Art’s Cyclery Blog

““Try this,” a Tarahumara woman once told an exhausted explorer who’d collapsed at the base of a mountain. She handed him a gourd full of murky liquid. He swallowed a few gulps, and was amazed to feel new energy pulsing in his veins. He got to his feet and scaled the peak like an overcaffeinated Sherpa. The Tarahumara, the explorer would later report, also guarded the recipe to a special energy food that leaves them trim, powerful and unstoppable: a few mouthfuls packed enough nutritional punch to let them run all day without rest.”

-Born to Run

As I read this passage, my mind drifted into a reverie set in a Mexican desert where exotic, other wordly super-athletes ran for days at a time in scorching heat in thin sandals. I was entranced with everything about Christopher McDougall’s best-selling book, but was particularly fascinated with the diets of the wondrous athletes he described. How could a human possibly run all day on a mouthful of anything? My brain searched through its database of nutritional knowledge, but came up empty with any such substance.

Chia seeds - the magical endurance fuel of the Tarahumara Indians.

I think it’s difficult to fully understand the importance of endurance nutrition until you’ve experienced The Bonk. I don’t mean just feeling tired at the end of a ride. I’m talking about being on the brink of passing out, puking and feeling like hell, then riding for another hour. I’ve been there – after a 10 mile run in 100 degree weather, I ended up in the emergency room with severe heat stroke. I went through two liters of IV fluid and still didn’t have to pee for several hours. That’s a level of dehydration only familiar to desert creatures like camels and cactuses.

Tahamuran Arnulfo Quimare, in red, runs with ultra-running legend, Scott Jurek

So how can the Tarahumara run for 100 miles in the same heat that brought me to death’s doorstep?

The skeptic in me says there is no panacea or magic elixir that can conquer dehydration while prolonging endurance. But, a big part of the answer to the question above can be attributed to the power of chia seeds. The Tarahumara have been using them as food for centuries, and the Aztec Indians harnessed the seeds’ power before them. Here’s the science: chia seeds have a complete, very high quality protein, a moderate carbohydrate load, and are high in dietary fiber, as well as in Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, thus are extremely heart-healthy. Chia seeds have exceptional hydrophilic properties that absorb 9 to 14 times their weight in water and therefore prolong hydration.

Even though they are not a super-high source of carbohydrates, chia slows your body’s uptake of them, so any fuel you ingest will last longer. Chia is highly enriched with antioxidants, and provides more cellular protection than vitamin C and E.

Why it has taken so long for these seeds to come into mainstream consciousness, I have no idea, but I sure am glad it did. Wingfoot is a company based out of San Luis Obispo, CA that has developed a chia performance drink mix. I am convinced there is really something to this product. After drinking a glass right before a hard ride, I felt an extra pep in my pedal stroke. My legs felt springy and energized. My stomach felt calm and satiated.

Wingfoot Iskiate Lemon flavor goes down smooth.

I was surprised by how smooth it went down considering it looks a little weird when mixed with water. The subtle orange flavor is my favorite, but they are all quite enjoyable and refreshing. I feel good about using an all natural product for energy that has been around for thousands of years rather than ingesting some potion that was invented in a lab with the intention making money off it. Nothing against sport drinks, I still rely on them to replace electrolytes and fuel my athletic pursuits. I just enjoy drinking something that is derived of the earth.

The best way to experience the power of chia is to try it for yourself. We have single servings available as well as cases of 24 servings. I’d also encourage you to do more research as I know there are more benefits than I described here. This is an opportunity to harness your inner Tarahumara, and possibly extend your endurance to a level you never thought possible.

Evan Product Reviews

The Mondo Bibs match with practically any jersey. Photo Credit: Matt Gutowski

Overview: New for 2011, the Mondo Bibs and Jersey come together for a technologically advanced kit that looks, fits and performs at the highest level.

