Tech Updates: New winter clothing from Craft and Castelli and saddles from Cobb.
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There’s no shortage of sweet gear and clothing to keep you rolling through the winter. Check out some of what we like lately.
Craft proZERO Base Layers
Craft proZERO base layers are made for the transitional temperatures of autumn. ProZERO clothing, which includes long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts as well as full-length bottoms, are designed to create the best microclimate against an athlete’s skin in fair to cold conditions (35 - 65 degrees F).
Each piece has targeted moisture transfer sections to help heat and cool the body in specific zones. Air-channeled polyester expels heat away from the body while filament yarns move moisture. All of the items include flat lock stitching and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
"We approach our proZERO base layers from a thermo-regulation standpoint rather just wicking, which is what makes them the crown jewel of Craft," said Eric Schenker, the company's general manager.
Craft proZERO base layer pieces typically run from $50 to $70 and can be purchased at retail locations or craft-usa.com.
Cobb Cycling keeps the pressure on (or off?) for 2010
John Cobb launched Cobb Cycling and his new website, www.cobbcycling.com, in January of this year. He began by reintroducing his popular V-Flow saddle featuring the new Cobb Cycling branding, and has since introduced two more saddles, including the HC170, as recently as Interbike.
The V-Flow is a design that has been proven at the highest levels of professional triathlon and one that Cobb has been manufacturing and selling for over 10 years. In a press release, he talks about the process and theory of the V-Flow saddles. “I made the rear of the saddle narrower so that riders could position themselves properly on the back of it and not slide forward onto the nose. Then I created a pressure-relief trough in the center part of the seat so that riders could comfortably rotate their pubic bones (pelvis) forward for better posture and leverage, positioning the soft tissue into the pressure-relief cutout.”
The Max saddle is extensively shaped and shortened to maximize bloodflow to the gluteus and hamstring muscles. One feature of the Max saddle is higher density foam. “Ongoing testing with riders who spend a lot of time on their bikes demonstrated that a firmer surface can provide longer-lasting comfort if the seat is shaped correctly,” explained Cobb. “The new foam will save weight while providing enhanced comfort for long rides and high volume training.” The $170 Max weighs 255 grams and is readily identified by its distinctive shape.
And the new HC170 ($180) is a minimalist racer’s saddle with a narrower front end than the other models in the Cobb line. It weighs just 170 grams but packs all the biomechanical engineering of the entire V-Flow line.
Castelli Winter 2009 Collection
Castelli says its winter clothing is designed to help blood flow to the muscles, maintain the body at its optimum operating temperature, and smooth airflow around the body in real world situations.
The Fulmine Wind bib tight uses thermal, fleecy stretch Thermoflex fabric that has been coated with tiny silicone nanofilaments to create a highly water repellent finish. The silicone nanofilaments also trap a layer of air for added insulation, in addition to causing water droplets to bead up and roll off. Wind-proof panels over the knees add further protection against the elements. The tights retail for $270.
For the style-conscious, the look of the Mannaggia jacket is modeled after MotoGP motorcycle racing jackets, but the cold weather performance is pure cycling. It’s got a close fit for aerodynamics, zip-open vents for temperature regulation, and stretchy Windstopper fabric for insulation. Mannaggia jackets are not cheap at $400, but the price of fashion is high.[nid:99964]
For women, the Primavera jacket (also $400) mirrors the bold styling of the men’s Mannaggia. It’s got the same zippered vents, Windstopper panels, and flexible shoulder and elbow panels. Women also have the option of the new Como long sleeve jersey. The $180 Como has a high collar, long cuffs, and invisible front zipper for style and insulation.
castelli-us.com
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