My Triathlon gear
On this page I am offering a subjective review of all the gear I am using on my way to Ironman. I am updating the reviews regularly and for as long as I use the gear, perhaps offering an insight on the durability of the items I am using. I will also post the start date of the review which will allow you to evaluate how far along I am with the testing of the item. Initial impressions may not be the opinion that prevails in the end so keep checking for updates! The review close date indicates whether I am still using the item or not.
What works for me may not work for you and vice-versa. Suggestions, opinions and comments are welcome!
What works for me may not work for you and vice-versa. Suggestions, opinions and comments are welcome!
Swimming
Aquasphere Kayenne
Started using on 8/16/12
Review close date: 7/11/13
These goggle are very comfortable.
The wide rubber seal does not create an unpleasant vacuum sucking your eyeballs in or putting unwanted pressure around your eyes. The rubber strap allows to adjust the fit precisely, the field of vision is wide and clear.
When I work really hard in warm waters there is some fogging but nothing unusual.
Update 4/22/13. I have used these for a few months now and I am still pleased with the goggles. Main minor issue is a bit of fogging. other than that, they are great. I have borrowed a few other goggles when I forgot these for my workouts and I can report that the Kayenne are the most comfortable for me especially because there is no excess of pressure around the eyes, a problem that I experience in every other pair I have tried.
Update 7/10/13: Overtime I have experienced a bit more leakage with the goggles. Perhaps the seal is hardening a bit with time. This has forced me to stop and readjust the goggles a few times during training.
Value: 4/5
Performance: 3.5/5
Review close date: 7/11/13
These goggle are very comfortable.
The wide rubber seal does not create an unpleasant vacuum sucking your eyeballs in or putting unwanted pressure around your eyes. The rubber strap allows to adjust the fit precisely, the field of vision is wide and clear.
When I work really hard in warm waters there is some fogging but nothing unusual.
Update 4/22/13. I have used these for a few months now and I am still pleased with the goggles. Main minor issue is a bit of fogging. other than that, they are great. I have borrowed a few other goggles when I forgot these for my workouts and I can report that the Kayenne are the most comfortable for me especially because there is no excess of pressure around the eyes, a problem that I experience in every other pair I have tried.
Update 7/10/13: Overtime I have experienced a bit more leakage with the goggles. Perhaps the seal is hardening a bit with time. This has forced me to stop and readjust the goggles a few times during training.
Value: 4/5
Performance: 3.5/5
Speedo Profile Nose Clips & Ear Plug Set
Started using on 8/16/12
Review close date: 9/5/12
While learning to swim, I find it especially useful to use plugs. It allows me to keep my focus on the movement.
Initially, I found the ear plugs to be very ineffective for me. I pushed them in pretty deep but the fit was not right and they kept leaking. However after using them for a while, I managed to position them properly. Still, the seal is not perfect and it takes quite a bit of tweaking to get it right.
As regards the nose clip, again, I did not like it very much initially.
I found the clip to be too slippery on my nose and after a few pool lengths, it slid and leaked. I find it quite comfortable but the seal is insufficient and in the end it does not quite perform as intended.
Update 1/31/13. I have completely discontinued using ear plugs and nose clips while my swimming.
Value: 2/5
Performance: 2/5
Review close date: 9/5/12
While learning to swim, I find it especially useful to use plugs. It allows me to keep my focus on the movement.
Initially, I found the ear plugs to be very ineffective for me. I pushed them in pretty deep but the fit was not right and they kept leaking. However after using them for a while, I managed to position them properly. Still, the seal is not perfect and it takes quite a bit of tweaking to get it right.
As regards the nose clip, again, I did not like it very much initially.
I found the clip to be too slippery on my nose and after a few pool lengths, it slid and leaked. I find it quite comfortable but the seal is insufficient and in the end it does not quite perform as intended.
Update 1/31/13. I have completely discontinued using ear plugs and nose clips while my swimming.
Value: 2/5
Performance: 2/5
Speedo Ergo Ear Plugs
Started using on 8/18/12
Review close date: 9/5/12
These have worked just okay for me. It took a bit of trial and error to figure out how to properly use these plugs, but once put in correctly, the double valve design offers a pretty good seal. Perhaps too good in fact. The vacuum the plugs create can me uncomfortable putting unwanted pressure on the ear drum especially if you have to adjust or remove them often. While practicing at the pool I need to constantly take them off to hear the coach's directions and I never seem to be able to put them back in correctly the first time. They take a lot of adjustments to get them in position just right. I never managed to find the proper balance between good seal and comfort
Update 1/31/13. I have completely discontinued using ear plugs and nose clips while my swimming.
Value: 2/5
Performance: 2/5
Review close date: 9/5/12
These have worked just okay for me. It took a bit of trial and error to figure out how to properly use these plugs, but once put in correctly, the double valve design offers a pretty good seal. Perhaps too good in fact. The vacuum the plugs create can me uncomfortable putting unwanted pressure on the ear drum especially if you have to adjust or remove them often. While practicing at the pool I need to constantly take them off to hear the coach's directions and I never seem to be able to put them back in correctly the first time. They take a lot of adjustments to get them in position just right. I never managed to find the proper balance between good seal and comfort
Update 1/31/13. I have completely discontinued using ear plugs and nose clips while my swimming.
Value: 2/5
Performance: 2/5
Biking
Felt DA2 Di-2
Started using on 6/06/12
Review close date: N/A
This bike feels amazing. It is comfortable, light and fast. I had the bike initially professionally fitted and the level of adjustability of the bike is remarkable. I was able to have everything tweaked just the way that felt best for me and in the end I love the result.
The Di2 shifting may seem like a gadget for the hardcore old school cyclists out there, but I suspect that if you have tried it, there is no going back. The quickness of the speed switch is great and the dual control for the shifts means that the accessibility of the gear changes is great whether you are in aero position or not. This thing was able to pull back the chain on track even after I had derailed it by my own mistake. Very impressive and so easy to use. So far the only minor draw back I found was that after a rear wheel change, it looks like the 2nd and 3rd gear are not quite tuned right anymore and there is some slippage. I will have to do some re-tuning and try to understand if I caused this issue to avoid it in the future.
The wheels I am using are not the original Reynolds but the Shimano R80 wheel set which in my opinion are doing quite a competent job when matched with this bike.
Other than that not a lot of complaints. I put it on the road and it does its job. I just had a minor issue with the tape on the handle bar which had not been applied properly and came off on one side pretty quickly. But after a thorough re-taping, no problem there.
