Bike Diva

Springer Exerciser Helps Bicyclists & Their Dogs Stay Fit

PRESS RELEASE

Springer America's Improved Dog Exerciser Helps Bicyclists and Their Dogs Stay Fit Popular bike attachment now fits more bicycle makes/models and works with more dog sizes

RALEIGH, N.C., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Used successfully by over 500,000 dog-loving bicyclists, mushers and K9 corps around the world, the Springer bicycle attachment that allows cyclists to exercise themselves and their pets at the same time is now available through Springer America (http://www.springeramerica.com/), recently named exclusive North American importer.

The Springer uses a low-mounted, heavy-duty steel spring to absorb up to 90% of the force of a dog's unexpected tugs, allowing bike riders to keep their balance, while protecting their dogs from traffic, pedals, and wheels. In addition, the patented safety release frees the dog instantly if he gets caught around a tree or hydrant. In the latest innovation, a new Z-shaped adaptor was designed to give the user greater flexibility in where the Springer fits on the bike.

Because it can attach either higher or lower on the frame than before, the Springer will work with more bicycle makes/models and a wider range of dog sizes than was possible previously. Manufactured in Norway, the Springer offers easy installation and an option to exercise two dogs simultaneously.

According to Springer America President, Kjell Ottesen, a native Norwegian, "We are very excited to be able to offer American and Canadian cyclists the opportunity to bring together two of their greatest loves - their bikes and their dogs. We encourage users to send us photos of themselves and their dogs using the Springer and we will post some of them on our new website at www.springeramerica.com."

Springer fits most regular, touring, and mountain bikes. All Springer components carry a 30-day money back guarantee, with a limited lifetime warranty on all metal parts.

For more information, visit www.springeramerica.com or call 919-616-0532. To watch the Springer in use, see a QuickTime movie at http://springeramerica.storesecured.com/video/springer%20movies%20sm.mov

About Springer America
Springer America, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, sells a full line of Springer products - including the new black and traditional chrome models and the Springer Arm that allows a cyclist to add a second Springer and ride with two dogs - through its website, www.springeramerica.com.

Founder Kjell Ottesen, a native Norwegian who moved to the United States ten years ago, is committed to customer service and welcomes telephone inquiries from retailers and consumers at 919-616-0532.

Source: Springer America
CONTACT: Kjell Ottesen, President, +1-919-616-0532, kjell@springeramerica.com; Ellen Zimmerman, President, The Zimmerman Group, +1-540-722-8888, ez@zimm.com Web Site: http://www.springeramerica.com/

Electra Bicycle Recall

PRESS RELEASE

Electra Bicycle Company Recalls Bicycles with Front Trays; Trays Can Come Loose and Pose Fall Hazard to Riders

WASHINGTON, March 11 /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: 2009 Model Electra Bicycles with Front Trays
 Units: About 3,000
 Importer: Electra Bicycle Company LLC, of Vista, Calif.

Hazard:
The front tray on the bicycle can come loose and contact the front tire, posing a fall hazard to riders.

Incidents/Injuries:
Electra Bicycle has received four reports of the front tray coming loose, including one incident that resulted in minor cuts and bruises.

Description:
This recall involves the following Electra 2009 model bicycles: Delivery 3i, Delivery 8D, Holiday 3i and Surf 3i. Bicycles with trays connected to the fork crown with a bolt passing fully through the tab are not included in the recall.

Sold by:
Authorized Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide from October 2008 through February 2009 for between $600 and $750.

Manufactured in:
Taiwan

Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact an Electra Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact:
For additional information, contact Electra Bicycle at (800) 261-1644 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.electrabike.com.

Recall on Cannondale Road Bikes

PRESS RELEASE

Cannondale Recalls Road Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, March 17 /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: 2009 Six 5, Six 6, Six Carbon 5 and Six Carbon 6 Bicycles

 Units: About 1,300

 Importer: Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, of Bethel, Conn.

Hazard:
The bicycles fail to meet the federal safety standard for bicycles. Spoke protector discs, required on bicycles to prevent the bicycle chain from interfering or suddenly stopping the wheel, are missing from these bicycles. This poses a fall hazard to the rider.

Incidents/Injuries:
None reported.

Description:
The following Cannondale bicycles are included in the recall. "Six" is printed on the bicycle's top tube and "Cannondale" is printed on the down tube.

