Compression Sleek Sleeves

Elastic support hose or stockings have been prescribed in the medical profession for years as a remedy for poor circulation in the legs.

My mother suffered from Phlebitis and Varicose Veins as long as I can remember.

Back in the 1940s she would bind her legs with crepe bandages. Later elastic support stockings became available.

It appears that binding the legs or wearing stretchy sleeves or stockings actually improves circulation.

And if blood circulation is improved, would this not be of benefit to athletic performance and/or recovery? In recent times runners have been using compression sleeves, as a means to avoid shin splints, which are often caused by the jarring effect of the heel striking the hard pavement.

Shin splints are not usually an issue for cyclists, unless they are pushing some exceptionally large gear, but I do know there is a UCI regulation that stipulates the length of socks used when racing. The thinking behind this is, they don’t want racing cyclists wearing knee high support hose that may or may not improve performance.

Some cyclists are using compression leg sleeves and tights, before and after races. When the makers of Compression Sleek sleeves offered the send me a pair to try out, I was interested. The reason being this time of year when the weather improves, my bike rides tend to get longer.

After a long hard ride, (Especially early season when I am not used to it.) I tend to get night cramps in my calf muscles. I’ll wake from a deep sleep with a large painful knot in my calf, I’ll invariably reach down to massage it, and bending my leg to do so, end up with an even bigger knot in my thigh. There is nothing I could do but get up and walk it off.

Last Sunday I did a longish ride, and sure enough that night I started to feel a cramp coming on in my left calf muscle. I got up and slipped on just the left sleeve and went back to bed. It worked, no more cramps that night.

Not just long bike rides will cause these cramps, but every autumn, cleaning leaves from my gutters, and standing on a ladder for long periods, will cause the same cramps.

Also attending an event like a bike show where I am standing on a concrete floor for hours. You can bet in the future on these occasions I will be wearing these sleeves as a precautionary measure.

I have worn them on a couple of early morning rides when the temps were chilly. They doubled as lower leg warmers, when I wore them with my black over the knee bib knickers.

Wearing them while riding I didn’t notice any obvious benefit, but they were no hindrance either. I would not wear them with shorts, any more than I would wear knee length socks, because of the “Fred” factor. But that's just me. 

These Compression Sleek Sleeves are available on Amazon for $21.99 for a pair. Some compression sleeves appear cheaper but are sold singly, so watch out for that one. You can also pay a lot more, but I am not sure what the added benefit would be.

Made of 85% Lycra and 15% Nylon, I just throw them in the cold wash with the rest of my kit, but I let them air dry rather than put them in the dryer. I figure they may last longer that way. 

Measure your calf before you buy. These fit from 12 inch to 15 inch calf circumference. My calf measures 14 inches, so they are tight, but as I said, not uncomfortable to wear, even while riding. 

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Giro Republic Cycling Shoes

I love the simplicity of Shimano SPD Double Sided Pedals. (Left.)

I never have to look down to see which side is up, and they are easy to click in and out of.

They are ideal for the tourist or commuter, or the non-racing leisure rider like myself.

The main drawback I have found is finding a decent pair of road cycling shoes that are compatible with the two bolt cleats.

Strictly speaking these SPD pedals are mountain bike pedals and there is an abundance of mountain bike shoes available, but these all have the thick knobbley, rubber soles that look more like hiking boots than cycling shoes.

I also found the rubber knobbles tended to get caught up in the pedals, preventing a smooth clip in. Most road shoes have the three bolt cleat pattern and it is possible to fit adapters to covert to the two bolt cleats.

I tried this for a while, but road shoes have either a carbon fiber, or hard plastic sole, that is slicker ‘n snot. With these somewhat tiny SPD pedals this is not a good combination. More than once I failed to clip in on the first try and my foot slipped off the pedals, carving chunks of flesh from my ankle.

So I was more than pleased when I recently discovered the Giro Republic cycling shoe, designed with people like me in mind. (See picture above.)

