Winter can be a tough time to keep motivated, energised and riding safely so while there’s a cool section of trail gear on the opposite page to inspire you to look good on the trails, here’s a selection of things that are sure to keep those pedals turning through the dark winter months.
Ryder Orion 800
This little rechargeable light puts out 800 lumens, is waterproof and its battery is good for thee and a half to twenty five hours of elimination, depending on the mode you use it in. Its four modes are low, medium, high and max, which offer you a range of options depending on the terrain you’re navigating. It comes complete with handlebar, headlamp and helmet mounts allowing you to locate it as either a primary light on your bars, or, given its light weight, as a secondary light on your helmet to help you illuminate your path and it also encourages the look where you want your bike to go principle. Find out more at www.omnico.co.za. RRP R895.
RED-E PowerBank Premium
Always running your smartphone, GoPro or GPS’s battery flat and then pulling out of the ride. Well with the RED-E PowerBank Premium that excuse is out of the window. The PowerBank comes with a USB, an Apple 8Pin, an Apple 30Pin, a Nokia 2mm and a Mini USB adapter to cover just about all your charging needs. Its battery pack features a 6000mAh Lithium-Polymer battery in an impressively small 120.7mm by 60.3mm by 16mm, 131g package. It takes six to seven hours to recharge and can charge up to three mobile devices simultaneously. Visit www.omnico.co.za to find your closest stockist. RRP R699.
Pub Pedals
Pub Pedals are on an adapter that turns your Crankbrothers Eggbeater pedals into flats so you can ride your bike in normal shoes to, well, the pub. They were awarded the ISPO Brand New Accessories Winner for 2014/2015 and are super easy to fit – they just slide over the Eggbeaters and Bob’s your uncle and you’re ready to roll. The Pub Pedals are produced using 20% Glass Filled Polypropylene, and are manufactured in Canada to CSA (Canadian Standards Association) standards. The colour options are black, blue, white, red, or yellow. If you’re interested in Pub Pedals go to www.sportributionafrica.com. RRP R349.95.
Finish Line Wet Lube
Keep your beloved bike running like a dream this winter with Finish Line’s wet lube. It’s recommended by Finish Line for use in extreme conditions and it’s formulated with high viscosity synthetic oils, water repelling polymers, and advanced anti-wear additives. Wet lube is their strongest, longest lasting and most water resistant lubricant, so if you’re an avid user of Finish Line products it’s a must have for winter when the trails get wet and gritty (just what your drivetrain hates the most). It provides a smooth, quiet ride and protects your chain from rust too. Find out more at www.capecycles.co.za. RRP R60 for 60ml.
Giant Cyclotron Magnetic Trainer
If you’ve read Dr Mike Posthumus’s Coaching Column this month and don’t already have an indoor trainer then you’re going to be in the market for one… and the Giant Cyclotron Magnetic trainer is a reliable and very reasonably priced. With the Giant Cyclotron setup you’ll be keeping your legs and lungs in shape for your spring races. The trainer features a handle bar mounted remote to adjust through the seven levels of variable resistance on the quiet magnetic flywheel. It’s mounted on non–skid rubber, adjustable levelling feet, comes with a tough steel replacement quick-release skewer and accommodates most 24″, 26″, 700C, and 27″ wheel sizes. Find out more at www.giant-bicycles.com. RRP R 1995.
Avalanche Ladies MTB gloves
If you’re riding in winter you’re going to need long finger gloves. And if you’re a lady you might find it difficult to get long fingered gloves that fit snugly, but fret no more Avalanche have come to the rescue with their long finger offering. We tested the men’s version last year and really enjoyed the fit and feel (the colour took some getting used to – remember the neon green target on the palms?) The ladies ones are white/grey and black with a Hawaiian floral style design and come in three sizes (small, medium and large). You can find out more on www.avalanchebicycles.co.za. RRP R205.
Giro XAR
Sometimes the best motivation to get out and ride is a new bit of MTB kit so take a look at the Giro XAR helmet. It’s billed as the Czar of all-mountain helmets by Giro and it certainly looks the part. With its marathon racing, trail riding and enduro racing applications the XAR is constructed from a full wrap in-mold polycarbonate shell with an EPS liner and an internal roll cage. The visor is adjustable to ensure you keep the sun out of your eyes and the X–Static padding is anti-microbial. It also features 17 vents to keep you cool, not that keeping cool is much of a winter issue, and it’s CPSC and CE certified. Go to www.giro.com for all the sizing information. RRP R2 490.
