The Cycling Thread

[Rick Danger]

Cycling News.com

Tech news: Team sponsorship round-up
A look at who's riding what in 2011

By: James Huang, technical editor
Published: December 7, 03:10


Garmin-Transitions switches to Cervélo bikes, Rotor components, Castelli clothing
Garmin-Transitions is undergoing one of the most comprehensive supplier changes among the top road teams, swapping bikes, components and clothing for the 2011 season.

Cervélo will replace Felt as the team's bike supplier and also step in a co-title sponsor after the company decided to move away from its innovative manufacturer-backed TestTeam model of the past few years. The team - heretofore known as Garmin-Cervélo - will mostly be aboard the aero-profiled S3 carbon frames though some of the squad's smaller riders and climbing specialists may opt for the lighter R5/R3 models. Transitions is expected to sponsor the team but as the official lens supplier rather than a title sponsor.

"As we have often mentioned, our primary goal has always been to have some control over the direction that cycling will take," said Cervélo co-founder Phil White. "In our eight years in pro cycling, we have seen the many possibilities cycling offers. The very positive response to a focus on more than just racing has been great. The emphasis we have had on product R&D since 2003 will be integrated into the new team's routine as well."

In addition, SRAM replaces long-time component supplier Shimano and will supply its top-end Red transmission, DoubleTap levers and brakes. Rotor will step in as the crank supplier, though, providing its clever 3D hollow-milled aluminum cranks and an assortment of round and elliptical chainrings. The removable spider also allows for an apparent move to SRM power meters away from Powertap, too.

Garmin-Cervélo will even change clothing sponsors for the next three years, trading out Colorado-based Pearl Izumi for Castelli. The Italian company is slated to provide apparel for the pro men's and women's teams along with the U23 and even the junior development squads.

As was the case with Pearl Izumi, it's expected that Castelli will use the team to test new concepts and ideas for inline items before they're released to consumers.

"This multi-year agreement to provide clothing to all levels gives us continued access to valued input from the world's top pros, both men and women," said Castelli racing performance director Andrea Peron in a press release.

"We have created a joint research and development program working with Robby Ketchell, the team's sport science director, and we have outlined an innovation agenda focused on making the athletes as fast as possible in every racing condition."

Movistar to run electronic Campagnolo groups, Catlike helmets
The new Movistar team - formerly known as Caisse d'Epargne - will reportedly retain most of its previous equipment sponsors, including Pinarello, Campagnolo, Selle Italia and Elite. However, Campagnolo will equip the riders with a brand-new electronic group that was just briefly shown at the official team presentation back in October.

Campagnolo is still elusive with details, though it has confirmed that Movistar will be the only team so equipped for next season. Certain aspects look to mirror those of Shimano's Dura-Ace Di2 version however, including shift actuator placement analogous to Campagnolo's mechanical levers, a giant front derailleur body (required to house the high-powered motor), and a down tube-mounted battery positioned just below the bottle cage. And of course, the system moves the chain across eleven rear cogs instead of the ten employed by Shimano and SRAM.

Spanish company Catlike will also replace Giro as the official helmet supplier. Team riders will use the company's Whisper Plus model for road events along with the Chrono Aero Plus for time trials. Both models are mostly carryover for 2011, save for subtle improvements such as the new 'floating' rear retention system that's said to improve the fit and overall comfort.



"It makes us very happy to join a team like Movistar," said Catlike CEO Pepe del Ramo. "A structure ruled by Eusebio Unzúe, who has been managing top teams for more than 30 years, gives us a lot of confidence and excitement. Catlike is used to dealing with top teams from all over the world, but it is always nice to collaborate with a Spanish team."

Pegasus to fly on Scott bikes and Bont shoes for 2011
Australian road team Pegasus Sports - formerly known as Fly V Australia - moves to a bigger bike supplier for the 2011 season, switching from niche brand Parlee to Scott. Though neither group has yet to make an official announcement, keen-eyed observers have already spotted the team's riders aboard brand new Scott F01 aero road bikes on training rides around Queensland.

