Ten brands, chosen one at a time. None of them pays to be here. Here is who they are and why we carry them.
Wolf Tooth Components
Burnsville, Minnesota. Wolf Tooth machines most of its parts in its own shop, and it shows: seatpost clamps that do not creak, headset spacers in the exact height you need, a bottle cage you can move, valves that come with the spares you actually lose, and the EnCase tools that hide inside your handlebar. We also carry their bar tape, chain lube, tire lever tools and Pack Pliers. Everything is anodized in the same set of colors, so a clamp, a stem cap and a set of valves look like they were built together. Why we carry them: these are the parts you touch every ride, and Wolf Tooth is the company that solved each small problem properly instead of cheaply. Shop Wolf Tooth
KOM Cycling
Lansing, Michigan. Computer mounts for Garmin and Wahoo, radar mounts for the Varia and TRACKR, quick release lights that live under the computer, machined tubeless tools, a dial-tightened tube strap and two ways to mount a phone. Why we carry them: KOM makes the thing nobody else bothered to make, like a mount that puts a Varia on the saddle bag you already own, or on the rack of your commuter. Their Garmin out-front mount was the first product we put on the site, and a KOM radar mount was our first order. Shop KOM
Outer Shell
San Francisco, California. Bags sewn by hand in their own shop from 1000D Cordura or ECOPAK, with stiffeners and foam where a bag needs them so it holds its shape instead of flopping. The Drawcord Handlebar Bag opens with one finger; the 137 Basket Bag turns a Wald basket into luggage; the Half Frame Bag comes with printable templates so you can check the fit before you buy. The Mini Bar Bag, two saddle bags and the Seatpack fill out a bikepacking setup. Why we carry them: the best-made bags we know of, from just down the road. Shop Outer Shell
ESI Grips
Chino Valley, Arizona. Pure silicone grips, no rubber and no latex, made in the USA in three thicknesses and more colors than we can keep track of. Why we carry them: the grip we would put on most flat-bar bikes. They take the buzz out of the bar, they weigh nothing, and they are cheap enough to keep a spare set in the drawer. Shop ESI
Timber Mountain Bike Bells
San Diego, California. A trail bell that rings by itself. Flip the lever and the clapper rings off trail vibration, so walkers, dogs and other riders hear you coming without you taking a hand off the bar; flip it back and it is silent. Every part is replaceable. Why we carry them: the American River Parkway is shared, and a passive bell is the polite way to pass. Shop Timber
Sumart
Taichung, Taiwan. Sumart has made tools since 1992 and started its cycling line in 2017, in the city at the center of Taiwan's bike industry. We carry their disc brake pads for Shimano, SRAM, Hayes and Hope brakes, three bleed blocks, a sliding T-handle hex set, cassette pliers, a magnetic routing kit for internal cables, a UDH derailleur hanger and lock-on grips. Everything ships from a US warehouse. Why we carry them: brake pads are the part riders replace most, and a fair-priced set you can fit yourself beats waiting on a shop. Not sure which pads fit? Email us your brake model and we'll confirm before you order. Shop Sumart
Voler
Grover Beach, California. Voler makes cycling shorts, bibs and layers in the USA, and has for a long time. We carry two tiers: the Peloton for everyday rides, and the Escape, built around a long-distance chamois, including a women's drop tail bib. We also carry their wind jackets and wind vests (one of them reflective, for dark commutes), knee and leg warmers, and jerseys from everyday club cuts to merino. Why we carry them: made in California, and reviewers keep saying the same thing about Voler bottoms: they last. Shop Voler
Showers Pass
Portland, Oregon. Showers Pass designs its rain gear in Portland and has it made overseas; our own Century jacket came from Vietnam. Waterproof cycling gear and almost nothing else, refined over nearly three decades in a city that gets to test it nine months a year. Taped seams, published waterproof and breathability numbers rather than a coating that wears off, PFAS-free fabrics, and construction that is stitched instead of bonded. We carry the Syncline CC, Century, Cloudburst and Elite III jackets, the Transit rain pant, Cross Point waterproof gloves (Sport and Pro Wool) and socks (Sport, Classic Wool, Classic FX and Mountain), shoe covers, a neck gaiter, a helmet cover and a cap. Why we carry them: most riders around here quit in November because they got soaked once. Our rainy season is short enough that one good shell covers it. Shop Showers Pass
Thousand
Los Angeles. Thousand designs its helmets in LA and has them made in China, and they are helmets people actually want to wear: a vintage moto shape, a one-handed magnetic buckle, and a hidden PopLock channel that lets you lock the helmet to your bike. We carry the Heritage 2.0 and Chapter MIPS helmets, the Jr. kids and toddler helmets, the magnetic helmet light, Traveler 2.0 bike lights, bells and leather gloves. Why we carry them: Joe's wife and kids ride in Thousand helmets. The best helmet is the one that actually gets worn on the school run. Shop Thousand
Handup
Chattanooga, Tennessee. Handup makes thin, slip-on riding gloves in loud prints, and has built a whole line around that one idea: an everyday glove, a mesh summer glove, a sun glove, a fingerless road glove, fleece and waterproof winter gloves, and one with knuckle protection. No straps and no padding, a sweat wipe on the thumb, silicone grip on the palm. Why we carry them: a friend who rides pointed us to them, and at $24 to $39 a second pair for the other bike is an easy call. The plain black ones are there for the days you are not in the mood for island florals or a checkered flag. Shop Handup
More brands are on the way. If there is one you think belongs here, tell us.