Kraftfit Compression Bike Pants - Review

Kraftfit came out with a new product right before Xterra Malaysia. I got excited to know this as I am looking to replace my 6 years old trishorts that has seen me with 36inch waist and now at 29inch waist. Most importantly, I need to start looking for an affordable padded shorts to assist me in the 180km cycling required in the Ironman triathlon come September 2014. The product from Kraftfit, being compression wear, added to the sweetness, as I could really use some help to support the hamstrings and quads that will see the run (hopefully, and not a walk or crawl) distanced at 42.2km after the long biking. 

Possibly all you could ask for, maybe more.

Straight From Packaging
In other words, the unpacking. The unit I got is sized M, which is a size bigger than my Kraftfit compression (non-padded) shorts. As this is meant for cycling and with padding, going one size up seems logical. Plus the good folks at Kraftfit cautioned me that the material is thicker and tougher to compensate for the additional padding, hence, to be more conservative with the sizing. 

As it is from the pack

The shorts looked like a cross of a full cycling shorts and a tri-shorts. Why I said that is that the top portion is high, meaning it will be worn higher on your waist (where else for a tri-short, it actually sits lower, at the hip bone). Then the leg portion is shorter than normal bike shorts and sits about 4-inches above your knee (where else a cycling shorts sits nearer to the knee).
As a matter of comparison, this photo below is of me during the Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya wearing a zoot trishorts

Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya T1 : Race Report Here

You can see how high the shorts sits on my thigh. Now compare it to the Kraftfit padded shorts taken during the recently concluded Xterra World Championship race.

Photo from Cycling Evolution. Credit to them for the superb capture of me looking rather...scared of the water

Here are the photos of the shorts, up close.

Label and care instruction. I cut/removed this to lessen potential chaffing

Back view

A bit clearer without the reflective part shining due to camera flash

Turning it inside out, it revealed the padding (in blue) and chamois on the side. Be informed that the padding/cutting is gender specific.

Designed to let you sit on your sit bone

One nice touch is the anti-ride up rubber garter at the thigh. This prevent the shorts from riding up as you goes through the sports.

Secure

The padding was from Coolmax and this photo below shows the clearer construction including the side chamois padding that will help to prevent chaffing on the crotch area.

Back portion

The front padding stops where the male private starts. It basically become less obtrusive and allow a more comfortable wearing without potential chaffing of the scrotum or the penis (there, I've said it)

Front

You be forgiven to think that each panel is for one side of the balls

What Sall I print My Name? 

One of my initial worry is that the construction is of a few panels. Meaning, there could be friction points. However, the flatlock stitching may prevent that from happening. From the photo below, you can see what I meant, the vertical piece and the horizontal piece is three different panels

3-panels, see it?

And inside out, you will see the flatlock stitching.

Flatlock holding upper and lower (with anti-ride up garter)

here, another view. The seams that joint the top and bottom leg portion

The only way to find out is to use it and Xterra was the chosen race.
One more feature that I love is the reflective strips that are on all the wordings and logo. This make perfect sense as it aid visibility to others when riding at night or early morning. Photos below were taken about 3 meters away with flash to emphasise the reflective materials.

Logo at the back

Good?

Usage Review
I used this for Xterra World Championship the first time and I believe I was the only one using it. I promised the team that I will give this a fair review as I am essentially testing this for the development team as well. Basically, it is a well thought off product and does what it claims to do. Furthermore, as a compression bike pants, it is filling up a market left by many other manufacturers.
My first fitting on this was good though it did feel funny to be wearing something more padded that my older Zoot shorts. The adjustment to get the padding and the shorts to sit correctly were fast. It did feel a bit more snug that the other bike shorts I have and the material did not stretch and become semi-transparent.

See how it shine? No, not my teeth. :D Thanks Doc!

