Bicycle Buyers' Guide 2011

BUYER’S GUIDE 2011 BICYCLE

2011 BUYER’S GUIDE

92 HOT NEW BIKES FOR ROAD AND MOUNTAIN

A PERFECT FIT Learn the new math of bike sizing

THE BEST

POWER METERS ROAD WHEELS COMPONENTS

VOL . 40/NO.3 » DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 11, 2011

7

GREAT WAYS TO LIGHTEN YOUR BIKE VOL. 40/NO. 3 DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 11, 2011

SPRING 2011

HANDMADE,

BY ROBOTS THE IMPEC SHATTERS THE MOLD

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TABLE OF CONTENTS: PROLOGUE

Prologue 16 ROLLING IN STYLE Après-ride clothing for the fashion conscious

18 DIALING YOUR FIT Use stack and reach to nail your position

20 SITTING IN With Rich Hincapie of Hincapie Sports

Suggestions for your inner weight weenie

26 DO IT YOURSELF BIKE BUILDING Want to build your own frame? Here’s how.

28 MILITARY GRADE WHEELS Easton enlists a body armor specialist

30

WHAT’S A WARRANTY WORTH?

What you must know to get the most of your investment.

4

Features 32 IMPECCABLE?

The BMC impec is the first bike to be constructed solely by machines. Is this the way of the future?

ON THE COVER:

39 RIDING THE ELEMENTS

The BMC impec, by Brad Kaminski For more photos, visit velonews.com/impec

Today’s bikes consist of a variety of metals, composites and oils. Lennard Zinn examines the different raw materials that make up the modern bicycle.

The “Stargate,” one of many machines used by BMC to create the impec

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ON THIS PAGE:

COURTESY BMC

22 LIGHTEN UP!

The Bikes

table of contents: PROLoGUE

road

55

56 pro

72 ENDURANCE

Ride exactly what the top riders are racing

Tall head tubes and long wheelbases make for all-day comfort

60 euro Beautiful bikes from cycling’s homeland

66 enthusiast Fantastic bikes that won’t bust your budget

130

76 custom Bikes like no other, made to measure

80 aero A clear advantage for racing

84 time trial Race against the clock

mountain

89

136

124

118 Shimano xtr/XT

130 EMPOWERED

Top-end mountain bike groups from Japan

A close look at the array of power meters on the market

90 cross-country

104 Hardtail

124 sram x9, XO and XX

136 wheels OF CHOICE

For the World Cup or the weeknight series

The ultimate in lightweight, efficient performance

Three flavors of off-road machinery to choose from

94 trail

110 enthusiast

128 car & drivetrain

“What wheels would you ride?”

It’s a question we hear all the time. Here are our answers.

Jack-of-all-trade rigs that won’t pigeonhole your riding

Fun bikes that still leave you with gas money for adventures

Should you equip your road machine with SRAM, Shimano or Campagnolo? Well, just look at your vehicle.

100 all-mountain Built with big suspension for burly rides

VeloNews (ISSN 0161-1798) (USPS 017-730), a publication of Competitor Group, Inc., 1830 North 55th Street, Boulder, CO 80301-2700, is published monthly, plus 3 special issues (Buyer’s Guide, Race & Ride Guide, and the Tour de France Guide) for a total of 15 issues. Annual subscription $29.95, Canadian remit $53.95 in US funds (includes GST); other international air mail $81.95 in US funds only. For subscription inquiries please call (800) 494-1413 or (760) 291-1562 or email velonews@pcspublink.com. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boulder, Colorado and additional offices. Canada Post International Publications Mail Agreement #40010538. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Express Messenger International PO Box 25058 London BRC, Ontario, Canada N6C 6A8. GSTR 127573335. Postmaster: Send address changes to VeloNews, PO Box 469060, Escondido, CA 92046-9901. Printed in U.S.A.

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brad kaminski

The Gear

TK.434 IS THE NEXT GENERATION ASSOS S5 3/4 LENGTH SPANDEX BIBKNICKER

ALWAYS

USE

WE ARE THE SHORTS COMPANY AND AS SUCH, WE NOW ARE PRESENTING AND INTRODUCING, S5 TECHNOLOGY IN ALL THE REMAINING KNICKERS AND TIGHTS EQUIPMENT. THIS WILL ENABLE THE NEXT LEVEL OF HIGH PERFORMANCE, TOTAL COMFORT RIDING, DURING THE WINTER SEASON. WE HAVEN’T JUST PLACED THE _S5 INSERT INTO OUR EXISTING “PLATFORMS”. INSTEAD WE HAVE RE-ENGINEERED AND RE-DEFINED EVERY TEXTILE, PATTERN, COMPONENT AND DETAIL. NOW THE FAMILY IS COMPLETE!

WHERE TO BUY? / WWW.ASSOS.COM

USA ASSOS USA T. 1 800 266 4903 usacontact@assos.com

Canada Vellend Tech Inc. info@vellendtech.com www.vellendtech.com

NEW

OFF THE

FRONT THE COBRA STRIKES Rarely are the objects of our desire without personality. Black Sheep’s Culebra (Spanish for cobra) is a masterpiece of curved titanium. Black Sheep owner and welder James Bleakley took the Culebra to the 2010 North American Handmande Bicycle Show.

With its twin top tubes, one-piece bar/stem and flowing curved titanium fork, the belt-drive singlespeed weighs only 18 pounds.

OWNER: JAKE KIRKPATRICK PHOTO BY BRAD KAMINSKI For more, visit velonews.com/blacksheep

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OFF THE FRONT: PROLoGUE

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OFF THE

FRONT “SURPRISE ME” Those were the instructions given to Speedvagen’s Sacha White while hand painting this beautiful cyclocross machine. To complete the look, paint highlights extend to the onepiece bar/stem and pinstriped DT Swiss hubs.

This rolling piece of art, rendered in steel, weighs only 15.5 pounds.

OWNER: PEDER HORNER PHOTO BY BRAD KAMINSKI For more, visit velonews.com/speedvagen 10

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OFF THE FRONT: PROLoGUE

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SIGN IN: PROLoGUE

MEET THE CREW

SIMON THOMPSON OLYMPIAN ALI SHANKS PURSUIT CHAMPION

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Discover the complete range of 2XU performance compression and cycle apparel: www.2XU.com

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DEALER INQUIRIES info@sportsmultiplied.com

WEB www.sportsmultiplied.com

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www.downmagaz.com 12/20/10 10:22 AM

brad kaminski

A

s a former pro mechanic in Europe, Nick Legan VeloNews Tech Editor Nick Legan has built and maintained bikes for the best riders in the world, including Fabian Cancellara, Christian Vande Velde, Chris Horner and Andy Schleck. A bit weary from years spent wrenching on the road, Nick joined our editorial staff last fall, just in time to oversee the direction of our 2011 Buyer’s Guide.

After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in French and journalism, Nick jumped straight into wrenching at Boulder’s Pro Peloton bike shop. In 2004 he began a seven-year stint in the pro peloton ranks, working for, in chronological order, Ofoto-Lombardi, Health Net-Maxxis, Team CSC, USA Cycling, Toyota-United, Garmin-Slipstream, and finally RadioShack. (Yes, including Lance Armstrong’s bike.) He also dialed in bikes for the U.S. national team at the Beijing Olympics and several world championships.

In the final days of shipping this Buyer’s Guide to the printer, Nick’s dad Paul stopped into the office. The apple clearly hadn’t fallen far from the tree. Paul, who lives in Indianapolis, is an avid car racer, with a fleet of one-off, non-street-legal machines he loves to wrench on and take to the track. Nick’s brother Joe, who also lives in the land of the Indianapolis 500, is an auto mechanic studying to become a race-team technician.

The whole family clearly enjoys exploring and improving the interface between man and machine.

Our longtime technical wizard Lennard Zinn put countless hours into this Buyer’s Guide. Many of you are familiar with Lennard’s work, but you may not have met the man who comes to nearly every one of our weekly editorial meetings decked out in Lycra. These meetings typically run two hours, with several editors crowded around a big wooden table in a stuffy conference room; if “LZ” gets warm, he’ll take off his jacket or jersey and strip down to his bib shorts and base layer. This isn’t a problem. The primary problem with Lennard is that he knows too much. With a physicist for a father and a brain for math, Lennard’s stories are often sent in with too much technical detail for a magazine article. The pieces you read here have been heavily edited for length. But rest assured he can back up his claims... exhaustively. Probably while wearing Lycra.

Former VeloNews technical writer-turned-firefighter Zach White tested a number of mountain bike groups for this Buyer’s Guide. With the courage and physical prowess you’d expect from a firefighter, Zach — a 2008 masters national Super D champion — rides off things most of us would have a hard time climbing up on our hands and knees.

Cat. 1 road racer (and admitted weight weenie) Caley Fretz recently graduated from Colorado State and joined the magazine as a technical writer; he also played a major role in this issue. And I would be remiss to omit mention of Zack Vestal, our former technical editor who laid the foundation for the Buyer’s Guide before moving on to work for Mavic.

So those are the main players behind the magazine you’re holding.

I can’t think of a better group of mechanics (and fanatics) to guide you through the scores of options for bikes and gear ahead of you in 2011.

— Ben Delaney

www.colnago.com

Orgoglio ITALIANO

Colnago’s new monocoque frame takes the technical advances seen in the highly popular CX-1 to a higher level. The new lamination technology and materials used in the manufacture of the M10 make it lighter than the CX-1 and stiffer laterally thanks to a bigger bottom bracket, but with a little more vertical absorption to provide more comfort without in any way sacrificing performance.

contact@colnago-america.com

The Journal of Competitive Cycling ®

“Working with Pactimo has been a GREAT experience!”

Editor in Chief Ben Delaney

editorial Managing Editor Neal Rogers Technical Editor Nick Legan Technical Writers Lennard Zinn, Caley Fretz European Correspondent Andrew Hood Editor at Large John Wilcockson Reporter Brian Holcombe Copy Editor Thomas LeCarner

Danny Van Haute, Director Jelly Belly Cycling Team PB Kenda

Brad Huff

art Art Director Mike Reisel Photo Director Brad Kaminski Production Manager Heidi Carcella Artists David Brinton, Patrick O’Grady, Jef Mallett Photographers Graham Watson, Casey B. Gibson Interns Lauren Walter, Michawn Rich

v e lonews.com Editor Steve Frothingham Content Director Kurt Hoy Senior Editor Charles Pelkey Developer Scott Cropper Editor at Large Patrick O’Grady Senior Video Producer Steve Godwin Video Producer Kevin LaClaire

si ngl et r ac k .com Editor Jamie Bate

Advertising Vice President, Endemic Sales Kevin Burnette Boulder, CO Account Executives Nathan Forbes, Mark Gouge, David Walker San Diego, CA Account Executives Lars Finanger, Justin Sands Marketplace Sales Alex Jarman Production Manager Meghan McElravy | Print Advertising Coordinator Shane Anderson

Ascent Jersey

VeloNews 1830 N. 55th Street Boulder, CO 80301-2700 303-440-0601 | www.velonews.com Editorial email vnletters@competitorgroup.com Subscriber Customer Service U.S. and Canada 800-494-1413 | International 303-245-2162 velonews@pcspublink.com Director of Audience Development John Francis Information Systems Manager Matt Rundall

Ascent Pro Bib

A p u b l ic at ion of

Chairman David Moross | Chief Executive Officer Peter Englehart President & Chief Operating Officer Scott Dickey | Chief Financial Officer Steve Gintowt Executive Vice President, Media Andy Hersam | Senior Vice President, National Sales John Smith Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing Bouker Pool Vice President, Digital Media Dan Vaughan Senior Vice President, Midwest Region Sales Doug Kaplan Vice President, Western Region Sales David O’Connell Vice President, Eastern Region Sales Rebecca McKinnon Vice President, Sales Development Sean Clottu | Vice President, Technology Ben Nowacky Publishing Assistant Carrie Shollenberger

Finest Materials, Finest Design, Fastest Delivery

Custom Team Apparel www.pactimo.com Phone: 800.801.9869

Copyright ©2011 by Competitor Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this issue may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome but a stamped self-addressed envelope is necessary for the return of all materials. VeloNews is a registered trademark of Competitor Group, Inc.

Member, Audit Bureau of Circulations

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LEARN FROM YESTERDAY, LIVE FOR TODAY, NEVER GIVE UP.

DIAMOND HELMET CORSA JERSEY AND CORSA BIB

CFS-300 SHOES 76 MONTREAL GLOVES PATENTED

bike duds: prologue

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Stylish threads for the city, not the saddle You’re an avid cyclist and you want to wear it on your sleeve — literally. But how? Free race T-shirts can only take you so far. Take your passion for pedaling into the office with these duds from your favorite bike brands.

Rapha Long Sleeve Shirt: $130 Rapha’s collection of casual wear grows every year. For this piece, the buttons and stitching are placed to avoid interference with your shoulder bag. The sleeves are long enough and the shoulders are pleated to accommodate a reach to the handlebars if you pedal to the office or the café, but the fit is still trim. Rapha.cc

Pearl Izumi Bartlett jacket: $120 The Bartlett softshell jacket is functional for a short pedal out to lunch but styled for everyday life. A fleecy inside keeps you cozy, but the tightly knit outer fabric will keep winter’s bluster at bay. A tall collar, understated metal trim, and hidden pockets round out the package. Pearlizumi.com

Oakley Tumbler glasses: $179 Hopefully you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t need corrective lenses.

For those of us who do, dial up the style with Oakley prescription eyewear. Seven-barrel hinges ensure durability. The wide stems and contours are made of lightweight acetate. The frames, which come in two sizes, are heat adjustable. Oakley.com Rudy Project Steelium watch: $750 Rudy Project is celebrating its 25th anniversary with this timepiece, featuring a water resistant stainless steel case and sapphire crystal glass. The thermo rubber strap is comfortable when on the bike, too.

Rudyproject.com

Hincapie Poblado Jeans: $145

Dromarti “Black” Storica shoes: $250 Handmade in Italy by Marresi, these retro-styled Dromarti shoes are like artwork for your feet.

Available in perforated black and classic brown, they’re patterned after lace-up shoes from cycling’s golden age. They are available in three different sole styles: Race, with a carbon sole and Look-style cleat mounting; Sportivo, with mountain bike lugs and SPD cleat inserts; and the Storica (pictured), which is made with soft Italian leather uppers for flat pedals or the street. Dromarti.com 16

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BRAD KAMINSKI

There’s no question that $150 jeans are not for everyone. But if you’re into cool clothes and you’re a die-hard Big George fan, these are for you.

The Poblado Jeans from Hincapie Sportswear are dyed dark indigo and finished with double-needle stitching. They’re cut low rise with a straight leg, and the denim has a touch of stretch for comfort. Hincapiesportswear.com

Photo: Chris Milliman

THE START OF A NEW TRADITION The service course contains the infrastructure and equipment required to outfit a pro cycling team. But it’s more than a warehouse.

It’s where cycling’s enduring traditions join with the latest breakthroughs in fit, materials, and engineering. | In the service course facilities of the world’s top teams, Zipp® is synonymous with the highest standards for performance and technology. Now we’re expanding that reputation with the new Service Course and Service Course SL collections of aluminum bars, stems, and seatposts designed for professionals like US cyclocross champion Tim Johnson and the Cannondale® Cyclocross Team prepared by CyclocrossWorld. | Using advanced materials and the strictest precision controls, Service Course components bring classic designs to new levels of comfort, reliability, performance, and fit – for every rider.

1.800.472.3972 www.zipp.com

Stack and Reach: dialing in a new bike

By Lennard Zinn

Y

ou’ve got a bike that fits great and you’re getting a new bike and want it to fit the same. Or maybe you just want to quantify your dialed position. Either way, using the “stack and reach” method of an X-Y coordinate system will simplify your task.

You can measure the stack and reach of a frame or the components on a bike, but either way the bike needs to be built up to do it. The wall and the floor will define your two per-

pendicular axes, and the center of the bottom bracket is the origin of your coordinate system.

When the bike is standing on the floor, measure from the floor to the center of the bottom bracket and from the floor to the top of the head tube. The difference between these two values is the frame’s stack — or the top of the head tube’s “Y” coordinate relative to the center of the bottom bracket.

Roll your bike toward a wall, perpendicular

to it, until the tire touches the wall. Secure the bike; standing the bike upright alongside a table. Measure horizontally from the wall to the top center of the head tube and from the wall to the center of the bottom bracket. The difference between these two values is the frame’s reach — or the top of the head tube’s “X” coordinate relative to the center of the bottom bracket.

Some bike shops have a large adjustable

FRAME STACK

HANDLEBAR STACK

WALL (Y-AXIS)

center of handlebar

center line of head tube where it intersects with top of head tube

center of bottom bracket

FRAME REACH HANDLEBAR REACH

FLOOR (X-AXIS) 18

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bike sizing: PROLoGUE

how to set your: saddle height When your foot is at the bottom of the stroke and clipped into the pedal, lock your knee without rocking your hips. Your foot should be level, or the heel should be slightly higher than the ball of the foot.

saddle setback Check that the center of rotation of the knee is over the center of rotation of the pedal by dropping a plumb line from the front of the forward kneecap with cranks horizontal and forward foot in pedaling position. The line should just touch the end of the crankarm.

handlebar height This is a subjective measurement requiring either lots of riding experience or a good fit professional. That said, establish the minimum handlebar height as being the level where your knees hit your chest when riding in the drops. A decent starting position is to have the angle of your back be just above 45 degrees when riding on the bar tops and just below 45 degrees when riding on the tops of the levers.

handlebar reach

brad kaminski

This is an even more subjective measurement best done by a professional or by feel after years of riding experience, but a decent starting point is to have your view of the front hub obscured by the handlebar when riding on the brake hoods. You will be able to see the hub ahead of the bar when your hands are in the drops and you will see it behind the bar when your hands are on the top, adjacent the stem. (Note: This method doesn’t work for short riders unless they have a small front wheel, since the front end geometry of the bike is usually lengthened to avoid the toe hitting the front tire in a tight turn.)

T-square that makes taking these measurements easier (see photo). The base of it locates on the center of the bottom bracket, and a bubble level ensures that it is taking vertical and horizontal measurements.

You can use this X-Y coordinate system to quantify the positions of your components as well. This is a simple way to ensure that all of your body’s touch points on one bike are set the same as on another bike. You can call the X-Y positions of your touch points as simply X and Y of each, or you can call them “Seat Stack,” “Seat Reach,” “Bar Stack,” and “Bar Reach.”

It is becoming more common for bike manufacturers to list the stack and reach as the geometry specs for their frames. This makes a lot more sense than simply listing top frame angles, tube length, seat tube length, etc., because with sloping top tubes, extended head tubes and seat tubes, and significant variations in seat angles, you are not able to compare apples to apples. With stack and reach, you can.

Armed with stack and reach specs, you can make a more educated conclusion about whether a given frame will fit you, based on

the stack and reach of your existing frame.

And once you get the new frame, you can use this X-Y coordinate system to ensure that your position on the bike is the same as on your old bike.

...we’ll take care

of the rest.

THE LATEST GEAR. THE BEST SERVICE. excelsports.com || 1.800.627.6664 www.velonews.com buyer’s guide 2011 VELONEWS

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SITTING IN: PROLOGUE How often do you go to Colombia?

A few times a year, to oversee the production of BMC clothing, the high-volume pieces. For the BMC team we’ll do 5,000 caps and 5,000 musette bags. All of our custom pieces are done at the Medellin factory, and custom makes up about 70 to 80 percent of our business. George and I own the factory, our aunt and uncle operate it, and our cousins work there. In all there 128 employees, and that’s been growing at 30 percent a year. We don’t sell product in Colombia, we’re just there to give back to our community.

Is it true that a major criterion in George’s selecting a new team (for 2010) was that Hincapie Sports be the clothing sponsor?

That is true. As our company has grown and George sees an end to his career, it played a big factor. It makes sense for him to transition into another life beyond racing. And there’s been a huge impact on our company in securing a ProTour team, with a world champion, racing the Tour de France. It’s not very common to see a U.S. clothing company in the Tour. It’s really propelled our company to the next level.

How has the BMC sponsorship changed things?

We have two people dedicated to just that program. Last year we had some kinks to work out, but we have it dialed in for 2011. We know the forecasting on sizes, because most of the team remains the same. And because we own the manufacturing, we have full control. Now the factory has specific rider patterns. If Marcus Burghardt needs arm warmers 6cm longer, we can do that. Also, we just hired a VP of Business Development to formulate a plan to take us international. Especially while George is still racing, it’s important to capitalize on that name and branch out worldwide.

Are you still riding?

I try to stay fit. On my lunch hour I will ride 75 minutes, or run 10km. On the weekend I’ll ride with George for three or four hours one day, and maybe do a two- or three-hour mountain bike ride the next. I still jump in some local Cat. 1-2 races, but just to hang on and get a workout, never at the front.

RICH HINCAPIE

BY NEAL ROGERS

T

he second-most famous Hincapie in American cycling is Big George’s older brother Rich, president of Hincapie Sports. Launched in an attic in 2002 with a focus on produing custom cycling clothing for a few local teams, Hincapie Sports is now reaching industry adolescence, with 18 employees based in Greenville, South Carolina. A former elite-level racer himself, the elder Hincapie brother (he turned 40 last year) runs the company, which includes regular visits to a manufacturing plant in Medellin, Colombia, where the Hincapie family has its roots.

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How has Hincapie Sports given back to cycling?

I ran an NRC race called the Michelin Cycling Classic for years. Hincapie Sports also supports a local Greenville spring series. It’s a way to give back, and to also keep the races local.

Selfishly, I don’t want to have to drive three hours to race. Our accountants handle the prize money, and our designers work on the flyers in house. George and I also run the Hincapie Development Team. We take on 10 kids every year. That’s where Craig Lewis and Chris Butler both came from — they were just two kids we found on local training rides. It’s not a bigbudget development program like Slipstream, but it’s enough that they look good and have bikes, uniforms, shoes and sunglasses. They ride at a high level and get to train with George, and learn a little about what it takes to be a pro.

BRAD KAMINSKI

SITTING IN WITH

lighten up

By Caley Fretz

W

e’ve all been trounced, at least once, by someone who just didn’t look the part. The guy with the horribly squeaky chain, constantly clicking gears, maybe even a rear rack and some fenders. Riding in the Rocky Mountains, where VeloNews is based, that might have even been 1984 Olympic gold medalist Alexi Grewal that just flew past, decked out in construction boots. But the rest of you don’t have that excuse.

We have to be honest with ourselves — the machine is a only means to an end, a final small piece in the massive puzzle of preparation. For all the technological improvements of the last few years, the formula for a fast bike racer remains 99-percent racer and 1-percent bike.

But that doesn’t mean buying light equipment, and seeking to drop weight off the bike and accessories, is a frivolous mission. At the very least, it’s damn fun, and the placebo effect of riding the lightest and greatest should not be underrated. At best, it can be the difference between steps of the podium, or between victor and pack fodder.

So you want to be a weight weenie. Where to start?

Giro Prolight helmet 200 g

brad kaminski

Mavic Huez shoes 195 g

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lighten up: PROLoGUE DYNAMIC WEIGHT When it comes to perceivable benefit per dollar, things that spin will always win out over more static components. Reducing a spinning object’s moment of inertia by losing weight, particularly at the furthest point from the axis

3T ARX Pro stem 120 g

3T Ergonova Team carbon handlebar 203 g

of rotation, decreases the force required to accelerate said object. A light and stiff set of wheels is noticeable from the first pedal stroke; a light frame or seatpost, not so much.

For just a few bucks, inner tubes are therefore a great place to begin your weight-weenie quest. Ultra light butyl tubes tend to be the most flat prone, but can drop as much as 50 grams off each wheel compared to a thick, cheap tube. Even better, spring for some latex tubes, which provide better ride quality while maintaining slightly better flat protection and super low weight.

Tires are equally important. In general, ride quality and puncture resistance are the most important factors in selection, but with careful evaluation (and usually more cash), it’s possible to drop weight while increasing ride quality and maintaining puncture resistance. Look for light tires that still have some sort of punctureresisting belt, and a high thread count (TPI).

In terms of fighting inertia, wheels themselves are most important. Tubular wheels will always be lighter than an equivalent clincher,

Reynolds RZR 46 Tubular wheelset 900 g (front and rear)

though they aren’t practical for everyday riding. But on race day, you’ll rarely find most top pros on anything else. Carbon rims (or even whole wheels) are a must for supreme weight weeniedom, but can be many times more expensive than an aluminum set. If weight is of primary concern, but wallet and ambition aren’t seeing eye to eye, take a close look at a set of hand-built aluminum wheels, which often come out lighter and cheaper than factory built sets — just make sure your local shop has a good builder.

For those racing and training on the same wheels, carbon clinchers are a viable option.

They add better aerodynamics to relatively low weight, and are perfect for the rider who wants to ride nice equipment every day, rather than just on race day.

STATIC WEIGHT Perhaps tires and tubes have been replaced, but a fancy new wheelset just isn’t in the cards.

There are plenty of other opportunities to drop serious weight elsewhere, and often for relatively cheap.

When it comes to weight, component group choice doesn’t matter a whole lot once you get out of the lowest levels from each manufacturer. The weight difference between a SRAM Rival and SRAM Red rear derailleur is 40 grams. Price difference? About $230. Not worth it, if you’re chasing grams per dollar. Drivetrain choices should be focused primarily on function; you can’t win if you don’t make it to the end of the race.

Cockpit, on the other hand, is a great place to start. Mid-level stock bikes often skimp here to keep costs low, and on the flipside, carbon stems tend to be on par or even heavier than their aluminum counterparts for twice the cost.

Handlebars should always meet your personal preference for shape first, and weight goals second, but can easily be the source of another quarter-pound reduction. The lightest bars are carbon, and can come in under 200 grams, but are always costly. For those on a budget, light aluminum bars can be found in the 250-260 gram range for well under $100.

Bar tape can vary by as much as 20 grams.

Considering it’s all around the same price, and you have to replace it anyway, it’s something no gram-counter should overlook. Traditional cork tape tends to be the lightest.

WEARABLE WEIGHT Far more important than bike weight alone is the collective weight of bike, rider, and w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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lighten up: PROLoGUE accessories. Even if your bike is as light as possible, there is likely some room for improvement either at a personal level (ahem… drop the cupcakes) or in the gear you wear. Light clothing, helmets, and shoes can reduce the weight of your entire package considerably.

Plus, unlike bikes, clothing and accessories are not subject to the UCI weight limit, a primary reason you’ll see plenty of pros rocking super light gear.

Manufacturers have caught on to this fact and have brought to market a number of super light wearables. Light helmets reduce neck strain, and every ounce taken off your shoes helps.

Here’s a sampling of a few products that will lighten your load. As for the cupcakes, we can’t help you there.

3T ARX Pro stem $90 The aluminum ARX Pro is around 120 grams in 120mm length, while remaining plenty stiff thanks to grain-aligned 7075 T6 aluminum.

Clamps are designed to be carbon compatible, so no need to worry about your precious carbon bar or steerer tube (assuming correct installation, of course.) Available from 70-140mm, in +/- 6˚ and 17˚ angles.

3T Ergonova Team carbon handlebar $300 At 203 grams, the Ergonova Team is exceptionally competitive with other high-end carbon bars in terms of weight and cost.

What we love about this bar is 3T’s choice of shape – a comfortable, flat top, moderate 77mm reach, and middle of the road 123mm drop. The bend is perfect, providing a comfortable place for your hands to rest while also placing them close to the brake and shift levers.

