Sometimes the loungewear is almost as important as athletic wear. And that’s part of the emphasis with O’Neill 365’s new collection from Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin. Her new collection has a few pieces for pre-workout and post-workout. Continue reading O’Neill 365 Launches Natalie Coughlin Signature Collection
Category: Apparel
Made in America: Swiftwick Socks it to You
Swiftwick came about to make not only socks, but in the process made waves in the industry. All of the Tennessee-based company’s products are made in the USA – not some, not most, but all. The socks from Swiftwick also take advantage of compression technology to improve blood flow and circulation, which can help athletes extend their endurance and reach peak performance. Built on state of the art machines in America the socks are built to last.
These are constructed predominantly at the 200 needle standard, the highest density that is found in socks, and with specialized, linked-toe construction; and are designed to create a second-skin feel that prevents shifting or bunching, and keeps feet dry and comfortable. Video after the jump
Quick Take: Nike Introduces Lightweight Jacket
The company that says just do it, has done it again – introducing a performance-oriented jacket that has just a flare of style too. The DWR Chambray Vapor is lightweight, wind- and water-resistant and looks good for a morning run or a day out and about!
One-Piece Rain Suit for Cyclists
If rain is the enemy of cyclists – one of them, anyway – then it’s the duty of the cyclists to defeat rain any way we can. This one-piece BikeSuit from Smart Products is a slicker that takes the challenge gracefully. Continue reading One-Piece Rain Suit for Cyclists
Europcar Rides in Carbon Ion Jersey
The Tour de France is underway and while it doesn’t appear likely that Thomas Voeckler will be able to see himself back in the yellow jersey as he did last year, he should at least be very comfortable in his Team Europcar Professional Cycling Team kit made by Louis Garneau.
It is features coldblack Carbon Ion, which reflects heat and helps cool the rider. And while the team wears green and black the fabric can cool riders as effectively as if the clothing was white. The coldblack treatment further offers increased UV protection, which is good for anyone who is going to be out on the road for five or six hours a day.
This works by utilizing embedded carbon fibers, which also help to reduce the overall weight of the jersey, and prevent electric charges from settling on the body, thus avoiding a negative reaction on muscular contractility. The carbon fibers also accelerate the movement of humidity through evaporation.
And this jersey might help Voeckler make up lost time as well, as it is the first to feature Speedtech fabric, which has a dimpled mesh construction that reduces aerodynamic drag and is designed to improve aerodynamics for speeds ranging from 15 to 45 mph. On the roads of France this clothing should have the team looking and feeling good.
Primal Expands Advocacy Support
This week apparel maker Primal announced that it was expanding its bicycle advocacy support for 2012, with new sponsorship for the annual Alliance for Biking and Walking Leadership Retreat. This event, to be held in September, see advocacy leaders from around the country meet in Long Beach to discuss ways to develop practices and campaigns that advocate for pedestrians and cyclists.
The four-day retreat features workshops ranging from issues facing community bicycle organizations to advocate staffing concerns, as well as how to diversify the pedestrian and bicycling movements. Continue reading Primal Expands Advocacy Support
Gore Bike Jacket Loses the Sleeves
In parts of the United States summer time means hot days with an unfortunate chance of rain. So what’s a cyclist to do if worried about rain but still determined to ride? A rain jacket won’t do, but a regular cycling jersey is just no fun to wear in the rain either. Gore Bike Wear has an intriguing solution, the Xenon jacket for “temperatures that don’t quite warrant a full-coverage rain shell.”
The Gore Bike Wear Xenon GT AS Jacket Short ditches the sleeves but still features the traditional waterproof GORE-TEX Active Shell fabric. It doesn’t feature a hood, so arms and head will be exposed to the elements, which in the summer heat could be refreshing. Instead it is designed to keep the core dry. Continue reading Gore Bike Jacket Loses the Sleeves
Made in America: Bijubee – Yoga, Pilates, and Exercise Wear
What does a “victorious crowned bee” have to do with yoga? Not much until taking a look at the line of yoga apparel from Bijubee. Based in South El Monte, California, Bijubee offers the active woman a very extensive line of yoga and exercise apparel, plus every piece is designed and manufactured “with love” in America. Video after the jump
Patrol Gloves Go The Distance
While many cyclists like long rides, imagine spending day in and day on a patrol bike and needing to have full mobility with both hands when the time comes. For many riders that is helpful, for police on bicycles it can mean life and death.
But now Safariland has introduced the all new Hatch Special Unit Patrol Glove, which looked to the Safariland/Kona Patrol Bike to help with the design. Hatch engineered the gloves for use of all-day bike patrol, and these protect the hands with closed-cell foam, which is strategically placed in the palm areas to help reduce fatigue and stress that can occur. The back of the hand is fitted with 3D mesh spacer fabric and Airprene foam, to allow the skin to breathe. Continue reading Patrol Gloves Go The Distance
Cooling Technology for Umpires
Much has been made about improving the performance of players on the field – while also helping keep them cool in extreme heat. But in baseball, the players aren’t the only ones on the field, and now new technology could help those in black – namely the umpires – stay cool. Continue reading Cooling Technology for Umpires
USA Track & Field Uniforms Unveiled
The 2012 Summer Olympics are now just weeks away, and the USA Track & Field team officially has unveiled its new uniforms from Nike, which as we previously reported feature the golf-balled inspired dimples to help make the apparel all the more aerodynamic.
The Pro TurboSpeed is a skin-tight, full-body suit that has been wind-tunnel tested and is features the dimples to help decrease resistance. Nike also unveiled two Olympic shoes – the Nike Zoom Superfly R4 and the Nike Zoom Victory Elite for sprinters and middle distance runners respectively. Both feature Nike’s Flywire technology. Continue reading USA Track & Field Uniforms Unveiled
Rudy Project Offers 2-For-1 Deal
Rudy Project is offering a two-for-one promotion on its sunglasses, RX lenses, goggles and helmets. Purchase one of Rudy Project’s three premium helmets, or a pair of sunglasses – there’s over 20 models to choose from – and get a second item free. On average, you’ll save about $180 on the deal, though to do that you’ll spend that much. You’ll also have to pay $24.95 for shipping and insurance. Continue reading Rudy Project Offers 2-For-1 Deal
Stylish Vintage Looking Rainhoods
Last December we reported about Equilicua, a Spanish company that was developing ponchos that are made of bioplastic derived from potato starch and other natural, renewable resources. When it wears out it can be tossed in the garden and it biodegrades. The company is introducing a retro line of ponchos and shared some images with us! More images after the jump