This week we noticed aero chain rings by absoluteBLACK, a new NSW 404 wheel set from Zipp, a multitude of tool kits from Park Tool, a nifty Karoto carrot slicer and triathlon movie and more.
absoluteBLACK aero chain rings
Brit outfit absoluteBLACK is working on making an oval impression around the world, and that includes North America. When I first saw these rings I did not even notice that the rings were not round, and when you look closer you will realize that it is indeed not very obvious. But they are oval. The brand actually offers a variety of machined oval rings for both road and mtb applications, but for this purpose I looked closer at the Aero SRAM direct mount 1x offering, and word has it that there is also 4 bolt - 110 2x coming later this February. No matter from which angle you look at these rings, they look absoluteSHARP. I personally have not had one of these Brit offerings physically in my hands but that may change soon. And no, I do not have any white paper data on these either.
MSRP: $165 (direct mount SRAM 1x)
Available: 1x now, 2x on February 18
The other side of the SRAM direct mount aero ring shows the intricate machining details very well.
ZIPP NSW 404 carbon clincher wheels
The Zipp 808 NSW was introduced late last summer and found quick success with Jan Frodeno's win at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona. Zipp now offers a 404 version of this NSW wheel, but only in a carbon clincher and not in a tubular. Like its slightly larger sibling, the 404 NSW is centered around the Cognition hub set, and that is a more durable offering with less drag. But more importantly when compared to the Zipp 404 Firecrest, this new wheel offers up to 34% reduction in crosswind side forces. Yes, up to 34% according to Zipp. Additionally the Showstopper brake track is said to offer greater stopping power and improved modulation. More aero, durable and stops faster, what is not to like here?
MSRP: $3,100
Available: this month
Park Tool AK-2 tool kit
A job is much more difficult when you do not have the correct tools in hand, and Park Tool does not want that cyclists and triathletes get into that kind of situation. They offer a variety of tool kits from very basic to a full on professional version. The one shown in this We Noticed feature is the $338.95 AK-2 offering. With more than 40 tools in that black box you should be able to tackle any problem you encounter with your bike, unless you of course have 2 left hands. Plus of course this is not a tool box you take with you on a ride, this one stays in your work shop or garage. There is an even larger and fancier EK-2 kit with 45 shop level tools and in a BX-2 blue box tool case, but that one will set you back $734.95. For those who need less, the SK-2 kit has 20 tools and retails for $110.95.
MSRP: $338.95
Karoto carrot peeler
Cutting into one of your fingers or the palm of your hand with a vegetable slicer is not fun, and that is for sure. The clever Karoto slicer by Avichai Tadmor is the right tool to handle carrots and a few other phallic veggies. The carrots can't be too big, otherwise they won't fit into the opening of the Karoto. But the carrot or cucumber shavings will look good on your sandwich or your salad.
Size: 7.8 x 5.5 x 4cm
MSRP: $15
TRI movie
Does you life sometimes feel like you are in a movie? A triathlon movie appears to be on the horizon, and if you raced in the Nations Triathlon you may actually be "an extra" in it. Synopsis goes as follows: "Natalie, an ultrasound tech with a history of not finishing things, is inspired by a cancer patient to sign up for a Triathlon. Natalie is introduced to the strange (and aerodynamic) world of triathletes and meets a colorful cast of characters as she trains for the Nation’s Triathlon. With the support of her new teammates, she digs deep to discover just how far she can push her mind and body."
MSRP: priceless
Gym Wildlife video
The video below was launched very timely at the end of 2015 when folks come into the gym like an avalanche. But many people on this site are often too busy with training and heavy forum discussions, and that means this little gem could have been missed. But if you have seen it before, it is well worth another look.
