Nalini’s New Clothing Line Gets Your Blood Flowing

The Nalini Summer Collection of cycling apparel features Nalini Compression, which will promote increased blood flow and physical performance. The line includes bibshorts and jerseys. The line has additional attributes including reversible and convertible jackets and jerseys and apparel crafted from recycled plastic fabrics.

Nalini cycling gear is often seen in the team kits of professional riders. All garments are made in Italy from the fabric to each stitch of the seams.

The compression line includes Lambro Bibshort ($155) and Drava Bibnickers ($165) as a tight-fitting pant with a silicon gripper at the leg hem, reflective tape and a Nalini ECP Print pad. A contrasting 4-needle stitching on the seams add strength to the garments. The Full Season Man line includes a collection of convertible and reversible apparel able to be worn all four seasons. The Sorbo Jacket ((355) is a stretchable, reversible design that provides warmth and is windproof. The Vormano Jersey ($250) uses the brand’s Quick-Burst sleeve removal system so it can be converted from a long-sleeve to a short sleeve jersey on the ride. Think of the jersey as having built-in arm warmers so you don’t get that gap where the sleeve meets the arm warmer where wind finds its way to chill your arms.

For the Nalini recycling line, the company has the Insonzo Jersey ($120) and Fortore Bibshort ($100). The line is made from an eco-friendly Re-Pet fabric made from the recycling of Pet plastic bottles. The Pet yarns have the same characteristics as polyester yarns.

The Insonzo Jersey features a cycling fit, mesh insert, silicon bottom gripper and cam-block full-length zipper. The Fortore Bibshort provides a cycling fit, mesh insert, reflecting logos and silicon leg grippers.

Nalini’s summer line is expected in stores later this month. Nalini is imported and distributed by Albabici in the U.S.

Fitness Clothing Market to Reach $126.30 billion by 2015

According to a new report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the global market for sports and fitness clothing will increase to $126.30 billion by 2015, driving in part by sales in the burgeoning Asian market, as well as the evolving markets in Latin America, Africa and surprisingly even the Middle East.

The United States currently is the world’s single largest market for sports and fitness clothing, with Europe and Asia-Pacific following. The aging-but-active population in these regions will see continued growth, especially as women remain a highly lucrative target audience.

We at KineticShift hope that this increase as a market means that we’ll continue to see innovative products that help encourage people to work out, while offering fitness benefits as well. Clothing maybe fashion, but fitness shouldn’t have to be fashionable.

Global Industry Analysts Official Website

SIA: Snow Sports Looks to Another Good Year

While much of the country is again trying to dig out from a major winter storm, the white stuff probably has the snow sport industry smiling. After all, if it is going to snow you might as well enjoy it. This week the shift has moved from the show floor halls at Snowsports Industries of America to the outdoor demo days, but we look back at the word from the show.

The buzz is that the slopes will feature skiers and riders clad in “svelte” high-tech gear of all sorts, including down sweaters, as well as faux fur and tight fitting outfits with bold colors. On the board there will likely be more rocking, as the major trend continues to be the rocker shapes, as well as a greater emphasis on all-terrain freestyle boards.

Snowboarding and skiing will likely take a cue from cycling, with helmets becoming a greater emphasis for safety. According to numbers from the show, the numbers of people wearing helmets has increased to a record high 57 percent. And as with other sports, the helmets are evoking a new sense of style, becoming fashion accessories rather than just protective gear. Continue reading SIA: Snow Sports Looks to Another Good Year

Loksak Seals, Protects Your Phone on a Sweaty Run

Who doesn’t put their phone and ID in a zipper bag when they go on a long run, bike ride or other activity? I started sealing my phone and essentials a few years ago and it’s saved my goods in a few rain storms. Well Loksak has a line of bags for just that purpose, and they’re much more durable than what you find at your local grocery store.

aLoksak is a resealable bag that’s waterproof, dust proof and humidity proof. The bags were originally developed for SCUBA diving when the founder of the company realized he needed a 100 percent waterproof bag. There is a whole range of bags to fit many applications. There’s a number of bags the size of cell phones, iPods and other small electronic devices. The best part is that you can operate your devices, both buttons and touch screen, through the bag. You don’t need to expose your phone to the elements to look something up, or make a quick phone call. Continue reading Loksak Seals, Protects Your Phone on a Sweaty Run

SIA: Kick Out the Jams

While the show was about snow sports, there were plenty of products for use year round from the SIA (Snowsports Industries America) trade show, which was held last week in Denver. One product that caught our eye was the JammyPack, a small fanny pack bag that includes a small battery powered speaker system.

 The idea is to let wearer’s bring and share the music sans headphones – which can be a good idea in places where a headphone might not be recommended. From our own experience, we’re also sure this product will do a great job at annoying those around any wearer in the process. Congratulations to JammyPack, first for offering an alternative to headphones and second, for making it all the easier for inconsiderate people to “share” their music with the rest of us!

JammyPack Official Website

SIA: Snow Sports is Big Business

The snow sports market is big business, and according to numbers from last week’s Snowsports Industries America trade show, which took place in Denver, more than $1 billion (with a B) worth of equipment apparel alone, and reached $2.1 billion season-to-date.

