SSS Staff Favorites: Summer 2026 Essentials
With the return of long days and warm light, part of the Slow Spin team and I have curated a selection of our summer essentials. Bringing together the gear, objects, and inspirations we’ll have close at hand all season. From bike components and bike shops to cameras, headphones, backpacks, and podcasts, these are the pieces shaping our Summer 2026.
Paul’s Essentials!
SYCIP × SIM WORKS JJJ Bar $93
You’ve probably already seen this handlebar in the 3m² video I released last week, as well as in my recent bike check. I know that for many, the appeal of “alt bars” on a fixed-gear street setup isn’t immediately obvious, but I can say they genuinely change the way you ride.
To be honest, even though I was drawn to both the comfort and the look, I initially struggled to adapt. For a while, my bike control felt worse, with everything from bunny hops to skidding being less intuitive compared to straight bars. But it’s a trade-off I was willing to make. This shape doesn’t push you into an aggressive riding position, and that completely shifts the experience. After a few days I got use to the bars, and I was fully back, bike control-wise.
Being able to just relax and “chill” on my Parallax (probably thanks to the 20mm of rise on these bars) has been a refreshing change, and it’s a setup I’m looking forward to spending more time on.
Gesus8 $FREE
As much as I enjoy what I do, 2026 has, unfortunately, started with more time spent in front of my computer each morning than I’d like, simply because things have been so busy. One thing that’s made that routine far more enjoyable is a YouTube channel I discovered earlier this year: Gesus8.
Thanks to a rare moment of generosity from the algorithm, I stumbled onto some of the best house mixes I’ve heard in a while, and they’ve been in constant rotation ever since, turning otherwise long mornings into something I actually enjoy.
Moga Black - Technical Backpack $506
When I picked up my full set of Moga bikepacking bags (➡️ Moga Bags: Pushing the Envelope of Bikepacking Design) , George also handed me one of his technical backpacks to try. Since then, I’ve taken it on multiple trips and, at times, have quite literally lived out of it for months. As much as I appreciate my Freight Baggage backpack, the “Moga Black” has made traveling noticeably easier. The accessibility is what stands out most, and the variety of access and the way it allows you to reach your gear effortlessly. All of this is wrapped in X-Pac Dyneema fabric that feels incredibly light without compromising on durability. I’m also curious on how it would do in a more “wilder” environment, like a multiple-day hiking trip. We’ll have to see…
But in the mean time, it’s easily been one of the highlights of the past few months, and this backpack could deserve a full review on its own. While it does sit on the pricier side, it’s worth noting that each piece is handmade, fully customizable, and built with exceptional attention to detail.
Midnight Burger Podcast $FREE
With all the time I’ve spent traveling, I needed something to keep me occupied, and I can’t thank Conor enough for introducing me to Midnight Burger. It’s an audio drama about a time-traveling, dimension-spanning diner that appears somewhere new in the universe every day, pulling you into some of the most epic adventures I’ve experienced in a long time.
I’ve never really been a big sci-fi fan, even if I’ve seen a few Star Wars films here and there. But Midnight Burger got me so hooked that I went through all five seasons in about eight months, and now I’m just waiting for the next one. It’s been a real lifesaver during long hours on the road but also just as good if you want to add a bit of galactic drama to a daily commute.
Ryan’s Essentials!
Shockz Openrun Pro 2 Mini $179
I (Ryan) recently picked up the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Mini after all my previous open-ear headphones broke just before a trip. I had been using QCY clip-on and bone conduction models, so I was already familiar with the style. Shokz has a strong reputation among cyclists and runners, and several of my friends use them without complaints, so when I found them on sale locally, it felt like an easy choice.
Fit-wise, I’d recommend going for the Mini if it’s comfortable on your head; otherwise, the regular size should work for most people. The first thing I noticed was the audio quality. Compared to other bone conduction headphones I’ve tried, these sound significantly better. The DualPitch technology separates the bass into an air conduction unit, which makes both highs and lows feel more defined, especially compared to the previous generation.
They do exactly what I need: provide music while keeping me aware of my surroundings, which is essential for cycling safely. Battery life has been excellent as well. I got through three days of riding in Jeju with just a single 30-minute charge. With up to 12 hours of playback and USB-C charging, even a quick top-up before heading out gives me more than enough power.
Comfort is another big plus. Unlike my old on-ear Beats, these don’t trap sweat or cause discomfort. I often forget I’m even wearing them during runs or gym sessions.
The only downside is that in noisy environments—like the gym or windy rides—the open-ear design makes it harder to hear clearly, so I sometimes have to increase the volume.
Overall, I’d rate them a solid 9/10. They’re a great choice for active use. I’m curious about the OpenFit Pro for its lighter build and noise cancellation, but the higher price makes me hesitate for now.
So’s Essentials!
Boost’s Anodizing Service $60
There’s definitely something special about appreciating original designs, but creating a true one-of-one piece, bringing your own ideas and vision to life with a bit of help, is on another level. This time, I went to Boost (yes, the shop I’m always talking about), and they anodized my AARN chainring. It turned out to be exactly the right choice.
Seeing and riding a part that carries both my own touch and that of my friends makes the bike feel even more personal. It’s something you notice every time you ride, and it deepens my connection to it in a way that off-the-shelf parts never could.
Having real 1/1 pieces on your bike is something you just don’t get tired of.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 $450
Film was my starting point, which made the Fujifilm X-Pro1 my first digital camera. I don’t know much about technical specs yet, but I’m already hooked on the experience of shooting and instantly seeing my results. With its film camera feel, unique viewfinder, and, of course Fujifilm’s colors, it feels like the perfect bridge from film to digital.
Lately, I’ve been exploring a range of gear, from film cameras like the Nikon F100, Canon F-1, and Canon FTb to the digital X-Pro1. Having more options and discovering new ways to express my ideas has made photography even more exciting. I’ve even started thinking about getting into videography at some point.
On top of that, thanks to Paul, I’ve had the chance to review frames like IIWII and A-Frame All Track. It’s made this year feel like one where I’m more connected to the bike scene than ever, and I’m really excited to see what’s coming next.
Bonus!
Redshift Mousetrap Pedal Adapters $59
Here is a bonus item that definitely deserves a spot on our summer list. Earlier this year, Redshift kindly sent over their Mouse Trap adapters for SPD pedals. This clever little device allows you to transform your Shimano SPD pedal into a flat platform with a single click. Since I knew exactly who could make the most use out of these, I lent them to my friend BJ (who you may remember from our blog post ➡️ From Perfect to Personal: Building a Bike You Actually Love).
Here is his quick 30-second review:
"This is a huge upgrade over the adapters I used previously, which required an Allen key just to get enough leverage to pry them off the pedals. The Mouse Traps are lighter, easier to use, and much more compact to store when you don’t need them. They feel a bit on the larger side to me, so a smaller version would be great, but otherwise, they are exactly what I wanted them to be."
