PICKY BARS SAMPLER PACK
($23 for 10;
pickybars.com)
PICKY BARS SAYS: An all-natural, vegan bar made from real foods rather than a long list of chemicals, each flavor of Picky Bars is dairy-and gluten-free and maintains a 4:1 carbohydrate/ protein ratio that is ideal for recovery, maximizing the nutrient absorption. Each bar is made from whole nuts, seeds and dried fruits, making them easy to digest, and the relatively small serving size (200 calories) makes them ideal for either an immediately post-workout recovery or a small snack before hitting the road or trail.
REVIEWERS SAY: “A lot of bars are so dry and dense that I end up with pockets full of gooey, melted remnants by the end of a ride,” said Leah. “These were just the right amount of fuel to keep me going without any leftovers.” Kaili agreed, noting that Picky Bars are a suitable supplement and don’t try to make themselves out to be a meal replacement or a magical energy boost. The All-in Almond and Smooth Caffeinator were hands-down favorites for taste, while some found The Need For Seed bars made with sunflower butter to be a bit oily. Regardless, testers liked the variety of flavors to choose from and the lack of artificial ingredients across the board. “Honestly,” said Kaili, “after so many years of eating these things, I appreciate real food.”
THE GIST: Great for either a pre-or post-workout snack or as a way to keep hunger at bay mid-ride, the Picky Bars sampler pack provides gluten-and dairy-free nutrition in a variety of flavors. Lighter and easier to digest than many of artificial supplements, the serving size is ideal for complementing — but not replacing — your typical nutritional regimen.
PARK TOOLS CYCLONE CHAIN SCRUBBER
($26;
parktool.com)
PARK TOOL SAYS: A quick and efficient way to clean even the greasiest chains, the Cyclone from Park Tools is fine to use on any multispeed bike. A simple magnet at the bottom of the solvent reservoir attracts particles scrubbed off the chain from being redistributed during cleaning, while the ergonomic scrubber keeps all of the cleaning products in one, selfcontained apparatus to prevent drips and limit the mess.
REVIEWERS SAY: Great for use on gritty, dusty chains or after getting caught out in a thunderstorm during a ride, reviewers were happy with the Cyclone’s performance and its simplicity. Mike appreciated the selfcontained system that prevented spillage but found the solvent reservoir a bit excessive — to the point that it felt somewhat wasteful. He was quick to point out, however, “I probably spill just as much on the floor or myself when cleaning with a normal scrubber, and this is certainly much quicker.” While it can be used on pretty much any multi-speed ride, reviewers were most keen to take care of business on muddied mountain bike chains and road chains with a few weeks of gunk built up rather than for day-to-day use. “It’s remarkable how easy it is. I don’t really have an excuse for not cleaning my chain anymore.”
THE GIST: It sure beats a toothbrush. While no substitute for a thorough drivetrain cleaning, the Park Tools Cyclone chain scrubber is a quick, easy, and effective way to clean your chain without making a mess.
USATRIATHLON.ORG USA TRIATHLON 77
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