2011 Triathlete Buyer's Guide

96

SMART BUYS UNDER $100

/ 26ESSENTIALS

BEST GEAR of 2011

BEGINNER

298

PICKS

*

WIN THIS

BIKE! PAGE 70

DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 1, 2011

SPRING 2011 TRIATHLETE.COM

INSIDE: BIKES, NUTRITION, WETSUITS, SUNGLASSES, AEROBARS, GOGGLES, SADDLES, RACE CLOTHES, RUNNING SHOES, PEDALS, WHEELS AND MORE!

CARBON SUBJECT: CHRISSIE WELLINGTON, 3X IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPION

WE AMPED CHRISSIE AND SHE BROKE TWO WORLD RECORDS. BEFORE LAUNCHING THE CARBON COLLECTION, WE LET CHRISSIE WEAR IT. SHE SMASHED TWO WORLD RECORDS.

Riding 3 minute miles and running a marathon in under 3 hours at the Quelle Challenge Roth, she set the world record for Ironman distance. Then she shattered the record in Ironman Arizona slashing 11 minutes off the previous record. Not to mention she finished 8th overall, beating almost all the men.

GET SOME. OR GET LEFT BEHIND.

Welcome to the future of performance, courtesy of the TYR Carbon Collection — clothing that lowers your body temperature, makes you breathe more efficiently, slows your heart rate and reduces lactic acid build-up.

INTRODUCING

AMP PAD

When we designed this chamois insert, we went over the top to make sure it was up to the advance capabilities of Carbon. As comfortable during the

run as on the bike, the pad was engineered using a custom exclusive mold. It provides superior comfort by perfectly conforming to the body in motion.

DYNAMIC CUSHIONING

STRETCH SUPERIORITY

Middle cushioning offers comfort for those long day epics where you are experiencing extended time in the saddle.

Superior multi-directional stretch capability.

CARBON BENEFITS Research proves it lowers body temperature, increases breathing efďŹ ciency, slows heart rate and reduces lactic acid build-up.

EXTREME BREATHABILITY The pad is breathable and rapidly transfers moisture from skin to outer surface, continuing to perform mile after mile.

TYR.COM

DRESSED FOR SPEED

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW 2011 SPEED CONCEPT

Learn more at www.Trekbikes.com/speedconcept

Eat, drink, fly.

The more efficiently you hydrate and refuel, the more energy you’ll have to finish the race. Bontrager triathlon components are engineered accordingly—they do their job right, so you can concentrate on yours.

Race Lite Rear Bottle Cage Holder + won’t eject bottles

Aero Race Pack + insulated aerobar bottle

doesn’t spill vital liquid

Speed Bottle

Speed Box

+ improves bike aerodynamics

+ top tube pack that stays

where you want it

Visit bontrager.com for more information.

©2010 Trek Bicycle Corporation

CONTENTS

19

SWIM

GOGGLES WETSUITS TRAINING TOOLS

47 BIKE

TRI BIKES SHOES AERO HELMETS COMPUTERS AEROBARS SADDLES COMPONENTS PEDALS WHEELS

129 RUN

SHOES SUNGLASSES WATCHES

PLUS 42 TRANSITION ACCESSORIES 146 RACE APPAREL 152 NUTRITION

10 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

ON THE COVER With help from Trek, Triathlete is giving this Speed Concept 9.9 to one lucky reader. For more information and details on how to win, go to page 70.

Photograph by Nils Nilsen

www.orbea.com

2011 ORDU SLT ORBEA CARBON MONOCOQUE SIZE SPECIFIC NERVE TECHNOLOGY FULL SHIMANO ULTEGRA GROUP $3299.00

Look for this colorful barcode throughout the issue to view additional product photos and videos on your smartphone, or go to Triathlete.com/ buyersguide to see all the digital content.

BIKES

Trek Speed Concept 9.9 $8,919 (with standard paint) There’s no denying that the Trek Speed Concept 9.9 is stunning, especially in Triathlete garb, but aesthetics aren’t why we chose it as the cover model for Triathlete’s inaugural Buyer’s Guide. The Speed Concept stands out above every other piece of 2011 triathlon gear because of its unprecedented combination of aerodynamic integration and functionality.

At Triathlete, we believe that fit and aerodynamics are the two most important attributes of a triathlon bike—an opinion shared by many. Unfortunately, rider fit and bicycle aerodynamics are often competing interests. Finding one’s ideal position on a bike requires tweaking a bike’s fit over time. It takes adjustment. But components that allow for the most fit adjustment have historically not been the most aerodynamic. The Speed Concept changes that.

Instead of using a traditional stem and steerer tube to attach the aerobars to the frame, Trek created a line of six proprietary stems that not only cover the full range of fit preferences, they are also shaped for aerodynamic performance as well as functionality. In addition to this revolutionary change, the Speed Concept boasts elegantly integrated brakes, nearly invisible cable routing, unique tube shapes and a geometry chart that is truly optimized for triathlon, not road time trialing.

The transformative aerobar attachment system and the array of other pristinely crafted features is why the Trek Speed Concept 9 Series is the 2011 (and first ever) Triathlete Tri Bike of the Year.

WIN THIS

BIKE!

With help from our friends at Trek, Triathlete is giving this bike to one lucky reader.

The Triathlete special edition Project One Speed Concept is a size medium frame with Sram Red components, Bontrager Aeolus 9.0 wheels, Fizik Arione Tri 2 saddle, Bontrager Speed Concept aerobar and Bontrager DuoTrap computer. The one-of-a-kind paint job was designed by Triathlete and hand-applied

by Trek’s art department, with wheel decals created by Wheeltags.com.

AERO HELMETS

Go to Triathlete.com/winthisbike to enter the contest.

$250 Specialized TT2 TT2 The Specialized wellaero helmet is both lightweight. constructed and and Thanks to its large this helmet functional vents, worn for can be comfortably triathlon from a sprint ny event distance this demonstrated by o an Ironman, as champion Chris ear’s Ironman world the TT2 in Kona wore McCormack, who to his second world route en many ast October the TT2 match itle. Its long tail helps It's available in two different back profiles. red and black. At in both sizes and comes expensive not the least $250, the TT2 is the price the market, but aero helmet on case, which is essential does include a hard to races. traveling for those Specialized.com Tardiz Lazer Tardiz $200 feature of the Lazer of The most unique a port on the top helmet is the Aquavent,riders to cool off by allows the helmet that themselves. It creates pouring water onto regulation and excellent temperature a helmet that long-course makes the Tardiz Rollsys consider. Lazer’s athletes should allows for one-handed retention system of the a dial on the top fit adjustment via in true in two sizes and, the helmet. Available variety of colors, wide a Italian fashion, appeal to triathletes Lazer Tardiz should as comfort and fit concerned with benefit. much as aerodynamic om Lazerhelmets.c

FROM THE EDITOR

Vorttice $249.99 Louis Garneau lofty claims about Louis Garneau makes its performance of the aerodynamic the Vorttice. According newest aero helmet, because very aerodynamic to Garneau, it is design forward-thinking of the helmet's dimples, vortex elements, including air flowing over the A generators to channel short-tail design. helmet and a unique with purchase. The vented lens is included system allows for Spiderlock SL retentionadjusted on the fly be a dialed fit and can om with one hand. Louisgarneau.c

Triathlete.com/tt2

70 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

Aero Plus $300 Catlike Chrono entered the Catlike recently Spanish maker helmet Chrono Aero Plus U.S. market. Its and the well-ventilated, is both light and is striking. The quality of its construction among aero is unique closed-tail design help save precious helmets and should in races against the fractions of a second system allows athletes clock. A retention fit; however, a one-sizeto dial in a precise to those limit this helmet fits-all shell might dome. Racers can with an average-size options (black/ color that choose from two and the pod case white or red/white), it when protect will helmet comes with the Catlike.es traveling to races.

Triathlete.com/SpeedConcept

Spiuk Kronos $229.99 from lightweight option The Kronos is a helmet has Spiuk. This aero Spanish maker match that tends to best a long closed tail aerodynamic position. vents athletes with a low, does have two front While the helmet could port, ventilation and a rear exhaust ear coverings make be better. The wide to put on in transition. the Kronos a breeze the Kronos is Like the LAS Cronometro,but only one size, colors, available in three helmet which riders this which might limit will appeal to. Spiuk.com

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 71

T R I AT H L E T E

. CO M 87

G U I D E | 2011 TE BUYER'S 86 T R I AT H L E

Triathlete.com/BuyersGuide

If your phone has a Web browser and a camera: • Download the free app at http://gettag.mobi using your phone browser.

• Scan over or take a photo of a barcode you see in this issue.

• The video or photos will load instantly.

• No phone? Use the links provided next to the barcode to view the extra photos and videos on a computer.

12 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

GET IN GEAR Triathletes love innovation. We love gear and products that allow us to swim, bike and run with greater efficiency, ease, comfort and enjoyment. And because we must manage limited time and resources across three demanding disciplines, we can use all the help we can get from smartly engineered tri equipment and tools.

Enter the first-ever Triathlete Buyer’s Guide. Spearheaded by senior tech editor Aaron Hersh from the inception stage to the glossy finished product, this guide is your ultimate cheat sheet to the best, most useful gear of 2011. From aerobars to wetsuits, running shoes to nutrition products, Hersh and team left no stone unturned to bring readers the must-have essentials and latest product innovations in the sport. We’re guessing you don’t have the time to road- or pool-test the hundreds of products featured within these pages, so we’ve done the legwork for you.

Each item included in this issue received the careful attention of an editor and expert tester, with the explicit goal of communicating the bottom-line usefulness to certain types of triathlete.

At the start of three separate sections highlighting the latest in swim, bike and run gear, you’ll find a gear list aimed specifically at beginner triathletes.

Newbies and veterans alike can glean helpful advice for selecting this season’s just-right piece of gear.

Also useful in making those important buying decisions, our use of barcodes— the colorful boxes you see peppered throughout the issue—adds another layer of reporting depth by linking to dynamic content such as video and photography. Want to see a 360-degree view of an aerobar setup? Just scan the barcode using your phone (as long as it has a camera and a Web browser) or visit the website provided and you’ll get

Aaron Hersh, senior tech editor

the full picture. Our video crew spent hours logging footage of products to give readers a more comprehensive look. It’s an added feature I think you’ll really enjoy.

Much credit is also due to art director Lisa Williams, designer Oliver Baker, assistant editor Bethany Mavis and photo editor Nils Nilsen, whose creative vision and talents created a reader experience that’s both informative and engaging.

Another star of this issue that simply can’t be ignored is the Special Edition Triathlete magazine Trek Speed Concept 9.9 that graces the cover. A huge thanks goes out to our friends at Trek—and our resident gear and tech guru, Aaron—for dreaming up a cover model that will really have our readers’ tongues wagging. (And you thought the swimsuit issue was sexy.)

One lucky reader will be riding this one-ofa-kind bike, valued at more than $9,000, this race season. Be sure to see page 70 for instructions for entering to win.

Good luck!

Julia Beeson Polloreno Editor-in-Chief

KWICK TIME

9 oz. – from start to finish. The new Kwicky Blade-Light features revolutionary Ion-Mask™ technology. Waterstation. Rain. Sweat.

Nothing gets in. Now that’s gonzo.

kswiss.com/kwicky

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Julia Beeson Polloreno Managing Editor Somyr McLean Perry Senior Tech Editor Aaron Hersh Senior Editor Courtney Baird Assistant Editor Bethany Leach Mavis Contributing Writers Ian Buchanan, Todd Carver, Adam Chase, Mark Deterline, Matt Fitzgerald, Mario Fraioli, Jim Gourley, Shaun Guest, Sara McLarty, Geoff Nenninger Tawnee Prazak, Mat Steinmetz, Pip Taylor art Art Director Lisa Williams Photo Editor Nils Nilsen Graphic Designer Oliver Baker Contributing Photographer John Segesta CirCulation & ProduCtion Director, Audience Development John Francis Audience Development Manager Cassie Lee-Trettel Fulfillment Manager Leslie Dodds Production Manager Meghan McElravy Advertising Coordinator Shane Anderson triathlEtE.Com Online Content Director Kurt Hoy Web Producer Liz Hichens Senior Video Producer Steve Godwin Video Producer Kevin LaClaire Video Editor Rebecca Martin digital mEdia Vice President, Digital Media Dan Vaughan Director, Digital Advertising Sales Jason Rossiter advErtising EVP, Media/Publishing Director Andrew R. Hersam Senior Vice President, National Sales John Smith Senior Vice President, Marketing Bouker Pool Vice President, Endemic Sales Kevin Burnette Senior Vice President, Midwestern Region Sales Doug Kaplan Vice President, Western Region Sales David O’Connell Vice President, Eastern Region Sales Rebecca McKinnon Account Executives, Endemic Sales Lars Finanger lfinanger@competitorgroup.com, Nathan Forbes nforbes@competitorgroup.com, Mark Gouge mgouge@competitorgroup.com, Justin Sands jsands@competitorgroup.com, David Walker dwalker@competitorgroup.com Regional Event Sales Tom Borda, Katie Campbell, Chris Hohn, Chip McLaughlin, Ashley Powell, Dave Ragsdale, Matt Steinberg, Kelly Trimble, Chris Wheeler Vice President, Sales Development Sean Clottu Account Executive, Marketplace Sales Alex Jarman triathlEtE EuroPE Publisher Jim Peskett jim.peskett@competitormedia.com Editor Ian Osborne ian.osborne@competitormedia.co.uk Graphic Designer Kirstin Goodenough kirstin.goodenough@competitormedia.co.uk Digital Content Editor Paul Moore paul.moore@competitormedia.co.uk a PubliCation of

Chairman David Moross Chief Executive Officer Peter Englehart President & Chief Operating Officer Scott P. Dickey Executive Vice President, Media Andrew R. Hersam Chief Financial Officer Steve Gintowt triathlEtE magazinE offiCEs 9477 Waples Street, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121 Phone: 858-450-6510 Fax: 858-768-6806 Attention RetAileRs: To carry Triathlete in your store, call Retail Vision: 800-381-1288. sUBsCRiPtions: Your satisfaction is important to us.

For questions regarding your subscription call 800-441-1666 or 760-291-1562. Or, write to: Triathlete, P.O. Box 469055, Escondido, CA 92046. Or, e-mail: triathlete@pcspublink.com. Back Issues available for $8 each. Send a check to Triathlete Magazine Back Issues, 9477 Waples Street, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121 and specify issues requested, or visit Triathlete.com. For a copy of Triathlete’s contributor guidelines, visit Triathlete.com. Triathlete cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Printed in the USA.

14 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ’ s g u i d e | 2011

The dawn of a new Aero

www.gurucycles.com/cr901

PERFORMANCE THROUGH CUSTOM

Every Guru frame is proudly made in Canada

customfit@gurucycles.com 877 755 GURU

www.gurucycles.com

contributors

Courtney Baird The editor-in-chief of Inside Triathlon magazine has bluntly responded to questions about her opinion of pieces of gear with answers like, “Actually, I hate it.”

We love her candor.

Oliver Baker Baker, Triathlete’s graphic designer, designed the stunning paint scheme on the Trek Speed Concept on the cover and spent four hours perfectly applying the wheel decals.

Ian Buchanan As winter engulfed the Northeast, Buchanan, founder of Fit Werx Road & Triathlon Cycling Specialists, had to make the ultimate sacrifice by traveling to New Zealand to test pedals and components for the Buyer’s Guide.

Todd Carver & Mat Steinmetz Retül’s co-founder Carver and Boulder, Colo., bike fitter Steinmetz tested saddles so they could give fit-oriented advice on the difficult task of choosing the right one for you.

Mark Deterline Deterline, who reviewed bikes for the Buyer’s Guide, began his career in bike shops—and says it’s been downhill ever since. He enjoys riding and racing, though his passion is helping others understand equipment and enjoy cycling.

Matt Fitzgerald Fitzgerald, author of the Racing Weight book series, hung with Adam and Kara Goucher in a track workout in January. OK, well, he did for half of it.

Mario Fraioli Fraioli, Web producer at Competitor.com, typically times his runs with a wall clock and monitors heart rate with his index finger—making him the ideal candidate to objectively review running watches.

Aaron Hersh Triathlete’s senior tech editor sent 870 e-mails containing the phrase “buyer’s guide” since last fall.

Kevin LaClaire LaClaire is the video producer behind the 15 product videos that appear in the Buyer’s Guide. Scan the colorful barcodes with your smartphone (after downloading the app) and you will be linked straight to the video. LaClaire was the perfect man for this project because he wishes “the Internet could be implanted in [his] soul.”

Sara McLarty Pro triathlete McLarty was so excited to have another reason to get in the pool: testing swim equipment and goggles. She is considering trademarking the smell of chlorinated, sweaty clothes that pile up everywhere except the laundry bin.

Geoff Nenninger Nenninger battled for the title of “slowest pro triathlete in Boulder, Colo.” from 2004 to 2009. He has returned to the age groups but still bangs heads with the pros during cyclo-cross season.

Nils Nilsen Nilsen, Triathlete’s photo editor, used a pen cap, key chain and fish tank among other props to shoot more than 250 of the products in the Buyer’s Guide.

Tawnee Prazak Stemming from her days as a surfer, USAT-certified coach Prazak is not a fan of putting on wetsuits and would rather trunk it, but she sucked it up for the sake of testing the latest neoprene garments.

Pip Taylor Taylor, our Australian nutritionist and a pro triathlete, ate, drank, cooked, squeezed, chewed and savored to bring you the latest and best products on offer from the nutrition world.

16 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

Tawnee prazak: John segesTa

Jim Gourley Gourley, an Air Force Academy graduate and Ironman triathlete, tested cycling computers while training for arguably the world’s most difficult endurance competition, Race Across America.

Shaun Guest Guest, an All-American triathlete, has spent roughly half his life in the water, either surfing the best right reef point break in town, swimming and coaching at the local university pool or freediving for tasty crustaceans.

Photo: Eric Wynn

Chris McCormack rides the 808 Firecrest wheelset, Zipp Tangente Tubulars, and SRAM RED components

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING. We launched the new 808 Firecrest at Kona, and Chris McCormack took full advantage. Out on the Queen K, his 808s with Zipp Tangente tubulars were the fastest, most efficient, best handling wheels on the road. And in the marathon’s final mile, he had enough left in the tank to win one of the most dramatic duels in triathlon history. | Not only is Firecrest more aerodynamic than any other rim design, its distinctive wide profile also improves handling in crosswinds, wheel strength, and overall ride quality. It only took one shot for Macca to prove that it’s simply a better wheel in every way. | But that victory wasn’t the only one for Zipp this year. Mirinda Carfrae won on ZEDTECH 4s and Karin Thuerig set a bike course record with a 303/404 setup. Zipp once again dominated the Kona Bike Count with nearly 60% of all aero wheels. Clearly, superior technology makes a difference for every athlete.

Firecrest 808 available in Tubular, Carbon Clincher, ZEDTECH ®.

Zipp Tangente Tires available in Tubular & Clincher 21mm & 23mm.

1.800.472.3972 | zipp.com

MAXIMUM STRENGTH MUSCLE RUB Can a muscle rub be world class?

It can when you develop it alongside world-class athletes like Hunter Kemper who push the daily envelope of training and competing. And sanity. It’s made with Arnica, a natural anti-inflammatory.

It dries fast, works fast and lasts long enough to make you forget how you got available at:

so banged up in the first place.

missionskincare.com

SWIM SWIM SWIM SWIM

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 19

GET STARTED: SWIMMING

Just starting out? Here's all the gear you need to dive in—literally.

Trislide $16.20 Helps you slip your wetsuit off after the swim and prevents your neck from getting a chafing hickey. Trislide.com Aqua Sphere Lima $39.95 Stylish suit provides fit and support for mid-size figures.

Aquasphereswim.com Blueseventy Spectra Jammer $39 Stays tight against your body without going full swim brief. Blueseventy.com Tyr Pull Float $11 Keeps your legs up in the water so you can concentrate on your upper body. Tyr.com Blueseventy Element goggles $12 Comfortable and affordable pool-style goggle creates a reliable seal if the nonadjustable nose bridge matches your face shape. Blueseventy.com Speedo Air Seal Tri Mirror goggles $25 Creative airbag-style gasket seals without pinching. Speedousa.com Xterra Volt $99 Experience wetsuit swimming without the typical price tag. Xterrawetsuits.com Tyr Tracer Edge Racing Cap $18 Durable silicone cap won’t latch onto your hair. Tyr.com Tyr Mentor Hand Paddle $21 Work on your swim-specific strength while improving your catch by integrating paddles into your swim workouts. Tyr.com

20 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

CHRISSIE WELLINGTON 3X WORLD IRONMAN CHAMPION

LEARN FROM YESTERDAY, LIVE FOR TODAY, NEVER GIVE UP.

