Bike Diva

Vincero Design Magnetic Bike Bottle Mount

I was recently contacted by Vincero Design, asking me if I'd like to test out their new hydration system. Their bottle mount system uses rare earth magnets on both the bottle and bottle mount. You attach their Edge 16 carbon composite mount to your bike frame, then attach either their 20 or 24 ounce Stratus bottle to the bottle mount. It sounded like a unique way to attach a water bottle to a bike, so I asked them to send me a sample to try out on my road bike.

 

Above: Vincero Designs Stratus 24 water bottle and Edge 16 carbon composite bottle mount.

Pros and Cons

Pro: I like the sleek design of the Edge 16 bottle mount. With the water bottle installed on the bike, that's all you see. There is no water bottle bracket sticking out from your bike frame. 

Pro: I like the Stratus 24 water bottle. It has a no spill valve, all you have to do is give a slight squeeze to get the water into your mouth. No more fumbling with opening and closing the bottle valve; instant hydration while riding.

Con: The second time I tested out this system on my road bike, I hit a bump, my knee barely brushed the bottle and the bottle got launched. Luckily I was the last one in the pace line, or the bottle might have become a liability as cyclists tried to avoid running it over.I have NEVER had a bottle eject from any of my bikes before while using a traditional water bottle holder. I currently own three bikes, a single speed cyclocross, my Trek Madone road bike and a Cervelo P2 triathlon bike. So I do quite a bit of biking and have used various hydration systems over the years but this is the first time I launched a bottle while riding.

Con: It's hard to get the bottle to sit securely in the holder. The earth magnet is quite strong, but unless you have the bottle perfectly lined up with the holder, the bottle might not be completely attached to your bike. While I'm training/racing, I don't have time to look down at my water bottle to make sure I'm placing it back on the bottle mount securely. With a regular water bottle holder you can feel when the bottle hits the top of the holder and slide the bottle in without having to look to make sure you've lined it up correctly.

Neutral: Weight savings? The Edge 16 carbon composite mount only weighs in at 16 grams. But my plastic water bottle holder only weigh 36 grams. A difference of 20 grams is just not that big a deal, sorry. Carbon fiber water bottle holders weigh around 23 grams, but usually cost a ridiculous amount of $$, so I'll stick to my plastic water bottle holders that are available in every color of the rainbow.

Above: The Bike Diva's Trek Madone 6.5 road bike. Traditional hard plastic water bottle holder on the left, Vincero Design's Edge 16 carbon composite mount and Stratus 24 bottle on the right.

Bike Diva's Final Verdict

I really do like the Vincero Design water bottle design. Their water bottles have a patented silicon valve, and doesn't leak, even when held upside down. However; I am not at all impressed with their magnetic bottle mount.

I just checked the packaging on the Edge 16 bottle mount and found the following warning:

"Always stop your bike in a safe place before attempting to remove the bottle from the mount or beginning to drink."

Really!?! What planet are you from? When I'm training and/or racing I need hydration on the go. I don't have time to stop to take a drink from my water bottle. I just grab the bottle while I'm riding. Having to stop to grab your water bottle is like cycling 101 - being a newbie and not having the skills or confidence to be able to reach down for you water bottle unless you are stopped at a stop sign or red light. Get real!

Above: Close up of traditional water bottle holder on the left and Vincero Designs Edge 16 bottle mount on the right. The Edge 16 carbon composite mount is almost invisible once you place the water bottle on the mount.

Additional Information

Vincero Design offers a hydration package which can be purchased from their website. The package includes the Stratus 24 water bottle and Edge 16 mount for a price of $46.95.

Website: www.vincero-design.com

Facebook page: Vincero Design

Contact the Bike Diva

Have you used the Edge 16 bottle mount system on your bike? I would like to hear your reviews; good or bad on how you liked the system. There are many good reviews of the system on their Facebook page, so maybe I am just the exception for not being impressed with it. But as a freelance writer, I am contacted by many companies wanting to send me their products for review. I only give my honest opinion on the products, and never sugar coat the review just because I received the product for free.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Oregon Scientific's All-Terrain Video Camera

PRESS RELEASE

Outdoor Enthusiasts Get Extreme With Oregon Scientific's New HD ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera

Upload Videos from the Slopes, Waves, Road, or Trails to Facebook for a Chance to Win

TUALATIN, Ore., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Camcorders and camera phones step aside, because there is a new way to capture video - in high-definition! - even when scuba diving or jumping out of a plane 12,500 feet above the earth's surface. Oregon Scientific, a leading designer and worldwide marketer of personal electronics, today announced the launch of its highly anticipated ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera, the next generation of the award-winning ATC line of action cameras. This easy-to-use, waterproof and shock-resistant camera can be strapped to a helmet, handlebars, surfboard, or snowboard, so it can follow athletes places they wouldn't dare bring a normal camera - and shoots in high-definition. Beginning today, extreme sport enthusiasts can share videos of their own outdoor adventures on Facebook for a chance to win a Grand Prize Package valued at $750.

