As someone who has done their fair share of annoyingly long rides, I often get asked “What’s the key to being on your bike for so long?” While I don’t have all of the answers, here are some key tips that I swear by. Whether you’re getting ready for your first 20+ mile ride or gearing up for your first century, I highly recommend trying the strategies listed below.

Click Here for the Spark Notes Version

Tip #1. EAT

Fueling is crucial, especially on rides over an hour or two. Forget the complex formulas; keep it simple: have a carb-rich snack every 45-60 minutes. If you struggle with solid food, try liquid calories from drink mixes. The best snacks are the ones you enjoy and want to eat.

Tip #2: Ride at a Comfortable Pace

Unless you’re a pro or just a plain masochist, don’t try to go full speed on long rides. Instead, ride in the magical Zone Two, the sweet spot for aerobic and endurance gains. If you can chat while riding, you’re probably in the right zone. Heavy breathing? You’re going too hard.

Tip #3: Ride a Bike that Fits Well

Comfort is crucial. Joint pain or discomfort on long rides usually means your bike fit is off. A proper bike fit helps you ride more efficiently and comfortably. Professional fits can be pricey but are worth it to ride pain-free. However!! Remember that you know your body best, so if a certain measurement/ fit feels right for you, go with it even if the bike fitter says otherwise.

For those of you opting for the longer version (proud of you), let’s dive in.

Tip #1. EAT

People tend not to realize how important fueling is on the bike, especially on rides over an hour or two. While the internet can go into immense detail and offer formulas to calculate exactly how much you should be eating, I like to keep it simple and go by this simple rule for training rides: Have a carbohydrate-rich snack every 45min-60min. Rule of thumb: it’s far easier to eat too little during a ride than too much, so if you want a snack sooner than 45-60 min, have one!

What should you eat on the bike? Well, there are so many options!! There are a ton of options designed specifically for exercise such as GU gels, Honey Stinger waffles, Bonk Breakers energy bars, and more. These are great for races and when you want the most optimal cycling nutrition. However, they are more expensive than non cycling-specific alternatives. If you’re a broke college student like me or not wanting to spend as much money for training ride fuel, there are plenty of more budget friendly alternatives that do the trick. Some of my go-to favorites are fruit snacks, gummy bears, cookies, or GoGo Squeeze apple sauce pouches.

Some people struggle to get down calories during rides (I’m this way in races, it sucks), so if you fall in that boat, liquid calories from drink mixes are a great way to get the fuel you need during long rides. They also offer important electrolytes and other good stuff, so drink mix is really just good all around even if you have no problem getting down nutrition during rides. Fluid is a local company with great hydration options. Their cinnamon-vanilla recovery mix is also TO DIE FOR. Personally, my go-to race hydration mix is GU Roctane Summit Tea drink mix. It is high in calories, packed with good stuff, and has a very mellow and yummy flavor that my sensitive stomach and get down.

Tip #2: Ride at a comfortable pace

Unless you’re a pro rider, attempting a multi-hour ride at top speed most likely won’t go well. The key to riding for a long time is riding at a sustainable pace. There’s this magical thing called Zone Two, which is the optimal zone (a specific range of heart rate or power outputs that correspond to different levels of exercise intensity) for aerobic and endurance gains. If you’re riding in zone two, you should be able to maintain a conversation. If you’re breathing heavily, there’s a 99.9% chance that you are riding too hard. Zone two is the key for enjoyable and beneficial long rides.

Additional Zone Two Info

For the number geeks: If you train off heart rate data, zone one two means riding between 60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. For example, if I had a max heart rate of 200 bpm, zone two for me would mean riding between 120 and 140 bpm. If you train off power meter data, you probably already know what zone two means, but here’s a link just in case. Ps. if you’re reading this and have no clue what I’m talking about, don’t sweat it… pls. Often times, the best way to enjoy things is to keep it simple.

Tip #3. Ride a bike that fits well.

