Chris King R45 Road Racing Hubs

An all-new, lightweight hubset designed expressly for the demands of road racing

Chris and our engineering team began every design meeting for the R45 with two words - Light & Fast. Every element of each hub was reconsidered and much of the design is all-new including new dimensions and new materials. Something very important we did carry over, however, is the soul of a King hub. Same user serviceability and same 5-year warranty.

The R45 hubset is 20% lighter than our already light Classic hubset. We started by making both front and rear hubshells smaller and sleeker and then adding all-new 17mm axles. That’s 17mm from dropout to dropout resisiting deflection during cornering or when the power is full on. We designed a new driveshell to fit the new rear hub design, removing as much weight as possible from the shell and its inner components. But the highlight of the new rear hub is the 45-tooth titanium RingDrive. We chose titanium for this new design not just because it is light but also because with a lower tooth count than our standard RingDrive it is remarkably quiet.

The R45 hubset has it’s own all-new stainless steel sealed bearings. As with every King bearing, these bearings are made in-house in Portland, Oregon and individually hand-checked for precision and smoothness. Our proprietary bearing design allows us to place more rolling elements per bearing meaning greater durability and precision. R45 bearings also feature lightweight, low-friction seals for fast rolling and can be easily serviced at regular intervals using only a single 2.5mm hex wrench and penknife.
In response to demand for handbuilt, low-spoke count wheels, we offer the R45 in a wider array of drillings than our Classic hubs. The R45 is also designed to be compatible with radial lacing patterns. Your favorite shop can help you determine the best spoke count and lacing pattern for your riding style.

Chris King R45 Road Racing hubs are available in ten colors.

(source: ChrisKing.com)

Schmolke, benchmark for oversized handlebars too?!

18 years ago Stefan Schmolke impressed the cycling world with the first ever carbon fibre road handlebar. His success, which he developed in the course of his master thesis at the Rüsselsheim University, was only the beginning for Schmolke Carbon, his innovative enterprise. Others, by now well known products, developed with painstaking thoroughness, were to follow. The latest addition to the family now is an oversized road handlebar. Needless to say it again comes with a world-record weight.

The obvious advantage of an oversized handlebar is its middle section’s larger diameter. This leads to a considerably stiffer handlebar.
In addition to that its wide and flat top makes for an ergonomic and comfortable grip when riding with your hands on the tops. The flat section design is also more aerodynamic than the round-section version with its larger frontal area. With its drop and reach of 138mm and 95mm respectively this handlebar is also designed with ergonomics in mind for both the drop and the hood position. In addition to that the handlebar comes with recessed cable grooves on its underside. The radiuses of the side parts follow the well proven design of the compact series. The new oversize bars weigh in at a spectacularly low 125g to 155g (depending on bar width and rider’s weight) for the top-of-the-line TLO version. The slightly dearer SL version comes with a weight of 160g to 175g.

Like all other Schmolke parts “the new one“ is available in choice of finishes (1K, 3K and 12K).
The handlebars are available in 44cm width (as measured from the outside to the outside), different widths will be available soon.

Price:
390 € - SL-Version
570 € - TLO-Version

Sram XX - 10speed MTB!

First pics of Srams complete new high-end 10speed mountain bike groupset:

Claimed sub 2300g including disc brakes. The rear cassette will likely be based on the innovative PowerDome design of the Red road-groupset but modified for better performance in muddy conditions with a more open architecture. The 11-34 tooth range is unlikely to change much but the additional ratio in the middle will mean smaller jumps between gears, something racers always like. Other options: 26/39, 28/42, 30/44 at front - Cassette 11-32 and 11-34. Avids new “XX-Brake”:

To be available mid-year 2009.
source: wheelgiant.com.tw

Time RXR Ulteam

Time presents the new RXR Ulteam Frame. After inventing the TRANSLINK integrated carbon seat tube, the multi-diameter steerer and the QUICKSET headset concept, TIME distinguishes itself again with the RXR ULTEAM. Inspired by the RXR CHRONO time trial module, winner of the World TT championship in its first participation, the RXR ULTEAM symbolizes the best of TIME technology. Thanks to high tech design tools and computer modeling, each tube has been optimized for the benefit of performance and aerodynamics. The result: the RXR enjoys a SCX (capacity of penetration of the air) among the most favorable in the industry. The new fork with multi diameter steerer guarantees strength, light weight, and stability with exceptional steering precision. The TIME-patented multi-diameter steerer, combined with an oversize lower bearing (always using TIME’s specific bearing designs), guarantees total security with outstanding resistance to shock.
Among other innovations, also note the new optimized aerodynamic shape and seat height adjustability of the TRANSLINK seat tube, as well as front derailleur height adjustability with the choice of 2 attachment positions.
All TIME riders like Pierrick Fédrigo (Bouygues Telecom) will be using the RXR Ulteam throughout next season.

