Monthly Archives: September 2011

Review: Pearl Izumi Drop Tail Cycling Bib Shorts

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I’m envious of the guys who can down a water bottle and then quickly pull off behind a tree without missing a beat. But for women it’s not so easy, especially with bib shorts. When I bought my first bibs, a pair of sleek (and expensive) Giordana Silverlines, I knew I’d either have to carefully ration my water bottles or memorize every rural gas station in the county.

If you’ve never tried bibs, I’ll warn you right now: They will change your life. If regular lycra shorts are a Trek 1000, then bibs are a SuperSix Evo, baby. There’s no fabric slipping, bunching or gaping and no elastic band to put a stranglehold on your stomach. The only problem is that bib straps severely interfere with bathroom breaks, forcing women to shed their jerseys and bottoms first. Continue reading →

How to look cool on a bike (even if you don’t have a clue)

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We were all total cycling newbies once. Before we started counting grams and shelling out $200 for bib shorts, we were wide-eyed—and clueless—enthusiasts.

After pedaling for thousands of miles (and weighing every component on my full-carbon bike), I’ve noticed a few repeat offenses in the road biking world. Want to look cool on your next ride? Read on. Continue reading →

Review: DZ Nuts Bliss

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Nothing can kill a ride faster than a saddle sore. After a season spent swapping saddles, I’ve been riddled with plenty of them. After experimenting with several different chamois creams, some left me feeling like I was pedaling in a wet diaper and others burned and tingled, emitting an odd scent that was a cross between peppermint, patchouli and witch hazel. Continue reading →

After Irene

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There are a few things that cyclists take for granted. We expect to have a bike that works and a road to travel on. I recently lost the latter.

It’s been a week and the word “Irene” is still fresh on everyone’s lips, still weighing on our hearts and minds. Many lost their houses, their cars…everything. Me, I lost several cycling routes. I know that pales in comparison, but I’m still in awe every time I witness where water buckled blacktop, violently tearing bridges from cement and steel. One of my favorite training climbs (and descents) is now scarred and ripped apart, forcing me down a series of detours. Continue reading →