Comfort is key, and joint pain/discomfort on long rides is most likely due to an improper bike fit. In addition tp helping you ride more efficiently, a properly fitted bike will help make your body comfortable and mind happy. Bike fits do cost a bit of money, but they are crucial to anyone having discomfort on the bike (discomfort meaning pain in your back, knees, arms, neck, etc). Finding a good and affordable place to get a bike fit can be tricky, but we’re in luck because Humberto at Art’s Cyclery gives great and affordable bike fits.

Rule of thumb #3: Bike fitters are incredibly knowledgeable, however, you will always be the most knowledgeable about your body and how it feels. If a certain measurement or fit feels right for you, go with it even if the bike fit says otherwise.

These tips have helped me conquer many long rides, and I hope they work for you too. Happy cycling!

The post Key Tips for Riding Further on the Bike appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

You know the feeling, right? You’re competing at Kona, the World Championship just 16 riders ahead of you–you down some GU Roctane, and pedal at your pace. Passing three riders before you hit T2. More GU, as your shoes tap the Hawaiian pavement. Twelve runners ahead. Five runners ahead. Remind yourself why you had a light protein the night before. Second place is in reach! You book it up the chute to glory.

OK, maybe we don’t all know exactly that feeling (mostly I nod and wheeze at people as they pass by me on the run), but fueling right before and during a race can make a major difference in how your body responds to the demands of endurance sport. Cue GU Energy Labs Athlete Mirinda Cafrae in her race to capture second earlier this month in Kona–she’s shared with us just exactly how much GU it takes to step onto that Ironman podium.

Mirinda Carfrae’s World Championship Nutrition Plan

In case you weren’t watching the 2016 Ironman World Championship in Kona on Oct. 8th, Carfrae proved again that she only gets stronger throughout the day by moving from exiting the water in 16th place, passing three riders on the bike, and ultimately taking 2nd place overall on the run. Congrats, Rinny!

Carfrae is a creature of habit when it comes to nutrition in her race preparation and race day strategy, and sticks to the formula for success that has helped her achieve podium status (including three overall victories) at seven World Championships.

Carfrae says she is fortunate that the plan she developed several years ago (with the advice of a nutritionist) has served her well since the time she first stepped up to longer distances. Here’s a look at what Carfrae consumed to fuel her to this year’s podium:

How Carfrae Fuels Before & During an Ironman

Night before the race: Keep it simple with an early dinner of chicken, rice, and tomato soup.

Race morning: Carfrae has a light breakfast (usually oatmeal or toast) three hours before go.

During the race: 15 minutes before the gun goes off, she takes a GU Energy Gel to get her through the swim. Onto the bike, Carfrae sticks to a strategy of 75-80g of carbohydrates per hour from GU Energy Gel and GU Roctane Energy Drink Mix.

Once she hits the marathon, her intake is more of a steady stream in small amounts based on how she’s feeling. She carries two flasks of GU Roctane Energy Gel and regularly takes small sips. While running through aid stations, she drinks as much water and Coke as she can grab (plus dumps water on herself to stay cool). The steady intake of GU Roctane Energy Gel helps keep her energy up at an even level. This process has been critical in helping Carfrae in marathon performances like her race at Kona.

Why Three Kinds of GU?

GU Energy Gel: Made for daily training and competition, GU Energy Gel is a 100-calorie packet that helps sustain energy demands during activity. It has all the nutrients needed to power performance: quality carbohydrates (complex and simple carbohydrates provide immediate and long-lasting energy; non-competing pathways maximize absorption and utilization while diminishing stomach distress), essential amino acids (prevent mental fatigue and repair muscle damage during long-duration activities), and electrolytes (replenish what’s lost when you sweat).

GU Roctane Energy Drink: For high-intensity and demanding activity, the 250-calorie-per-seving Roctane Energy Drink packs even more electrolytes and carbohydrates than GU Hydration Drink Mix. Also includes essential amino acids like taurine, which improves cardiac output during long exercise sessions.

