Monthly Archives: July 2014

Active Product Review

Product Review: Tifosi Strikes a Pose

Tifosi Podium and Duro

Tifosi Duro Sunglasses

Extra durable sports sunglasses with interchangeable lenses designed for cycling and running

Cost: $60

I’m a sucker for new sunglasses, I love looking through immaculate lenses and I love the fresh look a new pair can give my old cycling kit. The Tifosi Duro doesn’t disappoint in either optical clarity or style. My Duros came with three lenses; my favorite is Smoke with Red Glare Guard. The Tifosi Glare Guard really worked, my eyes felt rested but at the same time colors and detail remained sharp. I dislike using glasses that are so dark that I’m not experiencing the beautiful colors of Hawaii, and if anything the lenses enhanced the view. For mountain bikers the Duro worked well in dappled light and alternating light/shadow conditions.

The Duro also has a lot of style and attitude, these are glasses that will make you look faster. I tested the Crystal Clear, but the Duro is also available in Neon Green and Gloss Black

Pros:

  • 3 excellent lenses
  • Lightweight and durable design
  • Almost (but not completely) fog free
  • Great style
  • Exceptional value for the money

Cons:

  • Not for you if you dislike seeing the sunglass frame in your peripheral vision

Rating: 5

 

Tifosi Podium XC Sunglasses

Classic frameless sports sunglasses with interchangeable lenses designed for cycling and running

Cost: $80

Podium XCs are Tifosi’s bestselling classic rimless sunglass style. They are light weight and there is no frame edge in your peripheral vision. As with their other glasses, the Podium XCs come with excellent lenses that cut glare while enhancing color and clarity. Fit is extremely good; you will forget these glasses are on your face. I tested the Crystal Blue with the Clarion Blue mirrored lenses but the Podium XCs also come in Matte Black and White/Gunmetal. Unfortunately this review was too early to see a sample of their new lens colors: Clarion Mirror Green and Mirror Yellow, available starting in June. I expect to see a lot of both mirror green and yellow at triathlons the rest of the summer: these colors are hot!

Pros:

  • 3 excellent lenses
  • Lightweight and durable design
  • Almost (but not completely) fog free
  • Great style
  • Exceptional value for the money

Cons:

  • None

Rating: 5

Availability:

  • Oahu: Boca Hawaii
  • Big Island: Hawaiian Pedal, Bike Works & Cycle Station
  • Kauai: Pedal and Paddle

Online at www.tifosioptics.com

This story first appeared in the July issue of Hawaii Sport Magazine: The Bike Issue

Bike Commuting

Bike is the New Black: What’s Next for Bike Commuting?

Bike to Work Day Station

We asked Bobby Evans from Hawaii Bicycling League what three game-changers are coming up for #CommutersofHNL.

  1. Bike Share system (not just for Kailua anymore) will be set up for Oahu commuters in 2015 in conjunction with the rail transportation corridor
  2. KVIBE, the Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange http://k-vibe.blogspot.com/ is training the next generation of cyclists, activists, and also mechanics for our growing fleet of Bike Share bikes
  3. The King Street Bike Line will be in place by the end of 2014, providing a safe and speedy route for our downtown commuters, as well as athletes biking to their Tantalus lap or Ala Moana swim.

Oahu residents can see a more detailed road map to the future at http://www.hbl.org/theoahubikeproject

This story first appeared in the July issue of Hawaii Sport Magazine: The Bike Issue

Bike Commuting

Profile of a Bike Commuter

Bike to School

Amy and Caiden Vasquez commute to their neighborhood elementary school

Hawaii Sport Magazine: When did you start commuting to school?

Amy Vasquez: I’ve been riding with Caiden to school for about 5 years.

HSM: How did you get started?

AV: Caiden’s first school was about half a mile from our house. It really didn’t make sense to drive him, riding bikes was much faster than waiting in the drop-off line. When we started Caiden was on a trail-a-bike but he’s since switched to riding his own bike.

HSM: What has surprised you about bike commuting to school?

AV: It took a few years but pretty soon we had a whole gang of kids riding to school. People told us they had always wanted to try it and we showed them it was fun and easy.

I also didn’t realize how much more opportunity there is to interact with nature on a bike. On the way home Caiden and I stop and look at plants and animals. It’s a great opportunity for enrichment and quality time with Caiden. It also ensures Caiden gets exercise every day!

This story first appeared in the July issue of Hawaii Sport Magazine: The Bike Issue