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New Arrivals – December 11, 2003
Edited by John Stevenson
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Welcome to New Arrivals, a section showcasing the latest equipment that's landed on the Cyclingnews tech desk. Look out for reviews over the next few months when we've clocked up some saddle time with this stuff.
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Bontrager Race Lite Flat Top handlebar
Bontrager's race Lite handlebar is made from custom-butted 7075 aluminium,so it's no surprise that it tips the scales at a light - but not silly - 240g for a 42cm (centre to centre) bar. Features include a 31.8mm clamp for rigidity, shot-peening for fatigue resistance, and etchings for brake lever positioning.
The Flat Top version of the Race Lite features very tight transitions from the top to the drop, so the top section is as roomy as possible.
Price: US$90
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Bontrager Race X Lite stem
Ultra-light stems scare us, but we don't feel there's anything to fear from Bontrager's Race X Lite. Like the Race Lite bar its gram count is low without being ludicrous, at 165g (110mm length).
The Race X Lite has a forged and machined face plate; 31.8mm clamp for use with the Race Light bar and a tidy two-bolt steerer clamp.
Price: US$90
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Bell Ghisallo 50th Anniversary
Helmet-maker Bell celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2004 and to mark the occassion has introduced a special edition of its top-of-the line Ghisallo helmet. The choice of the CSC team in 2003, the Ghisallo was the helmet Tyler Hamilton was wearing when he was involved in that disastrous crash in stage 1 of the Tour de France.
As well as a distinctive metallic finish, the 50th anniversary Ghisallo comes in a limited edition Bell carrying case and features Bell's GPS fit system for easy, precise adjustment.
Price: US$124.99
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Rocket7 Super Stock
Last but by no means least, we're excited to be testing a pair of Rocket7 Super Stock road shoes. Rocket7's four-model line-up - Road, Triathlon, MTB, and Track - can be built to any one of of three specifications; Full Custom, Super Stock or Standard.
The Super Stock shoe is based on a Standard shoe last (that is, a stock-based foot shape) but with an integrated custom-made footbed, with a cast of your foot used to build the footbed directly into the carbon sole. Rocket7 recommends this option for feet that are fairly normal in length and width but perhaps have a low or high arch. Prescribed orthotics can also be permanently replicated into the shape of this shoe with no excess in weight; claimed weight is under 200 grams per shoe for a size 40 road shoe.
Cyclingnews is currently reviewing the Super Stock road shoe; expect to see a thorough evaluation early next year.
Price: US$399