Gear Review: Wrightsock Coolmesh II

Today I’m going to do a review of the Wrightsock Coolmesh II running sock.  This sock has been my go-to running sock for the better part of a decade.  It’s a light weight, highly breathable, fast drying, and moisture wicking sock.  Any sock that is labeled as an “anti-blister system” gets an A+ in my book.  In fact, I have completed at least 6 marathons and a 50-mile ultra race wearing the Coolmesh II socks and have never had a blister.  Seriously, that is pretty impressive.  Perhaps this isn’t so much a gear review, but more a testament to my undying love for the Coolmesh II socks.  I simply haven’t found a better light weight running sock on the market.  I’ve tried several other socks from Smartwool, Lorpen, Point 6, Wigwam, and others.  I can’t say I dislike those socks or have anything significantly negative to say about them.  However, I always find myself falling back on my trusted friend – the Wrightsock Coolmesh II. 

   

The key to this sock’s success is the anti-blister system.  This system focuses on three key factors that usually cause blisters: moisture, heat, and friction.  As your body heats up while you are running, you are naturally going to generate sweat and heat in your shoes.  These socks have a moisture management system that gets the moisture away from your foot.  They are also light weight and highly breathable, which allows your foot to cool.  To combat the friction, Wrightsock developed a double layer system, so the sock is actually constructed of two thin layers of material instead of a single layer of material.  The idea is that you get friction between the two layers of sock instead of between your foot and the sock.  Don’t let this double layer system fool you.  It is anything but bulky and awkward.  You don’t even notice it is there.  These three technologies combined create the anti-blister system. 

 

Wrightsock has added some new neon colors to the lineup.  They go perfectly with the neon colors that many of the running shoes are available in today.  They are also bright and let you be seen while running.  If neon isn’t your thing, they are also still available in standard, black, gray, and white.  Country Squirrel Outfitters recently added the neon colors to our inventory and they have become quite popular.  We even have them in neon pink to celebrate October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  If running isn’t your thing, these socks are also great for cycling, hiking, walking, and fitness classes at the YMCA.

   

Summary:

I’m going to give the Wrightsock Coolmesh II socks 5 out of 5 stars.  It is simply an awesome sock and I have logged thousands of miles running in these socks and I couldn't have asked for them to perform any better. The are also MADE IN THE USA, which makes them even that much better. The Wrightsock Coolmesh II is certainly a sock that you should try if you are a runner or anyone who is active.  The tab, low and quarter lengths retail for $11 where the crew retails for $12.  The anti-blister system will make your feet happy and for only $11, why not give them a shot.

Pros: Made in the USA, anti-blister system, light weight, breathable, moisture management system, simply an awesome sock.

Cons: I can't really think of anything negative to say.  I suppose they aren't the best socks for winter running, however, Wrightsock does make some merino wool socks that also have the anti-blister system.  The Merino Stride socks would be a little better for winter running (also available at Country Squirrel Outfitters)

Bicycle Tubes & Air Pressure

Replacing bicycle tubes and checking your air pressure are two things that are part of the routine maintenance on your bicycle.  For novice or recreational cyclist the type of tube you need can be confusing and proper air pressure is sometimes over looked (even for experienced cyclists). 

      

                  

I’ll first discuss the different types of bicycle tubes.  Pictured above are both Schrader and Presta valve types.  The Schrader valve you will recognize as your standard tube valve.  This is the same type of valve that you will find of your automobile and you will also find this valve type on many bicycles.  This type of valve can be inflated with any standard bicycle foot pump and most pumps at your average auto service station.  Most recreational and many mountain bikes have this type of valve.   The second valve pictured above is a Presta valve.  This type of valve is also sometimes referred to as a French valve.  The Presta valve is often found of road bikes and higher-end mountain bikes.  Presta valves are more slender than the Schrader valve and, therefore require a smaller hole in the bike rim.  The valve hole in the bike rim is the weakest point of the rim.  Road bike wheels are usually very narrow and a bigger hole means a weaker rim.  The Presta was developed specifically for bicycles and they require a special type of air pump that is suited for Presta valves.  

Once you determine what type of tube valve you need, you will then need to determine what size tube your bike requires.  This is fairly simple as most bicycle tires have the size of the tire printed on the side.  Simply locate the size of the tire and look for a tube that matches that size.  Tubes are usually made to cover a range of different sizes.  For example: A bicycle with a tire size of 26x2.1 could use a tube that covers 26x1.75-2.125 or a tube that covers 26x2.1-2.3  As long as your tire size falls within the range, the tube is acceptable.  Standard Presta and Schrader valve tubes usually cost somewhere in the $5 to $10 range with some specialty tubes costing a little more.