GU Roctane Energy Gel: The 100-calorie packets are made for demanding training and competition. Roctane Energy Gel stands out from the original GU Energy Gel with more sodium and branched chain amino acids.

The Takeaway

Obviously key is Carfrae’s use of light protein and rice, and soup as an early dinner. She’s got carbs but she’s not going nuts with them. Also important is that 3-hour window she gives her body to get ready for the race after breakfast. She’s got energy-packed foods that sustain like oatmeal and toast. Then a shot of GU before she starts makes sure she starts off with fuel to burn–and she keeps stoking the fire strategically.

Personally, Salted Caramel GU and Coke are pretty much my favorite things on the planet. Seems Rinny and I are kindred spirits. It’s like we both won. Except, you know, I was just watching the race on TV while drinking Coke. Minor detail. Still proud.

Of course, if you want to learn more about how nutrition planning can help you become your most awesome athletic self, check out www.GUEnergy.com for tips.

The post Mirinda Carfrae Tells You Just How Much GU It Takes to Podium at Ironman appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

The post Angela Naeth Launches IRaceLikeAGirl Tri Team – Join to Support a Great Cause & Get Team Swag appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

I’m not new to running. I’m also not new to the problem of trying to carry all the necessities without sporting cargo shorts on every run, and I was using a very basic band to hold in my keys and phone while on short runs, and a thicker one for hydration on longer treks. So I was intrigued when the folks at FlipBelt sent over their popular carry-all band. Some of FlipBelt’s features may have won me over for my future runs–read on for more details. Including a light that charges while you run . . . .

FlipBelt Tech Specs

Please enjoy the following chart, which details everything included in the box:

*available in sizes XXS-XXL

More Info at Flipbelt.com | Buy it from FlipBelt or Amazon.com

The Review

FlipBelt Classic Edition & FlipBelt Zipper Edition

I have tested both, the Classic Edition in a medium and the Zipper Edition in a large. Because I’m not shaped like the models, I admit to being a skeptic on how the belt would work with my curves. I wear a size 10-12 which equates to the measurements for a large belt.

This belt hit me lower on the waist and even with items in it, but never folded over. Sitting so low on the waist, I was actually able to wear this one underneath my shirt, hidden from view.
The medium belt sat just below the belly button. When the belt is worn high, it’s easier to wear it outside of the shirt. Again, the belt lay flat and didn’t fold over during the entire run.

Million Mile Light
The Million Mile Light is light weight (love the pun?) and clips on to any part of the FlipBelt. Once clipped on, I forgot it was there until I started seeing a burst of light with each stride.

My first concern was that it would come unclipped and I’d lose it, but it held firm and flashed as long as I was moving without my having to charge it or install batteries. I loved this idea, but I was a little bummed that the light the light didn’t stay on unless I was moving. Still a great idea for a light that doesn’t run out of juice until you do, and can serve as a good backup when other lights die.

Water Bottles
The water bottles come in two sizes, 6 oz and 11 oz. For long runs I prefer to bring a bottle of water with me. I filled both bottles and placed them into Classic Edition with my keys and my phone and went for a run. Nine minutes into the run, I was picking up the 11 oz. water bottle off of the ground. Two minutes later, I had to pick it up again. Instead, I opted to carry it for the duration.

Throughout the run, though, the 6 oz. bottle barely moved. I figured that this was likely because I was toting too much with the 11 oz. bottle, which is why it didn’t stay put. I tried it again with just the 11oz bottle, and all was well. Something to be aware of if you’re looking to carry more hydration on a longer run.

The Verdict

The belt exceeded my expectations because my keys and my bulkily encased phablet fit without bouncing or chafing during any of the runs I’ve taken. Since the belt is not water/sweat resistant, I will continue to use a waterproof sleeve for my phone and money/ID.

The FlipBelt is marketed as a running belt, but I’ve also worn it while working, shopping, and cycling. I can easily see the FlipBelt waiting for me in transition at my next Sprint or Olympic triathlon and on  my next short distance run.

