Salsa Vaya - Bike of the Week 2018-01-08

The Salsa Vaya is an all road adventure machine. This bike is designed for mixed surfaces and mixed purposes! Notable features include a cromoly frame, Shimano Claris drive train, and disc brakes. Other build kits are avaiable. 

This bike is a 2017 and on sale until it's gone! Call 877-574-0656 for the sale price. Or better yet, stop by Ride-A-Bike in Gastonia, NC for a test ride. :)

The full list of specs is available on Salsa's website. 

Proper Hydration Is Key To Efficient Riding

Do you know how much water you sweat when you ride for an hour? If you said 1 to 2 quarts, you're right!

When you're riding, you have GOT to replace this fluid loss because water isn't the only thing you're losing, but also vital nutrients. Energy drinks (not Monster or Red Bull) are best because they contain the electrolytes and nutrients lost through sweating.

These drinks also provide carbohydrates which fuel the muscles. Make sure, though, that you listen to your taste buds. If the energy drink tastes awful, you are way less likely to drink it during your workout.

If you're carrying an energy drink in both bottles, dilute your second bottle with water. As your body heats up, it is likely that you will desire the drink to be a little less sweet and have a bit less flavor. Too rich of a mixture can upset your stomach when your riding hard, or even slow down and possibly prevent water absorption.


When preparing for a cycling event or a race, experiment while training to find the most compatible drink for your system. This way you will already know you drink something that works and that won't cramp you up during the important ride. Also test out bottles and hydration packs to see which works best. The hose of the hydration pack and it's large capacity make it a bit easier to use on those longer rides. Bumpy terrain is better with a hydration pack also, so it may be a better choice for off-road racing or riding.

Are you properly hydrated? To make sure, look at your urine. If it's pale yellow or clear, you're good to go. Dark and strong-smelling urine is a reminder to drink more water. If you have to use the restroom during the night before the event it is a good sign of proper hydration.

On those hot summer days, put your waterbottles in the freezer the night before the race. You can also use insulated bottles or hydration system. If you choose to freeze your bottles, fill only half way so you can top it off with drink before the ride. The ice in the bottom will chill the liquid for a while. Ice in a hydration pack can also help cool your torso.






 

Ride-A-Bike Shop
116 NE. Court Square
Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-1746
www.rideabike.com

Been Drooling Over Our Custom Rims? Now is Your Chance

    While you're looking, why not check out these videos of our custom wheelsets: VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2

Human Powered Helicopter Piloted by Bicycle

Canadian Team Claims $250,000 Prize

"The American Helicopter Society’s Igor I. Sikorsky Human-Powered Helicopter Competition represents the third largest monetary prize in aviation history. The monumental feat requires a human to hover to an altitude of 3 metres under his/her own power, and to remain aloft for at least 1 minute. The challenge is test a of ingenuity, athleticism and determination."
www.aerovelo.com



The team’s quad-copter design was created from a frame made of carbon-fiber/Vectran while the blades of the Atlas were made from polystyrene, balsa wood and polyester film. These elements were then tied together by a bicycle at the center of the machine.

The Sikorsky Prize represents a monumental challenge that requires a level of aerodynamic efficiency that is unheard of in commercial helicopters. A successful Sikorsky Prize helicopter will be able to hover on less than one horsepower.

"No one knows better than we do the enormously difficult engineering and human performance challenges that must be overcome in order to meet these flight requirements." the team said in a statement. "We salute this historic accomplishment of the AeroVelo team and the intense dedication, innovation, research and hard work we know it required."

Dr. Todd Reichert, one of the leaders of the team, pedaled to lift the AeroVelo Atlas for 64.11 seconds. The craft reached an altitude of 10.8 feet and drifted only 32 feet during the flight, which took place on June 13 inside a field house in Vaughan, Ontario.

And although this specific competition has come to a close, AHS International has said that it will announce "another grand challenge" soon.

 Impressively, Atlas was not the team's only project during this time. They also produced what is called an Ornithopter, which is probably even cooler than the Atlas. Check it out here.

Top 3 Raptor Hydration Packs In Stock - Sweet Look and Awesome Functionality

Stay Organized, Be Comfortable, and Hydrate Well.

