Bicycle parts and accessories

Bellwether Clothing

2012-09-05T14:10:00.005-07:00

New from Bellwether the Aires jersey and Forma bib knicks both stand as high-end technical cycling garments that come in at a relatively affordable price. The Aires is their top model and features multi-fabric construction with ventilated mesh inserts. Silicon elastic grippers help keep your back covered while the arms are elastic free for comfort. Colour options are white, black or Ferrari red. The Forma bib knicks use 'Lycra Power' fabric which lends extra compression and muscle support. A 3D moulded 'chamois' combines with silicon leg grippers and flat-lock seams to enhance the fit and feel. Like the Aires jersey, these shorts are offered in black, red or whire. Expect to pay around $80 for the jersey and $120 for the bib knicks.

Enve Wheels

2012-09-05T13:58:00.006-07:00

At l,354g for the pair, the 26-inch Enve Composite XC wheels are up there with the lightest cross-country/MTB wheels available.They also sell for $3,389 a pair; that's as much as a decent complete bike and a lot more than alloy wheels of the same weight. Where the Enve wheels vary is in the strength and stiffness that they offer. While they have the weight of a 'race-only' wheelset, Enve says they are strong enough for day-in day-out racing, training and all-round trail riding. To back this up, the all-mountain version of these wheels (with a rim that's only 55g heavier) has been used successfully in world cup downhill competition. In addition to being light and strong, the Enve wheels also feature a UST tubeless inner rim profile. You can also get them in a 1,424g 29er version for $3,498.

BBB Impulse PH Sunnies

2012-09-05T13:51:00.002-07:00

The Impulse wraparound sunnies feature a photochromatic lens that automatically adjusts to suit the conditions. Light transmission varies from 85% to just 17%, which should cover almost any daytime riding situation without the need to swap lenses. They also feature ribbed silicone grippers on the arms to prevent slippage and should sell for around $159.

Fox RP23 Shock

2012-09-05T13:47:00.001-07:00

For 2012 the popular RP23 Boose Valve rear shock gets a new 'Adaptive Logic' system. Previously you could select one of three firmness levels for when the ProPedal platform was activated, allowing the rider to tune the shock to their desired'climb mode'. For 2012 the ProPedal will be factory tuned to what is currently the number three, or firmest setting, and the three stage dial will adjust the shocks tune when it is in the open or 'descend mode'. The three levels of descend mode adjustment will then allow the user to tune the damping to suit their preferences, while always having the firm climbing mode close at hand. Expect to see this shock as standard spec on many upper-end trail bikes for 2011.

Formula RO Brakes

2012-09-05T13:38:00.002-07:00

Italian brake manufacturer Formula has launched a new model called the RO. It uses oval pistons in the brake calliper—a system that's unique to this particular model. Being oval allows the piston to be 18% bigger than their other models while retaining a compact calliper design. The result is said to be category leading power with the weight of a cross-country brake. All-up the RO weighs 36 Ig (lever/calliper/rotor and hose) and a pair should sell for $800 wirh standard rotors. You can also purchase them with Formula's new alloy/steel rotors for $870 or wirhout rotors for $680 a pair.

DT Swiss XMM Fork

2012-08-10T05:44:00.003-07:00

Suspension-wise, Swiss manufacturer DT is probably best known for their super fancy carbon-clad suspension forks, but they’ve now launched a more affordable line. Rather than carbon, the lower legs are formed from magnesium – like many other brands. The main difference with the DT design can be seen in the unique arch that links the sliders; it is made using two cast magnesium parts that bond together to form a single hollow bridge. Called ‘Torsion Box’, it is said to be substantially stiffer than a traditional solid arch with no weight penalty. The XMM should weigh around 1,650g in the 9mm QR version and 1,745g with a 15mm thru-axle, and the one platform converts to either 100, 120 or 140mm travel options. DT’s ‘Twin Shot’ dampers offers three externally controlled options; fully open, a reduced travel mode for climbing and a full lockout. Expect to pay around $1,070.

American Classic Road Tubeless Wheels

2012-08-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

For 2012 American Classic has added another option to the growing number of tubeless compatible clincher wheels. While they still have spoke holes on the inner rim and need tape to make them airtight, they feature a special inner rim profile with a lip to securely hold the tyre bead once inflated. Interestingly, American Classic has opted for a wider than normal 22mm rim profile with lower bead hooks. This allows the tyre carcass to spread out further, effectively making it wider than it would be if mounted to a traditional rim. The idea is that you can use them with a narrower tyre to save weight without compromising the contact patch and cornering grip. Speaking of weight, the American Classic Tubeless wheels are extremely light, coming in at 1,179g for the pair. Pricing should be around the $1,100 mark.

