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 Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag Review Intro All right, cyclists. If you've ever had gear soaked, lost, mysteriously awol at the bottom of a creek bed, stay with me. Today, I'll be breaking down why the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry bag has become my go-to secret weapon to keep things dry. Hey everyone, it's Hanman, a gravel biker who spends too many hours comparing grams per liter and pretending that's training.  Pain Points
Today I want to talk about a piece of kit that solves real pain points for gravel bikers or bike packers. Essentially keeping very important things dry without adding bulk or weight or complexity. Cyclists value efficiency. We obsess over weight because every extra gram shows up on those climbs. The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry bag uses 30D Cordura (nylon) which makes it very lightweight and durable. You're getting legit waterproof protection without feeling like you're dragging around something from your kayak. I have to confess, I ride in mostly dry conditions. But sometimes the weather gets weird. As a cyclist, I bought this bag because 90% of my rides are in dry conditions. I didn't want an over overbuilt, bulky bag, but I still needed protection for those surprise showers. The Ca Summit Ultra Silver dry bag strikes that perfect balance. Enough waterproofing for my essentials, but still extremely light, much lighter than their next item in their lineup. I don't want my bag sliding around or its precious contents rolling away. It's abandoned column. This bag has a slightly oval base so that when you drop it, it doesn't roll away. I need something simple. No complicated enclosures. You pack up what you need. You roll it at least three times away from you and then clasp it towards you. Done. Benefits Gravel riders adore fast minimalist efficiency. This bag respects that. No wasted material, no chunky hardware. Most gravel riders hit varied conditions. Dusty roads, surprise mud, rain clouds popping out of nowhere. This bag provides confidence without the penalty of a super thick plastic waterproof heavy bag. It comes in multiple colors and sizes, which means it'll help you organize your gear. You can put snacks in one, clothes in another. Your future self will thank you when you're searching for that one lost gummy you know is in there somewhere. Now, despite being ultra light, it does resist abrasion from constant packing and unpacking. Why This Is The Best Bag So, here's the logical breakdown. It's ultra light, less fatigue on long rides. Waterproof enough for unpredictable rain. Simple to use, fewer failure points. Durable material, which means you can pack it tight. Oval base, which means it doesn't roll away when you set it down or drop it. Comes in multiple sizes and colors. Helps you be organized. Fits both a minimalist setup and a multi-day setup. That combination is rare. Most dry bags are either too heavy, overly rugged, or cheaply thin. The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil dry bag hits the sweet spot. It's thin, but strong enough to hold your essential gear. This is one of the smartest upgrades you could make to your bike.
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 Lexar 512GB Jumpdrive Dual Drive Intro If your storage runs out faster than your excuses, this tiny metallic object might be just what you need. Hey everyone, it's Hanman and today we're diving into the Lexar 512 GB dual connector drive. A compact metal enclosed dual connector lifesaver that might be just what your workflow needs. Whether you're a content creator, student, or someone who hoards photos of their dog, this packs a lot of punch.  Specs That Matter
Let's talk performance. The Lexar 512 GB dual jump drive delivers impressive read/write speeds. You'll be moving files faster than you can say, "Wait, is this the right cable?" Of course, there's no cable required for this. The documentation says the read speeds are up to 170 megabytes per second. Read speed means reading from this device to wherever your computer and the write speeds from say your computer back to this device will be less than the read 170 megabytes per second. USB Connectivity This thing has USBA and USBC connectivity. It's basically bilingual. Plug it into your MacBook, your desktop, your friend's computer from 2012. It doesn't judge. Everything will work. Mac Formatting Now, when you go to use it and it doesn't work, don't worry, it's not broken. You need to format it. So, to format it on a Mac, go to Finder, Applications, Utilities, Disc Utility, and