If you’ve ever watched an Ironman  triathlon, you will have undoubtedly have seen many of the athletes wearing compression socks or calf sleeves. Long distance runners such as Paula Radcliffe have worn compression socks while running in marathons and have seemed to benefit from their use. For recovery, compression socks and leg sleeves have been shown to truly be beneficial. But for actual performance during a race, the jury is still out. The companies that make the compression calf sleeves and socks state that there are true performance benefits in wearing them either for performance. In terms of science, you can find studies that show some benefits to performance while other studies do not show the effectiveness of compression while running. For healthy, in shape athletes, the effects could be more psychological than anything.

Zensah Compression Leg Sleeve

Over the years compression socks and leg sleeves have been put to the test in dozens and dozens of studies. Tests have been done on subjects who ran, cycled and jumped. Some studies showed benefits during performance while a few showed no perceptible benefits during training.   Most of the studies seem to point to slightly better blood oxygenation and less lactic acid build-up in the leg muscles. Many of the studies showed clear benefits with recovery in the days following and none of the studies showed any negative effects on performance or recovery for healthy athletes.

Some of the positive study results have shown:

• Improved Running Performance [Berry et al. (1987).

• Less muscle soreness (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness/DOMS) was felt the next day when worn both during performance and the following day. (2007)

• Better recovery due to lactate acid removal from the blood after periods of strenuous exercise . The effect was shown to be greater during recovery than during high-intensity exercise. (2009 study)
• A study with cyclists did show an increase in blood oxygen levels.
• A study from Germany showed slightly higher aerobic capacity in runners who wore compression socks.

Product Review: Zensah- Seamless Compression Technology 

As a cyclist and runner with varicose vein leg pain, I started using the Zensah compression leg sleeves and the ache and soreness have been minimized and the sleeves have helped me to be able to run longer without feeling like my legs are “heavy”. They are extremely comfortable and I find myself wearing them on walks, to work and also just around the house.

Why Compression?

YMX clothing is known for its beautiful imagery inspired by artistic cultures around the world including Celtic, Polynesian, Chinese and Japanese tattoo styles. The Mad Kool fabric feels lightweight and when the weather is warm, it feels cool. The combination of the art design with the garment’s construction means that the art design clings to the body as intended by the artist, playing on the shape of the shoulder muscles, and enhancing curves in a flattering way.  The beautifully artistic designs of YMX athletic clothing are expanding to include even more pieces as the spring/summer 2012 collection is unveiled. Several pieces are shown here including the sleeveless Maori Spiral Jersey above and the Elemental Tiger Short Sleeve Jersey below with matching Cloud Sport sleeves with a UPF protection of  50+.

Look close! This Asian-inspired design jersey is actually a short-sleeved jersey with matching "sport sleeves"!

The collection of YMX athletic clothing adapts for a wide variety of sports: yoga, Pilates, snow sports, running, and of course, cycling. Many of the pieces can be worn for a variety of sports and look great enough that they can also enhance your casual wear wardrobe. The cycling jerseys have the rear pockets that cyclists appreciate and sleeve lengths that vary from long to short to sleeveless.  YMX also makes boleros and arm sleeves in a variety of fun designs to go with the short sleeve or sleeveless jerseys for great looks and some extra warmth or sun protection.

The tribal stitching on this fleece-lined contour jacket is eye-catching and flattering.

YMX‘s new performance/lifestyle apparel collection for  spring 2012 features exciting new prints and style . The women’s collection includes natural elements combined with traditional art styles. New styles include elegant mandarin and mesh-neck tanks, and fleece contour vests and jackets with some stylish Tribal-style stitching (shown above.)

Here’s a little more info about the YMX jerseys in the video below.

Winter Flower Cycling Jersey Giveaway

YMX is offering this beautiful, floral adorned, long-sleeved cycling jersey to a lucky Cycle & Style reader! This beautiful red jersey sports a beautiful Chrysanthemum design. Did you know that in Chinese culture the Chrysanthemum signifies a life of ease and is also symbolic of powerful Yang energy? Which would it be for you?

Perfect for any sport, this UPF 50+ jersey features three convenient back pockets (look closely at the photo below as the pockets fit so beautifully into the design!) and comes in sizes small, medium, large and extra large. (The winner of the giveaway may choose her size!)

Other Features:

• Lightweight & Silky smooth feel
• UV protection with an SPF of 50+
• Abrasion resistant
• Wrinkle resistant  (thus it can do double duty as a travel garment too!)
• Holds shape and will fully stretch
• Athletic slim fit

We love attending the Outdoor Retailer Show and though the Summer show is more to our taste with more bike apparel and products, we always find some great things at the  Winter Market as well. This is the show to preview the Fall/Winter 2012 apparel and we love  checking out great bike and running apparel and seeing what will be the best items for looking good and staying warm next fall. (And we will have more about those items to come.) But we also come across some items at the show that surprise us and many of them are small companies. We’d like to highlight some of those little Winter Market treasures here.

