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GamJams Reviews: Cool-Weather Socks

Unlike those who see fall as the end of summer, I'm actually a big fan of the turning leaves. It's a change of pace; a chance to bask in the mild temperatures and see your landscape in a different light.

And if that doesn't float your boat, wearing warmer clothes is at least a novelty. Arm warmers? Cool. Tall wool socks? Even better. I'm a simple man ... .

About those socks — pretty much a necessity to change from the super-light summer issue to something with a little more bulk. And just like the summer versions, everybody has their favorites. Here's what the GamJams Ambassadors are using:

• The essentials of cool-weather socks are taken care of at Beth's Blog, including a little bit of science. "The key to warm feet is the circulation of air around the foot."
• There's a good rundown of Swiftwick socks over at District Cycling. "These bad boys are true cycling socks in that they make the ridiculously long tan lines ... just like that pro you wanna emulate."
• Wow, that was quick for KMAX TRAX. "DeFeet Woolie Boolies, preferably with GamJams on the ankle."
• Few names carry the style and clout of Rapha, and you'll learn why at Ride It Like You Stole It. " ... unlike a lot of the cheaper socks I've had, these didn't get crusty or smell horribly even after a few days of non-stop use."
• In Algomaha, a few thin wool-blend socks get the nod when there's a chill in the air. "They're thin enough to not add a bunch of bulk to the foot, thereby making sure there's actually circulation."

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: Arm/knee/leg warmers

At some point this fall, I'm positive I'll get tired of saying this to customers: "arm and knee warmers are the most versatile pieces of clothing in your cool-weather arsenal."

Actually, I get tired of saying a lot of things to customers ("no, we don't have any bikes for under $150," or explaining what DZ Nuts is to anybody older than 25). But with the warmers, it's because it's true. And so few people know that and use them to their full potential.

Below, you'll find what GamJams Ambassadors use when the chill is in the air.

• Over at Ride It Like You Stole It, warmers by Specialized get the nod. "They keep me warm enough on the mild days and they hold perfectly. I've never had an issue of them slipping down."
• Rude Siggy breaks down a couple of different pairs of arm and knee warmers, all while keeping an eye on style. "Quite obviously, you shouldn't mix and match navy and black."
• So, you want something different? Better read The Uff Da! Chronicles, where Sheila Moon products rule. "The Sheila Moon flower-print arm warmers are great conversation pieces — I never fail to get complimented on them."
• Specialized gets another thumbs-up, this time from The Flamenco Chuckwagon. "The little extra for a quality zipper is always well-spent. Again, Specialized seems to have come through in this regard."
• KMAX TRAX has a vote for Hincapie warmers, both for quality and customer service. After a mix-up on a team order, Hincapie made it right. "Hincapie proceeded to send us each a pair of their lighter weight arm warmers, which they printed up in the style of our team kit ... SWEET!"
• Like I mentioned above, we're big believers of arm and knee warmers in Algomaha. Why wear tights or long sleeves when warmers do the trick? "I've worn (knee warmers) down into the 20s with no problem and layered them under thermal bib tights for the really, really cold days."

Upcoming reviews: Embrocation (October 1), Cool-weather headwear (October 8)

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: Coffee

There's something about coffee that lends itself well to cycling. Millions of people drink coffee every day, but for some reason, cycling and coffee seem to be a package deal. You know, like bowling and pork rinds.

When I first started cycling a little more than four years ago, coffee wasn't my thing. I actually learned to like coffee because all of the group rides started at a coffee shop. Being all twitchy and jumpy probably didn't help my budding pacelining skills, but I sure felt fast.

This week's GamJams Reviews is all about coffee. Drink up!