The trouble with capturing extreme sports on video is that most cameras can't handle the dirt, grime, or water - and holding the camera steady is an even bigger challenge. The compact ATC9K, however, features a built-in G-sensor that measures the force of gravity during acceleration, deceleration and hang time, allowing users to record and review every detail of their performance. A laser pointer on the camera also helps users line up the camera, so they never miss a moment of the action. Designed for the rugged adventure, the ATC9K does not sacrifice function over form - it features full 1080p professional quality HD video, shoots up to 60 frames per second, has 130 degree wide field of view, captures 5-megapixels photos, and has a built-in color LCD display that allows users to preview and play back videos.

Through September 30th, ATC fans can get in on the action by uploading their own videos to Facebook and sharing the mud, sweat, and glory of their own outdoor conquests. From dirt-biking to sea kayaking, the ATC9K can capture it all - even up to 65 feet under water. Video submissions that meet contest terms and conditions will be narrowed down to the top five videos. The winning videos will be selected by a panel of judges and prize packages include one Grand Prize package valued at $750 and one Runner-up prize package valued at $350.

The ATC9K is also compatible with a unique GPS plug-in (sold separately with availability in October) that enables PC-users to map their location, speed and distance travelled on their computer during playback using Google Maps or Google Earth. While watching the video clip playback on a computer, users can view corresponding location, acceleration and altitude displayed on the map. Outdoor enthusiasts, trainers, and sports lovers alike can view or edit footage on single screen with this useful tool and keep track of each wilderness trail, road race, or coastline.

The ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera is currently available for the suggested retail price of $299.99 at www2.oregonscientific.com and includes a remote control, a USB cable for connecting to a PC or Mac, and an HDMI cable for HD playback on a TV. A Velcro® strap, handle bar, helmet grip, and silicon strap mounting accessories are also included.

For more information about Oregon Scientific, visit http://www2.oregonscientific.com/.

About Oregon Scientific

Founded in 1989, Oregon Scientific is headquartered in Tualatin; a quaint suburb of beautiful Portland, Oregon. Oregon Scientific offers six families of products, ranging from Youth & Learning to Sports & Fitness. Built from its hallmark of timing and weather devices, Oregon Scientific is expanding to meet the diverse needs of its customers to enhance the way we live, work and play. Consider Oregon Scientific's products to be Innovating the Everyday.

Oregon Scientific is a division of one of the world's premier electronics manufacturers, Integrated Display Technology, Ltd. (IDT), based in Hong Kong. IDT was founded in 1977 and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as IDT Technology and on the Singapore Exchange as I-Com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100730/NE43403
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100730/NE43403

Source: Oregon Scientific

CONTACT: Mike Rush, 360 Public Relations, +1-617-585-5792,
[email protected]

Web Site: http://www2.oregonscientific.com/

Profile Design Aerodrink VS Aquacell

Profile Designs hydration systems: Aerodrink and Aquacell.

I'm relatively new to owning a triathlon bike. I just purchased mine the end of October, 2009, after racing my first season of duathlons. I'm still figuring out all the bells and whistles to add/subtract to the bike, a Cervelo P2C, as I learn more about the multisport lifestyle. 

The smaller reservoir in the Aquacell is removable. You could fill this cell with water, freeze it overnight, then place it in the Aquacell on the way to your race or training session. This would be a great way to keep your fluids cool.

Aerobar Hydration Systems

I mostly race in sprint duathlons and have been using Profile Designs Aerodrink hydration system, which fits between my aerobars. I've been trying to figure out a way to carry more fluid on my tri bike for my longer training rides and races. I'll be doing the 1/2 Ironman duathlon at Miami Man on November 14, which is a 1 mile run - 56 mile bike - 13.1 run event.