On The Swim
Testing it as Tri-shorts, it did not feel heavy on the swim. Did not restrict movement and did not feel as if it will slide down my waist. The garter held the shorts at the thigh well and the waist garter performed as it should. What could be better is availability of a draw-string at the waist. My thigh is bigger than usual for M size and my waist is smaller for M size. A drawstring would been perfect. Having said that, no, there were no slippages from the waist. It stayed where it was from start to finish.
On The Bike
Wow! Padding. It felt plush and forgiving especially on the rougher terrains. However, about 15km in, i start to feel the part where the padding (blue) and the Chamois (smoother, black) starts to cause friction point on my butt. It is also where the bike seat and the shorts meet the movement of my legs. It could be bad adjustment, as I actually stopped for a while and readjusted the shorts. The friction point went off, but some damage (on the skin) has occurred. It wasn't bad, but if I did not stop and re-adjust, I may end up with a bad-ass chaffing. 
On The Run
With the shorts for the run, my worry were the same for a padded shorts. As I do the sports "commando" aka no undies (God forbid i crash and tear the shorts!), I took precaution and put some Vaseline between the crotch to lessen the possibility of chaffing. That went really well, as it was more "supple". I should had slapped on more for the bike at those friction point instead of just at the crotch (or balls). No chaffing whatsoever. I am impressed.
Bottomline
The padded shorts performed as it should. Not that it did better than the other shorts I had, but it certainly were comfortable and more specific for the sports I do. Without an overly long thigh section like a typical cycling padded shorts that runs right just above the knee, I have more freedom of movement. 
However, the padding were more substantial compared to a tri-shorts, and thus takes a bit of getting used to. Once your butt make friends with it, no issues.
The pricing is attractive, at RM259.90 (full price), it is a bargain compared to the other cycling shorts or tri-shorts selling easily at additional RM100 more. Bear in mind that this is a Compression-specific shorts, a big missing chain/market between cycling/tri padded shorts and compression specific non-padded shorts/thighs. I did not hesitate to buy it (though I should be getting one via the collaboration between 2ndSkin and Kraftfit). But hey, I would need them for my training and hopefully, my Ironman race in September. No regrets in getting this!

Nicely fitted. Thanks Cycling Evolution!

Next? send this shorts back to Kraftfit for them to print my name on it! Swag!

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Skechers GoMeb KRS Review

GoMeb KRS or Kinetic Return System was designed with feedback from Meb himself. It as his "trainer" for those non-racing days since February 2014 and I was handed a pair last week to test it out ahead of the official launching within the next 1-week of this blog's review.

Meb's Tweet on Feb 25, 2014

The new addition to my Skechers family (of running gears) is the GoMeb KRS. It looked futuristic and at the same time, you will wonder where Skechers is heading with this one.
The Shoe With The Hole, In The Sole
This was the "heart" of the Kinetic Return System - essentially an energy return of some sort. What this does is it help with the bounce, and hence, add to the cushioning and the "recovery" as you may be using less energy for that post-race run.

No, this is not a defect

Before we delve deeper into the bouncy sides of things, lets do a quick un-boxing of the shoe. The GoMeb KRS is under the Skechers Performance Division, which made it legitimately a shoe designed with running performance in mind. This is consistent with the other 9 pairs of Skechers I've received since 2013 (thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin). 

US11 - as usual

The GoMeb KRS is an unique shoe by design and appearance. To start with, the whole upper is lightweight breathable printed 3D material with mesh underlay. The smooth synthetic upper reminds me of those super slick football shoes and give "fast and agile" appearance

3D Printed breathable synthetic upper with mesh underlay

Fresh out of the box

Front View

Closer look of the toebox and front area

The "hole" in the middle of the sole is made from Dupont Hytrel for high energy return. This is similar in the GoSpeed2 where the carbon fiber has been replaced with the same material, offering a bouncier stride. The sole is the Skechers Resagrip outsole for durable traction with good forefoot flex. The KRS is 4mm drop and engineered to promote midfoot strike.  

The Resagrip bottom and the visible (dark/black spot) which is the Dupont Hytrel that shift he impact zone and enable more bounce

Closer look

The Dupont Hytrel portion, as viewed from the bottom

Demonstrating the front flex.

Other features include the sewn down tongue, which translate to faster wearing without the tongue bunching up, and also reduce the chances of hotspot on the top of the feet.

The tongue, sewn

Skechers has since adopted this font on the performance series

The shoe came in two laces - black and floro yellow. The laces is flat, which meant more secured tying as the rounded lace sort of dislodge itself rather easily. I replaced the laces from black to yellow. It is only fair as it brings out the shoe's flamboyancy

Meb Approved

The shoe is still light. Coming in at (declared) 8.3oz per shoe for men size 9 or 6.7oz for women size 7. Having been wearing Skechers, I know this is one thing they has been doing well with the use of advance material to keep the weight low and the functional part of the shoe relevant.  One thing i noticed of the KRS is the higher than usual heel cup. I have something for heel cup - too high and i know it will cause me hotspot at the Achilles tendon area.

