Wow, it’s been a while since we wrote a WiR. Sorry about that. The spring season is in full swing here with one of our editors already having raced their opening sprint of the season.

Since our last WiR we have only published three articles, but they’re all worth a read. First up was the BackBottle from the makers of the Fix It Sticks. While the Backbottle has already surpassed their kickstarter goal, they still have four days left. So jump on kickstarter and help back this very cool project.

Secondly we had our look at the SPY Daft glasses. The Daft lenses redefine what it means to be full vision lenses. For those that hate frames in their vision, these are definitely worth your consideration.

Finally we spent quite a bit of quality time with the new Cannondale Slice. When the box from Cannondale arrived on our doorstep we really didn’t know what to expect, but what we found really blew us away. Cannondale built a bike that they claimed put balance above all. What we found was a bike that was fast, agile, and a blast to ride.

For those visiting for the first time—welcome! One of our favorite ways to showcase our readers is our Readers’ Rides album on Facebook. You can check it out at http://on.fb.me/12jEqE3. If you would like to have your bike featured in our album just tweet us at @AeroGeeks, Facebook message us, or email us at info@AeroGeeks.com.

Riding with Cameras

We are huge fans of riding with both front and rear cameras. However, we use cameras for more than just our reviews. We love the peace of mind they provide. Whether used to show off a close call, or in the event of a major incident, having a camera is a must on any training ride. Bob Mionske over on Velo recently wrote a superb article on the benefits and risks associated with riding with these cameras. Most notably that it’s not just the drivers’ behavior around you being recorded, but yours as well. We highly recommend a quick trip to VeloNews for a worthwhile read.

GU Updates Formulations and Brand Names

GU products are some of our favorite. So when we heard they were making changes, we knew we had to spread the word. As of Thursday, all GU Energy Gels are now formulated without the anti-oxidants, vitamin C & E.  GU’s exhaustive exercise results show an increase in oxidative stress due to the accumulation of free radicals, which can be damaging to our cells. Their research, however, has shown our bodies naturally create a defense mechanism to the accumulation of free radicals, which in turn improves adaptation to training.  Consuming vitamin C & E during exercise has been shown to block this adaptation.

The Roctane line of ultra-endurance Energy Gels has been reformulated as well, replacing the amino acid histidine with beta-alanine to increase production of carnosine, a muscle buffer that helps to maintain normal acidity within muscle. Fatigue during exhaustive exercise may result from acid build-up in the muscle and blood. Increasing carnosine levels may help to delay fatigue and improve performance. Beta-alanine is the rate-limiting amino acid in the formation of carnosine.

Lastly, GU Energy Gels are now made without herbs, chamomile and ginger, because the large amounts required to be efficacious would negatively impact the flavor profile of our gels.  All GU Energy Gels are made with vegan ingredients to fuel vegan athletes.

GU’s product line has also been re-branded to make it clearer to athletes the purpose and scope of the nutrition line: Chomps will now be known as GU Energy Chews; Electrolyte Brew will be branded as GU Hydration Drink Mix; GU Brew Tablets will be tagged as GU Hydration Drink Tabs and Recovery Brew will be named GU Recovery Drink Mix.

Definitely some big changes here, so keep a sharp look out when you head over to your Local Bike Shop the next time you are stocking up.

Rudy Project Ergomask

Early last week Rudy Project announced their newest lenses – the Ergomask. The new Ergomask is light weight, well ventilated and provides full peripheral vision. The Ergomask features adjustable temples and nose piece for a precision fit on any face. Coated with Megol® rubber which gets sticker when wet, the Ergomask is designed to not slip, even during intense movement.

Credit: Nils Nelson

These shades also feature newly incorporated side and brow ventilation to increase air flow and eliminate fogging.

The Ergomask is available in three technically cool colors, Matte Black, White Gloss, and Racing Pro Yellow Fluo Gloss, and can be customized for any light condition with the Quick Change™ Interchangeable Lens System.