bicycling usa 2014-04

LESS FATIGUE,MORE CONTROL.

WITH

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20

ROADThese bikes quickly get

you where you want to

go—whether you’re

on a budget or a train-

ing plan.

48

BEGINNER’SYou want to be care-

free and have fun. These

bikes are big on comfort

and quality—without a

scary price tag.

60

WOMEN’SYou want the same qual-

ity and performance as

the guys. But you want a

bike that’s designed with

your needs in mind.

72

MOUNTAINFinding the right bike for

the trail doesn’t have to

be complicated. What-

ever your goals, we have

you covered.

82

URBANWhether you’re riding to

work or nowhere in par-

ticular, you want a bike

that reflects your eye for

style and utility.

whether you’re shopping for your first bike or looking to add to the fleet in your garage, we

make finding the perfect ride easy this year—even if you’re still not sure what type of rider you are. With scores of tested

and reviewed bikes in five basic categories, you can quickly narrow your search to find the one that’s best for you.

The Budnitz No. 3 Steel is tough yet elegant. Read the review on p. 88.

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114

Peeling Back the Layers Is there more to carbon fiber than meets the eye? Our author takes

a closer look at this complex material—and makes a few surprising

discoveries that take the mystery out of buying a carbon bike.

B Y B E R N E B R O U D Y

120

Shop SavvyBuying your first bike can be a thrilling experience—as long as you

understand the basics before walking into a shop. Our simple guide

gives you all the advice—and confidence—you need to get rolling.

B Y N E I L B E Z D E K

On the CoverPhotograph by Trevor Dixon.

The Pinarello Dogma K Hydro

is ready for rough roads. Read

the review on p. 20. Find more bike and gear reviews in our iPad edition. Go to BICYCLING.com/ipad and download the app.

16 Editor’s Letter

18 The Feed

128 Contest: Win Any Bike

130 Source List

136 The Frame

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ’ 1 4

Contents

90

GEARComponents and accessories

for every kind of rider—and every kind of ride

92 | Gran FondoHit the road all day in comfort

94 | Women’s Look and feel your best

96 | Road RaceFuel your need for speed

98 | EnduroTame any mountain

100 | Weekend RiderReward yourself with some-thing awesome

102 | LifestyleFlaunt your cycling flair off the bike

104 | UpgradesTake your ride to the next level

106 | CommuterArrive at the office safely and looking good

108 | Adventure Be prepared for the long—or short—haul

110 | Workshop Keep your bike in top shape

112 | Mountain XCShow the trail who’s boss

FEATURES

92

10 BICYCLING.COM Ąŕŕ��ŕöôõø

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Peter Flax editor in chief

design director Jesse Southerland

E D I T O R I A L

executive editors Leah Flickinger, David Howard editor at large William Strickland

articles editor Louis Mazzante managing editor Christine Bucher

senior editors Emily Furia, Jennifer Sherrybrand editor Brad Ford

editorial projects coordinator Deb Cosgrovecopy editor Nancy Wallace Humes

editorial intern Courtney Chamberlain

C Y C L I N G T E S T G R O u p

test director Matt Phillips test editor Ron Koch mechanic Michael Yozell

A R T

photo director Stacey Emenecker art director Colin McSherry

photo assistant Kat Hanegraaf

prepress by Quad Graphics

O N L I N E

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Dan Koeppel, Mark Levine, Joe Lindsey, Mike Magnuson, Bob Mionske, Jen See, Jens Voigt, Selene Yeager, Whit Yost

our man in europe James Startt

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program manager Stephanie Kline

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April 2014 Vol. 55 no. 3

printed in the U.S.A.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void where

prohibited. Contest begins at 12:00AM ET, 2/25/14 and ends at

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U.S. states or DC (excluding residents of AZ) or Canada (excluding

residents of Province of Quebec). For the offcial rules, visit

bicycling.com/wyoming. The winner will be determined based on

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Tell us about your

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EntEr for a ChanCE

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and CEO, 1971–1990

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We inspire and enable people to improve their lives and the world around them.

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Co

ur

tes

y;

Izz

y C

oh

an

Editor’s Letter

The more I know abouT bIkes, The

more beautiful and mysterious they

become. Believe it or not, physicists

still don’t fully understand how a bicycle stays

upright. Gyroscopic forces have something to do

with it, but scientists acknowledge that they may

know more about black holes and quarks than

about why bikes are so stable and fun to ride.

