Equipment | Evolving Consumer

Hands On: Water Bottle Round-up – Nalgene ATB Bottle with Black Closure

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. That is unless you have a water bottle like the Nalgene with you.

As part of our round-up of water bottles, we’re starting with this the Nalgene All-Terrain Bottle. It says all-terrain but how does it really stand up?

Nalgene’s Product Description: You can rely on the NALGENE All-Terrain Bottle wherever you go. It’s great for carbohydrate/energy beverages, easy to use, and simple to clean. Your ATB fits standard bicycle cages

Except the 32oz. That does not fit in any cages, waist packs or backpack pockets. The hinged Co-polyester mud-cap keeps the drinking spout clean, and the slim profile and textured grip give you firm handling in virtually all conditions. The wide neck opening easily accommodates ice cubes for chilled drinks, and the neck configuration works with most major water purifiers and filters.

Bottle Sizes: 22oz and 32oz
Plastic: Low Density Polyethylene
Country of Manufacture: USA
Retail Price: $7.58 (22oz) & $6.83 (32oz) Continue reading Hands On: Water Bottle Round-up – Nalgene ATB Bottle with Black Closure

Will Disc Brakes Change Cyclocross?

Our friends at BikeRadar.com asked an interesting question recently, whether disc brakes would be the future of cyclocross. As we recently reviewed the new Redline Team Conquest cyclocross bike this is something that we’ve been thinking about as well. While the braking is good with the cyclocross bike it doesn’t quite have the same feel as a true mountain bike, especially in more technical off-road conditions. This has remained a common complaint amongst many riders, with the question being asked how much better disc brakes would make the bike. Continue reading Will Disc Brakes Change Cyclocross?

Hands On: Water Bottle Round-up, Let it Flow

Working out requires that you remain hydrated. For those on bikes that means bringing liquid refreshment in water bottles, Camel Backs and other similar containers. The water bottle concept isn’t really all the unique either. Since ancient times travelers in hunter/gather societies carrying a variety of packs to bring water while on the go.

The earliest “water bottles” were made from animal skins and organs, as well as from clay pots. Each presented its own distinct problems. Over time liquids were carried in glass and metal containers, but in the post-World War II era, plastic became the miracle material for transporting liquids. Some could probably argue the tin can, but for long rides plastic bottles remains the de facto container. While the familiar shape means many bottles look alike, advances and innovations have come a long way. This week we begin a round-up of the state of water bottles.

This water bottle round up has been in the works since Interbike 2010 at the end of September. It was delayed by either the manufacturers delivering product to KineticShift or defective product that needed to be replaced. We ended up with almost 15 bottles to evaluate and it did not seem fair to do a side-by-side comparison since the features and functions differed. This is a roundup of the bottles at Interbike that are currently on the market now and any comparisons that are made will be to either a previous model of the same bottle or the classic Specialized cycling water bottle – considered by most to be the standard.

All of the bottles had to pass a few basic standards:

Hold cold liquid without leaking when the valve was closed and the bottle was squeezed with the same pressure that is required when in use
Hold cold liquid without leaking when the valve was closed and the bottle is turned upside down
BPA free

After the basic tests, each bottle was rinsed and water was filled and tasted to see is there was any lingering plastic taste or smell. After that, each bottle was tested to evaluate the main individual manufacturer’s claim of that bottle. Those claims ranged from ‘won’t retain taste and orders’ to ‘simply rinse to clean’. Accelerade Sports Drink was used in any bottle that claimed to retain no taste or smell from an energy drink.

Please check back over the next few days as we offer the results of our hands on bottle test.

OptiShot Puts the Green on a PC

With Halloween becoming a distant memory, Thanksgiving just around the corner and Christmas decorations up at the mall there is no denying that for much of the country the carefree days on the golf course are far and few between. But you can stay in the swing of things with a golf simulator.

There are plenty of choices with the ultra high-end models, but for those on more of a budget (and with limited space) the OptiShot Simulator by Dancin’ Dogg is the next best thing to trekking out to the back nine. This virtual golf program promises to be easy-to-use for both casual golfers and diehard hackers alike. Best of all it is replicates world-renowned courses, so can think of it as a mini-vacation every time you boot up the Windows compatible program (MSRP: $399.95).

And as we mentioned that space can be a serious issue, the OptiShot needs just eight and a half feet of swing space so you can get teed off in a home office or den. The plug and play program allows up to four players to compete with one another by hitting real balls, foam balls or even no ball at all. The device relies on infrared sensors and a durable swing pad to accurately record club head speed, face angle and swing path. Caddies not included.

OptiShot Simulator

Half Moon Bay Golf Links Joins With Naval Special Warfare Foundation

Following the success of the inaugural “SEAL Tribute Celebration and Golf Tournament,” which was held on October 4and raised more than $500,000 for the families of U.S. Navy SEALs and their support personnel, the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, Half Moon Bay Golf Links and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, have already announced the second annual event for 2011.

