Bicycle Tech

Orbea Carbon OIZ Soft Tail

2006-09-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

We've all seen those pictures of the Six13 version of the Cannondale Scapel at last years Eurobike, a custom made one-off carbon/Al frame for Christophe Sauser. While Cannondale was worried about how to make a reverse-steering bike, Orbea went ahead and carbonized their OIZ soft tail XC bike, filling our need for a stiff, lightweight, carbon, soft-tail, XC race machine for 2007. As for carbon/ti soft tail action, Serotta's got that covered.

Another shot of this sexy bike here and here.

Related articles:
EuroBike 2006 (bikemagic.com)
Spy pics: Orbea Oiz Carbon (mtbr.com)

Cannondale Lefty Righty; Righty Lefty

2006-09-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Check out this reverse-steering bike action from Cannondale at Demo Days. Turn left, it goes right. Turn right, it goes left. This was retro-fitted onto a 'DayDodger', another cruiser-style bike new for this year. So is the lefty fork still on the left...or the right? What will those crazy cats at Cannondale come up with next, a motocross bike? Yeah right.

Interbike 2006

2006-09-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of Interbike Outdoor Demo 2006 in Nevada. Photos are just starting to get posted and so far there isn't much to get excited about. I anticipate seeing more 29er bikes/wheels/tires, new XTR on everything, SRAM Force groupo on the few road bikes, and what's a new bike without carbon fiber? Notably, Trek, Bell Sports, and Chris King are back at the show. Check out Interbike's 'Official' blog. For audio updates for your ipod, subscribe to Crooked Cog's daily podcasts.

Red 5 Hydraulic Shifting

2006-09-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season for bike shows! Those lucky buggers across the pond get first peaks at new gear from Eurobike and EICMA. No, it's not the carbon-this and carbon-that, that's got me excited. Carbon was SO 1995. It's hydraulic shifting. Red 5, a start-up company from Germany has done a swell job of constructing a fully functional and well developed shifting system for mountain bikes. It's not our first forray into hydraulic shifting (see The Machinist's mod and Shimano's patent) but it's the closest to a working or finished product we've seen yet. From cyclingnews.com, it is reported that shifting is 'nearly frictionless, light, and performs with perfect accuracy'. The whole setup including F/R shifters, F/R derailleurs, with lines and fluid weigh 495 grams. Compare that to my XO setup of 538 grams. Hold your horses - don't sell your new XTR just yet. This hydraulic shifting system costs a cool 1500 EU (that's $2000 USD). Only 5 sets are currently in existence and they've already been spoken for. And then there's that pesky US patent Shimano has over hydraulic shifting. Looks like most of us will be stuck with shifting by good 'ol cable for a while yet.

Related article:
German outfit 5 Red introduces fully hydraulic shifter and derailleur set (cyclingnews.com)

Colnago Goes Taiwanese for 2007: CLX

2006-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

There hasn't been many postings of Colnago's plans for 2007. Those visiting Milano, Italy wouldn't be able to find much in the way of new bikes, aside from the tweaked Extreme C bike, the Extreme Power. Turns out, we were looking in the wrong place. Try Taiwan. Yes, the Italian bicycle manufacurer has decided to outsource their building of a new line of affordable carbon fiber bikes, designed in-house, the CLX line. From the horses mouth:

"My new CLX is a high performance yet affordable carbon fiber bicycle. We have designed the CLX here in Cambiago in our ColnagoLab, then brought the manufacturing to Taiwan to bring the price down to a more affordable level. For years, our customers have been asking us for a more affordable carbon fiber bicycle but we didn't want to make anything cheap and unreliable. We have done a lot of testing and now we know the CLX deserves the name Colnago."

This is a first for the pure Italian company. Affordable, sure. But would you really buy a Colnago made in Taiwan?

Read more:
Colnago 2007 (cyclingnews.com)

2007 Giant Bikes

2006-08-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

MBA has the latest pictures of the production versions of Giant's full suspension carbon bikes, the Anthem Advanced and Trance Advanced. The Anthem is a Maestro 3.5" travel 24 pound XC bike with a miriad of tube shapes. Rounding out the kit will be 2007 Shimano XTR TRIGGER shifters (read: not dual shifters), Fox 32F-X fork, and Mavic CrossMax SLR wheels. I can hear the bolts loosening off of weight weenie NRS owners' bikes now.

The carbon Trance is a 4.5" travel all-terain 26 pound bicycle with edgy tube shapes, finished off with SRAM X.O. and Race Face components, and Mavic CrossMax wheels. Both can be had in the 2007 season for a cool $6000.

Related articles:
Giant Rolls Out Its 2007 Bikes (mbaction.com)
Giant 2007 Carbon Trance Advanced & Anthem Advanced

Carbon Fox Fork

2006-08-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

For those longing for a lightweight alternative to the Fox fork, check this out. No, sadly it's not a production or even a prototype. From the translation, it's a one-off replica of an F80 fork using ultra-exotic carbon. The crown and fork assemblies where cast and molded to produce this 1350g 'faux' fork.

Read more in german here.

2007 Scott Bikes: Spark and Addict

2006-08-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Scott has a couple new bikes for the 2007 season. Sticking to what they do best lately, these new bikes will be carbon fiber and super light. The Spark is their new ultra-light short travel full suspension bike Thomas Frischknecht will be racing this season. Word on the street is the frame and shock weigh a mere 4 lbs, complete bike weighing 22 lbs. Familiar to Scott-fans is the thick carbon weave seen on their CR1, Scale, and Ransom bikes, giving this frame the stiffness and low weight we've come to expect from Scott. Scott utilizes a new frame building technology dubbed Moulded Integrated Process.

Not to leave the financially challenged out of the carbon road frame market, Scott has introduced the Addict line. These frames will be a step down from their CR1 frames, with a LTD edition model with an integrated seat-post (just under 1000 grams for frame and fork).

More Carbon from Cannondale: Rush and Taurine

2006-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Cannondale will follow up the System 6 with new carbon frames for their mountain bikes in 2007. And these aren't your father's Ravens' either. Cannondale has taken their Rush marathon bike and molded a carbon frame that yields a frame weight 300 grams lighter than it's aluminum predecessor. The Lefty carbon fork incoporates an integrated one-piece stem and steerer tube for further weight reduction and increased stiffness. Team bikes will sport 2-piece Hollowgram SI cranks, SRAM X.O. components, and Mavic CrossMax SLR wheels.

A first for Cannondale is their carbon hardtail, the Taurine. The super sized tubes and special hour-glass-shaped headtube make this 1250 gram (claimed) frame a super stiff contender in the ever crowded carbon hardtail arena.

Related articles:
Cannondale 2007 bikes (bikemagic.com)
Cannondale 2007 (singletrackworld.com)

Skunk never smelt so good: 2007 XTR Reviewed

2006-08-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Skunkworks is a division of Shimano that gets to develop and test the latest and greatest toys that come out of Osaka Japan. Kinda like SRAM's Black Box, Trek's ACG, Intense F.R.O, or - well, you get the idea. We've seen the not-so-super-secret 2007 Shimano XTR offerings all over the web for the past few months, all the way from prototype to finished product. And finally, these goodies get to be ridden by us them mere mortals. Reviews have started to pop up over the internet with first ride impressions being quite positive. In general, the entire XTR group is lighter, ergonomically friendlier, more durable, and performs better than its predecessor. The group uses new materials like carbon/ti in the chainrings and scandium in the wheel rims. More options in component selection are available with 3 different rotor sizes, hydraulic brakes with shifters or without shifters, and 4 rear derailleur types (conventional long, conventional short, low long, low short). Follow the links below to read more about riding impressions of Shimano's 2007 XTR group.

Detours of the Real World - A Balancing Act

2006-08-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

So it turns out that starting a new job that requires your attention for 80 hours a week doesn't leave much time to surf and blog about the latest and greatest bicycle componentry and technology. I feel bad - real bad - for letting this site go by the wayside. I guess after the whole Landis scandal and everything else going wrong in the world today, talking about cool bicycle shat didn't seem substantial anymore. Balancing work, family, and hobbies gets hard nowadays but it has to happen to stay sane - so I can stay sane! I promise I'm working on a few new posts and even a new look for the site. Surfing 9rules.com gets the creative juices cookin'. There's a ton of new eye candy coming out for the 2007 season and beyond that's sure to get people talking. I'm officially wiping clean the cobwebs around here and starting anew. This site will not be abandoned!

Dessel Dons Yellow After Surprise Win

2006-07-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

After an astonishing 10 minute breakaway in Stage 10, the first mountain stage of this year's tour, Cyril Dessel takes the yellow jersey. He rides atop his btwin racing FC700 all carbon bike. More famous for thier production of city and touring bikes, btwin is a brand under Decathlon. The FC700 is quite visually unique in the hard-edged tube shapes most noticeably in the bottom bracket area and the semi-integrated seatpost. Dessel rides his FC700 with full Campagnolo Record components. The fork is made in conjunction with TIME. A 55cm frame weighs 1.07kg, claimed. Btwin has a nice flash site, fc700.com showcasing their peleton offering.

