I am a traditionalist when it comes to cycling apparel. Tight pants. Slim-fitting jerseys. No body armor. But of course, you wouldn’t expect any less from a wimpy cross-country guy.

I know that time has passed me by. All the guys I used to ride with are into monster travel and fewer chain rings. They are into having more body armor than a medieval knight going to a jousting event. And they are into full-face helmets and riding rigs that are basically motocross motorcycles without the engines. Not me — I am a moderate, even a conservative, when it comes to my riding. Anyway, that’s why the Pearl Izumi Focus jersey works for me. Does it look dorky? Sure. Does it look like something from 1994? You bet. But is it comfortable to ride in? For me, absolutely.

The Pearl Izumi Focus bike jersey is a lightweight material with venting material under the arms. The main panels of fabric are thick enough to give solid blocking from winds and even light rain. But the black meshing that is sewn throughout really cools you off when the breeze hits you right. Also, the bright yellow I bought it in is never going to let me go unseen by motorists. It also has the traditional 3-pocket design on the back. (more…)

Ahh the inevitable… a flat on the trail. Well, actually, since I swapped to larger 2.35 tires, I can’t remember the last time I got a flat tire. But, nothing is worse than getting a flat just when the going is getting good… that twisty, turny and rock-strewn downhill that you love so much. And, nothing is worse than having a pump that either doesn’t work, or takes a LONG time to pump your knobbies back into shape after a trailside tube replacement or repair.

For mountain bikers, long gone is the day when we slapped a pump onto our frame–thank goodness! Though most pumps still come with a water bottle mounting bracket, I can’t remember the last time I actually strapped my pump to my mountain bike. With hydration packs, there’s no need to carry that stuff on your frame where branches and rocks can knock them loose. Packed safely and zipped inside my DaKine Drafter hydration pack is the trusty Blackburn Shorty bike pump. (more…)

Yes, I am a working stiff who spends waaaay too much time each day on the computer. And since I travel a fair amount, I was recently in the market for a new laptop bag. Now, I do like to do a little bike commuting when I can make it happen…but the messenger bag I was looking for needed to double as a briefcase.

You would think that would be a simple thing to find, but frankly I looked at Timbuk2 messenger bags and several other brands, but nothing was exactly hitting it. That’s when I found the Cannondale Urbapod messenger bag and it seemed ideal. It was large and roomy, had an easy-to-access velcro over-flap, an eye-catching but understated look, and a very reasonable price. (more…)

You know, I will admit that I can be faulted for spraying about Smith Optics too much. I once had some Arnette goggles and sunglasses, but that phase passed and for 8 years I’ve been back to my old favorites, Smith Optics. My latest shades of choice are the Smith District II slider series sunglasses.

I have a small nose, so for me the problem with most sunglasses is that they are built for someone with a Steve Carrell nose. A cheese wedge nose. As a result, most sunglasses either slide off the end of my nose or they let the wind whistle through the extra space above the bridge of my nose and directly into my eyes. The Smith District II definitely doesn’t do either. It sits right on the bridge and the nose pads aren’t spread so far apart that they dig into my tear ducts like other shades. (more…)

Are you a Flahute? Most of us will only aspire. If you have no idea what I’m referring to and what it has to do with cycling socks, it’s time for a little lesson in cycling history with a bit of lore.

Lion Of Flanders, A History

The Lion of Flanders is the Flemish coat of arms symbol, adopted in the 12th century. Since then it has come to represent a few different individuals but in the world of cycling it represents one man above all - Johan Museeuw, who was likely the greatest one-day cycling racer of all time. Graham Jones wrote: (more…)