Jason Bleyl

Once you start using the compression leggings post ride, it's hard to imagine that you went all this time without them. The shorter recovery time is a huge benefit. I wear them after every ride and wake up the next day feeling like I didn't even ride the day before...well, most of the time. Sizing wise, I measured out between a large and a medium (closer to large on the chart). I ended up buying the medium and they fit perfectly. The length is not an issue (I'm 6-feet tall for reference).

I started using Ultragen after my skate skiing training sessions and continued to use it for cycling. The biggest benefit is the minimized muscle soreness the next day after a hard ride. I drink it immediately after my ride to maximize the recovery benefits. All of the flavors are very good in my opinion so I like to have one of each for variety. I always look forward to my Ultragen recovery drink after every ride.

I'm a big fan of First Endurance products. The energy and endurance drink is key for long rides, replacing electrolytes. I have been on rides where my friends are bonking on climbs and I'm still motoring on. I partially attribute this to staying hydrated with a product that is designed to keep your motor running. The flavors are pretty good. I'm partial to the fruit punch and grape flavors but I'm not a huge fan of the lemon-lime.

These things are a killer mid-ride snack packed with lots of energy. The waffles pack easily into the back of your jersey. They are very easy to eat and don't taste like the nasty energy bars that are far too common. I find myself eating them for breakfast and before gym workouts for a little extra boost. Like the title says, they are addicting...kind of like crack but healthier.

This was a great tool to have on my recent trip to Spain and France. It came in handy for tightening up the parts that the substandard French mechanics failed to. It was also nice for removing pedals from one rental bike to the next. It's relatively small and packs easily.

I purchased the Flandrien after much research and feel like it was a solid choice. It is my first road bike, so I do not have too much to compare to other than the rental bikes I used in Europe (Specialized and Cannondale). I will tell you that I was happy to be back on the Flandrien after riding something different. The frame is solid and is very compliant. The product description provided is true to form, this bike is great on every type of road. The Ultegra gruppo is super reliable.

I'm 6'0" and purchased the large frame. I was a little stretched out with the longer stem that came stock on the bike so I ended up replacing the 120mm with a 100mm which made it perfect. I will plan on upgrading the wheel set next year but the stock 4ZA wheels get the job done. The stock cassette is a 12x25 which is a bit much if you plan on doing a bunch of climbing. I plan on changing out the cassette for better gearing for climbing or getting a compact double. Overall, the bike has been very solid and the aesthetics are tough to beat. Great value.

I wear a 10.5 shoe (size 44 Sidi) and the L/XL socks fit great. Nice material and breath very well. Overall a great sock for warmer temperature rides. Can be a little cold on those early morning descents.

This is a nice functioning product once you get the fit right, but could be improved upon for larger folks. I'm 6'0" and 185 pounds with broad shoulders. I originally purchased a XL and had to exchange it for a XXL. I don't consider myself a big guy but even the XXL is not a perfect fit. The shoulders and torso area fit nice but the jersey length is a bit shorter than what I like (I don't particularly like showing off my hairy belly when I'm off the bike and lift my arms over my head). The Garneau jerseys are a little better for taller people. With that said, the jersey is solid and would work great for people with a shorter upper body. This is what I get for being on the tall side.

These were the first bibs I purchased for my introduction into road biking and didn't have too much experience at the time of purchase. Since then I have a couple of Garneau Real Cyclist bibs and a pair of Black Bottoms from a local club. I will draw some comparison between the brands. I'm 6'0" tall with a 33" waist. I purchased a large in the Castelli Podium and they have a snug fit. I probably could have gone with an XL, but didn't want any extra movement in the fit. Overall I'm satisfied with the product and general fit, but would go with the other brands mentioned for all of my future purchases. The comparison: The chamois in the Castelli does not perform as well as the Garneau or Black Bottoms. I reserve the Castelli bibs for shorter rides. The bib on the Castelli seems a bit cheaper than the other two brands. I'm a bit worried that over time it will tear away from the shorts. The Garneau and Black Bottoms bib shoulder straps are very substantial compared to the Castelli and the fit is more comfortable. The fit at the front of the Castelli bib is very low below the belly button and just doesn't seem/feel right (maybe if you are 5'10" with a 33" waist, they would be fine). The overall quality of the product doesn't seem to be on par with the Garneau and Black Bottoms. I wear a large in the Garneau and Black Bottoms and they fit perfect. Perhaps I would have been happier with an XL in the Castelli.