When it comes to choosing that new product for your bike what is more important to you, "Image or Performance"?

Now most of us would like to think we choose things like wheels and helmets based on what performs best but if truth be told image is a pretty important factor in most cycling purchases. In the past this may have been a bit of a problem but not anymore…

Two of the latest products from the hardworking people at Specialized combine eye catching image and stellar performance in one package.

Now many of you already know and love the Decibel helmet from Specialized, with its superior fit, extreme ventilation and durable design it is one of our best sellers. But what do you do if you want a little bit more individuality in your Decibel helmet? What if you want a little bit of bling? The answer is simple, you get the new limited edition Gold Decibel helmet from Specialized. Made in honour of Alexandre Vinokourov's inspirational win in the Vuelta Espana there are only 750 of the Gold Decibel helmets worldwide. Each helmet comes with a numbered certificate so you can prove to the guys at the cafe how special your new helmet is.

With your new gold helmet giving you more bling then a Hip Hop awards show you need something to style up your bike. You need a product that makes even non-cyclists stop and stare but you need something that will make you ride quicker then ever before. Enter the new Roval Fusee Star Wheelset…

The star shaped hub on the Fusee Star wheel may look like something the marketing guys dreamed up for a dare but there is actually a lot of logic behind this eye catching design. Anyone who has ever ridden into a head wind knows how much wind resistance can effect your speed on the bike. That is why Specialized have designed the star hubs with a significantly narrower front profile which yields 50% less frontal area, dramatically reducing wind drag. Strength has not been sacrificed with the new design as the hubs are made from cold forged 7005 aluminium resultling in stiffness and strength where you need it most. The hubs are laced onto the E5 alloy rims using Roval custom self-aligning hidden nipples with nylon threadlock meaning less spoke induced fatigue on the rim.

So whether you want style, performance or a combination of both check out these and other great products from the Specialized range.

It rains so little these days that it always comes as a pleasant suprise when the heavens do finally open. One problem with having such infrequent wet weather in Brisbane is that when it does arrive we often don't have the proper gear to keep us on the bike.

Are you staring out the window at the rain instead of training? 

Because we would hate to see you use this little bit of welcome rain to skip your training we've decided to share Lifecycle's top five tips for wet weather riding:

1) Get a clear plastic rain jacket. These lightweight rain jackets will fold up small enough to fit in your jersey pocket so you don't have to worry about where to stash it when the weather does clear up. At around $49 they are affordable, which is nice as it doens't rain that much in Queensland.

2) Newspaper. Looking for a way to dry your wet riding shoes so you can head out again tomorrow? Try stuffing them full of newspaper over night. The paper soaks up the moisture leaving them dry and snug the next day. Newspaper down the front of the jersey is also a great way of keeping warm when the temperature drops later in the year.

3) Buy a home trainer. If the rain is just to heavy to head out in or you don't feel confident riding in the wet then perhaps you should consider setting up a home trainer. There are a few different types available though we would suggest a magnet or fluid trainer that runs of the rear tyre. MTB riders can get a rim drive model so they don't have to take off their knobby tyres. Both versions of the popular Minoura 500 trainer retail for under $300 and always sell like hotcakes in the wet weather.

4) Get a tool tub. One bad thing about being caught in the rain is that your mobile, wallet, power bars, mini tool and any other bits and pieces you may be carrying get soaked. Companies like BBB sell screw top tool tubs that go in your second water bottle cage and help keep your valuables dry.

5) Get a weather proof hat for the cafe. We all know that the post ride cafe or bakery stop is key to a good ride so don't miss out because of the rain. Get yourself a special wet weather hat like Blair's (see below) and stay dry off the bike.

Blair gets ready to head down to the cafe in his rain proof hat.

The Lifecycle crew would like to welcome Matt Hopper to the team. A professional triathlete competing on the ITU world circuit Matt brings a wealth of triathlon and cycling knowledge to the showroom floor at Lifecycle. An all round nice guy and one of the fittest buggers we know Matt has slotted right in with the rest of the staff.

Matt has has been clocking up top results for a number of years now since turning pro after winning the 200 Australian Age Group championship. He is looking forward to big things in 2007 having secured himself an AIS scholarship for the coming season. Matt puts in some serious time training before and after work and is the type of driven individual who gives 100% to everything he does. We are sure he has a fantasic season in store.

While Matt's results and pro credentials may impress many, it is the fact that he was prepared to tackle the cleaning in the Lifecycle staff kitchen during his first week that has won over the rest of the Lifecycle team. This difficult and time consuming task has only been previously completed by a few select individuals and is a true sign of a real champion.