Monthly Archives: May 2011

Lizard Skins & Fi’z:ik Bar Tape Review

I felt the need to review a product that very few people ever think about – bar tape.  I like to think that I’m passionate about this topic, but others might call it obsessive.  Up front I will confess that I frequently change my bar tape.  I also insist on wrapping it myself.  I think it says a lot about a cyclist that can wrap his/her own bar tape and make it look top notch.

There are two brand of bar tape that I really like.

1) Lizard Skins DSP 2.5 Bar TapeLizard Skin's Bar Tape

My first choice is and always will be Lizard Skins DSP 2.5 Bar Tape.  This stuff is simply amazing.  I wish I could post a sample so that you could feel it, but you’ll just have to take my word for it (or find some at your local bike shop, because the packaging has a sample on it)

Now, I guarantee that you will experience sticker shock when you go to buy some. This stuff retails around $35.00. But come on are you really surprised? When you consider how much you spend on races, wheels, tires, etc. Simply put, Lizard Skins represents a premium product in the bar tape market.  In defense of the steep price tag, I’ve noticed that you definitely get much more life out of this bar tape.  In fact, I think it will last about two or three times longer then the other stuff.  Plus, if image is important to you, it looks sharper.

A few of the qualities that I love so much about the Lizard Skin tape is that it provides a much more tactile experience.  Every time I grip the handle bar tape it’s kind of like getting a little massage.  The texture is also just fun to touch.  As mentioned above it’s very durable, and from my viewpoint it stays cleaner than a lot of the competition.

Be forewarned that Lizard Skins can be challenging to find.  Because of the cost, many stores are hesitant to carry it.  My local REI finally started to, but be warned they carry very limited colors.  You can order it online, but paying shipping is kind of stinky if you ask me.

Also, for those who wrap their own tape – this tape shouldn’t be stretched and pulled as tight as you would normally with other brands. They have a video that shows you how to do it, but it isn’t the most helpful video out there.

2) Fi’zi:k Microtext Bar Tape

Fi'zi:k Microtext Bar TapeMy second choice for bar tape is the Fi’zi:k Microtext bar tape.  If you have ever purchased a Fi’zi:k saddle then you know that this company knows their stuff.  While their bar tape is not nearly as luxurious as Lizard Skins, it’s more affordable.

The Microtext tape is around $15.00. While it may not last as long as Lizard Skins, it does hold up better than other brands.

Also, it comes in more colors than you can imagine.  As an example, I was able to match the yellow of my jersey and tires to my bar tape – totally nerdy I know.  My local bike shop did carry many of the different colors, so you won’t have to special order that fuchsia you like so much.

I like the feeling of this bar tape as opposed to many of the other brands in a similar price range.  It’s not soft and cork-like, but has a smoother and more finished feel.  It also seems to have a micro-fiber quality to it.

For those who wrap, this tape is like traditional bar tape and should be pulled very tight while putting it on.

 The Bottom Line ~

Those are my thoughts on bar tape.  Lizard Skins if you can afford it, and Fi’zi:k if you’re on more of a budget.  Perhaps you haven’t thought much about it, but hopefully next time you will.   If you aren’t a bar tape snob yet – just wait.  It’ll happen to you soon enough.  Spoil yourself and get some premium tape today.

Also, here is a helpful video on how to wrap your own bar tape.  Watch it and then practice, practice, practice.  It’s a very worthwhile skill and impresses the ladies (and men, ladies!)

 

Do you have an experience or comment about this product?
Please help fellow athletes by leaving a comment.

“Racing Weight” Review

Racing Weight Book CoverOne of the topics most near and dear to all endurance athletes is weight.  Up until reading this book I was obsessed with thinking I needed to lose weight so that I could be faster, tougher and a better athlete.  I’m willing to venture a guess that I’m not alone in this obsession. You folks debating about whether or not to weigh your food know who you are.

While certainly “lightness” is critical to performance, we tend to hyper focus on this one issue. In Racing Weight, Matt Fitzgerald does an excellent job approaching weight as a multi-dimensional issue. I think this is wise and represents a more healthy, holistic approach. For example, in a quest to lose weight you might actually be losing muscle instead of fat, thus reducing your potential for performance.

One potential challenge for some with this book is that Fitzgerald thoroughly documents his ideas with various scientific studies.  I found this information very interesting, and I like to know how experts are drawing their conclusions. Some may find that it makes it a bit of a slower read or too technical with so much data.

The basic idea of the book is that racing weight is achieved for a brief period of time each year, when you are competing in that A-priority event. To try and stay at your racing weight all year will most likely have negative physical and emotional side effects.  However, this doesn’t mean that you can let yourself go and balloon up in weight during the rest of the year either.