QUARTZ HELMET WORN BY CHRISSIE WELLINGTON AT IRONMAN ARIZONA 2010 WHERE SHE BROKE THE WORLD IRONMAN RECORD BY 11 MINUTES

PATENTED

GOGGLES

Blueseventy Hydra-Vision $27 By far the tester’s favorite frames and lenses thanks to comfortable suction around the eyes and great peripheral vision. The curved mirrored lenses allow a smooth transition for sighting, and the low profile creates minimal drag through the water.

Dislikes included no adjustment for nose width and excess strap around the temples. Blueseventy.com Tyr Tracer $17 Ladies, this one is for you! A smaller frame designed for petite faces but still Tyr’s fastest goggle. Pink and purple color options, mirrored lenses for sunny days and five nose bridges for a custom fit. Testers liked the rear head-strap adjustment but found the anti-fog coating to be slightly delicate. Tyr.com Barracuda Vision XL $20 The large frames made our testers wary, but after a few laps, their appeal was unanimous. The silicone nose bridge expanded and contracted to fit varioussized faces, and the one-button strap was easy to adjust. The lenses allowed unobstructed vision and prevented fogging but were too big for some eye sockets. Barracudausa.com

Buying Tip When purchasing new goggles, test multiple brands and styles to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.

Lightly press the goggles into your eyes to achieve a suction effect. If the goggles stay in place for a moment, they’ll probably be a good choice.

22 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

www.fuelbelt.com

THE

REVENGE SERIES

™

One Handed Entry + Exit

Our latest innovation available in 9 unique colorways

White Panda

Hibiscus Pink

Electric Lime

Arctic Blue

Terenzo

Royal Blue/Silver

Black

Silver

Other New Products for 2011

Sprint 10oz Palm Holder

Dash 7oz Palm Holder

Northern Lights LED Headlamp

Night Frog Clip-On LED

Aero Fuelbox

GOGGLES

Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 $17.99 The family that swims together shops together! The Vanquisher category of goggles includes Junior, Women’s, 2.0 and Plus (ultra mirrored). Speedo is a longtime leading designer of swim accessories, and these reflect that lineage. Bonus features include three adjustable nosepieces, reduced glare, UV protection, anti-fog coating and 100 percent PVC- and latexfree pieces. Speedousa.com Aqua Sphere Kayenne $24.99 The Kayenne held up to its promises. The soft gaskets sit outside of the eye socket and remove pressure common of most socket-type frames. Testers liked the clear lenses on cloudy days. The adjustment strap's locking system is reliable, as long as it is not accidently pushed or grabbed.

A small-fitting goggle is available.

Aquasphereswim.com Tyr Orion $40 In addition to the malleable gaskets, durable strap and flexible nosepiece, the lenses make the Orion unique. They are rigid and provide a flat rather than curved lens. Curved goggles distort the swimmer’s view to various degrees, but this lens eliminates that problem.

However, the rigid lenses also mean that the gasket must match your face for Orion to fit you well. Tyr.com // SARA MCLARTY

24 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

wetsuits

Neo Sport NRG Sleeveless $149.99 A wetsuit company rooted in scuba diving, Neo Sport is breaking ground with its short, sleeveless racing wetsuit. The wetsuit is perfect for pure long-distance swimmers who need full range of motion to maintain a lengthy, smooth stroke.

The collar cuff is made with a fleecelike material that has little to no friction around the neck during the breath cycle. If you're an athlete with a cycling or running background—as in your chest isn't built like an elite swimmer—be sure to get the correct sizing on this wetsuit. Otherwise, water can find its way into the chest area.

Expect to see this wetsuit gain a lot of popularity in warm-water races in 2011.

Neosportusa.com Xterra Vortex 3 Sleeveless $300 The most important difference between Xterra’s $99 sleeveless suit, the Volt, and the Vortex 3 is neoprene thickness. The front of the Volt is constructed from 3 mm-thick neoprene, but the Vortex 3 uses 5 mm neoprene to increase buoyancy. It’s a noticeable difference. This 5 mm-thick panel stretches around the swimmer’s hips to maintain buoyancy while rolling and reaching to complete a stroke. Xterra also upgrades the cloth liner to a more flexible material, but since the suit is sleeveless, that change is less noticeable.

If you’ve decided that full-sleeve suits are too restrictive for your taste but you want to maximize speed in the water, the Vortex 3’s thick neoprene and upgraded surface coating will help you slide rapidly through the water without the restriction of full sleeves. Xterrawetsuits.com 2XU ST:2 $249 The ST:2 positions 5 mm-thick neoprene panels on the side of the hips, which help keep a swimmer’s pelvis high in the water when rolling onto his side during the reaching phase of the stroke. We found this to offer a noticeable improvement in body position while rotating from stroke to stroke. The zipper is centered in its own panel to separate the rigid zipper from the rest of the suit, which is intended to give more flexibility across the back of the wetsuit. The arm openings caused some moderate chafing, but nothing a bit of lubricant won’t fix. 2xu.com

26 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

wetsuits

Tri-Process by Aquaman $189.99 The Tri-Process is great for beginners and anyone low on funds. It offers great buoyancy and creates a firm connection with the torso when rotating to breathe.

The neoprene is light and flexible through the arms but somewhat tight around the shoulders during the recovery phase.

Body type definitely factors into whether this wetsuit is right for you. If improperly sized, the wetsuit will bunch in the neck and affect sighting capabilities, but athletes with slim builds will find that no water makes it way through the chest or back, despite the standard zipper system.

Aquamantri.com Blueseventy Fusion $250 The Fusion is Blueseventy’s lower-cost suit that still features the company’s latest design philosophy called “balanced buoyancy.” It feels like the “stability shoe” of wetsuits. A stability shoe helps offset pronation, and the Fusion helps offset hip drop with its higher buoyancy material in the hips, thighs and lower leg.

The difference between the Fusion and Blueseventy’s higher-level suits is arm flexibility. The Fusion’s arm and shoulder region feels a tad restrictive and rubber band-like. Blueseventy.com Orca S3 $199 The S3 is Orca’s budget-friendly suit and, despite a lower cost, the S3 swims nearly as nicely as the 3.8. It has exceptional flexibility in the arms and shoulders thanks to Orca’s new lighter, more flexible 1–2 mm neoprene and offers superb buoyancy throughout the body with neoprene ranging 3–5 mm in thickness.

Not to mention, the S3 feels extremely durable yet light and efficient in the water.

Bottom line: It’s a great value for what you get. On the downside, the S3 is really hard to remove when wet. It sticks to the skin and doesn’t easily roll off. Orca.com

28 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

wetsuits

Zoot Fuzion SL $240 The Fuzion SL is made exclusively with Yamamoto 39 neoprene, which is both buoyant and durable. The chest panel is 5 mm thick, but the suit is thinner on the sides, which results in a subtle loss of buoyancy during the reach phase of each stroke. It has an exceptionally comfortable neck opening that doesn’t chafe or choke. The cut is ideal for medium builds. Zootsports.com Aqua Sphere Ironman Pursuit $199 Full-sleeve suits are faster than sleeveless. They are more buoyant, hydrodynamic and allow less water into the suit, but they are less comfortable because the sleeves restrict the swimmer’s arms. The Pursuit is fabulously priced for a fullsleeve suit, and its 4 mm chest panel is quite buoyant, but the main tradeoff is in arm flexibility. The Pursuit cannot match pricier suits for arm freedom, but it is fullsleeve fast and extremely affordable.

Aquasphereswim.com Nineteen Pipeline $280 Flexibility first. That’s the design philosophy behind the Pipeline. The thin, seamless underarm panels free the arms to move as they would in a high-end suit. The lower body doesn’t have the same freedom of movement, which can be felt when running into T1, but not in the water. The suit’s shape is suited for athletes with a larger build. Because of its price, which is closer to most sleeveless suits than it is to full-sleeve suits, and exceptional flexibility, the Pipeline is a great value and one of our favorites. Nineteenwetsuits.com Tyr Hurricane Category 3 $450 The Hurricane Cat 3 has the same clever back and shoulder design, buoyant lower body and comfortable neck opening as the Category 5. The biggest difference between the two suits—other than $175—is the materials used in the shoulder and back. The Cat 3 has less flexible neoprene and the difference is perceptible, but it still easily follows the swimmer’s stroke without resistance. Exactly cut for a medium build, the Cat 3 is fast and flexible. Tyr.com

30 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

WETSUITS

De Soto Black Pearl $230 (Bibjohn), $190 (pullover) The Black Pearl is De Soto’s more affordable two-piece wetsuit. It comes with Bibjohn bottoms that have overthe-shoulder straps, and a 2 mm-thick, long-sleeve pullover top. The neoprene is thicker from the hips down (5 mm) to promote better body alignment. The two-piece construction allows the top to slide over the Bibjohn, which creates free shoulder movement. However, the straps of the Bibjohn feel like they “pull down” on the inner portion of the shoulders. It also lets a swimmer with unusual proportions choose a top and bottom sized to match his physique. The zipper on the pullover that goes from bottom up adds to ease of removal. Desotosport.com Pro Motion After Burner $339 Buoyancy is the theme with the Pro Motion After Burner. As buoyant as it makes an athlete in the water, the neoprene has the feel of an '80s surfing wetsuit: rough and thick. Despite the inflexible neoprene, the wetsuit permits an unrestricted freestyle catch. Ankle zippers preach faster transitions and may work with slender legs, but don't be surprised if your shoulders fatigue and your transition takes a little more exertion than normal. Wetsuit.com Aquaman Bionik $469.99 Yamamoto Giga 40 neoprene that is ultra flexible and soft makes the Bionik a speedy piece of equipment in and out of the water. The material is appropriately thick through the legs and remarkably thin through the arms and shoulders.

Buyers may want to sample a few sizes before deciding on one, however, because the Bionik tends to run a bit larger than other brands. The Flash System behind the neck eliminates neck irritation but is not totally secured by the small patch of Velcro. We found the Bionik to be a very comfortable wetsuit built for all ranges and abilities. Aquamantri.com

Full-sleeve versus Sleeveless One of the biggest advantages high-end full-sleeve wetsuits have over low-priced full-sleeve wetsuits is better arm flexibility. But sleeveless suits have less restriction than even the best full-sleeve suits and cost a fraction, so why are full-sleeve suits so popular?

Because they’re faster. The full sleeves create less friction with the water than exposed skin, they improve buoyancy and they prevent water from entering the suit.

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wetsuits

Profile Design Marlin $400 The Marlin will perform whether you’re an average triathlete or an elite. The neoprene is very stretchy and reinforces a high elbow recovery, and thicker neoprene in the lower body keeps the legs high in the water. Natural swimmers might feel like they're kicking air while athletes with powerhouse legs will feel a neutrally buoyant position. Regardless of your body type, the Marlin helps swimmers maintain speed when pulling their head out of the water to sight by keeping the hips high in the water. Ideal for the average triathlete who swims in the middle of the pack.

Profile-design.com Quintana Roo Hydrofull $400 The most noticeable feature of the Hydrofull is the thick neoprene around the hips and thighs. It increases buoyancy in the lower half of the body and puts the body into a “downhill” position. It’s not representative of swimming with a real pull buoy, but anyone who relies on the upper body to save their legs for the bike and run will appreciate this wetsuit. Its increased buoyancy helps beginning open-water swimmers sight efficiently because the suit helps keep the swimmer’s hips and legs high in the water.

Quintanarootri.com Rocket Science Elite $449.99 The Rocket Science Elite is a highperformance wetsuit with several useful innovations and a few unnecessary ones. The "drive panels" that line the arm on both sides are designed to increase surface area and maintain front-end buoyancy, but muscular arms will find that the elbow rubs over the single-piece panel that tracks all the way up the arm during the recovery portion of the stroke.

Despite this issue, the inner-arm panel allows the arm to form a relaxed high elbow recovery. The wetsuit neoprene is extremely light and flexible, even in the thicker regions from the chest panel down to the frontal areas of the thighs and legs, and the thinner neoprene in the arms allows for a natural freestyle stroke with full range of motion. With precise stitching throughout the wetsuit, this item will withstand the test of time.

Rocketsciencesports.com

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wetsuits

Zoot Prophet $650 The forearm of the Prophet has a unique raised section of neoprene that is supposed to reduce friction with the water and allow for greater stroke rate. Whether or not this progressive feature is effective, the Prophet feels amazing in the water because of its flexible arms and buoyant hips. The swimmer is covered from knee to belly button with ultra-buoyant aerated neoprene, which keeps the swimmer’s hips glued to the surface.

It has a thin sheet of seamless neoprene that stretches from the bottom of the ribs all the way to the wrist and gives the suit astounding upper-body flexibility.

Zootsports.com 2XU V:2 $549 If Batman raced triathlon, he would swim in the V:2. With channels indented through the upper body and raised catch panels on the forearms and shin to increase surface area, the V:2 is a utility belt short of the Batsuit. Those features are intriguing, but the V:2’s best attribute is its underarm panels. These giant uninterrupted swatches of thin and flexible neoprene free the arms from the rest of the suit and create amazing flexibility. It's cut for a thin physique. 2xu.com Tyr Hurricane Category 5 $625 The Cat 5 doesn’t come with a thick book of marketing material filled with logos and catch phrases because it doesn’t need one. Swimming in the suit speaks for itself.

It provides the same excellent buoyancy offered by many suits, but precise tailoring, wise materials choices and a unique back and shoulder design give the Cat 5 flexibility and fit beyond category.

The underarm and back are constructed using ultra-thin neoprene and with few seams, which allows the suit to conform to the swimmer’s arm movements.

Tyr. com Blueseventy Axis $550 Blueseventy classifies the Axis as a “positive buoyancy” suit, which means the lower body provides substantially more flotation than the upper to improve the body position of mediocre swimmers. We found the flotation difference between upper and lower body to be similar to other suits, but the Axis earns excellent marks for both flexibility and buoyancy. It is ideal for athletes with slim to mid-size frames. Blueseventy.com

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1 1 on

With Matty Reed Nickname: Boom Boom Age: 35 Born: Palmerston g North, New Zealand Years Professional : 17 Style: Triathlon Team: Reed Favorite food: Thai and M ost memorable m steak the bike: Winning oment on my first US Profession al Championships and winning the 20 08 Olympic Trials.

Toughest race/com pe to get the taper right, tition and why: Olympic Games… the emotions on the up against the best line and you are in the world on the day.

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Long climbs through the mountains and no cars on the road My kids laughter. Br . eaking the tape at ra ces.

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wetsuits

Aqua Sphere Phantom $650 The Phantom presents two new components to wetsuit design: a waist belt, called the Core Power System, and a stiff wrist cuff named Aqua-Grip. These features make life in the water easy, and life out of the water hard. In the water, the Core Power System, to our surprise, amazingly drives hip rotation and keeps the body in a rigid, straight line. Out of the water, the Core Power System is uncomfortable and slow to remove from the lower back. The Aqua-Grip cuffs prevent any water entry at the wrists, but are difficult to peel off in transition.

The Phantom may likely be the most hyped wetsuit of the year, and its unique features live up to the lofty expectations in the water and give the swimmer true advantages, but be ready to work hard to take the suit off. Aquasphereswim.com Orca 3.8 $599 Orca nailed it in the flexibility department. The 3.8 has such a flexible upper body (1.5–2 mm neoprene) that you almost can’t tell there’s a wetsuit around your arms and shoulders. Meanwhile, it fits like a second skin so water doesn’t rush in without being too snug. Even with a “barely there” feel, the 3.8 is still buoyant.

The sleeves contain thicker neoprene to improve catch grip, and the body of the suit is made of 3–5 mm neoprene with panels of Yamamoto Exo Cell neoprene in the chest, lower back and legs to create buoyancy. Be careful when putting the suit on; its panels seem to be somewhat delicate and prone to tearing. Orca.com Xterra Vendetta $750 The new Xterra Vendetta swims “like buttah.” It’s super stretchy all over, incredibly easy to take off and is extra buoyant, especially from the hips down.

The buoyancy comes from air pockets in the 5 mm-thick neoprene that help keep the body high in the water. Additionally, the Vendetta is covered with a new coating from the neoprene manufacturer to make the wetsuit even slicker. Flexibility is enhanced by the free-moving inner liner and multiple arm panels that complement the arm in movement. The fit of the women’s suit is best suited for a slim to mid-size person.

Xterrawetsuits.com // TAwnee PrAzAk, ShAun GueST, AArOn herSh

38 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

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SWIM TRAINING TOOLS

Finis Fraid Nots $19.99 Triathletes regard stretching like Brussels sprouts in a pre-race meal. Coaches tell us to do it because it’s good for us, but we ignore them anyway. The Finis Fraid Nots, with included DVD and instructional booklet, will help any triathlete clean his or her plate of tight muscles, injuries and stiffness. Finisinc.com Stretchcordz Deluxe Mini Modular Set $68.95 The perfect training tool for any triathlete on the road. Just toss this bag of tricks into your luggage and get a swim-specific workout anywhere in the world. Arm straps, leg straps, tubing and doormounting gear included. It’s everything you need without leaving the hotel or finding a pool. Nzmfg.com Endless Pools, See dealer for prices Testers agreed: Nothing tops the ability to roll out of bed in the morning and swim a mile, nonstop, in a private pool!

Endless pools will make the drive to your local water hole obsolete. And you will be a better open-water swimmer for it—no walls, no turns and no stopping.

Endlesspools.com Go Swim Triathlon Skills with Sara McLarty DVD $29.95 (streaming online), $39.95 (DVD) This instructional DVD is perfect for triathletes not living near a body of water, as well as those who would rather practice open water techniques in the comfort of a pool. Its three chapters— drills, pool, open water—demonstrate the best way to turn around buoys, dolphin dive, draft and sight during a race.

Goswim.tv // Jené Shaw Tyr Catch Paddle $15.50 Paddles are one piece of equipment that helps improve technique and build strength. The extended side blades overemphasize the catch phase of freestyle and encourage high elbows underwater. Testers found the small size to be gentle on their shoulders but said the strap installation was a bit tricky.

Tyr.com // SARA MCLARTY

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TransiTion Zone

Oakley Miss Conduct sunglasses $140 A pair of sunglasses helps relieve some of the stress your eyes endure from wind and sun, especially on the bike. The Oakley Miss Conduct glasses are an option for women who want to look stylish while biking and running in their shades.

Oakleywomen.com Scape SPF 50+ sunblock $13.99 Created by a scientist who worked for Johnson & Johnson for 13 years developing skincare products, Scape lives up to its hype as the best sunscreen on the market.

Tested by Triathlete’s staff in several races, we found that our faces and bodies stayed free from burns. Even our noses stayed protected. The sunscreen also smells pleasant and is easy to rub into the skin. Best of all, it allows the skin to breathe, making it especially useful in humid climates. Scapelabs.com FuelBelt Custom Fit Revenge 2-Bottle $43.95 There are many reasons to store a nutrition belt in T2: You want to drink the beverage you consume during workouts, but it’s not your race’s sponsor drink; you prefer to drink from bottles instead of paper cups; you like the peace of mind that comes with having fluids on you during the sometimes long distances between aid stations. The adjustable belt, comfy padding, light weight and easy access bottle design make the FuelBelt Revenge 2-Bottle the go-to belt for a middistance run. Fuelbelt.com

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Specialized Airtool Pro Floor Pump $80 It’s always a comforting thought to have a pump in the transition zone. It calls to you saying, “Everything will be OK.” The Specialized Airtool Pro floor pump is a durable option for racers. It has a tight seal, pumps a lot of air with each stroke, and remains firmly in place while you’re filling your tire. Specialized.com Fuel Belt Aero Fuelbox $14.95 The Aero Fuelbox sits behind your stem, allowing you to store several gels for your bike leg and stay aerodynamic in the process. Depending on what type of bike you ride, you may have trouble mounting the Fuelbox, so it’s best to test the item out at a retail store before you purchase it.

But if the Fuelbox fits, it’s a very useful buy.

