When we started this guide we were tempted to break it down into smaller categories but decided to feature only some of our favorites. This guide has products to help any of us get up off the coach and exercise. One of the coolest products that we found this year was the ICEDot Crash Sensor. This little device might just save the live of a loved one.
ICEdot Crash Sensor
The ICEdot Crash Sensor mounts to any helmet and detects critical impacts that may leave you incapacitated. It pairs with a companion app running on your smart phone over Low Energy Bluetooth. When it detects critical forces the Crash Sensor triggers your phone to sound an alarm and if not disabled, alert your pre-specified emergency contacts over SMS text message and include a link to your current GPS coordinates if available. Phone types currently supported: iPhone 4S or later (BLE 4.0 Required) Android version coming soon (4.3 only)
Features:
• 1 ICEdot Crash Sensor
• 1 helmet mounting clip (adheres or zip ties to helmet)
• 1 USB to Micro USB charging cable
• 1 Yr Premium ICEdot Membership
• MSRP: $149.00
• https://icedot.org/products/41-Crash-Sensor
Relaj Water Bottle
The Relaj is a high performance sports water bottle specifically designed to make hydrating while cycling safer. The design also offers numerous benefits to users in other sports, and even non-sporting environments. Key to the bottle’s innovation is its “tip the bottle, not your head” design. Unlike traditional bottles which often have plain, cylinder-like bodies and wide, flat, top caps with stubby center spouts, the Relaj employs a functionally designed ergonomic body and top cap combination. Shaped like a funnel at the top, the bottle flows liquids more freely. Its tapered, twist-to-open top cap, which also has a flexible nozzle, enables the Relaj to be easily tipped up and away from the face. Each bottle comes with a removable, re-freezable Ice Stick to keep liquids cooler longer. Also Relaj has been gracious enough to off a discount code for our readers. Enter OPENAIR15 in the coupon code box during checkout to get the 15% off or $3.00 per bottle discount.
Features:
• 23 oz. 700 ml. (Without Ice Stick)
• BPA Free
• Fits Most Bike Cages
• LeakLock Valve
• Easy Twist Open/Close Top Cap
• Large Bottom Opening for Ice and Mixes
• Removable Parts for Easy Cleaning
• Dishwasher Safe – All Racks
• A Safer Design: Unique Design won’t Obstruct Vision
• Aerodynamics: Hydrate While in Optimal Riding Position
• Ergonomics: Stylish Grips; Easy to Hold, Control, & Squeeze
• BPA Free
• MSRP: $19.99
• http://relaj.com/
Nite Ize SpokeLit LED Spoke Light
When riding your bike in low light conditions it is important to be seen. The easy-to-attach Nite Ize LED SpokeLit is the perfect way to increase your visibility, safety, and cool factor when you’re riding your bike in the dark. Fueled by an efficient LED, this handy little device has two illumination modes – steady glow and continuous flash – to choose from. Press it onto the spokes of your wheel and slide towards the rim until the fit is tight, and it stays securely in place. And, here’s the fun part: the SpokeLit not only marks your bike plainly in the dark, when you’re riding at medium speed or faster, it creates the attention-getting effect of a moving circle of light. Water and shock resistant, it fits almost all kids’ and adults’ bike sizes.
Features:
• Fits most common 3 spoke cross pattern wheels
• Easily attaches – no tools required
• Stays secure, even during off-road riding
• Shock and weather resistant
• Available in 4 bright LED colors: Red, Blue, Green, and Disc-O (micro chip controlled – cycles through the color spectrum)
• Easily replaceable 2 x 2016 3V lithium battery included
• Battery run time: Glow mode: 20 hours, Flash mode: 25 hours
• Dimensions: 4.70″ x 1.40″ x 1.09″ | 119.50mm x 35.78mm x 27.80mm
• Weight: 1.02oz | 29.00g
• http://www.niteize.com/product/SpokeLit.asp
BioLogic Blast Airhorn
When a car or bus is about to cut you off, sometimes your bell just isn’t enough. The Blast Airhorn produces 115 decibels of sound with fully adjustable volume control and offers 30-50 blasts off of one charge. The air cartridge is refillable by using a regular bike pump. A quick release mount allows easy removal for use off the bike and prevention of theft.
