G o l d L i m i t e d C h o r u s
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G o l d L i m i t e d D u r a A c e
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G o l d D i 2
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G o l d 6 8 0 0
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A L L T H E R I G H T
E L E M E N T S
P E R F O R M A N C E S T Y L E
C O M F O R T P R I C E
www.orrobikes.com
To find out more information and to purchase or locate a dealer, visit
O x y g e n 1 0 5 3 T A c c e l l e r o
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YOU CAN BEATTHE ELEMENTS.
WITH OUR LINE DEVELOPEDSPECIFICALLY FOR THE BRITISH WEATHER
VIEW THE FULL WINTER 14 LINE AT ALTURA.CO.UK
FEATURES:
1.
REARWATERREPELLENTPOCKET
INSIDEPOCKETWITHSEALEDZIP
NECK DETAIL AND ZIP GARAGE2.
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Our most technical jacket for riding in poor conditions. A light, single layerjacket made from stretch fabric that is waterproof and breathable.
This combined with the Vapours slim fit offers you incredible performanceand unrivalled comfort whilst riding this winter.
Pack pocket
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Reflective detail
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The pre-curved shape of theSportive softshell gives ultracomfort when in the riding position
Concealed chest pocket and threerear hand pockets for your ridingessentials
Windproof and water resistantpanels on the front, sides and overthe shoulders ensure the bitterestof winds wont stop you riding
Reective panels around the armsand through the rear pockets givesuperb night time visibility
Underarm zippers allow you toregulate your temperature
Elasticated hem with siliconegripper keeps jacket rmly in place
Limited lifetime warranty
srp 79.99
IN IT
FOR THE
LONG HAULThe ideal winter heavyweight thermal jacket
Credit:Laurence
Crossman-E
mms
44Onlocation:probikesWehad theopportunity to ride
onabeautiful islandwith roads
thatmakechampions.
HelenWymanEverybodycheeringmeon in
myhomeWorldCupracewas
worthanextrageareach lap!
RobHaylesAsakid, I alwaysxed things. I
couldnt aordOakleys, somade
myownwithelasticbands.
BrakingdistanceThe idea that riderswithdisc
brakeswould forevercrash into
bikeswith rimbrakeswas let go.
January 2015 BikesEtc 7
CONTENTS
ONTHECOVER
29 Cold-weathertrainingplanSurvival tips for icy roads, andhowtoburn
oyourChristmasdinneron thebike.
44 Onlocation:probikesThreebikes fromthepelotonput to the test
on thepro traininggroundofTenerife.
64 ThescienceofsueringWedelve into themindsof cyclings kings
ofpain tondoutwhatmakes themtick.
70 TrainingwithpowermetersNowtheyreno longer thepreserveof the
pros, ndouthowyoucanuseapower
meter toboost yourperformance.
FEATURES
56 Prole:RobHaylesTheex-proonhis enduring loveof cycling.
76 Techtest:brakingdistanceThescienceof slowexplored.
FIRSTRIDE
Newbikes, futurekit, latest tech
13 Argon18NitrogenUltegraAneye-catchingaerobike thats packed
with innovative features.
16 PinnacleDolomiteSixFun, practical andyours forunder1,000.
18 SugoiZap jacketThehi-viz jacket that isnt ahi-viz jacket.
19 RitcheyWCSnishingkitQuality components fromthe iconicbrand.
20 VulpineHarrington jacketFindouthow it faredonour long-termtest.
20 PanaracerGravelKingtyreAroad tyre thats equally happyon the trail.
21 EnduraAirshellhelmetHeadprotection thatwill get younoticed.
36 56 76
8 BikesEtc January2015
CONTENTS
WelcometoBikesEcs reviewssection.Whetheryoureafterabike,kitorclothing,weveput the latest gear through its paces tohelp youndwhats right for you
Best InTest
Theoverallwinner ineachgroup test.Scoringhighly in all criteria, itwill beanexcellent all-rounder.Where twoormore itemsachieveequally highscores, itwill be theone thathas thatextra somethinga touchof style, aspecial feature that takes theprize.
BestValue
Thewinnerof this awardmaynothavethehighestoverall score in the test,and itmaynotbe thecheapest, but itwill always represent especially goodperformanceat itsprice.
BikesEcGoldAward
Thisprestigiousawardgoes tobikes,accessories, componentsor itemsofapparelwithexceptional levels ofperformance, designandbuildqualitythatmakethemmust-haves.Dontexpect to see it every issueweonlyhand it outwhen its trulydeserved.
BESTINTEST
BEST
VALUEGOLD
AWARD
THEAWARDS
January 2015 BikesEtc Q 83
ReviewsEtcCubeAxialWLSGTCSL
86
Turbo trainers
101
Bianchi IntensoDamaBianca
90
Caf locks
123
Wilier Stella
94
Toolkits
112
Rear lights
127
Turbo trainers
101
Caf locks
123
Caf locks
Baselayers
108
Overshoes
118
DPART
23 Trend:#capsnothatsThesocialmediamovement toban
baseball caps fromthepodium.
25 Kit:CubeRoadProshoesStyleandperformance fromthe
Germanmanufacturer.
26 Nutrition:DIYenergyHowtomakeyourownride fuel.
32 Maintenance:winter-proofyourcyclingLookafter yourbikeand itwill look
after you.
34 Gear:EdcoMonoblockcasse8eAn 11spdcasse'e for 10spdwheels.
36 Prorider:HelenWymanThecyclocross starandherbike.
39 Timeline:OakleyEyeshadesThirty yearsof thepros shades.
40 Opinion:discbrakesWhywere total disc-heads.
85 1,800womensbikesShrink it andpink it?No thanks.
101 TurbotrainersChoosewell,make indoorridingfun.
108Base layersTop tips for toasty torsos.
112 ToolkitsBeyourownmechanic.
118 OvershoesProtectyour feet fromtheelements.
123 Cafstop locksDont let opportunist thieves strike.
127 Rear lightsBesafe, beseen frombehind.
26
HERESHOWOURREVIEWSWORKReviewsEtc is your essential buyers guide to the
best roadcyclingproducts. Everymonth,we feature
in-depthgroup tests of the latest bikes, clothing,
components andaccessories to ensure youre as
well informedaspossiblewhen it comes to spending
your cash.Weknow thatmaking the right decision
is equally importantwhether youre spending10
onapair of socksor several thousandonanewbike.
For eachgroup test,weuseanextensive set of
criteria, includingperformance, easeof use, build
quality and value formoney.We takeour time tocome
upwith thebestway to test everyproduct,whether
thatmeansbuildinga special rig to test pump
pressureor standingout in apitch-black country lane
in themiddle of thenight tomeasure lightingbeam
pa(erns.Note that allweights andmeasurementsare
taken fromourown testingprocedures, not fromthe
details suppliedby themanufacturer.
We then take theproductsout for road testing,
riding, usingandwearing themas thoroughly as
possible oncommutes, training ridesandeven in
races, to seehowwellmadeanddurable theyareand
howwell they copewith real-world cycling situations.
Outsideof ourmain reviewssection,wealsogive
scores formanyof theotherbikesandproductswe
feature in themagazine. AlthoughourFirst Ridebike
tests arenot as in-depthasourmain reviews,weaim
togive youanat-a-glanceoverviewof the key features,
characteristics andqualities of thebikebasedon
ourrst impressions.Manyof thesebikeswill then
besubjected to full long-term testing toappear in
group test reviews ina future issue.
Foreachgrouptest,wescoretheproductsbasedonacomprehensiverangeofcriteria.There isnt space togivea full breakdownof thescoring,butwehighlight themost importantandrelevantfeaturessoyoucansee inwhichareaseachproductperformsespeciallywell,andwhere itsweakspots lie.
Rating
CONSTRUCTION
EASEOFUSE
ERGONOMICS
7OVERALL
10
Best InTestTheoverallwinner ineach test. Scoringhighly inall criteria, thiswill beanexcellent all-rounder,oftenwithanextra somethinga touchof style,a special feature that sets it apart.
BestValueWinnersof this awardmaynothave thehighestoverall score in theirgroup test, andmaynotbe thecheapest, but theywill always representespecially goodperformance for theirprice.
BikesEcGoldAwardThisawardgoes tobikes, kit or componentswithexceptional levels of performanceanddesign.Dont expect to see it every issueweonlyhand it outwhen its trulydeserved.
BESTINTEST
BEST
VALUE
GOLDAWARD
THEAWARDSTHERATINGS
Givingextraweight to themost important features,weadduptheratings foreachproductandconvertthemintoanoverall scoreoutof 10.Note thatwhiletwoproductsmayachievethesameoverall score,theymaybeverydierentinkeyareassee individualratings for furtherdetail.
Northwave has always leveraged its expertise to improve safety as well as
performance. It is committed to producing and advancing technologies and
products that protect cyclists so that nothing can ever diminish their desire to get
out and ride.
This commitment is epitomized by the Be Visible,
Be Safe! clothing range, which has become a global
success thanks to the choice of bright uorescent
colours, strategically positioned reective details and
inserts, and the special HiViz LED device.
Always be visible in every situation, even in the
depths of winter and the trickiest conditions. Youll
make it totally impossible for drivers to miss you.
Be visible, be safe!
BE VISIBLE! BE SAFE!
SONIC JACKET SELECTIVE PROTECTION 99.99
NW 4Pro soft-shell membrane wind and water resistant
Thermopile insulation is breathable and comfortable
3 rear pockets provide excellent storage and access
POWER GLOVES
29.99
H20 WINTER OVERSHOE
29.99
*All pricing shown is SRP
COMMUTER GTX ROAD
WINTER BOOT 169.99
BLADE HEADCOVER 19.99
(REAR SHOWN)
Innovative Performance Apparel
BREEZE PRO JACKET
3000 MM
WATERPROOF
69.99
Be Visible! Be Safe!
Prestige brands from i-ride.co.uk
oby the timeyoure reading this,Christmashasprobablycomeandgone, andhopefully thecyclingSantabroughtyoueverythingyouasked for. Thegreatestgift for thecyclistthough if youre luckyenough towork foracompany thatshutsdownover the festiveperiod is theweekbetween
ChristmasandNewYearsDay that stretchesout full of ridingpossibilities.Youcould tryout somenewroutesor improveyour timeonwell-troddenones.Alternatively if yourenotaclubrider,whynotget togetherwithabunchof like-mindedsoulsandheadoutonacaf run?For thosewhocandedicatemore time tohi.ing theroad, therearechallengessuchasRaphasFestive500(ride500kmbetween24and31December)or if youvegot time,whynotplanyourown?
If youhavekids, I recommendheadingoutonaridewith them. Itsamazinghowwell they respond toseeing theirparentson theirbikesandwant toemulate them. Ivegot twinboysandeven though Ive signedup totheaforementionedFestive500(again!)what Immost looking forwardto is taking themouton thenewbikesSantahasbrought them.Seeing theenjoyment theygetoutof riding isagreatergift thanany Icouldgive themand it alsokeepsalive thedreamthatonedayaDoylewill ride forapro team!
Asalways, Imkeen tohearwhat you thinkof the latest issueso feel free [email protected] letmeknowwhatwerege.ingright,whatwerege.ingwrong, andwhat youd like tosee in future issues.
SeeingmykidsenjoyingridingtheirbikeskeepsalivethedreamthatonedayaDoylewillrideforaproteam!
