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A Slew of Product Reviews

Manufacturers send us products year-round to test and review, and while we usually run one or two per issue, we pack a lot more of them in the winter issue, as these can all make for great gift ideas for the bike aficionado. Led by Darren Dencklau, this year’s team of reviewers includes Claire Bonin, Katie Hawkins, Rick Peterson, and Jay Stilwell. We hope you become more enlightened and find something unique in the following pages.

Jamis Supernova by Darren Dencklau

The 2012 Jamis Supernova is a race-ready cyclocross bike designed to perform in all conditions. Ridden by the likes of multiple-time U.S. National Champion, Jesse Anthony, the Supernova is a weekend workhorse.

Recently I had the good fortune to demo the 56cm version from the good folks at Ballard’s BikeSport for a couple of weeks. During that time I had a chance to use it on my daily commute, roam around Woodland Park’s trails on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and race it in some fairly tricky conditions at Marymoor Park. So what’s the scoop on Jamis’s top of the line ‘cross bike?

Photo courtesy of Jamis Bicycles

It’s light. The frame is made of a Kinesium alloy with carbon fiber seat stays. The shape of the Supernova is unique — sporting an elongated down tube, which becomes more rotund near the headset, and a flat underside on the top tube for portaging. I found this design stiff and responsive, with just enough give to make it a comfortable ride that absorbed bumps well.

The fork is made of a full carbon composite with a 1-1/8”-1.5” tapered steerer tube held together with an integrated Ritchey Pro headset and CNC’d cable stop. I liked the feel of the straightforward design and while applying the Kore Race cantilevers, actuated by SRAM Rival carbon levers, I experienced very little chatter or hiccups. In fact, I was quite impressed with the braking ability of this bike — I run mini V’s on my current setup — and found these particular cantis a pleasure to work with.

The drivetrain is powered by a full SRAM Rival groupo, which really made shifting efficient and responsive. So much so that by the end of my demo it had me lusting after this system, especially after riding antiquated Shimano STI’s for so long.

The crankset supplied on the Supernova is an FSA Gossamer double, and buyers can choose from 170mm,172.5mm, or 175mm lengths. They were reactive and quick to transfer energy to the drivetrain and propel the bike forward, making acceleration from a dead stop a breeze. I did notice a creak developing toward the end of the test, but it could have been something besides the cranks, such as the bottom bracket. Not a deal breaker, and probably a quick fix by a qualified mechanic.

I definitely enjoyed the Ritchey Pro Logic II handlebars. Made of 6061 double-butted alloy, the bike I tested came with 440mm bars that were super comfy. I liked the somewhat shallow drops, and found myself using them more than usual.

The Ritchey Pro Zeta wheelset did its job well, and while there are much lighter and higher end hoops out there, they felt solid underneath and didn’t have an unreasonable flex to them when cornering.

I did not like the Selle San Marco Ponza saddle ... at all. I swapped it out immediately upon getting home from my first ride, as I found it was akin to riding a baseball bat. Whereas most newer seats are designed to keep pressure off of “the junk,” it seems the Italian company made this one to do just the opposite.

On the whole, I was very pleased with this bike. It’s a sharp-looking ride, handles well and is rigged out with some fine components. The top tube is great when shouldering and the overall geometry is compact and easy to get used to. More time on it would have been nice, as I would have liked to see how the canti brakes perform once the cables stretched a bit, but I didn’t have the option. If you’re looking for more adaptability, such as having the capability for light touring or commuting — there are no eyelets for racks — you may want to look elsewhere. But this steed isn’t designed as such, the Supernova would be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone looking to race and take it seriously.

Endura Pakajak by Darren Dencklau

The Endura Pakajak is a lightweight, packable and “showerproof” garment that takes up minimal space. It has a very streamlined fit and does not sag anywhere or needlessly flap in the wind, even with my skinny arms inside the sleeves. It also has a longer rear panel to protect your behind and lower back from the elements — as any cycling jacket should. At first glance I was impressed with the aesthetics, due in part to its simplicity. There are no pockets and no hood, it’s purely a jacket that is meant to get you where you’re going warm and dry.

