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FEATURES: RBA'S LATEST ARRIVALS
Road Bike Action
April 6, 2011
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Zipp's Andy Paskins dropped by the office the other day to let us test ride some Zipp wheels and partake in the infamous RBA lunch ride/burrito bash. When he broke the mighty 808's out of the Zipp wheel bag in the office, we pointed him in Neil's direction and on they went to the brand new Specialized Roubaix which Neil will ride this weekend at where else - Paris-Roubaix. Yep, Neil is off to the Hell of The North to take on the likes of Specialized's in-house headhunters, Nic Sims and Chris D'Luisio. For his 27 cobble section adventure, Neil will resort back to the stock Roval wheels, but mounted with some more cobble friendly 28c tires from Continental. Sure, our money is on Neil.
The 808's remain all the rage among the TT and tri crowd and are available in both tubular ($2500) or clincher ($2950) versions. With a claimed weight of 1518 and 1759 grams respectively, the deep section wheels share the same revolutionary Firecrest rim design as the popular 404 wheels.
We mounted the 404 Firecrest clinchers on to Michael's Sea Otter race bike. While the clinchers sell for $2700, the tubular versions sell for $2300. Like all of Zipp's wheels, you can also personalize your wheel with
their ZedTech graphic program that has more color options than you'll
know what to do with.
The vaunted 404 was redesigned last year to use Zipp's new Firecrest rim design. The 58mm deep 404 has a claimed weight of 1557 grams per pair. Zipp still makes a (non-Firecrest) 404 with an aluminum rim (claimed weight 1658 grams). The carbon version has a 250 lb. rider weight limit, but for heavier riders, Zipp makes the 404 Max with a higher spoke count ( 24 f/r vs.16f/20r) with a 275 lb. rider weight limit.
 The Firecrest 404 was introduced at the 2010 Paris-Roubaix and it was
just days ago that Nick Nuyens used their shallower 303 wheel to win the
Tour of Flanders. Unlike the 404 and 808, the 303 does not use the
Firecrest design. The Firecrest design came about while Zipp was beginning the R&D process for the carbon clincher, and it put new focus on the effect of wind on the trailing edge of the wheel. Zipp says a key ingredient of the Firecrest design is to minimizes the impact of side winds, and as Andy emphasized for most riders, maximizing the aero performance will provide more benefit than reducing weight.
We were happy to see Zipp finally move away from the can opener-like skewer from previous days to a much more svelte and eye friendly design. The wheel comes with a chromoly version, but a lighter titanium version is also available. With all the focus on wheels, Andy also reminded us that Zipp also has a full catalog of carbon cranks, stems, handlebars and seatposts. Zipp Wheels.
TOM BOONEN'S NEW SHOES
Tom Boonen started out the Spring Classics season wearing some new custom colored Sidi Genius 6.6 Carbon Lite shoes. Together with Ergo 2 Carbon Lite, the Genius 6.6 are at the top-of-the-line range of Sidi's road collection. Made in a Lorica and nylon mesh mix, both feature the new Carbon Lite sole, made in full carbon to make them even lighter and more resistant. The shoes use a combination of innovative composite materials and a unique closing mechanism. Genius 6.6 Carbon Lite closures feature two systems: our Caliper clip on the ankle with two Velcro straps added. Sidi Genius.
THE LATEST GIRO IN THE PELOTON
Introduced last week at the Tour of Flanders, Giro claims their new Aeon is the lightest full featured helmet on the market. Combining the benefits of their Pro-Lite and Ionas, the Aeon combines sleek design, ultra low weight and exceptional ventilation with 24 vents. It will be available to consumers in mid-May and will come in three sizes and eight colorways for $250. At 222 grams, the Aeon is almost 25% lighter than the Giro Ionas. Look for the usual Giro features including the Roc-Loc 5 Fit system and X-Static padding. Also new is the thermo-formed SL Rollcage that’s 49% lighter than the previous version. Giro Helmets.
3T ERGONOVA TEAM HANDLEBAR
* Top level drop bar is the choice of many pro level riders and teams
* Ovalized egg shape on the tops allows all day comfort
* Creates natural fit position between brake hoods and bar top
* Very lightweight at 196g (42 cm)
* HM Carbon Fiber (F1 Grade)
* 38, 40, 42, 44 cm widths available
* 31.8mm clamp
* Chosen by Garmin-Cervelo and World Champion Thor Hushovd, plus Katusha Pro Team Jelly Belly Pro Team. $ 300.00. Contact: 3T Cycling
HONEY STINGER WAFFLES
Honey Stinger, the leading manufacturer of honey-based nutritional products, announces a new twist on their critically acclaimed and award-winning Stinger Waffle - vanilla. The original Stinger Waffle was suggested by Honey Stinger co-owner Lance Armstrong and quickly became a favorite among runners, cyclists, triathletes and moms. The original and the new vanilla version both provide 160 calories of great-tasting, organic energy.
“The original Stinger Waffle has been an enormous success and continues to receive awards and recognition from customers, athletes and the media,” states Bill Gamber, Honey Stinger co-founder. “We’re confident that vanilla as a second Stinger Waffle flavor will help us build upon the momentum and increase sales.”
The traditional stroopwafel was originated in the Netherlands over 200 years ago and are made from two thin layers of baked batter with syrup filling. In the Netherlands and Belgium, stroopwafels are sold in the streets and are popular with European cyclists looking for a quick boost of energy.
Rather than syrup, the Stinger Waffle use organic honey and other organic ingredients, making Stinger Waffles a certified USDA Organic product. Each waffle is wrapped individually for easy transport and retails for $1.39. The Vanilla Stinger Waffle will be available beginning March 21. Honey Stinger.
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