Fuelbelt.com Brightly colored towel We’ve all done it before: We finish the swim, we’re discombobulated, we’re wondering what we’ve just swallowed and we can’t find our bike. There are several ways to prevent this situation, but one of the easiest ones is to buy a big, fluorescent towel that you can spot from far away. T1 becomes a whole lot friendlier when you’ve got a big towel guiding your way. And they’re cheap. // Courtney BAird

john segesTa

T r i aT h l e T e . co m 43

UPGRADES: SWIMMING

So you’ve earned the title of Masters swimmer and are ready to squeak out another few seconds from your swim performance. This gear will get you through the water and into T1 a little faster and more comfortably.

Tyr Torque Elite swimskin $250 If you are one of the fortunate few that races in Kona where wetsuits are illegal, this swimskin is one of the best. Tyr.com Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles $25 Comfortable, flexible and durable. One of our favorites. Aquasphereswim.com Zoot Prophet wetsuit $650 New for 2011, it possesses the buoyancy and flexibility to bang heads with the best suits on the market. Zootsports.com Finis SwiMP3 $150 Our current favorite underwater MP3 player. Finisinc.com Triathlon Training Series DVD $130 This thorough anthology from Endurance Films transfers the wisdom of America’s best short-coursers.

Endurancefilms.com Zoggs Predator Flex goggles $27 An all-star goggle, it deflects glare and conforms to the user’s face. Zoggs.com

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FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS. No imposing colored panels, seams over zips or hype. Just reliable performance materials and the simple, clever principles required to deliver exceptional results time and time again.

2XU is proud to offer athletes the finest triathlon wetsuits in the world - X:2, V:2, R:1, T:2 and ST:2. For more information contact your local 2XU dealer or visit www.2xu.com

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BIKE BIKE BIKE BIKE

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 47

GET STARTED: CYCLING

High-value essentials to get you out on the road without blowing the budget.

Pearl Izumi Quest Tour Jersey $45 Moderately form-fitting cut and extremely comfortable fabric. Pearlizumi.com Pearl Izumi Attack Bib Shorts $95 Bibs look goofy, but no person who tries a pair ever goes back to shorts.

Pearlizumi.com Bell Lumen helmet $65 Comfortable, affordable and relatively light. Bellsports.com Specialized Trivent Sport $100 Incredibly priced mid-width shoe with a nurturing cut. Not the stiffest sole.

Specialized.com X-Lab Rocket Pocket $19.95 This cleverly designed storage box tucks behind the stem and is a convenient way to carry nutrition or electrolyte tabs.

Xlab-usa.com Schick Hydro 5 razor $9 OK, five blades may not be a necessity, but if you want to fit in at the Saturday group ride, shaved legs are a must.

Schickhydro.com Gillette Foamy Regular $3 And don’t forget the shaving cream.

Profile Design T1+ $110 This highly adjustable bar is ideal for use on a road bike. Profile-design.com Shimano PD-5700 SPD-SL pedals $110 Shimano's entry-level pedals are durable and easy to use. Bike.shimano.com Giant Defy 1 $1,300 Stable, light and reliable, the Defy 1 is an astonishing value at $1,300. If you're getting into the sport and want an allpurpose bike, an entry-level road bike is a good place to start. Giant-bicycles.com

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BIKES Fuji Aloha 2.0 $1,449 Fuji’s Aloha 2.0 is one of the most affordable models in our guide and its grouping of an alloy frameset, carbon aero fork and Oval Concepts components will meet the needs of just about any triathlete.

Its functional parts kit is combined with triathlon geometry to create a true multisport machine. The aluminum frame provides good stiffness-toweight characteristics but a rougher ride. Fujibikes.com Ridley Phaeton T $1,695 Ridley is known as a bike maker that stays true to its Belgian roots by constructing European-style road and cyclo-cross bikes, but the Phaeton T is distinctively North American. Its geometry is nearly identical to the Cervélo P1 and, again like the Cervélo, has an aluminum frame with internal cable routing and airfoil tubes.

Its components—Sram Rival drivetrain, Profile Design aerobars and 32-spoke Mavic wheels—are superior to those found on most aluminum tri bikes. Ridley-bikes.com

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CervÊlo P1 $1,700 Carbon can be stiffer, lighter and more shock-absorbent than aluminum, but those characteristics don’t define a triathlon bike.

The rider’s position is the most important attribute of a tri bike, and the P1 is built with proven tri-specific geometry that works brilliantly for many riders. That allimportant characteristic is combined with a budget-conscious price kit and airfoil tubing to make the P1 an enduring value. Cervelo.com

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 51

BIKES Trek Speed Concept 2.5 $1,979 The 2.5 is the aluminum offering in Trek’s Speed Concept line. It shares many of the features that were showcased by the Trek/K-Swiss Triathlon Team, and the 2.5 is available for an affordable price.

Sram’s Apex group offers great value and a wide gearing range, which is ideal for hilly terrain. Bontrager’s Race Lite aerobars are adjustable, which allows athletes to dial in their position without buying a new stem or bar. Flashy components such as the Bontrager Race Lite aero brake lever and Race X Lite carbon seat post are nice touches that are typically found on models at a higher price point. Trekbikes.com Kestrel Talon 105 $1,999 The Talon is one of the most capable dualpurpose bikes available. Kestrel produces multiple seat posts with different seat tube angles so the rider can select his or her position style, whether it’s steep and aggressive triathlon or traditional road.

Its geometry isn’t as extreme as many other tri bikes, which makes it an excellent dual-purpose frame that can work well as either a road bike or tri bike. This version is set up as a triathlon bike and is equipped with robust Shimano 105 components and highly adjustable Profile Design aerobars.

Kestrelbicycles.com Felt B16 $2,199 The B16 is the lowest priced all-carbon tri bike in Felt’s 2011 lineup and one of the most affordable high-performance tri bikes on the market, which is why it is one of our top value picks. It shares the same frame shape and geometry that has made Felt a staple in transition area for years. And with good reason. The refined triathlon geometry is supplemented by a wind tunnel-proven frame shape, smooth ride, adjustable aerobars and reliable components. Its 48 cm to 52 cm sizes feature 650c wheelsets, which is good news for smaller riders.Feltbicycles.com

Triathlete.com/B16

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BIKES Focus Culebria Tria 2.0 $1,900 The Culebria Tria 2.0 is a throwback aluminum bike with European-style triathlon geometry, which means it has a shallow seat tube angle. And, in the European tradition, it is built with quality componentry, from derailleurs to wheels.

Its Shimano Dura-Ace front and rear derailleurs deliver excellent shift quality, and the Mavic Cosmic Elite wheels are far superior to many that come standard on bikes at this price, although they are not designed for aerodynamic performance.

Focus-bikes.com Valdora PHX $2,295 with Shimano R500 wheels The PHX’s price point ducks just beneath a cadre of fearsome competition. The full-carbon frame comes equipped with Sram Apex and Shimano R500 wheels.

Its geometry is built around a moderately steep, 76-degree seat tube angle and although it only comes in three sizes, those frames span the size continuum greatly.

The front end is designed to support a fairly conservative position because of its relatively tall stack values.

Valdoracycles.com Trek Speed Concept 7.0 $2,529 Trek waited until 2010 to create true triathlon-specific bikes, but when the cycling giant finally made the move, it did so thunderously. The Speed Concept 9 Series has earned most of the attention (including the cover of this magazine) thanks to its flawless integration and revolutionary stem replacement system, but the 7 Series boasts many of the same innovations and costs thousands less. It lacks the 9 Series’ hidden front brake and proprietary stem, but every bit of the frame behind the head tube is identical, including Trek’s Kammtail tube shape, neutral geometry and hidden rear brake. The 7.0 features a Sram Apex drivetrain and Bontrager components everywhere else. Trekbikes.com

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Generated by BeQRious.com

BIKES Quintana Roo Lucero $2,650 The Lucero has been a stalwart of the Quintana Roo brand for many years. This version has familiar tube shapes, but it has been geometrically altered for 2011. It has the true triathlon geometry that Quintana Roo is renowned for, but now the Lucero has a taller front-end stack height. This change makes the Lucero an ideal choice for the rider who wants to go steep but prefers a more upright upper-body position.

QR packaged this full-carbon frame with outstanding Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra components, which means the Lucero can butt heads with bikes costing $500 more.

Quintanarootri.com Blue Triad SP $2,700 The Triad SP is built with the same formula as the hugely successful low-priced carbon triathlon bikes from triathlon industry giants such as CervÊlo and Felt. It is a full-carbon frame with aero tube shaping, bargain component spec and tri-specific geometry, which makes it an oustanding value, deserving of attention from anyone looking at entry-level carbon tri bikes. The Triad SP is distinguished from other similarly priced bikes because of its tall front end. It has a very tall stack value, which means it is ideal for riders who want a true triathlon position but can’t get very low in the front. Rideblue.com

Triathlete.com/TriadSP

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Look 576 RSP Rival $2,899 The 576 is available with both a regular seat post (RSP) or with Look’s integrated seatmast version, called the E-Post. The RSP was brought to market so that triathletes would have a versatile and easier-to-use alternative than the integrated seatmast, and both versions feature a 78-degree seat tube angle specifically to accommodate aggressive triathlon positions. Look boasts that the 576 is one of the few aero frames that weighs 1,100 grams or less, explaining that the orientation of the carbon fibers makes it possible to create such a lightweight frame that is wellsuited to hilly courses. Lookcycle.com Argon 18 E-80 $2,899 The E-80 is Argon 18’s entry-level tri bike, but the model underwent a serious overhaul last year and now features geometry similar to the brand’s top-end models, the E-112 and E-114.

The E-80 is made of 3005 T3 triple-butted aluminum tubing optimized for aerodynamics, especially apparent in the frame’s “teardrop” airfoil downtube and aero-section seatstays.

Although carbon is considered by many to be king, and many bikes with carbon frames are priced below the E-80’s $2,899, we still love the stiffness-to-weight ratio offered by an intelligently designed and well-built aluminum frame. Argon18bike.com

Triathlete.com/E80

Ridley Dean RS $2,995 The Dean RS is a brand new design for 2011 that borrows heavily from the original Dean’s design, but it features geometric tweaks intended to increase comfort. It still has the patented R-Flow system that is meant to pull air away from the rotating mass of the wheels and the unique R-Surface paint technology, which has a texture similar to sandpaper.

Available as a frameset or as a complete bike equipped with Sram Force and customizable paint options, the 78-degree seat tube-angled Dean RS is proof that Ridley is committed to meeting the needs of triathletes, not Eurostyle TT riders. Ridley-bikes.com

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 57

bikes

Orbea Ordu SLT $3,299 The Orbea Ordu prioritizes ride quality over aerodynamics. Its broad tubes give the frame incredible stiffness when sprinting or cornering, but this characteristic also increases drag. If you are looking for a tri bike that rides as well as a road bike when cornering, braking and climbing, the SLT offers the Ordu’s renowned ride characteristics—it’s one of the stiffest tri bikes we’ve ridden—and an exceptional parts kit without hitting the upper price ranges. Orbea-usa.com

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BIKES

Cannondale Slice 4 $3,299.99 Cannondale didn’t have a tri bike with 650c wheels in 2010, but when the Kona run course record holder makes a request, most people listen. Mirinda Carfrae is 5-foot-2, and Cannondale’s previous smallest bike was too big for triathlon’s version of Mighty Mouse, so they made her a new bike. Carfrae repaid them by riding it to an Ironman World Championship victory in 2010, and that frame is now available for everyone. The Slice 4 faces tough competition from other excellent carbon tri bikes at the low-$3,000 price range, but its excellent specs—featuring 3T Aura aerobars and a sharp Sram kit—tri geometry and stable handling characteristics help it stand out from the crowd. Cannondale.com

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Triathlete.com/Slice4

Quintana Roo CD0.1 Ultegra W $3,300 Some women’s-specific tri bikes are built with more conservative geometry because of the assumption that women are not as interested in performance as their male counterparts. QR’s women’s-specific bike is anything but conservative. The CD0.1 is built with very aggressive geometry and is a perfect match for a woman (or a short man with the stones to ride a pink camo bike) who rides steep and wants to get low to save aero drag. Quintanarootri.com Scott Plasma 20 $3,499 Coming from the company that virtually invented the concept of aerodynamic bicycle products with the original massproduced aerobar, you would expect that Scott’s Plasma 20 would pay homage to the company’s lineage. The Plasma 20 does not disappoint. The frame shares many of the design elements found on the company’s top-end Plasma 3, including the Twin Turbo seatstays. Equipped with Shimano Ultegra 6700 drivetrain and Profile Design cockpit, the Plasma 20 should provide even the pickiest triathletes with all of the performance, reliability and adjustability that they could demand from their bikes. Scott-sports.com

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 61

BIKES Wilier Tri Crono $3,599 The Tri Crono borrows heavily from the swooping design of its big brother, the Cento1 Crono, and the two models also share a geometry chart, so they fit identically. Hillary Biscay rode it to her astounding eight Ironman finishes in 2010 and capped her year off with a second place at Ultraman. Biscay’s bike had a different setup, but the standard kit is full Ultegra—not an amalgamation of bargain components with Ultegra derailleurs—and its Fulcrum 5 wheels match the drivetrain in quality. The Tri Crono is priced higher than some carbon tri bikes, but its unique look and bulletproof component spec allow it to stand out in the transition area.

Wilier-usa.com Specialized Transition Pro $3,600 Although Specialized’s next-gen tri bike, the Shiv, has stolen some of the Transition’s spotlight, the latter remains a staple in the world of triathlon for good reason.

The Transition does not offer as stiff a bottom bracket as some of the other latest-generation tri bikes—including the Shiv—but it garners exceptional marks for comfort, handling, aerodynamics and looks. The Transition is offered with two different seat posts that allow riders to select their ideal seat tube angle—from 74 degrees all the way up to 82 degrees— and its short reach dimension is ideal for riders who have a short torso.

Specialized.com Jamis Xenith T1 $3,800 The Xenith T1 comes with a comprehensive checklist of tri bike features. It features front and rear hidden brakes—the Windshield aero fork positions the front brake in a rearfacing, enclosed cave and the rear brake hides under the chainstays. Internal cable routing gets the cables out of the wind, which would otherwise create a surprisingly significant amount of drag. Jamis explains that it carefully balanced the bike’s seat tube angle, head tube angle and fork rake to promote straight-line stability in the aero position and responsive cornering. The T1 really does handle well. Jamisbikes.com

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Triathlete.com/TransitionPro

DEAN RS: THE SPEED OF RIDLEY R-SURFACE™

R-FLOW™ Fork

Standard Fork

R-Surface paint, R-Flow fork, Oil Mapping, Wind tunnel proven.

BIKES Fuji D6 3.0 $4,100 The D6 enters its third season as a highend yet value-oriented race machine. The frame has a unique rear brake cavity that “hides” the brake caliper and is designed to reduce wind drag. The front brake cable is routed through the head tube to further enhance aerodynamics. The integrated airfoil seatmast features an elongated seatmast cap that slides down over the frame’s extended seatmast and clamps onto it. In addition to all the aerodynamic gadgetry, the D6 is incredibly stiff.

Fujibikes.com Cervélo P3 $4,500 The P3 provided the blueprint for a successful triathlon bike to the rest of the cycling industry—aerodynamic carbon frame, true triathlon geometry and a mixed parts kit so the bike is affordable. The P3 hasn’t changed dramatically since its introduction several years ago, but it just keeps getting cheaper. Once universally regarded as the “world’s best tri bike,” the P3 is now available with a mixed Ultegra spec and a $3,600 price tag—or as shown for $4,500. It can be priced as a mid-level bike but still rides and races like one of the world’s best for the athlete who wants a “long and low” aggressive position.

Cervelo.com BH GC Aero $5,699 Eneko Llanos' ride of choice is built around a variable-position saddle clamp that allows the rider to select his or her preferred effective seat tube angle between 74 and 78 degrees. When ridden in the steepest configuration, the reach from saddle to aerobars becomes short. This version comes with Sram Red and Vision components and aerobar. The Reynolds Forty Six carbon clincher wheels are capable of race-day and training-day double duty. Bhbikes-us.com

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Triathlete.com/D6

BIKES Cervélo P4 $6,200 The release of the Cervélo P4 might have been the most anticipated debut of any bike in the history of the sport. Following on the heels of the Cervélo P3, many athletes were on the edge of their seats waiting to see what Cervélo would come up with. The model hasn’t yet permeated transition areas like the P3 did and Cervélo has updated it with 25 design changes for 2011. Everything from the seat post to the downtube shape to the integrated water bottle has been examined and improved, making one of the fastest bikes in the world more user-friendly. Many of these improvements are easily retrofitted onto existing P4s. It comes equipped with Sram’s top-of-the-line Red group, along with Rotor’s 3D crank set and 3T’s new Aura carbon aerobar. Cervelo.com Felt B2 $6,999 The B2 was introduced in late 2006, a year after Felt’s top model, the DA, made its first public appearances in professional cycling. The DA could be considered cost-prohibitive, but the B2 is a more attainable object of desire that doesn’t sacrifice an inch of performance. The 2011 B2 is certainly an expensive bike, but it still offers features usually reserved for bikes costing many thousands more. It has Felt’s integrated Bayonet fork design, aerodynamic tube sections and “hidden” component features, but Shimano’s spectacular Dura-Ace Di2 component kit sets it apart.

Feltbicycles.com

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Triathlete.com/P4

Garneau Gennix T1, Price unavailable Garneau is best known for its cycling shoes and clothing in the United States, but it has earned a reputation as a frame maker overseas, and the Gennix T1 has the credentials to bring that reputation stateside. It combines aerodynamically refined tube shapes, cable routing, fork design and brake calipers with tri geometry to make the Gennix T1 a real threat to the established tri bike makers.

Louisgarneau.com Kestrel 4000 LTD Di2 $6,999 The Kestrel 4000 LTD is a Di2-specific frameset constructed with 800k highmodulus carbon fiber, yielding a frame that is both lightweight and laterally stiff.

Aerodynamics were a priority for Kestrel’s engineers when they designed the 4000, and the frame’s 76-degree seat tube angle should put riders in an aerodynamic position to complement the bike’s elegant tube shapes. The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic component group provides fast and flawless gear changes, while the Oval Concepts full-carbon clincher wheelset makes the 4000 LTD race-ready straight off the showroom floor. A bike costing $7,000 is not typically considered “valueoriented,” but very few other high-end frames come with Di2 and race wheels for this price. Kestrelbicycles.com Ellsworth Coefficient $7,495 The storied maker of fine mountain bikes is bringing its traditionalist philosophy of bike construction to triathlon. Tony Ellsworth calls himself a “ride-first designer,” meaning he builds a bike for optimum ride quality; other attributes take a back seat. The Coefficient is Ellsworth’s first tri bike and, although it doesn’t have the aerodynamic refinement of other similarly priced bikes, it boasts the ride quality Ellsworth is renowned for. Ellsworthbikes.com

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BIKES

QR Project Illicito (prototype) Quintana Roo is not a road bike company dabbling in tri bikes—it only builds triathlon bikes. This detachment from road cycling gives QR the freedom to build the fastest triathlon bike without being constrained by the rules that govern road cycling. Project Illicito is the payoff of that freedom. The front of the frame is very similar to the CD0.1, but the rear is radically different.

It only has one seatstay and a massively overbuilt chainstay to compensate for the missing frame tube. QR says the benefits of this outlandish design are increased vertical compliance and reduced aerodynamic drag. Quintanarootri.com Suplicy Quantum $3,100 frameset Suplicy is a start-up bike brand headquartered across the street from San Diego’s famous open-water swimming locale, La Jolla Cove. The brand is captained by former pro triathlete Caue Suplicy and the Quantum is the Brazilian’s first creation. Its geometry is designed to put the rider in an extremely low and aggressive position. The frame features several clever design features intended to reduce aerodynamic drag, such as a raised portion of the top tube that fills the gap behind the steerer tube and a rear wheel shield extending down below the bottom bracket. Suplicybikes.com Orbea Ordu GDR $7,849 The Ordu frame remains relatively unchanged for 2011, and its pedigree in long-course triathlon is almost unmatched thanks to Craig Alexander’s consecutive wins at the Hawaii Ironman. The Ordu’s relatively short head tube will appeal to athletes looking for a low handlebar and aggressive riding position, and its recently introduced forward seat post should allow more triathletes to ride it comfortably.

The top-level Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 kit allows for precise and reliable shifting, and Orbea’s "MyO" program allows athletes to select the exact component spec that will come on their bike. Orbea-usa.com

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Triathlete.com/ProjectIllicito

GIVE CLUTTER

NOWHERE TO HIDE. As every endurance athlete knows: anything that gets in the way has to go. After all, the lighter we are, the farther our fuel takes us. Zoot pushes this belief to its logical limit by stripping shoes of everything and anything that isn’t needed.