Reynolds RZR 46 Tubular wheelset $6,000 There is a definite law of depreciating returns when it comes to weight savings.

The first few pounds may come cheap; the last ounces, much less so. At 900 grams the RZR 46s are astoundingly light, with an entire front wheel that weighs less than most rims (370g), while remaining aerodynamic thanks to their 46mm rim and airfoil-shaped carbon spokes. Worth $6,000?

That’s for the weight weenie within all of us to decide. For the more pragmatic, a set of ultra-versatile Hed Ardennes C2 ($1,050) may be just the ticket. At just over 1,400

grams, they’re light for aluminum and a whopping $5,000 cheaper than the RZRs. Plus wide rims offer improved handling, a more comfortable ride, and even lower rolling resistance — all due to their ample profile. The Ardennes C2 rims are some of the widest available, at 23mm wide and 24mm tall, striking a balance between weight, comfort, and mild aerodynamic benefit.

Giro Prolight helmet $200 Giro’s Prolite weighs just 200 grams, 30-percent lighter than the company’s flagship Ionos, and uses a collection of wide elasticized cloth bands to hold the helmet firmly and comfortably on your noggin. It might just be the most comfortable helmet on the market.

Mavic Huez shoes $400 At 195 grams, the Huez is a solid 75 grams lighter than most other shoes on the market.

That’s 75 grams that don’t need to be rotated 90 times per minute for hours on end. Mavic includes a stiff full carbon sole and heel cup, super light and breathable uppers, and easy Velcro strap system for an excellent fit. Beware, however, if you need a wide toe box: the Huez is relatively narrow up front.

Some real-world solutions

Tires and tubes are a relatively cheap upgrade that can drop weight Continental GP4000 tire $65

Challenge Latex tube $17 At 84 grams Challenge

At 229 grams, the GP400 is light but not the lightest.

What makes it our pick is its 330TPI casing and Vectran puncture strip, adding a super smooth ride and good puncture resistance to a relatively light tire.

lauren walter

Latex tubes are a few grams heavier than the lightest butyl options, but tend to be far more puncture resistant and have proven to decrease rolling resistance as well.

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Engineered from the contact patch up.

Designed from the contact patch up to deliver the best possible performance, RACE series tires yield exceptional levels of longevity and responsiveness. Lightweight, 126 TPI casings in 23c and 25c for the RACE A & L deliver the optimum in comfort. RACE L,185g, RACE A, 210g and RACE D, 230g in 23c, provide a weight range for all performance requirements. Proprietary casings, Panaracer’s PT protection combined with specifically engineered tread compounds puts the RACE series at the front of every ride or peloton.

www.panaracer.com

build your own bike: PROLoGUE

Mike Flanigan of ANT Bicycles (Holliston, Massachusetts) Five to six days ($2,950, one student, one instructor, includes lunch), or six-week business class ($30,000, one student, one instructor, includes machines and tooling). www.antbikemike.wordpress.com

Steve Garn of Brew Bikes (Creston, North Carolina) Five days ($1,500, one or two students, one instructor). www.brewracingframes.com

Tim Sanner of Sanner Cycles (Austin) Weekend course ($800 with room/board, $700 without, two students, one instructor); also four-day basic lugged class ($850, two students, one instructor) or Jigless lugged 10-day class ($1,600, two students, one instructor). www.sannercycles.com

TAKE UP THE TORCH I

f the idea of building your own bike frame is more appealing than shelling out big bucks to a frame manufacturer, the most efficient way to learn is by taking a class from a professional framebuilder. Most often you will leave the class with a frame in hand.

Here are 10 courses available in 12 locations around the country. Materials are included in the price, but travel, lodging and meals usually are not. Unless otherwise indicated, classes are in steel frame construction .

Toby Stanton of Hot Tubes (Shirley, Massachusetts) Five days ($2,750, one student, one instructor). www.hottubes.com

United Bicycle Institute (Ashland and Portland) Ten days ($2,350-$3,000, eight students, two instructors) in chromoly or titanium. www.bikeschool.com

Bamboo Bike Studio (Brooklyn and San Francisco)

Todd Bertram and Dennis Bushnell of R+E Cycles (Seattle) Classes range from one to three sessions in framebuilding observation or welding or brazing ($300-$1,000, one student, one instructor). www.rodbikes.com David Bohm of Bohemian Bicycles (Tucson) Ten days over two weeks ($3,000, one student, one instructor); also offers a three-day welding and brazing seminar ($600); lodging available. www.framebuildingschool.com

Doug Fattic of Doug Fattic Bicycles (Niles, Michigan) Eleven days ($1,800, three students, two instructors); also offers a three-day Intro to Brazing, Filing and Frame Design seminar ($500); and 17-day class that includes painting ($2,400). www.ukrainebicycletours.com 26

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Koichi Yamaguchi of Yamaguchi Bicycles (Rifle, Colorado) Ten days ($2,500, three students, one instructor). www.yamaguchibike.com

Courtesy United Bicycle Institute

Two- to three-day course on frames with bamboo tubes with fiberglass and carbon lugs ($632 with instruction, or kit alone for $495, three students per instructor). www.bamboobikestudio.com

A shoe refined, tweeked and tested down to the smallest detail leaves you free to ride with total confidence.

DMTʼs patented RAM VTR closure system not only facilitates the sock-like precision fit for which the DMT Prisma is known, but also utilizes a unique lever actuated mechanism to provide unmatched on-the-bike adjustability. An anatomic heel counter gently holds the foot in place, preventing slippage, while the microfiber and mesh upper allows the breathability and comfort that Pro Level cyclists demand. Finished with distinctive Italian styling, the DMT Prisma truly is the shoe of the most discerning cyclist.

CX CARBON SPEEDPLAY®

CX CARBON SLHC SOLE

The Prismaʼs CX Carbon sole incorporates nine layers of super light and durable Toray carbon in one of the most advanced soles on the market. Choose either Speedplay specific or a traditional threehole model for your preferred pedal system.

how it’s made: PROLoGUE

MILITARY GRADE We have accidentally damaged more than a few ultra lightweight mountain bike wheels over the years. After riding and racing hard on Easton’s Havens, however, the carbon wheels are still true as new. So what gives?

The secret is in the construction, designed by a man who has held the highest security clearance the U.S. government offers. The proof is in the warranty.

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o offer a two-year, no-questions-asked warranty for carbon fiber equipment, a company must be supremely confident in its product. And to extend such a warranty to carbon mountain bike wheels is remarkable. Easton offers such a warranty on the new $2,300 Haven Carbons, which are made like no other wheel in the world. The design is the joint effort of Easton’s longtime chief engineer Chuck Taxeira and Easton’s new recruit Sayeed Syed, a former Westinghouse composites engineer specializing in military applications and ballistics.

For the rim construction, Syed and Taxeria chose a carbon/polyethelyne hybrid fabric — ­ think ultra-light body armor — as well as a proprietary resin. At Easton’s EMX facility in Tijuana, Mexico, each rim is laid up by hand using composite sheets cut on site. The rims are heated, cured and sanded before technicians drill holes for Easton’s patented, threaded eyelet system, which allows an internally and externally threaded nipple to thread into the rim.

The M1 hubs are hand laced with Sapim double-butted spokes, attached to the rim using nipples that thread into both the spoke and eyelets. The unique threaded eyelets distribute stress more evenly, allowing a thinner and lighter rim wall. Then the wheels are acoustically trued. Easton claims this musical method of assembly brings the wheel into tension evenly, which allows for higher tensions than normal; that, in turn, creates a responsive and laterally stiff wheelset.

The result is a bulletproof 1,450-gram, UST compatible mountain bike wheelset. A 21mm internal rim width makes for excellent tire profiles even with big tires. The wheels come with a standard quick release, 15mm or 20mm Thru-Axle.

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TWO TOURS. ONE BIKE. SUPERSIX HI-MOD. To win one Grand Tour in a season is an incredible achievement. We won two. The Cannondale SuperSix propelled Ivan Basso to victory in the Giro d’Italia, and then carried Vincenzo Nibali to the top of the podium in the Vuelta a Espaùa. Two great riders, one amazing bike. With features like the massively oversized BeatBox BB and the precisely shaped Hourglass rear stays, the Cannondale SuperSix Hi-MOD gives you the edge over your competition. Create the Perfect Ride. cannondale.com

WHACK! Racing can void a warranty.

VOID?

MAKING SENSE OF BICYCLE WARRANTIES

By Lennard Zinn

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chased new on the Internet from a seller who was acting as an inventory liquidator for an out-of-business shop or distributor is covered by warranty — it probably won’t be.

The third thing to understand is the warranty generally only covers the product. It does not cover assembly, shipping, and whatever else the dealer charges for the warranty service.

To ensure that you are covered, make sure you have proof that you are the original buyer.

Keep the original sales receipt, and make sure that it lists the bicycle’s serial number on it. It’s also a good idea to fill out the warranty card that came with the bike. The card of course has

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a marketing purpose allowing the company to keep track of its customers with the intent of selling more of its products. But it also produces a permanent record at the bike company of your purchase of that bike, including the sales date, the retailer, and the bike’s serial number, as well as your personal contact information.

It will help if you can’t put your hand on that receipt when you need it.

MAKING A CLAIM Generally, you can’t warranty a defective bike directly to the bike company; you must make your warranty claim through any authorized dealer

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here are many happy cyclists riding around on bikes they received as warranty replacements. There are also plenty of riders whose warranty claims were refused. What makes the difference?

The first thing to understand about a bike warranty is that it’s a contract between you, the original purchaser, and the bicycle company — not between you and the retailer who sold you the bike.

The second thing to understand is that you must have bought the bike new from an authorized dealer of that bike brand. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a bike that was pur-

WARRANTIES: PROLOGUE of the brand, though not necessarily the store where you bought it. The bike shop is caught in the middle, but the warranty is actually only between the company and original buyer.

The first thing to do is to clean the bike up as if you’re trying to sell it. In reality, you are selling it to the company, and you want it to look like you’ve taken good care of it.

Be truthful about what happened. It makes it a lot easier for everybody to figure out what to do. Warranty personnel are not dummies; they’ve heard all kinds of stories and can tell if you’ve had a front-end collision on the bike, so don’t waste everybody’s time and your karma by lying about it.

Don’t expect to get a new bike immediately, even if you’re certain you have a legitimate warranty claim. Bikes must be sent back before a warranty can be approved, in general, although occasionally a bike company will agree to send a replacement out before receiving the damaged one.

Although the warranty may say, or at least give the impression, that a bike has, say, a 10year warranty, rest assured that it is only the frame and sometimes the fork (if it is branded the same as the frame) that is covered for that entire period. Most bike companies only warranty the parts on the bike for one year, and they don’t necessarily stock those parts. If the bike company does not have the part in stock, the dealer is responsible for procuring it and applying for reimbursement from the bike company. And as with the frame, the warranty covers only the part, not the shipping and the labor to remove the old part and install and adjust the new one. This generally applies as well to purchases of single components not obtained as part of a bike.

Bike warranties never cover wear items like tires, inner tubes, handlebar tape or grips, pedal cleats, or saddle covers. You can generally expect things like broken saddle rails to be covered within the warranty period, however.

And parts that failed because they were installed incorrectly would generally be covered as well, either by the bike company or its dealer that installed them.

Scott Adlfinger, owner and founder of Louisville Cyclery in Colorado, says, “I’ve never seen a company turn down a legitimate warranty claim, even if it’s (time-wise) way down the road, and even if it means accepting some fishy claims.” Bicycle companies are generally interested in maintaining goodwill in the market, so they tend to bend over back-

The term “limited lifetime” refers to the usable life of the product and not the life of the consumer. ward in accepting somewhat spurious claims.

Companies are often interested in getting old products back to study and use to improve future products. The bad and the good news are both valuable to learn from.

list jumping, acrobatics, stunt riding, off-road use and racing as exclusions that void the warranty. Obviously, companies that sell mountain bikes expect many of them to be ridden off-road, and if they sell racing bikes, they expect many of them to be raced. And jumping bikes are generally bought by people who jump them. Those clauses are written into the warranty to protect the company from people who abuse the products. That doesn’t mean that your mountain bike won’t be covered if it broke while riding off-road in a way that could be reasonably defined as normal use for the bike.

Extended warranties, like you can purchase on home appliances, or like the MP3 crashreplacement warranty Mavic sells with its wheels, are non-existent for bicycles.

PITFALLS

COUNT ON THE DEALER

Don’t place too much significance on the length of the warranty in determining the quality of a given bicycle, especially when comparing brands of differing nationality, because some warranty styles have more to do with culture than with quality. For instance, a five-year warranty is acceptable to European consumers, whereas Americans raised on the warranty policies of Target or Wal-Mart often expect lifetime warranties. Bianchi, for instance, often offers a 10-year warranty on steel and aluminum bikes and a five-year period on carbon bikes, whereas Trek, Specialized and Cannondale often offer limited lifetime warranties. That doesn’t necessarily mean that a Trek will last longer than a Bianchi, however.

And it could be argued that a shorter warranty period is a more reasonable approach, since everybody knows that no bike lasts forever.

The term “limited lifetime” is a catch; it’s a gray area and refers to the usable life of the product and not the life of the consumer. It acknowledges that the item won’t last forever.

It also allows some room for negotiation. If it’s been really mistreated, it allows the company to say that the lifetime of that bike has been surpassed, and there will be no warranty replacement coming.

Many bike warranties

Solving warranties is a big part of a retailer’s job. He or she wants your business and will try to facilitate your claim, even if you did not buy the bike there. The retailer must also often be the bearer of bad tidings but will try to defer that position to the bike company. Everybody knows that if you buy a bike at a bike swap or on eBay, where everything is compatible and has a warranty (wink-wink), you’re on your own if the thing breaks. But the dealer will often choose to call the bike company to get them to say that rather than give you the bad news he knows will be coming, in hopes you won’t take it out on him.

More than anything, count on the fact that the people you are dealing with are generally reasonable — and will accept a reasonable claim.

USED OR ABUSED? Be truthful when dealing with warranty personnel.

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In a quest to perfect the bicycle, BMC removes the human element from frame construction

courtesy of bmc

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ust west of Zurich, the quiet Swiss town of Grenchen sits against the foothills of the Jura Mountains. A hub for the Swiss watch industry, Grenchen is home to famous manufacturers like Breitling, ETA SA (Swatch), Hublot, and Epos. It’s a factory town of about 16,000 residents decorated with rows of featureless company apartment buildings.

The population surges with inbound factory workers each morning, and deflates each night in an exodus of red taillights.

BMC also calls this town home, and if its benefactor Andy Rhis has anything to say about it, the future of bike building begins here.

For a cutting-edge brand like BMC, which has innovated with original frame designs and a simple, clean aesthetic, the company name, which stands for Bicycle Manufactur-

ing Company, is surprisingly unimaginative.

But BMC is doing something that’s never been done before in the bike industry — it’s attempting to build frames almost entirely by robot.

BMC’s goals are twofold. One is to eliminate the need for outsourcing and eventually build cost-effective bike frames at home in Switzerland. Two, by eliminating the human element, BMC feels that its new frames will be more precise, suffer fewer defect-based rejects, and eventually be technically superior to human-made frames.

The upfront cost is astronomical — at least 40 million Swiss francs over four years. To accommodate robotic assembly, entirely new methods of joining frame tubes had to be developed.

In traditional manufacturing, workers

place specific types of carbon fiber layers (or plies) by hand into molds for curing into finished frames. As companies push the weight envelope by using progressively less material, the location and orientation of carbon becomes more critical. When placed by hand, it’s virtually impossible to guarantee that all carbon fiber frames are crafted exactly the same; subtle variation in material placement and orientation can dramatically affect the strength and ride quality of the finished bike.

Using robots, BMC is attempting to sidestep these inconsistencies. The end product is the impec (derived from “impeccable”), a 1,790gram frame system, consisting of frame, fork, headset and seatpost and including modern features like a BB30 bottom bracket, internal headset, tapered head tube and a proprietary

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nesmakingmachinesmakingmachinesmakingmachinesmakingmachines “The most important thing for now is that it is Swiss made; it’s precision, it’s the process. And then it’s the product.”

for improved technical features, like weight, stiffness and parts integration, blended with appealing design. The whole equation, including choice of materials and manufacturing method, is tempered by cost, and largely outsourced. With the impec, BMC is on trying to start a revolution.

shaped System Integration seatpost.

“The most important thing for now is that it is Swiss made; it’s precision, it’s the process,” said BMC marketing head Frank Schreiner. “And then it’s the product.”

Cadel Evans and George Hincapie rode impec frames at the 2010 Tour de France.

And though it is constructed to exacting standards, the impec isn’t particularly remarkable in terms of technical characteristics like weight, stiffness and functionality, despite its unique, almost mechanical aesthetic.

“When I first signed with the team I went over to visit the factory,” Hincapie said. “They were just getting the impec project rolling.

They gave me a description of their vision, and how they want to revolutionize the sport.

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And so instead of being apprehensive about riding a machine completely built by robots, I was excited to get out on it and try it out. I see it as part of the evolution of the sport, to make new equipment perfect. Once I rode it I found it to be responsive, light and stiff. And I think aesthetically, with the lugs that hold the tubes together, it’s one of the best-looking bikes out there.”

BMC’s Schreiner says the impec is just the first step, as the company has never built its own frames before. Until the impec, BMC outsourced all frame manufacturing, as many bike companies do. “For us it’s the first entry [into frame production], so the launch was more or less about the factory,” he said.

Usually, bike designs are driven by a quest

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Touring the impec factory in Grenchen is like participating in a staged theater production. The show begins at the front door, which is wide open but draped with black curtains. Stepping into a darkened atrium, visitors are greeted with a stylized threeminute big-screen movie introducing the impec frame, accompanied by a thundering soundtrack with Evans narrating. When the lights come up, a trio of finished impec frames is on display.

Cameras are forbidden on the factory floor. There’s a cluster of walled-off workstations at the center of the huge room. It’s strangely quiet.

Building an impec begins with a 12-foot circular carbon fiber loom, nicknamed “The Stargate.” At its perimeter are 142 spools of carbon thread on rotating spindles. Carbon thread meets in the middle of the machine, creating a huge, carbon fiber spider web. With the flick of a switch, a robotic arm whines into motion, grabs a plastic, tube-shaped mandrel, and moves it into position at the center of the loom. The loom clatters to life. As the robot pushes the mandrel through the center of the carbon loom and pulls it back out again, strands are woven over the top of the mandrel in specific orientations and crossover angles controlled by a computer program.

When it’s done, another arm swings over to cut the threads, and the robot places the woven tube on a motorized trolley for a short ride to the next station.

The rest of the process proceeds in a blur of mechanized activity. At the next station, a robot arm places the tubes into forms for resin transfer molding. After a precise quantity of resin is injected through the carbon, the tubes trundle to station three for curing at a specific temperature and duration. The finished tubes don’t require sanding or finish work, but they’re cut to length by a robotic arm placing them under a diamond saw.

A frame tube can be woven, saturated with resin, cured, and cut to length in less than 45 minutes. Up to this point, from raw carbon to finished frame tubing, no human hand has

courtesy of bmc

ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

nesmakingmachinesmakingmachinesmakingmachinesmakingmachines

THE ORIGIN OF THE IMPEC Owner Andy Rihs is the driving force behind the BMC brand, and the impec. A multi-millionaire businessman, Rihs founded the hearing aid business Phonak Hearing Systems, which backed the Phonak cycling team. At BMC, he’s driven the costly impec initiative.

“I just love bicycling,” Rihs said. “And I find that lately in my life, with 40 years in sport I find that bicycling is the sport that I really love to do.”

BMC has not always been a prominent company. It originated in 1986 to build and distribute bicycles for Raleigh in Switzerland. In 1994, the BMC brand name was coined and the company became established as one of few Swiss companies manufacturing mountain bikes. Heavy losses at the turn of the century led Rihs, already by then a board member and partner, to take complete control of the company in 2001. By 2002, 36

Phonak was riding BMC bikes and the company was developing carbon fiber bikes with the distinctive industrial design and look that has come to define the brand.

“We wanted to make our own bicycle for the team, and use the team to promote the business,” Rihs said.

Of course, association with a pro team can have its drawbacks. The Floyd Landis doping scandal of the 2006 Tour effectively killed the Phonak team; the following year BMC backed Astana but pulled its sponsorship after the team exited the Tour in disgrace.

Following those subsequent Tour debacles Rihs opted to pull away from the ProTour and instead put his money into a smaller American team, which quickly grew into the BMC Racing Team of Evans, Hincapie and, for 2011, Taylor Phinney. Today, the brand reports annual global sales of 22,000 bicycles with a staff of 60.

Driven by cheap labor, it’s no secret that Southeast Asian sourcing and production is a virtual necessity for many bike companies.

BMC’s Grenchen headquarters handles sales, marketing, design, customer service and warehousing, but up until the impec came along, all BMC bikes were built in Asia.

“You depend so much on outside suppliers,” said Rihs. “As a tiny little company, you’re on the end of the priority list of these manufacturers. Plus, very soon, all the knowhow flows over to somebody else. So I was like, okay, what are we going to do, are we a bicycle manufacturer or do we just stop?”

With that, the impec initiative was born. Rihs looked to his other business, Phonak, for a new manufacturing model. “With the hearing aid business, we had similar problems,” he said.

“There, we automated things, we industrialized things.”

Rihs asserts that by mechanizing the bike frame building process, he could one day have a legitimate, cost-effective factory in his home country. “I knew when bring that technology, we can make anything­— high-end, low-end, mid-range ­— because it’s not a labor-intensive thing,” he said. “This is the whole reason I invested. It’s an upfront

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investment, but we expect to have return on investment in the next three to five years.”

Rihs cites the automotive industry as an example of success in mechanizing the assembly process. “If you go back forty or fifty years, automated manufacturing was not on a very high degree. They took forever to make,” he said. “The guys who really automated at that time, it was Japan, Toyota. They put this mechanization process very much ahead and became top quality.”

Impec frames will be available in two color schemes (red or matte platinum), five sizes and two fits: one with traditional dimensions and another with a taller head tube. In an industry that largely values handiwork as a positive to be embraced, not a negative to be removed, the impec is certainly forging a new road. It hasn’t been met entirely with resistance, however. The bike won a coveted Eurobike Gold Award for excellence in design at the September trade show.

“The award was due not just to the product, but to how we made the product,” Schneider said.

Whether the machine-made product meets the approval of humans, time well tell. VN

brad kaminski

touched anything other than an “on” switch.

The tubes are joined by large lugs that are actually two-halved “shells.” The composite shells are machine-made offsite by a Swiss contractor. Onsite, a 6-axis robot arm paints the shells before assembly. A mechanized trolley moves them into the paint booth, then into the curing room. A similar process is employed with the frame tubes, which are clear-coated. Once the paint is cured, an automated pad printer applies paint rather than decals. For this step, a person places the tubes in a holder for printing.

The final step is assembly. A worker places the shells into a jig before activating a robot arm with an optical sensor. The robot “sees” the size and shape of the shell then applies a specific amount of glue in specific locations to the interior of each shell. The shells have glue channels to hold the adhesive in place when a worker next assembles the frame by hand. Tubes and shells are placed one by one and secured for curing.

It’s fascinating to watch. But clearly, the facility is not up to full speed. The machines were each turned on during the tour for demonstration, but were shut down immediately after, and the factory was once again quiet.

BMC brand manager Markus Eggimann declined to say how many frames were being produced.

“The process is still being refined,” Eggimann said. “Being a frame designer and then becoming a frame manufacturer is clearly a challenge.”

ANDREAS KLIER DE PATERBERG SORPASSO BIBTIGHT

CASTELLI-CYCLING.COM

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MATERIALS ALUMINUM

rubber

CARBON FIBER STEEL

inside your bike

OIL

photo credit

TITANIUM

Modern bicycles and cycling accessories are constructed using highly refined materials with names we all recognize. But the sources, and the science, behind those materials are often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood. In the following pages, VeloNews technical writer Lennard Zinn examines the materials that keep us rolling. w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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Oil

MATERIALS

istockphoto; courtesy fox

photo credit

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he bike industry depends heavily on petroleum-based products. Oils and greases, which are not far removed from their crude-oil origins, are used as lubricants, damping fluids, and hydraulic brake fluid. “Petrochemicals,” which are chemical products made from petroleum, include polyethylene used in water bottles and fabrics, synthetic rubber compounds used in tires, inner tubes and fluid seals, PAN fiber that is burned down to create carbon fiber, acrylic fabric and parts, nylon for fabrics, saddle bases and shoe outsoles, Lorica and other synthetic leather, polyester, and polyurethane. Polyester is used in technical fabrics like CoolMax, powder coating for metals, and solid plastic parts.

Polyurethane is used in Spandex (Lycra) fabrics, for elastomer springs in suspension forks and shocks, and powder coating for metals.

All oil has an organic source and is not water-soluble.

Oil can be squeezed directly out of plant and animal parts (vegetable oil, fish oil, etc.), or it can be “mineral oil,” or petroleum (meaning literally, “rock oil”), which is trapped underground in porous rocks and is created on a geologic time scale (as opposed to a human time scale) from plant and animal matter deposited on the seafloor.

The vast array of petrochemicals we use is possible thanks to the ability of the carbon atom to form chemical bonds with diverse types of atoms, thus creating the chemical versatility required by living organisms for metabolism.

All petrochemicals were discovered (and often patented) by someone in a laboratory experimenting with various methods of breaking down and combining organic compounds. Polyurethane, for instance, was invented by Otto Bayer in 1937, partly as a way to make plastics that circumvented the patents on the polyesters of Wallace Carothers, the brilliant and troubled DuPont organic chemist who invented nylon and neoprene (and who, at age 41, committed suicide the same year Bayer come up with polyurethane).

Bike riding would look a lot different without Lycra, the polyurethane stretch fabric that revolutionized the fit of cycling clothing, and CoolMax, Lorica and other petrochemical technical fabrics that further enhance cyclists’ comfort. w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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MATERIALS

OIL: Polystyrene

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istockphoto; brad kaminski

A ubiquitous plastic in our industrialized world, polystyrene appears in many forms in commercial products and packaging as well as in bicycle accessories. In its hard form, it is clear and rigid; color is often added in the making of items like CD and DVD jewel cases and other plastic containers, disposable razor handles, and plastic utensils. It can be rendered more flexible, such as for the peel-back adhesive tops on yogurt containers. While cyclists encounter these products, it is polystyrene’s foam form to which cyclists are joined at the hip.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, rigid, closed-cell foam formed of small, pressed-together (usually white) pre-expanded polystyrene beads. Since EPS damps shock well, cycling helmets, as well as packing material, are made out of it. Cyclists may also have it inside their carbon shoe soles, crankarms and older carbon rims, where it takes up space without much weight and separates carbon sections to make a more rigid, box-like structure.

Manufacturing plants that make bicycle helmets often also make Styrofoam coolers and packing material, since the process is the same, although the helmet molds are more complex. The hard polystyrene beads travel through tubes all around the factory with air pressure behind them to send them to the proper mold. Heat and pressure, often with steam and/or pentane, are used to expand the beads inside the mold and force them to pack together and adhere.

