Author: Brian O'Connor

Made in America: Swami Sportswear

Finding athletic apparel that is made in the U.S.A. is actually not too terribly difficult if you read enough labels. Yoga pants, cycling clothing and even t-shirts are still made in America, but most of these items are well over $20. Sometimes a simple pair of sweatpants or shorts to bike around town is all that is needed and not breaking the bank is a bonus. Swami Sportswear of Temecula, CA is manufacturing a line of pants and shorts for men, women and children that are all 100 percent Made in America and all for under $20 – even for custom made sweatpants.

The line of clothing includes Capri pant for the ladies, sweatpants, sports shorts and non-padded cycling shorts. The material is a fleece cotton and polyester blend with a fabric weight of 400 grams. Most of the adult bottoms are available in nine different colors and seven different sizes, all using the same thickness of fleece. There is one pair of sweatpants specifically made for the girls out there, but you only have the choice of two different colors. There is no specific section for boys, but the men’s wear is offered in some fairly small sizes. Continue reading Made in America: Swami Sportswear

Trek Suspension Calculator for Trek 2011 and 2012 Mountain Bikes

Setting up the suspension on a mountain bike can be a little confusing. How much air pressure is required? How many turns are needed for compression and/or rebound knobs? What springs are used? Does a shock from Rock Shox require a different setup configuration than one from Fox? Where are the instruction manuals?!?! If you are the owner of a 2011 or 2012 full suspension Trek mountain bike, Trek has made this job a little easier for you.

Trek has recently created a calculator to assist these owners in setting up their bikes. Simply navigate over to the site, select your bike and enter your weight. The calculator returns all of the settings that you will need to adjust your shocks. Once you have your settings, you will need your shock pump, sag meter and preferably a friend to help make these adjustments. The sag meter is usually a simple plastic clip attached to the upper leg of a suspension fork to measure the distance the fork sinks when the rider sits on the bike. The friend helps in the process since, it’s sometimes difficult to visually see how much the bike sags under the weight of the rider, if you’re the rider.

The Trek suspension calculator provides the rider a good starting point for adjusting their shocks – certainly not the final settings. Usually the hardest part of adjusting all of the variables on a full suspension bike is knowing where to start. Once this starting point is determined, minor adjustments can then be made with regards to air pressure, compression and rebound to achieve a truly ‘custom’ ride. This calculator is an excellent tool to help Trek owners setup up there bikes to achieve its full potential.

Trek Suspension Calculator


USA Pro Cycling Challenge Jerseys Being Auctioned for Charity

This coming August, sandwiched between two of the three Grand Tours, is the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is expected to be the largest spectator event in Colorado history and may possibly be one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States. For seven consecutive days, 128 of the world’s top athletes will race across 518 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation. The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 22-28, 2011, starting in Colorado Springs and traveling to Salida, Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge and Golden, ending in Denver for the finish.

Just about every cycling stage race has custom jerseys created to designate the ‘race leader’ from day to day – the USA Pro Challenge is no different. USA Pro Challenge will award jerseys daily to top athletes in various standings including the leader, sprinter and climber. In addition, the best young rider as well as the rider who tackles the course with the most tenacity and aggression will wear jerseys commemorating their accomplishments. Continue reading USA Pro Cycling Challenge Jerseys Being Auctioned for Charity

Mooto X YBB: Building a ‘Dream’ Bike First Impressions

Maybe I have an addiction, but so what. My addiction isn’t the bottle or pills – it is a bit larger and may cost as much as a substance addiction, but it is much more beneficial to my health. I have once again fallen victim to my addiction…I am putting together a new bike.

When I build bikes, I usually know if it is going to be one that I keep for a few years or in excess of a decade. The last ‘dream’ bike that I built was back in 1998 and it also started as a titanium frame – that Merlin XLM is still hanging in garage. My Merlin XLM has taken me through thousands of miles of trails from sea level to over 12,000’. It has been with me during 24 hour races and numerous Leadville Trail 100 races. I still love to take that bike out and rip through tight, smooth singletrack, but that ‘dream’ bike is soon to have a new friend. Continue reading Mooto X YBB: Building a ‘Dream’ Bike First Impressions

Made in America: FITS Socks Co.

Last week was the Snowsports Industries America (SIA) Show in New York featuring a number of different manufacturers from all around the winter sports industry. With so many companies to choose from, it might seem odd that we picked a sock company to feature. There are quite a few sock companies that still produce their items in the U.S.A., but most usually on feature three sizes – FITS Socks manufactures five different sizes ranging from 3-½ to 15-½ for men and 5 to 17 for women.

Knitting socks in Niota, TN since 1902, Crescent Sock Co. endured the ups and downs that shaped the character of America’s people and her textiles industry. Today the company produces socks under its own FITS name in the oldest operating hosiery mill in the U.S. – leveraging technical expertise and long-held knowledge of fit and comfort. The family-owned company remains committed to its vision, its people, and to keeping jobs in the Tennessee Valley. Crescent manufactured socks for more than 30 other brands before deciding to market its own high-quality product. Responding to an industry-wide epidemic of ill-fitting socks, FITS leveraged over a century of experience to develop the world’s best-fitting sock using materials, processes, and quality controls that far exceed industry standards. The result: a product line that embodies the crucial connection between fit and performance.

