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Medical Data Carrier

Reviewed by Laurel-Lea Shannon

The Medical Data Carrier is a simple yet effective way to carry all of your medical information with you when you cycle. Unlike RoadID’s interactive bracelet, which requires a phone call or a visit to the RoadID website to track down your medical information, the Medical Data Carrier contains

Read more . . . Medical Data Carrier

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XX2i Optics Review

Reviewed By Laurel-Lea Shannon

XX2i Optics, from R.A.C.E., the same company that sells Rudy Project, are performance-class sports sunglasses sold at value prices. The France1 Dual Pro Sunglass Kit comes with two pairs of sunglasses, one white gloss frame and the other demi tortoise, both with brown lenses, plus 3 spare lenses: clear,

Read more . . . XX2i Optics Review

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Dux Helm – Review

Reviewed by Laurel-Lea Shannon

The Dux Helm is an innovative new helmet with a built-in retractable lens. The retractable lens has two main advantages: it eliminates the need for expensive cycling glasses, and it shields your forehead and eyes from grit and bugs. That’s a welcome and useful addition to the traditional cycling helmet.

Read more . . . Dux Helm – Review

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P.R.O. Softshell 3×1 Jacket

Reviewed By Laurel-Lea Shannon If you want a cold-weather cycling jacket that can go the distance no matter what the weather throws at you, the P.R.O. softshell 3×1 jacket is it. Pearl iZUMi calls the jacket a “cold-weather system.” They sure got that right.

Keep winter out

The P.R.O. softshell 3×1

Read more . . . P.R.O. Softshell 3×1 Jacket

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ELITE Reverse Prima Jacket

Wearing the ELITE Reverse Prima jacket on a cold day (-5˚C/20˚F) I marvel that a jacket this light can be so warm. How does Pearl iZUMi do it? For starters they use a barrier fabric with Primaloft® that’s both super-light and toasty-warm. The Elite barrier blocks the icy wind, keeping it outside where

Read more . . . ELITE Reverse Prima Jacket

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Specialized Therminal™ EX Deflect Tight

I probably didn’t need to wear such heavy-duty cycling pants, but it was the first really cool day we’d had this fall and I wanted to be warm. This sleek-looking tight from Specialized did the job admirably well. The temperatures—3ºC degrees (38º F) didn’t come close to testing the cold weather conditions that

Read more . . . Specialized Therminal™ EX Deflect Tight

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Sweat GUTR™ – Eavestroughing for Your Head

Reviewed by Laurel-Lea Shannon

If you cycle, you’re going to sweat—copiously, on hot summer days. Cycling apparel wicks sweat away from your body, which helps keep you cool and dry but what about your head and face? Well, that’s where sweatbands come in—if you’re a fan. I’m not.

Not only does a sweatband

Read more . . . Sweat GUTR™ – Eavestroughing for Your Head

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More Cold Weather Cycling Gear

Not to complain. I love summer riding, but some days are just too hot. Do I miss those steamy days? The sweat trickling into my eyes and soaking my cycling clothes? The blistering sun slowly baking my skin to leather? Not so much! With the right gear, I’m finding that cold weather cycling can be

Read more . . . More Cold Weather Cycling Gear

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Cold-weather Cycling Gear

By Laurel-Lea Shannon

I admit it. I’ve always been a fair-weather cyclist. Once the temperatures struggle to reach daytime highs of 10 to 15 degrees C (52 to 62 degrees F), I’m one of the first to turn indoors to set up my trainer. But this year it’s going to be different.

Last

Read more . . . Cold-weather Cycling Gear

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Pearl iZUMi – P.R.O. Leader Jersey

From the moment you slip it on, you can feel the quality that’s gone into making this jersey. Not only is it attractive but it’s durable, with features you won’t find in other jerseys such as laser-cut Direct Vent ventilation panels under the arms, 3 in 2 back pockets with a hidden zipper,

Read more . . . Pearl iZUMi – P.R.O. Leader Jersey

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Pearl iZUMi P.R.O. Leader Short

Make it a Set

The matching P.R.O. Leader short has the same good looks and comfortable fit as the P.R.O. Leader jersey. The fabric, made with In-R-Cool® technology, keeps you dry and provides optimal sun protection (50+SPF).

Women who have chafing problems because of cycling shorts rather than

Read more . . . Pearl iZUMi P.R.O. Leader Short

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Pearl iZUMi Pro Leader Road Cycling Shoe

When I received these cycling shoes from Peral iZUMi, they just about knocked my socks off! Not only do they look lovely but when I picked them up… they’re so light!—275 grams (9.7 ounces) of beauty and function.

