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Tech News – November 30, 2008Got tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech desk. |
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Current UCI world champion Christophe Sauser is well-known for his obsession with all things technical: if there is any advantage to be gained by a change in equipment or minor tweak, chances are that he will use it.
Based on recent spy photos, the Swiss rider has been continuing with his experimental ways with a pair of distinctive breaks from his usual tried-and-true equipment setup. Sauser appears to be among the latest converts in the non-round chainring movement as his two-ring Specialized S-Works crank is now fitted with a pair of 2x9-specific Rotor Q-Rings. In addition, his long-preferred Crankbrothers Eggbeater 4Ti pedals have apparently been swapped for Look's new Quartz, at least for now.
Sauser was decidedly coy when asked about the substitutions: "Yes, I was testing those products, but nothing is definite yet," he said.
Even so, the rings in the images clearly have a lot of wear on them so it seems that Sauser has been testing them quite extensively. Will this stuff make the final cut heading into '09? We'll have to wait and see.
Limited edition downhill fork and shock from Fox
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Fox Racing Shox have released limited edition World Championship versions of their 40 RC2 downhill fork and DHX RC4 rear shock.
It comes after Fox-sponsored downhillers Gee and Rachel Atherton, of team Animal-Commencal, rode to victory in this summer's UCI World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy.
Just 200 individually numbered units will go on sale in mid-December. They will feature special decals emblazoned with the Athertons' rainbow stripes.
The 40 RC2 limited edition has the same damping that was tested, tuned and won on throughout the season and comes with a stiffer titanium spring than the 2009 production model. The DHX RC4 is a new, from-the-ground-up, purpose-built downhill shock. The World Champion version has been tuned and tweaked to perform at the highest level.
Mario Galasso, vice president of Fox's bike division, said: "These limited edition products are the culmination of hundreds of hours of testing and working with our engineers, race support team and athletes. We work year-round with the world's best athletes to develop and improve our products so we can win world championships and, ultimately, deliver products to the consumer that are best in class."
Race manager Mark Fitzsimmons said: "The harder these products are ridden, the more rewarding the ride becomes." Trading cards with Rachel and Gee's photos and statistics will be included in the package, as well as videos of their winning runs on the owner's manual CD.
Specifications:
40 RC2 World Champion
Weight: 6.83lbs (3.09kg), including axle
Travel: 8in (203 mm)
External adjustments: low speed compression, high speed compression, coil
spring preload, rebound
Internal adjustments: travel can be reduced to 6in in half-inch increments,
hydraulic bottom-out, spring rate
Disc brake tabs: IS Steerer: 1 1/8in
Spring: titanium
Colour: white
DXH RC4 World Champion
Weight: 0.99lbs (447g), not including reducers or spring
Adjustments: externally adjustable velocity sensitive damping (DSC), high
speed compression, low speed compression, bottom-out force (via Schrader
valve), bottom-out progressiveness, rebound, coil spring preload
Length: 9.5 x 3.0
KHS UK unveil 2009 range
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KHS UK have released details of their 2009 range, from race-winning cross-country bikes to full-on downhill rigs.
The Alite Team hardtail, ridden to victory this week by Frederico Ramirez in La Ruta de los Conquistadores, is going carbon. It is available as a 22.2lb complete bike with Rock Shox SID Teams and XT groupset at £1999 or a frame with integrated headset at £799.
The Alite 3000 boasts a tougher, trail-ready double-butted frame, Rock Shox Recon Race fork, Hayes Stroker Ryde hydraulic disc brakes and Sram X9. It weighs in at 26lb and costs £899.
Another KHS bike proven on the world stage is the DJ-300, ridden to victory by Melissa Buhl in this year's UCI 4X World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy. The frame retails for £199.
On the freeride side of things, 18-year-old Utah local Logan Binggeli mixed it up with the international stars at this year's Red Bull Rampage. His arsenal includes the 5.5in-travel XCT555 slopestyle bike, 6in Velvet, 7.3in Lucky and 8.5in DH200, all with Horst link suspension and bulletproof construction.
KHS UK will also be offering XC (100mm) and XCT (140mm) bikes and frames from January, with further frames and bikes following in the spring. Bikes not in UK stock can be flown in from the US for special orders on five to 10 days' notice.