• Things are kept simple at KMAX TRAX. The man really just wants some coffee, that's all. "Generally I stick to my cheap 8 O'Clock variety. I've got a blade grinder and a coffee press and that pretty much does the trick."
• It's the opposite of simplicity at the Uff Da! Chronicles. Moka pot? No idea, but you'll find out soon enough. "I'll cat and house sit for two weeks, with two days' notice, without a car, in a neighborhood with limited public transportation, just for espresso."
• After that salute to coffee in all its forms, Rude Siggy smacks us all back down to earth. Hard. "You addicted, weak-minded weenies." And that's merely the first sentence.
• You want the polar opposite of Siggy's manifesto? The Unholy Rouleur delivers, just like always. "All true cyclists drink espresso."
• A true coffee expert is someone who's made it for a living. The details are on Life Cycle. "What started as a desire to work at a coffee shop became a desire to learn about coffee."
• Algomaha is fueled by coffee. Between a two-year-old, full-time work at the bike shop, part-time work as a writer and attempting to be a bike racer, extra chemical propulsion is a necessity. "I tend to brew my coffee a bit stiff ... ."

Upcoming reviews: Cool-weather socks (Sept. 17), Knee/arm/leg warmers (Sept. 24).

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: New Favorites

A race season rarely passes without some new piece of gear. Often, it's an entirely new product that is an upgrade from previous equipment, or at least different than what you had before.

And sometimes, the "I guess I'll try this" product turns into the "Holy crap, I can't believe I even managed to stay upright without these" revelation of the year. And when preparing for the next go-round, that new, wonderful thing is at the top of the list.

This week, the GamJams Ambassadors talk about their new favorites. Feel free to add your own in the comments section or on your own blog — just throw a link into the comments so we know where to find it.

• The Flamenco Chuckwagon has raved about his new bits of kit in the past, but now he has some love for his wheels and tires. "They're light, they're sassy, they make the neato noise and they go fast." Sassy?
• Watch out, KMAX TRAX has gone rogue — he's talking about running. "I'd argue (for) the merits of  cross training for cycling by using running (and more specifically trail running) ... ."
• Karen's new favorite love is the Specialized S-Works helmet. And she already has her eyes on next year's TT helmet. "I need a helmet that breathes, that is durable, and that you can clean up a bit."
• At BRILF.net, new tires turned into a revelation when railing it through technical corners. "In each turn, I swear I could feel my tires sinking into the pavement to give me a better grip ... . They provide incredible feedback and inspire tremendous confidence."
• It's been a rough year on equipment in Algomaha. Too much time spent grinding parts down on the pavement, too much downtime to think about new stuff. The top and bottom of the kit got a makeover, though — shoes and helmet. "Once you get used to the different feel (of the shoes), they're like tailor-made slippers." 

Upcoming reviews: Coffee (Sept. 10), Cool-weather socks (Sept. 17)

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: Headlights

Every fall, the daylight you became accustomed to over the summer slowly disappears. Pretty soon it's dark ... well, pretty much all the time.

At some point, you'll probably need lights. The biggest, brightest LED blinker will work for the back, but up front there are more specific needs. See or be seen? 

Here's what GamJams Ambassadors use when the daylight wanes:

• Sigberto doesn't do a lot of night riding, but when he does it's all about the inexpensive blinkies: "Just because I don't need light to brighten up the evening doesn't mean I don't want folks to see me."
• The Unholy Rouleur has a very thorough, hands-on look at headlights. He's very particular, you know. "I like 'em kinda big, and in pairs, and really nice looking." It only devolves from there. 
• There's a thorough review at n Plus One, too, but without references to pairs or hangers. And there's also a good thing to remember when riding at night. "Just because you can see a car coming doesn't necessarily mean they can see you. Please use lights (front and back) and reflective clothing whenever you ride at night."  
• Kmax Trax breaks down the Light and Motion Stella 200N, which has served him well in rugged off-road conditions. "One of the most impressive things about this light is the run time. At the highest output the run time is stated at 5 hours!"
• If the Rouleur's review wasn't enough, BRILF.net has a review that includes things like Knog and Frog. They're doing the trick for bright, inexpensive lighting. " ... they do what they were intended to do, which is get me out of the house by 6 a.m., even if the sun's not up until 6:30 a.m."
  
• There's not a ton of night riding at Algomaha, but when there is, a simple blinky will suffice. This is due to the city's insistence of being well-lit at all hours of the day — even in subdivisions that include completed streets but no houses. "Were I a more regular commuter I would, indeed, go with a headlight system, like NiteRider. But for my neighborhood connections and Keystone (trail) connections, I'm OK." 