Gonchar's Giant TT bike gives him the yellow

2006-07-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Serguei Gonchar cleans the competition to take the yellow after Stage 7's TT race. Aboard his Giant Composite bike, complete with integrated seatpost, air-slicing headtube, and slick aero tubing, Gonchar finished a full minute ahead of the next fastest cyclist, Floyd Landis (who switched bikes after a handlebar problem on his BMC Timemachine.)

Read more at MagentaReign.com

Update: Check out Colnago's TT bike. Looks like a re-branded Giant.

Photo from Graham Watson

Tom Boonen's TIME VXRS Ulteam

2006-07-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

After stage 3, Tom Boonen snags the yellow jersey from mighty Thor atop his Time VXRS Ulteam. The super stiff frame is complimented with Campagnolo's Record alloy crank for this sprinter. This frame is a limited edition, 001/300, dressed up with Campy carbon Record, and Fulcrum Racing carbon wheels. Notice the new Champion paint scheme for 2007.

See more of Tom taking delivery of his bike here.

Update: Check out this great video on VeloNews; talking to the mechanic about Tom's bike.

Photo by Lennon/Getty Images

Thor Hushovd's LOOK 595

2006-07-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Thor Hushovd is back in yellow after today's Stage 2. Crossing the line today, unscathed from big cardboard hands (nevermind the blood, notice the 595 on the right, complete with carbon dura ace areo wheels - just sick), he crossed the finish line atop his LOOK 595 all-carbon bike. You may recall the previous post on LOOK's new flagship bike with integrated seat tube, internal cable housing, and new lightweight fork.

Picture from Graham Watson

Enough Mavic Wheels in 2007 To Make You 'Cross'-Eyed

2006-07-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

For 2007, Mavic is giving the consumer more options with new wheelsets for every type of rider out there. As we speculated before, the new CrossMax SLR's are the top of the line XC specific wheelset in both V and disc brake versions. For the V-brakes, the SLR's have caRRRRRbon fiber hubs and aluminum and titanium parts to reduce this race wheelset down to a weight of 1410g claimed. The disc wheelset will retain the alloy hubs and more spokes with a weight of 1520g claimed. Look for the red spoke. Mavic keeps the CrossMax SL line as a slightly heavier and whiter XC wheelset (with a yellow spoke). The CrossMax ST version (pictured above) is rated as a long distance mountain wheel. The subtle laser-etched logos and black color give this 1660g disc wheelset a stealthy look. Rounding out the CrossMax line is the CrossMax SX, a freeride, heavyduty disc only wheelset. If those aren't enough choices for you, below the CrossMax are the Crosslands, Crossrides, and Crosstrails each with V or disc brake versions.

Can't wait to see the new carbon paired-spoke road racing wheels, Rouesartisanales.com eluded to previously.

Read more at singletrackworld.com.

George's Trek Madone SSL

2006-07-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

George Hincapie took the yellow jersey in Stage 1 of the TdF with the all popular Trek Madone SSL. According to VeloNews, this Madone SSL is only 1 of 4 in the world. Given Lance's prototype Madone SSLx of last year, I wonder what prototype bits are in this frame?

Update: Cyclingnews.com has news of Trek's Madone 6.9 SSL frame, a "true horizontal top tube sub 900g frame". New carbon (Defence Grade High Modulus Carbon fiber - that's not the name, it's the type of carbon) and new "Low Solids" paint allow 56cm frame to weigh 890 grams. This Madone version is lighter than Lance's SSLx bike of the 2005 TdF. Check out the special mount to screw on weights in order to meet the UCI 6.8kg minimum. Read more.

Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Thor Hushovd's LOOK 496

2006-07-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Thor Hushovd's LOOK time trial bike doesn't look disimilar to the LOOK 496 bike of 2 years ago. The all carbon frame has the unique headtube/fork hinge design that is shared with the BMC Time Machine ridden by Floyd Landis and the Phonak team.

Picture from FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images.

Yellow Tech

2006-07-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

I'm going to sit back and enjoy the tour while it's on (as you should too!), so my Bicycle Tech feelers won't be reaching out as far as they normally would. But I don't like the thought of not contributing to this blog at all, so I'm starting a little segment called Yellow Tech where I'll highlight the bike ridden by the yellow jersey. If you subscribe to BT and are one that will TIVO/DVR the day's race, you might want to wait until after you've watched the race to read the blog. You've been warned!

Of course if something elsewhere in the bicycle tech world worth mentioning pops up, I'll let you know.

Thanks for reading. LMW

New Fuel Frame from Trek?

2006-06-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Looks like those boys and gals in the ACG team at Trek have something cooking in the oven and it smells like carbon. The Trek newsletter, Exit 180, has a mystery photo of a tubeset for a new bike. No details are given other than it will be lighter and more efficient than its predesessor and that a built up bike will be shown in next month's newsletter. Looks definitely like a revamped Fuel bike, probably using a new mix of carbon formula seen it's road counterparts. Possibly even a new suspension design that will be more "efficient".

2007 Campagnolo Record

2006-06-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

It's what you've been waiting for. The good folks at Roues Artisanales have finally posted pictures of the much lusted re-designed Record carbon group from Campagnolo. On the same day, cyclingnews.com has photos of Wilier Triestina's new Cento bike fully dressed in 2007 Record goodness. The group uses the UltraTorque 2 piece crankset (of course) in both standard and compact configurations. The brakes look to be alloy sharing the same machined look than it's younger sibbling has. The Record shifters will be the only Campagnolo shifter that will allow multiple down-shifts; all others will be limited to a quick single shift mechanism. Again, like the Veloce group seen before, the Record transmision is emblazoned with 'Quick Shift' logos, apparently a new technology that, what else, improves shifting at a lighter weight. Who will be the first to put these componets on a scale to give us some real world weights?

Related articles:
Campagnolo 2007 Record Pictures! (rouesartisanales.com)
Campagnolo 2007 Veloce Picture
Campagnolo 2007; 5th Part; Veloce 2007 (rouesartisanales.com)
Campagnolo Goes Hollow with New BB Design
2007 Ultra Torque Pictures
2007 Campagnolo; More Info
Campagnolo 2007: All About 10 Speed

Back in Black! New Mavic CrossMax SLR

2006-06-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the tip, Dan. Looks like those intrepid folks in the mtbr forums took a pic of a new Mavic 26" mountain bike rear disc wheel, labeled 'CrossMax SLR'. You know only good things come from SLR monikers. The CrossMax SL's were introduced in 2003 as a "Super-Light" successor to the CrossMax wheelset. Not the lightest wheelset available at the time, but they were pretty darn stiff and light enough for most. The SLR promises to be an even lighter version of the SL, making many wonder what the 'R' could possibly stand for. Any ideas? Hmmm, let's see... CaRRRRRbon hubs? KevlaRRRRRR spokes? Black and lighter are definitely the themes at Mavic for 2007. All owners of black bikes rejoice! Black is...um, back!

Read forum thread here.

Update: These new wheels were spotted being tested in Canada, eh!

2007 Lemond Website

2006-06-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

Kinda late, but nonetheless... the Lemond website has been updated with their 2007 line. As per previous reports, the road racing bikes include the all carbon Triomphe series (Victoire, Zurich, Buenos Aires, Versailles), Aluminum/carbon spine (Chambery, Alpe D'Huez), aluminum (Tourmalet, Reno, Etape), and steel (Sarthe). There are additionally triatholon specific bikes (Rennes, Limoges), cross (Poprad), and track (Fillmore). Where's the Tete de Course with the Bontrager XXX?! Check out the website at lemondbikes.com.

Related articles:
Lemond 2007; Triomphe and Aluminum/Carbon spine
Lemond Triomphe: Compfortable, Stable, and Plenty Stiff
Lemond Triomphe - full carbonb sub 1 kg

Lighter Mavic Wheels for 2007

2006-06-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

More reports about the 2007 Mavic product line are just starting to come out with the keyword being lighter. Over in the mtbr forums, one member claims to have seen a 2007 CrossMax XL wheelset. The wheels are reportedly still black and will sport the ~~machined-rim-between-spokes~~ ISM Milling as its lighter sibblings have in the past. The claimed weight is also 300 grams lighter than the previous model bringing a rim-brake set down to 1315 grams (claimed)! Read the forum thread here.

Roues Artisanale has news of 2007 Ksyrium TdF race wheels, again, claiming to be 300 grams lighter, bringing a wheelset down in the range of 980-1280 grams. Other details include 45mm rim height, traditionally laced Kevlar spokes, 18/20 spokes up front, and 24 in the rear. The short post ends with, "the wheels seem to be a Lightweight/Bontrager mix." Hmmm, that wouldn't be the first time Bontrager teamed up with someone else in product development. Can't wait to see some pictures of these new French/German/~~American~~ Freedom wheels.