S
EDSLETTER Issue003/January2015Switchboard:+44(0)2079076000Advertising:+44(0)2079076714Subscriptions:08442456929Email:[email protected]
BikesEtc,DennisPublishing,30ClevelandStreet, LondonW1T4JDWeb:www.bikesetc.co.ukFacebook: facebook.com/bikesetcmagTwi3er: twi=er.com/bikesetcmag
EditorialEditorWesleyDoyleDeputyEditorAndyWatermanArtDirectorAndrewSumnerProductionEditorDavidKenningStaWriterJosephDelvesProduct testersSusannahOsborne,KevinMacNeilConsultantCreativeDirectorAshGibsonFreelanceDesignCamilleNeilson,MarcSoutheyFreelanceSubEditingMiaBleachPhotographyHenryCarter,DannyBird,JenniLeskinen
AdvertisingAdvertisingDirectorSeanIgoeAdvertisingManagerNinVirdiSeniorSalesExecutiveJakeAdamsSalesExecutivePatrickStokesAgencySalesManagerClaireOFarrellAgencyAccountManagerLisaJayAgencyAccountExecutiveCarlyActiville
Publishing,MarketingandSubsEditorialDirectorPeteMuirPublisherNicolaBatesPublishingDirectorJamesBurnayDirectMarketingManagerHollyMillsDirectMarketingExecutivePaulGoodheadMarketingManagerJamesYoung
ProductionandNewstradeSeniorProductionExecutiveAnishaMograNetworkProductionManagerKerryLambirdNewstradeDirectorDavidBarkerNewstradeManagerJamesMangan
SyndicatonandLicensingSyndicationManagerAnjDosaj-HalaiLicensingManagerCarlo=aSerantoni
DennisPublishingGroupManagingDirector IanWestwoodCOOBre=ReynoldsGroupFinanceDirector IanLegge=CEOJamesTyeCompanyFounderFelixDennis
CopyrightDennisPublishingLimited.Under licencefromFelixDennis.OriginationandretouchingbyTapestry.PrintedbyWyndehamSouthernprint, Poole.DistributedbySeymourDistribution.All rights reserved.BikesEtcis a trademarkandcannotbereproduced in theUKandRepublic of IrelandwithoutpermissionofDennisPublishingLtd.BikesEtc is publishedbyDennisPublishingLtdandis sold subject to the following terms, namely that it shallnotwithout thewri3enconsentof thepublishersbe lent,resold, hiredoutorotherwisedisposedofbywayofTradeatmore than therecommendedsellingpricedisplayedonthecoverand that it shall notbe lent, resoldorhiredoutinamutilatedconditionor inanyunauthorisedcoverbywayofTradeoraxed toorasanypartof apublicationoradvertising.
BikesEtc is available for international licensingandsyndication. Email [email protected]
Get3 issues for5Tosubscribe toBikesEtccall: 08448265024.Orsubscribeonlineat: bikesetc.co.uk/subscribe
10 BikesEc January 2015
WesleyDoyle,Editor
Prestige brands from i-ride.co.uk
THE FACTORThe new Easton EC90 ACC carbon sole offers greater torsional and longitudinal stiffness,
ultra-low stack height and a replaceable heel pad for durability. A breathable Evofiber upper
and micro-ratcheting buckle work with our SuperNatural Fit System to support your foot comfortably.
If you want a better connection to your pedals, this is your shoe. Learn more at Giro.com
Aero iseverywherebut for theshapeof things tocome, looknofurther thanArgon18; itsNitrogenframesetbuildsonareputation forinnovationbutdoesntcomecheap
FIRST RIDE
ARGON18NITROGEN
ULTEGRA 3,500
January 2015 BikesEtc 13
NEWBIKES FUTUREKIT LATESTTECH
herearentmanyCanadianbikebrandsamong theupperechelonsof roadcycling, butthose thathavemade it knowhowtogetnoticed.Argon 18 isa case inpoint: like its fellowCanuckCervlo, its abrandwitha reputation for rider-
focused innovationandboundary-bustingdesign.Takingover as a title sponsorof theNetApp-Endurateam in2015 (itwill nowbeBora-Argon 18),Argon 18sstock is set to rise as it reaches awider audience.
TheNitrogenpicturedhere isArgon 18saerodynamic roadbike. For thepurposesof cu:ingthrough theair as eciently aspossible, the frontalarea is impressivelynarrowwithcables taking themostdirect route into the frame, orpassingonlythrough thedirtiest air (thatwhichhas experiencedthemost turbulencealready thanks tomovingparts suchas legs andwheels). Thebrakes are alsodierent tonormal callipers, comprisingTRPs
aerodynamicminiV-brakes,whichallowair topassover the forkandseatstayswith less interruption.
Thenarrowprole andhiddenbrakes arecomplementedbyaero tubeproles, using theUCI-approved truncatedaerofoil (the tubedoesnttaper to apointbut is cut oearly to come inwithintheUCIs rules onratios 4:1 is banned, but 3:1 isOK).Thiskeeps theairowing smoothly andeciently.Its a concept that extends to the seatpost,whichhasadeep sectionand is securedbyahidden4mmallenkeybolt in furthernods toaerodynamics.Anotheradvantageof thebespokeaero seatpost is the factthat it doesnt needaligning like a roundseatpost set your saddleheight andyoucanguarantee itwillbe straight.Whatsmore, the frameweighs inbelowthemagickilomarkat 960g.
So far, thats all pre:y standard stu.Everyaeroroadbikeon themarketuses somecombinationofthese features. Sowhats theNitrogensUSP?Firstup, takea lookat the topcapof theheadset: that isntjust a specially shapedspacer that sits on topof thebearings, but rather apresst spacer thatbecomespart of theheadset assembly, raising theupperbearing to addhandlebarheightwithout sacricingstiness.Twospacers are supplied, 15 and25mm,aswell as a stockheadset topcap, so riders canchoosefromthreebarheights, customizing fromtherewithstandardheadset spacers.
Thats clever, but so is thegeometry. Standardroadbikes are typicallybasedonamoderatelysized56cmframewithall theother sizes stemmingfromthere. So lookat a size48cmframeand itwill normallyhave the same lengthchainstays asa size62,whichwillmean thecomparativeweightdistribution for tworidersofdierent sizeswillbemassivelydierent.Argon 18sAFSsystem isinteresting in theway thegeometry changes throughthe size range,with the intentionofmaintainingconsistency in the ride feel, andalsomaking it easyfor riders to achieve the rightt, sowhile our smalltesterhas40.6cmchainstays anda97cmwheelbase,
T
Mostbikes thatcome into theBikesEtcocehaveaboombracketdropof65-70mm.TheNitrogensdropof75mmmakes thebikemorestableand faster throughcorners
As is increasingly typicalonmodernaeroroadbikes,a recessedbolt secures thedeep-sectionseatpost
Achoiceofpresst spacersthatbecomepartof theheadsetallowriders toeasilyadjustbarheight
14 BikesEc January 2015
the large growsa full 3cm in thewheelbase, to 100cm,with thechainstays lengthening to41cm.
Onemeasurement that remains consistent acrossthe size spectrumis thebo6ombracketdrop (thedistance thecentreof thebo6ombracket is belowthewheel axles)which is 75mm.Most roadbikesthat come into theBikesEtcocehaveadropof65-70mm, so 75mmisextraordinary.The reasoningbehind this is that the lower thebo6ombracket,themore stable thebike is and the faster youcangoroundcorners thinkmonster truckvsF1 car. Sure,with the lowerbo6ombracket youll be less able topedalwith thebike leaningovermid-corner, butif youre going faster through that corner anyway,theresno loss.Added to this, the lowerbo6ombracketmeans thehead tube length is shorter andthewholeunit, rider andbike, has a lower frontalarea. Itmayonlybe5mm,but every li6le counts.
Witha full ShimanoUltegra 11-speedgroupsetanddeep-sectionalloyFulcrumRacingQua6rowheels, the3,500Nitrogenpackage is verydesirableconsideringquitehowpremiumthe frame is. Therangecontinuesup fromherewitha4,150UltegraDi2build anda4,500Dura-Aceversion.AsArgon 18isdistributedby i-ride in theUK,nishingkit fromother i-ridebrandsacross the rangeall good stufrom3T,Continental andPrologo.
FIRSTRIDEARGON18NITROGENULTEGRA
Frameset: Full carbon, aero forkwithsheltered brake
Wheels: FulcrumRacing Quattro, ContiForce/Attack tyres
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 11-speed
Handlebar: 3T ErgosumPro
Stem: 3T Arx Pro
Seatpost: Argon 18 aero carbon
Saddle: Prologo
Weight: 7.55kg
Price: 3,500
Contact: i-ride.co.uk
TRPMiniV-brakesaddto theNitrogens aeroqualities
TheNitrogenhasanotably lowandnarrowfrontal area
AHISTORYOFAEROONTHEROADRoadridersandracers greatest enemyaftergravity is air. Travel above
15mphandovercomingair resistancedemands themajority of your
energy.Rideat 25mph, and theeort required topush through theair
is startlingly obvious.Hereareahandful ofwind-cheating tricks
January 2015 BikesEc 15
THEPACELINE
Thecrudestwayof cheating thewind isthroughstrength innumbers, asexempliedby thenowfamiliar sightof theTeamSkytrain in recenteditionsof theTourdeFrance.Sit behindanother riderandyoucansaveup to40%of theenergy youspendcomparedtogoingat thesamespeedall on yourlonesome.Even the leadriderbenets witha rider tucked inbehind them, theeddyeect is reducedand theairow improved,which isgoodnews foreveryone.
AEROHELMETS
Were throughbeingcool, sangUSartrockersDevo in their 1981hit of thesamename,whilewearingupturnedowerpotson theirheads. LikeDevo, aerohelmetsmarkyououtasapost-cool, seriouscyclist,someonewhoeschewsaesthetics in favourofmarginal gains.ChrisBoardmanreckonsusinganaerohelmet is oneof theeasiestways tomakeyourself go faster,whileGiroclaims that itsAirA=ackhelmetcansaveyouasmuchas 17 secondsevery40km.
DEEP-SECTIONWHEELS
Mavic launched itsCosmic in 1994, anddeepsectionwheelsquicklybecamederigueurin theproranks, largelybecause they looktotally pro.Now,brands likeBontrager, Zipp,Hed, FulcrumandEnveproduceaerowheels that areaslikely tobeusedin roadracesastime trials, theirtraditionalpreserve.
SPINACIBARS
A late-90s trend,Spinaci barsmimickedthepositionof tri-barsused in timetrialsandwerewidespread in thepeloton foracoupleof years. Theywereeventually bannedwhen theUCIdecided it didnt like the ideaof ridersdraftingeachotherwithnoeasy
access to theirbrakes watchanOlympic triathlonto see thewisdomof thismove.
Rating
8OVERALL
10DESIRABILITY
PRACTICALITY
INNOVATION
16 BikesEtc January 2015
innacle isEvansCycles housebrand,butwhile itmightnothave thecachet ofmoreestablishedmanufacturers,theDolomiteSixswell-roundedspecworkshard towinoverpotential buyers
On the shopoor, brandrecognitioncounts for a lot. Weknowwehave tobecompetitive.Werenot goingaer the topend,butat lowerprice-points, smaller companies can stillbe competitive, evenagainst farbiggerbrands, saysthebikes designer JamesOlsen.
