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.

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

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.

TI dreams become reality

As frames made of carbon fibre are becoming more and more mainstream, customers are searching for new materials to set their very own frame apart from the rest of the pack. One material which surely is worth a closer look within this search is Titanium. One new company which tries to fascinate customers with their craftsmanship is Baum, a company based in North Shore, Southern Australia. One speciality of the guys is certainly the nomenclature of their product lineup, where every frame is named after a special Italian coffee creation.

Similar to Litespeed with the Archon, Baum offers their frames with individual paintjobs, enabling the customer to choose out of a wide variety of more than 55,000 colors and designs. The durability of the coating is achieved by using a two component system, where the bare metal is treated with a special adhesion primer, which is finalized with a colored topcoat. To ensure highest quality standards in color match and stone-chip protection Baum utilizes a PPG Automotive paint system for this purpose. But next to the optics the frames of Jo Banks and Darren Baum also seem to impress with their technical datasheets. The frames can be build as light as 950g, but then there is a weight limit of 85 kg for the rider to consider. The pictured Cubano weights, with a frame at 1080g in the shown configuration ( including coating, company emblem on the headtube, seat clamp and cable stops ) at a frame size of 57cm, just over 5.2kg. These weights are possible due to the multiple butted tubes of the frames ( e.g. the Corretto can consist of tubes in ti grades of 9 to 3/2.5 ) and additional machining in the areas of the bottom bracket, the headtube and dropouts. Customization into the endmost detail.

The prices range from $4995 for the Romano to $6995 which have to be paid for the Coretto ( all values in Australian dollar ) - incl. fork & headset. For frames shipped abroad you can substract 10% GST tax on those prices, but do not forget to add your country specific VAT and additional costs for custom clearance. The shipment itself will cost you between $125 to $200, depending on how long you can wait, but always fully insured. The leadtimes on the frames are 8 to 12 weeks at present, depending on the material of the bike, Titanium being the latter. Have a look on the full price list for yourself:

Steel framesets
Cappuccino
Frame, Baum carbon fork & Ritchey Pro headset $2495
Upgrades:
• Edge 2.0 or Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork +$150
• Espresso paint (single band, two band) +$200
Espresso
Frame, Edge 2.0 or Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork & Ritchey Pro h/s $3595
Upgrades:
• Chris King headset +$120
• Wound Up fork +$100
Ristretto
Frame, Edge 1.0 fork & Chris King headset $4195
Upgrades:
• Time carbon seatstay +$400
• THM Scapula SP fork +$795

Titanium framesets
Romano
Ti frame, Edge 2.0 fork & Chris King headset $4995
Upgrades:
• Reynolds carbon seatstay No cost
• Paint (single band or ¾ painted) +$400
Cubano
Ti Frame, Edge 2.0 fork & Chris King headset $5995
Upgrades:
• Reynolds carbon seatstay No cost
• Edge 1.0 fork or Reynolds Ouzo Pro SL fork +$125
Corretto
Ti Frame, Edge 1.0 fork & Tune Bobo headset $6995
Upgrades:
• Time carbon seatstay +$500
• THM Scapula SP fork +$795

Prices for complete bikes can be found on the Baum website . Next to their lineup of racebikes, there is also a similar collection of MTB frames waiting to be explored, named similar after Cappuccino, Espresso, Ristretto, Romano & Cubano. The frame of the Ti model Cubano weights just around 1350g. A singlespeed option, 29′ frames or even carrier eyelets are possible.

The guys from Baum Cycles are searching for potential distribution partners in key locations around Europe at the moment, you can contact them via email: Jared(at)baumcycles.com and - honestly speaking - we think it would be a shame if not more of these frames could be seen around Europe in the near future.

Lightweight BlingBling

Those wheels were made for Mario Cipollini. He was supposed to ride them in Milano-SanRemo but obviously he wasn´t a member of that squad on the raceday and Rock & Racing was not allowed to start…

More Lightweight Individual Design on CarbonSports Forum.

Oakley Radar - the successor

No other shades are bound so closely to one single rider than the MFrame of Oakley. In all stages throughout his seven Tour de France wins Lance Armstrong wore them, whether during time trials, mountain stages or on the podium. After more than ten years Oakley took the courage and announced a successor to the MFrame, after Armstrong’s retirement, named Radar.

