The Gift of Sport: Go Green

 

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Green is the color of growth, health, and renewal.

For that nature lover and outdoor enthusiast…

GIVE GREEN

 

The SOS Gift Guides continue 

 with a full color spectrum of sporty gift ideas!

CLICK IMAGES TO SHOP

 

1. RUMPL PUFFY BLANKET $129. The Rumpl Puffy is constructed like a sleeping bag and made to go anywhere. Machine washable, packable, and lightweight, it uses a durable, water-repellent, ripstop nylon, and comes with its own stuff sack for easy transport. Shown here in “Old Growth”, the photograph is by Jeremy Koreski who we’ve featured on STYLE of SPORT.

2. NIKE RUNNING AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 35 SHEILD $130. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield won’t let a little rain or snow stop the intrepid runner. These stylish weather-proof sneakers feature lightweight knit and ripstop uppers treated with a water-repellent finish and sealed seams to lock out moisture. Storm Tread rubber soles are specifically designed for traction on wet surfaces.

3. BANG & OLUFSEN BEOPLAY A1 PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER $250. Rugged but sleek, with crisp beautiful sound to match, the BeoPlay A1 is a palm-sized, portable Bluetooth speaker designed to go anywhere. With an aluminium sub-woofer for more powerful bass, it has a built-in microphone easy to switch over to phone calls or activate mobile features such as Apple Siri and Google Now. Read More

 

Interbike 2014: Best in Show

 

 

We are just back from INTERBIKE, the big annual bike show in Las Vegas, where almost every bike, gear, apparel and accessories company shows off all their cool new products for the year to come. We saw a lot of bright and shiny new toys that all you cyclists on the roads, mountains, and streets are going to want to play with. Here is a look at our favorites, both for style and performance — some that are available now in 2014 models and a few you still have to wait for until 2015.

ABOVE ROW 1: LAZER Z1. Bright and graphic is this tri-tone, top of the line high performance helmet from Lazer, their lightest ever with a more comfortable fit, better ventilation, an additional aeroshell and improved side impact protection. HANG TEN 3-SPEED CRUISER. California surf and lifestyle brand Hang Ten has entered into the bike market, appropriately with the beach cruiser. Available in both mens and womens models, from 1 to 3 speeds, these stylish bikes are made for your endless summer. PEARL IZUMI TRI FLY IV CARBON & P.R.O LEADER II. The hot colors and graphics on these triathlon and road cycling shoes from Pearl Izumi are matched only by their performance on the bike. Both are extremely lightweight, efficient in power transfer, and feature an adaptive fit system. The P.R.O. Leader II has their thinnest and most technical upper to date, and offers the precision fit of the Boa retention system.

ROW 2: SPECIALIZED FAT BOY. One of the biggest trends in mountain biking and on cruisers as well is the fat tire, and we mean fat! Twice the thickness in some cases as traditional tires, and twice the fun, these fatties are made to plow through sand, snow, or anywhere else you want to ride them, no matter the terrain or conditions. LAZER MAGNETO M1-M1S. To pair with the helmet shown above are the Magneto sunglasses that connect via magnets on the helmet tabs and feature the Magdoc system to store them on your helmet when not in use. No traditional temples, means no pressure points, making them comfortable even during long rides.

ROW 3: THE FALCO V TRIATHLON/TT BIKE. Super stealth and state of the art, this head-turning carbon fiber triathlon/time trial bike is built for one thing only… speed! Created in a facility shared with a military R&D that designs jet fighters, its aerodynamic design is inspired by F22 and F15 jets. MIO LINK HEART RATE WRISTBAND. This stylish heart rate monitor from MioLInk is chest strap free, with color coded lights to monitor EKG-accurate heart rate data. It connects to many favorite fitness apps, and syncs with GPS watches & bike computers via Bluetooth.
 
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ROW1: WILLIER CENTO 1AIR. For performance, efficiency, comfort and aerodynamics, Willier bicycles are consistently top rated, and the fifth generation Cento1AIR represents the culmination of years of testing. Noted for their front ends, the integrated head tube and fork designs equate to excellent steerability for confident cornering and descending. DEMARCHI AUTHENTIC JERSEYS. Atala 1949, Bottechia 1951, Cinelli 1970, these authentic limited edition cycling jerseys are made from 100% merino wool and will have you riding like the greatest cyclists in history.

