Triathlon | Evolving Consumer

Trimble Updates AllSport GPS Apps for Android

Trimble released new versions of its AllSport GPS app for the Android Market. This includes AllSport GPS Pro ($3.99) and AllSport GPS (free). The programs collect more than 20 fitness stats and calculate calories burned to help people reach their fitness goals. AllSport GPS apps track 14 outdoor fitness activities including running, cycling, skiing and walking. The apps also let you access real-time weather forecasts, chart workouts over time, and view street and park maps.

Continue reading Trimble Updates AllSport GPS Apps for Android

Triathlon to Bring Awareness to Renewable Technology

The organizers of the Encap Triathlon, to be held this September, on Arran Island hope to attract 2,000 entrants of all abilities, but given that the swimming will be held in Lamlash Bay, which is on the Irish Sea we can only expect this be a rather chilly experience.

But that’s not the point. For organizer Nick Scott, co-founder of Encap, a Glasgow-based firm that works to help its clients reduce cost by reducing energy consumption, while also working to identify renewable technologies, the event could still be the largest held yet in Scotland. And it could further give an economic boost to the island, while helping shed light on Encap’s goal of bringing out green technology for business. Many of the competitors will also be there to raise money for various local charities.

Triathlons are growing in popularity in the U.K., and the Encap Triathlon will consist of a 1.5km swim, a 23-mile cycling course followed by a six mile run. In addition to the cold water, and good cause we expect this event will have some spectacular scenery as well.

[Via Telegraph.co.uk: Arran to host Scotland’s biggest triathlon]

Encap Arran Triathlon

Encap Limited Official Website

K-Swiss Introduces 2011 Running Shoes

Triathlon season, despite what the current weather situation, is just around the corner, and this month Trek and K-Swiss held a tam camp in Kona, Hawaii, where the latter introduced four new running shoes for 2011, as well as a new trail shoe that will hit it in 2012.

This is quite a step forward for K-Swiss, which just a few years ago was primarily a tennis brand. Now the times have changed and K-Swiss looks to be a major player in the running market – despite the fact that the company has been on somewhat shaky ground, recently noting that worldwide revenue for 2010 was down almost 10 percent.

But now the company looks to be putting its best foot, or rather shoe forward for 2011. Triathlete reported last week that K-Swiss rolled out the four new shoes, which include the Kwicky Blade-Light, a trainer/racing shoe built upon the Blade-Light sole; the K-Ruuz 1.5, ultra-light flat; the Blade-Light Run, which will be available in a safety-oriented neon reflective sole; and finally the Blade-Max Trail, which features a sturdier version of the Blade-Light sole.

[Via Examiner: Atlana Shoe Market: new models from K-Swiss]

[Via Triathlete: K-Swiss Reveals 2011 Running Shoes At Trek/K-Swiss Triathlon Camp]

K-Swiss Official Website

When Every Second Counts, An Aerodynamic Helmet Aims to Increase Performance

If you’re looking to increase your efficiency when cycling, consider an aero helmet. These helmets are designed to maximize your performance. While it isn’t new, Rudy Project’s Wingspan Aero Helmet is still highly touted by many. Its radical design will turn some heads, but that is if you can catch a glimpse of it as it wooshes by you. Besides protecting your noggin, the Italian-made helmet is designed to help you fly (not literally, but you get our point). This time trial (TT) helmet has been extensively wind tunnel-tested to be faster than many leading helmets in the category, according to Rudy Project.

Designed with assistance from cycling’s aerodynamics expert John Cobb, the Wingspan exceeds Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) requirements and, at 12.3 ounces, is lighter than the company’s previous Syton model. The Wingspan uses Rudy Project’s R.S.R. 7 Disc retention system for one-handed on-the-fly adjustments and includes ear covers for maximum aerodynamics.

The tail design is the result of the wind tunnel-testing. Cobb and the company found that it works best for all TT positions and back profiles, including the “flat” and “U” shapes. There’s a removable mesh front vent cover for triathlon use and a closed ven cover for time-trial. There are exhaust vents for cooling, too. A removable tail cover helps to reduce turbulence. Plus, it comes in six colors (like this cool fluorescent yellow).

