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Product Reviews
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW...
By Tom Barry


As the weather gets nicer and outdoor training becomes an everyday practice rather than an occasional treat, your equipment needs to keep up. Whether you are looking to get up-to-the-second updates on output or perfect your kick stroke in the pool, here are a few products to help you get the most out of the warmer temperatures and enjoy the spring training season. Some of them offer a new take on an old standby, and some offer an entirely new bag of tricks. But all of these products will be there help you be your best on race day.


 


ZOOT ULTRA TT 5.0
($140; zootsports.com)
PREMISE: Designed by triathletes for triathletes, the Ultra TT 5.0 is the latest incarnation of Zoot’s long-standing triathlon-specific running shoe. The QuickLace system is designed to be quick in transition, while the Barefit liner keeps your sockless feet dry on the run. The TT 5.0 provides a stable ride to the smooth, strong runner looking for a neutral triathlon-specific race day shoe. A women’s version is also available.


TESTERS SAY: Nichole loved the light weight and stability that the Ultra TT provided on her long runs, and “the Dri-Lex liner gave my bare feet a comfortable and blister-free run.” The main downside she found was that the Zoots weren’t quite as breathable as she’d hoped, and while the flashy colors were fun on the road or on the trail, Nichole noted that something a bit more subtle “wouldn’t make me stand out as much in the store after a workout.” Joe agreed that the shoes felt a bit hot at times, especially on the California pavement. But both testers were big fans of the QuickLace system that “allowed for maximum speed of entry in transition and stayed snug throughout.” Overall, a solid tri-specific shoe, as long as it’s not too steamy on race day.


RATING: 4.25


 


WAHOO FITNESS BIKE PACK FOR IPHONE
($149; wahoofitness.com)
PREMISE: This package features a wireless speed and cadence tool and can also be paired with any ANT+ sensor. With the addition of the Wahoo Fitness App (included) the Bike Pack turns your iPhone into a fully functioning, tell-all computer with all of the information you could want. The iPhone app will keep track of your speed, cadence, heart rate, and power, while the water-resistant handlebar mount keeps your phone safe from the elements.


TESTERS SAY: Wahoo’s bike pack was a big hit, especially for the rider who wants to know second-by-second updates on his or her output, and our testers found that it worked well both on the road and on the trainer. Shane was particularly ebullient: “I’ve been racing triathlons since I was 12 and never tracked anything. My life just changed.” Eileen tested it out on the trainer first and “saw that work pay off on the road.” The only complaint was a somewhat confusing initial set-up. Shane recommended “a 5-minute web video to walk athletes through the process,” but admitted that it was a small price to pay to have so much biometric and performance data in one place. Good news, Shane. Wahoo has one on their website now, so just make sure to keep your eyes on the road.


RATING: 5


 


RATING KEY
1-5
1 = Lowest rating
5 = Highest rating


72 USA TRIATHLON SPRING 2012

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