The Pakajack compresses down to an impressively small size, and comes with its own stuff sack that attaches to the garment’s hanging strap. The zipper, tucked behind an effective storm flap, works magnificently, making it a cinch to do and undo on the go.

Reflective stripes are located near the collar and run down the top of the shoulders, another near the bottom on the back of the jacket, and one of my favorite features of the Pakajak, the dual swaths strategically placed on the sleeves at the back of the forearms — when signaling a turn they really stand out to those behind you. Another attribute are the elastic cuffs, which, in my opinion, make more sense than Velcro, which often hangs up on gloves, arm warmers and anything else it touches.

On my first drizzly commute home with the Pakajack I noticed that the “showerproof,” ripstop fabric repelled moisture well. Tiny droplets formed on the material and did not soak through, keeping me dry and smiling. It is also reasonably breathable, thanks to the mesh underarm vents. It’s not a heavy jacket, so it’s hard to say how it will perform in cold mid-winter downpours.

So far I am impressed, but sadly I lost mine after it was “secured” to my bike’s rear rack. I recommend writing your name and phone number on your garments.

Available in black (tested), green, red, white and yellow. Drip dry only. MSRP is about $63. Visit endura.co.uk for more information.

Hestra CZone Bike Glove by Darren Dencklau

A good winter glove is a must for any cyclist or outdoor enthusiast. Based out of Sweden, a country that undoubtedly needs to keep their hands warm, the Martin Magnusson & Co. was founded in 1936 and designs Hestra and other glove lines such as Gaucho and Ravel.

The Hestra Czone Bike is a fitted, windproof, waterproof fleece-lined soft shell glove designed for adventure and comfort. This specific model features an articulated palm and finger section, padded with a faux leather-like material. There is a small line of reflective piping on the backs of the glove and they buckle down via an elastic band and Velcro closure. The thumbs have the always-welcome fleece snot wiper area as well.

These definitely keep my hands warm, very warm, and I usually opt to take them off by the time I finish my daily commute. So far they’ve been wonderful in the cold and the rain and have held up nicely. I haven’t used them on a chilly mountain bike ride yet, but I have a feeling they would get the job done, as they are stitched with meticulous detail and aren’t particularly bulky.

Machine washable and comes in specific sizes (see Hestra’s size guide on their website). MSRP is $55. Visit hestragloves.com for more information.

Spy Alpha Sunglasses by Darren Dencklau

SPY has been making sunglasses and goggles since 1994 and professional athletes from sports like motocross, skiing, snowboarding and cycling have been testing them in every condition imaginable. I received a pair of their low key “Alphas” from the Performance™ line a few months ago. Here’s my opinion.

First of all, they are super light. Much of this is due to the semi-rimless frame, which I found to be non-impeding for peripheral vision and great for quick glances over the shoulder while riding. The frame is comfortable and even after long periods of wearing them I didn’t notice any hot spots such as near the back of the ears where frames often will dig in. Also, the “Hytrel” rubber nose and temple pieces become tackier as they get wet, which keeps them from sliding around.

The company utilizes what they call the Scoop® Venting System on this model and several others. It’s designed to keep air moving and transfer condensation away from the lens so they do not fog up; I found that even after strenuous efforts it worked its magic, even after completely stopping. Speaking of the lens, the polarized polycarbonate keeps glare to a minimum and the rose with blue mirror model tested worked well in low light conditions.

If you’re looking for a good all-around pair of shades that will take the abuse and perform well in adverse conditions, you may want to give the Alphas some consideration.

MSRP is $119.95. For more information go to spyoptic.com.

Koobi PRS Alpha Saddle by Darren Dencklau

Based out of Colorado Springs, Colo., Koobi designs a variety of saddles that are produced in Italy by Selle Italia. They have a product line that covers most racing, triathlon and touring needs, and all feature a center cutout intended to relieve pressure to the perineal region. What makes them unique is the use of elastomer inserts on some models. These circular spongy-like accessories vary in hardness — chosen by consumers accordingly to the amount of comfort needed, body weight, and his or her time spent in the saddle.