we can see here the Lexar 512, of which 496 is usable. So, we're going to go up and select erase to format it. And under format, we're going to select since we're on a Mac, the top one, MacOS extended (journaled), then select erase, and quickly done. Windows Formatting For Windows users, it might come formatted FAT32, which will only let you put files onto it of up to 4 GB in size. If you need more than that, you'll have to format it to NTFS. Or if you want to use it on both a Windows machine and a Mac, you'll have to format it to eXFAT. Build Quality Let's talk build quality. It's metallic enclosed, not plastic. Not plastic that's really shiny to look like metal either. It's metallic enclosed. This gives it a premium feel and extra durability. If you drop it, you'll probably hurt your floor more than this device. One thing about metal, the marketing material mentions titanium. They're talking about the color, not the metal encasing material. I've been using this to shuttle video files, backups, "Why do I still have this file" files back and forth all without a hiccup? The sliding mechanism, smooth and strong. I love that click. lets you know you're set. The only thing cooler would be if it made that kind of sound you hear in the movies, some air lock. So, the Lexar 512 GB dual jump drive D400, it's fast, it's versatile, it's sturdy, it's extremely convenient if you're juggling files in between devices, even if those devices have different ports. So, if you're looking for a way to carry massive files around without relying on the cloud, here you go. Just remember to format it as mentioned earlier and you're ready to go. So, if you enjoyed this review, give us a thumbs up. Comment if you've used the drive yourself down below.  Arabic Numerals Watch If you think you know Arabic numerals, you probably don't. And that's why this watch is going to blow your mind and possibly your math teachers, too. Hey, everyone, it's Hanman. And today, we're going to take a short but fascinating look through history. So, buckle up. We're going to go back farther than your last overdue bike tune-up. And all of this leads to one fascinating watch that flips everything you think you know about numerals. History This watch doesn't use the so-called Arabic numerals we use in English. It uses the digits used by the Arabic speaking world. It's going to make your your wrist look like it has a PhD in culture. All right, let's clear up the global numerical identity crisis. The numbers we use today 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 that we call Arabic numerals are not the ones used in the Arabic language. Confused? Perfect. A long time ago in ancient India, mathematicians came up with a number system including the glorious invention of zero. The number we most care about when we check our bank accounts. These numerals and mathematical ideas made their way from India westward through Arabia through Northern Africa into southern Europe and then eventually were adopted by the English-speaking world. Europeans looked at the symbols and said, "Cool, we'll take those." And they called them Arabic numerals because they received them from Arabic scholars. Meanwhile, Arabic-speaking nations continued to develop their own characters for numbers -adding to the confusion. So today, the digits used in Arabic look completely different than the digits used in English. So the irony, the digits on your keyboard are called Arabic numerals, where the digits on this watch are what are used by Arabic speakers.  And if you want to delve deeper into the rabbit hole, there are some scholars who say that 2,500 years ago, pharaonic priests fled to India and were immersed in the culture there. And so they had a role in the final resulting numerals that came out of India that eventually became Arabic numerals. So, pharaonic Egypt had a role in defining the numerals that we use today. Is there anything Egypt didn't invent? Arabic Numerals Watch  So, let me show you this beauty. This watch features the modern Arabic digits, also called Eastern Arabic numerals, elegantly printed right on the dial. So, instead of the familiar 1 to 12, you get stunning calligraphic shapes that tell you the time. It's classy. It's bold. And it's perfect for anyone, you know, who wants to look smart without actually doing anything smart. Just wear the watch. Instant sophistication. I feel smarter already. Plus, when someone asks you, "What time is it?" You get the priceless opportunity to say, "Let me consult my culturally accurate numerical device." And watch their eyebrows do gymnastics.
Why This Watch? So, here's why this watch is special.