 

 

THE RAPTOR SERIES brings Osprey’s Hydraulics™ solutions to a mountain biking and trail running hydration pack. An innovative suspension and ergonomic backpanel provide superb bike riding comfort and great stability. Bike-specific pocketing along with our proprietary LidLock™ system keeps your gear organized.

The Raptor 6 is a great hydration pack for that after work spin on the local single track. 

 It will carry all your essentials, including basic bike tools and a stretch woven front pocket will carry an extra layer.

• 2-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included
• Pack weight does NOT include Reservoir

An ideal size for everyday riding, the Raptor 10 hydration pack offers streamlined organization with enough room for extra food and layers.  

Lower side compression straps keep the load close to your back and a stretch woven front pocket stashes extra gear.

• 3-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included
• Pack weight does NOT include Reservoir

The Raptor 14 is a great long haul hydration pack for an all day adventure on your favorite single track.  

Stretch woven side pockets with InsideOut™ compression provide versatile gear carry options, while a large zippered front pocket with dedicated compartments for bike tools keeps essentials handy.

• 3-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included
• Pack weight does NOT include Reservoir

Ride-A-Bike Shop

116 NE. Court Square Lincolnton, NC

www.rideabike.com

(704) 735-1746

Preserve Your Drivetrain and Handle Shifts With Ease

Drivetrains Don't Last Forever. Take Care Of Yours.

Learning to use the equipment that comes with your bike is extremely important, as it will help you to enjoy your ride more as well as extend the life of those parts. Shifting is no exception, and we have a few tips to help you improve that aspect of your riding.

An important rule to remember is to - reduce your applied pressure on the pedals during shifts. As drivetrains have improved over the years, the have been designed to shift no matter how much pressure is put on the pedals. However, if you ease up on the pressure just a bit, the shifts will be smoother and your chain, cogs and chainrings will last longer.

Here are some more tips to help keep your drivetrain in great working order:

Keeping Your Drivetrain Clean:

Before we even get into proper shifting, it is important to make sure you keep your drivetrain clean and tuned up to extend the life of your drivetrain. We have chain cleaners for sale in the shop that can help get your chain clean and keep it that way.

Every six months or so, inspect your chain and measure to see if it has been stretching.

Pick a chain pin on the top side and measure to any pin 12 inches away. Links are exactly one-inch long, so you should be able to measure exactly 12 inches between two pins. If the measurement is 12 1/8 inch or longer, it's time to replace the chain.

RELATED POST: See our post all about how chains are made here!

(Check Your Cogs too!)

Remember: cogs wear out at about the same rate as the chain. If you put on a new chain, you will eventually run into skipping cogs - which is at best annoying and at worst dangerous!

Remember to keep the front rings and rear cogs clean. Stay on the lookout for a post about how to clean your chain and drivetrain!

On The Road Tips:

Shift Before Hills:

Even though the hardest place to put less pressure on your pedals is when you are struggling to get up a steep hill. Try changing gears before the steep part of the hill so you can make the shift with out stressing the chain and pedals.

Front Shifts:

Remember when you are shifting the front derailleur that the chainrings are significantly different in size! This means your derailleur has to work hard to move the chain from one to the other. If you can add some finesse to this shift, you are much more likely to get a clean, smooth shift. And, you'll eliminate problems associated with high pressure shifts such as having the chain come off.

There are three or four set spots (shift ramps/shift gates) on the chainrings to make it shift. The chain (while moving forward) needs to contact these ramps to be pulled up onto or down over the chainring. It is very important to hold the shift until the chain comes into contact with a shift ramp. When the chain is under load (meaning there is force on the pedals) this is the ony spot where the chain will shift. Ideally shifting should be done with little load on the chain. When the chain is under load the derailleur will just flex and laugh at you instead of making the shift happen. When there is no load on the chain the derailleur will be able to move it.


Getting Your Chain BACK On:

Usually, you can shift the chain right back on the chainring if it falls off. This is usually impossible when climbing a hill, as you will lose momentum and have to stop. However, any time you are riding and you can coast for a few seconds, you can almost always get the chain back on by gently pedaling and shifting the front derailleur to move the chain toward the ring.

(When a chain comes off repeatedly, something is wrong and you should have us take a look at the front derailleur adjustment.)