This uncertainty makes me unreasonably happy.

We all have a lot to learn. I was a serial cycling

monogamist before I took this job, but I’d esti-

mate I’ve ridden about 400 different bikes since

then. In that time, I’ve had hundreds of conver-

sations with engineers and leaders in the bike

industry, and spent countless hours riding and

debating with the BICYCLING test team—a

group of men and women that collectively has

ridden more than ten thousand bikes. Here are

some brief conclusions from my education so far.

Practically all bikes are good these days. There

was a time in the not-so-distant past when bad

bikes roamed the showroom floors. But now,

thanks to improvements in frame building and

years of trickle-down advances with compo-

nents, almost everything you can buy (at a real

bike shop) is reasonably light and stiff and com-

fortable and nimble. It’s not exceedingly hard to

find bikes that are boring or have a

questionable choice of parts, but it’s

rare to find real duds. The trick, of

course, is to find a great bike.

Fit still matters. A lot. The bikes are

better and prices have fallen, but you

can’t fully enjoy a bicycle if it’s too big

or small for you. Yet people make this

mistake all the time. This is one reason

everyone should visit a good bike shop

where someone will spend time getting

your fit right.

Pay attention to the details. The

tires are important. As are the saddle

and the bar tape and the angles. They

have to work and they have to work for

you. Before you buy a bike you should

take it for as long a ride as possible

to experience all the little things that

will affect how you feel about the bike

in the long term.

Good bikes have personality. Some

are steady and quiet. Others are impet-

uous and chatty. Bikes can be smooth

or brash, forgiving or unyielding, purposeful or

impish. All of these qualities can be good; it’s tough

to go wrong as long as you aspire to have a bike

with character that makes you feel something.

The story of a bike matters. Despite what some

engineers might tell you, a good bicycle is more

than the sum of its physical parts. The heritage

or soul of a brand, the ideas and inspiration and

people who influenced the final design, even your

emotional reaction to the shaping or color of the

tubing—all of these things can have a real impact

on how you experience a bike. It is good to have

a bike with a story that speaks to you.

To find it, read this buyer’s guide closely. It

contains reviews and insights that can help you

find the perfect bike. That’s the point. We’ve

picked standout bikes in every category that

illustrate qualities or features that might speak

to you. If we’re doing our job properly, the

reviews should help you figure out what you

really want. Whether you’re here to shop or to

fantasize, I hope you learn something about the

mysteries of these magical machines.

T

Thanks to his avid-cyclist

father, BICYCLING test director

Matt Phillips has been around

bicycles his whole life. To help

you decide which one is best

for you, Phillips notes that it’s

not the coat of paint or the

brand name that makes a bike

worthy, but the personal con-

nection you feel to your ride.

“A great bike is one that aligns

with your needs and desires

more than anything you can

tangibly measure,” he says. “If

it feels right, it’s right.”

Colorado native Neil Bezdek

shares tips for first-time bike

buyers in “Shop Savvy”

(p. 120). His most important

piece of advice: Try lots of

bikes. “It’s like buying a car,”

he says. “You should never

purchase the first model you

see.” Bezdek, a former profes-

sional cyclist, now lives in New

York City and works for the

Department of Transportation’s

CitiBike program. His beginner’s

guide to bike share will appear

in our pages later this year.

“I really enjoy product pho-

tography because it can be

approached in many ways,”

says Philadelphia-based

photographer Trevor Dixon,

who shot this month’s cover

and bike portraits. Once an

avid BMX rider, Dixon enjoys

pedaling with family in Mount

Gretna, Pennsylvania. He pho-

tographed the Editors’ Choice

dream bikes in our December

2013 issue and has also shot for

Philadelphia magazine, IKEA,

and Urban Outfitters.

C on t r i b u t o r s

@pflax1

Peter Flax

editor in chief

Shop Talk

16 Bicycling.com • april 2014


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I hadn’t even seen the lat-

est issue yet when my wife,

Jeanie, a new cyclist, said,

“She rides a Specialized Ruby,

just like me!” The couple fea-

tured on the cover had caught

her attention, and she had

begun leafing through my

magazine—because she’d seen

someone she could relate to.

