Written by: Aaron Hersh

Triathlon is so much more than a venue for elite athletes to face off against each other. The sport is a great way to get fit, healthy, have fun and maybe enjoy a little competition. Unfortunately all the gear required to swim, bike and run creates a financial barrier for some to enter the sport. SRAM Apex has made that obstacle a little less daunting. Although Apex doesn’t cost a lot, “cheap” does not accurately describe it. Apex provides race-worthy performance at a previously untouchable price.

What’s New?

Price: SRAM Apex is the cheapest competition-worthy groupset on the market. A complete tri kit rings the register at $799, which is priced lower than Shimano’s entry-level kit and roughly $150 less than SRAM’s former most economic option, Rival.

Gear Range: Most double chainring component groups force the rider to choose between a comfortable uphill gear and a fast downhill gear. A triple-chainring crank (three gear options up front, rather than two) provides a wide gear range, but it has sloppy front shifting and is significantly heavier than double-chainring cranks. Instead of adding a ring to the front, SRAM made the easiest gear even easier by building a cassette with a 32-tooth cog—a gear that size is usually reserved for off-road bikes. This enormous gear span makes Apex more functional than even top-shelf parts for riders living near steep hills. This versatile gear range and crisp double-chainring shifting has rendered the triple-chainring crank obsolete.

What’s the Same?

Tri-specific parts: SRAM’s bar-end shifters and TT brake levers are not linked to specific component groups. SRAM’s aluminum 500 TT brake levers and shifters are the most economically appropriate match for Apex, but the carbon 900 TT parts and even the R2C Aero shifters are compatible.

Cogs and chain: Even though the rear derailleur gets all the credit, the shifters and cassette combine to have a bigger influence on shift performance than the derailleur. Apex must be able to make strong and accurate rear shifts because of the ultra-wide gear range, and SRAM wisely used the same highly tuned cogs found on its Rival cassette rather than saving money by using less refined cogs. Since Rival uses the same gears and shifters as Apex, shift performance is nearly identical between these two differently priced component sets.

How does it stack up?

SRAM Rival: Apex rear shift quality is nearly identical to Rival because both groups share shifters and cassette cogs. The Apex brake calipers also provide similar feel and stopping power to the more expensive Rival brakes. Finish quality is the biggest difference between the two kits. Rival boasts aesthetically crisp components and SRAM’s recognizable brake caliper design; Apex does not. Although Apex lacks the same eye-catching aesthetic as Rival, it functions nearly as well and costs $xxx less. As is the case with all component manufacturers, spending money for high-end parts yields diminishing performance returns.

Mixed Shimano kit: Entry-level tri bikes are usually spec’d with a mixed bag of components rather than a complete kit. This allows the manufacturer to keep the price down without eliminating the flashy bits that add a little glamour to a bike. Cervelo builds the $1,700 P1 with Shimano’s outstanding Ultegra derailleurs, chain and cassette but saves money by spec’ing an FSA Gossamer Pro crankset and their own Cervelo Mach 2 brake calipers. Mixed kits, like the one on the Cervelo P1, can provide sharper rear shifts than a complete Apex kit but Apex offers superior brake performance and slightly crisper front shifting as well.

Should you ride it: The dynamic nature of road racing puts much more stress on components than a steady triathlon bike leg. Saving money on components—rather than wheels, frame or race entry fees—is the best way to keep your tri habit under budget. Apex is price sensitive, but matches loftier groupsets in the performance categories that matter to triathletes. It shifts crisply, brakes sharply and is only a few grams heavier than more expensive kits. Apex will start appearing on entry-level tri bikes this fall and it is a trustworthy group that you can be proud to ride.

Written by: Brad Culp

Newton Running first turned heads two years ago with its odd lugged outsole, which is designed to help facilitate a more efficient foot strike. While some who have run with the lugged soles claim the shoes have caused foot pain and injury, plenty of others credit Newton’s unique sole design for a big boost in run speed. I’ve been running in Newton’s on and off for more than two years with no major injury problems, and I feel the lugs have helped me become more of a mid-foot striker. That being said, I have not run in Newtons exclusively, instead using them only for tempo and track workouts.

