Wendy's Top 10 Favorite Products

The following guest post is by Wendy Davis.

I am always curious about what other athletes use to make their lives and bike rides easier. I have my top 10 to share with you. There are links, where to buy, and prices listed if you are interested in acquiring some of them. In random order......

Kuat NV 2 Bike Rack

This bike rack is beyond awesome.  I don't own one yet, but have been "testing" one of my friends'.  I love the fact that it can fold down, with bikes on, so you can get in your car.  The rack also has a built in bike repair stand called the "Trail Doc."  Kuat offers an add-on to accommodate two more bikes. Selling for around $500, plus or minus, this is an investment.  I will begin selling my blood to acquire one. See your local bike shop to order.

Platypus Bottles

These Platypus bottles are reusable, collapsible, and  hold 34 oz.  We used them at Dirty Kanza to refill our bottles and use them on every bike pack trip.  You can buy them at Alpine Shop or Backwoods for around $8. They also sell attachment hoses if you want to use them as a bladder in your pack.

My Buff

 Whether you have hair or not a Buff is handy to have.  There are many uses, but I use it primarily to protect my head from sunburn and keep the bugs from buzzing my ears.  It's a great headband and fits under my helmet easily.  It absorbs moisture and breathes well.  Cost is around $20.

My weekend essentials.

 A freezer bag is the perfect size for everything I need, plus it's see-through. Bullfrog Mosquito Coast is sunscreen and bug spray in one {$ 5- $10}. Travel size toothbrush and paste ( $1 ). Benadryl Itch stick ( $2 Target) Dr  Bronners to freshen up with ($ 2 Target ) Tecnu for washing off poison ivy and such, tube of EZ Towels ( $5 for 25 ) and Coppertone Ultra sweat proof Sunscreen ( $1 travel size ).

1.5 Gallon Sure Spray

Picked this up at Home Depot for $10.  Perfect to spray yourself down after a ride or trail work or clean off your bike/gear before putting it in your car.  This item has paid for itself already.  When you are out in the middle of nowhere and need a shower, this is it.  They make 'em bigger, too.   

Aaahhhh  the Halo

No one likes burning sweat in their eyes. I do not ride or run without my Halo headband.  The rubber strip/gasket keeps it in place and channels the sweat back beyond my eyes.  There are a wide variety of colors, and don't expect the white one to stay white. They can be found at your LBS (Local Bike Shop), online, or at a local outdoor retailer.  It wicks moisture and I don't even know it's under my helmet... but I definitely know if it's not!

ByeKyle Strap

I own several of these ByeKyle  straps and am very pleased with them.  They come in several colors and custom colors are available.  At a mere $7 apiece they are a great deal.  I use mine to hold an extra tube, Co2, and tire lever on my bike. I used one in a 24 hr race and it didn't budge.  We have also used them to strap gear to our packs in Adventure races. If you buy one you will regret it--buy at least 2.    (Ahem, Team Seagal Sponsor!) 

Jif travel size

Peanut Butter on the trail!!  Very durable packaging and convenient size to take anywhere.  These come 8 to a pack for about $2 at Target.  All you need is a bagel, pretzels, or an apple and you have a great portable snack. Pop them in a pack or your jersey and enjoy.

2XU Compression stuff

 After a long ride or a week packed with miles, I deserve to have a speedy recovery so I can get back at it.  Besides just feeling absolutely wonderful, they help to reduce muscle fatigue and ensure a quick recovery.  2Xu has many other products to offer. MEN    WOMEN      Don't get your calve sleeves mixed up with your arm sleeves--it's not good. These start out at $50 in price and go up. 

"Sometimes the body needs a little help."  Eric McKenna said this as we walked to the 2XU tent at Sea Otter.  He was correct.

ENO gets a thumb's up

This hammock is more comfortable than  my Sleep Number. The Doublenest is great for one to chill, but the Eno Double Deluxe is where it's at.  With a weight capacity of 400 lbs, two can snuggle or one can spread out. The hammocks weigh about a pound and take less than 2 minutes to set up.  We take them backpacking and bike packing. All you need is trees.  This link to the Alpine Shop can help ya swing. They also make bug shields if ya need.

Well, there you have it!  Have a favorite of your own to share?  Leave a comment.

 I am Wendy Davis aka Sasha, currently a stay at home mom riding mountain bikes in Missouri.  I ride for the Airborne Flight Crew and Team Seagal.  Stop by my blog anytime. I can be quite entertaining as I find my way down the trail.