Chris Bornhauser

Ch at s w or t h, C a

Here’s what my wife and I do:

We each have a daily calorie

limit, and if one of us goes

over it, that person has to be

the designated driver the next

time we go out. If we both go

over, the one who exceeds it

by the most loses.

Dave CroCCo

l ongmon t, C o

Mission

Accomplished

After missing many group rides

last summer due to a new job, ryan Geyer s a n ta B a rB a r a , C a

Thanks for the weight-loss stories in “Tempt Yourself Thin” (Jan./Feb.). My wife

and I have undergone a similar transfor-mation over the past year and the result

has been equally life-changing. Between us we’ve lost nearly 100 pounds.

diadoracyclingamerica.com


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I was struggling to reach

my mileage goal for 2013.

James Herrera (Personal

Trainer) reminded me

to stick to my plan. After

reading his goal-setting

column on a Friday night,

I knocked off 32 miles on

a 30-degree Saturday and

35 miles on a 28-degree

Sunday. I’ve been riding

more than a decade, and

your magazine continues

to motivate me.

CARL KINGP OR T L A ND, ME

Roll ModelIn “Street Kids,” Tracy

Ross rode to the Grand

Canyon with troubled

teens from Colorado’s

Ridge View Academy.

God bless cycling coach

Greg Townsend, who

has risen from the abuse

of his own childhood

to influence the lives of

young men who have

suffered the same fate.

Having worked for the

past 16 years as a mobile

crisis counselor, I thank

Townsend for showing

us what it means to be

a true role model, hero,

and healer, and Ross for

documenting it.

DENIS ASHTONGIL BER T, A Z

Pedaling the PastJonathan Kime’s story,

“So This Is Where I

Begin,” hit close to home.

I, too, never had the

chance to grow up with

my dad, who passed away

days before my birth. I

sometimes ride close to

his resting spot and find it

very comforting.

MARK SHAMESBROOK LY N, N Y

Winning Note

Jim, we’re betting you won’t be able to extinguish your love for your new

Park Tool Home Mechanic Starter kit.

WE GET ON LIKE A HOUSE AFIRE

When my house caught fire I was out of town. I was relieved to hear my bikes

were okay. Then I found out the fire started in my reading room, aka the

bathroom. My worst fears were realized when I found the remains of three issues

of BICYCLING. I contacted customer service and they sent me the lost copies.

Kudos and thanks to all!

JIM GREENE S A NDY, U T

police unity tour: 400 miles

from new jersey to the police

memorial in washington, dc.

—R A CH A EL L ICH T VA N SL O T EN

the senorita

century in

san diego.

—L IS A K . B A S SIL L

WHAT 2014 CYCLING EVENT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?S U R V E Y S AY S

the one where i have

the road to myself

on a windless monday.

—L A RSEN BEE

[email protected]

Bicycling Magazine

@BicyclingMag

@bicyclingmag

TALK WITH US


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“Actually, it’s called that because it flows like water,” I said to the third or

fourth smartass who, on the Saturday ride, had pointed out that the “Hydro”

part of my bike’s name was inaccurate. Then the Dogma and I dropped

him on the mile-or-so-long gravelly, rutted, wet-sand ascent of Hollyberry.

The Italian company engineered this version of its bad-road bike to

work with hydraulic disc brakes by tweaking the fork and chainstay to

accommodate the mounts and the new forces that will affect those spots.

When SRAM recalled the Red 22 Hydro in December 2013, our test bike

temporarily lost a name that made sense (replacement hydraulic brakes

will be supplied eventually), and we found ourselves, like other early

adopters, restringing our bike with a cable-actuated system.

To me, the brakes are the least of this bike, anyway. I don’t mind disc

brakes, and, like others on staff, I found some advantages (less so with the

mechanical replacement, but still discernible): I could scrub speed later

and harder approaching corners, which made me faster overall. Once

accustomed to the sensitivity, I thought modulation and control were

unquestionably better. And, of course, in rain the discs grabbed without

the lag that occurs while traditional cantilevers squeegee the braking track.

