dznuts High Viscosity Chamois Cream Pro Review – By Alex Wheeler

• Smooth & creamy consistency
• Lasts a long, long time
• Plant derived all natural ingredients
• Tea tree oil – Powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal oil
• Evodia – An anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent from Chinese herbal medicine
• Masterwort - (Peucedanum Ostruthium) Found in the Swiss Alps, this herb was used by the ancient Greeks for its wound healing and calming properties. Its name means “Supreme Strength”
• MSRP: $22.00
• Color tested: Black box & tube/white cream
• Size tested: 4 fl oz/120mL tube

There are few things in cycling that are as personal and specific as chamois cream. Saddles and shoes can require lots of experimentation and testing until one finds what works best. Chamois cream, though, goes to a whole new level of involvement. It takes a strong leap of faith to slather your shorts with a cold, viscous cream and roll out for a few hours. Often this can be, shall we say, uncomfortable, if the cream happens to have a strong menthol ingredient. Obviously, the problem is that everyone’s senses are different. One rider might find one cream just perfect while another thinks that he or she has finally gotten the crabs. The point is, chamois creams vary a lot and what works for one might not work for another. With that being said, I present my review of dznuts high viscosity chamois cream.

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REDWOOD CITY, CA - Webcor Builders Women’s Professional Cycling announced its 2009 official roster. Building off of last season’s tremendous success of four Beijing Olympians, this year’s goal will be to reassert the team’s dominance on the North American stage and road racing scene as it builds towards medal capability at the 2012 London Games. The team has the talent, the organization, and the mentoring skills to do it.

Olympians Erinne Willock and Gina Grain have returned for another season. “The Webcor Women’s Cycling Team is a shining example of an organization that breeds success. Everyone involved, from riders to staff, demonstrates dedication, passion, determination, drive, perseverance, hard work, and a positive attitude.” said Grain a multi-time national champion and veteran of the North American racing circuit.

Willock and Grain are joined by Katheryn Curi Mattis. Mattis made history in 2008- becoming only the 2nd US rider ever to win a UCI Road World Cup event. Winning the Australia World Cup as part of her trade team sent the clear message that Webcor riders were competitive on the world stage.

Also returning are three rising talents who benefited immensely from racing at the highest level in Australia, New Zealand and Europe with their more experienced Webcor teammates in 2008. They are Rebecca Much, 2008 U23 US National Time Trial Champion, Amy Dombroski, 2008 U23 National Cyclocross Champion, and Janel Holcomb, 2nd overall in the 2008 Green Mountain Stage Race.

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin - 36 year veteran retail chain Wheel & Sprocket in Wisconsin has announced the launch of eighthinch.com – dubbed Everything Fixed Gear”. The site is now live and features fixed gear frames, wheelsets, and a complete line of track components. The site boasts “Free 48 State Shipping” and “Fast International Shipping” and has an easy to use shopping interface.

James Beck- the manager of Wheel & Sprocket’s internet department said that the site is, “Geared for our fixed gear and track customers who want one place to buy all our components. We are also striving to expand the great relationships with our customers through blogging, online forums, and through consistent customer service.”

The new website is now live and can be found at www.eighthinch.com

For More Information:
www.eighthinch.com
www.eighthinch.com/wordpress/

Atlanta — Team Type 1, the only professional cycling team in the world with a mission to spread inspiration to those affected by diabetes, will be one of 17 teams participating in the 2009 edition of the Amgen Tour of California.

Billed as America’s largest and most prestigious cycling event, the Tour of California will cover nearly 750 miles over nine days between Feb. 14-22. More than 1.6 million fans watched the third edition of the race last year. That number is expected to increase significantly in 2009 with the expected participation of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

Team Type 1 co-founder Phil Southerland said the team’s inclusion completes another objective on the way to its long-term goal of participating in the 2012 Tour de France.

