All this talk about Chrome and I had to do a review of a product I’ve tried and know well. I have loved few clothing items like I love these pants. I don’t see myself from behind and quietly fear how they bunch up just above my tail bone, but that aside, I absolutely love the chamois time I put in with these suckers (”chamois time is training time” they say). Once I rolled my bike into my office, in my full race kit. My boss curiously asked me if it was necessary to wear the full-on bike-gear get-up just to ride into work. I paused and thought lovingly of my chrome pants. It also occurred to me what a roadie snob I’ve become (blame that on Carrie!).

So, the short answer to my boss’s question is “no”, but it sure is a lot more comfortable. And thanks to Chrome, it’s a little less obvious you’re in “full-on bike-gear”. The chamois is thick enough to be useful, without that bulky discomfort in places you’d rather not have when you’re off the bike. Soft, squishy, stretchy, comfy and damn-straight utilitarian. Enough pockets to make commuting easier, and in theory, stylish. And, oh yeah, expensive. But that’s all relative…it’s more of an investment.

I justified it knowing they’d be my ONLY commuting pants. And, one and half years later, they’re still my only pair (but you can’t even tell). Every time I go to the Trek Store, though, I check out the pair that’s sure to be one of my next justified commuting expenses.

tags:chrome•commuting

Alright ladies, I’m sure we each know at least one person who’s been tinkering with the idea of a lifestyle change. Well, here’s a chance to dive in, do it and maybe win a free bike in the process. Check out what our Trek sponsor has going:

Local Cycling Retailer Partners with Supplier for Major Advocacy Initiative
(Omaha, NE – February 21, 2008)

The Go By Bike Challenge starts today in Omaha, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Midwest Cycling LLC. has partnered with Trek Bicycle Corporation to offer 2 people from each city a unique opportunity to integrate bicycles into their daily life.

Area residents are invited to visit the Go By Bike Challenge website to submit their profile. A man and a woman from each city will be selected to receive a free bicycle and accessories from the event sponsors. Their prizes are theirs to keep if they complete the Challenge.

For the Challenge, each of the six winners will ride bikes on 6 short trips (under 2 miles) per week during the month of May, National Bike Month. Winners will post weekly online entries about the Challenge to share their experience with others in the community.

The goal of the Challenge is to promote a lifestyle which integrates the bicycle into daily life. Cycling promotes healthy people and a healthy environment; it is safe and fun for everyone.

Over 50% of the car trips taken in the US today are less than 2 miles. With the world facing concerns of global climate change and skyrocketing obesity rates, it is clear that our exclusive reliance on cars for transport isn’t sustainable. Using a bicycle for short trips is ideal. Bicycles are a practical solution, emitting zero pollutants and providing a low impact workout for the rider.

Learn more about the Challenge online. Deadline for entries is midnight March 24, 2008. Submit your profile today, and spread the word.

Working together we can make our communities greener and leaner.

Links:
Go By Bike Challenge

Trek’s One World, Two Wheels Program

National Bike Month

tags:commuting•lifestyle