 Bicycle Name (2009 Models)    Bicycle Model Number
 Six 5               9RCT5D
 Six 5 Compact           9RCT5C
 Six 6               9RCT6D
 Six 6 Triple           9RCT6T
 Six Carbon 5           9RSX5D
 Six Carbon 5 Compact       9RSX5C
 Six Carbon 6 Compact       9RSX6C

Sold at:
Authorized Cannondale dealers nationwide from October 2008 through February 2009 for between $1,500 and $2,100.

Manufactured in:
Taiwan

Remedy:
Consumers should stop using the recalled bicycles immediately and contact any authorized Cannondale bicycle dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact:
For additional information, contact Cannondale at (800) 245-3872 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit Cannondale's Web site at www.cannondale.com.

eSoles 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System

PRESS RELEASE

eSoles Announces Installation of First 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System at the Cycle Loft, a Premier Boston Area Bicycle Retailer High-Tech Based Footbed System To Offer Consumers First Ever In-store Access to eFit Semi-Custom Footbed in Less Than 5 Minutes

BOSTON and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- eSoles(R) Custom Footbeds, the world's leading authority in the science and development of semi-custom and custom footbeds, and the Cycle Loft, a Boston area nexus for all things cycling, today announced the long awaited public unveiling of eSoles' revolutionary 3D TruCapture(R) Kiosk Scanning System in conjunction with the unveiling of eSoles' eFit(TM) semi-custom footbeds. The Cycle Loft is the first retailer in the United Sates, and in fact the world, to offer eFit to the mass market.

"Over the last 15 years I've tried so many different footbeds looking for that 'one' that would consistently improve my cycling comfort and performance, but all proved disappointing in one way or another," said Jeff Palter, President of The Cycle Loft. "When I first saw the eSoles kiosk and ePro footbeds in September 2007 -- I knew this was 'it;' I simply had to have this machine in my store. The eSoles technology will allows us to take the guesswork out of the equation when providing footbed solutions, not only for cyclists, but also for runners, golfers, and others to come. To have footbeds that we know will fit in your shoe and are correct for your feet--that's incredible. It is truly an astonishing breakthrough."

Through years of fitting customers with ePro footbeds, eSoles has retained the largest database of 3D foot images in the world, allowing it to perfect the development and science behind its eFit semi-custom footbeds. By comparing customer foot scans to the database, the 3D TruCapture kiosk can direct the Cycle Loft's store personnel to construct an eFit footbed using unique modular components that are tailored to the customer's foot. The global availability of eSoles' 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System follows several years of development and sales of the company's flagship ePro(R) custom footbed, which has helped improve the performance and results of hundreds of professional athletes, including most recently Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie and Jason McCartney, who won 1st and 2nd places and King of the Mountain respectively in the 2009 Amgen(R) Tour of California road cycling race.

"The eSoles 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System is the first self-service kiosk in the world to allow everyday consumers and athletes to utilize sophisticated foot scanning technology in such a user-friendly way," said Glen Hinshaw, CEO of eSoles. "Now with the eFit and the ePro, consumers have the choice of the ultimate semi-custom or custom foot support tailored to their budgets and needs. Our kiosk provides retailers like the Cycle Loft with the ultimate customized footbed solution to enhance their customer experience and sales."

Pricing and Availability
eSoles' 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System is available now to approved licensed dealers. Special financing packages can be arranged with eSoles' business affiliate, Global Swift Funding (www.gsfusa.com). Suggested retail prices for each pair of eFit semi-custom and ePro custom footbeds are $69.99 (U.S.) and $249.99 (U.S.) respectively.

About the Cycle Loft:
The Cycle Loft, located in Burlington, MA has been a fixture on the Boston and New England cycling scene since 1976. Based out of a 16,000 square foot retail store, the Cycle Loft has always excelled at taking the art and science of bicycle retailing to the next level. With only the top names in cycling products, displayed in a modern and efficient showroom, the Cycle Loft has redefined the notion of your local "bike shop." With new ownership, 2006 marked the beginning of a new era for the Loft, with a renewal of focus and dedication to offering products, services, and personal expertise found at few other retailers.

The addition of the eSole 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System is the latest in a series of strategic moves made by store owner Jeff Palter, which included adding a full-time national-caliber coach to the Cycle Loft staff, who aims to bring to Boston the most exciting cycling innovations available. The Cycle Loft's continuing success is predicated on the passion and dedication Jeff and his staff brings to cycling as a sport and a lifestyle.