Oakley Fast Jacket Eyewear

2012-07-24T07:30:00.007-07:00

Interchangeable-lens sports eyewear has been around for ages but Oakley has refined the concept on their new Fast Jacket sunnies. Called Switchlock technology, the frame has a quick release mechanism that locks the lens in place without the forcing and flexing often required with other designs. This means there is no lens distortion caused by a tight-fitting frame and the ease of handling allows mid-ride lens swaps with fewer fingerprints as a result. Each frame comes with two interchaneable lens sets and a convenient storage case. Fast Jackets meet the ANSI Z87.1 standart for clarity, optical precision, and impact resistance, while also featuring a hydrophobic coating that makes water bead up and roll off the lens. These hi-tech sunnies retail for $300.

Garmin Edge 200

2012-07-24T07:29:00.002-07:00

The Edge 200 is a new, more affordable GPS based cycle computer from Garmin. It’s the same size as their existing Edge 500 but it has a more simplistic display with four data fields. Within these, three are fixed (current speed, trip distance, ride time) with the fourth able to toogle between average speed, total ascent and calorie consumption. As with the other Edge computers, all of the information can be uploaded to Garmin Connect, which then allows you to view the map and ride data in detail. This new more affordable offering from Garmin will sell for around $149.

JetBlack DynoMeter Trainer

2012-07-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

After years in development, JetBlack Products has finally released their Aussie designed DynoMeter trainer. The resistance unit incorporates a power-measuring device that feeds information wirelessly to the bar mounted digital readout. Retailing for $699, the DynoMeter allows you to follow power based training programs without needing to purchase a $1,000 plus bike mounted power-measuring device. Additionally, you can use this power-measuring device with just about any bike that you own.

Crank Brothers Packs

2012-07-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

Crank Brothers gained notoriety with an innovative pedal design (not cranks) and they continue to branch out into new areas (whilst still not making cranks!). Hydration packs are the newest product line to bear their name and there are two models on offer. The $129 Ascender is the smaller pack, offering 13 litres of cargo space it should cater for most trail rides, perhaps up to half-day efforts if you don’t need to carry too many bulky items of clothing. At $179, the Descender has a much larger capacity; partially due to the 20 litres of internal space, but also because of its baffled external pockets and bungee straps that allow more bulky items to be carried. Both packs share a ventilated back panel, gear organisers and anti-bacterial TPU reservoirs.

BBB Force Mount pedals

2012-07-22T16:18:00.003-07:00

The BBB Force Mount Ti pedals offer a lightweight alternative to Shimano’s SPD pedal system. At 244g with a titanium spindle, they are 50g lighter than the lightest Shimano XTR offering. They are SPD compartible, spin on needle roller bearings and feature adjustable rerlease tension. With the titanium axle Force Mount pedals sell for $250 and BBB also makes a 294g version with steel spindles that sells for $99.

NiteRider Lights

2012-07-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Updated for 2012, NiteRider’s lighting range sees substantial gains in power output across the board. Their compact Minewt line now tops out with the Minewt Pro 750, now producing a claimed 750 lumens. That’s a lot of lumens for a compact LED that weighs less than 230g including the battery. Burn times should range from 1.5 through to 10 hours and the recharge time for the lithium-ion battery is three hourse on this model. Even greater power increases can be found with their bigger lighting units. The Pro 700 has morphed into the Pro 1500 (1,500 lumen output) and the range-topping Pro 1400 becomes the Pro 3000, putting out an amazing 3,000 lumens of light.

NiteFlux Red Zone Tail-light

2012-07-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Some people invest sizeble amounts of money in the biggest and brightest headlights, and then toss a cheap $30 flashing light on the back. If anything, a good tail-light is more critical to on-road safety than your headlight, so why skimp? The Red Zone 4 is a USB rechargeable tail-light from NiteFlux – an Aussie company that also makes some very serious 2,000 lumen headlights. Two 2-watt LEDs produce an incredible amount of light that is equally bright right around to the sides – it makes virtually every other tail-light look pretty feeble. The Red Zone is so bright that it has dimming functions for night-time use and provides genuinely enhanced daytime visibility. Run times range from eight through to 200 hours and it is also waterproof and shok resistant. For $100 it is a good investment in your safety.

