mad alchemy

time to get out the embro. with temps in the 20/s to start it's time to break it out. i use the mango love on the hands and knuckles, just a little something to keep them from drying out and cracking. for the legs and back i'm still staying true to the mellow which is pretty warm. check out the link for mad alchemy over to the left and order some today. winters not going away any time soon.

mad alchemy gets a 10 out of 10 on the wheel scale

bibs and shorts

i've been using these louis garneau tam bibs of about 3 months now and i have to say the fit is awesome. they are using some type of compression material for the legs seems to help hard to say. seems as though most companies have gone to even more high tech materials as of late. the bib straps are vented, very nice. other bibs usually have spandex all the way up. i don't know about you but this gives me problems with achene in the hot summer. the bibs also has a spot on the back for ipod or team radio if you're at that level. the chamois is super absorbent and the fit is good. the chamois comes up far in the front and back and may take a little getting used too. be careful with the embro around the white leg cuffs.

the bibs get a 8 of of 10 on the wheel scale

bontrager rl mountain shoe

it's been awhile since i've picked up a new pair of shoe. i thought i might try these. the shoe feature a ratchet buckle, 2 velcro straps, top spikes and a carbon last. the shoe is super stiff and the fit is pretty good even if you have a wide forefoot like me. the shoe comes with toe cleats as mentioned above with a tool to install. like all shoes you might have to go up a size from what you normally wear. they are about a 1/2 size short and if you wear wool or winter sox this might be a problem. the shoe also has pretty good air flow. the price is 139 and worth it. i guess this would be a good time to get back to the rating scale.

these shoes get a 7 wheels out of 10.

beer cupcake mustache

i just received a copy of this book. it's pretty cool. it features riders of all levels {women and men} with short q&a with every picture. this book is all cross. the book is paper back and all the pictures are in black and white. pick up a copy at pedalpowerphotgraphy.com

brooklyn brewing

after having the brooklyn brew local #2 i thought i might grab another. i looked through the beers only to find that there were no cold #2's. ah but there was a cold #1. 1 is always better than 2 i thought, so i took the chance with the beer. this beer was no let down, a true tasting belgium. this beer is sweet and citrus tasting at the same time. it paired well with the apple and spaghetti i had for diner. this beer is totally awesome. a great summer beer. 9% alcohol and smooth. pick one up, kinda on the high side at $10a bottle but well worth it. 5 wheels on the scale.

orphan finds a home

this was the most tasty beer i've had in a while. 9% alcohol and very smooth. this beer is re-fermented in it's bottle and that's a good thing. the beer has hints of chocolate and spice things that you would look for in a winter beer. these flavors are complemented by some sweetness of honey and dark belgium sugar. that says yum. with the honey and hops this beer still keeps it's dark color but not heavy on the gut. this beer get 5 wheels on the scale. i think the scale goes to 5. if not it does now and the beer reviews return.

you have to love a bottle that has raised letters and logo.

h2o bottle review

i know another water bottle, who needs it. you do. the camelbak podium chill says it all in the name. i filled this thing with ice and headed out on a 2 hour mtb ride on a very warm friday morning. this thing kept the water cold and left a few cubes in it. the bottle is good. the bottle even went through a 3 hour tour of the zoo on wednesday when it was way warm. the ice cubes didn't last all day but the water was still cold and very refreshing. pick one up at your favorite shop.

no leaks and no drip spout.

embrocation review

mad alchemy embrocations for the body.

i've been using both of these all fall through today. the mango love has been really nice to use on my very dry and chapped hands. the mango is not a warmer just a good cream for dry cracked skin and the smell is really good too. the warmer is good from about 25-55/60. it works well on those days and evenings when you need just a little something and don't want to wear knee warmers. oh yeah don't use within 12-14 hours of leg shaving. not so good. i have also used this for my sore back on rides.

sock review

i've fallen way behind on my product reviews, so i'll catch up at least 3 items tonight.

i've tried 4 different socks over the last 2years down to the last few weeks.

left to right, pearl izumi tour sock, sock guy wool, verge winter, and the swiftwick.

i've worn pi socks for years and love them all this sock was no exception. i'm big on wool and wool blend for year round use. the pearl tour sock is a favorite and a staple in the sock fleet. this sock has gone to weddings, christmas parties with the mrs. and of course lots of riding and races. the sock is a jem with 2 years service. the sock guy sock fits great but but has a problem with premature wear in the toe and heel areas. i reall like this sock except for that. the verge is an awesome winter sock and early spring. this sock runs a little tight through the toe area but is extremely warm and perfect for cx. the swiftwick is the newest sock for me and is like compression socks for your feet. these socks are rapidly moving to the front of the pack as a favorite. so 1-4 goes like this swiftwick,pi,verge, and the sock guy do to wear issues. enjoy and make your feet happy.

glove shoot out

i've picked out three glove to test/review. 1 pair is brand new, 1 is a year old and the other is almost a year. these glove are all fall/winter styles. i have used them for ride and xc skiing. the pearl izumi lobster claws were by far the warmest and driest. my hands were sweating on 20 degree days on the bike. the pearls were awesome after falling in snow while on the skies. as for making snowmen and igloos last week they stayed very dry. next up were the louis garneau gel ex-z. man was i impressed with this glove. we were out clearing the lot on the very windy and snowy days last week. these things were so toastey. amazing. the big let down of the bunch were the craft gloves. cold on the bike and skies. once wet it was all over. liners helped but not much.

shoe review

this could be the best pair of free shoes i've ever received. this is one stiff soled shoe. it has spike fittings in the toe area. the tread is very noticeable and digs in well. the three velcro straps are just as good as any ratchet and strap combo i've used. other than the color the exustar pro shoe is pretty awesome for a very inexpensive shoe.

niterider

i just received the niterider minewt mini-usb. this is one very cool and very bright light. the thing has a very good bean as well as a very good halo. i used it tonight for the first time and i love it. i've used a lot of lights and i have to say my first impression is awesome. the thing retails for 100 bucks and only weighs 175 grams. looks cool and it's very small and takes up no room on the bike. come by and check it out.

product review

i just received this awesome base layer the other day. i'll be honest when i first opened the box i was unimpressed. it looked like some type of muscle shirt gone wrong. well much to my surprise the louis garneau light wind dry base layer was awesome. the other night when the cold front was coming in and it was storming really hard i was out riding home. i received the sleeveless version. the front of this piece features a wind block front and a regular back. it also has a short front and long tail piece, which is nice if you wear bibs. this thing kept me warm and dry it may be my favorite new item ever. if you are looking for a cold weather base layer this is it a must have for cold wether riding. the base layer retail for $40.00 and is well worth the $$.