About eFit and the 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System:
Replacing art with science, the 3D TruCapture Kiosk Scanning System is the only one of its kind that scans the foot with a Bio-Dynamic air pillow to get a truly three dimensional scan and includes a touch screen computer monitor, a pressure mat, an air bladder foot receiver and a 3D image scanner and printer. The self-service kiosk can be utilized in virtually any retail setting and allows consumers to receive a complex scan of their foot.

The kiosk then creates a personalized printout that the consumer can present to a participating retailer to purchase either an eFit footbed in less than five minutes or an ePro footbed within a week. The ePro product is a fully customized footbed that the customer can order from the company's production facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, and receive within five to seven business days.

About eSoles Custom Footbeds:
eSoles, LLC, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has the only direct, non-weight bearing 3D TruCapture imaging technology for custom and semi-custom insole production. eSoles makes custom insoles for cycling, running, walking, skiing, hiking, golf and dress shoes, and can currently be found in the footwear of world-class athletes and Olympians across various sports.

eSoles custom footbeds are currently available through authorized dealers throughout the country and at eSoles' corporate offices in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information on eSoles and a list of dealers, go to www.esoles.com.

 

Salsa Bicycles Recall

PRESS RELEASE Salsa Bicycles Recalls Bicycles; Handlebar Stems Can Break Causing Rider to Fall

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 /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: Handlebar Stems Used on Salsa Bicycles

 Units: About 8,600

Importer:
Salsa Bicycles, a subsidiary of Quality Bicycle Products, of Bloomington, Minn.

Hazard:
The handlebar stems can crack or break, posing a fall hazard to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries:
Salsa Bicycles has received three reports of handlebar stems breaking. One incident resulted in a rider suffering a broken wrist.

Description:
This recall involves all CroMoto S.U.L. stems sold as individual aftermarket units and on these models of complete Salsa bicycles: Ala Carte, El Mariachi, Casseroll Triple, Casseroll Single and La Cruz. The aftermarket stems are black and have the word "Salsa" painted on the extension. The complete bike stems are painted to match the bike model color and have the word "Salsa" painted on the extension. The recalled stems range from 75 through 105-degree rise and extension length from 90 to 120mm.

Please visit the firm's web site at www.salsacromotostem.com for a complete list of model numbers and names included in this recall.

Sold by:
Specialty bicycle retailers nationwide from November 2007 through December 2008 for between $880 and $1870 for complete bikes. The aftermarket stems were sold at specialty bicycle retailers nationwide and via web sites from March 2008 through December 2008 for between $60 and $65.

Manufactured in:
Taiwan

Remedy:
Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately and contact an authorized Salsa Bicycles dealer for a free inspection and replacement stem.

Consumer Contact:
For additional information, contact Salsa Bicycles toll-free at (877) 774-6208 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.salsacromotostem.com.

Dynacraft Chainless Bicycle Collection

PRESS RELEASE

Dynacraft Announces 2009 Sonoma Chainless Bicycle Collection

AMERICAN CANYON, Calif., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Dynacraft's Specialty Retail Group announced the 2009 Sonoma Chainless Bicycle Collection. Encouraged by the growing trend in chainless bicycling, the innovative Sonoma line is dedicated to sharing the benefits of chainless riding with its consumers. Thousands of people have already joined the "chainless evolution" in bicycling.

Many chain-related issues - such as messy cleaning rituals, slipped chains, and greasy gears - are now a thing of the past to these riders. More and more bicycle enthusiasts are discovering that owning and riding a chainless bicycle is easier and, ultimately, more fun. Dynacraft is no stranger to chainless technology.

Committed to providing bicycle riders with innovative new products, the trusted bicycle distributor unveiled some of the first chainless bicycles with its Dekra line in 2006. The stylish and efficient Sonoma Chainless Bicycle Collection is a logical extension of that same engineering. The technologically advanced design of the Sonoma's Chainless D-Drive uses a drive shaft to transmit power from the bike pedals to the rear wheel, eliminating the need for a chain entirely. This advanced system requires minimal maintenance, and is cleaner, safer, and longer-lasting than the traditional bicycle chain system.