The shoe has a stiff hard plastic sole, with two replaceable rubber pads either side of the SPD cleat. These rubber pads, along with a replaceable heel, not only make the shoe comfortable and easy to walk on, but acts as a guide for the cleat to engage with the pedals.

These shoes have laces that give them the old school look that I like. There are all manner of high tech fasteners for cycling shoes these days, but shoe laces are old tech and have been around since shoes were invented. They wear out, you replace ‘em.

The price of these shoes was around $150, but I shopped around and found a pair in a color I could live with, (The grey ones above.) for $74.98. I bought them from Competitive Cyclist. I have bought other clothing and helmets from them before, and have been very happy with their service.

Buying shoes online is always a crap shoot, conversions from European, to US sizes vary wildly between different brands. It seems these Giro shoes tend to run small, and as a result the first pair I got were too tight.

No problem, shipping was free, and a quick phone call to Competitive Cyclist and they emailed me a return label. I just resealed the box, stuck the label on, and dropped it off at my nearest UPS store.

I reordered another pair one Euro size bigger, they arrived within the week and fitted perfectly even with thick winter socks. If the length of the shoe is right, the laces take care of the width, and ensure a custom fit.

For those who might think about going to their local bike store to try on shoes then buy online ‘cos it’s cheaper. Please don’t do that, it is tacky. I don’t have decent bike store within 25 miles of my home, so I don’t buy much there. But if you are lucky enough to have a good bike store nearby, it is all about building a good relationship with them.

If you try on shoes but don’t buy, then show up a week or so later with a new pair of shoes on, they will know what you did, and all trust has flown out the window. So by all means buy online and save some money, but if you get the wrong size, send ‘em back like I did, and wait patiently for the right size.

Anyway, back to the Giro Republic shoes. I am very pleased. Clicking in and out has never been easier. These would be perfect for someone commuting to work. They come in black or brown leather, stylish and comfortable, you could walk around in these all day.

The purist roadie will say that cycling shoes are designed for riding the bike, not walking. That may be true, but at my age I do not want to be slipping and landing on my arse, as I carry my bike down my front steps. This could happen if I am wearing carbon fiber sole road shoes.

Addendum 11/22/15: I am using these Giro shoes with Shimano M540 Double Sided pedal pictured at the top of this piece. People are emailing me to say they have a problem clipping into these pedals with these same Giro shoes. I have experienced no such problem which would suggest there are variations either in the pedals or the shoes. Please take the issue up with Giro, as I don't have an answer.

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Clear prescription lenses for my Rudy Project glasses

You may remember earlier this year when I wrote about my new sunglasses that I ordered from SportRX, a company in San Diego that specialize in prescription sports eyewear.

I was able to choose from a selection of cycling specific glasses.

I settled for a pair of Rudy Project Horus frames, and when these Italian made glasses arrived I noticed that the lenses were mounted in separate individual frames around each lens.

The main eyewear frame is then flexible enough that these eye-pieces clip in place, making it easy to change lenses for different occasions. (Picture left.)

The silver coated “Win-win” sunglass lenses served me well through this last summer and autumn, when here in South Carolina most days come with extremely bright sunshine. However, winter is closing in, and although temperatures are still good for riding, days are often overcast and cloudy.

Also I sometimes ride early morning when it is still dark. I realized it was time to order a spare pair of clear (No tint.) prescription lenses. I got back in touch with SportRX. They still had my prescription on file, so it was a simple matter of shooting them an email, and my new lenses arrived in a little over a week.

I went with the progressive no-line bi-focal lenses, the same as I did for the sunglasses. I find the distance vision and close up/reading bi-focal set up is not a problem when riding, and it saves having to carry separate reading glasses, should I need to fix a flat or actually read something. You never know.

The thing I like about this interchangeable lens set up is that there is no need to carry a separate pair of glasses. The curved style of these type of glasses, means they fit great on your face, but don't fold flat and so are bulky when in a case. The hard-shell case that came with my original sunglass order is quite large, it measures 6.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches. (165 x 90 x 65mm.) Takes up a lot of pocket space.

