarized (polarphoto) Seeker sunglasses for our review.

The Seeker sunglasses are available in a multitude of options. First, frames are available in either black, white or red. Lenses are available as either standard, polarized, photochromic, polorphoto (polarized and photochromic) and interchangeable. Keeping connected to your face, the thermoplastic frame is aided by hydrophilic (non-slip) nose pads and temple tips, which essentially provide the grip and work better when wet. Weight of the Seekers are not bad at 32 grams. Seekers provide a larger lens coverage area and most likely would be a bit large for a smaller faced rider, front bridge measurement is 135mm. The photochromic grey lens offers 34%-12% visible light transmission, which for my review I barely saw the difference, I would have liked to see the lens move slightly darker for middle of summer sun. The polycarbonate lens offers 100% UV protection, is shatterproof and as well has a scratch resistant coating. The lenses held up very well to the “Kurt test” (I occasionally drop my glasses), I didn’t see any scratch from my fumblings, but they are not completely scratch proof so do take care.

The Seekers are great for either road cyclist or mountain biker that is looking for a higher-end, but affordable sunglasses. They stayed well connected to my face without the need to push them up during a ride. The design and look is fitting both on and off the bike. Being someone with light sensitivity I appreciated the lens coverage and while I would have liked to see the lens have a slight darker end point, they worked well for the partly cloudy to full sun rides. At a $89 price point for a photochromic and polarized lens, they are affordable, which I see is because the frames, very-slightly, are more flexible than other higher priced similar glasses. My only issue with the frames is that the ear piece tips would occasionally come into contact with my helmet head basket, so on next versions if they were shorter, this would be an improvement.

Dirty Dog MTB is a California based company bringing “Made in the USA” rotors to your mountain bike. They sent a set over for review.

Dirty Dog MTB rotors come in all popular rotor sizes, 160mm, 185mm, & 203mm with a thickness of 0.070″ and weights ranging from 147 g to 248 g, depending on size. Since they utilize the popular sizes they are compatible with major caliper manufactures, but always check the specs for your caliper before ordering. These are laser cut from stainless steel and come in several different designs, Dragon, Gecko, Skull, Ace of Spades, Spider Web and Bone Burner. The designs are look great and are well cut with plenty of braking surface. Burn is of course required as with any new disc brake set, so after a few go and stops, you are on your way. How do they stop? Very well!

If you are looking to set your ride apart from your friends and looking for easy upgrade, these rotors fit the bill with prices ranging from $69 to $80, depending on size, but searching the internet you can find some great deals. Even with the designs choices already available, it would be great to see a few more options.

Bikase is a universal smartphone or mp3 pouch that attaches to your bike to allow you to listen to tunes, track your rides, or keep on eye on your social media efforts, all by keeping your device safe and dry. Alt-Gear sent over the case for our review.

Constructed of neoprene, your phone or mp3 player will avoid scratches and dings. Easy access is provided by a zipper at the top side of the case and can be opened slightly for headphones. The clear screen cover allows you to still control your iPhone or Droid with swipes and touch. Attaching to your bike is done by velcro neoprene straps which you can mount either horizontally or vertically (handlebar or stem, for example).
I am one that always has my iPhone with me. Whether it is using it for logging the miles with Strava or for the occasional cycling tweet. I toss it in my jersey pocket and check on it through-out my ride to make sure it hasn’t slid out. For me, having the iPhone mounted to the bars can be bulky, so if I’m on the trainer, I’ll mount it, otherwise I put it in the jersey pocket and with the neoprene grip of the case, I know it isn’t going anywhere. The case fits your iPhone even with a protective case, as opposed to other smartphone mounts where you have to remove the protective case to mount. Cost of the Bikase will set you back only about $24, which is a great price.

Zixtro Wing Case is very simple saddle case to attach and remove. It easily attaches to your saddle rails and the case can be quickly disconnected from the mount for taking with you into the cafe, store or work. Alt-Gear sent over the case for our review.

Constructed of durable plastic this case can take a beating on and off the bike without the worry of breaking and is also light weight. With a weather resistant Velcro closure your goods are kept dry and out of the elements. Overall capacity of the case will put you at about 24 cubic inches and fits a tube, tire lever, patch kit and ID/credit card and a CO2 canister with nozzle.

I found the closure to work well with the occasional bumpy roads while carry aforementioned goods. Upon opening the case you notice a pocket to hold your items well so they don’t all fall out when you need them. Mounts worked well and stay locked in place without sliding held by the quick release Z-locks.

The Zixtro Wing Case is a great case whether you are a mountain or road biker. At $19, this case is priced accordingly and won’t break your wallet. I would like to see an additional pocket for the top section of the case so as to be able to store your ID or cards, thereby separating your “wallet” items from your “bike” items.