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Written By Allison Walsh
Endurance sports are hotter than ever, so it's probably safe to say you
have someone on your shopping list in need of new gear this year. Let Go
be your guide to the latest and greatest.
Fleet Feet
Jon Stoehr at Fleet Feet calls the Garmin 110
GPS-enabled watch "easy to use," thanks to its minimal setup, and great
for tracking distance and pace. You’ll call it a bargain, starting at
only $200.
The ladies on your list will appreciate the Nike Dri-FIT Half-Zip
Running Top for its warmth without the weight. Nike’s special brand of
breathability keeps her dry, and a reflective zipper keeps her visible
and allows her to control the ventilation. Available in an array of
colors for only $55… why not buy two?
Go Tri Sports
If you are, aspire to be, or love an Ironman (or woman), Go Tri Sports should be your holiday shopping destination this year.
The
Timex® Ironman® Global Trainer™ with GPS Technology promises to go the
distance with you, allowing you to not only measure your performance,
but analyze the data in every way imaginable. This high-tech training
partner retails for $299.95 and a $50 mail-in rebate is available for
those who act before Dec. 19.
K-Swiss has moisture management down to a science, and anyone who runs
in our climate can appreciate the benefits of dry feet. The new K-Ona
shoe ($99) features the patented Flow Cool System™ and an ultra-light,
stable fit perfect for fast days and races.
Super-fast aerodynamic speed machine. $1999 out of the box and ready to
race. What more can we say about the Felt B16 Tri bike? Oh yeah, engine
sold separately.
TTR Bikes
The bicycle enthusiasts at Tandem,
Touring and Recumbent Bikes, located in Greenville’s Southernside
neighborhood, suggest the Electra Townie 7D for comfortably cruising the
Swamp Rabbit Trail or your neighborhood, and looking pretty smooth
while doing it.
If you’re anxious to share your love of two-wheeling with the little
ones, the Skuut Balance Bike ($120) is billed as the best way to teach
new riders.
Whether you are commuting or trail riding, a good helmet
is a must. TTR recommends the Lazer Urbanize helmet for those who like a
little fashion with their safety. The Urbanize is on sale now for
$89.99 with lights, and $69.99 without.
Speaking of protecting your assets, don’t forget your smile. Carolina
Dental Supply is your source for custom ArmourBite mouthwear. This
brainchild of Under Armour and Bite Tech promises to eliminate clenched
teeth which will help improve your performance while riding or running.
What’s the price? About 350 bucks.
Greenville County Recreation District
Your favorite Swamp Rabbit
cyclist will love the special edition Swamp Rabbit Cycling Jersey, made
by Hincapie Sports and available at all local bike shops.
Why not
get your outdoor enthusiast a piece of the great outdoors? For a mere
$25 you can own a section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, complete with
access to a satellite view of your piece of what is quickly becoming one
of Greenville’s best-loved attractions.
Ride On
The Ride On crew is digging on the new Garmin Edge® 800 – the
first ever touch screen GPS bike computer. This baby boasts a built-in
basemap and tracks your distance, speed, location and ascent/descent.
Get one at Ride On, starting at $650.
They are also big fans of the unique lateral motion available on the
Rock and Roll trainer from Kinetic by Kurt. The natural motion forces
you to use your core muscles to maintain balance, giving you more bang
for your workout buck. It’s the next best thing to riding outdoors, and
it can be yours for $559 from Ride On.
If you’re in the market for a new whip, they think you can’t beat the
Scott Scale 29 Team for its light weight and reasonable price ($1199).
With all the geometry of a carbon frame at an aluminum price it’s the
best value going in a big-wheeled bike.
Sunshine Cycle Shop
If you’re looking for a “Swamp Rabbit bike,” go
see Mike, John and their crew about the Cypress by Giant. For $379.95
you get a lightweight aluminum frame, suspension fork and seat post,
Giant comfort saddle, RAM Grip shifting and Giant P-X3 multi-terrain
tires.
Sunshine Cycle is also your source for the Serfas TSL-250 True Light
head light ($129.95). With a quick release handlebar mount and easy
adjust helmet mount, your lucky rider will appreciate the 250 lumens
lighting their way, and the convenient USB quick charge option.
Greenville Custom Bicycles
Let Greenville Custom Bicycles build your
present starting with the Guru Sidero customizable frame. It promises
the ride quality of titanium for half the price, and doesn’t penalize
you for the difference in weight. Using only superior grade Columbus
Spirit steel tubing, Guru matches tube diameters to your specific riding
requirements.
Lighter and stiffer, HED Ardennes Wheelsets are some of the fastest
around. They have straighter sidewalls that don’t flop over in a hard
corner, and more rubber on the road takes cornering to a new level.
These wheelsets range in price from $700 to $1350 at Greenville Custom
Bicycles.
Run In
The Run In team’s shoe of choice at the moment is the Saucony
Kinvara. This flexible, neutral running shoe sets your foot free –
letting the runner see what its minimalist design can do to maximize
performance. It’s also not bad looking, and all for only $89.99.
Now that we have your toes covered, your head – and everything in
between – deserves some attention. Mizuno’s full line of Breath Thermo®
products feature cutting-edge insulation fabric generates heat as it
absorbs moisture. Stock up on hats, gloves, tights, socks, shirts,
headbands and arm sleeves, from $19.99 to $69.99 at Run In.
Pedal Chic
At last, fit females can get gear made just for them.
Pedal Chic is the Southeast’s only women-specific cycling and athletic
boutique, carrying cute clothing and accessories you won’t find anywhere
else. Like the bungee handbag from Po Campo that secures to your
handlebars or rack.
Stop in and check out the Gym Girl Ultra from Skirt Sports®. Women love
the two pockets – one on each thigh – for stashing gels, keys, iPod, you
name it. A music port hidden under the waistband keeps you on pace, not
tangled in cords. Pants are available in three lengths and colors
galore.
Zike
Be one of the first to scoot through Falls Park or down the
Swamp Rabbit Trail on a Zike. A what? Zike is a revolutionary new line
of scooters, hybrids, and bikes for all ages. What sets them apart is
the patent pending gravity in motion technology, which means a faster,
more stable ride than a traditional bike or scooter.
The Zike line includes four models suitable for ages 5 to adult. Find out where to get yours at zike.net. |