It doesn’t take a podiatrist to realize that the outsole design of Newton’s new Sir Isaac trainer is much different than that of Newton’s previous iterations. At first glance, it appears that the infamous lugs have been recessed a bit—but it’s a bit of an optical illusion. What actually makes the lugs look shorter is the addition of a midfoot “chasis.” The chasis, which essentially wraps around the outside of the lugs, provides a bit more stability than Newton’s Performance Trainers. The Sir Isaacs also use a beveled heel and toe, which help pronators (like myself) adapt to a more efficient (or more forward) strike. These additional features bring the weight of the Sir Isaacs up to 10.9 ounces (size 9), about half-an-ounce bulkier than the Performance Trainers.

If you already run in Newton’s Performance Trainers and like them, then you probably don’t need to try the Sir Isaacs. These shoes are ideal for those looking for a smooth transition to forefoot running. However, regardless of what kind of striker you are, we feel the Sir Isaacs are a better option than the Performance Trainers for trail runs, as the chasis provides extra stability over uneven surfaces.

For more on the Sir Isaacs or Lady Isaacs, visit Newtonrunning.com

Written by: Jay Prasuhn

The Focus Izalco Chrono, complete with Zipp 808 clinchers, a 3T cockpit and a SRAM Red groupset, retails at $8,300.

There is something intrinsically alluring about German engineering. Consider the BMW motorcycle, the inner workings of Sinn watches and Mercedes Benz Motorworks. The care that goes into a hand-stitched Adidas soccer shoe. All these brands have built their names on unhurried attention to detail. In the bike realm, one can add the Focus Izalco Chrono—a German brand that applies the same basics of staid German mechanical precision— to the mix. It’s so very simplistic, so very … well, German. It is without hesitation that we predict the Chrono will be a quiet surprise on our side of the pond among those who understand that to the wind, simple design is better.

While Focus is a staple brand in Europe, the Izalco Chrono is gaining North American traction thanks to new U.S. distribution. Of course, having German engineer Andy Walser involved in the design doesn’t hurt. Walser (who built his name in cycling a few years ago by making handfuls of self-branded bikes for top-name pro cyclists including Jan Ullrich) was contracted by Focus to produce a bike that has volume marketability (that would be to money-spending triathletes) and utility for its UCI ProTour team, Milram.

The 2009 Chrono is beautifully spec’d with Zipp 808 clinchers and a 3T front end including the Ventus Team aerobar and Funda Pro fork. While a Walser-designed product, the Chrono maintains industry standards, including a standard SRAM Red ceramic external BB. It has no tricky brake placement, which means for a bike mechanics will be happy to wrench.

No, the Chrono does not port cables in through the front of the top tube, which is a fan favorite of late. But I was most impressed with the rear derailleur cable port-out; an internal run exits cleanly at the chainstay/seatstay junction, making for a smoother radius to the rear derailleur (and thus smoother cable pull and shifting action) than most designs out there.

But what really catches the eye are the razor-sharp edges. The Chrono has some of the narrowest, yet stiffest carbon-fiber tubesets we’ve come across in quite some time. Using unidirectional fibers throughout the wet-look gloss painted frame, the trailing tubeset edges come easily to the sharpest point in the industry. Hearkening to the simple principles of aerodynamics, Walser goes narrow; clean entry, clean exit. The top tube/seat tube area, a Walser hallmark with no cinching bolts exposed, has a sharp terminus behind the wafer-thin seat post. The Chrono will be a favorite of those who believe the aero creed: Simple is better.

What sets this Walser-designed product apart from his earlier iterations comes in the geometry, which is thankfully not another tri-adapted road TT bike. In fact, Focus offers the Chrono in two models; the tri-focused AMP version with its 76.4-degree seat angle, and the time trial-oriented TT with a 74.3-degree seat angle. Complemented by a 72.3-degree head angle, a zero-offset seat clamp on the aero carbon post and a very short head tube and not-too-long top tube makes this a very aggressive tri bike that’s not terribly long in the cockpit.

