Olympia Cycle & Ski

Specialized Langster Chicago (Gangster) (posted Sept 21, 2008)

Click on pictures above to enlarge images

The Specialized Langster Chicago (also called the Gangster) is one in the series of Langster bike made by Specialized. There are 5 Langster models in all (and even more oversees), all with the same core frame and drivetrain set-up but with different bars, levers, and aesthetic touches. We've previously reviewed another Langster edition, the New York, in this space, but this week we're taking a look at its mid-western cousin.

As with the New York, the Chicago is made for urban commuting, with tight geometry yielding a snappy ride. The Chicago's looks are substantially tamer than the New York, employing a flat black paint job on most of the component, and the bars are substantially wider (and have a slight rise) making the Chicago a slightly tamer version within the Langster line-up. We didn't get to test ride the New York much in the spring but we were able to take the Chicago out for a bit more of a ride and confirmed that it's a very agile, responsive ride. Even at it's regular price of $860 it's a great deal, but at our current sale price of $688 it's a steal (if we were witty we'd come up with some kind of gangster joke here, but we're not, so we won't). We've just got one left though so if you're interested you should come by the shop soon, otherwise you can fagetaboutit.

Redline Conquest Pro (posted Sept 11, 2008)

Click on pictures above to enlarge images

Cyclocross season is upon us, so we figured we may as well review a cyclocross bike this week. Redline makes some of our favourite cyclocross bikes, in part because they all seem to be such good deals. While their lowest end (and still very race worthy) cx bike comes in at well under $1000, the relatively high-end Conquest Pro pictured above will set you back a very reasonable $2050. For that price you get Sram Rival components mated with an FSA Gossamer crankset, Avid short-pull canti brakes, Ritchey Pro wheels, and a few other nice bits.

The frameset rides like, well, like a cyclocross bike, which is to say that the geometry is pretty tight and 'racy' for an off-road machine but still stable enough that it doesn't feel squirrelly. It's a bit beefier than the average road bike frame and the bottom bracket is a little higher, and the tire clearance is of course ample. The top tube is fairly horizontal (somewhat depending on the frame size) to allow for easy shouldering, and the bike is lightweight enough that carrying it while running over barriers is a minimal burden. In other words, this bike is built like a cyclocross bike should be. This may sound like faint praise, but on a recent test ride of this bike it was noted that the rider didn't think much about the bike at all; instead the stable, straighforward handling of the bike allowed the rider to focus on the terrain. Anyone who's ridden a cyclocross race knows that focusing on the terrain, and not thinking about the bike, is a good thing.

We like the fact that the Conquest Pro comes spec'd with Sram Rival components. One of the benefits of Sram road components is supposed to be the 1:1 actuation ratio of the drivetrain that is theoretically less susceptible to malfunction in muddy conditions because shifting guffaws are less accentuated with an even ratio compared to the 2:1 ratios of other manufacturers. (Editor's note: I recently purchased a Sram Rival drivetrain and have used it on the road and trails, but have not yet tested it in muddy conditions. None-the-less the theory sounds reasonable - reasonable enough for me to buy the product for myself). Hopefully we'll see some mud fly this fall and will get a good test ride in, but from the testing we've done so far we can say that the Conquest Pro as a whole provides a great ride with few, if any, compromises, at a mid-range price.

Trek Pure Trike (posted Sept 2, 2008)

We don't sell many adult trikes, at least compared to the two-wheeled bikes that move thru our shop daily, but we do see a few adult three-wheelers come and go every season. Among the adult trikes we see every year there is a surprising range in quality, from home made jobs that are of, shall we say 'questionable' design, to higher-end, good quality rigs.

Thru the years we've brought in a few different adult trike models ourselves, but most recently we've brought in a few Trek Pure Trikes. Unlike some other models that were difficult to maintain and service the Pure's are a relative pleasure to work on. They're well built, the drive train is easily accessible, they use somewhat standard parts, and they're not that heavy. Well, to be accurate they're still quite a bit heaver than a racing two-wheeler, but they're pretty good compared to some of the other trikes we've worked on.

