Category Archives: Cycling

Skins C400 Compression Bib Shorts Review

A Second Skin that Delivers

Skins C400 Compression Bib Shorts Product ShotIt seems like you can’t go to any event or pick up a magazine that isn’t talking about compression.  The compression craze dominates right now.  While I have tried many products in triathlon and running that have compression, I had never tried a cycling short that was compression specific.  Skins C400 Compression Bib Short is a very comfortable, high-quality compression bib short that any cyclist would love.  If you are looking to add compression to your cycling experience look no further than Skins.

First and foremost, the C400 bib short is very comfortable.  It literally fits like a second skin – and is that comfy.  There was no odd pulling or pinching anywhere to be found.  Even the straps felt good.  The fabric is super soft, and the chamois is spot-on.  Some bike shorts can feel like you’re wearing a diaper, and others feel like there is no support at all.  I think that Skins nailed the chamois – which can be the most difficult, yet most important, element.

Skins’ sizing is based off of height and weight.  Instead of your regular S, M, L, XL, there sizing has a range.  Make sure you look at this chart.  It recommended a medium for me, and it seemed like the right size.

Overall, I really enjoyed wearing compression shorts during cycling.  I decided to test these shorts on a nice flat ride and on a monster climb up the local canyon.  I loved the support and feel of these shorts throughout the experience.  One of the biggest things that I noticed was that the compression seemed to limit the vibration, or at least the perceived vibration, in my quadricep muscles.  I feel like this ultimately helped reduce fatigue and let more of my muscle energy be used for biking.

While this is by no means scientific, I felt like they made a difference and were comfortable.  They also have a distinctly different feel from any of my other cycling shorts.  They were much more supportive, and seemed to “hold” my muscles more, or massage them just a little.  It’s hard to describe in words.

There were a few things I didn’t like about this short.  First, I did not like the leg bands.  Most high-quality shorts seem to be moving from narrow bands to a larger compression fabric band.  These shorts use a narrow compression band.  While it may be just aesthetics, it didn’t feel as substantial as some other shorts I’ve used.  Also, I found on my climbing ride that I sweat a lot in these shorts, and the sweat really showed.  Now granted I have the grey and white short (which I wouldn’t recommend), but I did wonder about the breath ability. I haven’t sweat that much in any other shorts I have used – even on steep climbs.

Finally, my only other complaint is that for the price of these shorts, they don’t have a cool, high-end, designer look.  While they are comfortable, you don’t look anything like a pro, or even like a sleek cyclist for that matter.  One last note – there website is incredibly slow, so be patient!

The Bottom Line ~

The Skin’s C400 Compression Bib Shorts are a comfortable, high-quality bib short that incorporates compression for the serious cyclist.  While the shorts are a pricey $300, the quality is great and comes from a company that stands behind their products.  I’m not crazy about the narrow compression bands on the legs of the short, the breathability, and the look of the design.  However, I feel like these shorts kept my legs fresh during my ride, and that they definitely deliver on the compression promise.

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Garmin Forerunner 405 Review

Knowledge is Power!

It is hard to believe that I have been running with my Garmin Forerunner 405 for over four years now. I had been running seriously for a couple of years and thankfully the city I live in spaces out major blocks at exactly one-mile increments. I wore a watch that had a stopwatch and would run the city blocks and try to figure out my pace as each mile went by. I then purchased a Polar Heart Rate Monitor so I could keep track of my effort. As 2007 was coming to an end, I started to research what sort of running tool I wanted for Christmas. I stumbled on to an article about the new Forerunner 405 which was to be released in January. I was excited to try it out and started making daily phone calls to multiple REI stores to make sure I could get it on the day it was released. In January of 2008 I hurried home after my purchase excited to try it out…unfortunately I had to wait for it to charge before I could enter into the world of instantaneous feedback while running.

The Forerunner 405 was Garmin’s first successful attempt at providing athletes with a GPS watch that didn’t look like a giant piece of equipment attached to the wrist. It’s predecessor, the Forerunner 305, is considerably larger than the 405, and so the more watch-like design for the 405 makes it more appealing. The 405 only has 2 buttons but uses what they call a touch bezel, the silver ring around the face of the watch, to access most of the functions. With a little bit of effort it is easy to get used to the bezel functions to scroll through the menus.

I would encourage you to take the time to become familiar with the watch before you venture out on the trails. There are multiple screens and options that the 405 offers. As you start out, you will need to allow the watch to connect with the satellites. I have rarely ran into problems with the connections. The directions suggest that you attempt to connect outdoors, but I haven’t found that necessary. There have been a few times where I have needed to exit the connection screen, and then go back in for it to access, but a few times is nothing over a four-year period of time.

Once connected to the satellites all you need to do is push the start button and your instant feedback is in the palm of your hand, or at least on your wrist. You will need to decide which screens are most valuable for you and how much information you want on each screen. The user can choose from one to three different sets of information on each screen. I believe that since you bought a GPS watch, you would want the distance traveled. When I run, I typically choose to have the average pace, time elapsed, and distance traveled on my primary screen. On my secondary screens I will choose current speed, current heart rate, average heart rate and many others. There are numerous choices that the user can elect. One of my favorite functions is the virtual pace partner. The user can enter in the pace that they would like to run and the watch will keep track of how much time and distance the user is ahead or behind the elected pace. This is a great feature when trying to beat a P.R.

Having the immediate feedback while out running or cycling is great but it is only half of what Garmin has to offer. When you are finished with your training and head toward your computer, the watch will sync up with your computer using an Ant+ stick. Your entire workout will be downloaded into the Garmin training center. Make sure to set the lap function on your watch. This will help you as you analyze your training session. I set my laps to one mile and can easily analyze my training session. The program also provides you with a map of where you traveled. The map in the training center is somewhat limited but it allows you to open your training session in Google Earth. You can also sync your training center to Garmin’s web-based training center where all the information is available in an even better format with better maps. There is even a player where you can watch yourself, in the form of a pin, move through your training session and compare your speeds, elevation and other information.

I loved the watch so much that I forced my wife and neighbors to try it. A week later my wife had ordered her own and soon thereafter my neighbors had also bought one. My wife loves the interval function the watch offers. She sets her interval to distance or time and the watch will audibly alert her to when she either needs to step it up or enter into her recovery period. The ANT+ and the computer program easily pair up with both my watch and my wife’s, without any issues

I have found that the watch is extremely accurate. I have tested it against the speedometer in my car and a few different bike computers and it has always been right on. The battery is also solid. The watch comes with a plug where you can recharge the battery whenever you need to. The only time I have run out of battery power after a full charge was during my Ironman event when I was out on the road for an extended amount of time (8+ hours).

Although I love the watch, it isn’t perfect. The back-light on my watch has never worked. It seems to only be a glitch with my watch as it has worked on my wife’s and other friends. I attribute this to wanting to be an early adopter and buying one of the first watches off the production line. I am convinced that Garmin would have exchanged it but I didn’t want to give it up for any amount of time. The only other problems I have had is when running when it is wet outside. There are times when the bezel does not react to the touch of wet fingers. Also, if wearing a long-sleeved shirt and it is wet, it has at times activated the bezel and changed the screen. These issues have been rare and can easily be avoided by using the locking function on the bezel.

The Bottom Line ~

The Forerunner 405 is an incredible piece of equipment and continues to be one of my favorite training tools even though it is four years old. I do need to note that the heart rate strap is an add on. You can purchase the watch with or without the heart rate strap. The suggested retail price for the 405 is around $250, but you can easily find the watch for under $200. I paid $350 when it was new and have never regretted my purchase.

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Ryders Swamper Polar-Photo Sunglass Review

Having 4 Eyes Has Never Been So Stylish

Ryder's Swamper SunglassesWith as much time as endurance athletes spend outdoors, investing in a quality pair of sunglasses is key.  But, let’s be honest, you could probably take out a small loan to buy some of the optics available on the market.

I think a simple, high-quality, feature-packed, moderate cost approach is the way to go.  That’s why Ryders Eyewear is such a great option.

Overall Ryders costs less than the super-hyped brands like Smith.  But just because it costs less does not impact the quality.  I’ve found the Ryder’s Swamper Polar-Photo Sunglass to be a great pair of affordable, quality sunglasses for a wide-variety of sports.

I have used the Swampers for several months in my running, cycling, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.  I have to say that I’m quite happy with these glasses.

First they are polarized, which I believe every athlete who’s spending significant time outdoors should have polarized lenses – it just makes the view that much better.  The Swampers are also cool because they are photo-chromatic.  That is basically scientific talk for the fact that the lenses will automatically darken and lighten, depending on the brightness of the light in your environment.  This is a great option, especially if you are training in the late afternoon/evening or early morning. (when most non-sponsored athletes train and recreate)

Now, it’s important to note that the lenses don’t instantly brighten or darken, but gradually do so.  Also, they darken faster than they lighten, so they aren’t a perfect solution for Mountain Biking when you’re going in and out of dark spaces quickly.

The other feature I really like about these glasses is that the nose pads and temple tips are flexible and adjustable.  This is really great because you can really dial in a customized fit for your individual face.  Also, they are made out of hydrophylic material, so they provide some extra grip which comes in handy as your face starts to sweat.

The Bottom Line ~

Ryders Eyewear is a quality, affordable name that you can trust.  I really like the Swampers lenses and have been happy with the optics quality, fit, and durability.  I really love the photochromatic lenses and I also love how affordable these glasses are – about $90.

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Mountainsmith Bike Cube Review

Get Your Life Organized by Entering the Cube

Mountainsmith Bike CubeIf anyone tells you that cycling or triathlon is a simple sport that requires minimal gear – tell them they’re crazy.  It’s seems like the more you get involved in endurance athletics, the more gear and little gadgets you get.  Staying organized, in and of itself can be a huge challenge.

Fortunately, Mountainsmith had the insight to create something that has simplified and changed my whole equipment/clothing management experience.

The Bike Cube, is exactly what it sounds like.  A handy cube shaped bag that literally stores everything you need (minus your bike and wheels.)

Whether you’re are doing a single day race, or a multi-day stage race – you’ll love the Bike Cube.  Of course you can put all your soft clothing into the Bike Cube, but it also contains a special compartments and space within that compartment for your helmet, shoes, sunglasses, food, sunblock, tools, etc.

I have yet to find something that I haven’t been able to find a handy place for within the Bike Cube.  They make a basic and deluxe model.  While there isn’t much difference between the two, the deluxe looks a little sharper and has many more little compartments to put various smaller equipment.

The only potential drawback some might experience with this product is that it doesn’t pack down smaller than the cube.  It’s a fairly stiff, well-shaped bag and so if you’re trying to squeeze it into a fully loaded car, you might have some problems.

The Bike Cube Deluxe is regularly price at about $75.00.  Certainly not the cheapest bag, but I believe it’s well worth the money.  If you get tired of looking around your house or car for this, that, and the other piece of equipment – get the Bike Cube and simplify your life.  I love not worrying if I have something or where I put this particular item.  I just know that it’s all in the cube.

The Bottom Line ~

Mountainsmith is a quality company that makes quality products.  After 3 years of using the Bike Cube, I swear by this product and recommend it to all my friends.  It’s so easy to keep all your biking stuff together, in one place.  It makes bike trips a dream and will keep you organized.  It may not be the cheapest  piece of equipment, but it’s well worth the money.  Keep an eye on Bonktown and other discount sites, as they will offer discounts.

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Body Glide Liquified Powder – Skin Glide – Review

That is smooth!

Body Glide Skin Glide

New Packaging and Branding

[Update: I talked with Body Glide today and they notified me that Liquified Powder is now called Skin Glide. Body Glide wanted to bring this product under the same branding umbrella and Skin Glide falls a lot more in line with Body Glide than Liquified Powder. I believe this is a good move. There is something to be said for the name of a product being exactly what it is, such as Liquified Powder, but Skin Glide takes advantage of the powerful Body Glide brand. With the new packaging and name, Body Glide also wanted to make sure people understood that Skin Glide not only aids in protection, but in repair as well.]

I love products that can be used for real life problems. About a month ago I headed to the gym during my lunch break to do an interval running workout. As I started to change in the locker room, I realized that I had forgotten my Drymax Socks. I thought about wearing my dress socks but didn’t want them to get all sweaty, so I decided to go sock-less. I thought it would be a deeper foray into the minimalist movement. Instead , I had deep abrasions on the tops of my feet as the fabric from my shoes tore into my skin. If only I could have remembered Body Glide’s saying, “Stops trouble before it starts,” and more importantly actually used body glide.

Body Glide Liquified Powder

My feet weren’t the only problem that Body Glide could help me with. I had recently increased my cycling by a lot (30 minutes a week to three hours). Saddle sores can be a literal pain in the…I think you get the picture. Thank the heavens that I got my hands on some Body Glide Liquified Powder.

Body Glide’s website states that the liquified powder is a “technically advanced cream that transforms into an evenly disbursed, effective, yet dry & protective skin lubricant.” I have the 1.6 oz. tube which costs around $8. The product also comes in small pouches. The liquified powder comes out as a cream or lotion. The truly amazing thing is that as soon as you start to rub the liquified powder into your skin, it absorbs and goes on dry. The greasy film that lotions leave on your skin is non-existent with the liquified powder. Within a handful of seconds you can barely tell that you have put anything on your skin. The liquified powder is ideal for feet, but not limited to that area.

In a short amount of time Body Glide Liquified Powder is becoming a favorite at my house. After my running without socks incident, I used the liquified powder to reduce anymore damage to the tops of my feet. The combination of the powder and actually wearing socks stopped any more friction to the wounded area and became a non issue within days. I should note that you are supposed to avoid contact with open wounds. I also used the liquified powder in the saddle sore area and any discomfort has diminished. My wife and daughter have tried it on their feet when they wear certain shoes that has caused discomfort in the past. They both say it works great as their toes and heels survive much better through the day.

The Bottom Line ~

Although the liquified powder treats the same ailments as other Body Glide products it is definitely different and actually has a slightly different feel on the skin. Body Glide truly provides comfort and what I love best, is that after you finish a hard training session, you can focus on repairing your muscles, rather than wounds due to chafing.

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