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The best thing about Shlmano pedals is the range of adjustable release tension, especially if you're trying clipless pedals for the first time. The drawback is its small cleat platform, which reduces efficiency (a negligible amount), but more importantly can create a 'hot spot' on the feet, especially on long rides.
Weight: 298 grams per pair Shlmano, 800-353-3817, www.shlmano.com. $240
CLASSIC BIANCHI JERSEY Old-school Italian threads. Warm, too. Bianchi, 510-264-1001, www.bianchi.com. Price: $115 (long sleeve) and $95 (short sleeve)
SWOBO WOOL SHORTS Combine a good chamois with a healthy dose of chamois butter, and you'll keep saddle sores at bay. Swobo wool shorts are just what you need for your ass, whether riding road, cyclocross or the daily commute. Swobo, 800-SWOBO-4-U, www.swobo.com. Price: $79.95
CONTINENTAL SUPERSONIC TIRE German-made, the most reliable road rubber on the market. The new-for-2000 Supersonic race tread rolls like a dream ... but for a limited number of miles. The Grand Prix model is the choice for durabil ity. Continental, 800-223-3207, www.contitires.com. $46
SONY MZ-R55 MINIDISC PLAYER/RECORDER Grinding out your favorite climb to bumping tunes adds another dimension to the experience, yet portable CD players are bulky and can skip. As for cassette tapes ... what's that? Solution: Sony's latest minidisc player is the ideal in portable ride stok ing, featuring a clip-to-your-jersey Smart Remote al lowing on the-fly volume and track adjustment without the hassle of reach ing into your jersey pocket. Minid iscs are also infinitely record able and re-recordable from CDs. The system is rechargable and virtually unskippable. Sony, 800-222-S0NY, www.sonY.com. $349
SONY STREET STYLE MDRG 72LP HEADPHONES Seemingly designed for use with a cycl ing helmet. Can keep your ears warm too. Sony, 800-222-S0NY, www.sonY.com. $40