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your cycling needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com

[PHOTOS] 2014 Santa Cruz Heckler Goes 27.5MM (650B)

The 7th generation 2014 Santa Cruz Heckler has progressed in a number of ways from the original, and has significant upgrades from the previous incarnation.

Lighter and stiffer than the previous generations, it's ready for steep uphill climbs and rowdy descents. It maintains 6 inches of travel (150mm) and a single pivot frame design, but now has 27.5-inch (650B) wheels. That means it's suspension is a simpler design.

See Our Post About the 27.5 Santa Cruz Solo HERE

 For the first time, the Heckler sports a 12x142mm through axle rear end, and you can have a Shimano direct mount rear derailleur hanger. The Hecker also comes with ISCG-05 tabs for better chainguide compatibility.

See Our Post About the 2014 Santa Cruz Tallboy 2 Carbon HERE

The Santa Cruz collet axle pivot keeps things locked into place without any pinch bolts, and using angular contact bearings keep things stiff. You can replace or service these bearings without even removing the cranks.

Compared to the 26-inch version it replaces, the 650b Heckler has a head tube angle that is .5-degrees
slacker and a seat tube angle that is .5-degrees steeper. The head tube angle change should make it a better descender, and the seat tube angle will aid in positioning the rider correctly in extended climbs. Additionally, the bottom bracket drops by 4mm, while the chainstays grow by 5mm to accommodate the slightly larger wheels.

Total frame weight is 6.76 pounds for a medium with Fox Float CTD evolution shock. Not bad for a frame starting at $1,299!

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your cycling needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com

2013 Shimano Aero Wheelsets on the Dura-Ace 9000 Group

For 2013, Shimano has introduced new Aero Clincher, Tubeless, and Tubular options to their revamped Dura-Ace DA9000 and 9070 Di2 groups.

(images and content courtesy of bikerumor) 



All the wheels are 11-speed ready to go with the new components. The non drive side has been pushed out to 7mm to maintain proper triangulation, and the freehub body is 1.85mm wider. The new rims are called D2 and are 23mm or 24mm wide depending on the model. Shimano also gave them a deeper tire bed to allow the tire to fit snugly to the sidewall, not allowing a gap on the clinchers. These combined features balance frontal and side aerodynamics.

Shimano has gone out of their way to make the rims perform better and more comfortable. They have given a new profile to the deeper wheels to help offset the effects of crosswinds, and receive a new lacing and hub design to improve response and speed. The clincher rim weight comes in around 383g while the tubeless one is about 420g.

Here are some Features:

WH-9000-C24-CL 24mm Carbon/Alloy Laminate Clincher
• Carbon laminate construction rim
• Clincher only
• Off-set rim with wide flange hub
• 100% Ti FH body
• 1364g

WH-9000-C24-TL 24mm Carbon/Alloy Laminate Tubeless Clincer
 • Shimano Road Tubeless and tube compatible rim
• Carbon laminate construction rim
• Off-set rim with wide flange hub
• 100% Ti FH body
• 1454g

All the wheels use a FULL titanium freehub body. Shimano's previous freehub mechanism had a titanium outer section, but the internal bits were steel.

 The C35 has 35mm deep rim and comes in clincher and a full carbon tubular. Full specs are:

WH-9000-C50-CL 50mm Carbon/Alloy Composite Clincher
• 23mm D2 rim profile
• Opt-Bal 2:1 lacing
• Carbon/Alloy construction
• Extra wide flange hub
• 100% Ti FH body
• 1672g

WH-9000-C50-TU 50mm Carbon Tubular
• 24mm D2 rim profile
• Opt-Bal 2:1 lacing
• 100% High modulus carbon construction
• Extra wide flange hub
• 100% Ti FH body
• 1449g

Lastly the tallest wheels are the C75 and only come as a full carbon fiber tubular. Features are:  

WH-9000-C75-TU 75mm Carbon Tubular
• 24mm D2 rim profile
• Opt-Bal 2:1 lacing
• 100% High modulus carbon construction
• Extra wide flange hub
• 100% Ti FH body
• 1545g



Plus, the wheels come with some sleek looking skewers

The 9000-series Dura-Ace hubs, like all of the complete wheels, continue to use Shimano's cup-and-cone angular contact bearing system. It's reliable, easy to service and Shimano says it's strong and rolls smooth. The big changes are the move to 11-speed and a full titanium freehub assembly like on the wheels.

