Cool Gear: Here and on the Horizon

We swung by the Gotham Gets in Gear showroom and got a sneak peek at the coolest gear, performance wear, and travel items that are about to hit the market in 2012 and beyond. From no-grease bike “chains” to comfy running shoes to bikes for the whole fam, we found a bunch of new gear to get excited about.

SKORA Form
These minimalist, zero-drop running shoes by SKORA are fashionable and functional. Featuring a goat leather upper and sheepskin lining, Form shoes are lightweight and breathable. The asymmetrical lacing doesn’t just look cool, it helps fit to your feet better, too. And since the lining is anti-microbial and the shoe has a no-tongue design, you can wear these sneaks without socks. Check out the SKORA website for great men’s and women’s options.


Gates Carbon Drive
Think of it as the next generation of bike chains. The Gates Carbon Drive is a chain replacing technology that requires no grease, doesn’t rust, and is quiet and durable. Already, this belt-drive can be found on over 70 bike manufacturer brands, including industry giants Raleigh and Trek. The chain will never go away, but keep your eye out for these carbon wonders as they’ll be popping up on bikes nationwide in the months and years to come. 


Eagle Creek Pack-It Mobile Locker
The Pack-It Mobile Locker ($38) is a cool alternative to a workout bag. There are separate wet and dry compartments so you can keep your sweaty gym clothes or bathing suit away from your work attire, and another compartment to stash your sneakers. It all zips up and is super easy to carry.


Specialized Bikes for the Family
Looking to get fit, spend some quality time with the family, and help save the planet in the meantime? Look no further. Specialized has some great new bikes for mom, dad, and the little ones (2013 models pictured above). The kids bikes feature tool-free adjustments and the adult bikes won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s realistic to outfit a family of four on brand-new bikes for less than a grand. Specialized also offers family-oriented helmets, repair tools, and starter kits with gear to fix punctured tires, tote cell phones, and carry water bottles.


Smith Prescription Frames
We’ve always been big fans of the sunnies and goggles that Smith Optics has offered for the trails and slopes. Now you can get custom prescription eyeglass frames from the Sun Valley, Idaho-based eyewear specialist. Some pupil-popping models caught our eye at this show from the Metals and Lifestyle collection like the uber-cool Indies and the retro-styled Claypool. Always on the go? Smith also offers a Sport Rx model that fits under its goggles or performance eyewear.


Teva Winter Storm Watch
Teva, the sandal and water-sport shoemaker extraordinaire, is branching out into the winter boot market. Shhh, these aren’t out on the market yet, but they will be in time for the snow to fly later this year. The all-new Lifty Boot Collection boasts a fully waterproof outer and a 3M Thinsulate Insulating inner to keep your tootsies toasty slopeside, en route to work, or when you’re just shoveling the drive.