Just when you thought Camelbak might be out of ideas - seriously, how many different ways can a person carry water without a doolap? - the ante has been upped with the Podium bottle. Forget about the usual bite-open-bang-shut method: the new high flow Jet Valve lets you sip from any direction, and the bottle is squeezable if you need more refreshment or simply wish to aim it at an unsuspecting koala. It can also be shut off via a secondary lock-out so you don't arrive at your destination and find that your backpack is now full of Gatorade. In true Camelbak tradition, the Podium bottle is also BPA-free and taste-free. No longer do you have to fear the delightful taint of eau de plastique haunting your ride. Rejoice!

Despite the dying summer hours, Shimano sunnies have proven to be so popular that we thought we'd add two more photochromatic models to the floor stock, just to confuse you: the S70X and the S70R. Both models boast what Shimano call the "3D Digital Fit" (read: "comfy"); not only can the nose pad and temples be adjusted but the lenses themselves can be shifted up to 16 degrees to your exact specifications. Both models are also strong, rigid, lightweight, and Rx-clip compatible. "So what's the difference between them?" you ask. Aesthetics, basically - the S70X has a distinctive design, for those who like their eyewear to stand out, while the S70R is more suited to the those with subtler tastes. As with all Shimano sunglasses, they also come with their own travelling case and pouch.

We've been stocking more and more Schwalbe tyres lately - we do love a product that works and doesn't make your wallet cry. The Blizzard is one of Schwalbe's classic road tyres and has all the Schwalbe hallmarks (yes, I'm seeing how often I can say 'Schwalbe' in one paragraph. Schwalbe! Schwalbe! Schwalbe!) - durable, puncture-resistant, and with a low rolling resistance. This model also includes a Kevlar-MB belt. What more do you need? (Schwalbe!)

If you would rather ride the Mawson on a fixie than patch another tube, consider the advantages of going tubeless. Besides the obvious (that would be the 'no tubes' part), you can pretty much kiss punctures and pinch flats goodbye, and that's usually reason enough for anyone who's had to stop and change a tube in the middle of what was a fun loop through Fox Creek. In addition to Stan's, BMCR is now carrying FRM kits! Comprising sealant, adhesive rim tape, and two air valves, these kits will convert almost any wheelset to tubeless, will seal holes up to 6mm, and can be used in all sorts of weather. They're also made in Italy...and isn't everything better when it's made in Italy?

With the winter race season kicking into gear, your thoughts may have turned towards a shiny new XC race bike. If you're serious about your results, Commencal's feather-light carbon hardtail, the Skin, may be the answer.

The Skin is designed as a race machine but also built to keep you comfortable. It's extremely nimble, and the carefully shaped rear stays ensure that, unlike some other hardtails, you won't get off the bike feeling an inch shorter due to your spine being hammered. Two more things, however, make this bike extra special:
1) it's on sale, down from $4,600 to $3,635, and
2) it's the last one we can get our hands on at that price.

Need more convincing? Check out this review from BikeRadar then come in and say hello to your podium finish made flesh. (Well, carbon, anyway.)

Regular readers will be relieved to know that our laments over the last 16 months about finding a larger shop premises are now over. Unhappy with the rental market's meagre offerings (and surprised by how often a real estate agent will try and tell you that customer parking is "an optional extra" - what fusspots we are!), we were intrigued when a little warehouse on Waymouth Street came up for sale in the city, and then almost as surprised as our accountant when we won it at auction.

It's only a mere 750 metres away from our current location, but don't go looking for us there yet - we'll be at Wright Street for a few more months pending fit-out work and all the other fun stuff that goes with buying a property (e.g. handing our wallets, ATM cards, and kidneys over to the bank). At 210 square metres, the new place is over three times the size of our current shop. No longer will bike fittings result in a

After crappy artist's impression

bottleneck next to the bike racks! No longer will we have to take out and bring in bikes every morning and night! No longer will we have to share a bathroom with the filth wizards next door! Oh, the luxury! All going well, we're hoping to be in the new premises by July. Opening week party details to be advised... Oh, and we should probably tell you the address: 260 Waymouth Street. Has a nice ring to it... :-)