GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos

As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.

Ever notice how sometimes a little tweak here or there will transform a ride from "good enough" to "that was awesome?" As a bike shop guy, I regularly get a chance to check out new stuff a little early, or ride fairly ridiculous bikes with fairly ridiculous specs (like a Ridley Dean with SRAM's new R2C shifters and S80 wheels).

But sometimes, despite my connections, I miss a few things. Like, really simple things. Stuff that's been around forever.

Things like toe covers. Until recently, I went with either a heavier
sock and no toe cover or a lighter sock and a full-on shoe cover. And then, realizing I could wear my super-nice — and super-vented — shoes a little longer if I had a little protection, I picked up a pair of Pearl Izumi Cyclone toe covers ($20).

Too often, Pearl Izumi has been cast as the generic brand of rec cyclists everywhere. It's inexpensive, easy to find and, for the most part, pretty safe in terms of styling. Whether you dig the shorts and jerseys or not, it's worth it to check out Pearl Izumi's winter accessories.

Here's the skinny on the Cyclone toe covers: the fabric on top is wind blocker, while the whole thing has a thin fleece lining. They're a bit snug to pull over a road cleat, but once they're in place, all is well. Basically, it's an inexpensive piece that can make a big difference when there's a chill in the air.

Other winter-type bits (from other parties)

My ideal cool-weather cycling cap is as follows: fits like a standard cycling cap, but with thermal lining and ear protection. Nike used to make one that was nothing short of awesome ... until the plastic in the bill cracked.

Bontrager, Trek's component, apparel and accessories company, picked up the slack with its Race Thermal cap ($30). It's slightly different than the Nike model, but in a good way. The Bontrager cap has a foam bill, which obviously won't crack. Another bonus: it's available in pretty much any shop that sells Treks, as well as online.

Sometimes, keeping the cold out is a simple matter of closing the door. If you have vents on the bottoms of your shoes, there's a really easy way to take care of that — duct tape. Or, better yet, duct tape with a thin layer of felt on the sticky side. Just slip the little sheet of tape and felt under your insole and get to it.

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

Comments

[Bert Garcia]

I would recommend the full-foot Pearl Izumi Cyclone booties too. They're great for winter riding and you don't have to wear extra sock layers underneath them.