Of course what probably matters most to our customers is how the trike rides, and we can say that the Pure performs better than any other trike we've taken for a spin. It tracks well, it turns easily and is maneuverable in relatively tight areas, and it's smooth. Unlike many other trikes that seem to have an inherent issue with chain slack (owing to a long chain and/or a double chain system) the Pure engages quickly when you apply force to the pedals and pedaling force is applied evenly to both rear wheels.

The Pure comes with possibly the best bike basket we've ever seen. It's large, deep, and solid. And let's not forget the saddle!...made from what appears to be half of a synthetic cow the leather-like outer material covers a plush cushioning that makes us want to buy one of these trikes to use in front of the tv set at home. You've got to sit on it to full appreciate it.

Over the summer we've tried to keep one or two Pure Trikes in stock, and we've sold a few this season. As autumn approaches we may not have them in stock but if you're interested in this model feel free to come down and talk to us about it. We're always happy to make a special order.

Oakley's (posted Aug 5, 2008)

We've reviewed a model or two from Oakley on this site in the past, but today we thought it might be worth while to review the Oakley brand as a whole. No, we haven't worn every single pair of Oakley's made (besides which, Oakley is constantly introducing new models so we'd never keep up) but we've worn enough to know a bit about the brand.

There are many things we like about Oakley's, but at their core the High Definition Optics (HDO) is what sets these sunglasses apart from many other brands. Without getting too technical (you can go to Oakley's page here for the technical detail) HDO provides crisp images and prevents image shifting. And of course HDO provides 100% UV protection (an absolute must) and excellent impact resistance.

On the slightly less technical side, Oakley makes sunglasses that fit really well, with many shapes and sizes of models to choose from and even a smaller fitting "Asian Fit" version of many models. Not every model is going to work well for your specific face but there are almost certainly a number of designs that will fit you well.

We could go on for some time here, but the last thing we'll point out in this posting is that Oakley makes many non-sport-specific models that incorporate all the 'sport' features like excellent fit and image clarity. While models like the Flak Jacket and the M Frame have become ubiquitous in the worlds of cycling, track and field, beach volleyball, and on and on, sometimes we like to look a little less like we're ready for the next competition and a little more like we're ready for a night on the town. Oakley has many casual styles that look good on the patio on Corydon or at The Forks while still not betraying their competitive heritage. For obvious reasons (we're a bike and ski shop) we stock mostly sports models, but virtually anything on Oakley's site is available to us and special ordering usually only takes a few days. So, if you see something you like online or on the streets feel free to come into the shop to ask about price, options (including the Oakley customizing options) and availability, and we'd be happy to order something specifically for you.

Chain Lube (posted July 25, 2008)

Our mechanics get to work on some pretty nice bikes, but to be honest they also work on quite a few clunkers. We understand that cycling isn't everyone's first passion (well maybe we don't understand it, but we except it :)) and that not every bike that comes into the shop will be top end. Far from it to be honest. That's just fine, but what the mechanics aren't quite as keen on are drive trains that come into the shop with either no lube or the wrong kind of lube. No lube = seized chains, the wrong lube often = yucky chains. At the risk of sounding a little condescending, motor oil is called motor oil because it's made for use in, well, a motor. All purpose household oil sounds like it might work (it's called "all purpose", right?) but in fact it's not great for use on a bike either. The truth is that the best lube to use on a bicycle is bicycle lube. Funny how that works.

Without getting too technical on you the simplest difference between bike lubes and other lubes is that bike lubes are designed to shed as much road grit as possible. The biggest problem with lubing your chain and drive train is that you want to make sure the bike's moving parts have a buffer of lube between them so they don't wear against each other, but you don't want the lube to attract grit that will increase wear and defeat the whole purpose of putting lube on in the first place.

We have many different lubes in stock, including Tri Flow, Pedro's, ProLink, Phil's Tenacious Oil, and White Lightening Clean Ride, Wet Ride and Epic Ride. Our full time mechanics tend to use Tri Flow when tuning your bikes. Your illustrious webguy (i.e. the guy typing here) uses White Lightening Clean Ride, so you get to read more about the product I use. I like White Lightening Clean Ride because it's a dry, waxed based lube that creates a dry protective film on the exterior of your chain that slowly peels off while you ride, which means it doesn't attract much grit in the first place and it sheds the grit that it does attract. If the road or trail conditions are really nasty wax lube needs to be applied a little more frequently than oil based lubes, but there's a lot less chain cleaning required due to less buildup, so I think the trade-off is more than worth it.