Looking at the flat saddle, I initially thought I probably would have to change it but after a few hundred miles I can report that it is fairly comfortable with no major pressure points. The fitting of the bike has probably a lot to do with it however.
Review close date: N/A
This bike feels amazing. It is comfortable, light and fast. I had the bike initially professionally fitted and the level of adjustability of the bike is remarkable. I was able to have everything tweaked just the way that felt best for me and in the end I love the result.
The Di2 shifting may seem like a gadget for the hardcore old school cyclists out there, but I suspect that if you have tried it, there is no going back. The quickness of the speed switch is great and the dual control for the shifts means that the accessibility of the gear changes is great whether you are in aero position or not. This thing was able to pull back the chain on track even after I had derailed it by my own mistake. Very impressive and so easy to use. So far the only minor draw back I found was that after a rear wheel change, it looks like the 2nd and 3rd gear are not quite tuned right anymore and there is some slippage. I will have to do some re-tuning and try to understand if I caused this issue to avoid it in the future.
The wheels I am using are not the original Reynolds but the Shimano R80 wheel set which in my opinion are doing quite a competent job when matched with this bike.
Other than that not a lot of complaints. I put it on the road and it does its job. I just had a minor issue with the tape on the handle bar which had not been applied properly and came off on one side pretty quickly. But after a thorough re-taping, no problem there.
Looking at the flat saddle, I initially thought I probably would have to change it but after a few hundred miles I can report that it is fairly comfortable with no major pressure points. The fitting of the bike has probably a lot to do with it however.
Torhans Aero 30
Started using on 6/06/12
Review close date: 9/26/13
I had been looking at hydration systems available on the market for a while when I saw that Chrissie Wellington was using this in her races. It convinced that this was probably one of the better hydration systems available on the market at the moment.
This bottle is installed between the aero bars on the tri-bikes and allows easy hydration on the go. The diaphragm topped bottle also allows quick and easy refills without stopping.
What I liked about this system is how aero it is. The bottle is very flat. Even the straw has a rigid aero cover to minimize drag.
The installation of the bottle is pretty easy and quick although the directions provided were not very useful. On my system I also purchased a computer tray sold separately. It consists of a plastic tray that slides on a grove on top of the bottle on which a bike computer can be mounted using zip ties.
Although I really wanted to like this system, it did not perform properly out of the box and I had several issues:
The most annoying problem came from the aero straw cover. With the vibration during the ride, the cover was sliding off, and I had to constantly (every 4 - 5 miles) adjust it to avoid losing it.
Another issue was that the whole hydration system came with only one Velcro strap. I used it to secure the bottle to its mount but I needed another one to secure the computer tray around the bottle.
I wrote to the manufacturer of the product and they were kind enough to mail me a better straw cover (tighter) and other straps free of charge.
I have to say that past these initial frustrations, the system has been performing better.
There is a bit of splashing on rough roads from the diaphragm when the bottle is full, but if no refill is needed (on shorter triathlons), the bottle also comes with a cap which seals the bottle instead.
In races, the diaphragm really worked well. I was able to grab a bottle of water and empty it with a couple of squeeze in the Aero 30. In training, or in longer races, I'll also use 2 extra bottles (behind the saddle) that I can grab while riding and squeeze them in there as well. Hydrating in areo position is comfortable.
The rattling noises from the bottle are minimum on my system. I had to adjust it and tighten it to avoid vibrations. But after some tweaking, I am pretty satisfied with the result even though I was never able to completely eliminate some vibrations on rough roads. I suspect that the Torhans bottle would work well with most tri bikes and the mount is designed to bend and adjust to fit most bikes.
The mount has some articulations that allow the system to adapt to different aero bar spacing but the drawback is that overtime, or on rough roads, this allows for a bend to occur where the bottle will lean towards one or the other aerobar. I found myself having to occasionally readjust the bottle on the go which can be an unwanted distraction, especially in races.
One last issue I had with Torhans Aero 30 is with the computer tray. I believe that most cycle computers will fit on the tray but in my case, using the Garmin Edge 205, I had to be a bit creative to make it fit on the tray and again this required some minor tweaking.
Overall, I like the product even if I admit it is far from perfect and I question its durability.
I have had several issues, using the bottle, including having the mount brake in the middle of an Ironman race forcing me to discard the bottle altogether.
However, the customer service from Torhans was always excellent. When I complained about losing my straw in the beginning, they sent be tighter fittings (free of charge). When I lost the bottle in my Ironman race, again they sent me a full replacement free of charge.
The bottle does its main job well: it allows to re-hydrate in the aero position which is exactly what I was looking for when I purchased it. The straw is never in the way and yet extremely accessible.
I believe the system could use some improvements, but I do not believe anything perfect exists on the market at the moment and therefore I would recommend this product if you can live with a bit of tinkering and DIY.
PROs:
-Very 'aero'. I have not done any actual tests, but the manufacturers claims better results than competition. It is the only system I have seen that even made sure the straw is aero. It is a very flat bottle that looks like it was designed for my very narrow bike.
-Good capacity. 30Oz is plenty and despite this high capacity, the bottle never looks or feels bulky thanks to a well designed shape
-Refill on the go just works
CONs
- The bottle mount lacks durability (made of brittle plastic that broke after a year). The provided sticky tape does not work that well, and I was never able to completely eliminate all vibrations. Depending on the spacing of your aerobars it may bend / lean on one side or the other forcing occasional readjustments.
-Optional computer tray will fit most computers except the biggest and heaviest and may result in additional vibration (I stopped using it)
-Splashes when 80 to 100 % full on bumps and rough roads
-Aero straw cover can come lose on rough roads (very annoying)
Value: 3/5
Performance: 2.5/5
Review close date: 9/26/13
I had been looking at hydration systems available on the market for a while when I saw that Chrissie Wellington was using this in her races. It convinced that this was probably one of the better hydration systems available on the market at the moment.
This bottle is installed between the aero bars on the tri-bikes and allows easy hydration on the go. The diaphragm topped bottle also allows quick and easy refills without stopping.
What I liked about this system is how aero it is. The bottle is very flat. Even the straw has a rigid aero cover to minimize drag.
The installation of the bottle is pretty easy and quick although the directions provided were not very useful. On my system I also purchased a computer tray sold separately. It consists of a plastic tray that slides on a grove on top of the bottle on which a bike computer can be mounted using zip ties.
