This Week's Favorite Products: August 31-September 6

Welcome to our weekly roundup of your favorite products! Each week, we'll feature top selling items across categories like apparel, accessories, components, and more. Whether you're looking to upgrade your bike or try something new, these recommendations are sure to deliver. Let's dive in!

Why We Love It:

We love the Topeak Baby Seat II because it strikes the perfect balance between safety, comfort, and convenience. The wrap-around cocoon design gives us peace of mind, knowing our child is well-protected from all sides, while the built-in suspension keeps bumps and vibrations from spoiling the ride. The quick-release mounting system is a game-changer for busy parents—allowing us to go from family rides to solo commuting in seconds without tools or hassle. Add in the adjustable harness and footrests that grow with your child, plus the ability to use the rack for bags when the seat isn’t attached, and you’ve got a seat that makes every ride feel smooth, safe, and incredibly practical.

Pros:

1. Robust Wrap-Around Protection – Creates a secure cocoon around your child.

2. Built-In Suspension – Dual-spring shock system smooths out rough roads.

3. Quick, Tool-Free Mounting – Proprietary rack system allows for fast attachment/detachment.

4. Adjustable Fit – Three shoulder strap settings and seven-position footrests support growth.

5. Roll Bar Handle – Adds head protection and makes carrying easier.

6. Top-Tier Safety Compliance – Meets EN-14344, CPSIA, Proposition 65 standards.

7. Accessory-Capable Rack – Compatible with MTX QuickTrack® bags once the seat is off.

8. Value Over Time – Good pricing with availability of replacement parts enhances long-term usability.

Cons:

1. 3-Point Harness with Helmet Conflict – May be hard to fit the harness over a helmet; you might need to remove it first.

2. Two-Hand Buckle Operation – Releasing the buckle takes both hands and can be fiddly when balancing your bike.

3. Thin Padding, No Recline – Functional but not plush; lacks recline for sleeping kids.

4. Minimal Ventilation – No vent holes in back, which could affect comfort in hot climates.

5. Requires Topeak Rack – You must use the proprietary rack system; adds cost if swapping between bikes.

Why We Love It:

There’s something reassuring about rolling into your destination knowing your bike is protected by one of the toughest locks available. The Kryptonite New York U-Lock earns that confidence with its 16 mm hardened MAX-PERFORMANCE steel shackle and double-deadbolt design that resists bolt cutters, leverage attacks, and even sophisticated picking attempts. It consistently ranks at the top of security ratings, earning a 9/10 from Kryptonite and Sold Secure Gold certification, making it a go-to choice for high-theft areas. Beyond brute strength, the lock is thoughtfully designed with real riders in mind. The included FlexFrame-U bracket makes it easy to carry without weighing down your bag, while practical touches like the LED key, sliding dust cover, and extra key options show Kryptonite’s attention to everyday usability. Add in its proven track record—riders often report years of theft-free use in big cities—and it’s easy to see why we love this lock: it blends maximum security with practical features that make it dependable day in and day out.

Pros:

1. Exceptional security with 16 mm hardened steel and double-deadbolt locking.

2. Industry-leading ratings, including Kryptonite 9/10 and Sold Secure Gold.

3. Comes with a FlexFrame-U bracket for easy frame-mounted transport.

4. Thoughtful design details like an LED key, dust cover, and three included keys.

5. Proven reliability with a long track record of protecting bikes in high-theft areas.

Cons:

1. Heavier than most U-locks, weighing over 4 pounds.

2. The FlexFrame-U bracket doesn’t fit all frames perfectly and can be fiddly to mount.

3. Compact shackle size limits what you can lock to, especially with larger e-bikes.

4. Still vulnerable to angle grinder attacks, like nearly all locks in its class.

5. Price is on the higher end, though it reflects the premium security level.

Why We Love It:

We love the 1090 Evolution Series 4 because it combines serious protection with everyday practicality . The 10mm six-sided chain links are made from 3T manganese steel , making them incredibly resistant to cutting and leverage attacks. The end-link design eliminates the weakest point of traditional chain locks by connecting the chain directly to a hardened deadbolt, rather than just looping around the lock body.

