While security is tight at Sochi some American athletes will be suited up in armor – or at least Under Armour’s new speedskating uniform. For the 2014 games Under Armour partnered with Team USA and Lockheed Martin to create a skinsuit that should be a speed machine on the ice. The Mach 39 could be a game changer that helps Americans bring home the gold this year.
Clash of the Titin
There is a new opinion that if you train with extra weight than you’ll perform better when it’s taken off. This is just part of the concept behind the Titin Weighted Compression Shirt, which also allows athletes to pack the base layer with gel inserts. These can be heated or cooled and either way add eight pounds to the torso. The heat can obviously help relax sore muscles while cold packs could be used to stay cool on hot day. In addition it could be used post-workout for an icing routine.
Nax to Grind
The Nax 2.0 doesn’t look like an axe, but that’s kind of the point. While axes served a purpose for centuries the Nax 2.0 is a 21st century take on the chopping tool. It was designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers, survival gear aficionados and preppers. The result is a multi-tool for the wilds that combines the features of kukri knife – the blade used by Nepalese Gurkhas for centuries – mixed with that of a machete and hatchet.
This easy-to-carry tool offers 4130 chromoly steel blade with a professional, zero ground edge. The blade was heat-treated to +48 HRC hardness so it can stand up to the end of the world and then some. It also includes a pommel with a pry and bottle opener, built-in gas shut-off wrench and a handle that is wrapped with 550 paracord. We’ve seen a lot of tools for the end of the world and this is one to add to that list.
Sky Suits Up
If you thought existing cycling apparel was already a little revealing Rapha has introduced a new Road Race Mesh Skinsuit that takes it up a notch. The skinsuit is meant to breathe and then some. It is designed for ultra hot weather locations such as Qatar and Oman, but it does leave little to the imagination! Continue reading Sky Suits Up
Weighing In
Making weight means different things in different sports, but in cycling there is a lot to eating right. VeloPress has introduced the Racing Weight Cookbook, the third title in the Racing Weight series. This books includes more than 100 recipes that are intended not to get riders to lose weight but rather to hit their ideal weight without compromising performance. Racing Weight author Matt Fitzgerald worked with dietician Georgie Fear to put together the cookbook.
The 240-page paperback books offers full-color interior with plenty of pictures and also features:
• 100+ healthy recipes for any athlete, from reluctant cook to cooking enthusiast
• Whole grains, fiber, and lean protein to elevate diet quality
• Fresh, energy-dense meals that help runners, triathletes, and cyclists train harder
• Nutrient-rich bars and smoothies to promote fast recovery
Random Noise It Isn’t
Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings
Fat Summit
From Bicycle Retailer: Fat Bike Summit: It’s time to develop rules for the sport
Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s executive director, told more than 110 participants at the annual Fat Bike Summit that it’s time to develop rules to guide the use of fat bikes on public land and private property. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings
Adidas Expands Bra Collection
This year the sports bra collection doubled in size. That is to say, there are twice as many bra styles as last year, and includes the new maximum support Energy Bra. The collection, adidas says, “helps control the ladies”
The Energy Bra offers maximum support and is best for contact sports, running and high intensity workouts. The new Energy Bra will retail for $55. It has a three-clasp closure that allows for better adjustability. The cross-back strap design offers a personalized fit and more ventilation. Continue reading Adidas Expands Bra Collection
Light Headed
At the recent Outdoor Retailer Show winter sports gear maker K2 showed it was headed in the right direction with the Route, which it claimed was “the lightest snow-certified helmet” ever made. It weighs just 320 grams and features 59 vent holes, ear warmers and boa closure to provide a tight fit. The company noted this is actually a multi-sport helmet that could be used for mountain biking as well as snowsports, but either way it provides plenty of airflow to help keep the head cool.
Vending Refurb
Park Tool’s Eric Hawkins had a great idea, and recently appeared on History’s American Restoration reality show, where the creative team of Rick’s Restoration took an old cigarette vending machine and transformed it into a Park Tool vending machine. This was actually partially filmed last September at Interbike, and now the completed project is in the Park Tool HQ in Minnesota.
American Restoration Official Website
[Via Bicycle Retailer: Park Tool makes History Channel]
Mariachi Skier
While the U.S. Olympic Opening Ceremony uniform may not be scoring points with everyone – despite the fact that it was actually made in America – the choice of attire for Mexican skier Hubertus von Hohenlohe is another story. He unveiled his “Mariachi” motif this week and it is as remarkable as his story.
As his name suggests he is actually a descendant of German royalty but was born in Mexico. “The Prince” – as he’s known – been a staple on the slopes since he raced World Cup at age 22 in 1981, and he made his Olympic debut at Sarajevo in 1984. He’ll turn 55 on Sunday but he’s heading to Sochi next month where he’ll once again represent Mexico.
We applaud that he’s back for more, but we seriously question whether he’ll actually don that uniform on the slopes.
Mobile Running Coach
Sometimes a good coach can motivate you to work harder and go further. Since not everyone can have such a coach the Personal Running Trainer app will be there instead. Designed to help beginning runners train for distance running it provides professional and motivational coaching instructions that voices over personalized music selection, and with this is there to tell you when to change pace and when to rest.
Users can even track other runners using the same program. It is the next best thing to your own coach, and this app is available in nine languages and for Android and iOS devices.
Set it Up
App-uncture, which makes mobile phone apps for mountain bikers, has released the Bike Setup app. Users can enter as much or as little setup information as they like and this helps riders determine the best fixed dimensions and bicycle suspension. Currently it is available for iOS 7 or later, and is available now for $0.99. For less than a buck you can help tune up the bike’s suspension to truly suit your needs. Demo video after the jump