I suppose one draw back with a wax lube is that it's not great to mix it with other oil based lube, so that could in part explain why our full time mechanics prefer the oil-based Tri Flow, seeing as many of the bikes they work on already have liberal amounts of oil-based lube applied.

Regardless of preference though, we have plenty of lube choices in stock, all for about $8 - $12 each. So the next time you're in the shop picking up a new pair of shorts or a spare tube make sure you grab some bike-specific lube. Your bike, and our mechanics, will thank you for it.

Schwalbe Messenger Bag (posted July 15, 2008)

In the last few years there's been a proliferation of new messenger style bags brought to market, and we see many, many couriers, commuters, students, etc., using messenger bags to haul stuff around town. As the number of bags out there has increased so have the style options, allowing you to choose a bag that reflects your personal taste as much as your functionality.

One interesting and, as far as we know, unique style to arrive at our shop is the Schwalbe Messenger Bag, made in part out of a real Schwalbe tire. It's a pretty simple bag with a medium volume, and the requisite over-the-shoulder and accompanying across-the-body strap. One really nice feature: It holds up well in heavy rain. It was inadvertently tested in very heavy rains going 80 km/h on a motorcycle in heavy traffic with road grit flying everywhere, and the contents of the bag stayed completely dry the whole time.

And at just $59 for the bags it's one of the less expensive options out there. We've got a few in stock at the moment so feel free to come and check them out today.

Steelwool Cork Tape (posted June 17, 2008)

As the illustrious editor of this site I try to be fairly unbiased when reviewing products, but today I'm going to just come out and say that I've always found cork bar tape to be the best option out there. I figure if I must take a stand for something this is a pretty benign subject, but if I've deeply offended your synthetic tape sensibilities you can always find an assortment of synthetic tape at the shop too.

At any rate, I've always loved the feel of real cork. It's reasonably grippy but not too plush, it provides good cushion but your hands still feel firm on the bars, it doesn't absorb too much sweat but doesn't get slick when wet either. What could be better? The folks at Steelwool have answered that question by offering cork tape that looks like cork tape. Cool. If you've got a retro single speed, a classic road bike with fine Italian components and chrome lugs, or if you're just looking for a bit of a different look pick up a set of Steelwool cork tape rolls today.

I snapped up a set of these as soon as they arrived to adorn a custom steel single speed with gum brake hoods, and can say first hand that the look and feel of the cork take is the perfect compliment to the feel of the bike.

Also pictured above (please excuse the attempt at 'art'...we were bored) are cork mountain bike grips. We haven't tried them yet but thought we'd point out that we have a cork alternative for the off-road set too.

Knog Frog Superbright Microlight (posted June 02, 2008)

This isn't exactly the most technical review ever posted on this site, but sometimes the simple things get overlooked, and the Knog Frog Superbright Microlight is nothing if not simple, and that's a good thing (we also have an affection for products with rhyming words in their description).

Flashing LED lights caused a bit of a mini-revolution in the cycling world a few years ago because suddenly it was extremely inexpensive, convenient, and efficient to add lights to the front and rear of your bicycle (remember the generator-style lights of yesteryear that were powered by rubbing against your tire or rim? - a cool idea but not exactly efficient). Most LED bike lights come with mounting brackets that allow them to be placed on the bike's handlebar or seat post. Knog Frogs take design one step further by allowing you to attach them virtually anywhere on the bike by simply looping the rubber end of the Frog around almost any tube on the bike and clipping it closed.

The Frogs come in an assortment of rubber colours to match your bike or your mood, and come in two LED light colours, white and red. All are just $13 each. They can easily be transferred from bike to bike if you ride more than one but at that price you may just want to buy a couple more (why not collect all the colours?).

Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc Brakes (posted May 19, 2008)

Although for many applications we still love a good set up linear pull (v) brakes, there's no disputing that disc brakes have more raw stopping power and operate better in wet conditions. While many mountain bikes today are coming stock with hydraulics disc brakes there are still some advocates of the simplicity and low maintenance of mechanical disc brakes. If mechanical discs are your thing you can't go wrong with Avid's product line, including the Avid BB5's.

