New Arrivals – November 9, 2005 By John Stevenson Got Tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech-heads. Welcome to New Arrivals, a section showcasing the latest equipment that's landed on the Cyclingnews tech desk. Look out for reviews over the next few months when we've clocked up some saddle time with this stuff. Etxeondo Belea Etxeondo Belea undershirt Etxeondo is in the Basque region of Northern Spain, where they know a thing or three about coping with harsh winters. The Belea is a long-sleeved undershirt with a difference - rather than the usual warm fabric, the Belea uses Gore Windstopper N2S ('next to skin') fabric for its front panel and the front of the sleeves to keep out those icy winter blasts. The neck and back are made from Coolmax for sweat transmission and comfort, and it's available any colour you like as long as it's black. A short-sleeved version is also available. More info: www.etxeondo.com Etxeondo Mussol jacket Etxeondo Mussol jacket The Mussol feartures more Gore Windstopper, using two different shades of black for a very 'cool' look. Fortunately there's also plenty of relective piping on the front, back and arms so you'll still be visible at night. The front zip is waterproof and there's a fleece flap under it at the neck to keep you snug. The Mussol has a single large rear posket with a waterproof zip and the stretch panels are made from a lightweight single-sided fleece. A lightly elasticated waistband keeps out the gale. More info: www.etxeondo.com Etxeondo Iton tights Etxeondo Iton tights Etxeondo uses Thermolite Ketaren fabric for these super-cosy bib tights which come with their own built-in 3-D chamois. If the fabric itself isn't warm enough, Etxeondo has included an extra layer to protect your lower back, an area that many riders find gets distinctly chilly in winter. To give you some idea, Thermolite Ketaren is like a thicker version of the 'Roubaix' Lycra found in much winter cycling clothing. After a few minutes under studio lights in these tights, our-long-suffering model Les was starting to wilt visibly and had to be revived with a cold drink and a promise to be allowed to interview Anna and Kerrie Meares. Again. The Iton tights also have a reflective patch on the left leg. More info: www.etxeondo.com Etxeondo beanie Etxeondo beanie In acrylic/wool mix, this beanie cap is warm, practical and in keeping with Etxeondo's status as clothing supplier to the Euskaltel-Euskadi team, very, very orange. There's no way anyone is going to lose you at the post-ride cafe stop in one of these! More info: www.etxeondo.com Smith pour les femmes Eyewear maker Smith has introduced three new models of sunglasses for women, or, we assume, anyone who's in touch with their feminine side. Smith Aviatrix Smith Aviatrix A 'softer' take on the classic wire-framed aviator shade, the Aviatrix features Smith's CR39 gradient lens and silicone nose pads for comfort. It is, of course, 100 percent opaque to UV A, B and C rays. Smith Theory Smith Theory Here's Smith's interchangeable-lens Theory glasses in the pink, with Smith's platinum mirror lenses with 15 percent light transmission. The package includes replacement lenses in RC30 (30 percent transmission) and yellow (68 percent) tints for less-bright light conditions, plus a sturdy case to keep it all in. Smith Factor Smith Factor If your taste runs to glare-reducing polarised lenses and pink frames, the latest version of the Smith Factor could be for you. Four lenses are included, a polarised true grey at 15 percent transmission, RC30 (30 percent), yellow (68 percent) and clear (98 percent). More info: www.smithoptics.com Mike and the Bike Mike and the Bike Granmmy award-winning guitarist Mike Ward is also a keen cyclist, and now a children's book author with this cute little work featuring a young lad called Mike and his favourite possession. As you'd expect from a muso, there's an accompanying CD featuring songs by Mike and Tennessee Ward. Plus the book's story narrated by Phil Liggett and a foreword by Lance Armstrong. More info: www.mikeandthebike.com Epic images of Cycling Epic Images calendar The work of freelance photographer Jon Devich regularly graces Cyclingnews, as well as appearing in numerous print publications including Sports Illustrated, Outside, the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. We're therefore very happy to see that Jon has assembled 12 excellent images into this evocative 2006 calendar which captures the colour and mood to European cycling. There's more to cycling in its heartland than just a sport, and Jon's pictures put the racers in context, whether it's toiling through a sea of orange-clad Basque fans on the Plateau de Beile; adding a splash of peloton colour to the wheat fields of a French summer; or passing roadside fans on the narrow cobbled streets of a tiny village. More info: www.epicimages.us