New Arrivals – March 7, 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. Zipp's premium line evolves from 'Z-Series' to ZEDTECH, Photo ©: James Huang Zipp ZEDTECH Z4 wheelset Zipp's catalog of carbon fiber racing wheelsets has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. Currently, the Indiana-based company already offers thirty different carbon wheelsets, plus three different disc wheels and one aluminum clincher set. Yet somehow, Zipp decided that that wasn't quite enough and launched its custom ZEDTECH line earlier this year. ZEDTECH customers have access to virtually every rim, spoke, and hub variation that Zipp offers in order to assemble their dream wheelset. These not only include component models, but also finer details such as carbon fiber rim layup schedules, hybrid ceramic bearings, spoke lacing patterns, and even spoke nipple and decal colors. Zipp bills our ZEDTECH ZED4 test model as its "ultimate" all-purpose road racing wheelset, equipped with 58mm-deep dimpled tubular rims, dimpled ZEDTECH hubs with hybrid ceramic bearings, Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes, and custom black-anodized alloy nipples. As received, our ZED4 set weighs just 1214g for the pair without skewers (550/664g front/rear). Look for these on our upcoming 'dream road bike' build in the coming months. Price: US$3752 Zipp's new Tangente tubulars are claimed to save 1-3 watts Photo ©: James Huang Zipp Tangente tubular tires Zipp pioneered the use of aerodynamics-enhancing dimples in bicycle wheelsets back in 2004 and now carries the technology to tires for 2007. Yes, we said tires. According to Zipp, its new Tangente tires required 14 months of development (including two trips to the wind tunnel) but yields a significant 1-3 watts of energy savings at race pace. In addition to being aerodynamic, Zipp also claims that the Tangente's silica rubber compound is both lighter, grippier, and faster than its competition. The Tangente is offered exclusively in an aero-optimized 21mm-wide 290 tpi Corespun polycotton casing (made by Vittoria) in tubular and clincher varieties. Both also incorporate a puncture-resistant belt under the tread, and tubular versions also include a 50mm valve extender. Our test tubulars weigh an average of 266g (+/- 6g)… guess we better brush up on our gluing skills! Price: US$85 each FSA K-Force carbon Photo ©: James Huang FSA K-Force Carbon road handlebar FSA has revised its top drop handlebar with a new shape designed to offer a better fit, more flexible positioning, and lighter weight. Relative to the previous deep drop version, the reach has been reduced by 1cm (to 8cm) to better accommodate the newest varieties of integrated brake/shift levers, while drop remains the same at 15cm. A longer OS center section makes for easier fitment of computers, and is now compatible with clip-on aero bars. Three widths are available (40/42/44cm, center-to-center), and our 44cm test sample weighs just 204g. Price: US$249.99 Carnac's M7 shoes are available in two colours Photo ©: Greg Johnson Carnac M7 Totally handmade in France, the M7s are Carnac's latest top end road shoes and combine a revamped interior shape with the company's proven neoprene slipper design to closely hug the contours of your feet. Carnac's so-called 'Ergo Sole' supposedly isolates the foot completely from the shoe's carbon fibre base to provide improved insulation in both hot and cold conditions while reducing the effects of sweating. Other notable features include a replaceable heel pad to ensure that walking in the M7s doesn't feel too much like ice skating and a ratchet strap with interior velcro adjustment. Moreover, the ratchet housing mechanism itself can be screwed into one of two holes for super fine tuning. While not exactly featherweights by modern standards, the M7s shouldn't weigh you down too much - our test pair of size 44s tipped the scales at 745g. Available sizes go from 39 to 48 with half sizes between 41 and 45. /BA Price: US$399 Denver-based ROL Wheels may be a small company in stature, Photo ©: James Huang ROL D'HUEZ wheelset Cyclingnews continues its investigation into whether or not medium cost wheelsets from some lesser-known companies really can offer up the performance of some of their more premium-tagged counterparts from the major industry players. Colorado-based ROL Wheels lists just five wheelsets in its catalog, but its reasonably priced D'HUEZ climbing model still tips the scales at a competitive 1448g for the pair without skewers (614/834g front/rear). The D'HUEZ uses a 27mm deep alloy clincher rim laced with Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes and alloy DT ProLock nipples in a 20/24h front/rear pattern to custom sealed bearing hubs that incorporate an aluminum freehub body. The D'HUEZ is offered in both Campagnolo and Shimano-compatible versions (with interchangeable bodies), and skewers are included. Price: US$595 Three and half hours of footage across two DVDs Photo ©: Greg Johnson Battle of the Bikes DVD This two-disc set documents the intense rivalry between two of the pioneers in time trial positioning throughout the 1990s: Graeme Obree with his eccentric style and homemade bike, and Chris Boardman's highly scientific approach to training and preparation. Included in the set is a portrait of Obree's rise from an amateur cyclist to world record holder and world pursuit champion (followed by the UCI's banning of his bike and unique riding position) as well as a highlight of how Obree built his unconventional machine, which used bearings from an old washing machine. For serious Obree fanatics, the bonus disc has more of the Scotsman's exploits on the British time trial scene plus an interview with cycling photographer Phil O'Connor. Price: RRP AUD$ 79.95 Positioning guru Steve Hogg shares his 18 years of experience Photo ©: Greg Johnson Sitting Pretty with Steve Hogg, The Fundamentals of Bike Positioning DVD Sydney-based positioning guru Steve Hogg has become world renowned for his insights into the black art of bike fitting and now shares his knowledge and experience in this double DVD set. Hogg believes that, as compared to all the money poured into bike development, there is a remarkable lack of good information on how to maximise one's cycling comfort and efficiency. If you suffer from any form of discomfort while cycling then Hogg's advice could potentially make the difference between enjoyable cycling and being forced to stop due to chronic pain or injury. Starting with the fundamentals of good positioning and fitness, the film moves on to address women's specific issues, pelvic asymmetry, limb length discrepancies and potential injuries resulting from a poorly fitting bike. More on Hogg's work over the past three years can also be found on the Cyclingnews Form & Fitness section. Price: RRP AUD$ 69.95 Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com Zipp's premium line evolves from 'Z-Series' to ZEDTECH, and the ZED4 is its premier all-purpose road racing wheelset. Zipp applies the aero-enhancing dimpling treatment to the hybrid ceramic bearing-equipped hubs as well. Zipp's new Tangente tubulars are claimed to save 1-3 watts at race pace. Who said tires can't be aero? FSA revises its top-level K-Force carbon fiber handlebar to offer better fit, more flexible positioning, and lighter weight. Images by Greg Johnson/Cyclingnews Carnac's M7 shoes are available in two colours - blue and silver or just silver. They do look different, honest. The replaceable heel provides a more upright position when walking and adds extra grip, too. Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com Denver-based ROL Wheels may be a small company in stature, but claims to offer big company performance with its D'HUEZ wheelset. Custom-built sealed bearing hubs utilize an aluminum freehub body and large-diameter alloy axles that roll on precision cartridge bearings. Images by Greg Johnson/Cyclingnews Three and half hours of footage across two DVDs should satisfy even the most hardcore time trial enthusiasts. Positioning guru Steve Hogg shares his 18 years of experience working with everyone from weekend warriors to world champions in this double DVD set.