Price: Mondo Bibs $189.99, Mondo Jersey: $159.99

Louis Garneau is an established brand in the cycling world with nearly three decades of relevancy in the industry, no small feat considering how much cycling in general has changed since Louis Garneau started manufacturing apparel in his father’s garage in 1983. The 2011 Spring apparel collection looks to be one of the brand’s best ever, with an all-encompassing range of products, from high-end options to cheap, entry-level items.

While Louis Garneau has always turned out quality product, the brand wasn’t exactly known for producing the hippest looking or most stylish apparel out there. Consumers typically turned to more fashion-forward companies like  Castelli or Capoforma when looking for a unique, Italian influenced kit.

That started to change in 2009 when Louis Garneau came out with the Equipe Bibs and Jersey, which were huge hits. We had trouble keeping product in stock and LG scrambled to meet demand around the country.  The Equipe Bib achieved a bold look with team-inspired graphics that appealed to all kinds of riders. In 2010, the Equipe Bib ranked as one of our best-sellers.

The Equipe Bibs are likely to be a best seller again in 2011 along with the Mondo.

Recognizing the popularity of the team-inspired kit, Louis Garneau has several kit options for 2011. I’m excited to see the Crosa Bibs and Jersey, which are the priciest in the catalog. We should receive those around March.

The Mondo Bib replaces the popular Speed Matrix Bib. The Mondo retains the compressive fit and second-skin feel of its predecessor, and matches up well graphically with many jerseys in the collection.

My first ride in these bibs was an hour long trainer workout. The fit was on par with the most compressive bibs I’ve tested previously – the Skins 400 Bibs. The front and back panels of the shorts are made from Power Lycra, which offers muscle compression and increases blood circulation. The side panels are constructed from Ceratek, a material with ceramic particles that resist abrasion and won’t stretch out over time, making these shorts as durable as they are comfortable.

The 4-Motion chamois is vented and moves well with your body.

The new 4-Motion Chamois utilizes pre-shaped wings that stretch and move with your body. I have never ridden in a pair of shorts where the chamois was so seamlessly integrated into the short. As your legs pump up and down, the chamois bends and twists with your body. The internal padding consists of multi-thickness, perforated high-density foam that absorbs shock and evacuates moisture while a bacteriostatic carbon top sheet kills bacteria and eliminates odor.

The thickness of the chamois is right in my wheelhouse – not too bulky, but enough cushion for long rides. I generally prefer my chamois on thethin side, and this pad perfectly suits my preference.

The seamless, compressive Aero Lazer Band. Photo Credit: Matt Gutowski

There’s no leg gripper on these shorts. A seamless, compressive Aero Lazer band holds them in place. I love the feel of this design, mainly because you can’t feel the hem at all. Many of Louis Garneau’s high-end bibs and shorts are utilizing the power band construction, and other manufacturers are continuing the trend. I can’t imagine riding in shorts with a traditional silicone gripper after using these. My only concern was that they’d ride up when I wore knee warmers, but the band is compressive enough that it held them perfectly in place.

Summary: Louis Garneau has dialed in the Mondo Bib perfectly. Everything about it – the fit, the materials, the chamois and the looks make it one of my favorite apparel pieces coming out this year. At $189.99, the Mondo is reasonable when compared to other high-end bibs that are well over $200. My closet is bursting with shorts and bibs. I can tell you that from now on, the Mondo will be at the top of my pile. If  bibs aren’t your thing, check out the Mondo Shorts.

Evan Product Reviews

Certain things are inevitable in life. Death and taxes are good examples, but for we who ride – winter time woes are also inevitable. For example, if you ride at all in the winter chances are good you will flat. Chances are also good you will need to adjust your brakes and derailleurs much more often than normal. All this is due to water and grime gumming up your cables and causing debris to cling to your tires. There are ways around these winter cycling frustrations, and although I haven’t gone a full winter yet on the products I’m about to share with you, chances look good for a low-frustration year.