Although I really wanted to like this system, it did not perform properly out of the box and I had several issues:
The most annoying problem came from the aero straw cover. With the vibration during the ride, the cover was sliding off, and I had to constantly (every 4 - 5 miles) adjust it to avoid losing it.
Another issue was that the whole hydration system came with only one Velcro strap. I used it to secure the bottle to its mount but I needed another one to secure the computer tray around the bottle.
I wrote to the manufacturer of the product and they were kind enough to mail me a better straw cover (tighter) and other straps free of charge.
I have to say that past these initial frustrations, the system has been performing better.
There is a bit of splashing on rough roads from the diaphragm when the bottle is full, but if no refill is needed (on shorter triathlons), the bottle also comes with a cap which seals the bottle instead.
In races, the diaphragm really worked well. I was able to grab a bottle of water and empty it with a couple of squeeze in the Aero 30. In training, or in longer races, I'll also use 2 extra bottles (behind the saddle) that I can grab while riding and squeeze them in there as well. Hydrating in areo position is comfortable.
The rattling noises from the bottle are minimum on my system. I had to adjust it and tighten it to avoid vibrations. But after some tweaking, I am pretty satisfied with the result even though I was never able to completely eliminate some vibrations on rough roads. I suspect that the Torhans bottle would work well with most tri bikes and the mount is designed to bend and adjust to fit most bikes.
The mount has some articulations that allow the system to adapt to different aero bar spacing but the drawback is that overtime, or on rough roads, this allows for a bend to occur where the bottle will lean towards one or the other aerobar. I found myself having to occasionally readjust the bottle on the go which can be an unwanted distraction, especially in races.
One last issue I had with Torhans Aero 30 is with the computer tray. I believe that most cycle computers will fit on the tray but in my case, using the Garmin Edge 205, I had to be a bit creative to make it fit on the tray and again this required some minor tweaking.
Overall, I like the product even if I admit it is far from perfect and I question its durability.
I have had several issues, using the bottle, including having the mount brake in the middle of an Ironman race forcing me to discard the bottle altogether.
However, the customer service from Torhans was always excellent. When I complained about losing my straw in the beginning, they sent be tighter fittings (free of charge). When I lost the bottle in my Ironman race, again they sent me a full replacement free of charge.
The bottle does its main job well: it allows to re-hydrate in the aero position which is exactly what I was looking for when I purchased it. The straw is never in the way and yet extremely accessible.
I believe the system could use some improvements, but I do not believe anything perfect exists on the market at the moment and therefore I would recommend this product if you can live with a bit of tinkering and DIY.
PROs:
-Very 'aero'. I have not done any actual tests, but the manufacturers claims better results than competition. It is the only system I have seen that even made sure the straw is aero. It is a very flat bottle that looks like it was designed for my very narrow bike.
-Good capacity. 30Oz is plenty and despite this high capacity, the bottle never looks or feels bulky thanks to a well designed shape
-Refill on the go just works
CONs
- The bottle mount lacks durability (made of brittle plastic that broke after a year). The provided sticky tape does not work that well, and I was never able to completely eliminate all vibrations. Depending on the spacing of your aerobars it may bend / lean on one side or the other forcing occasional readjustments.
-Optional computer tray will fit most computers except the biggest and heaviest and may result in additional vibration (I stopped using it)
-Splashes when 80 to 100 % full on bumps and rough roads
-Aero straw cover can come lose on rough roads (very annoying)
Value: 3/5
Performance: 2.5/5
Look Keo Blade Carbon pedals
Started using on 6/06/12
Review close date: 9/5/12
These pedals are very light and do the job nicely. To be honest, once installed you completely forget about them which is probably the best compliment I can give them. They are easy to use, keep you feet in position quite nicely and can be removed with a quick twisting motion of the foot. There is no spring in the pedal. Instead it uses a carbon blade which stiffness determines how easily the shoe is clipped in or released. This means that there is no adjustment possible of that stiffness. To compensate for this potential issue, this pedal comes in 2 versions with different carbon stiffness, the 12Nm or 16Nm. I am using the 12Nm but I have not felt the need to use different stiffness settings, so this is not an issue for me.
The clipping of the show onto the pedal is accompanied by a characteristic click sound which unambiguously lets you know when the foot is engaged. Once engaged, there is no play of the foot on the pedal which ensure maximum power transfer. Despite the small size of the pedal, the area of the platform to clip the shoe is easy to find. The learning was fairly easy for me
The weight is 185g per pair (without cleats) which makes it one of the lightest pedal out there, however it is also one of the most expensive ones at a few hundred dollars.
Value: 3/5
Performance: 5/5
Review close date: 9/5/12
These pedals are very light and do the job nicely. To be honest, once installed you completely forget about them which is probably the best compliment I can give them. They are easy to use, keep you feet in position quite nicely and can be removed with a quick twisting motion of the foot. There is no spring in the pedal. Instead it uses a carbon blade which stiffness determines how easily the shoe is clipped in or released. This means that there is no adjustment possible of that stiffness. To compensate for this potential issue, this pedal comes in 2 versions with different carbon stiffness, the 12Nm or 16Nm. I am using the 12Nm but I have not felt the need to use different stiffness settings, so this is not an issue for me.
The clipping of the show onto the pedal is accompanied by a characteristic click sound which unambiguously lets you know when the foot is engaged. Once engaged, there is no play of the foot on the pedal which ensure maximum power transfer. Despite the small size of the pedal, the area of the platform to clip the shoe is easy to find. The learning was fairly easy for me
The weight is 185g per pair (without cleats) which makes it one of the lightest pedal out there, however it is also one of the most expensive ones at a few hundred dollars.
Value: 3/5
Performance: 5/5
Sidi Triathlon T3.6 Vent Carbon Cycling Shoe
Started using on 6/06/12
Review close date: 7/11/13
These higher end shoes are quite expensive and so I am expecting near flawless performance out of them.
I found the venting to be about average. On very hot days my feet get a bit clammy in there. The velcro straps are pretty easy to operate while on the bike in and out of transition but for a triathlon shoe, I think I would prefer a one strap design.
With a carbon sole, the stiffness is what you would expect. I experienced no flex at all, no numbness in the toes.
Initally, I found the fit of these shoes perfect. My regular shoe size is 8.5 so I ordered 42 at first but returned them for 41s. Out of the box the fit was perfect. It felt like the shoe was molding every contour of my foot with no unwanted pressure. But overtime I found issues with the fit for my foot.