Get more info on the Flipbelt at their official website. You can also buy it from your local retailer or online at places like Amazon.com.

The post FlipBelt Lets You Carry Keys, Phone, & Hydration Without Pockets – Review appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Ah. It’s September again. Nearly the several year anniversary (we don’t need to go into how long it’s been) of my first open water swim triathlon in Pacific Grove. Let’s just say that first year didn’t go so well–especially for the lady who wrapped her arms around my wetsuit clad leg, terrified, and begged me to swim her through the kelp and back to shore. Panic spread, and both of us paused our swim for a little R&R on the lifeguard’s surfboard.

Of course, if you want to read about how to stop panic in your open water swim, we’ve got that for you. But if you’re less concerned with that and more concerned with sharks, you’ll dig the stuff we’ve got for you here. Just in time for the Scott Tinley’s Triathlon, or the famed Morro Bay Tri, we’ve got a few things that’ll make your open water swim just a bit less terrifying, flat fixing that’s easy to carry, and tri suits that will make you look good and go fast.

X-LAB’s Gear Box Kit Review

Price: $25 (fully loaded)

What’s Included: Multi-tool with 10 tools (2mm, 2½mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm open wrench, T25 torx, flat screwdriver, all wrapped in a protective silicone band); Speed Chuck CO2 Inflator with 2 Air Strike CO2 Cartridges; Patch Kit; 2 Tire Levers

Size/Capacity: 5.25″ high with 25.8 cubic inches of storage space

Weight: 449 grams fully loaded and 64 grams empty (according to our scales)

More info at X-Lab’s Site | Buy it at your LBS or online at places like Chain Reaction Cycles

Why We Like It

A totally silent, totally easy way to make sure you’ve got everything you need to repair a puncture and re-inflate your tire all in one neat package. Pop this into one of your bottle cages (on your frame or behind your seat, if you’re into that), and go. It’s super sturdy and I never had a problem with it ejecting or even rattling around. The carbon-look finish not only has style, but is textured so that the pod stays put in the cage. Inside, the padding makes certain you don’t hear the contents shifting around (in case they actually do move).

One of my favorite bits here is the mini multi-tool with a clip-on style open wrench–it’s magnetic, and just a little extra awesome. Plus, the space inside lets you squeeze a tube and full kit in much easier than in a small saddlebag–not to mention the install is much faster and the tools much easier to get to.

The patch kit and giant levers might not be the style for everyone here, especially if you’re not in to glueless patch kits (but we have a guide to going glueless here). But a quick swap with your favorite set does the trick nicely. You can, however, buy just the Gear Box without the tools or flat kit.

Grab your own at your LBS or online at places like Chain Reaction Cycles

Shark Bands

Price: $65

Colors: Azure, Seafoam, Slate

Available directly from Sharkbanz via Amazon.com

Worried about what might be brushing past your feet in that blurry water of your next open water swim? Oh boy, we love SharkBanz. A simple band you wear on your hand or ankle, the magnetic construction basically yells at sharks to back off. OK, not really. I have no clue how it works, but I feel like it works, and the videos put out by the folks at Sharkbanz have done plenty of testing:

So while I have tested this product while swimming, I can’t tell you whether or not it actually works because the water around here is definitely not as clear as the water in the Bahamas. However, I have yet to be bitten while wearing the Sharkbanz. Let’s hope that streak continues.

Either way, the peace of mind this thing offers can definitely give you an edge during your next Open Water Swim. Not worrying about what could be waiting to strike at you is a major boost–letting you focus on your form in the water rather than what’s eyeing your form from below. Although this band apparently doesn’t work on Great Whites (bummer, right?), it does work on other sharks, which are actually much more likely to attack you. Don’t believe me? Look it up. Actually, don’t look it up. Yikes.

While the device is a little bulky on my small wrist, it’s quite minimal at the ankle. Definitely not as heavy as I thought it would be (think wrist watch weight). The band itself is rather long, so it will fit on all sizes. As such you might want to cut off the excess to keep it from adding extra drag.