The sole too, looked higher

The KRS is targeted at recreational runner and provide good cushioning. This is aided by the thicker than normal insole, which is close to 2-shoelace head thick. Thickest I've experience in any of the Skechers I've worn. With or without the insole, the shoe is 4mm drop.

2-lace head thick

From the fitting (US11), it was as expected for me. The toe box is a bit narrow but somehow the upper layer is more flexible, perhaps due to the more forgiving material (3D printed). The mid-bump was there and the shoe doesn't feel "tall" despite the thicker sole (due to the elevated and the "hole"). Toes could wiggle freely and I have more than adequate room in the toebox.
But how will it perform as a trainer for a wannabe advance runner like me? Yes, you guess it right, take it out and run.
Run Like Meb
I took the shoe out and planned for a 10km or an hour run without socks with it. I've been running without socks unless the run will be longer and I need some sort of sweat management.

Go-RUN in GoMeb

From the photo above, it is obvious that the shoe rear heel cup curves upward, helping to lessen the chances of heel striking. Also, the height of the rear covered my Achilles. The Resagrip did conform to the uneven interlocking brick pretty well.

Closer look of the curve and the Resagrip on ground

The plan was to run for an hour or 10km, whichever come first. It is because I am limited by that amount of time after dropping my kids for Sunday School.

First strike felt good

As I picked up the speed, the shoe started to be responsive. The cushioning was a surprise as I wasn't expecting it (though it did say a cushioned trainer) to be cushioned and responsive. My experience with the GoRunRide series pretty much give me the feedback that the "ground time" are usually longer aka the feet will sink in due to the cushioning before bouncing off again.

Faster!

The route I was taking had a mix of uphill and downhill. It allow me to test/try the shoe in different stride and speed. What I was looking out for was how my feet compensate to get use to the new shoe and how the shoe effect my normal speed and stride. Perhaps as the shoe was new, it felt a bit squishy. This could be attributed to bare (feet) skin against the new insole. It slowly went off as my sweat started to drench the inner part of the shoe. 

Midfoot-ed? You bet.

The bounce from the Dupont Hytrel was obvious as the landing and taking off was with minimal lag. It felt like a more forgiving (less stiff) GoMeb with GoRun3 feel. Fast and comfy.

Thumbs up so far

Again, please be reminded that shoe do not change your stride. Skechers MStrike or midfoot strike encourages you to land midfoot, not automatically change your stride. I've had people telling me that when they change to a certain type of shoe that claimed to help them run in a certain way automatically. If it did, you are lucky as you can unlearn and relearn running as fast as the credit card swipe for the purchase. 

The shadow runner reminds me of my stride - and leg lift!

So, did the KRS help with midfoot striking? It does for me as I've pretty much been running consistently this way. However, there are instances, such as running downhill that the heel tend to strike first as a matter of speed control. I guess I am not running as fast (and in a more controlled way) downhill! Time to practice and run more! 

Leg kick. The Shoe was responsive

The much worried hotspot at the heel cup - Achilles was there, unfortunately. It was on my left heel, but the feel was minimal. it did not happen on my right heel. Stopped to check for damages and it does not seems like it will form a blister. With about 3km to go, I wasn't gonna take it easy. 

Home run

The 10km was done in 50mins. Pretty standard at tempo pace. Not pushing and at a very easy pace. Due to the humidity and morning sun, I was drenched and so was the KRS. But that first run, we made friends and I am slowly getting the hang of the responsiveness.