For me the most fascinating concept was the the 5 components you should be considering as part of your weight management plan:

  1. Improve Your Diet Quality
  2. Balance Your Energy Sources
  3. Time Your Nutrition
  4. Manage Your Appetite
  5. Train Right

I found that in my own eating, Diet Quality and Nutrient Timing were two very important areas that I was paying virtually no attention to.  Reading this book helped me to realize that diet and reaching your racing weight are more complex then the simple catch phrase “drop some lb’s.”

The Bottom Line ~

If you are really serious about a healthy diet and reaching a weight for your highest potential – this is a great read.  As mentioned above there is a lot of supporting data and scientific research that some will love, and others will grow tired of.  In addition to the racing weight plan, Fitzgerald explains how you can estimate what your racing weight is and how to reach your goal.  He also includes information on what various elite athletes eat, a healthy recipe section, and a great chapter about supplements.

 

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2XU Compression Review

Compression craze is rampant at athletic events. It seems that athletes are jumping on the compression band-wagon without really understanding the benefits and uses of compression.  Here are some of my thoughts on and experiences with compression clothing.

2XU Compression Shorts

I started using 2XU compression clothing over a year ago, and I have to say I’m a huge fan.  I must disclose up front that I’m sponsored by 2XU this year. They are not paying me nor asking me to write this review. I started using their clothing long before I got a sponsorship.  In fact, it was because of the quality of their products that I sought them out as a sponsor.  I will continue to use their products regardless, because of their quality and innovation.

Compression is primarily for recovery.  After a grueling a workout, or between the stages of a race it’s so easy to pull on some compression shorts and give your muscles a little relief.  I have used 2XU compression clothing while traveling to and from events, in between stages of multiple stage races and after long runs that have really beat up my body.  Every time I have used the compression clothing, my muscles have felt much better and I feel like I recover more quickly.  I like the sense of support they give my muscles, and they seem to help minimize soreness.  From what I understand, the theory is that they direct more blood flow around the exerted muscles, and they help by supporting and massaging the affected muscles.  After a workout, your body goes into recovery mode and starts removing waste and bringing in nutrients via your blood so that it can begin rebuilding your muscles and glycogen stores.  Just as some people go and get massages to help recovery, compression clothing can produce a similar result – and you never have to leave a tip.  For me I have felt that the 2XU products have delivered each time I have used them.

2XU Compression Clothing

Now I won’t lie. There is little scientific evidence to prove the benefits of compression right now.  Most literature indicates that it does help to reduce “perceived” muscle soreness, but that compression is not measurably different then stretching, taking an ice-bath or doing nothing at all. In my opinion, however, I have noticed a difference.  I think that if it makes you feel like you are recovering faster, then use it.  Anything that helps you feel more confident and prepared is beneficial and as mentioned earlier, it feels really great – so what do you have to lose? I also believe that we are still in the early stages of compression, so science will continue to study the difference athletes are experiencing.

During a race or workout compression can aid with reducing muscle vibration, making the athlete more comfortable and efficient.  I have some new triathlon clothing from 2XU that I purchased and will be using this year. I will let you know how I think the compression helps during performance.  I have yet to try the calf or arms sleeves, but would like to later on this year and will post a review when I do.

The last area of compression I wanted to talk about was injury.  From my personal experience I have used the 2XU compression shorts to help with my recent stress fracture in my hip. On days when it has felt a little more sensitive or less stable, I have worn the compression shorts.  From my perspective it has seemed to help.  I feel more comfortable and confident.  I also feel that it’s kind of like wrapping yourself up in a bandage for both comfort and protection.

The Bottom Line ~

I love the feel that compression gives to my muscles and I love the results I have experienced.  I regularly use it during my training, racing and anytime I need a little extra recovery.  I love how it supports the muscles and the overall feel of the fabric. Also, I think 2XU has great design so they look very stylish.

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The 2XU brand is high quality.  I have had the same compression clothing for over a year now and it’s still going strong. (They are the ones pictured above and their has been no Photoshopping. I just took these pictures at my house with a digital camera.) They compress almost as well as the day I got them and there haven’t been any holes, stretch-outs or other defects. Signs of wearing are minimal to none and even the cool silver graphics are still intact and looking great.

I own the shorts, the tights and the long sleeved compression top.  The tights and shorts are awesome.  The long-sleeved top hasn’t had the best ROI for me because I rarely workout my upper body until it’s sore or exhausted.  If you can only buy one, I would recommend going with the tights as they will provide full coverage and recovery for both legs.

A note on sizing.  I typically find my self trapped in the world between small and medium.  I found that because it’s compression if you are near or between sizes, size down.  It’s meant to be a tight fit against the body so that it can do its job. Don’t be worried about revealing too much, since these aren’t supposed to be worn to the grocery store.

Do you have an experience or comment about this product?
Please help fellow athletes by leaving a comment.