Our very first and most important product sponsor, IBEX is core to the TATI aesthetic and identity. Say what you will about the proliferation of $300+ European technical-compression-gel bibs, but I'd never trade my trusty El Fito knickers for even the finest that Assos or Castelli has to offer. IBEX wool combines the best of both worlds, adding a tiny bit of lycra to many of their garments in just the right locations, to make for a more form fitting and comfortable silhouette.
IBEX garments are designed and sewn in their Vermont factory using only the finest New Zealand merino wool. And unlike their competitors, sartorial style and the highest level of fit and finish can be had without costing the world.
Team TATI members ride and race in IBEX shorts, knickers, bibs, warmers, jerseys, jackets, and caps. | | | | mer bagsHailing from Brooklyn and new for 2010, mer bags are the bee's knees when it comes to custom cycling receptacles. Sturdy, minimalist, and stylish -- without attitude. That's mer. It's a one man show, and the bags take a while to make, but they are worth it.
The kids can't wait to get their paws on our orange-on-orange-on-orange backpacks and messenger bags. | Giro Helmets & Gloves They may be the 800 pound gorilla on the skid lid scene, but Giro continues to deliver and innovate season after season. Their designs are a little conservative, and I could certainly use a bug net, but I've got to hand it to a company who produces its high end molds in three sizes, and has the guts to sell a $230 helmet in a black-on-black colorway.
The new Prolight looks just like helmets costing 1/10th as much, and that's just the way I like it.
And I dare you not to love the Giro Lusso perforated leather mitts. Really, I dare you. | | |
| Velocity RimsWhy have pro shops stopped building wheels?
Many would point to the dramatic improvements that Mavic and others have brought to the midrange prefab clincher market. And surely, this is a very big reason. But there are others, like the shortage of skilled wheelbuilders, or the appalling lack of product knowledge held by many high end customers, or plain old laziness (both on the part of mechanics and riders alike). I suppose at the end of the day, it comes down to time and money, and it's a lot easier to make a stack of Benjamins by selling a fellow a box of Ksyriums rather than designing, lacing, building, tensioning, destressing, and truing, a set of straight up and down, perfect hoops.
Velocity is an Aussie company that produces a really, really, really great product. And when you take a really good product and put it in the hands of a really good mechanic, sometimes you get magic. And I'd rather ride magic than Ksyriums, is all I'm saying. | TIME PedalsCompetitors would make pedals choice out to be something like politics or religion -- it's something you really don't discuss in polite society, because you're not going to change anyone's mind. And, you know, that's really kind of a shame, because the vast majority of riders are using the wrong pedal system.
There are demonstrable and genuine differences between the popular offerings. And sadly, even when folks do try to compare systems, they are dealing with the wrong metrics.
TIME has the lowest stack height, most flexible angular and lateral float, and most importantly, the highest quality bearings and longest lasting cleats.
And really, how often in life can we honestly say that a French product is best in class? Outside of artisinal cheeses and, perhaps, women's fashion magazines? Not too often. | |
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