How does Pearl iZUMi achieve that ultra-light stiffness? It’s the unidirectional carbon fiber sole. Does

Read more . . . Pearl iZUMi Pro Leader Road Cycling Shoe

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Specialized Women’s Torch Road Shoes

This good looking cycling shoe from Specialized is economical and comfortable. The wide toe box and contoured foot bed suits my high-arched, wide feet. I usually wear a sports insole with my cycling shoes but I didn’t need them with the Torch Road shoe.

That’s because the Specialized BG (body geometry) high performance

Read more . . . Specialized Women’s Torch Road Shoes

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Specialized BG RBX Short

The first thing I noticed about these shorts was the proper fit. I ordered a size small and that’s what I got, and they fit—as they should. I didn’t have to second-guess or size up or down as I’ve had to with other brands. The next thing I noticed was the leg gripper.

Read more . . . Specialized BG RBX Short

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Specialized Solar Vita Jersey

This semi-form-fitting jersey from Specialized is made of UPF 50 sunscreening fabric, making it a good choice for long rides in the summer. Cyclists spend a lot of time in the sun so we need all the skin protection we can get.

The Solar Vita Jersey has a full-length zipper, which I like

Read more . . . Specialized Solar Vita Jersey

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Pearl iZUMi PRO Pittards® Gel Gloves

I have a problem with overpadded, heavy gloves that attach at the wrist with a Velcro strap. They tend to make my hands sweat and swell in hot weather, eventually leading to numb hands at some point in my ride. But happily I didn’t encounter any of those features with this glove. Pearl

Read more . . . Pearl iZUMi PRO Pittards® Gel Gloves

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Pearl iZUMi Elite Symphony Cut Shorts

Reviewed by Gillian Scobie

 

Style, meet function. Function, meet style.

I love cycling. I have never liked cycling shorts. They’re almost always black, they’ve got that big pad, they’re too long and they have no style. Sure, they’re functional. Not good enough. Substance without style ain’t enough for me. Style, c’est

Read more . . . Pearl iZUMi Elite Symphony Cut Shorts

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Pearl iZUMi: Elite Women’s Cycling Bib

I’ve been wanting to test these bib shorts since a colleague first mentioned them to me several months ago. I don’t usually wear cycling bibs because they are troublesome on nature breaks. Who wants to get undressed from the top down to take a pee?

Pearl iZUMi has solved that problem with their

Read more . . . Pearl iZUMi: Elite Women’s Cycling Bib

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Chamois Creams: Soothe Your Butt – Part 2

By Sheila Ascroft

Since my first review, many readers have recommended other chamois creams so I’ve put some more to the test. Any cream has to be better than trying what pro riders did in the old days – sticking a slab of raw meat inside their shorts to soothe their

Read more . . . Chamois Creams: Soothe Your Butt – Part 2

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Solstice WSD Short-sleeve Jersey

New is not necessarily better. Last year I reviewed the Sport WSD Short Sleeve Jersey, a lightweight cycling gem from Bontrager. I was impressed with the good balance between functionality—three large back pockets for extra storage and reflective design on the rear pockets — and feminine flair—the shaped-to-your-body (but not tight) fit and

Read more . . . Solstice WSD Short-sleeve Jersey

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Bontrager Race WSD Shorts

Testing Bontrager products this year, I’m starting to feel like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The Solstice WSD jersey was way too big. The fetching Race WSD shorts are a tad too small. Hmmm . . . I’m the same size, weight and, proportion as last summer when Bontrager’s 2011 bicycle

Read more . . . Bontrager Race WSD Shorts

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RL WSD Fusion GelFoam Glove

You don’t need to sacrifice femininity to have a robust glove that protects your hands on the bike. The RL WSD Fusion GelFoam Gloves from Bontrager does both. With its multi-coloured top mesh—available in white, black or mint green—Fusion GelFoam gloves are sleek looking but with a sturdy design for optimal comfort.

Much

Read more . . . RL WSD Fusion GelFoam Glove

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Rudy Project’s Sterling Fluorescent Helmet: Be Bold. Be Seen.

When you shop for a cycling helmet you want comfort, safety and style. Rudy Project’s Sterling fluorescent helmet has all three, in spades. Wear a Rudy Project Sterling fluorescent helmet and you’ll be seen—not only by motorists but by envious cycling buddies too.