"The needs of bike riders are continually changing," noted Dynacraft Managing Director John Bisges, "and Sonoma's new Chainless Bicycle Collection is reflective of that. For over three generations, our company has prided itself on delivering groundbreaking bicycle designs to our customers. We immediately saw the inherent benefits in a chainless system and became one of the first major distributors to share this innovative technology with our riders." "We're always looking to give our consumers a more reliable and enjoyable ride," Bisges continued, "and Sonoma's Chainless D-Drive replaces the parts of a bike that cause the most problems - the chain and derailleur."

And the benefits don't end with the progressive Sonoma D-Drive. Like all of Dynacraft products, every Sonoma Chainless Bicycle has been custom created for its consumer. The upright ergonomic design provides increased comfort for adult riders while reducing strain on the lower back. Sonoma also continues to offer great components, sophisticated styling and superior value to its consumers. The 2009 Sonoma Chainless Bicycle Collection marks the second successful launch from Dynacraft's Specialty Retail Group.

In 2007, Dynacraft entered into an exclusive licensing partnership with skateboarding legend and alternative sports innovator, Tony Hawk. Under this agreement, Dynacraft energized the category by creating a trend-setting and dynamic line of bicycles under the "Tony Hawk Huckjam" brand. Continuing to push forward, Dynacraft is now inviting riders to view the complete portfolio of Sonoma Chainless Bicycle products online at www.sonomabike.com. There, they can access specification details, experience the state-of-the-art e-store and join the chainless evolution.

About Dynacraft SRG
Dynacraft SRG (Specialty Retail Group) combines the design and distribution expertise of Dynacraft BSC, Inc. with the advanced technological and manufacturing capabilities of its supplier. Dynacraft SRG provides sporting goods and specialty retailers, as well as consumers, with technologically advanced product lines that deliver superior value versus competition.

Dynacraft BSC, Inc. is a leading U.S. bicycle distributor. Employing a vertically integrated business approach designed to ensure quality control at every step of the process, the company distributes bikes each year to customers that include Academy Sports, Amazon.com, Target, Toys R Us and Wal-Mart, to name a few. Dynacraft BSC, Inc. and Dynacraft SRG maintain corporate headquarters and warehouse operations in American Canyon, California. For additional information, please go to www.dynacraftbike.com.

eSoles Sponsors Ouch Cycling Team

PRESS RELEASE

eSoles Custom Footbeds Sponsors OUCH Pro Cycling Team in America's Largest Road Cycling Race Team of Twelve Pro Cyclists Outfitted With eFit Customized Cycling Footbeds As They Compete in Amgen Tour of California

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- eSoles(R) Custom Footbeds, the world's leading authority in the science and development of semi-custom and custom footbeds, today announced that it is an official sponsor of the OUCH(R) Professional Cycling Team presented by Maxxis in the 2009 Amgen(R) Tour of California road cycling race, which takes place over the course of 750 miles from Sacramento to Escondido, February 14 - 22, 2009.

eSoles performed foot scans on the team, including members Floyd Landis, Rory Sutherland, and Tim Johnson, using the company's new 3D TruCapture(R) Kiosk Scanning System, at the team's training camp in Temecula, California. Team members are outfitted with eSoles' eFit(TM) semi-customized cycling footbeds, which place the cyclists' feet in proper alignment, helping them apply optimum power and reducing back and joint stress during the upcoming race session.

"Bike riders' contact points with a bicycle are critical in delivering maximum power, while maintaining comfort, and that is why we sought out eSoles as a key partner to the OUCH Professional Cycling Team," said Thierry Attias, president of Momentum Sports Group, LLC, which owns and operates the team. "No two pairs of feet are the same, so why should performance and comfort be compromised with uniformly built shoes? eSoles helps us win by making certain our athletes deliver 100% of their power output to the bike while staying comfortable."

"The decision by the OUCH Professional Cycling Team to use eSoles is proof that our footbeds are increasingly sought-after in the professional cycling world as a true breakthrough in the science of sports technology," said Glen Hinshaw, co-founder and CEO of eSoles. "eSoles is pleased to be providing the OUCH team with footbeds that will improve their performance and comfort during their first major competition of 2009."

About eSoles Custom Footbeds:
eSoles, LLC, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has the only direct, non-weight bearing 3D TruCapture imaging technology for custom and semi-custom insole production. eSoles makes custom insoles for cycling, running, walking, skiing, hiking, golf and dress shoes, and can currently be found in the footwear of world-class athletes and Olympians across various sports. eSoles custom footbeds are currently available through authorized dealers throughout the country and at eSoles' corporate offices in Scottsdale, Arizona.