Scott has yet to officially unveil the F01 as a production model but its continued appearance in the pro ranks suggests that we're likely to see it added to consumer catalogues as a 2012 model. Claimed frame weight is tantalisingly close to that of the current Addict at just 840g plus the giant D-shaped tubes and tapered front end are said to also offer notable improvements in rigidity. Scott also goes on to say that the truncated airfoil cross-sections will even save a substantial 20W of power output at typical racing speeds (based on a 300W rider output).

Those frames will be wrapped in SRAM Red groups, Selle Italia saddles, Vittoria tyres and Zipp wheels, bars, and stems.

Bont will provide the Pegasus Sports team with footwear across the board with models to include the company's latest Vaypor, the ultralight Zero, and the aero Crono. All feature fully heat moldable uppers and lowers for a customizable fit and ultralight and rigid bathtub-style carbon fiber soles.

"As an Australian company, we are immensely proud of the depth of Australian cycling talent and this Australian project by Pegasus," said Bont Cycling CEO Steven Nemeth. "Our objective is to develop the best possible cycling shoe through continual testing and technical innovation. We want to provide both the competitive and enthusiast cyclist with a cycling shoe that offers true anatomical fit and comfort combined with unparalleled performance."

Felt to support Team Exergy through 2012
After mutually agreeing with Garmin-Transitions to part ways after the 2010 season, Felt Bicycles is once again turning its attention towards emerging teams and talents. For 2011-2012, Felt will now sponsor the Idaho-based Team Exergy UCI Continental road squad whose roster will include 2001 and 2006 US amateur road champions Remi McManus and Matt Cooke.

"Felt has a storied history of supporting emerging teams and new talent, and in Team Exergy we feel as though they have the blueprint to be very successful," said Felt marketing director Doug Martin. "After a competitive run at the NRC and select international events this year, Team Exergy has put together the pieces to take their program to the next level and we are excited to be a part of it."

Felt will provide Team Exergy with both road and time trial bikes, including the all-new F-series road bike and B2 time trial framesets.

Rotor Bike Components to outfit Saur-Sojasun team
After years of struggling to get a foot in the door of pro team sponsorship, Rotor Bike Components now seems to be adding new teams and riders with an impressive pace, most recently adding the Saur Sojasun team to its list of sponsored outfits for 2011.

According to Rotor, Saur Sojasun will use Rotor's 3D+ cranks, both round and elliptical chainrings, BB30 bottom bracket, chain catchers, and race number holders.

"France is one of our leading markets, in which we have quite a number of fans and high customer fidelity, so we want to thank them for this support by sponsoring one of the country's leading teams," said Rotor CEO Ignacio Estellés. "A strong professional team, well placed in the 2010 UCI rankings - above some ProTour teams - is a new proving ground for our technologies, increasing the brand´s fame and customer's confidence in our products."



Europcar team continues on Colnago bikes, switches to Louis Garneau helmets and clothing
The recently announced UCI Pro Continental Europcar team - formerly known as BBox Bouygues Telecom - will carry on with Colnago bikes for both road and time trial applications but will make a move from Nalini clothing to Louis Garneau through the 2012 season.

Louis Garneau will also supply the team with Diamond and X-Lite road helmets and the new Vorttice time trial helmet.

"For years, Louis Garneau has been producing some of the most technical gear on the market," said Louis Garneau international marketing director Pierre Perron in a press release. "This sponsorship will strengthen our credibility as we test and prove our apparel and helmets through the collaboration of the world's best athletes."

Key product models will include the Diamond, X-Lite, and Vorttice helmets plus the top-end Corsa range of clothing.

"Our relationship with Louis Garneau and the past helmet sponsorship of the Bouygues Telecom Professional Cycling Team from 2005-2008 has always been a positive factor in the history of our team," said team manager Jean-Rene Bernaudeau.

"This year, we strengthen our relationship and bring Louis Garneau helmets and apparel to the team. Louis Garneau is one of the few manufacturers outfitting teams with helmets and apparel, and also one of the few manufacturers producing helmets and apparel at that calibre of technology."

[Rick Danger]

Cycling News.com

Tech news: New commuter lids from Bell
The Bell Sequence is carryover for 2011 except for new colours and graphics, but it's all about visibility with light system integration

By: James Huang, technical editor
Published: November 1, 22:44

Successfully and safely commuting by bicycle long-term is often a matter of making sure motorists know you're there along with being aware of your surroundings and Bell's new Muni and Arella urban helmets are designed to help with both.