And honestly, anything that makes telling time feel like you're unlocking a secret code is a win. So, there you have it. A little history lesson, a little style upgrade, and a whole lot of wrist-based personality. So, if you're into watches, culture, design, and just want to confuse people in the most elegant way possible, this watch is for you. Thanks for spending time with me. Note1: Image above shows AliExpress version. Band, case are plastic. Buy on AliExpress Note2: Amazon version has stainless steel band and case. Buy on Amazon  4 For The Road Intro We're going to go over four great deals, odds and ends that you need for cycling. Here we go. Cyclami Levers  Number one, if your tires have ever fought you harder than Mike Tyson, then you need these. Cycle me pry bars. These tiny tools will save your ride and your sanity. Hey everyone, it's Hanman, your resident cyclist. Guy who absolutely launched tire levers into the bushes mid ride at least once, probably twice. We're here to talk about the Cyclami Pry bars. My favourite new little lifesaver. Let's get into why these things are so brilliant and why I'll never go back to the old ones again. First of all, the thumb area is corrugated. Goodbye slippage. Hello grip. You know when you're trying to get that first bite under the bead and your thumb slips off like a cartoon banana peel? Not with these. The corrugated area holds your thumb there. You know your thumb is not going anywhere. This is the best. Next we have the deflate assist tool. Secret weapon. On the back side right here in the middle. What they've done is they've added this little tool. you know, because sometimes your tires are just too full of themselves. Instead of using your fingernail or a key or if you're me a, you know, keychain or something that wasn't meant for this, just press that tool in and clean, controlled deflation. You know, it makes you look like you know exactly what you're doing, which is great because sometimes you don't. And third, they buckle together, never lose one again, probably. Cyclami said, "Well, what if we just stopped letting people lose their tire levers?" And they did. These pry bars literally buckle together. They just clip together like they're best friends holding hands. Click. They're one unit. No more rummaging in your saddle bag like you're searching for spare change. And if you still lose one, well, honestly, that's on you. I mean, Cyclami did their part. And fourth, they're not made of metal. Save your rims. Metal tire levers are great until they introduce themselves to your rims like an energetic toddler with a crayon. These Cyclami levers are all high strength composite, stiff enough to pry a tire, gentle enough not to gouge your beautiful rims. It's the perfect combo. Strong, smooth, and not out to ruin your day. So yeah, tiny tools, big impact from Cyclami. Corrugated thumb positioning, deflate assist, buckle buddies, don't lose one, and rim friendly material. Basically, the Swiss Army knife of tire levers without those tiny little scissors. So, if you're looking for a pair, check out the link below. Deemount Silicone Straps  Next up, we have these Deemount straps. silicone, stretchy and strong. They come in a pack of four, and you can use them to attach a plethora of things to your bike, such as your multi-tool or your torch light or your favourite bike computer. Get creative. You can attach almost anything you need. RiderAce Water Bottle  Next up, we have the Rider Ace water bottle. Squeezable, doesn't leak. Just lift up the nozzle to drink and away you go. And there is no aftertaste. Also comes with a free dust cover. Comes in multiple colors to suit your bike. Encprove 2.7L Half-frame Bag  And lastly, we have the Encprove 2.7 L half-frame bag. Nice and narrow so you don't rub your knees against it. The zippers have a protective area so that they don't get road grime all over them at the end. Comes with five Velcro straps so that you can attach to your bike. You probably put one at the front. You have two spots where you can go in at the front, two spots where you can go in at the back, and six spots where you can attach say the last three straps on the top. So, it should be able to fit any bike. One of the other nice features is other than it's waterproof and light and durable, on one of the sides you have this nice double mesh area for an organizer. And the inside, as you can see on this one, is orange, so it's not black. That way, you can easily find stuff, right? It's just great. Very nice and light. And for safety's sake, of course, their logo on both sides is reflective at night. And a shopping tip, some of these items, other than the half frame bag, are so cheap that whatever platform you're buying them on, they're a great way to get yourself up over the minimum needed for free shipping.
