Blog Assignment for the Bike Barn

Here is my first Blog Assignment for the Bike Barn. I was excited for the opportunity to help out the shop and hopefully highlight some products to help everyone make the most of their time on the bike.

Bike Barn is lucky to have local pro Jeff Symonds work part-time with us. We asked him what his five favourite products were for racing and training and here was his response:

#1 Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting

Electronic Shifting is the way of the future and I am super excited to be using Shimano Di2 this year! The biggest benefit for a triathlete like myself is that it give riders the ability to have shifter on both your aerobars as well as your basebar. What this means is that you don’t do the awkward reach to aerobars to shift while climbing or accelerating. I find that with Di2 I am shifting more often and accurately allowing myself to ride the most efficient cadence, leaving my legs feeling fresh for the run. Shifters on the basebar also allows you to shift gears and have access to the brakes while in an aerodynamic tuck. What this means for all you Ironman Canada hopefuls in that you will be able to descend down the Richter with more speed and in great control. Electronic shifting also benefits rider by reducing the shifting motion to mere push of a button and auto trimming the front derailleur after every shift. Cable friction is eliminated resulting in all-conditions reliability and a 30% increase in rear derailleur shifting speed. Mechanics here at the Bike Barn have described the Di2 as being a “pleasure” to work on and Shimano Di2 has passed all tests regarding reliability and ease of maintenance placed upon it. With Ultegra Di2 launching in 2012 it is a great time to upgrade to electronic shifting and get faster and more efficient in the process.

#2 Powerbar Ironman Perform

This is a product that I use every day. First off the taste is awesome. I have been guzzling a canister every 2 weeks and haven’t gotten tired of it. Secondly, Perform utilizes a 2:1 glucose to fructose blend that delivers 20-50% more energy to working muscles than pure glucose sports drinks like Gatorade. Perform is high in sodium to keep your electrolytes in balance when your sweating buckets either in a homemade Pain Cave, indoor spin class or warm weather destination. I am a huge believer that you should simulate race day as much as possible in training and fortunately Perform is what will be on the race course at Great White North Half Iron and all Ironman branded events including Ironman Canada. On top of its awesome benefits, it is also the most cost effective drink out there at only $22.90 for a 52 serving canister. It is the best option for everyone in every sport at every ability.

#3 Bell Javelin TT Helmet

This is the product I was most stoked about at Interbike. I actually asked the guy working the expo if I could buy one off him for cash right then and there. He turned me down and I was forced to wait. Finally the wait is over as Bell Javelin has arrived at The Bike Barn. The Javelin is similar to the Giro Selector except that it’s flexible ear flaps allow it to be is much easier to get on and off, and keeps your ears from getting twisted. This feature makes it perfect for triathletes like myself. At $249.90 it is also substantially less expensive than the comparable Giro Selector TT Helmet. The Javelin has a detachable visor and 2 large front vents and an overall ventilation system that is surprising effective so you won’t have to worry about overheating in a longer distance race. Whether you are at the front of the race or the back of a race an aero helmet is going to save you a minute off of your time, and in my opinion the Bell Javelin is the best option available.

#4 Bike Barn Jerseys

This is a must have for every cyclist or triathlete. As far back as I can remember I wanted a Bike Barn jersey and when I purchased my first racing bike I couldn’t have been more thrilled that they threw in a jersey. The jersey is not only comfortable, stylish and a great souvenir, but allows you access into the exclusive club of Bike Barn Cyclists worldwide. It doesn’t matter where in the world I go to race or train if I am wearing a Bike Barn Jersey people will come up to me and comment on the shop and Penticton. I even once had a fellow riders give me a guided bike tour of the San Diego area after seeing and commenting on my jersey at a traffic light. If your reading this San Diego Guru, Thanks! A bright jersey is the second most important piece of safety equipment after a properly fitting helmet. The classic yellow and blue Bike Barn colors are super visible and will make you stand out more than a man in a Zumba class.

#5 Nite Rider TL 5.0

Speaking of standing out, a rear flashing light is one of the best way to be seen while out riding. I have found that when I ride with a rear flashing light, drivers give me on average an extra meter of room as they pass by. Every cyclist knows that an extra meter of space provides an unbelievable amount of security. It could be the best $9.99 you ever spend.

If you have any questions on triathlon and cycling products or triathlon training and racing then feel free to comment below or stop in to the Bike Barn and visit with Jeff every Saturday from 10-5:30.

ALSO, be sure to check out his blog at http://jeffsymonds.blogspot.com/ or follow him on twitter.