Upcoming reviews: New favorites (Sept. 3) 

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: The Aspen Cool Collar

As competitive cyclists know, getting cool after a race or training ride is the first step toward good recovery for the next ride. There are plenty of options for getting that done, from ice vests to ice baths. But neither are convenient when you're stuck in or around the middle of nowhere at the start/finish line of a race. You need something quicker and easier.

GamJams Ambassadors had the opportunity to review a product that falls into that "quicker and easier" category: the Aspen Cool Collar. Billed as an "amazing instant decrease in body temperature," the Cool Collar has been tested by riders for the past couple weeks. Their impressions are below:

• Gus Grissom at Whole Wheel Velo Club has a report here. After using it in varying circumstances, he found the sweet spot. "I think this is a great and inexpensive tool for post-effort recovery."   
• Karen got pumped up about reviewing the Cool Collar because of her dog, George, who wears a cooling blanket when he's out in the hot stuff. "I don't say it works. George says it works. George LOVES his cool blanket."  
• Did you know the Unholy Rouleur used to play rugby? True story. He did an impromptu ice bath after every match. The Cool Collar brought him back to those days. "The ultimate effect is that it has caused me to revive my old rugby ritual of an immediate cooldown after heavy exertion, and true to form I seem to recover more quickly."
• Martin at District Velocity battle-tested the Cool Collar on the hottest day he could find. Used on the trainer while warming up, it kept him cool. "I felt my body temperature drop much more quickly to manageable levels than it usually does on hot days."  
• Bikerackheads has a review in two parts. The twist, though, is that it was used during a workout. "When I started into my intervals, I started appreciating the collar's cooling effect. It felt great." 
• We're just rounding back into form at Algomaha after a bit of a broken back issue (no, really. broken.) earlier this summer. So when it's 900 degrees and there's a fitness issue, cool is good. "I wore mine while I did my post-ride stretching."    

Upcoming reviews: Bike boxes (August 20), headlights (August 27)

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: Socks

I think it was during a road race in 2007. I was down in the drops, struggling to hold on, when I caught a quick burst of light out of the corner of my eye. Just ahead of my wheel, the sun was catching some guy's socks just right and reflecting.

That's right. His socks were reflecting. They had a cuff made of metallic silver thread. I think they were made by Sidi. And they were awesome. Looking awesome is only half the battle, though. They need to feel awesome, too. In this week's installment of GamJams Reviews, the ambassadors break down the qualities of a good sock.

• Karen's feet like Sockguy socks, even though when one sock from each pair disappears, there are interesting results. More importantly, her dog likes Sockguy socks, too. "He doesn't chew them up, he just carries them, and lays with them in his face so he can breathe in the wonderful odors."
• You have tanlines. I have tanlines. At BRILF.net, there's a guide to planning for optimal tan lines, along with a review of DeFeet socks. "Some people may remark that a thin sock isn't as durable and may wear holes in the toe faster than thicker socks. ... I'm also of the opintion that socks are an item that should go on your annual refresh and replace list ... ."
• Sock selection is all over the place at Firstdropped. DeFeet, Smartwool, Starter ... it matters not. "As long as they are functional and low cost, I will wear them."
• What's more versatile than wool? Beats me, but at Signal 13 you'll find multiple uses (and wearings) of wool socks. " ... I wear them everywhere, from church to the club and all stops in between."
• In Algomaha, style carries just as much weight as fit and function. If I can't ride pro (or even like a decent Cat. 3), I'm going to do my best to look pro. That means tall socks that match team kit. Always. " ... please wear socks that match your kit. Since I'll no doubt be relegated to following wheels for a while, I'd like to have something interesting and tasteful to look at." 

Upcoming reviews: Aspen Cool Collar (August 13)

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: Recovery Drinks

Ahhh, science. Turns out, eating or drinking something with protein after a race helps you recover faster. That, along with rehydrating, can keep you fresh for the next race of the day. Or for the race the next day. Either way.