Onpaper, Pinnaclehasdone suchagood job inout3ing the frame that it compares favourablyagainstbikes fromdirect-to-consumerbrandssuchasCanyonorRose.
Olsens aimwith theDolomiteSixwas to create afunctional all-rounder, a bike forBritish conditionsthatwould still be athomespendingaweek in theAlps. Informedby thebelief thatunless youreracing its notnecessary tohaveabike thats overlyspecialist, thePinnaclepacks in clearance for largertyres andmudguardsalongwith rackmounts.
Built aroundanextensivelybu3edaluminiumframeand tapered, full-carbon fork, it featuresinternal cable routingandsmoothwelds. Itsstandard tubeproles arepractical rather thanradical,meaning theacid-greencolour is the featurethat shouts loudest.A standard threadedbo3om
bracket shellmeanseasier servicingandmakessenseat thisprice.
WhileOlsen sees themajority ofbikes sellingtopeople in searchof their sole roadbike, theDolomiteSix couldalsomakeagreatwinter trainingbikeor commuter for thosewhohave the luxuryof owning tworides.At950, it squeezes inat thecost of apair ofpedalsbelowthecritical 1,000cycletowork scheme limit.
Anemphasis oncomfort andpracticality isevident in thebikes geometry. Itsnumbershavebeenknockedback slightly compared tomorerace-orientateddesigns. Inuse, anextra centimetreon thechainstays andbetween thebo3ombracketand fronthubprovides space formudguardsandincreases stability,while a slackishhead tubekeeps the steeringpredictable rather than twitchy.A reasonably tall stackheightmeansyoushouldntneed toomanyspacersbeneath the stemtoget thebars to a comfortableposition.Our sizemediummeasured56cmacross the topwitha50cmseat tube,resulting inanabundanceof standover clearance.
P
Frame: 6061-T6triple-butted aluminium
Fork: Tapered carbon steerer
Groupset: Shimano 1055800 11-speed
Brakes: Tektro R359
Wheels: Shimano RS21
Tyres: ContinentalUltra-Sport II folding 25c
Price: 950
Contact: pinnacle-bikes.co.uk
Super-stiproprietarychainringsadorn thecompact four-armchainset
Long-dropbrakes leaveplentyof roomforwider tyresormudguards
Theres lile tochoosebetween 11spd 105andcostlier alternatives
Awell-roundedpackage, theDolomitespractical traitsbelie
asurprisinglynippyride
PINNACLEDOLOMITE
SIXPrice:950Weight:8.96kgSize:Medium
The low-slung framekeeps thecentreof gravity closeto thegroundandwill especially suit thosewhoenjoythrowing thebikearound, eitherwhendiving intocornersor thrashing side to sidewhile sprinting.
Taking careof shiing is Shimanos excellent105groupset. Its becomeclich to say it providesalmost all the functionsof its dearer siblings,withonly slightly increasedweight, but its no less trueforbeing repeated.Thisnew11-speed iteration inparticular represents a real leap forward. Sneakingonacheaper crankset to reducecosts is a commonploy, so its nice to seePinnaclehasnt chosenthat route, especially as thenew105crankset issuchagreatbit of kit. Indeed, theonly signicantdeviations are the long-dropTektrobrakes.Whilenotquiteup to the standardof theequivalentShimanomodel, they still doanadequate job.
Shallowanatomicbars andsensible-lengthstemareofdecentquality.While always ama3erofpersonal taste,wecansee lots of riders optingto swap thenarrowsaddle.Twinnedwith the lowstand-over, a skinny27.2mmseatpostprovides
Given itspracticalnature, theDolomiteSixsmostsurprisingtrait is the fact that its soentertaining toblastabouton
FIRSTRIDEPINNACLEDOLOMITESIX
January 2015 BikesEtc 17
adegreeof shockabsorption.However,while its asgoodas youcouldexpect at thisprice, swapping thebasic stockmodel for a lighter,moreexible optionshould increase comfort. Itsworthconsideringgiven the slightlyharsh rideof thealuminiumframe,althoughacheaper alternativewouldbe to run thevoluminous25c tyres at slightly lowerpressure.
ShimanosRS21wheels far outperformthe setsfoundonmanycomparablebikes. Featuringaminimalnumberofhigh-tension, bladed spokes, theaddedstiness andreduced rotationalmass injectanunexpected liveliness intoproceedings.WhileContinentalsUltra-Sport II folding tyresmaynotbethemostpuncture resistant, their lowweight andhigh threadcount result in lowrolling resistance.All ofwhichcombines to create thebikesmostsurprising trait given itspractical nature: the factthat its so entertaining toblast abouton.
Despite the relaxedgeometry, it isnt a stodgy ride.Stiness throughout the frame, forkandwheelset,combinedwitha lowweight,means it acceleratesrapidly, anddespite the longer chainstays theres
li.le energywasted thoughex. Inpractice, thewholepackagegives a farmore tautperformancethanyoud expect. Its easy tondacomfortablepositionon, andwith steadfastmanners itll eatup longmiles.Nevertheless,wrenchon thepedalsand itll hareowithalacrity. The taperedcarbonfork refuses toex, asdoes theentire front end,rewardingoutof the saddle eorts.A respectableweight of justunder9kg, li.le ofwhich is locatedon thewheels,means ithappily stompsuphill, andif youpusha li.le toohard, the28-tooth largestsprocketmeans theres always theoption towinch tothe top rather than toppleover at the sideof the road.
If theres onecriticism, its that the frame is almosttoo sti.Unlike carbon, aluminiumhasahard timedampeninghigh-frequency roadbuzz, leavingyoufeeling a li.leknockedaboutwhencla.eringoverrougher surfaces.However, this is a trait commontoall but thebest aluminiumframesandgiven theDolomites otherqualities, its easily forgiven.
At thisprice, forabikeyoucantestrideandcollectfromareal-life shop, youcouldnt ask formore.
Awell-roundedpackagewithgoodwheels, greatgroupsetandasensible yetsurprisingly spritely frame
Rating
VALUE
EVERYDAYTHRILLS
WINTERVERSATILITY
8OVERALL
10
BESTPOINT
Conscientiousparts list andsurprisingly animatedride
WORSTPOINT
A lileunforgivingoverrougher terrain.
Everyday luminescence for thecyclistwhowants thebenetsofhi-vizwithout thegarishneoncolours
SUGOIZAPJACKETSizetested:MPrice:100Contact:cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk
muggling reectivity intoostensiblymutedcycling gearhasbecomesomethingof a trend. SugoisZapJacket looks like anormalnon-hi-
viz jacketuntil struckbyacarsheadlamps, atwhichpoint it lightsup like somebioluminescentdeep-sea creature.
This eect is achievedvia thousandsof glasspixels covering the surfaceof the jacket.Onredandyellowversions, theyrediscreet enoughtobealmost invisible, althoughon thisblackmodel, theyre obviousundernormal conditions.Reectivity covering theentire jacket shouldprovideabe(er ideaof thewidthof the ridercompared toa light alone,while covering thearmsalso addsvisibilitywhen indicating.
Thewaterproof fabric is tapedat the seamsand it features a storm-proof zip. Itll certainlykeep the rainoutbut lacksbreathability,meaningthis is denitely for the commuteandnot a racejacket. Prolongedathleticusewill overwhelmthemesh liner, leavingyou feelinghot andclammy inside it. Thecut is cycling-specicwithadroppedrear, elasticatedcusandabackpocket.Whilenot skimpingon features, thetremains slightlymore relaxed, allowingyou tolayerupon thecoldestdays.
Dont expectbe(erperformance thanyoudndonsimilarlypricedcommuter jackets. Still,withagoodcut, aboveaverage styling andalmostunbeatable visibility, this jacket is far less likelyto leaveyou looking like auoro lemon.
18 BikesEtc January 2015
S BARTALK
Choose thehandlebarshape thatbest suits
your ridingstyle
BARRADIUS
Before theadventof
ergonomic shapes in the80s,
all barshada fairly standard
continuous 180 radius.
ANATOMICORERGONOMIC
Apronouncedslopebe(er
accommodates the riders
handson thedrops. Some
bars featureprominent
kinksanda long, at, angled
section,whileothershavea
continuous radius.
REACH
Thehorizontal distance from
theclamp to the frontof the
bars.Greaterdistanceswill
force the rider to stretch
forward to reach thehoods.
Barswith shorter reachare
describedas compact.
DROP
Thevertical distance from
theclamp to thecentreof the
drops.Deeperdrops require
the rider to reach lower, thus
a(ening theirback.Bars
are referred toashavinga
deep or traditional drop, as
opposed toa lesspronounced
shallow drop.
WIDTH
Width isnormallymeasured
between thecentresof the
drops. Traditionally, riders
wouldpickabar that
matched their shoulderwidth
although increasingly,
someprefer thegreater
leverageandcontrol
aordedbywidermodels.
HANDLEBAR
TomRitcheyhasworn
hisdistinctivehandlebar
moustacheforover40years.
Unlikehishandlebars,hes
never felt theneedtochange it.
January2015 BikesEtc 19
ince theearly 70s,TomRitcheyhasbeenat the forefrontofbicycledesign.Witha solidclaimtohaving invented the
mountainbike, theex-pro roadie is oneofCalifornias originalhippyentrepreneurs.His vast experiencehas informeda rangeofunderstatedyet thoughtfullydesignedproducts, ofwhich theWCS (WorldChampionSeries) seenhere sits a levelbelowRitcheys top rangeof components.
ThecarbonFlexLogic seatpost is bothlight and features aunique layup that allowsit adegreeofmovement in somedirections
S
FIRSTRIDERITCHEYWCSFINISHINGKIT
Upgrading to the iconicbrand justgotcheaper
RITCHEYWCSFINISHINGKIT
WCSCarbonLinkFlexlogicseatpostPrice:160Weight: 176g (27.2)
while remaining rigid inothers, providinggreater comfortbut resistingunwantedtwisting. Its compatiblewithboth standardsaddles andRitcheysproprietaryVectorEvo system; insteadof rails, this features asingle, triangle-shapedcarbonspar, the ideabeing toabsorb shocks transmi.ed fromthe roadby increasing complianceacrossthe saddle shell. Thenarrowwidthandatproleof the saddlewill suit riderswho liketo regularly shiabout, rather thanstayingplanted ina singleposition.
TheStreemIIbars combineananatomicprolewitha short reachandshallowdrop.
Faster ridersmaygainaerobenet fromthewing-shaped top section,whileeveryonebenets fromhavinga comfyplace to rest theirhands.Theymakeanideal partner to theC220stem,whichhasanextended jaw to improve stiness. Italso reduces thepossibility of damage tothebarsbycreating the largestpossibleinterfacebetweenbars andstem.
Anarrayof optionsacross the rangemeanswhatever your requirements, ifyoure aer low-key, high-performancenishingkit, theRitchey catalogue isworthconsulting.
WCSC220stemPrice:70Weight: 135g (110mm)
WCSStreemIIhandlebarsPrice:75Weight:294g(44cm)
WCSStreemVectorEvosaddlePrice:90Weight: 175g
20 BikesEtc January 2015
ewere in themarketfor aHarringtonjacketwhenVulpineintroduced its
cycling-specicversion,whichiswhy,unlike a lot ofpeople,wedidnt baulkat theprice.ABaracutaHarringtonwill setyoubackanextra80quid, sotous, just shyof 200seemedreasonable, especially as itwasdesigned tobewornonabike.