Cycling Technology: Heads Up Display on Cycling Glasses, The Next Step Towards the Future

Recon Instruments Presents Their New Sunglasses . . . With Stunning HUD Display

Recon Instruments has been messing around with HUD displays since 2006.

While their big break came in the world of winter sports, the newest application of their HUD display is on a sporty, sleek pair of    sunglasses.







  Features:
Wi-Fi
ANT+ for linking with with external sensors
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS
HD camera
Multiple sensors

Design:
Optics are highly polarized
Weighs only 60g.
Battery is interchangeable
Optical Touch Sensor (means no removing gloves!)

 AND, Recon's patented gaze detection only turns on when you glance at the screen. According to Hamid Abdollahi who is the CTO of Recon Instruments, "We are excited to be showing Recon Jet at Google I/O. Since we started the company in 2008, we have developed HUDs with a purpose; to relay instant, activity specific, user defined information effortlessly to the user's eye. This philosophy is inherent in Jet which marries a powerful open platform, a widescreen display and high-performance polarized optics to offer what we believe is a great value proposition."

The Jet takes all this plus a dual-core processor, speaker, and microphone in a small unit mounted to sporty sunglasses. Recon says the microcomputer module is faster and more powerful than the current unit in the snow sport goggles. Recon says that the glasses are specifically designed for running, cycling, and golf. But really, these glasses could be used for any number of applications as seen in Recon's video. A surgeon can look at his patients information during surgery or a forestry worker could receive data about a forest fire.


Plus it can stream video, connect to the web and plug in to social media sites. The display is housed in the lower right side peripheral.

They haven't yet supplied us with a an idea of what the display looks like, but it's said to look like a 14-inch screen viewed from 5 feet away! Recon also hasn't detailed all of its hardware specs or applications. They will certainly provide more information as their proclaimed "2013" release date is closing quickly.

Get the Most Out Of Your Stroke With These Easy Tips

Increase Power and Efficiency with Training and Practice

One pedaling drill you can do on any ride with downhills is spinning the pedals as quickly as possible as you accelerate down slopes. To do this correctly, leave the bike in a gear that's too easy, one that forces you to fan the pedals to keep up with the speed of the bike. Your goal is to rev your legs as quickly as you can while remaining seated. At first, you'll probably bounce a lot on the seat. But, with practice, you should be able to stay in the seat and maintain a calm upper body even though your legs are spinning at supersonic speed. If you do this drill a lot, your pedaling speed and efficiency will quickly improve.


 

Try Rollers
If you're willing to purchase a handy piece of cycling equipment, a great way to smooth your spin is to train indoors on rollers. Rollers consist of a frame with three spinning drums (one for the front wheel, two for the rear), with a rubber belt connecting the front drum to one of the rear drums. You put your bike on the rollers and start to pedal and you can balance and ride just like you do spinning down the road outside. Most rollers have optional equipment that allows increasing resistance because there isn't much drag from just the roller unit itself.

Develop A Winning Spin 
Rollers require above-average balance and exaggerate any pedaling flaws. With enough practice, you naturally eliminate pedaling problems because they're so noticeable. And, when that happens, you ride faster with the same effort because your pedaling becomes more efficient and more of your energy goes into driving the bike.

Think they're just for roadies? Actually, the concentration and spin improvement builds confidence and the ability to ride tight singletrack, maintain your balance in slick mud and skirt narrow ledges high in the mountains, too.

 
Forced Spinning 
 A classic cycling trick to improve pedaling technique is riding a fixed-gear bike in the winter. Constant pedaling is required because you can't coast. And you must accelerate pedal speed on downhills because you can't shift. These factors combine to smooth your pedal stroke and force you to spin complete circles. Pick ride routes that avoid steep climbs and descents. You don't need to buy a new bike to pull this one off, either. A threaded-hub wheel, a track cog, a BMX chain and a few axle spacing tricks can turn your regular bike into a fixed-gear rig. We can help with the conversion.

