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

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.

Shimano Dura Ace 7900 - 2009

All cyclist interested in their components have been waiting eagerly for new information about the Shimano lineup for 2009, after several prototypes have already been spotted in the pro peloton since the spring. Many rumors occured about the technical specifications and new features, but many were - obviously - especially interested in the new optics of the premium group from the guys based in Osaka.

Since several weeks we already had the answers to those questions up our sleeves, but were not allowed to show them. Now we can finally share the pictures, which were taken during an official product presentation some while ago, enjoy:

RD-7900 (Rear derailleur with carbon cage)

FC-7900 (standard crankset 53/39)

FC-7950 (compact crankset 50/34)

ST-7900 (STI lever)

BR-7900 (rearbrake)

The electronic Version 7970 will be presented in a couple of weeks. Further technical information and high resolution pictures of the several components will be published with the official press release. For sure, you will find it here on light-bikes.de .

Press Release from Shimano North America:
Shimano introduces the all new 7900 series Dura-Ace. The new mechanical Dura-Ace group loses over 135g while maintaining it’s legendary durability and improving performance and ergonomics.

Since 1973, Shimano’s Dura-Ace components have been at the forefront of pro racing and pro-level technology. Dura-Ace has continued its legacy of being proven in the peloton as well as serving as a launch pad for new technologies. Index shifting (SIS), integrated brake and shift levers (STI), and hollow forged cranks (Hollowtech II) have set Shimano’s Dura-Ace as the benchmark in road bike componentry.
FC-7900 Dura-Ace Crankset

The iconic Hollowtech II hollow forged crank has always been a benchmark for strength to weight performance characteristics and is the perfect platform for a crank intended to be used at the highest echelon of competition. Combined with a hollow outer chainring the crankset is 20% stiffer for optimal power transfer while still saving 15 grams. Other changes include redesigned chainring teeth for better contact and power transfer. Improved bottom bracket seals further reduce contamination and friction.

New for 2009, Shimano will also carry a Dura-Ace level compact crankset.


ST-7900 Dura-Ace Dual Control Levers


The new STI Dual Control levers offer a refined ergonomic shape while reducing the weight by over 40 grams. With a Shimano first, the new STI levers offer unidirectional carbon fiber lever blades which reduce weight and offer shift cables hidden under the handlebar tape for a more sleek design. Using a revised internal mechanism along with PTFE lined casing, the shifting is still as light as ever.

Shifting stroke for the rear derailleur has been reduced by 20% for quicker shifts and a built in reach adjuster allows for fine tuning the fit for riders with smaller hands.

The shifters continue to have integrated controls for the all new FlightDeck computer (SC-7900), which has been updated to include heart rate, altitude, grade, cadence, gear position, and directly downloadable data via a wireless connection. The new SC-7900 is completely wireless.

CN-7900 Dura-Ace Chain

The new asymmetric design of the Dura-Ace chain has redesigned plates that improve the contact interface with the cogs and reduce the chance for chain suck on the chainrings. Other improvements to the links provide greater durability and life with less noise and smoother function. The chain uses hollow pins and weight drops by over 18 grams even with the addition of a quick connection / removal link. A departure from the traditional Hyperglide connection pin, the SM-CN79 quicklink provides a reusable connection and removal point for the chain. The quicklink can be used on any Shimano 10-speed chain and the new chain can also be joined by a traditional Hyperglide 10-speed connection pin if necessary.
RD-7900 Dura-Ace Rear Derailleur

With a new carbon fiber rear pulley cage, the rear derailleur loses another 16 grams while maintaining durability and improving performance. The new design is compatible with wider range cogsets and can accommodate a maximum 28 tooth cog. The available wider range creates even better compatibility with compact cranksets.
FD-7900 Dura-Ace Front Derailleur


The new Dura-Ace front derailleur cage eliminates the need to manually trim the front shifting. Additionally, the redesigned, more efficient wide linkage and optimized spring tension combine for reduced shifting effort.
BR-7900 Dura-Ace Brakes
Increased linear response, improved braking power, and reduced weight all make their way into the latest version of the Dura-Ace brakes. A new brake pad compound doubles wet condition performance, while also improving dry power by 20%. Enhanced linear response comes from a redesigned caliper arch while a lower profile cable stop creates better lines for the cables and reduces cable friction. While other brakes ditch sensible features like a spring tension adjuster or adjustable toe, the new Dura-Ace brakes still come equipped with those features and manage to drop nearly 30 grams per pair.
FH-7900 / HB-7900 Dura-Ace Freehub and Front Hub


Both the hub and freehub body have evolved to designs that improve rigidity for efficient power transfer and quick handling. The bearings have been updated with a new tool-free bearing adjuster for quick bearing adjustments. The freehub continues with the durable titanium shell and quick engagement internals.
CS-7900 Dura-Ace Cassette

Shifting has been even further improved by creating an even more rigid (and lighter) aluminum carrier unit along with re-engineered teeth profile. Cassette design is lighter as Shimano has developed a super lightweight and rigid aluminum cassette sprocket carrier. The largest four cogs are titanium and weight is reduced by 10 grams. Available combinations will be: 11-21T, 11-23T, 11-25T, 11-27T, 11-28T, 12-23T, 12-25T, 12-27T.