Often on longer weekend rides, I start out when it is dark or cloudy, then the sun comes out later. The glasses are always on my face while riding, all I need to carry is the spare lenses that fit in a little soft bag they came in. It has two separate pockets inside the bag so the lenses are not rubbing together.

This then fits in a small hard plastic case that is actually a traveling soap case, but is the perfect size to fit in my jersey pocket. (Picture right.)

The thing I love about both the tinted and clear lenses is the size and shape, and the way they fit close to the face.

When I look up, down, or sideways, I don’t see the frames. I have clear all-round vision. This includes my normal riding position, head down, looking up.

I have always been a believer in having the right clothing and equipment for my riding comfort, safety and pleasure. I can’t believe I went so long before getting cycling specific eye-wear. It is one of those things you don’t notice the benefit until you try it.

Then after using the sunglasses through the summer, and I had to go back to my regular glasses when the weather turned cloudy, I soon realized it was time to order some clear lenses for the Rudy Project frames. I’m glad I did.

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NiteRider Rechargeable Bike Lights

Bicycle lights have improved tremendously since the introduction of LED light bulbs, emitting more light with longer battery life. There is really no excuse for anyone to ride at night without lights, and it amazes me that people still do. Most of the cycling fatalities happen during the hours of darkness.

Over the years I have always considered that the main purpose of bike lights was so that drivers of other vehicles could see me, I never really thought of it as a means to actually see where I was going in the dark. That was until a year or more ago when I bought a NiteRider MiNewt 350 headlight. (Below right.)

I bought it initially because I grew tired of constantly buying and replacing AAA batteries, and most annoying was that vibration caused the batteries to loose contact and the light would go out.

The NiteRider lights have rechargeable batteries.

The MiNewt unit has a separate rechargeable battery that straps firmly to the handlebar stem, and the tiny headlight fastens to the handlebar with a rubber “O” ring.

It throws a beam of light some 50 or 60 yards up the road ahead. The distance of the beam depends a lot on the angle you set the headlamp on the bars.

I am reluctant to set mine too high as the light can actually dazzle oncoming drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. I described the headlight as “Tiny,” but I was referring to its physical size. The headlight lens is only 3/4 inch (20mm.) in diameter, but the light is so intense that viewed head on in the dark, the light appears to be 3 or 4 inches in diameter. (75 to 100mm.)

The first thing I noticed was that when riding in the dark, cars approaching head on and wanting to turn in front of me, would actually sit and wait for me to pass. Even though there was often time for them to safely make the turn. On seeing such a bright light approaching, they might assume it is a motorcycle or motor-scooter approaching. The same is true for drivers emerging from side roads and driveways, they wait for me to pass before pulling out.

I ride on a local bike path at 6am. when temperatures are the coolest, but it is still dark. This headlight not only allows me to see the path ahead and ride at a reasonable pace, but I can see pedestrians and other bike riders without lights. Also the wildlife is still out including the occasional deer.

The headlight also throws a pool of light ahead so the cyclist is silhouetted in this pool of light making him more visible from behind. For this reason I continued to use my AAA battery power rear light, which I though adequate at the time. However, I was so pleased with the MiNewt Mini that I decided to put that one on my wife’s bike and I bought a NiteRider Lumina 700 headlight for my bike. (For 2015 it is a 750.)

This headlight (Picture at the top.) has an output of 700 lumens twice that of the Mini 350 I was using before.

The rechargeable battery and headlight is in one self-contained unit.

The lamp easily detaches from the handlebar mounting bracket, to facilitate recharging by plugging into the USB port of my computer. (Left.)

When I bought the new headlight I also bought two NiteRider Solas 2W taillights, for both my wife and my bikes.

I was a little confused at first by the clear lens in the center of this tail light. However, when in use it is the clear part that glows with an intense red light. When recharging it also glows red, but the light turns blue when fully charged.

The light has two flashing modes and a bright setting that are so bright that it is annoying or even blinding for another cyclist riding behind. For this reason there is a steady light “Low” setting. At this setting the makers claim it will run for 36 hours on one charging. On the low setting the light is bright enough that it can be seen at least half a mile away.