Designed with a perfect balance of function and style, the

Read more . . . Rudy Project’s Sterling Fluorescent Helmet: Be Bold. Be Seen.

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Rudy Project Noyz Cycling Eyewear

I got the fluorescent pink to match the pink helmet. All I can say is, “Wow”. These glasses have it all—beautiful Italian design, patented visual clarity technology, ultra-lightweight comfort and superior functionality.

No matter what size head you’ve got—big or small—these wrap-around glasses fit. That’s because the adjustable nose piece and

Read more . . . Rudy Project Noyz Cycling Eyewear

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Road Holland: Long-Sleeved Breukelen Jersey

Made from 61% polyester and 39% merino wool with a full front zipper, the Breukelen is more than just a cold weather cycling jersey. Its classic design is form fitting, with enough room to layer underneath, making it a multi-tasking workhorse for your sports wardrobe.

Wear it on the bike in cool weather,

Read more . . . Road Holland: Long-Sleeved Breukelen Jersey

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Be Seen: Firefly Belt From Road ID

To make the roads safer for cyclists, advocates in Canada and the U.S. are lobbying for changes like the 1 metre passing law (3 feet) and greater motorist accountability. So it behooves all of us to make sure we know and follow the rules of the road, and cycle as safely as possible.

Read more . . . Be Seen: Firefly Belt From Road ID

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Bouré Women’s Elite Thermo Tights

Cold weather rides are a breeze in these snug and comfy tights. With their enhanced 8-panel design and articulated hips and knees, Bouré’s Elite Thermo Tights fit like they’re custom-made, on and off the bike.

The Teflon-treated ThermoRoubaix fleece lycra is so soft it feels like you’ve slipped on a pair of cozy

Read more . . . Bouré Women’s Elite Thermo Tights

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The CycleSkirt

There are probably times when you’d rather not walk around in your cycling shorts. Maybe you want to get off your bike to explore a village, or stop for a coffee with your friends after a long ride, or attend a post-ride lunch, as I did in August when two of my cycling

Read more . . . The CycleSkirt

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Trek Women’s RL WSD Short and Jersey

RL WSD Short

We get a lot of comments about cycling shorts on the website. Many women find that the padding in them is often so excessive that it causes genital discomfort. Some take extreme measures and cut out the centre of the chamois to be more comfortable. Shorts manufacturers who

Read more . . . Trek Women’s RL WSD Short and Jersey

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Sport WSD Short Sleeve Jersey – Trek Women

By Laurel-Lea Shannon

This lightweight, short-sleeved jersey from Bontrager (Trek Women’s cycling clothes are part of the Bontrager brand) is perfect for rides on hot, humid summer days. The Sport WSD Short Sleeve Jersey strikes a good balance between functionality—notice the 3 large back pockets for extra storage— and feminine flair—the shaped-to-your-body (but

Read more . . . Sport WSD Short Sleeve Jersey – Trek Women

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Chamois creams: Soothe Your Cycling Butt

By Sheila Ascroft

Multi-density women's chamois

Once you’ve tried a chamois cream, you won’t want to go back to non-lotioned padded shorts. In case you are wondering what a “chamois” is, it’s the padding in a cycling short and is pronounced as “sham-me.”

In the olden days, cycling shorts pads

Read more . . . Chamois creams: Soothe Your Cycling Butt

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Bouré Bicycle Shorts

By Laurel-Lea Shannon

Unless you’re from Colorado, you may never have heard of Bouré Bicycle Clothing. It was started in 1988 by Drew Bourey, a bicycle racer looking for a way to earn a living in the sport he loved. A small local company, Bouré Bicycle Clothing designs, tests, and sews all its clothing at

Read more . . . Bouré Bicycle Shorts

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Grease Monkey to the Rescue

Whether you’re out on the road or in your garage, changing a flat tire is a dirty job. Grease is difficult to get off your hands even if you have access to a wash basin. Out on the road, it’s impossible. Or it was, until now.

The founders of Grease Monkey Wipes, cyclists

Read more . . . Grease Monkey to the Rescue

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Clean Bottle

If you’re one of those people (like me) who worry about stinky, moldy bacteria growing in your water bottle, Clean Bottle is for you. It’s designed with a leak-proof, screw-off bottom. Gone are the days of adding white vinegar or bleach and soaking bottles overnight to get them clean. Just screw off the

Read more . . . Clean Bottle

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