Archives: Review

I got into mountain biking back in 2004 and rode pretty hard till 2010 then gave it up for different activities. After riding cyclocross for the last few years and watching folks transition from cross to mountain, my interests peaked. 

Local bike shop owner and buddy of mine Matt Blevins (Blevins Bicycle Co.) carries Giant Bicycles. When he first got them in/opened in 2011 (with 2012 models) I honestly wasn’t that amped on them. Each year since then Giant has complete transformed with aesthetically pleasing design/color ways and quality set up right out of the box. They seriously are nailing it!

A lot has changed in MTB’s the last 4 years. From 26″ to the 29″ wave (yes I know 29″ wheel sets have been around for a long time, but it seems the last 4-5 years they’ve been set as the standard) and now 27.5″… the choices! 

The Giant Anthem is my introduction to 27.5″ and let me tell you… this thing is fast as hail!! My initial thought (transitioning from cyclocross) is that this must be how monster truck drivers feel. Seriously… there are no boundaries with this squishy speed machine!  I spent this last Saturday and Sunday riding the mountain trying to find some of the gnarliest climbs and descents.

On climbing: Obviously it’s totally different from anything I’ve been use to lately. It was a bit weird to get a hang of. I’d stand to climb and squish right through my power with each pedal stroke. I learned it most efficient sitting back and staying as smooth as I could to limit bounce in the rear suspension. On really steep climbs I’d stand, stay low, and up on the handlebars to achieve the same effect.

On descending: HOLY BALLZ THAT’S FAST!! That’s really all you need to know.

The next few weekends I’ll be riding a couple different Giant models and comparing them. I’m looking forward to spend more time on the mountain with these squishy speed machines.

Go to Giant Bicycles and check out the specifics on the Anthem 27.5 3.  Keep in mind this is the lowest end model of the Anthem 27.5 and it still handled AMAZING right out the box.

The 415 Work Boot is different from my everyday kicks. I’ve been a tried and true wearer of Vans for many moons. It was a weird yet comfortable transition into the 415’s.

I’m no dummy when it comes to wearing boots though. Most boots you first slip into are stiff as hell with the hope they will break in faster than the ever growing blisters building on your feet. The first step the 415 Work Boot felt pretty damn great especially being leather.  I’ve only been in them for two days now and they’ve already started forming well and… I’m still blisterless.

Outside of the break in time, they are so freaking comfortable. Chrome said it best “Work Boots with the stability and protection of a work boot combined with the mobility of a sneaker“.

Boots always make you feel like you can stomp in, around, on anything. Perfect for the end of winter as I lurk skate parks and alley ways to capture rad skaters and BMX riders around the land.

If you’re looking for a good, solid, stylish work boot/sneaker from a rad company… look no further, you found it!  Go to Chrome Industries and check out the 415 Work Boot Red Leather LTD as well as the 4 other 415 Work Boot models. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Cheers!

RIDE x CREATE 

These boots were made for thrashing! GET TO STEPPIN!!

“Limited edition Red Leather 415 Work Boots with the stability and protection of a work boot combined with the mobility of a sneaker.” – Chrome

Go to Chrome Industries and pick up these limited 415 Work Boot in Red Leather.

Posts are a funny thing. I can put up something that seems like an ordinary post (only taking 10 minutes) or I can spend days on one (photo taking/editing/verbiage adding), and get better results out of the 10 minute one vs. the 48’ish hours one. It’s pretty fascinating to watch which posts makes the cut each year.

*(Editors Note: I post stuff up that I personally dig and am only paid by the good time vibes you send with each positive response. Thank you for that!)

Researching and sharing my passion is what builds FOLLY.  That in conjunction with Kyle’s amazing design are the motors that drive our brand. We are FOLLY. We push are limits when we ride x create. That will never change. Thank you for your support and continuing to subscribe to our shenanigans year after year. Cheers!

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THE #1 POST OF 2013

Snap by Kyle Steed

“In collaboration with @topodesigns I am giving away these custom hand-drawn accessory bags + belt + patch to one lucky winner. All you need to do is leave a comment. The winner will be chosen in 24 hours.” – SteedZ

If you haven’t done this… you should.

