Product Review: Withings WiFi Scale

The Withings WiFi Scale is a scale that measures your body weight and body fat %, and then wirelessly transmits it via standard WiFi to a website that allows you to track and record your weight.  But more importantly than than their website, it transmits data to a massive ecosystem of health, training and sports websites and software.  Including popular applications like Training Peaks, Sport Tracks, Facebook and Twitter.

On the upper right navigation area of this blog, you will now see a widget specific to my weight, BMI, lean mass and fat percentage. Not that I want everyone to know how fat I currently am, but I am using it as incentive to drop the weight before the heart of the 2013 racing season begins. My goal is to get under 139 lbs. 

I would post a very in-depth review of the scale, but DC Rainmaker has already done just that. So, for that detailed review, go here. I bought the scale after reading his super review on it. I then purchased it at Clever Training using a 10% off of everything in your cart by adding code DCRSAVE10 at checkout. 

I had the scale operating within 15-minutes and posting to the web site. This included unpacking it. So, trust me...it is super easy. After set-up, you can add up to eight separate users. Each member of the family can have their own account, but all are accessible from the main web site. What is nifty, is that the scale will recognize the user just by stepping on it (for the first time, it will initiate recognition determined by the weight you entered when setting up the individual account).

Set-up, as I said is easy. Just have to connect it to your computer via USB cord JUST for the initial set-up, then it is WiFi enabled. 

Set-up is an easy step-by-step process

Just have to connect it via USB for the initial set-up only

To learn even more, view the video below:





So far, I am enjoying the scale quite a lot. I like the simple, intuitive set-up. I like the easy social interfacing across multiple fronts. The only social site I have come across that does not currently link to it is Beginner Triathlete and they indicated to me the sale interface would not be added unless more people requested it. Of course, that is the triathlon training site I have selected. Maybe I switch to Training Peaks instead!?!?

Have fun with it. I know I will.

Product Review: FitDeck Cards

I received FitDeck cards in my Xmas stocking and was able to use them recently. FitDeck was created with a simple premise – make exercise simple, convenient, and fun – and people will stay motivated. With this in mind, the most basic way to use FitDeck and FitDeck Booster cards is as follows:


1.Warm up (3-5 minutes)
2.Stretch
3.Shuffle cards
4.Draw a card and flip it over
5.Perform exercise
6.Repeat as desired
7.Cool down and stretch

Using 1-minute per card as a guide, draw the number of cards consistent with your fitness level and time available:

For example: 20 minutes = 20 cards

This is the most basic way to use your FitDeck cards. For hundreds of FitDeck games, workouts ideas, partner challenges, group routines, and fun workout combinations, click here.

The deck comes with nice packaging as a hard case is provided so that you can carry your cards with you, especially for those who travel. FitDeck is a unique deck of Exercise Playing Cards that makes exercise more simple, convenient, and fun. FitDecks are available in 56-card and 26-card Booster decks. 56-card FitDecks specialize in bodyweight-only exercises (i.e. Bodyweight, Junior, Senior, Yoga, Pilates, Stretch, Prenatal, and Postnatal). 26-card Boosters may require certain equipment (i.e. Exercise Ball, Pull Up bar, Dumbbell, Office, Travel, Kettlebell, etc.). They even have a deck specific to swimming.

The cards themselves are the size of standard playing cards. The illustrations and the written instructions are clear. So you won't have any issues getting benefit out of FitDeck. I have started to use them after my workouts during my cool-down session. This is a fun way to force yourself to cool down properly.

If you use the cards as you would any deck of cards you can shuffle them to come up with an almost unlimited number of workout combinations. The deck I received was the stretching set. While there wasn't any stretch I have not heard of or performed previously, this helps to keep everything fresh and allows you to change things up without losing track.



Prices vary by the type of deck and they are available at Gear West.

Product Review: Leg Lube

I received this product as a Christmas stocking stuffer from the Well Kept Wife©.  How many guys get leg shaving gel from their significant others for Christmas?!? LEG LUBE is a “Performance Shave Gel” for us leg shavers. LEG LUBE was created by athletes, for athletes.