For rides of less than 2 hours I have had no problem. However, the shape of my foot is such that I have a small protuberance of head of the 5th metatarsal (the outside edge of the foot, just before the toe) which overtime becomes extremely painful (after 2.5 - 3hours of pedaling).
I thought my foot would get used to it, or that the shoe would stretch a bit overtime but I have given up hope. It is with regret that I have to discontinue using these shoes on long rides. This fit issue may not apply to everyone of course but I can only rate performance from my own experience.
Value: 2/5
Performance: 2/5
Review close date: 7/11/13
These higher end shoes are quite expensive and so I am expecting near flawless performance out of them.
I found the venting to be about average. On very hot days my feet get a bit clammy in there. The velcro straps are pretty easy to operate while on the bike in and out of transition but for a triathlon shoe, I think I would prefer a one strap design.
With a carbon sole, the stiffness is what you would expect. I experienced no flex at all, no numbness in the toes.
Initally, I found the fit of these shoes perfect. My regular shoe size is 8.5 so I ordered 42 at first but returned them for 41s. Out of the box the fit was perfect. It felt like the shoe was molding every contour of my foot with no unwanted pressure. But overtime I found issues with the fit for my foot.
For rides of less than 2 hours I have had no problem. However, the shape of my foot is such that I have a small protuberance of head of the 5th metatarsal (the outside edge of the foot, just before the toe) which overtime becomes extremely painful (after 2.5 - 3hours of pedaling).
I thought my foot would get used to it, or that the shoe would stretch a bit overtime but I have given up hope. It is with regret that I have to discontinue using these shoes on long rides. This fit issue may not apply to everyone of course but I can only rate performance from my own experience.
Value: 2/5
Performance: 2/5
Smiths pivlock v2
Started using on 6/06/12
Review close date: 9/5/12
I searched for good tri sunglasses for a while. I tried many models, from very cheap ones to high end shades. I read a lot of glowing reviews for the Oakleys and decided to try the Radar path and Jawbones. Somehow, I was a bit disappointed by both. I do not doubt their optics are outstanding, perhaps the best on the market, but a good pair of tri sunglasses in my opinion has to offer a great blend of comfort and protection. I did not like the way the Jawbone's frame slightly obstruct the field of vision in the aero position. On the other hand, the Radar path had the opposite problem for me. They left a bit of sunlight in certain position. When I tried the Smiths, I liked the quality feel of the glasses. They are very light, yet they feel sturdy. When you put them on, they feel like an extension of you body. They are extremely comfortable and you quickly forget them. At the same time, they stick to you face, they absolutely do not slide during exercise and I never have to readjust them. The nose piece is adjustable to provide maximum comfort and the arms have a rubbery material that prevents slippage. All of this is achieved with no pressure point and tremendous comfort.
The other very important quality of these sunglasses is how they completely cover your entire field of vision. The rimless design means no obstruction anywhere you look. There is also no lens gap in the upper portion of your field of vision which means you don't get blinded by the sun even when pointing your eyes straight up . I particularly enjoy this on the tri bike, when leaning forward in my aero position. Some users have complained that this frameless design allows for sweat to drip directly onto the lenses but this has not been an issue for me. In fact the nose piece allows for a precise adjustment of the distance between your forehead and the top of the lens. On hot days when I know I will sweat a lot I raise the nose piece one bit to allow for better venting and sweat to drip under the lens.
Another great feature of these glasses is the pivlock design. With a simple twisting motion, you can remove the arms to swap the lens. The pivlock v2 come with 3 different lenses in a nice traveling case: 1 clear, 1 rosy for foggy/cloudy conditions, 1 dark for direct sunlight.
Lastly, I find the optics of great quality. They look sharp with no distortion and I have not had any fogging issues while exercising. I have tried them in the rain and I was astonished to see that the lens stayed clean after drying up with not noticeable stains.
For me these glasses are a no brainer, they combine all the best features of other brands while avoiding all the pitfalls. They truly check all the boxes. They are the best choice for me and I suspect for many triathletes
Value: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Review close date: 9/5/12
I searched for good tri sunglasses for a while. I tried many models, from very cheap ones to high end shades. I read a lot of glowing reviews for the Oakleys and decided to try the Radar path and Jawbones. Somehow, I was a bit disappointed by both. I do not doubt their optics are outstanding, perhaps the best on the market, but a good pair of tri sunglasses in my opinion has to offer a great blend of comfort and protection. I did not like the way the Jawbone's frame slightly obstruct the field of vision in the aero position. On the other hand, the Radar path had the opposite problem for me. They left a bit of sunlight in certain position. When I tried the Smiths, I liked the quality feel of the glasses. They are very light, yet they feel sturdy. When you put them on, they feel like an extension of you body. They are extremely comfortable and you quickly forget them. At the same time, they stick to you face, they absolutely do not slide during exercise and I never have to readjust them. The nose piece is adjustable to provide maximum comfort and the arms have a rubbery material that prevents slippage. All of this is achieved with no pressure point and tremendous comfort.
The other very important quality of these sunglasses is how they completely cover your entire field of vision. The rimless design means no obstruction anywhere you look. There is also no lens gap in the upper portion of your field of vision which means you don't get blinded by the sun even when pointing your eyes straight up . I particularly enjoy this on the tri bike, when leaning forward in my aero position. Some users have complained that this frameless design allows for sweat to drip directly onto the lenses but this has not been an issue for me. In fact the nose piece allows for a precise adjustment of the distance between your forehead and the top of the lens. On hot days when I know I will sweat a lot I raise the nose piece one bit to allow for better venting and sweat to drip under the lens.
Another great feature of these glasses is the pivlock design. With a simple twisting motion, you can remove the arms to swap the lens. The pivlock v2 come with 3 different lenses in a nice traveling case: 1 clear, 1 rosy for foggy/cloudy conditions, 1 dark for direct sunlight.
Lastly, I find the optics of great quality. They look sharp with no distortion and I have not had any fogging issues while exercising. I have tried them in the rain and I was astonished to see that the lens stayed clean after drying up with not noticeable stains.
For me these glasses are a no brainer, they combine all the best features of other brands while avoiding all the pitfalls. They truly check all the boxes. They are the best choice for me and I suspect for many triathletes
Value: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Garmin Edge 205
Coming Soon...
Rudy Project WINGSPAN HELMET
Coming Soon...
Running
Asics Gel-Nimbus 13
Started using on 3/1/12
Review close date: 10/6/12
I have bought 2 pairs of these. In fact I liked them so much that I even had a couple of pairs of Nimbus 12 before these.
