Our friends at Louis Garneau have always had a solid glove line up in addition to their performance apparel and gear and this year they have a new model called the Vent Flex.

Before we get started  talking about how awesome the addition of the L/G Vent Flex can be to your ride, let’s briefly discuss the differences between various types of gloves themselves so we’re all on the same page.  Generally you have two types:  half finger and full finger.  Usually a full finger gloved is used by off road cyclists as it gives a more aggressive grip and offers further hand and knuckle protection against tree branches and other obstacles.  Full finger gloves usually have less padding in the palm area because off road cyclists demand a solid grip and ride with hands that are constantly moving and adjusting the weight of the body based on terrain.

Half finger gloves typically suit the more recreational cyclist or those that enjoy road riding  as these cyclists tend to adopt a more static hand posture for  longer periods of time thus increased padding in the palm with a light and breathable back.

When temperatures change, some of the qualities of both gloves can be transferable i.e some off road cyclists prefer half finger gloves in really hot temperatures and road riders will source long finger gloves when riding early or late in the season etc.  Essentially, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for gloves in a general sense. Use what is comfortable and  works for you.

Now with the background complete on to the product!

The L/G Vent Flex, available in men’s or women’s, came to mind when discussing gloves because they have really made a big comfort difference to my ride this season.  My former gloves were a bit worn out and the padding was compressed and worn…great excuse for an upgrade!

Referring to my previous statements, L/G Vent Flex would be classified as mostly a road riding glove.  It’s construction and padding placement leans more towards the rider that is going to be using a drop handlebar style.  That is what they are designed for.  They will, of course, work for other cyclists.

The Vent Flex is a very light weight glove that features 5 mm thick gel foam palm padding and L/G’s “air zone” construction,  meaning the glove is very breathable.  The upper thumb is made of a really nice microfiber cloth for wicking away sweat, bug guts and all that nice stuff from the face.

One clever feature that I like is the rubberized pull tabs on the fingers.  These are designed so that it is a lot easier to get the glove off, rather than pulling them inside out all the time.  The material that the gloves are made of is fully washable too but they should be air dried rather than piling them in a dryer.

So if you’re a roadie and you are  tired of numb hands or you’re a cyclist that just wants a better, super comfortable glove then stop by one of our locations and try a pair of Louis Garneau Vent Flex glove.  Your hands will thank you!

The generator uses the motion of the wheels to charge the unit through the same charging jack used for most Nokia mobile phones.  The kit will be available before the end of the year at selected retailers.

Effortless to control – even with wiggly children.

Storage Pockets – take food, drinks, clothing, and camera with you
-Pannier bags – tons of storage space over the rear wheel
-Quick-Adjust Seat – quickly accommodates different size children
-Weld Free Hitch – nothing stronger
-Double fail-safes engineered throughout
-Adjustable 3-Point Safety Harness with chest buckle
-Enclosed Sprocket and Chain – keeps little fingers out of harms way
-Foot Straps – holds feet by the heel and forefoot
-Removable Push Bar -easily detaches for travel and storage
-Reflectors, Reflective Tape, and Flag – increases visibility
-Cranks for kids to pedal

-Minimum User Height 38″ to take full advantage of pedaling
-Maximum User Height 52″
-Maximum User Weight 75 lbs

 Features:

-Double pannier storage system – up to 15 lbs
-Rear zip mesh storage pocket
-High visibility reflective pocket
-Safety flag and reflectors
-35 lbs with 20 inch wheels
-Hitch is weld free – no cast parts
-75 lb maximum weight
-Lower and narrower center of gravity for safer and easier operation
-Works with 25.4-26.8-27.2-30.9-31.6 seat post diameters

1

-Enclosed Drive Train
-Built-in Fender System
-42 x 16 ratio (13+MPH at 80rpm)
-Toes and heel straps for small feet
-Crank Arms designed for children

2

-Fully adjustable 3 Point Safety Harness
-Bull Horn grips for control and comfort
-Breathable see-through mesh side pockets
-Padded back and saddle
-”Hammock” Suspension
-Narrower rider profile for better driver control
-Hands free cockpit for: napping, drinking, munching, gaming

3

-Quick release, with pre-sets
-Double backbone design for security, strength and safety
-Easily adjusts for 39″-52″
-Solid weld design
-Rust protective finish

These bikes fold or unfold in under 20 seconds and no tools are required.  Simply remove the front wheel, unlock one frame quick release and fold or unfold.   The frames are made of 7005 series aircraft grade aluminum so they are strong, yet light.  Choose from Pavement or Mountain Bikes.  Full information and specs are available on our website, www.brauns.com .