Update: Roues Artisanales has edited their post to say, "look like Lightweight/Bontrager mix" and state that they are paired spoke, which would be a first for Mavic.

Related articles:
Bontrager and Friends
I just checked out the 2007 Mavic Crossmax XL (mtbr.com)
Mavic New Wheel (rouesartisanales.com)

Look Ma', No Chain!

2006-06-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hmm, what's missing here on this bike? The Dekra D-Drive bike has its transmission inside the chainstay, doing away with that 140 year old chain. Shifting through the bevy of all three gears is accomplished though an internally geared hub (what did I tell ya?). This little bit of comfort-tech is quite similar to (if not the exact same) as Biomega's Shaft-Drive system on their Coppenhagen bike, or Incline Sport Comfort Cross 3 Bike, or Bike Valley Co.'s Tara. These bikes would be great for commuters - no more tucking the pant leg into your socks! That's hot. The bike is being imported to the US by Dynacraft.

Campagnolo 2007 Veloce Picture

2006-06-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Rouesartisanales.com has posted a picture of Campagnolo's new Veloce groupset. Now in black, the Veloce group features the Ultra Torque 2-piece crankset, machined brake calipers, and new shifting mechanisms (one down-shift at a time). Compare the new set with the old set.

Related articles:
Campagnolo 2007; 5th Part; Veloce 2007 (rouesartisanales.com)
Campagnolo Goes Hollow with New BB Design
2007 Ultra Torque Pictures
2007 Campagnolo; More Info
Campagnolo 2007: All About 10 Speed

Serotta Beat Cancer Team Wins RAAM 24 Hour - Sets New Record

2006-06-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Just an update on those dudes in pink. The Serotta sponsored Beat Cancer Team won Race Across America (RAAM) 24 hour Corporate Challenge, plus set a new record for the course. From Oceanside, CA to Flagstaff, AZ, the team rode with a time of 1.00.24, averaging 20.04 mph. The next closest team was 2 hours behind them. Congratulations.

Donations to the Breast Cancer Fund can be made at raceplan.com. The bikes, 8 Legend Ti STs, will be auctioned off there as well. Race results can be found at cyclingnews.com.

Update: Pezcyclingnews.com just released a write-up about their win. Read more.

Related articles:
Breast Cancer Fund: Pink Bikes

2007 Campagnolo: All About 10 Speed

2006-06-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to upgrade to 10 speeds but just could find the bones to afford it. Well, your wait is over. Bike Sport News has details of Campagnolo's 2007 entry-level group, the Xenon - now a 10 speed group. The group will feature Campagnolo's new Quick Shift technology that apparently helps with shifting under load. The new 'escape mechanim' allows the "component [to become] weight-related easier and absolutely maintenance-free." (Huh?) The Xenon group will sport only a compact crank.

Also featured is the 10 speed Mirage group that will get the uber-cool Ultra Torque crankset in both standard and compact setup. Quick Shift and the escape mechanism are new to this group as well.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

Related Articles:
Campagnolo 2007: completely in the indication of 10 speed (Bike Sport News)
Campagnolo: 2007 All at 10 speeds (PPol: News)

Kona 2007 Podcast

2006-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Exciting times at Kona bikes right now. Singletrackworld.com has a vlog recording the Kona 2007 Launch across the pond. 15 new bikes. Great names. Lighter frames. New logos. Check it out. To subscribe to singletrackworld.com's podcasts for iTunes, here's the link. For pictures, see this post. For the video, click the picture above.

2007 Wisconsin Insider Photos

2006-06-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

I found this thread in the Passion forum at mtbr.com. A couple nice pictures of the new Lemond Triomphe series carbon bike and carbon chainstay on a Fisher ~~Race Day,~~ ~~Sugar(?)~~, HiFi bike. Looks like Gary just couldn't throw away the Sugar mold just quite yet. Get psyched for the up-coming 2007 Trek Press launch, Interbike, and the Trek Show.

Related articles:
I return to you from the land of cheese and beer (forums.mtbr.com)
Spyshots: GF FS SS 29er
Lemond Triomphe: Comfortable, Stable, and Plenty Stiff
2007 Lemond; Triomphe and Aluminum/Carbon Spine
Lemond Triomphe: Full Carbon sub 1kg

Niner Bike's R.I.P. 9

2006-06-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

Niner Bikes has fully disclosed info on their new full-suspension 29er offering, the R.I.P. (Roll In Peace) 9. Frame weight is 6.5 pounds for a medium. 4.5" of travel. Custom butted and drawn 7005 aluminum. Read more here, here and here.

Tech Surf

2006-06-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one while I'm out of the country (and thus, away from a steady internet connection):

SRAM Goes Big: SRAM unveils freeride and downhill gear for 2007. New Rock Shox forks and disc brake offerings from the other 'S' (Cyclingnews.com). More here too (NSMB.com).
Cervelo's mighty TT machine, the P3: Breif overview of Cervelo's carbon TT racing machine (RoadcyclingUK.com).
Fibre-Lyte carbon chainrings, 2nd part: Long term (35 hours, 1200 km) test of these carbon chainrings. One broken tooth (Rouesartisanales.com).
Cannondale's New System Six: Good overview and pictures of Cannondale's new race bike integrating carbon and alloy (CAAD 9) (Velonews.com).
Kona 2007: nice pictures here, here, here and here.
Gary Fisher 2007 29er Paragon pics (twentynineinches.com).
Jan Ullhric's My Space Account. 'Nuff said.

And don't forget to check other blog's I read:

Lemond Triomphe: Comfortable, Stable, and Plenty Stiff

2006-06-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Those were the take-home points from Pezcylingnews.com's first impressions of Lemond's 2007 Triomphe. Confirming previous reports, the new all-carbon offering from Lemond was designed entirely independent from Trek, thus, "felt noticeably different" when comparing it to the Madone. The reviewer goes on to say:

"I didn’t have to think about what the bike was doing, which allowed me to enjoy the idiotic grin on my face, crazy look in my eyes, and yelps of glee from my mouth as I chased Greg"

Uh huh. Anyhoo, if you hadn't noticed, a lot of unique tube shaping went into making the Triomphe frame to achieve this confidence-inspiring ride. For example, notice the assymetrical chainstays on the left.

Pezcyclingnews.com also hints at how Lemond will incorporate the Triomphe 'series' into the Lemond line. The Triomphe series will include the Versailles ($1979), Buenos Arires ($2419), Zurich ($2639), Victoire ($4289) and the 850 gram ~~Penultimate~~ Ultimate Tete de Course ($$$$$). The previously reported aluminum/carbon spine bikes will be the Alp D'Huez ($1800) and the Chambery ( $2100).

Related articles:
Pez Rides Lemond's New Triomphe
2007 Lemond; Triomphe and Aluminum/Carbon Spine
Lemond Triomphe - full carbon sub 1kg

TIME For Some New Paint in 2007

2006-06-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

Rouesartisanales.com has posted pictures of new TIME ~~bikes~~ paint schemes for 2007. Pictures of the VXRS Ulteam, VXR, VXS, and Edge ~~frames~~ 'modules' are included. The post also mentions the use of Campagnolo's new Carbon Centaur rear derailleur for 2007.

Read more and see more here.

Breast Cancer Fund: Pink Bikes

2006-06-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Serotta is providing the Beat Cancer 24-Hour Race Across America (RAAM) Team with eight special edition Legend Ti ST frames painted tastefully in pink. I must say, it's the best looking pink bike I've seen. After the race, the bikes will be auctioned off to raise money for the Breast Cancer Fund. The auction will be on raceplan.com, mid-June. More pictures of the team and bikes can be found here, here, and here. Speedgoat.com is also raffling off a special edition Moots Compact loaded with one-off pink ano parts, again, for the BCF. If that's not enough pink bike for ya, check out this site (no it's not a link to 'Pinkbike.com' but there ya go).

Support Serotta. Support breast cancer research. Support guys in pink tights. Well, 2/3 ain't bad. Off my soap box.

Look 595 - A True All-Carbon

2006-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

RoadcyclingUK.com has more pictures of the new LOOK bike, the 595. Pictures of the new Tour bike leaked out four weeks ago on rbr.com forums (via bicidacorsa.com) but now we have details and close up pictures. Following in the footsteps of Giant and Time, LOOK has integrated their seatpost into the frame. The seat is affixed to the frame/seatpost by a "bung" system (yeah, I don't know either), a sort-of mini-seatpost that wedges into the frame held in place by elastomer bands. Being masters of carbon, the new 595 is truly an all-carbon frame, meaning carbon lugs, drop outs, and BB shell. The only alloy on the entire bike are the BB threads and the bottle cage threads. This use of carbon and a new fork design (HSC6) allow the 595 to be lighter than the 585 (1052 grams, real world weight, 55cm sans seatpost) and stiffer to boot. Also new for the 595 is internal downtube cable routing.

