Gaerne Carbon G.Myst Road Cycling Shoe Pro Review by Paul Thai

• Model: Gaerne G.Myst in white
• Colors available: white, white/gray, black
• Material: Synthetic upper and Carbon weaved sole. 2 Velcro and 1 mechanical micro adjust buckle straps
• Weight: approximately 735 grams
• MSRP: $399

Introduction
Imelda Marcos, once the Philippines’ first lady was well known for owning as many as 1060 pairs of shoes. In comparison, I will never own or dream to own as many pairs. Although, I must admit I have a particular fondness for footwear. Whether they are formal, casual, or cycling shoes… I’m somewhat picky about what I wear. With cycling shoes, in addition to “looking nice”, one thing is an absolute must, they have to fit perfectly. A nice fitting pair of cycling shoes equals pure enjoyment on the bike! It makes your legs, feet, pedal, and crank feel as “one”. Your feet are considered one of the most crucial contact points between you and your bicycle (equally important is the contact of your buttocks and the hands). Having a pair of shoes, saddle, or handlebars that do not conform to your body usually leads to pain and frustration. So it’s very important to get the fit right. Cycling shoes need to be functional, efficient, and comfortable. Although, ironically most times people buy shoes based on the way they look and consequently find out that the shoes do not fit them well. It’s important to try on every pair of shoes you’re considering before committing to the purchase. As you will find out, every shoe manufacturer’s sizes are just slightly different, enough that a 43 in one brand will not fit the same as a 43 in another.

Gaerne (pronounce “GAH- EYR- NAY”) is not a new kid on the block. The company has been around close to half a century, and is situated nearby the town of Treviso in Italy. The company’s “know how” comes from a background of making walking shoes. Mr. Ernesto Gazzola, founder of Gaerne, had worked in the shoe industry for several years before deciding to go out on his own (with the help of his wife) when he created Gaerne in 1962. He then ventured on to fabricate motorcycle footwear (in which, Gaerne is very well respected and has many gran prizes to their credit), and then onto cycling shoes.

The company’s “atelier” is located in the same neighborhood as some other well known cycling brands such as, SIDI and Wilier, to name a few. Being in the midst of the action helps the company gather all the information needed to make the best products that the possibly can. Although most companies products are made in Asia these days, Gaerne still makes their products in the same Italian factory by hand as they’ve always done. And if you are a fanatic of Italian footwear like I am, that’s good to hear.

A few years back Gaerne sponsored some cycling greats such as Sean Kelly, Claudio Chiappucci (got to love him…what a fierce competitor!), and Marco Pantani (who doesn’t like him?). Nowadays they have a pretty decent cyclist by the name of Cadel Evans. But realistically, none of us regular weekend warriors will ever come close to these living legends. So my take is that we should not consider them factors when considering the purchase of any shoes, but rather focus on fit, fit, and fit!

San Clemente, California - Rudy Project®, known worldwide as the cutting-edge manufacturer of cycling and triathlon helmets and eyewear, has now introduced the Slinger™, the company’s lightest Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-approved helmet. Premiered at Interbike and available to the public in March, the Slinger is expected to quickly position itself as a favorite of local clubs and professional athletes alike.

“Based on the overwhelming positive response we received at Interbike, we are really excited about the potential impact the Slinger will have on the helmet market in 2009 and beyond,” claimed Paul Craig, President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America. “When people came up to our booth at Interbike, I would hand them the Slinger and, every time, they had this bright-eyed amazement as they would bounce the helmet in their hands and exclaim how light it is.” In a market that yearns for distinction and value, Rudy Project has positioned itself as an innovative force by creating a light and compact helmet that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and offering it at a mere $100 retail. The Slinger easily surpasses the competition in value by offering advanced features associated with a $200 helmet at half the price. Boasting enormous vents, this amazing product also includes a revolutionary new retention system.

The Slinger owes its extremely lightweight, impact-resistant shell to its In-Mold construction technology and features 13 massive vents that maximize airflow and ensures continuous internal ventilation. Another hallmark of the Slinger is its RSR retention system exclusive only to Rudy Project helmets. Easy-to-use and fully adjustable, this ratchet-based retention system allows for quick, on-the-fly adjustment with only one hand. Helmet adjustments are typically done multiple times at any point through a ride or race, making this feature appealing to all athletes.

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Denver, Colorado - Consumer Package Includes Over $450 of Product for $220! Rudy Project will officially launch the “Rudy Project Gear Deal” - their most daring and innovative promotion to date - in March 2009. This promotion will give dealers the opportunity to offer a $220 package that holds over $450 in value, making it an irresistible deal for consumers in today’s economy.

“When I first proposed the idea of the ‘Rudy Project Gear Deal’ to friends and co-workers, their initial reaction was that it is an incredible deal, but too good to be true,” exclaimed Paul Craig, President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America. “That’s the idea! I wanted to create something that was too good to pass up and create excitement in the industry, given today’s economic climate. I believe the ‘Rudy Project Gear Deal’ is the best deal out there and will give everyone the opportunity to utilize the best eyewear and helmets on the market and get people walking into dealers asking for Rudy Project.”