The Nimbus 13 are a very cushy yet not too heavy pair of running shoes that strike a great balance between comfort for all these long runs and weight. Sure, these shoes are not even close to racing flats in terms of weight but for long distance running such as marathon running, I sure appreciate the comfort especially in the later portions of the runs.
I have logged about 800 miles on 2 pairs of Nimbus 13 and I can warmly recommend them. The fit is great, the lacing system creates no unwanted pressure on top of the foot. Great shoe. If anything a bit on the pricy side...
Value: 3.5/5
Performance: 5/5
Review close date: 10/6/12
I have bought 2 pairs of these. In fact I liked them so much that I even had a couple of pairs of Nimbus 12 before these.
The Nimbus 13 are a very cushy yet not too heavy pair of running shoes that strike a great balance between comfort for all these long runs and weight. Sure, these shoes are not even close to racing flats in terms of weight but for long distance running such as marathon running, I sure appreciate the comfort especially in the later portions of the runs.
I have logged about 800 miles on 2 pairs of Nimbus 13 and I can warmly recommend them. The fit is great, the lacing system creates no unwanted pressure on top of the foot. Great shoe. If anything a bit on the pricy side...
Value: 3.5/5
Performance: 5/5
Brooks Ghost 5
Started using: Oct 2012
Review close date: 1/31/13
Preview: Overall great shoe in terms of fit cushioning, air flow. To me they feel just a bit stiffer than the Asics Nimbus.
Review close date: 1/31/13
Preview: Overall great shoe in terms of fit cushioning, air flow. To me they feel just a bit stiffer than the Asics Nimbus.
I chose Brooks this time around after using a few pairs of Asics, but I am no newbie to Brooks. I have owned, used and loved 4 pairs of Brooks Trance (the 8's then the 9's).
I like the fit on the sides of the foot and there is no compression in the toe box.
I have taken them on all my runs for a few months now but I have a couple of reservations.
I found the laces very slippery and when lacing with a simple knot, the laces will often come lose. I have had this happen in races and it is quite annoying (granted it is preventable...) Also, I found that the cushioning of the tongue of the shoe is lacking. If I try to tighten my shoe laces for a tighter fit, some pressure points seem to quickly appear.
Update Jan 2013: The pressure points I felt on a few runs with these shoes have turned into an injury. On the top of both of my feet, where the tendons meet, I have some pain after running. I tried to change the shoe laces and used some Yankz tightened to the minimum but it did not help. I have now had to discontinue using the shoe and am now using the Salomon below which have much better cushioning of the tongue. As a result, the pain is slowly going away...
This might not occur with all runners. The anatomy of my feet might be so specific that I am catching pressure points at the exact bad spots but these shoes are not working for me specifically because of this issue.
Value: 3/5
Performance: 2/5 (specific to my issue)
I have taken them on all my runs for a few months now but I have a couple of reservations.
I found the laces very slippery and when lacing with a simple knot, the laces will often come lose. I have had this happen in races and it is quite annoying (granted it is preventable...) Also, I found that the cushioning of the tongue of the shoe is lacking. If I try to tighten my shoe laces for a tighter fit, some pressure points seem to quickly appear.
Update Jan 2013: The pressure points I felt on a few runs with these shoes have turned into an injury. On the top of both of my feet, where the tendons meet, I have some pain after running. I tried to change the shoe laces and used some Yankz tightened to the minimum but it did not help. I have now had to discontinue using the shoe and am now using the Salomon below which have much better cushioning of the tongue. As a result, the pain is slowly going away...
This might not occur with all runners. The anatomy of my feet might be so specific that I am catching pressure points at the exact bad spots but these shoes are not working for me specifically because of this issue.
Value: 3/5
Performance: 2/5 (specific to my issue)
Salomon Speed Cross III
Started using: Oct 2012
Zoot Ultra Tempo 5.0
Started using: Feb 2013
Amphipod RunLite 4
Started using on 7/1/11
Review close date: N/A
Coming Soon...
Review close date: N/A
Coming Soon...
Triathlon gear
Garmin 310XT (with heart rate monitor and foot pod)
Started using on 7/1/11
Review close date: 12/1/12
This watch has served me well for over a year.
It has become indispensable to me to track my performance when I run outside. I never leave without it. I love the flexibility of the functions which allow the user to use the watch many different ways. In fact there are so many functions that you are unlikely to use them all.
I have used this watch to plan my runs in advance using mapmyrun.com. You can draw your course on a map on the web site, then export the course to your watch. The process is fairly easy and I love being able to just plan the new routes in advance by drawing it on a map. I often did this to vary my long runs and follow unknown routes without fear of being ever lost. The watch does not give turn by turn diections of course but by comparing the imported GPS coordinate with the corrdinates you are at when you are running, it will indicate whether you are on course or not.
A separate screen also gives a rough outline of the course you are running. While not hugely useable to follow the course it can help get situated if you vear off course.
There is also a mode to run against a pre-determined pace, or a previously run course. This can me motivating to some I suppose, but I did not find this mode particularly exciting. Again, what is great in the watch is that there are so many ways to use it that most will be able to find their favorite features and personalize it just the way they like.
There are many ways to customize various notifications during the run: visual (pop up info at each mile or lap to indicate pace or other info), beeping and/or vibrating in various user selected and customizable situations. For example you can set you heart rate zones in the watch and have the watch notify you every time you leave a predefined hear rate zone. etc...
The watch can also be programmed to performed predefined workouts. This can be used for all sorts or workouts. For example, I have used it at the gym in strength training to have the watch notify me so that I could keep track of the number of reps and the recoup time between reps. The workout feature is also very useful when doing speed workouts at the track. With the press of a button you keep track of each interval, recoup time, and the watch will count down before each interval to notify you to get ready. Best of all the "programming" is super easy to do and can be done directly on the watch with no need to plug it in to a computer. I have often done it on the fly right before a workout.
The watch is on the big side and is definitely not designed to be worn as a regular watch on your wrist all day. The advantage of the size of the watch is its big screen. I love the way you can customize the number of screens and the number of data fields (up to 4!) on each screen and for each sport. Now that is great flexibility. You choose between a number of data fields to be displayed (GPS data from the watch itself, or add ons such as pod, heart rate monitor, cadence meter or other ant compatible devices such as some power meters...etc). Not only that but you can choose to display each type of data in many different ways. For example, for pace, you could choose instant pace value, or average since the beginning of the workout or average per lap/mile...etc
All the data is uploaded automatically to the Garmin Connect website after each workout, providing with charts, maps and other goodies to analyze each workout in details.