Over 800 miles and no cuts or slits on the DDs

In general it’s a good idea to change your tires and tubes, cables, and brake pads for the winter time. It’s best to have tires that can stand up to a constant barrage of pebbles, thistles and thorns, and anything else you’ll find on the road. The wet weather causes objects that your tires normally roll over in the summer to stick to your tires and remain there for a while. To combat this,  I’m trying out some Schwalbe Ultremo DD tires. A little background on the DDs; DD stands for Double Defense and is Schwalbe’s most durable race tire. It features two layers of defense.. shocking right? The first is a super densely woven puncture belt underneath the tread patch. The second is Schwalbe’s Snakeskin fabric from bead to bead, which is similar to the Duraskin we’re all familiar with on Conti’s but doesn’t look any different than a normal sidewall – which is quite nice actually. What makes the DDs a race tire is they still weigh a svelte 225 grams in 23c width, feature a folding bead, and use Schwalbe’s Triple Nano Compound tread. Recently, there has been a ludicrous amount of road construction going on in our area. I don’t mind the road repair (though I prefer it when it’s necessary) I just wish Cal Trans would clean up after itself. Instead, they leave little fresh chunks of asphalt strewn across the bike lane and shoulder. It’s one of the best proving grounds for road tires.

I’ve had these tires on for two months and put around 800 miles on them, including a gran fondo. They corner well, roll smoothly, and I haven’t flatted yet in spite of 2 wet rides and picking up a staple. What’s more encouraging is when I closely inspect the tread, there are no visible slashes or cuts after repeated asphalt abuse. I would highly recommend these to any one who needs a durable tire for the winter.

The GHP II compound pads are proven stoppers in wet weather

The go-to brake pad for the winter is the Swissstop GHP II pad. These are amazing wet weather pads. If you’ve ever needed to stop quickly in the wet, more than likely you’ve noticed greatly increased stopping distances and virtually no stopping power. These pads respond in the wet like normal pads do in the dry. Enough said. If your winters are wet these are a must, if you live somewhere like Arizona the Original Black pads will better suit your needs.

Lastly, let’s talk about the Gore Ride-On Professional Cable Kits. These immediately made a huge difference in my shifting and braking performance. What’s interesting is that Sram does some clever marketing saying that these cables come with their RED groups. I have Sram RED, bought it aftermarket and can confirm that that is not true at all. What comes with the RED group is a hybrid system that is closest to the Gore Ride-On Low Friction Cable Kit. The Professional kit is a whole different animal. For starters, it’s a fully sealed system. Second, it’s compression-less. The Pro system was designed to appease Pro Tour mechanics who wanted a fully sealed system that was lighter than the Low-Friction Sealed system. The Pro system uses 4mm shift housing to accomplish this and saves about 20 grams per cable. The housing is pre-lubed which would normally make for an easy install; more on that later. Another nice feature exclusive to the Pro Kits is the Teflon coating starts a few inches down the cable.

Grub seals keep the gunk out

The reason for this is the Teflon coating eventually comes off – especially where it comes in contact with mechanical zones such as the shifter mechanism. This is typically where the Teflon coating will come apart and sometimes gum up the shifter.  Starting the coating outside the shifter body solves this problem.

Installation was slightly annoying. The cables come with Campy ends and Sram/Shimano ends so you have to cut off one of the ends to fit your system. However, inserting a shift cable into Sram shift levers is one of the biggest pains in road bike maintenance and it’s only exacerbated by a freshly cut cable. After 30 minutes of coaxing I got the cables through. It was smooth sailing after that. Once installed, the Professional Kits made my shift action light and quick. And it hasn’t changed at all since. Best of all, I don’t have to worry about it changing because the system is totally weather sealed. I’m definitely most excited about this change to my bike. I really like these cables!

These are the basics of getting your road steed ready for winter. Not only is it nice to get your bike running fresh again, but these changes will make it more enjoyable over the long haul. For more information on the products mentioned visit our website at artscyclery.com.