Earlier this year I received the PRS (Personal Ride System) Alpha model, aimed at the “ultimate distance” cyclist. In addition to the elastomers — in colors of white (extra soft), yellow (soft), red (medium), blue (firm) and black (extra firm) — this model has a full leather cover and manganese rails. The cutout runs through the saddle’s nose to about where the “pedestal” is, beyond that it’s indented.

The yellow elastomers came installed on the saddle sent to me. Following the commute home and then back to work the next day, I decided it was much too soft for my liking so I switched them out with the extra firms — as I like race-type saddles, even on my mountain bike.

Swapping them out was easily accomplished by removing screws located underneath plastic enclosures, which are designed to keep them clean. Other reviewers have recommended taking the saddle off the bike first, but I had no problem switching them when attached to the seatpost.

I decided to put the PRS Alpha on my mountain bike this past summer, switching to the blue elastomers, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I even raced the Capitol Forest 50/100 with it and was comfortable the entire time. I didn’t experience any side-to-side flex or fore-aft movement and found it very stable underneath me.

So far it has held up extremely well. As for the longevity of the stitching that keep the different panels together, only time will tell. Overall I am very impressed by the PRS Alpha, as I rarely notice it’s there, which is a compliment to its designer.

MSRP is $189.95 for manganese rails, $209.95 for Ti Alloy. Visit koobi.com for more details.

Chrome Kursk Pro Shoe by Rick Peterson

I’ve always loved the skate shoe look and feel, so when I saw that Chrome Industries had released a clipless shoe styled as such; I was naturally quite interested in giving them a try. The appearance of the Kursk Pro is much like that of a low profile Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star meets Vans Old Skool. Constructed of 1,000-denier black Cordura, they have a rubberized toe of the same color. Where they stand apart, however, is Chrome’s vulcanized soles, a full-length nylon shank plate, strengthened rubber heel with reflective strip, an elastic band to keep the laces at bay, durable steel lace aglets, and compatibility with SPD pedals.

As for the fit, these definitely run on the larger side. I normally wear a 10 to 10-1/2, but Chrome’s 9-1/2 fit me perfectly. I have a wider toe-box, and thought the Kursks looked narrow, they actually fit my feet nicely. The only complaint is that the heel cup doesn’t seem cupped enough and with the shank sole, when even laced tightly my heel slides around some.

Photo by Bicycle Paper

The Kursk Pros do not come with cleats, so you have to purchase and install your own. There is a rubber patch bolted into the sole in case you want to wear them without cleats, and once removed they can easily be installed. The 2-bolt installation was quite easy and I was up and running in about 10 minutes.

My pedal of choice is the Crank Brothers Eggbeater and the Kursk Pros work great with them. While walking, my heel slips around a bit, but while riding this is not an issue. They feel really solid both on the pedals and on my feet, even when pedaling hard. On cold and/or wet days they don’t provide much protection from the elements, so for me, waterproofing and wool socks are a necessity when using year-round. While commuting 14 miles daily for the past six months, these shoes have held up perfectly. The construction is solid and I suspect they will hold up to plenty more miles and abuse.

MSRP is $95 and come in black, black/red, gray, blue, green and red/black. For more information visit chromebags.com.

XLC CS-SO2 Bright Flex Light Set by Darren Dencklau

XLC, or X-cellent Bike Components, is a house brand of Seattle Bike Supply that makes and distributes a variety of bikes, parts and accessories for cyclists. One such offering is the CS-SO2, a front and rear flasher light set. Similar to the first generation Knogs’ “The Frog,” they are rubber-encased and can be wrapped around handlebars, seatposts, chainstays and anything else of similar diameter.

Photo courtesy of Seattle Bike Supply

The concept is great, as they are small, packable and easy to get on and off the bike — simply bring the two ends together and cinch them with a metal clip. Unfortunately, these clips come off easily. In fact, I lost one of them shortly after stowing the rear flasher in my commuter backpack. If they figured out a way to ensure the clips don’t come off so effortlessly, these lights would be more functional.

Overall they work well. They have a long battery life and are bright enough to let others know you’re there, but I wouldn’t recommend them as your sole light source.

