Product Review: Miōn Shoes

If you like Keen sandals (or any other “sport” sandals for that matter), but hate how sweaty/smelly they get, then listen up!

I picked up a pair Miōn Current sandals from Bikes Plus a couple of days ago, and frankly, I can’t think of a reason to ever wear anything else. They’ve got everything you could ask for-

Footbed: antibacterial, anatomic, and very very comfy
Upper: hugs your foot, but is soft enough to not rub or bruise anything
Sole: very good traction in wet environments
Overall: lightweight, non-stinky, able to be cleaned with a hose, fast-drying, comfortable… etc.

Oh yeah, and did I mention that the company is environmentally conscious? I love them. The only complaints I could foresee anyone having would be the looks of the sandal (I like it, but I imagine it’s not for everyone), and the squeaky soles. Doesn’t bother me, but you won’t be sneaking up on anyone if you’re walking on a hard surface!

These are the sandals I got (though mine are dark purple):

Eat at Green Bamboo

If you’re anywhere in the Memphis area, you have to try Green Bamboo Vietnamese Restaurant (on Hacks Cross just south of Hwy 385). I’ve had their house special soup as well as curry tofu w/mixed vegetables, and both were representative of the best Asian-style food I’ve ever had. Everything tastes home made! If you’ve tried curry before & thought that it tastes a lot like spicy dirt, then do yourself a favor and give it another chance here. Just writing this, my mouth is watering. Being cold and rainy out, I think I may go there instead of riding my bike this afternoon…

Powerbar Harvest Bars

Kenda is a Powerbar sponsored team this year (awesome since I used a lot of their product already). I got my shipment of stuff in yesterday- Tangerine gels (always been a favorite of mine because of the extra sodium & caffeine) , endurance drink (hot pink fruit punch, no less), and Harvest bars (apple cinnamon).

I had never actually tried the apple cinnamon bars, so I figured I’d sample one right away as a snack… I’ve had plenty of harvest bars, and I like all of them, but the apple cinnamon ones rock! To make it even better, it was the freshest bar I think I’ve ever eaten! I don’t know if it’s because I got the box “factory direct” or something, but WOW! It was so soft that I expected it to be warm & steamy when I bit into it. I don’t know if shipping athletes extra fresh product is something they do on purpose, but if it is, THANK YOU, POWERBAR!

I’ve never actually seen the apple cinnamon ones at the grocery around here (only at bike shops), but I definitely recommend, if you see them, try one out.

Product Review: SRAM Red

I’ve ridden the new build a couple of times now, and compared to the Frankenstein Ultegra components I had on my bike, the Red is better in any way I can think of. When accelerating and climbing, I feel like I’m getting more power for less effort (a product of ceramic BB bearings as well as weight reduction in the crank & rear cogs).
The shifting is also great. Where Ultegra feels a little mushy, the Red is crisp and very precise. Doubletap took a little getting used to, but by the end of my 3.5 hour ride yesterday, it felt just as automatic as my previous shifting.
Last but not least, the brakes almost threw me off of my bike the first time I used them on the road. I adjusted them in as close as possible to my handlebars (very easy to do just by turning a bolt on the top of the lever assembly under the hood), and they’re very strong! The Red paint job on the levers is pretty sexy, too.

Check out pictures of the build a few posts down in the one titled “Red, white, and Blue” (yeah, cheesy, I know).

Product Review: Ritchey Biomax II Handlebars

Yeah, I’m on Spring Break this week, so I’ll be posting a lot :)

Here’s the manufacturer’s product description:
6 degree swept-back tops, 3 degree flare, Ergo bump and super shallow (135mm) drop for more a comfortable riding position : R50 bend for more hand room : Deep groove hides cables : 290g (42cm/31.8). Width measured from center to center

I put these on about a week ago to replace my 42cm ergo bend bars. They’d gotten somewhat flexy (metal fatigue), and I tended to hit my forearms on the tops of the bars when sprinting in the drops. Because the Biomax II bar ends flare out, I ordered a 40cm in order to keep my hands in line w/my shoulders when on the drops.
The first thing I noticed was how much stiffer these were than my old bars. The width is perfect. On the hoods, my hands are a little narrower than on the previous bars, and they feel perfectly in line with my shoulders when I’m in the drops. Even with my long arms, I feel more comfortable with the shallower drop. The “biomax” features- swept back tops and flared drops- really are nice. The flare makes sprinting in the drops much more comfortable than before. I feel much more stable in that position than with my previous bars.
The only discomfort I’ve noticed is the amount of vibration I get with the bars, but, they’re aluminum, so I’m not really surprised. It’s worth it for some extra stiffness when it counts. I think once I switch my tape out from some plain cork to a gel cork that I’ll be more comfortable.

Unless someone comes out with a carbon version bar like this, they’ll be what I ride!

Product Review: Gore Vulcano Gloves

I purchased these gloves from Terry in the late fall while they were having a 50% off sale, so they cost $32. I have to say that if I’d paid full price, I’d be pretty pissed off. The fit is great, and they’re quite warm (to about 45 deg F) for as thin as they are (as well as being wind and waterproof), but the durability of these gloves leaves much to be desired- the stitching in my right shifting fingers is wearing out, as is the stitching/fabric in the area between the thumb/index finger. The stitching is also letting loose along the side of the right thumb, although that could be as a result of a fall that I took a couple of weeks ago (which is why I’m not complaining too much about the rips you can see in the palms, although it’d be cool if they were a bit more resistant to fall-related tears in that area since it’s not an uncommon part to hit if you do fail to keep the rubber side down). Now, keep in mind, I’ve worn these since purchase for most of my rides in weeks where I’ve trained anywhere from 8 to 15 hours, but, if I’d paid $64 for them rather than $32, I’d expect them to hold up to that type of stress. Overall, I’d recommend these only if A) You can get them on sale cheap like I did, B) Don’t ride as much as I do, or C) Just want a nice, thin but warm pair of gloves for everyday use for cold weather, outdoor things other than cycling (driving, dog walks, etc.)
Photos of the gloves/damage:

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Product Review: Ibex Breakaway Jacket


I got one of these for Christmas from my parents. So far, I’ve worn it 3 times in temps ranging from high 30’s to low 50’s (with various base layers). I am convinced that Ibex’s merino wool is made from magic sheep- This jacket is like a wearable thermostat- it keeps you exactly warm enough to be comfortable. The best part is that I haven’t washed it yet, and it doesn’t stink! It’s got a single back pocket as well as a chest pocket, and it’s wind & water resistant. I haven’t tested the water resistance yet, but the amount of wind resistance is just right to keep you warm. I’ll post an update once I get it out in some colder temps.

‘Til then, buy one here: Ibex Breakaway Jacket on clearance @ Sierra Trading Post