The left heel

Fast forward two days later (Wesak Day), i took the KRS out for a quick HIIT (interval training) after my bike-spinning. Part of the BRICK or Bike-Run exercise and It should be done in less than 23minutes. I am still recovering from my pulled back muscle and I had to take all care not to make the injury worse. However, training has to go on as every day spent not putting in quality mileage is a day of missed opportunity for improvement. Much balance and care (and senses) needed here. So, instead of putting on longer time, i put in higher intensity at shorter exposure time. Sort of help.
For the HIIT, the KRS was pushed through my Lactate Threshold Pace or LTpace of 4:20. At 3.6km (tht is after 1km-1km-800m-800m of slow-fast speed), with the legs feeling a bit jello due to the session on the bike, the responsiveness of the shoe sort of help to push me through the remaining 1.4km (400m-400m-200m-200m-100m-100m of slow-fast-faster) pace pretty comfortably that I was doing a sub 3:40pace the last 400m. 
The HIIT was wrapped up in 23mins as planned. Hotspot at the left heel was felt, perhaps due to the healing (of the first use), otherwise, all is good. This KRS hold much promises that it will serve me as a regular trainer (as in used more often) and I can cycle through the GoMeb for fast races (up to 21km distance). 
Bottomline
Get it if:
- You are looking for a trainer that offers a cushioned ride, but yet responsive
- Your racer is too expensive and you want to keep it for races
- Looking to move towards minimalist or zero-drop shoe, but still want some cushioning
The KRS is made as a neutral running shoe. If you have flatter than usual feet or higher than usual arch, do test it our at the shop (by wearing it and walking around) to see how it feels for you. If in doubt, consult the product specialist for advices.

Note: This pair of Skechers GoMeb KRS is sponsored by Skechers Malaysia via collaboration with 2ndSkin Asia Athletes program. Thank you Skechers Malaysia and 2ndSkin! This pair is expected to be launched by end of May 2014 in Malaysia. Indicative pricing is RM419 for men and RM399 for women. 

Opinion in this write up is my own and not influenced by Skechers Malaysia or 2ndSkin program.

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SAC Day 3 : The Langanan Wonder

Reality check. 4-weeks has passed since SAC and I am still writing the "race report". I apologise for the lateness as it is unlike me to delay things of these sort. I guess I am getting older and writing report seems to be slower at the same time. Excuses aside, enjoy the report on Day 3. 

Where 3km Was Actually 5km, One Way

As usual, Day 3 of SAC will always be an easy day of sort. This is due to the very tight timeline to get the race completed by noon, for the folks to pack and prepare to head home (to KK or to airport). It is also the day where the "tie breaker" will happen. You see, SAC is very much a "timed race" where the ultimate champion will have their results tabulated on the day to day basis. You can come out mid of table on Day 1, but if you managed to score it big on Day 2, and find yourself in contention to be on the coveted Top-3 position (for bragging), Day 3 is where you get a chance to outwit your opponents. It is usually a "treasure hunt" of some sort on Day 3. But first...a visit to the "Emergency Blister Control Row".

Everyone here is getting their blisters fixed

The last day was a Sunday, and the race director did not had plans for all of us to wake up any later than 7am. By 6.45am, many things has happened and the campsite was abuzz with activities.

But sir, it's (blardy) Sunday!

Blisters you asked, how bad? Well, to start with, how about at all spots you can think off on your feet?

Every single toes and at places you never think will happen, like top of your feet!

This race, myself and my team mate Roy Yeow took part together. But of course, he was way faster (and me better looking, because this is my blog :P)

We should had continue to confuse some participants...

Once all the blisters has been treated and covered appropriately, we headed to the starting line where the last briefing for SAC2014 will be done.

But first....

Yes, the trip this time around has been about taking photos and racing. Memories are made of these and best to have them immortalised and for sharing.

With Nasier. Thank you for the captures! 

Tired from the last 2-days and with some returning back as late as 11pm, tiredness could be seen on the faces of many. Little did we all know (on that morning) what will be put for us to complete. Afterall, a "hike up the waterfall" sound very do-able, more so there is already a fixed trail many could follow.

A photo showing a mixture of feeling...

How tough can it be, right?

The race started soon after the last briefing - that we need to hike up Langanan Waterfall, get our number marked, get back to race HQ and head out for a treasure hunt. Cut off is 12noon. Simple. We have a good 4-hours to complete all that and it is at most...15km...

Right?

As with all the days, photos are compulsory. :) Here, Rosli having a good time recording all of these for memories.

:D

The short run out of Poring and we are headed to the start of the waterfall trailhead. It can be accessed internally via the Poring park, but why take that easier route when we can take a longer one?

Starting to look rather promising. A hike away from the sun. Nice.

