The weather finally looks like it is going to get pretty good this week so some longer rides should be in order. I'm really anxious to get longer rides in but finding it difficult for a variety of reasons. I probably won't start racing in earnest until May....maybe a few fun events like Paris-Ancaster before, but just for fun.

I thought I use this opportunity to mention some of the companies that are helping me out in one way or another this year.

Princeton Tec - www.switchback321.com
Princeton Tec has been a leader for years in outdoor lights and this is their first year venturing into the highend bike light market with their Switchback series. These lights are based on LED technology and already have very favourable reviews. They are a great value for the money with excellent battery life and 3 different offerings. Switchback 1 = 1 LED (great for commuting), Switchback 2 = 2 LEDs (great for the helmet as a spotlight), and Switchback 3 = 3 LEDs (great for the handlebar for a flood light). All get 5+ hours on high using a Li-Ion battery. Check the website for more details.

Castelli - www.castelli-us.com
Castelli are really stepping up their product line this year with innovative, technical new products. They sponsor the Saunier Duval Pro Cycling Team and have some great new products as a result such as the Superleggera Jersey and "Free Bib" shorts. Watch for some reviews on a variety of their items.

Industy Nine - www.industynine.net
I've been lusting for these wheels for while and they finally became a reality. Custom built in the colours and rims you want with an instant engaging hub make for the ideal wheelset. Cheaper than the high end Mavic offerings while still being lighter, stiffer, and more eye catching are just some of the reasons for their success.

Kenda - www.kendausa.com
I've been riding Kenda tires for a long time now. They just released the Small Block 8 in a 29er format so these will be going on the I9's as my hardpack, fast tire. I'll still be using the Karma as my sloppy conditions tire when appropriate even though it is great on the hardpack as well.

Formula Brakes - www.formulabrakeusa.com
I've been using the new Formula Oro K24 brakes for about 8 months now and they have been phenomenal. Excellent feel and power plus pretty light to boot. They also have the Oro Puro which is a slightly lighter version of the K24 with a carbon level and titanium bolts. One step below the K24 is the K18 which just lacks the FCS (Feeling Control System) which allows for adjustment of how far the level travels before the pads engage. A great feature I really like.

I'm also looking at getting the Garmin Edge 305 GPS cycling computer for my mountain bike. This way I can map my routes and actual compare rides to see if I'm progressing faster or slower than previous rides. It also has a heartrate monitor, speed, distance, elevation gain included with it. It looks like a lot of fun and a great training tool.

Stay tuned for reviews of all these great products in the future!

Steve