New Arrivals – November 19, 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. Trek Fuel EX 9 'The best Trek since the last best Trek.' Trek's new Fuel EX 9 marks a significant departure Photo ©: James Huang That's how the company is labeling its latest Fuel EX trail bike platform, which represents a quantum leap in Trek's full-suspension designs as compared to what it had been churning out over the last few years. If there is any substance behind the Full Floater and Active Braking Pivot technologies of our 120mm-travel Fuel EX tester, then that statement might just very well hold true. ABP is a dropout-located pivot that rotates concentrically around the rear axle, which according to Trek, effectively integrates a floating rear brake system right into the rear suspension. So what, you say? In theory, the decoupling of these two systems should yield better traction under braking (especially in bumpier terrain) and suppler suspension action when the stoppers are clamped. ABP doesn't change the axle path so the Fuel EX is still effectively a single-pivot design, but it should eliminate one of the major drawbacks of the system. The new Full Floater feature ditches the usual static lower shock pivot for a dynamic one directly attached to a small extension on the front of the swingarm. Trek says this makes for more precise tuning of shock leverage ratios and spring rates, resulting in better bump performance and more effective use of travel. Trek integrates these features into a brand-new Alpha Aluminum chassis which boasts more dramatic tube shaping than in years past as well as far stouter-looking welded one-piece EVO rocker link, which is claimed to be lighter, twice as stiff, and twice as strong as the old bolt-together layout. Our Fuel EX 9 is the top aluminum model (OCLV carbon versions are also on tap) and is equipped with a Fox Racing Shox TALAS RL fork and Float RP23 rear shock, a mix of SRAM X-9/X.0 and Shimano Deore XT components, and Avid's excellent Juicy 7 hydraulic disc brakes. Naturally, no Trek would be complete without a plethora of Bontrager goodies, and the Fuel EX 9 continues the trend with its Race Lite wheels, saddle, seatpost, and handlebar, Race X Lite stem, and Jones XR tires. Total weight on our medium-sized tester is 12.2kg (27.1lb) without pedals. Weight: 12.2kg (27.1lb) Price: US$3409.99 Argon 18 Arsenic Argon 18's full-carbon Arsenic cyclo-cross machine Photo ©: James Huang Montreal, Canada-based Argon 18 offers up its own version of the high-performance cyclo-cross bike with its Arsenic model. According to Argon 18, the Arsenic's 3050 HT Nano-Tech carbon content and Horizontal Dual System concept makes for a sufficiently rigid frame that is also capable of absorbing the typical bumps and vibrations of a 'cross course. The specific geometry includes a longer wheelbase and 1cm-higher bottom bracket than the company's road frames, and a flattened top tube makes for easier and more comfortable shouldering. Oversized and asymmetrical chain stays help put the power down while retaining good mud clearance, and the driveside chain stay is reinforced with Kevlar for added durability. The Arsenic's the matching fork uses similarly vibration-absorbing carbon blades mated to an aluminum crown and steerer. Our XS-sized tester is equipped with a SRAM grab-bag of components, including Rival DoubleTap levers and front derailleur, a Force rear derailleur, Truvativ's appropriately geared Elita Cross crankset, and Avid Shorty 4 cantilever brakes. The high-end cockpit utilizes an ITM Visia Carbon stem and handlebar, and rolling duties are handled by a Mavic Ksyrium ES clincher wheelset and Michelin Mud 2 rubber. Argon 18 offers the Arsenic in four sizes, XS through L, and the weight of our complete bike as tested (without pedals) is 8.4kg (18.5lb). Weight: 8.4kg (18.5lb), without pedals Price: US$3949.99 Polar RS800G3 heart rate monitor The Polar RS800G3 offers both HRM and GPS functionality Photo ©: James Huang Polar aims its new RS800G3 heart rate monitor as a 'multisport training system' that should suit athletes that compete and/or train in a number of different disciplines. Not surprisingly coming from Polar, the RS800G3 integrates a fully featured digitally-encoded wireless heart rate monitor with the company's OwnZone and OwnCal features, three programmable target zones, maximum and average heart rate recording, and even a barometric altimeter. The included Wearlink W.I.N.D. is even more comfortable than earlier versions with its textile construction. What makes the RS800G3 special, however, is the included wireless GPS sensor that also records a full complement of speed and distance functions. The small and lightweight receiver easily straps to your arm, making it usable for running, cycling, snow- and/or paddle sports, or even swimming with its 30m water resistance rating. The G3 GPS receiver can be retrofitted to existing RS800 units, all of which are also compatible with the company's s3 stride sensor for runners. All of this information can be managed via