Birzman has improved their already amazing Snap-It pump valve head and updated several other pumps, but they started their story with a collection of new products for on the bike. From frame bags to protective gadgets and more, it’s a wide ranging, somewhat random assortment.
In the background are new Uncage bottle cages, available in either standard entry or side entry versions, both of which have methods for strapping a tube, CO2 and other small bits to the bottom of them. The Bottle Cleat takes the idea of a cageless water bottle, seen on products from Vincero Designs and, more recently, Fabric, but gives it their own unique twist…literally…
The bottom of the bottle has an angled groove that guides the taller ring on the bottom of the mount into the notch. Bottom that out, then simply rotate the bottle in to catch the upper notch and it snaps into place. It felt secure, and you can flip the mount to allow right or left side entry.
They’ve also added a saddle rail mounted triathlon bottle cage mount system. The rail clamp allows for angle adjustment when tightening it all into place.
The Cable Cocoon (top) and Outrigger Jockey Shield (directly above) seemed more like experiments than mature products, but they’re interesting enough are actually going into production. The Cable Cocoon simply snaps over frayed cable ends to prevent snagging or further destruction, comes in a pack of six – three each for brake and derailleur cables. The Outrigger Jockey Shield wraps around your rear derailleur’s lower pulley wheel and cage to prevent it from catching a spoke if it gets out of line. The smooth design lets the spoke just brush on past and make a little noise, providing an early warning system.
Of more obvious value is the Sprocket Remover, a lobster claw style chain whip that self tightens without you needing to squeeze it, so it’s easily a one-handed tool leaving your other hand free for the lock ring tool.
Birzman’s Snap-It, now called Push & Twist, valve head might be the highlight of their entire collection. Simply press it on, give it a half twist and start pumping. Then just pull it off to remove. It literally couldn’t be any easier or quicker and it works flawlessly as long as your valve stem is threaded. And, until now, as long as it was a Presta valve. This new version works the same way for Schrader valves so, rather than having to thread it on, you can push it on and pump your kids’ tires just as quickly as your own. And it still works just as well for Presta valves.
The Grand-Maha III grows to 745mm, making it the perfect floor pump for tall people. That oversized canister at the bottom is the Pump Up, an external 1.2L air chamber that you can pressurize up to 220psi (15bar) with any capable floor pump, then use to seat tubeless tires. The head threads onto both Presta and Schrader valve heads and has a twist-to-release collar right above it for convenient operation.
The Horizon’s Apogee Lite mini portable floor pump adds non-metal parts where they don’t affect durability to make it a bit lighter.
Birzman is getting into lights. They’ll be sold in series, with paired front and real lights designed to fit a specific use. The Climax is the biggest and brightest, with external battery for the head lamp and a mountain bike intent.
The Nocturn DLX focuses, literally and figuratively, on beam pattern more than total brightness. The beam floods the area in front of the cyclist in an appropriately broad but long swath of light that doesn’t shine upward to distract oncoming riders or cars.
The rear uses three SMD LEDs to provide 260º visibility.
The Nocturn Gene is ultra compact and is their entry level model, but with a clever mounting design. It comes with a handlebar mount, hat bill mount and bag mount. In the future they’re looking to include Bluetooth control and even GoPro syncing of some sort.
The surprise introduction was their Packman line of frame bags. Consisting of front triangle frame packs Planet and Satellite), a top tube pack and saddle pack, they’re made with 420D/600D high density fabric that’s water and abrasion resistant. All fasteners are Velcro. The frame packs have a combined capacity of 5L, the top tube pack is 0.8L, and the saddle pack is expandable but didn’t have a max volume number available.
We’re digging the wrap around strap that comes from the seat rail, which should help stabilize it. Bungie and other straps provide external stowage, too.
Interior is a bright orange to make it easier to find small things.
Their Universal Wheel Truing Stand gets longer, stronger legs to support 29er wheels with tires installed. The arms move simultaneously, making it easier to place the wheel and center it, and adjustability of all angles and directions on the calipers ensure you’ve got it where it’s needed to properly true the wheel.
The dials are all metal, and multiple caliper arms and pins help it fit everything from narrow road rims up to a 4″ wide fat bike rim, all with no risk of binding. It’ll fit hubs up to 215mm wide, too.
