Bicycles

Canada's Rize Bikes is just over a year old, and with the 2020 model run now down to the last few available models, the company has launched its 2021 ebike range – which seems to include a model for just about every need.

Why just wear a plain ol' bike helmet, when you can wear one with a built-in headlight, tail lights, turn indicators and brake light? That's the thinking behind the Lumos Ultra, which I recently had the chance to try out on real-world roads.

While cyclists can get away with jerseys that are a little tight or baggy, it's vitally important that their helmet fit correctly. The KAV R1 helmet was designed with this in mind, as each one is 3D-printed to the measurements of its wearer's head.

While many cyclists use apps such as Google Maps to navigate city streets, glancing down at that cluttered map display can be confusing. The Beeline Velo 2, however, is designed to keep things simple and easy to read.

The global pandemic has caused many commuters to rethink how they get to work, with short-term hire a good option for those who can't afford to own. Lyft has been offering ebikes for a few years now, but has just announced its first in-house model.

While it looks like a relatively normal polyester shell cycling jacket, the Cirrus has a trick up its sleeve. In the event of a collision or fall it transforms into a wearable airbag, inflating in just 0.08 seconds to protect the neck and body.

Andorra's Forestal made its debut last year with the stunning Syrion enduro ebike, and it's following up with four more high-end models for the street, the trails and the downhill tracks. They're tough, smart machines for seriously demanding riders.

Checking your bike's tire pressure can be a fiddly process, which is why there are now valve stem attachments that let you check it with your smartphone. The just-announced PSIcle sensor makes things even easier, as it doesn't require a battery.

Ordinarily, bicycle computer mounts are aluminum things that clamp onto the handlebars, and that cost about $20 to $40. Silca's new stem-mounted Mensola, however, is 3D-printed out of titanium, and will set you back a cool US$175.

Back in 2018, California's Juiced Bikes launched "the ultimate fat-tire commuter ebike" in the shape of the RipCurrent S. Now the company has launched a sibling rocking a step-through frame to appeal to a wider pool of riders.

Six years ago, Chinese manufacturer Livall debuted one of the first "smart" bicycle helmets. Well, the company is still at it, with a lighter, sleeker new model that's currently on Indiegogo.

Porsche has released a pair of very tasty-looking ebikes for those with the ability to pay for them. The Porsche Ebike Sport offers some very nice touches with LED lighting, electronic shifting and a super-sleek integrated cockpit design.