Kristi Reviews – pedalnorth https://pedalnorth.com The best independent cycling website Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:43:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://pedalnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-Pedal-North-600-pixel-32x32.jpg Kristi Reviews – pedalnorth https://pedalnorth.com 32 32 Scicon Aerostorm Sunglasses Review https://pedalnorth.com/scicon-aerostorm-sunglasses-review/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:38:46 +0000 https://pedalnorth.com/?p=48982
Scicon Aerostorm
Sports SunglassesReview by Kristi Kuldkepp

Scicon Aerostorm Sunglasses Review

Performance Eyewear Built for Speed

By Kristi Kuldkepp, Senior Editor, Reviews

Having recently had the opportunity to test out the Scicon Aerocomfort bike bag, and having used their products for years, I was pleasantly smiling when I was asked to test out their latest eyewear ranges too. And, if the Aerocomfort 3.1 demonstrates Scicon’s expertise in bike travel, the Aerostorm sunglasses showcase the brand’s commitment to on-bike performance – a key element for any serious cyclist.

Modern cyclists expect more than simple sun protection. Today’s eyewear must combine aerodynamic efficiency, optical clarity, comfort, and reliability across everything from race-day efforts to long and tough endurance rides. The Aerostorm enters this competitive category with confidence—and delivers impressively.

At first glance, the Aerostorm stands out with its aggressive race-inspired design. The large single-lens construction provides excellent coverage and an exceptionally wide field of view, helping riders stay focused on the road ahead whether descending at speed, cornering, or riding in a group. Optical performance is one of its strongest features. The lens offers sharp contrast and effective light management, improving visibility in changing conditions while controlling glare without overly darkening the surroundings.

Comfort & Performance

Comfort is equally impressive. Despite its large size, the Aerostorm feels lightweight and secure, remaining stable even on rough roads and long rides. I’m always conscious of sunglasses being too big a fit on my quite petit face, and then slipping down during races. These sunnies were just about right, and had a small adjustment pad on the nose too. Ventilation is also excellent, with airflow channels helping to reduce fogging during hard efforts and warmer conditions. Perhaps the Aerostorm’s greatest strength is its versatility. While clearly designed with racing in mind, it performs just as well during everyday training rides. It successfully balances high-performance features with all-day usability.

Of course, riders who prefer smaller, more traditional eyewear may find the oversized shield design too bold. The AeroStorm also sits firmly in the premium price category. However, both are expected trade-offs in a product aimed at performance-focused cyclists. The attention to detail reflects Scicon’s close connection to professional cycling. Every aspect of the AeroStorm feels developed with real-world riding experience in mind. They look well made and feel like a quality pair of sunglasses out to feel.

Final Verdict

The Scicon Aerostorm successfully combines aerodynamics, comfort, optical clarity, and modern styling in a premium package. Whether you’re racing, training, or simply looking for high-performance eyewear, it is a product well worth considering.

Stylish? Absolutely. Performance-focused? Without question.

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]]> Scicon Aerocomfort 3.1 Road Bike Travel Bike Bag Review https://pedalnorth.com/scicon-aerocomfort-3-1-road-bike-travel-bike-bag-review/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:55:24 +0000 https://pedalnorth.com/?p=48979

Scicon Aerocomfort 3.1 Road Bike Travel Bike Bag Review

The Gold Standard for Hassle-Free Bike Travel

By Kristi Kuldkepp, Senior Editor, Reviews 

Travelling with a road bike has traditionally been one of cycling’s biggest headaches. Between being forced to dismantle components, protecting fragile carbon frames, and trusting the unpredictable airport baggage handlers, flying with a bike can quickly become stressful – and potentially expensive if the bike is damaged.

That’s exactly why the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.1 has earned such a strong reputation among cyclists—and after testing it, it’s easy to see why many World Tour teams rely on it. The Aerocomfort’s biggest advantage is simplicity. Unlike many traditional bike cases, it requires minimal disassembly. In most cases, only the wheels need to be removed, while the handlebars, saddle, and seatpost remain in place. This not only saves valuable time but also preserves your bike fit perfectly. Also, with the increase in integrated handlebars, keeping things fixed to the bike is important.