Lighter. Cleaner. Faster. Better.

Zoot is a registered trademark of Zoot Sports. © Zoot 2011

ULTRA RACE 3.0

WELCOME TO THE TRIBE.

zootsports.com

BIKES

WIN THIS

BIKE!

With help from our friends at Trek, Triathlete is giving this bike to one lucky reader.

The Triathlete special edition Project One Speed Concept is a size medium frame with Sram Red components, Bontrager Aeolus 9.0 wheels, Fizik Arione Tri 2 saddle, Bontrager Speed Concept aerobar and Bontrager DuoTrap computer. The one-of-a-kind paint job was designed by Triathlete and hand-applied by Trek’s art department, with wheel decals created by Wheeltags.com.

Go to Triathlete.com/winthisbike to enter the contest.

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Trek Speed Concept 9.9 $8,919 (with standard paint) There’s no denying that the Trek Speed Concept 9.9 is stunning, especially in Triathlete garb, but aesthetics aren’t why we chose it as the cover model for Triathlete’s inaugural Buyer’s Guide. The Speed Concept stands out above every other piece of 2011 triathlon gear because of its unprecedented combination of aerodynamic integration and functionality.

At Triathlete, we believe that fit and aerodynamics are the two most important attributes of a triathlon bike—an opinion shared by many. Unfortunately, rider fit and bicycle aerodynamics are often competing interests. Finding one’s ideal position on a bike requires tweaking a bike’s fit over time. It takes adjustment. But components that allow for the most fit adjustment have historically not been the most aerodynamic. The Speed Concept changes that.

Instead of using a traditional stem and steerer tube to attach the aerobars to the frame, Trek created a line of six proprietary stems that not only cover the full range of fit preferences, they are also shaped for aerodynamic performance as well as functionality. In addition to this revolutionary change, the Speed Concept boasts elegantly integrated brakes, nearly invisible cable routing, unique tube shapes and a geometry chart that is truly optimized for triathlon, not road time trialing.

The transformative aerobar attachment system and the array of other pristinely crafted features is why the Trek Speed Concept 9 Series is the 2011 (and first ever) Triathlete Tri Bike of the Year. Trekbikes.com

Triathlete.com/SpeedConcept

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BIKES

Bianchi Pico Crono frameset $3,799 The Pico Crono is Bianchi’s latest foray into the triathlon market, and its short head tube and steep seat angle indicate they are aiming squarely at the performanceobsessed athlete. Bianchi will face tough competition, however, from the latest generation of tri bikes with integrated aerobar attachment systems. The Pico Crono also has a unique chainstay design with horizontal rear dropouts and a channel through the tube to direct airflow.

Bianchiusa.com Guru CR.701 $9,735 as pictured, $3,700 frameset Guru recently redesigned its high-end triathlon bikes, and the new models all center around the same three core design features: horizontally oriented airfoil tubing, aerodynamic profile of the frame as an extension of the rider and customized fit. Like its more expensive sibling, Guru’s CR.701 boasts aero-profile tubes, and each rider’s own personal biomechanical structure can still be facilitated via custom frame geometry. Handling is reminiscent of Guru’s road bikes thanks to its stable front end and smooth-yet-solid fork.

Gurubikes.com Colnago Flight frameset $3,249.95 Although not frequently associated with triathlon, Colnago has been making top-level race machines for decades. As one of the world’s most venerated Italian road bike brands, Colnago prizes ride quality and handling above all else.

In addition to its affinity for ride quality, the traditional company has taken full advantage of today’s computational fluid dynamics technology and wind tunnel testing in the Flight’s development. The geometry is more relaxed than most tri bikes, particularly its shallow seat tube angle.

Colnago.com

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Pinarello Graal $14,500 The historic Italian bike maker is renowned for its majestic road bikes more than its triathlon bikes, but Pinarello is starting to embrace multisport. Leanda Cave raced to a top-10 finish in Kona last year aboard Pinarello’s top-end tri bike, the FT3. Pinarello’s road-focused TT bike, the Graal, combines traditional geometry with modern aerodynamic design.

Pinarello.com Blue Triad SL $9,800 The Triad SL is part of the new generation of tri bikes that replace the traditional stem with an integrated handlebar attachment system to reduce wind resistance. Many bikes of this style place limits on the range of fit adjustment, but this bike has a geometric advantage over some of its rivals. Blue’s tri bikes tend to have a tall stack value, which means the top of the head tube is high in relation to the rest of the frame, and the Triad SL follows that formula. Many integrated front-end systems limit the handlebar stack and thereby limit the number of riders the bike will fit, but the Triad SL’s tall stack height allows more riders to achieve their ideal position on this bike without jacking the aerobars high above the frame.

Rideblue.com

Triathlete.com/TriadSL

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BIKES

Scott Plasma Premium $10,499 The Plasma Premium’s defining feature is its proprietary aerobar attachment system. Scott replaced the traditional stem with its own version that tucks neatly into the frame to reduce aerodynamic drag. Scott produces four different stems that are compatible with the frame, but those options cover a moderately broad spectrum of fit preferences—cyclists who require a tall front-end position will struggle to find their ideal fit on the Plasma Premium.

The frame has unique features from tip to tail that are designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, and its components are equally race-ready. Equipped with Sram Red and a set of Zipp 808/1080 wheels, the Plasma Premium is a prepackaged dream bike. Scott-sports.com

Triathlete.com/PlasmaPremium

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Photo: © John Segesta

“ I have found my Jamis Xenith SL to be the lightest and most responsive road bike I have ridden.

In our type of racing these two features go a long way in overall performance.”

Laura Bennett - 2010 USAT National Champion - 4th Beijing Olympic Games 2008 - 4 x World Championship Medalist

© Delly Carr - Sports Photography

2011 Jamis Xenith T2

The ”Race of Truth” it’s called: just you, the wind and the clock. We have the tools to stop the clock sooner than the competition. Whether it’s the wind tunnel developed and tested Jamis Xenith T-Series outfitted with its revolutionary Windshield® fork or the Xenith SL which has spent

2011 Jamis Xenith SL

years being honed to perfection in the pro peloton. Jamis designs bikes to help athletes of all levels and disciplines around the globe post their fastest times ever. Get fitted on a Xenith at your local authorized Jamis dealer today and you’ll see, you too can turn back the clock.

www.jamisbikes.com

BIKES

Serotta HSG Aero $10,995 Serotta has a lot in common with Cadillac.

Both are historic brands traditionally known for smooth-riding machines with excellent handling that are now embracing modern design to produce performancefocused machines. The Serotta HSG Aero is a stock geometry tri bike that takes advantage of deep-section airfoil tubes to reduce aerodynamic drag, but Serotta still prioritizes the rider experience over anything else, so the HSG Aero has an oversized tapered head tube to stiffen the front end. Combine that with Serotta’s legendary geometric design skill, and it becomes clear that the HSG Aero is a luxury machine designed for the race course.

The frameset goes for $5,495.

Serotta.com Argon 18 E-114 $11,499 The E-114’s defining feature is its proprietary stem system. It has a fully integrated structural fairing, and the external steerer hides both the head tube and the front brake. It does away with the need for a conventional stem and allows the rider to adjust position by using multiple component options, including aero spacers mounted directly to the external steerer, variable length stems and two styles of carbon extensions. Its reversible seat post design also allows for a variable seat tube angle.

Argon18bike.com

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Wilier Cento1 Crono $4,799 frameset The massive swooping tubes of the Cento1 Crono are truly unique. With features such as the nipple that extends from the downtube toward the front wheel and the enormous seat post/top tube junction, the Cento1 Crono demands attention. These uncommon tube shapes were designed by famed aerodynamics expert John Cobb.

Despite the dramatic frame shape, it lacks an integrated front end like those found on similarly priced bikes that were released in the past year. Although Wilier has been building bikes for more than 100 years, the Cento1 Crono has a steep seat tube rather than a traditional laid-back angle, so riders who prefer an aggressive position might be a good match for the Cento1 Crono.

Wilier-usa.com Guru CR.901 $4,900 frameset Guru’s primary objective with the original Crono was to facilitate proper rider position in order to attain an aerodynamic profile without sacrificing biomechanical efficiency. This time around, Guru combined custom fit with an upgraded aerodynamic frame design. Every tube has an aero profile and the cables are tucked behind the aerobars. In addition to the aero upgrades over its predecessor, the CR.901 boasts an oversize bottom bracket and chainstay configuration designed for optimal power transfer. As any experienced triathlete will attest, good fit is essential, and Guru’s custom fit program helps seamlessly bond the rider to the frame.

Gurubikes.com

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BIKES

Specialized S-Works Shiv Module $5,500 The Specialized Shiv was piloted to the Ironman World Championship by Chris "Macca" McCormack and the UCI World Time Trial Championship by Fabian Cancellara. The Shiv boasts near seamless integration at the front end and is actually a remarkable value when compared to its peers. Its price tag of $5,500 for what Specialized calls a "module" includes the frame, S-Works crank and bottom bracket, basebar, extensions, brake levers, integrated brake calipers and two seat post options, including a more forward seat post that triathletes should appreciate.

According to Specialized, the Shiv tests extremely well in the wind tunnel, and the race results support that assertion.

Specialized.com

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BIKES

Look 596 I-Pack $5,999 frameset If you want a super-bike with an integrated front end but don’t want to deal with the hassles of a proprietary hidden front brake, the 596 I-Pack might be your dream machine. It is one of the stiffest and bestriding triathlon bikes on the road and, unlike many ride-focused triathlon bikes, it also performs extremely well in the wind tunnel.

One of the reasons this bike is so stiff is its integrated crank. Look created a one-piece BB30 carbon crank that presses into the frame and provides an incredible stiffnessto-weight ratio. Lookcycle.com BMC Timemachine TT01 $11,999 frameset BMC’s TT01 is one of the original time trial/ tri bikes with a fully integrated front-end system. The bike has been around for years and boasts features that other companies are only now using in their tri bikes. And the frame is customizable. Its geometry and even the wall thickness of various tubes can be changed based on a rider’s preferences. The rest of the cycling industry has caught up to the TT01, so it is no longer in a class of its own, but it still integrates fit and aerodynamics better than most new designs. Bmc-racing.com // GEOFF NENNINGER, MARK DETERLINE AND AARON HERSH

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Triathlete.com/596

AIR 9 CARBON: VISIT A DEMO DEALER TO EXPERIENCE WHAT THE MAGAZINES CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT.

DEMO A NINER Reviews from around the world for all our bikes.

Check them out on Ninerbikes.com

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY AT ONE OF OUR DEMO DEALERS. FOR ADDRESSES AND A LIST OF BIKES AT EACH LOCATION, VISIT WWW.NINERBIKES.COM/TRI OR SEARCH “NINER BIKES” ON FACEBOOK.

cycling shoes Northwave Tribute $169.99 The Northwave has two transition-specific features that distinguish them from other mid-priced options. The inside of the shoe has a soft liner that comfortably wraps around the foot, and the shoe closure strap has a creative add-on that keeps the shoe open during a flying mount. There is a small patch of Velcro on the outside of the closure strap that sticks to the shoe upper to prevent the strap from slipping during a flying mount. Its upper is only minimally breathable, but the massive forefoot compartment makes the Tribute an ideal candidate for triathletes with wide feet.

Shoe width: extremely broad Northwave.com Mavic Tri Race $199.95 The Mavic Tri Race feels like a top-shelf cycling shoe but is priced mid-range. Its sole is stiff, although not the stiffest, but its slipper-like forefoot is the Tri Race’s best feature. It wraps the foot without creating pressure points, and the shoe’s soft inner liner further conforms to the rider’s anatomy.

Its heel cup, however, is a little loose, and the tongue comes high up the foot and can create a little abrasion at the junction of the foot and the shin. Despite these minor issues, we loved riding in these shoes. The Tri Race’s combination of weight, price and fit make it the right shoe for cyclists of any level with a mid- to low-volume foot. Shoe width: mid-narrow Mavic.com Shimano TR52 $199.99 The Shimano TR52 has an insanely stiff sole and an extremely breathable upper. It is cut for a high-volume foot and the width of its large forefoot compartment cannot be adjusted. Its weight matches up evenly with most options at this price point, and it boasts transition-accelerating features such as a large heel loop and a single-strap closure system. The TR52 has a simple, noB.S. design with well-made features from toe to heel. Shoe width: wide Shimano.com

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Louis Garneau Tri Lite $169.99 The Tri Lite has a large but not cavernous forefoot and a broad heel cup. Its stiffness rivals any shoe at this price point and is significantly lighter than nearly all of its peers. It is also the easiest shoe to enter of any we tested for the Buyer’s Guide. It has a massive opening when the tongue is pulled back, and the shoe closure strap has a cleverly placed tiny Velcro flap that wraps around the closure strap guide to hold the shoe open, even when being dragged out of transition while attached to the pedal. Shoe width: mid-wide Louisgarneau.com Specialized Trivent Sport $100 The Specialized Trivent Sport has the most refined fit of any shoe at this price range we have tested. Its mid-volume forefoot is matched with a smooth arch and heel cup that firmly binds the foot to the shoe.

It is breathable but still provides wind protection, thanks to a solid plastic toe cover. At 313 grams, it is no heavier than some $200 options. The only significant difference between this shoe and pricier options is its plastic sole, which flexes noticeably when sprinting. It did not create a hotspot on our tester’s foot, however.

Shoe width: mid Specialized.com Sidi T2.6 $339.99 The Sidi T2.6 is distinguished by its precise fit, not by trinkets or semi-useful add-ons.

They feel like slippers. The narrow toe box is constructed from moderately flexible faux snakeskin that cradles a thin foot, and the heel is secured by a foam anchor and elegantly shaped cup. The shoe’s inner liner is a soft felt-like material, but there is a seam around the heel cup. It is, however, heavier than other similarly priced shoes.

If you are bold enough to ride in silver snakeskin, the T2.6 is the gold standard for comfortable fit, although its price certainly reflects Sidi’s reputation as chic Italian footwear. Shoe width: narrow Sidiusa.com

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cycling shoes Bont Sub-8 $398.95 The entire structural carbon sole of the Bont Sub-8 is moldable, which allows for the shoe itself to conform to the rider’s foot, almost like a custom insole. It is one of the lightest tri shoes available and has a gigantic heel loop for easy entry, but its inner material feels a little rough on a bare foot. Most cycling shoes have a flat sole, but the Sub-8 wraps up around the side of the foot. This makes the sole wildly stiff but also prevents the foot from moving freely in any direction. Shoe width: mid-wide Bont.com Bontrager RXL Hilo $169.99 The RXL Hilo is a light, carbon-soled shoe with a precise cut and fit. It has the attributes typically found on more expensive tri shoes. The heel cup locks the foot into the shoe, and the eSoles insole prevents the foot from sliding back and forth but doesn't restrict the arch from moving naturally. They fit about a halfsize smaller than many other shoes. The tongue, however, doesn’t open very wide and makes the shoe more difficult to enter than others during a flying mount. Shoe width: mid Bontrager.com Scott Tri Pro $114.99 The Scott Tri Pro opens exceptionally wide, which helps to ease entry during a flying mount, but it is missing a heel loop, so grabbing hold of the shoe while rolling down the road is a bit tricky. It is well-vented, and its adjustable insole can be tweaked to provide additional arch or forefoot support. Shoe width: mid-narrow Scott-sports.com Gaerne Carbon G.Kona $259.99 Gaerne is not yet renowned in the U.S. for its triathlon shoes, but the fit of the Carbon G.Kona reveals that the Italian company knows exactly how to design a shoe. Its plain white upper doesn’t stand out among the competition, but slip the shoe on and you will immediately recognize that the Carbon G.Kona is a finely crafted piece of footwear. Simply put, it fits brilliantly.

It delicately cradles the foot from toe to heel without creating any hotspots and is a worthy rival for the Sidi T2.6. The upper, however, is inflexible, so if the shoes do not match your foot, they will not conform to it.

The Carbon G.Kona’s only weak spot is its flimsy insole, which can stick to a sweaty foot when stepping out of the shoe for T2.

Shoe width: mid-narrow Gaerne.com // AARon HeRSH

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596 Photo athlète : Thierry Sourbier

Mike Aigroz - Ironman Kona 2010

“No words can describe the experience. Only three digits.“

596 I-PACK: Aerodynamics, Power, and Versatility

The 596 was designed with all-around performance in mind, it utilizes the latest wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic modeling, carbon engineering, and LOOK patented integration. The 100% VHM Carbon fiber frame and fork offer exceptional lateral rigidity and ultra light weight, while the aerodynamically optimized tube shapes provide an unmatched aerodynamic advantage. The integration of the LOOK patented E-Post R32, specifically designed for triathlon seat angles, allows for ride quality adjustment through a unique elastomer system, and the ZED 2 Crankset* offers the best stiffness to weight ratio in the industry at a feathery 320grams, all while the 100% carbon indexing stem offers the largest variety of areobar positions of any bike available.

All these things combined make the 596 I-PACK the most advanced tri bike on the market today. *Delivered with Keo Blade Crmo pedals .

www.lookcycle.com

AERO HELMETS

Specialized TT2 $250 The Specialized TT2 aero helmet is both wellconstructed and lightweight.

Thanks to its large and functional vents, this helmet can be comfortably worn for any event distance from a sprint triathlon to an Ironman, as demonstrated by this year’s Ironman world champion Chris McCormack, who wore the TT2 in Kona last October en route to his second world title. Its long tail helps the TT2 match many different back profiles. It's available in two sizes and comes in both red and black.

At $250, the TT2 is not the least expensive aero helmet on the market, but the price does include a hard case, which is essential for those traveling to races.

Specialized.com Lazer Tardiz $200 The most unique feature of the Lazer Tardiz helmet is the Aquavent, a port on the top of the helmet that allows riders to cool off by pouring water onto themselves. It creates excellent temperature regulation and makes the Tardiz a helmet that long-course athletes should consider. Lazer’s Rollsys retention system allows for one-handed fit adjustment via a dial on the top of the helmet. Available in two sizes and, in true Italian fashion, a wide variety of colors, the Lazer Tardiz should appeal to triathletes concerned with comfort and fit as much as aerodynamic benefit.

Lazerhelmets.com

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Triathlete.com/TT2

Louis Garneau Vorttice $249.99 Louis Garneau makes lofty claims about the aerodynamic performance of its newest aero helmet, the Vorttice. According to Garneau, it is very aerodynamic because of the helmet's forward-thinking design elements, including dimples, vortex generators to channel air flowing over the helmet and a unique short-tail design. A vented lens is included with purchase. The Spiderlock SL retention system allows for a dialed fit and can be adjusted on the fly with one hand. Louisgarneau.com Catlike Chrono Aero Plus $300 Spanish maker Catlike recently entered the U.S. market. Its Chrono Aero Plus helmet is both light and well-ventilated, and the quality of its construction is striking. The closed-tail design is rare among aero helmets and should help save precious fractions of a second in races against the clock. A retention system allows athletes to dial in a precise fit; however, a one-sizefits-all shell might limit this helmet to those with an average-size dome. Racers can choose from two color options (black/ white or red/white), and the pod case that comes with the helmet will protect it when traveling to races. Catlike.es Spiuk Kronos $229.99 The Kronos is a lightweight option from Spanish maker Spiuk. This aero helmet has a long closed tail that tends to best match athletes with a low, aerodynamic position.

While the helmet does have two front vents and a rear exhaust port, ventilation could be better. The wide ear coverings make the Kronos a breeze to put on in transition.

Like the LAS Cronometro, the Kronos is available in three colors, but only one size, which might limit which riders this helmet will appeal to. Spiuk.com

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AERO HELMETS

Giro Advantage 2 $165 For 2011, the Advantage 2 returns relatively unchanged. Few helmets have the racewinning pedigree of the Advantage 2, and Giro has the wind tunnel testing to back up these race results. Available in two sizes with the adjustable Roc Loc 5 retention system, the Advantage 2 should fit a wide range of athletes. Five vents will help keep core temperatures down, making this helmet a good option for long-course racing. Its tight ear covers help reduce drag but force the rider to take extra care when putting the Advantage 2 on in transition.

Giro.com LAS Cronometro $225 Italian firm LAS offers its Cronometro helmet in three colors; however, the one-size-fits-all design might not appeal to athletes with either small or large heads. Included with purchase are two windscreens—one yellow and one smoke tinted—for improved aerodynamics. The helmet’s two vents help keep athletes cool in warmer weather. Lashelmets.com Rudy Project Wingspan $300 At 349 grams, the Rudy Project Wingspan is one of the lightest helmets on the market.