With the intention to make this promotion viral among consumers, Rudy Project will be placing millions of four-page inserts in massive consumer magazines like Bicycling, VeloNews, BIKE and countless regional athletic papers including those within the National Sports Network. So, not only will consumer buzz be created at the grassroots level, but also through key advertisements within the largest recreation and competition publications in the industry.

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Seattle, Washington - Cascade Designs, Inc., the Seattle-based industry leader in the design and manufacture of premier outdoor equipment, today announced the distribution of the SealLine Urban Line of gear protection through QBP (Quality Bicycle Products). A leading distributor to the cycling industry, QBP will stock the full SealLine Urban Line including the Urban Shoulder Bag, Urban Backpack, Urban Tote, Computer Sleeve, Urban Backpack Organizer, Zip Pocket, Mobile Electronic Case and the new Water Bottle Pocket.

Introduced to market in 2007, the PVC-free SealLine Urban Line is a collection of functional, smart-looking bags, packs and accessories designed to provide guaranteed protection for everyone from the performance-first bike messenger to the eco-minded commuter. The bags feature premium-quality welded seams that outperform the sewn seams most commonly found in urban bags.

“The Urban Line has been popular with the independent bike dealer and their customers,” said Erik Flink, SealLine Brand Manager. “So we’re excited that the Urban Line will be more readily available to those shops through QBP.”

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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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Specialized Women’s BG Pro RBX Knicker Pro review - By Karen Cooper

• Unique Specialized Therminal fabric on the front panels for loft and insulation
• FIELDSENSOR™ fabric on back transports moisture away from the skin and disperses it for fast evaporation
• Unique Women’s BG Pro RBX chamois uses high density foam in key areas to relieve pressure during cycling
• Sleek panel construction is functional and flattering
• Custom Specialized logo silicone gripper at the calf holds the leg in position
• MSRP: $165
• Size tested: medium

The Specialized BG Pro RBX Knicker is essential for cool weather cycling. Specialized uses Therminal insulating material on the front panels to keep you warm and the Fieldsensor fabric on the back panels wicks moisture away and keeps you dry. I found the fabric to be very soft and comfortable with flat lock seams that give the garment a flattering look and a sleek, smooth feel. The silicone gripper at the calf holds the legs in place. I also liked that the waist is high which provides more coverage on chilly days.

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Technology Innovations Continue to Help Garmin Athletes Break Away from the Pack

Boulder, CO – Team Garmin-Slipstream, the top U.S. professional cycling team, today unveiled its 2009 team kits (image below).

The new team kit highlights title sponsor Garmin’s leadership role, while also bringing attention to Slipstream and its focus on ethical sporting and developing the next generation of American champions. Designed and produced by Pearl Izumi’s Colorado-based Advanced Development Team, the 2009 kits are highlighted by the ultra aerodynamic time trial Speed-Suit. Second skin fit and strategically located, proprietary fabrics work together to create the fastest Speed-Suit ever produced and provide an aerodynamic advantage for riders. And, the kit wouldn’t be complete without strong argyle elements, including orange shoulders and an orange-dominated Giro helmet – which will be easy to spot in the pro peloton.

“We constantly uncover the best technology and work with the best sponsors to give our athletes the competitive advantage,” said Jonathan Vaughters, Director Sportiff of Team Garmin-Slipstream. “Our unique partnership with Pear Izumi ensures that our guys are training and racing with the best kits available. And our signature argyle ensures that they stand out from the pack.”

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By Thien Dinh

Look Cycles USA will be rolling out a new pedal fitting process this year, called the Keo Cleat Fit System. Developed in-house by Look’s own Pedal Product Manager Fred Roudergues, the system aims to help cyclists select the best cleat based on angular float and also to correctly position the cleat on the shoe.

The first step in the process is to setup the cleats properly on the rider’s shoes. This is done by having the cyclist stand up against a wall and measuring the ball of his/her foot in relation to the wall and then translating that onto the shoe. Once the cleats are installed properly, the fitter will setup the cyclists bike on a trainer with specially equipped Keo pedals that will be used to measures and analyzes each complete cycle of the pedal stroke. The cyclist will pedal 3 mins at a regular cadence of 60-90 RPM while the system measures values for both position and amplitude. The position value will help the fitter determine the best position on the shoe for the cleat, while the amplitude value will help the fitter determine which Keo cleat will best suit the cyclist. The process is done twice to get an average value for position, which the fitter will then use to correct the positioning of the cleat.

Once the fitter determines the best angular position for the cleat on the shoe, the fitter will use a special angular measuring tool that will reposition the cleat in the optimum position on the shoe. The cyclists will then cycle another 3 mins to verfiy that the adjustments are correct and that the cleats fall within range of the optimum position. Depending on the amplitude values recorded during the fit, the fitter may swap out the cyclist’s cleat. Look offers three different cleats depending on desired float.

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The new Multisport Collection fits the contour of a woman’s body like only Moving Comfort can!

Cadence Shorts and Capri - featuring 8 panel design, a women’s specific 4-way stretch chamois with Liquicell and a lower rise, flattering fit

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