Want to protect yourself when you’re out riding? Considering some of the crazy things people and animals do, safety is an important consideration. So take a look at the Kimber PepperBlaster – you could call it a pepper spray gun.

At $40, it’s more expensive than other pepper sprays, but it is claimed to be much more effective. It actually shoots a liquid stream of pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum) at 90mph up to 13ft.

I might write a full review in the future, although it’s hard to say when I’ll have the opportunity (i.e. misfortune) to use it.

Does it look like a good idea? Yes, you never know when you might need some help with self-defense (especially if someone wants to start a fight after you’ve just ridden 100 hilly miles…)

Is it cheap? It’s probably the most expensive type of pepper spray available, but it’s cheaper than a gun. (And how can you put a price on safety?)

Read more about the Kimber PepperBlaster: www.PepperBlaster.com

Buy online: www.CompetitiveCyclist.com and www.Cabelas.com

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All “Product Previews” are simply products I have found that look really cool or interesting. The product has not yet been reviewed, so I’m not advising you to buy or not to buy the product.

If you don’t eat fatty fish like salmon three times per week, there’s a good chance you’re low on Omega-3 fatty acids. I struggle to eat seafood, rarely take fish oil capsules, and only get a small amount of Omega-3s from my current liquid vitamin, so I need to do something to change that!

Luckily I’m saved (at least for the next 30 days) because I got a sample of a new fish oil called Recoup|90. It is what I would call a premium fish oil.

The company says it is “an ultra pure omega-3 fish oil capsule” that “acts as a great exercise recuperation tool.” It contains a guaranteed minimum of 90% Omega-3, which is significantly greater than anything else available on the market, due to their “patented SFC extraction process.”

4/2/09 update: Added Recoup|90 review.

Does it look like a good idea? Yes, fish oil supplements are great, if you get a high-quality one.

Is it cheap? Nope; at $49.95 per month, it’s much more expensive than other fish oils. (But it could be a better value due to the purity/concentration of the oil.)

Read more about Recoup|90 fish oil capsules: www.recoup90.com

Buy online: www.recoup90.com

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All “Product Previews” are simply products I have found that look really cool or interesting. The product has not yet been reviewed, so I’m not advising you to buy or not to buy the product.

Day Away Shaving Lotion is a high-end shaving cream that contains many interesting ingredients (lemon balm, olive leaf, aloe vera, green tea, etc.) that will properly exfoliate your legs for a close, smooth shave.

The closer the shave, the less often you have to shave, so that sounds like a great idea. Sure, it’s for girls, but since we shave our legs too, I think it’s worth a shot!

Day Away was kind enough to send me a tube of this to review, so stay tuned for my full review.

[3/30/2009 update: Published my Day Away review.]

Does it look like a good idea? Yes, anything to decrease the time spent shaving my legs is a good idea.

Is it cheap? Nope, it costs more than your typical soap or shaving cream.

Read more about Day Away shaving cream: at www.ExfoliatingShavingCream.com

Buy online: at www.ExfoliatingShavingCream.com

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All “Product Previews” are simply products I have found that look really cool or interesting. The product has not yet been reviewed, so I’m not advising you to buy or not to buy the product.

Like the stability and resistance of a stationary trainer but the feel of rollers? Then this new trainer from Kurt Kinetic might be just what you’re looking for!

This is called the Rock & Roll Trainer because instead of being a solid frame, it incorporates a floating pivot, allowing the trainer frame to move around, which means you can sway the bike side-to-side as you ride.

It should feel more realistic, at least when standing and sprinting, and be easier on your bike.

There are just two potential problems I see.

First, the pivot better be strong and durable. Wouldn’t want to ruin a perfectly good trainer with one weak part. Second, the $600 price tag is almost double the cost of the regular Kurt Kinetic Road Machine (which is basically the same trainer but without the pivot.)

Does it look like a good idea? Yes, a more natural road feel from a trainer would be great.

Would I pay an extra $250 for it? Only if I was rich! For now, let me stick with my $110 rollers.

Read more about the Rock N Roll Trainer: at KurtKinetic.com

Buy online: at Jenson USA

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All “Product Previews” are simply products I have found that look really cool or interesting. The product has not yet been reviewed, so I’m not advising you to buy or not to buy the product.

While the ski bike was hot last year (see my ski bike pictures,) this year there is a new sled in town. It’s called the Zipfy and it’s a freestyle mini luge.

I like to think of it as a perfect sport for the backyard Olympics! Other than looking insanely fun, it could be a great way to get off your bike during the off-season. Of course, stuff like this is a great way to get hurt, but we can worry about that later…

From the looks of it, you sit down on one end and stick your legs out front. Then you go flying downhill holding onto the handlebar (joystick maybe?) and drag your hands for turns.

The videos on their site make this look too cool to pass up. At $40, I’m definitely getting one if I get out in the snow this winter.

Maybe it would be a good Christmas gift for a downhill mountain biker? I’ve seen one list already where it’s one of the “Top 5 Recession-Buster Gifts.”

More details if you’re interested:

- Made of rugged, high-density, molded polyethylene plastic.
- Compact enough to fit in your trunk at 21 x 13 x 16 inches.
- Lightweight enough to carry around at just 3.5 pounds.
- Joystick handle design makes it easier to turn and maneuver than most sleds.
- Low center of gravity for stability.
- Rail design for easy carving on slopes.
- Weight limit: 250 pounds.

Company website: Zipfy.com

Buy online: at Eastern Mountain Sports or EMS.com

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All “Product Previews” are simply products I have found that look really cool or interesting. The product has not yet been reviewed, so I’m not advising you to buy or not to buy the product.