• Products That Made A Difference.

    For the past 2 years I have been lucky enough to get my hands on some great products/tools to enhance my racing. Below is a list of those products that have caught my eye for the 2005 season.

    Cateye Triple and Double Shot
    Cateye produced the first HID light. Now, they have produced the first LED light set up that is all about fast off road riding. With 3-5 hour run times, and a lower price point, LED light technology is where the industry is heading.

    Ergon Grips
    Holy Cow! The most break through product I have used since disc brakes and front suspension! These grips off the rider a platform for their hands. Because of this grip fatigue is offset in your hands, arms, and shoulders. This is the first year that I have completed a solo 24 hour event and NOT had sore hands or knuckles.

    ELETE
    It's electrolyte ingestion made simple. No more need to slam pills or drink gallons of high sugar electrolyte drinks mixtures. Just add a few drops of ELETE to your current drink and you are off and running with all the electrlytes you need to sustain normal body functions.

    Hayes El Camino Disc Brakes
    Yeah, there has been hydro disc brakes around for awhile now, but nothing like these! These brakes allow the rider to adjust the way the brake acts on the fly. 2 simple knobs allow for lever reach to be adjusted, and another dial allows for the "power" to be adjusted. So, when your hands get tired during a race or you don't feel like squeezing as hard anymore to stop...just turn the knobs on the fly. BRILLIANT!

    Hammer Nutrition Bar
    Granted this product is not out yet, I had a chance to sample it at Interbike. It is about the size of a Clif Bar. It is softer and more moist than any other bar on the market. It taste great and goes down with out much chewing effort. This will be a great product that will change the sports nutrtition market in 2006. Keep an eye out for it. Hammer stated it wouold be out in late October. I can't wait!!!

    Giant Anthem
    The NRS has been a staple in Giant's line for XC racing for about 5 years. In 2006 it will be no more. They are replacing it with the Anthem. The Anthem will use the Maestro suspension system that was introduced last year. One other noted change is a longer top-tube on all sizes. Thanks to Adam Craig for suggesting that. Check out the full Anthem line up for 2006.

    So there you have it. My top products of 2005. Stay tuned for new 2006 products as they arrive. I am really looking forward to the new Ergon grips and Cole Carbon mnt bike wheels.

    Also, have more Japan 24 race pictures coming.