Retail News

LAVA Magazine Posted on September 1, 2011 by Jay Prasuhn

It’s a departure for the brand known first for its aerobars and until recently for a line of wetsuits and wheels, to get into the hydration belt game. We expected another “me too” belt. And we were shocked and how new and different this baby is.

It’s called the Sync 2 Hydration Belt, and it’s not only a cleverly-designed one-hand bottle system, but the difference-maker it’s unbelievably incredible level of customization. “We think we’ve done something unique in the market,” belt co-designer Mark Vandermolen told LAVA. We tend to agree.

For starters, the BPA-free and highly ergonomic 8-ounce bottles fit into the holster at a 45-degree angle, which upon trying we found pretty ideal for smooth entry and exit. The holster clip itself is an L-shaped design, into which the bottle easily clips in and out. Belt co-designer Mark Vandermolen said in testing, they affixed the belt to a paint can shaker upside-down, and put in full bottles—as well as full frozen bottles. None came out.

OK, so what bottle options are there: A two-bottle? Three-bottle? Four bottle? How about, any bottle option you like? In any setup you choose?

Instead of being sewn into the belt, the bottles clips slide onto the belt, much like an accessory might, and you can put as many bottles as you like, wherever you want to.

Like the idea of racing with one bottle directly in back? Or two, but located just forward of your hips? Or two behind the hips, with an accessory belt anchored tightly between them? Wherever you want them, just slide them into location. But to affix them there, Profile provides a neoprene, Velcro-backed “cap” that mates to the backside of the bottle clip, also affixed with Velcro (see second photo). The back piece (with soft neoprene that rests against the skin) is countersunk in the middle, and locks the clip into location. Full customization in your belt. And yes, there are colors for the belts; black belts with black, red and blue piping as well as a white belt with black, blue, red and pink piping.

A few pros have been offered the bottle and while it’s not likely to be seen on any athletes at Ironman 70.3 Worlds, there’s a high liklihood some may be seen at the Hawaii Ironman.

2011 saw triathlon aerodymic accessory company Profile Design release it's range of Carbon race wheels onto the international market. With triathletes quick to pick up on the race benefits of the real world tested designs that were first developed utilising Computational Fluid Dynamic technology the focus has now turned to allow road racers to enjoy the benefits too.

This week saw the certification come through for the full carbon range that includes the models Altair 52 & 80 Semi Carbon Clincher, Altair 52 & 80 Full Carbon Clincher and the Altair 52 & 80 Tubular with the UCI announcing the approval of the wheels to be used in events immediately. 

http://www.profile-design.com/profile-design/wheels/wheel-category/wheels-overview.html

2011 Radioshack Team issue clothing has hit the country.
Jersey and bibshort available in a limited run ONLY.
Made in Italy.
Ensure you have team issue garments with the exclusive Nike Swoosh.

Radioshack Team issue clothing has hit the country.
Jersey and bibshort available in a limited run ONLY.
Be first to wear the new Radioshack gear in the bunch.
Ask your Giordana dealers to order now.

Rowena Scott from Bicycles.net.au

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I LOVE SOCKS. The feeling of putting on a brand new pair of socks has got to be the best thing ever... okay perhaps not THE best, but it’s coming in a close second. I received a pair of socks from online clothing label Après Vélo and they are my definition of perfect, they have a little bit of extra fabric at the back, that makes them a bit higher than your usual ankle sock, my foot tends to rub against my runners and some other shoes a fair bit, I was surprised when I saw this… and delighted.

Performance wise these socks feel good in cycling shoes and runners, they’re not tight at the ankle and they don’t go too far up your leg either, they absorb sweat well, the fabric in this sock unlike some bounces back well which means the sock wont slip back into your shoe, you’ll need to wear them a few hundred times before that happens. The top of the foot of the sock is a lot more breathable than the bottom as expected and the fabric is great, the socks are pink, white and black, they've got the words, "Sisters of Spin," written on them and I'm looking forward to pay day. I have washed these socks every night for a week and they've come out as good as new each time... have some faith ladies, for only $19.95 AUD these socks are worth the postage!

I was about ready to go join a gospel choir when I realise these socks already have the word 'Hallelujah' on them. Après Vélo gear is available online and you will find a range of casual and cycling wear: www.apresvelo.com

Also available at Apres Velo Dealer as per dealer listing in your state.