If you are like most of the leg shaving population you probably use shave cream, moisturizing soap, lotion, or like me, Trader Joes' Honey Mango Shave. What Leg Lube brings to the party is an ultra lubricating formula that reduces drag, nicks, in-grown hairs, razor burn, and the dreaded itchy, scaly, dry skin. It can be used for more than just legs. Use on your legs, face, arms, chest, head, bikini, and back. It has a very pleasant smell that will appeal to both men and women.

So what did I think after using the product recently?

At first use I was looking for the foam, or suds, you normally get with soap products. But once I used it a few times we found the lack of foam and suds no issue and now prefer it. After shaving, my legs were smooth. And most importantly in this winter dry humdity, I did not experience drying effects.

The motto of LEG LUBE is “one bead is all you need” and claims to be so slippery you can shave out of the shower. I haven’t tried it yet out of the shower, but I can see that one could easily use it sans water. The bottle is the same style used for some popular chain lubes, so they say it won’t leak and is TSA friendly. Ingredients include Glycerin, Aloe, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils. It’s Paraben free with no colors or dyes.

LEG LUBE comes in a 3.4 oz. (100mL) bottle and costs $8.95. It can be bought at the LEG LUBE website: http://www.leglube.com/ or at Gear West.

Super Bike Summary

Recently I posted a photo of a bike I would consider purchasing if money were no object. Since then, I received a lot of additional suggestions and decided to do a quick summary of them for future reference sake.

Specialized Shiv

Price - $12700

Former Texas training partner and now Texas race host Tim "Buckwheat" Carroll was the first to lead me to this bike. Apparently illegal in road racing (UCI) but still is USAT legal. Basically, they ignored UCI rules and designed the Shiv exclusively for triathlon: with unmatched aerodynamics, the Fuelselage integr...ated hydration system, and a huge range of fit adjustability. The S-Works FACT IS 11r carbon frame, Zipp 404 wheels, and Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain make the S-Works an ultralight, crazy fast package.



This is the bike Craig Alexander rode for Ironman Kona 2011:



Here's what Alexander said about it afterwards..."It's a total rocketship that should be illegal."

Looks great, doesn't it? But I have concerns. First, the 22-24 ounce internal bladder. Most of us will not use straight water but some sort of electrolyte/protein replenishment so what happens when the bladder needs to be cleaned? Apparently, the bladder can be removed for cleaning but who wants to do that all the time?

Besides, I am a tri-geek who races sprint distance 90% of the time with the occassional Oly. I really have no need for an internal bladder to save me 0.025 seconds over 10 miles. A single water bottle will serve me just fine.

But the most important reason I would pass on the Shiv is USAT itself. A few years ago I purchased a De Soto Water Rover wetsuit. This suit has a distinct advantage by placing panels of 2mm, 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm thickness in specific locations to maximize speed and flexibility. When I bought it, it was legal. As of September 1, 2010, the Water Rover was banned in WTC Races. USAT was next. According to USAT regulations, there is no limitation as to the thickness of wetsuit rubber, and there will be no limitation until Jan, 2013. This means if you buy a Water Rover now, you can race in this almost unfair and perfectly legal advantage for the entire 2011 and 2012 triathlon seasons. After that, it becomes a nice training suit or for us in non-USAT races.

What is to prohibit USAT making the same determination with the Shiv and determining this bike to be illegal and one is stuck with a nice $12K training bike? I'm not going to take that chance.

Argon-18 E118

Price - One bike dealer listed for $7400 but unsure of the wheel set.

Reader Miguel Vieira lead me to this previusly unknown bike. I've not seen one locally but it sure is pretty, isn't it?

Out of the box, the E-118 is equally compatible with Di2 or mechanical components. Regardless of the group you choose, all cables and wiring are internally routed for enhanced aerodynamics.

Built in a new mold and certified UCI-legal, this triathlon frameset expands and refines the concepts first embodied in the spectacular E-114 that helped establish the company’s stellar reputation in this field. This new frameset was developed in close collaboration with triathlon champion Tim O’Donnell and the Team SpiderTech riders, including Svein Tuft and Hugo Houle, Canadian Pro and U-23 time-trial champions, respectively.

