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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Scott 2010 preview: Road, cyclocross and mountain bike updates

We're currently in Sun Valley, Idaho, riding Scott’s 2010 range which sees improvements to their CR1 road bike, a new colour scheme for the flagship Addict road frame and tweaks to the Spark and Genius full suspension mountain bikes.

The company’s Scale hardtail range also adds a 29” bike to the stable, and there are new freeride models in the Voltage line-up too. See below for the full run-down.
A new role for CR1



The Scott CR1 ushered in the ultralight carbon road bike wars just a few years ago but with Addict now running the show it has been retasked for 2010 to cater to a more relaxed audience.

First and foremost is a softened ride quality - in contrast to the original's occasionally harsh personality - courtesy of 'Scott Dampering System' seat stays and chain stays.

According to Scott, the flattened sections in the stays allow much more wheel movement over road irregularities than before – up to 2mm depending on the weight of the rider and how hard the bump is hit.

Though softer-riding and more relaxed in position, the new cr1 is still a high-tech machine complete with carbon housing stops.: though softer-riding and more relaxed in position, the new cr1 is still a high-tech machine complete with carbon housing stops.

Though softer-riding and more relaxed in position, the new CR1 is still a high-tech machine complete with carbon housing stops.






Though not suspension in the strict sense, Scott still expects that SDS's added cush will appeal to older or more casual riders wanting a racy-looking machine that's still comfortable over the long haul.

Further along that theme, head tube lengths have grown about 10mm across the size range and top tubes maintain their current lengths (still slightly shorter than the Addict) for a more upright riding position.

The 2010 CR1 won't be all about comfort, though: carbon dropouts replace the current aluminium ones, there's a new one-piece IMP (Integrated Molding Process) top tube-head tube-down tube assembly, and even optional press-fit bottom bracket cups on the top-end model.

Even with the additional tech features, frame weight will actually increase a bit relative to the existing CR1. Claimed weight for a large frame is now 860g for the top-end version with an HMX carbon fibre blend while HMF versions will be around 930g.

Final specifications are still being determined but Scott plans to offer models ranging from approximately US$1,699 to US$6,299. Production models are slated for delivery around the end of 2009.
New colour scheme for Addict

In other road news, the flagship Addict road frame is unchanged for 2010 save for new colour schemes and the innovative Plasma 3 time trial/triathlon frame will remain a team-only item for now as development is still in progress.
Revamped Addict CX

Scott will, however, add a revamped aluminium Addict CX 'cross frame for 2010 with a flattened top tube for more comfortable shouldering. Both that and the carbon fibre version are expected to be available around late July or August.
New integrated controls for Spark and Genius

Both the Spark cross-country and Genius all-mountain full-suspension platforms will be essentially carried over for 2010 save for one key addition: a new Twinloc handlebar remote that now controls both the proprietary rear shocks and select forks from Fox Racing Shox and DT Swiss.

The new twinloc provides more suspension control on-the-fly but the additional cables do clutter up the front end a bit.: the new twinloc provides more suspension control on-the-fly but the additional cables do clutter up the front end a bit.

The new Twinloc remote will now control both the rear shock as well as select forks from Fox Racing Shox and DT Swiss.

Twinloc will replace the current Tracloc remote and will feature three settings: position #1 will leave both ends in the fully active, full-travel configuration; position #2 will stiffen and shorten rear wheel travel in a 'traction mode' but still leave the fork in the full-open setting; and position #3 will lock out both ends.



Scott says riders will have quicker and more complete control over both suspension settings with a single lever to better suit the terrain at a given moment.

Presumably the new Twinloc should also be retrofittable to current Spark and Genius models as long as the appropriate forks or compression assemblies are installed as well.

In addition, the Scale hardtail line will gain a 29"-wheeled variant in the aluminium Scale 50. Though 29" devotees will likely lament the omission of a full-blown carbon version, Scott feels the US$1,599 target retail price will be better suited to those new to the segment while still offering a high-performance aluminium chassis.
Voltage freeride line-up introduced

At the other end of the spectrum, a new Voltage FR line will cater specifically to the park/slopestyle crowd with a burly aluminium frame and 135-180mm of travel plus an intentionally short and low geometry for maximum manoeuvrability. Three models will be offered from US$1,699 to US$3,499.

Two singlespeed Voltage SS hardtails will be on tap as well from US$849 to US$1,349, both with unique 'no-slip' horizontal dropouts that use additional aluminium inserts to prevent unwanted wheel movement.

Gambler will remain in the lineup for 2010 but with the advent of Voltage FR, will now be more singularly dedicated to downhill.
Finally – Scott soft goods for the US market

Scott has always had a remarkably comprehensive line of footwear and apparel in Europe but those offerings will now finally head to the US as well. Though helmets still won't be included for the American market, a full range of road, cross-country and gravity clothing will be brought in for 2010 along with a completely revamped collection of footwear.

