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New Arrivals – December 17, 2007Edited 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.
Van Dessel's Gin&Trombones has been a popular choice on the 'cross scene since its introduction thanks to a no-nonsense triple-butted and shaped 7005 aluminum frame, shock absorbing carbon fiber seat stays, smart geometry, and good value. As good as it is, though, next year's version promises to be even better with the addition of a BB30 integrated bottom bracket system. Cannondale first pioneered this system ages ago (and continues to use it today), but its recent decision to open up the standard has been welcomed with open arms by several frame and component manufacturers. By pressing the oversized bearings directly into the shell and increasing the spindle diameter, the system promises to be lighter, stiffer, and more durable than conventional external-type cranksets. An adapter will allow the use of standard threaded bottom brackets, too, if users are so inclined. Van Dessel hasn't entered the new model into production yet, but we managed to get our hands on a functional prototype frame anyway. Our 54cm tester is certainly light at just 2.09kg (4.06lb), including the matching prototype FSA SL-K Light crankset with 172.5mm arms and 36/46T chainrings. Unfortunately, this arrived a bit late to give it the proper thrashing of a full 'cross season, but we'll hammer through the coming months anyway and fill you in on how it does. /JH Weight: 2.09kg (4.06lb) with prototype FSA SL-K Light crankset
(172.5mm arms, 36/46T)
Sugoi winter clothing
Canadian clothing company Sugoi continues to help keep cyclists dry and toasty with its comprehensive line of winter kit. Our test set starts out with the RS Bib Tight made from Sugoi's proven Firewall material. The brushed three-layer laminate is claimed to be breathable, waterproof, and windproof while also retaining four-way stretch capabilities for a better fit. Lighter and more breathable mesh material is used for the bib section up top. A complex eight-panel pattern enhances the fit even further, and useful details include long ankle zippers, reflective details, and single rear pocket. The inclusion of Sugoi's welded Formula FX stretch chamois means we won't have to add another layer, either. The matching RS Jacket boasts a full Firewall front and more breathable brushed material elsewhere. We haven't gotten it outside yet, but the cycling-specific cut definitely seems to work better on the bike than when upright (a good thing). The asymmetrical cuffs on the articulated sleeves include additional internal seals at the wrist for better protection, and a strip of silicone gripper material on the rear of the hem keeps the dropped tail in place. The outer pockets include drain holes for use in wet weather, while the center pocket is bolstered by a waterproof zipper. A reinforced pass-through port in that center pocket teams up with an array of loops for routing MP3 earphone wires, too. Rounding out the kit are Sugoi's snug-fitting Subzero DWR skull cap, Firewall GT glove, and Wallaroo 1/4 sock. /JH Price: US$180 (RS jacket); US$200 (RS bib tight); US$70 (Wallaroo S/S base layer); US$45 (Firewall GT glove); $12 (Wallaroo 1/4 sock); US$20 (Subzero skull cap)
Adidas winter clothing
Adidas has worked hard to revamp the fit of its clothing line, whose fit was decidedly 'off' in many ways based on our prior experience. Just a few minutes in this latest vintage for our photo session was already enough to confirm that the company has ditched its previously frumpy fits for ones that are decidedly trimmer and more athletic. Our test kit should suffice for conditions ranging from cold to seriously frigid. The adiStar Arctic Tight addresses the latter condition with waterproof and breathable ClimaProof Rain three-layer laminate front panels matched to more breathable brushed ClimaWarm panels in the rear. ClimaWarm '3D' knee panels improve flexibility and a DWR coating throughout helps shed water and slush. The Blizzard Jacket features ClimaWarm Wind front panels along with standard ClimaWarm brushed fabric elsewhere for better breathability. Stretch shoulder panels enhance the slightly relaxed