FITS Sock has a different approach to sock ‘fitting‘. Instead of looking at the length of the foot, they base their sizing on total volume of the foot creating a precise sock-fit. FITS socks are constructed from two-ply, compact-spun, ultra-fine Merino Wool, providing the ultimate blend of softness and durability. Their F3 Technology™ delivers a unique form FIT thanks to a deep heel pocket, specialized toe seam, and contoured leg – which keep FITS socks firmly in place. This means no more bunching, hot spots, or friction, regardless of the task at hand – if you experience any of these issues, you will appreciate how important a good pair of fitting socks can make your sporting experience much more enjoyable.

At SIA FITS was featuring their winter sports sock – FITS SKI. The heart of the FITS SKI line is the FITS Ultra Light SKI, a minimalist’s SKI sock. Developed to be the thinnest high-performance Merino Wool ski sock, it features ultra-light construction with absolutely no cushioning; a vented instep for breathability and reduced material; and FITS’ signature SculptureKnit leg that conforms to your foot and leg and stays up all day.

Along with winter sports, FITS also produces socks for hikers, runners, hunters and even business or casual use. Ranging from $15.99 to $19.99, FITS Socks are available directly from their website or you can search their store locator page to find a retailer near you. If you order directly from FITS, rest assured that the socks will fit you properly. If you are not satisfied with your socks, simply contact FITS Sock Co. within 30 days and they will replace your pair with the correct size or refund your money.

FITS Sock Official Website

SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!

‘Fresh tracks’… the endless pursuit of most boarders to be the first to descend a mountain full of freshly fallen snow. At most resorts it is tough to be to first on the slopes so this drives the truly hardcore into the backcountry. These people hike up slopes for hours in waist-deep snow just to get one or two runs a day in the virgin snow – a ‘high‘ that is tough to duplicate.

The pursuit of freshies just got a little easier! MTN Approach has announced the first three-part, light weight, folding approach ski. Designed by snowboarders and weighing just 3.5 pounds per foot, each ski has two hinges that allows this 150cm ski to fold down to 53cm (approximately 21”). This might not sound like a big deal, but as someone who has snowshoed all-day to ride on some fresh powder, the use of skis make the ascent much quicker and easier as they do not sink into the snow as deep. Sure, snowshoes work fine to hike up a slope, but they often do not fit snowboard boots very well. This means that more equipment is required to be carried if a second set of boots is needed.

The MTN Approach skis do not utilize traditional ski bindings requiring specific, ridged boots. The MTN Approach skis has bindings that a straps similar to snowboards which allows the use of just about any snowboard boot. These skis also feature metal edges, side cuts and full camber. This permits the rider to perform a more confident ascent of the mountain, especially when traversing a slope. Continue reading SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!

Riding FASTER

When performance modifications are done to a car, a dynameter can be used to measure the horsepower and torque output at the wheels to analyze and further tune the vehicle. There is an endless number of changes that can be performed on a car that the dyno can measure, but it alone can not be used alone to analyze the effects of drag over the body and chassis without testing in a wind tunnel.

For years, top level professional cyclists have had access to equipment to gauge their power output and wind tunnels to analyze and improve their positioning while on the bike. They also had the deep pockets of sponsors to fund the use of this equipment, but the costs put the use of these facilities out of most amateur racers. Recently watt meters have become smaller and more affordable for the amateur cyclist, so why shouldn’t the wind tunnel be more accessible? That is all about to change.

Set to open in August, the FASTER Performance and Retail Center is finishing up the final touches on their new facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. Continue reading Riding FASTER

Kene-editorial: How do you punish the dopers?

Good title for a book that is now essentially fiction and built on lies

As we enter the final week of the 2011 Tour de France, it is a pleasant surprise to see that doping has not taken center stage at the event this year. There is still the dark cloud over Alberto Contador’s head regarding the positive test last year for a ban steroid which will not be resolved until August; and the voluntary withdrawal by the Russian, Alexandr Kolobnev of the Katusha team. Other than that, it has been the crashes and surprise victories that have dominated the coverage. The question still remains, how does the sport of cycling handle and punish the convicted dopers?

There are two sides to the argument over the issue of doping and cycling. Some people believe that we should stop worrying about catching the cheaters and let them all use whatever drugs the riders choose to ingest. They believe that the general public wants to see more action in the sport, and like the use of steroids by the sluggers in Major League Baseball, they think that allowing the riders to dope-up will create more action and excitement. For that group of people, there is no discussion of punishment since they would have the sport of cycling turn into a free-for-all. I use the word ‘they’ because I believe in the complete opposite. Continue reading Kene-editorial: How do you punish the dopers?

Is it 2012 already? Specialized thinks it is!

Specialized has recently added a section to their website titled ‘2012 Early Launch’ featuring a mix of bikes from entry level to ones that could be raced in the Tour de France. One item that caught our eye was the new S-Works Shiv TT Module time trial/triathlon carbon fiber frame.