Theresnot spacehere togo into themany technicalfeatures, suce to say theyreall excellent, especially thewater-resistantco,on.Theveryfact thishasbeenourdefaultgo to garment evenon thosenightswhen thebikehasbeenleathome is recommendationenough.Aernearly twoyearsthough, the reectivebandsonthecushave started towear, ithas (unsurprisingly) fadedaermanywashes and the ingeniousmagnetic collar fastenersnowtend toa,ach to themselvesrather thaneachother.
Noneof this is a criticismthoughnot aweekgoesbywithoutuswearing it.However,therehavebeenchanges tothecurrentmodel, some likethenewcolourwayswelcome,others, like the longer loosersleevesnot somuch.
Whilewewould stillrecommend the jacket toanyone in themarket forsomething suitable for therigoursof ridingwhile lookinggoodwheno thebike,wedsuggest tryingoneonrst tomake sure thenewcutts(theres a list of stockists on theVulpinewebsite).
VULPINEMENSHARRINGTONRAINJACKETModelreviewed:VulpineMensHarringtonRainJacketPrice:195Timetested:Oneyear, 10monthsContact:vulpine.cc
W
1YEAR10MONTHSOLD
BRANDNEW
LONG-TERMTEST
Panaracers latest tyreexcelsinadverseconditionsoraway
fromthe tarmac,withoutsacricingon-roadability
PANARACERGRAVELKING
Sizetested:28cWeight:279geachPrice:30Contact:zyro.co.uk
FIRSTRIDEVULPINE/PANARACER/ENDURA
January2015 BikesEtc 21
f youre looking for aversatile and tenaciouswinter tyre, JapanesebrandPanaracersnew
oeringmaybe for you.Dont beputoby the gravel tag,
even if youhavent yetdelved into thisstill nichecategoryof racing.Thesetyreshave less incommonwithchunkyo-roadknobblies, instead resemblingthedesigns favoured for the cobblesand farmtracksof the springClassics.Andbeingavailable in23, 26and28cversions, theyre eminently suitableformodernroadbikes; the largervolumeof the28c seemsa sensible
choice, especially as theymeasureupslightlynarrow.
Their robust constructionoerssuperiorpuncture resistancebutthey remain supple thanks toamoderate threadcount andnaturalrubber compound, sowhilenot thevery smoothest rolling, youdbehardpressed to tell themapart fromconventional road tyres.Only themost overenthusiasticwrenchingonthebrake levers ormost reckless ofcorneringwillmake themslide.Whentheydonallybreakaway, theyemita raspingyelp, suggesting thele-liketread isdoingagood jobof engaging
the roads surface.This abundanceof gripmakes themperfect fordisc-equippedridersworried theirbrakesareproducingmore stoppingpowerthan their tyres canhandle.
Their abilitiesdont runoutwith the tarmaceither. Evenathighpressure theyprovideampleo-road traction,while the28c sizecancomfortablybe run fairly so,further improving comfort andgrip.Onmucky,wetor loose surfacesthey remainunappable, eatinguppotholed surfacesorunpaved, gradedaccess roads,withoutbeingadraguponreturning to civilization.
I
Thedaymyheadturnedday-glo
co.ishclothingmakerEndurarst entered thehelmetmarket twoyearsagowith theAirshell,
and its recentneonmakeoverhidesa coupleof tweaks to analreadyexcellentperformer.
Its alwaysbeenanagreeably lightandbreezy lid, but reinforcing thebridges that traverse thehelmetwithcarbonbrehas allowedEndura topareaway theunderlyingmaterial.Consequently, the channels thatbisectthehelmet remainuninterrupted,allowingcontinuousairowoverthehead.Enduracalls itClearThru
technology. Its similar to systemsusedbyother companiesbutno lesseective for that.
Distinctive angular styling iscomplementedby thehigh-glossuorescent greencolour, anddiscreetreectivedetailingon the rear andstraps addsvisibility. Si.ing relativelylow, evenonmoreelephant-likeheads,thehelmet appears svelte.
While youdbewell advised to treatanyhelmet gently, theAirshell feelsrobustdespite its lowweight.Thisis accentuatedby thepolycarbonateshell extendingunderneath thebrow,protecting the soerexpanded
polystyrene fromdamagewhennotbeingworn.
The redesigned retention systemnowoers fourpositionsof verticaladjustment,whichwill suit anyonewanting to get the cradle lowonthebackof theirhead.Operatedviaa largedial, it feels reassuringly sturdy,solidly yet comfortably clampingthehelmet to yourhead.Additionalpadson thebackof the cradle furtherenhancecomfort.
A spare set ofpads is includedandfor a limited timeso is aprotectivestoragepod, further increasingwhatis alreadyagood-valuepackage.
S
ENDURAAIRSHELLPrice:90 Weight:259g Size:M/L
CYCLEOPS.COM JETFLUID PROCycleOps exclusively distributed in the UK by www.paligap.cc/paligap.cc
#CAPSNOTHATSThesocialmediamovementthatsallaboutstickingupforabitofcyclingheritage
Forall our talk of the latest gear, cu3ing-edge techandexcitingnewbikes, cycling
remainsa sport of traditionandunwri3enrulesof etique3e. In someways theweightof that tradition is stiing (eg the6.8kgUCIweight limit or thebanondiscbrakes)whilein others, theanachronismsareall part oftheallure. Takecyclingcaps, for example.Put oneonandyouvemadeastatement totheworld: I amacyclist.While thebaseballcaphasbeenco-opted into the fashionmainstream, thecyclingcap,with its shortpeak, just longenough to keep rainor sunfromyoureyes, and its soft roundupper ideal forwearingunderahelmet hasenjoyedonly onebriefmoment in the sun,whenWesleySnipesadoptedaColnagocapin the 80s smashWhiteMenCant Jump.Besides that, the cyclingcaphas remainedthepreserveof cyclists.
So, its beenwith somedisappointmentover the last fewyears thatwevenoticedthearrival of thebaseball cap into thesport. Not on thebike, true there, thefunctionality of a co3oncyclingcap isunbeatable but on thepodium, someriders swap their headgear for a vulgarAmerican import. Have theyno respectforheritage?The inuxof baseball capsatpodiumpresentationshas spawned its ownhashtagonsocialmedia,#capsnothats,withpro ridersbeingpublicly shamed.
The riseof the#capsnothatsmovementhascoincidedwithahuge increase inbrandsoering short runsof fashion-forwardcyclingclothing.With thehumblecyclingcapa year-roundmainstayof theridingwardrobe, it is currently enjoying itssecondcoming,withnewdesigns, fromunderstated towild, appearingeveryday.All caps featuredherewillworkperfectlybeneathahelmet, lookcooland linkyoubackto cyclings golden years in theprocess.
TREND
Saywhatyou likeaboutLanceArmstrong,heknewtradition,andregularlysportedacapthroughhiscareer.Hedid,however,wear itbackwardsmorethanonce,ano-nounderahelmet,andrequiringa louchea2itudewithout.
OnlycyclecouriersandBelgian formerWorldChampionPhilippeGilbertcangetawaywithwearingacapwith thepeakturnedup.Areyoucoolenough?Nah, thoughnot. For thatma2er,neitherarewe.
Thetraditional styleofpeakdownandto the frontreachedapinnacleonthepateofFrenchmanLaurentJalabert. Forbestresults,thepeakshouldcomedowntoalmostcover theeyesandthetopshouldbevoluminous.
HOWTOWEAR IT
Justwearing a cycling cap isnt enough on its own. Howyouwear it counts too
Fromtop:Cinelli EyeOfTheStorm,15,kinokocycles.com;CafdeColombia,
7.50,prendas.co.uk;CadenceFlow,25,kinokocycles.com;
KinokoXDailyGoods,10,kinokocycles.com;
CondorWinter,20,condorcycles.com
January 2015 BikesEtc 23
Roadshoesarea relatively newaddition to theGermancompanys rangebutwith twoyearsworthofR&D,Cubes
RoadPro shoeshavegot a lot going for them.Despite anot toooutlandishprice, theyrepre.y light at 348gper shoe, andoeranumberof ingenious features. Testing them inNovemberprobablywasnt thebest time toenjoy thebenetsof theCube vent system,butwereassured thecombinationof theair vent spoiler at the toe(whichdirects air into the shoe) and themultiplemesh inserts keepyour feet cool andallow themtobreathe. Theres a largeadjustmentrange for cleats,which is ideal for thosenew tocliplesspedals or thosewhosuer kneenigglesafter a fewhours in the saddle. The li.lewingson theVelcro strapsareanice touchas theymakeadjusting the shoeseasier inglovesorwhenon themove. The sole is nylonandsti enoughformost riders,withnodiscernible lossof power transmission. Theyrecomfortable too,withCubes patentedNatural Fit lasts being realisticabout the shapeofmost peoples feet (unlike somebrands that assumeall cyclists haveextremely narrow feet). Theorange reective logoson theback increase your visibility at night, andpairedwith theelectric blue, put usinmindof thenowdefunctRabobanks kit. Thecolour isnt theonly a.ractivething: the 120price tagputs them in theaordable range formost riders.120, cube.eu
BLUESHADESHOESShowyourfeetsomelovewithCubescomfort-oriented,super-brightRoadPros
January 2015 BikesEtc 25
3.
Apairofovershoeswill goa longwaytokeepingyourshoescleananddry(ish).Notonly that,but theyll keepyourfeetwarmtoohandy if yourshoesarewell ventilated.Havea lookatourcomprehensivereviewonpage118.
2.
Takeout the footbedsandstutheshoes full ofballed-upnewspaper thiswill speedupthedrying time.Dontput themontheradiatoras thatcandryout theupperand (if its veryhot)melt theglue.
1.
Wipingthemwithadampclothtoremoveanyexcesswater isamustand if theyremuddy,goatthemwithasoft-bristledbrush(anold toothbrushwoulddo)andsomewarmsoapywater.
GETONTHEGOODFOOT
By their very nature, cycling shoes are designed to getwet andmucky. But just as youwouldnt chuck your bike in the shed aftera soakingwithout at least drying it, so should you take a fewminutes to ensure your shoes are clean and (eventually) dry.
Kit
26 BikesEtc January 2015
HANDLEBARSNACKSAlongridecancostafairbit inon-the-bikefuel.Befrugalandmakeyourown
Theres aplethoraof products available to feed
every aspect of your ride, butwhether its apro
team-endorsedporridgeora scientically-proven sports
drink,what youre really paying for is convenience. This
is great if youre time-poor, but if youcanndawindow
in yourbusy schedule tot inhalf anhour in the kitchen,
then theres no reasonwhy youcantwhipup yourown
equivalent. Thebenetswont just benancial:when you
make yourownon-bike fuel, youcan tailor it specically
to yourown tastes andby that,wedont justmean
avour.Withaone-size-ts-all approach, somepeople
nd they cant stomach ready-madesports supplements;
when youmake yourown, youcanensure that youachieve
agoodbalanceof digestible andpalatable.Useour
recipesbelowasaguide tomaking yourown long-ride
nutritionand if youwant to throw in somethingof your
own in there,well,whynot?After a fewhours in the saddle,
youvedenitely earned it.