It incorporates large air intake vents into its design, and a unique vent cover option allows athletes to choose a mesh option for better temperature regulation or a solid cover for better aerodynamics. The short tail is ideal for riders who frequently glance down at the road or their computer. Though available only in one size, Rudy’s 7 Disc retention system allows for adjustment to each individual’s fit requirement. Colors abound with the Wingspan. It has no fewer than six different color options in addition to the ability to custom design your own scheme. Rudyproject.com //GEOFF NENNINGER

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COMPUTERS AND POWER METERS

Sigma BC 1009 STS $59.99 This is a no-frills speed and distance measurement computer at a great price.

The BC 1009 was easy to install, and we picked up the computer functions with just a glance at the instruction manual.

The display is easy to see, the navigation is intuitive and the buttons are large enough that we could flip through the functions while wearing gloves on a cold day of testing. This gadget is sweet, simple and won’t let you down. Sigmasport.com Cateye V3 Cyclocomputer $200 The Cateye V3 is a pretty slick device.

Innovative sensor placement and a heart rate strap allow the computer to display speed, cadence and heart rate data all within handlebar’s reach. We particularly liked its calorie tracking function, large storage capacity, lap counter and countdown-to-distance feature. We were, however, a little uncomfortable with the computer mount. The plastic nut used to tighten the plastic mounting to the handlebars didn’t inspire confidence that it would hold over many miles. It does not have an option to enter rider weight data, which significantly degrades the accuracy of the caloric tracking function and cannot download its data to a computer for further analysis. Cateye.com Quarq CinQo Saturn $1,930 without head unit Quarq is a relative newcomer to the power meter market, and the company's innovative approach may soon make this the power meter of choice for the multisport crowd. The ANT+ Sport wireless technology is compatible with many computers, including the Garmin Forerunner 310XT, so it is ideal for athletes looking for an all-in-one computer option.

One of CinQo Saturn’s biggest strengths is its ability to record data while using different wheelsets. It makes for a great training partner, and the data we collected downloaded without any problems. The CinQo’s compatibility is still limited to a half-dozen cranks and computers, but that range is expanding, which will increase the Quarq CincQo Saturn’s capabilities over time. For now, this unit is a bargain only for those who’ve already bought compatible computers. The brief instruction manual made it easy to use. Quarq.com

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Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan are two of the pioneers and current experts in the science and application of power training. They share their wisdom in great detail in their newest book, Training and Racing with a Power Meter. If you’re trying to optimize your power training without paying a coach every month, their book contains all the information you need.

CycleOps Powertap Pro+ $1,349.99 Powertap is perhaps the most popular power meter, and for good reason. From the road to the computer screen, nothing provides equally comprehensive analysis of your ride as a Powertap combined with CycleOps’ software, Poweragent. You can design workouts on the computer, pull them up on the bike-mounted unit and analyze your data from every imaginable aspect after the workout. Unless you’re ready to make yourself a power training expert or are willing to pay a coach to do it for you, this may be more device than you need. The Powertap unit is located in the rear hub, so if you want to train and race with power, you need two separate meters, which can get expensive. Cycleops.com Cateye Strada Wireless $65 What’s not to like about wireless? The look is clean and the computer is maintenancefree, but the wireless connection doesn’t come without drawbacks. While we didn’t experience it in testing, others have complained. Cateye admits on its website that signal interference can occur and impact speed and distance measurements.

Operation of the unit is buttonless, and instead uses a control scheme that cycles through the computer’s eight functions by pressing on the entire unit. Cateye.com

Profile Design UCM This handy $12 accessory creates an effective computer mount on the aerobar extensions.

iBike iAero $659 The concept of the iBike is to measure the rider’s power without using the strain gauges that make traditional power meters so expensive. It does so by measuring wind speed and road incline, then crunching the numbers through a complex algorithm to arrive at an estimated power reading.

This algorithm depends on a slow-down test that estimates the rider and bike’s coefficient of rolling resistance and drag, which requires big assumptions. IBike can provide an estimate of power and can be used to test a rider’s aerodynamic drag, but it is not the same as a power meter with strain gauges. Ibikesports.com //JIM GOURLEY

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AEROBARS

3T Brezza II $700 Weighing in at 527 grams, the Brezza II, as the name implies, is the second iteration of the popular Brezza model. Italian firm 3T tweaked the design of the original to allow the Brezza II to comply with the rules of international cycling. In addition to its airfoil basebar and light weight, the onepiece bars are moderately adjustable.

Pad height and width are the main areas of adjustability, and its compatibility with conventional stems ensures athletes will be able to place the bars where they need to accommodate their preferred position.

3T offers straight and single-bend extensions as alternatives to the standard S-bend extensions. 3tcycling.com Deda Kronos $600 The Deda Kronos is the latest triathlon handlebar from Italian component stalwart Deda Elementi. The Kronos offers pad width and rotational adjustment, but a limited selection of extensions available from Deda might reserve this bar for athletes looking for a shallow single-bend extension. These one-piece carbon bars are compatible with conventional stems and the Kronos’ 550-gram weight should appeal to even the most dedicated gram counters. Dedaelementi.com Easton Attack TT $750 Easton’s Attack TT bar is the newest triathlon handlebar offering from the sporting goods giant. This latest version has more adjustability than its predecessor due to its new collet system, which adds a small amount of weight, putting the Easton Attack TT at 575 grams. Most athletes will be well-served by the changes, which allow for length adjustment from forearm pad to the extensions. The basebar of the one-piece Attack TT is 42 cm measured center-to-center, wider than many other one-piece bars in the category, an attribute that larger riders or athletes who climb hills on their tri bike will appreciate.

Eastoncycling.com Triathlete.com/AttackTT

Get the free mobile app at

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AEROBARS

USE Tula $899 USE is short for Ultimate Sports Engineering, and the ultimate aerobar is exactly what the USE engineers had in mind when they designed the Tula. USE claims that athletes can save up to 15 watts over conventional aerobars due to the Tula’s unique aerodynamic design.

Its brake levers sit parallel to the basebar and extend toward the center of the bar rather than pointing toward the asphalt.

This reduces the bar’s overall frontal area, but the unique design ought to limit these bars to experienced riders because the unconventional brakes might be awkward for a tentative cyclist. The Tula also gives athletes myriad choices in extensions, with both carbon and alloy versions of straight, single-bend and S-bend extensions all available. Use1.com Ritchey Hammerhead $769.90 Ritchey’s Hammerhead Time Trial Bar comes as a modular kit, which allows athletes to choose from various basebars and extensions to create their own ideal setup. Basebars are available in 38 cm and 40 cm widths, and extensions are available in S-bend and straight configurations in either alloy or carbon.

The Hammerhead is highly adjustable because its forearm pads and extension clamps can slide along the basebar.

Ritcheylogic.com Vision Vector Carbon R-Bend $589.98 Vision’s new Vector clip-on aerobar represents a change in direction for the venerable aero gear manufacturer.

Most of its previous bars were offered in a selection of sizes but with limited adjustability. The Vector changes that.

Its aero extensions attach with a system that allows users to both change the shape of their extensions and to adjust the reach from forearm rest to the end of the extension. The company has kept with its well-padded and generously sized forearm pads, which adjust to three different widths and allow athletes to fine-tune their position.

Visiontechusa.com

Triathlete.com/Vector

Get the free mobile app at

http:/ / gettag.mobi Vision Metron Vision unveiled Metron, its tri-specific component group, last summer and those parts are nearly ready for the road.

The component group includes derailleurs, chain, cassette, crank and brakes, but the shifters are the highlight. Metron downshifts by pulling the entire head unit back toward the rider and upshifts by pulling the lever that extends beneath the shifter.

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AEROBARS

Zipp VukaBull and VukaClip $425 The aero whiz-kids at Zipp have redesigned the VukaBull basebar for 2011, and the new version has increased stiffness and improved aerodynamics. It is also available in two options, with zero drop or 40 mm of drop. The VukaBull pairs perfectly with Zipp’s VukaClip aerobars, which come with lightweight carbon extensions that are available in straight, ski-bend and S-bend versions. Zipp’s VukaShift extensions, which position the shifter closer to the rider, are also an option. Zipp.com Profile Design T3+ and T2 Wing $189.98 The Profile Design T3+ is a clip-on-style aerobar. The T3+ uses a drop-bend extension designed to improve wrist comfort in the aero position. In traditional Profile Design fashion, its latest bar is one of the most adjustable on the market. Its design allows athletes to adjust not only the length of the aerobar but also the reach from their saddle to both the forearm rests and the end of the extension or shifters. All of this adjustability should appeal to both newer triathletes, who haven’t yet decided on a final position, and experienced athletes who like to constantly tweak their current position. Profile-design.com

Triathlete.com/T3

Get the free mobile app at

http:/ / gettag.mobi

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AEROBARS

Hed Corsair $950 The Hed Corsair might just be the ultimate aerobar. It employs more features demanded by discerning riders than almost any other bar. Light weight, good adjustability and an aerodynamic profile are all design elements demanded by elite level triathletes, and the Corsair executes all three beautifully. With a total system weight of 585 grams, the Corsair is lightweight compared to other bars in the category, and the basebar is available in both flat or deep-dropping configurations.

Its extensions come in three shapes: S-bend, traditional single-bend and Hed’s own lazy S-bend. The traditional clip-on design of the aerobar clamps allows for almost infinite adjustment, and integrated brake levers and internal cable routing complete the package. Hedcycling.com Pro Missile Evo $1,199.99 The Pro Missile is a one-piece bar that offers vast adjustability in a stiff and aerodynamic package. The proprietary Twistlock design grips the carbon extensions, available in straight, singlebend or S-bend shapes. Fully integrated internal cable routing keeps things clean and aerodynamic, and the 5 mm gel pads are comfortable but don’t add bulk.

The 42 cm width of the basebars is both comfortable and stable when standing or braking. The Pro Missile is also UCI-legal, something that triathletes who also race in cycling events will appreciate.

Pro-bikegear.com

Triathlete.com/Corsair

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// GEOFF NENNINGER

Triathlete.com/MissileEvo

Get the free mobile app at

http:/ / gettag.mobi Buying Tip The height difference between the pads and extension is just as important as extension shape. Higher pads, in relation to the extensions, put more tension through the wrists than low-mounted pads.

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SADDLES

Fizik Arione Tri 2 Carbon Braided $299.99 The Fizik Arione Tri 2 (1) has been one of the most popular tri saddles to date. It’s a flat saddle (when viewed from the side), which means it does not have a pocket to cradle your sit bones like traditional road saddles. This is an advantage because it gives the rider room to move fore and aft on the saddle and naturally select a preferred posture. Fizik has gone with a flat surface instead of a round or convex shape, which increases surface area and decreases softtissue saddle pressure. Fizik.com

2 1

Selle Italia SLR Tri $196.99 The SLR Tri (2) is a traditional saddle with a big, round nose and a subtle pocket. Its large nose and split upper portion that effectively distribute pressure differentiate it from other saddles of this variety. The back of this saddle creates a comfortable position when riding out of the aerobars.

Testers were pleasantly surprised by this saddle. Selleitalia.com Prologo Nago Evo Tri $199 This saddle (3) comes in two models: one with raised ridges on the nose (meant to prevent the rider from sliding off the front) and one without. The Nago Evo Tri’s nose is similar to the Fizik Arione Tri but has a few notable differences. At first glance, this saddle looks flat, but it has a small concaved pocket just behind the nose. It has an abrupt transition from the nose to the tail, which helps prevent the rear of the saddle from rubbing on the back of the rider’s legs. Prologotouch.com

3

Specialized Tritip Expert $100 Specialized placed the saddle’s pocket toward the nose for comfort when riding in a moderately forward position. This characteristic of the Tritip Expert (4) works great for athletes riding less aggressive positions but prevents riders from sitting all the way out on the nose. The only option is to stay back on this saddle, and if you do, you'll certainly find the sweet spot.

Specialized.com Selle San Marco Aspide TT $249.99 We found this saddle (5) to be best suited to the triathlete who rides a less aggressive position, often on a road bike with clipons. The Aspide TT’s traditional shape and curved nose dictate that the rider sit rearward on the saddle, which makes it hard to ride in an aggressive aero position.

Because of its curved nose, this saddle tends to create pressure as the pelvis rotates forward. Sellesanmarco.it

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4

5

Buying Tip When riding in the aero position, an athlete must rotate his hips forward to bend over and reach the aerobars. This forward rotation changes how your sit bones and buttocks contact the saddle and places more pressure on soft tissue areas, so a saddle that you find comfortable when riding a road bike may not be comfortable in a tri position.

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SaddleS Bontrager Race Lite TT $89.99 This saddle (6) is similar to other big-nosed traditional saddles in this review, such as the Selle Italia SLR Tri and Specialized Tri Tip. However it has a few subtle differences such as a very flat, wide nose made of soft gel covered with a fabric that prevents the rider from slipping. The Race Lite TT does not have a cutout, but the lack of this feature does not create problems for many riders. These features will undoubtedly be good for some, but not for others.

Bontrager.com Fizik Miss Tri $159.99 The Miss Tri (7) saddle is constructed in a traditional fashion without cutouts or ridges and has ample surface area to distribute pressure. Many female road racers who spend long hours on the bike have success riding this versatile saddle.

Fizik has altered its proven shape to suit triathletes by softening the nose and adding some surface area to distribute the additional pressure created by riding in an aerodynamic position, which tends to shift weight forward on a saddle. Some women who ride in a more upright position will be comfortable riding the rear portion of the saddle. Fizik.com

7

6

ISM Race $199.95 The ISM Race (8) is an anatomical saddle that greatly reduces soft tissue pressure that most traditional saddles create. It provides direct support to the sit bones and allows riders of either gender to rotate forward into the aero position without contacting their especially sensitive parts.

Some riders experience soreness on their pelvic bones when first riding the ISM Race, but this issue disappears after about two weeks. This saddle is in a category of its own. Ismseat.com

8

Specialized Romin Expert $100 The Romin (9) is part of the Specialized Body Geometry line and is specifically intended for road racing. It works extremely well for triathletes who want more saddle under their rear but still ride an aggressive, forward and low position. If you’re not a nose rider but are looking for a saddle that allows you to ride rearward while reaping the benefits of an aero position, this will match your needs. Specialized.com Cobb V-Flow Plus $149.99 The V-Flow Plus (10) is an anatomical twoposition saddle that allows for a rearward position when riding out of the aerobars and creates a uniquely well-supported noseriding position courtesy of its sunken nose.

It effectively supports the rider when in either position because its split nose with an enormous cutout prevents the soft tissue from contacting the saddle when riding with hips rotated forward. This isolates saddle pressure on the narrow portion of the sit bones and protects the soft tissue between them. Cobbcycling.com //Todd CaRVER and MaT STEInMETz

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Components Sram Apex Group $676 Sram’s latest offering is incredibly cheap, but that does not mean that it gives up quality or functionality.

Apex is unique because it is available with an 11-32 cassette and a compact 50/34 crankset, thus offering a wider gearing range than most three-chainring-equipped road bikes while maintaining the simplicity and shift accuracy of a double. Apex is a great value-oriented road group, especially for riders who climb frequently. It earned the Editor's Choice award because its price and performance are unprecedented.

Sram.com Shimano Ultegra tri kit $1,187.92 Ultegra has been Shimano’s workhorse component group for years, and its latest generation carries on that tradition. When Ultegra was updated in 2010, it received the vast majority of design features found in the top-of-the-line Dura-Ace 7900 group, such as the ultra-rigid “Hollowglide” chainrings, stronger brake calipers and a rear derailleur that can accept up to a 28-tooth cog. Interestingly, Shimano’s new brakes use a different actuation ratio than past designs and, if you are using them as intended on a tri bike, they should be coupled with a pair of compatible (and often more expensive) levers such as the Dura-Ace carbon tri levers. Shimano.com Sram Red Group $2,289 Featuring ceramic bearings and pulleys, compatibility with almost any Shimano cassette body and a plethora of lightweight carbon fiber ornaments, Sram Red has quickly become one of the benchmark race component groups. The Red triathlon group includes carbon S900 shift and brake levers, and the new, quieter version of the 1091 chain is now standard equipment.

Red’s lightweight and ceramic bearings make it an elite race-specific group, and it’s priced hundreds less than the top-ofthe-line competition from Shimano and Campagnolo. Sram.com

triathlete.com/Red

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Components

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 $4,027.88 for the complete tri group After more than a couple of failed attempts by others in the past, electronic shifting is here to stay, thanks to Shimano’s impeccable Dura-Ace Di2 group. Heading into its third season, Di2 has proven that it shifts faster and more precisely than anything else, and that the batteries are dependable, long-lasting and quickly rechargeable. The simple touch-button shift levers work especially well on aerobars because not only are they easy to reach and use, they also eliminate the long runs of internal cabling that often degrade shift performance and are difficult to maintain.

The downside? All this technology comes at a price—almost $2,000 more than standard, mechanically actuated Dura-Ace. Shimano.com Hawk Racing Bottom Brackets $100-$130 If you’re looking to eliminate every last watt of resistance from your component group, the longest lasting, lowest maintenance and smoothest spinning bottom bracket we’ve found is produced by Hawk Racing.

Rather than using ceramic bearings, Hawk Racing uses high-quality and well-sealed stainless ABEC3 bearings. These bearings are available for external bearing cranks and a number of press-fit applications, and they’re half the price of a good ceramic bottom bracket. Hawk-racing.com Zipp VukaR2C $349 Return-to-center shift levers return the lever to its original horizontal position after shifts, rather than forcing the lever to rest in an upturned or downturned position. Zipp’s VukaR2C shifters are available for both Shimano and Sram components. Zipp.com Zipp VukaShift S-bend extensions $200 Zipp’s VukaShift aerobar extensions have shift lever mounts molded directly into the extension. This eliminates the heaviest parts of the shift levers and, more importantly, draws the shifters 2 cm closer to the rider, making it easier and more comfortable to reach the lever. Zipp.com //IAn BuCHAnAn

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PEDALS

Look Keo Blade Carbon $319.99 By using a carbon fiber spring to hold the cleat in the pedal and a long-strand carbon fiber pedal body, the Keo Blade offers improved release and retention functions in a stiffer, lighter and notably larger platform than Look’s benchmark Keo Max series.

The Blade offers an oversize axle with roller/needle bearings and a stainless steel anti-friction plate to minimize pedal wear issues that some riders experienced with the original Keo design. Available in two spring tension levels, riders who are used to the feel of Look pedals will find that the Keo Blade floats with far less friction, yet torsional stability is improved. 305 grams a pair with cleats Lookcycle.com Speedplay Light Action Stainless $185 Designed to combine the ease of entry/exit of Speedplay’s original X series pedal with the stability and adjustability of its Zero series pedals, the Light Action Stainless is a great performance-oriented recreational pedal for those who find Speedplay’s dual-sided engagement, high-quality bearings, light weight (323 grams with cleats) and durable metal cleat construction to be an attractive package. Like the Speedplay Zero, getting into the Light Action requires a different entry technique than the toe-first method most pedals use, but the technique quickly becomes second nature. Speedplay.com Shimano PD-5700 SPD-SL $110 The cleats, retention/release mechanism, bearings, pedal body and stainless steel anti-friction/wear plate on the PD-5700 are virtually identical to the next-levelup Ultegra PD-6700 pedals. This makes the PD-5700 a dependable and stable platform that is a great value for those on a tight budget. The downside? At 399 grams with cleats, the PD-5700 is on the heavier side of the pedal weight spectrum.

Shimano.com

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PEDALS

Speedplay Nanogram Zero $630 Speedplay’s Zero series of pedals starts at $125, but the top-of-the-line Nanogram shows what is possible when price is no object. The Nano still offers the same high-performance stability, simplicity and adjustability found in the rest of the Zero series, but it simply eliminates every gram of excess fat possible by using a carbon fiber body, ultra-svelte titanium axle, aluminum and titanium hardware and ceramic cartridge bearings. At a feathery 219 grams a pair with cleats, the Nano is not for riders weighing more than 185 pounds, and you should expect the exotic hardware and bearings to wear faster than a standard Speedplay pedal. Speedplay.com Look Keo 2 Max $179.99 A proven performer, the Look Keo Max now offers the same three-bearing design found in the higher-end Keo Max Carbon ($220) but without the stiffer pedal body. A stainless steel platform protects the pedal body from wear while also increasing the overall platform size from the previousgeneration Keo. Like all Look pedals, the Keo 2 Max comes with cleats that create 4.5 degrees of float that work well for most riders, but fixed and 9-degree float options are also available. 325 grams a pair with cleats Lookcycle.com Mavic Race SL Ti $249.90 With titanium axles that do not have a rider weight limit and with a dual material (aluminum/carbon) body, the Mavic Race SL Ti offers top-of-the-line features at a mid-level price. The Race SL Ti uses a proven cleat design (similar to Look and Shimano) and ships from the factory with a 7-degree float cleat, but a fixed cleat is available separately. The test pair felt stiff and stable with positive engagement and consistent release. Excellent wear life can be expected out of Mavic’s QRM bearings, which are found in many Mavic wheels as well. 320 grams with cleats Mavic.com //IAN BUCHANAN

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110-112_Pedals_2011BG.indd 110

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wheels

Easton EC90 TT $2,200 Zipp engineers have lauded the Easton EC90 TT for being an incredibly aerodynamic V-rimmed wheel. Of course Zipp asserts that its products are faster, but this endorsement from a competing company carries a lot of authenticity.