Related articles:
FIRST LOOK: Look 595 (roadcyclingUK.com)
Look 595 Pics (rbr.com)
Look 595 (bicidacorsa.com)
Look 595 (roues artisanales.com)

Trek Equinox TTX Closeup

2006-06-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

RoadcyclingUK.com gets up close and personal with Trek's new Equinox TTX bike ridden by George Hincapie. Most notable is the Bontrager cockpit shown above. The Equinoix TTX frame is made from OCLV 120 carbon.

Read more here and here.

2007 Lemond; Triomphe and Aluminum/Carbon Spine

2006-06-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

I completely missed the boat on this one. This post made more than a week ago over at Brickwheels.com highlights the changes going on within Lemond for 2007. Aside from the much talked about Triomphe and Triomphe Ultimate, Lemond will do away with (sit down and get ready...) the titanium and steel spine bikes in place of aluminum and carbon spine bikes. Also gone for 2007 are the beloved panel paint scheme, to the dismay of some Lemond fans. The new aluminum spine bikes are reportedly the same weight as current ti/carbon spine bikes but stiffer. There will also be three all carbon models, the budget friendly Versaille, the Triomphe and the Triomphe Ultimate, differing by type of carbon and method of lay up. These bikes will also have integrated headtubes, headsets and forks.

Read more here and here.

Bianchi Road Line Revealed for 2007

2006-06-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Bianchi released details of their 2007 lineup in a BianchiPressEvent in Treviglio, Italy. There will be a few changes to the 2007 line. Trying to make it easier for the consumer to choose a bike, they have re-categorizing all their bikes: road into HoC, B4P, and C2C; mountain into Racing, Performance, and Leisure. Right...easier. Anyhow, Bianchi's 2007 lineup will incorporate carbon Nanotechnology, developed in-house, to their flagship HoC line of bikes, including the 928 SL seen previously. As stated by Bianchi's R&D Manager:

"The inspiration for a new frame can be provided by a sudden idea while you are riding. We are able to turn this fantasy into reality thanks to technology."

Hmm...BMC uses Easton carbon Nanotechnology. Let's use it too! I kid. Price for a 928 SL is a cool 9000 EU (that's $11, 383.20 USD - gulp). Weight for a 55cm is claimed to be 900 grams. The moutain bike range has yet to be announced, but I suspect their inspirational Nanotechnology to be used here as well, in their full-carbon frame and Al/carbon frame. Also new next year is the option of a SRAM Force 10 group. No mention of the Campagnolo UltraTorque integrated BB/crankset.

This event also marked the departure of Bianchi's product manager, Sky Yaeger. She has been with Bianchi for 17 years. Her last project involved designing the graphics for the 2007 29er SS Rita bike. Sweet, panels.

Related articles:
2007 Bianchi 928 Superlight
BianchiPressEvent: Bianchi Presents the 2007 Reparto Corse Road and MTB Range (bianchi.com)
Bianchi Unveils 2007 Reparto Corse Road and Moutain Bike Range (bicycleretailer.com)
Sky Yaeger to Leave Bianchi (bicycleretailer.com)
Behind Bianchi Lines (cyclingnews.com)
Bianchi 2007 Sneak Peak (pezcyclingnews.com)

Surly 2 Geared Fixed Bike Hub

2006-06-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

Singletrack.com published a spy shot taken of a fixed bicycle running 2 gears on a Surly hub. Kinda looses the simplicity of a fixed geared bicycle, don't you think?

Read more.

2007 Bianchi 928 Superlight

2006-06-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Pez Cycling has some photos of the new full carbon Bianchi bike, the 928 Superlight. Superlight, meaning 900 grams for an unspecified size. The frame appears to be highly shaped and was built up with SRAM componentry. Official release of the 2007 line will be next week and should include the highly anticipated 29er mountain bike. Read more.

Related articles:
Bianchi 2007 Sneak Peak (pezcyclingnews.com)

Stan's NoTube System Patented

2006-06-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

On devil's day, Stan's Tubeless tire conversion kit, "NoTubes" gets patent #7055569. The abstract:

"The present invention provides a compound, system, and method for retrofitting and converting standard bicycle rims and tires having tube to be tubeless. Standard tube tires are retrofitted by installing either rim tape or a rim strip with integral valve stem around the inner channel of the rim, mounting the first bead of the tire, injecting a liquid sealing compound into the tire cavity, finishing mounting the tire, inflating and installing the tire on a bicycle. The sealing compound may additionally contain propylene glycol or an aggregate material to encourage the sealing of the tires as punctures occur when the tire system is placed into use."

In case you've been living under a rock for the past 6 years, Stan's NoTube rim strip and tire sealant system has been converting weight weenie's tubed wheelset and tires to run tubeless. What are the advantages of this, you ask? Besides being able to run lighter wheelsets and tires, you can run your tires at low pressures, thus gaining traction and loosing rolling resistance. You are also immune to such annoyances as puctures and pinch flats. The NoTube website has some impressive pictures of poor tires resembling Hellraiser's Pinhead. Here's a great overview at TheBikingHub.com.

The tubeless sealant craze began with the weenies over in the Save Some Weight forum at mtbr.com. Like any new product, it had some hiccups. Criticisms were equal to the praises back then. After some fine tuning, however, Stan has produced a fine product that many racers and weekend warriors now swear by.

Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Since Stan's NoTubes, other tubeless tire sealants, or parts of it, have hit the market: Eclipse Tubeless kits, Flat Attack, Maxxis TS rim strips, Bontrager Super Juice, just to name a few.

NoTubes has expanded their product range to include wheelsets, disc rotors, and even a tire, to satisify the weight weenie bug in all of us.

Related articles:
Inner Tubes? We don't need no stinking inner tubes! (cyclingnew.com)

666 - The System Six Arrives

2006-06-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

No surprise here. Cannondale has opened the doors to the System Six bike on their website. All details about the bike are laid out, with various pictures, as well as a couple interesting videos that delve into the frame and its manufacturing details. Cyclingnews.com also covered Gord Frasier's System Six prototype as seen at the TdG. Doesn't the '6' badge on the headtube remind you of Lance's '7' bike?

Related articles:
More 6, Less 13; Cannondale System Six
Bigger and Better (cyclingnews.com)
Born in Bedford; Meant for the Peleton (cyclingnews.com)

2007 Ultra Torque Pictures

2006-05-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

Procycling.be and Rouse Artisanale has some photos of Campagnolo's 2007 Ultra Torque crankset. As the Fairwheelbike forum post indicated before, the bottom bracket axle diameter appears quite large and engages with each other by small teeth. A shot of the BB and crank spider area shows a rather small q-factor. The pictures appear to be of a lower line of alloy Campagnolo components. Carbon versions of these cranks have yet to surface.

Related Articles:
Campagnolo Goes Hollow with New BB Design
2007 Campagnolo; More Info
Campagnolo's New BB Design (cyclingnews.com)
Campagnolo Ultra Torque (light-bikes.de)

2007 XTR Cranks; Another Shot

2006-05-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

This one is from Inbred over in the mtbr.com forums.

2007 XTR Cranks and Other Photos

2006-05-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Madskatingcow at ~~mountainbike.be~~ mtbr forums has posted real world pictures of 2007 Shimano XTR equipment. We've seen plent of pictures of the new shifters and derailleur, but this is the first sighting of XTR cranks and XTR front derailleur. The pictures are of XTR trigger shifters, XTR front derailleur, XTR disc brake controls and shifters, and the new XTR crank design. As I pointed out in a previous post, I rather like this new XTR look - more industrial looking. More like my SRAM stuff.

Previous reports suggested that the XTR design will have chainring compatibility with LX and XT models. There are also speculations that the middle and outer chainrings will be a hybrid ti/carbon.

Intense Prototype FRO Spider

2006-05-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Intense has released pics of a new racing frame, the FRO Spider. FRO stands for "For Racing Only" and represents a new line of Intense bikes that give the consumer, racing level equipment. The frame is made from Easton Ultra Lite tubing, claimed to be 4.9 lbs with shock. Compare this to an actual measured weight of a 2003 M Spider weighing 5.5 lbs (weightweenies.starbike.com). The Spider frame is designed around VPP suspension. Start saving your pennies because this frame is a limited production model, and as the name implies, recommended for racing only. The author made a point to state the frame has a "limited" warranty. Available this fall/winter. Read more.

2007 Campagnolo; More Information

2006-05-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Fairwheelbikes.com has a post by someone whose had their hands on 2007 Campagnolo equipment, including the new crank and BB combo. Straight from the horse's mouth:

"I just had my hands on 2007 Campy Prototypes. Unfortunately with the Rep present, photos were not an option. Here's what I can tell you from what I can remember:

ID of the BB spindle at the crank arm is a massive 25mm. This tapers internally through the Bearing and externally after the bearing (inside the shell so to speak. I couldn't get an idea of the diameter of spindle further down (my ring didn't compare to anything...) The interface in the center has 20 teeth aprox. 5mm deep on each side of the spindle that mesh much like two gears. A hollow alloy bolt holds the two sides together at 42Nm. I unfortunately didn't have a magnet handy so I can't tell you if the spindle with alloy or something else. The cups are seperate from the bearing and are sold seperately from the crank. The cups are the same through the range from Xenon to Record.