Above: The Solas rear light comes with a bracket that fits around the seat post. But I use a padded camera bag that I bought at Wal-Mart for around five bucks. It holds two spare inner tubes, tire levers, a Co2 pump and a patch kit. It attaches under my saddle the old fashioned way, with toe-straps. I made a loop for the lamp to clip on with a plastic zip-tie.

With these lights, I find that when riding in the dark, passing drivers give me more room in overtaking that they do in the daylight. I feel really safe. A must for someone commuting or training in the dark, and even in daylight, the headlight on flashing mode, really draws attention to your presence.

These lights are spendy, around $80 for the headlight, and $35 for the Tail-light. Shop around because prices vary. This is a quality product that comes with a 2 year guarantee. I have seen reviews where people have used these light for five years. So if you consider the cost and the hassle of buying batteries over a long period, plus the far superior light output, the initial cost I feel is worth it.

Finally, reflectors are good “No Maintenance” way to be seen at night, especially if on moving parts of the bike. Like these Salzmann Spoke Reflectors that turn your wheels into a spinning light show. (Picture above.) Salzmann also make a reflective back pack cover. Both the items are $14.99 each, an inexpensive way to be seen at night.

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A traditional hip flask with a cycling design

Some of the finest whiskey in the world comes from Scotland, so it is fitting that a company that specializes in hip flasks to carry the precious liquid, is based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

When the company contacted me offering to send me a flask with a cycling design, I was a little reluctant at first to accept their offer. I know very few cyclists who actually carry alcohol with them while riding.

However, there are some objects like this that are just nice to own, or to give or receive as a gift. So I thought why not, and accepted.

When the flask arrived I was immediately struck by the fine workmanship. The flask itself is stainless steel, with a “Captive” screw-top that you can’t lose. It is covered with a faux leather material that is printed with a bike race scene from the late 1800s when the bicycle and bicycle racing was in its infancy.

The picture itself is intriguing, the cyclist front and center races so fast he meets himself on the back of the flask where the picture joins perfectly.

A lesser quality object would not (See picture right.)

The design is by Ted Baker, also fitting as I understand he started out as a men’s shirt designer in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Ted Baker name is embossed in gold on a brown leather label that is actually stitched to the cover with the picture, before it is glued to the flask. Just another small attention to detail that went into the design and making of this flask.

The flask holds 6oz of liquid and measures 3.75 inches wide x 5 inches tall. It is 7/8 inch thick and is curved to fit in a hip pocket as is traditional. It comes in a gift box that has the same cycling design.

The cost is 27 (British Pounds.) $46.19 US Dollars. There is a 5% discount for my readers by entering code: thanksfor5

For this particular cycling design flask go to http://buyahipflask.com/6oz-bike-hip-flask

There is also a huge choice of other more traditional designs here: http://buyahipflask.com/  These flasks would make a very nice gift, to give or receive. Or for a special presentation they could be engraved.

Finally the company suggested I give one of these flasks away as a prize for a Tour de France competition. I thought that was a great idea. So send me a list of your top ten finishers in this year's Tour.

You can go to this web page http://www.steephill.tv/tour-de-france/ and scroll down the right side of the page for a complete list of teams and riders. Pick out 10 of them and email the list to me.

Please don’t post the list here in the comments, or others will copy it. My email is davesbikeblog[AT]gmail.com (Of course put @ instead of [AT]

The winner will receive one of these fine flasks, pictured above. The winner will be the one with the most riders listed that actually finish in the top 10. In the event of a tie, I will choose the list that has most riders nearest to the correct order of finishing. So pick your top 10 in the order you think they will finish.

The TDF starts this Saturday 5^th July. And because we are getting so close I will accept entries up until next Tuesday 8^th when the Tour will have left the UK and Stage 4 will be on French soil.

Update 7/9/14: Entries for the TDF Competition are now closed. Thanks to all those who participated. Your lists have been saved and the winner will be anounced when the Tour ends. 

Update 7/29/14: The result of the competition is in the comment section below.

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