If you're buying these brakes aftermarket their first highlight is the ease with which they set up. Sizing the length of cable and housing is no different than when setting up linear pull brakes, and the BB5's can even use the same brake levers that you were using for your rim brakes. There's no worry of dealing with bleeding a hydraulic line with the correct fluids so you're on to setting up the Avid BB5 brake calipers in a minute or two. The calipers are also a cinch to set up (simply tighten the brake caliper to the fork or frame bosses such that the fixed pad is a small distance from the brake rotor and then adjust the moving pad using a dial to place it a small distance from the other side of the rotor).

Once you've got the brakes set up you'll notice that, although they may not feel quite as smooth as their hydraulic cousins, they have a very firm braking feel and a good amount of spring action to instantly retract the pad from the rotor when you release the lever. On the fly adjustments are easy by using brake lever barrel adjusters to fine tune the cable length and by using the inboard pad dial to adjust pad position.

We usually have Avid BB5's in stock, and if not we can order them in quickly, so if you're in the market for some simple mechanical disc brakes consider trying these ones out. We doubt you'll be sorry.

Surly 1 x 1 Frameset (posted May 02, 2008)

In the last few year single speed bikes have become more and more popular. In Manitoba this mainstreaming of what was once a very niche market makes a lot of sense, considering we have some pretty flat terrain. We can also have some pretty inclement weather, and if you're one of those riders who likes to extend their riding season into the snowy weather a single speed drivetrain can hold up much better than its geared cousin as ice and road grit starts to accumulate.

While many new single speed brands, and new single speed specific models from established brands, have popped up recently there are a few manufacturers out there who were making them before they were all the rage, and Surly is one of them. The Surly 1x1 frameset is their basic, rigid, mountain bike frame made for just one gear. The steel frame and fork accepts rim or disc brakes, there's plenty of tires clearance so you can use pretty much any size of rubber you wish, the frame geometry is suspension corrected for an 80mm suspension fork in case you want to add some cushion to the front end, there are plenty of braze-ons for racks and fenders, and the classic horizontal dropouts allow for easy single speed chain tensioning.

As for the ride?...Surly's own website says that the 1x1 rides "like a bike". That is to say that it's a pretty middle of the road affair, and that's a good thing. It's not too aggressive, but not too laid back. It tracks well and is fairly snappy but it's not squirrelly. (Editor's note: I own a Surly 1x1, and have at the same time owned many other mountain bikes, including expensive steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber frames set up as bikes that were rigid, as bikes with front suspension, and dual suspension, and at the end of the day I always seem to return to my 1x1). At the end of the day the 1x1 seems to be the bike that can do almost anything for you off road (assuming you're not into hucking 40 foot drops).

But the best part of the Surly 1x1 might be the price. At just $450 for the frame and fork you can afford to build it up however you wish. If you're looking to build up an inexpensive single speeder with a few parts you've got lying around the basement then go right ahead. If you want to buy that expensive wheelset and the polished, sealed headset you've always dreamt of you can use the money you saved on the frame purchase to indulge with the components. Either way, the Surly 1x1 allows you to build up a great single speed mountain bike that should take you pretty much anywhere you want to go.

Cliff Bar (posted April 21, 2008)

It's hard to remember what we all did before energy bars were invented. We do recall packing GORP or bananas in our jersey pockets before a big ride, and there's nothing wrong with continuing to use those old standards today, but it sure is nice to also have a product that is specifically designed to satisfy our energy needs while out on a long ride.

Cliff Bars are one of our favourite such products. Not only are they an easily digestible source of energy mid-ride, they also taste great (and come in many excellent flavours). The Cliff Bar company is very serious about using organically grown foods without the use of toxic pesticides or synthetic chemicals, and ensures that their product is free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrups. They use whole and all-natural ingredients including a well-balanced mix of whole grains, protein, and fibre.

All of this is good from a nutritional point of view, and it helps reduce impact on our environment, but the truth is that it also makes the Cliff Bar go down better, and at the end of the day that's what's foremost on our minds half way into the first century ride of the season. 'Real' ingredients just seem to slide down our throats a little better than overly processed stuff. So if you're looking for a nutritionally sound and easy to digest (and tasty) energy bar with an environmental and social conscience look no further than Cliff Bar. We have plenty of them on our shelves right now so be sure to stop by as you head out on the next ride.

