Check Out: Shoes, Winter Riding Solutions, & More - January 2019
A lot of gear comes across our desks here at Pinkbike. Check Out is a monthly round-up of everything our tech editors have gotten their hands on. Sometimes it's products we're doing long-term tests on, other times it's stuff we're stoked on but don't have time to fully review. And, sometimes it's crazy shit someone sent us unsolicited and we're having a laugh.
Etnies Jameson Mid Crank Shoe
Features
• Asymmetric cuff
• Geo-Hex tread pattern
• Designed with input from Brandon Semenuk
• Geo-Hex tread pattern
• Designed with input from Brandon Semenuk
 | Props to Brandon Semenuk for getting his own signature shoe, although I find it kind of strange that it's called the Jameson. There's also the fact that it has a suede exterior, which isn't the ideal fabric choice for muddy conditions. They are comfy, though, and while they're not the best option for long pedaly rides or DH laps, they'll work for the occasional dirt jump or pumptrack session. |
Bontrager OMW Gloves
Features
• Zippered handwarmer pocket
• 200g Thinsulate Platinum Insulation
• $180 USD
• 200g Thinsulate Platinum Insulation
• $180 USD
| It's been a relatively mild winter so far, but if the snowpocalypse does arrive I'm ready. The OMW gloves are a 2-in-1 system - the inner glove is warm enough to wear on its own, but when the temperature really plummets it's time to pull on the overmitt. There's also a handwarmer pocket on the back of the inner glove for when things get really frigid. At that point I'd rather be on skis, but for the dedicated snow bikers out there the OMW gloves should help make sure you can still feel your fingers at the end of every ride. |
Ride Concepts Women's Hellion Shoe
Features
• DST 6.0 HIGH GRIP Rubber Outsole
• D3O High Impact Zone Insole Technology
• Two-panel synthetic upper with anti-peel coating and perforated ventilation
• Anti-abrasion toe and heel protection
• EVA midsole provides support and shock absorption
• Fully gusseted tongue prohibits intake of dirt and debris
• D3O High Impact Zone Insole Technology
• Two-panel synthetic upper with anti-peel coating and perforated ventilation
• Anti-abrasion toe and heel protection
• EVA midsole provides support and shock absorption
• Fully gusseted tongue prohibits intake of dirt and debris
• Women's-specific fit
• Modern lifestyle Performance Fit
• Approximate weight - 12.8 oz (361 g)
• Sizes: 5-10
• Colors: Deep Purple or Charcoal
• Price: $130 USD
• www.rideconcepts.com
• Modern lifestyle Performance Fit
• Approximate weight - 12.8 oz (361 g)
• Sizes: 5-10
• Colors: Deep Purple or Charcoal
• Price: $130 USD
• www.rideconcepts.com
| Ride Concepts is a newcomer on the block, and it's great to see that they went full in on their women's line. The Hellions have ample protection for your toes and the impact-absorbing soles are an interesting concept. The shoes are on the stiff side, but the fit is super comfortable. |
Wahoo Kickr Core Trainer
The trainer is easy to set up and pair to your phone or laptop.
There's nothing in the virtual world of virtual sports that will have you cranking out laps quicker than being on the side of the road while hundreds of go-getters you don't know pass you by.
Features
• Power and controlled resistance
• Compatible with training apps
• $900 USD
• Compatible with training apps
• $900 USD
| I took about a ten year hiatus from riding the trainer because almost anything was more enjoyable. In that time a lot has changed. Wahoo's Kickr Core trainer isn't an inexpensive product by any means but it makes riding through lousy weather and actually doing structured workouts exponentially more bearable. The Kickr Core works with road bikes and mountain bikes - bearing in mind you'll need to throw on a Shimano style cassette that's compatible. I've been using the trainer off and on for a couple of months now and it's completely changed how I feel about indoor virtual reality cycle sports (yes, it's a thing). I've paired it with the ever-so-popular Zwift app and have been able to test my lack of fitness against others around the globe. You can just get on and ride or, with the app, do structured workouts and even race live. Sure, it's pretty nerdy and if the option is at all there to be outside on trails, you know where I'll be. However, if you find yourself losing fitness throughout the winter and are unwilling to resort to crossfit or spin classes, I've found the smart trainer paired with Zwift could be a really good option. Plus, it's kind of fun. |
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www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/web-specials/spark-BD801584LMGRLG_1.html?rmsrc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1sriBRD-ARIsABYdwwESL3J61_wfBBYItecCi7M0vhP06I7HuB2yUDpcjVYPo2GfC1ejvfUaAjDTEALw_wcB
I won't wear out my softer Black Diamonds gloves for years just skiing, biking, doing regular things. Now I reserve the Kincos for cold weather outdoor work (which I guess is exactly what they were made for).