The Record cranks have been narrowed and made flat in order to keep the Q-factor the same as the current crank/bb set up. They're about 10mm thick at the edges, a small bulge down the center but otherwise flat and hollow. The most noticable part is that they're close to 50mm wide! The explaination given was that whatever is placed inside the crank before curing the carbon is then sucked out through a small hole in the back side of the crank (this is then covered by some sort of sticker on the prototype, I don't know how the production model will be).

Chorus cranks are nearly identical to Record, however won't be hollow. Centaur and down go to a forged alloy arm with a concave backside, in a similar shape from the front as the carbon cranks. Centaur will be available in black.

Centaur brakes are forged slightly different from Record and Chorus, with exposed bolts in the center where as Rec/Cho are hidden bolt forged. they're still nice and round but with hollows in the arms. As has been said above, similar in idea to ZG, only a lot prettier, as would be expected from Campy.

Most of the other changes are minor, however I have one change to make to my previous statements, Chorus will be going to the shifter that only allows 1 gear change at a time when going to smaller cogs. Record will remain the only one allowing you to dump as many gears as your thumb will allow. However, the shifting action on the thumb lever of the lower units is EXTREMELY shorts and VERY easy so tapping the lever multiple times for shifts will not be a problem. This new system also lightens up the levers pretty well and will make for an interesting dilemma when choosing shifters for a piece by piece build.

US delivery on the higher end parts will be late, Chorus and Record probably won't see light of day here prior to October. Bianchi will be delivery bikes with Mirage 10 at the end of this month for most markets, probably June/July in the states. These are the bikes that have been photographed and going around on WW forums.

More info as I get it."

We'll be watching closely for updates on the new Campagnolo equipment. Thanks NexusHeli.

Campagnolo Electronic Derailleur Patent

2006-05-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Campagnolo follows suit with their latest US patent #7048659 for electronic gear shifting mechanisms. Abstract:

"A motorized bicycle gear shift device comprising a derailleur and an electric motor, associated directly with the derailleur, for controlling the derailleur and an electric transducer of absolute type, also associated with the derailleur for producing an electric signal indicative of the absolute position of the movable body of the derailleur."

The descriptions and figures stay true to prototypes seen previously on the web.

Related articles
Eeckhout wins on Campagnolo Electric
Eye Spy: Campagnolo's 2nd generation Electric gruppo
More Campagnolo Electronic

Smarter Cycling Computers

2006-05-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

The wave of electrical patents and componentry may mark a new era in cycling, propelling something as basic as pedaling two wheels into the future. Along with publishing a patent for an electrical front hub generator, Shimano has patented a cycling computer whose display changes color/brightness based on the time of day (Patent #7049944: Bicycle Display with Color Changing Atributes). Based on the initial schematics, from 6am-10pm, the backlight will be orange, and from 10pm-6am, the backlight will be blue. Two questions: 1) how many people ride from 10pm to 6am; and 2) what about daylight savings time. A smarter display would be a backlit LCD that actually senses ambient light and changes display settings automatically, much like what my PDA does now.

This got me thinking about high-tech cycling computers. First it started with distance and speed, then adding cadence, inclination, altitude, and heart rate. Garmin's Edge 305 appears to be the end-all-be-all of cycling computers incorporating a GPS unit into a fully-loaded cycling computer and heart rate monitor, all in a clean wireless package.

Those little red computers often seen in the peleton are SRM displays showing the cyclist, along with their basic cycling information, their power output measured at the cranks. Every bit of information from riders' heart rate, speed, distance, and power output can also transmitted over a modem on the bike to team coaches as well as cable networks so television viewers can gage how their favorite peleton rider is doing during the race.

All these features in a cycling computer makes me wonder how far this bicycle technology will go. With today's 'iPod' and 'Blackberry' society, I wouldn't be surprised if the next generation of consumer cycling computers played your favorite music, take your voice calls, or check your e-mail, all while you ride your favorite singetrack. Hey, why not? Nike and Apple just teamed up to make the iPod a running computer, you can surf the web in a bicycle side-car in the Phillipines, and the Japanese have already replaced the rider with a robot. Whoa, scary. This conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.

Related articles:
A Touch of Formula One (cyclingnews.com)
Nike + Apple = iPod Sport Kit (gizmodo.com)

Electrical Front Hub Dynamo Assembly Patent

2006-05-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

We've seen Shimano's electrical generator rear hub before. It looks like the front end isn't immune to the eletricity bug. Shimano Patent #7048546 describes an eletrical generating front hub assembly and suspension fork design. From the description, the electrical wiring (hey, isn't it about time to incorporate some Bluetooth technology already!?) is integrated into the suspension fork leg. The electricity passes from the hub to the fork through a detachable wire that has been specifically designed to be, "repeatedly disconnected and reconnected to a dynamo hub without being damaged" so the front wheel can still be removed. The patent illustrates the use of this hub with a light but I imagine this can be applied to many situations such as supplying electricity to electrical gear shifters, cycling computer displays, charging a GPS unit, or powering circuitry in tomorrows intellegent suspension forks.

Old Man, New Trick: Boomerang Prototype

2006-05-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Old Man Mountain, a 4-person outfit based out of Santa Barbara, CA, has stepped out of their niche and into the arena of frame building. That niche was created 10 years ago when they marketed the first panier rack system for full suspension bikes. Finally, touring cyclists were open to the comfortable options of full suspension bikes without being limited on what to pack.

All that custom welding for their racks must have fired up some creative juices. Kent, from OMM, gave Bicycle Tech the heads up on a prototype full suspension frame they have built and are testing, dubbed the Boomerang. As Kent states, "it's designed to take you there and bring you back". The frame is designed around a Rohloff 14-speed internally geared hub (see Internal Gear Boxes Making a Comeback), is single pivot, and has 4.75" of rear travel. Another unique design on this frame is the positioning of the rear disk, tucked away safely between both seat and chain stays.

The prototype was finished in February and quickly won 1st prize for aluminum bike at the North American Hand Made Bike Show in March. Spy photos of the Boomerang (seen above) were taken at Sea Otter at dirtragmag.com. Kent says, "[i]f you are looking for a bike with a cassette and derailleurs, then you need to look somewhere else. We think internally geared hubs are the only way to go for mountain bikes."

Related articles:
Handmade meets high tech (cyclingnews.com)
Dirt Rag Fresh Dirt (dirtragmag.com)

More 6, less 13: Cannondale System Six

2006-05-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Cannondale has launched another mixed breed road frame, the System Six. Cannondale's website has been teasing us with this flash promo, counting down to the launch date of 06-06-06, with the tag line, "This is not a fashion statement", whatever that means? Prototypes of this new frame were already spotted at the Tour of Georgia, making this a likely replacement for the Six13 race bike. Though not the lightest frame on the market (1115 grams in some undisclosed size), Cannondale has stepped up their R&D revenue to bring a frame that exceeds Six13 stats:

"The company’s test lab data indicates that the new System Six down tube is 44 percent torsionally stiffer than the Six13 down tube. The top tube tests 304 percent laterally stiffer. The head tube is 36.8 percent stiffer."

Those numbers are quite impressive. The System Six frame is much like Lemond's spine design, except backwards, taking a full carbon front end (headtube, toptube, and downtube) and mating it with an aluminum back end (seattube and stays). In doing so, Cannondale hopes to capture the acceleration of a CAAD8 aluminum frame with the lightness of a Six13. Another notable difference with this new frame is the conical headtube that tapers from 1.25" top cup to 1.5" bottom cup. This will make upgrading forks real fun.

Time will tell whether the System Six can hold its own against other currently available racing frames. Mixing frame materials was so 2004 and it seams that the current trend this year was to go back to (Lemond Triomphe), transition on to (Serotta Meivici, Litespeed Pavia, Merlin Works C110), or fine tune (Colonogo Extreme-C, Cervelo R.3, Trek Madone SSLx, Specialized Tarmac SL, Wilier Le Roi), a full carbon frame. But then again, the cycling industry isn't the fashion industry - or is it? Remember: this is not a fashion statement.

Shimano Patents New Crank Design

2006-05-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Shimano has a slew of new patents, one of which is a new "ornamental design" for a crank. It looks as though it incorporates some sort of chain guard or lip much like those found on track or cyclocross bikes. There's not much detail in the text of the design patent, but from the pictures, it looks as though it follows the integrated 2 piece crank design that are common place today, and only one chainring (33-tooth). Design patent #D520920.