Tech specs:

* Evolutionary sloping geometry in 6 sizes
* Optimized tube designs in HM Carbon with Vibraser technology
* Full Carbon lugs
* Optimized Full Carbon bottom bracket shell, TRANSLINK seat tube and RXR Ulteam wishbone
* Asymmetrical chainstays
* Specific one-piece monobloc carbon fork with multidiameter steerer with CMT dropouts
* Quickset headset with oversize lower bearing
* MONOLINK RXR ULTEAM carbon stem with CMT insert
* TIME Ergo-Force handlebar (in back for RXR VIP and white for BBox)
* CMT seatpost head and saddle cradle
* Removable aluminum front derailleur mount
* Aluminum 7075 T6 brake fixing nuts
* Carbon bottle cage with carbon bolts
* Carbon bottle cage
* Frame weight: 1100 grams (± 5%)
* Module (frame, fork, headset, stem) w/ handlebar weight: 1930 grams (± 5%)

via Bikerumor.com / time.fr

Io DuPont Power Cordz 2009

Io DuPont, maker of Power Cordz High-Performance Cable Systems, is proud to announce the release of their new 1.2mm Derailleur Cordz sets and complete cable systems. 1.2mm Cordz are modeled after 1.2mm steel cables for compatibility, but made from a super-fiber called Zylon that is as strong as steel and reduces weight over 75% (weighing less than 3g each) comparatively. “This is an exciting product for us coming into 2009, our customers asked for this product and we’ve delivered!” says Tony DuPont, Inventor of Power Cordz and Founder of Io DuPont.

The new super-light Derailleur Cordz offer full compatibility with all standard shift systems - i.e. Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo. They will also work with standard 4mm housing and lightweight aftermarket housing systems. “Our leadership position in the high-end cable market is reinforced as the 1.2mm Cordz solve the compatibility issues we faced with our 1.5mm Derailleur Cordz. Shifter modification and 5mm housing requirements are history, which alleviates the issues concerning potential users and manufacturers” says Philip Vega, Power Cordz Brand Manager. The 1.2mm Cordz are available in two package configurations – a Cordz only set called the 1.2mm Derailleur Cordz Set ($36.95), and as a complete system - Derailleur System 4mm ($69.00) featuring Cordz, Teflon™ coating housing, and sealed alloy ferrules.

Like all Power Cordz Systems, 1.2mm Cordz utilize Zylon fiber to significantly reduce weight and prevent permanent stretch or deformation, which is a problem with old-fashioned steel cables. 1.2mm Cordz alone will shave roughly 20-25 grams from your bike at a reasonable price compared to other composite upgrades. In addition, the new Cordz use the same slick nylon coating to eliminate fraying and reduce corrosion which is another major problem for steel cables. A properly installed set of Power Cordz will last 2-3 times longer than steel cables reducing maintenance and labor costs over time. The 1.2mm Derailleur Cordz are available to the IBD through BTI, KHS and by contacting Power Cordz direct. For more information about Power Cordz, check out www.powercordz.com . For Sales and Marketing, contact Philip Vega via phone - (208) 908-0630 or email -pvega@powercordz.com .

About Power Cordz – Based in Boise, ID, Io DuPont develops high-end technology products to optimize performance of its intended application. Our flagship product, Power Cordz™ is a synthetic fiber cable system designed to address the problems of steel control cables currently used on the bicycle. Steel cables are prone to stretching, fraying, corrosion, and they carry unnecessary weight. Years of research, testing and teaming up with the best synthetic fiber experts were necessary to produce Power Cordz, a fiber control cord that does not corrode and is 75% lighter than the current standard! Power Cordz are sold worldwide through multiple distribution chains.

source: Philip Vega - Director of Sales and Marketing at Io DuPont.

Giant recalls TCR Advanced SL Fork

Giant recalls TCR Advanced SL Fork in U.S.:
THIS PROGRAM AFFECTS BIKES SOLD IN THE USA ONLY

Working in voluntary cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Giant Bicycle is providing a replacement fork for 2009 TCR Advanced SL and SL(ISP) bicycles and frames. Consumers who have purchased 2009 model year TCR Advanced SL and SL (ISP) bicycles and frames should read the details below and immediately contact an authorized Giant Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement fork.

