Month: November 2015

November 22, 2015 / / Blog

It’s that time of the year again and you need to either find the perfect gift for the cyclist in your life, or you want to tell your friends and family what they can put under the tree for you. The Spokesmen are here to help with our 2015 holiday gift guide for the cyclist or bike nerd in your life! We asked each of our regular contributors to give us a sampling of the items they think everyone who rides a bicycle might like, and here are (some of) their suggestions including links to where you can find these products quickly and easily (more to come!):

David

Carlton


Tim
  • Zevlin – Two brothers in Dallas, Texas who make some great products, but especially their bar tape. Just installed their 2.5mm tape and LOVE it. Other great stuff too, and genuinely good dudes. 
  • Pioneer Power Meters – For full disclosure, they are a client of mine, but I genuinely think they make a great product. They are running a special right now for a free computer unit with purchase of a dual leg system. 
  • NiteRider Lights – They are a former employer, and they are San Diego based. Winter means darkness! 
  • SockGuy socks! Also local to San Diego! Also good people! Remember all of my old Sock of the Day pics? Yeah … SockGuy. 
  • Abbey Bike Tools– the “Snap-On” of the bike industry! I love Park and Pedros, but Abbey makes THE tools of the pros. Simply the best. 

Rich

  • Hozan JIS #2 Screwdriver – A Hozan JIS #2 screwdriver for all your derailleur screw adjusting! Amazon’s got a few to choose from, but here’s one that won’t have to be shipped from Japan.
  • Podium Pants – The final bit of kit the you never knew you were missing: Tour de France jersey themed underwear for the podium and other times when you’re out of your chamois. Colorful and fun underwear in polka dot, green and yellow in men’s and women’s versions from Look Mum No Hands in the UK.
  • Sealskinz Halo Lightweight Booties – With velcro straps under the sole for easy on off, the booties also come with a blinky red light on the heel of each foot for extra visibility beyond the reflective strips – important during this time of year when rides tend to run out of sunlight quicker. They have Kevlar built into the heels and toes for durability and are also available in a heavier duty neoprene version.
  • Kinetic Road Machine Smart – With power measurement built in that links to the Kinetic Fit App for smartphones and tablets, you’ll have everything you need to get stronger and stay fit this offseason. This might even be the least expensive way to get into training with power. Kinetic builds a solid trainer and it comes with a lifetime warranty. 
  • Ten Speed Hero Apparel – Attractive alternatives to the team and event jerseys and kits we all wear but still with an athletic vibe to them. TSH is a small, design-oriented company that has fun with their brand. Their “Real World Fit Guide” is an awesome resource to help see how their pieces fit different body types before ordering. Worth a look even if you’re not in the market for new apparel.
  • Race Support Vehicles Art Print – This print by David Sparshott makes a great choice for giving art to the pro-cycling fan in your life. The print features beautiful illustrations of various notable support vehicles from the past few decades including Molteni, Mavic, TI-Raleigh and even the old Buick station wagon from Campagnolo North America’s race support program in the 1980’s.
  • Bell Limited Edition Star Wars Helmets – Not enough Star Wars in your life, yet? Bell has some awesome officially licensed Star Wars helmets to feed your passion for that galaxy far, far away. My favorites are the full-face Stormtrooper and Boba Fett helmets with MIPS protection.
  • Lezyne Seat Packs – Seat packs with no velcro straps around the seat post to damage your expensive shorts. You know that’s what’s been causing that hole to form on all your shorts, right?
  • Strava Premium membership – Give them the benefit of having the little orange badge icon next to their username on Strava. Also gives access to extra bits of data on their riding to help with training.
  • Pedro’s Bike Lust – Smells nice and makes your bike look shiny and new.
  • Gift Card or Certificate to their local bike shop – Good for service or gear, every cyclist will appreciate an extra excuse to head down to their favorite local bicycle shop with some extra money to spend while there.
November 22, 2015 / / Podcasts

Listen now by clicking here:

[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/spokesmen/The_Spokesmen_125.mp3]

Today’s Spokespeople:

 Topics Included

Holiday Ride of Note

  • Campagnolo Toy Drive/Ride – December 12, 2015 (Facebook Link)

 

Racing 

  • Tim Jackson will Attempt the Hour Record
  • Wiggins to attempt the “Merckx Hour?”
  • Russia State-sponsored Doping (WSJ Link)
    • Other Athletes Knew The Russians Were Doping (NYT Link)
    • Anti-doping in Masters and Amateur Racing (Velo News Link)
  • Is cycling safe from terror attacks?

 

Cyclist Safety and Advocacy

 

Industry News

How to Listen:

November 8, 2015 / / Podcasts

Listen now by clicking here:

[audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/spokesmen/The_Spokesmen_124.mp3]

Today’s Spokespeople:

 Topics Included

Racing Season Wrap-up

  • Sagan Wins Worlds
  • Will we ever see another Merckx, Coppi, Hinault, Anquetil, Contador (2008)?
  • Danger in the Caravan
  • Tom Danielson Positive for Testosterone in July

Industry News

Cyclist Safety

Suggestions and Best Practices