True to tradition, Dura-Ace 7900 combines new technologies with features relevant to the highest levels of competition.
Available Fall 2008



Interchangeability: DURA ACE (7800 series) and new DURA-ACE (7900 series).

Press Release from Shimano Europe:
New DURA-ACE: “Evolution of Perfection”

Shimano is introducing the new DURA-ACE 7900 series that sets a new benchmark in top-level road racing components. Shimano has combined all of its engineering resources with the latest technology to realize an increased level of perfection that will benefit professional riders as well as road racing enthusiasts. Besides offering a further improved performance and an attractive design, the weight is reduced significantly.

Crankset
The seventh generation DURA-ACE group introduces revolutionary technology into the road racing scene. Highlight is the HOLLOWTECH II crankset that combines an attractive aerodynamic design with remarkable weight saving and completely new engineering features.
This high tech beauty is developed out of thin walled, hollow forged aluminum and features some novelties in road racing technology. The outer chainring for example is hollow which saves weight and makes it 20% stiffer at the same time for an optimal power transfer.

There is a wide choice of FC-7900 chainring combinations: 53/42T, 52-39T, 53/39T, 54/42T, 55/42T and 56/44T. Crank arm lengths: 165 – 180mm with 2,5mm steps. Also a DURA-ACE compact crankset FC-7950 is available with a 50/34T chainring combination. The chainring teeth have been redesigned for an improved chain contact to improve power transfer. Furthermore, the bottom bracket features improved sealing for smoother rotation and longer durability.

This crankset weighs 725 grams including bottom bracket. This is 15 grams lighter than the current DURA-ACE crankset FC-7800. Rigidity remains the same.

Dual Control Levers
The new Dual Control Levers show the importance of state-of-the-art technology with regard to performance enhancing design. The lever blades are made of multiple carbon layers, finished with a unidirectional carbon fiber top layer with a special coating. This advanced technology ensures the best performance in terms of rigidity, durability and lightweight design.
Shift cables are hidden under the handlebar tape without sacrificing performance. This was made possible by the development of a new internal mechanism in combination with new PTFE coated inner cables.
The Dual Control Levers have a reach adjustment mechanism that will better accommodate smaller hands and a wider assortment of bar bends. Furthermore, the shift lever has a 20% shorter stroke for faster shifting. The hoods have an ergonomic design for increased comfort, even at long distance rides.

The shifters feature integrated buttons on top of the hoods to operate the new wireless FLIGHTDECK computer without the need to take the hands of the handlebar. FLIGHTDECK measures data such as heart rate, altitude, inclination, cadence, gear position and more. It works with coded wireless signals that prevent interference from other electronic units. The new FLIGHTDECK computer can be used to make a wireless connection with a PC to analyse riding data (software is included). The Dual Control Levers are over 40 grams lighter than the current version at 378 grams per pair.
Besides Dual Control Levers, also new bar end shifters and down tube shifters will be available to match the new DURA-ACE. A carbon brake lever BL-TT79 for aero handlebars will be available for time trial and triathlon usage.

Chain
The new DURA-ACE chain CN-7900 carries a lot of innovative technology. It has an asymmetric design and features redesigned outer plates to reduce the chance of chain suck. Also the inner plates have been redesigned for an improved contact with the cassette sprockets. The result is smoother shifting even under high load, for example when climbing or sprinting. Furthermore the chain runs smoother and is more silent than its predecessors and the new design allows a higher durability as well.
CN-7900 can be mounted with a reusable quicklink SM-CN79 that can be (dis)connected without using any tools. This quicklink is compatible with the other Shimano 10-speed chains as well. Also a normal connecting pin can be used. The chain has been developed with hollow pins and perforated inner plates to make it lighter. Weight of this chain is 252 grams, which is almost 30 grams lighter than the current version.

Derailleurs
The rear derailleur has a wide gear ratio and can be used with sprockets of maximum 28 teeth. It is compatible with the use of a compact crankset without the need for a medium cage derailleur. It has a full carbon pulley plate and a carbon/resin composite P-body that helps to reduce the weight to 166 grams.

The front derailleur has a lightweight design and an optimum spring tension for feather light downshifting. Trimming the outer chainring is no longer needed to allow a better concentration on the ride. The efficiency has been improved by using a stiffer and solid wide link design. Weight is only 67 grams.