Overall, let me just say that I love the Sharkbanz. I considered buying four . . . for each one of my limbs.

Grab more info at the Sharkbanz website or buy your own at Amazon

Pearl Izumi Pursuit Tri Suits

Women’s Elite Pursuit Tri Suit

Price: $145

How do you want to look on race day? Or every training day for that matter? This Pearl Izumi makes you look and act generally awesome. As one who has struggled to find a great fitting tri suit–all that muscle has to go somewhere–I’ve finally found my perfect match.

The Elite Pursuit has just the right amount of compression exactly where you need it. At first, I though the size medium was way too tight (it’s those muscular hips), and pulling it up was a struggle. But I realized once I fitted it over my shoulders and zipper it up that the tightness was due to a supremely fitted upper. The panel (shown in purple at left) gives you a super sleek and aero side to slice through both water and air. In fact, dimpled fabric not only smoothes out your midsection, but it also adds those important aerodynamic properties of much, much more expensive tri suits.

Top all of this off with a front zip close, and balanced styling and you’ve got a great tri suit. But Pearl Izumi has one more bonus for the ladies: a matching sports bra with maximum support. A 9″ inseam gives you plenty of compression at the thighs and non-squeezing elastic grippers finish it off. Super quick drying and ultra comfortable, this is definitely one of the best tri suits I have ever worn.

Get more info or grab your own at Pearl Izumi’s website

Men’s Select Pursuit Tri Suit

Price: $90

But dudes, we didn’t forget about you. Pearl Izumi has you covered too with their Select Pursuit tri suit. Our tester (nope, I didn’t give this one a shot. You’re welcome) gives you his report below:

“For a relatively inexpensive suit, the Select Pursuit is pretty well fitted and has plenty of nice features. The compression is comparable to much more expensive suits, and stands up to extra long bricks.

As a taller guy, I was a little nervous that the XL would be too small, but this fit true to size, which is not usual for me and other tri suits. The tight fit seems to help you glide in the water, and the length on the shorts is exacting. No seams in the legs mean no chaffing, and the silicone grippers keep them in place without being irritating (especially if you’re not into shaving your legs).

One thing I do wish it had is a little thicker pad for the ride as this one is quite minimal, but the small profile is definitely nice on the run. The whole suit dries quickly and the hidden back pocket is great for hiding an extra gel.

Overall, this tri suit is a great choice, and it stands up to the long-haul.”

Get more info or grab your own at Pearl Izumi’s website

Wind Blox Pro & Classic Edition

Price: $14.95 (Classic) $17.95 (Pro)

Sizes: 

Pro version installed profile is 10 cm long by 2 cm wide

Classic version installed profile is 6 cm long by 3 cm wide

Weight: 12 grams

Available directly from Wind-Blox at Amazon.com

We’ve covered Wind-Blox before, and been surprised by the results. If you’re sick of getting freaked out by people whiffling past you without warning, Wind-Blox can help.  These seemingly simple strap covers velcro in place in front of your ears to reduce wind noise at speed. This, in turn, lets you hear much, much more of what’s going on around you and behind you.

The refined Wind-Blox Pro edition is a slimmer design than previous iterations, and doesn’t interrupt the clean lines of your helmet strap as much. In testing, they work a little better than the original Wind-Blox to, especially when you’re moving pretty fast down the road.

I tested this by placing the original version on one side and the new version on the other side (and switched again to account for hearing discrepancies), and the Pro had a slightly greater dampening effect on the wind. Since the Pro version is longer and leaner than the original, you also don’t need to do as much fidgeting to get the product in place properly–it’s already set in a good position.

Grab more info or buy your own directly from Wind-Blox at their official website and via Amazon.com

HEY, we’ve got an exclusive discount code for you that’ll get you 30% off at wind-blox.com: just enter SLO Cyclist 2016 at the checkout. Boom. You’re welcome.

Slammers Protein

Price: $5.99 per box of 4 (but generally less)

Ingredients: Lots, but all of them love you. Click here for a breakdown of the nutrition.

