New Arrivals – August 6, 2007 Edited by James Huang Got Tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech-heads. 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. Pearl Izumi summer clothing The black and red color option Photo ©: James Huang The Southern hemisphere is awash in the cold days of winter, but the rest of us are still baking in the summer oven of July. Perennial player Pearl Izumi has long been a staple of the cycling apparel world and continues to cater to the elite cyclist with its Vertex line of clothing. The Vertex MicroSensor Bib Short is constructed of the company's trademark MicroSensor wicking fabric with a mesh bib section and 'Direct-Vent' rear panel to facilitate airflow and breathability. Pearl Izumi's variable-thickness 3D Pro Stretch Chamois uses seam-free welded construction and dual-density padding for comfort and is also impregnated with antimicrobial silver ions to combat odor-causing bacteria. MicroSensor fabric is also used for the matching Vertex Jersey but here Pearl Izumi augments it with a unique treatment. Derived from coconut shells, TrapTek Cocona is claimed to improve evaporative cooling, resist odors, and protect from UV radiation. Even without it, the Direct-Vent mesh back and armpits still offer up enhanced ventilation along with the 3/4-length front zipper. Three elasticized rear pockets also include a small zippered pocket for security. For those on a shorter budget, the Slice Jersey offers a nearly-similar fit with simpler construction, but without the mesh panels and with the company's slightly more pedestrian UltraSensor wicking fabric. Ventilated gel pads allow for some airflow Photo ©: James Huang Pearl Izumi is also making a more concerted effort on the mountain bike side with its casually-styled (but technically astute) Divide range. In an effort to cut weight and reduce bunching, the pull-on style Divide Trail Short omits all zippers and button in favor of a more elegant DuraSensor-Light stretch panel. Side zips open to reveal mesh vents, and a single zippered pocket is located on the hip. The 3D Elite stretch chamois in the removable liner is loaded with 12mm of padding for extra protection. The matching Divide Jersey is built with Pearl Izumi's new anti-static and anti-odor MicroSensor Nano fabric, cut in a slightly looser fit. Extra ventilation is provided with a 1/2-length front zipper and a pair of rear zippered pockets is strategically situated for access while wearing a hydration pack. Finishing off our men's summer kit is the Gel-Vent Pro Glove with ergonomically placed and vented gel palm inserts, exposed mesh vents, and a strap-free slip-on style, and the aerodynamic Wind Shoe Cover with polyurethane-coated stretch fabric, silicone ankle grippers, and a 3/4-length zipper plus finger loop for easy ingress/egress. Price: US$140 (Vertex MicroSensor Bib Short); US$90 (Vertex Jersey); US$60 (Slice Jersey); US$115 (Divide Trail Short); US$75 (Divide Jersey); US$40 (Gel-Vent Pro Glove); US$30 (Wind Shoe Cover) Mavic C29ssmax wheels Mavic formally enters the 29" fray Photo ©: James Huang Mavic finally tosses its long-awaited entry into the 29" mountain bike wheel market with the introduction of its C29ssmax wheelset, first spotted at this year's Sea Otter Classic. The new C29ssmax is essentially an upsized version of the conventional Crossmax SL and includes many of the same features, including updated hub shells with wider flange spacing and easier-spinning FTS-X driver mechanism, relieved UST tubeless-compatible Maxtal rims, and Zicral aluminum spokes arranged in the company's new Isopulse lacing pattern. The new wheels are disc-compatible only for use with six-bolt rotors, although Mavic will offer separate quick release and 20mm thru-axle versions for those seeking a stiffer front end (fittings are not convertible, though). Our QR test set's actual weight of 1792 per pair (836g front, 956g rear, plus 110g for skewers) is notably heavier than the claimed 1660g but if the substantial improvements in overall wheel rigidity suggested by its design as compared to much of its competition hold true, we'll still be more than happy. Price: US$774.95 (add US$61.99 for MP3 protection plan) Cane Creek Double XC Flush headset Cartridge bearings and close-fitting seals Photo ©: James Huang Cane