We’ve tried the ProBar line before which includes original bar,  the Fruition bar and Halo bar. But we are always excited when we notice they are doing new things and improving their offerings. So what’s new? Well, ProBar has introduced 4 new ProBars and will soon be making their Fruition bars gluten-free. The 150-calorie Fruition bars are rich in raw ingredients including dates, oats, chia seeds, cashews and of course, fruit. The organic Fruition bars will soon be gluten-free which makes them a great snack for those with gluten sensitivity. The newest flavor that will be introduced is the Chocolate Orange Fruition. It has a great orange and dark chocolate taste that I think a lot of people will enjoy. (It’s not available yet, but look for it to come out in March!)

The original ProBar, a whole food meal-replacement bar have added four new flavors to the line;  Double Chocolate,Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and Super Fruit Slam. The original Pro Bars are large 3 oz. bars that have just under 400 calories. That’s just one aspect that’s made them popular with endurance athletes such as long-distance triathletes and cyclists. The all natural bars are aimed for the calorie-requirements of guys, but can be portioned for smaller calorie requirements and leftovers can be stored for later.

Krieg Bags-

As we walked around the winter market show, we were delighted to find a small bike-related company from Idaho: Krieg Cycling. This little company has a big variety of fabric styles for saddle bags and bento boxes (top tube storage bags). The explosion of color with their bike bags is definitely eye-catching and if you’re looking for something that helps you stand out, check them out! As they said, we “want to bring some color to what has traditionally been a black and white product. Because after all, life is more fun in color.”

Check out their website’s list of stores that carry their line.

ZipFizz

We get offered a lot of hydration and energy bar products at OR and InterBike. We aren’t afraid of trying new things, but do have a healthy dose of skepticism and have run across drinks and bars that range from the good to the barely tolerable and there have been some memorable ones we rate as absolutely terrible in taste. So we were excited to find a drink that we found to taste great: ZipFizz.  It’s a drink mix powder that can be added to a water bottle and it produces a fizzy drink with a spike of energy that provides a great alternative to caffeinated diet sodas. Yes, the “Zip” part of the name is because this is an energy drink which contains 100mg. of caffeine, sourced from green tea and guarana extracts. Just know that much caffeine is more than you’ll find in a diet Coke, and is about equivalent to a 16 oz. brewed McDonald’s coffee. ZipFizz has added vitamins and minerals and no sugar.

Our take: It’s a great tasting energy drink that doesn’t leave an aftertaste. The plastic container is easy to use, although we think they could re-think the design to reduce costs. ZipFizz claims it’s “good for you” because of the added vitamins, minerals, amino acids and lack of artificial stimulants or ingredients. (Tending towards the purist natural side, I tend to believe that no food or drink with made any amount of chemical processes can claim that it’s truly “good for you”.) But if you need a lift from an energy drink, it’s a good one.   http://www.zipfizz.com/

Dropping by the Krave Gourmet jerky booth, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we really liked this jerky. I have to admit that when I think of jerky, I am thinking of the dry, leathery product usually bought at a convenience store while on long road trips. So a taste of Krave’s jerky was a pleasant surprise. This jerky is tender and moist and comes in delicious flavors that run from sweet to spicy: Pineapple Orange Beef jerky, Sweet Honey Chipotle Beef jerky, Curry Beef, Basil Citrus Turkey jerky, Lemon Garlic Turkey jerky and Garlic Chile Pepper Beef jerky. They also have some pork flavors which I did not try. They are a brand new product from a company in California but I am told are to be found on the shelves Whole Foods stores.  (At the time of this writing, I found their website to be incomplete which is probably due to its newness. I am sure it will be fully functioning soon!)

Dohm-Icebox’s XOB collection

We liked Dohm-Icebox’s collection of great “upcycled” knitwear. The XOB (yes, that’s “box” spelled backwards!) knitwear is made of re-purposed wool sweaters and suit jackets which get new life as fun and funky hats, scarves, mittens and so forth. It’s a concept that calls for minimal impact on the environment and maximum creativity from designers. We liked their great color combinations and unique look so we had to name it as a highlight!

B’ani Bands

This company is nearly a one-woman show by Renee Krieg-Hanson.  B’ani Bands was a company born out of necessity because she was tired of headbands that didn’t work well because they were either so tight they caused headaches, or so loose they just slipped out of her hair. So Renee’s sister made custom headbands that were big enough for her and featured an adjustable strap and a special ”Soft-Grip”^TM fabric backing. They combined that with a dazzling array of ribbons and voila!  They had a great headband that looks fabulous, but is a great choice for all types of athletic pursuits where you want your hair kept out of your face: running, volleyball, tennis, yoga, etc.  Yes, it even works for cycling! I bought one that had a great triathlon figure print on it–love it!

Renee says that her Sequin-Sparkle line is the most popular and offered a blue one as a giveaway to our readers. So make a comment below and we’ll choose a reader at random and send one off to you to try! We’ll be putting in some other of our fun finds including the new Fruition Chocolate Orange bar, ZipFizz and another fun item!

Sombrio Mountain Bike Clothing

Women’s mountain biking clothing is relatively new to the industry. Ladies deserve to look good when they hit the mountains and many companies are just now catching on to this idea. And some companies are taking it more seriously than others, giving us a reason to be grateful that the seed has been planted and enjoy/critic the clothing as it makes it way from design to production.

