Opal Dama: Katie acknowledges that carbon is really, really great, as well as the importance of bike fit

As a self-identified retro-grouch, I've never had a whole lot of use for carbon bicycles. Sure, going super fast is fun, but where are the eyelets to install racks and fenders? I get that it weighs less than twenty pounds, but can't I put a dyno-hub on it?

You all get to be the first to know: I recant.

I borrowed the lovely Kellie Cochran's Opal Dama after being repeatedly harassed about not racing.* The first thing that stands out about this bicycle is its responsiveness. It is built to do one thing and do it exceptionally well: go fast. As a petite person, riding a tiny, lightweight bicycle really allowed me to power up climbs and race over flats. I was thoroughly convinced before getting on this bicycle that I was a reasonably slow rider. Riding the Opal Dama was definitely a confidence builder that gave me a new perspective of my physical fitness.

Even on the course at Devou Park, which looks like a construction zone in some parts, the Opal Dama rode smoothly and efficiently. While this Opal Dama was not fit to me beyond saddle height, it still handled exceptionally well. Next time I take it out, it will have been fit to me, and I'll have my saddle on it, which will allow for a truly comfortable ride. Having a bicycle fit to you is a total game changer, and it's been a while since I rode a bicycle that wasn't fit exactly to me. I could certainly tell the difference in terms of comfort, but was still impressed with how close the frame came to being a solid fit. Orbea's female-specific geometry, Dama, is spot on.

It was my first race, and I wish I had spent more time in advance getting familiar with the SRAM Force, but now that I'm comfortable with it, the double-tap system is actually sort of satisfying. The frame and fork were incredible, and for any female looking to get a bicycle that will truly maximize their fitness level without going in to the uppermost echelon of price on a female-specific carbon frame, the Opal Dama is an excellent option.

Many thanks go to Kellie for letting me borrow her ride.

*by a certain proprietor of a certain independently owned and operated bike shop.

Cateye Hybrid Solar+Battery Headlight

On a recent ride to Yellow Springs (mostly in the dark), Nate tested out the new Cateye Hybrid light. After charging in the shop window all day, it was ready to go on its first adventure. One of the neater features of the light is that its solar panel shines blue when it is using the solar charged battery, and red when it is using the regular AA battery. Headlights generally burn through batteries pretty quickly, so if you're a dedicated commuter or night-rider, this light is a bargain. If you are concerned about pollutants from batteries, then having a solar powered headlight can go a long ways towards helping reduce hazardous materials put into the waste stream.

Compared side by side with the standard 1 watt Cateye Blaze, the Cateye Hybrid stood out for more than just its eco-friendly, spaceship-esque design: it's just a better light. Its constant mode was bright enough to fully illuminate the path when necessary, and the blinking mode still provided a significant improvement over the Cateye Blaze's visibility from 100 feet. If you're willing to be responsible about recharging it, then this light will significantly reduce your dependence on batteries, and will be the brightest non-battery pack light that we carry.