Velo CT Helmet

2012-07-21T19:47:00.003-07:00

Ever found yourself stuck out after dark without a tail-light? With the Velo CT helmet you’ll never be caught short. This Carrera helmet features a built in two-mode flashing LED light mounted in the rear. The triangular flashing light fits neatly into a matching port and it can be removed if you wish. Other features include in-mould construction with 24 vents and an adjustable internal retention system. The Velo CT comes in two shell sizes (54-57cm or 58-62cm) and four colour options – black, white, red/white and white/silver. Expect to pay around $70.

Fox Forks

2012-07-21T18:26:00.002-07:00

For 2012 Fox has a new 29er specific fork with 34mm diameter inner legs. The ‘34’ will be offered in Float and TALAS variants with up to 140mm of travel and should improve steering accuracy on big wheeled trail and all-mountain bikes. They have also introduced a one-piece cast 6/4 titanium crown and steerer assembly for their range-topping Float 32. It should save around 81g compared to the traditional alloy crown/steerer, taking their lightest fork down to 1,320g. Fox will offer it in 80, 100 and 120mm travel versions with either Terralogic, RLC or remote lockout dampers. Also new are the SKF/Fox designed seals and wider use of the dark gold Kashima coat on both forks and rear shocks, with the aim of improving small bump compliance. The new seals will feature throughout the range while the Kashima coat will appear on the upper end ‘Factory’ level forks and rear shoks.

Crank Brothers Mallet Pedals

2012-07-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

Last year Crank Brothers overhauled their Candy and Egg Beater pedals with stronger spindles and more effective seals, now the Mallet gets the same treatment. Selling for $149, the mid-range Mallet 2 runs a bearing/bushing assembly on each forged cro-moly spindle. The two-piece alloy/polycarbonate body keeps the weight down to 428g per pair and replaceable 8mm traction pins ensure you stay put, even when you’re not clipped in. while it is primarily designed for gravity-fed mountain biking, the large platform and well-recessed clipless mechanism makes them equally effective as a multi-purpose pedal for use with MTB or casual shoes.

Sugoi Evolution Jerseys

2012-07-21T16:22:00.001-07:00

These new Sugoi jerseys come in both men’s and women’s cuts. Both feature raglan sleeves, mesh inserts, elasticated herms, flat seams and angled rear pockets for easy access. The men’s version runs a full-length zip while the women’s top a 25cm zip.

Color options include blue or white/cherry red for the ladies while the guys get to choose from white (shown), blue, gunmetal grey or chilli red. Expect to pay around $100.

RockShox SID 29er

2012-07-21T12:33:00.003-07:00

It seems that 2012 is the year where 29ers have hit the big time, they’ve gone from somewhat of an oddity to well and truly mainstream. Now most component manufactures are busily creating new components to feed the ever-growing 29er market. The SID has long been the top XC fork from RockShox and the just released 29er variant follows the same theme. It’s offered with an optional 15mm thru-axle to retain stiffness in the longer legs, and in its top World Cup variant the SID features a tapered full carbon crown and steerer assembly. This combined with the cast magnesium sliders keeps the total fork weight down to 1,582g – and that weight includes the thru-axle and hydraulic bar-mounted X-Loc lever. That makes the new SID close to 200g lighter than previous top 29er model, the Reba XX. SID 29er pricing should start from around $799 and go up to $1,299 for the carbon equipped XX World Cup model.

Exposure Lights

2012-07-21T12:29:00.003-07:00

LED lights just keep getting brighter and 2012 sees UK brand Exposure bump up the lumen rating on all of their new model lights. The already bright Maxx-D moves from 1,200 to 1,285, the big Six Pack goes from 1,800 to 1,925 lumens while their lightweight Diablo helmet light goes from 900 to 975 lumens. Other improvements include a rubber seal to keep moisture and dirt out of the charge port and they now make a plug that lets you power other electronic items from the built-in light battery – GPS cycle computers, mobile phones and so on. As in the past, Exposure lights feature sturdy alloy construction and an all-in-one design that leaves your bike free from wires and with no battery mounting issues.

Elite Supercrono Power Trainer

2012-07-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Supercrono Power Trainer uses a fluid-filled resistance unit combined with a specially designed frame that progressively ramps up the resistance as you apply more and go faster. Elite touts it as providing the most realistic road feel possible with an indoor trainer. A large diameter elastomer roller also serves to reduce tyre wear and noise. For 2012 the pricing for this trainer has dropped and it now retails for $420.