OK, you’re training hard. You’re packing in the miles. You’re pounding gels like no one’s business. And you’re totally sick of that syrup consistency. Well we’ve got an alternative here, and it may surprise you.

Slammers Protein is an offshoot of what originally was Baby Gourmet food. Pro athletes actually gave the makers of Baby Gourmet the idea to create a new line geared toward endurance junkies. These pro’s fueled with these convenient food pouches on long training runs and rides without causing any stomach distress. And, yes, Slammers Organics was born.

After testing each of the flavors, I can attest to the fact that they are easy on the stomach. In fact, because these are real food as opposed to engineered gels or bars, they give you quick sustained energy boosts over longer rides without leaving you feeling sick (OK, I didn’t try them while running because . . . well . . . running sucks).

The size of the pouch fits easily in a jersey pocket, and you can I stuff two in a single pocket if you want. The screw top, however, might turn some riders off since it’s not as easily opened while riding. If you’re comfortable riding no-handed, or some semblance of one-handed, it shouldn’t be an issue.

As for taste, I definitely preferred them chilled. The Watermelon Kiwi Burst flavor hit me just right, and didn’t have an aftertaste. Pretty good stuff. I also tested the Creamy Banana Chocolate and Pomegranate Grape Crush, but wasn’t as quite into these flavors myself. As one who dislike bananas, I was a little turned off by the chocolate mix, but this seems like a great recovery option for those of you who enjoy bananas. Overall, the taste is generally pretty mild, but you’ll probably want to try a few different flavors to find one that you dig.

Grab your own Slammers at your local grocery store or Target

The post Five Things You Want for Your Next Triathlon (Including Shark Repellent) appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Originally, we featured these Pursuit tri suits in our guide to things you’ll definitely want before your next triathlon. Check it out for more cool stuff to help you get through all three phases of your next tri. But first, read ahead for our full review.

Pearl Izumi Pursuit Tri Suits

Women’s Elite Pursuit Tri Suit

Price: $145

How do you want to look on race day? Or every training day for that matter? This Pearl Izumi makes you look and act generally awesome. As one who has struggled to find a great fitting tri suit–all that muscle has to go somewhere–I’ve finally found my perfect match.

The Elite Pursuit has just the right amount of compression exactly where you need it. At first, I though the size medium was way too tight (it’s those muscular hips), and pulling it up was a struggle. But I realized once I fitted it over my shoulders and zipper it up that the tightness was due to a supremely fitted upper. The panel (shown in purple at left) gives you a super sleek and aero side to slice through both water and air. In fact, dimpled fabric not only smoothes out your midsection, but it also adds those important aerodynamic properties of much, much more expensive tri suits.

Top all of this off with a front zip close, and balanced styling and you’ve got a great tri suit. But Pearl Izumi has one more bonus for the ladies: a matching sports bra with maximum support. A 9″ inseam gives you plenty of compression at the thighs and non-squeezing elastic grippers finish it off. Super quick drying and ultra comfortable, this is definitely one of the best tri suits I have ever worn.

Get more info or grab your own at Pearl Izumi’s website

Men’s Select Pursuit Tri Suit

Price: $90

But dudes, we didn’t forget about you. Pearl Izumi has you covered too with their Select Pursuit tri suit. Our tester (nope, I didn’t give this one a shot. You’re welcome) gives you his report below:

“For a relatively inexpensive suit, the Select Pursuit is pretty well fitted and has plenty of nice features. The compression is comparable to much more expensive suits, and stands up to extra long bricks.

As a taller guy, I was a little nervous that the XL would be too small, but this fit true to size, which is not usual for me and other tri suits. The tight fit seems to help you glide in the water, and the length on the shorts is exacting. No seams in the legs mean no chaffing, and the silicone grippers keep them in place without being irritating (especially if you’re not into shaving your legs).

One thing I do wish it had is a little thicker pad for the ride as this one is quite minimal, but the small profile is definitely nice on the run. The whole suit dries quickly and the hidden back pocket is great for hiding an extra gel.

