If you love gear as much as we do, this Holiday Gift Guide is for you. We spent all fall testing and curating the best gear for our endurance athlete fans and Athlinks members. And here is our annual selection of the best gifts for gear junkies and adrenaline junkies alike. It takes one to know one, so here you go, you’re welcome.
Flipbelt Zipper
Most long distance runners know that heading out without a phone or credit card or even a hotel room key can be a bad idea, but that carrying these items often results in more hassle than they’d bargained for. Now FlipBelt’s new Zipper Belt makes it easy to take your safety and security seriously, even in the middle of a long workout. Moisture wicking material complete with one zippered pocket and three open access points to the main compartment allows runners to stow the essentials: phones of all sizes, keys, ID, credit cards, medical devices, money, and other small necessities. Available in sizes XXS – XXL in Black, Carbon, Hot Pink, and Aqua. $34.99.
Diamondback Online Customization Tool
Diamondback Bicycles new online bike building tool allows customers to configure and order their ideal ride, assembled in a custom studio at the Diamondback headquarters in Kent, Washington. The tool is now available to create your own customized version of Diamondback’s radical new Andean triathlon bike, and will be set up for its leading mountain and road bikes in 2017. All bikes will be available with thousands of different build combinations, with choices of grouppo, wheelset, bars, seat, bar tape and wheel decal colors. Custom Andeans start at $3,999.99.
Voler Winter Cycling Apparel
We here at Athlinks are big fans of Voler, founded in 1986 in San Luis Obispo, California, and still making all of their products today in the U.S. They also only use biodegradable dyes; they recycle more than 200 tons of paper per year; and the solar panels on their plant produce more than 45,000Kw of power per year. It’s nice to know where your products come from and what’s in them. And, Voler’s winter cycling apparel line is second-to-none. Check out the new Black Label Wool long sleeve jerseys for men and women. These naturally odor resistant, naturally temperature regulating cold weather jerseys will have you wondering why you never wore more wool before. $149.
Orca Killa 180 Swim Goggle
Why is it that something so seemingly simple as a swim goggle is so hard to get right? Well, we’ve tried them all, and we think revered triathlon brand Orca may have nailed it with the Orca Killa 180 degree goggle. It’s known for ergonomic fit and anti-fog coating on a range of lens options. It is designed to be sleek yet comfortable for both training and racing. The ergonomic 3D silicon gasket fits the face to reduce pressure around the eye and improve waterproofness. The buckle clip adjustment system lets you quickly and easily adjust the tightness of the silicon head strap. It may not look like much, but it works. $29
Crossmax Carbon Pro Wheelset
Let’s face it, we love everything Mavic. And who couldn’t love a set of Crossmax MTB wheels for racing cross country? Well, now the Crossmax is available in all carbon, to help you go even faster. The full carbon offers more predictability with lateral stiffness, and Mavic’s fiber lacing adds vertical compliance, making them quick and nimble, just like you. The wheel-tire interface is optimized for cross country racing with a hookless rim profile, with UST tubeless compatibility. 1510 grams (Pair 29″ without tyre); $1,999.
New Balance Leadville Trail
Named for the home of Colorado’s most famous ultra-marathon trail series, New Balance’s line of Leadville shoes will take you seamlessly from training runs to race day. The Leadville trail runner design, available in both men’s and women’s versions, has reached its third iteration after years of success strapped onto the feet of the most ambitious racers in the game. They feature a sturdy Vibram outsole and REVlite cushioning to tackle the elements while maintaining stability. With 8mm of drop, overpronation prevention features, toe protection, and debris-free technology, the Leadville reminds ultra-racers that comfort does actually exist. 293 grams for men, 248 grams for women. $124.99.
Rudy Project Boost 01
When it comes to triathlon and cycling accessories, Rudy Project is usually one of the first brands to come to mind. And if you’re looking to go fast on the road, the new Boost 01 from Rudy was much anticipated as the brand’s first-ever road aero helmet. Featuring 10 vents and a forward placed aerodynamic pressure zone to reduce neck torque, the Boost incorporates some of the fluid dynamics and wind tunnel development that has brought Rudy Project a leader in the time trial world. It features an eyewear dock and an optional visor, a self centering buckle and interchangeable comfort padding, and is weighing in at less than 10 ounces. $349.99 without visor and $399.99 with visor.