In the world of time trial events, much emphasis is placed on the aerodynamic properties of bikes. While this is an important factor, in reality the cyclist generates up to 70% of the aerodynamic drag. This fact is at the core of Argon 18’s design philosophy. Our approach is that the rider and bike must form an integrated unit in order to optimize efficiency and achieve the best results. CFD analysis clearly demonstrates that once the rider is not in proper position, drag increases dramatically. Optimal positioning through AFS gives the rider the ability to remain on the armrests in the proper aero tuck position longer.

AFS geometry built into the E-118 guarantees tremendously accurate steering and extremely stable handling. This allows the rider to remain on the armrests in circumstances where it has not always been possible. For example, riders can remain in the perfect aero tuck position on the armrests during descents, on uneven roads, while hydrating and even when reaching into jersey pockets for nutrition

The AFS approach ensures the rider can maintain a proper aero position longer through an easy, accurate fit therefore ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and the ultimate in performance.



Trek Project One Custom Speed Concept 9.9 Series Podium
Price as shown (with Aeolus 9.0 Clinchers): $10,184.97. With Dura Ace Di2 -$12468.72

This is the customized paint Trek that I posted earlier. I think it is the customized paint option that initially draws me to the bike. I don't have to look like all the others in the transition area. I can be 'different', which everyone already knows I am.

The Trek seems to be a super-fast aerodynamic machine - it could be the most aero bike out there; if not, it's certainly right up there - with excellent adjustability and a top spec sheet. My research shows that riders who have this machine indicate the Trek absolutely flies on the flat and on shallow gradients, both up and down, and one gets a ton of stability which helps keep things steady even in a slight crosswind.

Downsides? Current owners indicate that adjusting the brakes could be easier… a whole lot easier, in fact, particularly the back one. But that’s the price you pay for the aerodynamic benefit, I guess. If brakes are tucked away from the wind, they’re tucked away from fingers and Allen keys too.

It’s a similar deal with the gears. You don’t get any external cable stops or in-line barrel adjusters so you can’t adjust them on the fly. If you ever found the chain struggling to go up a sprocket, you’d couldn’t do anything about it from the saddle, so you have to make sure everything is bang on before you set off.

Here is what Chris Lieto thinks of the bike.

Felt DA1 Di2
Price - DA 1 - Ultimate+Nano Carbon, Di2, Zipp 808 Firecrest Wheels - $12,999

Felt is a bike that we see a lot here in the Tundra. Mainly due to the fact that local tri-shop Gear West carries Felts and most of its top athletes from the GW team ride them.

Years of research, engineering and wind-tunnel development went into the DA1. Already ridden to major triathon wins by Felt athletes Terenzo Bozzone, and Andi Boecherer, this is the bike that left the competition in the dust. With UHC Ultimate+Nano carbon fiber material—shaped through extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics engineering and real-world testing—it’s 14% more aerodynamic and 13% stiffer than the last-generation DA. It’s also optimized for Shimano Di2 electronic shifting, with internal cable routing and an integrated battery mount.

I've not really had the chance to speak to anyone who is riding this machine so I can't add that much more to it. But it certainly has to be a great bike. All the Felt riders I know, whether using this model or one of the cheaper frames, always finish ahead of me.

Giant Trinity Advanced SL 0

Price - $13,500

Coming in highest of the bunch (component selective, mind) is this offering from Giant. Giant was a big brand when I lived on the East coast in the late 1980's. They've been around for a long time and have a good rep. I just don't know of any tri-geek riding it nor can I find any reviews on the bike. If you have it, or can provide a review please post within the comments field.

The manufacturer states: Designed by Giant's top engineers, this road rocket boasts the most advanced wind-cheating technology you could dream of. Starting with an aerodynamic Advanced SL Composite frame and fork, Giant then adds an aerodynamic carbon seatpost and integrated handlebar system for the ultimate in stiffness, light weight and efficiency that's sure to have you breaking PR's in no time. You'll love the wide range of adjustability for the perfect fit in any position, and with top-of-the-line components like Shimano's electronic Dura-Ace Di2 group, amazing Zipp 808 tubular wheels and a sleek Fizik saddle with carbon rails, you've got one stellar machine that's ready to dismantle the competition!

Well, it better for that price (2012 model)!

Cervélo P5

Price - ???

Which brings me to my last bike for this blog entry. I currently ride a 2008 P3 which is aluminum with 650cc wheel set (ZIPPs). So, certainly anything by Cervélo I'm going to look at.