This UCI-legal frame utilizes Specialized’s proprietary FACT IS 11r carbon fiber construction to create a fully integrated cockpit with radical tube shaping for the ultimate optimization of aerodynamics, stiffness, and weight. Along with the full carbon fiber frame, Specialized also uses the FACT carbon fiber for the monocoque fork, crankset, seat post and handlebar/aerobar. The S-Works Shiv TT is sold as more than just a frame, but it is certainly not a complete bike. For the $6100 price tag you will still need to add wheels, a chain, a rear cogset, shifters, derailleurs, bar tap, cables, a seat and some pedals, but when a bike of this level is purchased, it is not uncommon for the rider to be very particular about those items.

The list of features for the 2012 S-Works Shiv TT Module include:
• For UCI time trials or any race against the clock, this FACT IS 11r carbon frame
• Super-stiff and light, UCI-legal, S-Works FACT carbon monocoque fork
• Specialized S-Works FACT carbon crankset with chain rings and an OSBB, removable carbon spider, and ceramic bearings
• Aerodynamic carbon stem integrates with the aerobar
• S-Works FACT carbon integrated handlebar/aero bar is UCI-legal and offers 0-115mm height adjustment
• S-Works FACT carbon bladed seatpost is UCI-legal with two setback options
• S-Works aero integrated brakes Continue reading Is it 2012 already? Specialized thinks it is!

Made in America: Something to Jump Up and Down About

The modern trampoline is not as old as you might think. After observing trapeze artists performing flips and tricks on a stretched safety net below the trapeze, George Nissen had the idea to create a bouncing bed from a stretched piece of fabric to help him train for his gymnastics tumbling.

With the help of his coach, Larry Griswold, the two decided to experiment with stretched canvas, grommets and coil springs in the mid-1930s to create their own bouncing platform. Nissen and Griswold were both gymnasts and wanted to add some entertainment to their performances along with helping them train for competitive events. While touring with their new invention in Mexico, Nissen overheard the Spanish word for diving board, el trampolin, used to describe the apparatus and he decided to use an anglicized form as a trademark. Throughout the years, the trampoline has been used by entertainers, athletes, the military and even astronauts for everything from training to competition. Continue reading Made in America: Something to Jump Up and Down About

How to Transport 4 Gallons of Milk and a Pound of Butter on a Bike…

In Europe bikes aren’t just used for leisurely rides or for a commute to work. In Europe, as well as many other parts of the world, bikes are used as a main form of transportation. That might not seem like a big deal, but imagine what it means for just going to the grocery store? Hauling anything that won’t fit in a shoulder bag can be an ideal. To solve the problem innovative bike makers have added baskets to bikes, and some have looked at low-tech solutions.

The Danish company, Velorbis, has announced the release of the ‘world’s strongest’ wicker basket. If you have ridden a bike with a front basket loaded down, you might have noticed how squirrelly the handling of the bike can be while riding. The new basket from Velorbis is being advertised as being able to have 15kgs (33lbs)… or the equivalent of four gallons of milk and a pound of butter. Continue reading How to Transport 4 Gallons of Milk and a Pound of Butter on a Bike…

Who or What is BBB?

If you have been watching the Tour de France, you may have noticed the three letters ‘BBB’ on the side of a few helmets worn by some of the racers. In the United States, the three letters BBB stands for the Better Business Bureau, but the BBB logo on the side of the riders’ helmets stands for something else. Based in the Netherlands, the company Bikeparts for Bikers by Bikers or BBB is a company who is sponsoring a number of top riders in the Tour including the brave King of the Mountains leader, Johnny Hoogerland who was involved in that horrific accident caused by a reckless French television support vehicle last Sunday. Continue reading Who or What is BBB?

Interbike 2011: Think you know style?

Clothes they say make the man, but do clothes make the rider? We’ll find out in September as Interbike, the largest bicycle trade show in North America, is once again hosting the Interbike City Style Fashion Show. This is not a show of Lycra-clad racers, but a show of stylish, lifestyle types of clothing including many entries which can be worn on the bike as well as stroller around town to run errands.

Presented by Momentum Magazine, this year Interbike show attendees will get to enjoy two shows. On September 14 and 15, at 2 p.m., both shows will happen in the Urban Lounge which is in the Hall ‘G,‘ on the street level of the Sands Convention Center. Different from other fashion shows is how the catwalk is setup…instead of pouty looking models stomping down the runway, an indoor road loop is laid out so that the models can ride around in the clothing submissions and best display the cycling apparel and bikes in action – giving each attendee a front row seat.

Even though Interbike is an ‘industry only’ trade show, companies and fashion designers are invited to submit clothing and accessories for consideration. Represented clothing, accessories and bikes will include a variety of lifestyle categories including Work, Daytime Casual, Weekend Casual, To the Gym, Semi Formal and Formal. Companies and designers interested in potential inclusion should return the completed submission Interbike Fashion Showform and clearly labeled low-res product photo to Mia Kohout at mia@momentumplanet.com or via fax at (604) 669-9870. Product submissions are due on or before August 1, with accepted companies being notified of inclusion on August 8. Below you will find a link to the submission form.

Submission Forms
Interbike Official Website