ROW 2: BOLLE 6TH SENSE SUNGLASSESAt racing speeds, visual clarity and a stable fit are critical. These ergonomically-shaped frames with removable side panels adjust perfectly to the racing position by extending your field of vision and offering more protection towards the top of the face. Great colors are available as well. SEASUCKER BIKE RACK. SeaSucker bike racks use incredibly strong vacuum mounts that allow you to temporarily but securely mount your bike to the roof or trunk of your car without the hassle of permanently attaching any hardware. Read More

 

Soft Landings

 

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6 TRAINERS THAT GO THE DISTANCE

For those putting in the miles training for 10ks, triathlons, half marathons and more (NYC Marathon for this SOS Editor!), a cushioned running shoe with good stability and durability is essential. This season’s crop have all that, plus a whole lot of style, and now are lighter than ever as well. Check out these 6 picks for the top trainers that go the distance!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BROOKS GHOST 6 $110. Winner of the Runners World Editors choice award 3 years in a row for its balance of cushioning, comfort and durability, the Ghost 6 is its lightest model to date. With full ground contact and segmentation of the sole, the shoe rolls with ease from heel-strike to toe-off, providing a soft and flexible ride. The unique offset lace loop keeps the tongue in place for a snug and comfortable fit.

SAUCONY KINVARA 5 $100. Another Runners World award winner, the fifth edition of the ever popular Kinvara, now weighs in at 7.7 ounces. Made with PowerGrid, this lightweight, ultra-premium cushioning foam maximizes rebound and flexibility for a smoother ride. The 4mm heel-to-toe offset allows for a more natural gait, giving the foot greater range of motion, and providing a more powerful running stride.

NEW BALANCE 890V4 $110. This lightweight trainer has been recognized for its responsive REVlite cushioning, but now offers more flexibility as well. The new sole configuration, with its deep grooves and rubber pods, give the forefoot more pliability, while the ABZORB® crash pad cradles the heel both medially and laterally for added stability.

NEWTON ENERGY NR $119. For those heel strikers who have wanted to experience the unique technology and ride found in Newton Running shoes, the EnergyNR facilitates the transition from a traditional running shoe to a more natural design. This is the second Newton model to incorporate their newer 5-lug sole design, which mirrors the structure of ball of the foot. With a more neutral heel drop than other Newton models, it offers more cushioning in the heel as well. Lightweight and bouncy, this is a fun and responsive shoe to work into the rotation.

NIKE FLYKNIT LUNAR2 $150. The Nike Flyknit Lunar2 delivers the ideal blend of support, comfort and style. The soft and responsive Lunarlon cushioning, combined with the ultralight and strong Flyknit upper, delivers a plush ride with a supportive fit. The one-piece Flyknit layer is a formfitting and virtually seamless upper. It is woven more openly in areas that need greater flexibility and tighter in areas that demand more support.

ADIDAS ENERGY BOOST 2 $160. BOOST™ foam is proven to provide one of the highest energy returns of any cushioning material in the running industry. It is temperature-resistant to keep the spring in your step regardless of weather conditions. Light and fast, these shoes offer a soft and bouncy responsiveness combined with a seamless, sock-like fit that stretches and flexes as you run for added comfort and support.

 

The Rucksack

 

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CLICK ABOVE TO BE TAKEN TO SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

The traditionally rugged canvas rucksack first became popular with hikers in the Swiss Alps in the 1930’s. It has made its way down the mountain and become the perfect hands-free carry all to transport laptops, gym clothes, a sweater, jacket, book or any other extra items one might want handy during the day. Both utilitarian and stylish, the modern version of the classic rucksack is constructed from a combination of durable canvas and bright nylons, still distinguished by its elegant leather straps, buckles, and other useful stash-and-go details. So whether trekking though the great outdoors or cruising city streets, here are our picks for the 9 perfect sacks to pack.