Bradstone Gear, Product Reviews, Road

Overview: Troy Lee Designs has long been a major player in the motocross world, and downhillers have worn TLD gear for many years. Troy Lee has been making XC apparel for a few years, but is coming on strong for 2011 with some great offerings that are perfect for trail and all-mountain style riding. The Sprint collection is a tough but light and breathable blend of jerseys and shorts, suitable for downhill but great for trail riding also.

Putting the 2011 TLD kit through it's paces. All photos Matt Gutowski.

First Impressions: I have always been a big fan of the Troy Lee Moto Shorts, so I thought I’d try out the Sprint Shorts; they’re lighter, better ventilated and have a new waist closure for 2011 that is much better than the 2010 version. One area the Sprint’s are lacking in is pockets. I like to carry several things with me when I ride, but since most of my rides are short, I don’t usually wear a hydration pack. Thus, I love the big pockets on the Moto’s. They swallow up gear but keep everything tight and close to the leg. There is a small zipped pocket at the waistband of the Sprint shorts that can hold a cell phone, key and a pack of gel, and for most people that’s plenty. Obviously, pockets are not an issue if you use a hydration pack or wear the Sprint’s on race day.

Waist pocket of Sprint Shorts. (That's an EpiPen)

The Kit looks great. If you can’t ride like a pro, you can always look like a pro, and you will in this gear. The Ruckus Jersey matches the red zipper accent on the Sprint Shorts, and obviously the Sprint Jersey is designed to go with the Sprint Shorts.

That's the iPhone 5G in the side pocket of the Ruckus Jersey.

At first I was a bit miffed that TLD had messed with my all-time favorite pair of gloves, the Air Gloves, but as soon as I rode with them I found that I had a new pair of favorites!

On The Trail: Luckily, the Ruckus Jersey has a hidden side pocket that’s big enough for a cell phone, so between the short’s pockets and that one, I had enough storage for my ride. Don’t put anything heavy in the jersey pocket, though, as you will feel it swinging around. Fit-wise, the Ruckus is great. I especially like the moto-inspired neck. There’s plenty of room, I never felt it at my throat, yet it’s not loose and floppy either. I am becoming a fan of 3/4 length sleeves, also. The sleeves on the Ruckus are loose enough to encourage airflow, but if you push them up, they stay. The fabric is comfortable and soft. Unfortunately, the Ruckus is not the most breathable jersey, so I’d avoid it during the hottest months of the year. If you want a long sleeve jersey to wear in the summer, then the Sprint Jersey is for you. The Sprint Jersey is half mesh, and therefore has tons of ventilation. Of the two, the Sprint was my favorite, which might be due to the mid-day temps I usually ride in.

Ruckus Jersey, Sprint Shorts, Air Gloves

The Troy Lee Air gloves are awesome. That’s all there is to say. If you wear full-fingered gloves, you should wear these. End of story. The only reason not to wear these is if you trim branches with your knuckles instead of a saw.

TLD Air Glove. The best glove ever.

How did the Sprint Shorts perform? Flawlessly. The fit is dialed. Troy Lee sizes their shorts by waist size (32, 34, 36, etc) so you are almost guaranteed to get the perfect fit. Adjustment tabs on the side of the waistband let you cinch down the Sprint Shorts up to a full size. The legs are just long enough for style points, but don’t get in the way of knee pads. In fact, the leg opening perfectly fits around knee guards without bunching or getting hung up at all. Compared to my beloved Moto Shorts, the Sprints almost made me a believer; they are lighter weight, seem to fit a bit better, have massive mesh panels on the front and rear for ventilation, and have a trimmer profile as well. A rational person would declare the Sprint’s the winner and move on from there. I, however, can’t get over the lack of storage. I know that many riders hate riding with stuff in their pockets, and for them, the Sprint Shorts are going to be perfect.

Stylin' in TLD!