One major difference when compared to direct competitors is the use on the Chrono of a replaceable vertical derailleur. With a tire gap of just 2mm with a 23mm Continental GP3000 clincher mounted, some of us (myself included) will prefer the convenience (and peace of mind that you won’t ruin a frame if your rear derailleur goes AWOL) that comes with replaceable vertical dropouts.

Our fully-to-spec test ride was presented with a red, yellow and black tag, proudly stating Made in Germany—a rarity in an age of Asian production for nearly every major brand.

It didn’t take long for the Chrono to climb into my top-five favorite rides. Tangibly, I couldn’t tell whether the razor-thin tubesets were beneficial—I’d have to race for five and a half hours and stop my watch to determine that. On San Diego’s coastal flats, the bike was simply thin to the wind.

The ride itself? The Chrono is certainly not for the uninitiated, the comfort-conscious (it’s stiffness can be taxing on long rides) or those who ride out of the aerobars. It’s not meant for riding, it’s meant for drilling. I was able to get as low, tight and aggressive as I liked without fudging my fit, which is half the battle. Stiff, unyielding, serious and as halting as the German language, the Chrono was a scythe. Despite the narrow tubesets (which typically result in a flexible ride, even in the aerobars), the Chrono was shockingly light and stiff. Whatever lay-up process the Chrono undergoes during its production will certainly be studied by Focus’ competitors. If a guy as big and powerful as former T-Mobile pro cyclist-turned-triathlete Kai Hundermarck can tear off a 4:32 bike time at the Quelle Challenge Roth this summer aboard the Chrono, it was certainly stiff enough for a 160-pound age grouper like me. Steering, descending, climbing, all executed with confidence thanks to a stiff, balanced platform.

The Chrono is a serious new contender to the high-end tri bike realm; the Felt DA, the Cervelo P3 or P4, the Cannondale Slice, Argon 18’s E114 and the Specialized Shiv have company. If you’re a front-of-the-packer with Kona aspirations and are familiar with riding in a low drop, this is one we highly recommend—it’s a serious weapon. Perhaps it takes up a few grams of drag by using standard brake placement and basic internal cable runs—but its stiffness and position promise to make up for it.

You’ll find more at Focus-bikes.com.

Written by: Jay Prasuhn

I love open water swimming. I accept that I won’t get the good threshold training, or the great form that clean water in lane lines will present. I don’t care. I like seeing garibaldi in the distance, stingrays fluttering off the seafloor. I’ve gotten over the gnar-gnar feeling of swimming through a kelp forest or sea grasses, and while I still get that tingle of wondering what that dark mass is off to my left, I remember that I am a few steps off the top rung in the food chain so I’m OK with it. Open-water swimming makes swimming fun for me, and the waters off Southern California are fairly tropical, up to 75 degrees F. No more need for my wetsuit, but still a bit chilly for just swim trunks.

So amid the various tools I have to play with, I opted to test the Tyr Sayonara at the Solana Beach Triathlon, a North County San Diego mainstay sprint event. Why not just wear a wetsuit? Lots did. Why would anyone even want a skin unless they live in Hawaii?

Well, with luck, it was the same weekend that a big south swell came rolling in. And that’s always my hope: big surf. While the better pool swimmers typically slay me when it’s a calm swim, I tend to have a better day when I can skitter with greater aplomb through the big surf.

Where does Tyr’s new Sayonara fall in with all of this? Well, first a bit of recent history: the swim skin category is a growing one since Blue Seventy debuted one of the first ones at the Hawaii Ironman a couple of years ago. Since then, swim skins have been credited with faster swims in Ironman as well as Olympic-level long-distance open waters swim events.

Like any swim skin, the goal of the Sayonara is not to provide buoyancy or warmth like a wetsuit. The skin doesn’t have neoprene for that effect. But what it does have is the namesake “skin,” over which water flows with much less hydrodynamic resistance than regular ol’ human skin, with its wrinkles and hair follicles fooling up hydrodynamic flow.

Unique materials and new design features are what set the Sayonara apart.

The Sayonara is the first skin to use Yamamoto BRS III fabric. That means that the outside layer of the suit has a limestone-based micro-honeycomb structure, which forms a ball bearing effect on water molecules for increased water repellency when compared to standard Yamamoto coating. Tyr claims a hydrodynamic drag coefficient of .021, a decrease of 34 percent over the existing Yamamoto fabric on the market.