fit, elastic inserts in the collar and asymmetrical cuffs help seal out drafts, and the offset full front zipper minimizes chin irritation. Additional details include a DWR coating throughout, a single large zipped rear pocket, an internal MP3 pocket, silicone grippers along the rear hem, and zippered arm and torso vents. The Tempo Jacket sacrifices a little protection in exchange for better heat evacuation during intense workouts. The more form fitting 'Race Fit' uses a lighter weight stretch ClimaWarm Wind laminate up front along with ClimaWarm materials elsewhere and zippered arm vents for additional airflow. Three standard rear pockets and an additional zippered pocket adorn the rear. Completing our Adidas winter test outfit are the LS Baselayer, ClimaProof Wind Sock, ClimaProof Wind U-Helmet Cap, and a trio of gloves to cover nearly any cool-to-cold weather situation. /JH Price: US$154.95 (adiStar Arctic Tight Non Padded); US$109.95 (adiStar Blizzard Jacket); US149.95 (adiStar Tempo Jacket); US$35.00 (LS Baselayer); US$59.95 (Blizzard Glove); US$39.95 (Response ClimaProof Wind Glove); US$24.95 (Spring Long Finger Glove); US$14.95 (ClimaProof Wind Sock); US$19.95 (ClimaProof Wind U-Helmet Cap)
Gore winter and wet weather clothing
The North American market probably associates the Gore name more with outdoor outerwear, but the Geman company enjoys a strong following for its cycling apparel in Europe and is rapidly making its way across the pond. Our winter and wet weather test kit includes a wide range of tights, jerseys, jackets, and accessories. A common theme in its top-end Xenon line is a notably aggressive cut shaped specifically for road riding with a shorter-than-most front, longer-than-most rear, and a tall front collar. The top-line Xenon Race Jacket boasts a waterproof Gore-Tex Paclite shell while the standard Xenon Jacket substitutes Gore's lighter, but less waterproof, Windstopper fabric. Gore also supplied the matching Xenon long-sleeved jersey, which is made from a stretch thermal fabric and includes three large rear pockets, a long front zip, and grippers along the rear of the waist. The more technical (and warmer) Windstopper version adds a full-length zip for more versatility. Also included is a pair of six-panel Xenon Thermal bib-tights, which feature brushed fabric joined with flat-lock seams, foot loops, and an exclusive-to-Gore Xenon chamois made by Cytech. Completing our Xenon winter test kit is a pair of Windstopper Gloves. The fleece lined Windstopper soft shell includes a gel-padded palm and fingers coated with silicone for better grip.
Gore also included some more off-road oriented kit to complement the mostly road specific Xenon pieces. The Phantom Jacket incorporates Windstopper front panels like the road going Xenon Jacket, but uses a roomier fit. Rear panels omit the Windstopper feature for improved breathability and the sleeves can zip off if the temperatures increase. The Concept Jacket is a full on Gore-Tex jacket with a uniquely adjustable (and lightweight) 'Airvantage' insulation system. Users can decide for themselves how much warmth they want by inflating or deflating panels on the back and chest. The jacket also features a foldaway tail and a zip-off hood, as well as a pair of very useful pit-zips. As most of these products are designed to be worn in less than perfect weather and light conditions, they all feature generous helpings of 360 degree reflective materials to make them as visible as possible to drivers. We're most curious to see how well the Airvantage system works (can it act as an pseudo-airbag if you crash, too?), but we'll waste little time in sloshing around with the entirely of the test kit through a UK winter and will let you know how it goes. /BA Prices: £179.99/€269.90 (Xenon Race Jacket); £109.99/€159.90 (Xenon Windstopper Jersey); £114.99/€179.90 (Xenon Thermal Bib Tights); £114.99/€169.90 (Xenon Jacket); £64.99/ €99.90 (Xenon Long Sleeve Jersey); £39.99/€55.90 (Xenon Windstopper Gloves); £99.99/€149.90 (Phantom Jacket); £349.99/€459.90 (Concept Jacket)
PhotographyFor a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
Images by Ben Atkins/Cyclingnews.com
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