Camelbak Podium Chill Water Bottle

www.camelbak.com
Camelbak has created a double-wall insulated water bottle that keeps water cold twice as long as regular bottles—and it actually works!  I purchased the Podium Chill to go in my hydration belt for my training runs.  The bottle has a self-sealing Jet Valve top that does not spill or leak, even if you leave the valve open while you are jogging or biking.  With my traditional water bottles I felt like I was wasting energy trying to get the top to open, but the Podium Chill bottle is easy to squeeze and is perfect for squirting water directly in your mouth as you are bumping along. The bottle is BP0-free and has a spout locking mechanism that works great keep a full water from leaking.  My only negative is that I don’t feel okay just throwing this water bottle in the dishwasher, but it is rather easy to clean with the wide top. These bottles are typically twice what you would pay for a regular water bottle, but I finally talked myself into it and the Podium Chill has definitely become my go-to water bottle.
-Jennifer Seabolt

Product Type
Food and Drink
Good For
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Tested In
Training runs in Washington, DC, and Virginia; The Hood to Coast Relay Race in Oregon

New Balance Sport Hydration Belt

www.newbalance.com
For over two years I have been looking for a decently priced running hydration belt.  I tried out a friend’s belt and found that the little bottles were hard to unsnap and snap back in while I ran, and that the little pocket held barely anything.  Then I tried out a hand-held water bottle and discovered that I preferred to have my hands free.  Finally, a few months before running the Hood-to-Coast 200-mile relay, I spotted the Sport Hydration Waist Belt by New Balance. The belt adjusted to my waist and the pocket could hold my phones, keys, ID, and my trail grub—as well as the water bottle, which is positioned diagonally so that you feel nominal interference while running. I used this belt during training and the race, and felt that it performed better than the more expensive versions, and the nylon and polyester material the belt dried quickly from any sweat. I ended up using a different water bottle because the one that comes with it is tough to get open while running, but I would certainly recommend this belt to anyone who is running anything from one mile to 50.
-Jennifer Seabolt

Product Type
Food and Drink
Good For
, ,
Tested In
DC, Virginia, The Hood to Coast 200-Mile Relay Race in Oregon

Outdoor Retailer: Specialized S Works Trivent Triathlon Cycling Shoe

The new cycling shoe from Specialized is targeted squarely at elite triathletes of the world who are yearning for an easier way to transition from the water to the bike without wrestling on a pair of shoes.  The back of the shoe is hinged, held “open” by a small magnet, so that you can easily slip your foot directly into the shoe. Then you just flip the heel closed and give the Boa lace three cranks to achieve a snug fit (a front Velco strap offers additional security). Then, when you’re ready to hop off the bike and start the run, you pull back on the heel tab and the lace releases as the back of the shoe hinges open. Then you’re ready to hop off the bike and…struggle to put on your running shoes.  A carbon sole provides stiffness—even though this the brand’s thinnest outsole, and the internal lacing is smooth enough to allow for sockless riding.  They weigh in at just under 10 ounces (per shoe), and accommodate three-bolt cleat patterns. Even non-triathletes will love these shoes, as they look totally rad and have a big WOW factor. Some sizes are in stock now, with more sizes being released later this month.

Product Type
Bike Shoes
Good For
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Tested In
The conference floor.

Marin Argenta A6 Road Bike

www.marinbikes.com
I love my Marin bike.  I had a hybrid bicycle that I used on group rides and when competing in triathlons, but after enduring the middle ground of both worlds, I finally made up my mind to spend the money and get a quality road bike.  I spent some time doing research, and after a few coworkers told me to check out California’s Marin Bikes, I finally found a bike worth the investment.  My biggest focus when choosing a bike was on the drive train.  I wanted to get at least Shimano 105 shifters and derailleur because I felt they would last longer and have a better performance.  (I am the queen of using all of my gears…) Marin’s Argenta fulfilled this want/need.  After riding this bike for about a half a year, it’s still a solid bike.  The aluminum/carbon frame is light and something I can easily pick up and maneuver out of elevators or down escalators (ah, urban life).  I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a decent road bike for anything from leisure rides to racing the rest of the work commuters down the Washington & Old Dominion bike trail. Also, if you are looking to save money, look at last year’s bike models.
-Jennifer Seabolt

 

Product Type
Road Bikes
Good For
, ,
Tested In
On the Streets of DC and the Bike Trails of Virginia

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. LTD Jersey

www.pearlizumi.com
Road biking is about all about strong legs, Olympic lung capacity, and tourturous fascination with climbing to ridiculous elevations. But the rad outfits are what secretly attract us to the sport. Anyone who’s ever watched the Tour d’ France has pictured himself wearing the yellow leader’s jersey. Hands down, the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. LTD Jersey is just as cool—the colors pop, it fits with nary a wrinkle, and the P.R.O. Transfer fabric wicks moisture, blocks sun, and didn’t wet out even after the long uphill ride from Bend to Mount Bachelor in 95 degree heat. The “smart” fabric also boasts state-of-the-art Coldblack treatment. Made by Schoeller—the guys who introduced the concept of the soft shell—the darker colors of this fabric are actually just as cool as the lighter-colored fabric, subverting the expectation that wearing black means you’ll be hotter than if you were wearing white (fashionistas, plot accordingly).  Testers love the anatomic fit, which looks good in any position. It doesn’t restrict movement, and stays in place even when you’re climbing hard. Reflective piping and triple back pockets are standard technical features; we like the hidden sweat-proof pocket for securing a cell phone.

Product Type
Base Layers, Bike Jerseys, Shirts
Good For
,
Tested In
Crater Lake National Park; Bend to Bachelor to Sunriver; McKenzie Pass; Mile Upon Mile of Classic Oregon Rides
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