Bottom Line: Troy Lee’s Sprint Shorts are an affordable alternative to their Moto Shorts, and many riders will like them better thanks to the superior ventilation, reduced weight, and perfect fit. The Ruckus Jersey is stylish and comfortable, but not well-suited for warm temperatures if you have to earn your turns. If you are shuttling or on a chair lift, you will love it. For hot weather or anyone who pedals to the top, the Sprint Jersey is awesome; it’s light, insanely ventilated, and breathes so well you won’t need to push the sleeves up. And the Air Gloves? Get them. Thats all. Just get them.

Luke Gear, Mountain, Product Reviews

The Haven wheel set weighs in at 1650 grams.

Overview: Purpose built for the diverse demands of true all-mountain riding. Available in 9mm/15mm/20mm front and 10mm/12mm rear as well as a 29’er option. At a scant 1650 grams and a 21 mm rim width, these wheels spin fast and hold strong, letting you focus on the trail ahead and leaving your buddies behind.

Price: $379.99 front, $424.99 rear

First Impressions: The attention to detail is remarkable and the Cnc’d hub body makes you feel instantly at ease with their $800.00 price tag. A less flashy detail comes in the form of Easton’s spoke selection. By opting to use a standard straight pull spoke, Easton ensures that in a pinch you could find parts at virtually any bike shop.

It wasn’t until I mounted them to the bike that I could offer my first criticism…. Easton surely doesn’t want you or your riding buddies to forget what wheels you are riding. The hub body may be the only piece of real estate that isn’t sporting either the Easton or Haven logo in large block letters. Obviously no draw on functionality, but expect a little flak from your riding buddies.

The Havens are available in black or this magnesium color.

On The Trail: My inaugural ride on the Havens was a solo night ride, needless to say I got a little spooked. Feeling like I was being stalked by a Bandersnatch, my pace was a little faster then normal, which is where I really noticed the strength. These wheels spin fast! Seeing as I dropped about a pound from my prior wheel set this was a very noticeable change, and I found myself staying in gears lower on the cassette than usual. Night ride, high heart rate, and the relentless pursuit of my imaginary Bandersnatch forced an error. I missed my line on the climb and had to try a restart on a rocky, steep, and loose hill.. This is where I noticed how quick the hub engagement was. Pedal response was snappy and precise which got me rolling again on the first attempt.

The descent was no less inspiring. The 21mm rim profile coupled with the acoustically tensioned spokes leaves you with a strong wheel set that can take hit after hit without folding or denting. The balance of weight, tension, and a wide rim profile amplified control input and gave me a sense of authority that was much appreciated through the rock gardens. I’ve noticed that I’m able to hold a line and corner better than ever, which I’m going to attribute 50% to rim width and 50% to the placebo effect that always accompanies shiny new parts. They climb fast, make your bike feel like it is on rails, and have no problems coping with the vast array of situations that all mountain riders incur. After a dozen rides in rocky, muddy, unforgiving terrain the Havens spin as true as the day purchased.

Bottom Line: If you ride a mountain bike with 4-6” of travel, you will love these wheels.

Evan Gear, Mountain, Product Reviews

Just in time for Fabian Cancellara’s fourth World Time Trial victory, we received his Swiss Champion jersey along with several others from Thor Hushovd, Andy Schleck and Matti Breschel. Made by Castelli, these jerseys are high quality and fit well.

We are excited to see how Spartacus does in the road race this weekend. Any predictions?

Thor Hushovd Norwegian Champion Jersey

Schleck Luxembourg Champion Jersey

Matti Breschel Danish Champion Jersey

Fabian Cancellara Swiss Champion Jersey

Evan Product Reviews

Overview: The world’s first adjustable-width mountain handlebar lets you find the perfect width without cutting. Constructed of 7075 T6 Aluminum. 25mm rise, 5 by 9 degree sweep. Length adjustable from 750mm to 775mm to 786mm.

Price: MSRP $79.99, Art’s price $69.99.

