Tech News – March 4, 2008 Edited by James Huang Got tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech desk. No more slip-ups for Bettini Paolo Bettini with his new shoes. Photo ©: Sidi World and Olympic champion Paolo Bettini has been given an upgrade to his ultra-bling Sidi Ergo 2 Carbon shoes. But in this case, it's about function rather than form. Bettini's alternate Ergo 2 shoes use the same upper but fitted with a non-slip rubber tread similar to what Sidi uses in its motorcycle boots as well as plastic innersoles and removable arch supports. All of the changes have been made so that Bettini can make his way to the podium more easily and without fear of slipping. "Walking with race shoes that have carbon soles isn't an easy task," said Bettini. "These new shoes with non-slip rubber soles will be worn post-race at the prize giving ceremonies and during post-race interviews. I can assure you they will be extremely useful for me." FFWD introduces F2R wheelset By Jeff Jones F2R carbon tubular wheels with DT190 hubs. Photo ©: FFWD Dutch wheel company FFWD has released two wheelsets clearly aimed at the weight conscious cyclist. The F2R carbon tubular wheels are claimed to weigh in the region of 1000g, depending on hub choice, putting them on equal footing with the very lightest wheels out there. The rims are made of carbon, or to be more specific, ‘standard modulus high tensile TC35 carbon fibre composite’. As saving weight and not improving aerodynamics is the goal, the rims are 20mm deep. There are two hub options: DT Swiss 190, with ceramic bearings, or the cheaper and slightly heavier (and cheaper) DT Swiss 240s, both available with Shimano or Campagnolo-compatible freehub bodies . Each wheel is handbuilt with DT Aerolite bladed spokes - 20 for the front and 24 for the rear. Not surprisingly, they come with a maximum rider weight limit of 80kg. The real question is how strong are they? We will be testing a set in the near future, so stay tuned. A pair of 990g F2R-190 wheels will set you back £1349 / €1798 / US$2599, while the 1050g F2R-240s cost £1049 / €1398 / US$1999. All come with brake pads, quick release skewers and wheelbags. Wilier targets China Wilier Triestina is looking to establish itself in China Photo ©: Wilier Italian bike brand Wilier Triestina is looking to establish itself in China, aiming to capitalise on the growth of the sport of cycling and the availability of materials there. Wilier will open a store in Beijing, where interest in bike racing is at its highest and will be further fueled by the Olympics this year. It plans to open a second store in Xiamen in south China, a city popular with foreign companies. By the end of the year, Wilier hopes to have six outlets running in China and increase sales by between 35-40 percent. As part of its push into China, Wilier will sponsor races in Beijing, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanning and Shenyang. Accell purchases Ghost German mountain bike manufacturer Ghost Mountainbikes GmBH has been purchased by the Dutch Accell Group N.V bike group. The Waldsassen, Germany-based Ghost, which was founded in 1993, reported a 25 million Euro turnover in the 2007 calendar year. "We are pleased that we have been able to acquire an international top brand like Ghost," said Accell Group's CEO René Takens. "This is fully in line with our strategy of managing top brands such as Lapierre, Koga and Hai. "At the time, we are seeing an increase in the use of bicycles both as a solution to mobility problems and for recreational purposes," he said. "For these purposes, consumers are willing to invest in durable top products." Upon announcing the purchase, which will be financed with an extension of current bank facilities, Accell Group said that Ghost's current management team would continue to look after the company following the acquisition. Ghost has a staff of around 78 people, which includes all assembly personnel. Brodie teams with Industry 9 The rear hub of the Industry 9 AM wheelset. Photo ©: Industry 9 Brodie Bicycles has announced a partnership with Industry 9 that will see the bike manufacturer become the first to release a complete bike with the wheel manufacturer's AM wheelsets. The wheelsets will feature on a limited edition of Brodie Bicycles' new b_Team bikes, which include the 2008 cruZado titanium hardtail and the 2008 Mettle b_Team 4" XC dual suspension models. "It’s all in the name - a product that has the strength to let you test your limits and the weight to keep you on the trail for hours," claims Industry 9. "While light enough to be raced on any cross-country circuit (1640g), this is no wheel bag race day set. This is true all mountain riding. It’s the six hour ride that dishes out a little of everything. From 20lb hardtails to 5" plushies, this could be the ultimate wheelset." The superlight wheelset will only be available on a "super limited edition" of Brodie's bikes, according to the Canadian company. Elite expand range for women's market Elite has announced a women-specific design for its new Kit Azzurra drink bottle and cage combination. The new kit is made up of a Hydra drink bottle and a Custom Race bottle holder with an all-new design and colour scheme. The Hydra drink bottle has a capacity of 550 ml, with an easy grip and push/pull top, while the Custom Race cage auto-regulates to the bottle's diameter. Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by Sidi Sidi's Ergo 2 Carbon with a special sole for Bettini. Paolo Bettini with his new shoes. Images by Wilier Wilier Triestina is looking to establish itself in China Images by Industry 9 The rear hub of the Industry 9 AM wheelset. Images by Elite Elite's new Kit Azzurra drink bottle and cage combination. Images by FFWD F2R carbon tubular wheels with DT190 hubs. F2R carbon tubular wheels are claimed to weigh in the region of 1000grams.