By Cid Cardoso, Jr.
Once in a while a product hits the market that is life-changing. I still remember when I saw pictures of the first pair of aerobars in the mid-’80s, followed by an article on how an unknown pro rode almost 3 minutes faster than the favorites in a 40k time trial. I also remember when I used my first pair of Look clipless pedals, and ditched the toe cages and straps forever. It was like the sky opened up and the seas parted.
Swimming, cycling and running (and triathlons) have seen numerous innovations throughout the last four decades. Some have revolutionized the sports, while others were quickly forgotten. However, there have always been interesting gadgets or simple products that emerge into the category of “not essential but nice to have.” The following are three such examples that I’ve come across these last few months.
Veiss AC-O2 Tire Levers
I first saw a prototype of these more than a year ago and was immediately intrigued. These are essentially tire levers with a molded cylindrical body that fit around a CO2 cartridge. The idea is to integrate two basic tools, a CO2 pump and a tire lever, required in changing a tire out on the road into fewer moving and separate parts.
I found that the AC-O2 levers work as marketed. They slide and “snap” securely around a 16g CO2 cartridge and work like any other tire lever for removing the tire. The CO2 cylinder is designed to be used with the lever when removing the tire so that it provides a thicker and more substantial grip than most other levers in the market, and improves the overall rigidity. The lever is made out of a durable glass-filled nylon, which is light and does not break. It also provides thermal insulation to protect the hand from the cold while emptying the cartridge. It is important, though, to slide the cartridge the correct way in order to allow for easy removal. Sliding in the opposite way will still work but will require significantly more force or tools to get it out. (Just watch the 30-second video on their website and you will be set to go.)
I especially liked these levers when using my tri bike where the CO2 cartridges are carried attached to an XNut in the back of an XLab “behind the saddle water bottle holder” (instead of inside a nicely sealed saddle bag). The AC-O2 levers simply click around the cartridges and remain there until needed, and in my experience so far, even on the bumpiest of roads.
Note that for those who like to hook one tire lever to the spokes while using the other one to pop out the remainder of the tire bead, these levers do not provide such an option. Hence the rider needs to be experienced enough to remove the tire with a lever that does not have the little hooks. Also, they definitely cost more than your average $2.99-$4.99 tire levers (for a set of two or three). These sell for $8.99 for one unit or $14.99 for a pack of two.
Soda Car Seat Cover (Soaked Or Dirty Athlete)
The Soda Car Seat Cover protects the upholstery in your car from stains, odors and moisture while transporting wet and dirty creatures (athletes or pets). The story behind the creation of this product is a familiar one: Mom takes her son home from a soccer game during a North Carolina summer, and later sits on the same car seat dressed up for dinner only to find that her bottom and back are wet and stinky. The entrepreneurial mom then develops a cover that is easy to install and remove, and that can be washed and used repeatedly.
Most of us who work out in hot weather have had the same experience. I suspect that most do as I’ve done for years: bring towels to sit on. However, most of us have also come to adjust the number of towels needed to the time of the year and length of the workout: Short bike ride in March, one towel will do. Long run in July, bring three towels or don’t sit on that seat for a few hours.
I found the Soda Car Seat Cover to be as easy to install as they claim, taking no more than 20 seconds to secure. The Velcro slit that fits around a headrest and secures it in place is a clever and simple solution to the towel sliding down the seat during driving. Removing it is just as simple and quick. It works on pretty much any car seat that has a headrest.
Just as important, it worked as advertised to protect the seats against moisture and dirt. The thick towel-like soft-top layer absorbed the moisture and kept the seat comfortable while the nylon-like bottom layer prevented the moisture from soaking through. This material is called PUL, or poly urethane laminate, and the makers of the Soda Car Seat Cover claim that it’s completely waterproof. I actually expected the bottom layer to be more rubber-like, but so far this PUL layer has protected my seat adequately. We’ll see during the coming 90-plus degree days. Throwing it in the washing machine with other color apparel and tumble drying it were also critical convenience characteristics to me.
Note that even though the Soda Car Seat Cover does not necessarily need to be washed after every use, it will take a little time to dry when sat on by a heavy sweater. The manufacturer’s recommendation is to wash as often as the user feels necessary. I would imagine that even though washing every day can be a little bit of pain for those of us who work out on a daily basis, doing so will help prevent caked dirt from accumulating and odor from setting in. At $29, it’s a little more than the cost of a towel but not expensive by any means. I know my wife is happy that I’m no longer stinking up our beach towels.
Klitch
Sounds like cartoon character or superhero sidekick, but this product is a footwear clip that holds the right and left shoes together, making it easier to carry or hang them. It works on pretty much every shoe for the active individual, including running shoes, boots, cleats, spikes and even flip-flops. It is lightweight, portable and easy to use.
The Klitch was invented by two Rutgers grads who liked to play sports and work out, and who thought that there had to be a better way, in this case to deal with the trouble of carrying wet, stinky dirty shoes around. They came up with this molded plastic vice-like clip that slides open and then latches, securely holding both shoes together by the heel. The clip is attached to a 5-inch nylon strap that has a carabineer at the other. This allows the user to carry the shoes without touching them, or to clip them to a bag, eliminating the need to put them inside. Furthermore, it can be attached practically anywhere to maximize storage space.
I immediately liked the simplicity of the Klitch and the more I use it the more uses I find. Being able to take off sweaty, stinky running shoes and attach them to the Klitch and then simply hanging them up in the garage to dry is a nice convenience. Also, attaching them to a bag makes it much easier to deal with stinky shoes to and from workouts. I’m actually considering getting one for my son to use with his soccer cleats, not only to deal with the dirt and stink but also to make sure that the left and right shoes always stay together. Sounds silly but it’s not uncommon for a 12-year-old boy to easily find one shoe while spending 20 minutes looking for the other one! The Klitch comes in a variety of different colors and sells for $14.99.
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Cid Cardoso, Jr., owner of Inside Out Sports, has been doing triathlons for more than 20 years. In October 2011, he competed in his 26th Ironman – his eighth appearance at Kona. A veteran of ultramarathons, he has competed in Team RAAM twice. He has seen equipment evolve with the sport and continues to test new products to assess their impact on performance. He trains, works, and resides in Cary with his wife, two daughters, and son. You can reach him at cidjr@insideoutsports.com.