Overall, this tri suit is a great choice, and it stands up to the long-haul.”

Get more info or grab your own at Pearl Izumi’s website

The post Pearl Izumi Elite & Select Pursuit Tri Suits Review appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Originally, we featured this shark repelling magic in our guide to things you’ll definitely want before your next triathlon. Check it out for more cool stuff to help you get through all three phases of your next tri. But first, read ahead for our full review.

SharkBandz Shark Repellant Review

Price: $65

Colors: Azure, Seafoam, Slate

Available directly from Sharkbanz via Amazon.com

Worried about what might be brushing past your feet in that blurry water of your next open water swim? Oh boy, we love SharkBanz. A simple band you wear on your hand or ankle, the magnetic construction basically yells at sharks to back off. OK, not really. I have no clue how it works, but I feel like it works, and the videos put out by the folks at Sharkbanz have done plenty of testing:

So while I have tested this product while swimming, I can’t tell you whether or not it actually works because the water around here is definitely not as clear as the water in the Bahamas. However, I have yet to be bitten while wearing the Sharkbanz. Let’s hope that streak continues.

Either way, the peace of mind this thing offers can definitely give you an edge during your next Open Water Swim. Not worrying about what could be waiting to strike at you is a major boost–letting you focus on your form in the water rather than what’s eyeing your form from below. Although this band apparently doesn’t work on Great Whites (bummer, right?), it does work on other sharks, which are actually much more likely to attack you. Don’t believe me? Look it up. Actually, don’t look it up. Yikes.

While the device is a little bulky on my small wrist, it’s quite minimal at the ankle. Definitely not as heavy as I thought it would be (think wrist watch weight). The band itself is rather long, so it will fit on all sizes. As such you might want to cut off the excess to keep it from adding extra drag.

Overall, let me just say that I love the Sharkbanz. I considered buying four . . . for each one of my limbs.

Grab more info at the Sharkbanz website or buy your own at Amazon

The post Open Water Swim? Sharks? No Problem. SharkBandz Repellant Review appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Originally, we featured this handy flat fixing kit in our guide to things you’ll definitely want before your next triathlon. Check it out for more cool stuff to help you get through all three phases of your next tri. But first, read ahead for our full review.

X-LAB’s Gear Box Kit Review

Price: $25 (fully loaded)

What’s Included: Multi-tool with 10 tools (2mm, 2½mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm open wrench, T25 torx, flat screwdriver, all wrapped in a protective silicone band); Speed Chuck CO2 Inflator with 2 Air Strike CO2 Cartridges; Patch Kit; 2 Tire Levers

Size/Capacity: 5.25″ high with 25.8 cubic inches of storage space

Weight: 449 grams fully loaded and 64 grams empty (according to our scales)

More info at X-Lab’s Site | Buy it at your LBS or online at places like Chain Reaction Cycles

Why We Like It

A totally silent, totally easy way to make sure you’ve got everything you need to repair a puncture and re-inflate your tire all in one neat package. Pop this into one of your bottle cages (on your frame or behind your seat, if you’re into that), and go. It’s super sturdy and I never had a problem with it ejecting or even rattling around. The carbon-look finish not only has style, but is textured so that the pod stays put in the cage. Inside, the padding makes certain you don’t hear the contents shifting around (in case they actually do move).

One of my favorite bits here is the mini multi-tool with a clip-on style open wrench–it’s magnetic, and just a little extra awesome. Plus, the space inside lets you squeeze a tube and full kit in much easier than in a small saddlebag–not to mention the install is much faster and the tools much easier to get to.

The patch kit and giant levers might not be the style for everyone here, especially if you’re not in to glueless patch kits (but we have a guide to going glueless here). But a quick swap with your favorite set does the trick nicely. You can, however, buy just the Gear Box without the tools or flat kit.