Some Montague bike basics unique to this brand of bike:

CLIX quick release lever allows the bike to be folded in less than 20 seconds.

F.I.T. (Folding Integrated Technology) is a patented folding system which is based on frame construction and eliminates “breaking” the frame in order to make this the strongest folding bike frame on the market. 

PAVEMENT BIKES

CROSSTOWN:   Just fold and go. The ever classic do-it-all bike. Whether you are riding for health and fitness, or just using it as a means to get around town, the Crosstown’s the perfect ride.

• Speeds: 7
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 27lbs

BOSTON:  The BOSTON brings back the basics as the first available 700c single speed folding bike. Stripping away the complexities of urban life, this folding bike leaves you face-to-face with the open streets.

The Essentials

 The Essentials

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Weight: 27.5lbs

  FIT:  With the speed of a road bike, the versatility of a hybrid, and Montague’s legendary folding bike frame design, the FIT was created in order to provide the highest performance road ride of any foldable bike available, bar none

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 26lbs

MOUNTAIN:

SWISS BIKE X50:  Like all Montagues, the SwissBike X50 is designed to fold and fit anywhere. With front suspension and all terrain tires, the X50 folding bike makes for the perfect light trail bike or rugged commuter.

• Speeds: 18
• Wheel Size: 26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 32lbs

• Speeds: 24
• Wheel Size:26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 29lbs

SWISS BIKE X70:  The SwissBike X70 is a rugged 27-speed folding mountain bike. Sharing the same solid frame design as the X90, the X70 is built for after-work rides on your favorite trails and full-on weekend excursions up in the mountains

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 29lbs

SWISS BIKE XO:  The SwissBike XO is an aggressive 27-speed folding hardtail that can rail rugged single track with the best of them. With a stiff frame and a snappy ride, the XO folding bike beckons to the avid rider who demands both performance and portability.

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 27lbs

Soft Carrying Case

Folding Pedals

Louis Garneau Beverly 2 Bag/Pannier:   A single pannier that doubles as a purse with an adjustable shoulder strap. 

Louis Garneau Santa Cruz Bag/Pannier:  A stylish bag/pannier.

3-mm and 2-mm inner plastic

Adjustable flap opening with adjustable buckles

Louis Garneau Oxford Handlebar Bag:  A small handlebar bag.

Handlebar bracket: Circumference from 25.4 mm to 31.8 mm

Louis Garneau Cambridge Bag/Pannier:  A pannier that looks like a briefcase with an adjustable shoulder strap for ease of carrying.

Fabric 600 deniers

Quick clips B-2

Great new product for cyclists…..practical and stylish!

When we get tired of the 10 cup of coffee/day routine or need some further pep in our days -we go for a WANT energy beverage.

Never heard of it you say?  That’s not surprising.  WANT is an up and coming CANADIAN action sports beverage company that we have had in our retail locations for a few months now.  Now when I say up and coming that doesn’t mean small.   These guys sponsor a myriad of athletes in multiple disciplines including Olympic Ski Cross Gold medallist, Ashleigh McIvor.

So what is the difference between WANT and the other million energy beverage companies?  Honestly put, it’s the taste!  WANT doesn’t taste like a super sweet cough syrup beverage, it’s actually refreshing.  They have 2 flavors, lime and berry and both of those come in a lite version.  The other really nice thing is WANT comes in a plastic recyclable, resealable bottle so you don’t have to toss it all back at once.

Five cents of every bottle of WANT  that is sold is donated to various agencies that are involved in the development of action sports facilities (skate parks, bike parks, bike trails) around the country…that’s cool!

So even though Braun’s IS Bicycles and not typically Beverages, we like this WANT stuff.    We like what they are about and we like that they ARE Canadian.  Drop by the shop(s) and try one out.

P

Now, it should be obviously noted, that hydration is always important, whatever the temperature or ride.  The difference is the rate at which you perspire in the summer which equates to faster fluid loss, you get the gist.

So this post isn’t about sweating more in the summer but it IS about keeping your water or sport drink cold and refreshing.

The folks at Camelbak have come out with some pretty awesome bottles as of  the late, everything from stainless steel to tasteless plastic.  Now I know what you are thinking… it’s really hard to get excited about a water bottle, it does such a simple job.  But this may change your mind and outlook.  It’s called the Podium Chill from Camelbak and…yep, it’s insulated!

OK specifically,  it’s not just insulated but it’s actually pretty light…AND insulated, a feat in my experience, that has escaped other insulated bottle companies in the past.

What is probably going to grab your attention first though is the funky looking valve that the Podium features on top of the lid.  Riders familiar with the brand would immediately associate the look as hydration pack inspired-uniquely Camelbak.  The company hails the spill proof valve as “always open, always closed”.

Other cool stuff ?  How about BPA free and like their bags, features a taste free polypropylene construction with anti microbial hydro guard.

No longer is the water bottle the most over looked piece of equipment.  Camelbak advertises it’s bottles as the “better bottle”.  You can be the judge.  One thing for sure is the Podium bottle is light years ahead of everything else.

P

The fitness nutrition industry has come a long way in the last few years and Braun’s is BICYCLES is excited to carry some great products from Hammer Nutrition

Specifically, I am gonna take you through some of Hammer’s energy gel line up.  For those that have never used an energy gel, think of it as a snack in a small package with tasty pudding like consistency.

As we’re all pretty aware cycling burns carbohydrates and calories.  And depending on the ride and duration, body type, rider weight etc. you could be burning more gas than you have!  That’s where Hammer Nutrition’s Hammer Gel comes in.  It’s a boost of energy that you can consume while riding that is water soluble and actually DOESN’T taste like bath tub cleaner (got the two confused once…it wasn’t good….JOKES!).  In all seriousness, Hammer Gel actually tastes really awesome and comes in 9 different flavors! including orange, raspberry, banana and chocolate among others.  Your bound to find your own favorite but since this is my blog….banana, apple cinnamon and raspberry…the way to go.

The nutritional content of each gel varies but typically your looking at 23-25 grams of carbs per pack and a very small amount of sugar.  Some Hammer gels will also pack some caffeine for that short burst during a high intensity ride.  It’s important to note that these gels offer sustainable energy during rides and is not to be confused with nutrition to be consumed for recovery or post ride – that’s another blog post.

So make sure you have enough fuel in your system for and during your bike ride.   Use Hammer and avoid the dreaded BONK!

See ya out there..

P

For 2010 Bell has a lot of cool new helmet designs, but one that stood out right away for me, was the Bell Sequence.

The Bell Sequence tops up Bell’s Mountain Bike category this year further narrowing the gap between the mountain race helmet and the trail bike helmet.  Bell touts the sequence as “somewhere between full-on XC racing and just riding for the huck of it” and I think that’s a pretty accurate tag line.

Being a Bell Variant and Influx owner myself, I could see a little bit of inspiration from both helmets in the Sequence with a few higher end features.

Without even putting the helmet on your head you can’t help but notice how well ventilated the  construction is, in fact, the Sequence boasts no less than 24 flow tuned vents.  This is gonna be the Cat’s meow in the summer months because the venting system will channel air around your noggen at climbing or descent speeds.

Well, I must admit, I am a little bummed now that the Olympics are done.  Two weeks of high’s and low’s and the adrenaline rush associated with Olympic glory brought the icing on the cake: the Men’s Hockey final which, which seemed to unite a nation.

So although their is less exciting stuff on TV now to keep me entertained while I’m on the trainer, on the plus side, one look outside has me back to my over energetic self!  The weather is great and the official start to cycling season is upon us.

As I mentioned in my previous review of the Lezyne Alloy Drive pump, i promised that further pump reviews would be coming for the road bike enthusiaste crowd.  Today we’ll be looking at the Blackburn Airstik LongNeck, which is a new model for 2010.

Blackburn has been around around for over 30 years designing innovative cycling specific products.  Starting off with producing racks and pannier bags designed for rigurous bicycle touring, Blackburn quickly expanded their product line to include a lot of industry firsts such as first use of a dual stroke mini pump and, the first use of aircraft aluminum in construction of pannier racks to list a few.