I did Miami Man for the first time last year, just a couple of weeks after getting my new tri bike. I know, you're not supposed to go into your key race of the year with new equipment, but what the heck, timing and budget just worked out that way. I placed 3rd Female Masters at  the 2009 Miami Man, not too shabby for someone that just started racing in duathlons in February, 2009.

Smaller Aerodrink installed between aerobars.

Affordable Hydration

I went through a ton of fluid during the 56 mile bike portion of Miami Man. It was a really windy day with winds averaging between 18-21 MPH, don't know if that was why I went through so much fluid? It really wasn't that hot out, even by south Florida standards. I am looking for a better way to hydrate without having to stop at every rest stop during the bike ride. I am a bit tight on money right now and had been looking at the Speedfill system and X-labs behind the seat water bottle carriers. But both of those options are over $100 by the time you add all the necessary components.

Larger Aquacell system installed between aerobars.

Profile Designs Hydration Systems

I noticed that my local bike shop, Racer's Edge in Boca Raton, carried Profile Designs dual reservoir Aquacell hydration system. The price was right, MSRP of $34.95 and Racer's Edge price was only $28.75.The guys at Racer's Edge said there might not be enough room between my aerobars to install the Aquacell and to bring my tri bike in to make sure it would fit before buying it.

Vince Damiani at Racer's Edge slightly tweaked my aerobars open just a hair so that the larger Aquacell would fit between my aerobars. I can still use the smaller Aerodrink during my shorter training rides and sprint races. I like having the option to use either system. I plan to carry electrolyte solution in the large compartment, and water in the smaller compartment. When I eat a gel pack, shot block or other solid food, I would rather wash it down with a bit of plain water rather than a flavored electrolyte drink. Lemon lime sports drink mixed with coffee flavored gel is just kind of gross if you want my personal opinion.

Comparison of the Two Hydration Systems

Profile Design Aerodrink

• MSRP: $19.95
• Weight: 171 grams
• Capacity: 32 fluid ounces
• Details: single reservoir cell
• Cap: use with black plastic cap, or yellow plastic net "sponge" AKA splash guard

Profile Design Aquacell

• MSRP: $34.95
• Weight: 310 grams
• Capacity: 50 ounces total; 35 ounces large reservoir, 15 ounces small reservoir
• Details: two reservoir cells; capable of carrying two separate fluids such as water and an electrolyte sports drink
• Cap: use with black plastic cap, or yellow plastic net "sponge" AKA splash guard

Aerodrink bracket by Profile Designs. Attaches between aerobars using Velcro.

Aero Bracket Option

If your triathlon bike has narrow set aerobars, then you should be able to use either of these hydration systems without any additional equipment. Just use a pair of Velcro straps or a couple of industrial strength rubber bands to attach the water bottle between the aerobars. If your tri bike has wider aerobars, you will need to add the Aero Bracket to be able to use either of these hydration systems. I had to have the Profile Design aerobracket fitted to my Cervelo P2C, with a suggested retail price of $11.95. This added another 31 grams of weight to my tri bike.

Additional Information

Once I've gotten a few test rides in using the new Aquacell, I'll post up another review to Bike Diva.

Visit Profile Design online: www.profile-design.com

Facebook: Profile Design

Profile Design products can be found at many bike shops and online retailers such as Nashbar or Tri Sports.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Bike Diva's YouTube Channel

On April 29, I blogged about getting setup to be a Go Pro video camera affiliate. I started the Bike Diva blog back in January, 2008. I never thought I would add videos to any of my blog posts. For some reason, I thought the learning curve for figuring out how to use the video camera and editing software would be a bit steep.

But I recently became an affiliate for Go Pro camera. As an affiliate, I was able to purchase a camera for myself at a really great discount. So I decided to take the plunge and learn how to use a video camera and editing software.

Bike Diva on YouTube

I want to start taking videos of my bike races, bike workouts and duathlon races. I've got two videos, so far, uploaded to my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBikediva

I'm using the Go Pro high definition video camera to shoot the videos and CyberLink PowerDirector Pro software to edit the videos. CyberLink allows you to edit the raw video footage, add music, titles, etc... and then upload the video directly to my YouTube channel. Pretty cool.

Bike Diva's Videos

Here are the two videos I've shot using the Go Pro camera:

This video was shot with the Go Pro camera attached to my bike helmet. I'm riding my triathlon bike in this video.

This video was shot with the Go Pro camera attached to my road bike handlebars.