ElliptiGO Arc
The ElliptiGO is an athletic trainer that may look foreign at first, but amateur and elite level athletes alike use it to employ elliptical style training, outdoors. The new ElliptiGO Arc is lightweight and has 8 gears, making it easier to climb hills. The bikes are famous for their low-impact workouts, and the standing position removes stress from the neck and back. Because you are also using your arms, you burn up to a third more calories as well. $1,299.
2XU Hyoptik Compression Tights
While some may argue compression garments don’t do much, we’ve actually found great benefits from training and racing with 2XU. The compression tights in particular provide support and protection for the upper leg muscles, inevitably reducing soreness and fatigue, and ideally, helping prevent long term injuries. There’s something about them that just helps you perform better. The wide flat waistband and flatlock seams are super comfortable, and they are endowed with UPF 50 sun protection. The high filament yarns are anti-microbial and moisture wicking and feature large reflective designs for safe evening runs. Buy a pair of full price Hyoptik Compression Tights and for a limited time get a $30 value top at no additional charge. 3/4 length tights, $89.95.
Vega Sport Protein Powder
With the proper nutrition both pre- and post-workout, performance soars. Vega, makers of plant-based products for healthy and convenient nutrition, has a Sport Performance Protein Powder that you should add to your wish list. 30 grams of plant protein, 6 grams of BCAAs, probiotics, turmeric powder, and tart cherry help to boost muscle recovery and build in time for your next big burn without missing a beat. Vega Sport is ideal for those following specific diets and lifestyles, made with certified vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and eco-friendly ingredients. Drink Vega Sport following a hard workout to reap the benefits. $49.99 per 19 servings, 28.3 ounces.
Cervélo P3
The P3, Cervélo’s new design that has become a favorite among triathletes and Ironman competitors, is a racing bicycle that leaves nothing to be desired. Cervélo has taken the best features uncovered throughout their years in the industry and channeled them straight into the P3 for unprecedented power, aerodynamics, and speed. Design aspects including dropped down tubes, sleek steering, and interchangeable cable management systems for easy upgrading show that attention to detail rules the game. The P3 also arrives ready for personal customization and choices, thanks to the many options on the table for frame components, size, shifters, brakes, and more. $4000 and up.
Computrainer
If you’re buying a sweet steed like the Cervélo P3 or Diamondback Andean, you’d better make it worthwhile, and the Computrainer helps cyclists get the most out of their investment through the best training technology in the industry. Simply mount your bike onto the sturdy unit, and let Computrainer’s diagnostic programs take care of the rest. Computrainer measures your strokes, spins, force, power, and more in real time as you ride, and immerses you in real courses from around the world with engaging video and animation software. Power training tools then help to identify skills that need work and push you to improve your weaknesses in the name of a better ride. $999.
The Altra Superior 3.0
The Superior from Altra — the fastest growing brand in the performance shoe space — may sound familiar. That’s because it’s back in its third award-winning iteration, with some upgrades. The new Superior 3.0 features a new midsole and outsole and a fully reinforced upper for added strength and protection. If you haven’t tried Altra trail running shoes yet, you’ll be shocked at the wide, natural splaying toe box, and the zero drop midsole that feels like you are down in the dirt. Check out the TrailClaw outsole, the unique optional StoneGuard rock plates, and rear GaiterTrap, a lightweight and secure way to keep small gaiters in place during hairy trail races. 21 mm stack height; 261 grams; $110.
Darn Tough Socks
Not only are these some of the best socks that feet will ever meet, Darn Tough comes with an unusual bonus: an unconditional lifetime guarantee. No matter what you throw at them, Darn Tough socks will survive the storm – and if they don’t, you can return them for a replacement at any point. Darn Tough manufactures in a small Vermont factory with 100 percent Merino wool. Skiers and boarders, runners, hikers, bikers, and weekend loungers can all find their perfect pair within the diverse line of socks that Darn Tough makes and tests in the intense Northeast mountains. Hiking, biking, running, skiing/riding, hunting, and lifestyle designs available. $15 – $27.
Hurricane Wetsuit
Show the waves who’s boss in your next triathlon with the ruthless Hurricane Wetsuit from TYR. Embrace full neoprene coverage with speciality stretch rubber coating, designed to promote warmth and buoyancy in the water, alongside Range of Motion Zones around your joints that enable fluid movement from neck to ankle while reducing drag. Wrist and ankle cuffs keep swimmers dry, with the added perk of quick releases on the ankles for easy removal. Elevation panels on key areas like the chest, abs, and thighs, help to retain muscle strength throughout the race and unlock speedy body positioning. Sizes XS – XXL. $749.99.