Grab your own at your LBS or online at places like Chain Reaction Cycles

The post X-LAB’s Gear Box Kit Review – The Alternative to Saddlebags appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Originally, we featured these easy on the stomach and quick nutrition fixes in our guide to things you’ll definitely want before your next triathlon. Check it out for more cool stuff to help you get through all three phases of your next tri. But first, read ahead for our full review.

Slammers Protein Pouches Review

Price: $5.99 per box of 4 (but generally less)

Ingredients: Lots, but all of them love you. Click here for a breakdown of the nutrition.

OK, you’re training hard. You’re packing in the miles. You’re pounding gels like no one’s business. And you’re totally sick of that syrup consistency. Well we’ve got an alternative here, and it may surprise you.

Slammers Protein is an offshoot of what originally was Baby Gourmet food. Pro athletes actually gave the makers of Baby Gourmet the idea to create a new line geared toward endurance junkies. These pro’s fueled with these convenient food pouches on long training runs and rides without causing any stomach distress. And, yes, Slammers Organics was born.

After testing each of the flavors, I can attest to the fact that they are easy on the stomach. In fact, because these are real food as opposed to engineered gels or bars, they give you quick sustained energy boosts over longer rides without leaving you feeling sick (OK, I didn’t try them while running because . . . well . . . running sucks).

The size of the pouch fits easily in a jersey pocket, and you can I stuff two in a single pocket if you want. The screw top, however, might turn some riders off since it’s not as easily opened while riding. If you’re comfortable riding no-handed, or some semblance of one-handed, it shouldn’t be an issue.

As for taste, I definitely preferred them chilled. The Watermelon Kiwi Burst flavor hit me just right, and didn’t have an aftertaste. Pretty good stuff. I also tested the Creamy Banana Chocolate and Pomegranate Grape Crush, but wasn’t as quite into these flavors myself. As one who dislike bananas, I was a little turned off by the chocolate mix, but this seems like a great recovery option for those of you who enjoy bananas. Overall, the taste is generally pretty mild, but you’ll probably want to try a few different flavors to find one that you dig.

Grab your own Slammers at your local grocery store or Target

The post Sick of Gels? Slammers Protein Is Quick, Easy, & Real – Review appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.

Update: This review is for the new, Pro edition of Wind-Blox. There are a few different types, which we’ve reviewed in the past. So make sure you know which version you’re buying.

BUT, we’ve got an exclusive discount code for you that’ll get you 30% off at wind-blox.com: just enter SLO Cyclist 2016 at the checkout.

Wind Blox Pro Edition

Price: $14.95 (Classic) $17.95 (Pro)

Sizes: 

Pro version installed profile is 10 cm long by 2 cm wide

Classic version installed profile is 6 cm long by 3 cm wide

Weight: 12 grams

Available directly from Wind-Blox at Amazon.com

We’ve covered Wind-Blox before, and been surprised by the results. If you’re sick of getting freaked out by people whiffling past you without warning, Wind-Blox can help.  These seemingly simple strap covers velcro in place in front of your ears to reduce wind noise at speed. This, in turn, lets you hear much, much more of what’s going on around you and behind you.

The refined Wind-Blox Pro edition is a slimmer design than previous iterations, and doesn’t interrupt the clean lines of your helmet strap as much. In testing, they work a little better than the original Wind-Blox to, especially when you’re moving pretty fast down the road.

I tested this by placing the original version on one side and the new version on the other side (and switched again to account for hearing discrepancies), and the Pro had a slightly greater dampening effect on the wind. Since the Pro version is longer and leaner than the original, you also don’t need to do as much fidgeting to get the product in place properly–it’s already set in a good position.

Grab more info or buy your own directly from Wind-Blox at their official website and via Amazon.com

Originally, we featured these handy noise cancellers in our guide to things you’ll definitely want before your next triathlon. Check it out for more cool stuff to help you get through all three phases of your next tri. But first, read ahead for our full review.

The post Wind Blox Pro & Classic Edition Review appeared first on SLO Cyclist | An Online Road Bicycling Magazine.