The cycling community is strong from sea to shining sea! I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Jeremy Dunn several weeks ago in good ol’ Portland during the Chris Igleheart shoot out of Velo Cult. He’s a clean cut good lookin fella. With a smile on his face and beer in hand, I walked up and introduced myself. Jeremy and I have had a small amount of interaction via social media (thanks for keeping us social internet), so It was really good to meet in person.

With that being said… I contacted Jeremy after I got back to Alabama and expressed I’d love to check out some Rapha gear, test it and put together a review. I only mentioned the Rapha Merino Arm/Leg Warmers so I could show off our newly acquired FOLLY kit throughout the winter. He said he’d get me set up… and that he did. Merino Arm/Leg/Knee Warmers as well as this bad ass Merino Hooded Top. Due to his generosity I wanted to take this review to the next level and bring in Tyler Brown to ride and shoot Rapha’s goodness.

This is easily the most stylish piece of riding apparel I own. The temperature was in the low 40’s with a wind chill pushing to the mid to high 30’s. As you know (or should), Merino wool does its job well. It does not stop the wind but holds heat. The section in the center of this top is wind proof with wool underneath. This helps keep your core temperature up and your body does the rest by distributing that heat to your fingers and toes. Neat right? Yes I agree.

But don’t worry, this top isn’t stylish at the sacrifice of function. When it gets cold, windy and dark… it has you covered. There are couple hi-vis features that will keep you seen. One up top to secure the windproof hood if you’re not in need of it. The second is with a rear pocket to house your phone/wallet/flask.  If you choose to go stealth, you can stow the pink accents simply by unbuttoning them. The rear pocket hi-vis tab also has the Rapha logo that is reflective.

When I first put the Rapha Hooded Top on… I thought out loud, “this is the Cadillac of hooded tops”. It really is. The top hugs you well but does not limit mobility.

I sincerely dig Rapha.  To sum it up… this top feels/looks/performs so good. And I’m a BIG fan of Merino goodness.  Go to Rapha and check out other features and photos of the Merino Hooded Top. I promise you won’t be disappointed that you did. And when you pick one up, we’ll share in the glorious comfort, style and function that is this top.

Make sure to follow along on our Instagram with #follyinrapha . I’ve already posted a few snaps of the arm/leg warmers and Hooded Top. I’ll continue to do so as the opportunity presents itself.  

(Editor’s Note: Big THANK YOU to Tyler Brown for his time and skill shooting these photos. He was kind enough to let me pick the ones I liked and put my own edit on them.  He shot with a Fuji X100S. I uploaded the shots to my iPhone and edited with VSCO. All editing was performed via iPhone 5. Argue for your limitations and soon they will be yours. Cheers!)

RIDE x CREATE

The GRANIT X Plus Mini 54 is literally twice the lock the Bordo Lite is. The ABUS Bordo Lite sits at level 7 of 15 for security, which is pretty great for low to medium left risk. As you see from the snap above, I use these ABUS locks most when I go for a grocery/beer run. I always find it easiest to lock up to the stack of grocery carts out front vs. finding a post or thin tree, but it would easily accomodate either one of those lockable fixtures even though it’s a Mini.

I posted up the photo above via our Instagram with a bit of odd marketing envisionment attached, “ABUS, stronger than you local grocers shopping cart”. Then imagining a video of a thief hacking the shopping cart metal vs. the ABUS lock.  In this case, that would be more productive since the GRANIT X Plus Mini 54 is rated at a security level of 15 out of 15!

The GRANIT X Plus Mini is a bit on the heavy side to carry around via belt loop or pack, nothing horrible or unrideable for you peddling crazies. With more protection comes more weight I figure.

The two snaps below show off what you’ll receive when you pick up your ABUS GRANIT series locks. Most helpful if you’re like me and misplace your keys is the ABUS Code Card for additional or replacement key. Second is the fancy two keys that are supplied, one LED-lighted!

Go to ABUS and check out the lock/s that will work best for your daily ride. There’s a lot to choose from and all will offer the quality you’ll expect.