MSRP is about $11.95 for the set. Flashing mode: approx. 160 hours. Steady mode: approx. 80 hours. Four CR 2032 batteries are included. Visit xlc-parts.com for more information.

Pryme 8 V2 Lite Helmet Review by Katie Hawkins

What weighs less than a block of butter but keeps your brain from turning into it? Answer: The Pryme 8 V2 Lite, possibly the lightest helmet you can get that still maintains CPSC tested strength and meets Australian and European safety standards. Weighing only 300 grams, it is exactly what it promises to be: an extremely lightweight lid that is, ironically, half the weight of most half-shell helmets. You barely feel like you are wearing it at all, but still get the protection needed, with both temporal and back-of-head coverage.

The feeling of security with such a one-size-fits-all, lightweight shell comes from the three sets of sizing pads that are included. Ranging in thickness, I was able to mix and match them for the perfect fit. The pads are all relatively thin, and since they attach via Velcro, can be easily hand washed when needed. They also dry quickly, so you won’t put on your helmet and feel the sweat from your last ride.

Photo courtesy of Seattle Bike Supply

The V2 Lite features 13 vents that help keep your head cool, however, I didn’t get to test the helmet in extremely warm temperatures (this is Seattle), but the rumor is that it can get substantially sweltry under the blazing sun.

It comes in 11 solid colors with matching straps, ranging in bold shades from Tangerine to Root Beer. I tested the Matte Silver model, which, of course, goes with any riding outfit. If I were to pick out my own, I would go with a bright color such as Transparent Green, for both style and safety. Pryme also offers the option of an urban reflective helmet that has a two-color, deceptively camouflaged look that blends in by day, but boasts a bright glow by night that declares a presence on the street.

This helmet is best suited for the stylish rider who wants to rock “skater-style” headgear that stands out from the crowd. This one-size-fits-all helmet can mold to most any head and doesn’t weigh you down, all while providing solid brain buffering.

MSRP is $42. Visit seattlebikesupply.com for more details.

Bollé Damone Sunglasses by Darren Dencklau

Everyone wants to look his or her best, right? Sunglasses can help achieve this. They hide the flaws and can accentuate the good traits of one’s facial features. They can also make one look mean or downright silly, depending on the style. As I’ve aged, I much prefer the classic and more mature looking options.

When Bollé contacted me regarding writing a product review on their glasses, I scanned their site looking for cycling-specific products. But then I saw the super hip Damone, and realized we haven’t run a product review on casual sunglasses for some time, if ever.

The Damone is designed after that classic ‘80s look — think the Blues Brothers or Tom Cruise in “Risky Business.” They are timeless, and while they don’t boast Bollé’s most technical features, they actually work great both on and off the bike. The Polycarbonate lenses with Carbo Glas® coating protects the surface from scratches and the “B88” frames are made of high-end nylon, a lightweight, durable and flexible material. Eyeglass wearers will be glad to know that these can also be customized with their prescription.

I wear the Damones every chance I get and often get compliments from total strangers. I like the looks of them and they have held up nicely. If you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe and look a bit more distinguished, I highly recommend these simple, affordable and well thought-out shades.

MSRP for the Damone is around $60 without prescription and they come in dark tortoise (tested), black, and black/red colors. See bolle.com for more information.

Alchemist Threadworks by Darren Dencklau

While walking through the booths at the 2011 Boulder Cup cyclocross race, I came across Alchemist Threadworks, a local company specializing in technical and casual cycling garments. What caught my eye were the unique T-shirts they had on display.

I spoke with Claire, the company’s vice president, who proudly walked me through the line and filled me in on the details and hooked me up with one of their shirts. All of their T’s are made of 100% organic cotton and feature environmentally sound tagless labels. The material is super soft and really comfortable against the skin. Also, the hangtags used are plantable, made from a mix of wildflower seeds.

They also make hoodies made of materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled bottles (for the fleece stuff), and merino wool. Additionally, there is a professional looking bib and jersey kit called Blackboxx, and they sell a classic black and white wool pullover cycling jersey.

If you’re looking for a great gift for the conscience cyclist in you life, check out Alchemist Threadworks at teamalchemist.com.