There are a few companies that have boldly moved into the women’s mountain biking clothing industry and taken it a step farther then the average curly cues and light blue. One such company is Sombrio. Not only has the company been producing mountain bike clothes for women, it’s designers have explored the everyday living concept and created a ‘life’ line to compliment its powerful, female, cycling line.

This Vancouver based company has brought fashion to ladies on their bike, but has also shown that it doesn’t need to end there. With a full line up of every day shorts, t-shirts, jackets and hoodies, all inspired by the same whimsical, fun themes we see throughout their biking line, Sombrio ‘Life’ makes transitioning off the bike that much easier.

The Bread Tank and Road Trip Shorts (as seen above), for example, are cute and sure beat wearing your stinky cycling clothes out after a ride! Plus, the same high quality materials and design used in Sombrio’s ‘Bike’ line are seen in the ‘Life’ line as well.

So if the ‘Life’ line is this good, what does the ‘Bike’ line entail?

 The Zinnia Shorts are everything you could want in a pair of mountain biking shorts. They feature the vital four-way stretch material, with oversized belt loops and velcro secured pockets. They do not include a chamois, but are designed to be worn with one under if you feel so inclined.

And to go on top?

The Zin Jersey –> This seamless, moisture wicking, anti-bacterial jersey combines what you want in a jersey with what you need in one. All the technical jargon means you will be dry, bacteria free and comfortable while you ride. But the design, stripes and colors mean you will be thrilled to see yourself when your friend posts the pictures from last weekends trip online.

And these are just a few examples! Visit Sombrio’s website to see the entire line!

GIVEAWAY!

This is your chance to win an awesome Sombrio jacket! The Habitat Jacket has some great features and is part of Sombrio’s ‘Life’ line. 

• Mesh lined
• YKK zippers throughout
• Shock cord waistband rentesion system
• Mesh lined ‘Air Flow’ under arm zips
• Peaked hood with hidden cord lock system

This jacket is a size MEDIUM, so please take that into consideration when entering the giveaway =)

To enter the giveaway please comment on this article by feb. 13th with some of your favorite places to mountain bike! 

Remember… We need a valid email address and we can only ship within the United States!

Thanks Sombrio for the lovely jacket and good luck to you readers!

]]> http://cycleandstyle.com/2012/01/sombrio-the-mountain-bike-clothing-that-does-it-all-giveaway/feed/ 37 http://cycleandstyle.com/2012/01/koki-bags-a-hood-river-delight-giveaway/ http://cycleandstyle.com/2012/01/koki-bags-a-hood-river-delight-giveaway/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000 Stephanie T http://cycleandstyle.com/?p=12504 Commuting made functional and beautiful with KoKi (pronounced: ‘cookie’) Bags

From Hood River, Oregon, Decide 2 Ride and KoKi Bags deliver commuter bags that have flare and are wonderfully user friendly, with important features you will wonder how you lived without.

It all starts at the bottom…

One of the most unique and important features of Koki bags are their rubber bases.

The material used in the base is similar to that which we see in “Crocs”. It is extremely durable, lightweight and weather resistant. The best part, in my opinion, is that this rubber base gives the rest of the bag the ability to be completely freestanding! I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have a commuter pannier that I can take off my bike and just set on the ground while I fill it up, take things out of it, or have it out of the way while I lock up my bike. This freestanding ability virtually eliminates the hassle of trying to find something to lean the bag on while you prep yourself and your bike for the ride to or from work or the store. And because the base is waterproof you don’t need to worry about the bag or its contents getting wet. Genius!

Bring a KoKi along for the ride!

The KoKi bags are equipped with sturdy clips that can attach to just about any back rack, without difficulty. And these two little clips are all you need, over speed bumps, through pot holes and along bumpy roads, this bag won’t rattle or even come close to falling off! You will be able to safely transport all your goods no matter the road condition or your riding style.

Once you’re at your destination your KoKi bag converts into a shoulder bag with the simple ‘click’ of a strap. Both sides of the bag have strap attachments that give this bag more versatility than just your standard pannier.

With the rubber sole, freestanding design, clips and detachable straps, you might thing that KoKi has thought of it all, but there is one more thing this Oregon based company has considered in its design of bags… Rain… So when the elements start coming down simply slip on your KoKi’s rain fly and concentrate on getting home safe. Phew, it looks like KoKi really DID think of everything! 

 KoKi Giveaway!

Here is your chance to win your very own sweet treat of a commuter bag! The KoKi Bagaboo (as pictured throughout this article) and its handlebar counterpart, the Budgie are up for grabs. The Bagaboo is big enough to carry groceries, school books and work necessities, while still being sleek and well fitting on the your bike. The Budgie is a nice  handlebar complement to the Bagaboo. It is smaller, with some internal pockets to organize your phone, wallet and other personal items. It includes the hardware to install it on your bike, and like all the KoKi products, it has a rubber sole and is totally free standing.  These two bags have all the wonderful KoKi features, but also include panels of woven, recycled material. As you can see in the picture above, the front panel is actually composed of scrap paper that is treated and then woven to create this awesome, unique look! Reuse and Recycle, Thanks KoKi! Check out KoKi’s other recycled produces.

These two bags are valued at over $125.