Poweryourrides
WHAT:Energy in thesaddle
WHY:Yourbodycanonly storeenoughenergy for90minutesof continuousexercise, sowhether yourely onbarsorgels for longer rides, theaim is thesame:todeliverashotofglucose toglycogen-starvedmuscles. For years,malt loafwasthenumber-oneenergy foodchoiceoftheprosdue to the inclusionofhigh-GI(glycaemic index)malt extract,whichmeans its absorbedquickly togive youa fast energyhit. Youcanget it frommostsupermarketsandhealth foodshops.Eachof thesebarswill give you328caloriesand51gcarbs justwhat youneed togetup thosebigclimbs.
YOUNEED:
175gbu.er
150gbrownsugar
2tbspmaltextract
4eggs
200gself-raisingwholemealour
1 tspcinnamon
1 tspmixedspice
600gdried fruitofyourchoice(dateshavethehighestGI)
HOW:Preheat theoven to 160C/gasmark3.Blend thebu6er, sugarandmalt extractinabowl.Beat in theeggs, then fold intheour, spicesanddried fruit. Transferthemixture toabaking trayandcook foraroundanhour.Once its cooled, cut intobarsandwrap in foil.Makes 10bars.
Stayhydrated
WHAT: Isotonicon thego
WHY:Even in thecold, yousweat topreserveastablebody temperature.Soevenonrideswhenyoucanseeyourownbreath, youhave to topuponuidsandhydration-regulatingelectrolytes.Amanweighing76kgneeds roughly500mlof liquid foreveryhouron thebike, but its not justwater youneed:theEuropeanJournalOfAppliedPhysiology found5.5%concentrateof carbsolution tobe the ideal forconsistent speedduringexercise.
YOUNEED:
100ml full-sugarsquashofyourchoice (itsRibena forus)
400mlwater
Pinchofsalt
HOW:Mixall the ingredients together in yourbidonandvoila. If its aparticularly coldmorning, thesamesolutionworks justaswellwarm.
Riderecuperation
WHAT:Post-bike recovery
WHY:TheBritishJournalOfSportsMedicine found takingonadrink thatcombinescarbsandproteinafterexercisewill notonly rehydrate youandreplenish yourglycogenstores,itwill also start to repair anydamageto yourmuscles. It just sohappens thatchocolatemilkhas the right2:1 ratioofcarbs toprotein. Fancy that.Our recipebelowcontains220calories, 15gproteinand35gcarbs,which is comparable toa ready-mixedrecovery shake.
YOUNEED:
2tbsp low-fatnatural yoghurt
200mlskimmedmilk
2tspcocoapowder
1banana
1 tspofhoney
Pinchofsalt
HOW:Stickall the ingredients inablender,blitz anddrinkwith impunity.
January 2015 BikesEtc 27
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SPORTS
SUPPLEMENTS
Nutrition
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TRA IN &
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HOWTOTRAIN INTHECOLDERMONTHSABCCseniorcoachIanGoodhewshareshisfourtoptipsforpedalingon
According toglobalwarming lobbygroups, long, coldwintersmay soon
bea thingof thepast. Asacyclist, facedwith theprospect of spending thedarkermonthsclockingup themileson long,sub-zerobase-training rides, youmaywell think this is goodnews. Youcanhavethebest-that-money-can-buywintergearbut combine low temperatureswithwetweatherand,well, nothing says sofamoresuccinctly than freezing-cold rain to theface. For vehours.
So if yourSundaymorningclub ride isstarting to resembleSco6s TerraNovaExpedition then youll bepleased toheara voice in thedarkness (and the rainandthe sleet) discouraging the traditionofhi6ingthe road forhoursonend in thewinter. That typeof trainingcomes froma timewhenprosmaintained their basetness in thewinter and raced themselvesto form in season, says IanGoodhew,ABCCsenior coachandconsultant coach toAndyCookCycling (andycookcycling.com).Obviously nowwith trainingcampsabroadthey can train in relative comfort all yearround,which is something youraveragerider cant do. If you live in theUKandyouwork full time then youvegot tomaximiseyour trainingopportunities.
Goodhewhasoutlinedhis four-pointplan to training in thewinterbelow.
Training
INTHEBLEAKMIDWINTERNotsolongago,cyclistswouldputtheirracingbikesawayforthewinterandspendthecoldmonthsclockinguplongandsteadymiles.Notanymore
Berealistic
Whereare youat themoment? asksGoodhew. Fitnesswise, lifestyle, sparetimeBehonestwith yourself.What is yourstartingpoint?Theres nouse stickingaloadof trainingon to theendof abusydaybecause itwill justwear youdownandmake you ill. Calculatehowmuch timeyoureally haveand then lookat howbest touseit. Your long-termgoalmay require youto ride 10hoursaweekbut thats nogoodif youdont have 10hours.
1 2
RIDEINAGROUPIFYOUCANTHERESSAFETYINNUMBERSINTHISWEATHER,ASMOSTOFTHESENSIBLEPEOPLEAREINDOORS
BepreparedWhen Iwas racing, I avoidedgoingoutonmyown in thecoldanddark for safetyreasons, if nothingelse. But accessoriesare innitely be6ernow thanback then,so theopportunity is there to train at night.Make sure yourewarmenough, that youcanbeseenand that yourbike is ready forit. Im talking suitable tyres,mudguardsandlights. If youcan, ride in agroup theressafety innumbers in inclementweather,asmost of the sensiblepeople are indoors!
January 2015 BikesEtc 29
CALORIE-NEUTRALCHRISTMASTistheseasontobejolly,andsoyoushouldbe.But ifyoudontwantajerseybulgeontheBoxingDayclubrun,youmaywanttoget insomeChristmasdinnercredits
WHEELOFYOGACyclinghasamyriadofhealthbenefitsbutforyourposture,notsomuch.Quellany
nigglesbyaddingabitofyogatoyourpost-ridestretching.Thismonth:thecamel
- =
Cyclingprovidesmanyphysicalandemotionalbenets, saysyogateacherAlexandraCat(theyogaclub.org), however,itsalsoanactivity that involvesrepetitivemovement througha limitedrangeofmotionandwithout incorporatingaregularstretchingroutine, yourpassionmightresult inan injury.Thecamelpose isa trulyexcellentpreventative for lowerbackpain,stretching the frontof thehips.Italso improvesrespirationbyexpanding thechest.
956Christmasdinner incalories
436Calories
burnt duringsession
525Calories
burnt duringEPOC
-5Net
caloriedeficit
-Research inhuman
nutritionanddieteticsfoundwecanpileonalmostakilooverChristmas,withan
all-the-trimmingsdinnerse/ingusbackover956calories.By increasingyourEPOCafteryouvenishedexercising, youllcanburnenoughcalories
toneutraliseyourChristmasdinnerandtuck inguilt free.
While theresnothingstoppingyoucycling
outside, toensureyouregoingatout foreveryinterval,werecommendtheturbo.Warmup,
thensprintas fastasyoucan foroneminute.Thehigher the intensity, thegreater theEPOC.Restfor30secondsbetweeneachsprint.Repeat this20times.Nowgoandopenyourpresents.
TheJournalOfSportsSciencehadagrouptrainfor30minutesat 70%oftheirmaximumeort,thenhadanothergroupdo20 intervalsofoneminuteat 100%of theirmaximumeort, resting30secondsbetweeneachbout.The intervalparticipantsbreathed in8 litresmoreoxygenandburntanextra35caloriesperminuteafterexercise.
Studies insportsmedicine foundEPOCcan lastanywhere
between15minutesand48hours,dependingonthe individual. ForourChristmasworkout,
weveerredonthe lowerendof thespectrumbutthe likelihood isyoull beburningmoremaybe
enoughtocoveracoupleof turkeysandwichesandabrandysnowball later.
If youcanresist thebuckszzand fryup,Christmasmorning isagreat timetogetoutonthebike.However, if youthinkaneasyspinonquietroadswill giveyoucarteblanchetostuyour face for therestof theday thenyouresadlymistaken.Be-ertouse the timehavingahalf-hourburnontheturbothatputsyou inacalorie-decit state thatwill coveryourroastturkeyblowout later in theday.Thetheory is themoreoxygenyoubreathe in, themorecaloriesyourbodyburns (a litreofoxygenconsumesapproximately5calories), andafterastrenuous
boutofhigh-intensityexercise, yourbodyconsumesmoreoxygenthannormalso that itcanreturnto itspre-exercisestate.Thiscausesaspike inyourmetabolismasyourbodyabsorbsmoreoxygento fundtherecoveryprocess.Byelevating thisExcessPost-ExerciseOxygenConsumption (EPOC), youll continue toburncalories longafteryouve jumpedotheturboandstartedunwrappingyourpresents.Sobeforeyouchecktosee ifSantasbeen,bangoutthesessionbelowandgetstuck intoChrimbowith impunity.Roastie?Dontmind if Ido.
Come toakneelingpositionwith the kneeship-withapart.Riseupo theheels andplace thehandson thehips.Lightly engage your lowerbellymuscles (belly bu2onto the topof thepubicbone)andwell as themusclesof thepelvic oor (the sameactionyouuse to stop yourselfwhenyouneed thebathroom).Lengthen through thespinebecomingas tallaspossible.
Slowly begin tobend thelowerbackbypushing thehips forwardand thenmidbackby taking thechestforwardsandupwards.Takea fewdeepbreathshere, keeping the lowerbellyandpelvic oorengaged.Tocomeout of thepose,slowly reverse theprocess.Build up to removing thehands fromthehipsandplacing themoneither theheels orona towerof booksbetween the feet.
Training
3
4
EnsureprogressionWhatever your level, youwant tobe2erattheendof ablockof training than youwereat the start of it and that includesover thewinter.Get yourself a target; if your trainingdoesnt haveone then youwont knowwhattypeof training todo. Lets say youvegoteightweeks toprepare for a race in earlyMarch.Ask yourself,what is themost youcando in yournalweekof training?Canyou takeadayowork to train?Can youride in theevenings?Will youdo turbosessions?Lets say youcando 13hours intotal in that lastweek; that is theendof yourprogression. So theweekbefore that youdo 12hours, theweekbefore that 11 hours,taking it right back to six hours for yourrsttrainingweek. If youwant todomoreworkin thoseearlyweeks then ridehardernotlonger. Stick to this and youll peakwhenyouneed to, not before.
Mix it upLong, steady rideshave their place, butadding in interval sessionsand tempotraining too is theway towork throughwinter. Its theway thepros train, noma2erwhere in theworld theyare. Youwant tobemaking thebest useof your time. If youveonly got anhour, dig out yourmountainbikeandhit the single tracks. Broadly speaking,ridingo-road for anhour is equivalent totwoon the road. It canalsobe safer thanriding in traconacold, darkmorning.
30 BikesEtc January 2015
Pictures:Ge
yIm
ages
Sunrise over the GreatCaucasusmountain range.Craggy ridges and summerpastures of Kyrgyzstan.
A glittering temple as yourbackdrop as you stop toswitch team members.
The outback dust rising fromyour wheels. Your morningview was reds and oranges,you turn your final cornerto see the ocean.
The welcoming wide, openroads of Deep South USA.Feeling the Californiansunshine on your back as youdraft behind your teammates.
No-one on the road but youand your team, the Americanroad trip dream.
Can you imagine yourselfthere? You could be the firstto take it on, make history,and Race the World.
Breakfast overlooking Lake Geneva. A winding, looping Alpine pass.
The islands of the Adriatic Sea glinting as you ride past. Travel through
mountains and plains as you cross Bulgaria.
