Gear that keeps it real
From Issue 76
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A version of this story originally appeared in issue 76 of Peloton Magazine. To read more product reviews and stories from the world of cycling head over to pelotonshop.com.
DL KILLER KS1 SHOES The DL Killer KS1 shoes bring comfort through customization in a sleek Italian design. That customization comes in the form of the latest HMS technology that allows you to heat-mold not just the shoe’s upper and carbon-fiber outsole. This one-piece carbon-fiber hull and sole is designed to give lateral as well as arch support to the foot, making for a superbly comfortable fit. When you’re on the bike, the AT OP lace system allows for quick and easy adjustment; and ample ventilation in the shoe’s upper and carbon outsole regulate temperature and allow proper draining in wet conditions. The shoes are available in a variety of colors, including gold, silver and red, but if you plan to wear these ultra-flashy shoes you best have the legs to back them up. $460; dlkiller.com
MISSION WORKSHOP’S THE RHAKE For a fully weatherproof commuter bag to transport your laptop, other daily essentials and much more, consider The Rhake from San Francisco’s Mission Workshop. Built for the modern cycle commuter, this bag’s interior is riddled with purpose-built compartments to keep your belongings as organized as you wish your life was. Double-layer waterproofing keeps the weather out, and plenty of external adjustment straps let The Rhake expand and compress depending on what you’re carrying. Adding to its versatility may be the coolest feature of this bag: the two Arkiv rails along the shoulder straps used to attach other Mission Workshop accessories, such as a waterproof cellphone case. Thanks to its thoughtful adaptability, no matter what you load this bag down with, it will retain its rugged urban look so you’ll never have to sacrifice fashion for function. $365; missionworkshop.com
ENDURA D2Z AERO CYCLING BIBSHORT AND QDC D2Z JERSEY Scottish-born clothing brand Endura’s D2Z (standing for “Drag to Zero”) product line is triathlon inspired, but don’t let that keep you away. Developed in partnership with Simon Smart, arguably the best aerodynamicist in the cycling world, and rigorously tested in the wind tunnel, the D2Z line boasts some impressive palmarès. Most notably, Endura clothing has helped the Movistar cycling team to a No. 1 UCI WorldTour ranking and guided Alex Dowsett through his successful world hour record attempt. Together, the D2Z Aero Cycling Bibshort and QDC (Quick Dry Cool) D2Z Jersey kit will cost a pretty penny, but they are well worth it for any rider searching for aerodynamic gains. The jersey features bonded seams, UPF 50+ protection and mesh side panels; and the bibshort (not shown) sports a rear encapsulator pocket for pinless race number placement and a 1000 series Italian stretch-pad chamois sculpted from a single block of antimicrobial foam. $240 (bibshort), $250 (jersey); endurasport.com
FIRST ENDURANCE OPTYGEN HP First Endurance has long been a recognizable name to anyone familiar with WorldTour cycling. Its products have been used to hydrate, fuel and aid recovery of professional athletes for years. First Endurance Optygen HP makes a great addition to your nutrition stash to help find those elusive marginal gains. Taken with a meal in capsule form, Optygen-HP contains a blend of naturally sourced nutrients that are claimed to improve oxygen utilization, increase anaerobic threshold, increase VO2Max, modulate cortisol and reduce lactic acid. What does this mean for you? Theoretically, this supplement will make you faster during allout efforts and reduce recovery time between workouts. At $80 for a month’s supply, it isn’t cheap, but in a sport where the difference between being a winner and pack-filler is often a matter of seconds, it might be worth it. $80 (120 capsules); firstendurance.com