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Bontrager Race VR-S 31.8 Compact Handlebars

Petitebikefit.com receives promotional products for review purposes.

By Brett Aronowitz

12/05/2012

For the six months I rode a Trek 1.2 , the single most outstanding feature on that bicycle was the Bontrager compact handlebars.

Moving from the top of the bars to the drops was effortless, and because of the proprietary 40mm bend in the compact (classic) curve, my small hands were able to reach the brake
levers easily–key components in boosting rider confidence.

The drop and reach on these bars is the smallest of any available, and they are specifically designed for smaller hands. They even come in a 36 cm width and should be widely available online or through your local Trek dealer.   These  handlebars are made of aluminum — unfortunately, they do not come in carbon.

Even after I sold the Trek, and tried and reviewed other handlebars on this site, I longed for the feel of the Race VR-S compact bars and am grateful to Bontrager for giving me the chance to review them!

The MSRP is $49.99 which is a great value. Try them–especially if you have problems reaching your brake levers.

Inertia Designs

Petitebikefit.com receives promotional products for review purposes.

By Brett Aronowitz

07/11/2012

Inertia Design’s motto, “Mediocrity Sucks,” got my attention.  How can you can go wrong with their cycling bags when they are:

  • Made in the U.S.A.
  • Made to last, with a guarantee on all products and workmanship for life.
To achieve their vision of being the premier US manufacturer of quality cycling bags, Inertia Designs relies on these three components:
  • Design- They strive to innovate, always looking for ways to improve products based on real-life experience.
  • Materials- The main fabric used by Inertia Designs is Cordura® Nylon, which “wears like iron, and stays looking good for years.”  They also use YKK zippers and a host of other superb products that last.
  • Craftsmanship/Quality control- Inertia Designs employs only the most skilled US operators  (who pay US  taxes), using the best machinery possible to create cycling bags of the highest quality.

Tri-Box Small

My 47 cm top tube doesn’t leave much room for a Triathlon type snack bag.  But Inertia designs makes a Tri-Box in a size small which is only 3.5″ x 1.5″ x 3.5″ and weighs 1.25 oz.  It’s lined with 14 oz truck tarp for extra stability and easy cleaning.  It closes with a mesh flap and velcro closure. With this smaller adjusted size, and its added stability, I can come off the saddle and not have my thighs rubbing against the sides of larger, wobbly bag.

 

A.T. (All Terrain) Expandable Wedge

This expandable wedge is a must-have for longer rides when you need a place to stuff a pair of leg warmers and a wind/rain shell.  By unzipping the expansion sleeve you increase the volume over 40%. It’s made of the rugged Cordura® mentioned above and has a HDPE shell to hold it’s shape and, according to Inertia Designs, “guarantee a stable blowout free ride.”

 

Inertia Designs products are widely available on the internet.  Not only that, but if you have an event requiring fifty or more bags, Inertia Designs can emblazon your  logo on their products.

Clean Bottle

Petitebikefit.com receives promotional products for review purposes.

By Brett Aronowitz

07/10/2012

Have you ever opened your water bottle and wondered how you were going to remove the mold growing in the bottom?   That’s what motivated Dave, the founder of Clean Bottle, to steadfastly work on his invention for three years.

Clean bottle unscrews from both ends.  Not to worry, each end has a silicone washer for a leak-proof seal. The nozzle is removable for easy cleaning.  It’s top-rack dishwasher-safe and guaranteed for life.  It’s made of  100% non toxic, BPA-free plastic.  The company donates 10% of its profits to charities you vote for.

Is there anything BAD about this product?

No, not really. I just wish it had an insulated jacket. Most seasons are hot enough in Southern California that even on a short ride, ice has melted and the water becomes tepid and unsatisfying.  The good news is this bottle can be frozen as long as you leave room for the expansion of the ice, and leave the nozzle in the open position.

Anything else?

Some people are particular about the type of nozzle they drink from, preferring one brand over another.  It would be nice if the lid to the Clean Bottle was the same standardized size as others on the market so that the lids could be used interchangeably.

Bottom line:  Clean bottle is great for all around use–not just on your bike, but next to your computer, when you don’t want your drink to spill on your keyboard, or on the night table in your bedroom.  Using it around the house is one way to monitor your hydration/water consumption even when you’re not on your bike.

It even fits in the cup holder of my Fiat 500.

Good Job, Dave!

 

Specialized Leg and Arm Warmers

Petitebikefit.com receives promotional products for review purposes.

By Brett Aronowitz

07/04/2012

Someone at Specialized has a sense of humor. I mean putting on a pair of leg warmers is a little like wearing a pair of thigh highs… isn’t it? So to give us gals a giggle, they’ve added black lace and a Specialized red bow to the ankles and wrists of their leg and arm warmers.

In all practicality, I thank Specialized for this little touch, as these visual aids help us in identifying our gear from the rest of the laundry load.

Left and right sides are conveniently labeled as the designs on both leg and arm warmers are side-specific. All panels are made of Specialized’s unique (fleece-like) Therminal™ fabric for additional warmth.

Leg warmers have slightly angled zippers for easier on/off, (although I don’t notice a difference since  I alway struggle trying to take leg warmers off –with my shoes still on).  Zippers are equipped with a reflective trim for extra visibility. A wide 1.5 inch “plush” elastic band at the thigh uses the Specialized logo in a silicone treatment as grippers to minimize inevitable bulges.

Arm warmers have encased elastic in the upper arms to avoid chafing and irritation to this notoriously sensitive area of skin, while still holding them in place.

Nice touch Specialized. Your Therminal™ fabric  doesn’t seem as flimsy as the competition!

Some Hanky Panky has forced Me to Ask again

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