TPU Tubes in Stock; Winter Projects
We got another shipment of TPU tubes from Germany. Demand has outstripped our ability to make these tubes all year. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that so many cyclists share our enthusiasm for these TPU tubes. They are superlight, pack super-small, roll faster than butyl tubes or tubeless setups, and are more puncture-resistant, too. Many customers report that they notice a difference in how the bike feels—similar to ultra-thin latex tubes, but without the air leakage. In fact, the patented all-metal valves of our TPU tubes eliminate the mysterious leaks you sometimes get with other TPU tubes. Those tubes use plastic valve stems, which deform when the metal valve core is tightened, and then they aren’t airtight any longer. With all-metal valves, you don’t have that problem, and you can remove and re-install the valve cores as often as you’d like.
All models of our TPU tubes are in stock now. If you’re planning to convert your bike over the winter break, now is a good time to order your tubes—while we have them.
The same applies to other components for your winter projects. Nothing is more frustrating than finally getting around to installing fenders or building a wheel with a generator hub, only to find that the parts you need are out of stock.
Over the last year, our Rene Herse fenders have seen a big increase in popularity. Winter rides are just so much more fun when your bottom, feet and drivetrain are (relatively) dry and free of road grit.
The ride in the video above is a typical example: It was a sunny day, but the roads were still covered with water and snow. Without good fenders, that ride would have been miserable. As it was, we had a lot of fun. And I wasn’t even wearing booties, yet my feet stayed dry and toasty. (Wool socks also help.)
Generator hubs are another component that we’re having a hard time keeping in stock. Bikepackers and ultra-racers have adopted generator hubs almost across the board. No more unplanned stops for charging lights—or worse, running out of charge in the middle of the night. Generator hubs and lights with layered beams are also great for commuting. Not blinding oncoming traffic isn’t just courteous, it also makes you safer.
More and more cyclists are curious about riding at night, because it is such a unique experience. Roads are deserted, sounds and smells are more noticeable, you see the moon and the stars—riding at night can be truly special.
Our UD racks have also been flying off the shelves. They are designed to fit on any bike as long as the fork has a thru-hole in the crown. The UD racks are ultralight, yet strong to support your handlebar bag without swaying, no matter how rough the terrain. If you’re planning big adventures next year, a UD rack may be just what your bike needs.
We’ve also seen strong demand for our cranks. The forged arms are super light and super-strong. Customizing your gearing for your power and riding style means you have the gears you need, spaced as you want them. Rene Herse cranks can be set up as One-By, Double or Triple. There’s even a tandem version. Thanks to the small bolt circle, you can add or subtract chainrings without needing new cranks.
Unlike many other boutique cranks, you don’t give up shifting performance. Many customers have told us that our cranks are among the best-shifting they’ve ever ridden. There are two reason for that: Our ramped-and-pinned chainrings are designed as matched pairs to optimize shifting. Ramps and pins only work if the chain hits them exactly right. If chainrings aren’t designed as pairs (with the matching small ring marked on the big ring), the ramps and pins won’t do much.
There’s more: We’ve optimized the shifting for cadences between 70 and 110 rpm. Most crank makers still treat shifts as a static problem, which is much easier, since you can just draw the perfect chain path—but the chain isn’t going to follow that theoretical path when the cranks and chainrings are spinning.
We have all crankarms in stock, and all chainrings. Except 30-tooth small rings, which are expected later this month. (You can pre-order your cranks if you want a 30t.)
Now is also the time to check if your tires are getting thin or the sidewalls have cuts or cracks. If it’s time to replace your tires, upgrading to supple rubber is the biggest difference you can make in the performance, comfort and plain fun of your bike.
More than a decade ago, Rene Herse introduced the original supple, wide tires. Thanks to that head start, we’ve been continuously developing our tires, with innovative casings and tread patterns. Most of our dual-purpose knobbier feature our unique noise canceling technology, to they are as quiet as most slicks.
Take a moment during the busy holiday season and plan for the projects you’ll tackle later on. Ordering the parts you’ll need means you’ll have them when you’re ready to work on your bike. And if you’re still shopping for holiday gifts, check out our Gift Guide with many thoughtful ideas that’ll delight the cyclists on your list.
More information:
Photo credit: Rugile Kaladyte (3rd from bottom); Marathon Photo (bottom)