ALSO! How about TWO giveaways? KoKi has also provided a Mogi. Accurately described as a ‘skinny smartphone pocket’ this little bag can easily be added to your commuter bike, or even your bike that you lead your group ride with. Your phone slides into the see-through sleeve from the back, or inside. The top lid is welded making it is completely waterproof, so your phone is safe. The bag itself can hold a gel or two and your keys: the necessities. Compact and sleek is what the Mogi is aiming to achieve!

 Giveaway Rules: We need YOUR help getting more exposure! Please ‘like’ us (Cycle and Style) on Facebook, and if you already do, recommend us to your friends. We are a site designed to help women feel more empowered on their bikes, we hope that we are making a difference! Please comment on this post by Monday, January 16th with the names of some of your friends/family members that now ‘like us on Facebook! The more the merrier! First place will win the two KoKi bags (Bagaboo and Budgie) and second place will win the KoKi Smartphone sleeve, the Mogi!

It’s time to vote for the winner of

Cycle & Style’s  2011

 “IN MY HOMETOWN”

Photo Contest Winner.

Please take a look through our great photographs and vote for your favorite.  C&S have ten entrants from across the United States this year with over 35 photographs to start with that have been narrowed to the following field of 10.  All GREAT … but the discussion is up to our readers!!

Voting will run for 2 weeks and then our winner will be awarded their KEYHOLE – Hands Free Camera Harness thanks to backcountrysolutions.com.  Also we’ll have prizes for 2nd and 3rd place … thanks to Liberty Bottleworks.

Thanks again to all the “Bike Enthusiasts” that entered … keep on snapping those pics!!

The contest will run through January 14, 2012.

VOTE … and tell your friends to VOTE!!

HI ALL!! We have had some nice comments on specific pictures … but they aren’t showing here in the “comments section” because of how they were done. If you would like to make a comment … you need to do it here at the end of the article not by clicking on the individual picture. If you do it that way the comment is not going to show!! If you want to make a comment about a specific photo … remember … do it at the end of the article and then you’ll just have to tell everyone which picture you LOVE!!!

THANKS for voting!!

Tavia – “Riding in SugarHouse”

In my hometown cyclists, pedestrians and automobiles exist in harmony. You know you live in a bike friendly neighborhood when you see "bike only" parking in front of the local businesses. (Salt Lake City, UT)

Anna – “Bike Prom”

In my hometown, Salt Lake City, we held "Bike Prom" a fundraiser for the Salt Lake City Bike Collective. "The mission of the SLC Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transpiration and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provide refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households". Participants dressed in prom attire and rode bikes around downtown SLC. We then danced, posed for photos, ate, drank and were merry! (Salt Lake City, UT)

Katie – “Mountain Biking”

Out Mountain Biking with her parents one of her favorite activities to do with them!! While taking a break ... look what they snapped - a memory to last a lifetime!! (Texas)

Susan – “Happy Birthday!”

This is taken in my hometown of Pleasant Hill, California. It was my daughter's 14th birthday and her cousin brought her balloons for her birthday and I took this photo of them together. I used a filter to create a painting like affect. (Pleasant Hill, CA)

Mary – “Blue Grass Ride”

... Here is one of the chosen pictures from around the Lexington, Kentucky area. There has been quite an explosion of bike usage here in the bluegrass state, especially near the University of Kentucky!! (Lexington, KY)

 Heather – “A New Mexico Treat”

Although I live in Eastern New Mexico and do most of my riding in the mountainous part of the state ... this photo was taken on a gourmet food ride in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's a 70-miler very October, most delicious bike ride I've been on! This location was our lunch stop - it's where many Westerns were filmed! (Santa Fe, NM)

Sharry – “An Alaskan View”

My Madeleine is waiting for me to finish stretching by Allison Point at the end of the bike path along Dayville Road, the road to the crude oil terminal for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Allison Point is a popular place for silver salmon fishing in August. Across the bay is my hometown of Valdez, Alaska caught her in Late March (early spring for us). (Alaska)

Melissa – “St. Paul Classic”

The St. Paul Classic - an annual ride in which streets of St.Paul are closed to car traffic and cyclists take over. This year there were about 7,000 riders on a gorgeous Sunday morning - September 11, 2011. (St. Paul, MN)

“Litter Patrol”

This is a shot of my sweet sweet wife out with me on litter patrol. I transformed a bike into a garbage truck and we go around sour town and pick up trash. People also encouraged to make food donations to the local food bank by dropping non perishables in the bins. As part of this we are also trying to encourage more people to walk and bike.

Mary – “Celebration @ DAR Constitution Hall”

Washington, D.C. is the place I've called home since 2001. I live in the city and my bike is central to my lifestyle. It's my main form of transportation. I ride to work, to dinner, to the gym ... we go almost everywhere together. D.C. is a bike-friendly town, and with all of the monuments and green space, it's a beautiful place to ride (thought it can sometimes get crowded with tourists). This picture of my Quickbeam and me was taken via automatic timer at DAR Constitution Hall one Friday after work. DAR is a tranquil afternoon spot. It was the perfect day, one of the last warm days of summer, and the afternoon light on DAR is always lovely. (Washington, D.C.)