Black Market to sell complete bikes
By Matthew Cole
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US dirt jump brand Black Market have added two complete bikes to their 2009 range. The Riot, based on their popular Riot frame, comes with a Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 1 fork with 20mm axle, Intense MicroKnobby tyres, Black Market Revolver-Lite 26t cranks and the firm's new Bada Boom 2in riser bars. It hits the scales at 30lbs, and will cost £1249.99.
The £899.99 Three57 features a full cromoly frame with the same DJ1 fork, a BlkMrkt bar/stem combo, Revolver 30t sprocket and Brass Knuckles seat, and S&M logo grips. Weight is 31.25lbs.
Black Market have a number of new parts for 2009, including the full CNC'd 6061 T6 aluminium Underboss stem.
Shimano's electronic gruppo wins Best Of award
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Popular Science magazine awarded the Shimano Dura-Ace 7970 Di2 electronic gruppo "Best of What's New 2008," winning the Recreation category among 100 technological innovations included in the December issue.
Shimano's Dura-Ace 7970 Di2, available in January 2009, is an electronic shifting option for the 7900 series Dura-Ace road component group. Comprised of Dual Control- style combination shift / brake levers, front derailleur, rear derailleur, and a battery pack, the new Dura-Ace Di2 7970 components add only 56 grams when compared to the full mechanical counterpart. The components have proven their capabilities this year in competition by top professional cyclists in the ProTour.
Popular Science, founded in 1872, publishes its "Best of What's New" awards every December. Awards are presented to 100 new products and technologies in 10 categories: Automotive, Aviation & Space, Computing, Engineering, Gadgets, Green Tech, Home Entertainment, Home Tech, Personal Health and Recreation.
Sidi updates spinning shoe
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Stuck riding indoors? Popular Italian shoe maker Sidi has updated its Sidi MTB Indoor shoe, developed specifically to maximise indoor training performance, particularly for spinning.
Compared to training on a bicycle or pedalling on a training machine, where the athlete uses his personal bike, spinning usually requires using a different spin-bike for each training session. People who take spinning seriously know that they will be using different machines adapted to various personal parameters. One of the most important details in a spinning regime is footwear. According to Sidi, its MTB Indoor shoe enables the athlete to fuse with the spin-bike, guaranteeing a more solid grip on the pedals that allow for maximum exertion of power during spinning.
The Sidi MTB Indoor has uppers made from synthetic leather and nylon webbing, featuring a MTB competition sole that can easily be used even outdoors for mountain bike riding.
According to Sidi, the reinforced heel, detailed with two reflective spoilers and sealed with two Velcro straps, makes the MTB Indoor a safe and comfortable shoe. Available in black, in sizes 36 to 50. Also available in a women's specific model, MTB Indoor Woman, available in white, sizes 36 to 43, with a last that conforms to the feminine foot. Retail is US $179.
New Cannondale suspension centre in Australia
A new servicing centre for Cannondale suspension has opened in Brisbane, Australia.
RLC Sport, owned by cross-country pro Aiden Lefmann, aims to repair Cannondale Lefty and Headshox forks of any age and tune them to your requirements.
A spokesman said: "With eight years of in-house Cannondale experience, RLC Sport have the knowledge to repair almost any aspect of Cannondale suspension." For details, visit www.rlcsport.com.au.
Northwave unveil new women's performance shoe
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Northwave have produced a new performance road shoe for women. The Devine SBS is based on the popular men's Typhoon SBS but has a smaller heel and forefoot.
The shoe has an ST 7.5 carbon composite sole with a replaceable heel tab. An Airflow system in the sole and vented Aerator System in the upper keep the foot cool. Separate material pieces allow the foot to expand for extra comfort when riding.
The 2009 Devine is pearl white with light blue details. Available in US sizes 6-13 (UK 3½-10½), it goes on sale in March for US$169.99 (approx £115).
NoTubes.com files lawsuit against Specialized
NoTubes.com is taking Specialized Bicycles to court over claims that some of the firm's Roval brand wheels infringe one of its patents.
New York-based NoTubes, best known for its Stan's tubeless kits, alleges that Specialized has infringed US patent 7,334,846 "by making, using, selling, offering for sale and/or importing into the United States certain tubeless wheels and rims".
The patent covers a rim design invented by NoTubes' founder and owner, Stan Koziatek.
The lawsuit, filed under the name of NoTubes' parent company, KG Motors Inc, is pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. Specialized officials have no comment on the pending suit.