I have used the watch predominantly for running but this watch was designed with the triathlete in mind. The GPS does not track under water and the swim data available is very limited, but you can keep this watch on for all 3 sports with no problem. The battery life is great (around 20 hours) which will give you well enough time to track your whole Ironman.
The product is not perfect however. I have encountered several issues which were not a deal breaker for me, but that have been annoying at times.
The heart rate monitor has been less than accurate and I found that the correct position for appropriate readings is hard to achieve consistently. I found that what works best for me is a very tight fit and a high position on the chest (which is a bit uncomfortable at times). During a long run or a marathon however, the position of the monitor will often shift and I have frequently found the heart rate reading above 240 in the middle of the run. In fact, after about 6 months, I stopped using the heart rate monitor all together. Something that can be of concern if you do a lot of zone specific training.
The GPS tracking has been usually great but on rare occasions I inexplicably lost GPS reception (on a clear sky and usual run).
Another issue I encountered is that my foot cadence pod stopped working after about 9 months. I changed the batteries but to no avail...This is not directly related to the watch but a $50+ garmin accessory design to work well with the watch should work better.
The durability of the watch itself seems good. After taking the watch in countless workouts and adventures, the watch is still in near perfect condition. I read on forums that the screen is prone to shattering when dropping the watch but I have not encountered this issue.
Value: 3.5/5
Performance: 3.5/5
Review close date: 12/1/12
This watch has served me well for over a year.
It has become indispensable to me to track my performance when I run outside. I never leave without it. I love the flexibility of the functions which allow the user to use the watch many different ways. In fact there are so many functions that you are unlikely to use them all.
I have used this watch to plan my runs in advance using mapmyrun.com. You can draw your course on a map on the web site, then export the course to your watch. The process is fairly easy and I love being able to just plan the new routes in advance by drawing it on a map. I often did this to vary my long runs and follow unknown routes without fear of being ever lost. The watch does not give turn by turn diections of course but by comparing the imported GPS coordinate with the corrdinates you are at when you are running, it will indicate whether you are on course or not.
A separate screen also gives a rough outline of the course you are running. While not hugely useable to follow the course it can help get situated if you vear off course.
There is also a mode to run against a pre-determined pace, or a previously run course. This can me motivating to some I suppose, but I did not find this mode particularly exciting. Again, what is great in the watch is that there are so many ways to use it that most will be able to find their favorite features and personalize it just the way they like.
There are many ways to customize various notifications during the run: visual (pop up info at each mile or lap to indicate pace or other info), beeping and/or vibrating in various user selected and customizable situations. For example you can set you heart rate zones in the watch and have the watch notify you every time you leave a predefined hear rate zone. etc...
The watch can also be programmed to performed predefined workouts. This can be used for all sorts or workouts. For example, I have used it at the gym in strength training to have the watch notify me so that I could keep track of the number of reps and the recoup time between reps. The workout feature is also very useful when doing speed workouts at the track. With the press of a button you keep track of each interval, recoup time, and the watch will count down before each interval to notify you to get ready. Best of all the "programming" is super easy to do and can be done directly on the watch with no need to plug it in to a computer. I have often done it on the fly right before a workout.
The watch is on the big side and is definitely not designed to be worn as a regular watch on your wrist all day. The advantage of the size of the watch is its big screen. I love the way you can customize the number of screens and the number of data fields (up to 4!) on each screen and for each sport. Now that is great flexibility. You choose between a number of data fields to be displayed (GPS data from the watch itself, or add ons such as pod, heart rate monitor, cadence meter or other ant compatible devices such as some power meters...etc). Not only that but you can choose to display each type of data in many different ways. For example, for pace, you could choose instant pace value, or average since the beginning of the workout or average per lap/mile...etc
All the data is uploaded automatically to the Garmin Connect website after each workout, providing with charts, maps and other goodies to analyze each workout in details.
I have used the watch predominantly for running but this watch was designed with the triathlete in mind. The GPS does not track under water and the swim data available is very limited, but you can keep this watch on for all 3 sports with no problem. The battery life is great (around 20 hours) which will give you well enough time to track your whole Ironman.
The product is not perfect however. I have encountered several issues which were not a deal breaker for me, but that have been annoying at times.
The heart rate monitor has been less than accurate and I found that the correct position for appropriate readings is hard to achieve consistently. I found that what works best for me is a very tight fit and a high position on the chest (which is a bit uncomfortable at times). During a long run or a marathon however, the position of the monitor will often shift and I have frequently found the heart rate reading above 240 in the middle of the run. In fact, after about 6 months, I stopped using the heart rate monitor all together. Something that can be of concern if you do a lot of zone specific training.
The GPS tracking has been usually great but on rare occasions I inexplicably lost GPS reception (on a clear sky and usual run).
Another issue I encountered is that my foot cadence pod stopped working after about 9 months. I changed the batteries but to no avail...This is not directly related to the watch but a $50+ garmin accessory design to work well with the watch should work better.
The durability of the watch itself seems good. After taking the watch in countless workouts and adventures, the watch is still in near perfect condition. I read on forums that the screen is prone to shattering when dropping the watch but I have not encountered this issue.
Value: 3.5/5
Performance: 3.5/5
Garmin 910XT (with heart rate monitor)
Preview:
After using this watch for a couple of months, I can already see major improvements over my 310XT. The new premium heart rate strap is very comfortable, more accurate and requires no physical adjustments, there are some great added functions especially for the swim and everything that was great in the 310XT has been conserved and expanded. Happy with the upgrade so far...
More coming Soon...
After using this watch for a couple of months, I can already see major improvements over my 310XT. The new premium heart rate strap is very comfortable, more accurate and requires no physical adjustments, there are some great added functions especially for the swim and everything that was great in the 310XT has been conserved and expanded. Happy with the upgrade so far...
More coming Soon...
Ogio Endurance 9.0 Triathlon bag
Started using on 1/7/13
Review close date: 7/11/13
Preview: I have just started using this bag for a few weeks now. This has become my gym bag and I use it to transport all my bike, cycle and swim gear and regular clothes between the gyms, pool and wherever I need to go for my training.
So far I absolutely love this bag... It seems difficult to be enthusiastic about something as boring as a gym bag but when something works just as its design intended, it makes your day so much easier.