As handlebar widths have continued getting wider and wider, numbers like 750mm don’t seem that extreme anymore, especially with 1000mm Syncros‘ out there. The benefits of wider handlebars (increased control in turns and greater stability in the rough) have caused gravity riders to enthusiastically embrace the extra alloy. What I was wondering, however, was how would an “extra-wide” set of bars benefit a regular old trail rider like myself? Well, thanks to the ODI Flight Control, I could finally find out, and if I didn’t like the results, go back to my old length without having to buy another set of bars.

I have been using Sunline V1 745mm handlebars for a few years, which some people would consider wide already. After a few guys here went with 780mm-plus handlebars, I needed to give them a try too. I went with the 750mm Flight Control Bars, since that was a width I was used to if I didn’t like the extra bit, and added the 19mm Flight Control Extensions for a total width of 786mm.

My first impressions were positive: sweep and rise felt very comfortable, and similar to the Sunline’s I had been riding. The extra width did feel odd at first when pedaling around the parking lot, and while it eventually felt less wierd, they still feel wide on the steepest climbs. Descending, however is another story… I Immediately felt comfortable with the ODI’s when the trail turned downhill. The extra width increases your leverage on the bars, which results in reduced perceived effort when steering the bike through turns, making it easier to stay on a line, and make corrections if you need to. Straight-line control was noticeably improved also, with the wider bars allowing me to muscle through rocky sections that sent my front wheel skipping and bouncing on my narrower bars.

Unfortunately, when a bike points uphill, the laws of physics still apply. That extra leverage which made my descending so much better now works to lift the front wheel off the ground and amplifies every little bit of steering input I give to the bars. This effect is only slightly detrimental, and only on the extra steep parts. By moving my hands inboard, and by leaning forward a bit more I can mitigate the effects, but I would not recommend 786mm bars to XC racers. That said, bars of this width are obviously intended for riders who get more enjoyment out of descending rather than climbing, and they noticeably boosted my descending enjoyment.

Bottom Line: These bars did everything they were supposed to do — allowed me to experiment with different lengths without fear of ruining a new pair of bars. While I like the extra width, it’s nice to know that I could have gone back to what I was comfortable with. The increased width provides markedly increased control in all types of turns and in rocky situations. A common issue with extra-wide bars is flex, and while these aren’t entirely flex-free, they are pretty darn close. I have also seen lighter bars of this width, but they are about as stiff as a pair of shoe laces.

The only drawback to extra-wide bars like these is felt when climbing. During very steep ascents, the front end feels like it wants to come off the ground, and it takes more effort to keep the bike straight. Moving your hands inboard and/or leaning forward during these situations will get you through them.

I recommend the ODI 750 Flight Control Bars to All-Mountain and trail riders, but pure XC riders who want to experiment will be better served by the 711 width bars.

Luke Gear, Mountain, Product Reviews

2XU Compression Leggings can be used while working out or during recovery.

Overview: The 2XU Compression Leggings provide all the benefits of graduated full-leg compression without the restrictive feeling of tights.

Price: $62.99

Last Fall, I traveled to Australia for the International Triathlon Union Age Group World Championships. I bought some travel/recovery tights (from a brand that competes with 2XU) to wear on the plane to help fight the effects of jet lag by hopefully increasing blood flow through my legs.

They served their purpose in that I felt fresh when I got off the plane and my legs didn’t have that heavy, dead feeling I’ve experienced on previous international flights. But I had a huge problem with them on the plane. They were so hot and restrictive, the 15-hour flight felt about twice as long. I couldn’t stop sweating and was constantly shifting my weight around trying to get comfortable. They succeeded in providing effective compression to my legs, but they failed in their wearability. As I was suffering on the plane, I thought about cutting out the crotch and rear of my tights so that only my legs were wrapped.

The product engineers at 2XU must have had a similar experience with compression tights. They have successfully designed a product that provides the amazing benefits of full-leg graduated compression without the restrictive nature of tights. As far as I know, they are the only company with this type of product. Skins makes a Leg Sleeve, but it only comes up to the mid-thigh.

