This week we noticed a world speed record ride on a bike, the Lexxi AeroSmartSuit, the Roka SIM shorts, delicious European wafers, a boss of a pencil, and a goodbye to cycling icon Didi Senft.
207mph on a "bicycle"
Swiss daredevil François Gissy broke the rocket bicycle speed record on November 7th 2014 on the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France with an amazing fast 333 km/h (207 mph) ride. There is really not much more to say here - just watch this clip and hold on tight to your chair and hair.
Lexxi AeroSmartSuit
It has worked for multiple World Champion Toni Martin and a variety of other great champions and now you can own one of these fast suits too. Jan Frodeno was spotted in Kona in a variation of one of these and word has reached most people now that sleeved suits are faster. In triathlon the shorter sleeves make sense as the long sleeves are too difficult to put on, but the key is actually having the shoulders covered. Having the forearms covered is not adding that much benefit, or at least not enough to deal with the hassle in transition to get it on and off.
Availability: yes
MSRP: n/a
Roka SIM shorts
The Roka SIM shorts are a great training tool and come in an Elite and Pro version. These types of shorts mimic what a wetsuit is meant to do, but in a very small package and that may make you feel better when trying it out in a local pool. And instead of swimming with a pull buoy, you can use these SIM shorts instead. The SIM shorts are great when traveling and when bringing along a wetsuit is not easy in terms of logistics or general suitcase space. When not wearing them, they can also float a beverage for you in the pool.
MSRP: $79 Elite, $109 Pro
Manner wafers
Most North Americans have not had the pleasure to grow up with these Manner Neapolitan wafers and that is very sad. Powerbar now has a product along those lines, but most people who have spent time in Europe will immediately think Manner or possibly Loacker when it comes to such wafers. They come in a variety of flavors but the one featured here is clearly the best. At least according to this editor. They could also be very useful in your special needs bag.
MSRP: n/a
Kaweco 5.6 mm pencil
We can't really have many cool gadgets we own on our desks and so maybe we ought to find some that make sense there. The Kaweco 5.6mm pencil is virtually the boss of all pencils, both in thickness and also in general appearance. Why sketch up your shopping list or training plan with an inferior product when you can have this fat and nicely weighed Kaweco one? Even if you no longer write anything down on paper, this is a pencil you ought to own. If nothing else, it would make a great gift. You can also use it to frighten co-workers who reach for your snacks. Made in Germany.
Colors: Satin Chrome (featured), Brass Raw
MSRP: $35
The devil retires
We will no longer see the devil with the big trident run along cyclists in the Tour de France, Giro D'Italia or other big cycling events. Didi Senft, the 62-year old German cycling icon decided that it is time to call it quits. The German tabloid Bild reported that lack of sponsorship money and an ailing health was responsible for this decision. Well Didi, we will miss you and your antics at those big events.