NAHBS honours 'Original Six' framebuilders
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The North American Handmade Bicycle Show is marking its fifth anniversary by celebrating its "Original Six" framebuilders. The craftsmen have exhibited every year since the first NAHBS in Houston, Texas, in 2005.
A collectible set of six postcards and a poster is being produced. It will be available through the NAHBS website and at the show. Limited edition framed sets will be sold to collectors, and some will be auctioned for charity.
Don Walker, the show's founder and director, and one of the Original Six, said: "The idea came to me as a way to honour and thank the original six guys who have been at NAHBS since day one. The NAHBS wouldn't be what it is today without the support and shared vision of these fine craftsmen, who are my colleagues and, more importantly, my friends."
The builders are:
o Craig Calfee, Calfee Design (La Selva Beach, California)
o Nick Crumpton, Crumpton Cycles (Austin, Texas)
o Mike DeSalvo, DeSalvo Custom Cycles (Ashland, Oregon)
o Richard Sachs, Richard Sachs Cycles (Chester, Connecticut)
o Sacha White, The Vanilla Workshop (Portland, Oregon)
o Don Walker, Don Walker Cycles (Speedway, Indiana)
The North American Handmade Bicycle Show is a meeting point for framebuilders and consumers looking for custom-made bikes and a showcase for the bicycle as an artform.
It has grown from 23 exhibitors and 700 visitors in its first year to 150+ exhibitors and more than 7,000 visitors in 2008, making it the largest show of its kind in the world.
The 2009 event will be held from 27 February to 1 March at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
UK importer for Lynskey Performance Designs
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Distributor Hotlines is to bring Lynskey Performance Designs' titanium bikes to the UK. The Lynskeys founded Litespeed in 1986 and are sometimes known as "the first family of titanium". They sold the business to the American Bicycle Group (ABG) in 1999 but are now back with a new venture.
Edward Ibbetson, of Hotlines UK, said: "We're very excited about this relationship. There is a strong demand for performance-oriented titanium bikes in our market and the Lynskey brand certainly meets this need."
Mark Lynskey said: "We are so very pleased to be a part of the Hotlines family. I have always enjoyed the cycling culture in the UK and am now honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of it."
New UK distributor for WTB products
WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes) have a new UK distributor. From January, Fisher Outdoor Leisure Ltd will supply the Californian brand's tyres, saddles, grips and wheels.
Katerina Rejchrtova, CEO of WTB Europe, said: "Customer service, timely delivery and excellent sales representation are the core competencies of Fisher Outdoor Leisure, which make them a great fit with WTB and our customers. They are an excellent addition to our growing network of distribution partners."
Richard Allmark, CEO of Fisher Outdoor Leisure, said: "WTB's innovative product line complements Fisher Outdoors' premium brand portfolio. The addition of WTB brand tyres, saddles, grips and wheels to our portfolio makes us truly the complete source for cyclists."
Fisher Outdoor Leisure Limited are one of the leading distributors of branded cycle components, accessories and clothing in the UK. Based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, they represent leading brands such as LOOK, SRAM, Avid, Truvativ, Norco, Muc-Off, Troy Lee Designs, MET helmets, Burley, Hamax, Adams, Maxim Sports Nutrition, Santini, Lambretta, Niteflux, Clarks, Tacx and Dahon.
New gear from Massi
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Spanish brand Massi have launched a new carbon fibre track frame and range of LED lights. The monocoque Pro Track frame has been designed to cope with the rigours of World Cup racing and is being ridden this season by the Catalunya team. It costs €1,799 (approx £1,520/US$2,335) and is available with a matching carbon seatpost and fork.
Massi have also brought out a new lighting range in time for winter. The three-LED Fornax and Hydra front lights are made of ABS plastic and run on AA batteries. They are designed to provide good visibility from the front and side, and feature three backup LEDs.
The quick-release mount is designed to fit all sizes of handlebar, from 25.4mm to 31.8mm. The Fornax measures 118x41x49mm and the Hydra 120x45x45mm. They cost €18.31 (approx £15.50/$23.75) and €16.79 (£14.20/$21.80) respectively.