As with Bell's previous Citi and Metro urban helmets, the Muni - and the smaller but similarly styled Arella women's version - sport built-in loops to accommodate optional add-on rear flashers but these models go one step further by already cleanly integrating a pair of LED lights directly into the retention system.

Up front, the removable visor also doubles as a mount for the surprisingly bright Flea LED light from sister company Blackburn (we're trying to find out if this visor fits Bell's mountain bike helmets, too, as it'd be great for nighttime trailside repairs).

If you're into that sort of thing, you can also attach the optional Flip Mirror, which clips directly to the visor and folds discreetly out of the way when not in use. Even without anything attached, the visor is still all-weather, commuter-friendly with channels along the periphery to funnel rainwater off to the sides.

When all the aforementioned pieces are used together, it makes for a greatly reduced chance of accidentally leaving your lights at home. Once you're at the office, you can even charge the lights right at your computer with Blackburn's slick USB adapter.

Bell will offer both the Muni and Arella in one size each although well thought-out strap setups look to accommodate a reasonably wide range of head shapes. Borrowing from Giro's minimal Roc Loc SL - as seen on the ultralight Prolight model - the Muni and Arella's OneStep Plus system features a simple elastic strap that stretches across the base of your skull and simplified attachments at the ears.

Unlike the Roc Loc SL, though, the OneStep Plus will offer three different positions to help dial in the fit in lieu of multiple shell sizes. Adding to this is a convenient ratcheting buckle for quick adjustments depending on the weather and additional headwear.

Bell will offer the Muni in four colours and the Arella in five, both for just $65 US (£59.99/€70). The optional Flea 2.0 USB lights will add another $29.99 US each (or $54.99 US for both) and the Flip Mirror will cost $14.99 US.

Also new from Bell for 2011 is the value-priced Sanction full-faced helmet, which will retail for just $80 US (£99.99/€100). Bell aims the new Sanction at a more youthful crowd with slightly smaller sizes relative to its old Bellistic and current Drop models but still retains a full feature set, including a tough fibreglass shell, an adjustable visor, and a few vents to keep the air moving at speed.

Especially aggressive riders will want to make note that the Sanction is CPSC-approved only, though, and doesn't meet the new ASTM downhill standard.

Other models such as the Volt and Sequence will carry over but with new colours added for 2011. Bell is also adding more Paul Frank graphics to its 2011 range.

[Rick Danger]

Originally Posted by dbailey

Make mine a shot of clembuterol .......

....... so, this is how you got your 'shot' ? You sly dog ! (LOL)


Cycling News.com

Contador decision could come “any day”, attorney says
Defence based on those of Gasquet and Ovtcharov, of unintentional doping

By: Cycling News
Published: December 7, 16:44

The decision in Alberto Contador's doping case could be handed down by the Spanish cycling federation “any day”, according to the rider's lawyer. Andy Ramos also said that his defence is based upon that of several other athletes who avoided bans after claiming they did not voluntarily use doping products.

Ramos told the AP news agency that the decision could be handed down soon. There has been speculation that the Real Federacion Espanola de Ciclismo could rule before Christmas, but other sources have said that the disciplinary committee will need several months to read the file.

Contador tested positive for Clenbuterol on the second rest day of the Tour de France, and his defence is that he ingested it inadvertently through eating contaminated meat.

“Not one of the scientists we have worked with has said it couldn’t have been anything but contamination,” Ramos told the AP in a telephone interview. “The levels are ridiculous—it couldn’t be anything else.”

The attorneys have cited several other cases, in which athletes were not banned or received short bans after positive doping tests, when they showed how they could have been inadvertently doped.

One of them is French tennis player Richard Gasquet, who tested positive for cocaine in March 2009. He claimed that the cocaine entered his body when he kissed a woman who had consumed the drug. He served a two and half month suspension that year.

The World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Tennis Federation asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to give him a two-year ban, but the court accepted the “kissing” claim.

Perhaps more relevant to Contador's case is that of German table tennis player Dimitrij Ovtcharov, who also tested positive for Clenbuterol this fall. He was cleared of the charges after the German federation found that the test resulted from contaminated meat he ate while at a tournament in China. The World Anti-Doping Agency has indicated that it may appeal that decision to the CAS.