"Graduated compression" means that the tightest area of the garment is at the bottom, maximizing circulation so blood pumps in the proper direction.

When I come home from a 5-hour ride, spending most of my day in tight bike shorts, the last thing I want to do is put on some sweaty, restrictive tights that actually cut off circulation to some very important parts of my male anatomy.

With these leggings, you can wear your own underwear so you don’t have to suffer the wrath of restrictive tights. The material is a circular knit, 70 denier fabric for maximum support throughout the life of the leggings. An antibacterial treatment neutralizes odor and a UPF of 50 provides sun protection.

I am currently wearing these leggings to work because I’m suffering from a torn calf muscle. The level of compression delivered is perfect, and I feel like they are aiding my recovery process. The material is a medium weight, high gauge fabric, making it suitable for use during activity or recovery.

Bottom Line: These leggings provide awesome compression benefits at about half the price of tights with less restriction. Slipping into these after a hard workout feels amazing. After trying compression socks, tights and calf sleeves from multiple brands, this product is my official favorite.

Evan Product Reviews

Overview: This top-end model delivers across the board and provides everything you could want in a cycling shoe. Specialized Body Geometry features deliver a solid platform that make this shoe wearable for a majority of foot types, two BOA closures secure a perfect fit and the FACT 12, high modulus carbon sole is as stiff as you would ever want.

The 2011 S-Works Road Shoe in White and Red.

Price: $349.99

Specialized has perfected the use of the BOA closure system with the new S-Works Road Shoe. Nothing has changed from the 2010 model – all the same Body Geometry features are present along with two BOA S1 dials that rotate in either direction to tighten or loosen the shoe. The top dial locks the ankle and heel down while the mid-foot dial snugs the arch and forefoot.

I previously owned a pair of the 2009 S-Works shoes that only had one BOA dial. I bought a pair of the new model to see if performance and fit were enhanced with two dials instead of one.

I was in awe at the comfort of these shoes right out of the box. There was no “break in period” what so ever. This may be due to the fact that I was already riding in Specialized shoes, but I was still impressed with how comfy these were on my first ride. Sizing and fit feels similar to previous editions of the shoe. I found the heel to be on the narrow side with a snug mid-foot and roomy toe box. One of the reasons I truly love this shoe is that it will fit a range of foot types thanks to the BOA closure system. I have a slender foot, but the dials allow me to tighten these down enough to get a secure fit. There’s no way this upper would work on my feet if I was trying to synch down a buckle and a couple Velcro straps. This phenomenon has made me a believer that the BOA dials are a superior closure system over traditional buckles and straps.

The BOA dials rotate in either direction to tighten or loosen the shoe.

The cords of the BOA lacing system disperse pressure more evenly over the top of the shoe, creating a uniform enclosure, the way the laces of a running shoe work. The inherent problem with straps is that they can cause pressure points as you tighten them down. Many companies address this problem by making pads that are built into the strap that disperse pressure. The Specialized Pro Road Shoe utilizes this design. If you can’t get past the idea of having dials on your shoe, the Pro Road has all the great Body Geometry features of the S-Works shoe without the BOA dials.

The super-stiff carbon sole has an air port near the toe and features a better heel pad than the 2009 S-Works shoe.

The FACT 12 carbon sole supplies sensational stiffness. Every time I stand up to pedal, I feel confident knowing my shoes are working for me, not against me as I push down on the pedals. The sole is also ventilated to keep air flowing through the shoe. The water-resistant upper is well ventilated too, with open mesh panels on the tops and sides of the shoe.

• Varus Wedge: Engineered into the outsole of the shoe to account for the naturally canted angle of the foot. Having this angle is fine for walking, but it can cause rotational movement of the knee, shin and foot while biking. This creates knee pressure and strain while degrading efficiency. The varus wedge accounts for this angle, creating a balanced platform for maximum power output.
• Metatarsal Button: Lifts and separates the metatarsals to eliminate hot spots that occur from bunching of the toes.
• Longitudinal Arch: Similar idea to the varus wedge, except arch support is supplied from the footbed instead of the outsole. Specialized offers three levels of arch support in their footbeds which can be purchased separately.