The Pyxis rear light boasts five LEDs and three modes. It is powered by three AAA batteries, measures 55x60x40mm and costs €12.14 (£10.25/$15.75). The tiny Draco is available in front and rear versions. It has three LEDs and three modes, and measures just 46x28x13m. It takes two CR2032 'button' batteries and costs €7.62 (£6.45/$9.90).
Fox Racing Shox issues DIY warning
Fox Racing Shox, based in Watsonville, California, has issued a notice regarding DIY modifications to its suspension forks:
"It has come to the attention of Fox Racing Shox that certain individuals and/or entities are modifying Fox forks to accommodate mountain bike wheel sizes other than those having a 26-inch nominal diameter. One such modification includes removing material from the lower leg cross bridge in order to fit a 29-inch tyre in the fork. Such modification will ultimately separate the lower fork legs at the cross bridge (i.e. the weakened cross bridge will fracture) and may cause bicycle instability and crash that results in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Do not modify or misapply Fox forks
NEVER REMOVE MATERIAL from any portion of a Fox fork. USE ONLY 26-INCH WHEELS with Fox 32*, 36 and 40 bicycle suspension forks. Those Fox forks are designed and tested for use ONLY with 26-inch mountain bike wheels/tyres. Use of Fox forks with any wheel other than 26 inches and/or alteration or modification of any Fox fork will subject the Fox fork to loads and forces it has not been designed or certified to meet and will void all warranties. The Fox 32*, 36 and 40 models meet CEN and ASTM testing standards ONLY when used with 26-inch wheels/tyres and are not recommended or approved by Fox Factory, Inc. for use with wheels larger or smaller than 26 inches, either as original equipment or aftermarket.
Do not ride modified or misapplied Fox forks
Proper forks are critical to proper bicycle handling and stability. Improper function or failure of a bicycle fork while riding can cause a bicycle to become uncontrollable and result in a crash. Use of Fox 32*, 36 or 40 forks with wheels larger or smaller than 26 inches, or any other modification, may cause crashes that result in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. Never ride a bicycle that is, or appears to be, fitted with a Fox 32*, 36 or 40 fork that has been modified and/or fitted with any wheel larger or smaller in nominal diameter than 26 inches.
Use the right fork for the job
For those of you who want to ride on 29-inch front wheels with suspension, Fox offers the 32 F29 fork designed specifically for 29-inch wheels. The F29 is available in 80mm, 100mm or 120mm travel configurations and is ideal for tall wheel applications. The F29 is the only Fox fork available for use with 29 inch wheels and is clearly labeled "F29" on the right leg. The F29 should be used only with 29 inch wheels. As with all Fox forks, do not modify or misapply, or ride on improperly applied or modified Fox F29 forks.
Contact Fox
Do not modify any portion of a Fox fork and do not purchase or use any fork that appears to have been modified. Any Fox 32*, 36 or 40 model fork that appears to accommodate a tyre larger than 26 inches in nominal diameter, such as 650B or 29 inch, should be avoided. If any doubt exists as to the originality or proper application of a Fox fork, please contact a Fox representative at www.foxracingshox.com."
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Cyclingnews.com
- Current UCI cross-country world champion Christoph Sauser has been spotted testing some new gear recently.
- His usual round chainring have apparently been traded (at least temporarily) for a pair of elliptical Rotor Q-Rings.
- As before, a Shimano Dura-Ace braze-on front derailleur takes care of gear changing up front.
- Sauser has apparently also been testing Look's new Quartz pedals as a possible replacement for his usual Crankbrother Eggbeater 4Ti.
Images by Fox
- Fox has released limited edition World Champion versions of its 40 RC2 downhill fork and DHX RC4 shock.
- World Championship limited edition Fox 40 RC2 fork.
- World Championship limited edition Fox DHX RC4 rear shock
Images by Lynskey
Images by Massi
- Massi's new Pro Track frame
- Massi Fornax front light
- Massix Hydra front light
- Massi Pyxis five-LED rear light
- Massi Draco three-LED rear light
Images by KHS
- The KHS Lucky 7 as ridden by Melissa Buhl.
- The 8.5in DH200 with Horst link rear end
Images by Black Market
Images by Shimano
Images by Sidi
- The new Sidi MTB Indoor spinning shoe for men.
- The new Sidi MTB Indoor spinning shoe for women.
Images by Northwave
- The Devine SBS is Northwave's new women's performance road shoe
Images by NAHBS
- NAHBS is honouring its 'Original Six' framebuilders