 Lencent 120w GaN Universal Travel Adapter
Intro "If you travel with more than one device… this tiny brick might just save your trip!" Hey everyone, it’s hanman! Today I’m checking out the LENCENT 120W GaN Universal Travel Adapter — the one with 1 USB‑A and 3 USB‑C ports that promises to power pretty much everything in your luggage. I’ve been testing it on the road, and I’ve got some honest pros, cons, and real‑life examples for you. Let’s dive in! What It Is and Basic Operation This is a 120-watt GaN Universal Travel Adapter, meaning it works in over 200 countries - the US, CA, UK, EU, Australia, parts of Asia - you name it. Operation
My Experience Let me tell you about a moment that sold me on this thing.I was in a tiny hotel charging my MacBook Air, my iPhone, AND my ear buds — all at the same time — and the adapter didn’t even get warm. Everything charged overnight without a hiccup. That’s where the GaN tech really shines — high power, no overheating, and smaller size. Pros ⭐ 1. Charge Multiple Devices at OnceUp to four devices with decent distribution of power. Great for phones, tablets, cameras, earbuds, and some laptops. ⭐ 2. High Power Output (120W)Enough to run a MacBook, charge a phone quickly, and still handle accessories. ⭐ 3. Universal CompatibilityOne adapter for nearly every country. No need to carry different plugs. ⭐ 4. Compact GaN DesignGaN means smaller, cooler, more efficient. Fits nicely in the included pouch — you know, the one that somehow stays organized even when the rest of your suitcase looks like a laundry tornado. ⭐ 5. Safety FeaturesBuilt‑in fuses and protection give peace of mind when charging expensive gear (is there any good cheap gear?). Cons ⚠ 1. Not a Voltage Converter Like most travel adapters, it doesn’t convert voltage. Your device must support 110–240V. ⚠ 2. Can Get Heavy on the WallWith multiple cables plugged in, it can sag a bit from loose outlets. ⚠ 3. Limited AC Outlet SupportThis version focuses on USB ports — great for many travelers, but if you need an actual AC outlet pass‑through, you won’t find it here. ⚠ 4. Power Splits When Using All PortsIf you plug everything in at once, max wattage is shared across devices — fast charging may slow down. Conclusions If you carry a laptop + phone + camera or you travel as a couple with multiple phones, tablets, or power banks, this thing simplifies life. It's also great for digital nomads, creators, business travellers, or anyone tired of carrying multiple adapters - basically, if your charging setup looks like a mini Best Buy exploded in your backpack, this adapter will save your sanity. The Lencent 120w GaN Adapter isn't perfect, but it's honestly one of the most useful travel accessories i've tested lately. Small, powerful, reliable - and it solves the "one outlet, multiple devices" problem. Availability AliExpress Amazon  Top Mountain Bike Shoes For 2025  Five Ten Trailcross GORE-TEX GORE-TEX membrane and tall cuff make this a very waterproof shoe, making it a great for all weather conditions. The firm sole grips the pedal well. If the shoe get wet, it's ready to go in a few hours.The lace closure isn’t in my opinion convenient to adjust, and the shoe tends to be expensive.  Shimano GF800 GTX Also a fully waterproof shoe with a snug high-top ankle cuff for keeping out water and debris, and a BOA dial for secure, pressure-free fit for those coming from road cycling. Traction is excellent, but it’s less grippy than Five Ten on flat pedals and takes longer to dry. Its price is also high, but performance and comfort are outstanding for all-weather riding. Giro Berm This is a quality budget friendly option. The Giro Berm provides reliable durability and if comfort is a key feature for you, this is a shoe that comes highly rated. It’s not as waterproof as higher-end models but offers some breathability, great for fair-weather riding or riders on a budget. Ride Concepts Tallac BOA Praised for a secure fit, good breathability, and durability at a moderate price. It excels in grip and comfort, especially for flat pedal users.  Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit Designed with bikepacking and walkability in mind, this shoe combines comfortable padding, an adjustable BOA and Velcro closure, and decent water resistance. It's a great option for long rides with variable weather. Sidi Dust MTB Premium shoe appreciated for performance and breathability but price is significantly higher than the others. Conclusions
 ABUS uGrip Bordo 5700