This year’s event featured guests including Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (SEAL) Michael E. Thornton (ret.), Vice Admiral (SEAL) Albert M. Calland, III (ret.), and Rear Admiral (SEAL) Thomas R. Richards (ret.). The exclusive golf tournament took place on Half Moon Bay Golf Links’ Ocean and Old Courses, with sponsors playing and interacting with members of the SEAL community. The event concluded with more than 200 participants attending a Gala Dinner in the ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, with addresses by Lieutenant Thornton, Admiral Richards, and Ms. Krissy Rankin, whose fiancé was a Navy SEAL and died in the line of duty.

“It was invigorating and inspiring to watch Americans rally on behalf of the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, the SEALs and their loved ones,” says Mark Kendall, SEAL Tribute Event Chairman and President of Kenmark Golf Management, who operates Half Moon Bay Golf Links. “Despite the economy and downturn in large events and outings, golf is still a unifying game that brings people together over a shared cause.”

Opening ceremonies for the event began on October 4 with the U.S. Navy color guard and a Half Moon Bay High School trio singing the national anthem. A brief presentation followed with the retirement of an American flag recently flown in Afghanistan by a U.S. Navy SEAL team. Next year’s event will be held on September 30 and October 1.

For more information:

Half Moon Bay Golf SEAL Tribute Celebration and Golf Tournament

No Lasers for London Olympics

Lasers at the Olympics — Lasers in use in the Youth Olympic Games

Sorry sci-fi fans there won’t be lasers at the 2012 London Olympics after all. This past August it had been announced that laser pistols – seriously laser pistols – would be used in the modern pentathlon. The event, which is actually a cross discipline sport, includes pistol shooting, épée fencing, 200 m freestyle swimming, show jumping and a 3km cross-country race. The event was first held at the 1912 Olympic Games, but it was conceived of by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games.

The idea behind the modern pentathlon was to simulate the experience of a 19^th century cavalry soldier (and officer at that); someone who could ride a horse, fight with a pistol and sword and be able to swim and run. For the 2012 games the organizers had looked to add a bit of the future into the mix by using laser pistols for the shooting events.

However, these shouldn’t be confused with the Star Wars style blaster weapons, but rather have are much more likely laser pointers – so sorry also to anyone who hoped light sabers would eventually be used in the fencing. The lasers will still be used for the junior competitions, which are more reported to be more “environmentally friendly” that traditional pistols. The lasers were used this past August at the Youth Olympic Games held in Singapore.

So clearly it is just a matter of time unlike the Olympics gets lasers, but we’re glad they won’t be used in London. It would be like if James Bond used a laser – which he did in the film Moonraker and look how that turned out.

[Via Inside the Games: Modern pentathlon drops laser gun plan for London 2012]

Straight Shooter

Tired of lost golf balls? There are now all sorts of balls with GPS, radar to find balls and other technology. But maybe the best way not to lose a golf ball is to simply shoot straighter. We’ve probably said that before, but it is worth saying again, especially as Polara Golf has announced their new self-correcting golf balls. These are ideal for the recreational golfer who might have some hooking or slicing issues when teeing off.

“It is estimated that 85 percent of golfers have trouble hitting the ball straight and then end up slicing the golf ball. If you want to prevent a slice, you have to understand how the ball behaves when you slice it.” said Dave Felker, Head of Technology for Polara Golf. “What Polara Golf has done surpasses anything that golf ball companies have ever tried. If a golfer has trouble hitting the ball straight, there is no other ball out there right now that has the same ‘Self-Correcting Technology’ that each Polara golf ball has.”

The new Polara Ultimate Straight and Super Straight golf balls should help even a crooked golfer go straight. These feature “self correcting technology” that guarantees to correct hooks and slices up to 75 percent according to the company. So is there a super computer inside or some sort of radio controlled gizmo? Not exactly. Continue reading Straight Shooter

Get Moving with Kinect

Today Microsoft released the Kinect for Xbox 360 in stores. This is the device that uses motion capture to maneuver within games, replacing the controller. This means you pretty much have to play games standing up and in many cases pull off full body movements to play.

Here are a group of games that are also now in stores in conjunction with the release of Kinect.

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (Ubisoft)
MotionSports (Ubisoft)
Dance Central (MTV Games)
Adrenalin Misfits (Konami)
Game Party: In Motion (Warner Home Video Games)
Zumba Fitness: Join the Party (Majesco)
Sonic Free Riders (Sega)
Michael Jackson The Experience (Ubisoft)
Kinect Sports (Microsoft)
Deca Sports Freedom (Hudson Soft)
EA Sports Active 2.0 (EA)
The Biggest Loser (THQ)
Dance Masters (Konami)
Michael Phelps: Push Limit (505 Games)
Get Fit with Mel B (Deep Silver)
Kinect Joy Ride (Microsoft)

LIVESTRONG.COM and LIVESTRONG Make Good Partners for Cardio Training

It might seem a little ironic but LIVESTRONG.COM has announced a partnership with LIVESTRONG Fitness. The former is actually a Demand Media property and website destination for nutrition and fitness-related information. It will now partner with LIVESTRONG Fitness, part of Johnson Health Tech, to introduce a new brand of cardio products include treadmills, elliptical machines and even bicycles with personalized programming designed by Peter Park, Lance Armstrong’s strength and conditioning coach. Continue reading LIVESTRONG.COM and LIVESTRONG Make Good Partners for Cardio Training

Oakley Turns to Aerospace Industry for Jury Sunglasses

They may not be barely there, but Oakley’s new Jury sunglasses are made from aerospace aluminum alloy to create a lightweight metal pair of shades. “We wanted Jury to be made of metal but still provide the comfort of a lightweight design,” said Oakley CEO Colin Baden in a company statement. “The grade of aluminum used by machine industry mills was nowhere near our targeted profile, so we turned to the aerospace industry.”