[Rick Danger]

Neuvation F100
Bike Tests
Road Bike Action
June 19, 2009



Cyclists unfortunately, haven't gotten that memo and never will. It's a double-edged sword as our desire for new bikes and products with the hippest image, take us into bike shops or online and therefore keep the bicycle industry train moving forward. That's all true, but in a small shop in a great town on the Central Coast of California is a man named John Neugent who hopes to change the way you look at the world of bicycles and save you money while he's doing it.

Neuvation has made its name by providing high-quality wheels at low prices and only selling direct to consumers through their site. Now, Neuvation is offering a selection of bicycles that fit the same niche. The bikes, like the wheels are well-designed, high-quality machines without the name and distribution network. If you are looking to stay on the road with some new products or a bike this year, but don't have $5000 to spend, Neuvation is a place for you to start.



THE PARTS
Other than the Shimano Ultegra SL group and Michelin tires, the entire aluminum F100 is Neuvation branded. As a customer you choose your frame from Neuvation, then add in all the individual parts you desire. The bike is built within 7 days and shipped to your door for an additional $45. Our F100 featured: FSA Gossamer cranks, C50 carbon wheels and Neuvation post, stem, bars and saddle.

THE VERDICT
Can anyone say Cervélo without the Cervélo name (and cool C and E graphics?) We were surprised at the quality and performance of the F100. After two or three rides, the first thought we had was that local race teams could actually outfit their team with Neuvation bikes, get on the road and racing and save a good deal of money. The F100 handled well, climbed above average, descended with the best of them and cornered with authority. Our bike came with two sets of wheels, the C50 carbon wheels with Tufo tubulars and then a set of their R28 Aero 4 wheels for training. Neuvation runs a deal or two every month, so make sure to ask them about their latest incentives.

FINAL WORD
Every wheel and product we test from Neuvation is well-made and built with quality and integrity. If you can get over not having one of the five big named bikes in the world, you will be happily riding down the road.

PRICE: $1695 with (C50 wheels), $1300 with (R28 Aero 4 wheels)
WEIGHT: 17 pounds
INFO: www.neuvationcycling.com

BONUS POINTS: Sleek design, great value and quality quotient. Unlimited options to give you a unique package.

[Rick Danger]

The Shimano 105 gruppo is new for 2011 and incorporates many of the benefits that were originally developed for Dura-Ace 7900 series and integrated into Ultegra 6700 series. The new group is available in Sterling Silver for a classic road cosmetic or Lodestar Black for a more contemporary look. Overall, performance and durability is enhanced while the entire group manages to drop almost 30 grams from the prior generation.

Shifters - STI Dual Control
New Super SLR Design relocates the brake lever pivot for better mechanical advantage. Synchronized with the new brake arch pivot a greater level of modulation and power are available from the tops of the brake hoods, where most people ride a majority of the time. Internal Cable routing gives lighter steering action and a cleaner handlebar area while fit can be customized through a series of shims creating reach adjustment. Two sizes of shims reduce reach by 5mm or 10mm for maximum comfort and control. Available in silver or black the new 105 levers are compatible with Ultegra 6700 and Dura-Ace 7900 brake arches.

Brakes
New Super SLR Design relocates the brake lever pivot for better mechanical advantage. Synchronized with the new brake arch pivot a greater level of modulation and power are available from the tops of the brake hoods, where most people ride a majority of the time. Adjustable toe-in on the brake shoes allows for fine tuning braking performance while pad compounds nearly double wet weather braking performance. Available in silver or black the new 105 brakes are compatible with Ultegra 6700 Dual Control levers.

Cranksets
Shimano’s proprietary HOLLOWTECH II design provides an optimum balance of light weight and stiffness, while Dual SIS front index shifting has long been the industry benchmark for instantaneous and assertive front shifting performance. Additional improvements include increased spacing between the inner and outer chainrings to reduce chain interference in cross-chain situations. Available in double, triple, and compact chainring configurations: FC-5700: 52-39T, 53-39T / FC-5703: 50-39-30T / FC-5750: 50-34T.