Specialized Langster New York (posted April 06, 2008)

New for '08, Specialized has come out with 5 Langster models, each tailored around a different major city, and 2 more models: One basic edition, and the other a high end S-Works frameset. We currently have in stock the New York model, and as the picture indicates it's nothing if not yellow (click on the image for a larger view).

In fact the frame and fork, high flange hubs, rims, bar tape, seat accents and rails, and even the chain (not pictured) are bright yellow. While Specialized is clearly going for the New York taxi cab look the side benefit to this aesthetic is that it's clearly visible in traffic.

As we've mentioned here before we like to post product reviews of product that we've extensively tested, so we should admit that the test for this Langster only involved a few quick spins up and down the road (and a few more around the shop) owing to some untimely late season snowfall. With that acknowledged we can say that the initial ride confirms what Specialized claims: The Langster is a fast, very responsive commuter. This bike is probably not for the casual rider - you don't have to be pro or put in lots of mileage, but you do have to have confidence to handle the responsiveness and speed provided by tight geometry, slim tires, and ultra narrow flat bars (the bars can always be changed to something wider, or even to wide drops or moustache style bars if you're looking for something a little tamer). But if you like a zippy ride that can whip around pot holes and parked cars nimbly, and want a relatively high-geared single speed (the bike comes stock with a 42/16 gear ratio, but of course that can be changed easily too) this may just be your ride.

If you'd like to check out a fast city bike that's sure to get noticed come down to the shop and take a look at the Langster New York, now selling for $860, up close.

Surly Travelers Check (posted March 28, 2008)

We'll just excuse for the moment that our good American friends at Surly don't know how to spell "cheque" using the proper Queen's English, and instead we'll focus on what a great idea the Surly Travelers Check is. (For that matter shouldn't the word "Travelers" be possessive?...oh well.) The Surly Cross Check is a perennial a favourite among no-nonsense riders looking for an inexpensive frameset that can be set up as a cyclocross, commuter, or general road or light trail bike, either with gears or as a single speed. Surly took this frameset and made it even more versatile by making the easier to pack Travelers Check.

By adding a couple of S&S couplers to the bike, one to the top tube and the other to the down tube, the main frame can actually be split in half. This means that the whole bike can be packed up into a much smaller space. Two immediate small package benefits come to mind: (1) When properly broken down the bike should be able to fit into a non-oversized case allowing you to take it onto an airplane without incurring the nasty extra bike luggage fees that most airlines impose, and (2) the bike is easier to pack in the back of your vehicle on those tight trips where you have a few bikes, the kids, the pet, the tent, the food and cooler, and whatever else you need to fit into your fuel friendly, but luggage unfriendly subcompact hatch.

Of course this is only a cool idea if the couplers actually work, and we're pleased to report that they really do. While they of course add a little bit of weight to the bike (but only about 8 oz) they are very easy to use (one simple tool that comes with the bike is all that is required to loosen the couplings before you use your hands to loosen them the rest of the way) and they fit together so snuggly that there is no noticeable frame flex at the coupling joints at all.

There are other bike frames with coupling systems out there - the Ritchey Breakaway comes to mind as another great example that we've brought into the shop before - and you can always have custom couplings installed on your prized steel or titanium bike frame, but Surly wins the prize for making the most economical stock coupling frame we've come across - we're selling the frameset for just $1240. We have one Travelers Check frame in stock now, and anticipate a few more to arrive soon. If you're looking for a solution to high airline luggage costs, or if you just want to see how the couplings work, feel free to come down to the shop anytime to check the frame out.

Catlike Whisper Plus (posted March 05, 2008)

We figure you'll think that the Catlike Whisper Plus either looks really cool or really dorky, or maybe even both (let's face it, some of us are already wearing Lycra shorts and brightly coloured jerseys in public view, so just embrace the dorkiness). The Whisper Plus is indeed one of the most radical looking designs out there, but aesthetics aside the design is second to none in terms of allowing for good air ventilation. In fact studies have been mentioned during pro cycling television coverage that suggests wearing a Whisper Plus actually cools the head more than not wearing a helmet at all (sorry, we don't have a link to the study, so you'll just have to take our word for it, or try it yourself).

A number of guys from the shop own these helmets and can attest first hand to how cool they feel. Of course the most important factor of any helmet isn't how cool it feels (or looks) but how well it fits. Without a good fit the helmet won't offer much protection. While everybody's head is shaped differently and all helmets are not necessarily right for all heads, the Whisper Plus has an excellent retention system that is easily adjustable and fits snuggly on most heads. It's also worth pointing out that the helmet is extremely light, which of course makes it all the more comfortable.

Looking like you ride on a Pro Tour team (the Whisper Plus can indeed be found in the pro peleton and on top of World Cup mountain bike riders) doesn't come cheap. Catlike's top helmet costs $320. If that's a little too high for your mid pack-sensibilities then no worries...Catlike makes a number of less expense models that still perform very, very well, and of course we stock helmets from other manufacturers as well. The least expensive (and still effective) helmets in the shop cost just a fraction of our top model, and will do just as good a job of protecting your head, but if you want the same helmet that the pros are wearing we have a few Catlike Whisper Plus helmets in stock now in a variety of colours to match your pro bike.

Specialized Toupe Saddle (posted Feb 25, 2008)

While saddles are admittedly a personal choice where some just fit right and some just don't, and where a good fit varies wildly from person to person, the Specialized Toupe saddle is a favourite of ours that seems to be fit many people very well. That's a good thing because this is also one of the lightest and best looking saddle around, and you've got 3 different width and two different colour options.

With hollow titanium rails, and an ultrathin (but somehow still comfy) carbon reinforced shell the saddle is pretty minimalist, but the choices are not: There are 130mm, 143mm, and 155mm width models, all in white and black. The 130mm weighs in at just 150 grams. Our webguy and his wife have 6 of these saddles between then and can attest first hand to their comfort on the road and on the trails, whether doing a lap or two of Bur Oak or out for a 100km road ride down a local highway, or trying to keep up with the cyclocross pack at one of the many local races.

In preperation for spring we happen to have a few 130mm and 143mm models in both black and white right now. At $205.00 they're not the cheapest saddle out there, but for a top end seat found on pro bikes everywhere they're surprisingly reasonably priced.

Salomon Vitane 7 Classic Pilot Boots and binding system (posted Feb 12, 2008)

Are your ski boots not quite going to make it thru to the end of the ski season, or are you already thinking ahead to next year? If you're looking for a classic ski boot upgrade now is a great time to consider the Salomon line of classic boots and bindings, owing to their new standard: the SNS Pilot 2-axes system.

One excellent example of this new design is the Salomon Vitane 8 Classic Pilot Boot mated with the SNS Pilot Sport Classic binding. The 2-axes system offers two distinct features that improve on its predecessor. First of all, having two solid and continuous points of contact between the boot and binding allows for much more torsional rigidity, which translates to more control of your skis. Second, the 'rear' axes (about an inch or so behind the 'front' axes at the tip of your toe) incorporates a spring loaded link that allows you to pivot your foot forward on your toe as you push off on your ski at the beginning of your stride, and provides tension to help pull your foot and ski back together as you bring your ski forward again at the end of the stride. This spring loaded link replaces the rubber bumper that used to be present on the binding just in front of the toe. While to rubber bumper worked adequately to help force the foot and ski back together the spring loaded link is definitely an improvement. On higher end SNS Pilot binding systems you can even adjust the spring tension to suit your personal preference.

The Vitane 7 boots featured here are an excellent high-performance recreational boot. They're relatively lightweight, they are exceptionally easy to lace up (always a good thing if you're fumbling around in cold weather) and have a semi-rigid cuff that offers excellent support while not feeling restrictive. The Vitane 7 is the women's version of the equally impressive men's Active 7.

With a good month or two of skiing left this season you've still got time to come down to the shop to check out the new Pilot boot and binding systems available, whether it's to purchase now or to dream for next year. We hope to see you soon.