Update: The look appears very similar to the Nexus line (NX60) of Shimano components. The other patents filed are commuter bike related as well: #7044272, a compact rear derailleur for folding bikes; #7045910, electrical bicycle components for a commuter bike.

Update 2: Thanks for the tip Jeremyb. Here's a link to BikePortland.org that reports Shimano using Portland as a test bed for their new "Coasting" line of bicycle components.

Related articles:
Shimano selects Portland for new group launch (bikeportland.org)

2007 Shimano XTR Video Promo

2006-05-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

I came across this short but interesting video of the new XTR offerings from Shimano. Looks like people in the ad department are fans of the television show 'Lost'. Watch the wmv and see what I mean. Personally, I like the design of the new shifter/brake levers. The old dual levers always seemed a bit fragile with that pod mechanism sticking out. The new controllers appear more industrial and durable, much like SRAM components.

The website I found this video on also has a nice summary of all the new XTR parts and gives details as to how the new controllers will operate. It's originally in German, but this link will translate it into English.

Related article:
Siege für 2007er XTR-Prototypen (paul-lange.de)

Campagnolo Goes Hollow with New BB Design

2006-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Tech news from cyclingnews.com reveals Campagnolo's next generation crank design that integrates a hollow bottom bracket axle with crank arms. What sets this crank apart from other two piece cranksets is that the axle is split in half with each half integrated to a crank arm, coming together in the middle of the bottom bracket by a single bolt. The other notable difference is there is no increase in Q factor, a common complaint of external bearing bottom bracket designs today. The two piece crankset will be introduced at once throughout the entire campagnolo range, due out in the 2007 season.

Related articles:
Campagnolo's new BB design (cyclingnews.com)
Campagnolo Ultra Torque (light-bikes.de)

More SRAM 2007; Matchmaker

2006-05-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

Check out this vlog on singletrackworld.com. Some SRAM reps explain the highly upgraded x.9 trigger shifters and derailleur, new avid brake levers and mono-caliper with lots of carbon, ti, and aluminum, and a new dirt bike fork from Rock Shox. Another interesting note is the SRAM 'Matchmaker'; a clamp that integrates avid brake clamps and SRAM shifters with Poplocs, computer and GPS clamps (see Keyword: Integration).

Related articles:
Video Podcast: SRAM X9 2007 (singletrackworld.com)
Sea Otter Pictures (pinkbike.com)

Shimano Electrical Generator Hub Patent

2006-05-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

On May 9th, Shimano was granted patent #7042123, a bicycle electrical generator hub. From the description, it appears that energy from the rotation of the wheel will generate power to operate a rear derailleur. By storing power in the hub, this may lessen the need for an extra battery pack to strap on the bike and would extend the life of a charge. Looks like electric gear shifting is a go! Abstract:

"A bicycle gearshift system is mounted on the rear part of the frame of the bicycle. The bicycle gearshift system includes an electrically powered rear derailleur, a rear hub, a charger part, and a gearshift control part. The electrically powered rear derailleur is mounted on the rear part of the frame. The rear hub is also mounted to the rear part of the frame. The rear hub has an electrical generator mechanism that generates electricity through the rotation of the wheel. The charger part is mounted on the rear hub and stores the electrical energy that was generated by the generator part. The gearshift control part is equipped on the electrically powered rear derailleur, where gearshift control of the electrically powered rear derailleur is performed through the energy that is stored in the charger part."

Related Articles:
Electronics: the Next Bicycle Frontier

One Small Step

2006-05-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

So I was using Google today to search something unimportant (and probably bicycle related) and wondered how far down the list this blog was in the world wide web of search engines - how googleable was Bicycle Tech Blog? To my surprise, since this blog went live only a week and a half ago, it has already made it to the number one spot! Thanks to all who link to this site. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I like blogging about it. This is just more incentive for me to keep this blogging thing up. Thanks again.

LMW

Bontrager and Friends

2006-05-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

A tech report on cyclingnews.com confirms my earlier post of how Bontrager teamed up with wheel guru, Steve Hed, to produce the new Aeolus wheelset (see Bontrager Thinks Aero). This new line of wheels have a Bontrager foundation with HED aerodynamics. The tech report also reveals that new Bontrager wheels will have DT Swiss hubs with interchangeable hub bodies so that one can use either Shimano or Campagnolo cassettes. This is great for those feeling resitricted to either one or the other and definitely goes along with the theme of giving the consumer flexibility in component selection (see Keyword: Integrated).

The Bontrager "team" doesn't stop there. Apparently the new OCLV Boron carbon cranks/BB combo are a product of a collaboration between Race Face and Stronglight. Whoa! What's going on here? Bontrager seems to be getting a whole lot of outside advise on products lately, blurring the lines between manufacturers. When are you buying a Bontrager product and when are you buying a HED, DT Swiss, Race Face, Stronglight, or Truvativ product? You can't fool us, Bontrager; those XXX Bontrager carbon cranks of last year look too much like Truvativ Rouleur GXP carbon cranks.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not bashing Bontrager but merely making an observation. It's not like they hide the fact that they get outside input into product development. The new OCLV cranks have a Race Face badge on the BB and Stronglight on the rings, for example. Plus, some of these new products appear to be new designs (Aeolus wheels and OCLV crank arms), not just rebadged components like before. So long as Bontrager (and team) adds genuinely new products to the market, I think the consumer will get a better product (but at a cost, I'm sure).

Did I mention these new cranks and BB combo are claimed to weigh in at a feathery 700 grams? Compare that to Shimano Dura Ace FC-7800 cranks that weigh 779 grams, Truvativ Rouleur GXP cranks that weigh 835 grams, and FSA K-Force MegaEXO cranks that weigh 785 grams. The Race Face Cadence alloy cranks weigh a claimed 860 grams. Do you think Bontrager was forced to find a new source for their cranks after SRAM bought out Truvativ?

Related articles:
Bontrager expands Aeolus wheel line and adds carbon crankset (cyclingnews.com)
Tech Talk: Bontrager and the Importance of Being Aero (velonews.com)
News from the Homefront: Trek's Carbon Commitment (mountainbike.com)

Better Braking, Lighter Weight

2006-05-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Now that I’ve got that comfort bike and kids bike tech out of my system, it’s time to go back to sweet cycling goodness some like to refer to as "bike porn". Back in ’04, Zero Gravity introduced their version of road brake calipers and gave cyclists another option in the exclusive component market. It was like none other road brake seen before; CNC’d from 7075 aluminum, the calipers were a simple single pivot design with a special cam to increase leverage. Weight of the brakes were an astonishing 180g per pair (average 187/188g on weightweenies.starbike.com) compared to 300 plus grams for Dura Ace or Record brakes. Then in ’05, they upgraded their brakes with better leverage at even less weight (164g per pair), nearly half the weight of other brakes. It’s no wonder Zero Gravity brakes are seen on more and more pro bikes today.

For those that have entirely too much money to spend and love to stand out from the crowd, £680* ($1237.39 USD) will get you AX-Lightness carbon brake calipers (no pads). Weight for their new Orion brakes are 95g (claimed) per pair (yes, per pair) without pads. That is crazy light.

With everyone focusing on SRAM’s new Double Tap levers, not many have paid attention to their new brake calipers. They are cold-forged aluminum, double pivot design. Claimed weight is 279g per pair (I know, now this sounds like a heifer, but for us mere mortals, that's pretty good in the weight department). From cyclingnews.com, Ben Jacques-Maynes of the Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada Cycling Team testing the new SRAM group states:

"Don't miss the brakes, either. They haul you down from speed with one finger action and I have been surprised by how well they work in all conditions."

Shimano has also revised their '07 brake calipers - mountain not road (as of yet). As per VeloNews.com, their new XTR V-brakes have better tire clearnace and more uniform pad pressure, while the levers incorporate "Servo Wave" technology to give more braking power.

Of course if you aren't satisfied with any of the options currently available to buy, you can make your own, like this guy on plusonelap.blogspot.com. Cyclocross calipers weighing in at 63g per pair with calipers!

These newer and lighter brake components force Shimano and Campagnolo to rethink their tried and true designs. They must think up new ways to keep us interested which means that we may very well see new versions of Dura Ace and Record brakes coming in the near future. Do I smell carbon?

* price quoted from poshbikes.com

Related articles
Shimano offers a look at 2007 XTR braking options (velonews.com)
How I made my carbon brakes (plusonelap.blogspot.com)
images from competitivecyclist.com

Michelin Tweel - Bicycle Tire of the Future?

2006-05-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Bicycle industry news is a little slow today so I'll have to go back into the memory banks to pull something out interesting. Last May, I came across something on gizmag.com that I had wished I had a blog to post it on. And now that I do...