These newly designed shades had immediate success in the pro peloton and were worn by more than one third of the riders in the last tour, a clear sign that many people were eagerly awaiting a new design from Oakley. So what are actually the improvements of the Radar in comparison to the MFrame for being able to beat the commercial success of its predecessor.

The latest evolution in performance eyewear, as Oakley states, features an improved interchangeable lens design with 3 different lens shapes and a spectrum of over 15 lens colours, including polarized and vented versions, for adjusting the shades to every weather condition. All lenses of the Radar have the new hydrophobic coating which prevents water from leaving streaks and sheens on the lens and also maintains smudge resistance.

The fit of the Radar can be adjusted with interchangeable nosepieces and to a certain degree mouldable temples. Impact resistance meets all ANSI Z87.1 standards, and UV filtering is 100%. It all comes with the clarity of Oakley’s High Definition Optics (HDO). Other features in telegraphic style:

• Integrated surge ports to channel cooling airflow
• Optimized peripheral view and side coverage of Polaric Ellipsoid lens geometry
• Comfort and performance of Three-Point Fit that holds lenses in precise optical alignment
• UV protection of PlutoniteÂŽ lens that filters out 100% of UVA / UVB / UVC & harmful blue light up to 400nm
• Glare reduction and tuned light transmission with Iridium lens coating (optional)
• Protective sports-specific Oakley Soft Vault included with capacity for an extra lens
• Prescription inserts available +2.00 to -4.00 with cylinder up to -2.00

The standard models come in over 15 different versions, including special version named LIVEstrong or Team CSC, priced between $155 up to $255, depending on the version an extra lens can cost between $70 to $105.


We ordered a pair of Radars over the Oakley Custom program, which is unfortunately only offered to customers with an US shipping address currently. There you can design your shades from scratch out of 14 different frame colours, 3 lens shapes and 15 lens colours.

But the customization goes even further by selecting the colour of the Oakley icons ( out of 14 ) and ear socks ( out of 5 ). The final touch receives every pair of Radars by adding an etching on the lens, which can consist of up to 15 letters in 3 different font styles. Out of all these options we designed our sunglasses, which you can see on all pictures in this article with the following attributes:

• Frame colour: Polished aluminium
• Lens type: Path G26 iridium
• Icon colour: White icon
• Ear socks: White ear socks
• Etching: RASCEL in font Stencil

Our customized pair cost $220 + 7.25% taxes and we received it roughly 3 weeks after ordering online. As being a fan of the MFrame before, we can say nothing negative about the Radar so far, very light ( 18g ), good fit and tremendous optics. One flaw we found on our custom pair is the frame coating and the nosepiece, which shows a tendency of flaking, especially when you often switch your lenses. Additionally you see in the last picture, that the coating is applied on the frame after assembly of the temples to the front part of the frame, thus leaving some areas around the joint unpainted, which could be easily avoided. We will wait with our final judgement on the Radar for some warm days to penetrate the hydrophobic coated lens with some concentrated, salty sweat and want to see how it performs in those conditions. Nevertheless you can be assured that with buying a pair of Radars, you will receive one of the most advanced pair of sunglasses available on the market.

Campy Record Red Ergopower

SPECIAL ERGOPOWER CONTROLS IN A LIMITED SERIES

Special Ergopower controls made for the professional teams are to be sold in a limited series. There will be 600 pairs and they will only be sold as complete Record groupsets with the same specifications as those of the racing teams: 39/53 crankset and 11-23 or 12-25 sprocket set.

Even though the peculiarities of these special Ergopower controls are in clear contrast to what the market has been asking for in recent years (softer and lighter actuating force), the demand has been conspicuous. It would in fact appear that some cyclists wish to feel the same sensations that professionals get when they are on their bicycles and want sharper and sonorous shifting.

The Record groupsets with special Ergopower controls will be available starting from mid March and at the same price as the standard Record groupset.

Swisspower Mountainbike Team

Athletes of Swisspower Mountainbiketeam get ready for the racing season

It’s already a habit and almost a second home for Thomas Frischknecht, Nino Schurter, Florian Vogel and other riders of the team, who stay in Massa Vecchia in Tuscany (IT) for two weeks at the beginning of the racing season for their training camp. A huge network of awesome bike trails and endless roads that are in excellent shape offers the best training possibilities for the riders.