Polystyrene creates a disposal problem, however, because it does not biodegrade for centuries and is resistant to breakdown by light. EPS foam floats and is so light that it is easily picked up by the wind. It can be found blown against fences and floating in oceans around the world. While styrene rapidly breaks down in air, evaporates quickly in water and shallow dirt, and can be broken down by bacteria and microorganisms, polystyrene can fill the stomachs of animals without breaking down and can be degraded by water and light into suspected carcinogens.

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RUBBER

MATERIALS

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a chemical that’s also synthetically produced.

Butyl rubber, of which most inner tubes are made, is a synthetic rubber made by combining isobutylene and isoprene.

Bicycle tire rubber, whether natural or synthetic, is mixed in large hoppers, and additional components are added to enhance its properties. Like a potter wedges clay to mix it and eliminate air pockets, giant steel cylinders knead the rubber by rotating against each other like a swimsuit wringer at a public pool. The rubber sheets make popping noises as air bubbles in them burst.

The rubber is not only used for the tread but also for the casing to hold the threads together. A “calender” machine presses rubber into nylon casing fabric between giant cylinders.

Tread strips of the rubber mixture (called the “tread compound,” whose formula is held close to the chest by most tire companies) are extruded. For handmade tubular and “open tubular” clincher tires, the tread strip is put in a tread mold and vulcanized. For most tires,

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however, the sticky tread strip is placed onto the sticky casing. Tubeless tires have additional strips of rubber laid onto the inside of the casing that will melt into it and make it airtight. The soft and sticky “green” tire goes into a tire mold, and high-pressure steam inflates a bladder inside the tire and circulates within the metal of the mold as well, melting the rubber into the tread contours and simultaneously vulcanizing it.

Inner tubes, whether pure latex or butyl rubber, are extruded like cannelloni pasta.

Butyl tubes are vulcanized in a mold to harden them as well as to melt the ends together.

Latex tubes are un-vulcanized and the ends are lapped over each other and glued together. Latex tubes tend to be more resistant to pinch flats, taking more of an impact before tearing, but they also are more delicate and bleed air slowly.

GETTY IMAGES (2)

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olling on a cushion of air inside rubber tires is one of the wonderful things about riding a bike. To get that ride, we owe a debt of gratitude to John Dunlop, who accidentally left some liquid latex (the pure liquid that comes from a rubber tree) in a pot on a stove. In doing so, he discovered vulcanization, the heat process that hardens rubber and gives it durability and strength.

Rubber used in bicycle tires and inner tubes can be either natural or synthetic. Natural rubber comes from latex, a milky sap produced by a number of different plants, but not all latex is suitable for making into rubber.

(Opium, for instance, is dried latex, but would make a lousy tire.) Latex sap is collected by “tapping,” a process consisting of cutting the bark of a para rubber tree and letting the sap run down a metal channel into a bucket, like tapping maple trees.

Natural rubber from trees is called “gum rubber,” once purified into polyisoprene; it is

tubeless road tire

DUAL COMPOUND Two compounds comprised of a hard, longer lasting center and a softer, gripping shoulder

BUTYL INNER LINER An extra layer of impermeable butyl rubber that allows for an airtight seal

BEAD CUSHION An additional layer of rubber around the bead to increase ride cushion and prevent air loss and pinch flats

SILKWORM An exclusive puncture-resistant material applied under the tread as a breaker layer

Racers Rejoice! The Maxxis Padrone Tubeless Road racing tire is made airtight by an impermeable butyl inner liner and bead cushion. A dual compound tread configuration ensures the tire has excellent treadwear and low rolling resistance, while providing superb cornering grip in all conditions. The ride quality must truly be felt firsthand to be appreciated. Our technology sets us apart.

Please contact your local dealer for more information, or visit us at maxxis.com

MATERIALS

T

he fourth most abundant metal (behind aluminum, iron and magnesium) and ninth of the nine elements that account for over 99 percent of the mass of the earth’s crust, titanium is hardly “unobtanium,” despite its reputation. However, getting titanium out of the earth and turning it into bicycle parts takes a vast amount of energy.

Part of titanium’s mythical appeal lies in the fact that its strength-to-weight ratio exceeds any other metal, and that it is highly 46

resistant to corrosion.

Named for the Titans of Greek mythology, the tensile strength of some common titanium alloys approaches that of high-strength steels and far exceeds that of aluminum, without being brittle.

Perhaps more importantly, titanium, like steel and unlike aluminum and magnesium, has a fatigue limit, meaning that if the stresses are kept below that amount, it will never fail from fatigue. It’s a high fatigue limit at that, thanks to its high tensile strength.

The Young’s modulus (stiffness index) of titanium is around half that of steel, but so is its density. Titanium’s density is high enough that tubes cannot be made as stiff for the same weight as aluminum or magnesium ones, because heavier walls are required to prevent buckling with large diameter.

The anticorrosive properties of titanium are extraordinary. Nuclear submarines are made of it so they won’t corrode in caustic marine environments, and unpainted titanium bicy-

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cles and components simply don’t rust.

Titanium is not brittle either; it can be stretched around twice as far as steel and four times as far as aluminum before being permanently deformed. This gives titanium frames survivability in crashes, since they will be far more likely than others to spring back after impact.

Finally, the ride of a titanium bike is generally smooth, because a frame designer can choose thin tube diameters and wall thicknesses to provide a supple ride without sacrificing longevity.

Due to titanium’s ability to stretch and return to its original shape, drawing it into tubing demands bigger and more powerful machines than those required to draw steel tubing. Welding requires enclosure in an inert-gas atmosphere, and weld contamination must further be prevented through careful cleaning. Machining titanium requires extremely sharp tools and specific speeds and lubricants; copper-laden lubricants are used on titanium threads, and it is not recommended to thread titanium parts into each other.

Titanium excels for bicycle frame tubing and dropouts as well as for lightweight bolts, axles and saddle rails.

GETTY IMAGES; BRAD KAMINSKI

TITANIUM

Team Jamis / Sutter Home’s Luis Amaran wins Stage 2 at 2010 Tour of the Gila Photo ©: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Winning isn’t everything

2011 Jamis Xenith SL

It’s the will to win that’s the thing. And NRC leading teams Jamis/Sutter Home Presented by Colavita and Colavita/Baci Presented by Cooking Light clearly have the will. It doesn’t hurt that they also have the bike. Some Pros are saddled with “have to” machines, bikes they’re obligated to ride. Not ours – we give them the Xenith SL, a bike every other pro is eyeing covetously, and the points Luis Amaran and Catherine Cheatley are racking up this year show why. The advantage is almost unsportsmanlike. Our Near Net Molding technology squeezes every performance-

robbing gram out of frame weight and assures that every single ultra-high modulus fiber has been fully compressed, flattened and aligned for the stiffest, strongest, fastest possible ride. The asymmetrical chainstays, tri-oval SST top and down tubes, tapered head tube and BB30 shell are additional advantages that yield results we see on podiums and hear in the clink of medals and trophies race after race.

The fact is, if winning isn’t everything, then there shouldn’t be a finish line.

Because once it’s there, the Xenith SL is going to cross it first.

www.jamisbikes.com

MATERIALS

ALUMINUM

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getty images; john pierce/photosport international; jake orness

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luminum is the third most abundant element (after oxygen and silicon) and the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. It is also the most abundant metal in a modern bicycle, due to its low density, its ease of extrusion, casting, drawing, forging and machining, its ability to be alloyed to achieve high strength, and its ability to resist corrosion.

The major aluminum ore, bauxite, was first discovered near the village of Le Baux en Provence, France, in 1821. The Bayer process, using heat, pressure and sodium hydroxide, converts bauxite to aluminum oxide, and the Hall-Heroult hydrolysis process, using electricity and synthetic sodium aluminum fluoride, converts it to aluminum, all at an extremely high energy cost. Recycled aluminum, produced by melting aluminum scrap, requires only 5 percent as much energy, although up to 15 percent of it is lost as ash.

Aluminum alloys are distinguished generally with a number indicating the percentages of alloying elements (6061, 7075, 7005, 2024, etc.) and a temper condition (T4, T6, etc.) indicating what cold working, heat treatment and aging processes it has undergone. In the bicycle industry, some alloys are also distinguished by name, like scandium, which is actually the name of an alloying element in the aluminum.

Aluminum has only one third the stiffness of steel, but it works as frame and rim material because of its low density; doubling a tube’s diameter increases its stiffness by a factor of eight, but the low density keeps overall weight low despite the additional metal. Because it will ultimately fail from fatigue, aluminum parts are generally overbuilt.

Increasing thickness and adding gussets spreads the load (and also provides a more lively feel), and taking care with aging processes minimizes stress corrosion failure.

Aluminum is extruded from billet like pasta into tubing for frames, handlebars, rims and roof-rack trays and can later be drawn, swaged, bent and hydroformed. It is cast or forged (pounded into shape) from wire into cranks, stems, seatposts, spokes and parts for headsets, shocks, pedals, brakes, derailleurs, hubs and bottom brackets, among others. It is stamped from sheet into chainrings, and it is machined to finalize and optimize the shape of a part. After welding and forming, aluminum alloys and metal matrix composites generally need to be heat-treated or at least artificially aged to regain their original strength.

Aluminum parts are generally anodized, painted or powder-coated for protection.

STEEL

MATERIALS

50

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GETTY IMAGES; BRIAN VERNOR

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ue to its high strength and availability, steel has been used longer for building bicycle frames and components than any other material except wood. Steel is primarily iron, the fourth most abundant element and second most abundant metal in the earth’s crust.

To make steel, iron is separated from elements such as hematite and magnetite, and then it is alloyed (mixed together while molten) with trace amounts of other elements to increase some of its mechanical properties, like tensile strength. Chrome-moly (CrMo) steel is used in quality steel bike frames, and the term refers to a range of steel alloys.

Steel is strong and stiff but is also denser than other common frame materials. Its high density doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that a steel frame will be heavy. That’s because, while it has twice the density of titanium and three times that of aluminum, it also has twice the stiffness of titanium and three times that of aluminum. So why are aluminum frames generally so much stiffer than steel frames? Because stiffness of a tube increases as the cube of its diameter, while mass increases in proportion to its diameter. Make a tube twice as big in diameter, with the same wall thickness (thin relative to its diameter), and its weight will approximately double while its stiffness will go up by a factor of eight. If you were to make a big-diameter steel tube really thin, it would be stiff, but it could buckle easily, because its wall thickness would be too thin relative to its diameter.

With alloying, the ultimate strength of steel tubes, or how much force per square inch it can take in tension before breaking, can be very high. This in turn gives it a high fatigue limit, which is the level of stress that it can be cycled at infinitely without breaking, thus resulting in a long-lasting frame — as long as it doesn’t rust.

Steel lends itself to being made into frames and forks because it can be welded, brazed and silver-soldered, as well as bonded. Due in part to its high strength and affordability, steel is used in bolts all over the bike.

MATERIALS

CARBON FIBER

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lowed by the letter K designates how many thousands of fibers are in a strand of the yarn (as in “3K,” for 3,000 fibers per strand). Woven fabric often comprises the top layer for aesthetic purposes, but most carbon fibers in a bicycle part instead come in flat sheets of tightly packed parallel fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin stuck to backing paper. Precisely cut pieces (plies) are stacked, or laid up, atop one another at opposing angles (usually 45 degrees), to resist forces from different directions. Unlike metals, carbon fiber plies within the laminate structure can be oriented to create a composite structure that can be stiff in one direction and more flexible in another.

Indeed, plies must be laid up at angles, because carbon fiber, like thread, is strong if you pull on it but far weaker if you push lengthwise

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on it or bend it sideways. However, in a carbonfiber tire bead, you don’t want strength in tension alone, so orienting fibers at angles and gluing them together with resin allows the plies to work together, opposing forces from all directions.

Subjecting the laminate to high pressure and heat in a mold pushes out air and excess resin.

Well-engineered carbon composite parts have high stiffness and strength, low density and high fatigue life but low elongation — they cannot stretch or bend much before they break. Failures come from not properly engineering the directions and types of fibers to deal with the loads.

GETTY IMAGES; JAKE ORNESS

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hought of as an exotic space-shuttle composite just a decade ago, carbon fiber is now used in almost every bicycle component, from frames and components to helmets and shoe soles. Carbon fibers are made of carbon, the ubiquitous element that forms coal, graphite and diamond and is part of every organic chemical and every life form on earth.

Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe and the second most abundant element in the human body.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, also the source material for acrylic fiber, is made into carbon fiber by heating it to extreme temperatures, burning away essentially everything except carbon.

The resulting 5-8 micron (millionths of a meter) thick fibers are a tenth the thickness of a human hair and made of carbon atoms strongly bonded together in microscopic crystals aligned parallel to the fiber’s axis. Strong and stiff, the fibers have a stiffness index of 33 million pounds per square inch (MSI) and a rough surface. Expensive processing can strip off this outer surface to reveal a thinner, smoother “Intermediate Modulus” (IM) fiber that packs tighter with other fibers for higher stiffness per unit area. A costlier processing can create “High Modulus” (HM) carbon fibers, which boasts a Young’s modulus stiffness of 42 MSI to 55 MSI or more.

Common-modulus fibers are bundled together into yarn and woven into fabric. A number fol-

power to push the pace to break away to accelerate to climb to win to-weight ratio to make them suffer to drop them all

to be your best

performance is all about power Training with power is the proven way to break through fitness plateaus and achieve better results. Because CTS coaching and power training go hand-in-hand, we’re offering an unbeatable deal on the new PowerTap SL+.

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Couches Kill!” equip yourself this winter

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ROAD BIKES

ROAD BIKES PRO

Ride exactly what the top riders are racing

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EUROPEAN

Beautiful bikes from cycling’s homeland

60

ENTHUSIAST

Fantastic bikes that won’t bust your budget

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ENDURANCE

Tall head tubes and long wheelbases make for all-day comfort 72

CUSTOM

Bikes like no other, made to measure

AERO ISTOCKPHOTO

A clear advantage for racing

TIME TRIAL Race against the clock

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pro: ROAD

Cervélo R5 $4,900 (frameset and crank, $6,600 as shown with SRAM Red) We chose Cervélo’s new R5 because it packs loads of unique engineering into a lightweight package. The bottom bracket combines the stiffness and light weight of

internal and oversized systems into a new standard called BBright. It uses a 30mm aluminum BB spindle from BB30 with a wider shell similar to Trek’s BB90. This allows the down tube, seat tube and chainstays all to be wider for stiffness, yet the oversized

spindle can be made from aluminum for light weight. The chainstays are asymmetrical, flaring wider on the left to further resist pedaling forces. Up top, the head tube fits internal bearings tapering 1.125 to 1.375-inches to fit the custom fork. The R5 is Cervélo’s flagship road bike, but the technology has already trickled down into the less expensive R3 for 2011. And if you want something even lighter, the $10,000 R5ca is handbuilt in California with the smallest amount of material possible.

Frame Description Full carbon Squoval, Smartwall tubing, BBright tapered head tube Fork Description Cervélo FK30 SL, tapered steerer with 1.375-inch crown Component Highlights SRAM Red group with ROTOR 3D+ BBright crankset, Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels, 3T ARX Team stem and Ergonova LTD handlebar, 3T Dorico LTD seatpost and fi’zi:k Arione saddle with carbon rails Sizes 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight Not available from Cervélo Warranty Limited lifetime for the original owner

Trek Madone 6.7 SSL $6,820 This year’s 6-Series SSL bikes are built with a new carbon material called HexMC and they shed about 50 grams. But they retain all the advanced engineering that made them noteworthy last year: Trek’s internal BB90 bottom bracket, E2 tapered head tube and internal cable management system that is easily convertible to hide Shimano Di2 wires. Better yet, the bike can be customized with components, graphics and fit. Choose traditional H1 fit if you like a low handlebar position and H2 if you want the bars a little higher but don’t want a stack of spacers under your stem. Your bike will ride the same either way, since frame angles stay the same no matter what size or head tube height you pick.

Frame Description OCLV SSL carbon, E2 head tube, BB90 bottom bracket, internal cable routing, DuoTrap computer compatible Fork Description Bontrager XXX Lite, full carbon with E2 asymmetrical steerer Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace 56

7900 group, Bontrager Race X Lite wheels, Race X Lite stem, handlebar, seatmast cap, and Affinity saddle Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm

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Weight 14.7 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frame for

original owner, 2 years on Bontrager components, 1 year on paint and all other parts

pro: road

Specialized S-Works Amira $7,700 The S-Works Amira could be the most advanced race bike ever made specifically for women. All of Specialized’s signature technologies are baked in and it’s built up with top-shelf bits. The FACT IS 10r carbon frame has race geometry with a carbon layup tailored for women. The tapered head tube adds front-end stiffness and the Specialized FACT carbon crankset with removable carbon chainring spider and ceramic bearings is made for pure efficiency. Cap it off with the deep section Roval Rapide SL 45 carbon wheels and a women’s SL ergonomic bar, and the Amira is ready to rip.

Frame Description S-Works FACT 10r carbon, FACT IS construction, tapered 1.125 to 1.375-inch head tube, compact women’s race geometry, and oversized internal BB Fork Description S-Works full monocoque carbon, 1.125 to 1.375-inch tapered steerer Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 group, Specialized S-Works FACT carbon crank, Roval Rapide SL 45 wheels, S-Works 3D forged stem, Specialized women’s SL carbon bar, S-Works FACT carbon seatpost and Body Geometry Ruby Gel saddle

Cannondale SuperSix Hi-MOD Team $9,100 How can you argue with the bike that won two grand tours in 2010? The same bike that Ivan Basso used to win the Giro d’Italia and Vincenzo Nibali rode to victory at the Vuelta a España is available to you in 2011. Naturally, it

EDITOR’S

PICK

Sizes 44, 48, 51, 54, 56cm Weight 14.7 pounds Warranty Lifetime on frame and fork, 1 year on parts against

manufacturing defects

has a BB30 bottom bracket and Cannondale’s own superlight Hollowgram SL cranks, available in standard or compact chainring size, or with an SRM powermeter. The frame’s carbon plies are race-tuned with a massive down tube and slender hourglass seatstays. It’s built with matching radius carbon overwraps on the BB shell and chainstays, a design that eliminates the extra material of lugs and maximizes rigidity.

Frame Description Cannondale SuperSix high modulus unidirectional carbon fiber with BB30 bottom bracket and 1.125 to 1.5-inch tapered head tube Fork Description SuperSix Hi-MOD monocoque full carbon fork, 1.125 to 1.5-inch tapered steerer Component Highlights Campagnolo Super Record group, Cannondale Hollowgram SL cranks, Mavic Cosmic Carbone SR wheels, FSA OS-99 stem and K-Force Light Nano K carbon compact bar, FSA K-Force carbon seatpost and fi’zi:k Antares saddle Sizes 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63cm Weight 14.7 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Felt F1 $12,500 Felt completely overhauled its F-series road bikes for 2011, with new tube shapes, BB30 bottom brackets and tapered head tubes. The top of the line F1 frame weighs 100 grams less than last year’s model, yet gains in stiffness. New molding techniques yield precise internal shapes. Additional details include internal Di2 wire routing that’s convertible for mechanical cable stops and internal aluminum bearing seats in the tapered head tube.

The top flight F1 mimics what the Garmin-Transitions team raced in 2010, with a complete Shimano Di2 group and Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate wheels. Felt’s engineering and tube shapes extend through the range to the F5, a high-value $2,000 carbon racer for the weekend warrior.

Frame Description Felt Road UHC Ultimate + Nano DMC carbon fiber w/ 1KP external weave, InsideOut Internal Molding Process, carbon BB30 Shell, Di2 internal cable routing, carbon fiber dropouts & 7075 CNC machined replaceable derailleur hanger Fork Description Felt UHC Ultimate + Nano 100% carbon fiber monocoque w/ 1KP external weave; TaperControl carbon 1.125 to 1.5-inch tapered steerer tube, integrated aluminum crown race Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 group, Mavic Cosmic

Carbone Ultimate wheels, Felt Devox 7075 3D forged aluminum stem and UHC Advanced DMC VS carbon bar, Felt UHC carbon seatpost and Devox Team Issue saddle Sizes 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight 13.3 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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pro: road

Giant TCR Advanced SL 2 $6,300 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Giant’s TCR Advanced SL remains one of the best professional grade bikes in the world. The company’s carbon program is as sophisticated as they come. With built-in features like an

internal bottom bracket, tapered head tube, and integrated seatmast, the equation equals pure race performance. The oversized MegaDrive down tube adds outstanding rigidity to the compact, sloping top tube frame geometry. The Advanced SL 2 comes with the ultralight SRAM Red group and DT Swiss Tricon wheels, but you can get this bike built with everything from pricey Shimano Di2 on down to Ultegra-level spec.

Frame Description Giant Advanced SL-Grade composite, integrated seatmast Fork Description Giant Advanced SL-Grade composite, full composite OverDrive steerer Component Highlights SRAM Red group, Giant limited edition DT Swiss Tricon R1450 wheels, Giant Contact stem and handlebar, fi’zi:k Arione CX saddle Sizes XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL Weight 15.4 pounds Warranty Lifetime on frameset, 1 year on paint and components

Fuji Altamira 1.0 $6,750 Although somewhat of a sleeper brand in the USA, sold only at Performance Bicycle shops, Fuji continues to impress with competitive frame designs. On the heels of last year’s semi-aero SST frame platform (raced with great success by the Footon-Servetto team) comes the new and lightweight Altamira design. The Altamira brings everything you would hope to see in a premium road frame — a tapered head tube, internal press-in bottom bracket, slender seatstays and a massive down tube. This is the light, all-around race bike in Fuji’s line. Look for the new bike to continue on the roads of Europe under the new Team Geox.

Frame Description High modulus D6 carbon fiber with integrated head tube and 1.5-inch lower bearing, IST (Integrated Seat Tube), oversized BB86 bottom bracket shell, carbon dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger Fork Description FC-330 carbon monocoque w/tapered carbon steerer and carbon drop out Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 group with Oval RB-900 CNC alloy dual pivot brakes, Oval W-945 carbon clincher

Scott Addict R15 $4,700 Scott Bicycles is working on a new road platform, the F01 Project, for its team riders, but they’ve never been held back by the race-proven 58

wheels, Oval R-900 carbon alloy stem and R-920 carbon stem, Oval R-900 carbon seatpost and SR-900 Sweep saddle with carbon rails Sizes 44, 47, 50, 53, 55, 58cm Weight 15.6 pounds Warranty Lifetime on frame and fork

Addict. It’s one of the lightest production frames you can find at under 800 grams, aided no doubt by IMP carbon construction including full carbon dropouts, cable stops and front derailleur tab.

The geometry is race inspired with a long top tube and short head tube. For 2011, the Addict platform gets a standard seatpost instead of the integrated mast, making it easier to travel with. The Addict RC is Scott’s top of the line, but you can get all the technology at a fraction of the price in the SRAM Red-equipped R15.

Frame Description Scott Addict HMF-Net carbon, IMP carbon molding construction, Shimano press fit BB86, integrated carbon dropouts Fork Description HMF-Net carbon, 1.125-inch carbon steerer, carbon dropouts Component Highlights SRAM Red group, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, Ritchey WCS 4-axis stem and WCS Logic curve handlebar, Ritchey Carbon Pro seatpost and Scott Road Pro SL saddle Sizes 47, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight 15.2 pounds Warranty 5 years

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euro: ROAD

Look 695 I-Pack $5,999 We love Look’s radical 695 because it pushes the envelope of nearly every element of road bike design. The bottom bracket shell is a massive 65mm in diameter, housing internal bearings and Look’s own ZED 2 all-carbon, one-piece crankset. The crank sports

two chainring bolt patterns to fit either standard or compact rings, and moveable pedal thread inserts to alter effective crank length from 170 to 175mm. The tapered head tube houses a pair of internal headset bearings (1.125-inch upper, 1.5-inch lower) supporting the massive, sub-300 gram HSC-7

Colnago C59 Italia $5,499 (frameset) It took four years for Colnago to develop their new custom carbon fiber race bike.

It’s designed, built and painted in Italy with classic Master cloverleaf-shaped tubing. Internal ribs in the top and down tubes maximize stiffness in concert with squared seat and chain stays. The bike is built in the same style as the EPS family with lug-to-tube construction, so Colnago can easily offer a wide range of stock sizes plus custom frames.

Frame Description Torayca high modulus carbon fiber tubes and lugs Fork Description Colnago C59 full carbon, signature straight fork Component Highlights Available as a frame and fork only Sizes Custom sizing plus stock sloping top tube sizes 42, 45, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56cm Weight 950 grams (frame only) Warranty 2 years 60

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carbon fork. The HeadFit 3 headset system separates headset bearing preload from stem placement, so you can change stems without needing to readjust the headset. The swooping, integrated E-Post seatmast carries forward from previous models, but the adjustable, oval-shaped C-stem is new. The entire frame is molded as one piece with carbon dropouts, internal cable routing, and a carbon front derailleur tab. The bike of choice for Team Cofidis, the new 695 is also available in a Super Rigid (SR) version for riders demanding extra stiffness.

Frame Description HM 110 ultra light, high modulus monocoque carbon, integrated ZED 2 crankset and E-Post seatmast, oversized HeadFit 3 headset Fork Description Look HSC-7 monocoque carbon with carbon dropouts and 1.5–inch crown Component Highlights Available as an Integration Package (I-Pack) module with ZED 2 crankset, C-Stem, HSC-7 fork, E-post seatmast Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL Weight 2,390 grams for complete I-Pack Warranty 5 years, 1 year paint and finish

euro: road

Time NXR Instinct $4,000 (frame, fork, headset, seatmast) The NXR Instinct brings the French company’s Ulteam technology to a more affordable level. Perfect for a gran fondo or long races, the NXR front triangle is molded in a single monobloc piece with extra Vectran fibers for vibration damping. Then this front end is joined to the same racy, stiff seat and chainstays that are used for the Ulteam frames. The bike is made with carbon fiber that’s woven in-house, and Time’s unique Resin Transfer Molding process for saturating the carbon with resin and curing it. Among the first to use an oversized lower headset bearing, Time bikes now get BB30 bottom brackets for 2011. Time frame modules include frame, fork, seatpost and stem. Complete bikes with custom build kits are new for 2011.

Frame Description Time RTM monobloc front triangle with added Vibraser vibration damping Vectran fibers and Nanostrength resin, RXR Ulteam chain and seat stays, Translink integrated seatmast with CMT saddle cradle, two-position front derailleur mount and BB30 bottom bracket Fork Description Full carbon SAFE+2 with Kevlar reinforced steerer tube and CMT dropouts, Quickset headset with multi-diameter bearings Component Highlights SRAM Red group with BB30 compact crank,

Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels, FSA SL-K stem and Wing Pro compact bar, fi’zi:k Arione saddle, Time I-Clic Carbone pedals Sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 15.37 pounds Warranty Lifetime

BH Cristal Ultegra $4,000 The 2011 BH Cristal is a new world-class race bike for women. It’s based on the proven BH G5 form and features, but tuned for women. Like the G5, the Cristal is built from Toray carbon fiber with geometry derived from fit data and input from riders and customers. Signature BH details abound, like the adjustable aerodynamic seatpost, curved seatstays, carbon dropouts and cable stops, and cable-concealing channel on the underside of the down tube. The Cristal gets a tapered steerer and BB30 bottom bracket for stiffness. For 2011, it’s also offered in the U.S. with SRAM Red, Shimano Dura-Ace, and Shimano 105 build kits.

