The Boss Race is uncompromisingly sporty and yet extremely light.  A great value at $120, it is as light as more expensive helmets at a mere 215 grams. The IAS 3D+ retention system is height-and-width-adjustable for a perfect fit every time.

Here are some moves recommended by Chicago Chiropractic & Sports based in Northfield.

A N T E R I O R  A N D  P O S T E R I O R  N E C K

• Start by tilting your head forward towards your chest and hold for 3 seconds.
• Reverse the motion and extend the head back and hold for three seconds.
• Perform 10 repetitions. This should be a gentle motion.

L A T E R A L  N E C K

• Start by bringing one ear towards your shoulder and hold for 3 seconds.
• Reverse directions and bring the other ear to the opposite shoulder and hold for 3 seconds.
• Do not let the shoulders rise up towards the ear. Look straight ahead the whole time.
• Perform 10 repetitions.
• As long as it is pain-free you may add slight pressure to increase the stretch.

R O T A T I O N

• Standing with your heels together and arms by your side, inhale and slowly turn your head to the right (gently not forcing it).
• Exhale and slowly turn your head back to the front. Repeat turning to the left side.
• Perform 10 reps on each side.

For more exercises visit: Chicago Chiropractic & Sports.

Holding the drops and pulling hard to get the maximum force into the bike reveals that it’s a very stiff frame from front to back. More than simply an absence of tangible flex, the Foil gives you a very positive feeling of rigidity that really encourages you to pour in all your effort. It’s fun and inspiring.

Before now, aero road bikes have all involved some sort of compromise. Traditional airfoil tube shapes are heavier and have less lateral rigidity than conventional frames. Scott say that a target of the Foil was to eliminate these compromises so the frame design approaches the question of aerodynamics from the opposite direction. Instead of designing the most aero frame possible and then trying to make it light and stiff, Scott started with their excellent Addict as the benchmark and aimed to improve its aerodynamics without compromising the weight and stiffness that have a greater influence on the ride quality. Scott say that the solution is the ‘virtual airfoil’, a tube shape that uses its leading edge to make the air behave as if it’s following a long-tailed airfoil shape.

Please click here to read the full review on Bike Radar.

Higher Gear's new CompuTraining studio

With the shorter days and inclement weather of winter already here, devoted cyclists may be wondering if it’s time to hang up their bikes and look for a good indoor cycling workout to get them through the off-season. Two of the most well-known are CompuTrainer training (or what we like to call CompuTraining) and spinning.

While both seem similar and offer the kind of camaraderie that comes with exercising with a group of like-minded folk, CompuTraining and spinning are different in some very fundamental ways. Here’s the breakdown:

In short, CompuTraining provides effective endurance training and precise real-time data for cyclists who want to optimize their outdoor cycling performance in a way that spinning just can’t. But while the technology behind CompuTraining may seem intimidating, Higher Gear is committed to making your session a fulfilling one, whether you’re a cycling professional or just getting started. That’s why we offer expert guidance to help you understand the data and apply it. So you can improve your technique and performance, no matter what your individual fitness level, in a friendly, supportive environment. How far you take your training is up to you—but the sky’s the limit!

Schedule a session or learn more about Higher Gear’s CompuTrainer Studio here!

We carry a variety of warmers, mitts and gloves at both our Wilmette and Highland Park locations. Feel free to stop in to test ride any of these products and find out which arm and hand warmers are best for your biking needs.

CompuTraining Studio at Higher Gear

With the ability to increase cycling power by 20 to 30 percent, as well as speed by 2 to 4 miles per hour, training with the CompuTrainer not only provides an engaging indoor ride, but also one of the best ways cyclists can up their game. Powered by cutting-edge software, the CompuTrainer simulates outdoor cycling in controlled indoor conditions and generates precise measurements that accurately gauge performance to optimize cycling efficiency and training.

Perhaps that’s why it has become the primary testing and training system of elite cycling athletes and their coaches all over the world. And with Higher Gear’s new CompuTrainer Studio in Highland Park, this state-of-the-art bike training system just might become yours, too.