But, after 30 years of riding, I go about as fast as I ever want to downhill

or into corners anyway. More pressing to me is my collection of beloved

wheels I don’t want to toss just to switch brakes. On our staff, the moun-

tain bikers and the Google Glass guy are most excited about the disc

revolution. I’ll switch when so many others have them that I keep plowing

into riders on rainy group rides.

I think you ought to check out the Hydro simply because, among the

many bicycles built for rotten roads, this one yields a striking ride. This

Dogma carries the Pinarello DNA that produces stiff, ultra-efficient,

crisp bikes that require attention but, with it, can be piloted in a manner

as razor sharp as that of any bike I’ve tested. Make no mistake: Thanks

primarily to minute adjustments in angles and a slightly longer wheelbase,

this frame is more forgiving than a pure Dogma. Yet Pinarello sticks with

its asymmetric design (more strength where drivetrain and other forces

are highest), and its top-level carbon, so the Dogma K rides with its teeth

gritted a little more than some of its rivals.

One of the most important changes is easy to overlook because it doesn’t

sound exciting: The frame and fork were altered to accept wider tires. When

ridden at 80 to 90 psi, the 700x28c Contis on our Hydro (there’s room for even

wider options) have to be worth a million CAD iterations of fiber orientation

when it comes to cushion and traction. Kudos to Pinarello for pushing the

edges of its frame technology while not forgetting the fundamentals—and

for making a bike that flows even when its brake lines can’t.—Bill Strickland

PRice $5,300, frame and fork Weight 16.5 lb. (48.5cm)

april 2014 • Bicycling.com 21

Photogr a Ph b y tre vor Di xon

PinARellO DOgmA

K hyDROa striking riDe equiPPeD for a n y rough roa D


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DIAMONDBACK HAANJO COMPFROM GR AV EL TO DIRT ROA DS TO CIT Y STREETS, THIS BIKE DOES IT A LL

The broad category of

skinny-tire bikes continues

splintering into niches: race,

endurance, cyclocross,

urban, and now the trendy

gravel-road segment. Is

all that hair-splitting nec-

essary? With the Haanjo

Comp’s versatility, the

answer is a refreshing no.

Designed primarily for

gravel-road rides, the

Haanjo is up for almost

any kind of experience

you’re after. Pavement

ends? Ride on. Commut-

ing and errands? Slap on

fenders and a rear rack.

Exploratory adventures?

Get out the map. It’s less

adept at fast group rides

or cyclocross racing, but

you can use it for both.

The Haanjo Comp

closely resembles a cyclo-

cross bike, but there are

important geometry dif-

ferences: The head tube

is 3.5cm taller than those

on Diamondback’s Steila-

coom ’cross series, and

the head angle is a degree

slacker. This translates into

an upright position and a

slow-handling ride that’s

either reassuringly stable

or sluggish, depending on

your perspective. The long

wheelbase softens the ride,

important considering

that the frame and fork,

designed to handle the

stresses created by the disc

brakes, don’t yield much.

Diamondback gave the

Comp a smart mix of

parts, including Shimano’s

dependable 105 shifters

and derailleurs and WTB

All Terrain 32mm tires,

which corner nicely on dirt

and roll surprisingly fast

on pavement. One miss:

We’d prefer a conventional

50/34 compact-geared

crankset over the ’cross-

specific 46/36 setup.

The Haanjo Comp isn’t

built for a particular style of

riding, and it is remarkably

capable over a wide range

of roads and experiences.

The key is not to pigeon-

hole it as a gravel-road

bike. It’s a pleasingly versa-

tile model for riders who

want to keep their options

open.—Joe Lindsey

T R P H Y/ R D D I S C B R A K E S � The Haanjo’s HY/RD (say “high road”) disc brake

system is a hybrid: It relies on cable actuation, but has hydraulic fluid to push the

pistons and pads against the rotor. It’s heavier and more complex than a pure

hydraulic or cable system. But it gives you the more consistent feel and modula-

tion of a full hydraulic brake at a lower price, plus self-adjusting calipers.—J.L.

PRICE

$1,300

WEIGHT

21.8 lb.(53cm)

R O A D

T E S T E D

B U Y E R Õ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4

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The Cayo Evo 3.0 is suit-

able for just about any type

of road riding you plan to

do, from casual outings

with friends to long gran

fondos to fast-paced races.

