BIKERUMOR.com 2009 SEA OTTER CLASSIC COVERAGE: These are considerably newer than the Curbside we just posted…Felt’s first ever carbon fiber hardtails.  They come in both 26 and 29er models, with only slightly different spec between the two.  The 26″ model (front) has SUN-Ringle wheels and Kenda Blue Groove tires, while the 29er has Mavic C29SSMAX with Kenda Small Block 8′s.

The frames, though, share the same features, like a triangular downtube that has some up-and-down flex for comfort but is laterally very stiff.  They come with a fixed chain guard on the inside of the granny to keep chain drops from damaging the frame as well as a “skid plate” that can be attached via double-sided adhesive for the downtube.

Hit “more” for specs and photos…

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While not new, Felt’s stunning Curbside fixie / single speed bike was worth a few pics. They do have a few new colors though, like this White model, and a Powder Blue.  It’s an aluminum frame with a flip-flop rear wheel so you can run it as a fixed gear bike or a single speeder.

What else is new?  They’re coming out with a Steel version called the Brouhan that’ll be all black and retail for $529. Hit “more” for a few more photos of the bike you now want to own…

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BIKERUMOR.com 2009 SEA OTTER CLASSIC COVERAGE: Ergon has some new grips for riders that don’t want or like the bigger palm pad design they’ve become known for.

Called the GA1, they’re available in Black, White and Green and use an aluminum lock ring on the outer edge to secure them to your handlebar.  They’re slightly shaped, but use the traditional round grip most people are used to.

They’re also launching some new models using their signature large palm pad.  Hit “more” to see those…

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BIKERUMOR.com 2009 SEA OTTER CLASSIC COVERAGE: Shimano was only showing off one new goodie, but a goodie it was:  A totally new carbon-laminate wheelset that’ll go by the moniker of Dura-Ace 7850.

My first question was “Isn’t current Dura-Ace the 7900 series?”

To which Devin replied “Yes, but the wheels weren’t redesigned as part of the component update, so they’re still using the prior group number.” (…or something like that, it’s not verbatim)

The wheels use standard aluminum extrusion for the base rim.  The sidewalls are standard thickness, but the center section is just 1.5mm thick.  From there, carbon fiber is laminated over it to increase the strength while keeping the weight low.  The other benefit, according to Shimano, is better vibration damping and a more comfortable ride.

They’re Road Tubeless compatible and weigh in at 1455g for the set.  Hit “more” for additional pictures and details…

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Industry Nine will be launching some new BMX wheels in the next month.  They use their trademark straight pull 7075 aluminum spokes and 120 point engagement hub as the mountain bike wheels.  Their website should be updated with these in a few weeks…

BIKERUMOR.com 2009 SEA OTTER CLASSIC COVERAGE: Fox Racing Shox is introducing the FIT (Fox Isolated Technology) damper into their full range of shocks. Previously, the FIT damper, was available in their 36- and 40-series forks (the number refers to the stanchion diameter), but not their 32-series.

The FIT replaces an open bath oil/air damping system with an enclosed cartridge that keeps air from mixing with the oil.  The main benefit is it provides more consistent damping through a wide range of temperatures since the oil can’t compress like air can, and it’s not as sensitive to changes in temperature. In other words, the fork will work better regardless of the weather and after a long ride when things inside may heat up.

The other benefit is lighter weight. Because the forks aren’t running a full, open bath of oil, they can use less oil…thus, less weight.Fox reps said this should translate into the wheel sticking to the trail better because of A) better performance and B) less unsprung weight. Click on the images to enlarge some cutaways

Another new technology making its way into their shocks is Boost Valve. Hit “more” to learn about that and get detailed specs and photos…

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FROM BIKEPURE.org: Open letter to Mr. Pat Mc Quaid, President of the UCI.

Firstly, may I congratulate the UCI on the evolving efforts to rid our wonderful sport of the cheats and their suppliers who continue to bring cycling into disrepute. With major scientific advances in drug-testing procedures, coupled with the mainstream global desire for a new start, we can visualize an era of clean, real cycle sport.

Professional Cycling has undergone frequent scandals from the use of performance enhancing products; it is stigmatized as being dirty and therefore we must take the lead, for all sports, in the prevention of this in the future.

BikePure  is  an umbrella group of fans, riders, media and the cycle  to protect the integrity and the potential of cycle sport. Through the declarations of thousands of our members, we have compiled a list of recommendations,which we believe would improve the efficiency of the testing system by creating clarity and restoring trust within the doping agencies.

Our proposals to assist with the clean up of cycling:

1. Introduction and immediate implementation of a blanket, fixed four-year ban from competition for any doping offence.
2. Introduction of life bans for anyone caught doping for the second time.
3. Life bans for management and team personnel working with cyclists who assist doping practices.
4. Strict adherence to the rulebook and a time limit of 4 weeks to be set from sample taken to test result, inclusive of ruling.
5. Unification of all countries testing authorities under the UCI banner: meaning that any doping infringements in a single country will have automatic effect globally.
6. A standardization of testing procedures,time intervals under WADA, to be enforced in each area.
7. Fully open results of the Bio-Passport program online and listed infringement penalties.

Bike Pure is the voice of the masses and we feel that the governing bodies should take on board the feelings and wishes of the governed. We fully understand you have a hard and complex job and wish to assist in every possible way. With 5 current UCI world champions and an affiliate base from over 50 countries, BikePure’s commitment and voice is steadfast and positive.