We're looking at the Abus Ugrip Bordo 5700. It is very compact. Placement This lock, rated seven, has another feature you need to consider, and that's the holder. I previously had it mounted where my water bottle is, but because this holder, you put the lock in it from the top, there wasn't enough room for me to pull out the lock. So, I had to put it on my forward part of the frame. So, again, with it in, you need enough room to be able to take it out, which I do have on my forward frame. On my forward frame, when I push the lock in its holder from above, it's okay, and I have enough room there to lift it out. So the Abus folks listened to the customers and they've designed now a second holder. So other than the one I have where the holder you put the lock in from the top, there's another holder that can hug your Abus lock and it opens like a clasp. So that one there's less restrictions as to where you can put it, right? It it doesn't need clearance to be able to get the lock out. Thoughts So, couple things to consider if you're looking at the Abus lock. One is the length. There are two lengths, a shorter one and a longer one. Of course, the longer one costs a little more. And whether you are okay with the holder where you put the the lock in vertically from the top or whether you don't have enough clearance and you need the one that opens like a hugging motion so you can just take the lock out. Those are the things to consider. And the newer models, the 6000 series, the rating of security went up from 7 to 10. If you need one of those locks, here you go. Oh, and one more thing. If the vertical placed lock holder doesn't work for you and the one that opens in the hugging motion doesn't work for you, you're still okay with Abus. They also give you, depending on which holder, one or two extremely strong straps, Velcro, so that you can attach the holder anywhere. You're all set. Stay secure.  Ortlieb Quick Rack Review and Usage
Specifications We're going to look at three facets of the Ortlieb Quick Rack. We're going to quickly look at the specs of it, how you attach it, and how I use it. Here we go. This rack works for a frame with a width between 145 and 190 mm. It's rated for 20 kg or 44.1 lbs of weight. The top is 32 1.5 cm long, which is 12.8 in. The height is 38 cm, which is 15 in. And it'll fit wheels that are between 26 and 29 in. Attaching It's easiest if you have M5 or M6 eyelets for mounting, and they should be tightened to 2 1/2 Newton-meters nm. All other screws should be tightened to 3Nm. If you have a carbon frame, you can either get the optional carbon frame adapter or a through axle mount. I have an aluminum frame, so I can use the eyelets. The top should be attached at less than a 30° angle up or down to your frame or seat post, and you'll be okay. When doing this, place the top of the rack parallel to the ground. You can also optionally get mud guards that attach right to the frame. Something that is included is a placeholder for a rear light. You just attach it to the back. Usage So, when I'm carrying something on the top of the rack, I like to put a protective layer in between what I'm carrying and the rack, I just use an old backpack that really folds up, but it's waterproof. And so that way I can protect what I'm carrying on top of the rack. And I get a backpack if I need to carry something else. And when I'm attaching everything to the rack, I like to use these really strong motorcycle straps with these protective hooks to hold things onto the top of my rack. You can see a video about these here. Now, the manufacturer says the rack can be removed in 5 seconds. Again, you don't need any tools. You just take off the clamps at the back, release them, and away you go. So, you might wonder, well, should I be concerned with theft? What I do is I put my lock through the frame of the bike and the rack. That does well for me. There's a video here about the lock I use also. Now, last thing about usage, the rack is not designed to have a child seat put on top of it or a child. And so, that's frowned upon. So, if you're looking for a good, strong rack and the versatility to have it on your bike to carry things when you're commuting or take it off when you're going to go single-track, this is the rack for you.  Disclosure: Some of the links in this website are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.  Sandals Today we're going to go over three cool and good-looking pieces of footwear from AliExpress. First up, sandals. I have been ordering these sandals since July 2020. They are awesome. Very breathable. They're light. They look great. Last for about a season and a half to two seasons. So, I keep ordering these. They come in different colors and different sizes obviously. They also have different branding on them. So some say fashion, some say sport, but it's all the same item. The price does vary depending on the color you pick and the size. So for my 28 1/2 cm barefoot, which is about a size 44 European, I went large and ordered the size 11 from them because hey, it can be a little bit larger. It's a sandal and the straps tighten to make it fit snug. The treads on these are very grippy. I use these sandals to go cycling on my gravel bike.  Hiking Boots Next up, we have low cut hiking boots. I've had two of these since 2022. They are awesome. I love the accent colors for these. Now, the price does vary slightly depending on the size that you pick. They are warm, so they're good for all seasons except summer. They have a nice tab on the back to help you slip them on. And with a 4.9 out of five star rating and over 2,000 sold, others have realized the value here.  Water Shoes
