GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos — 12-17-09

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.

When I was a kid, ripping into my Christmas stocking sometimes yielded a more bountiful harvest than what was under the tree. Those were the money years (as in, I just got money instead of a bunch of presents).

My parents always had the same thing in their stockings: Andes mints. Always. And they never let me have any. But one year, I slipped a few into my pocket ... and then forgot about them. When I remembered, they were a melty, sticky mess. And they were still awesome.

Where am I going with this? Well, one of the GU energy gel holiday flavors — Mint Chocolate — tastes exactly like those melted Andes mints. And, per tradition, GU has a deal going on its holiday flavors.

From now until they're gone, if you buy three six-packs of Mint Chocolate or Vanilla Gingerbread (note: I cannot vouch for this flavor), you get a fourth six-pack free. The total price is $24.30, which basically puts it at a buck per packet. Head here for the GU online store.

The next big thing

A few years ago it was carbon-fiber everything. Over the last year or two it's been power training. After sifting through Interbike reports and preseason buying plans, compression seems to be poised for a huge jump in popularity.

In my store, which has a customer base with few competitive riders, we're bringing in a small assortment of compression products — tights, sleeveless baselayers, socks. But in the other stores in our company, which see a lot of racers, we're going full-tilt. Calf skins, long-sleeved shirts, shorts, the whole smash.

(If you don't know the deal, compression is supposed to speed recovery by helping to flush out lactic acid and other muscle waste faster. The people you've seen at races wandering around in strange calf sleeves, tights and super-tall socks were onto something. Maybe.)

I should have some demo-type items in my hands in a week or two. I'll keep you posted.

The next big deal

You like good deals, right? Right. Head here for a sweet deal on Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX tires. If that's what you roll on, that's a good way to stock up.

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

Comments

[Lisa]

The Vanilla Gingerbread flavor is really good. Perfect mix of both flavors and the vanilla is subtle. mmm Gu.

For compression, try Zensah or Under Armour. 2XU and Zoot are also good choices, but a little feminine.

Lisa

http://www.examiner.com/x-19867-DC-Sports-Travel-Examiner

[Jay]

I don't know whether or not compression gear has any real performance benefits, but if it does, it won't be because it helps to "flush out lactic acid and other muscle wastes faster." The idea that lactic acid is an impediment to performance has been firmly debunked. According to one prominent scientist, "It's one of the classic mistakes in the history of science." For more, see "Lactic Acid Is Not Muscles' Foe, It's Fuel," New York Times (May 16, 2006): http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/health/nutrition/16run.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=lactic%20acid&st=cse.