Accessories

GPS, Heart Rate Monitors, and Cycle Computers

For those who want to take their training to the next level without making the investment to train with a power meter, we offer a number of great options in traditional cycle computer/heart rate monitors. Several give you the option to upgrade later to a power meter.

Garmin

Garmin is the "Coke" of the GPS market - it's a brand so synonomous with GPS meters that people even refer to competitor's products as "Garmins". We've used both the Forerunner 305 with the multi-sport package as well as the new Edge 705 device, which features road maps and the ANT+ wireless interface to read power data from the new crop of wireless power meter devices.

Cyclops Cervo 2.4

Even without the option to later upgrade this unit with a the PowerTap, the Cervo is a great value in a HRM/cycle computer. You get the ability to downlaod and analyze workouts in the PowerAgent software provided by Saris (or download it directly to WKO), and can track HR, cadence or speed, and time. Monitor several days worth of training and then download only once or twice a week. The entire system is wireless so setup is a snap, and in a year of using this system we've found it to be very reliable (we'll admit, we were skeptics of all the wireless bike computers initially). Cost is $320.

Training Tools

WKO+ Training Analysis Software

To get the real value out of measuring and recording data on your training you need to understand the numbers and then DO something with them. We find WKO+ to be the best software available for helping athletes do just that. It interfaces directly with many of the hardware devices we carry (Garmin, PowerTap, and SRM, to name a few) and greatly enhances your (or your coach's) ability to turn data into information, and information into action. Stop by and let us show you how it can help you train smarter.

PowerCranks

You've always heard "pedal circles", but how much time do you really spend doing it? PowerCranks are a very useful useful training tool because they force the rider to improve pedaling dynamics. They can also be a great way to turn short training rides into really effective workouts. We are the only demo center in Northern California and we invite you to stop by and experience the unique sensation of pedaling a bike with independet crank arms. We've found them to be a real benefit in training for grueling 24 hour mountain bike races, and whatever your background PowerCranks can likely help you progress as a cyclist. There are several models to choose from, ranging from the basic model at $900 on up to $1200 for lighter, more adjustable systems.

Power Meters

All power meter purchases include installation as well as a 30 minute consultation to set up the software so you get maximum benefit from your purchase.

Cyclops PowerTap

We really like the new PowerTap SL 2.4 wireless system, and overall the PowerTap family of products represents a great value in power meter solutions. From the base model PowerTap Pro at $1000 (complete Mavic wheel/CPU system) up to the SL 2.4 wireless at $1600 they offer multiple products to help you train smarter. The Cervo wireless bike computer/HRM (see details below) is also a really nice system which you can later upgrade to include the power meter if you want to invest a little at a time.

iBike and iAero

We've watched this product for a while and for a long time were skeptical. But recent product improvements and the adoption of the ANT+ interface made us take another look, and we are convinced. For many athletes iBike is the most cost effective power meter option available. iAero offers analysis and aerodynamic testing options when paired with a DFPM (direct force power meter) that will keep any data junkie giddy. Like Polar, these power meters are pure add-on, no component changes to your bike are needed.

SRM

SRM created the market for on-bike power measurement, back before most riders or coaches even knew what to do with the data. Their design remains the "gold-standard" in power meter accuracy. Integrated into the crank set, it allows you to continue using your existing wheels, which for many riders is a sizable investment. There are many models to choose from, we can help you select which is best for your needs.

Polar

Polar's power meter has some drawbacks but it also does a few things the others don't, and it comes in at the lower end of the price range (although a little more than iBike). It also requires no equipment modifications or upgrades to your bike - it is a complete "add-on" power meter solution. Polar is the long time market leader in heart rate monitors with a reputation for good service and product support.

Indoor Trainers

E-Motion Rollers

Noone really likes training indoors but if you are serious about your performance, you'll have to do it eventually. After years of fighting off boredom on indoor trainers we were blown away the first time we trained on E-Motion rollers. E-Motion rollers combine three important benefits:

  • The ability to stand up and rock the bike just like you would out on the road. No other indoor trainer offers such a realistic feel.
  • Serious wattage output. Crank up the magnetic resistance unit and let 'er rip - these rollers will take 1000+ Watts.
  • The handling and balance benefits of traditional rollers. Your friends will be amazed as your tires track the white stripe on the road as if you were on a rail.

We are the Bay area's only E-Motion demo center and one of only a handful of stocking dealers in the entire country. At $950 they are not cheap, but E-Motion rollers can really transform your indoor training sessions. Check out the demo videos to see what we are talking about.

Tacx Trainers

Tacx offers some of the most high-tech trainers on the market today, with features like Virtual Reality race courses (video taped courses that feed the resistance back to the trainer to mimic the terrain) as well as power measurements that turn the trainer into your own home-based test center. There's even a multi-player option that let's you race your friends over the Internet. Users can create a library of pre-programmed workouts on their PC to exactly model their training plan for the day, using software included in the system. Programs can be based on power, gradient, or heart rate.

For a basic system with power measuring, heart rate,cadence, and speed, we like the Flow model, which sells for $560 and is Tacx's best selling model.

Packed with the significantly more features, the Cosmos includes the ability to create pre-programmed training sessions and load them into the trainer. It can also be upgraded with the Virtual Reality package and multi-player option to let you train on any of the 20+ video taped courses in the Tacx library, or race friends over the Internet. The base Cosmos costs $1300 and the VR Upgrade is another $400. We have a Cosmos demo system in our studio, so you can stop by and give it a try.

All of our Tacx trainer sales include assembly and if you want to bring in your laptop, we can help you load the software and walk you through a test program setup. Home delivery and setup can be arranged for an additional $100.

Nutritional Products

We stock a complete selection of Hammer Nutrition products and really love the new product flavors they've been rolling out this year. After years of experience using their products in ultra-endurance MTB races, we can give you expert advice on how to take your fitness and general health to the next level with Hammer.