What Are the Benefits of CompuTraining?

Whether you’re looking to train for competition, improve your cycling performance, or maintain your fitness in a controlled environment, training on a CompuTrainer can help you realize your cycling potential year round. That’s because it not only increases your aerobic fitness, but also offers a myriad of benefits like no other.

Proper Bike Fit

Unlike spinning, the CompuTrainer allows you to ride on your own bike and its exclusive SpinScan™ Pedal Stroke Analyzer helps to identify the best bike position for you—critical factors for maximizing cycling efficiency and power in real-world conditions.

The data generated by SpinScan™ takes the guesswork out of finding the ideal bike fit, including aero bar and saddle positions. It does this by objectively evaluating the impact of equipment selection and small adjustments to bike position.

And because the CompuTrainer can simulate a variety of outdoor conditions, like flat terrain or hills, you can also determine the best fit and equipment for specific courses.

Precise Performance Visibility

CompuTrainer’s best-in-class technology provides precise measurements for wattage, heart rate, and cadence, with an accuracy (± 2.5%) that sets the industry standard.

With this real-time data, you can evaluate performance from power output to spinning efficiency and apply it to your training strategy. It also allows you to monitor progress in a controlled environment, helping you to precisely identify which zone you’re working in for base building and to establish effective training zones as you build towards higher intensities.

And understanding your actual exertion as it correlates to your perceived exertion helps you become better attuned to your body while you ride.

Strength- and Technique-Building Tool

The CompuTrainer is a powerful tool for conditioning and improving technique.

That’s because its realistic outdoor cycling simulation in a safe, controlled indoor environment helps you:

• Build more power with uninterrupted rides (no downhills, traffic lights or stop signs) and with the ability to increase resistance in a controlled and quantifiable manner; and
• Train at higher and more varied intensities through specific technique drills or interval training.

CompuTrainer’s SpinScan™ Pedal Stroke Analyzer measures the efficiency of your pedal stroke and identifies the ideal transfer of power to improve pedal technique. And when SpinScan™ is combined with CompuTrainer’s power output data and 3-D interactive graphics, you can determine the most advantageous cadence and gears for flat surfaces and climbs.

Optimal Results

Add up all its benefits, and it’s easy to see how the sophisticated technology of CompuTraining delivers optimal training, which ultimately leads to optimal results.

Let the power of CompuTraining and Higher Gear’s new CompuTrainer Studio help you optimize your training and meet your cycling goals. Higher Gear offers coaching guidance, as well as a variety of times to train. This plan follows a periodization schedule, which is broken down into blocks, with each block focused on base building and progressive, yet balanced, strengthening to improve cycling performance and prepare you for the road ahead.

Visit our scheduling website and register online.

Few things are more uncomfortable than when your feet get cold. They are the first part of your body to become affected by sub-50-degree weather and the most difficult to warm them up once the chill has gotten a hold of them. The best way to prevent this on your ride is to protect your toes and feet from the inside out.

One of our favorite brands is Specialized, especially its cycle accessories for the cold-weather months. As one of the largest and most respected bicycle brands in the world, Specialized puts the same effort into their bike clothing as they do their bikes.

We especially love Specialized’s toe warmers (retail: $25). These tiny inserts pack a powerful punch and a ton of comfort. Their durable synthetic leather sole and neoprene insulation protect your toes from below-freezing temperatures and keep them dry during your wet rides. With two sizes available, these are an inexpensive yet invaluable investment for even the most casual rider.

Next up on the list is the right pair of socks. The colder it gets, the more protection you need. Adding a pair of wool socks to your toe warmers gives your feet the insulation you need to prevent frostbite on your longer rides.

Specialized’s Wool Trainer Socks (retail: $16) are blended with both polypropylene and spandex for maximum winter comfort. Polypropylene keeps your socks dry while spandex shapes them to your feet. And the wool provides warmth and insulation. These crew-length wool socks hit all the marks for comfort and usability.

