Amongst the Pointy Headed People........

For the past few years I have been wearing a semi-aero helmet in triathlons and so it was about time to upgrade and gain some free speed! From asking around and seeing various helmets at races, the Spiuk Kronos was a favorite. I spoke with DPM Sports and they were able to provide sponsorship for the Spiuk product range.



Now Fall isn't exactly the time of year to start testing out aero helmets so the review of the Kronos will have to wait (it does look and feel great though), but I also received the Zirion road helmet. I've been wearing this helmet for the past few weeks and so far so good. It's very light, has great air flow and stays in position even with a cap underneath. Also an important point for all us Euro wannabes is that they have a host of color schemes that will match pretty much any club colors!



Impressions after the first few weeks are that this helmet is a great product and they stand out from the crowd.....it has been noticed by lots of other cyclist who perhaps haven't seen the Spiuk helmets and want to do the touch and feel test. Feedback from them....definitely favorable, particularly in terms of weight!

As the season progresses I'll review the Kronos, the Casta Tri shoes and a longer-term review of the Zirion. Be sure to check out Spiuk USA and DPM Sports.

I'm not convinced.......

The picture above is of my new triathlon shoes and the extremely high-tech (but low-cost) elastic band system that could save me some precious seconds in T1.....too be honest I'm not convinced. The "system" basically keeps the shoes level (which are already clipped into the pedals) via elastic bands and therefore enables you to "slip" your feet in as your pedal away.

Since doing my first triathlon in 2005 I have always just ridden in regular cycling shoes and have put them on in T1 and ran out to the mount line with them on. So far this has worked perfectly, my transitions are always in the top 10 of age group and I don't lose any significant time.

So why am I looking at the "lacky band" trick? Well the new shoes are tri-specific (with carbon soles....SA-WEET!) and include the rear loop to enable such things as the flying mount with the shoes already on the bike. I have my next race this Sunday at Columbia and might try it there, although with an slight uphill start I may end up looking like a complete tool and wasting more time than I might save! I have seen plenty of people hop onto their bikes at the mount line and then try for the next 1/2 mile to get their feet in the shoes, meanwhile I'm already down the road and flying.

I think I'll practice a little tonight and then make a game day decision, although at the moment I think I will stick with the tried and tested......