BikeRadar received confirmation that Cervélo are set to debut their new—and highly anticipated—P5 tri/time trial aero flagship, as two distinct models during January's European Brainbike event. The models will be split by purpose: one UCI legal and ready for World Tour competition, and a second version built to cater to the longer distances and less restrictive governing body of triathlon.

As discussed earlier, Specialized upped the aero bike ante this year by splitting their Shiv aero bike into both UCI-legal and non-compliant versions in order to simultaneously satisfy the technical guidelines of WorldTour racing and the comparatively unrestricted arms race of triathlon. Cervélo generally aren't perceived as having those kinds of resources but according to BikeRadar's exclusive industry sources, the new P5 will counter that move with a tri-specific model that will cater more to their highly loyal multisport clientele and a second UCI-legal version for time trials.

The tri-specific version will be more aerodynamic with a taller down tube, a more aggressive seat tube profile around the rear wheel cutout, and a conventional single-crown fork – albeit, one with an additional bolt-on nosecone to increase the effective aspect ratio. The UCI-legal version, on the other hand, sticks to more P4-like tube dimensions and a standard front end without the add-on nosecone.

Also the P5 will forego a dramatically sleek proprietary cockpit for a standard setup that will be easier to fit and allow more choice in components – a move retailers and fitters will undoubtedly support. Even better, retail pricing is rumored to be lower than that of the P4 – people are guessing around $4,000 for the frameset with brakes and seatpost.

I seem to do bike window shopping each winter. Sort of passes the time. But I'm also wondering if a move to a super bike from the 2008 Cervélo P3 that I have about $4k invested in. It is an aluminum frame and has a ZIPP wheelset.

This bike has a 650cc wheel set, so I've been wondering if a move to a 700cc wheel set would be faster. Not to mention the lighter and more aero frame.

So, I went to Kevin O'Connor. Kevin is the owner of the aforementioned Gear West tri store. Kevin was the 2009 USAT Duathlete of the year. And he is someone I have trusted to go to for triathlon advice and bike service. Basically, Kevin made the following points to me about a possible move to a super bike:

• It is a loaded question but the short answer is that the new bikes are faster.
• There are some example of guys in the same situation as you.  Brooks Grossinger and Chad Millner.  I don't know if you know these guys but they are both fast and prior to 2010 season they were still on their 6-8 yr old 650c bikes with 9 speed drivetrains.  And they raced very fast on those.  Few things worse than having them pull up next to you in a race on their 7 yr old bike.  But they have both stated that the new bike is significantly better.  I don't know that they are riding any faster but they certainly are not slowing down.
• Here is the real answer to biking faster.  Training with Power.  [Such as training with] a Powertap wheel or Quarq crankset.  You would be able to quantify your cycling power.
• Do not ever accept that your pace is just the current pace. I just don't believe that.

So for the curious, a Quarq crankset looks like this:

Priced at $1795, it is a bicycle powermeter that is integrated into the crankset of the bicycle. Specifically, the CinQo is a instrumented crank "spider" that mounts on specific production cranksets. The ANT+ radio transmits the CinQo's power measurement digitally to other ANT+ compatible bicycle computers. (Think of ANT+ as "Bluetooth" for bicycles.) ANT+ computers include the Garmin Edge 705 and the iBike iAero. The ANT standard is available to all bike computer manufactures, so look for more ANT+ compatible bike computers in the future.

The CinQo powermeter measures power by measuring the torque (pedal force) and the angular velocity (cadence). When you press on the pedals, all parts of the bikes drivetrain displace (flex) slightly under the load. The CinQo spider is carefully designed using Finite Element Analysis to displace in a very controlled manner in specific locations in response to applied load. Strain gages are used to measure the displacement and thus calculate the applied torque.

For powertaps, there is the $1600 top-of-the-line Powertap SL+ Hub, Wheel, or Wheelset with Joule 2.0. Also there is a SL+ Hub built into Rear Wheel and Joule 2.0 for $1749.99.

I know some tri-geeks who train with power in mind and seem to do well. If someone were to go this route, they would need to understand the power concept and be able to set their training by it.

What about you? Would you opt for a new super bike? Or simply stay with the date you brought to the dance and incorporate a new training strategy?