The suit has a middle layer with a flexible titanium alloy, which Tyr says contours the swimmer’s shape for reduced muscle fatigue. It’s all backed by a single-knit stretch with a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent.

The backing will keep the suit from getting heavy with water, but that’s a moot point, thanks to other advances. One is leg or ankle grippers (the suit is offered in a short john, but I tested a long-leg version). For me, the ankle terminus was very tight, mainly because I pulled the suit up to my calves so I can pull the rest of the suit well up into the hips and crotch. It was almost uncomfortable, but my muscles became accustomed to the snug bite at the calf. It also ensured that zero water would get in at the bottom.

At the top, particularly the neck, which is a big area of water flushing in any wetsuit or skin, Tyr uniquely used a new silicone neck gripper, which kept the suit in one place and prevented water from flushing. I’ve never seen this used before, but I liked it.

The rest of the suit is about hydrodynamics, with flatlock seams and as much BRS III as possible. Tyr introduces zoned ventilation (the red chevron down the thighs and under the lats on the back) to help avoid overheating. They also provide a bit of extra flexibility, beyond what an already flexy BRS III rubber provides.

Tyr also introduces another new technology: the core control panel. Effectively a layer of rubber printed inside the suit, the rubber is purported to help stabilize the swimmer’s core. Crafty, since this is key in open-water swimming. But does it work? We’ll get to that.

During my test the water was warm enough to warrant a skin instead of a wetsuit. The decreased buoyancy of the skin meant easier diving under the big waves.

And so went my swim; it was only 300 meters, but it was one of my best swims of the year; I was able to submerge in the big surf with ease as the more than 100 35- to 39-year-olds in my age group who got battered by the surf. I popped up beyond the surf zone and stroke for the first can, then the far can, then back in to the beach. Warm enough, flexy enough, and slick enough, I experienced a swim much greater than I expected.

Back to that core control panel. This rubbery section over the core is supposed to help stabilize the swimmer’s core for better body position and body roll for optimal stroke efficiency. That’s a big promise, but it delivers. The stiffness in that one section serves as a constant reminder, as you’re breathing, to keep tight and roll. Once settled in to a good stroke after the surf, I could actually feel the section across my belly, and it did help serve as a reminder to roll well, maintain a long body, a good recovery—all the basics. You have to experience it to see that it does deliver on its intended purpose. It just does so the same way someone might tap you on the shoulder.

I swam on a guy’s feet until I realized when he stood up that we were already beached. Wow, already there. End result? Fifth out of the water. I ended up seventh in age group, and will wholeheartedly and unabashedly credit the majority of my top 10 to that swim. Usually it’s a bunch of top swimmers saying arrivaderci to me as I reach T1. This time, I was the one saying, well … sayonara.

BREAKOUT BOX: The TYR Sayonara is a premium product, which merits premium pricing: $375 for the full-leg sleeveless version as tested, and Tyr has a short john sleeveless at $299. As long as you’re not doing any FINA pool events, you’re golden. For more information, visit Tyr.com/sayonara.

BlueSeventy has introduced a new line of goggles. Photo: Jay Prasuhn

No longer a wetsuit-only manufacturer, BlueSeventy has set out to be a complete swimming brand with the introduction of some new goggles.

First up we have the Nero Rzr, which is a pool-specific goggle aimed at the speed freaks. This goggle is lightweight and has a very snug, racy fit. The goggles have a double strap to ensure they stay put and three different nose bridges for that perfect fit.

The Element

When BlueSeventy first started manufacturing goggles they created the Element. The goggle remains structurally unchanged but does come in a “hey look at me” orange color, that will make you easy to spot at your next Masters swim. BlueSeventy recommends this goggle for both open water and pool use.

The Vision

Along with the Element, it released the Vision goggle, which is designed to be the distance goggle with all-day comfort. Like the Element, the Vision remains structurally unchanged but is now available in different colors and lens options.