Please VOTE for your favorite:

Tavia – “Riding in Sugarhouse”

Anna – “Bike Prom”

Katie – Mountain Biking”

Susan – “Happy Birthday!”

Mary – “Blue Grass Ride”

Heather – “A New Mexico Treat”

Sharry – “An Alaskan View”

Melissa – “St. Paul Classic”

“Litter Patrol”

Mary – “Celebration @ DAR Constitution Hall”

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

 The Christmas tree is decorated and the stocking are hung … and we await the big day!!  Is your shopping complete?  Have you gotten everything you need to for the cyclist or future cyclist on your list?  Cycle & Style hopes that our 2011 “Buying Guide” articles have helped to introduce or reintroduce you to some of our favorite cycling items that we have come across this past year.  To finish up our series of articles for this season, we are introducing you to gifts for under the tree.  And … to help Santa out … some gifts for the stockings. 

Merry Christmas to all of our C&S Readers!!  May it be a Wonderful Holiday Season for You and Yours!!

Now before you go for the things to be wrapped and put under the tree, let’s talk about the ornaments on the tree.  Well … I (Beth) love a “theme” & when I wrap my Christmas presents I love to find an ornament to go with “my theme” and add it to my package.  In this case – BIKES … BICYCLES!!!  I found this cute pink girly ornament & lots of others on this really great website – Cafe Press (bike ornaments).  Go and check them out!!

Let’s move from hanging those ornaments to “displaying” your awards!!  How many of you have a tangle of medals hanging around the house on a bedroom door or off of an old trophy and you aren’t quite sure what to do with them.  Allied Steel Fabricators, the parent company of Allied Medal Displays, is a small fabrication business based in Redmond, WA and they have the “Medal Display” for you. The fabrication that the company is built on is high end retail displays but they also do some structural work as well as high end handrail.  A few years back, they purchased a laser to assist in operations and their CAD designer came up with the original prototype for the medal displays.  Since that time, the design changed a bit and the popularity kept growing. Now the displays are not just made for their family and friends, but are on the company’s website and in several small running store locations.

These “Medal Displays” are very unique!!  They would be great in a wrapped gift &/or cute coming out of a stocking!!  Allied Medal Displays has many to choose from or you can have one customized.  Of course C&S was looking for the “Cycling” &/or “”Triathlon” one for our readers … and we found it (them)!!!  Along with many others – Running, Marathon, Sports, Customize, Female & Male.  The BEST thing about Christmas, C&S and our new friends @ Allied Medal Displays is that one lucky reader will be getting the “Triathlon Medal Display” (that’s pictured) in their stocking this year!!  MORE DETAILS TO COME AT THE BOTTOM ON THIS ARTICLE!!  

Tribute Sport Gifts

A trip to Southern Utah this summer introduced me to a very cool shop on Main Street in Moab, UT named – Earth Studio. Once inside, I was so excited to see all of the “bike” stuff  … all in one store!!  Tribute Sport sells all of their items in the Earth Studio store and on their website.  Not only did they have jewelry, but they had bike ornaments, wall art, bike wind chains, bike clocks, business card holders, bike frames, keychains, key  hooks, bookends and purses.  WoW … very unique things!!  As an avid mountain biker, I loved these items because they had “mountain bike” stuff – not just road bike stuff. (Don’t get me wrong … I like road bike items, but I tend to find more of these items as a choice over mountain bike items.) Tribute Sport artisans make all of their pieces in their workshop in Moab. (Made in the USA)  Go check our new friends out on their website (www.tributesport.com) and check them out on Facebook.  HO HO HO … THANKS Tribute Sport… THEY SENT US GIVEAWAYS FOR OUR READERS!! HO HO HO … MORE DETAILS TO COME!! 

WHOOHA (Women Having Optimistic Objectives and Healthy Attitudes) Gear

We just love the Whooha Gear, which is inspiring athletic gear made by women for women. It’s a great thing to have some clothing that inspires you to reach your New Year’s goals for 2012 whether you’re resolving to ride more, take on a marathon or triathlon, get into the yoga studio more often or just share your love of cycling! A healthy lifestyle can be contagiously inspiring!

The Whooha Shirt shown here is the I Ride…Heathered Tee shirt, which gives you so many wonderful reasons to ride! Let it motivate you in 2012! It’s a GIVEAWAY (See details below!)

Signed … Sealed … Delivered to YOU!!!!!!! 

It’s time for your “Thank You Cards” and if you remember last year, C&S featured Jeff  and his alternative photography.  Check out “Cycles” @ J BROOK PHOTOGRAPHY for a great variety of cool bicycle cards.  If you get a chance, tell Jeff that the Ladies from Cycle & Style sent you!!  Check out the new coasters that he is doing now too!!

TOYS!!!

Playmobil Bike Stand w/ shopper ($12.74 Amazon)

Playmobil 4743 Special:Woman w/Dirt Bike ($5.63 Amazon)

Playmobil Tricycle and Bicycle w/ Trailer ($10.99 Amazon)

We came upon some pretty cute toys for little girls (or boys) by Playmobil.  How fun would these be to pretend with or as an adult/kid, I could see a set of these sitting up on one of my shelves in my office!!  Hint … Hint SANTA!!!  Go check out Amazon … they might be the perfect gift/gifts for the future cyclist in the family.

