Five for Friday!

Those of you who follow us on Facebook have no doubt come across a feature we do on Fridays highlighting new products here in the shop. Well, for this post I thought I'd do something a little more helpful than just post some pics. I'll tell you why these things are cool and why you or another cyclist in your life might want them. And with the holiday shopping season upon us, hopefully you can find something for the cyclist who has everything...



1. Cateye Padrone Wireless Cycling Computer   $55

Cuz, well... 'Merica

Cateye has been doing cycling computers for like forever, so they have a reputation for being reliable. The Padrone is one of their latest, and while not the most full-featured (no GPS, no backlight), it does have at least the basics and a couple extras most of us look for. If you're a triathlete looking to have your cadence and heart rate functions at-a-glance, the Padrone won't fit your needs. But for the casual cyclist or commuter the included functions, its ease of use (quick set up, one-button operation), and the ginormous screen make for a cycling computer that you won't curse at when setting up and using. Available in a cornucopia of color options.



2. Park Tool PZT-2 Pizza Cutter and BO-3 Bottle Opener  $15.99/$5.95

Aids with the two major food groups

Park Tool Company based in Minnesota is another one of those institutions in bicycling. Most of the bike specific tools we use in the shop are Park designs, and most are produced right here in the USA. So with 50 years of tool making experience, you think that they could design the perfect pizza cutter? Having used it myself, it feels super solid, and the stainless cutting wheel is as big as it is sharp. Plus, it comes with a stand for counter display because it's, well, pretty cool to look at. Once you've sliced your pizza pie, you need something to open that beverage with, right? The BO-3 is compact, works well, and it fits on a key chain or a jersey pocket when not popping tops. Cheers!


3. Serfas True 350 Headlight or CP-R2 Power Combo light Kit   $120

'Cuz you don't want to be left in the dark

Ever since we saw some samples of Serfas's lights a few years ago, we've been suitably impressed with their power, affordability, and reliability. LED lighting tech has grown leaps and bounds in the last few years as has rechargeable battery technology. I remember having to use up a cage for a battery the size of a water bottle. Nowadays, except at the super high end of brightness, Li-ion batteries can fit in the same compact case with the bulb as a unit. These are two examples of how things have changed, and for the better. As its name implies, the True 350 has a max light output of 350 lumens. That's a heck of a lotta light, take my word. The 350 has four power settings to extend the battery's output to 18 hours on the low setting and up to 3 hours and 30 minutes on full power. The CP-R2 with its True 505 has been my light of choice for awhile now. When commuting well past dark or hitting the local path, I'll use a smaller 150 lumen light on my bar and mount the 505 on my helmet to splash out a beam ahead and to see around corners. The 60 lumen tailight is ridiculously bright, and if you're riding in a group, you'll want to power it down a notch to avoid blinding your ride partner, okay? The 350 includes helmet and bar mounts along with a USB wall charger and cable. In addition, it has interchangeable lenses to go from spot to flood. CP-R2 kit has a bar mount, a seatpost mount and USB charging cables. Use your own wall charger or your PC.

4. Tern of the Wheel Shop Kit

Wait, what? You don't have yours yet?

We began shilling our own gear about two years ago, and the response has been pretty darn great. Jerseys are race or club cut (for him), and all feature a full-length zipper and deep rear pockets. The material is super light and breathes well to keep you cool and dry on the hottest days. Pad material in the shorts and bibs are top notch, and we've received nothing but positive feedback on how comfortable they are. Also available are matching gloves, Lycra armwarmers, and socks to boot (see what I did there?).

5. CycleOps Fluid² Stationary Trainer   $349

 
Yes, Virginia, trainer season is upon us. This isn't to say hibernate indoors all winter. Heck to the no. On the right bike, winter is a great time to ride outside and explore (hint: fat bike), but I digress. They say spring races are won in December, January and February. What better way to be prepared than by setting up your own "pain cave" with this gem of a trainer as its centerpiece? CycleOps trainers have always been über reliable, and assembly and set up with your own bike is super easy. The Fluid² is the pinnacle of CycleOps's Classic series of trainers versus the pricier Pro series. It has superior road-like feel and quality internals that are backed for a lifetime (you'll quit before it does), and it's USA-made in Madison, Wisconsin. The Fluid² a little outside your budget? We carry the full line of Classic Series trainers from $179 and up. They all utilize that same stable and sturdy frame for when you're powering out of the saddle; only the resistance unit type changes.

So there you have it, Gentle Reader, just a few of our favorite things for this week. Feel free to comment with questions or gentle barbs. We can take it. Too public? Hey, there's still email.

Hope to see you all soon on the road or on the trail.

Peace, Love, and Tailwinds,

T