Athletes to sport redesigned gear

China sees the Beijing Olympics as a "coming out" party. So do many businesses, which view the Olympics as a perfect stage to unveil new or recently introduced products. With the Games opening Aug. 8, we offer eight innovations or redesigns that could affect Olympic results.

1- Swimsuits

Speedi KZR Racer

The era of nearly naked men slicing through Olympic waters is all but gone. There are still some competitors in the teeny-weeny briefs, but most of the stars -- men and women -- now prefer less-revealing, faster bodysuits.

Speedo, the most recognizable name in swimsuits of all types, unveiled its LZR Racer in February. The suit, billed as "the most technically advanced in the world," produced immediate results. One March weekend saw 13 world records by Speedo swimmers; by mid-June, the LZR world-record tally was 38 (19 long course, 19 short course).

There are plenty of skeptics, and the sport's elite have custom-fitted suits.

Speedo says the LZR's many bonuses include 4 percent faster starts, sprints and turns; 10 percent less "passive drag" than its 2004 model, FASTSKING FSII; the first fully bonded bodysuit with ultrasonically welded seams; "strategically placed panels" to enhance a swimmer's form; and so on. The suit is made of "an ultra-lightweight, low drag, water repellent and fast-drying fabric unique to Speedo called LZR PULSE."

Having Michael Phelps in a LZR is not likely to hurt sales.

1b - Swimsuits

Techfit Powerweb

Speedo's competition includes Adidas, which has come out with the Techfit Powerweb suit.

A company description says the suit "features Thermoplastic Urethane Powerbands anchored at key points around the suit, such as around the waist or above the knees. It is a development of the compression technology which Adidas introduced in 1998 with the world's first full bodysuit, subsequently worn by the legendary Ian Thorpe, who won five gold medals in it."

The suit "works in unison with muscles, helping them to function like springs." Power, improved "oxygen delivery" and less fatigue are among the benefits that Adidas cites.

3 - Cycling technology

Wireless Powermeter

SRM has launched its "Wireless PowerMeter" and "PowerControl VI." In lay terms, it's a super-sophisticated bicycle computer.

SRM's Leslie Klein, a 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympian in women's kayak, says that "in addition to power, speed, heart rate, cadence, time, temperature and kilojoules of energy, the PCVI will also show altitude and feet or meters gained over a ride."

American cyclists, including triathletes, will have the SRM equipment mounted on handlebars.

4- Equestrian boots

Nike "Zoom Air"

Riding boots have a whole new look in Nike's Ippeas (the name is Greek for "rider").

No more leather boots with smooth wood soles, a style that had changed little since the 1800s.

Nike has introduced "Zoom Air" cushioning, rubber-padded outsoles to improve stirrup action and an adjustable titanium screw-in spur system (inspired by track spikes) that eliminates the need for additional hardware on the ankles.

Ippeas have a full-length zipper for easy on and off.

Finally, a thin, high-abrasion synthetic rubber material on the medial side of the boot improves grip on horse and saddle and boosts rider-horse communication.

5 - Keeping Cool

Game Ready Cooling Vest

Like Speedo's LZR Racer, the Game Ready Cooling Vest incorporates NASA technology. The vest, which circulates ice and water, is designed for athletes who want to cool their bodies. Game Ready notes that the vest "is also designed to keep surgeons comfortable during long and hot procedures."

Competition includes Nike's PreCool Vest.

According to Nike, "Since 25 percent of our body's total energy goes into moving muscle and 75 percent into regulating heat, reducing an athlete's core temperature before the marathon or a field hockey match means more energy for the competition itself."

6 - Seaworthy sunglasses

Polorized Sunglasses

Shades can do more for sailors than just cool looks.

Polarized glasses by companies such as Kaenon and Oakley amplify contrasts. This helps sailors "see" the wind on the water, crucial to effective maneuvers.

7 - Gotta be the shoes

"Made for Beijing"

Probably the most consistent competition for Olympic business comes from shoe companies. It seems that every four years, companies come up with a new "super" shoe. Nike's track collection for Beijing includes the paper-thin Flywire. Adidas, an official sponsor of the games, has a full line of "Made for Beijing" equipment. New Balance, Puma, Pony and China's own Li Ning are among the others in the great shoe race.

8 - Video streaming

NBColymppics.com

NBC, MSN and Microsoft have combined forces to present "NBCOlympics.com on MSN."

Plans are to deliver 2,200 hours of live competition video, with more than 20 simultaneous live video streams at peak times; more than 3,000 hours of on-demand video; an "enhanced playback" mode; related content, including results, statistics, biographies, rules and analysis; live video alerts; and "social networking" features for fans and their friends.