Name of product: 2009 model year TCR Advanced SL and SL (ISP) Bicycles and Frames
Units: About 1,000
Importer: Giant Bicycle, Inc. of Newbury Park, Calif.
Hazard: The density of the steerer tubes can cause the forks to crack and break, posing a fall hazard to the consumer.
Incidents/Injuries: Giant Bicycle has received one report of the fork cracking with no reported injuries.
Description: This recall involves 2009 TCR Advanced SL Team, SL 0, SL 1, SL 2, and SL (ISP) model bicycles and frames in silver, charcoal, blue and red. The words “Giant” and “TCR Advanced SL” are printed on the frame. Steerer tubes with “B”, “N” or “P” at the end of the serial number are not included in this recall. Other “TCR” model bicycles are not included in the recall.
Sold by: Authorized Giant Bicycle dealers nationwide from August 2008 through December 2008 for between $3,300 and $7,500.
Manufactured in: Taiwan
Remedy: Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately and contact an authorized Giant Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement fork.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Giant Bicycle toll-free at
(866) 458-2555 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
Please click the link to see the CPSC press release related to this program http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09096.html

Mavic R-sys recall

This notice from Mavic is addressed to users of R-SYS front wheels:

Annecy, January 5th 2009. As part of its ongoing commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, Mavic has announced a voluntary recall of its R-SYS front wheels as a precautionary safety measure.

Mavic has identified that the carbon tubular spokes of the R-SYS front wheel may break during use in certain circumstances and causing the rider to lose control and possibly fall, potentially sustaining injury.

All models of Mavic R-SYS front wheels are concerned (R-SYS, R-SYS test, R-SYS Premium), whether purchased separately or as part of a bicycle. The wheels must no longer be used.

Consumers should immediately return their front wheel to a Mavic dealer; and a new upgraded R-SYS front wheel will be delivered free of charge. This exchange will start from 31st of March 2009. Until this date, and to facilitate the continued use of your bicycle, Mavic will offer a set of Aksium wheel that customers will keep after they have received the replacement R-SYS front wheel.

For any further question, please ask your Mavic Dealer,
or call the following number: 00 800 234 788 75
for USA and Canada: 1-800-664-9228
for Austria: 01 54663 5521

Mavic regrets any inconvenience We appreciate your understanding and, we look forward to providing you a superior upgrade to the one of the finest wheels on the market.

1000 pics from Eurobike 2008

More than 1000 Pictures you can find now in our Eurobike 2008-Album. Our two days at the world largest bike show was brimming with new products from many top bicycle, component & accessories brands. We´ll bring you Eurobike live to you directly from Friedrichshafen in Germany. Check it out here!

Eurobike 2008 special

Upcoming news, pics and more from this year eurobike at Friedrichshafen on our Eurobike Special.

SID Travels to Beijing Olympics

Select RockShox sponsored athletes competing in this year’s Olympic games have been given a special Beijing Limited Edition SID. These are sure to be coveted, as there are no plans for this version to become publicly available. Graphic Designer, Russ Forbes lead the graphic design of the Beijing Edition SID. Forbes said, “The Celestial Chinese Dragon is often seen as the symbol of the Chinese. It symbolizes power and excellence, valiancy and boldness. A dragon overcomes obstacles until success is his.”

Competition begins with the Women’s Mountain Bike Cross Country on Friday, August 22 3:00pm (local Beijing time). On Saturday, August 23, the Men’s Mountain Bike XC takes place at 3:00pm. For real time coverage, or to check your local listing, visit www.nbcolympics.com.

Olympic athletes can use the included national flag decal sheet to further decorate their RockShox SID suspension fork, and represent their country.

SRAM athlete roster participating in the 2008 Men’s and Women’s Mountain Bike Cross Country events.

Fulcrum Product Range 2009

Racing Light XLR
Fulcrum Racing Light XLR wheels are the evolution of Racing Light carbon fibre low profile wheels. For the 2009 season Fulcrum introduces new hubs with oversize carbon fibre bodies and aluminium flanges to reduce the weight and increase the reactivity of the wheels. Taking advantage of the design of the new wheels, Fulcrum has also increased the flange diameter on the sprocket set side up to 78 mm to exalt the response characteristics of the Racing Light XLR when climbing and accelerating. The improvements to the hubs don’t stop here: smoothness has made an enormous leap forward with the new ceramic bearings with CULT technology developed by Fulcrum (see product table on page 7).

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Dura-Ace crankset FC-7800C

Shimano carbon crankset compatible with new Dura-Ace

At the Eurobike show in August 2007 Shimano introduced a carbon fiber Dura-Ace crankset FC-7800C. Originally this crankset was designed to be compatible with the Dura-Ace 7800 series. However, with the introduction of the new Dura-Ace 7900 series this year they decided to change this. Shimano will deliver this crankset to be compatible with the new 7900 group instead.

Additionally, they will be able to provide a special chain ring set to make this crankset also compatible with Dura-Ace 7800.

As announced recently, the new Dura-Ace 7900 has a further refined front shifting performance and trimming of the big chain ring is no longer needed. These features were made possible by a new chain ring design and new front derailleur of Dura-Ace 7900.