Front Derailleurs
The new 105 front derailleur leverages the wide inner link design introduced at the Dura-Ace lever to assertively move the chain. Combined with the improved chain guide shape, silky smooth and seamless shifts can be made even under the heaviest of loads

Rear Derailleurs
The 10 speed SIS 105 rear derailleur integrates the wide link design prominently featured in both Dura-Ace and Ultegra derailleurs to not only promote quick shifting, but to preserve the pivots for greater durability and long term crisp shifting performance. The new derailleur is available in both short and medium cage lengths for double, compact, or triple crank configurations.

Cassette Sprockets
With a light weight aluminum carrier and continued improvement of the well-recognized Hyperglide ramps, the 105 cassette shifts with a confidence and crispness that is instantly identifiable as Shimano. Available in 11-25T, 11-28T, 12-25T, and 12-27T configurations, all with titanium sprockets.

Chain
The asymmetrical design of the new 105 chain helps tame the most challenging shifts: inward shifts in the rear and outward shifts on the front. The unique profiling creates an extra advantage in moving the chain quietly and quickly to bigger rings and cogs even under extreme loads.

Pedals
The PD-5700-S pedal features a Durablee stainless steel body cover, extra-wide platform for efficient power transfer, and a low maintenance sealed cartridge axle unit.

[Mister Emporia]

look for them at a race near you...

[Rick Danger]

Cycling News.com

Contador could target all three grand Tours if cleared
Spaniard upbeat during SaxoBank camp

By: Jean-François Quénet
Published: December 8, 11:49

French newspaper L’Equipe claims Alberto Contador plans to ride all three grand Tours in 2011 if he is cleared of doping.

The Spaniard is still awaiting a decision from the Spanish Cycling Federation but last week spent time with his new Saxo Bank-SunGard team in Fuerteventura. L'Equipe suggests Contador is already thinking about next season and if he is cleared he may may target the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and the Vuelta Espana.

Team manager Bjarne Riis reiterated his total support for Contador and remains optimistic that he will be the team leader at Saxo Bank SunGard in 2011.

“His presence here is important. In my mind, he’s definitely part of the team,” Riis told L’Equipe.

“I have good reason to believe in him. He inspires respect. Everyone knows his situation and the whole team is supportive. The season is about to start and we have to be ready and believe that Alberto will be our captain in 2011. I hope the decision will be fair. But if he happened to be punished, it wouldn’t mean that he’s guilty.”

Contador spoke briefly to L’Equipe, confirming that all his defence documents have been submitted.

“I’m hopeful. The documents have been filed and presented to the commission. Nothing has been left to chance and it’s all based on scientific data. For a little while, I’ve decided to limit my contact with the media because I prefer to wait for a verdict. It’s difficult and a quick decision would be ideal but it’s a complex situation. I just hope it will turn out in my favour.”

Under UCI rules the Spanish Cycling Federation has a month to reach a verdict and L’Equipe points out that this deadline falls today. However the Spanish Cycling Federation claims it has different rules but Contador’s lawyer has said a verdict is expected soon.

According to L’Equipe, Contador’s legal team has made the case a question of public health with a complaint lodged against the Spanish producers of bovine meat.

They countered, saying: “Contador’s arguments could jeopardize the livelihood of 150,000 families.”“In South America, the fattening of the bovines is authorised and two million tonnes of meat are imported yearly in Spain”, confirmed the biggest association of Spanish farmers, ASAJA. But the association of Spanish meat producers ASOPROVAC hasn’t been impressed by

“The Contador affair has become a national affair”, wrote L’Equipe. The complaint led to the opening of a governmental inquiry with one more battle of experts coming up.”

[Rick Danger]

Cycling News.com

Four top US-based teams plus Liquigas for Colorado race
First teams announced for Quiznos Pro Challenge

By: Cycling News
Published: December 8, 16:07

Four of the first five teams announced for the first-ever Quiznos Pro Challenge race are American-based teams. Team RadioShack, HTC-Highroad, BMC Racing Team, and Garmin-Cervelo will take to the roads in Colorado next August, joined by Italian team Liquigas-Cannondale.

The race organisers announced the first five teams on Wednesday. The race features seven stages including stops in the ski resorts of Vail and Aspen, as well as the state capital of Denver. The 600 kilometers are expected to include much climbing in the Rocky Mountains.

