The development target has been to get a modular, as flexible as possible crankset on the newest technical level going, that sets new standards regards functionality as well as the system weight without loosing focus on the price.

The result is the lightest currently available crankset, that definitely is to be considered a heavyweight in the matter of stiffness and durability. The per piece (without spider) 80 grams light crank arms on the hightest technical status with Formula1 technology feature a torque and durability optimized layup - a guarantor of the high rider weight limit of 110 kg. A 30 mm thick, hollow and highly workload optimized aluminium spindle is paired with the carbon arms in order to keep the costs down without doing functional sacrifices.

Separate crank arms, spindle and attached parts offer the highest possible flexibility: the adaption of one’s own crankset to different bottom bearing standards or bolt circle diameters (standard / compact) as well as also the customization in regards to the crank lengths or colour preference.

Technical specifications
System weightt: 375 grams, complete with (standard steel) bearings and bearing cups
Material: Carbon-Prepreg in autoclaving
Oversize 30 mm hollow aluminium spindle with proprietary multi-tooth profile:
the spindle easily withstands powers of 500 Nm as being put out by good sports cars
External bearings with a wide bearing stance of 85 mm (in BSA version) for maximum stiffness and durability
modular system for highest possible flexibility
Bolt circle diameters:
Compact Road BCD110
MTB Double BCD104×4 (in preparation)
Standard Road BCD130 (in planning)
Bottom bracket standards:
BSA 68 mm
BB30 (in preparation)
PressFit (in planning)
integrated extractor
Interchangeable aluminium pedal inserts, that are included in the scope of delivery, for a fast, uncomplicated length adaption:
lengths of 170, 172.5, 175 mm are freely and independantly adjustable between right and left side
all several parts are available separately:
- various spindles for different bottom bracket standards
- Exchangeable crank arms, for instance for standard / compact
- the attached alu parts (bottom bearing cups, crank bolt, extractor, pedal inserts) are available in different colours (and also as update)
embossed AX-logo integrated into the side of the crank arm
no exterior clamping integrated into the crank arms, but instead a positive connection with an ascending multi-tooth profile:
as a result as homogenous as possible stiffnesses between the left and right side
DIN tested
deflection of 1.5 mm at a pedal force of 1800 N / 1600 watts
Q-factor: 152 mm
low “U-factor” for a high knuckle and heel clearance
chainstay clearance: 125mm
rider weight limit: 110 kg
preorders are officially opened and follow the FiFo-principle:
please send your preorder to nils.wiedemann@ax-lightness.de
Delivery starting from midst April 2010
Price: ca. 890.00 Eur

Subject to changes

(source: AX-Lightness.de)

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)

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

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

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

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.

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

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.