RACE THEWORLD
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WINTER-PROOFYOURBIKE
Rain, gr
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cheapergro
upsets, rathe
rwelluse th
e
groupsets ra
cedonduring
the summer
.
This yearwe
ve startedu
singAssSav
er
under-sadd
lemudguard
s. Theyre re
ally
for self-pres
ervation rat
her than the
benet
of other rider
s. If Iwerego
ingout, Id ta
ke
awinterbike
withmudgua
rdsbut the
teamtrainon
the samecu
stom-+edT
rek
Emondas ye
ar-round.We
dontwant th
e
geometry al
tered.
This season,w
eve largely s
wapped
fromtubular
s to clincher
s for racing. I
n the
winter,wesw
itch fromth
eSchwalbeO
ne
tyre totheDu
rano forbe+
er cutresista
nce.
However,wh
en itsgreas
yout, its nice
to
have the sec
urity of gripp
y rubber, sow
e
still oftenn
dourselvesu
sing the race
tyre.
Ifyourepreparedtotoughitout inthebitingweather,makesureyourbike istoo
SwissStopF
lash
ProBxppa
ds,25
Pairedwithal
uminiumrims
,
theSwissStop
sprovide
dependablea
ll-weather
stopping. The
ymayseem
pricybuthars
hwinter
conditionsw
illwear regu
lar
pads faster. P
ickingout
debrisfromb
rakepads
andcleaning t
hemwith
nesandpap
erwillprolon
g
the lifeof your
rims.
extrauk.co.uk
Muc-ONan
oTech
Cleaner,8
.50;
X-3DirtyCh
ain
Machine,3
0;
3xbrushkit
,18
Pressurewas
hersmaybe
convenientbu
t can force
greasefromb
earings, caus
ing
themtowear
faster.Instea
d,
investinago
odbrushset.
Muc-oNano
Tech isspecia
lly
formulated to
besafeon
paintedandc
arbonnishe
s.
Besure towa
sh it ofully to
get thebest re
sults.Acleanin
g
machinesim
pliesremov
ing
grunge from
yourchain
without then
eed todetach
it fromthebik
e.
muc-o.com
CrudRoad
Racer
Mk2,30
WhileMatrix-V
ulpines rider
s
makedowith
justposterior
protection, yo
uandanyone
ridingwith yo
uwill appreci
ate
full-lengthmu
dguards. The
RoadRacer is
designed to
t
even thequick
estofbikes,w
hich
frequently lac
k themounts
orclearances
necessary for
traditionalm
udguards.
crudproducts
.com
Middleburn
cable
oilers,6
Thesegenius
widgetst in
line
with yourbra
keandgearc
ables
andallowyou
toushoil thro
ugh
themwithout
removing the
m
fromthebike
.Asimple rub
ber
O-ringseals t
heports. Per
fect
forwinter.
middleburn.c
o.uk
32 BikesEtc January 2015
AssSaver,
6.49
Minimalist pr
otectionstops
youge!inga
skunktail of i
cy
roadsprayu
pyourback.
Doesnothing
foranyone
followingbeh
indyou,mind.
thepocpac.co
.uk
Vi&oriaRub
ino
ProTech,3
0
Tougher tyre
saremoredu
rable
andhelpwar
dopuncture
s
when thecon
ditionsturnna
sty.
Widerprole
scanberuns
ofter
for increased
grip.
chickencycle
s.co.uk
PurpleHar
ry
BikeFloss,
3.99
Perfect forcl
eaningbetwe
en
casse!espro
ckets.
purpleharry.c
o.uk
WD-40Wax
&
Polish,8.4
9,bike
degreaser,
8.99,
bikewet lub
e,6.99
Adedicatedd
egreaserwill
allowyou tob
reakdownth
e
contaminated
greaseandoil
thatbuildsup
onyourbikeo
ver
thewinter,wh
ile agoodpoli
sh
will helpprev
entdirt sticki
ng
to it inthers
tplace.Wate
rwill
quicklywash l
ighterlubrica
nts
oyourchain
, so switch to
more tenacio
us wet form
ulas
if youre ridin
g in therain.
raleigh.co.uk
January 2015 BikesEtc 33
Maintenance
ALLTHEWAYUPTO11
TheEdcoMonoblockcomeswith two lockrings,oneofwhichmakes itpossible torunthe11-speedcasse"eona10-speedhub
Change is inescapable, butthat doesntmeanits alwayswelcome.
Thedesire to cramevermoregearson toourbikesmade it inevitable that hubswouldeventually runout of room, andso ithas come topass. The 11th sprocketnow foundonhigh-endgroupsetsis like thenal piece inagameofengineeringBuckaroo, tossingeverythingup in theair.
While the same freehubbody(thepart the sprockets slip on to)has servedperfectly for the lastdecade, fromeight to 10 speeds,
Ifanupgradeddrivetrainhasmadeyouroldwheelsredundant,theEdcoMonoblockisgoodnewsforyou
ELEVENPLUS
its toonarrow foran 11th sprocket.Increasing thewidthof the freehubtomake room for that extrasprocketmeant redesigning theentiregeometry of rearwheels.
Andso, just like that, a new11-speedwheel standardwasborn.Andanyonewhowantedtoupgrade their bike to thenewgroupset also found theyhad toshell out for anewset ofwheels.
Fortunately, Swisswheel andcomponentmanufacturerEdco(whichhasbeen inbusiness since1910,whenanythingmore thanasingle rear sprocketwouldhave
34 BikesEtc January 2015
MILLEDFROMONECHUNKOFSTEEL,THEEDCOMONOBLOCKISSOMETHINGOFAWORKOFART
Adopt theposition
Standingabove thewheelwith thecasse/e facingaway,wrap the trailingpart of thechainwhip [1] (ParkSR1SprocketRemover, 19.99,madison.co.uk) around the second largestsprocket. The leverof the tool shouldbepositionedsoas toengage the freewheel,ie not cause thecasse/e to spinaround.Fromwhere youre standing, the levershould sit in the 10oclockposition.
Throwaspanner in theworks
Standing in the sameposition, t thelockring tool [2] (ParkFR5CFreewheelRemover, 9.99,madison.co.uk) into theserratedhole in thecentreof thecasse/elockringanda/ach the spanner [3](ParkToolAdjustableWrench, 29.99,madison.co.uk). Thehandle should sitat the2oclockposition.
Give it somewelly
Besureboth tools are securely engaged.Pushdownonboth simultaneously.Thecasse/ewillwant to spinbackwards,but thechainwhip shouldprevent itfromdoingso.Beprepared tousea fair bit ofmuscle.
This is theeasybit
With the lockringundone, youcanslidethecasse/e[4]o the freehubbody.Check the splineson the freehubbodyfordamage.Give themacleanandaddsomegreaseoranti-seize. Yourenowready tot thenewcasse/e.
Puta lockringon it
Thekeywayson the sprockets and thesplineson the freehubbody [5]ensurethecasse/ecanonly be/ed in thecorrect position.Check that any spacersbetween the sprocketsorbehind thecasse/eare/ed in theappropriatelocations.With thecasse/e inplace,addsomegrease to the threadson thelockringand loosely t it to the freehubbody.Check the smallest sprocket isalignedcorrectly. Using the lockringtool, tighten the lockring to therecommended torque. Thiswill usuallybe in the range30-50Nm,which if youdont havea torquewrench isbestdescribedas really quite tight.
CASSETTETIPS
Whether youvemoved on to 11-speed groupsets or are still making dowith eight rear sprockets, youll need to knowhow to look after them
1
2
3
4
5
seemed incredibly exotic) has cometo the rescue. Its latest innovationis theMonoblock, aneat casse,ethat allows you to run 11 gearson your 10-speedwheels. As thenamesuggests, theMonoblockismilled fromonechunkof steeland is somethingof aworkof artin its ownright. At 208gminus thelockring, the 11-29picturedherecompareswellwith casse,es fromShimano (anUltegra 11-speedcasse,eweighsaclaimed251gin the 11-28conguration).
Thecasse,ecomeswith twolockrings, one for 11-speedwheels
andone toallow its useon 10-speed freehubbodies. At 125,its far fromcheap, si,ingsomewherebetweenShimanos55Ultegraand160Dura-Ace,but given itwill allowyou tobreatheanew leaseof life intooldwheels,that seems likegood value. Alsoavailable forCampagnologroups,theotherpositive is thewide rangeof sizesavailable, from the 11-29option to the tightly packed 14-25,which is perfect for junior racerswhose topgear size is restrictedonsafety grounds.125, edco-wheels.co.uk
Keepingyourchainandcasse/ecleanwill greatlyextendtheir lifeand improveshiftingperformance.Tocleanyourcasse/e,popthebackwheelout, spray thecasse/ewithdegreaser (goeasy, youdontwant it toget inside thehub)andscrubwithasti-bristledbrushandwarmsoapywater.Usearagtogetbetweenthecogs.Awornchainwill quicklyruinacasse/e, somonitor itsconditionwithachainwearindicator (ParkToolCC3.2,7.49,madison.co.uk).Replacingaworncasse/e iseasy just followthestepsbelow
January 2015 BikesEtc 35
Gear
HelenWyman isBritains best female
cyclocross racerbarnone,witha list
ofwins so long, anewcamper vanmay
be required just toget it all on the sides.Her
runofUKNationalChampion titles from
2006 to this yearwasbrokenonly once,
in 2013, andshewasEuropeanChampion
in 2012and2013.BikesEtc talked toher
at the inauguralUCIWorldCup race in
MiltonKeynes.
I rideaKonaSuperJake,which isa lot
stier thanbikes Ihaveraced in thepast,
perhaps thanks to themonocoque front
triangle, and it handlesbeautifully.Mybikes
are49cmandhave 74-degree seat and
71-degreehead tubeangles. I have four
bikeson thegoat any race. Twogo to thepit
and twogo to the start line.Once the race
has started, the sparebikegoes to thepit
so I have threeworkingbikes tohand there.
Becausenorace is thesame, Ihave 15
setsofwheelsatmyservice. I haveEaston
EC90mAeros. I useChallenge tubular tyres
andhave three sets of all their treads, from
theChicane,whichhasa le paAern for
fast, hardpackground, and theGrifo
a standardCX tyre to theBabyLimusand
full Limus,which is themud tyre. Today Im
running theLimus33mm.Pressurewill be
determinedbypre-riding thecourse, and
Ill be looking for acompromisebetween
maximumgripandmud-sheddingability.
Braking iskey inall riding, butespecially
incyclocross, andnowdiscbrakeshave
evolved to thepointwhere theyare
becomingstandard.Theygivememuch
morecondence in technical sections. I use
SRAMRedhydraulic brakeswithSwissStop
greenpads,whichhaveabeAer compound
thanstock, especially inBelgiumwhere
the tracksareoftenamixofmudandsand.