I spent a lot of time browsing for other brands before finally choosing this bag. What was a must for me, was a bag where each piece of equipment is easy to access and I wanted a duffel style bag because I find it easier to haul around, open from the top and access everything without having to for fish items at the bottom of the bag from the top (like with a typical backpack). When I go spinning, I usually keep the bag behind the bike and keep the top of the bag unzipped. If need be, I can quickly grab a towel, or anything I need from it.
The size the bag is perfect too. Before buying, I was afraid the bag would be too big and thus impractical to move around with, but the size is just right. It is big enough to fit anything you want for the 3 sports while keeping its size manageable (the size of a regular gym bag). I love the fact that I can carry it easily with the handles, or quickly put it on my back with just one shoulder strap. If I need to carry it on my bike, I can put both shoulder straps
The bag has a huge compartment underneath to keep all you dirty/wet post work out clothes/ wetsuit. This compartment is well insulated (doesn't get the rest of your stuff wet) and is ventilated to facilitate drying. The quality of materials looks exceptional there.
Another plus is that the bag keeps its shape pretty well. It doesn't completely sag in the middle which helps to keep all your gear organized in the bag.
The 2 side pockets for water bottles are great. They keep the bottles tight even without closing the zippers. They are big enough to store big 25 Oz water bottles and inserting or removing bottles is effortless
The huge shoe storage pocket allows me to keep 2 pairs of shoes and pulling the shoes in and out for a workout is very easy.
The zippers are heavy duty, the padding for the back pack is thick and feels robust and all the materials on this bag are of high quality.
The hard case compartment on top is great for storing glasses. I typically use it to store all my electronic gear (heart rate monitor, headphones, watch, gopro...etc. The compartment is opening on top of the bag which again gives easy access to your gear.
I have not used the bag in a race situation yet and have not used some of the compartments dedicated to nutrition storage. But so far this bag makes the most mundane actions feel like a small accomplishment. I love the feeling that everything has its place and functions as it was designed for without unnecessary frustration, stuck zippers or difficult to access items. There is a lot of ergonomy and thought that went into this bag's design and it shows.
For a bag of such quality and versatility, I think the price is right. I got it for just under $115 on ebay and so far, I feel it si worth every penny.
I will keep testing it in other situation and during my Ironman race and report in a few months to comment on durability.
Update 7/11/13: I have used this bag both for my everyday training, in races and it has performed consistently great
Value: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Review close date: 7/11/13
Preview: I have just started using this bag for a few weeks now. This has become my gym bag and I use it to transport all my bike, cycle and swim gear and regular clothes between the gyms, pool and wherever I need to go for my training.
So far I absolutely love this bag... It seems difficult to be enthusiastic about something as boring as a gym bag but when something works just as its design intended, it makes your day so much easier.
I spent a lot of time browsing for other brands before finally choosing this bag. What was a must for me, was a bag where each piece of equipment is easy to access and I wanted a duffel style bag because I find it easier to haul around, open from the top and access everything without having to for fish items at the bottom of the bag from the top (like with a typical backpack). When I go spinning, I usually keep the bag behind the bike and keep the top of the bag unzipped. If need be, I can quickly grab a towel, or anything I need from it.
The size the bag is perfect too. Before buying, I was afraid the bag would be too big and thus impractical to move around with, but the size is just right. It is big enough to fit anything you want for the 3 sports while keeping its size manageable (the size of a regular gym bag). I love the fact that I can carry it easily with the handles, or quickly put it on my back with just one shoulder strap. If I need to carry it on my bike, I can put both shoulder straps
The bag has a huge compartment underneath to keep all you dirty/wet post work out clothes/ wetsuit. This compartment is well insulated (doesn't get the rest of your stuff wet) and is ventilated to facilitate drying. The quality of materials looks exceptional there.
Another plus is that the bag keeps its shape pretty well. It doesn't completely sag in the middle which helps to keep all your gear organized in the bag.
The 2 side pockets for water bottles are great. They keep the bottles tight even without closing the zippers. They are big enough to store big 25 Oz water bottles and inserting or removing bottles is effortless
The huge shoe storage pocket allows me to keep 2 pairs of shoes and pulling the shoes in and out for a workout is very easy.
The zippers are heavy duty, the padding for the back pack is thick and feels robust and all the materials on this bag are of high quality.
The hard case compartment on top is great for storing glasses. I typically use it to store all my electronic gear (heart rate monitor, headphones, watch, gopro...etc. The compartment is opening on top of the bag which again gives easy access to your gear.
I have not used the bag in a race situation yet and have not used some of the compartments dedicated to nutrition storage. But so far this bag makes the most mundane actions feel like a small accomplishment. I love the feeling that everything has its place and functions as it was designed for without unnecessary frustration, stuck zippers or difficult to access items. There is a lot of ergonomy and thought that went into this bag's design and it shows.
For a bag of such quality and versatility, I think the price is right. I got it for just under $115 on ebay and so far, I feel it si worth every penny.
I will keep testing it in other situation and during my Ironman race and report in a few months to comment on durability.
Update 7/11/13: I have used this bag both for my everyday training, in races and it has performed consistently great
Value: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Louis Garneau Lazer Tek 2 Tri Suit
Started using on 1/10/13
Review close date: 7/10/13
Preview: I have used this suit a few times so far only indoors.
I love the fit of the suit. There are no pressure points yet the suit fits tightly everywhere.
The quality of the materials is exceptional and I don't foresee any durability issues, but only time will tell.
I like how the lower portion of the suit hugs your legs without having the use annoying rubbery material and at the same time tha fabric stays in position no matter what the activity. I have used it in all 3 sports and found the suit to be streamlined around my body, not restrictive of any movements at all despite a snug fit and the fabric dries quickly. The "chamois" material for the saddle cushioning is not very thick which some people may find a bit lacking. In my opinion it is extremely well suited for triathlons: it dries quickly and makes itself imperceptible on the run with no rubbing at all.
Since I have tried it only indoors, I am not sure how it handles heavy heat, but during intense workouts at 75F, I never felt hindered by the suit
However, I have had one issue with the suit so far. during the run with the arm movements I encountered some chaffing on my torso under the arm (where the arms contact with the latissimus dorsi), due to a seam rubbing against my skin.
Now I have to say that my skin is particularly prone to blisters and various irritations which I guess makes me a good tester of sports attire.
It is not a deal breaker for me. I think my skin will get used to it but this is the first time a piece of clothing creates an irritation in this area.
