Athletes

Rocket Science Sports, a triathlon-based equipment company based in Austin, TX that offers high-end wetsuits, race apparel, bags. Yeah, the same guys the make the fancy-schmancy aerodynamic dimpled water bottle that we recently reviewed.

Next in line is their top of the line water resistant race day gear bag – the Rocket Bag. My first impression upon opening the box was the obvious thought to detail and design. The bag is rugged but very contemporary in its appearance. The black water resistant material that covers the bag from head to toe, including all exterior zippers, is what sets it off. In addition, a number of reflective strips are incorporated into the panels to help keep you safe in the dark. The choice of materials and their composition is very unique and will scream to your competitors that you mean business. Or maybe you’re just a poser…

As I began to examine the Rocket Bag a little more I began to notice the numerous exterior compartments, straps, zippers, pads and other little gizmo’s. So I started to search for some directions to tell me what’s supposed to go where because I’m used to dumping everything in one spot. This bag, on the other hand, has a specific compartment for every piece of your gear. Crap!!! I’m not that organized. I guess that’s why I still occasionally show up to races without vital necessities such as SHOES!!!

Exterior Storage

Water Bottle Storage
Storage for one water bottle is provided for on each side of the bag. The water bottle storage compartments are sealed with a water resistant zipper.

Helmet
The helmet storage compartment is in the typical location as found on other bags. The helmet is secured snugly with the combination of an elastic band integrated in the outer material and two plastic locking clips.

Electronics
A smaller water resistant compartment behind the helmet storage is provided for storing electronic devices such as iPods.

Personal Items
Identification, car keys, and other miscellaneous personal items can be stored in a water resistant compartment on the outermost portion of the bag.

Cell Phone
Storage for a cell phone is provided for in a specific case located on the front of the main harness strap so you can easily answer your phone when you’re on the go. The container is removable so you can take it with you.

Lower Compartment
Finally, a storage compartment accessed by a water resistant zipper of the bottom of the bag is intended for storage of the transition mat. But it could be a good spot for storing your nutritional needs or other secret “stash”.

Interior Storage

The needs of the triathlete were definitely addressed with the design and function of the interior portion of this bag. The interior compartments were designed in a manner to separate the gear of the swim, bike and run disciplines. The mesh compartments helps with ventilation and lets you see what inside without having to open up each individual compartment.

Shoe, Eyewear, Heart Rate Monitor, & Pre-Race/Post-Race Gear Storage
Two separate mesh compartments were provided for on the inside of the outer portion of the bag to store running and cycling shoes. A larger mesh compartment in the main body of the bag is large enough to hold post-race clothing. Inside this are separate holders for your eyewear and heart rate monitor. The entire compartment can be unzipped to reveal what? Yep, another storage compartment! This water resistant compartment was designed as a wet-dry storage area. The wet-dry gear clothing compartment is also removable so it can be transported separately if you choose.

Transition Mat
Included with the Rocket Bag is waterproof transition mat (13”w x 25.5”l) with a non-slip PVC coating. It’s good for keeping your gear what the guys at Rocket Science Sports describe as “clean and happy”.

Fit

Padding
The padding for the back and shoulder strap areas of the Rocket Bag consists of numerous cushy gel pads described as RSS Gel Technology. Eight generous pads, referred to as the Air-Flight™ Padded Back, are located on the back of the bag to help keep you cool on the bike. In addition the shoulder and waist harnesses are gel padded to keep things comfy when it’s all locked down.

Straps
What really tops off a nice looking bag is one that has good ergonomics for cyclists. Securing the Rocket Bag to your body are two padded shoulder harnesses that can be secured together with an adjustable locking strap at chest level. In addition, another padded strap is provided for at waist level which includes a convenient storage area for your photo id or racing license. If you choose not to strap the Rocket Bag to your back a nylon strap wrapped with a flexible rubber handle has been provided for on the top of the bag. Lastly, a nylon strap with a 360 degree rotating plastic fastening clip allows you to hang the bag from a locker or transition area.

Durability
I’ve only had this bag for a little over a month so I can’t really vouch for its durability but I did get a chance to talk to the Rocket Science Sports guys for a little bit at Interbike. I asked how the exterior material of the bag would hold up over time and was shown a Rocket Bag that had been in use for a year and it was comparable to a new one on the rack.

Stitching
The stitching for the Rocket Bag is of high quality and well thought out as they have concealed the majority of the stitching to the interior of the bag. This provides for a very clean exterior appearance and more durable product.

Overall

Would I recommend this bag to others? Yeah, it’s probably one of the highest quality gear bags I’ve come across. The only possible downside to the concept of this bag is the number of storage areas it offers becasue I found the number of interior compartments reduces the physical amount of the bag’s potential storage capacity. However, I think it makes perfect sense for the triathlete because of the need to keep race gear separate. Now that I think about it, this bag would make a very good computer bag because of its versatility. So it comes down to what works best for your personal needs and preferences.

The guys at Rocket Science Sports spared no expense with this bag. Even though it’s geared primarily towards the triathlete, this bag will easily accommodate the needs of others as well. It looks good, it’s versatile, and at the very least can help you keep your gear organized on race day. The Rocket Bag is quickly becoming a hot item. Just ask Rock Racing’s Rahsaan Bahati. Apparently someone five-finger-discounted his Rocket Bag that he won at a race earlier this year before he ever made it back to the team bus. I guess he was a little distracted with the podium girls, picking up his prize, and all those other things winners get to do.