And vans costs exactly the same, btw.
I don't think they'll be as robust as my previous FiveTens that lasted me 6 years (they shouldn't have, but shoes are expensive these days...), but I half expected to go for one trial ride with the Etnies and end up returning them disappointed; instead I'll be riding these on the downhills and the trails until they wear out – which will be interesting to see the longevity, but still.
They cop a lot of flack on the internet, but underrated shoes IMO.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Winter-Men-Women-Warm-Fleece-Lined-Windproof-Outdoor-Thermal-Touch-Screen-Gloves/153280994953?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=453160019584&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Will let you know how good they are when arrrive!
www.marks.com/en/dakota-ninja-ice-hpt-coated-gloves-84031.html
If it’s too cold with these, I’ll go skiing or ice climbing instead.
Honestly, though, I was skeptical for a while but I finally got one about 1.5 months ago and the difference in my fitness has been amazing. I went from being consistently middle to back of the pack among my riding buddies to pulling away like I'm on an e-bike without even pushing hard. And I was already riding 3-4x/week when I was middle to back of the pack. In FTP terms I've jumped roughly 25% in a month.
Is it as fun as riding outside? Obviously freaking not. But it takes a helluva lot less time, it's a helluva lot more effective for improving fitness, and it's definitely more fun than spinning a kickr,
So there's my testimonial. Take it FWIW.
By the time you buy a peloton you can have a smart trainer + a road bike.
Peloton is for more for people would be doing spin class. A smart trainer is more for people that actually ride bikes outside.
Re: price--It's $2K. Please tell me where you can get a decent road bike and kick'r trainer for that. Plus, they offer 0% financing so it's basically $100/mo. for the bike and class membership if you do it that way. That's about the price of a decent gym membership where I'm from (and half the price of a CrossFit box).
As for the rest of the general smack talking, you sound a lot like people who have never actually ridden a Peloton. Yes, there are some stereotypical "spin" classes (which, btw, can be a lot of fun and are still a killer workout for any kind of cycling), but there are also classes taught by pro cyclists and, my personal favorite, Power Zone Training. These are highly structured and highly effective for training.
Anyway, if the Zwift/Kick'r works for you, sweet. All I'm saying is also consider the Peloton if you're in the market. It gets me training 6+ days/week and I really enjoy it. Not sure why the hate...
However, I have a wife that also wants to workout at home in the cold boston winters and likes doing the spin classes so we ended up dropping our gym memberships and getting a peloton (saving money overall). End of the day, I f*cking love it. My biggest complaint is probably that i can't get the exact position/geometry i want, but i've gotten used to it.
I'll second @mpcremata on the power zone training and pro classes being good. They're the exact same structure as what my roadie buddies are getting off their training peaks programs.
Beyond that, I'd also argue that "spin style" classes might be better training for mountain biking than your typical roadie program. They typically tend to me high max output efforts (like you'd do on a mtb vs sustained roadie shit) and they will force you to engage your core more.
New Road Bike $650 www.jensonusa.com/Giant-Contend-3-Bike-2019
Total $1550
If cost is really a factor you could get KICKR SNAP smart trainer for $599 You could probably find a good deal on a used bike for even less as well. Making you total investment in an awesome virtual cycling setup under and a bike for $1000. Also, there is no reason not to just use your mountain bike. The KICKR and CORE are both compatible with 142 and 148 axles right out of the box.
Scientific sounding names for non scientific things sound cool.
PROPS to Semenuk and his own shoe :
And PROPS to ETNIES for their choice
My politics got nothing to do with u when u don’t even live in America
We all know that all Politicians are crooked !!!!
People always hating on Semenuk and his accomplishments bc they are jealous
WHAT ARE U THE "ROYAL PINKBIKE MOUNTED ONLINE POLICE"
ECONOMY IS UP AND WE ARE MAKING MONEY SO ID SAY TRUMP IS DOING A GREAT JOB