In addition to their aerodynamic characteristics, the EC90 TTs are also light and competitively priced. They accelerate quickly but are a little flimsy through tight corners. Eastoncycling.com

Triathlete.com/ec90tt

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Hed Jet 6 $1,600 Steve Hed is regarded as the mad scientist of aero wheels. His wheels aren’t always the prettiest, but they are frequently among the fastest. The Jet 6 wheels are constructed by attaching a 60 mm deep carbon fairing on top of a shallow aluminum rim, and their combination of aerodynamics and ride quality set them far apart from the other wheels at this price point. They are built with a wide clincher rim that improves cornering and reduces rolling resistance. They feel almost as good as tubulars without the expense and headache that come along with tubies. The deep-section rim is a flimsy carbon fairing, which makes them less exciting to show off, but they are a thrill on the road.

Hedcycling.com

Triathlete.com/Madfiber

Zipp 404 Tubular $2,300 This may be the best allpurpose race wheel in the world. It is more aerodynamic than the previous version of the deeper 808, corners predictably and weighs less than 1300 grams. If you are comfortable changing a tubular tire, the only reason not to ride this wheel is price, but if you like to jump in a road race in addition to your tri habit, this one wheel performs better than nearly any other in both disciplines.

Zipp.com Madfiber $2,599 Like the all-carbon wheels from Lightweight and Reynolds, Madfiber constructs its wheels by bonding carbon rims, spokes and hubs together to make the wheel. And like the carbon wheels from the other brands, these are crazy light. The biggest difference comes in the price. The other wheels are priced around $5,000, but the Madfibers can be had for thousands less. The designer says Madfiber’s carbon construction process is totally unique in the bike industry and gives his wheels unprecedented stiffness. A road test quickly confirms that bold claim.

Madfiber.com

T r i aT h l e T e . co m 113

wheels DT Swiss RRC 725R Tubular 66 $2,800 DT Swiss is one of the most respected hub, spoke and rim manufacturers in road and mountain cycling. Its components are renowned for their performance characteristics and durability, and the RRC 725R Tubular 66 combines those attributes with a 66 mm deep carbon tubular rim.

Dtswiss.com Oval Concepts 945/999 wheelset $1,800 Like most recently released aero wheels, this pair from Oval Concepts is built with 22 mm wide rims rather than the previous standard, 19 mm. Oval used this new design characteristic, which was pioneered

by Hed, because the wider rim increases the amount of air held by a clincher tire, improving cornering and ride smoothness.

In addition to the ride quality, the wide rim helps the tire, typically 23 mm wide, form a continuous unit with the rim rather than sitting like a protruding bulb at the top of the rim. This reduces aerodynamic drag.

The shallow front wheel is predictable and reliable in high winds. Ovalconcepts.com Zipp Sub-9 $2,075 The Sub-9 combines a bulging rim, similar to the 1080, with a flat disc to create a wheel with a toroidal outer portion and flat inner segment. The wide rim smoothes airflow at wide yaw angles to reduce drag more effectively than a flat disc. The wheel is so wide that it can rub against some frames, especially while sprinting, so check the fit before pulling the trigger. In addition to the improved aerodynamics, this disc design reduces road vibration and improves cornering. Zipp.com

Triathlete.com/sub9

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2010 WENT

PRETTY FAST.

For Speedplay Zero pedals, 2010 was a very good year. Tour of Flanders. Paris-Roubaix. Giro d’Italia. 2nd overall Tour de France. Vuelta a Espana. World Pro Pursuit Championship. World Road Race Championship. World Time Trial Championship. Women’s World Time Trial Championship. Men’s U23 World Time Trial Championship. Ironman World Championship. The winners of these races and more all count on the Speedplay Zero to deliver the unmatched stability, comfort and pure power transfer they need to perform at the top of their game. For more, visit Speedplay.com.

wheels Zipp 808 Carbon Clincher $2,950 Zipp was slow to produce a carbon clincher wheel. Zipp says carbon clinchers are inclined to fail catastrophically, so the designers wanted to take the time to get it right. The company has finally produced its first carbon clinchers, which made a grand introduction by combining the carbon clincher technology with the new Firecrest rim shape. Firecrest is Zipp’s name for its new ultra-wide rim shape. Both Zipp and Hed, the two foremost aero wheel design companies, have released wheels with incredibly wide rims, which they both say significantly reduce drag. The competing companies seem to agree on a rim design philosophy, which gives additional credibility to both products. Zipp.com Reynolds RZR 92.2 $6,000 The RZR 92.2 is another all-carbon super wheel, similar to the offerings from Madfiber and Lightweight. The biggest difference between this wheelset and the other two is its rim shape. The RZR 92.2 rim is very wide at the brake surface and tapers to a razor-sharp inner edge to create a smooth and, according to Reynolds, aerodynamically efficient wheel. Just make sure you're sitting down when you hear the cost of this stunning wheelset that combines an aero rim with carbon hubs and spokes. They go for $6,000.

Reynoldscomposites.com

Triathlete.com/808

Shimano Dura-Ace C50 $2,199.99 The C50s don’t have the deepest rims to match up with pure race-against-the-clock wheels, but the ultra high-quality Shimano components—rims, hubs and spokes— make these an ideal road racing/triathlon multipurpose wheel. Shimano.com

Triathlete.com/RZR

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wheels Vision Trimax Ultimate $1,999 The Vision Trimax Ultimate is built on 88 mm deep, straight-walled carbon tubular rims. The hubs are Vision’s own design, and the wheels roll on ceramic bearings.

Visiontechusa.com Lightweight Disc and VR8 $6,180 Lightweight was the first company to mass-produce a wheel with carbon rim, spokes and hubs, and the combination 8-Spoke and Disc is perhaps Lightweight’s most radical creation yet. The lens-shaped disc has shimmering streaks of carbon flaring out from the hub that give the wheel an unmistakable aesthetic. The front wheel has so few spokes it appears like it shouldn’t be able to stand up to the stress of riding on the road, but Lightweight says it's more than capable. They're light, stiff and gorgeous, but be ready for the hefty price tag. Lightweight.info Hed Stinger Disc $1,350 Like the Zipp Sub-9, the Hed Stinger Disc integrates a deep aero rim with a continuous disc surface in place of spokes.

But that's where the similarities end. Zipp uses a honeycomb material on the inside of its disc to support the wheel while Hed adds a fairing to a standard spoked Stinger 9 wheel. This makes the Stinger Disc a little heavier and creates a hollow reverberating noise, but it also makes its ride quality equal to a training wheel, rather than rough like a typical disc. The Stinger Disc has a lens-shaped surface that is widest at the hub. Hedcycling.com

Triathlete.com/VR8

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WHEELS Reynolds Sixty-Six $2,450 The Sixty-Six is a robust wheel with a deepsection carbon rim that is equally effective in a triathlon or a road race. Reynolds was one of the first wheel makers to release a carbon clincher, and the company’s experience with carbon allows its designers to create rims that are durable, reliable and light, whether they are carbon clinchers or tubulars. The rims are matched to first-rate hubs and spokes produced by DT Swiss.

Reynoldscomposites.com Rolf Prima Carbon TT85 $2,199 The Carbon TT85 has 22 spokes. Not 22 spokes for a single wheel—22 for the pair.

Rolf boasts that its paired spoke lacing pattern lets wheel builders increase the tension on the spokes, which strengthens the wheel and allows it to withstand potholes with only 22 spokes between the pair. The TT85s combine this minimalistic spoke pattern with a super-deep rim to create a race wheel that is both aerodynamic and fairly lightweight (1685 grams), not to mention attention-grabbing.

Rolfprima.com American Classic Carbon 85 $2,350 The Florida-based wheel manufacturer is best known for its lightweight hubs, but American Classic has expanded its offerings to include unique aero wheels.

The Carbon 85 is built with AC’s own rim design, and the rear is built with threespoke lacing groups, which allow for high spoke tension and extra durability. The light, aluminum hub body has a steel insert to prevent the cassette from digging into the hub and, again, increases durability.

Amclassic.com

Tubular versus clincher Want to know the pros and cons of tubular and clincher tires? Check out "Tubulars vs. Clinchers" by Ian Buchanan on Triathlete.com.

Triathlete.com/Tires

120 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

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T r i aT h l e T e . co m 121

WHEELS Ritchey WCS Apex Carbon 88 mm $1,849 The WCS Apex Carbon 88s are some of the few wheels with an ultra-deep, structural rim priced less than $2,000. Ritchey is known for its functional road components, and its penchant for the practical shines through with these wheels. The rim drilling, hub design and spoke selection are all chosen to keep these wheels on the road for miles and miles. Ritcheylogic.com FFWD F9R $2,400 Like many other rim manufacturers, FFWD matches its product with DT Swiss components, but the F9R’s rim shape differentiates it from others. The rims are very wide, about 23 mm at the brake track, which helps blend the tire and rim together to reduce aerodynamic drag, and the rim gently narrows inside of the brake track before swelling again and meeting the spokes. Ffwdwheels.com Enve 65 Clincher $2,728.95 If you are looking for a dual-purpose wheel to race on the road and in multisport, the Enve 65 matches your needs. Formerly known as Edge, the Utah-based company designs carbon components of all types.

The 65 Clincher is built with Enve's own all-carbon straight-walled rim, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes and 240 hubs used to complete the wheel. They are durable, light and equally suited to a local crit or Ironman bike leg. Envecomposites.com

Need a Quick Fix? Vittoria Pitstop combines tire sealant with a CO2 cartridge in a single canister that can fix a flat in seconds. It’s particularly effective in repairing a tubular tire—though it doesn’t fix every flat—and re-inflates a 23c tire to about 90 psi.

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wheels Sram S60 $1,300 Sram acquired Zipp a few years ago not only because it dominates the aero wheel industry, but because the company owned truly great technology. The centerpiece of Zipp’s dominance over the past decade has been the toroidal rim, a patented rim shape that has been proven to create less aerodynamic drag than V-shaped rims in most conditions. That design has since been displaced as the world’s fastest rim shape, but it is still very fast and the S60s are built with that design. They are far more affordable than many other race wheels and do not sacrifice durability or aerodynamics. Sram.com Profile Design Altair 52 $2,050 Profile Design has built a reputation as a maker of products that are both functional and high value thanks to the company's aerobars; the new Altair line of race wheels follows that lineage. They're not the lightest wheels on the market but are reliable enough to be used both racing and every day in training, and they're priced below nearly every carbon clincher. Profile Design has also released 80 mm and 52 mm-deep rims, available in tubular, carbon clincher or aluminum clincher versions. Their rims are 22 mm wide, which helps integrate the tire and rim into a single aerodynamic unit more effectively than a narrower 19 mm rim, which is the standard rim width.

Profile-design.com Hed Stinger 9 $1,700 The Hed Stinger 9 is perhaps the best bargain in the aero wheel market. Its 90 mm deep tubular, all-carbon rim has a shockingly wide brake track that helps integrate the tire with the wheel and creates an incredibly aerodynamic system.

Even Hed’s archrival Zipp acknowledges that this is a fast wheel, which is arguably the most meaningful compliment these wheels could receive. And at $1,700 they are unmatched. Hedcycling.com // AAron HerSH

Triathlete.com/stinger9

124 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

UPGRADES: CYCLING

A faster bike split can be earned by spending hours aboard a bike saddle or purchased with a credit card. These items can make you faster or simply add to your street credibility as a cyclist. And they’re fun to look at, too.

Zipp 808 Tubular wheels $2,500 Zipp’s new Firecrest rim design is actually faster than the previous 808. Zipp.com Quarq CinQo Saturn FSA SL-K Light power meter $1,930 The crank-based power meter allows the rider to swap wheels without losing data.

Priced without head unit. Quarq.com Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Octane Tri Suit $300 Inspired by aerodynamic cycling skin suits, this tight fitting one-piece suit fits athletic builds. Pearlizumi.com Giro Advantage 2 helmet $165 Mike Giraud of the A2 Wind Tunnel says an aero helmet is one of the most costeffective speed upgrades. Giro.com Bodum Brazil Coffee Maker $17 Cyclists are coffee snobs, so ditch the drip coffee maker and upgrade to a French press for a full-flavored brew.

Bodumusa.com

126 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

Sidi T2.6 shoes $339 Elegant fit, stiff sole and a ton of Italian flair. Sidiusa.com Vittoria Pit Stop $13 Flat-fixer and CO2 cartridge in one can.

Vittoria.com Speedplay Nanogram Zero pedals $630 These pedals are ludicrously light.

Speedplay shaved off every extra gram so they are recommended for race day only (to keep them in good condition). In addition to their weight, they have a low stack height, which keeps the rider closer to the ground. Speedplay.com Specialized Shiv module $5,500 With an amazingly integrated front end, the bike is as stiff as it is aerodynamic.

Includes aerobars, crank and brakes.

Specialized.com Bontrager R4 Aero $75 With wings to fill the gap between the tire and rim and a supple casing, the R4 Aero rolls, corners and goes straight with equal ability. Bontrager.com First Endurance Ultragen $45 Nutritionally well-rounded and tasty, it's our post-ride beverage of choice.

Firstendurance.com

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 127

DT SWISS TRICON WHEEL SYSTEM

速

Two piece hub The two piece flange and hub shell design keeps the bearing seat free of tension.

This allows the bearings to spin as smoothly as possible.

Star Ratchet Thanks to the proven DT Swiss Ratchet System 速 the hubs can easily be converted to different axle standards and rotors.

Straight double threaded spokes This spoke connection is considerably stronger as it is playfree on both ends and therefore subject to smaller peak loads.

Open Crowfoot Spoke pattern with combined radial and crossed spokes for high stiffness and perfect transmission of torques.

Torx nipples Thanks to the Torx design the truing tool has a better grip on the nipple.

Rim insert The spoke inserts are supported on two sides in the rim creating a big contact surface.

The rim can be designed lighter, is airtight and tubeless compatible.

Concave rim profile The concave shaped sidewalls counteract the expansion force induced by tire pressure and spoke pull.

Tubeless For more information check out www.dtswiss.com

RUN RUN RUN RUN

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GET STARTED: RUNNING

Shorts and shoes are really all you need, but a few accessories can help keep you hydrated, comfortable and safe on the roads and trails.

2XU Run Short, Medium Leg $55 Who wears short shorts? Real men wear short shorts. Save the basketball shorts for the court and get a pair of synthetic running shorts with an inner liner that gives all-important support. 2xu.com K-Swiss Aquarius shorts $45 These mid-length shorts have a discrete inner liner, zip-up key pocket and comfortable waistband. Just about everything you need in a first pair of running shorts. Kswiss.com FuelBelt LED Night Frog Light $9.95 For nighttime running this bright LED light clips onto clothing and loudly alerts cars of your presence. Fuelbelt.com FuelBelt Custom Fit Revenge 2-bottle $43.95 Adjustable waist belt distributes the weight of two bottles held in place with FuelBelt’s new hard plastic holsters.

Fuelbelt.com Headsweats Ultralite Visor $20 This popular race giveaway keeps sweat and sun out of your eyes.

Headsweats.com Timex Ironman Sleek 50-Lap $65 Just as it sounds, this is a basic watch with 50 laps. Easy to read, easy to use, this unit is perfect for anyone looking for a standard timekeeping device without the frills. Timex.com Pearl Izumi Peak XC $115 This neutral training shoe provides substantial cushion and is equally effective on pavement as it is on the trails.

Pearlizumi.com Yankz $7.50 Elastic laces with a handy plastic pinch to convert running shoes to tri shoes—and the choice of two-time Ironman world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack.

Yankz.com

130 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

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RUNNING SHOES

Scott T2 Pro $110 Don’t call it a gimmick. The unique rear-entry design of the Scott T2 may look as though it were designed for the primary purpose of grabbing attention, but it works—well. Just loosen the strap that grips the heel hatch in place, open the hatch, and leave the shoe in your transition space. During the race, simply hop off your bike, slip your foot in from the back, pull the strap in place and you’re gone in five seconds. As you run you’ll find this odd-looking shoe feels and performs like a normal racing flat—light, flexible and low-to-the-ground for easy speed. 8.1 ounces Scott-sports.com Zoot Ultra Ali’i 3.0 $150 The lacing system of this shoe alone makes it worth the suggested retail price. It’s faster, simpler and more secure than many speed-lacing systems, yet it yields a more conforming fit than no-lace enclosures. This feature, in combination with a very low weight and a soft, seamless sock liner for comfortable sock-free wear, makes the Ultra Ali’i 3.0 a terrific racing shoe, even if it’s technically a trainer. The most notable aspect of its ride is a remarkable degree of stability despite a lack of heavy-duty anti-pronation features. 7.4 ounces Zootsports.com

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Get Accustomed to Your Race Shoes Race flats put more tension on the calf and Achilles tendon than most training shoes.

Training in your race shoes will help your body acclimate to the additional stress created by these shoes. Rather than leaving them in the closet until race morning, pull them out for your weekly hard run and your calves will thank you on race day.

K-Swiss Blade-Light Race $85 If you like that “barely there” feeling in a racing shoe, you’ll love this one. The sense of foot freedom begins with a unique midsole and outsole design in which rows of angled “blades” yield extreme flexibility.

A relative lack of lateral stability features and a sock-like upper contribute further to the natural feeling of running in the BladeLight Race, which has a firm cushioning that does not draw attention to itself, like grass under a bare heel. Tri-specific features include no-lace fastening for quick transitions. 8.9 ounces K-swiss.com Pearl Izumi isoTransition $115 Light, fast and low to the ground, the isoTransition is an excellent race-day shoe for triathletes competing in a wide range of distances. It has all the features you need for fast entry and comfortable sockless running, including an easy slip-in feel with a breathable seamless upper and a built-in speed-lacing system. The most distinctive feature of the isoTransition’s ride is the unusually plush cushioning in the forefoot, making it a great choice for runners who land on the balls of their feet. 7.4 ounces Pearlizumi.com Newton Distance $155 Whether the Newton Distance is the racing shoe for you depends on the transition. (No, not that transition.) We’re talking about the transition aspect of the shoe’s ride, which refers to how the midsole transfers forces forward as your foot moves from landing to push-off. With its unique Action/Reaction Technology, the Distance provides a pogo-like transition that many, but not all, triathletes love. This shoe is so well-constructed, with enough comfort for any race distance and enough durability for training use, that it definitely deserves a transition test. 8.6 ounces Newtonrunning.com

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 133

RUNNING SHOES

Brooks T7 Racer $85 Chrissie Wellington’s shoe of choice scores high marks for its ample cushioning for an ultra-light racer. The T7’s lightness, low profile and flexibility combined for a quick transition from heel to toe that helped our tester’s foot spring off the pavement. These minimalist, crazylight racers are perfect for runners with a smooth, efficient stride, and they are comfortable without socks. 6.0 ounces Brooksrunning.com Ecco Biom A Leather 2.1 $220 Ecco’s entry into the world of natural running footwear stands out for its conformable yak leather upper and exceptional heel cup. The leather sounds like a gimmick, but it genuinely bonds with the foot more effectively than the nylon upper. The heel cup locks the foot in place against the sole more effectively than any other shoes tested, which makes them comfortable without socks. 10.93 ounces Eccousa.com Avia Avi-Bolt III $100 Can’t afford two pairs of running shoes?

Here’s a triathlon-specific racing shoe you can easily use for everyday training.

The Avi-Bolt III’s low weight, quick-lace system and microfiber mesh upper for comfortable sockless running make it a great multisport racer for all distances.

