Tech Update – Campagnolo test rides and new goodies from 3T, ROTOR, and Ritchey
- By Zack Vestal
- Published Mar. 15, 2010
If you weren’t already fired up for springtime and getting out on the bike, check out these new treats from some of our favorite icons of the sport.
Campagnolo offers wheel test opportunity, new Heritage clothing
[singlepic id=3300 w=320 h=240 mode=web20 float=left]Campagnolo fans have several reasons to rejoice in their Italian passion this season. The company recently announced a new program to help riders try out their extensive line of wheels. And the Campagnolo clothing line continues to grow.
In a press release, Campagnolo notes that the best way to evaluate its new products is to try them out, which is why they created the Test 11 initiative. At retailers certified as Campagnolo Test Centers, you can do a road test on bicycles equipped with 11-speed drivetrains and wheels featuring 2-Way Fit, the rim technology that makes it possible to fit either a road-tubeless tire or a standard clincher tire and tube.
For a list of Campagnolo Test Centers, the starting date for the initiative, and all other details, go to www.campagnolo.com
Campagnolo Sportswear has added the new Heritage line, a range of garments distinguished by a vintage look but with highly technological construction. The flagship pieces in the Heritage line are the Half Zip Flocked Logo Jersey (C822) and the Half Zip Jersey (C821).
The Half Zip Flocked Logo Jersey is made of a special fabric, Sportwool, which is meant to allow your body to stay dry and naturally protected thanks to its natural ability to extract heat and absorb sweat. The fabric treatment adds natural elasticity and protection from UV radiation.
The Half Zip Jersey is inspired by the history of great Italian champions and by the heroic battles between Coppi and Bartali. It is made of technical fabric treated with Polygiene for antibacterial and odor control properties.
[singlepic id=3308 w=320 h=240 mode=web20 float=left]Both jerseys are fitted with IQseen reflective inserts for low-light visibility at a distance of 160 meters. They’re available in four colors and sizes S-3XL. The C822 Heritage sportwool jersey w/ flocked logo is $160, and the C821 Heritage half zip jersey is $140.
Also new for spring, the new 11-speed Windproof Jacket (C691) adds to the high-end Campy collection. It’s made of Aquatech fabric for exceptional light weight and elasticity which enhances freedom of movement. Campy says that Aquatech dries very quickly (three minutes compared with 15-20 minutes for traditional products, the company says). A front gusset of Light Textran fabric increases protection against the wind and IQseen reflective inserts add visibility
The Windproof Jacket ($300) is available in a transparent Opal colour and sizes XS-3XL.
3T says their new AURA bar means “lights out” for alloy aerobars
[singlepic id=3296 w=320 h=240 mode=web20 float=left]Whether or not $300 qualifies as “low-cost” is up to you, if you are looking for a new carbon fiber cockpit for your time trial or triathlon bike, 3T has a new option aimed at budget-minded riders.
The new Aura aerobar shares the basic shape of its cousin the Mistral, but with new, top mounted extensions, all-carbon construction in the base bar, and a retail price of $300. The top of the base bar lacks the multiple armrest positioning options of Mistral, but it’s lighter. S-bend extensions are standard with the Aura, but any of 3T’s range of extensions will work, including the Christian Vande Velde Special Edition deep-S bends.
3T boss Rene Wiertz said in a press release, “Garmin watchers will have noticed a bar like this in summer 2009. The team had quite a few prototypes of the Aura base bar with the top mount extension clamps.” He also noted that Aura is priced to be attractive to bike manufacturers and aftermarket buyers alike, who might be looking for a dose of carbon on their aero bikes. “We say it’s ‘game over’ for the old generation of alloy tri-bars,” he said.
The company says the Aura and all of its handlebars are compliant with UCI and ITU rules.
ROTOR upgrades ultralight off-road stem
[singlepic id=3304 w=320 h=240 mode=web20 float=left]For those of you still using mountain bike handlebars with a slender 25.4mm clamp diameter, Rotor has updated and upgraded its superlight XC 25.4 stem. While most bars and stems go with the oversized 31.8 clamps, Rotor is aiming at fans of Euro-style, ultralight bars and stems.
The new SL2 has been updated with a conical stem body, which the company says offers a massive improvement in rigidity with just a minimal increase in weight. It also features a completely redesigned stress-reducing steerer tube clamp with one oversized dual thread pitch (DTT) bolt and insert, a technology pioneered on Rotor’s 3D crank. The new single DTT bolt has a replaceable threaded aluminium insert on one side that functions as an intentional failure point to prevent damage to the stem in case of overtightening or a crash.
Rotor says the single DTT bolt spreads tightening forces more evenly than two bolts can, while also reducing the need for complex reinforcement structures in the clamp. The company says the stem exceeds the fatigue requirements of the most demanding certification in the market and gained its EN 14766 certification at the EFBe laboratory, in Germany.
The new SL2 stem weighs 91 grams for a 90mm version, and 102 grams in the 120mm length. A 105mm extension is also available, and all the sizes feature 6 degrees of rise. Expect to pay about $200 for the new stem, and look for it to be available next week.
New shape from Ritchey Design – WCS Curve road bars now available
[singlepic id=3309 w=320 h=240 mode=web20 float=left]If you’re like me, you can appreciate a short and shallow road bar, with a standard curve. I like the front end to be compact and not too deep, for long term comfort in a number of positions. Apparently Ritchey’s got my number with their new WCS series Curve bars in both carbon fiber and aluminum.
Sporting a compact drop of only 128 millimeters, the WCS Curve Bars let riders set up for aggressive positioning in both the drops and tops. The WCS Curve Bars are the newest product in a long line of Ritchey Fit Logic Philosophy-centered products. Other features include sanded stem and brake mount sections for improved grip. Like most of Ritchey handlebars they are compatible with triathlon clip-on bars.
Enthusiasts will see the WCS Curve Bars in action throughout the race season as Ritchey-sponsored UnitedHealthcare-Maxxis team will be riding a combination of Ritchey Classic, Curve, Logic II and the soon to-be-released Evolution Curve Bars.
The WCS Alloy Curve bar is made from 7075 aluminum, bead blasted in black, weighs 235 grams, and costs $97. The WCS Carbon Curve bar is made of monocoque carbon fiber with a 3K weave finish, weighs 210 grams, and costs $285. Both bars are available in 40/42/44 centimeter widths and have a 73 millimeter reach.
FILED UNDER: Bikes and Tech TAGS: Campagnolo