Item: Rocket Bag
Manufacturer: Rocket Science Sports
Dimensions: Height (20″), Width (13″), Depth (9″), Depth with pocket (10″)
MSRP: $159.99
Website: www.rocketsciencesports.com

Rafael Aquino

Star Endurance August 2010 Athlete of the month

I started my triathlon journey about a year ago.  I was looking for a sport which would give me a physical challenge as well as a mental challenge.  At first I didn’t think triathlons would do it for me because I really didn’t enjoy running.  However a good friend of mine convinced me to do a sprint distance triathlon and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Several races later I set myself a challenge and I decided to do an Ironman 70.3.  I knew that if I wanted to do well in this race I needed to dedicate time and look for a coach or a team. I was skeptical of training with a team since triathlons are an individual sport but I was wrong.  I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Magui Pena-Martinez, my current coach and team (Star Endurance.)  Even though I didn’t believe in the coach’s program initially I was proven wrong when it was time to compete:  Miami Nice 2^nd place in age group and E2M (Escape to Miami triathlon) 10^th place age group.

There isn’t better feeling then accomplishing something which you true desire and sharing it amongst family, friends and teammates. I’m truly in love with the sport and it’s been an experience which I will continue to share and enjoy.

Magui (Coach), thank you for all your support and guidance.  Without you I wouldn’t have done as well as I’ve done this year.  Team Star Endurance, thank you for all your motivation, support and most importantly your friendship. Finally to my grandfather, who recently passed away, I promise you that I will rock this Ironman 70.3 in your honor.

Rafael P. Aquino

MY DREAM CAME TRUE

It was my dream when I was a teen, 18 years old …. Wow I can’t even remember that, but for different reasons (study, work, money, etc) I couldn’t do it so the dream was sleeping for many years until 2008 when I decided to try to do the first triathlon. Because I’m coming from a very sporty background I told myself “You can do it”.

By September 2008 (my 34 birthday) I checked for races and started training. My first triathlon was a sprint Tri-a new-year in Broward and I finished 3rd in my age group. During the race an old man asked me: Is this your first TRI? I said Yes and he told me “This is addictive, you can’t stop doing it” He had more than 30 years racing!!!! He was right I’m in love with Triathlons and this love is bigger every year and every time I race.

When I started I set my goal “IRONMAN 140.6”. In the way I did some sprints, Olympics a ½ marathon and I’m getting closer, this year is the 70.3 (Miami Half Ironman 70.3) …What a big step!!! It’s hard but, I’m committed to get there and with the unconditional support of my family (my lovely wife and beautiful son) my coach “MAGUI” who always is there leading and helping me and of course ….my teammates from Star Endurance that push me to be better every time… I know that I can get there and FINISH STRONG.

My future plan is to return to the Triathlon all the happiness that it’s giving me during this time becoming a coach and to help others to achieve their goals and fell in love with this great sport. Like I always say “TRIATHLON is not just a sport is a LIFESTYLE”.

Thank you,

ANDRES M. PEREZ

In her own words…

Marie Lisette Flores, Star Endurance Athlete of the Month June 2010

“It all started back in 2005, when I decided to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis 150 Mile Bike Tour.  So for the next five years, I would bike around 2 to 3 months before each MS Bike Tour.  Then, in February 2009, one of my friends asked me to join her to do the “She Swims/She Rides/She Runs, SheRoks Triathlon in Orlando, Florida.  Instantly, I fell in love with the idea, but at the same time, I just couldn’t picture myself doing all 3 sports the same day.  Even though, it would be a tough road ahead, the challenge was too much to let go.  So, May 10, 2009 arrived (by the way, Mother’s Day) and there I was doing my first Triathlon with the support of my husband and my daughter, and I must admit that at that point, I was hooked.  Since then, a year and one month have passed, and I have completed 5 Sprint Tris, 1 Olympic Tri, and “La Vuelta 2010 – the Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico – 375+ miles in 3 days).

Throughout this journey, I have had the blessing of meeting wonderful people, who have both inspired and encouraged me to take on my next challenge: The Ironman 70.3 Miami/October 30, 2010.  A half Ironman consists of Swimming: 1.2 miles = 1.9km, Biking: 56 miles = 90km, and Running: 13.1 miles = 21 km.  It is certainly a huge challenge for me to overcome, but then again, that has been the story of my life.

The greatest challenge I have had to face, however, has been fighting the relentless symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, a disease with which I was diagnosed back in February 1999. Let me share with you that it was not easy for the first six years after diagnosis, but this summer 2010 is “coincidently” my fifth year that I don’t get admitted to the hospital.  Maybe exercising has something to do with it, don’t you think? But above it all, I must confess to you that my deep faith in God is what gives me the strength to continue fighting, and not a day goes by without me thanking Him for my health.  So remember “IF LISETTE CAN, YOU CAN” and one day “MS” would stand only for the initials of my maiden name Marie Lisette Schnabel.”

Marie Lisette Flores

Star Endurance / TriJungle Athlete of the Month, June 2010.