Another new kid on the block, the Hydra Vision, may just be my new favorite goggle. The Hydra Vision is designed for open-water swimming and might be the perfect triathlon goggle. The Hydra Vision is comfortable enough for a 2.4-mile swim but still retains its racy feeling. Best of all the goggle has a very wide field of view, which will enable you to see that heel coming towards you noggin during your next race. Not to mention it comes in some pretty sweet colors and lens options.

Last but not least we have the Siren, which is a womens-specific open water goggle. The Siren, much like the Hydra Vision has a racy feel but will provide all day comfort. Much like their womens-specific wet suits, BlueSeventy has designed these goggles to fit the smaller faces of our women athletes.

With most athletic companies it seems that the major engineering and design efforts go into big-ticket items such as tops, bottoms and shoes. Sports bras are often an after thought, with many companies using the same design over and over again and adapting colors and patterns to match the tops, bottoms and shoes.  Most women will agree that no matter our size, sports bras are an important part of our athletic wardrobe.

While Moving Comfort does design tops, bottoms and accessories, the majority of its resources go right into its sports bras. For evidence of this, check out their website at Movingcomfort.com. The first category, usually reserved for a company’s standout product, is its sports bras. The site also features an interactive bra finder.

I got a chance to try out three different sports bra styles:

Alexis Printed Bra ($36)

Alexis Printed Bra ($36): This bra was the most fun one I tested. At a cost of only $36, it is also one of the most affordable fashion sports bras I’ve received. The first time I got to wear the Alexis was on my first run on a cruise in the Eastern Caribbean. Normally, I’m not comfortable wearing a sports bra with nothing over it. But on a cruise jogging-path, it was not only appropriate, but also necessary because of the Caribbean heat. The fun design and flattering shape make you feel like you’re wearing a cute bathing suit top without worrying about a lack of support. This is the perfect sports bra if you’re looking to run by the beach (or on a cruise) while only wearing a sports bra and shorts.

Diana Bra A/B ($52)

Diana Bra A/B ($52): The Diana A/B Bra is a perfect example of the specificity that goes into the creation of these sports bras. This sports bra is made only for women who wear an A or B cup; there is no version for C or D cups. Additionally, the Diana is made for longer events such as triathlons or marathons. When I first received it I had to do a double take. Did they really create a sports bra for women who wear a size A/B cup and do triathlons? They really did. I wore this sports bra on my final long run leading into my first half-Ironman. After the run, I realized I had never really taken the time to think about how it felt. From my perspective, this is a good thing. Long runs usually mean a sports bra that is either too big or is so tight that it affects my breathing. It also usually means chafing either under the armpits or on the back. This bra fit perfectly and left me with no chafing. It’s a winner.

Phoebe Bra A/B ($34)

Phoebe Bra A/B ($34): This bra was the simplest one I tested. Like the Diana, it is created for A and B cups. They call the Phoebe the “go-to bra for smaller breasted women”, and after giving it a try that’s exactly how I would describe it. I’ve worn the Phoebe several times since receiving it. It works perfectly for everything. I’ve lifted weights, gone on a long cycling ride and done sprint workouts in this sports bra. It is breathable and comfortable for every workout. If I could only have one sports bra in my wardrobe, this would be it.

TriTank Print - $58 (different print shown)

In the world of running skirts, SkirtSports is the original. Founder and Ironman champion Nicole DeBoom has created the ultimate in feminine but functional clothing: running dresses, cycling dresses, triathlon skirts; this girl knows how to think outside of the box.

When I signed up for my favorite Fourth of July road race (the Coronado Independence Day 15K) I knew my patriotic outfit of choice would have to be my blue and white Hawaiian-print SkirtSports tank, Race Belt Skirt and Tri Bottoms. Not only were the colors adorable (and since we at Girl Gear vow never to only talk about fashion you know I’m not going to stop here), but the handy pockets, race bib attachment and non-chaffing material made me the most comfortable girl on the course.

DeBoom clearly has experience out on the racecourse, and it shows in the creation of all of her SkirtSports items. The stash pocket is placed in the center of your chest, which is both secure and readily accessible. I slipped a gel in there, some cash for a post-race snack and a car key and never felt it get in the way during the race. My race number snapped in between two buttons on the front of the skirt, eliminating the need for safety pins and keeping the number secure and out of my way. The silicone gripper on the waistband of the skirt rests securely on top of the tri shorts, and neither one rode up even an inch (which is a common problem with other skirts). I got several compliments on the cute print both during the race and after, and I crossed the finish line feeling patriotic, comfortable and ready for a BBQ (isn’t that what the Fourth is all about?).