For more information on eSoles and a list of dealers, go to http://www.esoles.com/. eSoles(R), eFit(TM) and 3D TruCapture(R) are registered trademarks of eSoles, LLC. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective organizations. Source: eSoles

CONTACT: Sarah Thompson of Freestyle Public Relations, +1-515-223-4343, sarah@freestylepr.com, for eSoles Web site: http://www.esoles.com/

N3L Sport Sunglasses

PRESS RELEASE

N3L Optics Brings Sport Performance Sunglass Concept Online

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- N3L Optics, a revolutionary sunglass store committed to carrying the world's best assortment of performance eyewear, announced today the release of N3LOptics.com, creating an online destination for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to discover the latest in sport performance optics.

"Our commitment to customer education has been the inspiration behind N3LOptics.com," says Kendra Reichenau, Senior Vice President for N3L Optics. "As an authentic sport performance sunglass retailer, we are in a unique position to help each customer make informed buying decisions that will improve the overall enjoyment of their sport."

True to N3L's "Learn, Experiment, Fit" approach, the easy-to-navigate website allows each guest to sort by Environment, Sport, Brand and Technology. Search by Sport and find 16 unique categories from cycling to fishing with each showcasing the most advanced optics designed to improve the consumer's level of performance and enjoyment of the sport.

Dive a bit deeper in N3L.com's Environment section to utilize N3L's innovative lens simulator and determine which lens will deliver the desired level of performance through ten unique outdoor environments, each with varying light conditions. With an unrivaled selection, (prices range from $60.00-$450.00) from 21 of the worlds leading sunglass manufacturers including Oakley, Ray-Ban, Spy, Maui Jim, Prada and Smith, N3LOptics.com is the online destination for all of the latest information in sport performance optics.

N3L Optics first introduced the authentic sport performance sunglass retail store concept in Denver, CO in May 2008. Since then, N3L has opened two new locations in El Paso, TX and San Mateo, CA with expansion plans that include Orlando, FL, Dallas, TX, San Francisco, CA and Las Vegas, NV in 2009.

About N3L Optics
N3L Optics (Newton's 3 Laws of Motion) is a revolutionary sunglass store committed to carrying the world's best assortment of sport performance optics. Designed specifically for the athlete and outdoor enthusiast, N3L's innovative retail technology and highly trained associates will forever change the way performance eyewear is discovered, ensuring that you will always find the right frame and lens to enhance your active lifestyle.

For more information, please visit www.N3LOptics.com.

iPhone Doubles as Heart Rate Monitor

PRESS RELEASE

iPhone Can Now Double as a Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Tracking System SMHEART LINK(TM) and iTMP's Suite Of iPhone(TM) Fitness Apps Now Commercially Available www.smheartlink.com

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- iTMP Technology, Inc., a pioneering iPhone hardware and software developer, announces the commercial launch of SMHEART LINK, a highly-anticipated new technology that is poised to bring unparalleled health and fitness capabilities to Apple(R) iPhone and iPod(R) touch users. For the first time ever, a technology is now available that allows the iPhone to double as a heart monitor and fitness tracking system that actually listens to a person's heart. In addition to the iPhone and iPod touch, SMHEART LINK can be compatible with other smartphones, PCs or other Wi-Fi enabled devices.

SMHEART LINK is a wireless bridge that collects data from distributed health and fitness sensors such as heart rate monitors and cycling sensors and sends it to the iPhone via Wi-Fi. iTMP's suite of iPhone fitness apps allow users to track their fitness data on iPhone's superior display with a user interface that raises the bar for fitness tracking devices. SMHEART LINK is compatible with a growing list of heart monitor chest straps including some from fitness leaders such as Polar, Garmin, Nike, Reebok, Timex Ironman, New Balance and Numetrex. It is also compatible with biking sensors to track speed, cadence and power (watts). Upon completing a workout, users can effortlessly upload their data to the internet with the tap of a button. iTMP has initially partnered with New Leaf Fitness and MapMyFitness for this upload functionality and is in discussions with other potential partners as well. "When doing any kind of cardio exercise, most people would agree that the single most important metric to monitor is heart rate. At iTMP, we are really excited to introduce the first iPhone health and fitness apps that allow the iPhone to listen to your heart," said Michael Williams, Founder and CEO of iTMP. "We're also first to pick up speed and cadence from cycling sensors and fully expect to be first with power as well."

iTMP has launched three iPhone fitness applications now available on the iPhone App Store. They are the only apps, among hundreds of other iPhone health and fitness apps, that will actually listen to a person's heart to track and display their unique vital fitness metrics:

-- iRPM+(TM) - Bike Computer/Heart Monitor v 2.0 is a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that works with SMHEART LINK to track any cardio exercise, anywhere. Upload your completed workouts to eNewLeaf.com or MapMyFitness to add key cardio training and cycling metrics to your online fitness diary. iRPM+ is available free for a limited time on the iPhone App Store.

