We’d like to wish a happy Memorial Day to our American readers. While we know many of you will be using the day off to get an extra training session in, we ask you to remember the reason for your extra day in the saddle. Take a moment to thank those who serve your country, and remember those who have fallen.

We’d also like to give big congratulations to Andrew Talansky and Kristin Armstrong for winning the US National TT Championship. Talansky won aboard a Cannondale Slice RS and Armstrong aboard a Felt DA.

This past week has been pretty routine here at AeroGeeks HQ. The team was out on the roads and in the pool. We got to spend quite a bit of time with the Giro Synthe, Zackees Gloves, Halo Belt, Perfect Pushup, and more this week. We also shared our thoughts on the Clean Energy Patch and our talk with Ventum – be sure to check them out. Finally, the mailroom was probably the busiest spot to be at AG HQ. We received shipments from Bontrager, TriRig, Rotor, and more!

Readers’ Rides

If you’re a regular reader, you know that Readers’ Rides is one of our favorite ways to showcase our followers’ amazing bikes. This week we have Craig’s Trek Speed Concept. According to Craig, “It’s a Trek Bicycle Project 1 Speed Concept with Black Vapor coat paint, Shimano Ultegra Di2, and ENVE Composites 6.7 clincher wheels. I had intended to swap the derailleurs out to DA9070, but I really liked the way the darker Ui2 derailleurs looked on the all-black bike. I tried the Enve 8.9s, but just wasn’t confident handling the deeper front because I’m a light weight! Since the photo, I’ve put a Bontrager XXX Hilo saddle on it. I’ve also got a set of Rotor cranks to go on shortly, and I’m considering a Hed Jet+ disc, too.”

You can check out our complete Readers’ Ride gallery 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.

This Week’s Posts

Tuesday – Ventum – A Conversation

Thursday – Clean Energy Patch – Review

Mailroom

As we said earlier, the busiest place at AG HQ this past week was the mailroom. We had new products arriving almost every day. First up was a pair of Omega X brakes from TriRig. We recently took a First Look at them, but this is going to be our first chance to get some ride time with them. The plan is to mount them to our Shiv test bike (both front and back).

To protect our noggins, a pair of Catlike Chrono WT helmets arrived. The Chrono WT was developed for both time trial and triathlon. While we have test fit them already (super-easy to get on and off!), the big question will be whether they provide enough ventilation to handle a 70.3 or full 140.6.

T1Pro also sent us their magnetic race belt. We first saw the T1Pro at St. Anthony’s when we were there covering the race.  As soon as we saw it, we knew we had to try it. The key to the T1Pro is that it uses magnets to hold the belt together versus a standard clasp. Stay tuned to see if it holds up over the miles.

We also received a RK-1 knee brace from Zamst. The RK-1 is designed for IT Band injury prevention and recovery. We know we aren’t the only ones that battle injuries now and then, and we are always looking for the next tool to help us get through it. Let’s find out if Zamst has what we have been looking for.

We are back looking at chain rings with a set of QXL rings from Rotor. The QXL rings have increased ovalization over standard Q-Rings, which we’ve wanted to test out for a while. One of our biggest questions is how well it works with Di2. Stay tuned to find out.

Scott sent us their Road Premium cycling shoes. The Road Premium is their top-of-the-line road racing shoe, as well as the stiffest shoe they make. While it comes in two colors (red gloss and green gloss), we were extremely happy to find they chose to send us a set in what can be best described as an AeroGeeks palette.

We also received products from both Sugoi and Bontrager. Sugoi sent us their RS ICE Tri Suit, which is designed to keep you cool no matter how much the course heats up. And lucky for us, summer has arrived early here in South Florida. So no doubt we have plenty of hot workouts ahead of us.

Bontrager sent us a number of samples from their Spring/Summer 2015 apparel line, including both the RXL and RL kits as well as gloves, socks, and base layers from the collection. With summer temperatures ahead, this is one of the first reviews we are looking forward to getting to you.

Current Reviews

GU Big Apple

GU sent us their new Big Apple flavor a few weeks ago, and we finally got to sample it last week. The flavor tastes a lot like an apple Jolly Rancher. If you liked their Salted Watermelon flavor, we think you’ll be a fan of Big Apple as well. We’re pretty sure this will quickly become an AG favorite.

ERG! Bars

We are almost through our ERG! Sampler kit and have been blown away with the flavor of these bars. These are quickly becoming one of our go-to post-ride snacks.

Zackees Gloves

We think motorists are taking us seriously with a blinking light on our hand. Multiple times this week we approached roundabouts with motorists attempting to pass us. A quick signal from our Zackees seemed to help them see the danger they were about to cause.

Halo Belt

Wearing the Halo Belt is remarkably similar to wearing a number belt in a WTC event on the bike. While you may forget it’s there, everyone behind you sees a highly visible ribbon of light. So far we have found the belt easily lasts a few 3-hour rides before needing a recharge.

Perfect Pushup

We added the Perfect Pushup to our core workouts this week and our chest and arms aren’t exactly thanking us. One of our editors is a regular sufferer of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and before the Perfect Pushup, he was not able to attempt pushups. Because you grab onto handles versus supporting yourself with flat palms, he can finally get a few reps in.

Giro Synthe

Every time we wear the Synthe, we have to remind ourselves we’re actually wearing a helmet. The Synthe weights practically nothing and is incredibly aero. We never once felt the need to pull the helmet off and cool down, even during our last 3-hour ride in 85-degree heat. Considering that, in some positions, the Synthe can beat an Attack in the tunnel, we are pretty sold!