A Little Something for the Jewelry Box

We found two chic pendant necklaces featured by our friends at Flower Pedal ~ The Place to “Buy-Cycle” Gifts.  Every cyclist needs a little something new for their jewelry box … a chic look for the chic cyclist!!  The first one that they would like to show our readers is made of a nice earthy wood pendant bead with the sterling charm mounted on that a leather cord.  This Wood & Sterling Silver Road Bike Pendant is perfect for everyone on your Christmas list  The other necklace (The Fused Glass Bicycle Pendant Necklace) is a little different twist with fused glass and a permanent inked image.  Love – Love – LOVE the fun colors!!  This one will brighten up anyone’s cycling season!!  Both are definitely approved by the ladies at C&S – MUST HAVES!!!  Over the Holiday Break go and check out Flower Pedal.

We’re Ringing in the New Year with some Wonderful Giveaways

for Cycle & Style readers!

Thanks to Tribute Sport, Allied Medal Displays by Allied Steel Fabricators and Whooha Gear, we have some AWESOME giveaways!  We will be giving away the Tri Medal Display shown in this article.  The “i ride” shirt will belong to one of our lucky winners. And … Tribute Sport has given us several items to give away: The Road Bike + Winged Ride bicycle ornament set , the Mountain Bike + Love 2 Ride bicycle ornament set … plus the “RIDE” & “Mtn Bike” Wall Art also shown in this article.  YES … it will be a HAPPY NEW YEAR for some readers here at Cycle & Style!!  We are going to give our readers until January 10th.  So maybe this time, the shopping is done & this one is for you!  Treat yourself to something special!!

Simply comment below and we randomly choose among the best comments. Please give us a good e-mail address to get in touch with you and know that we can mail only within the US & Canada only.

Happy Holidays from Cycle & Style!

There are those who choose a bike for its comfort, not for its speed and for whom a basket is one of the most essential features. For these women, a bike isn’t merely for getting from point A to point B, but to savor every moment of the ride without sweating it. She prefers a bike which allows her to wear her favorite clothes, including skirts and dresses and looks for those items which help make her bike uniquely beautiful and functional. If you have such a person on your gift list, check out these items.

Trek Cocoa

One of the newest bikes unveiled by Trek at the 2011 Interbike was this beautiful bike that you can ride while wearing your beautiful clothes! The Dutch-inspired Trek Cocoa has a retro look with all the modern updates. The sweet, smooth ride will make you love the Cocoa all the more with a comfortable women’s specific saddle, swept-back handlebars and smoothly shifting 3-speed internal hub shifting. The bicycle’s skirt, fenders and chain guards will protect your clothes from the spattering of road grime. The Cocoa comes in two women’s sizes: 15 and 19-inch frames. (MSRP is $609.99)

Apres Velo Tees

Show your cycling obsessions on your sleeves with casual clothing made for after-cycle wear! Apres Velo’s bicycle-inspired tees cover a wide range of styles and themes. The artwork and sense of humor inherent with the Apres Velo tee shirts make them a favorite around the world. Apres Velo is French for “After Cycle.” We look forward to telling you even more about Apres Velo in a special featured Cyclist’s Closet article in early 2012. In the meantime, Apres Velo has given us 2012 Apres Velo desk calendars which we are sending to many of our giveaway winners in December! (Thanks, Apres Velo!)

Brooks Victoria Saddle Handbags

Brooks England LTD, while usually known for their beautiful leather bicycle saddles, has made these elegant and fun handbags for cyclists with a sense of style! The new Victoria Saddle Handbags come in five bold colors and are made of genuine leather. (MSRP: $200)

Nantucket Bike Basket

A classic-looking bicycle needs a classic rattan basket such as this one from Nantucket Bike Basket. This one is from their Lightship Collection. It’s a high quality woven replica of the baskets made during the 1800′s in Nantucket. It easily attaches to the front handlebar with two leather straps and can carry weight of up to ten pounds.  Dimensions: 12″ (L) x 7.5″ (W) x 9″ (H)  (MSRP: $45.00)

YAKKAY

Shouldn’t cycling helmets be made not merely for the safety-conscious, but for those who are fashion-conscious as well? YAKKAY has created helmets that would even meet the fashionable approval of those featured in the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog. Underneath these chic-looking hats there is a helmet which can be removed and interchanged so you can buy a couple hats to go with your helmet and change your “look” in keeping with the seasons. YAKKAY helmets are made in Europe and just over a year ago were certified in keeping with US safety standards. They are available at a few bike shops here in the US such as Amsterdam Bikes which easily does online sales. Just in the nick of time, Amsterdam Bikes is offering a holiday sale for the YAKKAY helmets and hats!

Liberty Bottleworks (Another GIVEAWAY!)