The German brand set out

to make a more forgiving

frame by manipulating tube

shapes and profiles (see

box); its goal was to create

a bike that will be comfort-

able from the first mile to

the last.

I noticed the smooth-

ness almost instantly—the

frame capably took the

edge off road vibration

and I felt connected to

the pavement without

every imperfection rattling

through my bar and sad-

dle. Confident my wheels

wouldn’t skip, I carved

turns and powered through

rough patches of gravel

with purpose. The Cayo

Evo provided a reminder

that comfort doesn’t have

to slow you down.

At 18.5 pounds with

pedals and bottle cage, the

Cayo Evo seemed lighter

than it actually was, some-

thing I noticed when rising

out of the saddle to climb

or sprint. After a few pedal

strokes, the frame swayed

reassuringly back and forth

beneath me, feeling lively

and energetic.

The Cayo I tested had

Shimano Ultegra shifters

and derailleurs, ensuring

precise gear changes. In

the past, North American

customers could choose

between a compact

(50/34) or standard

(53/39) drivetrain, both

with FSA Gossamer cranks.

But this year the Evo 3.0 is

available here only with a

compact setup. The rest of

the build features Concept

EX branded components,

Fulcrum WH-CEX 7.0

wheels, and Schwalbe

Lugano tires. With these

quality parts the Focus

Cayo Evo is a considerable

value at this price—

a bike that combines

race performance with

predictable handling and

all-day comfort to make

every mile more enjoy-

able.—Brad Ford

C O M F O R T A B LY S T I F F � The Evo’s flattened seatstays resist twisting but have

a slight curve that allows just enough flex to blunt the sharpness of impacts or

bumps. The hourglass-shaped top tube is stiffer at its wider ends, where it meets

the head and seat tubes, but is more forgiving where it narrows in the middle,

adding to the bike’s stable, predictable handling.—B.F.

PRICE

$2,700

WEIGHT

18.1 lb.(54cm)

FOCUS CAYO EVO 3.0A REFIN ED FR A ME M A KES LONG RIDES MORE COMFORTA BLE

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The new Norcom Straight

replaces the venerable

D6, a time-trial bike rid-

den by Olympians Matty

Reed and Sarah Haskins.

Change is good: This latest

model boasts improved

aerodynamics and better

handling that should have

any competitive rider—pro

or amateur—contending

for even more podiums.

The midrange Norcom

2.3 felt nimble and agile,

stable on descents yet

able to roll quickly from

one turn to the next. The

massive bottom bracket

prevented the frame

tubes from twisting when

I torqued the cranks to

summit a climb and when I

accelerated to racing speed

from a complete stop. The

frame muted road chatter,

so much so that I noticed

buzzing from the handlebar

only on some poorly main-

tained rural roads.

This model has a multi-

position carbon seatpost

that allows up to 70mm of

front-to-back adjustment,

nearly twice as much as

some similar posts. On

longer rides and races, I slid

my saddle back for added

comfort; for shorter out-

ings, I moved it forward into

a more aggressive position.

I wish the elbow pads on the

bar extensions offered as

much adjustment—to get

comfortable I had to swap

the stem and install risers

under the pads.

The Norcom 2.3 comes

with SRAM’s Rival 10-speed

group paired with an Oval

crank and 52/36 midcom-

pact chainrings, all of which

delivered reliable shifting.

A sliding dropout makes it

easy to lengthen or shorten

your wheelbase to suit

specific courses, but the

design isn’t flawless: The

derailleur cable can inter-

fere with wheel changes,

slowing midrace flat fixes.

Despite these minor

exceptions, the Norcom 2.3

impressed me. Rarely does

a multisport bike at this

price offer such a pleasing

ride. Whether you’re a sea-

soned pro or entering your

first triathlon, this bike has

the versatility to suit your

needs.—Greg Kaplan

B R A K I N G W I N D � By mounting the front brake behind the fork and running the

cable through the head tube, Fuji engineers reduced drag by 11 grams compared with

traditional brake setups, the manufacturer claims. That’s a savings somewhere

between 7 and 16 watts and means you can go faster with the same effort.—G.K.