Let me know. Leave a comment below, especially if you own any of the bikes covered above or use power in your training.

Happy Holidays!

Product Review: Mizuno Competition Apparel

I recently did some shopping at Running Warehouse. Not for shoes this time but for apparel. I had heard good things about the Mizuno Competition Apparel line. I was in need of a new running outfit for road racing and needed a lightweight singlet and lightweight racing short with a 1" to 1 1/2" inseam with split leg.

For the top, I chose the Mizuno Men's Aero Singlet (Model Number: 420878) as pictured below. It is super thin. When it arrived I knew I had a terrific upper. The back and side areas have large mesh so I know without wearing the product it will breath like a dream. The design of the back is very cool looking. Again, I have not yet worn it but I just know this will be terrific. It retails at MSRP: $45.00 RW Price: $36.95.

Front

Side

Rear

For the bottom I chose the Mizuno Men's Aero Split Short (Model Number: 420881). It has a laser cut design and sheen material, and a super-fly half-split. I prefer a full split but this will do just fine. The material is sort of like, well, the best way I can describe it is the same lightweight material that tents are made out of. I'll be curious as to how it breathes and how it carries once it is soaked mid-way through a half-marathon. But it is cut well and fits me well. It has some mesh holes in the rear split which can be seen in the photos below. The short retails at MSRP: $48.00 RW Price: $38.95.

Front

Side

Rear

Both products are true to size. Best of all Running Warehouse offers free 2-day shipping. Can't beat that.

Product Review: Shimano TR70 Cycling Shoes

My old cycling shoes have been bugging my feet a bit lately. I get off the bike, and the outside of my foot is sore/numb and I can barely walk for a few minutes after dismounting. I account for this, I believe, due to the shoe having stretched over nearly 5 1/2 years of steady service and thousands of miles of riding. I figured it was time to invest in a new pair of cycling shoes.

I headed out to Gear West to pick up my racing bike, which had just been shipped back from wintering in Texas. There I met with Drew Frakes and we started to look at shoe possibilities. I finally settled on the Shimano TR70's.

In the triathlon market, this shoe was used by Craig Alexander on his way to his 2008 victory in Kona.

However, it was not as easy as simply selecting my size and then whipping out the credit card. Oh, no. For these are heat moldable shoes. Some of the key features include:

•Heat-moldable, Custom-Fit technology: a Shimano innovation


•Ultra-light uni-directional carbon sole for the perfect balance of strength, rigidity and maximum power transfer

•Structural, vented synthetic micro-fiber leather adds upper support

•Composite temperature control honey comb mesh

•Reinforced heel cup and outsole pads for added protection

•Addtional top-strap closure for added support and stability

•Oversize entry target strap design for fast transitions

•Seamless, quick-dry interior for comfort without socks

Shimano actually calls their technology "Heat Moldable Custom Fit" and makes it available in several high end shoes. By fully moldable I mean that the upper of the shoe as well as the insole is moldable. Moldable insoles (or foot beds) have been around for quite some time with reasonable success. I personally find that custom orthotics, moldable insoles (made for cycling) or even some standard aftermarket insoles can significantly improve rider comfort, by providing additional arch contour to mostly flat soles. Nevertheless, Shimano's molding of the upper part of the shoe is an industry first, and this is done at the retail environment with minimum wait.

The process is simple and from start to finish takes about 30 minutes. After determining the correct size, the insole is removed and "baked" in a Shimano specific oven for a couple of minutes. Then, it is inserted back in the shoes and worn by the customer for a few minutes to allow the mold to settle. The same process is done for the other foot. Next, it's time for the shoes themselves to be "baked" for 2-3 minutes each. Once removed from the oven, the customer puts the shoe on (with the insole inside) and foot and shoe are fitted into a boot- shaped plastic bag.

A hose is then inserted in the bag and the plastic boot is sealed at the calf with a tight Velcro strap. A machine then sucks all the air out of the bag, creating a vacuum and ensuring a really snug fit. It helps to smooth out air pockets in the process and to use the hands to completely mold the shoe to the foot. After a minute or two, the machine is turned off, the strap is released and the bag is removed. The result is custom, uniform, snug fit. The process is then repeated with the other shoe. Note that the shoe can be molded up to three times in the life of the shoe, which should be enough to get the desired fit.