Frame Description Toray, Mitsubishi Formula One grade carbon fiber, monocoque construction with tapered head tube, oversized BB30 bottom bracket and chainstays with Shimano adapter cup, slotted carbon cable guides, carbon front derailleur mount Fork Description Enve composites full carbon 1.125 to 1.5-inch tapered steerer Component Highlights Shimano Ultegra group, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels, FSA OS-150 stem and Omega Compact bars, BH G5 superlight micro-adjust carbon post and San Marco Ischia Glamour Arrowhead saddle

EDITOR’S

PICK

Sizes 51, 53, 55 (note BH frame sizes are based on top tube length. Seat

tube lengths are 45, 47 and 50) Weight 16.4 pounds Warranty Lifetime on frame and fork

Eddy Merckx EMX-7 $6,200 (frame, fork, headset, seatmast) The new EMX-7 from Eddy Merckx is the ultimate race bike from this storied company. It has all the top features you’d want, like an aero seatmast, tapered head tube with smoothly integrated aero fork, and oversized bottom bracket. All the tube profiles are streamlined for fast work in the wind and the cables are routed internally for a clean look.

For 2011, the EMX-7 will be available in a Quick Step team edition and a limited Eddy Merckx Anniversary edition. Only 200 of these numbered frames honoring both Merckx’s 65th birthday and his 525 race victories will be made.

Frame Description 62HM1K Pitch-Based carbon fiber, aero tube shapes, tapered head tube, internal cable routing Fork Description Integrated Aero fork design with 1.125 to 1.5-inch tapered steerer tube, monocoque carbon fiber Component Highlights Sold in the USA as frame and fork only (shown here with Campagnolo Super Record Titanium group, FFWD

wheels, FSA bar and stem) Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 cm Weight 1,160 grams (size 54cm frame) Warranty Lifetime w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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EURO: ROAD

Focus Culebro 1.0 $2,100 A sweet European bike doesn’t have to break your budget. Check out German-made Focus bikes for a full line of top-flight models in every price range. They run the gamut from the high end, carbon fiber

De Rosa Corum $2,475 (frame and fork) Legendary Italian framebuilder Ugo De Rosa no longer builds every

Orbea Orca Gold Di2 $11,275 Since its inception, the Orbea Orca has defined design excellence. This latest iteration, refined with the goal of improving aerodynamics, is no different. The company claims 14-percent less aerodynamic drag over the 2010 model, a gain achieved by bringing the seatstays and fork blades closer together. Further, the head tube is narrower, the seat 62

Izalco Team, raced at the ProTour level, down to this bike, the aluminum Culebro. Even though it’s relatively inexpensive, it retains great design features like a carbon fiber fork, tapered steerer tube and BB30 bottom bracket. Built from lightweight, triple-butted aluminum, the frame geometry mimics race-oriented angles found in more expensive machines.

Frame Description Focus triple-butted, hydroformed 7000-series aluminum Fork Description Focus carbon, 1.125 to 1.375-inch tapered steerer Component Highlights Shimano Ultegra group with compact crankset, DT Swiss R1900 wheels, FSA OS 190 stem and Vero handlebar, FSA SL-280 seatpost and Concept EX saddle Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm Weight 17 pounds Warranty Lifetime on frame and fork

single bike frame bearing his name, but the company is still very much family owned. Most of the bikes are still made in Italy, including the classic steel Corum. It’s a modern take on De Rosa’s lugged frames of old, using 18MCDV6 alloy and artisan TIG welding to achieve light weight in a range of 30 stock sizes. (You can get one in custom sizing, too.) In the slightest nod to current fashion, a 1.125-inch carbon fork turns on internal headset bearings. De Rosa’s attention to detail and finish quality round out the timeless Corum frame package.

Frame Description 18MCCV6 steel alloy, TIG-welded with integrated headset Fork Description Mizuno carbon fiber Component Highlights frame and fork only Sizes Fifteen standard sizes, 48 through 62cm, and fifteen sloping top tube sizes 44 through 57, plus custom Weight 1,500 grams Warranty 2 years

tube gets a deeper aero profi le with a cut out for the rear wheel, and the seat post (available for standard rails or Selle Italia Monolink saddles) is teardrop shaped. The Size Specific Nerve carbon rib enveloping the entire frame gets a new shape for even more stiffness and the rear stays are “twisted” in shape to help attenuate road vibration. Finally, the cable routing is optimized for Gore Ride On systems. Orcas are available in either Gold or Silver level frame construction and several component spec options.

Frame Description Orbea Orca Gold, 70-percent M40J Toray, 30-percent M30S high-mod carbon, modular monocoque construction Fork Description Orbea Orca Gold full carbon monocoque Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 group, Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR wheels, Orbea Carbon Pro stem and Orbea Wing carbon bar, Orbea Orca Gold Monolink seatpost and Selle Italia SLR Monolink saddle Sizes 48, 51, 53, 55, 57, and 60cm in men’s version, 47, 49, 51, and 53cm in women’s version Weight 15.5 pounds Warranty Lifetime for original owner

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Experienced. Passionate. Innovative. Meet the Team Behind the Bike.

We are engineers, artisans, and professionals with decades of industry experience. Never satisfied with the status quo, our passion fuels a commitment to innovation, year after year. Together, we ensure each Seven delivers the custom fit, performance, handling, and features you want. Come discover what our team can create for you.

One Bike. Yours. www.sevencycles.com

telephone 617.923.7774

email info@sevencycles.com

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euro: road

BMC racemachine RM01 $5,000

(available as a frameset for $2,850) New for 2011, the BMC racemachine incorporates many of the design features pioneered with the flagship teammachine introduced last year. The racemachine’s overall shape is similar, but with thicker seatstays and stouter construction, it’s made to be extra stiff for racing. The Tuned Compliance Concept frame shapes popularized on the teammachine appear in the racemachine’s fork and proprietary seatpost, as does the Integrated Skeleton Concept seat cluster, angular frame tubing, tapered head tube, and BB30 bottom bracket. Even with the more robust frame build, the racemachine is only 90 grams heavier than it’s more costly cousin.

Frame Description Full carbon with oversized BB, Integrated Skeleton Concept seat cluster, squared chainstays Fork Description Full carbon with 3K weave and tapered 1.125 to 1.25inch steerer Component Highlights SRAM Red group with BB30 cranks and SRAM Force brakes, Easton EA70 wheels, Easton EA70 stem and EC70 bar, BMC seatpost and Selle Italia SL XC saddle Sizes 47, 50, 53, 55, 57, 60cm Weight 14.5 pounds Warranty 5 years if registered online

EDITOR’S

PICK

Bianchi Infinito Dama 105 $2,700 Bianchi’s $10,000 Oltre road racing bike is a masterpiece, but we’re also impressed with the new Dama Bianca models. In Bianchi history, the original la dama bianca (“lady in white”) was an elegant companion to Il Campionissimo, Fausto Coppi, in the 1940s and 1950s. Today, 64

Storck Fascenario 0.6 $9,900 (frame, fork, cranks, headset, brakes) Marcus Storck’s reputation for radical designs is strengthened even further by the Fascenario 0.6. Like the pioneering Aero 2 time trial bike last year, it’s got ultralight carbon brake arms integrated with the fork and rear stays. Viewed from the side, the bike actually looks like it’s missing brakes. The linear pull arms are hidden in a sleek design, and betrayed only by cable entry points at the sides. Like the brakes, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 wires are hidden from view to complete the package. Unidirectional carbon construction and Storck’s Power Arms SL crankset with integrated bottom bracket help keep the weight astonishingly low.

Frame Description Storck unidirectional carbon built with Vacuum Void Control process, integrated 1.125-inch headset, integrated bottom bracket for Power Arms SL cranks, integrated carbon fiber brake arms with oversized chainstays, rear entry dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger Fork Description Storck Scapula F carbon with integrated brake caliper Component Highlights Sold as a fuselage only Sizes 47, 51, 55, 57, 59cm Weight 1,750 grams (complete fuselage including frame, fork, cranks, headset, and brakes) Warranty 3 years

the Dama Bianca series is made to honor women who love riding. Geometries and other details are designed around women’s distinctive needs, but the bikes are pure Bianchi performance. The C2C Dama Bianca models offer a more relaxed and upright ride. A slightly longer wheelbase and longer chainstays provide a more stable ride, while Bianchi’s BAT and K-Vid frame design features provide added shock absorption.

Frame Description Infinito Carbon K-Vid with Kevlar insert Fork Description Bianchi 1.125-inch FF35 K-Vid full carbon with Kevlar Component Highlights Shimano 105 group with FSA Gossamer Pro MegaExo compact crank, Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels, FSA OS-190LX stem and Wing compact handlebar, FSA SL-K carbon seatpost and fi’zi:k Vesta saddle Sizes 44, 47, 50, 53cm Weight 16.5 pounds (53cm) Warranty 5 years limited on frame, 1 year on parts

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695 No words can describe what you’ll feel. Only three digits.

695. Integration with a Purpose.

To answer the demands of all hard core racers and enthusiasts, we designed the new 695 with a level of integration that hasn’t been seen before. The 695 offers an unequalled ride with the integration of the ZED 2 Crankset, C-Stem, Head Fit 3 headset, HSC 7 fork, and the E-Post.

Unrivalled stiffness to weight, light weight, adjustability & precision handling all integrated the 695. www.lookcycle.com/695

enthusiast: ROAD

Felt Z2 $6,500 Granted, $6,500 for a bicycle is a lot of money.

But in this group, Felt’s Z2 gets our Editors’ Pick prize because it offers Shimano Di2 electronic shifting for less money than any other bike we’ve found. The Z2 frame doesn’t

change for 2011 — it still offers a more relaxed, upright ride position compared to the long and low cockpit in Felt’s F-Series. It’s still a sub-1,000 gram frame made from Felt UHC Advanced carbon fiber. But the genius is in blending a Dura-Ace Di2 group with

Ultegra brakes and wheels to keep the price surprisingly attainable. Considering that the silky Di2 shifting and drivetrain alone could set you back around $4,000, we consider the complete bike to be a deal.

Frame Description Felt Classic UHC Advanced MMC carbon fiber frame w/ 3KP weave, InsideOut internal molding process, Di2 external cable routing, forged aluminum dropouts and 7075 CNC-machined replaceable derailleur hanger Fork Description Felt UHC Advanced carbon fiber monocoque w/ 3KP weave, 1 piece carbon Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 group with compact crank and Ultegra brakes, Shimano RS80 wheels, Felt Devox 7050 aluminum 3D forged stem and UHC Advanced carbon fiber DMC VS bar, Felt UHC performance carbon fiber seatpost and D2 anatomic road saddle Sizes 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight 15.16 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Trek Madone 5.5 $3,720 Trek does many things well, but the Wisconsin company really excels at bringing toplevel technology to bikes at every price point.

From the flagship, $9,000 Madone 6.9 SSL, to the sub-$2,000 3-Series Madones, key pieces of engineering trickle through the line to offer the best bang for your buck. In the Madone 5.5, you can enjoy Trek’s famous Pro-Tour-caliber carbon performance at a great price. It’s a race-ready bike for weekend warriors and aspiring pros alike. Key features like the E2 tapered head tube, BB90 internal bottom bracket, internal cable routing and DuoTrap computer compatibility set this rig apart. It’s made from Trek’s TCT carbon fiber and sports a carbon fork with an aluminum steerer tube. A taller head tube, part of Trek’s H2 geometry package, makes for comfortable handlebar height.

Frame Description Trek 5-Series TCT carbon, E2 head tube, BB90 internal bottom bracket, internal cable routing, DuoTrap compatible 66

Fork Description Bontrager Race X Lite w/

E2 aluminum steerer, carbon crown and legs Component Highlights SRAM Force group, Bontrager Race Lite wheels, Bontrager Race X Lite stem and Race X Lite VR-C bars, Bontrager ride-tuned carbon seatmast cap and

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Affinity 2 saddle Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm Weight 15.8 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frame for original owner, 2 years on Bontrager components, 1 year on paint and all other parts

enthusiast: road Masi Evoluzione Apex $1,850 With the Evoluzione frame platform, Masi completely overhauled its line of carbon bikes for 2011. The new frames sport the Total Overdrive System, a stout combination of tapered head tube, BB30 bottom bracket, and oversized chainstays and down tube. Torayca carbon fiber and carbon dropouts help keep weight to the bare minimum as well, making these the lightest bikes Masi has ever built. Add the SRAM Apex group with WiFli ultra-low gearing, and you’ll be conquering hills like never before.

Frame Description Masi MMC modular monocoque frame Fork Description Masi Elite/RS tapered carbon fork with 7075 alloy steerer Component Highlights SRAM Apex group and FSA Gossamer Pro BB30 cranks, Mavic CXP22 rims with Formula sealed bearing hubs, Ritchey Comp 4-axis stem and alloy handlebar, Ritchey comp seatpost and Masi SLR saddle Sizes 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 62cm Weight 17.6 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Jamis Xenith Elite Femme $4,500 Jamis’ Xenith Elite and Xenith Elite Femme are the new additions to the Xenith family of race bikes. They have the same geometry as the Xenith SL and Xenith Team, rendered in high modulus carbon with Jamis’ Dyad Elite fiber lay-up. The result is solid pedaling efficiency for quick acceleration, but without the price tag of top-tier road machines, and only a few ounces more heft. A SRAM Red drivetrain, American Classic’s slick 420 wheels and a Ritchey Pro cockpit mean business — this is a bike that will more than hold its own, whether your beat is the local crit, district championships, or a weekend club ride.

Frame Description Full high modulus carbon fiber, Dyad Elite lay-up, tri-oval shaped top and down tubes with SST tubing diameters, 1.125 to 1.5-inch head tube, BB30 bottom bracket, asymmetrical chainstays, twin seatstays, forged one-piece dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger Fork Description Jamis Xenith Team high modulus carbon fiber, 1.5inch hollow formed crown, monocoque one-piece forming technology, carbon dropouts with stainless axle interfaces Component Highlights SRAM Red group with Force front derailleur, American Classic 420 Aero 3 wheels, Ritchey Pro 4-axis stem and Pro

EDITOR’S

PICK

Logic II handlebar, Ritchey Pro carbon seatpost and Selle San Marco Aspide Glamour Arrowhead saddle Sizes 44, 48, 51, 54cm Weight 15.5 pounds Warranty Lifetime on frameset for original owner, 1 year for parts

Raleigh International $6,000 Based on the popularity of last year’s trend-busting, lugged steel Record Ace, Raleigh takes the premium steel production bike concept to a new level this season. The new International is built from premium lugged Reynolds 853 butted chromoly tubing with a flat crown lugged Reynolds 853 steel fork out front. Except for a few nods to modern spec, like a full Dura-Ace group and 1.125-inch headset, the bike is pure retro from head to toe, down to the threaded bottom bracket and external cable routing. The lugs are even chromed. If you want a classic performer for long rides and the incomparable feel of genuine steel, look no further.

Frame Description Lugged Reynolds 853 butted chromoly Fork Description Flat crown lugged Reynolds 853 Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace group, Shimano DuraAce WH7850 wheels, FSA OS-99 CSI stem and K-Force carbon compact bar, FSA K-Force Light seatpost and Selle San Marco Regal E Carbon FX saddle

Sizes 53, 55, 57, 59cm Weight 18 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frameset w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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enthusiast: road Cielo Cycles Sportif $1,900 (frame and fork) If you’re looking for a sweet steel bike, there are plenty of small custom builders that will create a masterpiece sized just for you. But if you’re not sure where to start and want to simplify the process, check out Cielo. The Sportif is a classically modern road bike with time-proven geometry and materials. Frame angles are aimed at stable handling and comfort over the long ride. But this is no “comfort” road bike either; it’ll haul if you’ve got the horsepower. The tig-welded True Temper OX Platinum steel frame is finished with details like machined head tube collars, fork crown, and dropouts. Both the frame and fork are designed to be used with medium reach (57mm) caliper brakes and can accommodate comfortable width tires and fenders. Fender eyelets are available as an option on this readymade classic.

Frame Description TIG-welded True Temper OX Platinum, stainless steel rear dropouts, seatstay caps, rear brake insert and head tube rings Fork Description Deda steel fork blades with custom machined fork crown, stainless steel fork tips Component Highlights Frame and fork only Sizes Fourteen men’s sizes, 49 through 62cm; women’s sizes 43, 47, 49cm Weight 3.9 pounds (frame), 1.7 pounds (fork uncut) Warranty 5 years on craftsmanship and 1 year on materials

Specialized Tarmac Comp Compact Ultegra $3,000 The Tarmac SL2 frame from Specialized has a race-bred heritage

EDITOR’S

PICK

Trek Gary Fisher Collection Cronus WSD $2,620 In mid-2010, Trek folded Gary Fisher-branded bikes into Trek’s own range.

Now the Cronus platform is part of the Trek Gary Fisher Collection; but for 68

spanning courses from the cobbles of Flanders to the cols of the Tour de France. In designing the bike, Specialized incorporates the highend features that are now virtually standard on most road bikes: a tapered head tube, race-caliber geometry passed down from the flagship Tarmac SL3, and full carbon fork. But they add a dose of love in the materials department with proven FACT 8r carbon fiber.

Frame Description Specialized FACT 8r carbon, FACT IS construction, compact race design, 1.5-inch lower HS bearing, threaded BB Fork Description Specialized FACT carbon full monocoque, oversized race for 1.5-inch bearing Component Highlights Shimano Ultegra group with compact crank, Fulcrum Racing 6 wheels, Specialized Comp-Set stem and Ergo 2014 alloy handlebar, Specialized Pro FACT carbon seatpost and Body Geometry Romin Comp saddle Sizes 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight 17.9 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

2011, this standout road bike gets even better. We like the Cronus WSD. It incorporates the ultra-stiff FCC (Fisher Control Column) front end with wide fork blades, tall hub flanges, and E2 tapered head tube. It also combines the BB90 internal bottom bracket pioneered in the Trek road line and the hidden fender mounts born with the original Cronus. The whole package is made for women with a taller head tube and shorter stem.

Frame Description Monocoque carbon fiber, E2 integrated headset, BB90 bottom bracket, hidden fender mounts Fork Description Bontrager carbon FCC with 1.125 to 1.5-inch E2 tapered steerer, wide stance carbon legs and integrated Speed Trap computer mount Component Highlights Shimano 105 group with Shimano FR600 compact cranks, Tektro R540 brakes, Bontrager Race FCC wheels with tall hub flanges and 25mm axle end caps, Bontrager Race Lite stem and Race Anatomic-C handlebar, Bontrager carbon seatpost and Affinity 2 WSD saddle Sizes 45, 47, 50, 52, 54cm Weight 16.5 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frameset, 2 years on components

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enthusiast: road

Wilier Triestina Gran Turismo $3,400 Wilier Triestina built the new Gran Turismo to offer a comfortable, all-day bike at a more affordable price while maintaining the flagship Cento’s lightweight performance. To enhance torsional stiffness, the

Cannondale CAAD10 Dura-Ace $3,200 Cannondale aluminum frames have been famous for years for their lightweight, quality construction, and outstanding ride. In 2011, the Connecticut-based company turns the metal up to 11 with the all-new CAAD10 frame and fork. The top-end Dura-Ace spec anodized frame weighs just 1,150 grams in a size 56cm. Cannondale achieved this feat

Blue Axino $4,600 Blue Competition Cycles has a new, lightweight bike for 2011 dubbed the Axino. It’s a race-caliber road bike built with modern design 70

Razor Edge Design concept incorporates top and down tubes that overlap at the head tube. These tubes are square as they meet the head tube, but they morph into rounded shapes as they flow rearward and around the seat tube. Finally, slender stays at the back of the bike combined with the Smooth Rear Design dropout concept help absorb road vibration.

Frame Description Custom monocoque carbon — 10-percent 46 Ton, 40-percent unidirectional MR60H, 50-percent unidirectional T-700SC Fork Description Monocoque carbon Component Highlights Shimano Ultegra group with FSA SL-K Light cranks with custom Wilier graphics, Fulcrum R5 wheels (Ritchey carbon wheels shown not U.S. spec), FSA SL-K stem and Wing Pro handlebar with Wilier graphics, FSA SL-K seatpost Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL Weight 1,150 grams (frame), 360 grams (fork) Warranty 5 year limited for original owner

by using a new 6069 alloy with extensive shaping to optimize stiffness and strength. The top tube is massive where it meets the head tube, then turns down at the seat tube. Slender seat and chain stays are shaped and butted to flex vertically for ride comfort, but they lose their former hourglass shape to add lateral stiffness. CAAD10 frames come with an all-new tapered steerer carbon fork with forward offset dropouts to add vibration absorption up front. It’s a sophisticated package for metal fans.

Frame Description CAAD10 SmartFormed 6069 alloy, SAVE stays, BB30 bottom bracket, externally machined tapered head tube Fork Description CAAD10 full carbon, tapered 1.125 to 1.25-inch steerer, forward offset carbon dropouts Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 shifters and rear derailleur with Ultegra front derailleur and FSA SL-K Light carbon BB30 crank, Shimano Ultegra brakes and RS80 wheels, Cannondale C2 stem and handlebar, Cannondale C2 UD carbon seatpost and fi’zi:k Arione saddle Sizes 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63cm Weight 15.8 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

elements for optimum performance. Naturally the fork steerer is tapered for stiffness and the BB30 bottom bracket allows the lightest, stiffest cranks to be used. What you don’t see is that the bottom bracket shell and chainstays are molded as one piece to maximize rigidity and weight savings. Likewise, the top tube, head tube, and down tube are molded as a single unit to minimize material overlap and add accuracy to the front end. Internal brake and shifter cable routing just ices the cake.

Frame Description Aerus Conquest T800 high modulus carbon with tapered head tube and BB30 bottom bracket Fork Description Aerus Conquest C4X full carbon fork Component Highlights SRAM Force group, HED Bastogne C2 wheels, Aerus 2014 alloy stem and Aerus C4 Carbon Pro bars, Aerus C4 Aero Carbon Pro seatpost and Prologo Nago Scratch Pro saddle Sizes XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL Weight 995 grams (frame only) Warranty Lifetime

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EVO EVOLVE WWW.PRIMALCUSTOM.COM

endurance: ROAD

Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3 Dura-Ace $7,700 From the company that practically invented the category of enduranceoriented road bikes, this might be the ultimate in do-it-all, all-day bike.

Although it’s technically classified as an endurance bike, Specialized has made the newest relaxed-geometry Roubaix into one of the most raceable bikes in its class. The company has multiple victories on the

Lapierre Sensium 400 $3,150 Lighter for 2011, the Lapierre Sensium promises a comfortable ride with no

cobblestones of Europe to prove it. Sure you could get a race-proven Specialized Roubaix in Pro or Expert trim for a lot less money. But put simply, Specialized sets the bar with their S-Works Roubaix SL3 frame. The FACT IS 11r carbon frame weighs less than 1,000 grams, yet is stiffer than last year’s Roubaix due to the modular frame construction. It has revised Zertz elastomer damping inserts to help dim road chatter. And Shimano’s Dura-Ace carbon tubeless-ready wheels offer another level of supple ride quality. There’s also a Dura-Ace Di2 option for a little more money. C’mon, you’re worth it!

Frame Description S-Works Roubaix FACT 11r carbon, FACT IS construction, Cobra 1.125 to 1.375-inch head tube, compact race design w/ Zertz inserts, internal cable routing, carbon oversized bottom bracket Fork Description S-Works FACT carbon full monocoque w/ Zertz inserts Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 group with Specialized SL FACT carbon compact cranks, Shimano Dura-Ace WH 7850 wheels, S-Works 3D forged alloy stem and SL carbon handlebar, S-Works FACT carbon seatpost and Body Geometry Avatar Team saddle Sizes 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight 15.14 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime sacrifice in performance. An elastomer vibration damper in the seatstays helps tune out road noise, but the lightweight monocoque carbon front triangle is built for speed. It has a tapered head tube with carbon headset bearing seats, an oversized bottom bracket shell for stiffness, and relaxed geometry to go the distance. Plus it’s finished with internal cable routing.

In addition to stock spec, select Lapierre models can now be customized online if you want to build a dream bike.

Frame Description Sensium 400 CP carbon HM monocoque Fork Description Lapierre carbon, tapered alloy steerer tube Component Highlights SRAM Force group with compact crankset, Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels, Control Tech Estro stem and Viento Ergo handlebar, Control Tech MPost seatpost and Ponza Power Microfeel saddle Sizes 46, 49, 52, 55, 58cm Weight 17 pounds Warranty 5 years

Stevens Ventoux $2,500 (frame and fork) This year will be the second in the USA for German company Stevens, courtesy of the folks at Sinclair Imports. Until now, they’ve been known mostly as Katie Compton’s cyclocross sponsor, but the new Ventoux frame could bring the brand into its own spotlight. It’s built to combine top-class stiffness with a taller head tube for all-day comfort. To chase stiffness, Stevens built the bike around a wide, press-fit BB86 bottom bracket and a flared, asymmetrical seat tube. Up front, the fork steerer, riding on internal bearings, tapers from 1.125 to 1.5-inch. Out back, the fat chain stays add rigidity with slender seatstays to keep road noise minimized. Finished with sleek internal cable routing, this bike looks like a race-worthy bike for the committed long-distance rider.

Frame Description UD carbon HMF superlight Fork Description Full carbon SL UD with tapered steerer Component Highlights Frame and fork only Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm Weight 1,005 grams Warranty 2 years 72

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Giant Avail Advanced 1 $3,100 Giant’s relaxed-geometry endurance bikes are available for both men and women. The women’s Avail models come in multiple component specification options, including premium Shimano Dura-Ace, but the Ultegra model is almost half the price. The swooping lines of Giant’s Advanced-grade frameset are nice to look at, but function matters most. The lightweight, stiff and ride-tuned materials are meticulously engineered to increase comfort, especially over the long haul. Avail Advanced blends performance and compliance, and it’s all designed specifically for women.

Frame Description Giant Advanced-grade composite Fork Description Advanced-grade composite, full composite OverDrive steerer Component Highlights Shimano Ultegra group with compact crankset, DT Swiss Tricon R1800 wheels, Giant Contact stem and handlebar, Giant Vector seatpost and fi’zi:k Vesta saddle Sizes XS, S, M Weight 16.2 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

EDITOR’S

PICK

Dropped

them

downstream!

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endurance: road Pinarello KOBH 60.1 $5,500 (frameset, $6,600 for Di2-ready frame, including wiring) Here’s a comfortable all-day bike with exotic European heritage.

The new KOBH 60.1 frame was created in collaboration with the Sky pro team to challenge the cobbled classics of northern Europe. It leverages technologies introduced with the Dogma 60.1, like asymmetric frame tubes to maintain rigidity in the face of powerful pedal strokes. Compared to the Dogma, the frame angles are about one degree slacker. The seatstays are slender and curved, and tire clearance is improved to accommodate fat rubber. Finally, a longer wheelbase adds stability and reduces vertical stiffness for greater absorption capacity on bumpy stretches. Yet Pinarello built this premium bike to maintain lateral stiffness for responsiveness in sprints and curves.

Frame Description Torayca 60HM1K carbon fiber with Century Ride rear stays, monocoque construction Fork Description Onda FPK1 with 60HM1K carbon, 1.125 to 1.25-inch tapered steerer Component Highlights frameset and seatpost only Sizes 45, 48, 51.5, 54, 56, 57, 58cm Weight 1,020 grams (size 54cm frame) Warranty 1 year on finish, 2 years on manufacturing (can be extended to 3 years by registering online)

You focus on riding and we’ll focus on you.