But, at $300, you must be asking, does it work? The helmet has been in-use by the pros (the helmet made its debut with Germany’s Team Milram during the 2009 Tour de France and made waves in the cycling press), and continues to deliver impressive results for many cyclists. You can watch Italian rider Ivan Basso testing the helmet at Gazzetta’s website.

Rudy Project

Interbike 2010: Timex Ironman Lives Up to Its Name

Timex is a company that has a really solid reputation for making quality products, and with the new Ironman Global Trainer Bodylink System they’re raised the bar and then some. The core of the system is an all-in-one wristwatch, which at first glance is really large. We’re talking, “is that meant for a grandmother with poor vision” big, but this device is so loaded with features that it wouldn’t fit on a standard sized watch face.

The watch is powered by SiRFstarIII GPS technology so it requires no calibration for use with a bike or for running. With this it can calculate precise speed, pace and distance in real time, and measure location and altitude with ascent/descent distances and rates. For those who like to micromanage their workouts there is even the option to record 100 location waypoints for track back and create new routes – while up to 50 custom routes for pace tracking can be recalled.

We’re also impressed that this device, which runs on a rechargeable battery for up to 15 hours in GPS mode, offers four-window data displays, so you can check your pace, record multisport progress, see calories burned and summaries for up to 1,000 laps. Since this is a triathlon friendly device it is water-resistant to 50 meters, but it can’t track you under the water however.

Post workout is where this one keeps on ticking too. It offers the ability to wirelessly sync with online software powered by TrainingPeaks, and is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. It can be used with ANT+ heart rate and bike sensors as well.

During Interbike we were given a demo of what you can view on the computer, and you should plan to spend an extra half hour a day not working out, but going over your workout results, because there is just that much to see. The Timex Global Trainer Bodylink System will be available this month, priced from $249.99 to $299.95.

TimexIronman Official Website

Bicycles That Fit Like a Tailored Suit

When purchasing an upscale bicycle a buyer often picks out a frame size, picks out some components and then opts to get a fitting. This is much like buying a suit or a wedding dress, where an item is made to fit you. But PK Cycling of Fairfax, California takes the custom fitting to the next level, and it offers clients the option for a truly customized bike that will fit riders like a tailored suit.

Christopher Kautz of PK Cycling was kind of enough to describe his company’s unique process. Continue reading Bicycles That Fit Like a Tailored Suit

For Running, Compression is Key

Socks are socks, right? Well, there’s running socks, tennis socks, cycling socks, general sports socks, dress sock and we could keep going. A little known sock is the compression sock used frequently for medical conditions. Travelers and athletes are learning compression socks can aid training and recovery. One Mile Runner David O’Meara, whose goal is to inspire athletes over 30 to avoid injury, wears compression socks during and after performance events.

As a runner O’Meara wears the Athletic Recovery Sock while traveling and after exercise. He wears the Performance Sock for running. Both are part of the Active Therapy Line from Sigvaris. The comparession in the sock helps to flush out lactic acid that builds in the leg during exercise. The sock’s benefits are the ability to relieve tired, aching legs and exercise-induced muscle soreness. Continue reading For Running, Compression is Key

Conquer the Course With This New Bike and Tri Wear

When it comes to doing a triathlon you can complete or you can try to conquer the competition. That’s what the makers at Australian-based Conquest Bike Wear also seemed to have in mind, with its latest line of new triathlon and cycling attire. Our friends at Trizone reported that the company has announced several new products, many of which have been upgraded to feature the latest material and technical components.

These include the Conquest trisuit, a protestional-level kit constructed of hardwearing “Lyrca power.” The fabric is reported to be chlorine and salt water resistant, as well as offering sun protection rated at UV50+. Making sure that the clothing can stand up to the harsh conditions is a real plus, as is the additional use of hydrophobic fabric to repel water quickly. This means that you won’t have to feel you’re sitting on damp sponge as you hit the bike. Continue reading Conquer the Course With This New Bike and Tri Wear

New Performance Fabrics Processed with Plasma

It’s the gas in your TV. And now it’s the gas that created the surface of your clothes. Plasma is a gas created by applying electrical fields to pure gas or gas mixtures in a vacuum chamber. A Swiss company called Eschler is using plasma to cause systematic surface modifications to fabrics. Translation: A process that creates water-resistant, water-absorbing and dirt-repellent fabrics through the use of electricity and an ionic gas rather than the use of chemicals or excessive water. Plasma changes the surface of the fabric to grant these properties through particular textures whether they’re smooth or mottled. The process has traditionally been achieved through the use of wet processing with chemicals and lots and lots of water. The chemical process often makes the fabric too stiff, and wears away with repeated washing.