The company sees the material as achieving Oakley’s goal of blending science and art. The aerospace aluminum alloy was originally engineered to “take the punishment that aircraft and space vehicles endure,” said Baden.

Custom engineering was necessary to achieve the spring hinge mechanisms. The challenge Oakley faced was that milling and machine tolerances had to be within a thousandth of an inch. The frame is enhanced with Unobtanium (created by Oakley) stem sleeves that increase the grip when you perspire. This is designed for a Three-Point Fit that optimizes for comfort. The frame makes contact only at the bridge of the nose and the sides of the head. The Three-Point Fit also holds the lenses in precise alignment.

The optics of the dual-lens frame follow a continuous contour, which requires the equivalent of cutting each lens from single toric shields. Oakley employed Polaric Ellipsoid lens geometry, which was used to maintain sharp, accurate vision for all angles of view. The Jury also features High Definition Optics, which allows the glasses to exceed all Z87.1 standards for optical clarity and precision established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The glasses meet all ANSI Z87.1 standards for high mass and high velocity impact resistance.

Plutinite lenses of the Oakley Jury filter out 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm. You can choose to get optional Iridium lens coating to balance light transmissions and reduce glare.

That’s a lot of elements in the new Jury glasses. For a limited time, a special edition of Oakley Jury sunglasses will be available at Sunglasses Hut with a special finish called “Distressed Silver.” While these are available, Oakley will feature a special exhibit of Jury along with the lineage of Oakley design innovation eyewear at the Sunglasses Hut on 5th Avenue and 48th Street in New York.

Oakley

Lindsey Vonn Dons Oakleys

Oakley, the maker of premium eyewear, has announced that World Class skier Lindsey Vonn has chosen Oakley goggles and sunglasses for the upcoming season. Oakley High Definition Optics (HDO) features a collection of optical technologies engineered to meet the demands of athletes such as Vonn. These include impact protection as well as 100 UV filtering on and off the hill, while Oakley also offers a full spectrum of lens tints to allow athletes to precisely match with environmental conditions.

“I am thrilled to be with a brand so passionate about optics and protection,” said Lindsey Vonn. “Oakley meets all my needs with a range of lens tints, and so much more. Medals are decided by hundredths of a second, so I need assurance that my vision is perfect every time I compete, no matter what the conditions. That’s why Oakley was the obvious choice, and I wouldn’t think of entering a competition with anything less.”

Lindsey Vonn will take advantage of the Oakley advantage in the World Cup competition and beyond.

Oakley Official Website

Specialized Revamps Prevail Helmet

First seen on the heads of riders in the Tour de France over the summer, Specialized’s new Prevail helmet is more adjustable, has larger vent holes, adds protection and sheds a few ounces over previous helmets. What more could you ask for in safety and protection? Specialized probably should have given the helmet a new name instead of continuing with the Prevail model since it has so many new features.

At 185 grams, you may forget you have on a helmet. And when you look at it, it looks as if there there are almost more airholes than helmet. The structure of the Prevail looks deceivingly thin. The helmet brags 29 air vents including three exhaust ports in the rear. Now, that thin structure. The Styrofoam framework is built around a core Kevlar matrix. This makes the helmet stronger without adding weight. Continue reading Specialized Revamps Prevail Helmet

The Revolution is Here

Say you wanna Revolution? If you’re talking about the Revolution Bike Trainer from LeMond Fitness you’re in luck. We saw this trainer at Interbike back in September and it has take notice. It is a true example of the evolution of the traditional bike trainer, and dare we say revolutionary? With winter just around the corner this trainer will keep you in your bike seat until spring – and by that we mean you’re actual bike seat, rather than having to make due with a stationary bike.

Rather than resting the rear wheel on a metal disc like typical trainers, which can be quite loud and has anything but smooth resistance, this device ditches the rear wheel completely for smooth consistent training. Basically you ditch your traditional rear wheel, and connect your bike to this trainer, which works with nine speed and even the new 10-speed cassettes. It allows you to use any bike you’d ride outside, so no worrying about adjusting the stationary bike. Bikes connect and disconnect in minutes – the latter comes in handy for those warm days when you just have to get outside. But with the Revolution Bike Trainer you might be tempted to stay indoors and still put in the miles.

Revolution Bike Trainer at LeMond Fitness