Tag: Cycling

Planet Bike’s 1 Watt of Bright Light

It’s essential to have a tail light on your bike. Even when weight is a concern, it’s necessary to light your bike to protect your butt at sundown. Planet Bike has a new Superflash Stealth. It’s got a 1 watt Blaze LED light plus two eXtreme LEDs for visibility up to a mile.

You generally expect to have a red light, but this clear light flashes red and is visible even in daylight. Cars are getting tricked out with white or clear tail lights, why not bikes?  The housing is weatherproof, lightweight and durable. Two AAA batteries provide up to 100 hours of run time. That means forever for casual riders who may turn it on when caught coming back from their rides at sundown or in inclement weather.

PlanetBike

New Guidelines for Anti-Doping Protocols in 2011 Amgen Tour of California

This week the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) made known its protocols for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California taking place May 15 to 22. The new guidelines are based on previous anti-doping procedures, and expand on the elements with their frequency and rigor.

In the 90 days prior to the race beginning February 15, all race participants will be subject to no-advance notice sample collections. International riders will be subject to the same no-advance notice, out-of-competition testing. During the competition the race organizers in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code in-competition criteria will conduct testing. This includes daily doping controls following a strategic test distribution plan. Samples will be screened for substances and methods used on the WADA Prohibited List such as steroids, hormones, stimulants and various masking agents. Continue reading New Guidelines for Anti-Doping Protocols in 2011 Amgen Tour of California

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

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

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

Koyono Pushes Biking to Work

As a former resident of New York City, I’ve had the occasion to be bike to work from time to time, and apart from the traffic, there are issues of staying clean and not showing up a big sweaty mess. Fortunately I had a place to change, and a safe place to stash my bike.

But one issue remained, if I had to bring work home – or ever needed to bring a laptop, it meant trouble. I was a commuter not a bike messenger, and thus I didn’t have the right gear. How the times have changed. Koyono is one of several retailers offering new bike friendly accessories.

We had seen some of the new offerings – such as Timbuk2’s line of cycle friendly bags – at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show. All this makes almost makes me wish I could commute to work (instead of being one of those work from home types), but only almost!

Check out the commuter friendly gear at Koyono.com

Fitness Journal: Let It Roll With the Tru-Trainer

If you are familiar with cycling, you are probably familiar with the training device called ‘rollers’. Rollers are a very simple training aid consisting of three aluminum or plastic drums which the rider can only maintain their balance while riding. If they cyclist stops pedaling, they fall over. This might sound a bit dangerous and unnerving to learn, but if you can master riding rollers, not only will you get a physical workout, your handling and pedaling efficiency will greatly improve.

Even though there are many manufacturers who make rollers, they have remained virtually unchanged for decades until recently. TruTrainer rollers, manufactured by CycleDyne LLC in Brownsburg, Indiana, claim that their rollers have the closest feel and feedback to actually riding on the road. The secret to their rollers is the drum furthest to the rear is actually a flywheel. The only real visual difference between TruTrainer rollers and others on the market is the second drive belt connecting the two rear rollers. Continue reading Fitness Journal: Let It Roll With the Tru-Trainer

Shimano Ultegra To Go Electronic in 2012?

Our friends at BikeRadar.com noted that rumors are circulating that Shimano might introduce electronic shifting for its stepdown Ultegra group. This follows reports from various blogs that the group would come out in 2012. BikeRadar followed up on the story, but so far it just remains very much something that is only spinning round in the rumor mill. Dare we say that the electronic Ultegra is just vaporware at this point?

For now riders can use electronic shifting with the Dura-Ace Di2 (Digital Integrated Intelligence), and there is certainly nothing wrong with it. As has been noted, it has received acclaim from racers, riders and the press. The downside is that the shifting system will have you shifting a lot of money in the process, as in more than $3,000.

So unless you want the absolute best, and need it to be electronic, you’ll have to do the non-electronic shifting in 2011.

[Via BikeRadar.com: Is electronic Shimano Ultegra on the horizon?]

Shimano Dura-Ace Official Website

Double Triple Bypass… say what?

For the past 22 years Team Evergreen Bicycle Club has been putting on the Triple Bypass one Saturday every July. This one-day ride is 120 miles starting in Evergreen, Colorado and ending in Avon, Colorado, just west of Vail. The 120 miles may not sound tough, but the riders must cross three mountain passes before arriving in Avon – Juniper/Squaw, 11,140 feet; Loveland, 11,990 feet; and finally Vail, 10,560. The total climbing is 10,600 feet.

On the plus side, this ride is very well supported with five aid stations, signs along the way, detailed maps, Colorado Highway Patrol, SAG wagons and even a post-ride dinner. Continue reading Double Triple Bypass… say what?

Trips For Kids Founder Honored With Community Leadership Award

Last week the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) announced that has chosen Marilyn Price to receive a 2010 PCFSN Community Leadership Award. This award is given annually to individuals who improve the lives of individuals within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness or nutrition-related programs. Marilyn Price, a longtime bicycle enthusiast founded Trips for Kids (TFK) in 1986, to help at-risk youth through mountain bike rides and Earn-a-Bike programs.

“It is our pleasure to present this award to Marilyn Price,” says Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. “Physical activity and good nutrition are important components of living a healthy lifestyle, and we are pleased to recognize individuals like Marilyn Price who are committed to making a difference and positively influencing the health of their communities.”

This year, the President’s Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 28 individuals across the country for making sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutrition-related programs available in their communities.

President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Official Website

Trips for Kids Official Website