Tech Briefs — The latest and greatest from Tommasso, fi’zi:k, and Charge
- By Zack Vestal
- Published May. 12, 2009
- Updated May. 12, 2009 at 2:14 PM UTC
Budget-friendly Tommasso Mondial — butted aluminum and Ultegra for less than a grand
The Tommasso brand has been enlivened by the Randall Scott Company and there are more than ten models that wear the Tommasso badge. Most recent in the lineup is the Mondial, a rare, budget friendly road bike that retails for $899.
The Mondial has a double-butted aluminum frame with a 12k carbon fork. Component highlights include Shimano Ultegra STI shifters, and Ultegra front and 10-speed rear derailleur. Other highlights include Continental Ultra Race 700×23 folding tires, FSA Gossamer MegaExo compact crank, Tommaso TRS bar, stem and post and San Marco Ponza Power saddle.
In a press release, the company describes the Mondial as a bargain ride with a racing pedigree.
“The Tommasso frame, fork and Shimano component package make for a quick bike with descending manners honed in the mountains of Colorado.”
On the web: www.rscycle.com
Fi’zi:k creates limited edition team replica Antares saddle and bar tape kits
Now in its seventh year, the fi’zi:k program of limited edition team replica matching saddle and bar tape kits are slated to arrive in bike shops this month. The 2009 kits feature the Antares saddle and exclusively designed Split:Tape handlebar tape, in colors produced specifically for the team replica kits.
The availability of pro team replica saddle and bar tape kits varies by country. The annual program of limited release saddles is meant to honor fi’zi:k-sponsored professional teams. As such, availability is primarily based on each team’s country of origin. Team Replica Kits available in North America include: Team Garmin-Slipstream (white and black), Team Cofidis (white and red), Cervelo Test Team (black and red) and Team FDJeux (white and royal metal blue).
The 2009 Team Replica Limited Edition Saddles and Split:Tape Kit will be offered in two-color versions of fi’zi:k’s new Antares with team issue fi’zi:k logos and k:ium rails. The kits will retail for $220 dollars and include matching microtex fiber Split:Tape with team issue fi’zi:k logos. The foam padded tape is combination of two colors (matching the saddle) ‘split’ down the middle, that when properly wrapped features one color on the tops, and the second color on the drops.
On the web: www.fizik.it
Charge Bikes makes way from the UK
The UK bike brand Charge has gained a foothold in the US market, by way of New Mexico-based distributor BTI. The Charge brand originated in 2006 and has since specialized in simple yet functional bicycles and accessories.
In a press release, Charge founder Nick Larsen said, “We intend Charge to be a breath of fresh air in a world of generic hydroformed aluminum, carbon and expensive, complicated dual suspension designs.” While not the lightest or most cutting edge bikes, Charge intends to offer value and quality in a range of versatile models.
Retail prices on complete bikes range from $749 to 899. Charge street-bred bicycles are based on classic designs updated to suit the needs of modern urban/fixie riding. Frames and components take their names from household kitchen implements, something that started as a joke but wound up sticking. The Charge family tree includes names like Spoon, Mixer, Scissors, Duster, Stove, Grinder, Blender and Whisk.
BTI’s current shipment includes the Plug bike, Plug Racer and Freestyler. A second shipment in May will see the arrival of another complete bike, the Grinder.
On the web: www.chargebikes.com
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FILED UNDER: Bikes and Tech
Zack Vestal
Zack joined VeloNews in 2009, bringing 15 years of industry experience to the Tech Editor position. Most recently manager and mechanic for the Trek-VW mountain bike team (2004-08), he has an unused geology degree from Whitman College (and a well-worn Ph.D. from the school of hard knocks). Vestal covers the latest in cycling gear online, and brings in-depth perspective to the magazine.