It’s on days like this you really find out why you ride. Thanks to the outstanding weather protection and temperature management of GORE BIKE WEAR™ clothing you were able to get out in the adverse conditions to test the bounderies of speed and control. We fuse 25 years of experience with the high-tech function of GORE-TEX®, WINDSTOPPER® and GORE® Selected fabrics to bring you clothing and accessories that you can trust. All engineered using intelligent ergonomics and material placement to further enhance your comfort and performance. Now you’re free to train whenever and wherever you choose.

Check out our autumn/winter 2010 collections at www.gorebikewear.com

© 2010 W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH. GORE BIKE WEAR, GORE-TEX, WINDSTOPPER, GORE and designs are trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates

8:20:51 Uhr w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de11.08.2010 2011 VELONEWS 75

custom: ROAD

(for standard geometry, $6,900 for custom) Pondering the wide range of options available for a custom bike, Cyfac might not be the first builder to drift across your mind.

But this small shop in La Fuye, France should find its way onto your list if you’re looking for something that is truly one of a kind. At one time, Cyfac built private label bikes for professional riders seeking sublime race machines

that their sponsors couldn’t provide. Now, the shop builds bikes for everyday customers, either stock or sized to order, from a spectrum of materials (steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber). If you’re not sure of your measurements, the highly detailed Cyfac Postural System provides a proper anatomical fit formula for your new custom bike. The flagship carbon fiber ABSOLU is made with tube-to-tube construction, an integrated aero seatmast, and whatever modern features (like BB30, tapered steerer, and Di2 wire routing) you can dream up.

Frame Description IM t800H carbon fiber tubes joined with carbon-kevlar tube-to-tube construction, tunable ride characteristics for custom builds, BB30, tapered steerer, Di2 routing available Fork Description Forknox 3C carbon fiber, tapered steerer tube available Component Highlights frame and fork only Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL in stock sizes, custom sizing available Weight 2.4 pounds Warranty 3 years on manufacturing and materials for original owner

Eriksen $3,050 (frame only) Built in Steamboats Springs, Colorado, Kent Eriksen’s bicycles are showpieces. They are the archetype for clean, functional titanium welds and aesthetics. The process starts with a phone call. (Amazing isn’t it? Real human contact!) Each frame is fully custom, geometry, tubing and decals inclusive. Once you have decided on a frame and discussed your options, Eriksen sends a CAD drawing for final review before proceeding. After your approval of the design, it’s full steam ahead.

Each frame is built using American-made 3/2.5 titanium. Eriksen offers paint from Spectrum, but covering up their handiwork seems sacrilegious. All their decals are color matched for Chris King headsets and hubs.

Don’t forget to ask about their seatposts as well, also color-matched.

Frame Description custom titanium, integrated seatpost, bladed seat tube, oversized 1-inch chainstays Fork Description Enve recommended (2.0 for $475, 1.0 for $675) Component Highlights Customer spec,

Campagnolo, Shimano, or SRAM Red (shown), DT Tricon 1450 clincher wheels, Enve stem and bar, Ritchey WCS Streem saddle

Sizes Full custom Weight 14.2 pounds (as shown) Warranty Lifetime for original owner

Cyfac ABSOLU $5,000

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Photon Winner of Bicycling Magazine’s 2010 Dream Bike of the Year award.

Find out what’s new for 2011

www.gurucycles.com customfit@gurucycles.com 877 755 4878

custom: road Guru Photon $5,300 (frame with Enve fork) If this super lightweight custom carbon frame doesn’t illicit severe bike lust from you, have your pulse checked. Guru uses military grade HS40 carbon fiber to produce an almost ridiculously light frameset. Made in Quebec, Canada, Guru offers custom paint and decals as well as custom geometry. Guru’s Web site claims that “less is much more!” Their display bike at Interbike weighed in at 12 pounds. Enough said.

Frame Description Full custom, military-grade HS-40 carbon Fork Description Enve 1.125-inch carbon fiber Component Highlights Customer spec Sizes Custom Weight 750 grams for 54cm frame with integrated seatmast Warranty Lifetime for the original owner, 1 year on paint, graphics and fork

Parlee Z1 $6,500 (frame and fork) Amid the constant clamor of new bikes from builders large and small, it’s easy to overlook time-tested models that remain relevant over the years. Parlee’s Z5 is their lightest, latest, and greatest, but the original Z1 is a modern day classic rendered in carbon fiber to your own

Independent Fabrication SSR $3,850 (frame and fork) The legendary New England builders at Independent Fabrication chose Columbus XCr seamless, stainless steel tubing for the SSR. It’s a TIG78

personal specs. Designed from the ground up for custom geometry, Z1s can be customized by 1mm and .1-degree increments to fulfill any custom design from 47cm to 65+cm. Custom carbon fiber lug lay-up along with five tube set choices allow the Z1 to be optimized for individual riders. Parlee offers a fixed wheel option for track use or fixed wheel road riding, as well as updated geometry and additional stock and custom sizes, including an option for 650c wheels. Z1s can be built with semi-sloping geometry up to 3 degrees. Optional upgrades include the super light SL tube set, the extra stiff XL tube set, the X woven tube set and the compliant CL tube set.

Frame Description Choice of five carbon fiber custom tube sets.

Tube-to-tube lugged construction with proprietary molding technology. Molded carbon fiber cable stops, front derailleur hanger, and water bottle mounts. Titanium hardware and dropouts. Di2 and BB30 configurations available.

Fork Description ENVE Composites 1.0 Component Highlights A variety of configurations available from Campagnolo, SRAM, and Shimano Sizes 15 stock sizes plus fully custom sizing Weight 1.8 – 2.68 pounds, depending on custom build Warranty Lifetime

welded road racing bike built to have the classic feel of steel with the lighter weight and stiffness of modern machines. The material has extremely high fatigue resistance when welded. Plus, in addition to custom geometry and exquisite welds, Indy Fab builders select appropriate tubing sizes just for you. Options include singlespeed or track dropouts, custom paint, and 650c wheel sizes for smaller riders. It’s a race worthy, corrosion resistant and shiny steel frame like no other.

Frame Description Oversized, size-specific Columbus XCr seamless butted stainless steel tubing with head tube and down tube gussets, machined 17-4 dropouts, sterling silver headbadge and custom machined bottom bracket Fork Description Edge carbon 1.125-inch steerer Component Highlights Frame and fork Sizes Custom Weight Varies with build Warranty Lifetime to original owner on craftsmanship, 5 years on materials

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Why 35?

51.5% Greater Rigidity Low Weight Improved Control Visit www.trentacinque.net for full details www.dedaelementi.com

aero: ROAD

Litespeed Archon C1R $3,200 (frameset) Although the Litespeed name is almost indelibly linked to cycling’s wonder metal of bygone days, titanium, the company has remained current and now engineers carbon fiber with the best of them. And they’re not

content to use shared molds, simply cranking out carbon copies. Rather, Litespeed engineers created a graceful line of streamlined road frames in the Archon series. The flagship Archon C1 from 2010 gets even further ahead of the pack this season. Now dubbed the C1R, it’s built with Reactive Pressure Molding to extract as much stiffness and strength from

Serotta MeiVici AE $8,700 (frameset) Serotta’s exotic MeiVici AE offers effective aerodynamics coupled with the special ride quality and handling characteristics of the company’s 80

as little material as possible. The result is a bike that’s about 100 grams lighter than last year’s version.

Also new for 2011 is external cable routing for simplicity and added stiffness.

But all of the original, sleek frame shapes of Litespeed’s Aerologic design, including the water bottle shroud and tear dropped head and seat tubes return.

Litespeed says the design is good for a 16-percent more efficient ride, and even better, the Archon frame design is available in a range of prices down to the complete C3 bike for just $3,200.

Frame Description Reactive Pressure Molding carbon construction, integrated seatmast, aerodynamic profile frame design, BB30 Fork Description full carbon Litespeed Component Highlights frame only Sizes S, M, M/L, L, XL Weight 1,000 grams for the frame Warranty Limited lifetime

fully custom MeiVici SE road model. Engineered with aerodynamic features and customization options, the MeiVici AE features a seat tube angle-specific rear wheel cut out and an innovative aero seatpost for maximum aerodynamics and weight savings. The MeiVici geometry is 100-percent custom, so you can have your aero bike made to measure for road racing, triathlon, or anything in between.

Frame Description Serotta Composites custom carbon fiber Fork Description Serotta F4 integrated fork with tapered 1.125 to 1.5inch steerer Component Highlights Frame and fork only Sizes Custom Weight Varies with frame size and component choice Warranty Lifetime

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AERO: ROAD

Ridley Noah RS $3,500

R-Surface paint

The new Noah RS inherits Ridley’s unique R-Flow technology and race-proven geometry but at a more affordable price. Slotted R-Flow jet foils in the fork legs direct airflow away from the wheel and R-Surface textured paint on the leading edges of frame tubes helps increase smooth, laminar airflow. In contrast to the original Noah, the RS comes with a standard adjustable seatpost — a boon for frequent travelers. All the cable routing is still internal for optimal aerodynamics.

Frame Description 30 and 24 ton high modulus carbon fiber with

Fork Description 4ZA Sphinx full modulus carbon fiber monocoque

with R-Flow Component Highlights SRAM Force group, Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels, Deda RHM01 stem and handlebar, Ridley 4AZ aero carbon seatpost and 4ZA saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 16.5 pounds Warranty 5 years

Kestrel RT-1000 Dura-Ace $5,400 Most of us can barely remember, but Kestrel bikes pioneered the carbon fiber revolution way back in the 1990s, before the wonder material was trendy. Now they specialize in aerodynamic frames for road and triathlon. The new Kestrel RT series bikes blend subtle aerodynamic frame shapes with a more upright riding position for long-distance comfort. A tapered head tube adds front-end stiffness to this quick yet comfortable carbon machine.

Frame Description Monocoque 800K high modulus carbon fiber frame and fork, modular monocoque construction Fork Description 800K full carbon with 1.125 to 1.5-inch tapered steerer.

Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace group with Oval R900 brakes, Oval W945 carbon clincher wheels, Oval R900 stem and R920 handlebar, Kestrel Aero carbon seatpost with Ritchey clamp system and Oval SR700 saddle Sizes 48, 51, 53, 56, 59, 62cm Weight 16.5 pounds Warranty Lifetime on frame and fork 82

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RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF PAIN Driving. Never drafting. Always attacking. Pounding the cobbles. Pushing through cold wind and rain. Riding to the breaking point—but never breaking. These are the hard men of Flanders. This is their bike.

Ridley Excalibur Flandrien Complete Bike MSRP: $3,195

www.ridley-bikes.com www.thefastestbikeintheworld.com

time trial: ROAD

Trek Speed Concept 9.8 $7,100 Trek’s Speed Concept triathlon and time trial frame platform is probably the most revolutionary aero bike ever built. Starting with the

KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) truncated airfoil tube shapes, everything about the extensively integrated fuselage screams “speed.”

The brakes are built into the frame and fork, completely hidden from the wind. The fork

and head tube sport a super-narrow profile, yet the fork legs are widened to accommodate smooth airflow through the fork crown. For triathletes, the optional aerodynamic Speed Box and Draft Box accessory containers can keep your food, fluids, and spare supplies hidden from the wind. And Trek’s integrated aerodynamic stem and handlebar with fully internal cable routing offer a massive range of adjustment for perfect fit.

Frame Description OCLV2 Carbon, KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube design, SC Speed Box & DuoTrap compatible, includes SC Draft Box Fork Description Bontrager Speed Concept, OCLV2 Carbon, KVF leg design, integrated brake and stem Component Highlights SRAM Force group with 900 TT shifters and Bontrager XXX Lite aero brake levers, Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 ACC wheels, Bontrager Speed Concept integrated stem and handlebar, Bontrager Speed Concept seatpost and fi’zi:k Arione Tri2 saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 18 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frameset, 2 years on components

19mm bearing compression device Component Highlights Shimano DuraAce Di2 group with TRP brakes, Zipp 808 front and 1080 rear wheels, Felt Bayonet III CNC machined aluminum stem and Devox Bayonet UHC Ultimate+Nano MMC carbon

fiber base bar, Felt Aero UHC Ultimate+Nano bladed monocoque seatpost and Prologo Nago TTR saddle Sizes 51, 54, 56, 58cm Weight 16.7 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Felt DA $12,499 The 2011 Felt DA is already race proven by the likes of David Millar and triathlete Terenzo Bozzone. The frame is made with UHC Ultimate+Nano carbon fiber material shaped through extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics engineering and real-world testing.

Felt says it’s 14% more aerodynamic and 13% stiffer than the last-generation DA. It’s also optimized for Shimano Di2 electronic shifting, with internal cable routing and an integrated battery mount. Details abound on this bike, like flares in the frame tube shapes on the trailing edges of the seatpost and seat tube to trick the wind into flowing smoothly off the bike. The new DA is certain to be a hot ride for speed freaks.

Frame Description Felt Aero TT/Tri UHC Ultimate+Nano MMC carbon fiber frame w/ 1KP weave, InsideOut internal molding process, Di2 optimized internal cable routing Fork Description Felt Bayonet III UHC Ultimate + Nano MMC carbon fiber monocoque design w/ 1KP Weave, 1 piece carbon blades, dropouts, crown and external steerer w/ Felt 84

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time trial: road

EDITOR’S

PICK

Cannondale Slice Women’s 4 Rival $3,300 The Slice helped Liquigas teammates Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali win grand tours and triathlete Chrissie Wellington set a course record in the Hawaii Ironman world championships. In addition to the sleek aero profile tubes, the SAVE rear stay micro suspension

Scott Plasma 10 $4,700 Trickle down at its best gives the public access to top-tier bicycle technology, just a few years after the pros. The Scott Plasma 10 features the same frameset that Columbia-HTC riders raced in 2008

Cervélo P2 $2,400 Cervélo’s lineage can be traced from one fast aero bike to another — the Canadian brand introduced aero-profiled road bikes to the industry. The P2 uses TrueAero tubing, mechanic-friendy Internal 86

system deflects vertically to absorb road shock while maintaining lateral stiffness. Unlike the nervous, twitchy handling of some aero frames, the Slice’s geometry is designed to provide stable and confidence-inspiring handling while in the aero position, allowing you to relax and focus on your ride. Plus, the Slice Women’s bike is now available in a size 47cm with 650c wheels, to fit more riders.

Frame Description Slice Women’s full carbon, SAVE stays and BB30 bottom bracket Fork Description Slice full carbon Component Highlights SRAM Rival group with RTC shifters and FSA Trimax Pro cranks, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels, 3T ARX Pro stem and Aura carbon base bar, Cannondale Slice aero carbon seatpost with 2-position head and Prologo Kappa Dea saddle Sizes 47, 51, 54cm Weight 18.5 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

and 2009. If their results are any indicator, this is a super fast time trial bike. Built using IMP5 construction, the entire frame, except the seatstays, is built as one, complex structure. The Shelter127 concept alludes to the amount of wheel wrap the frame achieves in its pursuit of aerodynamic perfection. One of its best features is the Ritchey seatpost head. So often, time trial seatposts are a dizzyingly complex affair. With the Ritchey head, the Scott easily adjusts from an effective 79 to 73 degrees. Sensibly, Scott engineers also included two bottle cage mounts.

Frame Description Plasma 2, IMP5 carbon construction, integrated seat tube Fork Description Plasma 2, full carbon integrated Component Highlights Shimano Dura-Ace mechanical group with bar-end shifters and Profile QSC brake levers, Shimano WH-RS10 wheels, Profile O-Zero basebar and T2+ aerobar, Ritchey seatmast head, fi’zi:k Arione Tri 2 saddle Sizes 47, 49, 52, 54, 56cm Weight 19.2 pounds Warranty 5 years

CableStop and Cervélo’s TT/Tri geometry with a two-position seatpost. With a taller head tube than the P3, the P2 will fit people who don’t regularly bend themselves into a pretzel and motor along at 50kph for an hour. But that doesn’t mean it’s a slow bike. Several pro triathletes prefer the P2 over the P3. Interestingly, the 2011 P2 has actually gone down $400 in price this year for the base model.

Frame Description Cervélo TrueAero carbon fiber, internal gear and rear brake cable routing Fork Description 3T Pro Funda fork Component Highlights Shimano Ultegra group, FSA Gossamer Pro brakes, Vision levers, FSA Gossamer crank and bb, Shimano R500 wheels, Vision Alloy stem, base bar and aero bar, fi’zi:k Arione Tri 3 saddle Sizes 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight Not available from Cervélo Warranty Limited lifetime for the original owner

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You count the switchbacks. We’ll count everything else.

Add Joule to any Ant+ PowerTap and create the ultimate training tool. Joule precisely measures power like never before. It’s reliable, easy to use and comes with the popular PowerAgent software. The road is your lab, Joule and PowerTap help you get better, faster. Visit cycleops.com TM

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No trainer brings everything together like the feel and road-like resistance of Kinetic. Find out how our precise engineering, leak-proof fluid chamber and lifetime unconditional warranty can help take your training to the next level at kurtkinetic.com www.downmagaz.com

Cyclone

MOUNTAIN BIKES

MOUNTAIN BIKES CROSS-COUNTRY For the World Cup or the weeknight series

90

TRAIL ANNE KELLER

Jack-of-all-trade rigs that won’t pigeonhole your riding

ALL MOUNTAIN Built for burly rides with big suspension

94

HARDTAIL

The ultimate in lightweight, efficient performance

104

ENTHUSIAST

Fun bikes that still leave you with gas money for adventures

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cross-country: mountain EDITOR’S

PICK

Specialized S-Works Epic 29er $9,400 Just a couple of years ago, a 22-pound full-suspension 29er might have been deemed impossible. But Specialized has done it with the S-Works Epic 29er, the bike Todd Wells used to capture a national championship. Built on Specialized’s proven Epic suspension platform, the S-Works

is the first full-suspension bike to win a world championship. The company partnered with Fox to develop the FlowControl Mini Brain shock with Brain Fade inertia valve, air spring, and adjustable rebound. Up front, the custom Specialized/RockShox Reba S29 Brain fork features a carbon, tapered steerer/crown with rebound and Brain Fade adjustments to dial in the perfect

platform for competitive XC bliss. Blended with Roval carbon wheels, ceramic BB bearings and SRAM XX rings on Specialized’s carbon crank, and a 12x142mm rear hub for stiffness, you have a world-dominating bike.

Frame Description FACT 11m carbon front triangle with FACT IS construction and 29-inch geometry, FACT carbon seatstays with carbon non-drive dropout and chainstays, tapered head tube, PF-30 BB30 bottom bracket with ceramic bearings, 142mm rear drop-outs, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, Fox/Specialized remote Mini-Brain inertia valve with Brain Fade adjust, 100mm travel Fork Description Custom Specialized/RockShox Reba S29 with Brain, 1.5 to 1.125-inch carbon steerer, RockShox Reba lower legs, Brain Fade damping, external rebound adjuster, 100mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XX group with Specialized S-Works carbon crank and XX chain rings, Roval Control SL carbon disc wheels, Syntace F109 stem and S-Works XC Carbon flat handlebar, S-Works carbon seatpost and BG Phenom Expert saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 21.5 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Trek Top Fuel 9.9 SSL $7,650 Trek’s already impressive Top Fuel cross-country bike gets a few upgrades for the new season. The head tube is now tapered to fit an oversized 1.5inch lower headset bearing. All the cable routing, including the brake hose, is now internal.

Plus, the bike loses a little more weight with new OCLV carbon chainstays. All the original suspension design features that made it a top performer in the first place come back for an encore performance. The Full Floater shock mount and ABP rear pivot give this bike supple, compliant suspension, yet it’s built for accurate handling and aggressive racing applications.

Frame Description OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, OCLV Carbon seatstay and chainstay, Net Molded E2 tapered head tube, BB90 bottom bracket with Precision Fit Sockets, internal cable routing, no-cut off-road seatmast, ABP Race, Full Floater, magnesium EVO rocker Link, oversized pivot bearings, Fox Float RP-2 rear shock, “race tuned” with boost valve, remote lockout, ProPedal, rebound, 100mm travel 90

Fork Description Fox F-Series Remote RL w/Fit

cartridge, air spring, rebound, remote lockout, E2 tapered steerer, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XTR group, Bontrager Race XXX Lite Disc wheels, Bontrager Race XXX Lite stem and Race X Lite carbon low

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rise bar, Bontrager Race XXX Lite seatpost and Evoke 4 saddle Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5 Weight 21.5 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frameset, 2 years on components

cross-country: mountain Cannnondale Scalpel 3 $3,950 For 2011, Cannondale’s Scalpel gains stiffness and loses weight with new BallisTec carbon construction. It has tougher resin to repel rock strikes that could fracture lesser materials. Built in combination with Cannondale’s pivotless suspension design, the frame, including the rear shock, is astonishingly light at just 1,580 grams. The zero pivot design allows chainstays and seatstays to flex along one path providing a supple 80mm of travel. There are no bearings or bushings to add weight or lateral flex. When the bike is assembled with a Lefty integrated fork, BB30 bottom bracket, and Si stem and fork steerer combination, the package is one of the lightest and stiffest around.

Frame Description Scalpel, BallisTec Hi-MOD full carbon, Zero Pivot, BB30, 1.5-inch Si head tube, FOX RP2 Belleville rear shock, 80mm travel Fork Description Lefty Speed PBR, OPI, Solo Air, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano SLX group with XT rear derailleur, FSA Afterburner 386 BB30 cranks, Avid Elixir R brakes, custom DT Swiss XCR 1.7 wheels, Cannondale OPI adjustable stem and C2 riser

bar, fi’zi:k Cyrano seatpost and Tundra 2 saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 22.5 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Trek Gary Fisher Collection Superfly 100 $4,720 Gary Fisher’s original Superfly rocked the cross-country world when it debuted in 2009. Never before had we seen so much suspension techEDITOR’S nology built into an ultra-light, carbon fiber 29er race bike. For PICK 2011, the Gary Fisher Collection is now rolled into the Trek family and the bike gets even better. A guard under the down tube protects against rock impact and the suspension swing link is rendered in carbon fiber.

The Superfly 100 is built on the same OCLV frame and ABP suspension as the more expensive Superfly 100 Elite, but smart component spec brings the price below five grand.

Frame Description OCLV Mountain Carbon co-molded main frame and rear swingarm, G2 Geometry, E2 head tube, ABP, topswing carbon link, Fox Float RP2, custom “race tuned,” 2-position ProPedal, external rebound, 110mm travel Fork Description Fox F29 RL w/E2 steerer, custom G2 geometry, 51mm offset crown, lockout force adjustment, 100mm travel Component Highlights SRAM X9 group with Avid Elixir R brakes and Shimano M552 cranks, Bontrager Race Lite FCC disc wheels, Bon-

trager Race X Lite stem and Race Lite Big Sweep handlebar, Bontrager Rhythm Elite seatpost and Evoke 2 saddle Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 19, 21, 23 Weight 24 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frameset, 2 years on components

Rocky Mountain Element Team RSL $7,000 The new Rocky Mountain Element RSL is born from the needs of World Cup competitor Geoff Kabush. The new bike drops over 600 grams of frame weight compared to Rocky’s 2010 XC bike. It’s made from 40-ton carbon with SmoothWall construction, which keeps the inner surfaces as clean as the outer with zero superfluous material. Titanium hardware on the ABC (Angular Bushing Concept) pivots also helps reduce weight.

But despite the weight savings, the new bike is stiffer and more accurate with a tapered head tube and internal 92mm bottom bracket. For racing, check out the Element RSL in Team spec for full XTR trim, or if you want a trail bike check out the Rocky Mountain Element MSL. Frame Description RMB FORM C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall monocoque, Fox Float RP23 custom-valved rear shock, 100 mm travel Fork Description Fox 32 F100 RLC FIT Remote, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XTR group, DT Swiss XR 1450 wheels, Race Face Deus SL stem and Next SL bar, Race Face Next SL

carbon seatpost and fi’zi:k Tundra saddle Sizes 15, 16.5, 18, 19, 20.5 Weight 21.5 pounds Warranty 5 years on frame w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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cross-country: mountain

Felt Edict Pro $5,500 The Edict frame design is new from the ground up for 2011. Several years in the making, it’s the result of Felt engineer Mike Duscharme’s desire to build a no-nonsense, thoroughbred race machine. The FAST rear suspension relies on a pivotless rear triangle and rocker link to deliver 100mm of suspension. The swingarm is tuned to sit into the bike’s

EDITOR’S

PICK

Giant Anthem X1 W $2,750 Giant’s Anthem X Advanced SL carbon bikes feature World Cupproven frame and suspension design, plus extremely low weight and stiffness. Now there’s an Anthem built for women. The choice of Giant

Pivot Mach 4 XO $5,199 Pivot’s Mach 4 improves for 2011. It loses over a half-pound of weight compared to the 2010 model, yet it’s stiffer for even more accuracy on the trail. Pivot bikes rely on Dave Weagle’s efficient yet supple dw-link 92

sag point for bob-free pedaling performance. Felt’s new internal molding process helps shave weight in the main frame by keeping the interior shapes smooth and precise. The Edict Elite costs $9,000 with SRAM XX and Mavic wheels, but we dig the Pro version at a privateer’s price.

Frame Description Felt Edict Carbon XC series UHC Ultimate+Nano carbon fiber, Felt Active Stay Technology (FAST) suspension, InsideOut internally optimized molding process, tapered head tube, modular monocoque construction, Fox Float RP23 with Boost Valve, custom valving, 100mm travel Fork Description Fox F32 100 Fit Remote lockout, tapered steerer, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano Deore XT group, Shimano Deore XT M775 wheels, Felt MTB oversized 3D forged stem and MTB XC butted aluminum riser bar, Felt alloy seatpost and Felt mountain design saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 23.6 pounds Warranty Lifetime

pro Kelli Emmett for the most technical cross-country races, the allnew Anthem X1 W features four inches of supple Maestro Suspension travel, a PressFit bottom bracket for pedaling stiffness and an incredibly responsive ALUXX SL aluminum frame. Up front, it’s all business with a Fox F100RL fork featuring a 15QR thru-axle and tapered steerer.

Women’s-specific race geometry ensures a balanced ride no matter how fast or how long you go.

Frame Description ALUXX SL-Grade aluminum, Maestro suspension, Fox Float RP2 rear shock with Boost Valve, 100mm travel Fork Description Fox F100 RL with 15QR thru-axle and tapered steerer, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano Deore XT group with SLX front derailleur and Avid Elixir R brakes, Giant P-XC-2 rims and Tracker hubs, Giant Connect SL stem and Connect SL low rise handlebar, Giant Connect SL seatpost and fi’zi:k Vesta saddle Sizes XS, S, M Weight 26.4 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

suspension design, which soaks up bumps in a smooth, controlled manner that inspires confidence. The new Mach 4 has a 92mm BB shell for internal bearings, a reinforced carbon fiber lower dw-link with doublerow sealed bearings, a high-modulus carbon fiber upper link and a onepiece rear triangle. But keep in mind, Pivot designers made the bike to perform not just on race courses, but on real trails as well. And with a Pivot pedigree, we have no reason to doubt.