Features:
• Delivers up to 115 decibels of sound with fully adjustable volume control
• Refillable with any regular bicycle pump
• 30-50 blasts from one charge
• Weighs less than 100 g
• MSRP: $35.00
• http://www.thinkbiologic.com/products/blast-airhorn
Detours The Coffee Bag
The Coffee Bag is a tribute to Seattle’s favorite brewed beverage. Made of food-grade, waterproof TPU fabric, and with a roll-top buckle closure, this versatile dry bag can be used for anything you want. Throw in your lunch and use the two adjustable straps to secure it just about anywhere on your bike — under the seat, on top of your rack, or even in your water bottle cage! Or stash your dirty gloves and tools inside and toss in a pannier. There are as many ways to enjoy the Coffee Bag as there are ways to drink espresso.
Features:
• Dimensions: 4 x 2.5 x 12 inches
• Volume: 100 cubic inches
• MSRP: $24.00 or you can save $20 if you buy the entire set for $100. You can then give one to all your friends.
• http://www.detours.us/small-bags/the-coffee-bag.html
Magellan Echo Running Watch
The Echo is Magellan’s first running watch that utilizes smartphone fitness apps to their full potential by wirelessly connecting them to your wrist. With real-time fitness data streamed directly from your smartphone to the watch display and the ability to remotely control connected apps, Echo keeps you informed and in control during any run. Using Bluetooth Smart* to wirelessly connect with a smartphone, Echo shows users the elapsed time, distance and other fitness metrics at a glance. Echo gives users control over a variety of smartphone functions including start, stop or lap on your fitness app, and next song, play and pause on your music playlist.
Features:
• Real time fitness data stream
• App Messages and Alerts
• Smartphone Compatibility
• Compatible with iPhone 4S, 5, 5C and 5S. Android Smartphone support coming soon.
• Wireless Communication
• Battery – Using ultra low-power components, Echo uses a replaceable coin cell battery
• Display – 1″ (2.54 cm) high resolution display allows for superior readability in varying light conditions — especially bright light.
• Invertible Screens
• Remote Controls
• Tap Screen
• Water-Resistance to 30 meters
• MSRP: $149.99-$199.99
• http://www.magellangps.com/Store/Echo-Products
Timex Ironman Easy Trainer GPS
Improve your health, track your intensity and get essential training information. This upgraded GPS training tool features a large, easy to read display and increased durability. In addition, it now offers an interval training feature that is ideal for Run/Walk segments. The Timex Ironman Easy Trainer GPS is an affordable training tool for runners and walkers who want to track realtime pace and distance.
Features:
• GPS speed, pace and distance
• Tracks calories burned
• 8-Hour Battery in GPS mode (fully rechargeable)
• 5-Segment Interval Timer
• 30 Workout Memory
• Hands-free Auto-Splits
• Large, Upgraded LCD display for easier viewing
• Water resistant to 50 meters
• Replaceable Strap
• MSRP: $100.00
• http://www.timex.com/watches/timex-ironman-easy-trainer-gps-t5k753f5
New Balance TRI-VIZ Beacon
The new Tri-Viz running jacket will protect the athlete from dusk till dawn. The TRI-VIZ Beacon jacket integrates three key elements for achieving improved visibility during all low light conditions. The first is using high visibility color that can help draw attention to the athlete during low light conditions such as the men’s green gecko and women fiery coral. The second element is using reflectivity in key areas so light from outside sources such as a car or street light can ensure visibility of the athlete. The third element that makes the Beacon jacket an important part of any athletes kit is a one-of-a-kind glow in the dark luminance, in only 10 minutes under any light source the jacket will fully charge and glow making sure that the athlete can get through their work-out safely.
Features:
• Material: 86% Polyester and 14% Spandex
• Glow-in-the dark gradient dot screen print graphic at sleeve, back panel, and logo
• Reflectivity for added safety and visibility
• The surface of the garment incorporates glow-in-the-dark technology the must be charged prior to each use through clear exposure of all glow-in-the-dark material sections to bright natural or indoor lighting. It is recommended that the garment be charged for at least 10 minutes prior to use to endure its effective performance; then wear and glow!