Creek's Double XC Flush headset offers the unique ability to run standard 1 ⅛" steerer tubes in 1 ½" head tubes without the need for separate reducer cups. Why would one do this, you ask? True, such a configuration does not take advantage of the increased rigidity (and usually reduced weight) of the larger diameter tube, but the flush-fit reduces the stack height to under 15mm and allows users to run slightly more travel up front without overly affecting frame geometry. The Double XC Flush incorporates standard high-end Cane Creek features, including sealed angular contact cartridge bearings, machined 7075-T6 aluminum construction, and even a two-year warranty. Our test sample weighs 194g complete with all included hardware. Price: US$95 Kurt Kinetic Road Machine fluid trainer A heavy flywheel Photo ©: Paul Henderon-Kelly The July roads are still roasting across much of the world but the bleak days of winter are just a few short months away (and many readers south of the equator have already retreated to indoor shelter). Winter's natural companion for most of us is indoor trainer, and Kurt Kinetic offers up its Road Machine to help pass the time and maintain your summer form. Kurt Kinetic guarantees its fluid resistance unit not to leak with a novel magnetically coupled driveshaft that eliminates all dynamic seals. Eighty cooling fins help radiate heat as you spin up to the maximum PowerTap-calibrated 3000 watts of progressive resistance, and a weighty 2.8kg (6.25lb) flywheel makes for a more realistic road feel. The sturdy steel frame is said to fit 16" - 29" wheels, but wheels smaller than 22" in diameter will require an adapter kit and 29er riders will have to fit narrower rubber to provide enough clearance. Price: US$349.99 (AUS$598.99) Kurt Kinetic Floor Mat The Kurt Kinetic Training Mat Photo ©: Paul Henderon-Kelly Training mats are a perfect partner to any home trainer as they provide a barrier between your bike, trainer, and the floor. The thick rubber construction also reduces vibration and can be easily hosed down after being subjected to hours of sweat. The Kurt Kinetic Floor Mat can also be rolled up for easy storage. Price: US$60 (AUS$99.00) Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com Pearl Izumi's new Vertex Jersey combines high-tech materials with modern style. The black and red color option on the Pearl Izumi Vertex Jersey looks ready to roll. Mesh inserts in the sleeves provide extra ventilation. The Vertex MicroSensor Bib Short uses a mix of Pearl Izumi's premium MicroSensor fabric and mesh panels for ventilation. A Direct-Vent panel in the lower back keeps things cool. The high-value Slice Jersey offers high-end wicking fabrics and features with less expensive construction. A full complement of three rear pockets plus a small zippered pocket provide plenty of storage. The Divide Trail Short omits all buttons and zippers in favor of a simpler and lighter pull-on style. The Pearl Izumi Divide Trail Short mates a high-tech lightweight shell with casual styling. Zippered vents on the thighs allow for extra ventilation on hot days. The matching Divide jersey is cut with a slightly looser fit. Pearl Izumi uses a unique TrapTek Cocona fabric treatment which claims to naturally improve evaporative cooling, resist odors, and protect from UV radiation. A half-length zipper makes for adjustable temperature control. Pockets are situated for easy access while wearing hydration packs. Ventilated gel pads allow for some airflow in Pearl Izumi's Gel-Vent Pro Glove. Polyurethane-coated stretch fabric make for an aerodynamic fit in the Pearl Izumi Wind Shoe Cover. Mavic formally enters the 29" fray with the new C29ssmax wheelset. Rear hub uses the company's new Isopulse spoke lacing pattern. Excess material is milled away from the rim to reduce rotating weight. A solid outer rim wall makes for an airtight construction. The Cane Creek DoubleXC Flush headset adapts 1 1/8" steerer forks to 1 1/2" head tubes. Cartridge bearings and close-fitting seals are featured on the DoubleXC Flush. Images by Paul Henderson-Kelly/Cyclingnews.com A heavy flywheel promises a more realistic coast-down The Kurt Kinetic Training Mat absorbs sweat and drivetrain grime, and also keeps the trainer (and your bike!) from sliding around during rigorous indoor sessions.