Frame Description Hydroformed 6061 triple-butted aluminum frame construction with a Fox RP23 Boost Valve shock featuring 100mm of travel. Includes a high-modulus carbon fiber rocker and lightweight carbon lower dw-link Fork Description FOX F100RLC Fit tapered, 15mm QR, 100mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XO drivetrain and brakes; DT Swiss TRICON 1700 wheels, FSA SL-K stem, FSA SL-K carbon riser bar; FSA SL-K carbon seatpost, WTB Rocket V Race saddle.

Sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 23.1 pounds Warranty 3 years on frame

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trail: mountain

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 $4,720 The Fuel EX off-road platform from Trek is one of the Wisconsin company’s most popular. And why wouldn’t it be? The suspension blends awesome small bump sensitivity from the ABP rear pivot and Full Floater shock mount with bottomless big hit performance

from the Fox DRCV rear shock. DRCV stands for Dual Rate Control Valve, a Fox rear shock design proprietary to Trek. In the shock’s early stroke, the air chamber is about half-sized to keep the bike sitting up in its travel and behaving more like a short-travel frame. But as the shock cycles deeper into its travel, a valve

opens, instantly enlarging the air can for a more linear, plush end stroke. As a result, the EX pedals like a cross-country racer but sucks up bumps like the versatile trail bike it is. For 2011, the EX gets ABP convert rear dropouts so you can choose to use either a standard 9mm quick release, or stiffen up the back end even more with a 142x12mm thru axle.

Frame Description OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, E2 tapered head tube, OCLV carbon seatstay w/ alloy chainstay, magnesium EVO link, Fox RP-23 Pro-Pedal rear shock, 120mm travel Fork Description Fox 32 F-series Fit RL, alloy E2 tapered steerer, 15 QR thru axle, 120mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XT 10-speed group, DT Swiss M 1800 wheels with 15mm front and 142x12mm rear hubs, Bontrager Race X Lite carbon riser bars, Race X Lite stem, Bontrager Rhythm post, Bontrager Evoke 3 saddle Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5 Weight 24.8 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frameset, 2 years on components

Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert Carbon $4,400 Specialized’s Stumpjumper FSR trail bikes get better every year, and that’s saying a lot for a platform that’s been great for many years. The FACT 9m carbon front triangle and alloy rear stays make for an exceptionally light but very stiff chassis. Fox and Specialized team up successfully on the Brain rear shock, and the new Fox Talas RL twoposition adjustable travel fork promises plush versatility up front. This is an exceptionally capable bike that offers stable, crosscountry-bike pedaling and nearly all-mountain performance all in one package.

Frame Description FACT 9m carbon front triangle, FACT IS construction, tapered head tube, oversized bottom bracket, M5 aluminum rear triangle, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, Specialized/Fox Brain rear shock w/ remote Trail Tune inertia valve, Brain Fade and rebound adjustment, 140mm travel 94

Fork Description Fox 140 TALAS RL, air

spring, tapered alloy steerer, rebound adjustment and lockout, standard dropouts, 140110mm travel Component Highlights SRAM X9 shifters, XO rear derailleur, X7 front derailleur and custom SRAM carbon S-2200 double crank,

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Avid Elixir CR SL brakes, Roval Control Trail AL wheels, Specialized XC stem and XC low rise alloy bar, butted alloy seatpost and Specialized Body Geometry Henge Comp saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 26.4 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

trail: mountain Cannondale Lexi 1 $3,000 The Cannondale Lexi’s seat tube, BB shell, and swingarm pivot are 3D forged as one piece to eliminate excess material and add strength to the backbone of this sweet trail bike. Instead of just a lowered shock mount, the Lexi gets a completely different linkage to preserve the refined shock performance and leverage ratio built into the RZ One Twenty family. And of course, there’s a lightweight Lefty Ultra PBR fork up front and BB30 bottom bracket down below.

Frame Description Cannondale SmartFormed Alloy, BB30 bottom bracket, 1.5-inch Si head tube, RockShox Monarch T3 rear shock, 120mm travel Fork Description Lefty Ultra PBR, OPI, Solo Air, 120mm travel Component Highlights SRAM X7 shifters and front derailleur, X9 rear derailleur, FSA Comet 386 BB30 cranks, and Hayes Stroker Trail Carbon SL brakes, DT Swiss 1.7 rims and Lefty SL hubs, Cannondale OPI adjustable stem and C2 riser bar, Cannondale C2 seatpost and Prologo Vertigo Max Dea saddle Sizes P (petite), S, M

EDITOR’S

PICK

Weight 29 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Niner R.I.P. 9 $1,800 (frame only) If you want to dip a toe in the big-wheeled water, but you’re not sure where to start, turn to the originals. Niner builds nothing but 29ers, so you’d expect them to know a thing or two. The award-winning EDITOR’S R.I.P. is one of their originals and remains popular today. It’s the doPICK everything machine in the line, with 4.5 inches of Niner’s lauded CVA suspension travel. With durable, high-grade sealed bearing pivots, a tapered head tube, hydroformed top and down tubes, and geometry built for 120mm-travel suspension forks, it’s made to rip singletrack with the best of ’em.

Frame Description Hydroformed T6-6061 aluminum with 9 custom forged parts, custom-valved Fox RP23 shock, 115mm travel Fork Description Frame only (120mm travel forks recommended) Component Highlights Frame only Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 7.5 pounds with shock Warranty 2 years Jamis Dakar Sixfifty B2 $4,600 Can’t decide between a bike with 26-inch wheels or a 29er? Don’t. Take the middle path and ride a bike with in-between-sized wheels. Jamis is one of few companies bravely supporting the 650b wheel size. Drawbacks include limited wheel, tire, and fork choice, but the benefits include lighter, more nimble handling compared to 29ers. Still based on Jamis’s XCT trail bike platform, this year’s Sixfifty gets a major upgrade out back with new mp4 suspension. Its asymmetric chainstays and 135x12mm Maxle thru-axle bolster lateral rigidity, keeping the rear tire planted and tracking as you take maximum advantage of the wickedly rigid front triangle and a stout 1.125 to 1.5-inch tapered head tube.

Frame Description Kinesium alloy main triangle, asymmetrical chainstays with 12x135mm thru-axle dropouts, mp4 linkage design, cartridge bearing pivots, Rock Shox Monarch RT high volume shock, 130mm travel Fork Description White Brothers Loop, 32mm stanchions, magnesium cast lower, tapered steerer, 1.5-inch crown, QtapeR15 axle system, Aura Damper, rebound control, air spring, 130mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XO group with Avid XO brakes, American Classic 650b XC wheels with 20mm thru axle front and 12x135 Maxle lite

rear, Ritchey Pro 4-Axis 44 stem and Pro Rizer, crankbrothers joplin 4R seatpost with remote and WTB Vigo Team carbon saddle Sizes 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 Weight 28.75 pounds Warranty 5 years on frame, 1 year on parts w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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Santa Cruz Blur LT carbon $6,222 ($2,499 frame with RP23 shock) The Santa Cruz Blur LT carbon is one of those bikes that just makes you wonder how they do it. Santa Cruz says it’s a pound lighter and several orders of magnitude stronger and stiffer than the original, alu-

minum Blur LT. Build it up however you want, for lighter cross-country duty or bigger all-mountain efforts. There are no weight restrictions or fork travel limits to worry about. Santa Cruz’s Next Generation Virtual Pivot Point suspension delivers efficient pedaling with no sacrifice in suppleness. Sophisticated carbon manufacturing, continuous layers of material at the joints, and precise molding control yields accurate shapes both inside and out for maximum frame strength with minimal weight.

Frame Description Carbon fiber front triangle featuring proprietary one-piece lay-up process, carbon fiber rear triangle, carbon fiber upper link, patented VPP suspension with 140mm travel Fork Description Fox 32 TALAS RLC, as pictured. There are several fork options available for all Santa Cruz models Component Highlights SRAM XO, Formula The One brakes, DT EX500 rims with DT 240 rear hub and Chub front hub, Thomson stem, Easton Haven bar, Thomson Elite post, WTB Devo SLT saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 26.5 pounds as pictured Warranty 2 year limited for the original owner

Tomac Supermatic 120 1 $6,399 ($2,399 frame and rear shock only) Despite the legendary John Tomac name on these fine frames, Tomac remains a small brand. But if they keep cranking out sweet rides like the Supermatic 120, that’s sure to change. The new rig delivers 120mm of travel in a super stiff, 5-pound (frame with shock) carbon fiber package.

It’s got a tapered head tube and the front triangle is made from highmodulus carbon fiber with size-specific layups. Oversized aluminum shafts through the pivots are engineered to eliminate flex and pivot slop for the most precise ride possible.

Frame Description Hi Modulus carbon fiber, Fox RP23 shock, 120mm travel Fork Description Fox Float RL 120mm, tapered steerer, 15mm axle Component Highlights Shimano XTR cranks and derailleurs, SRAM XO brakes, crankbrothers cobalt wheelset, Thomson Elite stem, Easton EC90 carbon bar, Thomson Elite post, fi’zi:k Tundra 2 saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 24.5 pounds (5 pounds, frame w/ shock) Warranty Limited lifetime

EDITOR’S

PICK

Scott Genius Contessa $4,200 Contessa is a no-compromise group of products for serious female cyclists.

The Genius is an adjustable travel full-suspension bike designed to handle any trail, any time. Combine the two, and you have the Contessa Genius, a 96

killer carbon fiber trail bike for women. Scott’s IMP4 carbon frame technology makes the bike extremely light and stiff, while the Equalizer2 shock allows the rider to choose between three separate travel settings via the handlebar mounted TwinLoc lever.

Frame Description Genius Carbon Mainframe with IMP4 technology, HMF NET, and alloy 6061 double-butted swingarm with replaceable hanger, sealed aircraft bearings, Scott Equalizer rear shock with sag indicator, dual rebound adjuster, and Twinloc remote travel adjuster, 95-150mm travel 150mm rear travel Fork Description RockShox Revelation RL Dual Position, air spring, lockout, rebound adjustable, 120-150mm travel Component Highlights Shimano SLX group with XT rear derailleur and cranks, Avid Elixir R brakes, DT Swiss XR 35 wheels, Scott MC Pro stem and Pilot 20 Pro handlebar, Scott RC seatpost and fi’zi:k Vitesse Sport saddle Sizes S, M, L Weight 27 pounds Warranty 3 years

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trail: mountain

EDITOR’S

PICK

Trek Fisher Collection Rumblefish II $3,780 29er trail bikes are coming and the Rumblefish is ahead of the curve.

It features 120 and 110mm of travel, front and rear, respectively. Trek uses a dual-chamber DRCV shock that behaves similarly to a coilspring shock without the weight. ABP Convert dropouts isolate braking forces from suspension action and allows the use of a 142x12mm thru axle on the rear. The suspension, combined with 29er wheels and 2.25-inch tires, smoothes out the roughest trail. If all-day adventure revs you up more than the local short track series, check out the Rumblefish.

Frame Description 6011 hydroformed aluminum mainframe and stays, G2 29er Geometry, DRCV shock mount, E2 tapered head tube, ABP dropouts, Fox Float RP23 shock with ProPedal and external rebound, 110mm travel Fork Description Fox F120 RLC 29er w/ E2 tapered steerer, G2 geometry, 51mm offset, 15mm thru axle, 120mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XT/XTR 10 speed group, Avid Elixir R brakes, Bontrager FCC 15mm front thru axle/142x12mm rear thru axle hubs, Bontrager Duster Disc 29 rims, Bontrager Rhythm stem, Race Lite low riser bar, Rhythm Pro post, Evoke 3 saddle Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 19, 21, 23 Weight 27.95 pounds Warranty Lifetime on mainframe, 3 years on swing arms and Bontrager parts

Giant Trance X Advanced SL 0 $8,400 Why does this bike make our Buyer’s Guide year after year? Because we continue to believe that it’s one of the best, most versatile trail bikes available. For 2011 it doesn’t change much except to gain a new XTR 98

Felt Virtue Expert $6,000 At the top of the updated Virtue line of trail bikes, Felt mixes high-end carbon fiber with their adjustable travel rear suspension design, and the result is impressive. Redesigned for 2011, the all-new Virtue Team features cutting-edge carbon engineering technologies and Equilink suspension travel — which can be adjusted to either 120mm or 130mm to master all types of terrain. The new frame, made with UHC Advanced carbon fiber, has a ControlTaper tapered head tube for improved front-end stiffness, plus updated, more stable geometry. With SRAM XO components and Mavic Crossmax ST wheels, this is Felt’s lightest, fastest Virtue ever.

Frame Description Felt UHC Advanced carbon fiber main frame, dynamic monocoque construction, 1-piece carbon rear triangle including dropouts, tapered head tube, RockShox Monarch RT3 rear shock, 120-130mm travel Fork Description RockShox SID RLT, remote lockout, with tapered 1.125 to 1.5-inch alloy steerer, 120mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XO group, Mavic Crossmax ST wheels, Felt MTB oversized 3D forged stem and Devox RXC carbon handlebar, Felt carbon seatpost and Felt Mountain Design saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 27.3 pounds Warranty Lifetime

group and DT Swiss Tricon wheelset. The Advanced SL composite frame remains one of the best available, as does the efficient Maestro suspension and Fox rear shock. It’s a bike on which you could easily race cross-country in the morning and then switch to Super D in the afternoon.

Frame Description Giant Advanced SL-Grade Composite, Maestro suspension, oversized bottom bracket and tapered steerer, Fox Float RP23 with Boost Valve rear shock, 120mm travel Fork Description Fox 32 Talas FIT RLC w/ 15QR thru axle and tapered steerer, 120-140mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XTR group, custom Giant limited edition DT Swiss Tricon XM 1550 tubeless-ready wheels, Giant Contact SLR composite stem and low rise handlebar, Giant Contact SLR composite seatpost and fi’zi:k Gobi saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 25.4 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

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all mountain: mountain

Cannondale Jekyll Ultimate $8,000 Completely new for 2011, the Jekyll promises to live up to its dualistic namesake with adjustable travel, remarkably light weight, and huge pivots that span the width of the frame for stiffness. The impressively engineered Fox DYAD RT2 rear shock uses two different air chambers and fluid reservoirs to provide accurate shock rates in either the 90mm travel Elevate mode or the 150mm travel Flow mode.

Jekyll’s 5-part ECS-TC (Enhanced Center Stiffness-Torsion Control) system eliminates 100

flex and linkage play with massive pivot axles running across the frame. The frame itself is rendered in Cannondale’s BallisTec impact resistant carbon, keeping it light and snappy for climbs yet durable for descents. It’s truly built to be a two-in-one superbike. The Jekyll Ultimate is built with top spec, but this burly bike will be available in a range of parts picks.

Frame Description Jekyll BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, BB30 bottom bracket, ISCG03 chain guide mounts, 1.5-inch Si head tube, Fox DYAD RT2 dual shock 90-150mm travel

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Fork Description Fox 32 Talas RLC FIT, 15QR

thru axle, 1.5-inch steerer, 150mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XX group with Cannondale Hollowgram SL crankset and XO front derailleur, Avid Elixir XO brakes, crankbrothers cobalt wheels 15mm front and 142x12mm rear, Syntace Force 1.5 stem and Vector Carbon riser bar, RockShox Reverb seatpost and fi’zi:k Tundra 2 saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 25.4 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

all mountain: mountain

Trek Remedy 9 $4,200 Trek’s Remedy trail bikes are generally regarded as some of the most pedal-friendly machines in the 6-inch travel world. Ross Schnell’s success in multiple all-mountain races testifies to the Remedy’s versatility. The DRCV rear shock helps keep the bike sitting up in its travel for climbing, but it seamlessly flows into plush, bottomless big-hit performance when the trail points down. Combined with ABP Convert rear dropouts, which allow you to run either a standard 9mm quick release or a larger 142x12mm thru axle, it’s a remarkably versatile bike. We like the aluminum Remedy 9 for rugged durability and a reasonable price tag.

Frame Description Alpha Red Aluminum w/ABP Convert, Full Floater,

E2 tapered head tube, magnesium EVO Link, oversized pivot bearings, ISCG03 mounts, replaceable derailleur hanger, Fox Float RP23, “trail tuned” w/Trek DRCV, boost valve, ProPedal, rebound, 150mm travel Fork Description Fox 32 Talas Fit RLC w/air spring, low speed compression, lockout, rebound, alloy E2 tapered steerer, 15QR, 120-150mm travel Component Highlights Shimano Deore XT group with Avid Elixir CR brakes, DT Swiss M1800 wheels, Bontrager Rhythm stem and Race Lite low rise bar, Bontrager Rhythm Elite seatpost and Evoke 2 saddle Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21.5 Weight 28 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frameset, 2 years on components

Orbea Rallon 30 $4,499 Orbea has pulled something special out of the bag with the Rallon 30. Using 12 cartridge bearings throughout its rear suspension and a radically hydroformed aluminum frame, the Rallon’s frame is impressive. Details like interchangeable dropouts keep future options open for different rear axle systems. The XT component group and wheels are a smart spec for a bike made to handle some abuse after a long climb.

Frame Description Hydroformed and butted aluminum with sealed bearings at all pivots including shock mount for the Fox RP23 XV, 150mm travel Fork Description Fox TALAS 32 RLC, 15mm thru axle Component Highlights Shimano XT group, Formula RX brakes, Shimano XT wheels, Orbea bar, stem and post, Selle Italia SL T1 saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L Weight 7.5 pounds medium frame with shock Warranty Lifetime w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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all mountain: mountain Ibis Mojo HD $4,999 In 2005 Ibis launched the Mojo. Thanks to its low weight and long travel, it redefined how we viewed trail bikes. With the Mojo HD, Ibis has taken it up a notch. At 160mm rear wheel travel, the Mojo HD offers 20mm more travel than other Mojos. The tapered head tube and the use of large bearings in the dw-link rear suspension keep the Mojo HD stiff laterally. Ibis includes cable routing for adjustable seatposts, and room for 2.5-inch tires.

Frame Description Carbon Fiber Monocoque, Fox RP23 shock, 160mm travel (140mm with HD 140 option) Fork Description Fox TALAS 36 RLC tapered steerer, 160/120 travel Component Highlights Shimano XT group, Formula The One FR brakes, Ibis/Stan’s Flow wheels (20mm front thru axle, 12x135mm rear thru axle), Ibis 3D forged stem, Ibis DH bar, Ibis post, WTB Rocket V saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 28.5 pounds (6.3 pounds for size large frame with shock) Warranty 3 years, with liberal no-fault crash replacement after 3 years

Yeti 575 25th anniversary edition $4,500 ($3,000 frame and fork) If you are a Yeti fan, this bike is not to be missed. But hurry; there are only 250 of these numbered 575 frames available. In addition to the classic colors, this bike sports upgrades for 2011. The head tube is now tapered, with a 1.5-inch lower headset bearing. The rear triangle is new, with massive box-section chainstays, and the main pivot junction are redesigned for added tire clearance, stiffness and strength. A direct mount front derailleur is new, as are ISCG chain guide mounts and cable stops for a dropper seatpost. Yeti’s distinctive hydro-formed aluminum main frame returns, as do the interchangeable rear dropouts, but the geometry is tweaked for more aggressive trail riding. The new 575 is ready to go big.

Frame Description Custom butted and hydroformed 7005 aluminum tubeset, oversized alloy chainstays with internal cable routing, carbon fiber seatstays with FlexPivot technology, direct mount front derailleur, ISCG mounts and tapered head tube, Fox RP23 shock Fork Description Fox 32 Float RLC with custom turquoise lowers and crown, 150mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XT 10 speed group, Chris King headset and bb (turquoise), DT Swiss X1600 wheels (15mm front thru-axle, 142x12mm rear thru-axle), Thomson X4 stem, Easton Monkey Lite bar, Thomson Elite post, WTB Yeti Devo custom 25th anniversary saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 7.2 pounds for frame, 27.5 pounds complete Warranty 5 years, limited 102

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DT SWISS TRICON WHEEL SYSTEM

速

Two piece hub The two piece flange and hub shell design keeps the bearing seat free of tension.

This allows the bearings to spin as smoothly as possible.

Star Ratchet Thanks to the proven DT Swiss Ratchet System 速 the hubs can easily be converted to different axle standards and rotors.

Straight double threaded spokes This spoke connection is considerably stronger as it is playfree on both ends and therefore subject to smaller peak loads.

Open Crowfoot Spoke pattern with combined radial and crossed spokes for high stiffness and perfect transmission of torques.

Torx nipples Thanks to the Torx design the truing tool has a better grip on the nipple.

Rim insert The spoke inserts are supported on two sides in the rim creating a big contact surface.

The rim can be designed lighter, is airtight and tubeless compatible.

Concave rim profile The concave shaped sidewalls counteract the expansion force induced by tire pressure and spoke pull.

Tubeless For more information check out www.dtswiss.com

hardtail: mountain EDITOR’S

PICK

Scott Scale 29 RC $6,300 The best of Scott Bicycle’s carbon molding technology is leveraged in the new Scale 29er to keep the frame as light and stiff as possible.

In fact, Scott says it’s the lightest 29er frame in the world at 949 grams, yet 20-percent stiffer

than last year’s Scale. How’d they do it? The top, head, and down tubes are molded as one piece, by way of Scott’s IMP3 (Integrated Molding Process). With IMP molding, less material can be used with no loss of strength. It’s combined with oversized frame tubes meeting

a press fit BB92 bottom bracket shell and a tapered head tube to add torsional rigidity up front. But to retain ride comfort, Scott built SDS (Shock Damping System) rear stays into the Scale. Pioneered on the CR1 road bike, the SDS seat and chain stays offer additional ride comfort to this rigid race machine. Not ready for a 29er? The Scale is still available as a 26er.

Frame Description Scale 29 carbon, IMP3 technology, HMX Net fiber, tapered head tube, carbon dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger and SDS rear stays Fork Description Fox 32 F29 FIT remote lockout, tapered steerer, 15QR thru axle, 100mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XX group, DT Swiss XR 29 wheels, Ritchey WCS 4-axis 44 stem and WCS carbon flat bar, Ritchey WCS carbon seatpost and Selle Italia SLR Team Edition saddle Sizes M, L, XL Weight 21.15 pounds Warranty 3 years

EDITOR’S

PICK

Moots MootoX RSL $3,495 (frame only) Every Moots titanium bike is built by hand in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, including 104

the new MootoX RSL. It’s the latest, lightest, and stiffest 29er race bike, rendered in butted, seamless 3/2.5 titanium from this iconic builder. It sports every ounce of cutting-edge

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design you could desire. A BB30 bottom bracket permits large tube interfaces for maximum stiffness. The oversized head tube accommodates a zero-stack headset, and combined with a subtle curve in the down tube, offers great fork crown clearance. Formed chainstays in the rear triangle add tire clearance, and slim 6/4 titanium seatstays add to the light, responsive ride feel.

Frame Description TIG-welded seamless, butted 3/2.5 titanium with 6/4 seatstays, BB30 bottom bracket, oversized 44mm head tube Fork Description Customer’s spec, 80mm recommended Component Highlights Customer’s spec Sizes 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, plus custom sizing Weight 3.5 pounds (frame only, 18 inch) Warranty Lifetime warranty on craftsmanship and materials

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Focus Raven 2.0 $6,400 The Raven race bike from Focus won a Eurobike Gold award in 2009, and happily for hardtail fans, it didn’t change for 2011. The Raven wears many of the features that make its carbon roadie cousin, the Izalco, so popular. Internal cable routing through structural tunnels in the frame adds stiffness. The elbow bend above the dropouts adds ride comfort. A tapered head tube keeps the front end on line, and the BB30 bottom bracket is light and stiff.

Frame Description High modulus carbon fiber monocoque frame with internal cable routing for brake and gear cables Fork Description Fox 32F Fit Remote with 15QR, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XTR group, DT Swiss XR 1450 wheels, 3T XIDA Team stem and ARX alloy bar, 3T Doric carbon seatpost and fi’zi:k Tundra 2 saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 20 pounds Warranty Lifetime

BMC teamelite TE01 $2,450 (frame, $4,500 complete with SRAM XO) Hardtail mountain bikes with 26-inch wheels are increasingly marginalized given the growing popularity of 29ers, but that hasn’t stopped BMC from building a new, carbon fiber race-ready machine. Leveraging design elements and knowledge gained from the teammachine SLR01 road racing frame, the new teamelite tips the scales at 1,100 grams in a size medium. It’s built with the same stepped profile TCC (Tuned Compliance Concept) frame shapes in the seatstays and seatpost to help damp trail vibration.

In contrast to many modern bikes, BMC sticks with a straight 1.125inch head tube and threaded bottom bracket, but the angular frame shapes and targeted use of high-grade carbon keep the frame ultra-stiff.

Frame Description BMC iSC carbon with Tuned Compliance Concept Fork Description FOX F100 FIT RL, 100mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XO group, Easton EA90 XC wheels, Easton EA70 stem and handlebar, BMC teamelite 01 carbon seatpost with TCC, Selle Italia SL-XC saddle Sizes S, M, L Weight 2.4 pounds frame, 19.8 pounds complete Warranty 3 years on frame after online registration

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hardtail: mountain

EDITOR’S

PICK

Lynskey Pro29 $2,495 (frame only) The Pro29 has been radically updated for 2011. The integrated headset-style head tube is dramatically larger than the 2010 model. It now accommodates tapered forks as well as standard 1.125-inch forks. The down tube has grown in diameter from 1.75 to 2 inches. The bottom bracket shell is wider, now 73mm. A chainstay yoke increases rear tire, chainring and crankarm clearance. All this adds up to significantly increased lateral stiffness as well as improving the overall functionality of the frame. Standard satin finish is included with the base frame price. A mill finish is available for $150 and the pictured brushed finish is $300.

Frame Description Custom 3/2.5 titanium, 2-inch Helix down tube and top tube, sliding dropouts and plate-style chain stay/bb junction Fork Description RockShox Reba 100mm travel Component Highlights SRAM XX, Stan’s ZTR wheels, FSA bar and stem, Lynskey Ti post, Selle Italia SL saddle Sizes S, M, L, Xl Weight 3.75 pounds frame only Warranty Lifetime for original owner

Seven Sola IMX SL $3,995 (frame only) Mary McConneloug has raced Seven mountain bikes to four national titles and in two Olympic Games. The Sola IMX SL uses carbon fiber top and seat tubes and double-butted titanium elsewhere to create a top-of-the-line mountain bike frame. Seven also offers full titanium and steel frames. After a lengthy discussion with each customer, Seven helps decide on full custom geometry, ride quality particulars, frame add-ons and finishes. You are guaranteed to get exactly the mountain bike you’ve always wanted from the folks in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Frame Description Custom carbon fiber and double butted titanium Fork Description

Customer spec Component Highlights

Customer spec Sizes Custom Weight 3 pounds (frame) Warranty Limited lifetime for original owner

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hardtail: mountain Cannondale Flash Carbon 29er 2 $4,249

EDITOR’S

PICK

If you can only own one mountain bike, you could do a lot worse than Cannondale’s Flash Carbon 29er. It’s ready for the start line of any cross- country or short-track race, at under 22 pounds. Cannondale’s Lefty fork is both visually stunning and capable. The wide carbon top tube blends directly into the seat stays for better lateral rigidity. At the same time, the flattened SAVE chain stays provide vertical compliance, up to 7 millimeters.