“Red Wing is more than just a boot company; they are a community, a heritage, and a family.” – Jesse Lenz

This is a beautiful combination of photographers utilizing VSCO Film to document the amazing Red Wing Family. This is the ‘Create’ in Ride x Create.

Go to the VSCO Journal and check out how Jesse and Jay visually narrate the Red Wing story. I hope you enjoy.

And here we go!  I’ve been using the Boreas Lagunitas bag in Golden Gate Red for the last several weeks. As you are very well aware… I’m a pretty hard core Chrome fan, but I’ve got to hand it to Boreas.  They really knocked this out of the park. This bag is a solid combo of, what I refer to as ‘legit outdoorsy’ mixed with rad style and function. I’ve put it to the test with toting 24 cans of adult beverage, laptop, jacket, change of clothes, bike lock, and a few more odd and end items without the slightest issue or back pain. As you will see in the photos below, this guy is filled with sneaky amenities you will love.

Now… from this photo you’re probably wondering how I added the 24 cans of fun time… believe me, this bag has hidden stretching abilities.  In my left hand I’m holding the top portion of the bag. This section is completely waterproof WHAT!! That’s right, perfect for your electrical fancy devices to stay save when you commute via bike or board.

This is the best I could capture one of the compression panels sewn into the interior of the pack. Looking at the Lagunitas from the outside everything looks seamless. There are two stretching panels that allow the pack to expand when needed all while maintaining a clean look. This my friends is how I added more and more when it appeared to have no room left. Oh… and the rest of the bag is water resistant, so you’ll be protected in a light to medium rain.

This is one of the fanciest parts of the whole bag.  There is an external frame to assist in distributing weight. And for us riding goons, it has a nice mesh backing that allows your back to breath thus limiting nasty back sweat. But wait… there’s more.

If you need even more back breathing room, the Lagunitas has a “variable suspension, aka SUPER-TRAMP (patent pending), lets users adjust their pack with the tug of a strap. Tighten the strap and it’s a trampoline suspension, perfect for biking and hot weather travel. Loosen the strap and the pack reverts to a standard suspension, moving the weight closer to your back for more stability.” – Boreas

This will limit some of the space inside if you have a ridged item like a laptop or book, but it’s not horrible. By the way, the big section inside the pack is designed for a water bladder and not a laptop just to clarify. I found it serves both purposes though.

Time for the fun solid accents that keep this pack sleek and functional.

Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed my breakdown of the Boreas Lagunitas.  Super comfortable bag that will serve you well in the urban scene as well as the mountains.

Go to Boreas and check out more about the Lagunitas. If you don’t dig the Golden Gate Red colorway, they have two other colors to choose from. OH! and go get on Instagram and check out #boreasironmanpack. You will find other fun snaps I’ve taken of the Lagunitas.  Cheers

RIDE x CREATE

These guys!  They are doing it right on every level.  Loose Nuts Cycles is one of those shops you walk into and feel like you’re already a part of the family.  The shop if filled with very rad wall hung rides that range from brand spanking new, to past builds that have been ridden well and now proudly on display for your viewing pleasure.  The sense of history, miles ridden, and stories to tell is oozing in this place!

I made a comment on Chris Tavel’s (shop owner) Salsa Warbird build via IG (@loosenutscycles) and a couple weeks later… here I am!  Chris and wife Laura hosted me in their home over the weekend with the best of accommodations, whisky, good home cooked food and great conversation!

Last weekend turned out to be a perfect time to visit. The Batdorf & Bronson Velodrome Cup went down Saturday night. A rad massive street closing called Atlanta Streets Alive was on Sunday! Bikes, boards and beers where flying everywhere.  Definitely my type of events all weekend long! Not to mention I got to hook up with Cogzilla Attacks and TwoToneATL!  Those guys are great!

If you are even remotely close to the Atlanta area, Loose Nuts Cycles is a must go to!  I promise if you bring beer you will be treated like a king (or queen).  High fives will be given, tears of joy will be had!

The photos below are my take of the Loose Nuts shop and the weekend’s events.  I hope you enjoy. Oh, and check out our Instagram for other sneak peaks of the weekend’s happenins!  Cheers

And, this about sums it up!

RIDE x CREATE