Festina - Official Watch of the Tour de France

Festina Sport Watch

Before I found this watch I had never heard of Festina. This is probably due to the fact that they seem to have limited distribution in the U.S. The company was founded in Switzerland in 1902 and is the top selling watch brand in Spain and one of the best selling mid-priced watches in Europe.

The styling is distinctive and I've been very happy with the performance of this watch. The multiple time zone feature comes in handy if you're traveling outside the U.S.

If you're not familiar with this watch brand I highly recommend you check out the link below to see the full line of stylish time pieces they offer.

http://www.festinausa.com/

Spyder Gloves Deliver

Spyder Facer WindStop Gloves

In short, these are the warmest and most comfortable gloves I've ever owned. I picked them up two weeks ago and they have performed superbly.


Key Specs:

• Body: 100% nylon Spylon™ water-repellent finish
• Lining: 100% polyester 3L microfleece with XT.L™ Windstop
• Silicone gripper on palm
• Pre-curved fit for immediate comfort
• Brushed lining welcomes hand
• Embroidered logo

Where to buy:
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0040161960253a.shtml

A Recipe for Warmth on Cold Weather Rides

If your winters are cold like mine are in the Northeast but you still want to get outside and use your bike for some great exercise, here's my recommendation on gear to help you make it happen.


Step 1: Bell Sweep R Road Bike Helmet

This helmet is so light weight you'll forget you're wearing it but it does provide excellent protection. In fact this past summer I went on an evening ride through my neighborhood and took a spill going 25 mph making a left turn because I couldn't tell my front tire was flat. During the fall I hit the top left portion of my head and there is barely a scratch on the helmet. I wish I could say the same for my quad which now has a permanent road rash scar.



Step 2: Spy Optics Espada Sunglasses

Not only do these shades provide an element of unique style to differentiate yourself from all the Oakley supporters, but they deliver excellent sun and wind protection during your ride.






Step 3: Under Armour Driver mock Turtleneck

While this garment is really intended for my cold weather golfing, I find that the loose fit is more comfortable and provides a greater range of flexibility than the Under Armour Cold Gear mock-T I have.




Step 4: The Northface Apex Bionic Jacket

The soft shell structure of this jacket is almost like a thin wetsuit material that breaths well, wicks away moisture and keeps out wind and rain. The material also has some elasticity to allow for flexible motion. It delivers more warmth than a long-sleeve cycling jersey without feeling confining.







Step 5: Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gloves

These gloves provide a great barrier to the wind and chill. They provide maximum protection down to 32 degrees and they also offer padding on the palm for added comfort on the handlebars.




Sept 6: Bellwether Windfront Tight Cycling Pants

The front panel of the pants offers a wind stopping shell along with flexible material over the knees for pedaling comfort. The back half of the pants are constructed from a flexible spandex material which also provides for added comfort.









Step 7: Under Armour All Season socks

Great moisture wicking and comfort for any ride warm or cold.





Step 8: Sidi Road Zeta Shoes

The Zeta features three velcro straps and padded tongue for a secure and comfortable fit. Sidi’s Millennium 2 sole is outfitted with a replaceable heel pad for improved walkability. These are easily the most comfortable road shoes I've ever owned.


Now that you've got your gear warmth recipe locked and loaded, you'll need a bike to use it with and here's the bike I ride and love as a recommendation for you.

Trek 1500 (Recently replaced by the 1.5 model):