At 90cm long , it’s versatile enough to secure your bike to a fixed object while keeping the lock compact and manageable for transport. The durable nylon sleeve helps protect your bike’s paint, and the lock cylinder itself is engineered to resist picking and drilling.

This is the type of lock you buy if you want long-term security and confidence that your bike will still be where you left it.

Pros:

1. High-Security Steel Links – 10mm six-sided manganese steel resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks.
2. End-Link Design – Chain attaches directly into a hardened deadbolt, eliminating a common point of weakness.
3. Disc-Style Cylinder – Resistant to picking and drilling, adding another layer of defense.
4. 90cm Length – Compact yet versatile enough to secure the frame and wheel to racks or poles.
5. Protective Nylon Cover – Prevents scratches on bike frames and improves handling.
6. Includes Kryptonite Key Safe Program – Register your keys online for free replacement if they’re lost.

Cons:

1. Heavy – At around 6 lbs, it’s not the lightest lock to carry.
2. Limited Length – 90cm works for most setups, but it may be short if you need extra reach.

3. Not As Quick as a U-Lock – Wrapping and positioning the chain takes a bit more time.

4. Pricey – More expensive than basic locks, but you’re paying for serious protection.

Why We Love It:

We love the Kryptonite Evolution Series U-Lock because it strikes the right balance between security, portability, and versatility . The 13mm hardened steel shackle provides serious protection against bolt cutters and leverage attacks, while the included 4’ Kryptoflex double-loop cable lets you secure your front wheel or accessories with ease. Add in thoughtful extras like three stainless steel keys (one with an LED light), a dust cover, and Kryptonite’s Key Safe Program, and you’ve got a lock that goes the extra mile for peace of mind.

Pros:

1. 13mm hardened steel shackle resists cutting and leverage attacks

2. Double-deadbolt design with pick- and drill-resistant cylinder

3. Includes a 4’ Kryptoflex double-loop cable for wheels or accessories

4. FlexFrame-U bracket makes on-bike carrying easy and secure

5. Comes with three keys, including an LED key for night use

6. Sliding dust cover protects the lock cylinder

7. Backed by Kryptonite’s Key Safe Program for free key replacements

8. Compact size makes it easier to carry daily

Cons:

1. Compact dimensions (3.25” x 7”) can limit locking options on larger racks or posts

2. Included cable adds flexibility but doesn’t provide the same level of security as the U-lock itself

3. Slightly more expensive than entry-level locks

4. Cable can be a bit unwieldy to coil and carry if not strapped down

Why We Love It:

We love the Kuat NV 2.0 Base because it blends premium design with practicality. Unlike racks that feel clunky or overly complicated, this one is intuitive and hassle-free from setup to daily use. The sturdy build instills confidence when hauling everything from lightweight road bikes to heavier e-bikes, and the thoughtful details—like the pedal-activated tilt mechanism, adjustable cradles to prevent bike-on-bike contact, and integrated locks—make it easy to live with. Its versatility is another big win, handling fat bikes, mountain bikes, and even longer wheelbase rides without complaint. And while it comes at a premium price, the combination of durability, stability, and expandability makes it a true long-term investment for riders who value reliability on every trip.

Pros:

1. Matte-black design is sleek and understated

2. Strong and stable platform, even for e-bikes

3. Quick, tool-free installation

4. Fits a wide variety of bikes, from road to fat

5. Adjustable cradles reduce bike contact

6. Integrated locks add peace of mind

7. Expandable to 3 or 4 bikes

Cons:

1. Premium price point

2. Ratcheting arm can feel stiff

3. Bulky compared to slimmer racks

4. Heavier at ~52 lb

5. Limited compatibility with RVs