Charles Manantan

Charles Manantan Likes bike stuff... With a background in product development and design and a love for anything that goes fast on any number of wheels, he's been writing and snapping pictures for a few decades within multiple sports but calls cycling his publishing home.

Northwave Extreme Pro 2 Shoes Review

Charles Manantan Aug 24, 2022

It bears repeating that Northwave sit in the undisputed world center for fast feet. Being in the mix in Montebelluna Italy, means access to a talent pool that includes most of the top names in skiing, hiking, climbing and cycling and…

Officine Mattio Lemma 2.0 Factory Tour and Review

Charles Manantan Mar 25, 2022

Officine Mattio (“Mattio Workshop”) launches the custom Lemma 2.0, an aero/ all-round road bike fabricated in Italy alongside race kit for Ferrari, Lamborghini and others. Roll through the molding process from fiber to tube to frame…

ALE PRR Magnitude Jersey & R-EV1 Hammer Shorts Review

Charles Manantan Jul 13, 2021

Given our overnight low here in Phoenix AZ is higher than the highs being blasted on the news as life-and-death. I needed a bit of help! And it came from the home of most great technical wear, Verona Italy… ALE drop their Aero-cooling PRR…

Officine Mattio OM1 Disc Bike Review: Is Mattio Workshop Saving Italian Cycling?

Charles Manantan Jul 10, 2021

Officine Mattio (Mattio Workshop) is the largest Italian brand that you’ve never heard of, located in what I think is the most under-appreciated region in Italy for incredible cycling, Piemonte. Here’s the latest OM1, from the company…

ALÉ Bikewear Green Road Kit Review: Recycled Materials Make Brand New Jersey & Bibshorts

Charles Manantan Jun 8, 2020

In their Italian production HQ, ALÉ Cycling go green using multiple fabric weaves and blends, from over 90% recycled materials to create their PRR Green Road Kit.

Time Osmos 15 Shoe Review: Time Step Back In

Charles Manantan Aug 5, 2019

With an HQ in the sport shoe capitol of the world and the footwear horsepower of new-ish parent company Rossignol, Time are back in the cycling shoe business and we have a look at their top-kicks; the Osmos 15.

Sidi Wire 2 Carbon Air Shoe Review: Hole-y Moly

Charles Manantan May 29, 2019

Sidi Wire 2 Carbon Air Shoes roll in as the brand's second-from-top line kicks, but are they really second best? With double dial closure, a soft instep strap and LOADS of ventilation, I think these are the top dogs…

LIMAR Air Pro Helmet Review: More Air Flow and Aero

Charles Manantan May 17, 2019

Limar introduced the world's first foam-in-shell cycling helmet and were also the first lid-maker to sponsor a pro cycling team. They’ve also been the lightest production helmet in the world on several occasions, but they’ve only ever had…

2019 SEA OTTER GEAR-2: More of Cycling’s Best Kit from Monterey California

Charles Manantan May 1, 2019

This round of the coolest cycling gear we saw at Sea Otter Coverage brings you Pirelli’s P Zero Tubular, Kask Helmet’s Caipi, Koo Glasses, Look 765 Gravel, Ceramic Speed OSPW-X Pulley, Orucase Airport Ninja and Vittoria Tierra shoes.

2019 SEA OTTER GEAR-1: Cycling’s Best Kit from Monterey California

Charles Manantan Apr 23, 2019

Ocean-side Gear Fest rolls out Parlee’s latest RZ7, Repente Saddles Magnet TT, POC’s Latest Headwear and Ceramic Jersey and CloseTheGap’s new bits.

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