Try The Track
 If you're one of the privileged few who can ride a track bike at a velodrome (a circular, banked track for cycling), you'll reap the same benefits as training on a fixed-gear bike. Never ride a track bike on the road, though. Brakes are a must on the street, and track bikes don't have them.

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your cycling needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC.
 You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com

VIDEO: 2013 Raleigh Militis 3

High Performance Racing Bike: The 2013 Raleigh Militis 3.

Check out the new 2013 Raleigh Militis 3! This is the exact bike that the Raleigh team rides, and it is USCF certified. It's a carbon fiber frame with direct connect technology. That means that the head tube and the down tube are all one piece of carbon. What this does is makes the frame stiffer. The fork is also one piece, reducing flex and dampening road vibrations.

The Militis 3 comes with the new 11 Speed Shimano Dura Ace Drivetrain. That results in rapid and precise shifting, and has a much nicer feel than the other groups.

This bike is a 53cm, weighing in at 15.6 lbs. After putting some pedals on it, it will weigh just over 16 lbs. Nice and light for going REALLY FAST.

Come check this bike out, as well as the rest of the bikes we have in stock. If we have it here, you can take it for a test ride!

We're located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. We hope to see you soon!

Make sure you read our other post on the 2013 Militis 1!

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your cycling needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com

2014 Shimano Ultegra 6800 Looks More Like Dura-Ace Every Day

Sneak Peek of the 2014 Shimano Ultegra 6800 Groupset

photos courtesy: Shimano

For 2014, Shimano has released their Ultegra 6800 11-Speed Groupset. Dave Atkinson of road.cc interviewed Shimano's Mark Greshon. He has this to say about the new group: "Ultegra normally takes the latest technology from Dura-Ace and provides it at a much more competitive price. It's for real world riders who want good performance."

The 11-speed phenomenon with Shimano's engineering power to create this new system that "uses technology that's been proven in WorldTour races, proven at the highest level."

Riders can individually choose from a large variety of gearing options for all kinds of riding. You have the choice between a 11-23 and an 11-32 cassete, and chainring combos include 53-39, 52-36, 50-34, and cyclocross specific 46-36. The 6800 crank shares the same 4 arm design as the Dura-Ace in this category.

The brakes feature the same two axle symmetric pivot design as Dura-Ace as well, an improvement that Shimano claims increases power by about 16 percent. They are available in both a traditional and a direct mount version.

Using a shorter lever stroke which Shimano claims requires 35% less force input, gives tactile feedback to the rider that the shift has been completed. A defined *click* sound will ensure you that the gear has shifted. Improvements on ergonomics and control come from the more compact hoods and bracket grip, as well as a redesigned carbon lever.

The new wheel on the 11-speed level is the WH-6800. The wheel is lightweight on an offset rim for high rigidity and power transmission. Compatible in tubular, tube, and tubless setups. As with all Shimano wheels, the WH-6800 is 100% in-house produced and hand assembled.

The chain has also been redesigned for 11-speeds, and is coated with new surface technology called Sil-tec: an advanced surface painting technology adds a low friction surface treatment that runs smoother and lasts longer.

All in all the new groupset is 35g lighter, and 100% improved.

While You're Here, Check Out Our Other New Groupset Posts

2014 New Shimano XTR M980

SRAM Red 22 & Force 22

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your cycling needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com

2013 RockShox Forks and Shocks are Upgraded (Video)

New 2013 RockShox Shocks and Forks Debuted at Sea Otter Convention

(photos courtesy of bikemag.com and bikerumor.com)

RockShox had some catching up to do in the area of remote suspension control, since Fox debuted their CTD system last year. At the Sea Otter Convention, RockShox introduced their XLoc Full Sprint system, which allows riders to easily lock out their front and rear suspension with the simple press of a button.

 (For now the new RockShox dual hydraulic lockout is restricted to pairing with SID and Revelation XX forks, and RockShox' Monarch XX rear shock)

 That isn't the only new thing from RockShox, the SID and Revelation front forks were tweaked to improve their ability to smooth out the trail. Their damping mechanisms have been adjusted and improved for high and low-speed compression damping. In addition, RockShox redesigned the rebound piston as well, incorporating their "Rapid Recovery" in both the SID and Revelation. "Rapid Recovery allows the fork to recover more quickly between consecutive bumps for better traction and control.