So while the evening news may be complaining about the falling snow, and cities on the East Coast continue to dig out, this has been a boom time for those who partake in winter sports. This is also the first time that in history that snow sport sales have topped a billion dollars for sales in a single month. Sales this season are also 16 percent higher than last year, suggesting that despite a still sluggish economy winter sports are taking on the winter blues. Continue reading SIA: Snow Sports is Big Business

Craft’s Zero Extreme Concept Base Layer Gives You Wings

The new base layer top from Craft uses moving wing technology in panels across the back and cuffs. Craft uses its COOL Superlight outer fabric for its moving wing panels, which are places across the back and cuffs. This is a moisture management and temperature regulation measure. The COOL outer fabric allows air to circulate around your body and promote moisture expulsion while the ZERO fabric stays in contact with your body pulling excess moisture from your skin and keeping you warm. The base layer is suitable for winter and spring activities. That is those spring days where you still feel the bite of winter.

Continue reading Craft’s Zero Extreme Concept Base Layer Gives You Wings

Loeka Women’s Cycling Clothier Starts Recycling Program

It’s hard to let go of that loved cycling jersey, or the shorts with the perfect padding. If you recycle the garments, they really are going to a better place … back on the trails. Women’s mountain biking label Loeka Clothing just started a clothing recycling program that gives incentive to those who turn in their gear for recycling.

Loeka started manufacturing women’s mountain biking apparel in 2005; just enough time that the clothes might be showing just a little wear, or you might want to switch it up for a new design. Fill out a form on Loeka’s website and either mail in your gear or take it to a participating retailer. Retailers currently include Ruckus Skis, Boards and Bikes in Prince George BC; Ski Dazzle at Silverstar Resort; Mt Washington Alpine Resort, Mt Washington BC; Pedal Chic Greenville, South Carolina; and Iride Vermont, Stowe, Vermont.

Continue reading Loeka Women’s Cycling Clothier Starts Recycling Program

That’s a Hex of a Cable Keeper

If you’ve tried to listen to music while running then you know how hard it is to keep the cord from your headband from bouncing around. You may have stuffed it down your shirt; run it down your backside;  or like me, gone Bluetooth. For runners still wrestling with cables, Hex has a new cable keeper that promises to keep your cord in check on the run.

Continue reading That’s a Hex of a Cable Keeper

Deal of the Day: 30% Off Adidas miCoach Armband from Griffin

If you’re using the miCoach App from Adidas, then you need a case with a good strap or clip for your phone or player. Case maker Griffon is offering 30 percent off its Adidas miCoach armband. It’s normally $29.99, but click on the sale link today and get it for $20.99. While the armband is made to fit an iPhone or iPod Touch, it is made to accommodate most phones and players. It also has a pocket to store keys.

Continue reading Deal of the Day: 30% Off Adidas miCoach Armband from Griffin

A Vest That is Sure to Impress

Playing army wasn’t this cool when I was kid, and while this reporter has had a range of paintball accessories, the new RAP4 Tactical MOLLE Vest almost makes me want to get back in the game. This one is designed for use in paintball, Airsoft and even tactical training. It can be customized and configured to meet a user’s requirements and hold paintball pods, CO2 cylinders and air tanks, while the interchangeable pouches can even hold standard AR or MP5 magazines.

It is designed with the MOLLE webbing system that utilizes multi-position hooks to enable you attach the pouches just where you want them, while pouches can be moved right to left or front to back. The interior of the vest also features dual map pockets, and since we know that many paintball and Airsoft players aren’t as lean as say the average Special Forces operative, this vest can be worn by users up to size 2XL.

Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading A Vest That is Sure to Impress

Timbuk2 Rolls Out Bags with Bike-Friendly Features

Whether you bike your commute to work, are out for fun or extensive exercise, you may have some gear to tote along. A shoulder bag gets in the way, and sometimes even your standard backpack feels inappropriate while riding.

Timbuk2 has a few new bag designs that address the specific needs of cyclists. Those are streamlined, well-balanced and with the right pockets to store laptops and tablets, every day items and even bike-specific gear such as helmets and locks.

While the bag company showed its upcoming products for the year at CES earlier this month, some of its bike-friendly bags won’t be available until about September’s Interbike. The new line of backpacks,  includes the Amnesia, Hemlock and Q. The former is something we’ll be sure to remember as we wait for it to arrive.

The Amnesia features a ventilated back panel to help ensure that you don’t get too hot under the collar, while custom-fit straps give a truer, more comfortable fit. The refined weave 840 ballistic nylon pack offers a “swing around” side access compartment that can fit a laptop or tablet up to 15-inches. Separate front organizer pockets are available for accessories. This bag features an bottle opener on one of the straps. Once you’re off your bike you can use the paired Velcro loops on the bag’s face to secure your helmet or headphones – we recommend you keep the helmet on your head while on the bike. Continue reading Timbuk2 Rolls Out Bags with Bike-Friendly Features

Lighten the Load – Starting With the Shoes

It is a New Year and if you’re thinking about a “New You,” Lady Foot Locker is there to help. Getting fit can mean getting lighter, and now the shoe retailer is helping runners on their way with an effort to provide lightweight running shoes. These are among the most technical shoes and the market, and include a range of products from Nike, Asics and even Reebok.  Lady Foot Locker has even launched an online campaign built entirely around the concept of “Lightweight Running,” with a great selection of shoes and beyond.

Lady Foot Locker Lightweight Running