“This will also provide us with a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how – through proper diet, exercise and the use of the best treatment and technology available – people with diabetes can live a normal, healthy lifestyle,” Southerland said. “We hope people with diabetes, and those affected by it, come out to meet us at the start and finish cities as well as cheer us at points all along the route.”

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Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer Fabien Cancellara and Oscar Freire will Lead Race’s Best-Ever Field of Seventeen of the World’s Best Teams to Compete in February 14-22 Stage Race

LOS ANGELES, CA – Joining the previously announced eight ProTour teams, nine additional Pro Continental and Continental teams have been confirmed for the 2009 Amgen Tour of California by AEG, presenter of the professional cycling race. The nine-day stage race will feature 17 of the world’s top professional teams, including world-renowned riders Lance Armstrong, two-time defending champion Levi Leipheimer, three-time World Champion Oscar Freire and 2008 Olympic gold medal winner and world champion Fabian Cancellara, racing more than 750-miles from the state’s capitol, Sacramento, to San Diego County.

The complete 2009 Amgen Tour of California roster will feature the following 17 professional cycling teams:

• Ag2r-La Mondiale (FRA)
• Astana (KAZ)
• Bissell Pro Cycling Team (USA)*
• BMC Racing Team (USA)*
• Cervelo Test Team (SUI)*
• Colavita/Sutter Home Presented by Cooking Light (USA)*
• Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation Team (AUS)*
• Garmin-Chipotle (USA)
• Jelly Belly Cycling Team (USA)*
• Liquigas (ITA)
• Ouch Presented by Maxxis (USA)*
• Quick Step (BEL)
• Rabobank (Netherlands)
• Rock Racing (USA)*
• Saxo Bank (DEN)
• Team Columbia (USA)
• Team Type 1 (USA)*

*Newly announced

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Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA - Today Pedro’s announces the commercial release of the Vise Whip, arriving at distributors across the globe at mid-January. The Vise Whip was created in collaboration with legendary frame builder, author and technical guru Lennard Zinn. The patent pending design received universal praise from shop owners and mechanics at this season’s trade shows and was recently highlighted by VeloNews as a “smart replacement to the old the chain whip.”

“It was gratifying to have so many people come by the booth, pick up the tool and seconds later begin nodding their head in understanding and approval. ‘What took so long?’ typically followed. We’ve all been bloodied by the chain whip, so we’re happy to get these into circulation and force a cut back in anti-biotic cream sales” commented Christopher Zigmont, Pedro’s CEO.

The Vise Whip is a tool for the professional mechanic and enthusiast. It is the world’s first locking chain whip. It fits cogs from 11 to 23 teeth and is eleven-speed compatible. The laminated and heat treated steel jaws lock on to cassette cogs to prevent slipping, while remaining compact enough for the tool box. The Vise Whip carries an MSRP of USD 69.99.

About Pedro’s:
Pedro’s is a Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA based supplier of high quality bicycle tools, lubricants and care products created with a focus on sustainability. Pedro’s products have been
helping champions reach the podium at events ranging from the World Championships to the Tour de France since 1989. To learn more, visit www.pedros.com.

Specialized Designs for Women will be the brand of choice for the ValueAct Capital Women’s Professional Cycling Team in 2009. Specialized will be the official bike, helmet, shoe and optics sponsor for the team.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Specialized,” commented team director, Lisa Hunt. “Specialized and the Designs for Women brands are a perfect fit with the programs we’ll be doing to promote women’s cycling.” The team plans on conducting group rides and women’s cycling clinics at Specialized dealers across the country. “There is real momentum in women’s cycling. They love to ride, but there’s an intimidation factor: what gears do I use? How do I change a flat? What kind of bike should I buy?” commented Hunt. “By teaching them some of the basics and the skills, we can help alleviate this issue.”