Brakes
The brakes feature new compound brake shoes that doubles the brake performance in wet circumstances and improves stopping power in dry weather by 20%. These new brake shoes feature a longer durability as well.
The brakes have been developed with an enhanced brake arch proportion for an increased linear response. A lower cable stopper ensures a better cable routing and reduced cable friction. The Dual-Pivot caliper brakes feature also a spring tension adjuster and adjustable toe-in brake shoes The dual pivot bolt and center bolt as well as the inner cable fixing bolts are made of titanium for an optimised lightweight design of 293 grams per set.

Cassette/Hub/Freehub
Shimano has developed a super lightweight yet very rigid aluminum cassette sprocket carrier. Also the separate sprockets have been redesigned for more robust shifting performance and to save weight. This 10-speed HYPERGLIDE cassette will be available in a wider variation of combinations: 11-21T, 11-23T, 11-25T, 11-27T, 11-28T, 12-23T, 12-25T, 12-27T. The four biggest sprockets are made of titanium. Weight is 163 grams (11-23T).

The hub and freehub have an increased rigidity that improves rotation even when the quick release is tightened strongly. Furthermore, they have been developed with a completely new bearing adjustment system that enables easy manual adjustment without the use of a cone wrench.

This DURA-ACE group is the ultimate combination of state-of-the-art technology, lightweight design and innovative appearance. It sets a new standard in road racing technology, in which details are nowadays more important than ever. More info at http://www.dura-ace.com

Availability in the market: October 2008.

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

RockShox rolls out all new Reba

The popular RockShox Reba suspension fork is new and improved. First, Reba rolls out an entirely new chassis. As seen on several other RockShox forks, Reba now features Power Bulges that add stiffness, durability, and consistency to the chassis. The magnesium lowers now utilize a post disc brake mount. The hollow crown is forged of a proprietary AL66 TV material, providing light weight with increased stiffness and strength. Upper tubes are constructed from 32mm, 7000 series straight wall aluminum tubes and then completed with a low friction anodized finish.
All Reba models are available for both 26” and 29” wheels. Both wheel sizes will also offer either a standard QR, or the all new Maxle Lite option based on the existing 20×110mm thru axle standard. With available travel from 80 to 120mm, Reba provides both wheel sizes with the options they need for XC and Trail riding.
All Reba models receive a brand new damper. Reba SL and Reba Race get a fresh new Motion Control, while Reba Team is upgraded to a BlackBox Motion Control damper. The new BlackBox Motion Control damper is built upon the foundation of the original Motion Control. It features a titanium spring tube as well as Dual Flow compression and rebound. External adjustments are detented. Crown adjust forks utilize a carbon fiber compression knob, while forks using a remote have a new ‘Nip-Tuck’ spool that hides excess cable for a cleaner look. All Reba forks will feature a significantly revamped Dual Air system. Improvements are focused on further reducing friction, while providing a more linear spring rate. Dual Air gives riders the ability to independently adjustable positive and negative air spring chambers. The result is a very light and highly tunable spring system.

What’s New?
• All new chassis for 26” and 29”
• Standard QR or new Maxle Lite 20×110mm thru axle option
• Power Bulges
• New Motion Control in SL and Race
• New BlackBox Motion Control in Team
• New Dual Air system
• Post disc brake mount
• Travel increased to 120mm
• Hollow crown in all models
• Detented controls on Team

Suggested Retail Price (USD)
• Reba SL 26” $475
• Reba SL 29er $504
• Reba Race 26” $509
• Reba Race 29er w/Pushloc $607
• Reba Team 26” $656
• Reba Team 26” w/Maxle Lite & Pushloc $741
• Reba Team 29er $686
• Reba Team 29er w/Maxle Lite $701

SRAM lineup for 2009

While everyone is trying to reveal the new offerings from Shimano and Campagnolo for 2009, SRAM decided to already unveil the product updates for next year during the Sea Otter Classics.

Let us start with the high-end group, the SRAM red. Many athletes in the pro-peloton complained about the group’s crankset performance and we saw many DuraAce cranks labeled with SRAM stickers, on Astana bikes especially, or bikes equipped with Rival cranksets. Obviously there was some room for improvement and therefore SRAM will offer a completely redesigned crankset in 2009. It features the increasingly popular BB30 standard and is supposed to be lighter ( approx. 100 grams ) and stiffer, also having a lower Q-factor than the predecessor. Perhaps SRAM could already benefit from their recent acquisition of Zipp while developing this crank in BB30 standard, which is also used by the Vuma Quad. The second innovation comes with two new offerings on the PowerDome cassette, which will be available in a 11-25 (11,12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,25) and 11-28 (11,12,13,14,15,17,19,22,25,28) gear ratio respectively. We are still missing a cassette, starting with a 12 tooth sprocket though, but apparently SRAM does not believe, that many recreational riders will buy their top offering.