The White/Black color scheme is ultra classy.

Final Score: I have never given a perfect score in a review, but I’m so impressed with these shoes that I have to give my first ever 10 out of 10. The fit rivals the slipper-like feel of the Sidi Ergo 2 at $80 less. The sole is stiffer than anything else I’ve ridden. The BOA closures are a definite improvement over the 2009 model, giving the upper a customizable, secure fit. The styling is classy without being too flashy. Some people may not like the shiny finish, but I think that if you’re dropping $350 on shoes, you want to be noticed, at least a little.

The only issue that can, and probably will arise, is that the BOA dials will need to be replaced. Like all moving parts, the BOA dials and cords will wear out over time. I have never had to replace these, but I can’t imagine it being too difficult and the parts cost less than $20.

Specialized uses the BOA dial on several other models in its line of 2011 shoes. They seem to be ahead of the game, creating trends and utilizing new technologies. It will be interesting to see who follows suit.

Evan Product Reviews

What: Smith Pivlock V90 and V90 Max

We love innovation here at Art’s Cyclery. Whenever new products show up at our warehouse, we hover around like bugs attracted to a neon light, dissecting the new features of the product.

When the new styles of Smith’s Pivlock showed up at our warehouse, there was a considerable deal of buzz surrounding these unique shades. Their styling is undeniably European – something you’d expect to see from Gucci if they decided to make cycling-specific sunglasses.

The color options pretty much cover the spectrum, so your chances of finding a pair that will match your kit are high. But as cool as they look, I needed to find out how these shades performed while riding. After five rides, I have to say that the Pivlocks far exceeded my expectations.

The Pivlock V90 in Race Green is flashy and comes with three sets of lenses.

Smith claims the Pivlock to be the “lightest performance interchangeable rimless sport style” in the world today. I don’t have the facts to back that up, but I do know that after riding in them for about an hour, I seriously forgot I had them on. I tried out a pair of the Pivlock V90 in Race Green, which perfectly matched my Art’s Cyclery Aussie kit. This particular style came with three sets of lenses for options in every light condition. To my surprise, the Yellow Mirror lens worked exceptionally well in sunny conditions. Most yellow lenses have a high percentage of light transmission, but not these – the optical clarity was perfect and glare was non-existent.

Changing lenses is really easy. The only other sunglasses I’ve tested with a simpler design are the Jawbones from Oakley. But the Pivlocks come with three lenses instead of two and cost significantly less. All you have to do is pivot the arms up and slide the nosepiece out. Once you get the feel of it, you can do the swap in less than 30 seconds.

I felt the coverage on the Pivlock V90 was adequate for my smallish face and I didn’t really need the extra coverage of the Pivlock V90 Max, which fits better on larger faces.These shades come with some other awesome features like the Grilamid TR90 frame, which provides the gold standard for active sunglasses. Hydrophilic Megol pads on the nosepiece and temples grip better when wet, ensuring a comfortable non-slip fit. Smith’s Tapered Lens Technology eliminates optical distortion by progressively tapering the lens from the optical center towards the outer edges. Light waves are thereby delivered straight to your eye resulting in zero distortion and true optical clarity. Put more simply, what you see is what you get. A sweat-seal hydrocoating keeps sweat and other liquids from streaking the lens. Water will bead right off, keeping your field of vision clear.

Final  Score: Based on style, functionality and value, I give the Pivlock a 9.5 out of 10. My only concern is that over time, swapping the lenses may become difficult since the arm pieces slot directly into a hole on the lens. One small crack or chip around this hole could potentially ruin the lens. But, all Smith sunglasses come with a Lifetime Warranty, so if this does happen, Smith will replace the shades at no cost to you. We have a limited supply of T-Shirts that will be free with the purchase of any Smith sunglasses.

Evan Product Reviews