Gimmick or good process? I think if it was just heating up the insole I would classify as gimmick. But with the vacuum process, you could feel the shoe adapting to your foot. And the shoe felt instantly comfortable like a old pair of jeans.

If you want to see what this process looks like, here is a video:



I have had a few rides in the shoes and they feel great. Stiff and responsive. The only bitch I would have is that one of the straps kept hitting a crank and coming undone. What I have done for now is add an extra layer of Velcro to make sure the strap stays in place. This is discussed in the early minutes of the following video. This person actually cut one of the tabs from his strap.


 
Price - $349.95. A bit high, but then bike shoes last for a long, long time. So, a good overall investment.

Product Review: TYR Fusion 2™ Jammer

I recently purchased a pair of TYR Fusion 2™ Jammers. After having worn them in a swim workout, I can now give my assessment.

Overall, I really like the product. If you are going from a brief or a regular jammer you can get 1-3 second per 50 increase in speed. That is significant. The design doesn't absorb water so I suspect you get a little boost just from buoyancy. The rest is the slick nature of the fabric. Its almost like a swim skin. Very cool to touch.

I will caution that although it fits true to size on the waist the bottom of the leg opening, near the knee, is tight to the point of being irritating. When I first tried to put on the suit I was thinking, "you have to be kidding me" as it was so tight getting over the knee. But the upper is true to size at the waist.

The technology uses some of the most advanced aquatic engineering to ever enter a pool. First, Tyr took existing, proven and patented technologies like Turbulence Control and TYR's unique water-repellent coating in order to reduce drag. Then they married it to their tried-and-true innovations such as Fabrication Logic and Fluid Channel Dynamics for superior flow. Add in their unique, calenderized Isolated Compression technology for more glide efficiency and less drag, and you have the new TYR Fusion 2™. It's what happens when the past and the future meet at the swim lab.

Price: $72.00, unless you have a Lifetime Member Advantage 40% discount!

This is not a every day suit. It is built for racing. It has a short lifespan. But for the occasional speed workout or if the race water temperature negates the use of a wetsuit (78F or above), you could do much worse than swim in this jammer.

Product Review: Swiftwick Socks

The Well Kept Wife™ stuffed my Xmas stocking with two pairs of socks by Swiftwick. These were also recommended to her by the good people of Gear West Triathlon. Since I don't start a new pair of socks until I wear out a previous pair, last weekend was the first chance I had to try this brand.

I have been very happy with my SmartWool socks. So this gave me a good baseline comparison. The only thing I can say about SmartWool is that I can usually get about six months of daily use out of them before they wear through. But they are comfy. So off I went on two runs this weekend. A 10K run indoors and a 5 mile run outside when the temperature was 12 above F.

The first pair of Swiftwick socks that I tried were the Four Pursuit Merino. These retail for about $18.99. The product is 60% Merino Wool, 30% Nylon, and 10% Lycra. The product name has 'four' as the sock has a 4" cuff. So it sits three-quarter-calf.

I really prefer a sock that rides my ankle. So I was not sure I would go for this high of a sock. But the company touts its sock  as being constructed to create managed pressure on the legs, ankles, and feet. Compression cuffs on each sock prevent unnecessary movement and supposedly promotes blood flow to the feet, actually improving your circulation in the lower part of your legs, thus increasing performance while you compete.

I used this sock inside for my 10K run on a small indoor track at the Plymouth Fieldhouse. Certainly not the greatest running surface, and packed with tight turns, it can be a bear on your lower leg and feet. At first, the cuff was noticeable. Again, I typically prefer no cuff but after a few laps I did not notice the cuff at all. It was only one run, so I cannot tout its ability to promote blood flow, etc. But the sock didn't bunch up. The cuff didn't droop. And it seemed to provide outstanding padding without being overly cushy.

The next sock I tried was the Swiftwick Zero Pursuit Merino. This sock retails for about $14.99. It is 60% Merino Wool, 30% Nylon, 10% Lycra. It has a no-show cuff, which sits below the ankle.