Continue reading New Performance Fabrics Processed with Plasma

Wet Suits To Change for 2013

Thin is in, especially for many tri-athletes. After all that swimming, cycling and running you’re sure to burn some calories. But come 2013 another type of thin will be in, as in the rules. Beginning in 2013 the thickness of wet suits will be the name of the game. The USA Triathlon announced that beginning on “January 1, 2013 swimmers wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than five millimeters shall be disqualified.”

Thus those greater than the thickness will not be permitted at USAT-sanctioned events. According to the press release:

“Our board has been considering this issue and the impact it might have with our athletes for some time,” said USA Triathlon CEO Skip Gilbert. “The overall feeling is that it makes perfect sense to align with the guidelines set by our international federation and multisport enthusiasts around the world. This is a standard that is good for the athlete community and our sport overall.”

So what does this mean? Well, nothing more than the USAT will be in line with the international standard of five millimeters, which is already recognized by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and other National Governing Bodies. Fortunately as many suits are currently greater in thickness, there will be a grace period as these suits are phased out.

[Via Competitor.com: USA Triathlon Adopts New Wetsuit Regulation Starting In 2013]

Tap Your Way Through Your Next Ironman

Whether you’re going the distance in an Ironman or just want to use the various logs while working out, the Timex Ironman Sleek 150-lap watch will allow you to see the results – and get through the various screens by just taping.

This TapScreen technology allows athletes to tap the face while swimming, cycling or running instead of having to locate and push buttons. This means you can spend more time looking at the results and less time trying to get there. This watch is also water resistant up to 100 meters – not that you’ll likely need to go to those depths, but as they say, “it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” Or in this case it takes a licking and stills gives you the key facts in a digital readout, which includes large digits that offer information for 24-hour time, month, day and date display, and two time zones.

It offers a night-light with night-mode, target time pacer, dated training log with best lap, average lap and total time, 100-hour chronograph with lap and split times, 150-lap memory recall, 199-lap counter and on-the-fly lap or split recall. There are also alarms for hydration and nutrition so you don’t let those important details slip your mind. So next time you go for a training run, or are in a competition you can get all you need to know just by tapping away.

Timex Ironman Sleek 150-lap Watch

Tri-Shoes Show Spirit

K-Swiss K-Ona S Shows Your National Pride

For specialized competition there are specialized shoes, and K-Swiss has a line of running shoes meant for race day for your next triathlon. Check out the K-Ona S line. These ultra-light shoes are just 9oz, and feature a durable Aosta II rubber outsole, and anatomically correct flex-grooves, along with the Superoam technology, Si-18 crash pad and k-EVA midsole. This will help you do the miles as you hit the pavement, as a TPU midfoot shank lets you go the distance.

The mesh/synthetic shoes further feature the K-Swiss Flow Cool System for moisture management, so you’re feet will stay dry on the long road to the finish. And you’ll not only feel good but looking good too, as this line offers multiple national flag inspired design. While there are options for Germany, Japan, Brazil and Australia, we’re especially taken with the American flag design!

K-Swiss: K-Ona S

TYR These Goggles on for Size

Seeing isn’t merely believing, seeing is what allows you go from competitor to winner – at least when it comes to swimming.

And whether you’re hitting the pool, or getting wet and wild in a triathlon, the TYR Sports Nest Pro Nano will let you see clearly.

These performance goggles are inspired by the unique bird nest architectural design of Beijing’s main stadium that was used in the 2008 Olympics, and this nest design provides intertwined support to give a more open field of vision. That can be good in a pool or in open water. The Nano also features a nice and compact frame, along with smaller gaskets so it is ideal for smaller faces and children. And at $24 these goggles are affordable enough as well, allowing you to see your way to victory.

TYR Sports Online Store: Nest Pro Nano