FC-7800C has an aluminum core to realize a lightweight yet very rigid construction. By using this technology, Shimano developed a crankset that combines the best of both materials. The aluminum frame ensures a stiff set-up for optimal power transfer while using carbon saves weight. Weight of this crankset (including bottom bracket) is 715 grams.

This state-of-the-art crankset will be available in gear combinations 53/39T and 52/39T in crank arm lengths 170, 172.5 and 175mm.

Available as after market product from end of December 2008!

Campy launches 11-speed groups

Campagnolo Super Record, Record and Chorus will receive the new 11-speed drivetrain. Centaur and Veloce remain 10-speed. The weights of the new groupsets: 2.145 grams for Chorus, 2.015 grams for Record and 1.964 grams for the Super Record. According to Campagnolo, every transmission component in the 11-speed groups was redesigned. This includes the Ergopower levers, front and rear derailleurs, chain, cassette and crankset. Campag’s engineers have improved the stiffness of the rear derailleur, with the aim of making more precise shifts.

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Truvativ´s new MTB handlebars

SRAM Corporation today announced a new line-up of Truvativ MTB handlebars that benefits Cross Country, All-Mountain, Freeride, and Downhill riders.

The naming strategy of the expanded line-up will look familiar. The names were chosen to provide a streamline look and feel on the bike with other SRAM components. The Noir and Stylo model names originated from Truvativ’s cranks; the World Cup, Team, and Race series modifiers are borrowed from the RockShox brand. Riders asked for them and Truvativ has delivered. Weight maniacs will love the superlight Noir WorldCup Flat Bar weighing only 120 grams. Passionate freeriders and downhillers will enjoy the super-wide BooBar. Cross Country and All-Mountain riders will appreciate the new range of Noir and Stylo handlebars in flat and riser options. Accurate adjustability was also taken into account. Users will find new, on-the-bar markings to guide them on the angle and centering of the bars, as well as customizing the length. In addition, all flatbars are bar end compatible.

NEW for Cross Country/All-Mountain: Noir and Stylo
The carbon Noir bar series matches the sleek look and feel of the Truvativ Noir cranks. The Noir bars are made from High Modulus Carbon Fiber material and features a Natural Carbon (unidirectional) finish, giving them a raw but elegant look. The aluminum Stylo bars were inspired by road race handlebars. The result is a complete MTB bar series designed from the ground up to look and feel fast, including matching racing stripes on each end. The top model, the 235g Stylo World Cup, offers the perfect balance of weight and strength. The Tungsten grey color matches the Truvativ chainrings.The 700mm Stylo World Cup SS Flat bar is the most extreme Stylo, offering Singlespeed and Cross Country riders more control.

A Look into the Future: Stems
The 170g all-mountain AKA stem offers stiffness and strength in a lightweight package. With a 5° angle and a flip-flop design, the AKA offers the rider varied set-up options. And finally, for 2009, the popular Holzfeller and Hussefelt stems and pedals are offered in new colors: Sno White, Purpletrator Purple, and Galvanized Silver. In 2010, Truvativ’s stem line will continue to be expanded, so stay tuned!

Zipp unveils new drop bars

Zipp Speed Weaponry is releasing all new drop bars to meet the needs of the most demanding racers on earth. Building on its’ 20-year pedigree in carbon layup and design, Zipp has created some of the lightest, strongest and stiffest bars on earth in the SL, the SLC2 and the Contour SL. Completely redesigned graphics aren’t the only thing that set these bars apart. Zipp’s drop bars exceed the highest standards in strength and stiffness, passing EFBe testing with flying colors while setting new standards in comfort and ergonomics.

SL – Super Light. Super Stiff.
The all new SL is the lightest and stiffest handlebar to pass the EFBe Laboratory’s top performance racing standard. No more wet-noodle flex in your lightweight bar. Weight: 165 grams. Drops: EB (ergo bend) (90 reach, 150 drop); TB (traditional bend) (87.5 reach, 130 drop), SS (short shallow) (84.5 reach, 128 drop).

SLC2 – The Do Everything Bar.
Massively stiff and capable of handling serious torque, 60% of this bar has a 31.8 diameter. It’s the perfect bar for massive sprinters or mounting VukaClips. Weight: 185 grams. Drops: EB (90 reach, 150 drop); TB (87.5 reach, 130 drop), SS (84.5 reach, 128 drop).

Contour SL – The Stage Racer’s Bar.
Comfort, ergonomics, stiffness and aerodynamics rolled into one. The airfoil top is not just aerodynamic but it also makes it the most comfortable bar Zipp has ever designed. Weight: 185 grams. Drops: TB (87.5 reach, 130 drop), SS (84.5 reach, 128 drop).

All bars are available in 40, 42, 44, or 46 cm (o-o); 31.8 clamp diameter

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