But while pro riders have something handed to them within minutes of crossing the, amateurs are usually on their own. Here's what GamJams Ambassadors use:

• First Dropped has a good review of PR2 Systems products here. Don't worry about the mentions of leucine, isoleucine and valine, though. " ... I'm not as sore all the time, so I am recovering much better after exertions."
• There's a history with protein at BRILF.net, so post-race refueling is second nature. "I'm completely refueled before most guys even have their helmets off."
• Beth at Bethbikes has fueling and recovery down to a science. She uses the Friel paleo diet, and that follows through with her recovery drinks. And she even has a recipe for you!
• Times are tight in Algomaha, so we aim for inexpensive and effective. And that means generic Slimfast. "At our house, cheaper = instant popularity."
• Of course, you could always go completely off the wagon, metaphorically speaking. " ... I find the nearest Starbucks and order me up a venti, solo javachip frappuccino."  

Upcoming reviews: Socks (August 6)

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: Seat Packs

If only it were actually as easy as just getting on your bike and rolling down the driveway. It's not just you and the bike — it's bottles, a spare tube, a pump/inflator, some food, a multi-tool, phone, keys, ID ... . It's a long list.

With the assistance of a seat pack, most of that stuff is easily handled and out of the way. Here's how the GamJams Ambassadors handle the cycling essentials:

• Karen gets things started by going straight for the ... umm ... well, you know ... junk. "So now, whenever I think of bike bags, that's the first thing that pops into my mind ... a set of brass ones, swinging wildly." It's a long story.
  
• Over at bikerackheads, there's an aversion to losing all of your stuff all over the road, which may or may not be in view of a schoolbus full of children near the zoo. The Pedro's Blowout Seatpack would never let that happen. "Take it from me, trying to gather a patch kit scattered over Connecticut Avenue during rush hour is not fun."
• The Flamenco Chuckwagon has a small Timbuk2 bag that has been raced, but also left behind. "What I've found is that any seat bag small enough to not annoy your legs is going to be too small to carry enough stuff without resorting to your pockets on longer rides."
• At Algomaha, I'm a firm believer in using the seat bag to its fullest potential. Jersey pockets should be for food and phones only. "Who wants to reach for some food and end up with a tire lever?"
• You know what's really pro? Not carrying anything at all, but relying upon your team car to bring the needed supplies. You know, just like it happens at District Velocity. "A team car or teammate is the only acceptable way to carry a spare tube, a multi-tool and an inflator."
• Sigberto uses a seat pack that's small and secure. Downsides? It's causing unnecessary wear on his kit. " ... if I don't hide the loose edge of the Velcro strap, it rubs my shorts."
  

Upcoming reviews: Recovery drinks (July 30), socks (August 6).

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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

GamJams Reviews: Bottle Cages

Maybe I'm alone here, but one of the fun parts of outfitting a bike — new or otherwise — is selecting the bottle cages. If you do it just right, it makes everything else look better. But it needs to be functional, too. We've all been behind someone over a bump that sends bottles flying. We can all agree that's about as uncool as it gets.

Check out what the GamJams Ambassadors use:

• Remember that bit about holding your bottle over bumps? Read what District Velocity has to say on the subject: "As we hit the gravel section, it didn't take 100 feet before the large number of potholes sent bottles flying out of cages."
• Here's a vote for the Bontrager Race Lite cage, as posted at lazyeyesusan. "I've used 'em on mountain bikes and road bikes and find they perform admirably."
• Want another vote of confidence? There's one at Algomaha, where the Race Lite cages are used exclusively. "The top lip holds a bottle very securely. I've never dropped a bottle from these. Plus, they're cheap."
• What do we love about the Chuckwagon? Stuff like this: "The perfect bottle cage." The rest of the review lasts six more sentences, all of them short. 
• "Perfect" is probably the furthest word from BRILF's lips, as he reviews the unimpressive Serfas CC-1 Cirque: "I lost a full bottle the first time through the gravel, and a half-full bottle the second time through the gravel. They've also jettisoned bottles on moderately bumpy pavement, and once over a manhole cover in the corner of a downtown crit."
• Rude Siggy had some color-matching problems with his new bike, so he did what any sensible racer would do: He bought properly matching cages. "The blue didn't match the blue perfectly, so I spent some green on some new bottle cages."

Next reviews: Seat packs (July 23)

About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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