Proper air pressure is a very important factor that is often overlooked.  Even though it might seem like a small, minor detail, improper air pressure can be costly and possibly even dangerous.  As with tire size, the proper air pressure is usually printed on the side of the tire.  Again, this is usually a range and not an exact number.   Mountain bikes, for example, usually have a range somewhere around 45-65 pounds per square inch (psi) whereas road bikes are usually much higher and range somewhere around 100-120 psi.  The manufacturer prints this pressure range on the side of the tire for a reason.  This is the range where the tire will perform at its best and will be safe for the rider.  An over inflated tire could lead to poor traction and poor handling (and possibly popping a tire) and under inflated tires may lead to pinch flats (where the tube gets pinched between the rim and the tire due to under-inflation) and may cause the tire bead to come loose.  To be safe, a cyclist should check the air pressure of a tire before every ride.  This is especially true for the recreational rider who may not ride on a regular basis and the bike is in your garage for an extended period of time between rides.  All tubes will lose air over time.  The longer the amount of time, the more likely it is that you will need to inflate your tires.  We highly recommend that you get a bike pump with a built in pressure gauge.  Most pumps designed specifically for bicycles not only come with a pressure gauge, but also have the ability to inflate both Schrader and Presta valves.  These pumps usually cost somewhere in the range of $30 to $60.  Topeak and Park Tool are two of the brand names of bicycle pumps we carry at Country Squirrel Outfitters.  Park Tool is the pump of choice for our repair shop and at home.  A good bicycle pump can also be rebuilt when parts begin to wear out.  Manufacturers of these pumps offer rebuild kits and replacement parts so you don’t have to replace your entire pump.  A good pump will last for many, many years.

Gear Review: Cannondale Quick

The Cannondale Quick series isn’t anything new.  It has been around for several years now.  However, it is certainly a bike that everyone in the market for a “hybrid” bike should consider.  Call it a flat bar road bike, call it a touring bike or call it a recreational bike.  It doesn’t matter.  What the Cannondale Quick brings to the table is the perfect blend of sport, road, recreation and comfort.  The Quick truly is a “hybrid” bike.    Cannondale took the technology and features of a high end road bike and combined it with components from their mountain bike line and the comfort of their recreational bike line.  There are several models within the Quick series and they range from the high end Quick Carbon 1 ($2,600) for the serious road/recreation rider to the entry level Quick 6 ($480) for the recreational rider.  Looking for a bike that lets you be even more adventurous? Check out the Quick CX line.  The Quick CX features a front suspension that lets you take the Quick from the road to the bike path to the forest road with ease.  The CX is a little road and a little cyclo-cross bike all wrapped up into one awesome bike package (price range on the CX is $1,500 to $540).   The Quick series features an upright riding position and 700c tires, which make the bike both sporty and comfortable.

We’re not just trying to sell you a bike (yes, Country Squirrel Outfitters does sell the Cannondale Quick series and we typically have a few in stock), we speak from experience.  CSO owners, Steve and Miranda, both have Cannondale Quick models and have collectively put over 3,000 miles on them.  Miranda has a 2011 Quick Carbon 2 and Steve has a 2013 Quick 5.  In fact, if you read our previous blog post about the Sea Gull Century ride, Steve and Miranda completed this ride on their Cannondale Quick bikes.  Their Quicks also traveled with them in July when they visited Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine.  The Quick was the perfect travel companion as it allowed them to bike on a number of different types of terrain.  You’re probably not going to win the Tour de France riding a Quick, but if you are looking for an all-around bike that is a good blend of road, trail and comfort, then you should definitely check out the Cannondale Quick series.   

Summary:

I’ll give the Cannondale Quick series 4.5 out of 5 stars for hybrid bikes. Overall, this is an awesome bike.  It's also a way for someone to get into the sport of road cycling without buying a high priced road bike.  You are never going to find a bike that can go from the Tour de France to the Leadville 100, but as far as "all purpose" bikes go, the Cannondale Quick is pretty darn good.

Pros: Comfort, light weight, versatility (can be used for your daily commute, around town, on the bike path, on the Rails-to-Trails, or on your next century ride) and price (many models are under $1,000).

Cons: Not the fastest bike on the market, but what do you expect from a hybrid.

 

Sea Gull Century Bike Ride

 

On October 5, 2013 the two CSO owners, Steve and Miranda, embarked on the 101 mile bicycle ride known as the Sea Gull Century.  The ride is organized by Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland and 2013 marked the 25^th anniversary of this century ride.  The event kicks off with a reception and cycling expo Friday evening, followed by the century ride on Saturday.  A lawn party with refreshments and music was available after the ride.  The event offers riders three separate courses.  Two at the century distance (100 miles) and one at the metric distance (62 miles).  We chose the Assateague Century course, which makes a stop on Assateague Island, which is known for its nature park with wild horses.  The course is primarily flat with a few rolling hills.  The biggest challenge of the day was overcoming the unusually hot weather (90 degrees in October!).  Overall, it was a great ride and despite the heat, we managed to complete the 101 mile course.