• Welded secure front zip pockets
• Men’s and women’s styles available
• MSRP: $174.99
• http://www.newbalance.com/High-Visibility-Beacon-Jacket/886863446533,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=151000
Virus Stay Warm Collection
If you are shopping for one that runs all year long, you have to look into the Stay Warm collection by Virus. Two of our favorite pieces this year are the Half Zip Mock for women and the ¾ Boot Cut Compression pants for men. The reflective 1/2 Zip mock neck delivers a tailored fit when function is priority. Thumbholes and mock neck add extra comfort and coverage. Zipper adds quick and functional added airflow. Reflective zipper and reflective ink on all prints add increased visibility in low light.
The Compression pants are constructed in a ¾ leg length compression pattern that allows for maximizing results from the top of calf to waist while making allowances for range of motion and comfort. Engineered for performance in cool, cold, and wet conditions.
Both have been enhanced with Virus’s Coffee Charcoal fabric that has been engineered for staying warm, dry and comfortable. This performance fabric acts as a natural heating element with ultra wicking design that keeps you dry. Combined with a heat trap weave, the Coffee Charcoal infused yarn increases surface temperatures up to 10 degrees keeping you warm, comfortable and dry.
Features:
• Coffee Charcoal
• Heat Trap
• Anti-odor
• 4-way stretch
• MSRP: Both run $56.50
• Top – http://virusintl.com/shop/men-s-stay-warm-half-zip-black-sio4-2.html
• Pants – http://virusintl.com/shop/men/series/stay-warm/mens-stay-warm-boot-cut-3-4-length-compression-pants.html
Athleta Flirty 2 in 1 Spin Capri
The Flirty 2 in 1 has a skirt that ruches up to gives your legs freedom to move. The low-cut front won’t dig into your waist and the minimal chamois won’t weigh you down. Athleta uses Velocilite fabric to provide great wicking and drying properties. Also with natural silver salts to give the fabric lasting odor control.
Features:
• Performance-fitted, Mid-rise and Tight leg
• 2-in-1 design covers your assets
• Minimal chamois provides light comfort for light rides
• Crossover drop front won’t dig into your waist, skirt cinches for extra leg mobility
• Ventilating mesh details let sweat escape, rear zip pocket stashes your stuff
• Skirt outseam in size medium: 12″. Inseam: 20″
• MSRP: $74.00
• http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=930156&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Columbia Trail Summit Running Glove
Soft and super warm, these quick-wicking running gloves are touch screen compatible and feature a thermal reflective lining to amp up the heat-keeping powers of the 180-gram fleece. Stretch in the wrist makes them easy to get on and off and a silicone pattern on the palm provides great grip.
Features:
• Omni-Wick evaporation
• Omni-Heat thermal reflective
• Touch screen compatible
• Security clip
• Silicone palm grip
• Reflective piping
• Omni-Wick and Omni-Heat
• 180g smooth thermo stretch fleece
• MSRP: $40.00
• http://www.columbia.com/Men%E2%80%99s-Trail-Summit%E2%84%A2-Running-Glove/SM9479,default,pd.html
Yaktrax Run
The Yaktrax Run is a winter traction device made specifically for runners, featuring a combination of removable carbide steel spikes placed at key strike points in the forefoot and the patented Yaktrax SkidLock coil design in the heel for additional traction on stride. Featuring ergonomically designed left- and right-shaped footwear devices, the Yaktrax Run easily slips on to and conforms to the shape of each shoe, allowing runners to experience the best fit and ultimate comfort. They have a reflective heel tab, an adjustable reflective performance strap and a new removable reflective toe strap for safety. And they’re low profile and lightweight so runners barely notice they’re wearing anything other than their running shoes. Size medium weighs just 7.8 oz per pair.
Features:
• Made of high strength natural rubber
• 1.4 mm steel coils
• Carbide steel spikes
• Reflective heel tab and performance strap offers safety
• Anatomic right/left design
• MSRP: $40.00
• https://www.yaktrax.com/product/run
Kulae Elite Hot Hybrid Yoga mat
Taking a page from the trend in all things hybrid—games, cars, music, fashion—the yoga gear maker Kulae has designed a hybrid yoga mat especially for hot yoga devotees. The Elite Hot Hybrid combines the functionality of a nonslip yoga mat with an absorbent towel to soak up all that sweat, making it the perfect accessory for enthusiasts and practitioners of hot yoga. Best of all, it’s machine-washable. No more sticky mats to contend with, just a baby-soft towel to practice yoga on. With its two-for-one cross-functionality, the new Elite Hot Hybrid delivers maximum efficiency.
Features:
• ECO PER/Microfiber/Bamboo Carbon
• 24” x 72” x 4mm (3lbs)
• Care: Machine Wash Separately/ Hang Dry
• MSRP: $88.00
• http://www.kulae.com/page_1982/the-elite-hot-hybrid-p1982
Virtue Bikes Virtue 7 & Curve 7
The Virtue 7 (diamond frame) and Curve 7 (step-through) are ideal bicycles for commuting to work in style, taking a quick ride across town or running that errand after work. The Virtue 7 features a fashionable riveted leatherette saddle, stitched grips and shiny bell. The bike features chromoly frame and fork as well as seven-speed Shimano drivetrain, Tektro front and rear brakes, Wellgo road pedals and Kenda Kwest cream tires. Extras include a kickstand, chain guard, chain deflector and fenders. The Virtue 7 is available in gloss black, with the Curve 7 available in gloss black, Atlantis Green and flat black in size 52, 56 and 60.
• MSRP: $399.00
• Virtue 7 – http://virtuebike.com/bicycles/2013-virtue-seven
• Curve 7 – http://virtuebike.com/bicycles/2014-virtue-curve-7
Wahoo Fitness KICKR Power Trainer
The Wahoo KICKR Power Trainer is the world’s first iPhone powered bike trainer. Your indoor cycling experience will never be the same. Take the back wheel off your bike and connect to the Wahoo KICKR for accurate power measurement. The KICKR’s resistance can be controlled by the App on your iPhone, iPad, BTLE enabled Mac Book Pro or ANT+ enabled PC. The KICKR’s massive flywheel along with its electromagnetic resistance provides a realistic road feel. And it will fit any size bike from 24″ to the monster 29’er.
Features:
• Accurate power measurement – Wheel off design for direct, lab accurate power measurement at the hub- consistent and calibrated throughout every grueling mile
• Phone/iPad/MacBook controlled resistance – Connected to your device, the KICKR sets your resistance via your favorite app
• Ultra-realistic road feel – Super flywheel engineered to replicate the inertia of an actual rider on the road
• Wireless control and data transfer – Bluetooth 4.0 (aka Bluetooth Smart) and ANT+ enabled
• Quiet As Can Be – Quiet as your favorite fluid trainer; no shouting required!
• Virtual training – Works with popular training software such as Kinomap and TrainerRoad
• Compatible with iPhone 5, 5C, 5S and 4S, iPad (3rd and 4th generations), and iPad Mini
• MSRP: $1,099.00
• http://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/kickr.html
Sharkies Strawberry Turbo energy chews
A great holiday stocking stuffer for fitness-minded, active adult. Created for those looking for a clean fuel source to repower, Strawberry Turbo Sharkies are a fantastic (and delicious!) addition to the Sharkies product line. Strawberry Turbo Sharkies offer an extra energy boost from White Tea, which delivers the caffeine equivalent of a half-shot of espresso. Sharkies organic energy & fruit chews deliver naturally occurring electrolytes, providing clean fuel for active lifestyles.
Features:
• USDA Organic Ingredients
• No high-fructose corn syrup
• Non-GMO ingredients
• No artificial flavors
• Kosher & Vegan
• No artificial dyes
• MSRP: $1.69 available for purchase at REI.com
• http://sharkiesinc.com/sharkies-organic-energy-chews/