There are a lot of reasons we like the metal bottles from Liberty Bottleworks: they are the only American made metal bottle on the marketplace, the wide mouth design is makes it easy to put ice cubes in and to clean and the interior has been coated with a flexible food grade coating which won’t chip or flake into your water. Those are all great reasons to like these great bottles, but I was won over by ease in opening and closing the bottle with a quarter-turn. I have been known to not get water bottle lids on securely and have had some wet messes to sop up. These bottles don’t have that problem and so they are the one I can trust myself with while I work on my laptop. No, they don’t fit in a water bottle cage, but we know you drink liquids when you’re off the bike too, so this is one we recommend for using at work, at home and for other times. (However, it will fit neatly into your bike basket!) 

Liberty Bottleworks has chosen artists to design several lines of their bottles. Textile designer Katrina Pandya from Oakland, California designed a few with a cycling theme including the one shown here which was cleverly dubbed “SprocketScience.” This particular bottle is going to be offered in our giveaway.

 Chic Cyclist New Year’s GIVEAWAY!

Liberty Bottleworks water bottle (Sprocketscience) PLUS an Apres Velo desk calendar!  and we can mail within the US or Canada. Comment below to be entered into our giveaway! The winner will be chosen just after Christmas on Tuesday, December 27th!

Strider Bikes are running bikes designed for children, ages 1-5 and have several advantages over tricycles and bikes with training wheels in teaching the balance and coordination skills necessary to making a smooth and speedy transition to a two-wheeled bicycle when the time comes.

As Strider Bike inventor Ryan McFarland notes if a child can walk, they can use the Strider.  Toddlers don’t actually sit on the low-slung seat of the Strider; they walk it along and feel stable. Later, they will put their weight on the bike, sitting down and lifting up their feet as they ride for a few yards. At that point, says McFarland, “They have a taste of what it means to balance and ride a bike.”

The Strider bikes are made of durable materials, but unlike most tricycles and bikes with training wheels, they are lightweight enough that a child can easily maneuver them. The Striders make an easy transition to off-road riding and one can find on You Tube videos of 3 ½ to 5 year olds doing tricks on their Striders at a BMX park.

The one complaint I’ve heard about running bikes is that they don’t have pedals and thus don’t teach pedaling skills. McFarland admits that, but he counters that argument by pointing out that learning to pedal takes about a minute for a child who is ready to make the transfer to a real bike. The balancing skills take much longer to learn and have been mastered already in a natural way while riding the Strider. He also points out that a bicycle with training wheels steers and behaves like a tricycle and does not teach the skills for truly balancing a bike. It is also usually too heavy for a child to manipulate. (That is doubly true for a big box store bought bike. The weight of our neighbor boy’s bike was 2/3’rds the weight of the boy himself.)

Holiday GIVEAWAY of a STRIDER BIKE

A running bike from Strider™.  would make a wonderful Christmas/Chanukah present for a special child on your list! We are THRILLED to be able to offer one as A GIVEAWAY from STRIDER! The bike that Strider is giving away is a limited edition purple colored bike (only one of 200 made!)

Want to win a STRIDER running bike? Simply make a comment below and tell us why you want this bike for a child in your life! We’ll choose randomly from among the best comment and Strider will send it to you. (US Address Only) HURRY! Contest will run until DECEMBER 19th only!

What are you going to get the mountain bikers in your family this holiday season?

Although the hills and mountains are dusted with snow, the once mountain biker paradise is still ever present in the mind of those who live to push peddles during the warmer seasons. The mountain biker in your family hasn’t forgotten about their passion for the sport, so get them something to tease their senses throughout the winter months!

For the Bike…

GORE Ride On Shifting Cables

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have completely, and I mean, COMPLETELY, smooth shifting? Dream no farther. The GORE Ride On system makes shifting silky smooth, make each shift precise and exact. I installed this system on my bike and instantly felt the difference, no more wrenching of my left thumb to try and get the front rings to change. The key to the system? According to GORE their “cables are completely protected from mud, dirt and the elements by continuous liners and GRUB™ Seals”. This system includes a cable coating that is durable and virtually eliminates cable friction, AKA: No friction=better, more precise shifting, which= a smile on your face!

MSRP: varies, order on Competitive Cyclist

 For Your Head…

S3 MT Specialized Helmet

What do you want in a helmet? Effective, safe, lightweight and some venting, right? The Specialized S3 MT does all of that, and does it without looking like a salad bowl on your head! The venting on this helmet will make you wonder how you got by without it, and it will feel virtually weightless once on your head. The visor is removable which gives you an option on whether you want it on or not. The buckle is low profile and easy to adjust and the adjustment dial will make the helmet fit perfectly. Give the gift of safety to the mountain bikers in your family, or if you love cruising the trails, put it on YOUR wish list!

MSRP: $150

 For Your Eyes…

Optic Nerve Performance Line Sunglasses

The Performance Line of Optic Nerve Sunglasses are designed for athletes. They consist of feather light materials, anti fog lenses, venting and grips. All of these features make them ideal for hitting the trails without worrying about them fogging up, falling off or not doing a good job blocking the sunlight. The nose pieces are totally adjustable which lets you decide where you want them to sit. But they also can be adjusted around the ears, so you have complete control to customize them as you see fit. The best part? The price point. All of the performance line glasses are between $39.99-$49.99 so you can get a great pair of glasses without breaking the bank!