ROW 1: JANSPORT ADOBE $75. Inspired by the classic rucksack design and showcasing the original JanSport woven label from 1967, this rugged nylon pack features such modern necessities as a 15″ padded laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve and padded shoulder straps, along with a double hook flap front, multiple exterior zip pouch and side snap-button pockets. L.L.BEAN WAXED COTTON CONTINENTAL RUCKSACK $149. Inspired by their own heritage and first introduced in 1930, this leather and weather-repellent waxed canvas rucksack has the vintage feel of the original along with modern comfort features. Synthetic shearling shoulder straps wick moisture away from skin and cushion heavy loads. ARCHIVAL COTTON DUCK RUCKSACK $230. A modern interpretation of the traditional, this pack is distinguished by its slim profile and simple design, and constructed from sturdy, water-resistant #8 cotton duck.

ROW 2: BROOKS PICKWICK DAY PACK $250. From noted english cycling brand Brooks, the Pickwick is versatile canvas roll-top backpack whose elegant design compliments the refined style of the urban rider. Available in 5 colors, and made from water-resistant treated European canvas, the Pickwick features a handy bottom zip pocket, perfect for storing a small U-lock, and a second pocket on rear of the bag. HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. LITTLE AMERICA $85. With its mountaineer-inspired design and roomy storage options, this canary yellow rucksack is a stylish partner on rugged hikes or city treks. It features ventilated air mesh back padding and contoured shoulder straps; a fully lined and padded fleece 15″ laptop sleeve; main compartment cinch top closure and magnetic strap closures; and a front pocket with hidden zipper and key clip. DAKINE PULSE 18L $85. This camo pack with its neon orange rucksack buckles features a fleece lined padded tablet sleeve, U-lock and water bottle pocket, and a host of other handy compartments.

ROW 3: POLER ROLLTOP KHAKI $70. This stylish take on the classic roll top features room for a laptop, change of clothes, and even lunch, with an added front zip pocket for extra essentials. Multiple compression straps keep everything snug and enhance the design, while allowing for additional external transport options.  MASTER-PIECE OVER SUEDE-TRIMMED NYLON BACKPACK $315. Japanese design meets classic American style in this fun interpretation of the classic rucksack. Sturdy and practical, this green nylon pack features a top handle, brown suede trims, and multiple zip side pockets, front and top pockets, along with adjustable padded straps and padded back. BURTON SNOWBOARDS CANYON PACK $64.95. Heritage style with organizational convenience, this versatile pack offers internal, external, and laptop pockets, and mixes street style with mountain functionality. Made from bright and rugged ripstop nylon, and combined with genuine leather bottom and details, this pack is guaranteed hip and sturdy, as all Burton bags are backed by a lifetime warranty.

 

The Urban(e) Cyclist

 

 

ROW 1: RAPHA & RAEBURN LIMITED EDITION MENS WIND JACKET; RETROVELO PAULA 7/8 SPEED; BROOKS PICKWICK DAYPACK; ROW 2: JACK SPADE FOUNDATION CANVAS ATLAS CASE; GIRO REVERB HELMET; LEZYNE PUMP; ROW 3: DAHON BOARDWALK D8 FOLDING BIKE; RAPHA WOMENS CLASSIC JERSEY; CHROME KURSK URBAN BIKE SNEAKERS
 

As commuter cycling has grown increasingly popular in major metropolitan cities, it has borne a distinct urban cycling style. As this is not cycling for recreation, but for transportation, the look is one that needs to transition easily from sport into workplace attire… albeit casual.

Europeans have been using bicycles as a form of transportation for a long time now and the cycling tradition is rich in history. The design of the bicycles and apparel we see on US city streets is inspired by cities like London, Amsterdam and Paris, but with its own uniquely American style. It is rugged but refined, elegant but tough.

Urban commuter bikes and their riders are built to take the beating of city streets but this breed handles it with style. Ones bike is a fashion statement and there are so many beautiful ones on the market, in addition to accessories likes helmets, shoes, saddles and and even bells. Above and below are a few of our favorites to keep you looking stylish while riding around town. So get out there, be safe, have fun and get to work on time!
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