the IrDA USB 2.0 adapter to Polar's own ProTrainer 5 program. The advanced software not only displays and analyzes past workouts, but can also upload training plans back to the wrist unit, making for a virtual traveling 'coach'. Price: US$499.95 (including RS800G3 wrist unit, G3 GPS receiver/transmitter, Wearlink W.I.N.D. heart rate transmitter, IrDA USB 2.0 adapter, and ProTrainer 5 software) SwissStop brake pads SwissStop's pad offerings aren't just for the road Photo ©: James Huang Brake pad specialist SwissStop is ready for cyclo-cross season with a wide variety of pad shapes and compounds to suit nearly any possible configuration. The all-conditions and high-performance GHP compound is billed as aluminum-specific, but we've also found many pros using them with their carbon rims as well. Alternatively, the superb Yellow King compound is specifically designed for use on carbon rims, but we've also found them to work well on aluminum rims, too (just be sure to remove any metal shavings before swapping to your race wheels!). SwissStop offers complete GHP pads with either smooth or threaded posts, and replacement insert are available for linear pull-style, Shimano/SRAM, Campagnolo 8/9spd, or Campagnolo 10spd-style holders. The decidedly more premium Yellow King compound isn't offered in a threaded post or Campagnolo 8/9spd-compatible versions, but all of the other fitments are on hand. Weight: 8g/wheel (Rx linear-pull inserts); 48g/wheel (Rat smooth post cantilever pads) Price: US$50.80 (Yellow King Rat for smooth post cantilever); $41.60 (Yellow King Rx for linear pull cartridge); US$29.60 (GHP Rat); US$24.40 (GHP Rx) Road Rash Repair Kit …but if the time comes, its contents will certainly come in handy. Photo ©: James Huang It's not often that an item should come across the Cyclingnews tech desk that we have absolutely no desire to actually use. Left Field Designs' new Road Rash Repair Kit definitely fits that description, though, not so much because we won't think it works but rather because of the physical condition required for do a proper evaluation! The all-in-one package includes a pair of 10x10cm (4x4") self-adhesive hydrocolloidal dressings that Left Field Designs says absorb excess oozing and cushion accidental impacts while also maintaining a sterile, moist environment that promotes faster and more effective skin regeneration. Also included in the kit is some Hibiclens antiseptic skin cleanser, a few surgical sponges, exceptionally handy tubular elastic bandages (just like what you see on ProTour racers), a small roll of hypoallergenic medical tape, and detailed instructions on how to treat your wounds without ending up with some sort of nasty flesh-eating bacterial infection. Left Field Designs says the contents should be sufficient to properly treat a single occurrence of road rash, and refills on the kit's consumables are available directly from them when needed. The kit is a bit pricey at US$29.95, but offers a convenient package that will likely be more reliably stocked than your medicine cabinet. Price: US$29.99 Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com Trek's new Fuel EX 9 marks a significant departure and a grand leap forward in the company's range of full suspension trail bikes. The all-new rear end includes the new Full Floater design which Trek says offers a more finely-tuned spring rate and a more 'bottomless' feel. The Active Brake Pivot supposedly turns the entire rear end into a floating brake, making for better braking and suspension action when the stoppers are clamped. The massive EVO Link is claimed to be lighter, stronger, and stiffer than the old bolt-together design, and by the looks of things, we have no reason to argue. The Fuel EX 9 is well equipped including suspension bits by Fox Racing Shox, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, and SRAM X-9 trigger shifters. The new face of Trek. Argon 18's full-carbon Arsenic cyclo-cross machine is ready for action. Argon 18 says the frame's carbon fiber layup ensures a stiff response yet a comfortable ride. Tubes are heavily shaped all around. The included fork uses carbon blades and an aluminum crown and steerer. Plenty of tire clearance here through the asymmetrical chain stays. Our test bike came equipped with a mix of components , including this Force rear derailleur which is increasingly finding its way on to 'cross bikes. The Polar RS800G3 offers both HRM and GPS functionality for athletes that compete or train in a number of different activities. The elegantly designed wrist unit would serve equally well as an everyday watch. The small GPS unit can easily be strapped to your upper arm. SwissStop's pad offerings aren't just for the road ; a full complement of 'cross-compatible versions are on tap as well. The Yellow King pads are among the best we've tested for carbon rims, while SwissStop says its GHP compound is specifically engineered for aluminum. You had better hope you never need one of these… …but if the time comes, its contents will certainly come in handy.