This will be the first time the riders get on their new equipment for the upcoming season. The Spark, Scale and Addict are the weapons the riders use for the daily training and competition. The new designs, even more dynamic in white and yellow, match the carbon frames. The Scale, the fastest and one of the lightest bikes on the World Cup circuit, is still considered the rocket of the team. To be well-protected, the team will wear the Fuga helmet for a second season. Thanks to 27 ventilation holes, the riders can remain cool-headed about their competitors during the races.

After the camp, riders split up into different groups for more season preparations. Florian Vogel and Nino Schurter went directly to Croatia for a road race while Frischi is looking forward to the Cape Epic in South Africa with Tom Ritchey.

Spark

- Spark IMPTM carbon technology (HMXTM NETTM fibres)
- integrated seat post
- Tracloc lever system (0/80/110mm travel)
- SCDS Scott carbon dropout system
- Ritchey WCS
- SRAM
- DT Swiss
- complete bike weight 9.8 kg

For more information please visit: Spark

Scale

- Spark CR1 carbon technology (HMXTM fibres)
- integrated seat post
- SDS Shock dampening system
- Ritchey WCS
- SRAM
- DT Swiss
- complete bike weight 8.6 kg

For more information please visit: Scale

Fuga
- Shell Construction In Mold Technology
- Venting 27 vents
- Fit system m.a.s.
- Magneto System
- Fuga Magneto Visor

For more information please visit: Fuga

The Team

Team members, from left to right:
Patrick Gallati, JĂźrg Graf, Nino Schurter, Matthias Rupp, Thomas Frischknecht, Till Marx, Florian Vogel, Richard Njuhauser (mechanic), Andi Seeli (team manager), Thomas Hess (Massage)

source: scottusa.com

Bianchi D2 CRONO CARBON

The Barloworld team will use this model in the individual time trial of the fifth stage at Tirreno-Adriatico

The Barloworld team at Tirreno-Adriatico has faced Sunday’s individual time trial from Macerata to Recanati (stage five, 26 km) in the saddle of their brand-new Bianchi D2 Crono Carbon.
The latest generation of the Bianchi D2 Crono frame is made of high-modulus carbon fibre nanotechnology. The project for this new frame centered around the geometry, the aerodynamics and the research for ultimate rigidity: the quintessential features for this kind of frame.

The seat tube has an angle of 76° and a unique “multiposition” seat post. The head tube has reduced dimensions and is designed so that the rider can obtain an “extreme” but perfect position. The top tube has been reduced in dimensions, too, and positioned low to decrease air flow. These characteristics make this frame perfect for time trials.
A special care has been devoted to the chain stays which are oversized and perforated to ensure better aerodynamics and maximal rigidity; in fact, the perforations enlarge the surface of the stays and make them more rigid.
The horizontal rear drop-outs are built to minimize the distance between the rear wheel and the seat tube, reducing the turbulence between the lenticular rear wheel and the oversize seat tube.
The weight of the frame is amazing: 1,35 kg, which is extremely light for an aerodynamic frame.
The Super Aero full carbon forks, in high-modulus carbon fibres using nanotechnology is designed to exploit aerodynamic and fluid air motion technology, vital elements for top-class performances. The carbon blades are straight and winged, oversized at the top for a perfect synergy with the head tube and the down tube. The final weight is 450 g.
Moreover, the Bianchi D2 Crono Carbon bicycles have an appealing design that will attract attention for sure.

Shimano with new wheelsets

New wheel set makes carbon clincher technology available for more people
Shimano introduces a new road racing clincher wheel set WH-RS80-C24-CL with an equal rim construction as the successful Dura-Ace WH-7850-C24-CL wheel set that was introduced last year. Both wheel sets feature an ultra thin and lightweight aluminum rim reinforced with carbon layers. The result is considerable weight saving and more comfortable ride characteristics. This new wheel set has been developed with an Ultegra level freehub that is compatible with 8, 9 and 10-speed cassettes. The wheels feature a wide flange hub design and an offset rim for increased rigidity and power transmission. The hubs have been developed using Shimano’s proven cup and cone bearings that are known for their great durability and adjustability. The rims have been provided with a rim wear indicator. Weight: 1521 g per set.
Availability in the market: July 2008