Yet its Dura-Ryd midsole material gives it the comfy cushioning many athletes need in a trainer, while the Dura-Stryk rubber outsole makes it more durable than most racing flats. However, the Avi-Bolt III is not the best training or racing shoe for athletes who need a lot of stability. 8.5 ounces Avia.com

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Easy Transition Optimize your standard running shoes for multisport with a pair of race laces. Our personal favorite is the Zero Friction fittings from Speed Laces (Speedlaces.com), which combine the speed of elastic laces and the grip of static laces.

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RUNNING SHOES

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara $90 The ProGrid Kinvara is a high-efficiency trainer. It incorporates the best of the minimalist running movement—natural gait, light weight—with the cushioning most runners require from their everyday training shoe. It snaps off the pavement like a racing flat but doesn’t sacrifice padding. 7.7 ounces Saucony.com Asics GEL-Noosa Tri 6 $120 This shoe is the perfect match for long distance triathletes who aren’t afraid to strut around in a swim brief. The GEL-Noosa Tri 6, named after the famed Australian multisport hotspot, is a fullfledged running shoe that can withstand Ironman mileage. At 10-plus ounces, it has more in common with a training shoe, such as Asics’ 1160, than a racing flat. The dual-density sole provides a bit of motion control, and the thick and rigid forefoot provides ample protection for battered feet. Elastic laces included. 10.3 ounces Asics.com Xterra XR 1.0 $95 The folks at Xterra Footwear followed the advice of Lotus sports car engineer Colin Chapman, who said, “Simplify and add lightness,” in creating the XR 1.0.

Designed specifically for use in off-road triathlons, this shoe offers just enough tread and stability to master rough terrain. At 11.2 ounces in men’s size 9, it is indeed light for a trail shoe. 11.2 ounces Xterrafootwear.com //MATT FITZGERALD AND AARON HERSH

Photo Gallery Check out an extended gallery of these shoes on Triathlete's website.

Triathlete.com/RunShoes

136 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

DISTRIBUTED BY DEALER INQUIRIES: prologo@sportsmultiplied.com

NACK Rail Weight 170gr.

TI SOLID Rail Weight 220gr.

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P R O LO G O TO U C H . C O M

The new amphibian species riders: Terenzo Bozzone | Luke Mc Kenzie | Joe Gamble | Jenna Shoemaker

T r i aT h l e T e . co m 137

sunglasses

Oakley Flak Jacket XLJ $150 The sleek and streamlined Flak Jacket features a slim polarized lens with a permanent coating that prevents rain or sweat from leaving annoying streak marks on the lenses. It was the most unflappable glass of the bunch, offering high-end performance and a secure fit while cycling, mountain biking and trail running. Oakley.com Rudy Project Swifty $149 A lightweight open-rimmed model that jibes with a variety of face sizes, the Swifty lives up to its name and inspires speed. It looks and feels like a race-day performer, but the flexible frames contribute to longlasting comfort for weekend runs or rides.

Rudyproject.com Native Eyewear Sprint $149 with Reflex lens If you like a pair of sunglasses that feels barely there, these are the shades for you. Aside from being lightweight, nimble and ideal for running, the Sprint has one of the easiest interchangeable lens systems around and a vented frame that eliminates any chance of fogging. Nativeyewear.com Smith Pivlock 90 $119 (single lens) or $139 (three-lens package) Sporting a large one-piece lens held by one of the most minimal frames of the bunch, the ultralight Pivlock V90 offers full coverage with zero peripheral interference from the frame. Wearing the Pivlock on a road ride is like having a full-face shield built into your helmet.

Smithoptics.com Zeal Slingshot $150 With the tint-changing photochromic NXT lens, the Slingshot removes the need to change lenses on dusk-till-dawn training days with a variety of light conditions.

During a three-hour spin from Boulder, Colo., into the mountains and back, the lenses quickly shifted for both sunny and cloudy conditions. Zealoptics.com

138 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

T r i aT h l e T e . co m 139

sunglasses

Julbo Contest $160 These multipurpose lightweight shades have endurance practicality and free-ride style. Their quick-changing photochromic Zebra anti-fog lenses can morph from their darkest to lightest condition in about 25 seconds. The frame design is well-ventilated for grueling, hot-weather ascents on the trails or roads, and the sunglasses offer a huge range of peripheral vision when you’re hammering the pedals in the aero position.

Julbousa.com Adidas Multisport A-126 Evil Eye Pro L $195 The two-tone orange and clear frames draw more attention for their stylish appearance than any other set of shades we tested. But it’s the technical features—a superb, optically correct lens, comfortable fit, integrated rubber temples and a thin layer of foam to keep sweat at bay—that earned the biggest props.

Adidas.com Kaenon Soft Kore $239 Designed specifically for women, the Soft Kore is a high-end performanceoriented model with shrunken geometry and shorter temples to fit feminine features. Ideal sunglasses for cycling, the semi-rimless frame allows for unobstructed downward vision and increased airflow while the polarized lens technology provides unparalleled optical clarity. Kaenon.com Ryders Seeker $90 Bold and brilliant, the Seeker combines photochromic lens technology with advanced polarization in a sturdy, stayput frame. These were my shades of choice on a run through the undulating Wildwood Trail in Portland’s Forest Park trail system. Ryderseyewear.com // AdAM ChASE

140 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

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T r i aT h l e T e . co m 141

watches

Polar RS800CX $439.95 If you don’t know the meaning of “information overload,” the RS800CX will provide you with all the data you could want. It has all the features of the RS400, plus GPS capabilities and an altimeter.

Workouts can be pre-programmed into the watch, and data can be easily transferred and analyzed using the software Polar provides with each unit.

Polarusa.com Garmin Forerunner 210 $299.99 Garmin crammed a lot into this small package, including GPS and heart rate monitor.

Featuring an easily readable face with all the information you need—running time, mileage and real-time pace or heart rate—this unit won big points with our testers for ease of use and variety of data. The addition of a foot pod to the package makes this unit ideal for both indoor workouts and outdoor efforts. The battery life wasn’t bad, either. It lasted about six hours before needing to be recharged. Garmin.com Polar RS400 $269.95 Full of useful features, the RS400 is a heart rate monitor/foot pod combination that gives you average heart rate, allows you to set target zones/alarms, calculates your calories burned and tracks distance.

Our testers’ only complaint was the odd shape of the watch, which made finding buttons while running a bit of a challenge.

Polarusa.com Suunto M5 $209 The least sporty looking watch that we tested, this unit featured a full face with a black background and white numbers, which was readable in all conditions except low light. You can set your own fitness goals and program a week’s worth of workouts into the watch, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of your training. The foot pod and heart rate monitor worked with precision, and the information from your workouts is easily transferred onto your home computer or Suunto’s Movescount.com website.

Suunto.com

142 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

CHRISSIE WELLINGTON IN KONA

8 REAR NEW! SYSTEMS FROM $49 ∙ No aero drag ∙ Easy access ∙ Stores bottles, CO2s, spare, tools ∙ 2 Cervélo™ specific systems ∙ 3 Bag sizes ∙ Used by Craig Alexander

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Super grip Anti-Launch Also White and Natural Used by Chrissie Wellington

MULTI-WORLD CHAMPION’S CHOICE WHITE CARBON WING NEW! ∙ Lightest Rear Carrier ∙ Used by Chrissie Wellington and Craig Alexander

AERO COMPUTER MOUNT NEW! ∙ Eliminates Computer drag ∙ Drafts behind Torpedo System or any Front Aero Bottle

ROCKET POCKET

NEW!

CARBON RAIL ADAPTOR KIT

∙ Now fit XLAB Carbon Wing to Carbon railed saddles ∙ Fits FIZIK™ Carbon rail saddles

15 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

NEW!

∙ Insulated Nutrition bag ∙ 3 Internal Compartments. Washable ∙ Easy-Glide Zipper.

No Aerodynamic Drag ∙ Even fits bikes with cables entering Top Tube

CRAIG ALEXANDER IN KONA

TORPEDO SYSTEM

NEW!

∙ 75% less drag than bottle with straw ∙ Takes 9 seconds NEW! to drink 4ozs RED CHIMP ∙ Custom fit CAGE ∙ Horizontal position ∙ Also White and Natural ∙ Use with Torpedo System or on frame NEW!

SIDEKICK CAGE

∙ Offset side entry ∙ Easier access for small frames ∙ Natural, White

ENTER YOUR RACE DISTANCE FOR OUR ADVICE OR CALL 760-735-3215 93 • 94 • 96 • 98 • 99 • 00 • 01 • 02 • 03 • 04 • 05 • 06 • 08 • 09

T r i aT h l e T e . co m 143

 watches

Garmin FR 60 $129.99 When people think of Garmin, they usually think of GPS, but this unit goes beyond that perception. Featuring a foot pod to track distance and a heart rate monitor to measure exercise intensity, this package is a great value at $200. When used with the Forerunner 210, our testers found there was less than a 0.1 percent discrepancy per mile when tracking distance. Easy to program and use, the unit allows you to set target heart rate zones and easily synchs with Garmin Connect to log workouts and track your progress.

Garmin.com Timex Ironman Road Trainer $110 What doesn’t this unit do? Aside from track distance, not much. This heart rate monitor allows you to target your training by setting heart rate alarms to let you know when you’re going too hard—or not hard enough. A 100-hour chronograph with 50 laps of memory lets you look back at a wide range of information from recent races and workouts, including average heart rate, time within an exercise zone and calories burned. After your workout, the unit synchs with your computer via a USB device that allows you to save and analyze your data on Timex’s website.

Timex.com Timex Ironman 50-Lap Chrono Sleek $65 Simple, sharp looking and free of frills, this is the purist’s running watch. There’s no GPS, foot pod or heart rate monitor associated with this unit, but with a 100hour chronograph and 50-lap memory, it will easily get you through a marathon or Ironman and allow you to recall splits from a week’s worth of workouts. The countdown timer makes it easy to execute a well-structured interval workout, and the face is just the right size and easy to read. Timex.com // MaRIo FRaIoLI

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Swimsense

™

Performance monitor

Make Sense of Your Swim The new FINIS Swimsense Performance Monitor automatically captures your swim data.

Check important stats while you swim then upload your data to the Swimsense Online Log™ or Training Peaks™.

Kyle Leto, First Out of the Water at 70.3 Ironman World Championships SWIMSENSE™ PERFORMANCE MONITOR POWERED BY SPORTSENSE™

FINISinc.com FINISinc.com

RACE APPAREL

Tyr Carbon Thin Strap Tri Top $70, 6-inch Carbon Tri Short $120 Tyr’s Carbon line is made with a 70 percent nylon fabric that wicks away moisture and is nearly impossible to saturate. The top is for a smaller-chested woman with a narrow frame, as it doesn’t offer much support. But the siliconebeaded elastic band offers plenty for racers who like their shorts to feel snug around the hamstring. The Carbon line’s grooved chamois, of medium thickness, looks like one you’d see in bike shorts, yet it’s comfortable to run in. There are no gel pockets. Tyr.com Rocket Science Sports 20BPM $299.99 Rocket Science Sports’ 20BPM one-piece race suit was designed with aerodynamic science in mind, as the company’s creator is a former aerospace engineer. Its white fabric reflects sunlight well and keeps you noticeably cooler, but its black mesh lining prevents embarrassing race shots.

The suit’s chamois is of medium thickness and the zipper runs down the front. The gel pockets are medium sized, and the suit comes with compression sleeves and socks. Rocketsciencesports.com 2XU Endurance Tri Suit $160 One of the more comfortable and well priced suits tested by Triathlete,, 2XU offers racers a durable option with its Endurance line. The one-piece suit is made with a quick-drying fabric that 2XU dubs “Ice X.” The fabric appears heavy at first blush but is lightweight when you try it on. The suit’s chamois is thin, the zipper runs down the front, and its gel pocket is small. The fit is best for a person with broad shoulders and a lower body that’s on the thicker side for a triathlete. 2xu.com

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Zerod iShort $99, iSinglet $99 The Zerod (pronounced “zero–d”) iSinglet zips all the way down the front, allowing for maximum breathability in brutal temperatures. Much of the iSinglet is mesh, but it doesn’t ride up when you run in it. The two large gel pockets in the back provide a little more space than is typically offered on a race suit, and the iShort’s chamois is on the thinner side.

Zerod.eu De Soto Forza $190 Cut from the company that claims to be the first to sell compression gear, the Forza is a snug, one-piece race suit with a high neckline that cuts narrowly around the chest. Its chamois is extremely thin and virtually seamless, yet it offers a comfort level similar to your typical race suit chamois. The zipper zips down the front, and the gel pocket is on the small side. Desotosport.com

JOHN SEGESTA

Orca RS1 Hydro Killa $249 Don’t be fooled by the small size of this suit when you first pick it up—it stretches easily and is extremely comfortable when you put it on. The suit is designed in the “bathing suit top/race suit bottom”-style that you typically see on ITU racers. Made with three fabrics unique to Orca, portions of the suit’s bottom are almost like firstgeneration swimskin material. The straps criss-cross in the back. No gel pockets, no zippers. Just a precise fit. Orca.com

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RACE APPAREL

Blueseventy Distance Tri Top $85, Distance Tri Short $95 Known for all things swim and as the sponsor of some of the sport’s most dominant water athletes, Blueseventy offers the Distance tri top and short for racers who want to bike and run in their gear. The material is lightweight and dries quickly, and the back is entirely mesh.

Unlike many brands, Blueseventy’s tri top has a built-in sports bra in its women’s line. The brand runs a little on the small side, so if you often find yourself between sizes, go for the larger one. The chamois is of medium thickness. Blueseventy.com Kiwami Wahina Max $129 For those of you who like racing in a bathing suit, the Kiwami Wahini Max offers triathletes an option designed specifically for swim/bike/run. It supports the chest surprisingly well and doesn’t ride up when you run. The material is extremely lightweight—it’s almost as if you’re wearing tissue paper—and wicks moisture away. It runs a little on the small side. Kiwamitriathlon.com Skins Tri-400 $300 Skins first built a name for itself in Australia with its gradient compression gear and launched in the U.S. only a few years ago. The Tri-400 offers athletes the option to race in a suit from a company whose long tights, compression socks, compression sleeves and long-sleeve tops are endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. As of right now, the Tri-400 is only available in men’s sizes, but the women’s suit is in the pipeline. Skinsusa.com

One-piece or Two-piece?

One-piece suits move less during a race than twopiece options because the connected top acts as suspenders for the shorts. They also put less pressure on the gut because they don’t require a waistband. The one-piece construction can be problematic, however, if your sports drink doesn’t sit well in your stomach during a race.

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SLS3 FX Race Suit $165 The top of the SLS3 FX Race Suit zips down the front and offers one of the bigger gel pockets in the business. It is tight-fitting and runs a little on the small side. It’s a good match for athletes with a thin frame. The shorts, which offer racers a thin chamois, are also tight fitting, especially along the lower thigh.

Slstri.com Pearl Izumi Elite Speed Suit $130 The Pearl Izumi one-piece Elite, which combines a bathing suit top and tri short bottom, cuts sharply inward along the chest, making it a better fit for triathletes with narrow frames. The bottoms are the most comfortable we tested, with a lightweight chamois and durable silicone lining along the thigh’s hem, made to support the hamstring. Pearlizumi.com Louis Garneau Elite Lazer Tek suit $199.99 Garneau’s one-piece Elite was a little on the itchy side and it has a lot more fabric along its seams than is typical for a race suit. Performance-oriented racers will like the tight cut, thin fabric and seamless leg openings. The suit’s shorts run on the longer side and the chamois is of medium thickness. Louisgarneau.com

JOHN SEGESTA

Zoot Cali Top and Haute Short $100 This two-piece outfit is less race suit and more workout attire, as it’s made with thicker fabric than you’d typically want to race in, and the shorts are essentially running shorts. It’s a two-piece with no chamois, no zipper, a small gel pocket and twisted straps. It can serve doubleduty as training and racing gear better than most. Zoot’s reputation for style and comfort shines through with this suit.

Zootsports.com // COURTNEY BAIRD

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HOW TO USE PRODUCTS

(3 lb tub) (16 oz / 480 mL bottle)

(100 capsules)

(2 lb bag)

MetaSalt

CARBO-PRO

CarboPro 1200 Aminos

“Energize”

“Every drop is loaded!”

100% pure complex carbs, non-sweet. (1 scoop = 25 grams = 100 calories). For at least 200 calories per hour = 2 scoops mixed in at least 16 oz of water. Easy to carry, digest, absorb and assimilate.

In orange or berry flavor, has 1,200 calories in a 16 oz bottle.

Has 4 different forms of efficient carbs (RIBOSE, TREHALOSE, DEXTROSE, CARBO-PRO, GLUTAMINE & ARGININE). Which means the higher activation rate of transport mechanisms by the 4 different types of carbs, increase energy release and improve hydration: great for performance! Why not fructose? Because fructose is not an efficient fuel. It increases Triglycerides which may not be good for everyone. Also, there are issues of malabsorption and intolerance.

THE ULTIMATE ENERGY SOURCE FOR ENDURANCE

FACT: Glucose is the brain’s primary fuel; your neurons depend on the bloodstream to deliver a constant supply. The brain gets 20% of your oxygen; and 25% of your glucose. Your brain is always at work, and is pushed to its extreme when you train and race hard. It has a high demand for energy; it needs a lot of glucose, so feed the brain and the body, and keep that tank full, ALWAYS! USAGE: for TRAINING - 2 hour session = at least 400 calories (4 scoops) mixed with water. Keep sipping it throughout the training session. You can take up to 300 calories per hour to keep the MUSCLE GLYCOGEN TANK FULL with FUEL at all times. CARBO-PRO can be consumed anytime in any fluid. Add it in your post-activity RECOVERY shake, to enhance the recovery process.

CARBOLOADING for energy and hydration: Load carbs for 4 days leading to the event. Take 2 SCOOPS in the morning and 2 SCOOPS in the evening, in a glass of water.

DURING THE RACE: @ 200 to 300 calories per hour, you need approx. 1,000 to 1,500 calories for a 70.3. And 2,000 to 3,000 calories for an IRONMAN. You may carry it in several bottles or flasks (fuel belt) and sip it. Or carry it concentrated like a GEL in 1 or 2 bottles, sip it and wash it with the required amount of water.

TIP: The osmolality of CARBO-PRO even at 15% concentration is lower than body fluid osmolality - and it makes it relatively easier to be absorbed. With each gulp of the CARBO-PRO concentrate - drink a few oz. of water. Try it before the RACE. “I had two good races in 2010: Subaru Ironman Canada, and then after six weeks 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship, Hawaii, and from a nutritional point of view, everything was perfect ...MetaSalt, Motivator, VO2 Max, Recovery and CARBO-PRO. Products kept my energy high and my health optimized for these back to back races.”

Scott Curry Pro Triathlete

THERMOLYTE

SODIUM / ELECTROLYTES / ANTIOXIDANT COMPLEX VITAMIN D3 / HYDRATE & PREVENT CRAMPS

PURE ENERGY FOR A RACE

ELECTROLYTES: A 16 oz bottle provides 900 mg of Sodium and 600 mg of Potassium = 150 of Sodium and 100 mg Potassium per serving. AMINOS: all BCAAs, & GLUTAMINE, ARGININE, to deliver Powerful Muscle Energy.

USAGE: @ 200 to 300 calories per hour, you have 4 to

6 hours of pure calories in a bottle of CarboPro 1200. When diluted it in a CAMELBAK, or HYDRAPAK, it tastes like flavored water, but carries a TORRENT of energy.

“Cool the Core” The one and only Sodium supplement which provides Sodium in 3 different forms: Sodium Chloride, Trisodium Phosphate and Sodium R-Lipoate, which work together to maintain the optimal metabolism of sodium to prevent dehydration. It also provides the other electrolytes (Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium) as organic Krebs Cycle Intermediates, which help in converting carbs, fats, and proteins into chemical energy.

FACT: It also an ANTIOXIDANT complex with Selenium, Alpha Lipoic acid and Zinc Methionine which convert free radicals into harmless residues. COMBATS OXIDATIVE STRESS! USAGE: Take 2 caps per hour of training or racing. If it is hot and humid and you sweat a lot, you may take up to 6 caps of MetaSalt per hour.

TIP: Use with CARBO-PRO for any endurance activity under the sun.

TIP: You may use the CARBO-PRO in a gel form, or use CarboPro 1200 to last for 4 to 6 hours of racing.

THE FACTS THE 3 CRUCIAL ELEMENTS FOR ENDURANCE:

(1) WATER (hydration) (2) CALORIES (fuel) & (3) ELECTROLYTES (sodium)

“With VO2 Max I’ve been able to train and race harder, for longer. I don’t fatigue as quickly as I normally would, nor do I pull up as sore.