Frame Description Flash 29er BallisTec carbon, SAVE rear stays, BB30, 1.5-inch Si head tube Fork Description Lefty 29er Carbon PBR, 90mm, Solo Air Component Highlights SRAM X9 group, Avid Elixir CR carbon brakes, Stan’s ZTR Arch rims on Lefty front hub and Sun Dirty Flea rear hub, Cannondale stem, Truvativ Stylo WC flat bar, Flash carbon post, Prologo X10 CroMo saddle Sizes M, L, XL Weight 21.9 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Breezer Cloud 9 LTD $5,899 ($1,799 for frame)

EDITOR’S

PICK

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Joe Breeze is back where he started. Credited by some for building the first modern mountain bike (1977), he is clearly a founding father of the sport. Lately his passion has been in utility, commuter bicycles, but with the Cloud 9 LTD he shows that he hasn’t lost his love of trail riding. No corners are cut with this cross-country 29er. Carbon frame? Check. Rock Shox Reba? Check. Brand new XTR 20-speed? Check. He even gets WTB (founded by other members of mountain bike royalty) in the mix. If you’re tired of the big brands that everyone is riding, check out the Breezer.

Frame Description High modulus carbon fiber, Joe Breeze D’Fusion shaped tubeset, tapered head tube, BB92 bottom bracket Fork Description Rock Shox Reba RLT 29er, tapered steerer, remote lockout, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano XTR 20-speed group, WTB Stryker TCS 29er tubeless wheels, Oval M800 carbon bar, stem and seatpost, WTB Silverado Team custom saddle Sizes 17, 18.5, 19.5, 21 Weight 1,200 grams for frame Warranty Lifetime for the original owner

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AIR 9 CARBON: VISIT A DEMO DEALER TO EXPERIENCE WHAT THE MAGAZINES CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT.

DEMO A NINER Reviews from around the world for all our bikes.

Check them out on Ninerbikes.com

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY AT ONE OF OUR DEMO DEALERS. FOR ADDRESSES AND A LIST OF BIKES AT EACH LOCATION, VISIT WWW.NINERBIKES.COM/VN OR SEARCH “NINER BIKES” ON FACEBOOK.

enthusiast: mountain EDITOR’S

PICK

Giant Anthem X 29er $3,675 With the explosive popularity of big wheels, this bike has been one of the most anticipated new models from Giant in 2011. Now the

quickness and agility of the Anthem X design gets the big-wheel boost. It was developed with the help of Giant cross-country pros and raced to victory at the Sea Otter Classic Super D and the Downieville Classic. It sports a

lightweight FluidForm ALUXX SL frameset, confident geometry and Maestro Suspension.

With the added benefits of 29-inch wheels, the all-new Anthem X 29er could be Giant’s most versatile cross-country bike.

Frame Description Giant ALUXX SL-Grade aluminum, 4-inch Maestro suspension, Fox Float RP23 shock with Boost Valve, 100mm travel Fork Description Fox F29 FIT RLC (Giant LTD Edition) w/ 15QR thru axle and tapered steerer, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano Deore XT group, Avid Elixir CR brakes, Giant P-XC29 rims on Giant Tracker hubs, Giant Contact stem and Contact flat bar, Giant Contact seatpost and fi’zi:k Tundra 2 saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 26.2 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

Shox Monarch R air shock, 80mm rear travel Fork Description RockShox Reba RL 29er, 100mm Component Highlights SRAM X9 group with X7 cranks and SRAM Elixir 5 disc brakes, Stan’s Arch 29er rims on Formula 32-

hole hubs, Salsa Pro Moto stem and Pro Moto 11-degree flat bar, FSA SL-280 seatpost and WTB Silverado saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 28 pounds Warranty 5 years

Salsa Spearfish $2,250 ($1,000 frame/rear shock) Even with the 29er craze peaking over the last few years, the idea of a lightweight, EDITOR’S dual-suspension 29er rendered in PICK alloy remained elusive. Now, though, an aluminum wagon-wheeled rig that doesn’t break the bank or the scale is attainable — the Salsa Spearfish. An XL frame and shock weighs in at just under six pounds. With a judicious build, a sub-26-pound bike can be had. The Spearfish uses a simple, but effective single pivot and dog bone link. With the rear pivot taken out of the suspension design, there is one less set of bearings and other assorted bits. The Spearfish is designed to run a 100mm tapered fork and a press-fit BB30 bottom bracket. The frame can accommodate 2×10 and 3×9 drivetrains and will fit up to a 2.25-inch tire. You get all that with a RockShox Reba fork and Monarch shock, SRAM X7/X9 drivetrain and Stan’s Arch 29er tubeless-ready wheels for $2,250 Frame Description EV6 Aluminum, Rock110

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RALEIGH AMERICA MODEL YEAR 2011: STEEL ROAD REYNOLDS 853. DURA-ACE. THE RETURN OF THE PURE STEEL ROAD BIKE

RALEIGHUSA.COM

enthusiast: mountain

Norco Phaser 2 $2,665 Norco has a new suspension platform called A.R.T. (Advanced Ride Technology). Engineers refined pivot placement in an effort to simultaneously get better pedaling efficiency and improved bump compliance. Now the rear axle swings a little more rearward as the suspension compresses, allowing the wheel to track terrain better. At the

same time, with more chain growth in the new design, chain tension keeps the swingarm pulled down for less pedal bob.

Frame Description Norco MU9 aluminum with ceramic pivot bearings, micro link, and ART suspension system, RockShox Monarch R rear shock, 100mm travel Fork Description RockShox SID RLT, 20mm Maxle Lite, 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano SLX group with XT rear derailleur, Sun EQ21 rims on Sun Dirty Flea hubs, Norco MTB Lite stem and SL alloy flat bar, Norco Lite seatpost and WTB Silverado Race SL saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 24.7 pounds Warranty 5 years

EDITOR’S

PICK

Kona Hei Hei Lisa $2,700 It’s the female counterpart to Kona’s Hei Hei 100 and is designed specifically for the needs and fit of the female body. New for 2011, Kona has given the bike more standover and ride characteristics focused on making it lighter, quicker and more nimble. The Hei Hei Lisa comes with lockout levers for front and rear suspension, WTB Speed She

EDITOR’S

PICK

Haro Flightline 29 expert $1,415 With the Flightline 29 Expert, Haro offers a great entry-level hartail that’s extremely capable. A 6000 series aluminum frame, a Rock Shox 80mm 112

saddle, Kona Lisa grips, and a narrower women’s-specific handlebar.

Frame Description Kona Race Light Scandium Butted tubeset, Walking Beam 4-Bar linkage suspension, Fox Float RP2 shock Fork Description RockShox Recon Gold TK Solo-Air 100mm travel Component Highlights Shimano SLX/XT group, Avid Elixir 5 brakes, Mavic Crossride wheels, Kona XC bar/stem, Kona Double Clamp post, WTB Speed SHE Sport SE saddle Sizes 15, 16, 17, 18 Weight 27 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime on frame, 1 year on parts

travel fork, SRAM drivetrain and hydraulic brakes for less than $1,500 is impressive. Yes it’s a bit heavy, but the 29er wheels and crisp shifting will keep it fun on the trail. Haro isn’t the biggest name in mountain biking, but the Flightline 29 Expert is a great bike for those on a budget.

Frame Description Flightline 29er 6061 aluminum hardtail with integrated headset Fork Description RockShox Recon SoloAir 80mm travel with Turnkey lockout Component Highlights SRAM X9 9-speed rear derailleur/shifters with Truvativ Firex 3.0 GXP 44/323/22 cranks, Avid Elixer 5 hydraulic disc brakes, WTB Laser Disc 29 rims laced to Pivit alloy sealed hubs, Ritchey Pro 4-Axis stem, Ritchey Comp riser bar, Ritchey Comp V2 seatpost, WTB Rocket V Comp saddle Sizes 16, 18, 20 Weight 29.5 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

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enthusiast: mountain

GT Sensor 1 $3,200 GT is heading in a new direction for 2011: straight out the door and onto the trails. Most of the GT line costs less than it has in the past, but the tried and true frame designs haven’t lost their mettle. The Sensor line of trail bikes is led by the 1.0, a nice blend of performance and durability. GT’s Independent Drivetrain suspension keeps the

Specialized Pitch Pro $2,200 Looking for a big hit bike that won’t inflict a big hit to your budget? The Specialized Pitch Pro could be just the ticket. It offers 150mm of tunable travel from the FSR rear suspension design. Strategic pivot placement

Marin Mount Vision XM8 $3,499 With an all-new frameset and redesigned Quad Link 2.0 suspension system, Marin has kept the new Mount Vision XM series updated for today’s trail riders. For 2011 the XM8 uses a tapered 1.125 to 1.5-inch 114

suspension motion completely isolated from chain force for supple, active suspension in all conditions.

Frame Description Hydroformed 6061-T6 aluminum frame Independent Drivetrain suspension system, replaceable derailleur hanger, Fox Float RP23 Boost Valve rear shock, 100mm travel Fork Description Fox 32F RL FIT damper, 120mm travel Component Highlights Shimano SLX group with SRAM S1400 cranks, SRAM X7 front derailleur, Shimano XTR rear derailleur, and Formula RX brakes, DT Swiss X430 rims on All Terra sealed bearing hubs, Syncros AM stem and crankbrothers cobalt 2 riser bar, crankbrothers cobalt2 seatpost and WTB Silverado Race SL saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Weight 30.3 pounds Warranty 5 years

decouples suspension actuation from drivetrain and braking forces to keep wheel travel independent and active. With a smart parts pick and custom tuned RockShox fork, it’s a quality rig for rough terrain.

Frame Description M4 alloy, double ORE down tube, DMD front derailleur mount, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, bolt-on cable guides, replaceable hanger, Fox RP2 rear shock, 150mm travel Fork Description Custom RockShox Sektor RL, Motion Control damper, Solo Air, alloy steerer, rebound adjuster, 20mm Maxle Lite axle, 150mm travel Component Highlights SRAM X5 shifters with X9 rear derailleur and Shimano M660 front derailleur, Truvative GXP2 2.1 cranks and Avid Elixir 5 R-SL brakes, Pitch disc rims on Specialized Hi Lo disc hubs, Specialized XC stem and all-mountain low rise handlebar, alloy seatpost and Specialized BG Enduro saddle Sizes S, M, L, XL Weight 29.7 pounds Warranty Limited lifetime

head tube for point and shoot steering control and 140mm of suspension delivered through a new “Y” Link design that narrows the linkage width by 67%. Marin’s new XM geometry is designed to increase descending stability while positioning the rider for better climbing. For $3,500 you get a lot of bike for your money.

Frame Description 6066 aluminum, hydroformed mainframe and swingarm, Quad-Link 2.0 suspension, 140mm travel, tapered head tube, modular dropouts Fork Description Fox 32 Float RL Fit, 140mm travel, tapered steerer, compression lockout, rebound adjustment and air spring preload, 15mm thru axle Component Highlights Shimano XT derailleurs and shifters, Avid Elixir R brakes, SUNRingle Black Flag Expert wheels, Easton EA70 Monkey bar, FSA OS150 stem, FSA SL-250 post, WTB Silverado Comp saddle Sizes XS, S, M, L Weight 28.1 pounds Warranty 5 years

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Once you see it, you won’t be able to keep your hands off it. Edge® 800 — the first touchscreen GPS bike computer with maps, ascent/descent, wireless speed/cadence1, heart rate1, power2 and more. It’s rugged and waterproof, yet responds to the tap of a gloved hand. www.garmin.com/intosports Follow the leader.

NASDAQ GRMN

©2011 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

When paired with sensors; included with some models, sold separately for others.

2 When paired with a third-party ANT+™ power meter.

1

www.downmagaz.com

COMPONENTS

PIECES OF THE PUZZLE MOUNTAIN BIKE GROUPS SHIMANO XTR SHIMANO XT SRAM X0 SRAM X9 SRAM XX

118 122 124 125 126

ROAD BIKE GROUPS

Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo’s offerings, broken down by price, weight and your choice of vehicle

128

POWER METERS

Four choices, plus computers and visions of the future

130

WHEELS

136

GETTY IMAGES

Our picks for every category, from an everyday tubeless set to a dream pair of hoops

W W W.VELONEWS.COM BU Y ER’S GU I DE 2011 VELONEWS

117

xtr: components

Complete XTr trail group $2,500

By Zach White

2011 Shimano XTR

118

doing our best to beat the same group into the ground over the last several months, our opinion hasn’t really changed, save a couple of minor hiccups.

XTR Race vs. Trail A new twist on the XTR group for 2011 is the division between the Trail and Race groups.

The differences are, as you’d expect, a balance of weight and performance. Racers want to save every gram they can, while trail riders prefer better braking and a lower range of gears even at the cost of extra weight.

With that in mind, Shimano offers Race double-ring cranks in 42-30 and 40-28 rings.

Trail cranks are offered in traditional triple ring arrangement of 42-32-24 and double ring 38-26 combinations.

Brakes get different treatments with the Trail levers offering more power, adjustability and heat management at the same weight as

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last year’s XTR. The Race brakes are lighter, saving 40 grams and increasing power by 10 percent over last year’s XTR. Race wheels have 19mm scandium rims and weigh 1,480 grams in a 9mm quick release version. The Trail wheels are stouter with wider 21mm rims, and 15mm front and either 9mm quick release or 142x12mm rear thru axles. They tip the scales at 1,700 grams.

Shimano is also offering Race and Trail pedals, the latter with a large platform surrounding the engagement mechanism; we tested the Trail group.

Drivetrain With the introduction of Dyna-Sys to XTR, in combination with the new XTR-specific directional 10-speed chain, this year’s drivetrain is noticeably smoother and quieter than last year. The Dyna-Sys gear ratios pay off with less abrupt cadence changes between gear

brad kaminski

O

n a wet, cool summer morning in 1991, Dave Weins casually leaned his bike up against the race registration building at Mt. Crested Butte and walked inside, allowing me ­— then a skinny, wide-eyed junior — enough time to burn a memory into my brain: one of the first glimpses of an original XTR group.

Two decades later, Shimano seems to have tipped its hat to M900 of old in the new 2011 XTR. Not that XTR has ever been anything less than impressive overall, but the elegance and class of that first group slowly faded into fashion-free function with each passing revamp. So when something new and shiny is unveiled from Shimano’s dirt flagship, it’s easy to see a bit of nostalgia in its reflection.

We reported last year from the XTR media camp with nothing but praise from the one weekend we spent on the 3x10 version with the Trail wheels and brakes. And after

xtr: components

XTR trail brake lever

XTR 10-speed rear cassette and derailleur

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to skip-shift in both directions.

Shimano uses an aluminum pulley plate on the spoke side of the derailleur cage to add a bit of protection from the spokes. We had the misfortune of randomly bending one while coasting down a mildly technical trail. It was hard to say what happened, and Shimano essentially gave us the “never seen that before” answer typical of a PR department. But, best guess is that there was just enough space for the chain between the bottom pulley and cage, and during suspension compression the aluminum plate was no match for the wedged chain, bending it up towards the spokes. Luckily, it bent back into place, finishing the ride with only minor performance reduction. Shimano was able to repair the original derailleur with a new plate, and there hasn’t been an issue since.

Crankset Over the years, the dark, anodized finish of XTR cranks has provided a storied record of every shoe-rubbing pedal stroke. With the

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outer face now polished, and the logo finally moved out of harm’s way, gone are the sad days of systematically tarnishing some of the nicest and most expensive cranks many of us will ever own, one RPM at a time. The crank ends, however, are still dark anodized, and show dings, scrapes and gouges as clearly as in prior years. But the good news is that XTR cranks still seem to be as stiff and indestructible as ever, so take comfort in knowing that the biggest risk of catching a crank while spastically spinning through a rock garden at 120 rpm is having your friends laugh at you, and not bending a crank arm.

Braking The XTR Trail brakes offer true, one-finger braking on even the biggest descents. Modulation is fantastic, ergonomics are great, and reach adjustments are a breeze. Extremely consistent braking is generated in the combination of the floating Ice-Tec rotors, radiated brake pads, triple-layered brake housing, and

brad kaminski (3)

selections. At the same time, XTR keeps a bailout gear even the most lackadaisical climbers will appreciate, by way of a 36-tooth rear cog paired with the 24-tooth ring up front.

Speaking of that 36, it’s now easier to stay away from the small ring with so much range in the back. In addition, staying in the 42-tooth big ring is more common, thanks to 28-tooth and 32-tooth cogs at the ready, before getting completely cross-shifted.

Once past the new, rather noticable “click” of the Vivid Index shifter, lever action is notably lighter than before, even after multiple sloppy rides and accompanying hose-downs. Part of the improvement certainly comes from straighter cable routing between the housing stop and pinch bolt on the rear derailleur, as well as a longer housing stop arm, designed to increase the mechanical advantage of the derailleur spring. The beefed up click in the shifter not only creates a more positive shift feedback, but definitely reduces the frequency of overshifting into a harder gear with XTR’s trademark ability

XTR vivid index shifter system

xt: components

XTR 980 spd pedal

powerful Servo levers. However, one annoyance was a hesitant pad retraction on our rear caliper after extensive use, which caused a few seconds of squeal after releasing the lever. Our best guess is that a piston or seal is expanding from excessive heat, thus slowing down pad retraction.

Pedals Basically, if you like SPDs, you’ll love the new 980s. You’ll find a huge improvement in the shoe contact area, in what amounts to a slightly lighter and stronger package. They worked well in the Rockies’ version of sloppy conditions, but we did hear a rumor on the race circuit that last year’s pedals work a bit

better at shedding East Coast mud.

Wheels With multiple axle-deep creek crossings, big drops and more poor line choices than a drunk frat boy on ladies’ night, the XTR Trail wheels could still practically be sold as “like new” with a clear conscious. Yet, they’re light enough to offer a nice, responsive ride, and the crisp, frictionless freehub never even gave a hint of trouble. The 21mm rims are wide enough to solidly house 2.4inch trail tires, and mounting them tubeless is relatively painless with ample depth inside the rim for tight tire beads.

xtr trail brake fins and ice-tec rotor

SHIMANO XT F

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Complete XT group $1,425

We reversed the chain to get a better feel for the effects of the Dyna-Sys engineering, and were astounded at how awful the system shifted, regardless of how much time we spent tuning. Pretty impressive technology.

The super wide gear range available with a triple crankset and 11-36 cassette was overkill for much of our riding. We still see double (and even single) fronts as the wave of the future, and would love to have the option of a 40/28 or 38/26 double crankset with the new XT group.

— Caley Fretz

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brad kaminski (3)

or 2011, Shimano’s venerable XT group gains an extra gear, receiving the company’s latest Dyna-Sys treatment, while maintaining a triple crankset. Styling remains the same as the 9-speed XT group, allowing partial adopters to mix-and-match without ruining aesthetics. The result is an excellent everyman drivetrain, achieving a wide gear spread while improving shifting both front and rear.

Chainring tooth count has been tightened up, with the big ring dropped to a 42 tooth from a 44 and the granny upped to a 24 from 22. At the same time, the cassette has been widened to a maximum of 11-36, from 11-34. Because of the extra gear, cadence jumps between cogs remains similar.

The new 10-speed rear derailleur has a shorter cage, thanks to the decreased chain wrap requirements of the whole system, and has been made stiffer as well. Right shifter cable pull is a bit tighter than before, and shifts feel more like XTR than last year’s 9-speed XT. Shimano developed a mountain bike specific Dyna-Sys directional chain for their dirt groups, which, when mated with new tooth profiles on the cassette and chainrings, makes for buttery smooth shifting.

The outer plates of the Dyna-Sys chains are designed to be picked up by the chainrings, while the inner plates are designed to be picked up by the cassette teeth, making shifts under load much more predictable.

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Complete sram XO group $1,900

By Zach White

SRAM XO M

ore often than not, when we review newly released gear, the time we spend on the product itself is limited to a few weeks at best before having to go to print. So while we usually just get an idea of how a gizmo works in its newest and most dialed condition, it’s rare to have anything long enough to truly ride it into the ground for months on end to get an idea of a product’s

124

actual durability.

With SRAM’s 2011 XO, however, we’ve been riding an entire group since last May, allowing us to ride and race it for months, in a multitude of regions in varying conditions.

Drivetrain The new XO group is my first long-term experience with a 2x10 system, and I am com-

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pletely sold. Leaving behind a standard triple to ride the XO double up front was definitely noteworthy. But later switching back to a triple was just shy of painful. Like many, my fear of not having a granny gear was the biggest prejudice, which was pleasantly relieved by a 36-tooth cog in the back, and a 26-tooth ring up front. The 2x10 system also flawlessly crossgears, allowing the full range of all 20 combinations.

SRAM’s front shifting works incredibly well. CNC aluminum chainrings are linked together via a larger diameter spider, which helps with shift speed and precision. In addition, the four chainring-to-spider interfaces are improved with more surface area to hold everything tightly together.

While the speed and accuracy of the front end shifting is impressive, the chain had a tendency to occasionally jump off the big ring, at least on rougher trails. We eventually found a bent Power Link plate after looking into the issue. Retention drastically improved with a new chain, but the jumpy chain issue still exists through the rough stuff. When slowing speeds down through rougher sections, however, the problem almost entirely disappeared.

While the 10-speed Power Link looks exactly like the old ones, it is nothing close to the toolfree SRAM Power Links we’re familiar. It took a trio of tools, swearing, and bloody knuckles to both break and connect the new version.

Only later did we learn of Park’s Power Link tool.

2011 XO shifters still offer the usual SRAM feel with very crisp, short-throw shifting. The bonus this year, however, comes with the Matchmaker system, which cleans up handlebar components quite nicely, especially when remote lockouts or a Reverb drop-post remote is used.

Set up is a bit tedious if you don’t get it right the first time, as the system works in layers, so be careful. It is still worth the sacrifice for handlebar cleanliness, however. SRAM is also pushing Torx fasteners, as everything but the shift lever adjustment and the shifter dust cap fastener uses a T25. Our dust cap fasteners loosened up a couple of times, which initially caused a mysterious rattle, until we figured it out.

Cranks The XO cranks offer exceptional power transfer efficiency. The carbon arms also held up impressively well to being bashed up against the usual trail pitfalls, with only a few cosmetic dings and scrapes as a result. The only disappointment is how poorly the clear coat

x9: components

X0 or X9?

2011 Sram X0 front brake caliper

held up. The ankle rubs happened to line up almost perfectly with the XO logo, which amplified the aesthetic issue.

We encountered one mechanical issue with our cranks. The dust cap thread pitch on the non-drive crank is the same drive/thread direction as the crank arm bolt, which makes removal of the crank difficult. The dust cap backs out with the crank bolt instead of acting as a contact point for the bolt to push the crank off with. We ended up drilling two small holes in the dust cap so we could hold it against the crank bolt with spanner pliers, but that kind of modification shouldn’t have to be made to simply remove a set of stock cranks. It might also help to Loctite the caps before installing the cranks.

brad kaminski (2); courtesy Sram (2)

Brakes The XO hydraulic brakes are great. After miles and months of riding, they work as well as the day we got them. Modulation is outstanding, power is more than enough with one finger, and disc squeal is minimal.

Tool-free contact point adjustment gets a new feel with detents , which is a nice touch, too, although the housing still has a tendency to twist up.

All in all, the XO group is a well-priced, relatively lightweight performance package that is built to last.

2011 Sram X0 2x10 crank (l) X9 (r)

D

escribed by SRAM as “The working man’s group,” X9 is the less-expensive ($1,150), less carbon-laden version of XO that boasts basically the same performance at only a slight weight penalty. There are also “only” three color choices in the X9 group, verses the XO palate of four.

Drivetrain Front and rear derailleur performance is the same as XO. X9 offers the same short/medium/long cage options on the rear, and the same mounting and pull options on the front. Slight variations in materials has the X9 rear derailleur weigh in at 14-grams heavier, and the front derailleurs are the same as far as we can tell.

Shifters weigh exactly the same and have almost all the same technology and feel, but the X9 doesn’t get the same adjustable lever option as XO. X9 is also sticking with Allen key fasteners for 2011, but we’re guessing it won’t be long until SRAM trickles the Torx fasteners down to X9.

Cranks The biggest penny-pincher variation between the two groups is with the X9 cranks. The hollow-forged aluminum cranks are still plenty stiff and durable, and weight variation is actually negligible, so really you’re just missing the bling that comes with the carbon XO cranks. The X9 chainrings aren’t CNC machined, either, but they do have the same X-Glide technology as the XO rings. Bottom brackets seem to be exactly the same, too.

Brakes One spot where X9 gets the same carbon treatment as XO is in the brake levers. Unfortunately, X9 brakes still come in at around 50-grams heavier than the XO brakes. But performance is essentially the same, and with the X9 carbon levers, they at least look light.

Cassette X9 gets the PG-1070 cassette with semi-spidered design. The XO gets the XG-1080, which uses individual stamped steel cogs that are held together with steel pins. The result is a cassette weighing in at almost 100 grams heavier than the XO. The X9 cassette is also a bit more susceptible to clogging with mud as the semi-spider construction isn’t nearly as permeable as the non-spidered XO. Both use PowerGlide technology and the X9 cassette still offers an 11-32 option in addition to the 11-36.

Chain

There is no difference between the X9/1070 chain and the XO/1090 chain.

Both use hollow, chrome-hardened pins, weigh in at 257-grams, and come with the PowerLock connecting link. w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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xx: components

A long-term relationship with SRAM XX hits the one-year mark

Key features of XX For starters, XX is light — just over 2,200 grams, depending on bottom bracket choice.

Of course, next you’ll note the substanial price tag, which averages $2,400 for a complete kit.

Of course, what really turned heads more than anything last spring was the cog count — XX incorporated the first complete, dedicated 2x10 drivetrain ever built for mountain bikes.

Elite racers had demanded it, but could average riders pedal it?

The answer of course depends on who you ask. Racers and trained athletes rave about the simplicity and efficiency of the 2x10 set 126

up. With a narrow chain line, cross-chain gear combinations perform superbly and expand the usable gearing range while eliminating redundancies. We spent surprising amounts of time in the big ring, avoiding chain slap and spreading wear across the larger cogs.

On the other hand, the range of usable gearing is marginally narrower — the easiest XX gear isn’t quite as easy as what you might find on a competing 3x9 or 3x10 set up. It’ll bring grief to less- fit riders, and it’s why SRAM offers both traditional 3-chainring and 2-chainring crank options in the new XO and X9 kits.

In a design package called X-Glide, SRAM carefully engineered the two chainring sizes, tooth shapes, and shifting ramps to optimize front shifting. Thanks to the oversized bolt circle diameter and wide profile, the outer chainring is exceptionally stiff. It’s the best front shifting we’ve ever experienced from SRAM and it hasn’t degraded over time.

Out back, the ultra-light steel 10-speed cogset remains robust. As you’d expect with any shifting system, we’ve had to replace cables and housing once or twice to maintain optimal performance. The chain and cogs have proven plenty durable over time.

Early on, we had to bleed the brakes and pulled a fair amount of air from the master cylinders in the levers. In such a compact and lightweight system, a perfect bleed is key to good performance, and it’s not always easy to get on the first try. An extended, all-mountain style downhill will tax these featherweight binders, but most cross-country riders will be perfectly content with SRAM’s XX stoppers.

Admittedly, compared to our first impressions of Shimano’s new XTR group in August, the SRAM drivetrain feels marginally less refined.

As good as SRAM’s package is, the buttery feel of Shimano’s best efforts is hard to beat. Lever

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Complete SRAM XX group $2,400

feel at the XX shifters is a little chunkier and gear changes under power command just a little more attention. Shimano’s chain and cogs feel quieter and more composed under both hightorque, grinding pedaling loads and clattering, high-speed run outs alike.