Packing & Practicality

Packing the bag is also intuitive and well thought out. The integrated bike stand secures the frame, and the padded wheel compartments provide additional protection, whilst multiple carrying handles make airport navigation much easier. Every detail feels designed by people who genuinely understand bike travel. What makes the Aerocomfort stand out is its sensible balance between protection and practicality. The padding elements provided allow you to fit things around the frame once in the bag, and it all feels kind of good and easy to travel with once fastened up. Is it confidence inspiring – yes, I think it is. It’s also very well made from quality materials and can take the rigours of international travel in its stride.

While hard-shell cases may offer slightly more impact resistance, they are often heavier, bulkier, and less convenient. The Aerocomfort provides impressive protection through its reinforced structure, thick padding, and Frame Defender system while remaining significantly more user-friendly. Another major advantage is speed. Once familiar with the system, packing takes around 10–15 minutes, allowing riders to spend less time preparing and more time riding. Of course, it isn’t perfect. The bag is still large, which can make storage challenging, and its premium price tag may not appeal to occasional travellers. Riders who prioritise maximum protection above all else may still prefer a hard-shell case.

Final Verdict

However, for most cyclists, the Aerocomfort 3.1 strikes an exceptional balance between its obvious convenience, protection, and ease of use. The fact that professional teams trust it for international travel speaks volumes about its reliability.

If you travel regularly with your road bike, the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.1 is one of the best investments you can make. It transforms bike travel from a stressful chore into a simple and  straightforward process—and once you’ve experienced that convenience, it’s difficult to go back.

Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

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]]> GripGrab spring warmth cycling clothing for women https://pedalnorth.com/gripgrab-spring-warmth-cycling-clothing-for-women/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:46:34 +0000 https://pedalnorth.com/?p=48612
Spring warmth with GripGrabKristi Kuldkepp

GripGrab Winter Testing Review

Early Season Performance in Nordic Conditions

by Kristi Kuldkepp, Women’s Cycling Editor

Early season training in Northern Europe is always a challenge. Cold temperatures, wind, and constantly changing conditions demand cycling gear that is not only comfortable, but reliable over long hours on the bike.Too often brands forget this, working simply towards aero products, whilst not appreciating that comfort and movement equals performance.

Over the past weeks, I’ve been testing several pieces from the GripGrab PACR collection in real training conditions in Estonia – temperatures around +2 to +8°C, strong winds and typical early spring variability. Yes, cold for early spring, but ideal for testing women’s cycling clothing! The focus of this review is on functionality, performance and comfort during structured training (10–14 hours per week), rather than just first impressions. For me, as a semi-pro racer, clothing has first to perform, and that means that it has to be functional – style is an added benefit.
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Tested Equipment

• Women’s PACR Long Sleeve Jersey
• Women’s PACR Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey
• Women’s PACR Insulated Midlayer Vest
• Women’s PACR Thermal Bib Shorts
• Waterproof Knitted Winter Gloves
• Ride Thermal Leg Warmers
________________________________________

Images by Diane Unt Photography

First Impression – Clean Design, Functional Fit

GripGrab follows a very clean and minimal design approach, but what stands out more is the fit. All pieces feel purpose-built for riding, with no unnecessary bulk or distractions. They use a body mapping process, meaning that the fit is performance-oriented but not overly aggressive, which makes it suitable for long endurance sessions without compromising comfort.

How did I find it: overall comfortable, and yes, it did have that necessary movement, whilst being quite simply a nice product to wear. Ultimately, if it’s comfortable and functional, then I feel better and I’ll perform better. Do GripGrab achieve this – yes, I think that they do.