Update: 7/11/13. I have used this suit on the bike a lot, on the run and in races and it has performed admirably. The fit is what I like the most and why it has become my favorite suit. The initial slight chaffing issues I experienced are gone. I would recommend this but LG has already discontinued it. In fact I wanted to buy a couple more of these and could not find them anymore online.
Value: 3/5
Performance: 5/5
Review close date: 7/10/13
Preview: I have used this suit a few times so far only indoors.
I love the fit of the suit. There are no pressure points yet the suit fits tightly everywhere.
The quality of the materials is exceptional and I don't foresee any durability issues, but only time will tell.
I like how the lower portion of the suit hugs your legs without having the use annoying rubbery material and at the same time tha fabric stays in position no matter what the activity. I have used it in all 3 sports and found the suit to be streamlined around my body, not restrictive of any movements at all despite a snug fit and the fabric dries quickly. The "chamois" material for the saddle cushioning is not very thick which some people may find a bit lacking. In my opinion it is extremely well suited for triathlons: it dries quickly and makes itself imperceptible on the run with no rubbing at all.
Since I have tried it only indoors, I am not sure how it handles heavy heat, but during intense workouts at 75F, I never felt hindered by the suit
However, I have had one issue with the suit so far. during the run with the arm movements I encountered some chaffing on my torso under the arm (where the arms contact with the latissimus dorsi), due to a seam rubbing against my skin.
Now I have to say that my skin is particularly prone to blisters and various irritations which I guess makes me a good tester of sports attire.
It is not a deal breaker for me. I think my skin will get used to it but this is the first time a piece of clothing creates an irritation in this area.
Update: 7/11/13. I have used this suit on the bike a lot, on the run and in races and it has performed admirably. The fit is what I like the most and why it has become my favorite suit. The initial slight chaffing issues I experienced are gone. I would recommend this but LG has already discontinued it. In fact I wanted to buy a couple more of these and could not find them anymore online.
Value: 3/5
Performance: 5/5
CW-X Ventilator Stabilyx Tri Shorts & Top
Started using on 1/15/13
Review close date: 7/11/13
A very, very comfortable top. I use it almost daily on all my indoor workouts. In fact, I like the CW-X top and shorts so much that I purchased 3 sets that I rotate constantly.
The fabric is very soft on the top and air flow is very good on the sides. During my spinning workouts, I really forget I am wearing it. I love it also on the runs. Because I have a very soft skin, very prone to irritations and chaffing, I am particularly sensitive to how comfortable the fabric is. Beside being very comfortable, I like the fit of the top more than any other tri top I own. It is pretty long which avoids having it ride up or having to adjust it. I have other tri tops like the 2Xu tri singlet which I find much too short for my taste and rides up constantly leaving my lower back and stomach uncovered. I find this very annoying. Not so with this top.
I like the mesh panels on the sides which allow good air flow. Another nice touch is how the fabric wraps around the zipper on top to prevent chaffing.
A couple of issues I found with this top is that the white version (it also comes in black) tends to turn transparent when wet. I don't really mind myself but if this is an issue for you, pick the black top version.
Also, I tried to swim with this top and it really isn't designed for it. The fabric is much too soft for a swim and it tends to parachute around your body creating a lot of drag. Wearing it under a speedsuit or wetsuit would solve this issue, however, it is not very fast to dry up compared to other suits I own.
In addition, I found that the fabric does not provide a lot of support or compression. I actually find this more comfortable for day to day training but I find the claims on CW-X's website a bit misleading: "The upper body CW-X Support Web™ targets the trapezius muscles and scapular bones of the upper back for improved posture and more controlled shoulder and arm movement." I find the fabric too soft to really feel like a compression apparel.
Overall, this is a great top. It is my favorite for comfortable day-to-day indoor training. However, it will not be my first choice for races because I think it leaves a bit to be desired for pure race performance, on the swim and in terms of support.
Review close date: 7/11/13
A very, very comfortable top. I use it almost daily on all my indoor workouts. In fact, I like the CW-X top and shorts so much that I purchased 3 sets that I rotate constantly.
The fabric is very soft on the top and air flow is very good on the sides. During my spinning workouts, I really forget I am wearing it. I love it also on the runs. Because I have a very soft skin, very prone to irritations and chaffing, I am particularly sensitive to how comfortable the fabric is. Beside being very comfortable, I like the fit of the top more than any other tri top I own. It is pretty long which avoids having it ride up or having to adjust it. I have other tri tops like the 2Xu tri singlet which I find much too short for my taste and rides up constantly leaving my lower back and stomach uncovered. I find this very annoying. Not so with this top.
I like the mesh panels on the sides which allow good air flow. Another nice touch is how the fabric wraps around the zipper on top to prevent chaffing.
A couple of issues I found with this top is that the white version (it also comes in black) tends to turn transparent when wet. I don't really mind myself but if this is an issue for you, pick the black top version.
Also, I tried to swim with this top and it really isn't designed for it. The fabric is much too soft for a swim and it tends to parachute around your body creating a lot of drag. Wearing it under a speedsuit or wetsuit would solve this issue, however, it is not very fast to dry up compared to other suits I own.
In addition, I found that the fabric does not provide a lot of support or compression. I actually find this more comfortable for day to day training but I find the claims on CW-X's website a bit misleading: "The upper body CW-X Support Web™ targets the trapezius muscles and scapular bones of the upper back for improved posture and more controlled shoulder and arm movement." I find the fabric too soft to really feel like a compression apparel.
Overall, this is a great top. It is my favorite for comfortable day-to-day indoor training. However, it will not be my first choice for races because I think it leaves a bit to be desired for pure race performance, on the swim and in terms of support.
The shorts are a great complement to the ventilator tri top. However, I find that it differs significantly from the top on a few points.
Just like with the top, the fabric is comfortable, but it just a bit stiffer and more supportive. I really like the fit as well. It tends to be longer than most other shorts (just above the knee). I also really like the fit on the waist: there is a good compression level on the legs but not so much on the waist (although this can be adjusted with the cords) Most shorts I own have a compressive elastic band around the waist which can be uncomfortable after long rides and runs. These shorts allow for the waist adjustment to be more precise and comfortable.
The material performs adequately in water (although it is not designed to be a jammer). The legs do not ride up, the chamois is soft and comfortable (although not hugely padded and probably a bit too soft for long rides).
Again, these are my favorite shorts for day to day training and I will consider wearing it in upcoming races.
Value: 4/5
Performance: 3.5/5