Based on our previous experiences with Scott soft goods, American buyers should have quite a bit to look forward to.

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Friday, April 16, 2010

SRAM's Newest Nine Speed MTB Cassette


The revolutionary machined design of the XG999 cassette uses the same grueling manufacturing techniques that produced the XX as well as the PowerDome road cassette.

With this XG999 cassette, seven of the cogs are CNC-machined together out of a single block of billet steel, creating an incredibly lightweight, precise, and strong cassette.

The open design aids in mud clearance, giving you cleaner shifting performance and longer component life.

Features:
Weight 175 grams
Technologies X-Glide, X-Dome design
Speeds 9 speed
Materials CNC’d 4140 chromoly steel
Large cog material AL-7075-T6
Lock-ring material AL-7075-T6
Gear 11-32 (11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32)
MSRP $300

Thursday, April 15, 2010

DURA-ACE Di2 satellite shifter


After the successful introduction of the DURA-ACE group with Di2 technology in the market, it’s now time for a very interesting addition. As from May this year, Shimano will offer an additional satellite shift unit SW-7970 that offers a quick and easy possibility to shift the rear derailleur when riding with the hands on top of the handlebars. It eliminates the need to move the hand to the Dual Control Lever for shifting, especially important when riding on cobblestones or during climbing but also very convenient for Cyclo-Cross and touring.

This additional shift unit can be mounted easily anywhere on the top of the handlebar, around the stem mount position. The Di2 cable plugs in easily at the existing DURA-ACE Di2 Dual Control Levers ST-7970.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Crank Brothers (More Titanium)



Crank Brothers Candy 2Ti Pedals is a 2-sided pedal with 4-sided entry and 2 main components made of titanium.
Spindle: Stainless Steel

Body: Fiber Composite

Kick Plates: Stainless Steel, Ti Nitride Treatment

Wings: 6 AL / 4V Titanium

Spring: 300 Series Stainless Steel

Weight: 252g per pair

Includes: Standard Cleat (Road Cleat available separately), Shims, and Crank Brothers' 2 year manufacturer warranty

Release Angle: 15 degree or 20 degree

Friday, January 30, 2009

Hydraulic Shifting by 5rot

The Goat tipped us to a $2K hydraulic shifting system that’s made by 5rot. The shifters are “nearly frictionless, light, and accurate and cost 2k!” And must be marketing to the dude that doesn’t want his bike to look like anyone elses and cost lots more. Snark aside, I’ll give 5rot props for the industrial form and function of the design — anyone remember Shimano’s multiple attempts at air shifting? Or Mavic’s ill-fated electro shifter?

Hydraulic shifting reminded me of Bettie (shifting under big loads, makes one think of hydraulics, electronics, or a damn belt drive).







Shifters 5Rot 134grams BOUGHT!!!!






Rear Derailleur 182grams (905€)




Front Derailleur 82grams (605€)

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Light becomes lighter - Project Genius







Lightweight fetishist Sebastian Roth is known for constructing unreal bicycles with incredibly low overall weights. He is credited with several creations, including a 3883 gram (8.56 lbs) Addict. Sebastian was anxious to start his new trail bike tuning project, a Scott Genius. The starting point was a brand new IMP4 carbon Genius LTD frame equipped with the Equalizer2 TC shock providing 150mm travel and TC (Traction Control) at an already amazingly light 2250 grams (4.96 lbs).

After weeks of countless working hours, a new Genius was born from his workshop in the colors black and red. A brilliant and noble looking bicycle, equipped with the finest components, this unique creation will satisfy any light weight fanatic. This S.R. version Genius weighs just 8928 grams (19.68 lbs). So for all the “weight weenies” out there who want to build a lightweight trail bike, the Genius is a perfect base to start with.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Athertons ride new Saint to two rainbow jerseys


This weekend, Downhill mountain bikers Gee and Rachel Atherton each took victory at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy. Both were riding the new Saint components, featuring awesome brake performance and a crispy shift feeling, combined with a more lightweight design.

As the baking sun ensured the track was hot and dry, all eyes were on the Athertons, particularly after an incredible display at the recent Mountain Bike World Cup in Andorra, when brother Dan also took the win, making it a triple-victory for the family – and for the new Saint as well. Unfortunately, Dan had to sit out the competition this week after breaking his collarbone...



Rachel was first at the start gate for the Women’s Downhill Final and being the favourite she completely fulfilled the expectations by crossing the line an astonishing 11.99 seconds ahead of her closest rival.

Next, pressure shifted directly to brother Gee, who now had to live up to the family name and pull off the double-win. Last down the hill, Gee had fellow Brit Steve Peat to beat, who in his illustrous career has never won the coveted rainbow jersey. Through the split and Gee was 2 seconds clear, a margin he managed to hold as he shot across the finish line and into the elated Atherton huddle – ensuring the family again made history and became the first to win two Mountain Bike World titles in the same year.

Congratulations to the riders and many thanks for introducing the new Saint at the highest level possible!