Talking about integration (see Keyword: Integrated), Michelin combined a wheel and a tire to make a Tweel (yeah, almost as creative a name as Wii). Anyhow, the tire is made up of "flexible spokes" of tire rubber joining a hub and the outer tire surface (see the picture, you get the idea). This replaces air in the tire = no more flats! From gizmag.com:

"The Tweel promises performance levels beyond those possible with conventional pneumatic technology. The first commercial applications of the Tweel will be in lower-speed, lower-weight vehicles"

The article goes on to say that the Audi A4 outfitted with a set of Tweel tires has better handling response than the conventional pneumatic tire. It also is within 5 per cent of rolling resistance and mass of normal tires. Seems like everyone is getting in the game to re-invent the wheel (see Reinventing the Wheel - Industry Nine). Could we see this applied to bicycle wheels? The sharp edges might make them a little difficult for cornering.

Thanks goes to James for the related article link below in the GreenvilleOnline.

Related articles
Michelin Lets the Air Out of Future Tire Innovation (michelin.com)
Radical new wheel technology (gizmag.com)
Tire + Wheel = TWEEL (forums.mtbr.com)
Michelin's Tweel Can Never Go Flat (GreenvilleOnline)

Gyrobike "It's Like Invisible Training Wheels"

2006-04-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog, I never thought I'd be blogging about comfort bikes nor kids bikes. Well, here it is - a little tech for the little tike. A start-up company (GyroBike) using technology developed at Dartmouth College is looking to replace training wheels with a gyroscope. The g'scope is in the front wheel ($40) mountable to any kid's bike and works by turning the handlebars towards the direction the bike is falling. Pretty clever if you ask me. There is a short video on their website that you can check out.

If, however, your kids can never get the hang of two-wheeled bikes, I say stick with Big-wheels. I never knew a more fun time in my life.

Related articles:
Gyrobike
GyroBike flywheel helps bicycles self-steady (engadget.com)

Shimano Patent #7032475: Hydraulic Shifting Mechanism

2006-04-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

First hydraulic disc brakes. Now hydraulic shifters?! A US patent published 3 days ago (#7032475) from Shimano describes a shifting mechanism that uses hydraulics. Abstract:

"A hydraulic shift gear mechanism for a bicycle having a positioning mechanism for controlling the motion of the piston of a master cylinder assembly is described. The master cylinder assembly is in communication with a slave cylinder for operation of a derailleur. The positioning mechanism preferably includes a pivot shaft spaced apart from the handlebar, a rotating member rotatable about the pivot shaft, a push mechanism for rotating the rotating member in a first direction and a return mechanism for rotating the rotating member in a second direction. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, an adjuster piston is threadingly engaged with the master cylinder assembly for adjusting the initial position of the slave cylinder."

Time will tell whether hydraulic shifters will ever see the light of day for bicycles. The success of hydraulic disc brakes may foreshadow that of hydraulic shifters.

Update: I just found this article on weightweenies.starbike.com of someone modding their existing drivetrain to shift using a magura brake hydraulic system.

Related articles:
hidraulic deraulier? (forums.mtbr.com)

Bontrager Thinks Aero

2006-04-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

We have all seen those pictures of the Trek/Discovery team testing their equipment and positioning in the wind tunnels. They've got it down to an exact science (see Discovery Channels series The Science of Lance Armstrong if you haven't already). The last couple tours, Bontrager has been partnering with HED to produce some of the slickest bicycle wheels of the tour. From cyclingnews.com:

"Steve Hed is probably one of the most brilliant aerodynamic guys in cycling," said John Balmer, Bontrager's director of product management. "Steve is able to look at something - I'm pretty sure he can actually see air movement - and predict things that take a number of rounds of software and wind tunnel tests to validate."

Aerodynamics has always been a factor for timetrials but who would have thought it played a significant factor in stage races? Hed and Bontrager did. Convincing Bontrager to go aero gave birth to the Aeolus wheelset. According to Bontrager wheel designer, Brad Addink, the team is able to use the Aeolus 5.0 wheels in almost any condition, in place of even the sexy XXX Lite tubular rims. Lightweight is not everything when it comes to racing:

"[T]he majority of riding is done in undulating terrain, not mountains, where aerodynamics trump weight"

Spy shots: GF FS SS 29er

2006-04-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's long been discussed that Gary Fisher would be replacing the beloved Sugar full-suspension line. On MTBR 29er forums, we have an insider that gives us the scoop on GF 29er news. At the Trek show back in August, we saw the first pictures of the new full suspension prototype. Then, in November, ride pics of the bike were taken while it was being tested. At Sea Otter, we saw Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski race the bike with a number of prototype bits (see Gone Crazy for C arbon). Now shots of the revised full suspension frame have been floating around the web, first with this 3D rendering of a highly manipulated tubeset, then 'Test Pilot' shots of this new inderation fully built 29er full susupension bike at twentynineinches.com. Recently, spy shots from Trek's Waterloo factory were posted on mtbomaha.com showing another 'Race Day' bike built up as a single speed. The source says that the 29er version is as light as the 26er version ridden by Jeremy. Click here to see more pictures of the GF FS SS 29er.

Related articles:
Gary Fisher Race Day (fisherbikes.com)
Gary Fisher and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski work closely to develop Race Day platform (cyclingnews.com)
MTBR gets the 2006 Fisher 29" Scoop! (forums.mtbr.com)
Gary Fisher Supercaliber 29 Ride Pics (forums.mtbr.com)
New Images of Fisher Supercal 29 Frame (forums.mtbr.com)

Blog Subscription

2006-04-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

I've added FeedBlitz's blog subscription. If you like what you see and want to keep reading, enter your e-mail in the sidebar to get a message of when I publish a new post. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Here are a few blogs I subscibe to:

LMW

Internal Gear Boxes Making a Comeback

2006-04-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

When you surf over to SRAM or Shimano’s website, which button do you usually click? Mountain or road? How about comfort? This post over in the MTBR forums enticed me to click (for the first time) the comfort link on the SRAM website. The thread talked about the application of internal gear transmissions and whether these alternative gearing systems have a place in the future of bicycling. For example, Rohloff, has been developing their Speedhub internal gear box since 1996. Despite the fact that they actually work (and reliably) their popularity has been limited to only a few brave souls (actually, according to Rohloff’s website, 50,000 brave souls). Still, what’s 50,000 compared to the millions of externally geared transmissions sold? The two cons most see with the Speedhub is weight and cost.

Back to SRAM (and Shimano). The 2007 SRAM i-Motion 9 is a new internally geared hub – so new, that it’s not yet listed on the website (however, a 2007 manual in PDF form does exist). Over at Shimano, their comfort line is Nexus, again an internally geared hub. Why am I blogging about this? Because when I saw these, I saw the direction of where bicycle transmissions will go. Rather, I should say, go back; internal gear transmissions are making a comeback (that whole old-is-new thing again). Engineers today are finding ways of making this old idea work well again. Think about it: a bicycle with just as many gears but no derailleur, one chain driving two chainrings, “no derailleur drag, no chain suck, no chain drag” as one happy Nexus 8 owner professes. Think beyond the comfort bike and envision this on your XC race bike or cat 5 racing rig. Heck, downhill bikes (where weight is of no concern) have already embraced internal gear transmissions (GT iT1, Nicolai, g-boxx). Advances in material technology may one day allow this type of transmission to appear on pro tour bikes. With large companies such as SRAM and Shimano developing these systems for the mass market, along with smaller ones like Rohloff constantly thinking outside of the box, this last statement may one day see the light of day. As long as there are comfort bikes, internally geared bicycle transmissions will continue to evolve. Cost and weight will inevitably go down with time. The derailleur and chainring may be the equivalent to the horse-drawn carriage.

Keyword: Integrated

2006-04-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

In the world of bicycle manufacuring, the name of the game is lighter weight and increased stiffness (see Lemond Triomphe - full carbon sub 1 kg). This seems to be the holy grail of developing parts for bicycle racing. The lighter the weight, the faster you accelerate. The stiffer the bike, the more efficient the power transfer. Over the last few years, we've seen manufacturers who have gone away with extra bolts and materials trying to combine seperate parts into one: integrated cranks and bottom bracket, integrated fork, headset, and stems, integrated frame and seatpost, dual control shifter and brake levers, tufo tubular tires, integrated spokes and nipples, integrated stem and handlebar, and integrated seatpost and saddles. Keyword: Integrated. One problem, however, with integration is that this leaves no room for adjustability and flexibility. Shimano cranks must use Shimano bottom brackets. If you bought XTR dual control shifters and want to switch out the brake levers, you're out of luck. Feel your integrated saddle is too far forward, too bad.

That's why I was very excited to see what the other big 'S' (SRAM) would develop after taking over bike companies Rock Shox, Avid, and Truvativ. At Sea Otter, they revealed their tweaked X.O. trigger shifters for '07. Integration with flexibility was obviously on the engineers' minds. Their new shifters (left) allow closer pairing with Avid brake levers and has a place for a Rock Shox Pop-loc switch. The shifters themselves have flexibility, too, allowing you to put brake levers on either side of the shifter clamp. The pull lever has a 30 degree range of adjustability. Integration never felt so flexible.

