Component and event reviews - archives

Wondering what’s the deal with the new gear on the market? Maybe you’re thinking about checking out a gran fondo in your area? I get my hands on a lot of gear and gizmos, and I share my impressions with my readers. These component and event reviews are designed to give you an honest look at what’s on the market and if these parts and rides are worth your money.

Review: Knog Lights – Frog and Beetle

With the falling back of the clocks, it becomes more and more likely that we'll encounter some riding after the sun has sunken beyond the horizon. This means that safety (as well as the law in many states) dictates that lights be installed on your bike to keep you visible to others. Of the many offerings on the market, there are a myriad of different ways to attach lights to your bike: brackets, bands, clamps and velcro wraps. One of the easiest to install and remove comes from Knog. The real question is how good are they and are they worth the (recently increased) cost.

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Review: Mavic Zxellium Shoes

Mavic Zxellium shoes.

When you think Mavic, you generally think wheels, right? Well, that's changing with the introduction of Mavic's clothing and shoe lines a couple years ago, and it provides yet another option in a sea of great shoe choices. The real question is, what sets the Zxellium apart from every other shoe out there? After riding them for more than a year, it's time to explore just what makes these shoes work, and what needs a little extra work.

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Tags: components, reviews|

Honey Stinger Waffle: Breakfast No More

I love waffles as much as the next person. In fact, nothing hit that little nostalgic hole in my stomach as much as a big, crispy shelled, fluffy centered Belgian waffle. Throw a bunch of fruit, syrup and vanilla whipped cream on top, and you have the makings of a perfect nostalgic childhood brunch. And if you think about it, waffles have the potential to be one of the best energy foods out there. But the thought of carrying a syrupy soaked breakfast pastry in your jersey pocket just doesn't sit well. So what are we supposed to make of the Honey Stinger Waffle then?

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Lazer Helium Helmet Review
Lazer Helium Helmet Review

Component and event reviews

Lazer Helium Helmet Review

In cycling, only one thing is more important than the bike itself: the bucket you strap on your noggin. You see, eventually that important bike that you baby so much decides it no longer wants to be ridden by you and tosses you off down the tarmac. With the myriad of helmets out there (all meet very similar safety certifications) it falls to the rider to decide what helmet is for them based upon cost, availability, fit and (most importantly, of course) style.

Ok, maybe style isn't important, but looking like a mushroom is never a good thing.

When it comes to a helmet, I've been a big supporter of Lazer for several years now. Lazer protected my head and prevented even greater injuries when I crashed and ended up with a 5 day stay in the hospital a few years back. It just so happens that the helmet I was wearing was a Lazer Helium.

Check out my review of Lazer's high end road helmet after the jump.

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Chain-L No. 5 Review

Nothing quite piques the senses like “the world's most legendary fragrance,” but if you're expecting to dab this behind your ears, you're sorely mistaken. In terms of price, this little bottle of amber colored wrenching sauce is pretty much on terms with its aromatic European namesake, so when I plunked down eleven bucks and change for it, I figured that it better live up to its name.

I've used a lot of different lubes in my day (that's what she said…) and I've always had a couple of complaints: they're messy, they don't wear into the chain and need constant re-application, and they just plain don't work. In the realm of “just plain don't work” I've penciled in anything that contains the words dry, wax, clean, light, long lasting or spray on. Essentially, I've found one decent lube out there (Finish Line Ceramic Road Lube) but it was filed under the “messy” header and the “constant reapplication” headers. Actually, it received a “messy as hell” header as opposed to the regular one, but I digress.

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