UCO Micro Candle Lantern by Rick Peterson

I geek out when it comes to gadgets that make “rouging it” easier. One such piece of equipment is the candle lantern, which has become a staple on many of my camping trips. The UCO Micro Lantern takes it to the next level.

Similar to a full-size candle lantern, the Micro features a collapsible aluminum body which, when pulled down, exposes the glass chimney. The twist-lock base unscrews from the main body to grant access to the candle. The Micro also includes a spare candle storage compartment that is easily accessed by twisting the bottom of the base. The lantern can either be hung up by using the small hook and chain, or left standing on any level surface. Contrary to full size lanterns that use specialty candles, the Micro uses tea light candles, which are readily available at many stores.

Weighing in at 3.9 oz and having a closed height of 2.5 inches, the Micro is nearly 5 ounces lighter and 1.75 inches shorter than the original lanterns. Based on these specs alone, it can be considered on trips where every ounce matters and when space is limited. Each candle provides 3-4 hours of burn time (UCO also sells beeswax ones in three packs for $3.99). These lanterns come in 6 different hues, sure to please anyone wanting to color coordinate.

The Micro is very easy to light, but due to the type of candle it uses it has a smaller flame, thus producing less light than a full-sized version. However, its brightness is sufficient enough to both see and read by. Since tea lights produce hot liquid wax, if tilted too much it drips into the base. When walking around with the Micro, there is plenty of protection from wind, but it must be kept level to avoid wax drip. Overall it performed very well and it’s an excellent option for those traveling light or desiring a viable option to replace a full-size lantern.

MSRP is $12.99. Visit industrialrev.com/micro-lantern.html for more information.

Brite-Strike APALS-AIR Adhesive Light Strip by Darren Dencklau

It seems like bike lights are the fastest expanding market within the industry. With an ever-growing contingency of commuters hitting the streets, it makes sense.

The APALS-AIR is a simple lithium battery-powered LED light strip that is enclosed within a small plastic bag, which then gets tucked inside a 1-1/8” x 2-1/4” reflective pouch. It can be operated in three separate modes: slow strobe, fast strobe, and continuous. The light, coupled with the reflective pouch, emits a noticeable glow.

I have one mounted to the back of my Bern helmet and another on the rear fender of my commuter. The lights can easily be transferred, as the glue-like substance seems to stick to just about anything — wet or dry.

The company claims the APALS-AIR has anywhere from a 35-70-hour life, depending on the primary mode used, but I did not log every hour I have used them so far, therefore it’s hard to determine if this is accurate. They have lasted a few months though and they are still going strong.

Available in six different colors, they come as a pair for $10. The light strips are replaceable and are sold in sets of 4 for $12. At that price, keep a few handy to stick on your lightless friends. Check out brite-strike.com for more information.

The Happiness of Pursuit review by Claire Bonin

This book will have you run the gamut of emotions, from laughting out loud to shedding a tear, it is a hard one to put down, and I found myself engulfed in the read. The voice that leads you through it is that of former professional cyclist Davis Phinney, one of America’s best who is now fighting Parkinson’s disease.

The Happiness of Pursuit is not your typical cycling memoir — it isn’t all about Phinney the cyclist, but more about the individual and those who have been around him from the beginning until now. In his book, Phinney is not only retracing his life through his racing career’s highs and lows; instead, he shares it through his personal battle with Parkinson’s, his father’s cancer, his relationship with his wife Connie Carpenter, and his own son’s cycling successes, all intertwined to tell a story of passion, courage, determination and growth.

The narration brings you to the mountains of Colorado, France, and Tuscany, where all three Phinney men found themselves struggling at one point or another, but in the end, all reaping the benefits of never giving up.

Some of the recollections of his cycling days are at times hilarious and his depiction of Parkinson’s and its effects are heart shattering, but it is his ever-evolving relationship with his father that is the underlying thread to the story. Through the pages, both father and son gain mutual respect, love, and admiration for each other.

What makes The Happiness of Pursuit so powerful is to read how a man evolves. Where once he stood a selfish athlete, now stands a man whose goal is to help others, his Parkinson’s tribe in particular, realizing that every victory counts — no matter the size. It is an inspirational book.