Next up, we have breathable beach unisex water shoes. These are great for board sailing (windsurfing), just walking on the beach, or if you're going somewhere where it's wet, like up a small creek or river on a on a trek, these work very well. The bottom looks very funky. You can wear them for a very long time. They're very comfortable. They do have a way to tighten the top there (lace lock), and also there's a pull strap at the back to help slip them on. These are great for anything near water or in water. I even use them in the ocean. As with some of the other items, the prices do vary by colour and by size, but again, great ratings, over 700 sold.  Disclosure: Some of the links in this website are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.   We're going to go over five great deals from AliExpress for cycling. Here we go. Kevanly Motorcycle Straps Number one, what I like about this Kevanly strap is it's really strong. It's made for motorcycles, but we're using it for cycling, so it's more than adequate. Very stretchy, and I love that the ends are plastic coated, hard plastic, so they're not going to scratch your rack. They come very highly rated and the price just keeps getting lower and lower. 4.9 out of five (stars). Very good. Oh, and we're not the first to find these. Over 50,000 sold. So, other people have realized that this is a great deal, too. I'm getting two. RockBros Socks Next up, we have the RockBros cycling socks. Here are the ones I ordered. The large, which is a 43 to 46 European size. Let's see how they fit. Here they are, the RockBros cycling socks. Even though they're for many sports, they're mainly for cycling. Let's take a look and see what the size is like. And what showed up is something nice and stretchy. I like that it has a very good top stretchy band. And it is 43 to 46 as advertised. Look at the heel. That is perfect. Matching up nicely. Not too thick. There we go. And again, very highly rated, 4.9 out of five stars and over 10,000 sold. So, others also realize this is a good deal.  Ergonomic Cycling Grips Next up, we have these ergonomic cycling grips that'll help you so you don't get carpal tunnel syndrome in your wrists. They help you keep your wrist at a flat angle as opposed to being too locked in one direction or the other. They're very good. They're not too wide and they do have a locking mechanism. So after you get your old grips off, which can be a chore, these will lock on. Lots of units sold and they come in multiple colors.  Newboler Handlebar Bag Next up, we have a great 2 and 1/2 L handlebar bag. It comes with the two straps, Velcro that you need to attach it and an extra third strap. And it comes with a strap when you attach it, detach from your bike to hold it over your shoulder so you can carry your valuables in this handlebar bag and then take the bag with you when you need to park your bike. As with the other items we've been looking at, there have been many of this item sold because it's such a great value.  RockBros Q1 MAX Brake Taillight One of the nice surprises with this light is that there are so many attachments provided. One for the seat, one for mounting it also to a stem. It just amazing. They also give you the zip ties that you need for the attachments and again two different brackets to attach this to your bike. So, it's got these five modes and it'll alternate between them until you pick one. But I just love the build quality. This is actually my favorite item from the five that we're looking at. very good quality. And this is the one, this is the upgraded version that as it senses you are breaking, the light will get brighter for two and a half seconds. A testament again to the five items we've been going through today. Look at the ratings and look at how many items sold. Just spectacular. AuthorHany Ishak - Cycling enthusiast looking for adventure and researching the best accessories to help get there. |
AuthorCycling enthusiast looking for adventure and researching the best accessories to help get there. Archivescycling |
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