RaceBelt Skirt Print - $39 (different print shown)

TriBottoms - $54

Medi-Dyne ProStretch ($30) and StrengthRite ($25)
Unless you’re a yoga addict, you probably think stretching sucks. It does. Sure, it feels good afterward, but stretching often feels like a waste of time when compared to actual exercise. Whatever your feelings are towards stretching, it’s impossible to deny that it can improve performance and prevent injuries (as long as it’s done at the right time). Medi-Dyne has two products to make stretching a bit easier and more beneficial. You’ve probably seen the ProStretch before, as it’s common in gyms and physical therapy centers. It’s designed to increase range of motion in the lower leg and is especially useful for athletes suffering from Achilles tendonitis. The StrengthRite strap is designed to soothe shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Medi-Dyne.com

Mix1 Hi-Antioxidant Fiber Drink $2.69 (per 11-ounce bottle)
Protein shakes are a dime a dozen these days, so we like that Mix1 has come to the table with something truly different from most of the drinks you’ll find at a GNC. In addition to nine grams of protein, each bottle yields nine—yes, nine—servings of fruits and vegetables. Best of all, it doesn’t taste like pond scum. The drink is available in two flavors, dark-berry and orange-carrot, both of which taste more like fruit juice than V8. The 115-calorie shake also contains nine grams of fiber, so don’t drink it before a date. Mix1life.com

Twin Six Brew Pub T $22
This is just one of our favorites from Twin Six’s line of “alternative cycling apparel.” Twin Six offers more than 30 T-shirt designs and 20 cycling jerseys, all of which testify to your commitment to cycling in far cooler fashion than an Ironman finisher’s shirt. It also offers a number of female- and kid-specific designs and sizes. Twinsix.com

SkirtSports GymGirl Ultra ($60) and TriTank ($58)
Sometimes knowing that you look cute is all you need to run that extra mile. Nicole DeBoom’s line of women’s athletic apparel offers fashion, comfort and function in every piece. The GymGirl Ultra athletic skirt and TriTank tank top are the epitome of SkirtSports excellence. The GymGirl Ultra offers plenty of coverage, including under-the-skirt shorts complete with a pocket to hold gels, keys or an MP3 player. The fabric is lightweight, dries quickly and is snag-resistant for those tricky trail runs. The TriTank is ideal for race day or training, with a built-in bra to keep things secure and a handy cleavage pocket—the ideal spot to stow away extra gels on the go. The tank features UV protection, quick-drying materials and is built to last with snag-resistant materials. Stylish never looked this speedy. Skirtsports.com

Timex WS4 ($200)

Triathlete senior editor Jay Prasuhn reviews the new WS4 from Timex.

It was the biggest ‘aw, man’ moments of my recent trip to Connecticut. Fellow photographer Larry Rosa, a frequent contributor to Triathlete, was in town to shoot the Revolution3 Triathlon. He updated his Facebook page with: “Touring the Timex facility.”

No way! How cool would that have been to visit Timex? I totally forgot that Connecticut housed the U.S. base for Timex. Oh, and Cannondale! If I had planned a bit better and announced my arrival to the east coast, I could have taken advantage and been shown around these great facilities. As you might have noticed by now, I love tours.

I messaged my contact there, Keith Meyer. “Dude, I’m staying in Southbury, heard you are nearby! I should have come visit your facility and done a tour!”

His reply: “You’re just a mile away, but we’re slammed. For sure next year!”

“Aw, man!”

I now know why they’re busy. Yes, they’re pumping out Ironman watches at probably rate of one per second, but they have the coolest new watch hitting the market, and Meyer sent me one to try out. It’s chunky. It’s bright. It’s bling. It’s data-rich. It’s different than anything else they’ve ever offered.