But for long-term serviceability and goodold, up-for-anything, rugged American muscle car-style spunk, SRAM delivers. In both crosscountry races and five-hour trail rides, XX has proven to be a reliable long-term partner.

So what’s the best way to judge a parts kit?

Over a year ago, when I first bolted brand new SRAM XX parts to my Trek Fuel EX 9.8, my wife was just my girlfriend. In the time that I’ve been riding the parts, we got engaged, and then got married.

Before we tied the knot back in June, I dug XX enough to buy her a complete kit for her own bike. It sliced a pound from her Top Fuel 9.9, though admittedly at the expense of her previously oft-used 22-tooth chainring. She and I both rode and raced the XX groups without problems all summer.

Now we’re heading into spring. My own XX group is still going strong. The XX parts I put on her bike nearly a year ago are still on her bike and holding up fine. She’s not once bemoaned the lack of a granny gear.

And we’re still married. — ZACK VESTAL

brad kaminski

J

udging a parts kit, a pair of wheels, or a bicycle is like developing a relationship: it starts with first impressions, and then we try to foster a long-term connection. If our first outings with a product bloom into a lasting and happy bond, we want to tell you about it.

We try to spend as much time as possible riding products for many miles in an array of conditions. If something could fail prematurely, we want it to happen before writing a review. But if we ride too many miles and wait too long before reporting, the review arrives too late.

Our readers, riding buddies and training pals can’t benefit from our experiences and make informed decisions.

That’s why we took the plunge early last April and reported on SRAM’s revolutionary XX component group on singletrack.com, after just a couple months of dating. Back then, we’d only managed 40 hours on the exotic new 2x10 parts kit, but waiting any longer to spread the good news didn’t make sense. Those of you itching for our heady falling-in-love gossip would have been stymied while we pedaled away all summer.

To complete the story, we’re back with a final report on SRAM XX. We know more about XX’s personality than we did before. It’s not perfect, but who is? Any substantive doubts we might have harbored about SRAM’s super light XX brakes, carbon fiber crankset with X-Glide double chainrings, and hollowed-out carbon-tinged shifters and derailleurs have vanished. Put simply, it’s a great parts kit and there’s not much to complain about.

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2011 Road Groups D

tire brake lever is pushed inwardly to shift to larger cogs and chainrings and a small lever behind the brake lever is used to shift to smaller cogs and chainrings. The STI aesthetic is very minimalist compared to Campagnolo’s extravagance, though recently Shimano has begun using carbon composites in its components, something Campagnolo pioneered.

SRAM is the newcomer to the bunch. With very good products and savvy marketing, over the past five years SRAM has quickly captured a large piece of the cycling component pie. The Chicago-based manufacturer made its first big mark in the mountain bike world in the late 1980s with its Grip Shift shifters and derailleurs. Since then SRAM has developed four road groups. SRAM Double Tap shifters use the same lever behind the brake lever to shift both up and down the cassette and crank. With the Red group, SRAM was the first to produce a group under two kilograms in weight.

ecisions, decisions. In cycling there are always options, especially when it comes to component manufacturers. Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM all produce quality parts, but the approach each takes is a bit different.

Founded in Italy in 1933, Campagnolo first launched its Ergo Power shifters in 1992.

Aside from some styling cues — and evolving from eight to 11 speed — Ergo Power is essentially the same today. The Italian manufacturer uses a lever behind the brake lever to shift to larger cogs and chainrings and a small thumb button on the inside of the shifter body for shifts in the other direction. Like the name implies, ergonomics are important to its design. The latest generation of shifters typifies Italian styling flair with its big curves

and carbon construction.

Though the smallest player in the component game, Campagnolo is the only manufacturer currently producing 11-speed groups.

The Italian brand also sets itself apart by encouraging repairs on its components, instead of replacing entire items. Campy devotees love this serviceability and claim that Campagnolo parts last much longer as a result.

Japanese company Shimano was the upstart to Campagnolo’s long success, making its mark in 1990 with STI (Shimano Total Integration) shifters, the first company to successfully pair braking and shifting in one handlebar-mounted lever. By the end of the 90s Shimano dominated the cycling marketplace.

Unlike Campagnolo, with Shimano the en-

SRAM groups*

Campagnolo groups* Shimano groups*

Chorus

Ultegra

$1,755 2,096 grams

$1,036 2,200 grams

$770 2,415 grams

$2,690 2,045 grams

$2,400 1,973 grams

rival GXP

apex GXP

DURA-ACE

Record

$1,335 2,107 grams

$4,680 2,108 grams

$3,090 1,875 grams

$2,231 1,933 grams

force GXP

Di2

Super Record

Red GXP

Athena

$1,275 2,272 grams

$1,500 2,313 grams

105

$951 2,506 grams

* price and weight listed for each complete group, including shifters, crank, bottom bracket, derailleurs, chain and brakes 128

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road groups: components

Car and Drivetrain 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser = SRAM Apex Road is a relative term for you.

Your “road” bike has fenders and 28mm tires on it. When you think of an epic ride, the steeper the better. SRAM Apex, with its compact cranks and 11x32 cassette, is made for you. It’s geared low enough that you can tow your Land Cruiser if it breaks down.

Your mom’s Caprice = SRAM Rival You’re either 17 and living at home or you’re Jeremy Powers. Either way, SRAM Rival is the group for you. (Okay Jeremy rides Red, but if he had to pay for it, he’d buy Rival) The latest Rival group gets the job done, plain and simple.

Audi wagon = SRAM Red The silver A4 wagon in your driveway shows an appreciation of the finer things in life.

Your bike needs to be lighter than your buddy’s.

Carbon wheels are on the horizon. It’s okay, we all want a lighter bike.

Go ahead, Red won’t disappoint.

Tesla = shimano Di2

If the sheer amount of technology involved in your car was the deciding factor in your purchase, then your bike needs the latest from Shimano.

Like Tesla, Di2 has changed what we thought was possible from electronics.

Tesla made electric cars sexy. Di2 showed that electric shifting could not only work, but work better than anything else on the market.

If your head spins when you think of all the road component decisions out there, here’s an easy way to decide what parts are best for you. Walk out to wherever your vehicle is parked.

Take a good look, and fix the image of your car squarely in your mind. Then come back and check out this handy table.

Mini Cooper S = Campagnolo Record Your car has a checkered flag on the roof. Your bike weighs less than the UCI weight minimum of 6.8 kilos, and you love to brag about it. You will own a custom frame at some point in your life. It’s important to have fun, but you need to look good doing it. Imagine it now, a Pegoretti with Campagnolo Record on the roof of your Mini. Bliss.

Land Rover = Campagnolo Chorus The sophisticated intellectual in you admires the understated class of a British vehicle. You aren’t looking for flash, but refined quality strikes a chord with you. Campagnolo’s Chorus is not for the budget-conscious. It doesn’t scream expensive either. This is the thinking man’s group.

2010 Subaru Outback = Shimano Dura-Ace

Your new Subaru was a safe bet. All-wheel drive and room for the family, or toys, make it a sensible choice. Likewise, investing in Dura-Ace is never a bad choice. It may not be the lightest group, or the sexiest. But it will consistently deliver good performance.

My bike is my car = Shimano 105 If you’re carrying groceries in your ’cross bike’s panniers, Shimano’s venerable 105 is up to the workload. The latest 105 shifters hide the cables, so when you install your lights and bell, the bar won’t look cluttered. If you want to upgrade to 10 speed, 105 is a great option.

1970s Fiat = Campagnolo Athena If you love all things Italian, but your wallet isn’t from Gucci, Campagnolo Athena is for you. Elevenspeed shifting and a classy, polished silver finish make Athena a goodlooking group for those on a budget.

And if you’re driving a 1970s Fiat, you need the leftover money for tow-truck fees.

Honda Civic = Shimano Ultegra

Ferrari of any kind = Campagnolo Super Record Money is not a going concern for you.

Quality and style are, though, and Super Record has both in spades. The latest offering from Campagnolo may need a finer hand to tune it, but so does the injection on your Ferrari. Maintenance is something you pay to have performed. You expect the best of your machine on every outing.

The student loan bill is still coming every month.

You pack up the Civic most weekends for a local race or group ride. Ultegra gives Dura-Ace quality shifting and braking with a small weight penalty.

You might lust after something fancier, but Ultegra gets the job done until you move up the corporate ladder.

Mini van = SRAM Force You signed up for a gran fondo later this year and the beater in the garage isn’t going to cut it.

But your daughter will need braces soon. SRAM Force is where you should look. It has the same shifting and braking quality as Red, without the sticker shock. You still get carbon cranks, and the understated graphics are more your style anyway.

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power meters: components

YOU, EMPOWERED Four solid power meters

By Caley Fretz

CycleOps PowerTap – Power for the masses

A

power meter’s ability to quantify workload in real time has fundamentally altered the way cyclists train. No more guessing about increases in fitness, no more wildly overblown first intervals wrecking the rest of the set. With a power meter, you can see the precise amount of work you’re doing in any given second, measured in watts. Most top pros train with power, and as more options enter the market and prices drop, more and more recreational riders are jumping on the bandwagon.

What’s a watt?

Simply put, power is torque multiplied by angular velocity. In cycling, that translates into pressure on the pedals times cadence. Power is used to overcome the forces of gravity, wind, inertia and friction.

Most power meters measure torque, either in the crankset, hub or pedals, and use that figure to calculate power in watts. Another method is to start with the other side of the equation, adding up all the forces opposing forward motion and working backwards to calculate power.

Train by power, not just with power Training by power rather than with power is not a superfluous distinction. Unlike a fast set of wheels or lighter bike, simply putting a power meter on your bike and staring at the numbers isn’t going to make you any faster.

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Riders need to learn how to use the numbers, or hire a coach who does.

If you’re shopping for a power meter, budget in a few extra bucks and pick up Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan’s “Training and Racing with a Power Meter” (VeloPress). It’s worth the small investment.

Also take a close look at software options.

TrainingPeaks WKO+ software is the industry leader, with myriad possibilities for analysis, planning and tracking. Open-source software Golden Cheetah offers many of the same features for free. CycleOps’ own PowerAgent software is also free and offers some of the same features as TrainingPeaks and GoldenCheetah in an easy-to-use interface.

The Options Crank-based systems are expensive and difficult to transfer between bikes, but they are accurate and durable. Hub-based power meters bring the cost down, but obviously limit rear wheel choice. Power meters that don’t measure power directly are a bit less accurate, but are so much cheaper that the occasional inaccuracies may be overlooked.

Besides the meter itself, consider the head unit (the computer that presents and records data). Most meters come with a head unit, but more and more are ANT+ Sport compatible, meaning you can use them with a Garmin or another third-party head unit.

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There’s a reason you see a lot of PowerTaps around. CycleOps has developed an accurate, versatile and budget-friendly system, spreading the power-meter love beyond the super geeky, wealthy and sponsored. PowerTap systems start at less than $600 for a wired version.

The CycleOps system uses strain gauges in the rear hub to measure torque. ANT+ wireless versions range from $850 for the 583-gram Elite+ model to $1,850 for the new 402-gram SLC+. CycleOps also makes SL+ level track and mountain hubs for $1,500 and $1,700, respectively.

CycleOps makes two ANT+ head units, the simple Cervo and the informationpacked Joule. The Cervo provides the usual cycling functions — speed, distance, time, etc. — plus average, max and current watts.

The Joule’s customizable dashboard allows easy access to 18 different metrics, including a few in real time that used to require downloading data, such as analysis and historical comparison. A few metrics in that last category include Normalized Power, which weights harder efforts in its calculation of average wattage, and Training Stress Score, which quantifies workload using Normalized Power, user-added threshold power and ride time.

PowerTaps come with fairly robust software, for both PC and Mac.

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POWER METERS: COMPONENTS

SRM POWERMETER – THE GOLD STANDARD

QUARQ CINQO – CRANK-BASED FOR (SLIGHTLY) LESS

Ulrich Schoberer developed and patented the first on-bike power measurement device in 1987, a crank-based system dubbed the SRM (Schoberer Rad Messtechnik, roughly translated as Schoberer’s bicycle measurement technology). Today, pro riders and coaches consider SRM the gold standard for its accuracy and trustworthy service. With that quality and history comes a hefty price tag; complete wireless systems (including the PowerControl head unit) start at about $2,900.

An SRM measures power between the crank and chainrings using strain-gauge strips in a specially designed spider. As force is applied to the pedals, these strain gauges deflect, allowing the device to measure torque.

With SRM, you have several crank options, including standard (130bcd) and compact (110bcd) road cranks from Shimano, FSA, SRAM, Rotor, Specialized and Cannondale. SRM also has a few triple mountain-bike cranks from FSA and Cannondale, plus doubles from FSA, Cannondale and SRAM coming this spring. Prices range from about $2,900 to $3,900 with SRM’s PowerControl head unit, and $1,000 less without. New SRMs are ANT+ wireless, meaning they are compatible with other head units.

Only available since 2008, the CinQo has already made a splash as a solid crank-based system with a lower price tag than SRM. The Cervélo TestTeam used the system on the international stage last year.

Similar to SRM, Quarq measures torque with strain gauges built into a spider. Unlike SRM, Quarq doesn’t make its own head unit, so you have to use another ANT+ option. Accuracy is a claimed +/2 percent, on par with SRM. Also unlike SRM, the CinQo is only available on cranks with removable spiders. That means cranks from Shimano, Campagnolo, or any other crank with a one-piece spider and crankarm can’t be retrofitted with a Quarq system. But it also means that anyone who already owns an approved two-piece crank can simply send it in to be turned into a power meter, for $1,500. The Cannondale Hollowgram and Specialized FACT carbon cranks fall into that category, while the FSA SL-K Light, SRAM S975, and Rotor 3D cranks are available as pre-built units for $1,800-$2,200, depending on crank model.

Currently, Quarq only offers road cranks with standard and compact spiders. But a prototype mountain double built around a SRAM XO crank was spotted at Interbike.

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power meters: components iBike – Budget friendly The iBike has a different approach to power measurement. Rather than measure torque, it calculates power based on the forces working against a rider — wind resistance, speed, gravity, rider and bike weight, and rolling resistance. By taking the mathematical scenic route where other companies hopped straight on the strain-gauge highway, iBike is producing the cheapest and lightest power meter on the market, starting at $250.

The design is slightly less accurate than direct-measure systems. The two key dynamic measurements of wind drag and rolling resistance are measured using a roll-down test, and become fixed numbers in the iBike’s real-time calculations. Both can vary with a change in road surface or riding position, effecting accuracy. However, since the tests are done in your standard riding position, on normal roads, these pre-set numbers produce accurate results the majority of the time.

Head Units Garmin makes a number of ANT+ head units that work with SRM, Quarq, and PowerTap, including the venerable 705, the brand new 800 and the cycling-specific 500. Specialized has an ANT+ head unit coming out soon as well, called the SpeedZone, that will be the smallest unit to date while retaining the ability to calibrate most power meters and download data. iBike’s most recent development is a head unit that encases an iPhone or iPod Touch called the iDash. The waterproof box that contains your iPhone can receive an ANT+ signal from any compatible power meter, or use iBike’s own power measurement. iDash retails for $450 with an extra battery. iDash

Coming Soon The ideal power meter would be one than can be easily transferred between bikes, combining the versatility of a PowerTap with the ability to run light race wheels as with an SRM. The answer, according to the companies working with prototypes right now, is to build power measurement into pedals.

For over a year MetriGear has had working prototypes of their pedal spindle-based system, dubbed the Vector and last seen built around a Speedplay pedal; however the company has missed several deadlines in bringing the system to market. Their acquisition by Garmin should hasten that process, and we expect to see an ANT+ pedal-based meter on shelves sometime this year. MetriGear had been shooting for a price range under $1,000 before their acquisition; whether Garmin can stick to that number remains to be seen.

LOOK and Polar teamed up to create a pedal-based meter. Retail price is expected to be nearly $2,000, and the meter won’t be ANT+ compatible, instead sticking to a proprietary wireless technology used by Polar. Given the price and lack of head unit choice, the LOOK/Polar collaboration is unlikely to have the same effect on the market as a potentially much cheaper Garmin/MetriGear unit. Claimed availability is this spring.

Taking a completely different approach, Irish company Brim Brothers has a working prototype of a cleat-based meter, which uses “piezoceramic” sensors in a replaceable cleat, and straps the rest of the sensors and microchip to the top of the shoe. When VeloNews spoke with Brim Brothers at Interbike they refused to set a release date but did say they were shooting for 2011 production.

Garmin 800

Power Meter

Measurement Location

Weight

Claimed ANT+ Accuracy sport

Userreplaceable Price battery?

iBike Original Power Meters

Head unit

62g

+/- 3%

yes

yes

$250-$850

PowerTap + series

Hub

402g-583g

+/- 1.5%

yes

yes

$850-$1,850

PowerTap wired

Hub

576g

+/- 1.5%

no

yes

$600

SRM Power Meter

Crank

806g (w/ FSA SL-K)

+/- 2%

yes

no

$1,950-$3,050*

Quarq CinQo Saturn

Crank

808g (w/ FSA SL-K)

+/- 2%

yes

yes

$1,900-$2,170* * with cranks

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n editorial mantra here at the VeloNews office is “what would you tell your friends?” This list of wheels is exactly what we do tell our friends when they ask for wheel-buying advice. If a new bike isn’t in the cards for you this year, consider new wheels. Wheels and tires, more than anything else, can drastically change how your bike handles. Whether you’re looking for a racier set of hoops or a pair of wheels that can handle year-round training, we’ve got you covered.

YEAR-ROUND RACING Zipp 303 $2,285 This is Cancellara’s wheel of choice for Paris-Roubaix, and the wheelset Katie Compton used for her seventh national cyclocross title. The Zipp 303 is strong enough for ’cross yet fast enough for time trialing. If you race on the road during the summer and spend your fall pedaling through the muck, 136

the 303 is a good investment. The super wide 25mm rim bed makes for a huge gluing surface. Its wide toroidal rim is designed to absorb impact and minimize the risk of rim damage. The 1,206-gram wheelset is exceptionally light. The price is high, but so is the performance.

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editors’ wheel picks: components BUDGET TUBULAR Neuvation R Tubular $620 If you’re ready to give tubulars a try, but don’t want to break the bank in the process, Neuvation has the wheel for you. These 1,480-gram aluminum tubular wheels are perfect for road racing and ’cross. Because they are aluminum, there is no need to hassle with changing brake pads. We like the crossed spokes on the front and rear and the aluminum braking surfaces are great.

ALL-ROUNDER Mavic Ksyrium Elite Silver $650 The Ksyrium has always been a great allaround wheelset for day-in, day-out riding.

The Ksyrium Elite Silver is no exception. At 1,550 grams, they’re reasonably light and yet strong enough to be used by the GarminCervélo team for training. If you’re looking for bang for your buck, stick with the Silver — the Black pair cost an additional $25.

ALL-ROUNDER TUBELESS Shimano Ultegra WH-6700 tubeless $650 Shimano hubs have a huge following in the tech world of cycling. Many claim that cartridge bearings are the pinnacle of wheel technology. In truth, they are simply the cheapest way to make a hub. These wheels are typical trickle-down technology. For $650, they are simply fantastic. Their 1,652-gram weight and tubeless-ready rims make them a great training wheel and race-worthy if you’re not ready to commit to carbon wheels. Set them up tubeless with Hutchinson tires and you’ll think you’re riding tubulars. They also offer exceptional braking performance from machined brake tracks and their shallow profile means crosswinds will never bother you. w w w.velonews.com bu y er’s gu i de 2011 VELONEWS

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editors’ wheel picks: components REAL WORLD UPGRADE DT Swiss RR 1450 Mon Chasseral $1,000 If a long ride in the mountains suits you more than the local criterium race, aluminum rims will serve your needs well. DT Swiss has a long history of producing top-notch hubs and spokes. In recent years they’ve begun producing complete wheels and the results are fantastic. The RR 1450 wheelset is an aluminum clincher set that weighs — you guessed it — 1,450 grams. The hubs and spokes are exactly what you’d expect from the Swiss manufacturer, reliable and light. The machined braking surface is exceptional. Available in black or white, to complement your bike.

CARBON TUBULAR Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate $3,600 Carbon is the name of the game here — carbon rims, carbon hubs, carbon spokes. The latest subtle gray graphics look tough on the matte black carbon. If you’re lining up with these wheels, you’d better have the legs to back them up; the CCU’s are looking for a fight. They are extremely light at 1,185 grams with a 40mm profile. For 2011, Mavic is selling the wheels paired with their own Yksion tubulars (unglued).

CARBON CLINCHER Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 $2,700 At 1,606 grams these are not the lightest wheels on the market. But the braking is better than most carbon clinchers and the hubs are Swiss made. Most importantly, the ride quality of these wheels is amazingly smooth for a deep-section aero wheel. Unlike most carbon clinchers, Bontrager uses the same shallow-section rim for all its wheels and adds different depth fairings depending on the model. This keeps the wheel comfortable and aero. The 5.0 is the shallowest of the aero wheels and Bontrager’s best all-rounder.

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editors’ wheel picks: components

Wheels we lust for — road Fulcrum Racing Light XLR $3,220 There is something special about Italian carbon fiber. Visions of 12-cylinder Ferraris and Ducati Moto GP bikes come to mind.

Like their motorsport brethren, Fulcrum highlights their wheels in red. These climbing wheels look great and the CULT ceramic bearings are exceptional. You know this is the wheel for you if 1,226 grams of Italian perfection for $3,220 seems like a deal.

WHEELS WE LUST FOR — MOUNTAIN Enve XC carbon 29er wheels with DT240 hubs $2,914 At 1,424 grams these clincher 29er wheels are the stuff of dreams. Carbon is the perfect material for disc-brake-equipped bicycles. Large mountain bike tires protect the rim and overheating the carbon rim is never a concern.

Enve has a great reputation, and Brian Lopes is their off-road tester. These wheels are made to last, made for lust.

CROSS-COUNTRY RACE WHEEL Stan’s ZTR Podium MMX $950 Stan’s NoTubes wheels are renowned for their low weight and relative affordability.

Their unique rim design helps prevent the dreaded “burp” associated with many tubeless systems. Pros buy their rims and lace them to sponsor’s hubs. The Olympic line of rims has earned the name thanks to many appearances at the Games. The Podium MMX wheels weigh 1,243 grams and use American Classic hubs and DT Revolution spokes. If the Podium MMX wheelset is too light for you, custom wheels are available on the NoTubes Web site.

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The Official Pain Reliever of:

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Find more at PerformPainRelief.com BIOFREEZE® and PERFORM® are registered trademarks of The Hygenic Corporation. ©2010 Hygenic Corporation. All rights reserved.

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SWEEPSTAKES RULES 1. No purchase necessary. To enter without ordering, send a single entry on an index card to: VeloNews Specialized Sweepstakes, 9477 Waples St., Ste. 150, San Diego, CA 92121, with your name, address and phone number. This sweepstakes is sponsored by Competitor Group, Inc., 9477 Waples St., Ste. 150, San Diego, CA 92121.

2. All entries must be received and postmarked by Apr 15, 2011.

VeloNews is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible or postage-due mail.

3. One entry per person will be eligible for the drawing.

4. One winner will be selected no later than May 15, 2011 from among all eligible entries received. Winner selection will take place under the supervision of VeloNews, whose decisions are final. Each entrant consents to transfer all information contained in the completed entry form to other companies.

5. The odds of winning are determined by the total number of eligible entries received. Taxes, where applicable, are the sole responsibility of the winner.

6. Potential winners will be notified by mail, telephone or e-mail.

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9. For the name of the winner, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and letter of request to: VeloNews Specialized Sweepstakes, 9477 Waples St., Ste. 150, San Diego, CA 92121.

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AT THE BACK

By Peter Chisholm

L

ike many bike shop owners, I sometimes view working in retail as being “in the trenches.” It’s not the mud, blood, death and suffering of the trenches of the Great War, but sometimes it dishes out its own brand of blood loss and suffering.

Most days, working in bicycle service and sales is all about problem solving. The keys to success are having the item the customer is looking for in stock (or, if not, selling them what you do have), and fixing what is broken so they can participate in our beautiful pastime. Bike shops that are successful identify their market segment, and then aggressively pursue that market segment. They try to be the experts, whether it is in service, custom wheel design, price, selection, or whatever a particular shop’s focus may be. Bike shops that try to be everything to every cyclist often fail in all areas. A “pro” shop shouldn’t sell cruisers, just like a BMX shop shouldn’t bother trying to repair Campagnolo Ergo levers.

The occasional day in the shop is made interesting with odd conversations, mixed messages, and at its worst, downright angry people. Every once in a while, a potential customer will come in with an agenda. It’s either “I’m gonna stump the bike shop guy,” or something along the lines of “I have a pre144

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conceived notion of why the new ‘whizbang component’ is great, and I’m happy to argue with you if you disagree.”

I really don’t get this mentality. Bicycles are wonderful, simple machines that offer so much, so why be the person making it feel like I’m in the trenches, fighting for my life? Bicycles are both efficient transporters and wonderful escape vehicles. They don’t have to be carbon fiber or expensive, complicated or competitive to do their job. And the people that ride them don’t have to be that way either.

Don’t get me wrong; I admire beautiful, exotic bicycles.

Few things are more satisfying than assembling a De Rosa or Colnago with Campy SuperRecord, complete with a beautiful tubular wheelset (ideally hand built by me), made specifically for the rider. It’s like assembling a Ducati for Casey Stoner. But unlike Casey, you still gotta pedal the bike. Going up your local climb can make a child of any of us, complete with whimpering and pain.

Remember, your bike exists to get you there. It should disappear beneath you. The objective is the ride, not the bike. A $15,000 bicycle won’t get you there much more quickly than a $10,000 bike, which won’t get you there much more quickly than a $5,000 bike. Making it work everyday is my job, pedaling it is yours. There are no guarantees, no promises made.

So when you go into your local bike shop and want to talk about this wonderful thing called a bicycle, remember, it has different meanings to different people — a tool, a toy, a means of transportation — but for everyone, it’s a self-propelled vehicle, not some mystical material or technology.

And also remember to be good to that guy who owns the shop, the one who always seems to have that worried look on his face. He likely faces low margins and slow times of year, and has to deal with hassles like missed shipments and mispriced invoices. He’s probably just trying to keep the lights on, and to have a place where he and a few others can congregate around that beautiful machine called a bicycle. So take care of him like he’s trying to take care of you.

In spite of the countless hours on my tired feet, in spite of those who think spending more will make them better, and in spite of some bizarre new designs and the occasional unreliable and expensive piece of equipment, I love to ride. And I love to make that bicycle — any bicycle — work, so that you too can enjoy this wonderful, simple, elegant machine.

So please, don’t force me in into the trenches. This is the best and worst job there is at the same time. But I’ll still come to work tomorrow. Hell, I’ll probably ride in.

Peter Chisholm is the owner of Vecchio’s Bicicletteria in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in service, repair and handbuilt wheels. He’s worked on race machines belonging to pros like Andy Hampsten, Davis Phinney, Christian Vande Velde and Chris Wherry.

illustration by david brinton www.brintoni.com

In The Trenches

Faster rolling: lighter weight carbon fiber laminate Better aerodynamics: Swirl Lip Generator ™ Improved braking, better heat resistance: CTg brake track, paired with new Cryo Blue brake pads

1:1 INTERFACE

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