6 Pieces of Colorado Kit for Every Cyclist

Alchemy Bikes Lycos Gravel Bike

Micromanagement isn’t a four-letter word at Golden’s Alchemy Bikes. “We can control every aspect of the production of our bikes,” says Bryce Wood, operations manager for the boutique bicycle maker. Case in point: this year’s off-road-ready Lycos. The carbon gravel bike, which debuted in late 2021, was designed—tube by tube—to make riders feel confident on rougher routes without sacrificing a racy zip on smooth byways. That magic mix comes from Alchemy’s famed carbon construction techniques (which deliver stiffness where needed for efficient pedaling and pliancy elsewhere for comfort) and the Lycos’ longer wheelbase and descent-ready geometry. That attention to detail extends beyond Alchemy’s engineering department. The company makes enough frame sizes for its road, gravel, and mountain bike models that riders have six different fit options, and customers can tweak everything from handlebar width and stem length to gearing and more—gratis. Professional fitting and custom paint jobs are also available, and an even higher-end carbon formulation will be available this spring. Called Au for the symbol for gold on the periodic table, the blend is stiffer and lighter, making it perfect for race-ready rides, Wood says. Available on select models—including the Lycos—the blend underscores Alchemy’s mission to engineer sorcery by controlling every variable. From $7,999

Hustle Bike Labs Avery REMtech Pedals

Ever struggle to unclip your shoe from your pedal? Or fail to click it back in before a trail feature? Sure, you have. Hustle Bike Labs, located in Gunnison, solves both problems by adding powerful rare earth magnets to its REMtech pedals. Translation: Unlike traditional clip-in pedals, they help keep your feet planted when you need to and let you slide your foot off in any direction when you don’t. Released this past spring, the fuss-free flats are compatible with most SPD-style bike shoes, and they’re winning converts among mountain bikers who love chunky downhills and technical climbs, both of which occasionally require quick footwork to stay upright. $219

Helmet Flair Helmet Decorations

Boulder resident and former summer camp director Shaun Oshman wanted to make helmet-wearing more appealing for kids (and everyone else). So, in 2020, he started selling kitten ears, unicorn spikes, devil horns, and other whimsical helmet attachments that can transform even the most mundane piece of safety equipment into a style statement. But just because they’re silly doesn’t mean they aren’t serious: Peel-and-stick magnets keep the adornments attached at highway speeds while allowing them to break free in the event of a crash so the helmet can do its job unhindered. From $30

MountainFlow Petroleum-Free Bike Lube

Yes, you can lube your bike without fossil fuels. MountainFlow makes three plant-based, biodegradable formulas optimized for Colorado’s most common riding conditions: The wax and dry lubes defy Western Slope moon dust, while the wet lube renders your drive train impervious to high-alpine creek crossings. Or simply grab a bottle of the all-weather recipe for set-and-forget lubrication. From $14

Pearl Izumi Summit PRO Neoshell WxB Jacket

Although the company is moving from Louisville to California, it’s Colorado’s lung-crushing mountain climbs that likely inspired Pearl Izumi’s newest crave-worthy item. This wind-tunnel-tested cycling jacket features performance textile manufacturer Polartec’s NeoShell membrane, a waterproof barrier that’s so breathable it can expel a basketball-size volume of clammy air from the jacket every minute. Because you won’t get drenched from the inside, the Summit Pro is the rare piece of cycling apparel that’s actually worth wearing during warm summer storms when sweat and rain collide. $375

Oveja Negra 925 Handlebar Bag

Founded in Leadville in 2012 and currently headquartered in Salida, Oveja Negra may specialize in bikepacking bags for long-distance excursions, but its hand-sewn 925 handlebar bag is as practical on the High Line Canal Trail as it is in the backcountry. The five-liter pack is big enough to stash your phone, snacks, spare tube, and more while you ride, and the optional carry strap converts it to an on-body sling for forays on foot. Order yours “wack”—company slang for bags made from a random assortment of colorful scrap fabric. $100