It’s called the WS4 and is part of Timex’ outdoor action-inspired Expedition Series. We feature this watch (can you call it a watch? How about a control panel?) in the upcoming August high tech issue of Triathlete. When I saw it, a colleague of mine and I quickly sent an email to Meyer “Can we test? Can we test? Can we test?” Meyer relented and sent two to test. He was (and still is I think) suspect why all of us at the office were so excited to try out this new device.

Well, first off it’s different from everything else out there. On my way home from the race, I was sitting in the United lounge and a fellow traveler asked “what kind of watch is that?” When I told him it was made by Timex he said “oh, really? I didn’t think Timex made watches like that.”

“That” is meant as, watches that are chunky, and in fashion right now; the WS4 has the same fashion sense as watches like U-Boat, Nixon and Bell & Ross. Sturdy statement watches. It looks more like a tool than a timepiece. It’s the action sport’s version of cufflinks.

Previously, on my way to Connecticut, a guy in fatigues on my flight saw the big bit of orange bling on my wrist. “Man, that’s some sort of watch? What does it do?”

I thought about what kind of fun I could have with this guy.

“What does it do? What does it do? Hell, what doesn’t it do?” I held out my closed, upturned palm and started unfolding fingers. “Altimeter! Barometer! Visual weather indicator! Digital compass! Temperature! It slices! It dices!  It does it all!”

I was rolling. “And—get this, you won’t believe this one—it tells the TIME! (And has a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, chronograph, indiglo night lighting. It has all of the basics of your normal Ironman watch… but I didn’t get into all that with him.)

Dude laughed—he was blown away. “Wow, I gotta get one of those.”

The WS4 is going to kick ass with runners, triathletes and swimmers— basically any endurance sports fanatic. Want to swim with it? It’s water-resistant to 50 meters. Would I take it running though? Well, I’d opt for a smaller watch—it is a bit heavier than a standard Timex Ironman watch. But if I was headed to the track from the office and forgot my dedicated sport watch, this does everything that one does and has all the key functions (stopwatch, lap, countdown timer), so again, sure, why not?

Of course, pro triathlete/fashionistas like Luke Bell and Amanda and Michael Lovato were keen on it—it was the first thing Amanda noticed upon seeing me. (Of course, anything as bright orange and large enveloping my wrist would do that.) Luke made a point that it’s the perfect competitor in our market to surf brands like Nixon, Quiksilver and the like. This watch is for guys who want to have good data, but don’t necessarily want to be wearing a sport watch around all the time. It’s all about style. A big, chunky watch is in style, and guys as old as 45 want to retain their young style as much as they can before they sign up for AARP.

I noted that what separates the WS4 from being a copycat is the function. While the surf brands typically promote tide features, the WS4 has none of that. Instead, it has stuff triathletes would feed off of and surfers couldn’t care less about: outdoor data. And I had fun playing with it all.

Setup was pretty easy. I only had to calibrate either the altimeter or barometer, since both rely on the same pressure. After setting the watch next to a trusty digital indoor temperature reader, the WS4’s temp reading was within a degree of my baseline guide. Cool. Of course, the temp goes up when it’s on your wrist. But it’d be interesting to do a crazy hot track workout, glance at it trackside with your bottle between sets and come out of it knowing you were able to make time on your 800s considering the track temperature was 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

The digital compass (with a digital needle and display in degrees and cardinal points) is probably more for fun than anything, unless you compete in Xterra races and have a penchant for getting lost. It has an adjustable declination angle that bumps up the compass’ accuracy.

The barometer shows current barometric pressure, as well as lows, highs in millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg). It will track current and sea level pressure. That barometric pressure then allows the WS4 to host a little icon for estimated weather patterns—sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy and rainy. It’s your own little weatherman-in-a-box.

A final fashion element: It comes in a rainbow of colors, including black (black with a silver face or black with black face), orange (shown, as tested), blue, yellow and a stunning white.

Afraid this luxury piece might be out of your price range? The price for this functional, fashionable conversation piece is $200. It is absolutely reasonable given the amount of function you get out of it.

What was my final impression? It is completely affordable and I think this would be the perfect birthday gift for the triathlete who has everything; Or at least thinks they do. They don’t have everything until they have the weather forecast at their wrist.

You can learn more about the WS4 at Timex.com.