Limited Edition

January 18, 2013

It's a true story that I'm a huge sucker for limited-edition runs of products.  Recently, I caved and snagged a pair of Bont Thor Hushovd signature-edition cycling shoes, and I'm brainstorming another tour for this summer so I can swing by the Adventure Cycling office to snag another Bikelingual bandana, available only to touring cyclists who visit our headquarters.

Fortunately for me, and unfortunately for my bank account, you can find limited-edition runs of cycling products just about anywhere.  It's a great way for companies to test out new designs, while getting a boost in advertising while their at it.  For consumers, it's a fun way to get a hold of a product you've been eyeing, but with a little more flair.  Here are some limited-edition items I've been checking out lately:

Ortlieb 30 Year Anniversary Panniers

Do I currently have a set of Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers?  Yes, but it's always good to have a backup, right?  For Ortlieb's 30th anniversary, they have released a special-edition series of their popular Back Roller Classic panniers.  Available as a single pannier only, they come in an assortment of colors, featuring various countries and continents.  The Belgian pannier looks pretty tempting to me.

Brooks Limited Edition Saddles

Brooks England is most certainly a company that embraces the limited run. You'll find saddles that Brooks has resurrected from the past, commemorative saddles, and saddles made in collaboration with other organizations or companies, such as the Vans shoes company.  It's hard not to be a fan of the B17 Select World Traveler 2012 saddle.  Only 2,012 saddles available!

Giro First Friday 50

Absolutely love what Giro is doing right now.  On the first Friday of every month, they will release a new product in a limited run of 50 pieces that is available only to their Facebook fans.  Just "like" them on Facebook, and keep a sharp eye out for their next product announcement.  They were quick to sell out of the cycling caps they had for their January offer, so if you're going to act in February, act fast!

Just remember, if you're not into buying limited-edition runs of product, just hang onto what you have now.  Given enough time, almost everything becomes limited at some point.

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TOURING GEAR & TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's  member services department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead. Look for Josh's  Fine Tuned column in  Adventure Cyclist magazine as well.