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.
WheelBuilder.com Aero Disc Covers
When it comes to time trials, you can buy speed. It's sad but true. The well-heeled have a competitive advantage in the race against truth. But there is hope for the rest of us who aren't TT specialists, but still enjoy the slippery speed a rear disc affords. WheelBuilder.com Aero Disc Covers bolt right onto your race wheels. They're pictured here with Zipps but WheelBuilder also makes sizes to work with any rear wheel - including your PowerTap Mavic Open Pro. Go from Zero to Aero in only $65.
MSRP $65 - $95
More at www.wheelbuilder.com
Saris Wheel Arch
Like a lot of people, I shredded my handlebar tape at Poolesville. But it wasn't because I crashed on the dirt or overshot the sandy turn and was flung headlong into the ditch. After the race, my bike was leaning against the GamJams Team Minivan. A gust of wind caught it and toppled it to the ground. It was a totally avoidable incident if I had one of these - the Saris Wheel Arch. Pull it out of your car, slot your bike into it, and you have an elegant solution for protecting your ride, keeping scratches off your car, and inviting photoshoots of your speedy steed. Or use it indoors where you park to keep your bike upright and your walls unscuffed. The width is adjustable to accommodate road or MTBs, and you can even link multiple units together so your whole team can park handlebar-to-handlebar on game day. How pro is that?
MSRP $26.99
More at www.saris.com
WindRider Bicycle Clips
Normally I'd call these stocking stuffers but they're almost too cool to give away. Like the ugly neon velcro straps you probably use now, these keep your pantlegs grime free on your way to the coffee shop or the Metro station or the grocery. Or your way home from the bar. But they don't stop at function - they have style. And that's the heart of this sport, isn't it - the fusion of function and style? They're made from PVC, are reflective, and ship in a pair of two.
MSRP $15
More at www.momastore.org
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The poor man's disc. Those are great and 1/20th the cost of a new Zipp disc but you don't get the "swoosh, swoosh" sound.
They're also great if you ride on an indoor trainer if you have small kids or pets. The cover will deter any curious hands, paws, or other objects from getting into the spokes.
Posted by: Albe | December 04, 2008 at 11:23 AM
My .02 on the wheel arch. Delta makes one that hold both skinny tires for the roadie and up to 2.4 for the fat tire guys/gals. Mine comes in handy in the garage so I don't have to lean my bike against the wife's car anymore as I get ready for a ride and use it hold up my bike as I attach the bike trailer.
Posted by: Albe | December 04, 2008 at 01:20 PM