We hope this meets with your approval and we look forward to a response in the near future.

Yours in cycling,
Myles McCorry

www.bikepure.org

From Wiggle’s Blog: Wiggle, the UK’s No1 online cycling shop, has teamed up with the CSC and the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) to auction a 2008 Tour de France yellow jersey, signed by the winner, Carlos Sastre!

Carlos Sastre, who Signed the yellow jersey, said:

“I am very proud to help the NDCS to raise awareness of the obstacles that deaf children face at school and in their every day life”.

“Every deaf child has the right to be fully included and valued by society. In this sense, NDCS’s services for and campaigns in aid of deaf children help to make their voices heard.”

Simon Kirby, NDCS Corporate Development Manager, comments:

“We are pleased to have become a charity partner for the auction of Sastre’s yellow jersey and are grateful to Wiggle for supporting our sports day for deaf children and young people in Walsall. Access to sports activities is extremely important for deaf children. Many deaf children and young people also find it difficult to participate in out of school activities because they are not set up to provide good communication,”

To place your bid please follow this link. All funds raised will be donated to the NDCS.

Rock The Bike will be sending out the Bike Vibe from the heart of New York City on Sunday, April 26. Come help power the music on our new multi-person pedal power rig, the Biker Bar. We’re teaming up with the Central Park Conservancy on an awesome Earth Day event. We’ll also be busting out pedal powered Spin Art for the kids, and hooking up local smoothie business Tropicalia with Fender Blenders for the day. 

Rather than truck gear to New York and back, we’re building our most advanced Pedal Powered Stage in a Brooklyn workshop, and leaving it in New York in the capable hands of Rock The Bike NYC. Now our new crew can bike to music, arts, and cultural events all summer long, carrying all the gear, spreading music, community spirit, and bike love in New York.  In addition to the Pedal Powered Stage, Rock The Bike NYC will also have Mundo Cargo Bikes and Fender Blender Bike Blenders for test rides and rental, and a healthy stock of Down Low Glow for night rides. 

The first social sunset cruise is coming up this Thursday in Brooklyn. Please pass it on to your New York friends. 

The event at Central Park is a free, all-ages daytime event that will offer gardening, crafting, tree-climbing, walking tours, live music, and the occasional bike rap from Fossil Fool on the Choprical Fish. 

Ride to the park, kick back, and celebrate Earth Day with some DIT (Do It Together) entertainment. Meet the talented crew of Rock The Bike NYC. Check out their hilarious MTA Service Specialists parody site, protesting the recent fare hikes on the New York subway.

Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT
Place: Naumburg Bandshell (mid-Park at 72nd Street)
          Central Park, New York City

Bicycling in Greensboro (aka B.I.G.) is hosting an Art Bike & Decorated Bicycle Rally at Center City Park in downtown Greensboro, NC, on April 22, 2009.  Meet up at 5:45 to show off your ride and admire others’ bikes, then hop in the saddle at 6:30 for a short ride.

BIKERUMOR.com 2009 SEA OTTER CLASSIC COVERAGE: The Geax Saguaro isn’t exactly a new tire, but I’d never seen it before…nor did I know that anyone made a tubular mountain bike tire.  The Saguaro has an MSRP of $115, but the reps admitted that street price is closer to $100.  That’s still a lot of coin for a mountain bike tire.  And, you have to use an MTB tubular rim, and the only one of those I’ve seen is the Geax branded rim on their website (430g, 24/28/32 hole drillings). You also have to glue it on.

The tire is 630g for a 26 x 2.0, and even they admit you aren’t buying this tire for light weight.  So why buy it?  They claim it’s the ultimate in low rolling resistance (better than tubeless) and comfort and performance.  It has a 290 TPI cotton/kevlar casing and “55 Shore A” compound. Geax compounds range from 70 (harder, more durable) to 40 (super soft, grippy), so these are right in the middle of their grip/durability range.

 

It’s designed for winning races, and I will say this:  It felt really, really supple on the rim.  The whole tire felt softer and more easily malleable than any tire I’ve ever felt.  I suppose if you wanted to ease into it, you could try the Saguaro as a regular tire first, they offer both 26 and 29 inch versions.  They’re working on a 29″ Tubular version of the Saguaro, too, and a tubular version of their Barro Race tire.

In other news, they have some prototype Downhill tires with triple-compound tread/casings.  Hit “more” to see those…

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BIKERUMOR.com 2009 SEA OTTER CLASSIC COVERAGE: For 2010, Rocky Mountain Bicycles is using the Vertex 29 to give all of their 7005 aluminum Vertex frames updated technology and tubesets, including the flared round-to-rectangle seat tube design used on the Altitude 29 in the previous post for increased BB stiffness.

Other new features include:

• Direct-mount front derailleur
• Oversized tubing (all tubes are larger diameter than previous Vertex frames)
• Tapered 1.5″ to 1-1/8″ headtube
• Heavily shaped and butted top- and down tubes with wide, flat surfaces in high stress areas for better strength
• S-Bend seatstays to absorb some vibrations with flared round-to-square tube shapes for strength
• Larger, 30.9 diameter seatpost opening
• Shimano BB92 bottom bracket shell design

Hit ‘more’ for pics and details…

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