Riders needing time trial equipment will be able to get their hands on several new items for 2009, too. New aero chainrings ( 55,54 and 42 tooth ) with an anodized finish are introduced, already spotted in the pro peloton during this season. The lineup is further widened by new shift and brake levers named 500 TT. Former weighting 154g a pair, the latter weighting 16g more per pair than the original one, while replacing the carbon lever with a red anodized aluminum one.

Meanwhile some of the features introduced last year exclusively for red will be handed down to the force group for 2009. One feature incorporated is the full reach adjustment for both brake and shift levers. Also the Zero-loss technology for the front derailleur, offering a faster and smoother front shifting is new to Force. The shifters will feature a longer brake lever and an extended and widened shift paddle additionally. One last fact worth mentioning is, that the shift and brake cables can now both be routed on either side of the handlebar.

The most dramatic changes however are related to the Rival groupset. Most parts now have a new polished, black anodized surface, the levers receiving a new carbon brake lever, reducing the weight by 20g to 320g overall. All other features which are new to the Force group, have also been implemented in the design of the Rival. Furthermore the aluminum crankset receives a complete redesign with hollow-forged crankarms, shaving off a mere 40 grams. 110 and 130 BCDs are offered and even though the official press release states crank lengths between 165 and 180 cm, we think mm should be already sufficient. Have a further look at some live product impressions for yourself with the following pictures or see the stuff in a small video.

Dura-Ace freehub and wheel sets

Shimano introduces an optimized Dura-Ace freehub FH-7850 and four new wheel sets that carry this new rear hub. The titanium freehub body is now compatible with 8, 9 and 10 speed cassettes. Furthermore it features a quicker pawl engagement and the sealing performance has been improved by 400%. The four, new Dura-Ace wheel sets carry the new rear hub and they also have an upgraded appearance with a sharp edged hub design and red spoke nipples. All Dura-Ace wheelsets have radial lacing in the front wheel and the rear wheel has a cross over spoke pattern at both sides to increase torsional rigidity.

weiter…

Quarq CinQo - Think fast

Last year SRAM managed to step onto the playing field of groupset manufacturers at eye level with the two main competitors, not least due to some real innovations. As training with power meters gets more and more popular in the last years, companies also try to come up with innovations to get their share of the market.

weiter…

Carbonsports Rear Derailleur

First pics of the new Carbonsports-Rear Derailleur ready for production.

weiter…

New Tune Freewheel for Campy Hubs

Tune presents a new freewheel design for their campy hubs. They are machined down to only 4 splines! Weight saving over 10 grams for the MAG190 model. More to come on this years Eurobike opening on 30th of August in Friedrichshafen/Germany. We´ll report directly from the international bicycle trade show - stay tuned!

weiter…

Fulcrum MTB Wheelsets

More Pics from the new Fulcrum MTB Wheelset Series. There are five models, one for v-brakes and four for disc brakes. In order these are: Red Metal Zero V-brake, Red Metal Zero Disc, Red Metal 1 Disc, Red Metal 3 Disc and Red Metal 5 Disc.
Fulcrum has used various technical solutions it had developed for its road wheels, adapting them to offroad use, such as the Two to One Spoke Ratio and MoMag lacing (see Fulcrum Technologies), together with other ad hoc solutions like AFS disc brake mounting.

weiter…

New Magura Durin Fork

Maguras new Race-Fork: Durin

Technical features:
Unique Dynamic Lockout system (DLO) offering better ground control than conventional lockout systems, optionally with the brand new RCL Remote Control. Superstiff 32 mm upper legs. Cold forged Aluminium 6082 T6 fork crown with integrated cablestop for the remote control. Safety dropouts (SDO) with perfect hub engagement. All adjuster knobs made of high quality aluminium. Adjustment possibilities: Dynamic Lockout (DLO), Rebound, Preload (air pressure).

Travel and weight
100 mm, 1.480 g / 3,26 lbs.
80 mm, 1.450 g / 3,19 lbs.
Disc only, Canti /Disc, white.

weiter…

Park Tool - Calvin´s Corner

As manufacturers release new groups and components, there are often new features that require new service procedures. This is part of a Park Tool series of articles discussing the newer component groups available from various manufacturers.

weiter…

5rot Hydraulic Shifting

5rot, a start-up company around Christoph Muthers from Germany has done a well job of constructing a fully functional and well developed shifting system for mountain bikes. The shifting is nearly frictionless, light, and performs with perfect accuracy. This hydraulic shifting system costs about 1500 Euro (approx. $2000).

weiter…