What We Have Noticed: Ratio, Shimano …

We came across the Ratio Jet aero bars, Shimano cross disc brakes, the Argyle Power book, the Alpinstars HD board short, a Lezyne chain whip and the L' Enfer Du Nord t-shirt.

Ratio Jet aero bar

What: If you have never heard of the Ratio brand before, you are most likely not alone. The Ratio Jet clip-on aero bar is new for the brand for 2012 and the extension itself can be adjusted to be short or long and can also be reversed. So this aero bar should allow you to race ITU events or long course events.
Weight: 240 grams
MSRP: n/a
Website: ratiobikedesign.com

Shimano BR-CX 75 cyclocross disc brakes

What: We will see more and more road and cross bikes with disc brakes in 2013 and Shimano has just introduced their new CX 75 mechanical disc brake (and the R-515 road version) along those lines. Featuring a lower profile and increased braking power, this brake matches up with Shimano’s CX70 cyclocross components and all road Super SLR shift and brake lever systems.
Colors: Silver, black
Available: Summer 2012
MSRP: n/a
Website: shimano.com

Argyle Power

What: This is not about a theory on how to get power from argyle, but rather a new book that goes behind the scenes of the Garmin-Cervelo team of 2011. Writer and photographer Mark Johnson spent a year with the team and captured stunning images and recalls quite a few very happy days and some very personal and intimate moments on 224 pages.
Size: 11”x9”
MSRP: $39.95
Website: argylearmada.com

Alpinestarts HD boardshort

What: No matter how much you like to wear your tri suit, you shouldn’t really be seen in it too often. Plus lycra all the time just isn’t going to fly. Alpinestars has these very cool HD boardshorts and they refer to them as better, faster, lighter. They are 100% hydrophobic, have sonic welding throughout and no inseams on the inner leg, but most importantly, they look cool.
Weight: 5.5oz
Sizes: 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 38, 40
Colors: various
MSRP: $89.95
Website: alpinestars.com

Lezyne CNC Chain Rod

What: We all need to have a chain whip in our toolboxes and very few look better than the Lezyne CNC Chain Rod. It is 8/9/10 speed compatible features a 100% CNC-machined handle and chain is easily replaced. Plus you can hang it on your wall in your office and most likely no one will find it a bit odd.
MSRP: $39.99
Website: lezyne.com

L’ Enfer Du Nord

What: The spring classic Paris-Roubaix is often called the Hell of the North, and this L’ Enfer Du Nord t-shirt from Stomach of Anger pays homage to this incredibly fascinating race. You will be asked for sure what this t-shirt means when you sport it, but don’t explain, just smile.
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $25
Website: stomachofanger.com