The quality is good, with excellent cut and fabrics, and the pockets are strong and easy to reach, with a good quality zip on the security pocket. Small points matter with cycling kit, far more than loud aesthetics.
________________________________________

Performance in Cold Conditions: Layering System – What Works

GripGrab produce technical fabrics and don’t over-complicate things. Their combination of:

• PACR Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey
• Insulated Midlayer Vest
• Thermal Bib Shorts + Leg Warmers

This proved to be a very effective setup in temperatures between +2 and +8°C. Ultimately, it kept me warm and I felt comfortable. Ultimately, that’s what we want to achieve. It’s unfussy and uncomplicated kit, that allows me the freedom to move on the bike and to relax in the cold temperatures of early spring. The leg warmers stayed firmly fitted and formed a “second-skin” feeling, which is necessary. They didn’t sag and they were comfortable at the upper hem, tucked neatly under the shorts. They were warm without being too warm, and had the right level of moisture beading for light rain. They have superb stretch, due to the quality of the material, which is always a bonus.

Layering and leg warmers are important in early season and races. Would I be happy to take these along to a race – absolutely.

The layering works especially well because:

• the vest adds core warmth without overheating
• the jersey regulates temperature effectively during changing intensity
• the system adapts easily as conditions change during the ride

This is particularly important during longer Zone 2 sessions where body temperature fluctuates over time. Maintaining layers when training in early season can be tricky. Clothes have to work and be comfortable – these are.
________________________________________

On the Bike – Comfort and Stability

During longer rides (2–4 hours), the key factors for me were:

• Stability of the fit – no shifting or adjustment needed
• Breathability – no excessive overheating even during harder efforts
• Freedom of movement – especially noticeable in the upper body

I guess that this is due to the work carried out GripGrab to develop and use the right fabrics. They work closely with world teams such as UNO X, and that feeds down into these jerseys and shorts.

The PACR Thermal Bib Shorts combined with leg warmers provided a surprisingly versatile setup. They offer enough warmth for cold starts, while still feeling lighter and more flexible than full winter tights. Best of all, the compression and cut means that they stay firm and stable when I ride – like a second skin, allowing me to simply focus on performance.
________________________________________

Gloves – Critical in Nordic Conditions

Gloves are often an overlooked but critical element of our cycling kit. GripGrab made their name with gloves, and they still stand out today. The Waterproof Knitted Winter Gloves stood out for me during these tests, as one of the most important pieces of kit in these conditions.

In temperatures close to freezing:

• hands stayed warm without overheating
• grip remained secure in both dry and damp conditions
• no loss of control or dexterity during braking and shifting

For Nordic riders, this is a key detail that can make or break a ride. The gloves fitted comfortably, had the necessary stretch and feel to them; and I was able to use my devices screens with them on – always a bonus. Gloves should never be a secondary thought, and these from GribGrab are a good option for early spring. They feel quality and are tough, and should last a long time.
________________________________________

Breathability vs Protection

One of the most important aspects of early season gear is balancing insulation with breathability.
GripGrab manages this well:

• the fabrics protect against wind and cold
• but still allow moisture to escape during effort

This reduces the “overheating → cooling down → getting cold again” cycle, which is common in spring riding. The kit is stylishly simple, functional and offers that protection from the elements without sacrificing breathability.
________________________________________

Who This Setup Is For

This kit is especially well suited for riders who:

• train consistently in cold or variable conditions
• prioritize functionality over aesthetics
• need reliable gear for long endurance rides

It’s priced in the right area to make it accessible for most riders, and will give you a comfortable ride – and ultimately, that is always a key focus. GripGrab design and produce cycling clothing and accessories that work. The kit is also stylish, in a cool and modern way, which I like. It’s not loud or garish – it simply works on the bike and fits my purpose, whilst adding that modern styling. Fundamentally though, it allows me to train in early spring, with those cold winds, and it functions on long rides in zone 2.
________________________________________

Conclusion

GripGrab may not position itself as the most visible premium brand, but it delivers where it matters most: performance, reliability and functionality in real training conditions.

And for a rider, that’s exactly what counts. I’ve enjoyed testing their latest kit, and it does actually work. They’re a brand that doesn’t go for unnecessary headlines. Instead they focus on function and fit, which is what all cyclists want.

It’s time to ride!

Kristi 🙂

It’s time to ride!

with GripGrab

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