I used touseTRPHY/RD,whicharehalf
cable andhalf hydraulic, but theSRAM
Redsallowmemuchmorecontrol and to
brakeway later into corners. Ivebeen in
situationswhere Iwas in contentionwith
Nikki [Harris, currentBritish cyclocross
champion] andbaAling for the last corner
to lineup for the sprint. Thepowerof the
brakes letmeslowway later andsneak
through. I use solid rotorsmadebyCarver,
TheBritishcyclocrosssuperstarondiscbrakes,herloveofmudandracing infrontofahomecrowd
1WymanhasfourKonaSuperJakebikes,soshecanswapmid-racewithoutnoticinganydierence. 2CrankBrosEggBeaterpedalsallowmudtosqueezethroughforeasyre-engagementafteradismount.3 Choiceofdiscbrakesdependsonconditions:ventedrotorsliketheseinthedry,solidonesinthemud. 4 Likemostfemalepros,Wymandoesntuseawomenssaddle,preferringtheWTBSilverado. 5 Konausesstandardquick-releasehubsonitscrossbikes,ratherthanbolt-thruaxles
Name:HelenWyman
Nationality: British
Team: Kona
Age: 33
Height: 178.5cm
Weight: 55kg
SaddleHeight: 760mm
Seat Tube c-t: 490mm
Seat Tube c-c: 480mm
Tip of saddle to centre of bar:
510mm
Top Tube Length: 535mm
Head Tube: 135mm
Frame: Kona Super Jake Carbon
Race CX
Fork: Carbon Race CX
Bar: Zipp carbon 42cm
Stem: Zipp Service Course SL
105mm
Groupset: SRAMRed
Chainset: SRAMRed 44/38
Cassette: 11-28T
Wheels: Easton EC90 Aero
Tyres: Challenge Limus 33mm
Saddle:WTB Silverado
Details
1 2
43 5
HELENWYMAN
Words&photography:Geo
Wau
gh
36 BikesEtc January 2015
whicharegood in thewetbecause they
dont allowmud tobuild up. In thedry,
I usenormal vented rotors.
I lovemud!There, I said it.A lot of the
Belgiancoursesare sand thinkKoksde
but I prefer itwhen thegoing is good
to soft after anights rain. I love racing
atKoppenberg,Nommay in Franceand
Hoogerheide in theNetherlands. All have
their history andoeruniquechallenges.
HavingsomanypeoplecheeringmeoninmyhomeWorldCupracewasworthanextrageareachlap!
Wymanran theChallengeLimus tubular tyresat12-13psi inMiltonKeynes
Wymanhasbeenriding fortheAmericanKonaFactoryRacing teamsince2010and iseight timesBritishChampion
Whilemanycross racersnowuseasingle chainring,Wymanstill uses two44/38
Deep-sectioncarbonwheelspickup lessmud thanshallowrims (and they lookcool)
I seea fewracersrunningsingle
chainringsbut I still useadoubleof38
or39and44 teeth. I haveabo4omgear
of 28 teethandnever feel theneed to
go lower. If I cant rideahill in the lowest
gear then runningwill be just asquick.
CrankBrothersEggBeater 11TiMTB
pedalsaresuper lightandoermultiple
entry,which is vital in crosswherewere
onando thebikeandcleats andshoe
January 2015 BikesEtc 37
treadscanget cloggedwithmudandsand.
TheEggBeaters clear very eciently and
pairedwith theaggressive solesonmy
GiroCodeshoes, its apre4ygoodset-up.
Footnote:Helen rode intoeighthplace
atMiltonKeynesafter somestart sprint
tanglesandspills. Itwasgoosebumpsall
theway round. I never imagined Iwould
have this experienceof somanypeople
cheeringmeon inmyhomeWorldCuprace.
Itwasworthanextrageareach lap!
Helencompetes in thefth roundof the
UCICyclocrossWorldCup inHeusden-
Zolder, Belgium, on26Decemberand the
nal raceof the seasonatHoogerheide,
Netherlands, on25January. Fordetails
of TVcoverage, see tv.eurosport.co.uk
ProRider
XIZUFCJLF
6, EFTJHOFE GPS ZFBS SPVOE QFSGPSNBODF
"XBSE XJOOJOH 8IZUF CJLFT BSF EFTJHOFE JO UIF 6, BOE QSPNJTF ZFBSSPVOE DPNGPSU BOE SFMJBCJMJUZ XIBUFWFS UIF XFBUIFS PS UIF SPBE UISPXT BU ZPV 4VSFGPPUFE IBOEMJOH JT HVBSBOUFFE UIBOLT UP 8IZUFT BDDMBJNFE GSBNF HFPNFUSZ %JTD CSBLFT PFS MPXNBJOUFOBODF BOE IJHI QFSGPSNBODF QVODUVSFSFTJTUBOU UZSFT FOTVSF ZPV HFU UP XPSL PO UJNF BOE JOUFSOBM DBCMF SPVUJOH NBYJNJTFT UIFTF CJLFT DMFBO VODMVUUFSFE BQQFBSBODF 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO BOE UP USZ POF GPS ZPVSTFMG OE ZPVS OFBSFTU EFBMFS BU XIZUFCJLF
1986RazorBladesareabreakoutproduct forOakley.Moreconventional in shapeandstyle, they stillfeatureabroadone-piece lens. Interchangeablepartsmeanusersareable tochoose from22,394,880possible colourcombinations. Themirrored Iridium lenseson latermodels renderridersexpressionsmore inscrutable thanever.
Therewasa timewhenthe leadersof the
peloton sported thekindof sunnieswednowassociatemorewithsuave 1960s Italianlmstars.While theearliest racersmadedowithmodiedyinggoggles, bythe 1950s, theimprovedquality of roadsurfacesmade theseabitexcessive.On thebrightest days,ridersmight donapair of Ray-BanAviators.Otherwise, until themid-80s, youdbehard-pressedtonda riderwearingglassesatall except thosewhoneeded themtosee, suchasLaurent Fignon,whose spectacles earnedhimthenickname TheProfessor.All this changed in 1984whentheOakley Eyeshadewasborn.
TheEyeshades looked likenothingelseon themarket.Constructedof Zytel, a light,impact-resistant thermoplasticproducedbyAmericanchemicalcompanyDuPont, theyweremadefamousbyGregLeMond in the1985Tour.Within a fewyears,performancesports eyewearbecamestandard issueamongall pro riders.Oakley followedwith theRazorBlades in 1986;less ski-goggle,moreTerminatorin style, they came inadizzyingarrayof colour schemes thanksto fully interchangeableparts.Themuch-copiedMFramemodelthat camenextwasnt only ahitwith cyclists butwasalsoapprovedforuseby theUSmilitary.
Sartorially, the 90swereadarktimebutOakleybeat ahost of Eurohorrors to carveout the largestsharewithin thepropeloton. Theworldsmostwinningest Texanspentmost of his careerwithapairclamped tohis faceand 1998sawthe introductionof the full-frameRacingJacket,whichwaschunkyenough for teams tocustompainttomatch their kit. It also saw theintroductionof theaggressivelyuglyOverTheTopmodel. TheRadar (2007)wasessentiallyanupdatedMFrameand itspopularity remainsundiminished.
EYECANDY
2007TheRadar representsamajoroverhaul.Whileincludingmany traits incommonwith theMFrame,it featureschunkier stylinganda lensshape thatendures, and2012sees theRadarlockaddeasierlenschanges. Today theycontinue toprotectmoreriders in thepropeloton thananyotherglasses.
2014With thecontinuedappetite forall things retro,Oakleycelebrates30yearsof existencebyreissuingboth theEyeshadesandRazorBlades.Withanannual turnover inexcessof$1billion,JimJannardhascomea longway fromworkingoutof a truck.OakleysnewHQ is likealm-setdystopian factory, guardedbya functioning tank!
1975JimJannard startsOakley sellingBMXandmotocrossgripsoutof thebackofhis truck.Anemphasisonergonomicsanddierentcolourcombinations is alreadyevident.
OakleyBMXgrips
1980TheOFramegoggle,Oakleysrst eyewear, islaunched. Jannardbegins intensivebutofteninformal sponsorshipofBMXpros.Manypaidridersdontwear them,but rather strap themabove thepeakof theirhelmet. Thisnonchalanceincreases their cool quotienteven further,makingthemamust-haveproduct.
OFrame
GregLeMondinhisEyeshades
1984TheFactoryPilotEyeshade (originally theOakley Lite) is introduced.Owingagreatdeal toitsmotocrossorigins, its looksarerevolutionary.Awideanddeepcurved lens supportedat the topandbo7omcovereda largeportionof the face.A foam insert spanning the topof the framekeptsweat fromtheriders eyes.
1985GregLeMondandPhil AndersonbecometherstOakley-sponsoredriders in thepropeloton.LeMondaccepts$75,000 insteadof equity inwhatis still a fairly small company.Hewins theTour thefollowingyear.
1990TheMFramemarksadeparture fromthe 80s. Itestablishesmanyt-based technologies, suchasthegrippyear socks that still featureonOakleystoday.Over theyears, 10switchable lensesarecreated, including theextremelynarrowStrip,which isquickly je7isoned.Classics suchastheHeaterandStrikearestill available.
1998TheRacingJacket features twin lensesandavented frame.They takea fewyears to reach thepropelotonandneverproveaspopularas theMFrames.Aslimmed-downversionbecomes2009sJawbonebefore revertingback to itsoriginalname. It remains in thecurrent line-up.
After30yearsofputtingrivals intheshade,Oakleyisstillputtingshadesonthepros
RazorBlades
MFrame
The RacingJacket
OakleysnewHQ
January 2015 BikesEtc 39
Timeline
Theyreheavy,non-aeroanddangerous incrashesarewereallyreadyforthediscbrakerevolution?
DISCDEVILS
40 BikesEtc January 2015
Opinion
Hows thesearch foranewbikegoing?Have
youdecidedwhatyouregoing togetyet?
Pinarello?Colnago?Parlee?
Notquite, but I havedecidedonone thing: Imgoing
fordiscbrakes.
Discbrakes?Hmm,Idont thinkIll beriding
withyouwith those thingsonyourbike.Theyre
lethal, arent they?
If youcall increasedbrakingpower, greater control
and reducedwear to your rims lethal, getMurtaugh
on thephonequickasRiggs is back in town.
Theyrereallysharpthoughandcanoverheat
ondescents. Idontwant tosee thatparticular
combinationhi&ingmy leg inaspill.
Its possible, but so is takingchunksout of yourself
with abig spiky chainring, and they seemtobe
doingquitewell at themoment.
Butchainringsareessential, discbrakesarent.
Iveriddenwithrimbrakes foryears. If you
needmorepowerthanyoucangetwithawell
set-updualpivotcantibrake,youredoing
somethingwrong.
Needandwant arequitedierent things
though. Theactionof hydraulic discs just feel so
much lighter thancable rimbrakes. Theres no
resistance, youcansit on thehoodsbrakingwith
onengerand feel completely in control. On rim
brakes youdhave tobepermanently on thedrops
with twongerson thebrakes. And then theres the
wetweatherperformance
Right,becausebeingable toslowdowntwice
as fastaseveryoneelse isntgoing tocauseany
crashes, is it?
I hearwhat youre saying, but the solution to that
problemseemsa li4le like cu4ingoyournose to
spite your face.Do you really reckon its safer if none
of us canslowdown in the rain? Imagine if thatwas
thecasewith cars wedall have todrivearound
onold-fashioneddrumbrakes!
But theystill overheatandyoucantdeny that.
Discs canget hot if youdrag thebrakeson long
descents, but thats not recommendedbraking
techniqueanyway. Andwerehardly blessedwith
Alpine-lengthdescents in theUK.
I just think theyreunnecessary.Adecentrider
shouldntneedextrabrakingpower. If youre
brakingall the time,youredoing itwrong.