Written in collaboration with senior Sports Illustrated writer, Austin Murphy. The Happiness of Pursuit published by Houghton Mifflin Hardcourt Publishing Company, hardcover, 217 pages, $16 on Amazon.com.

Nalini Bacchiglione Bibknickers by Darren Dencklau

Knickers are nice to have for those shoulder seasons of spring and fall. They cover the knees and are usually a heavier weight blend of materials, designed to keep you warm on chillier rides.

Nalini’s Bacchiglione Bibknickers are from the Italian company’s Pro Collection and are made of a medium weight breathable Cordura rated for temperatures between 54-64 degrees. Other features include silicon leg grippers, anti-abrasive fabric near the crotch, and an anatomically tight fit. And tight they are, as even my skinny calves are constricted when I put them on.

Photo courtesy of Nalini

For the model I have, Nalini used the PTN-HF Natural Pad, designed to disperse moisture and prevent irritation. It’s a unique material, and the company recommends using a relief cream after riding in this chamois to prevent excessive drying; I have not tried this, but neglecting to do so has not caused any problems either.

The knickers have held up nicely and I definitely like the aesthetics, especially the gray and white bands at the bottom of the legs. I also like the contrast stitching on them. The Bacchigliones also come in black with red highlights, and showcase the Ergonomic Comfort Print (ECP) padding instead of the PTN-HF.

If possible, I would suggest trying them on before buying, due to their tight fit, or at the very least check out the company’s sizing chart. I generally wear a size medium in everything, however, a size large is what I need according to Nalini’s website.

If you want a pair of knickers that get the job done and are made by a company that your buddies aren’t sporting on the group ride, give the Bacchiglione Bibknickers a look.

MSRP is around $185. Visit albabici.com for more details.

ePulse2 Armband Heart Rate Monitor by Claire Bonin

A quick and easy way to monitor your heart rate and calories burnt, the ePulse2 is the first of its kind to track your heart rate without the need for a chest strap. Although not as sophisticated as some other units on the market, where you can download your workout information onto a computer, this unit is simple to use and comes with a rechargeable battery and charger. Although some have reported recharging issues, we didn’t experience any. The screen is large and easy to read and custom target zones can be set in just a few clicks. If you choose to enter your personal data, it will calculate your burn rate. It also offers a stopwatch function with memory for up to 64 splits and a calorie countdown option. The ePulse2 attaches to your forearm and uses a Velcro band that can be adjusted to fit most anyone’s physique. It’s great on warm days or during indoor workouts, but it isn’t as practical when wearing long sleeve jerseys or jackets, as you can’t see the display. This monitor would be ideal for winter spin classes.

Photo by Bicycle Paper

MSRP is $149.99. For more information visit impactsports.com.

MSR Hoop Tent by Jay Stilwell

When comparing tents I look for the simplicity of setting it up and the quality of construction, which comes from my past experience struggling with a well-known brand that came apart at the seams on a hot summer day. With Mountain Safety Research’s (MSR) new two-person three-season tent, the Hoop takes care of these concerns.

With a single pole that has two attached arms, it can be setup in just a couple of minutes once the stakes are in place. There are also two extra poles that can be used to make it a free standing and more stable option if weight isn’t a concern. That said, it is a very unique design and it’s obvious that a lot of thought went into its fabrication. When traveling extra light is a must, an optional footprint can be used with only the rain fly, a great option for high altitude excursions during the warmer summer months.

Photo by Cascade Designs

As for the stitched seams, this tent should last for many years and I would not worry about the panels coming unglued in hot weather. The Hoop delivers an unlikely amount of space and protection for a tent of its size and weight. With a spacious floor plan it provides enough area for most of my gear and the two vestibules provide additional storage. Also, the mesh windows and the fly vents provide adequate ventilation, keeping the interior dry from condensation.

If you’re looking for a nice two-person setup that can be used almost year-round, I recommend MSR’s Hoop as a viable option.

MSRP $350. Optional footprint $39. For more information visit cascadedesigns.com.