iRudyProject

Rydon's from Rudy Project

Walking through AW Cycles about two months ago, I bump into this familiar looking girl. When she spoke, the South African accent gave it away and I knew immediately who it was. Gila Joffe. The last time the two of us met was on a trip to France in July 1992. We went there to race our bikes and to see the Tour de France. On our last day in France, Gila, myself and a few other of the guys spent over eight hours on the Champs-Élysées waiting for the riders to come in for the final stage of the Tour. If my mind serves me correctly, it was Olaf Ludwig that took the stage that day. That was over 18 years ago. And now the two of us meet up again, and in a different country. We spoke for a while and scheduled to meet up for coffee a few days later.

So when we meet up Gila and I had a good catch up on the old times and also told me of her new ventures here in the UK. The first being iRudyProject and the second ICE ID.

• iRudyProject is a UK online store dealing with all Rudy Project sunglasses and helmets. Being online, Gila is able to offer some pretty cool prices that don’t break the bank at all.
• ICE ID is also an online store that rivals that off Road ID. It is a wearable In Case of Emergency Identification product. Currently there are 5 different forms, Wrist ICE, Shoe ICE, Ankle ICE, MEDI ICE (medical alert bracelet) and a DOG TAG. The ICE ID range allows everyone no matter what their choice of outdoor activity to find a comfortable, stylish way to carry their ID at all times.

After our meeting Gila gave me a pair of Rudy Project Rydon’s with ImpactX photochromatic clear lens to wear when I go out riding. I’ve tried them out a few times and will be posting another blog piece on here of my experience with it. Make sure to look out for it.

Ride with style

Wheeltags 53x11 Coffee

It’s been a few days since I’ve actively been on twitter. Especially as yesterday was my last day in the office for this year – thank goodness! So, I decided to check out my Twitter contacts, 1) to see what the world of Twitter is up to, and 2) to see who’s who.  While there I came across a few cool names but one that really caught my eyes was Wheeltags. I clicked on their profile and decided to check out their website.

Now Wheeltags are ‘stylized wheel signatures’ that allow you to express your own personality with bold colours and some wickedly cool designs. According to the site “Wheeltags allow you to challenge the nameless rim masses and breakaway from the pack. Tag your ride with the ultimate statement of individuality and roll with style.”

Now this is quite a novel concept and one I could see myself getting hooked into. Basically, as you can see from the picture above (and below), you get these large stickers (or tags as they are referred to) in a large can (or two or four – depending on your needs) and you then stick them onto your rims. Thus allowing you to differentiate yourself amongst your friends and peers.

My favourite design - Skullz

For all you time trial freeks, no need to worry! Wheeltags have developed some tags for disc wheels too so you won’t feel left out.

Wheeltags size chart, including tags for disc wheels

Come to think of it, here’s one for you Lance: Since you are keen to promote your Livestrong brand to the world, why not get yourself a custom set of tags for your training bike? It makes so much sense!

Or if anyone from the Rock Racing management team is reading this, I suggest you get in touch with the guys at  Wheeltags and get some custom tags made for your team. You’ve got the collest looking clothing range on the pro circuit, now you just need the wheels to match.

For more pics on these cool wheel tags and the bikes they’ve been used on, click here.

Not a bad idea for a xmas pressie either?

Girls of Rock Racing

I’ve been looking at the search terms used on WordPress that have helped direct people to my blog and found that Rock Racing comes up quite a lot. Especially the ones about the Rock Racing girls. So for all you Rock Racing fans, sit back and enjoy the more glamourous side to the world of professional cycling.

The perks of pro cycling

Looking at these, I think it’s time to start convincing some of our UK teams to adopt this PR/advertising strategy

Cycle head dress

h1-designs Cycle Head dress

In my earlier post on Stuart Jeffries’, from The Guardian, article about the pros and cons of wearing a helmet. Now one of the discussion points made in his article is that cycling helmets are unfashionable for those who are cycle-chic conscious.

Well look no further. London has it’s very own fashion helmet designer in Hoai-oanh Vu of h1-designs. This British-born Vietnamese designer has created a set of hats that fit over a helmet while still keeping the cyclist glamourous on the bicycle.

According to Vu, the reflective material on the hat also enhances the cyclist’s presence during the night and it can be easily replaced with a different style to suit the wearers outfit.

So for all you fashion conscious cyclists out there who are looking for something different to wear on your head, this could be a great alternative. Plus, if you are looking for some more great clothing to wear while out on the bike, visit London Cycle Chic for some great suggestions.

Fashion rocks!

Casual Chicness

Well this is my first blog posting – so best make the most of it.

I came across a story about Danish cycle blogger, Mikael Colville-Andersen. He is the owner of the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog. In his blog he includes many images of Copenhagen girls riding around in short skirts and heels. It’s interesting to see his take on cycling in that it should not be seen as just a sport or hobby. It should be seen as a way of life. I have to agree with this. You don’t need all the ‘proper’ cycling gear to be considered a cyclist.

Although one thing I am a strong advocate of is the use of a helmet. Whether you choose to ride around in short skirts and heels or in tight lycra, a helmet is always needed. The last time I came off my bike (I was on my way to work, so dressed in suit and all), I landed up with concussion that ruled me off the bike and out of work for 5 days.

On the point of fashion and cycling, US pro team – Rock Racing – have got a wicked kit too. The striking green and black with the skull and fire coming out of the top. Very nice! Pity cycling’s #1 fashion boy Mario Cipollini is no longer with the team as they seemed to suit each other.