Next, RockShox greatly improved the Monarch's (their rear suspension system) with regard to small-bump compliance. First, they reconfigured the volume of the negative air chamber. On top of that, Monarch RT3, XX, RL, RT and R now feature a high-volume eyelet option called HV-i: allowing for a higher volume, less progressive shocks that are lighter and less bulky. RockShox says "HV-i couples perfectly with bikes that need a little less progression, but don't need the full High Volume air can system. Lastly, RockShox is boasting new and improved seals on the shocks.



Seb Kemp of www.bikemag.com explained the last of the upgrades to the RockShox family of products — The Pike 2.0 — here. Here's a recap: "When Fox debuted the 34 a few years back, it highlighted a gaping hole in their competitors' fork line-ups. RockShox for example, had the burly Lyrik and the much lighter Revelation, but the company needed something that cut the difference between the two and that's where the Pike fits it. The Poke features larger stanchions (as well as a stouter crown and lowers) than the Revelation, which was undergunned at the 150-millimeter travel setting when it came to particularly technical trails. Weighing in at just a hair more than four pounds, the Pike should be popular with riders looking to add a bit of brawn to their bike's front end without also adding much in the way of weight. Since all-mountain bikes now come shod in every conceivable wheel size, the Pike is also available in 29er, 650b and 26er-compatible versions" Check out the Pike in action in this VIDEO

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your maintenance needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com

-LEAKED- 2014 New Shimano XTR M980 Series

Continuing Shimano XTR Legacy

Continuing the Shimano XTR legacy as the industry's original premium cross-country racing mountain bike component group, Shimano introduced a new lightweight XTR component and wheel additions that elevate the performance for elite cross country racers. For 2014, Shimano XTR M980 series will see the addition of new lighter weight hydraulic disc components, new drivetrain components including a lighter bottom bracket and more durable chain, as well as ultra-lightweight carbon tubular 29" mountain bike wheels.

The Shimano XTR M980 group is the first mountain bike component range to have two separate complete groups (race and trail). There's the rider tuned concept that allows riders to mix and match drivetrains, brake systems, wheels and pedals for the way they ride. Shimano introduces new XTR Race products specifically designed to reduce weight, increase efficiency and provide a winning edge for the world's best cross country racers.

CARBON WHEELS

Designed for and proven at World Cup and Olympic cross country mountain bike competitions, the new limited edition XTR WH-M980 carbon tubular 29" wheels set a new industry benchmark for carbon 29" wheel performance. Strongly supporting 29er geometry, Shimano is only offering the XTR WH-M980 is a 29er version.  While tubular wheels may be expensive and difficult to deal with, they offer real world tangible benefits. The way they climb, accelerate, and corner are noticeably different from traditional wheels. With no bead, the tire profile becomes more round which really changes how the tire handles. Featuring a super light weight full-carbon offset rim that tips the scales at an anorexic 290 grams and 29 spokes laced to a quick engagement freehub body for perfect traction, these wheels give away nothing. WH-M980 wheels will be offered exclusively with Shimano's splined Center Lock rotor mounting for easy and quick installation.

LIGHTEST EVER SHIMANO HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE SYSTEM

Shimano debuts its lightest hydraulic disc brake system ever to the XTR line. Shimano concentrates on 3 things with their brake development: power, stiffness, and heat dispersion.

Shimano uses an internal power level rating system and the new XTR maintains the Shimano tradition of powerful yet manageable brake engagement. Maintaining stiffness is a key component of modulation. The new XTR has a magnesium caliper, magnesium master cylinder, and a carbon fiber brake lever. (A first for shimano!) These are lightweight, high performance brakes.

ICE TECHNOLOGIES ADVANCEMENTS FOR CROSS COUNTRY

For heat requirements, Shimano uses their ICE technology of making a rotor that has 3 layers with the center layer being aluminum to draw heat. The new finned section comes from technology developed in the SAINT line of products. So now a 160mm rotor draws/disperses as much heat as a 180mm rotor used to. The new XTR brake also has a high powered hose, two piece caliper construction, banjo bolt that flows oil and keeps the two pieces together. The SM-RT99 reduces heat by an additional 40 degrees.