There’s a lot of research and science behind this product and it works.”

Kelly Jarrett

Corporate Lawyer Investment Banker Pro Triathlete

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED PER HOUR OF ACTIVITY: WATER: at least 20 oz. / 600 mL – adjust according to weather and solids consumed.

CALORIES: at least 2 calories per pound of bodyweight. Use water-soluble complex carbs, and eat solids only if necessary.

SODIUM: at least 300 mg, and up to 1,500 mg (1.5 grams) of sodium if the conditions are hot and humid.

With the right combination of our products and optimal amount of water, you can reach peak levels of performance to enjoy any ENDURANCE ACTIVITY UNDER THE SUN. “All SPORTQUEST products are absolutely reliable. I have been using them for over four years now. They work!”

David Goggins

Ultra-Endurance Athlete

FOR TRAINING & RACING

(150 capsules)

VO2 Max Endurance PREVENT DELAYED ONSET OF MUSCLE SORENESS

“Beat the Burn” FACT: Muscles fatigue (you feel the

burn) when repeated resistance is applied.

Ammonia and other metabolic wastes build up in the muscles. Rest becomes a must until the metabolic wastes are cleared or chemically reconverted before the activity can continue with efficacy. VO2 Max Endurance BEATS the BURN with an advanced formulation of major neutralizers and ammonia cleansers such as phosphates, bicarbonate, L-Carnosine, BetaAlanine, Citrulline Malate, OKG, Arginine KIC, as well as a synergistic combination of lactate and energy metabolizers.

Increases time to exhaustion by 20%. During anaerobic trials, maximal power output increased by 17%. During aerobic/endurance trials, time for 40 km time trial on the ergometer bicycle was reduced by 3.5 minutes.

USAGE: Take 4 caps before a workout

or training session. ◆ LOADING: For 5 days BEFORE an event, take 5 caps every day in the morning after breakfast. ◆ RACE DAY: 30 to 45 minutes before the start of the Race take 4 caps; then take 3 caps for every HOUR of the RACE. During a 70.3 or Ironman Distance, definitely take 4 caps at T1 and T2, to keep your legs strong throughout the Race.

TIP: VO2 Max Endurance supports normal fat mobilization and beta-oxidation thereby preserving glycogen usage during prolonged exercise resulting in 50% increase in endurance and resistance to fatigue. This is perfect for long events such as 70.3, Ironman distance, Marathons, and any other endurance events.

“My recovery has been exceptional and for sure I credit that to the RECOVERY, VO2 Max and INTERPHASE. CarboPro 1200 is the race nutrition of choice.”

Sergio Borges

www.sbxtraining.com

(60 capsules)

(2.6 lb. / 1.2 kg) Powder

(300 capsules)

Motivator

RECOVERY Amino Power

“Enduring Energy”

“Repair. Rebuild. Recover”

It can enhance mental and physical performance, with energizing herbs, cofactors, and neurotransmitter precursors.

Caffeine from Guarana seed extract to provide 80 mg of caffeine per capsule, released slowly – so the energy boost that is experienced continues for hours. Other ingredients: Gingko Biloba; L-Tyrosine; L-Taurine; DMAE (precursor to Choline a B Vitamin); Vitamin C; Inositol; & Glucoronolactone.

Instantized; 100% Pure, Crystalline, FreeForm, Pharma Grade Amino Acid Complex with all Essential Amino Acids (EAAs), including BCAAs, and an advanced delivery system for the Essential Amino Acids consisting of OKG, & Glutamine alpha-Ketoglutarate, Arginine alpha-Ketoglutarate, Arginine-Ketoisocaproate.

PLUS AstraGin™ to increase absorption of amino acids, carbs, and vitamins by 50%.

All EAAs (BCAA)s w/ AstraGin™

MENTAL ENERGY FORMULA

FACT: Increases mental power by enabling

a glucose-rich and oxygen-rich brain environment; increases alertness, MOTIVATION, enhancing muscular coordination; and cognitive and physical performance. Replaces the need for COKE, REDBULL or any Energy drink.

USAGE: Take 2 caps for 4 hours of

training or racing. ◆ A large part of training is MENTAL, and it is about Brain energy and Motivation.

TIP: MOTIVATOR has been successfully used by triathletes, runners, and adventure racers. It can also be used for any prolonged activity for sustained mental energy and focus.

5 CAPS

of VO2 Max

+

2 CAPS

of MOTIVATOR

= ROCKET

FUEL

FACT: Provides 3X the quantity of EAAs and BCAAs in other products, plus the compounds which form the Advanced Delivery System. It’s the best, the most effective and most efficient product for QUICK RECOVERY & REGENERATION. USAGE: 3 caps before training; 3 caps immediately after training; and 3 caps immediately before going to bed at night. ◆ Amino load before a Race: for at least 3 days leading up to the race take 9 capsules a day as above.

◆ RACE DAY: 30 to 45 minutes before the start of the Race take 4 caps; then take 3 caps for every HOUR of the RACE. During a 70.3 or Ironman Distance, definitely take 4 caps at T1 and T2.

“RECOVER AS YOU RACE” - David Goggins “MUSCLE TISSUE CANDY” - Peter Reid

INTERPHASE Hypertrophy Matrix

PREMIUM PROTEIN POWDER to REPAIR, REBUILD and REGENERATE

“Premium Protein Powder” 34g of sustained release protein matrix per serving: with whey protein isolates, concentrates, peptides, micellar casein, calcium caseinate, egg protein isolates, and free-form amino acids for hyper-activating your body’s recovery and regeneration potential to a hyper-level. Enables LEAN TISSUE HYPERTROPHY & RECOVERY to occur quickly and simultaneously, after each and every performance.

USAGE: It can be used as a powerized “energy shake” before exercise, or as a “recovery shake” immediately after exercise.

It can also be taken immediately before going to bed at night to help increase the anabolic drive. It can be taken between meals or to complement a light meal. USE ANYTIME! CarboPro 1200 and MetaSalt a perfect combo, and Recovery Amino Power to quicken recovery time, to train hard the very next session.

Gary Robbins

HURT Hawaii 100 Mile Endurance Run Course Record Holder

POWER. STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. “I cramped and had a difficult time in every race I have ever done, until 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship, Hawaii, because I followed this Protocol for the entire race. I used all the products.

The CARBO-PRO and MetaSalt made my day. I had a great race.”

Scott Kaplan

XX1090sandiego.com Scott & BR Show Weekdays 6am - 10am

DIRECT.COM

1.888.3 0 0 .16 0 0

NutritionForEndurance.com

 nutrition

All-purpose Fuel Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Sport fish oil $39.95 Benefits of omega-3 oils are farreaching. These supplements were tested and certified by the National Science Foundation, so you can have confidence in their quality and efficacy.

Nordicnaturals.com Lindt A Touch of Sea Salt Dark Chocolate bar $3.50 A proven health food, dark chocolate needs to be on everyone’s shopping list. The addition of sea salt just seems to make it even more, well, chocolaty.

Lindt.com Justin’s Nut Butter $6.69 for 10 squeeze packets Organic, tasty, nutritious proteins and healthy fats in a convenient, athlete-friendly squeeze packet.

Keep one on hand for recovery, travel and race weekend snacks.

Justinsnutbutter.com Organic Valley Live Organic Lowfat Yogurt with Thrive $3.99 Introduce healthy bacteria to your breakfast bowl. Ideal for enhanced immunity, energy and recovery, plus vital calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients. Organicvalley.coop Bob’s Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats $9.14 Waking up to a bowl of these oats is perhaps the best way to start the day.

Whole grains should be in everyone’s shopping basket. They contain nutrients, protein, fiber and a more nutty, textural quality when compared to rolled oats. Mix cooked oats with fruit, nuts and yogurt for the ultimate breakfast that will sustain you for hours. Bobsredmill.com Bananas 100 percent natural, conveniently packaged for portability and filled with carbohydrates, antioxidants and essential nutrients including potassium.

john segesTa

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KYLE'S SWIMMING FASTER.

Kyle Leto. Pro triathlete. Oceanside 70.3, U.S.A. 7.02am.

First out of the water in the new Helix—its debut race in the U.S.

Image courtesy of Tim Carlson.

www.blueseventy.com

THE WORLD IS SWIMMING FASTER IN BLUESEVENTY.

 nutrition

Staying Hydrated Gu Brew Pure Performance $6.50 These effervescent electrolyte tabs have a ton of sodium, some potassium and 10 calories. They dissolve effectively and the peach tea flavor has a taste unique to sports nutrition, similar to bottled iced tea. Diet Coke drinkers won't notice an aftertaste.

Guenergy.com Nuun electrolyte tablets $19.50 for three tubes Sugar-free Nuun tablets were formulated to keep you optimally hydrated on the go. They have a light flavor, no carbohydrates (so they’re not meant to replace your sports drinks) and a balanced serving of the key electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Nuun.com Powerade Ion4 Boost $1.49 Most sports drinks are made to taste good, but many don’t replenish electrolytes sufficiently. Add this sachet containing the four electrolytes lost through sweat—sodium (1000 mg), potassium (540 mg), calcium (24 mg) and magnesium (12 mg)—along with 6 grams of glucose to boost your sports drink. It’s great for when the intensity of training and racing is cranked up. Powerade.com First Endurance PreRace drink powder $39.95 for 20 servings This tasteless powder mix is designed to be added to your favorite sports drink. With 200 mg of performanceenhancing caffeine, taurine and quercetin, you’ll be buzzing along nicely en route to a PR. Test it out in training, because caffeine is not for everyone and PreRace contains a serious dosage. Firstendurance.com Powerbar Ironman Perform $17.99 for 12 bottles If you’re planning on racing any Ironman-branded race, this is what you’ll be drinking. Practicing racespecific nutrition is important, so it’s a good idea to train with it before race day. Sodium content is higher than some other sports drinks, which allows even heavy sweaters to carry fewer salt tablets. Powerbar.com

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john segesTa

Gatorade Natural and G2 Natural $1.49 The original sports drink just got better.

You’ll have to go to your local Whole Foods to track down these natural versions, but the effort is worth it because of the ingredients that you’re skipping. Gatorade.com

 NUTRITION

STAYING ENERGIZED Carb Boom Energy Gel $24.99 for 24 servings This gel contains maltodextrin and fructose for optimal energy absorption, with nothing artificial added. The taste is natural and fruity without the aftertaste that some gels have. Carbboom.com Clif Shot Turbo Energy Gel $29.99 for box of 24 Clif Shot’s new formula means a thinner consistency, which is easier to get down while going hard, and a much-improved taste. The choc cherry flavor tastes like really good cake mix and makes a nice treat late in the training day. Clifbar.com Sportquest Carbo-Pro $26.95 Carbo-Pro is a drink mix that is 95 percent complex carbohydrate. It is flavorless, contains only trace amounts of fat and protein and is easy on the stomach. Add it to any sports drink to get the calories needed for a long training day or race.

Sportquestdirect.com // A.H. Accel Gel Key Lime $42 for box of 24 Accel Gel provides a quick energy boost from simple sugars and a prolonged dose of energy from complex carbs. This diverse mix of carbohydrates is combined with Accel Sports’ patented protein-tocarbs ratio and a substantial quantity of electrolytes to give Accel Gel nutritional attributes more similar to mid-duration drinks rather than most other gels. Accelsport.com // A.H. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews $1.99 These all-natural chews have a reassuringly short ingredient list. The texture is enough to sink your teeth into without being too chewy or sticky.

They definitely hit the sweet spot and are probably best reserved for honey lovers. Honeystinger.com Gu Performance Energy Sampler $23.99 This pack is perfect for the indecisive athletes among us—or maybe just the very hungry. Sports nutrition is about experimentation and finding just the right product and flavor for you. This sampler pack with gels, chews, electrolyte and recovery drink mix might be a good place to start.

Guenergy.com

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Kick It Up a Notch Caffeine is a proven performance-enhancing substance. And it’s legal. Many sports nutrition products now include caffeine, but you can wake yourself up before the race with No-Doz or caffeine supplements such as Pure Kick (Purekick.com). Coffee works too, as long as it sits well in your stomach.

Powerbar Energy Gel Blasts $23.99 for a box of 12 Staying interested in consuming your sports nutrition is of major importance for athletes over longer distance races and during hard training days. These bite-size blasts contain an optimal blend of carbohydrates and give you contrasting textures and flavors all in one bite. The resealable pouch makes portioning easy. Powerbar.com Gatorade Prime $1.49 If you don’t like thick gels and can’t guzzle down a whole bottle of drink, you’ll love this relative newcomer.

Packed with energizing B vitamins, Prime is neither a gel nor a drink but somewhere in between. Its moderate volume also allows it to be substituted for a small drink during a moderately long run. Gatorade.com Jelly Belly Sport Beans $24 for pack of 24 Who said candy is just for kids? These natural electrolyte energy beans are a great alternative to gels, especially on long training days when chewing is more appealing than sucking on a gel packet. Keep a supply for training and racing—and as emergency Halloween treats. Sportbeans.com

Tools of The Trade Nathan Speed 2R Auto-Cant hydration belt $50 Rather than being constructed with a continuous waist belt, the Speed 2R joins both halves of the belt with a circular metal disc that allows the belt to conform to the wearer’s hips. The semi-flexible belt wraps firmly around the hips but isn’t quite as soft as some options. Bottles slide easily in and out of the belt, and have effective one-way valves that prevent leaks, but the bottle is slightly rigid so it takes effort to pull a big swig.

Nathansports.com // A.h.

john segesTa

Tanita BC-350 or BC-1000 $269.99-$279.99 Not just for the weight-obsessed, accurate scales are a necessary tool for helping determine sweat rates and developing hydration strategies.

Scales with bioelectrical impedance analysis also let you track body composition. Two of the best are the Tanita BC-350, which measures to within 0.1 pound (50 grams), or the Tanita BC-1000, which connects wirelessly with your Garmin training device, meaning all your important data is stored together. Slimline and lightweight means these scales are not just for the home bathroom—take them with you to training camp, trackside or to races. Tanita.com

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 NUTRITION

RECOVERY AND BARS Honey Stinger Waffles $1.39 If gel, chews and sports drinks sound and feel a bit like a diet for those opposed to chewing, then add some interest and crunch with these new waffles. They’re sweet but not overly sweet, and the temptation of having breakfast waffles on the road is enough to get you out the door for prebreakfast training. Honeystinger.com Cytosport Muscle Milk Nutritional Shake $2.99 for a 14-ounce bottle Chocolate milk has gained notoriety as a surprisingly effective recovery drink, and Cytosport took that foundation and turned it into a nutritionally complete recovery product. Ample calories, electrolyte, protein, fat, vitamins and carbohydrates mixed with chocolaty taste make Muscle Milk both effective and enticing after a long workout. Musclemilk.com // A.H.

Nutrition Apps: Fueling Advice on the Go Get smart about your nutrition. Tracking diet and exercise can help set and achieve goals. Some apps also provide inspiration for healthy recipes, help you search for inseason produce and find the nearest fresh market. Some of the best are Epicurious Recipes, Livestrong Calorie Tracker, Lose It! diet tracker, Whole Foods Market Recipes, Seafood Watch and The Food Guide.

Clif Shot Roks $29.99 for a box of 10 packets Shot Roks are chewy, decadent, packed with lean protein and carbohydrates—and perfectly mix salty and sweet. These balls won’t melt or get squashed in your back pocket even on the longest ride or at the bottom of your training bag. If you didn’t know that these all-natural and mostly organic bites are a genuine healthy recovery option, you might think the label had been switched with something from the candy aisle.

Clifbar.com ProBar Whole Food Meal Bar $3.29 Organic fruits, nuts, seeds and grains— all the best parts of the health food section are squashed together in the nutty banana boom flavor. It tastes exactly like what the label says and is made with ingredients you can find in your grandma’s pantry. The fiber content is probably too high for a prerace bar, but it’s perfect for meals on the run or when energy needs are high.

Their extreme calorie density make them more of a meal than a snack.

Theprobar.com // PIP TAYLOR

JOHN SEGESTA

158 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

Polarized Available Now

Secure Fit Visibility Comfort Hydrodynamics Predator Goggle available at drgoggle.com and specialty retailers in your area

T r i aT h l e T e . co m 159

UPGRADES: RUNNING

Although running may seem like the most straightforward of the swimbike-run mix, the right gear upgrades can help you get more out of your next workout and enhance recovery.

Compex Sport Elite $999.99 This pocket-sized unit delivers tiny electrical pulses to stimulate muscle activity and aid recovery. The technology has been validated by doctors and physical therapists. Shopcompex.com 110% Juggler Knickers $150 These compression pants have sleeves that hold reusable ice packs against the major muscle groups. 110playharder.com Newton Distance shoes $155 Designed for mid- and forefoot runners, the Distance has lugs under the forefoot that return energy to the runner.

Newtonrunning.com Speed Laces Zero-Friction Fittings $6 Bolt the plastic bits onto any shoe to turn them into quick-closing tri shoes.

Speedlaces.com CEP Running Socks $60 Produced by Medi, a medical supply company, these socks are the real deal.

Cepcompression.com KT Tape $12 These pre-cut strips of kinesiology tape can help stabilize weakened muscles and prevent or minimize injury. Kttape.com Timex Global Trainer and HRM $359 The GPS watch and heart rate monitor is equipped with a fully functional multisport mode to track a tri from start to finish. Timex.com

160 T R I AT H L E T E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E | 2011

New year, New seasoN!

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Nautica New York City Triathlon Subaru Ironman Canada Ford Ironman Louisville Lifetime Fitness Chicago Triathlon Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 The Nation’s Triathlon Ford Ironman Wisconsin Ford Ironman World ChampionshipKona, HI Ford Ironman Florida Ford Ironman Arizona

Photo by Gary Geiger.

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vasatrainer.com T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 165

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Publication mail agreement NO. 40064408, return undeliverable Canadian addresses to, Express Messenger International, P.O. BOX 25058, London BRC, Ontario, Canada N6C 6A8

Triathlete Issue #324 (ISSN08983410) is published monthly by The Competitor Group, 9477 Waples St., Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121; (858) 450-6510. Subscription rates: U.S., one year (13 issues) $34.95; two years (26 issues) $59.95. Canada $60.95 per year; all other countries $94.95 per year, U.S. currency only. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, CA, and additional mailing offices. Single copy price $7.99. Triathlete is copyright 2003 by The Competitor Group. All rights reserved.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Triathlete, P.O. Box 469055, Escondido, CA 92046-9513.

T R I AT H L E T E . CO M 167

Forward Thinking It isn’t aerodynamic tubing or aerobars that truly differentiates the tri bikes in the Buyer’s Guide from traditional road bikes. The biggest difference is geometry—the way the rider is positioned on the bike. Every tri bike is specifically crafted to allow the cyclist to ride comfortably and efficiently while in an aerodynamic position.

Road bikes traditionally have been built with a slack seat tube angle to put the rider in an upright position and allow him or her to perform well over all terrain, but triathlon cycling is all about straight-line speed. There are many differences between road and tri bikes to make this possible, but the seat tube angle is the most critical. Changing the seat tube from slack to steep lets the rider stay comfortable while tucking into an aerodynamically optimized position. This seemingly simple change transformed the way people race against the clock.

The very first bikes with a steep seat tube angle were created in 1984 by Richard Bryne, the CEO of Speedplay. Bryne may be best known for his lollipop-shaped pedals, but his talent for innovation has also played a major role in the development of the aerobar, wind trainer and the triathlon bike.

Bryne originally designed a bike with a steep seat tube angle to help break the 24-hour track cycling record. Jim Elliot, the benefactor of Bryne’s groundbreaking design, shattered the record, leading Bryne to create Scepter Bicycle Company to spread the idea. It never took hold and, according to Bryne, “the cycling world thought I was an idiot.” In reality, he was ahead of his time. Every bike in this issue, from the Trek Speed Concept on the cover to the Fuji Aloha 2.0 that leads off the bike section, is a descendant of this 1985 Scepter. // AAron HersH

The story behind the origination of the steep seat tube angle can be found at Triathlete.com/buyersguide.

nils nilsen

168 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011

ec c ou sa . c o m

NATURAL MOTION AND RASMUS HENNING. A WINNING COMBINATION. RASMUS HENNING, WINNER 2010 CHALLENGE ROTH, RUNS IN ECCO BIOM A

RUN To locate a BIOM dealer near you go to www.eccousa.com