Tell that toTeamSkysGeraint Thomas hewrote
onhisBBCblogduring theTour that ononeof
thedescents, hepulledhis brakesandnothing
happened, itwas thatwet. Terrifying.Now
maybe youreabe4er rider than theG-Manand
thatwouldnt havehappened to you, but its not
something I fancy experiencing.
Butarent youworried that itllmakeyournew
bikereallyugly?Aclassicroadbike isa thingof
beautyyouregoing toendupwithsomething
that looks likeamountainbike!
I thinkweve reached thecruxof theargument
here. Change is goodand theres alreadybeen
plenty of it in roadcycling: aerobars, indexed
shifting, cliplesspedals. Dont fear the future; its
lookingbright. Anddisc-shaped.
AndyWaterman is thedeputy editor ofBikesEtc
andhasabsolutely noproblemwithbeinga total
disc-head. Seepage76 forBikesEtcs braking test
CHANGEISGOOD
ANDTHERESALREADY
BEENALOTOFITIN
ROADCYCLING Illustration:MichaelLester
Up to 800 lumens in a lightweight design
THE SMARTSIN CYCLING
As thewinter training ground ofWiggins, Froome, Nibali and Contador,Tenerife is the perfect place to testthree bikes t for the pros
44 BikesEtc January2015
VOLCANIC
WORDSANDYWATERMAN PHOTOGRAPHYJUANTRUJILLOANDRADES ONTEST
ACTIVITY
CANNONDALESUPERSIXEVO
HI-MODDURA-ACE23,499
MERIDAREACTODURA-ACE
3,500
SPECIALIZEDTARMACEXPERT
3,000
ProbikesONLOCATION
January2015 BikesEtc 45
ixweeksbefore the2012TourdeFrance,BradleyWigginswas interviewedbytheGuardiannear the summitofMountTeide inTenerife.Hewascoming to theendof a two-week training camp,living2,000mabove sea level
on thevolcanicplateau thatdominates theisland, acclimatising to thealtitudeandbene.ing fromtheoxygen-depletedair,boostinghis stockof redbloodcells beforethebiggest raceofhis career.
We trainat altitudeandwesleepataltitude for two-weekperiods, he said inthevideo. A lot of themountain stagesnishquitehigh, so its aboutbeingable toperformat altitudewithout anydropo inpower.Werequite secludeduphere, there arenodistractions ideal forusbefore theTour.
Tenerifehasbecome the trainingdestinationof choice forTourdeFrancehopefuls.Only fourhours fromLondononabudgetight, the islandboasts a subtropicalclimate, good roadsandaboveall, a decenthotel at over2,000maltitude.Earlier thisyear,TheParador, theonlyhotel in thenational park that surrounds thevolcano,saw threeTourcontenders stayingat thesame time. Imaginebumping intoChrisFroome,AlbertoContadorandVincenzo
46 BikesEtc January2015
With itshigh-altitude, secludedroads, Tenerifehas fastbecomethechosen trainingdestinationfor someof the topTourdeFrancehopefuls
S
WERELUREDTOTHEISLANDWITHTHEPROMISEOFWARMWEATHERANDTHEOPPORTUNITYTORIDEON
ROADSTHATMAKECHAMPIONS
January2015 BikesEtc 47
ProbikesONLOCATION
Nibali at thebuetbreakfast. Perhaps thatwouldnt seemparticularly surreal upthere thoughTeidesmoonscapewasusedas thebackdrop forOneMillionYearsB.C.and frankly, onlyRaquelWelch sportingmankindsrstbikini ismore surreal thanthe landscape itself. Itsweird: blackandbrownandmiles above theclouds, a seaofwhiteblockingout thehorizon, like anisland in space, rather than theAtlantic.
BikesEtchas come to the island luredbythepromiseofwarmweather, incrediblesceneryand theopportunity to rideon thesameroads thathavemade the last threeTourdeFrancechampions.Thechancesofbumping intoFroomeorNibali are slimweare travelling inNovember, traditionallydowntime for riders looking topeak in July.
Thebikes
Thebikeswell be ridingon thevolcanoarethemoreaccessible versionsof thebikesproteamshavebeenriding this year.
Firstupwehave theCannondaleSuperSixEvoHi-ModDura-Ace2which, at 3,499,features the same framePeterSaganhasbeenracing (andwinning) on so impressivelyfor the last fewyears.Withour54cmtestbikeweighing inat 6.81kg (withoutpedals),its impressively light, andgiven itspedigreeandoversized tubes,we suspect itwill bemighty sti too.Tomaintain comfort,Cannondalehas incorporated its SpeedSave technology into the rear triangleto introduceenoughvertical compliance
48 BikesEtc January2015
SpecializedTarmacExpertA taste of Tour-winning excellence
Summary:TheTarmacExpert is a stunner
in theesh, that paint job is almostworth
thepricetag alone.With a slightly lowerprice
than theother twobikes, its no surprise to
ndUltegraused throughout. Thenon-series
Fulcrumwheels feel a li&le low-rent in this
company though.
Bestpoints:Exceptional handling and
agreat t goodenough towin the Tour
andVuelta in 2014, so goodenough for
us. And that paint job!
Worstpoints:Thewheels are theobvious
place to upgrade in the future, but thats the
only sore spot.
Price: 3,000
Frame:Specialized FACT 10r
carbon, FACT construction, tapered/
shaped 1.125in to size-specic lower
head tube
Wheels: FulcrumS4
Tyres:Specialized TurboPro 23mm
Groupset:ShimanoUltegra
11-speed, FSA carbon chainset,
52/36
Brakes:ShimanoUltegra
Handlebars:Specialized Expert
Stem:Specialized ProSL
Seatpost:S-Works FACT carbon
Saddle:Specialized Toup Expert
Gel, Ti rails
Weight: 7.48kg
Contact: specialized.com
January2015 BikesEtc 49
ProbikesONLOCATION
JoshwearsSpiukDharmahelmet, 120,silversh-uk.com;SmithOpticsPivlockV2sunglasses, 120, saddleback.co.uk;AssosCentoshort-sleeve jersey, 150,
AssosT.Tiburu_S7bibshorts, 185,AssosMille socks, 12, all yellow-limited.com;
FizikR3Uomoshoes, 215, extrauk.co.uk
CannondaleSuperSixEvoHi-ModDura-Ace2A lightweight and lively road-racing thoroughbred
Summary:TheSuperSix EvoHi-Mod frameset
hasbeenaround for a fewyears now,which
iswhyCannondale is able to oer this bike at
suchakeenprice. Its a fantastic bike, light and
lively and specced just howwed have it full
Dura-Ace, andawheel package thats hard to
improveupon.Whether as aprivateer racer
or ahardcore sportive bike, Cannondale has
created a very a-ractive package.
Bestpoints:Theweight 6.81kgwithout pedals!
and the supremely comfortable t arewhat
make theSuperSix Evo standout in the crowd.
Worstpoints:Beginning to looka li-le dated
(external cable routing for instance) but thats
theprice youpay for suchabargain.
Price: 3,499
Frame:Supersix Evo, Ballistec
Hi-ModCarbon, SpeedSave, Presst
BB30
Wheels:ShimanoRS81C24
Tyres:SchwalbeOne 25mm
Groupset:ShimanoDura-Ace,
CannondaleHollowgramSi chainset,
52/36
Brakes:ShimanoDura-Ace
Handlebars:CannondaleC1Ultralight
Stem:Cannondale C1Ultralight
Seatpost:Cannondale C1Ultralight
Saddle: Fizik Arione
Weight:6.81kg (size 54)
Contact: cannondale.com
50 BikesEtc January2015
tobeable to ride all day.WithamechanicalDura-Acegroupset,Cannondales excellentHollowgramBB30chainset andShimanoslowprole, lightweightRS81wheels,weareexcited to seewhat it cando.
Next tobe loadedon to the8amMondaymorningeasyJetight toTenerifeSouth istheMeridaReactoDura-Ace, anaero roadbike riddenby the ItalianLampre team,which this year included the2013WorldChampionRuiCosta.MeridamaynotbeabrandyouseeveryoenonBritish roads,but it is oneof theworlds largestbikemanufacturers (secondonly inTaiwantoGiant), and in theesh, the3,500Reactois ahandsomemachine thea?ention todetail is impressive and the specicationis faultless.MechanicalDura-Ace is as goodas it gets,Rotor cranksare ana?ractiveupgradeand theVisionwheels are a goodchoice aerodynamic thanks to thedeep-sectioncarbon fairing,butwithanaluminiumbraking surface, reliableon longdescents.
Lastlywecome to theSpecializedTarmacExpert,whichat3,000, is the cheapest of theassembledbunchandnotably thebrightest. It sports aShimanoUltegra 11-speedgroupset, andSpecializeds FACT10r carbon frame (theS-Worksversion riddenbyNibali usesupgradedFACT11r carbon,whichhasamarginallyhigher tensilestrength, socanbebuilt intoa lighter frame), andsize-specicgeometryand tubeproling ensureall seven sizes, from49cmto64cm, ride similarly.
Touchingbase
Weare stayingwith theDelgadobrotherswho together runTenerifeBikeTraining.Theyremidway through theirVolcanoTourwhenwearrive, a seven-day, six-stagesupportedcircuit of the islandsbestbits.
We let the riders recover fromtheirexertions and launchourselves into abuetlunchbeforeheading toour rooms tobuildbikes.Alongsideournormalpair ofEvocbikebags,wevebroughtwithusanewThuleRoundTripProbike case,which includes abuilt-inbike stand. It becomes immediatelyobvioushowuseful this is, pu?ing thebikes attheperfectheight to rea?achrearderailleurs,stems, bars andpedals. Its 495, but asweheadout into the late aernoon light,weagree it is largely responsible forushavingthechance to ride todayany later and itwill be ge?ingdark. Its a goodopportunityto get to gripswith thebikes theMeridainparticular, although it feels good,needsthe shiers shuingup thebars tomakefor amorecomfortable ride.Well need thattomorrowwhenwe tackle themightyTeide.
In theevening,wecarb-loadwitha three-coursehotel buet.Aera4amstart, theresli?ledesire to stayup late, soweretire andsleep thetful sleepofmenwhoshouldnthavegonequite sowild at thedessert trolley.
Whenweew inonMondaymorning, thecloudshoveredaround thevolcano, the islandvisible aboveandbelow.OnTuesdaymorning,wewakeup tond thewhole islandcoveredincloudsdoes thismeanwell ride above thecloud later onwewonder?Fingers crossed.
TheTenerifeBikeTraininggrouphas130kmonthecards today, starting in thenorthof the islandbefore ridingupandoverTeideandbackdowntoLosCristianos.Wedlove to join themfor theday, but thepressureof takingphotos is likely tomakeus fairly
WEWAKETOFINDTHEISLANDCOVEREDINTHECLOUDSWELLBERIDINGABOVELATER
January2015 BikesEtc 51
ProbikesONLOCATION
RosswearsMadisonRRblack jersey, 60,MadisonRRbibshorts, 90,Pearl IzumiMensSelectRoadshoes, 90,LazerBladehelmet, 60, LazerMagneto M1glasses, 90,allmadison.co.uk
MeridaReactoDura-Ace
The Italian Lampre teamsweaponof choice
Price: 3,500
Frameset:Aero carbon framewith
carbondropouts, directmount front
mech and integrated seat clamp,
Nanomatrix and ax bres
Wheels: FSATrimax T42 carbon/
alloy rims
Tyres:Continental GrandPrix
4000S23c
Group
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