The XTR hubs have been improved this year as well, with improved seals, a titanium freehub body, and QR or thru axle options. The XTR press fit bottom bracket is lighter and works better than last year. Stronger sealing and less rotational drag are a few more improvements to the the XTR system.

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your Cross-Country needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com

SRAM Brand New 2013 Groupsets Available Soon

What's New SRAM? How about everything? 

Upgrading to 11-speeds (True 22) and using hydraulic brakes (disc and rim), all the while continuing to provide quality components in the rest of the departments, including AeroGlide and Yaw Technologies.

SRAM has released two new groupsets, the Red 22 and the Force 22.

Let's start with the

SRAM Red 22

It's nice to see SRAM moving two groupsets, Red and Force, to 11-speed. But why have they decided to call them True 22?

With a double chainset and 11-speed cassette you clearly get 22 different gearing options, and SRAM says you can run the chain in the large chainring and the largest sprocket, and in the small chainring at the smallest sprocket. They don't necessarily advocate cross chaining, but it can be done.

Continuing the Yaw Technology first introduced on their last Red groupset frees you from the need to trim the front mech when moving across the cassette to avoid chainrub.

It's also worth noting that the shifters, mechs, chainsette and cassette are not compatible with 10-speed components, although Red and Force 22 components can be used interchangeably.

How are the components?

The shift levers are the same weight as the previous model (280g) and continue to use the proprietary
Double Tap system where shifting in both directions is controlled by a paddle that sits behind the brake lever.

The rear mech also has the same weight (145g) and look from the previous design, and all of the technology from before has been carried over including the AeroGlide Pulleys designed to dampen sound, and the ceramic pulley bearings. (You can run an 11-32 tooth sprocket with SRAM's WiFLi rear mech, but it will cost you an extra 21g)

While the front mech looks similar to before, it has been modified to work as part of the True 22 system. The cage rotates slightly when you move it across so that it stays inline with the chain. This eliminates the need to adjust the front mech when you move the chain across the cassette.

SRAM points out that this front merch isn't compatible with a 10-speed system.

The chainsets (available in 53/39-tooth, 50/34, 46/36 and 52/36 in GXP, PressFit, PF30, and BB30) offer the same key features of the existing Red chainset, including Exogram cranks with hollow carbon arms and spider.

Caliper cable operated brakes haven't been redesigned, but are still fantastic. Aerolink arms provide impressive power and there is enough clearance for use with wider wheels.



Moving on to the

SRAM Force 22

We only really need mention that the front derailleur uses Yaw Technology modified to work with an 11-speed system. The mech is compatible with both clamp (31.8mm and 34.9mm) and braze-on designs. Comes with the chain spotter also to stop you from overshifting inwards and damaging your frame. Considerably ligher than last year's the Force front merch weighs in at just 79g.

The rear derailleur also comes in two versions, short cage, and medium length compatible with WiFLi cassettes.

Now on to what you really want to know about.

Hydraulic Brakes

Check out our post all about the brakes here

As has been speculated widely over recent months, SRAM is introducing hydraulic braking as an option with these new groupsets - both disc brakes and rim brakes. They're also offering these braking options to users of 10-speed systems.

SRAM has loads of experience in hydraulic braking through their Avid brand, but rather than adapting current mountain bike braking system to the road market, they have completely redesigned things completely with road-specific calipers and piston ratios.

The HRR (Hydraulic Road Rim) brakes can be fitted to standard road frames and forks in the place of normal mechanical brakes without the need for any special mount points.

The HRD (Hydraulic Road Disc) brakes require a disc-specific frame and forks and hubs that will take the rotor. The HRD system provides more braking power than the HRR system, and it's far less affected by wet weather. Plus with the brakes working on a steel rotor rather than on the carbon or aluminum rim, no heat is transferred to the tire or the tube.

The new SRAM Red components, including hydraulic brakes, should be available mid to late July. The S-Series 10-speed hydraulic brakes will be available at the same time.

The new SRAM Force components will be shipped about a month later.

Come to Ride-A-Bike for all your road bike needs.

We are located at 116 NE. Court Square in Lincolnton, NC. You can reach us by phone at (704) 735-1746

www.rideabike.com