“We couldn’t be more proud to have ValueAct Captial join the Specialized family. With their amazing team roster and their passion for growing women’s cycling, it was an easy choice for us to make. We look forward to their victories in 2009,” says Tara Moeller, USA Marketing Manager.

The VAC team will be racing on the S-Works Ruby SL, equipped with SRAM Red components; and will also ride the Transition Time Trial bikes. In addition, the team will be wearing the S-Works Helmet, Women’s BG Pro Road Shoes and the Roulette Adaptalite Racing Glasses.

The team will be gathering for its training camp on February 10-18 in Sonoma County, CA, and will be racing at the Women’s Amgen Tour of California in Santa Rosa on February 15th.

Women’s Deflect Vest Pro Review - By Karen Cooper

• Lightweight polyester material is wind and water resistant for protection from the elements
• Mesh back panel for additional breathability and light weight
• Relaxed waist construction allows jacket to drape naturally
• Reflective trim on the back for visibility
• MSRP: $60
• Size tested: medium

The Specialized Deflect Vest is the perfect lightweight vest to that packs easily in your jersey pocket for when you need extra warmth or protection from the elements. It’s wind and water resistant and has a mesh back panel for breathability.

This garment has since become my favorite vest and I get a lot of compliments from other female riders who like the shape and the color combo. The vest is form fitting with slim looking lines and a silicon gripper along the back waist to keep it in place and the stretchy fabric makes it easy to move around in. I also like that it doesn’t flap around in the wind and rolls up small when I need to take it off. There are no pockets on this vest but I found that the other features mentioned above outweigh the lack of pockets so I don’t miss them at all. The vest has reflective trim on the back for visibility but as with the other Specialized garments; I personally feel it could have a little more reflective trim, especially since the colors are so dark.

Pros:

• Lightweight & packable
• Form fit that doesn’t flap in the wind

Cons:

• No pockets
• Could use more reflective trim

Overall rating:
5 -hands down favorite vest

Value rating:
5

Specialized Women’s Eureka Element Jersey Pro Review - By Karen Cooper

• Winterweight FIELDSENSOR™ fabric provides more warmth for colder conditions with its moisture-transfer function
• Soft shell protective panels have a water resistant nylon/spandex outer layer
• Therminal stretch fabric on side panels for form fit
• Full-length external zipper construction is smooth against the body
• Zippered, reflective cuffs provide easy on-and-off
• External zippered security pocket on the back
• Reflective trims on the neck and back pocket provide additional visibility
• MSRP: $150
• Size tested: medium

The Eureka Element jersey is perfect for cold weather, super foggy and windy rides. This tester was impressed with the fit, being tailored for a women’s body, it’s contoured and form fitting with sleek lines and isn’t bulky. I found it to be very comfortable with the right amount of stretch thanks to the Therminal stretch fabric panels on the back and sides. The color combo is aesthetically pleasing with contemporary stitching details that give the jacket a hip look.

Specialized uses their FIELDSENSOR™ fabric to provide more warmth and moisture transfer keeping you warm, cozy and dry, even going up that intense climb while the Therminal Velocity Soft Shell Wind panels will help keep you dry on the outside with a water resistant outer layer, just in case you get caught in a light rain or ride in the fog.

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Cycling advocates will find something in addition to beautiful bicycles in Indianapolis during the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS), Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2009, when the Indiana Bicycle Coalition hosts a Winning Campaigns Training by the Thunderhead Alliance For Bicycling and Walking–the most prominent group for bicycling advocacy training in North America.

This addition to NAHBS activities reflects a commitment by the show to promote and develop cycling opportunities for everybody, focusing not only on the high-end handmade sector.

Show founder and director, Don Walker, said, “The NAHBS has always been about growing the market. And we know that creating safer, more efficient cycling routes has proved every time to encourage more cyclists, so I am delighted that we are able to partner with the Thunderhead Alliance and Indiana Bicycle Coalition to provide what we believe will be a very significant weekend for cycling in the Midwest.”

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