-- iSPINNING(TM) is a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that enables Spinning(R) enthusiasts around the world to track and record their cardio exercise anywhere, whether riding on a Spinner(R) bike, road bike or mountain bike. It is currently available as a demo, while the live app (v 2.0) is in review and expected to be available soon.

-- iNewLeaf (TM) is a cardio fitness system and cycling computer that allows you to incorporate unique metabolic profile data from New Leaf to more precisely track and monitor the right exercise intensity for "real results." Upload your completed workouts to eNewLeaf.com to add key cardio training and cycling metrics to your online fitness diary. It is also currently available as a demo, with the live app (v 2.0) in review and expected to be available soon.

"We wanted to make the fitness tracking experience cool, fun, simple and custom," added Williams, "and we've done just that. By leveraging the iPhone's technology and partnering with leaders in the industry, we are raising the bar in this space."

SMHEART LINK is available for purchase at http://www.smheartlink.com/ for $154.95. Users can purchase the SMHEART LINK wireless bridge to the iPhone or iPod touch right from within the apps. For a limited time, SMHEART LINK will be bundled with SMHEART Sleeve, a flexible, lightweight case that integrates with the heart monitor chest strap, at no additional charge.

Bike Diva's Awesome Cyclocross Bike

ABOVE: Bike Diva Riding CX Bike at Oleta Felt Breed Cyclocross Bike

My mom got into town on Thursday afternoon from upstate NY. She comes down to visit for a couple of weeks every Xmas. After my husband and I picked her up from the airport, we went straight to the On Your Mark bike shop in Palm Beach Gardens. My Felt Breed single speed cyclocross bike arrived earlier in the day, and it was ready to be picked up. I was like a kid in a candy store!

Oleta River State Park

My husband and I went down to Oleta River State Park, in north Miami Beach, yesterday morning so I could try the bike out. Oleta has some awesome mountain bike trails. I stayed off the main trails, and got a feel for what it was like to ride a cross bike on pavement, gravel, sand, grass, mulchy dirt and small roots. AWESOME bike!!!! I still don't know if I'll want to race it or not in January cause I think it will be awhile before I will learn how to do a proper cx mount/dismount (I'm uncoordinated). See my post from yesterday about the Miami Cyclocross race which takes place at Oleta River State Park on January 4th.

Great Single Speed Bike

I really like the single speed. I don't even have to worry at all about which gear to be in - I only have ONE!!! I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to ride very fast on flat ground, but I was able to get up to 18-20 MPH on paved roads and hard packed dirt roads - SWEET! Besides being a nice entry level cyclocross bike, my Felt Breed will also make a really cool urban bike. I had been using my full suspension mountain bike, with slick tires, on the urban rides. But now I will FLY on the urban rides on the cx bike.

I would like to get a second set of wheels for the bike though, that have slick tires on it. The slick tires would be a much better option for the urban rides, but my husband says the knobby tires will be just fine. The urban ride is about 75% pavement, with sections of grass, dirt and mulched trails. So I guess slicks wouldn't be the best option. Curious to see if I can get up to the top of the parking garage with a single speed bike - might have to run the last few yards!?! But coming back down the parking garage is always fun - WEEEEEE!!!!

Crank Brothers Pedals

I definitely want to change out the pedals on the bike. I'd like to get a pair of  Crank Brothers pedals, either their egg beaters or their candys. I currently have a pair of half & half pedals on the Breed. They are flat on one side with clipless pedal on the other side. They sucked, my feet kept slipping off on the flat part and I was having a heck of the time getting the pedal flipped over to the other side and clipping in - did I mention I'm uncoordinated? I applied for sponsorship with Crank Brothers, but I'm not holding my breath. If I'm going to do any of the remaining Florida cyclocross races, which take place in January, I'm going to need to get a different set of pedals ASAP.

Take care,

Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva