Tag Archives: Cycling

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.

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

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.

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

Smith Pivlock V90 Sunglass Review

You Could Wear These Sunglasses at Night

Smith Pivlock V90 LensesSunglasses are a critical part of training for almost every endurance sport.  They protect your eyes, and let’s be honest, make you look cool.

When it comes to optics, Smith definetely has the reputation and name in the industry.  When I was looking for a new pair of sunglasses for cycling and running I immediately thought of Smith.

I really like the design of the Pivlock V90.  They really conform to your face, while providing enough coverage so that you don’t see the edge around your eyes.  I also, really like the weight of these sunglasses.  They are very light, and seem to disappear when you put them on.

Unfortunately, the Pivlock 90 has a pretty big problem.  I’ve found on multiple occasions, both running and cycling, that sweat will run down your face and right onto the lenses.  Because the lenses are a solid piece, the sweat just hits the lenses and streaks down.  This is a big pain, especially if you are doing a hard interval ride or run.  The other hassle is then that your vision is obscured, and I’ve had to clean the lenses after just about every activity.

The quality of the optics are exceptional.  The polarized lenses make for crystal clear viewing.  Also, the Pivlock V90 comes with 3 set of lenses to choose from.  A darker polarized lense, a rose or lighter colored lense, and then a clear lense.  I have found all three to be very useful and convenient. (You can actually wear the clear lens at night!)

The other helpful thing to know about the Pivlock V90 is that to change out the lenses you have to pull off the side arms and then re-attach them to the new lens you want to use.  This can be a little tough the first couple times you do it, and you will probably be worried that you will break the lens.  The good thing is that lenses are very strong, and the system works well, so you won’t actually break the lens.  You’ll need a little practice, but you’ll be able to do it like a pro in no time.

The Bottom Line ~

The Pivlock V90 is a well-designed and high quality lens.  The big drawback of this product is that sweat will run down your forehead and right onto the lens, leaving sweat streaks all down your glasses.  If you don’t mind cleaning your glasses frequently, or if you don’t sweat, than this wouldn’t be an issue.  The optic quality and weight of these lenses is great.  Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this product to friends and I wouldn’t by another pair, until they fix this design problem.

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

Zoot Cyclefit 8in Shorts Review

A Little Less Material is Liberating!

Zoot cycling shortsI really love my Zoot Cyclefit 8in Short, but they are almost impossible to find, and unfortunately, I believe have been discontinued (read below). I have owned some really bad cycling shorts, so when I first tried out my Zoot Cyclefit I was extremely pleased. I found them on Bonktown for the incredible price of $49.99. The typical retail price was around $99 but if you can find them now they are even cheaper. When I found them on Bonktown  I purchased 2 of them.

The shorts are made of polyester, nylon and spandex materials and something called Seamlink construction was used to eliminate chafing points. The chamois, or butt pad for those beginners who are getting into cycling, is built into the shorts and serves it’s purpose. The size of the chamois is perfect, it doesn’t feel like it is too much or too little and it has held it’s shape.

The shorts also have what they call a free band gripper on the leg hems. It is elastic bands that have been woven into the hem to prevent your shorts from bunching up. This has become more common in cycling shorts and with this pair, the elastic is solid and hasn’t started to deteriorate and break to pieces which causes it to lose its functionality.

The 8 inch Cyclefit is advertised as a shorter inseam than most other shorts. They definitely do have a shorter inseam than the standard cycling shorts, and I love it. If you tend to lean towards a minimalist attitude, why not embrace your inner John Stockton and get yourself shorter shorts. These are not so short that you would feel immodest, but short enough that you feel a little more free. On my body frame the leg seam ends about halfway between my inseam and knee.

The quality of these shorts is top of the line. I did all of my training for Ironman St. George exclusively in my two pairs of Zoot Cyclefit Shorts. They survived an incredible amount of hours, miles and washes in the washing machine and they have yet to deteriorate whatsoever. The material is solid and the chamois is still in perfect form.

As I stated early on, these shorts are difficult to find for men. When I can find them, I buy them. The shorts are more easily found for women, but unfortunately I can not give my personal experience with them. I would assume that the quality is the same, but the women’s version has an even shorter inseam. I would encourage the females out there to give them a shot and I have even purchased a pair for my wife. The Zoot Ultra can be found and I assume they are of the same quality, but I do not know (Please leave a comment if you have tried them).

The Bottom Line ~

I feel like I found a favorite item that has been suddenly taken away with my Zoot Cyclefit. If you look at their website, their cycling apparel is limited and focused towards triathlon gear. I look forward to getting into some Zoot tri-shorts, especially if they are the quality of the Cyclefit. If you can find the Cyclefit, snatch them up because they will make a good ride even better.

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

Tunes for Training

Music Will Ease Your Sufferfest.

Sony Walkman & CD PlayerIt’s really amazing to think how far personal music players have come.  I still remember running with tapes on my first Sony Walkman.  Then I upgraded to a personal CD player with the blessed anti-skip technology, so I could listen to any CD of my choice.

Now with iPods, Shuffles, and iPhones we can have music during all our training workouts.  I’ve found that music can motivate me and make such a difference in my speed and the way I feel about a particular workout.

Particularly for long runs or long sessions on the trainer, music is a godsend.  Kris and I provided our top ten songs for biking and running. (I left out swimming because we don’t have waterproof headphones . . . yet!)

These songs are in no particular order.  The links will take you to YouTube so you can hear the songs.

Ben’s Top Tunes for Training ~

  1. Houdini – Foster the People
  2. Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
  3. Blind – Ke$ha
  4. Give Me Everything – Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
  5. Spiralling – Keane
  6. A Crippling Blow – The Killers
  7. Rolling in the Deep – Adele
  8. Only Girl – Rihanna
  9. What You Know - Two Door Cinema Club
  10. Young Blood – The Naked and Famous

Kris’ Top Tunes for Training ~

  1. Marching On -  The Alarm
  2. Call to Arms – Angel & Airwaves
  3. Til Kingdom Come – Coldplay
  4. She Sells Sanctuary – The Cult
  5. Misery – Good Charlotte
  6. Head On - The Jesus and Mary Chain
  7. Futures – Jimmy Eat World
  8. Let it Rock – Kevin Rudolph
  10. Extreme Ways – Moby

Now granted these are just our opinions.  But I think we could all use more suggestions for the many hours of training we have ahead of us.

So, what songs do you love to take on your runs and rides?  Please share your favorite tunes by making a comment below.