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.

weiter…

Ibis Mojo SL - can it seduce you ?

It is not always the case that using heavy equipment also means to make a compromise in terms of weight.

There are several examples for light all terrain mountainbikes. One of them is the Ibis Mojo SL, which we already tested in a normal setup last summer. So the question is: Is there a difference between those two ? Will the reduced weight have an impact on the overall performance ? This review will try to give some answers.

The SL tag obviously stands for Super Light and for a bike with a rear travel of 140mm, weighting 2230g including the DT Swiss shock made of carbon in frame size M, this is more than true. Based on this frame, it should be easily possible to create a bike which beats the 10kg mark by far. Tri-Cycles - distributor of Ibis in Germany - equipped the bike with a set of components similar to the one we tested on the regular Mojo, enabling us to concentrate on the differences of the frame itself and to draw direct parallels.

The core of the frame is clearly the top-of-the-line model from DT Swiss. Casing made of carbon, lockout lever made of titanium and just over 160g in the 200mm long version. The lockout worked reliable and was easy to operate while riding on ascents or tarmac. Even though it worked flawlessly, in direct comparison to the FOX damper system it fell behind. The main reason was, that the rear end could not eliminate all of the pedal-induced movements when the shock was open. So we had to use the lockout quite often to ensure an efficient motion transmission. 1:0 for the heavier brother.

No experiments with the shift componentry, only well proven XTR parts were allowed to handle the gear changes, including the new shadow rear derailleur. Also the wheels and disc brakes of the 2007 XTR were used, combining perfect function and extraordinary durability. The only fact we might want to criticize is the use of a 160mm disc at the front, which - from our perspective - does not correspond with the bike’s potential.

Despite this minor flaw the rides on our home trails were quite entertaining. When riding uphill the bike climbed those gradients with ease, just to rock down the other side furiously. A rear and front travel of 140mm makes a ride on challenging trails and downhills almost to a walk in the park. The steering was very sensitive and subtle steering adjustments were made easy. Occasionally we got the impression not to overstrain the small carbon damper, but these fears were nedlessly, even during long, intensive downhills the rear shock performed well.

True eye catchers of the Mojo SL are the anodized components, especially because of the matt frame coating, what makes them stand out even more. The frame coatings offered are rubberpaint clear, brown and grey, obviously not too many options. Striking colors like the nuclear peso green or eddy orange are only offered - without surcharge - for the regular Mojo.

At the front end the bike uses the excellent FOX F32 rlc fork, which is certainly not lightweight with over 1800g. But its performance countervails that more than adequate, its suspension and damping is superior to models with less weight and therefore fits in the concept of the bike very nicely. Additionally the fork allows to adjust the travel from 140mm to 100mm in 2 steps, so the comparison to models like the RS SID seems more than inadequate.

The Shimano brake and RapidFire levers are mounted on a MonkeyLite SL handlebar from Easton, which ensures total steering control over the bike.

Quite unusual for this kind of mountainbike is the usage of a full integrated headset, which is delivered by Cane Creek. During our testing period, there were no problems to report.

The seating zone consists of an Easton EC90 Zero seatpost paired with a comfortable Aliante saddle from Fi:zik.

The Ibis logo is not only a decal but a machined aluminium part which is riveted into the massive headtube of the frame.

The frameset ( equipped with the DT Swiss rear shock ) has an MSRP of $2,499.

Surprisingly well performed the Nevagal tires of Kenda in a special John Tomac edition. Despite a catastrophic weight of 630g in size 2.1′, the tire offered a substantial amount of grip even in borderline conditions. However the tires would be the first spot to shed weight without sacrificing reliability and performance for reaching the 10kg mark.

Further impressions:

Conclusion: Ibis sets a certain course with the Mojo SL, but failed distancing it clearly from the heavier brother. Setting the top priority on weight, the answer is clear: get the SL. If you want the optimal suspension performance you should have a look at the regular version with the FOX rear shock. That’s why we perceive the Ibis as a must buy, alone based on the fact of its noble finish and uncommon frame shape. And like Austin Powers always said: “What am I without my Mojo ?”

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.

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