Related articles:
2007 SRAM Launch (singletrackworld.com)
SRAM Launches bevy of MTB products at Sea Otter (cyclingnews.com)

Reinventing The Wheel - Industry Nine

2006-04-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Robots, golf clubs, medical equipment, and now bicycle components? Industry Nine is a company from North Carolina, whose bike-geek engineers are attempting to reinvent the bicycle wheel. By integrating the spoke and nipple and building it out of aluminum they claim that their wheels have a lower rotational mass, thereby increasing acceleration = they make you climb like a billy goat. Plus, their freehub has a patent-pending 6 pawl system which makes for near instantaneous (3 degree) engagement. Industry Nine has a wheel for all your bikes, be it mountain, DH, 29er, or road, and all your tastes; they take custom orders. Check out their cool flash site.

Related articles/sites:
Industry Nine Puts New Spin on Custom Wheels (pinkbike.com)
What wheels are on this bike? (forums.mtbr.com)
New Industry Nine Wheels (forums.mtbr.com)
picture from pinkbike.com

Lemond Triomphe - full carbon sub 1kg

2006-04-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Not to be left off the carbon-train, Lemond is jumping into the arena with it's own offering of a full carbon frame model, the Triomphe. We knew that Greg Lemond's appearance at the Tour de Georgia couldn't purely be all for fun. He helped to launch the new professional line of Lemond bikes. These new bikes aren't just repainted and rebadged Trek OCLV frames (Chambrey), either. These are completely new, non-OCLV, "developed in-house", frames, with unique design features, such as asymetrical chainstays (a higher drive-side chainstay and a wider non-drive-side chainstay) to keep the rear from flexing while minimizing weight. Minimizing weight while maximizing output was the name of the game with the Triomphe. A 55cm fully painted frame weighs 950 grams.

This move to sell their own brand of carbon bike is surprising as this competes directly with Lemond's parent line of Trek OCLV bikes. The new frame is apparently the goal Greg Lemond has finally realized of minimal weight and maximum stiffness he was trying to achieve with the Ti/Carbon bikes. So, does this mean the end of spine bikes?

Related articles:
Lemond launches new all-carbon frame at Tour de Georgia (cyclingnews.com)
FIRST LOOK: Lemond's Triomphe (roadcyclinguk.com)
The all new 2007 LeMond Triomphe Series

Gone Crazy for Carbon - Bontrager Carbon Mountain Bike Wheels

2006-04-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

Looking at the latest bikes and component offerings from the bike industry today, you'd think that carbon fiber grew on trees. Everything mountain and road from frames, cranks, chainrings, saddles, brakes, derailleurs, wheels, trainers, toilet seats, and ballcocks (hey, I found it on a cycling site) are carbon fiber. It's all about loosing weight, gaining stiffness, and making your riding buddy jealous as hell. Bontrager has been testing a 26" prototype set of carbon fiber wheels on Gary Fisher 'Race Day' bikes at Sea Otter. From cyclingnews.com, these prototype wheels are disc-only and tubeless. No suggestion as to the weight of these wheels, but if they are anything like their roadbike brothers (XXX) these will definitely be lighter than anything currently available for mountain bikes. I suspect the 29er crowd need not feel left out very soon. With Trek/GF/Bontrager so gung-ho about 29ers, I can't imagine they not offer a 29" version.

This wouldn't be the first time carbon wheels have been introduced to the mountain bike scene. We all remember Spin wheels and Spinergy Rev X Roks wheels. Reynolds also showed off a set of carbon tubular wheels at Interbike recently, as did Cane Creek.

Time to read my bike mag on my new carbon fiber toilet seat...

Related articles:
Sea Otter Classic: Gary Fisher Race Day... (cyclingnews.com)

BMC Timemachine

2006-04-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm one who appreciates the classic look of stright, cylindrical tubing for bicycle frames. Form follows function. Some of these new carbon frames look absolutely horrible, and I wonder how much of that carbon has a purpose or is it just for looks. But every once in a while, there comes a bike that just makes me weak at the knees. The BMC Timemachine ridden by the Phonak team is a beautiful bike. It gave the win to Floyd Landis in the Tour de Georgia Stage 3 ITT Thursday. The frame has 3 patent pending innovations: the integrated fork, stem, and headset, an airfoil below the bottom bracket, and the cutout in the downtube where the front wheel sits. Plus, you've got to respect a frame that costs $12G ($20G full bike). The consumer version of the bike will also be 300 grams lighter utilizing a different weave of carbon.

Related articles:
Tour de Georgia highlights: BMC Timemachine video (velonews.com)
Picture from BMC

Electronics: the next bicycle frontier?

2006-04-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

With the introduction of new shifting components from SRAM and FSA (see Let the Shifting Wars Begin), Shimano and Campagnolo will be forced to come up with new ways of keeping consumers riding their name brand. Will that next frontier in bicycle shifting include a battery? Too heavy, you say? With frame and component weights dropping every season, a road bike with electronic components meeting UCI minimum requirements is not too farfetched.

An electronic shifting group has long been a prototype in the Campagnolo camp. Heck, Mavic already produced an electronic groupo, the Zap, plus a wireless groupo, the Mektronic. Both Mavic groups have been met with mixed reviews, which ultimately led to their discontinuation. Despite this luke warm welcome of electronic shifting, Shimano has been testing an electronic road group being used by a Gerolsteiner team member. Unique to Shimano's electronic offering is a shifting display on top of the hoods (although I question how important this feature is). Rumors have it that the 'control mechanism' for the Shimano system will be incorporated into the seatpost. A search in the US patent office also reveals a recently acquired (Nov '05) patent (#6983949) of a special headset used to conceal electronic wiring. Shimano also has a patent (#7015598) dated as recent as Mar '06 of an electronic input device used for shifting a bicycle, an electronically operated derailleur (#6997835) and an electronic bicycle shift control device (#6959939).

Don't think that only Campagnolo and Shimano (and Mavic) have been testing electronic shifters. Another search in the US patent office indicates SRAM has had a patent (#6698307) for an electronic shifting mechanism since April '04. Things are definitely in the works for electronic shifting in the cycling industry.

Related articles:
User reviews the Mavic Mektronic groupo (bikeforums.com)
The empire strikes back (Shimano electronic shifting) (cyclingnew.com)
2005? Electronic Record (campyonly.com)
Campagnolo experimenting with electronic shifting (velonews.com)

Let the Shifting Wars Begin

2006-04-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

It looks as though roadies will have quite the choice to make when it comes to outfitting their road bikes next year. The 2 component giants, Shimano and Campagnolo will finally get some friendly competition from SRAM and FSA. Both SRAM and FSA will be releasing new drivetrain componentry in the next coming months, SRAM sooner than FSA.

Pictures of the new SRAM Force components have been floating around the web for weeks. SRAM has also unwrapped a teaser website, willyoumaketheleap.com with details of their new product. SRAM will try to distinguish itself from the rest with a new shifting mechanism: DoubleTap shifting technology where both up and down shifts are executed through a single pivoting lever. The derailleur will also utilize the 1:1 shifting ratio perfected in their mountain bike group. The Force lineup will be the top of the line SRAM road group with carbon used generously throughout, while the Rival group will be the less expensive option. SRAM suggest that the Force group will be as much as half a pound lighter than the current Dura Ace from Shimano. Teams such as CSC have already been testing the new group, possibly using them for '07 (cyclingnew.com: CSC on SRAM for 07?).

Less details are available about the FSA component group. News from Sea Otter indicates both a 10 speed road group and a 9 speed mountain bike group will be offered. The road group will have FSA's own offering of an integrated shifter and brake lever combo. It will be interesting to see what FSA comes out with, considering the strict patents protecting existing shifters already. How many ways are there to shift a bike? The source also hints at a new chain design?!

More options can only mean better products available for the consumer. These new components will give us more choice and freedom in choosing which way to shift (and brake). They will also force Shimano and Campagnolo to stay ahead of the game and continually improve upon their existing products. Let the shifting wars begin!

Related articles:
A Force to be reckoned with: SRAM... (velonews.com)
Mr. Zinn rides SRAM's new road groups (velonews.com)
SRAM unveils Force and Rival components (cyclingnew.com)

Welcome: The First Entry

2006-04-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to this blogging thing. It's just too easy. I've created another blog for another passion of mine: bicycling. Specifically focusing on reporting and discussing bicycle tech. I suspect from the forums I've participated in, there are a number of cyclists out there who are as obsessed with bicycle components and technology as they are about riding their bikes. I am one of those obsessed with reading about, learning about, and trying (when the wallet allows) the latest high-tech bicycle parts. I also think that the cycling industry is unique in that many manufacturers actually listen to what the consumers want. The internet has bridged the gap between consumer and manufacturer allowing us (you and me) to dictate where the bicycle industry goes; we live in exciting times! I hope this blog will provide a medium for enthusists to read about, talk about, and share their passion for bicycle tech. Enjoy!