Do you add videos to your blogs? What kind of camera and editing software do you use?

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Evans Cycles Sponsors Bike Diva Blog

I'd like to offer a big hello and warm welcome to Evans Cycles. They are the latest company to come on board to sponsor the Bike Diva blog.

Evans Cycles is a UK based cycle shop specializing in BMX bikes.

"With some of the biggest personalities in the cycling industry, we pride ourselves on supplying you with the best in BMX. With complete setups from the likes of Fit BMX Co., WeThePeople, GT and Hoffman Bikes, no matter if you're at home at the local trails, on the streets or at your neighbourhood ramp farm, Evans Cycles have the BMX bike for you"

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Go Pro Video Camera for Sports Enthusiasts

ABOUT GoPro:

GoPro has been around since 2005. We are a Northern California-based team of inventors and athletes dedicated to making it easy to take pov video & photos during sports activities.

We make the world's #1 selling wearable camera for sports. The HERO Camera mounts to helmets, surfboards, cars, motorcycles, bikes, handlebars, your head, chest….you name it.

ABOUT THE HERO CAMERA:

• #1 selling wearable digital camera for sports in the world.
• Available in standard definition & 1080p HD versions
• Shoots up to 4 hrs of 1080p HD video and takes 5 MP still time lapse photos while you play
• Industry-leading 170 Wide angle model, or 54 normal lens cameras available.
• Shockproof & waterproof up to 180 ft!
• The toughest, most versatile HD camcorder on the market, period.
• Quick-release mounting accessories available for almost any surface.
• In a nutshell, this camera is revolutionizing the video market for outdoor sports, extreme sports, & adventure travel.

Welcome Newest Bike Diva Blog Sponsor

I'd like to welcome Biking.com as our latest Bike Diva blog sponsor. Biking.com is an online source for all kinds of biking equipment and gear including mountain bikes, urban bikes, road bikes and cycling parts and accessories.

Go to their Bike Learning Center to find information on bike frame manufacturers, bike gear manufacturers, researching bike frames and researching bike parts and gear.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Lead Paint Bicycle Bell Recall

PRESS RELEASE

Do It Best Recalls Bicycle Bells Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

 Name of product: Bicycle Bells
 Units: About 1,000
 Distributor: Do It Best Corp., of Fort Wayne, Ind.
 Manufacturer: Botou Baite Bike Bell Co. Ltd., of Botou City, China

Hazard: The red paint on the bicycle bells contains excessive lead levels, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves children's bicycle bells. The bells are red, black and white and has "I (heart) My Bike" printed on the top. The green and white packaging reads "bike bell" and "$1."

Sold at: Dollar Stores and Do It Best Hardware stores nationwide from August 2008 through August 2009 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the bicycle bells and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Do It Best Hardware toll-free at (877) 326-8954 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.doitbest.com. Consumers can also email the firm at [email protected].

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 or visit CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information on CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

 Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 326-8954
 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CONTACT: CPSC Media Contact: +1-301-504-7908

Web Site: http://www.cpsc.gov/

Bike Diva is Grease Monkey Wipes Affiliate

I've blogged about Grease Monkey Wipes a couple of times on Bike Diva. The founders of Grease Monkey Wipes, Erin Whalen and Tim Stansbury, recently appeared on ABC's Shark Tank to request corporate funding, to make their company bigger and better. They were successful, and obtained their funding - way to go!!!!!

Grease Monkey Wipes are individually packaged cleaning wipes that use an all-natural, citrus formula to handle heavy duty cleaning. Each non-toxic, pre-moistened wipe can easily remove grease, grime, oil, tar, ink, adhesives, and other stubborn messes.

Read my complete blog post: Review of Grease Monkey Wipes, which I wrote back in November, 2009.

Bike Diva has just become a Grease Monkey Wipes affiliate. GMW are a terrific product, I always keep a few in my bike bag for a quick clean up after changing a flat tire. Click here to visit Grease Monkey Wipes

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Video Review of CycleOps Joule 2.0

ABOVE: CycleOps Joule 2.0 and Joule 3.0

Jeff Helfand, of VeloReviews, commented on my recent blog post about being sponsored by Saris Cycling Group. He mentioned that he shot a video with Saris, at Interbike 2009, and that I was welcome to post a link to the video on Bike Diva.

The video shows a review of the Saris Solo bike rack and the CycleOps Joule 2.0 cycle computer.

Thanks for the video link Jeff!

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva