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The Cycle of Life
Health. Adrenaline. Slick-looking duds. Bike riding has never been more popular, whether it's for exercise, commuting, or winding down after a long week at work. My husband just took up road-biking because he loves the outfits. I frequent the single-track trails near our house with a group of women who are regaining their sense of self now that their children are away at school. And our kids terrorize the neighborhood on their two-wheelers, forging trails through vacant lots and public land. From downhill racing to a fun ride with friends and family there's nothing like cycling to put a smile on your face, a skip in your step, and an up-tick on your fitness barometer.
Novara Bonita Mountain Bike
Novara is REI's in-house bike line. For a durable, well-designed frame and high-value component package, you can't beat the Bonita. The hardtail mountain bike delivers a surprising number of features at a noteworthy price. Our oldest daughter is 10 and has outgrown her kid's bike. We wanted a bike that would offer excellent performance for serious riding but that would "grow" with her for many more years. The Bonita is ideal because the highly adjustable handle bars and seat (vertically and horizontally) give the bike an excellent "growth" range. At 5' 6," I can ride the bike comfortably. With a few minutes of adjustment, the bike can be transformed to accommodate my almost five-foot daughter. The bike has a durable 6060 aluminum frame with a super-strong hydroformed downtube. The geometry is terrific for smaller riders - you can adjust the handle bars for serious trail bashing or position them in a more upright manner for commuting and road use. For the price, the components are unbeatable - high-quality 80mm Rock Shox suspension fork, snappy SRAM X5 shifters and a Truative crankset. Shifting is easy through the 27 speeds and the mechanical disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and controlled deceleration. $599; rei.com
Topeak MegaMorph bike pump
How many bike pumps do you need? The stable footpad and padded pump make the Topeak MegaMorph the only pump you'll need for home and road trips. The portable pump folds down for a minimize profile - ideal for tucking into a trunk, pack or cluttered gear closet. The MegaMorph pumps up to 160 psi quickly and efficiently. Key features include the all-valve hose head and 360-degree swivel hose, both of which are highly durable, easy to use, and versatile enough to service every bike in your garage. Plus, the hose head doesn't pop off the valve under pressure. $70; topeak.com
Smith Optics V XE Sunglasses
Any rider knows that a well-fitting pair of sunglasses is as important as an investment as a bike, helmet and shoes. The Smith V XE are a great value - not only are the Carbonic TLT lenses with 7 Base curvature interchangeable (I prefer the red mirror lenses, as they look great, and have unbeatable clarity in rainy, sunny and in-between conditions) but replacement lenses are only $20. The Inhibitor lenses for the V XE have multiple-layer coatings that reduce glare and inhibit build-up of dirt, sweat and grime during long rides. The frames are a bomber Ballistic xe material that is amazingly durable. Plus, the glasses have Smith's True Lifetime Warranty - if there is a manufacturing failure, they'll replace the product. You'll be amazed at how airy the sunglasses feel. They stay in place but don't pinch or rattle. $119-$139; smithoptics.com
Five Ten Minnaar
Five Ten is the leading performance rock-climbing shoe company worldwide but their proprietary, super-sticky Stealth rubber has also changed biking. Downhill mountain bike racers swear by Five Ten flat-pedal shoes with their super-sticky Stealth rubber soles. Now that high-friction is available in a clipless, SPD model. Designed with bike-racing champion Greg Minnaa, the Minnaar features a high-quality, durable SPD plate for super-efficient riding. The high-friction Stealth rubber soles keep your feet in place, whether on the pedals, walking to the trail, or carrying your bike over steep, rocky sections. The shoes have breathable leather uppers and Velcro strap closures that can crank down the shoe for rugged riding, or loosen up for a leisurely ride around town. $130; fiveten.com
Giro Monaco Gloves
Bike gloves have improved dramatically over the past several years. They fit better, are not as sweaty, and have better padding. But with so many gloves on the market, the Monica (the men's version is called the Monaco) is the best glove I've worn. The 3-piece palm conforms to the hand without becoming hot and sweaty. The padding (Technogel) has great pressure distribution, even on long rough rides. There's just enough stretch for a comfortable, custom fit, but the gloves are not so tight that your fingers will fall asleep! $40; giro.com
Pearl Izumi Launch Shorts
The Launch shorts don't scream "biking" - rather, they are super-technical in a very understated manner. The retro-plaid outer hides a detachable liner with cushy Versa 3D Chamois. The knee-length shorts have a flattering, ergonomic design that allows for bind-free movement without the bulk of most shorts. Inside, there's an adjustable waistband and discreet Velcro fly. Two generous front pockets are fashionable, but big and deep enough for keys or cash. On the back are two roomy pockets that will accommodate a cell phone or wallet. $90, pearlizumi.com
Nalini Mango Long Sleeve Jersey
If you're an early-morning rider, you're accustom to wearing extra clothes that you inevitably strip off a few miles into your ride. I've always liked the concept of convertible pants with legs that quickly zip off to create shorts but never understood the jacket to vest concept as you still need to wear something underneath, which increases bulk and weight. The Nalini's Mango is jacket, windbreaker AND short-sleeve jersey. The removable sleeves reveal a full-featured, short-sleeve jersey, rather than a sleeveless vest. And the sleeves conveniently stuff in the accessory pocket, so you don't need to carry a pack. In addition to wind-blocking protection, the Mango has an anatomical fit, reflective taping and silicon grippers to keep the bottom from riding up. My favorite feature is a Coolmax-lined collar insert that doesn't chafe or scratch. $250, albabici.com, nalini.com
Primal Strips Meatless Jerky
Forget the granola bars and goo, sometimes you just want meat! Well, Primal Strips are not meat but they satisfy like meat. The great-tasting and great-textured meatless jerky combines the flavor and positive health benefits of soy, seitan and shiitake mushrooms to create full "meaty" satisfaction, Primal Strips are sold in six tempting flavors: Hickory Smoked, Thai Peanut, Hot & Spicy, Teriyaki, Texas BBQ, and Mesquite Lime. All are non-GMO, all-natural, 97% fat-free, vegan, Kosher, high in protein, and free of cholesterol, preservatives and artificial colors. Primal Strips are available in natural and mainstream stores and cost $1.39 per 1 oz. package; primalspiritfoods.com - Jan Nesset
Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids Book
Sometimes parents need a boost in confidence and understanding to get their kids outdoors where they belong. Author Eugene Buchanan delivers both in Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids, a book that takes parents on an informative and entertaining romp with their kids into outdoor activities with a look at paddling, camping, swimming, biking, snowsports, fishing, hiking, climbing, and more. In the biking chapter, for example, he writes, "Godsend of godsends, trail-a-bikes also let you (brace yourself) actually accomplish things." There, a boost to parents and in just one sentence! The book has 300 pages and more than 50 illustrations. Buchanan has filled this book with practical advice, mirth and loads of fun. $19.95; helipress.com - Jan Nesset
Nalini Cedro Bibshort
Fast, sleek and snug-fitting, the Nalini Cedro Bibshort is perfect for training rides and race day. The anatomically contoured design fits like a glove, with no chafing or uncomfortable squeezing. The bibshort has two choices of cushioning pads - your choice really depends on the amount of padding you prefer. The UNC Ultra Comfort features an anatomic design made from soft microfibers for unrivaled softness and flexibility. The STP Gel pad combines anti-shock gel cushions with Coolmax microfiber fabric to deliver supreme comfort. If you are riding hard for long periods, go with the STP Gel. The Cedro is made to be extremely tight-fitting but the compression is even so there are no fashion-disaster bulges or bumps. $160; albabici.com , nalini.comPost a comment
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