Lance Armstrong and Colorado governor Bill Ritter announced the race in August, although at the time Armstrong wasn't certain of his pariticpation in the event. He has already said that the Tour Down Under in January 2011 would be his last race outside of the US.

[Rick Danger]

Chorus 11s: It's hard to resist the allure of carbon fiber.

That is why Campagnolo® has designed the all new Chorus™ groupset, making it more aggressive and with even better performance, reaching top-of-the-line levels.

With its attractive looks and new logo, the Chorus™ 2011 groupset will uniquely make you stand out from the pack and will always be at your side in every challenge, be it against others or against yourself.


ERGOPOWER™ CONTROLS
You can grasp the Chorus™ Ergopower™ controls any way you want: you’ll always feel safe and responsive.

Double curvature break lever for faster brake response in all cycling positions
and maximum safety .

Insert for larger hands - Safer and more comfort for cyclists with larger hands.

Ultra-Shift™ exclusive mechanism 3-sprocket up shifting and 5-sprocket downshifting in just one stroke.

Bearing mechanism for longer life and operating precision.

Vari-Cushion™ hoods are hypoallergenic, stretchy, UV protected material, with variable density for greater comfort even after long hours on the bike, more safety .

Ultra-ShiftTM design provides greater hand support, safer and easier movement of brake/shift levers in all conditions.

BRAKES
The new compounds dramatically improve braking, and the new lighter pad holders to make replacement easier and faster.

New lighter shoe holders.

New shoe coupling/uncoupling system for safe and fast shoe replacing.

New compound provies a reduction of braking distance in both dry and wet conditions with longer brake pad and braking track life.

New Dual Pivot front/rear version for enhanced rear braking.

Skeleton brake arms: No-bend arms, modularity, reduced weight.

Front/rear differentiated braking with a lighter rear brake providing greater braking power modulation.

CRANKSET
The new teeth design plus the new 8 ascending and 2 descending zones of the chainring enable top-class performance.

X.P.S.S. eXtreme Performance Shifting SystemTM chainrings provides precise and fast shifting.

New teeth design allows chain shifts easily up and down the rings.

New chainring mount system is lighter and provides easier maintenance.

Lighter bottom bracket=Less weight.

FRONT DERAILLEUR
This system is fast, responsive, and precise, and the chain shifts across chainrings with no hesitations.

Ultra-Shift™ light alloy cage with its graduated curvature shape, shifting is fast and extremely precise.

Z-Shape™ inner cage provides maximum cage force and rigidity when shifting.

Exclusive M-Brace™ Campagnolo® geometry derailleur - High system rigidity and shifting precision.

Outer anti-friction treatment reduces friction and extends components life.

REAR DERAILLEUR
Chorus™ 11-speed’s shifting precision is comparable to its older siblings Record™ and Super Record™.

Ultra-ShiftTM exclusive geometry provides maximum shifting rigidity, fast actuation, precision, friction reduction.

Ultra-ShiftTM aluminum lower and upper bodies have less weight, less friction, more shifting precision.

Cage plate with holes for reducing weight.

SPROCKET SET
The surface treatment of the eleven steel sprockets assures longer component life, maintaining the maximum performance through time.

Ultra-Shift™ sprockets synchronization - Sprocket tuning is carefully planned to make shifting faster and more precise.

Reinforced mounts for second and third triplets provides greater sprocket set rigidity and performance precision.

Ultra-Shift™ teeth design provides optimized upshifting.

Nickel-Chrome surface treatment reduces chain/sprocket friction and extends sprockets’ life.

CHAIN
The strength of the treated steel links is absolute, and the Ultra-Link™ closure system guarantees safety and the long life of the chain.

Ultra-Link™ chain link connecting system provies a high strength chain connection for greater safety and longer chain life.

Ultra-Shift™ chain links are designed to provide maximum performance to Campagnolo® transmissions: longer life for chainrings and sprockets, maximum efficiency in power transmission.

Special steel links prolongs chain life, reduces chainrings and sprocket wear.

Antifriction Ni-PTFE™ treatment reduces friction for smooth pedaling, quiet operation and efficiency with prolonged chain life.


http://www.r11.campagnolo.com/en/gro..._groupid_3.jsp

[dill99]

Updated pix of my rig.