I wore this sock with a thin sock liner to run 5 miles in slushy conditions when the temperature was 12 above F. This is a great sock and rates right with the SmartWool sock. My typical SmartWool sock, by comparison, has 74% Merino Wool, 23% Nylon, 3% elastic. At times, that can be too much wool for me as my feet can really heat up. The Swiftwick sock seemed to have more compression qualities and fit really well around my heel. I have small feet so it is hard for me to find a sock that first from heel to toe. My foot stayed warm and I had no issues with wet, cold feet despite running through some slush runoff from our salt laden roads.

Some additional information on the socks, straight from the horse's mouth:

Our socks are knitted at 200 needles; the highest density you’ll find in socks. The higher the needle count, the tighter the knit. Our socks are so tightly knitted that no trail debris or foreign material can penetrate your sock causing irritation and blistering. This structure creates a second-skin feel, prevents shifting or bunching, and eliminates the risk of friction blisters while making your shoes fit more comfortably. Our high-gauge construction produces a softer, denser, and more durable garment with outstanding graphic detail. Wear Swiftwick, and you’ll buy fewer socks. It’s that simple.

Superior Climate Control


Swiftwick socks, named for their outstanding thermal properties, are available in two distinctly different blends — Merino Wool and Olefin. Both fibers have advanced wicking properties that when combined with our design will manage moisture, allowing easy evaporation of the sweat that travels along the surface of the fiber. Swiftwick’s combination of synthetic and natural fibers are up to 10 times more hydrophobic than cotton, preventing water absorption and moisture retention in the sock’s structure. Optimal foot health requires keeping feet dry and blister-free in all weather conditions.


Compression Technologies
Swiftwick uses finer grade, stronger materials – Olefin, Merino Wool, Nylon, and Spandex­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­—with a 200-knit construction to create managed pressure on the legs, ankles, and feet. Our compression footbed cradles your foot’s arch. Compression cuffs on each sock prevent unnecessary movement, making the sock the most form fitting on the market. It also promotes blood flow to the feet, actually improving your circulation in the lower part of your legs, thus increasing performance while you compete. Improved vascular performance and blood flow also means reduced leg fatigue, which speeds recovery after a long run or ride.


Engineered For Performance


Swiftwick socks provide your feet’s 60 joints, 200 ligaments and 35 muscles with the support of engineered performance in mechanical construction, fiber, and compression technologies. From the sturdy y-heel contour to our signature chassis—a thin, channeled upper—to our ‘window seam’ toe closure, our team constructs each sock for optimal breathability, durability, comfort, and support. We understand how to deliver a sock capable of dissipating damaging forces with high quality textiles, the right fiber composition in the right place, and construction techniques in manufacturing and finishing that make us confident when we say --

Swiftwick is the best you’ll ever wear… GUARANTEED.

You can't go wrong with either brand. If you are looking for a good sock that will also give you a bit more compression, then by all means try the Swiftwick's. If you are looking for a bit more cushion or a bit more wool then try the SmartWool socks. Having worn SmartWool while biking all last season, I am pretty sure the Swiftwick socks will serve me well in that sport as well.

Have fun!

Product Review: DryGuy Wide-Body Boot and Glove Dryer

For those who live in the Tundra there is the plethora of wet gloves, mittens, hats, shoes....you know the drill. Train in the snow, and there is something to dry out afterwards....and more importantly, be dry before your next workout.

We recently purchased a DryGuy Wide-Body Boot and Glove Dryer. Boasting four extra-tall air chambers and a whisper-quiet rotary blower, the DryGuy blasts heated or unheated air on up to four garments at once.

The device dries up to 4 garments in roughly an hour. Within roughly an hour, your shoes, gloves, hat, or even outer training pants will be completely dry, preparing you for your next workout. The approximate temperature of the air coming out of the nozzle is 99 degrees F, warm enough to dry garments without causing damage. Plus, by eliminating moisture, the DryGuy prevents the growth of bacteria and mold. The DryGuy also offers a three-hour timer for particularly wet garments and a 6-foot cord that should reach most outlets. It really has done a great job with our initial tests. Especially when the Boy® has come in soaking wet from playing in the snow. Or I come in from a nine miler and the knit hat and gloves are soaked.

So far, the unit has lived up to its billing. It drys everything out well and evenly. Available at Amazon for $79.95, although we got ours on sale at Amazon for $60.57.