Tubeless
Shimano is introducing a new Dura-Ace tubeless wheelset that is more than 100 grams lighter than the current one due to the use of an ultra thin aluminum rim reinforced with carbon layers. Besides saving weight, this technology also ensures an incredible comfortable ride. This wheelset WH-7850-C24-TL has been developed with a titanium freehub body with quick engagement mechanism. It has a wide flange hub and an offset rim to increase rigidity. Weight will be 1400g for a set. Shimano introduces this tubeless technology also at a medium range level. WH-RS60-C24-TL is a tubeless wheel set that features the same rim as the Dura-Ace version but with an Ultegra level hub and freehub that is compatible with 8, 9 and 10-speed cassettes. The hubs have been developed using Shimano’s proven cup and cone bearings that are known for their great durability and adjustability. Weight: 1590 g per set. Both tubeless wheel sets feature a wide flange hub design and offset rim for increased rigidity and power transfer. All Shimano tubeless wheel sets can be used for normal clincher tires as well.
Availability in the market: July 2008

50mm Carbon Clincher
Shimano is also introducing a 50 mm high profile carbon-aluminum composite clincher Dura-Ace wheelset WH-7850-C50-CL. It combines Pro Tour performance with the convenience of clincher tires. It has a titanium freehub body with quick engagement mechanism plus a wide flange hub and offset rim for increased rigidity. It has been developed with Shimano’s cup and cone bearings and the rim carries a rim wear indicator. Weight: 1700 g per set.
Availability in the market: Already available

Carbon Sports North America Launched

Carbon Sports, the high-end manufacturer of lightweight wheels, has founded Carbon Sports North America. Carbon Sports North American is based in Ottawa, and its operational structure includes secure bonded warehousing in upstate New York.

David Bell, chief executive officer of Carbon Sports North America, said, “The fact that we are actually part of Carbon Sports Germany enables us to focus exclusively on the representation and distribution of Carbon Sports products in all of North America. We are able to provide the quality of service with our very high-end products which the public is well entitled.”

Bell said that “by having a dedicated North American company, we are able to drastically reduce this waiting period by maintaining a substantial inventory, which will effectively eliminate the current seven months other countries are forced to wait.”

source: Bicycle Retailer

We put an end to 2007.

You might have wondered why we have not published new articles for quite some time. Light-bikes.de did not fall into hibernation, but due to the fact that one of our editors for the English section is currently working abroad in Japan, he can’t find the time to post regular updates. The team is desperately trying to improve the situation and we assure you that there will be some interesting new articles and news published latest at the beginning of March. Therefore we already would like to wish our readers Happy Holidays and a good start into 2008. Keep it rolling !

Astana to ride SRAM RED

Johan Bruyneel’s newly re-formed team rides SRAM’s new road group

In what might be the biggest ‘leap’ in cycling for 2008, the newly reformed team Astana, now lead by current Tour de France winner Alberto Contador (ESP), American Champion Levi Leipheimer, and Team Director and 8x Tour de France mastermind Johan Bruyneel, will be powered by SRAM road componentry.
Team Astana will be exclusively riding and racing the World’s lightest 1928 gram SRAM RED road gruppo, just introduced this past
September at Eurobike. While RED was launched as the most ergonomically refi ned and technologically advanced road group in the
world, with numerous effi ciencies and features, it was the weight story that caught Bruyneel’s attention. “SRAM has proven itself at the highest levels of cycling, but having the lightest gruppo in the World with RED, along with all the function and features, is a real advantage. They are making serious impressions in the road market and we would not consider partnering with them if it wouldn’t benefit this team (Astana) and put us in a position to win.” Astana General Manager Johan Bruyneel. SRAM’s Global Marketing Director, David Zimberoff, traveled to Astana’s Team headquarters in early November to finalize the three year agreement.
“Johan’s proven leadership and legacy of success was the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate the pure advantages of our road drivetrain and, most specifi cally, RED. Prior to the agreement we had Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer testride RED groupsets and they gave enthusiastic thumbs up. That is the type of verifi cation that excites us at SRAM and we are truly looking forward to 2008,” stated David Zimberoff.

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