Teammate 2ndskin in action

Somehow, no one started to run, yet. Dear Esther has went up Langanan before, and if she isn't running, that would only meant it will be tough - save energy lah, she said.

Ready?

Langana

It says...3km...right?

The starting was good. With wide undulating trails that looked runnable. This is a tourists spot, isn't it?

So much fun

And then....

Climbs...40degrees switchback

And it just go on and on and on...for the next....4km.

It is a climb people! Move!

4km? Yes, because you see, the 3km is a straight line distance not taking into consideration the elevation change. The GPS records vertical distance and the 3km slowly creeps to 5km to the waterfall. You thought you are making progress, and the distance marker just refused to budge...

Aiyo...

Wifey was struggling with her backache and I had the chance to run up further and take panoramic (vertical) shots to emphasise the climb.

Steep

We arrived at a cave known a Bat Cave. I've checked, no Batman inside.

Reeks of guano

More pics of the climb.

There got to be an easier way...but none.

Everyone forgot to look up

Because looking down was inevitable with the climb

A clearing for a breather. Fantastic view. I bet this was the waterfall we saw from a distance on Day 2.

A shout from the top for an photo opp and you see everyone looking

And then the climb continue....

Along the way, there were many huge trees. This one was the biggest I've spotted along the way.

Makes you feel small

And of course, when opportunity arise, we run for it. :D

Flat - run

And get dissapointed that there is another 1.5km (which in fact, translate to 3km) to go...

Kena tipu

That was also when we saw many running down from the check point

Billy

Babe

Handsome

THe climbs continue for us mere mortals. Almost 60degree climb at certain section

Not easy...heartbreaking

Saluting!

Penang Triathlon and Duathlon organiser

Rosli mimicking a scene from a Hindustani movie

With a lot of encouragement along the way, we could hear the waterfall after what seems like a full 2-hours of hike (to cover 5km).

Thank you sir

And the sight did not disappoint.

300feet worth of waterfall

The waterfall was spectacular. But as we were chasing cutoff, we decided to spend maximum 10minutes to let the fall soak into us.

RnR for many not rushing

Checking in

One more selfie won't harm

Or two more...

Maybe three

This waterfall deserves a return visit in our next holiday trip to Poring. I can imagine how cold the water would be just from the breeze caused by the gushing water from the top of the fall.

Next time again, perhaps

The return journey was easier as it was 90% downhill. The 5km was covered within an hour of fast descent.

Run? Maybe not...tired dy.

We arrived back to Poring with about 45minutes to spare. But first, a compulsory pose to commemorate 2014 SAC.

Hurry...hot hot hot!

The remaining for the 45minutes saw me and wifey scrambling to find the nearest two spot. It was easily 2km one way and with 4km to cover, that made our 10min/km pace journey. The sun was beating down hard and we decided to just settle for the nearest two - which was the exit of the Day 1 route not too far away. We ran back a little to Race finish with about 5minutes to spare. 

Thank you Nasier

There wasn't any fanfare and there was just for us, self accomplishments. Yet another long race together and with both being stronger, we know we are not going to be last in the list. Even that, there is no shame being last, as the last 3-days proved to be tough even for the strong athlete.

:) Yay!

Route Data
Distance : 13km
Time : 4hours 5mins
Elevation Gain : 791m

Immediately after the race, we went back to the run to clean up and pack. As we booked the same day flight return to KL, there was absolute rush to make sure we got everything we need packed and ready for home. The award lunch was held soon after and just like 2013, the medals were huge ass big.

And this year, there was coffee from Tenom given to us, apart from finisher t-shirt (long sleeve) made by 2ndSkin. Nice!

It was also catching up with fellow competitors as we made plans for the return in 2015. New friends made, old friends rekindled. Races like these set the pace for many future races where many make the effort to keep in touch post race. The community is small and we will cross path again in near future.

It was indeed a good race. The organiser delivered yet another superb worthy to talk about race and with like minded participants, it became better. Many enjoyed the camp out with a handful decided to stay in the comfort of modern amenities (aka ourselves). Route from Day 1 to Day 3 totally wore us out, burnt us with tan line to remember and with elevation that makes us believe any mountain can be climb if we put our heart into it. Until 2015 and the 16th installment of SAC, stay well and thanks for reading all the 3-days report. It has been a pleasure writing and reporting it from memory. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it.

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