For added protection, topping off your feet with a pair of shoe covers is the way to go. Specialized carries shoe covers (retail: $20–$30 each) that are designed for both cold and wet weather. Lightweight and sleek, the three different styles go from partial coverage, like the Neoprene, to a full pro-style cover, like the Cycling Oversock.

The Barrier MTB shoe cover by Pearl Izumi (retail: $60) is designed for the most extreme conditions. Its unmatched durability makes it perfect for mountain-bike shoes. Head over to Pearl Izumi’s site to get a pair of the Barrier MTB’s. And if you have questions about the right foot protection for your biking needs, stop in at either Higher Gear location–we won’t hesitate to recommend the best in bike clothing and would love to help you update your seasonal cycling wardrobe.

To ride in this weather safely, it is wise to make sure that your bike is in working order by getting a tune-up, packing a set of reliable lights, and wearing the right bike clothing. There are plenty of excellent brands that provide cyclists of all levels with the clothing they need for a comfortable cool weather ride.

To start off, we want to give you an overview of what you’ll generally need to wear during a cooler-weather ride.
What you see above is a chart to get you started on expanding your cycling wardrobe for the cooler weather.

Adding a base layer is a good place to start. We strongly

recommend  Pearl Izumi’s Barrier Long Sleeve Baselayer (retail: $80) which combines an incredible next-to-the-skin windproof front panel and Pearl Izumi’s P.R.O. moisture Transfer Fabric with Minerale™ to create a protective layering system.  And on colder winter days, throw on a thermal hat or headband under your helmet, like this one from Pearl Izumi (retail: $25) or the Barrier Balaclava (retail: $35).

Feel free to stop in our Highland Park or Wilmette store to try on our new bike clothes for fall and find what’s right for you.

To find the gear that is right for you have a look at our guide on Arm Warmers and Gloves to keep cycling in the colder weather.

Related Articles:

• Biking Gloves and Arm Warmers
• Toe Warmers, Socks and Shoe Covers
• Bike Jerseys and Windbreakers

For a cool day in the 50s, try the Pearl Izumi Attack Long Sleeve Jersey. The SELECT Transfer fabric absorbs moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable for the duration of your ride. It has a full-length zipper in the front and three back pockets for storage. Tiny reflective accents alert you to drivers, keeping you safe on darker days.

Sometimes you’ll need an added layer, especially for windy days and light rains. Try the P.R.O. Aero Jacket—another Pearl Izumi favorite. More than just a windbreaker, this jacket provides both water protection and breathability. It has a 360-degree reflectivity, as well as a full-length front zipper. Made from Softshell Lite fabric and weighing in at under 150 grams, its light weight and durability won’t slow you down, no matter how long the ride.

For women, Pearl Izumi has the P.R.O. Prima Jacket (retail: $150), the equivalent of the men’s Aero Jacket. Lightweight at 23 grams, it has a full-length front zipper and provides wind protection, as well as warmth. We have it in black, the cut is flattering, it can be worn around town, on its own or as a liner. A surprisingly versatile jacket.

For your legs, throw on a pair of AmFIB tights. One of Pearl Izumi’s most trusted items, these tights are made of ELITE Thermal Fleece, which is known for its moisture absorption and warmth. Available for men (retail: $130) and women (retail: $135), these tights provide both wind and water protection.

We carry every item mentioned in this post at both of our locations. This is the perfect time of year for these light-weather options, so don’t hesitate to come in to try them on and chat with our specialists to find out which works best for you. And be sure to bring in your bike for a tune-up to make sure it’s ready for the rough winter months ahead, or to store it and be ready for the new season.

Related Articles:

• Biking Gloves and Arm Warmers
• Toe Warmers, Socks and Shoe Covers
• Temperature Chart – What to wear when

A great gift idea for the person who has everything: Specialized BG Wiretap Gloves — they are warm, comfortable, perfect for cycling in the cold and to quote Brendan “They look so good you can wear them all the time”. Available for $55.