Gear Check :: October

Great gear for fall fun. 

 

1. MESSAGE IN A BACKPACK
While most messenger bags have an over-the-shoulder strap, Crumpler’s Mahoubar was designed backpack-style so you can carry lots of stuff securely while riding your bike. This bad boy holds up to three legal-size binders with plenty of extra pocket space for food, tools and all of your daily essentials. Made from heavy-duty, water-resistant denier nylon, the Mahoubar is also plenty comfy to wear with a padded back and adjustable straps. $125. Crumplerbags.com

2. BODIBEAT
Fitness freaks addicted to tunes during workouts: We bring you Yamaha BODiBEAT. This audio player does more than cycle through your playlist. Upload songs as normal, and this smart machine will choose songs that match your running or walking tempo, work with your heart-rate monitor to choose songs that encourage you to move at your optimal aerobic fitness level, or tell you to change pace according to a pre-set music plan. Or you can just use it to listen to tunes in Music mode. Your playlist never gets old because BODiBEAT is always mixing it up according to what you’re doing. $300. Yamaha.com/bodibeat

3. WORKOUT WEAR FOR MOMS
Moms-to-be, say hello to fitness wear just for you.  Two active Colorado moms have created a line of high-quality and stylish workout clothing that you can wear before, during and after your pregnancy. BornFit offers tops and bottoms—and even a skort—that are uniquely designed with comfy waistbands and stretchy fabrics that adjust to your changing body shape during pregnancy. Best of all, they’re designed to be worn after pregnancy, too. For fall, the new Torrey’s Full Zip Jacket features both front and back pockets for your toys and a warm double-layer mesh wind flap for chilly mornings. $76. Bornfit.com

4. AFFORDABLE OPTICS
Serfas Optics’ new line of eyewear offers bold looks on a budget. The company, known for its background in bike accessories, has produced 81 high-performance and active-fashion glasses, many with up to four interchangeable lenses. The Mirador combines four full-wrap lens options with a durable, sleek frame. $50.  Serfasoptics.com

5. WINNING SMELL
Technical fabrics need special care to last longer, and we all know that getting some of those items to smell even neutral (not to mention good) after a tough workout is a Sisyphusian feat. WIN sports detergent uses an oxygenated cleaning technology to eliminate the bacteria and odors that overwhelm the fabric. Even better news: WIN is biodegradable. $6.99/21-oz. bottle. WINdetergent.com

6. SECRET STASH
The Gracie’s Gear Sports Bra is designed for active women on the go. Along with offering up a nice fit and total support, the bra features a special Power Pouch in front. Compared to storage pouches found in shorts, the Power Pouch allows you to carry supplies above the waist so stride and race times will not be impeded by excess weight. The easy-access zippered pocket holds keys, an iPod or an energy gel, so your workout essentials will be secure. And with a variety of styles—from jog bras to tops—and colors to choose from, there is something to fit all tastes. $33-$42. Graciesgearandtraining.com