2016 Holiday Gift Guide – Kit

Starting 2o17 will definitely put a smile on your favorite endurance athletes face!

Coeur Zele Women’s Aero Sleeved Triathlon Top – $139.99

Who says the men get to have all the fun (and get all the cool toys)? The Zele line was created for women who value performance and style. The design team worked with elite athletes and aeronautical engineers to create garments that are proven to perform. The aero sleeved triathlon top features dimpled fabric, coldblack for ultimate cooling, and a 3/4 zipper in front.

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Smith PivLock Arena – $159

A new pair of sunglasses under the tree is always a welcome gift. We are big fans of Smith’s PivLock Arena, and even a year after our review still use them regularly on our daily rides. They are light, fit comfortably, and stay on no matter how hard we try to shake them off. (Oh, and be sure to head on over to our friends at SportRx if you decide to pick up a pair for yourself at a 20% discount for Black Friday.)

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Bontrager Ballista – $174.99

The Ballista is both one of the most economical and fastest road helmets on the market. Add to that a lightweight design and Bontrager has a winning combination. We rode with the Ballista on both TT bikes and standard road bikes and, regardless of head position, the Ballista did an excellent job of keeping our heads cool, even during the hottest rides of the summer. For those looking to get a little more aero on the bike, the Ballista is worth a look.

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Bontrager Starvos S1 Softshell Convertible Jacket – $179.99

Everyone should have a riding jacket available in their closet, even here in South Florida. The Starvos S1 softshell features Profila Softshell fabric on the front and sleeves that combines warmth and protection, as well as Profila Thermal fabric on the back and underarms for breathability. Best of all are the Zip-off sleeves, which converts the jacket to a vest for variable conditions.

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Giro Synthe – $250

We’ve had the Synthe for over a year now and it’s still one of our favorite all-around helmets. Featuring exceptional ventilation with strong aerodynamics, it’s a great training and race day helmet. Know someone looking for an all-around helmet upgrade? The Synthe makes a great option.

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Hincapie Edge Collection – $270

From the time we received our Hincapie Edge kit, it has quickly become one of our favorites. Not only for its bright “look at me now” colors, but the bibs are some of the most comfortable we have ever worn. They feature a soft, aerating stretch mesh upper that dries quickly to help regulate temperature. And the ProGrip comfort leg bands prevent the legs from riding up. The jersey fits tight yet not so much that you cannot swing your arms if you ever need to pull a Hinault.

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Louis Garneau M-2 Tri Skin – $299.99

The M-2 was already one of our favorite tri suits, and for 2017 the M-2 is upgraded with new fabric in the leg areas, 3 zones of compression, and an additional set of pockets (a huge win for both training and long distance racing). A great kit just got even better.

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Pearl Izumi P.R.O. LTD Speed Kit – $345

Want to ride what the pros wear? You may recognize P.R.O. LTD speed kit from the shoulders of Taylor Phinney and Tejay van Gardaren in the European peloton. The jersey is designed for superior aero efficiency, anatomic fit and comfort. And the bibs feature a Transfer Direct Vent mesh bib upper that provides excellent moisture transfer, odor resistance and dry time. We spent plenty of time in the LTD this summer, and our only complaint was that we had only a single kit.

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Catlike Rapid Tri – $354.99

Know someone that races in the same helmet they train in? Maybe it’s time for an aero helmet upgrade. The Catlike Rapid Tri features an aerodynamic design paired with three ventilation points so that, even when racing a long-course triathlon, you won’t overheat. Also included are a pair of visors and a protective hard case with helmet stand. We raced in the Rapid Tri all season – with quite a few podiums to show for it. We know we wouldn’t mind finding an extra Rapid above the fireplace.

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