The Airstik LongNeck continues on that innovative design trend with a lot of well thought out features.  The first thing you will find that stands out from any other pump you have used in the past is the detachable pump head.  By being able to pump up your tube independently of the main body of the pump you will be dramatically reducing the stress that is being put on your valve stem.  This is especially true of lighter weight road bike tubes which, in some cases, will use a thiner rubber to reduce tube weight and somtimes (depending on the rim), a longer valve stem, forcing you to to be a little more careful when inflating or changing a tube.

The detachable head incorporates a thumb lock which seats the pump head nicely around both schraeder and presta valves.   To switch between the two valves you simply have to uncrew the end cap and reverse your rubber gasket and adapator as Blackburn has done with all their pumps in the past.  If this sounds a little tricky have no fear, a great set of instructions are included with the pump.

Pump measures up pretty small so it can easily be stowed in your jersey pocket, Camelbak or used the included frame bracket and attach it right to the bike via the water bottle bolts.

The other important thing in any pump suitable for road bikes is the amount of PSI that pump is able to put out.  Most road tires 0f 18-25c range will run at about 110-120 nominal pressure but other brands will run higher pressures up to about 160 PSI.  The Airstik LongNeck has you covered because it will pump to  max of 160 PSI (it may take a lot of pumping to get their but..you’ll get their).  No although im reviewing this pump because i think it’s a great pump for roadies, it doesn’t have to be just your road bike pump.  Blackburn gives you the ability to switch between two modes on the pump, LOW for low pressures, high volume and HIGH for high pressures, low volume.  That means, say for example your mountain bike, would be pumped up on the LOW setting typically running 40-60 PSI while your road bike would benefit using the HIGH setting with a pressure of 110-120 PSI or more.

A few more things top off this sweet piece of cycling gear:  An all aluminum construction, Rebuildable internals (that means you can get parts down the road if needed) and a Lifetime Warranty.

Blackburn has been getting it right for over 30 years and it looks like they’re not stopping anytime soon intuitive products like the AirStik LongNeck.

A new helmet from Bell is on the horizon for my next post so stay in the loop.

P

Well to say the least, I was inspired to share my jubilance with everyone and tie it into my first product post.  I looked around the shop today for something to fit the bill and one thing stood out in all it’s circa 1990’s anodized glory! The Lezyne Alloy Drive Pump in four catchy colors.  Of course, the two that stood out the most was, you guessed it… Red and Gold!!!!!!

For those not familiar with Lezyne, they are a relatively new company in name but certainly not in design experience.  The company was founded by Micki Kozuscheck who was the founder and  point man for Truvativ before it was sold to SRAM.

As I mentioned, the Alloy Drive boasts 4 silky anodized color options which just scream PICK ME UP!  to any cyclist but it’s when you actually touch the pump that you notice it’s seemingly bomb proof construction.  The pump is entirely, 100 % CNC machined aluminum construction.  For us mountain bikers that means you can shove it in a jersey or camelbak and not have to worry about it being banged up from a few stray branches, or day I say an  all inclusive vacation over your handlebars.

The Alloy Drive is wider barrel, lower volume pump and will get you to a max pressure of 90 PSI which means it’s mainly directed towards the mountain bike, hybrid, comfort bike crowd or really any tire running less than 80 PSI.  Don’t worry my skinny tire, road warrior brethren, you’ll have your pump reviews too!

Lezyne was also very clever in the way in which the hose attaches to your tire valve.  The hose itself is stored inside the pump and threads on the end of the pump when in use.  It’s soft rubber, flexible design makes pumping simple and quick with a lot less stress on your valve stem.  Lezyne claims a 30% reduction in pump strokes than any other pump.  Presta valve? Schrader? no problem.  Simply reverse the end of the hose and thread on whatever end you need.  Like most pumps it also comes with a plastic bracket so that you may mount the pump to your seat tube or down tube of your bike via the water bottle screws on your bike frame.

Although a newer company, Lezyne has been attracting a lot of attention with this pump, winning multiple bike industry awards.

So who knows, maybe all that talk of CNC machined aluminum and sweet anodized colors reminiscent of mountain bike culture of old will talk you into an upgrade or maybe just an addition to the gear chest… if JUST for the eye candy.

back to Canada vs USA Men’s Hockey count down…

P

So welcome to “Hot Off The Truck” where I’m going to be talking about gear, tons of glorious new, mouth watering gear! and other things that come across my desk that will make your ride even better.  Everything from performance cycling apparel to bicycle trainers to cool new accessories, hear about the latest from yours truly.

Stay glued.

P