Wigwam Lite Hiker Merino Wool Socks (posted Jan 29, 2008)

Back in the day many of us asked the simple, white, cotton, athletic tube sock to work in pretty much every situation. While the tube sock was with us when we made the prefect cross during the big soccer match, when we learned to smash a tennis ball just like Roger Federer (or back then it would have been Ivan Lendle or Stefan Edberg, or Aurther Ash if you're really old) or maybe even on our first mountain bike ride (circa mid 80's), our eyes have been opened a bit since then. How much better would our kick, our serve, and our first offroad bike excursion have been if we had purpose-made socks? We'll never know.

But that was the past. Today we have all sorts of great socks to choose from for every type of activity. At Olympia we carry, among other brands, Wigwam socks. Wigwam offers an almost limitless line of socks that suit every condition. One of our favourites for this time of year is the Lite Hiker, made with Merino Wool. The sock is light enough to easily fit inside your ski boot or winter cycling shoe but still thick and warm enough to keep your toes toasty in our famously cold winters. The wool is very breathable so you can avoid perspiration build up as you heat up from physical activity and the sock runs just high enough up your calf to prevent snow or windchill from contacting your bare skin. The sock has a flexible band mid-foot to allow for good movement, but it's still sturdy in the toe and foot in order to last for many winter adventures.

So set those tube socks aside (they've had a good life) and introduce yourself to WigWam. You're performance will only improve.

RC Waxing Iron (posted Jan 16, 2008)

The RC Waxing Iron is arguably one of the easier products to review, mainly because it's pretty darn straightforward. If you'd like to explore the art of hot waxing your own cross country skis you'll need an iron. You could try to get the job done with a regular household clothes iron, but you'll find that a non ski-specific iron will have a shortcoming or two. The most significant issue will likely be that your regular iron propably has holes in the bottom which can be used to steam your clothes. Steaming is not a function required for ski waxing and unfortunately the holes only serve to get clogged with wax and/or create an uneven waxing surface when using the iron on skis. The RC Waxing Iron, on the other hand, has an even surface that creates a smooth wax coat.

A second issue is even temperature control. Although most clothes irons have temperature adjustments they aren't always that good at keeping the temperature steady, and many of them have additional settings that can complicate things a bit. Ski glide wax should be applied using a very even temperature (the temperate may however depend on the type of wax being applied) and the RC Waxing Iron has a simple temperature dial and keeps a very constant temperature, so setting the temperature is as simple as moving the dial to the correct spot and then waiting a minute or two for the iron to heat up to the precise temperature you require.

Pretty simple really, which is good considering the folklore behind ski waxing is anything but. Don't be too apprehensive - if you can sift thru all of the pet theories it's not really that difficult to hot wax your own skis. Pick up an RC Waxing Iron and learn for yourself.

Learn to Nordic Ski DVD (posted Jan 08, 2008)

If you're brand new to cross country skiing there are plenty of ways to learn. You could sign up with a local club or find a personal instructor, you could find a friend who is patient enough to show you a few things, or you could just head out into the snow and learn by trial and error. Each method has their pros and cons. But, if you'd like to learn a few things in the privacy of your own living room before you head out and make a fool of yourself (don't worry...you'll look silly the first few outings anyway) you can pick up a Learn to Nordic Ski DVD from us.

This is the first DVD in a series of DVD's on cross country skiing that we carry. Usually we use the Product Review page of our website to promote products that we unreservedly love and have tested thoroughly - in this case we've 'tested' (that is, watched) the product, and we think it is a good value for the first time skier, but it comes with our own little disclaimer. The DVD menu lists 3 different features. At first glance it appears that each feature may teach progressive ski techniques, with the 1st feature being the most basic and the 3rd feature the most advanced. While this sort of holds true each feature is actually designed to stand alone as a crash course in skiing for beginners. Each feature is hosted by someone different and shot and produced independent of the others.

But here's the real disclaimer: The 1st feature of the DVD isn't really that good. With our apologies to the host, who we know is an accomplished competitive skier and may be a great personal teacher, this segment feels almost a little too basic and the production qualities are pretty low. Of course you may disagree and/or may find this segment helpful so of course feel free to check it out. For what it's worth though we think that the 2nd and 3rd features are of value and do a good job of covering the basic skills of skiing, and can be used as a mental reference while you're out on the trails the first few times.

Of course nothing substitutes getting out there and trying it for real, but if you'd like a little guidance at home first this might be just the thing for you.