This is the best time of the year for gear discoveries. We're just past InterBike, so all the new loot is trickling into magazines, stores and blogs. And we're closing in on the holiday season, when covetousness is endured with a little more tolerance than other times of the year.
Weekly Picks, Promos & Premes presents some of the new products that amateur racers like us will either lust after, or at least be able to afford. Designed to be a good mix of the rational and the aspirational, it will help you save money on gear - and then show you where to spend those savings.
American Classic 420 Aero Wheels
You can tell yourself that you need these because the 34mm profile and bladed spokes will give you an aero advantage, the weight of 1530g per pair won't do you in on the climbs or accelerating out of corners, and that the option of a Power Tap build won't cause you to give up your data habit. But you'll buy them because they're white. They're white.
MSRP $1069.95
More at www.amclassic.com
Rudy Project Sport Mask Performance
I think these came out in 2008 after most team orders were placed, which is likely why you didn't see more of them. They're an enigma to me. On the one hand, they're technologically on the cutting edge, with what Rudy describes as "a proprietary brow interface in soft Megol allowing perfect air circulation and superior fit factors." But on the other hand, they've got a throwback retro quality about them I can't quite put my finger on. They're not what Andy Hampsten wore up the Gavia pass, but they sure connote the shields from the 7-eleven era. I think the time is right for these to break through.
MSRP $159.99
More at www.e-rudy.com
Under Armour Performance Crew
"You need." How many cycling purchases begin that way? Not right now, but very soon, what you will need is every incentive to stick to your training plan. It's going to get nasty in a hurry, and if you dread riding in the cold, you may spend the entire HTFU season indoors while your rivals are getting their Belgium on. You don't want that. Comfort in the tundra starts with a base layer. You need more than one of them, so base layer shopping (particularly now) is an exercise in value for many of us. When starting with value, you can eliminate extras like the 1/4 zip and the little loop in the cuff that keeps a sleeve pulled down past your wrist. Go crew and get at least two of them. If winter is your thing, then get fancy and spend $60 a pop. But for half that you can get the Under Armour Performance Crew, which is fitted tightly enough to layer under long sleeves or even arm warmers. Throw a decent technical jacket on top (you only need one of those) and you're set down to freezing. Plus, Under Armour is local - from Baltimore, like LSV, the host of this weekend's Rockburn Cross race.
MSRP $29.99
More at www.underarmour.com
--
What did I miss? Keep me in the loop by email if you've got products, deals and promotions that GamJams readers should know about.
Fan us.
Follow Us.
Network.
Comments