 For Your Feet…

Darn Tough Vermont Coolmax 1/4 Sock Mesh

Well, it goes without saying Darn Tough Vermont makes some darn tough socks that they back up with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, for life! According to their site, “if our all weather performance socks are not the most comfortable and durable socks you have ever worn, return them for another pair or your money back. No strings. No conditions. For life.” Wow, not a bad deal… These Coolmax socks are made for cycling, they are made with mesh on the top and are reenforced in the toe and in the heal. They are also completely seamless, which means there is nothing to rub, which might virtually eleminate blisters, PERFECT for those long trail rides!

MSRP: $15.95

 For Your Skin…

All Terrain Recovery Rub

“All Terrain Recovery Rub is a first aid, pain relieving cream to relieve aches and pains from arthritis, backache, sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. It is also great for loosening up before exercise or activity to help prevent injury. Using menthol and arnica, Recovery Rub is highly effective, with cinnamon, sweet almond oil and sweet clover to balance the menthol. “Soothe sore muscles with this cooling salve. It’s made with arnica, a natural anti-inflammatory, shea butter and olive oil. Bonus: It’s not greasy and doesn’t have a strong smell like Ben-Gay”

MSRP: $9.99

---

 For Your Body…

Pearl Izumi Women’s Launch LS Jersey

This form fitting, light weight jersey should be your ‘go to’ when summer is fading into fall and winter is warming into spring. According to Pearl Izumi, “chilly spring mornings on the trail get a lot more comfortable with the Women’s Launch Long Sleeve Jersey which also features UPF 50+ protection and a 6″ zipper for ventilation”. The jersey features great graphics and screen printed designs with a zippered pocket on the back for an extra, small layer or some loose odds and ends.

MSRP: $80.00

---

 For Hydration…

Deuter Hydro Lite 2.0

Everything you need, nothing you don’t. That is what you need to know about this pack. It has been designed for comfort and functionality and it really hits the mark. It features Deuter’s “Air Strip” technology which helps with back ventilation. It also has light, mesh shoulder straps so, giving you the ultimate in cool, lightweight comfort. This particular model holds 3 liters of water, although the Hydro Lite 3.0 holds 4 liters. There are a few little pockets for your valuables, but this pack is designed to be as light as possible so their are only the necessities. You might be grateful of this packs lightness as you find yourself a couple of hours into a ride, not wanting to carry any extra pound.

MSRP: $69.00

---

 For Your Tummy…

Clif Mojo Bars

For some reason, when you’re hitting’ the trails; gu’s, shot’s, gels, etc… just don’t cut it! You just need something a little more beefy, with a little more ‘umph’. I’m pretty sure this is the reason Clif invented the Mojo. With whole pretzel chunks, pieces of nuts and chips of chocolate this bar can be sweet and salty, chewy and firm all in one bite! With all that goodness, it is also packing the exact type of energy you need to power up that last hill or zip down those switch backs!

MSRP: (12 bars) $14.95

---

 And as for the bike…

Trek Lush SL

YEEEHAAA! Hold on to your helmets ladies because Trek has a whole new ride that will knock your socks of! With a stiff frame that gives you precise handling and plush, smooth suspension that makes you feel like a million bucks when you ride it, the Trek Lush SL is made for the adventurer in all of us!

The Lush features a women’s specific geometry, which shortens up the top tube slightly and changes it’s angle, in a way that makes it feel like it was fit right to you. The geometry also lowers your center of gravity while you are riding, this is why it is praised for having such great handling. This bike is perfect for all types of women riders; those looking to join the sport, through those looking to challenge themselves and what a bike that can keep up! You name it and the Lush will deliver.

MSRP: $2,729.99

---

 GIVEAWAY!

POW's "Rad" Gloves for mountain biking would make a great Holiday gift (Sorry! Fingernail polish not included!)

Cycle & Style is giving away  is giving away a pair of Women’s Pow Gloves  (variety: Slick)!! These ultra light, wicking gloves are the perfect edition to any mountain bikers wardrobe! Protect your hands without loosing dexterity, and keep hold of those handlebars with the sticky grip! These gloves are fun and functional!

MSRP: $35.00

To enter the giveaway for a pair of Women’s Pow Gloves please comment by Dec. 16th Decemeber 19th with your name and a valid email address! We can ship anywhere in the USA. Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

 

C&S is excited to introduce to you a new find in the world of accessories for you & your home.  Made in the USA – each piece of metal art is made by hand in a workshop in Moab, Utah – our new friends at Tribute Sport have items to share with our readers within our last few “Buying Guides” for this year.  Keep your eyes open for all of these fun and unique items that they have to offer.  Great gifts for a cycling friend or your favorite cyclist … YOU!!  But don’t wait on us … take a trip to their online store (www.tributesport.com) … and get that shopping started!!

For now … wouldn’t the winner of the POW riding gloves look awesome while also sporting a Mountain Biking Charm Necklace with a touch of bling from Tribute Sport??  Keep those comments coming in!! We are going to extend our Giveaway time till December 19th!!  Ho Ho Ho and Happy Riding!!

Congratulations to Julie of Carefree, AZ!!!  You are now going to be wearing these cute POW pink and black mtn biking gloves along with this great mtn biking charm necklace from Tribute Sport.  Congrats & THANKS for entering!!