Troupe Racing Co.

Over the summer months, we’ll take time-out to introduce some of the sponsors that have helped make our team who we are. To us, these companies make some of the best gear – wether its cycling components, skin care, or outdoors equipment. Their brands are like us: unexpected, serious, yet surprisingly approachable. We’re greatfull for their generosity in supporting us and we hope we can do them proud.

First up, Sqivvy.

Every find yourself getting ready for a race, wondering where to change into your kit? Or maybe looking for the right distance between parked cars to change out of your riding clothing after that long training ride with a group of riders. Either situation is quite a predicament, and one that we found our selves in all too often.

Then we found Sqivvy – super cool pop-up changing tents.

A Sqivvy pop-up works like one of those car window shades that fold and collapses into a big round coil – the size of a road wheel, basically. Each tent comes complete with a bag, stakes, and a rainfly that closes the roof and helps keep rain out.

Compared to the “deck change” of wrapping a towel around your waist, or undressing behind a bush, changing in a Sqivvy is pure luxury.

The door is very large and easy to open and close. Once in side, the user has the option of standing on the ground or on a partial tent floor. This is especially handy if you’ve got dirty mountain bike shoes on. The floor easily detaches and rolls up if the ground is too rocky, or to work with a shower system. Looking straight up, the ceiling is open unless the rain fly is installed. A zip mesh window is opposite the door and helps with air flow in the event the top is used.

Each of the 3 walls include some sort of storage feature. A mesh pocket, a solid closed top nylon bag, or our favorite – a light clothes line. This is perfect for micro towels, base layers or other light items that need to be hung up to dry quickly.

Set up is a snap. Take it out of the bag, and it virtually springs open. Find a level spot, push (our pound) 4 corner stakes in, and you’re done! Should you set up a Sqivvy on a parking lot or sand, 3 sides include a pocket for filling with sand or rocks to hold it in place instead of the corner stakes.

Take down is also super easy, although we did need to practice this a few times and watch the video. There’s a little trick to it – a twist of the wrist. Once you get that down, its super easy.

If you can’t tell, we’re very happy to have Sqivvy’s support this season. It’s been one of our favorite items to bring to rides and races. And it never fails; someone always asks us to use it.

So, here’s the chance to get your very own Sqivvy! Visit their web store and use promo code “Troupe” at check out to receive $10 off and free shipping. Or stop by at one of our races and check it’s awesomeness for yourself.