Training Tip for Endurance Athletes: Is strength Training worh it?

The question we get a lot is strength training worth it for endurance athletes. And the answer is yes, if you have the time to train, as well as, workout in the gym. You body would be well served with the cross training and additional strength. But the challenge you need to ask is.. Do you have an additional 4-5 hours of training time each week.

Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training

SIDI Road Cycling Shoes are Still the Best

Hey, Everybody.

I came accross these pics of winners on Sidi shoes. Who says the Trek and Specialized have better shoes. As far as I can see, the majority of the pro riders use Sidi road shoes. Here is portion of the a press release of the athletes at the starting line for Milan-SanRemo.

"Sidi will be at the starting line with a string of three victories backing us up: Filippo Pozzato, Oscar Freire Gomez and Fabian Cancellara all won their respective races in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Sidi Sport athletes will have a lot to work! Among the most anticipated are the three kings of sprintAlessandro Petacchi, Daniele Bennati and Robbie McEwen. Add to this roster Filippo Pozzato and Philippe Gilbert, there to give it their all both in breaks and in attacks on the Cipressa or Poggio climbs. Expert riders like Danilo Di Luca and Davide Rebellin will also be ones to watch." Sidi Cycling, Press Release, March 18th, 2009.





Here is Filipo Pozzato winning with SIDI Ergo 2 Carbon's.










Here is a second pic of Joaquim Rodriguez winning with a pair of Sidi Genius 6.6 Carbon's.







And lastly, a pic of Michele Scarponi's Sidi Genius 6.6 Carbon shoes.











Not bad at all for a couple weeks of effort in March.



Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training

Aline Systems Foot Suspension Insoles

Product Review: Aline Systems Foot Suspension Insoles.

The 2009 Aline Insoles just arrived. We are excited to offer them in our store.

The concept behind the product is to allow your foot to move ever so slightly will still being supported. In cycling, the foot has been placed in a snug fitting shoe with a fixed pedal position and told to work the same way it does when you are walking or running. But when you think about it, your foot moves in many different directions when you are moving, not held in one static position. With the Aline Insoles, your foot is allowed micro movements that will allow for increased performance and power transfer as well as less fatigue. All in all a good thing.

The nice thing in the 2009 models is they are good for all hard soled shoes, as well as, soft soled shoes. i.e. running and hiking shoes. They provide support and alignment of the foot and leg at a fraction of the cost of orthotics. A great improvement over last years model.

Three Major changes:

The big change is the weight. This years size T is almost 15% lighter than last years size T.

Secondly, the profile is smaller. Last year I had to add a 1/2 size to my shoes in order to wear the insoles, not this year. They fit perfectly in my Under Armour cross trainers and SIDI Genius 5's.

Third change is the noise. When you walked in the Aline Insoles, they creaked like an old wood floor, no more. They are quiet just like any other insole.

All in all, they are comfortable to use and a great improvement over an already great product. Check them out, it will be worth your while.


Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training



Here are some different views of the 2009 product.

Great Day in Minnesota

These pics are off our deck. This is why we stay in Minnesota. Crisp, Clear skies and 50 degrees. Nothing is better than this kind of weather for riding your bike, hiking, anything. Finally, I believe that Spring has arrived.



Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training

Cycling in Minnesota: Crisp Morning Ride Pics

Check out the pics of Minnesota in April. Crisp morning 44 degrees, clear skies. Beautiful morning.

Cant get any better than this.

Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training

HED wheels

The 2009 Hed wheels have arrived. We will be putting toghether a few pics on the differences. The main difference is the width of the rim. The two main benefits is a smaller profile of the tire itself and the smaller surface area that hits the ground. The smaller profile is an improvement in aerodynamics and the smaller surface area creates less friction between the tires and the ground.

Look for the pictues in a couple days.



Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training

Back to Business

Good Afternoon, Everybody.

We are back to the business of getting info out to everbody. Sorry for the delay.

Happy Easter.

Stephen McCarthy
Gear and Training