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.
OK, time for a little round-up on the stuff that's been getting me through the summer. A lot of it is follow-ups to products that got an initial review. But there are a couple of new things, too.
On the bars
PRO Digital Carbon bar tape in white: no good. PRO Digital Carbon in black: outstanding.
One unexpected bummer, however, came when removing the white tape. The gel strip on the back had a lightly tacky adhesive on it when it was applied. Apparently it turns into a very strong adhesive at some point during use. The tape that I expected to roll off and repurpose on a commuter ended up ripped, with pieces of the upper and lower layers bonded very, very securely.
Not everybody is as cheap as me, since most people see spent bar tape as just that. But if you're a reuser, PRO tape won't hold up.
When I switched bikes a few weeks ago, I switched computers, too. The Bontrager Node 1 computer now resides on the stem (which is properly installed and torqued, thanks), along with a DuoTrap sensor in the chainstay.
The integrated sensor bit is a neat little trick, but I really wanted to put the Node through its paces. First off: Yes, it's ANT+ and can read speed, cadence, heart rate and power from most ANT+ sensors. But no, it can't download that data, so the Node serves as a monitor only.
Also, it wouldn't talk to my Suunto heart rate strap, which is also ANT+. A bit of a bummer, since I had to pick up another strap — a Bontrager-branded one to make sure it actually talked to the computer.
Setup and operation are easy, and despite not reading the directions, I have a pretty good handle on things. The speed number is always nice and big, and I typically have heart rate on the bottom slot. Ride time or time of day goes in the top left.
There's a custom screen option that allows two pieces of data to live on the bottom line. So if you're a power and heart rate kind of rider, they can both be on there. Since I haven't read the instructions yet, it's probably a good thing to only have one piece of information on the bottom.
So far, the Node feels like a nice introductory information center. Since it's modular, you can add whatever you like. If you only want speed, you only have to pay for speed. Same with cadence and heart rate.
For serious download-and-analyze types, though, it'll come up short.
On the feet
The sock shootout from June needs to be revised. With more time on my feet, some socks aren't cutting it, while others are rising above ... sometimes literally.
The Castelli Rosso Corsa 9 sock is a beautiful, comfy sock. But it doesn't have enough elastic in the cuff for my taste. It feels like it should be a taller sock, but it ends up at ankle level, and that's simply not cool.
If you're more of an ankle-sock fan, you're in luck. Tall-sock fans need to go for the taller Rosso Corsa 13 sock.
The Capo Dryarn Lenpur socks, on the other hand, are exceeding expectations. I find myself digging through the clothes basket (the one with clean clothes in it) to find them before I kit up. They're definitely worth tracking down if you like socks.
Of course, if you just want socks that feel good and do their job, you can always check out socks from the GamJams store. I race in them exclusively, because ... well, that's my job, isn't it?
On the attack
If socks and computers aren't doing it for you, this certainly will. Andy Schleck has a stomach full of anger. Don't get in the way.
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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.
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