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FEATURES: SEA OTTER REPORT, PART FIVE
Road Bike Action
April 26, 2011
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We were stoked to spot this prototype Rock Lobster 'cross bike with dual hydraulic disc brakes in the pits. The cool steel bike was running a Pro Components 29'er mountain bike fork to accommodate the disc tabs for the equally proto 324 Lab disc brake conversion kit.
Currently, there are still quite a few hurdles to running hydraulic brakes with integrated shift/brake levers. The conversion kit is made up of two machined clamps that mount Formula RX or R1 hydraulic brake reservoirs.
If you happen to have some spare Formula brakes on an old mountain bike, you're ahead of the game with the 324 Labs kit. Otherwise you need to buy the brakes which sell for @ $400. The 324 website is still under construction, so if you're interested, give Tim a call at (408) 857-6030.
Here's what the 324 Labs kit looks like from on top - pretty ingenious design!
Speaking of disc brakes for 'cross bikes....Felt was showing off a prototype 'cross bike that was fitted with 3T's new disc specific road fork and TRP's new disc brake. A highlight of the carbon fork is the molded in cable guide that keeps the cable perfectly routed. The TRP brakeset will cost $450 and include the 140mm rear and 160mm rear rotors and two piston caliper and hydraulic actuator which makes the whole system work.
Here's the top end of the prototype TRP Parabox hydraulic brake that's been in development for the last six months. The hydraulic actuator connects the standard brake cables from SRAM, Shimano or Campy and mounts around the steerer tube. Unlike the 324 Labs unit, the TRP unit maintains a position directly under the stem to still allow for gripping the handlebar.
Here's a frontal view of the compact TRP unit. The overall set-up is clean and efficient, the added stack height being the only drawback. Disc brakes are definitely on their way, but in the meantime, don't forget the $150 (a pair) TRP EuroX cantilever brake that is already one of the more popular.
MEANWHILE, OVER AT THE SRAM COMPOUND...
As usual SRAM was showing off a plethora of new parts. Besides a new 46/36t cylcocross specific chainring with 'cross specific windows for shedding mud, the real "forehead slapping" product on display were these TT aero brake levers that now run with integrated barrel adjusters to make brake adjustment a breeze. The UD carbon levers now rotate in the handlebar (when loosened) to add or decrease cable pull.
Sure, everyone may lust over the deep wall carbon rims that are all the rage, but economy and practicality still make sense. Take these new SRAM S30 alloy wheels that have been hot-rodded to include ceramic bearings and Ti skewers. The 30mm deep wheels have a claimed weight of 1450 grams and make the hi-end of the three wheel S30 family.
Just a skooch of gold ano to make sure everyone knows you're running with something special.
At the 2009 Sea Otter, SRAM first showed us their new Apex 11x32t climbing group. This year they unveiled a new Alpine white version to counter the new Black Red components.
It was just two years ago that cycling fashionistas were looking at the color white to be the new black. It never really blew up as big as (some of us) feared, but the maybe the new SRAM Alpine Apex parts get re-ignite the craze.
The best part of the new Alpine white Apex parts was the inclusion of a flat handlebar version for the brakes and shifters. Whether for city riders or the multitude of flat bar cyclists who participate in charity rides, this is a welcome addition to the drivetrain family. |
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