PRICE

$2,800

WEIGHT

19.3 lb.(53cm)

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PRICE

$4,500,*frameset

WEIGHT

15.6 lb.(54.5cm)

GURU PHOTON SLA PREV IOUS AWA RD W IN N ER BECOMES EV EN MORE REFIN ED

The original Photon won our

Editors’ Choice Dream Road

prize in 2010. We lauded its

747-gram frame, sprightly

climbing ability, and snappy,

responsive ride quality. Guru

revised the Photon in 2013,

expanding it to a three-bike

line that includes the SL

reviewed here, the super-

stiff Photon R (for race),

and the gossamer Photon

HL (hyperlight).

The SL (superlight) is the

most direct descendant of

the original Photon, says

Nicolas McCrae, compos-

ites engineer for Guru.

“We wanted to show what

we’ve learned in the past

few years,” he told me. The

new model has rounded

main tubes that are similar

to the original’s—but now

they flare at the junctions

to increase surface area;

the larger joint allows the

front triangle to better

resist twisting stresses.

The Photon SL has the

same ethereal climbing

qualities as the original;

its handling was quick and

even more crisp than in

previous iterations, thanks

to the stiffer frame. The

rigid Reynolds Assault

SLG wheels would be

excellent for racing, but

they made the bike ride

a bit more harshly than

I liked. Switching to Shi-

mano C24 hoops restored

the smoothly damped,

almost polished ride I

remembered from the

earlier model.

Guru’s frame sizes and

geometry differ among

the SL, HL, and R, mak-

ing direct comparisons

difficult. Generally, the

SL has a slightly taller bar

height and shorter reach,

which put me in a more

upright position. If you

race and prize stiffness,

the R is a better choice;

the HL obviously has the

lightest frame. But the

Photon SL hits a wide

sweet spot, a performance

bike with a gorgeous ride.

—Joe Lindsey

F A B R I Q U E A U Q U E B E C � Guru builds its Photon frames at its factory in

Quebec, which allows the company to do rapid prototyping of new ideas or

designs that would take months on the usual Asian-built program. North

American manufacturing also offers Guru access to military-grade carbon

that isn’t sold in China.—J.L.

28 BICYCLING.COM Ąŕŕ��ŕöôõø *$6,900 as tested

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www.DogmaDemoDealers.com

Find out what makes the Tour de France winning DOGMA so special. Now you can take the exhilarating

new Dogma 65.1 Think2 out for a test ride. Over 200 of these new bikes are ready to roll at offi cial

Pinarello Demo Test Centers across the country. Check the dealer locater (QR code below) to fi nd

the one closest to you and schedule your ride today. Just remember, returning it will be the only

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Just a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have considered buying

any of the less-expensive carbon bikes—most were too rigid

and rode harshly, and rumors of catastrophic failures concerned

me. But bikes like the F5 are changing my opinion. Its satisfying

mix of speed, power, and comfort made me forget after only a

few rides that it costs just $1,800. I wasn’t surprised when I later

learned that Felt uses the same frame design on models that can

cost three times as much.

A handful of winter rides revealed the bike’s premium qualities.

A series of storms near our Pennsylvania HQ left many of the

roads covered in snowmelt cinders, then the freezing and thaw-

ing widened cracks in the pavement and ripped open potholes.

Even in those conditions, the F5 felt reassuringly connected to

the road. It smoothed out vibrations from the gravel-like cinders

and lessened the sting when I couldn’t avoid rolling into a pothole.

I could drive hard up climbs and lean into corners confident that

my wheels would hold the road and go where I pointed them.

While comfortable, the F5 never felt soft or vague, the way some

inexpensive frames do.

Felt is one of many manufacturers chasing that satisfying blend

of comfort and stiffness. To achieve it in the F5, the company uses

some premium layers of carbon in the frame and fork. Felt doesn’t

skimp on components, either. The frame comes with Shimano’s

105 shifters and derailleurs—parts typically found on bikes sold

at $2,000 or more. But to save some money, Felt uses lower-grade

Shimano parts in areas it believes will have less impact on the ride:

the 10-speed cassette, chain, and dual-pivot brakes.

At 18.5 pounds including alloy pedals and a bottle cage, the F5

is reasonably svelte compared with similar bikes. On the road, the

bike felt neutral—neither heavy nor light—and moved predict-

ably in response to my input. When I stood to climb or to chase

back to a group, the bike felt balanced beneath me, swaying easily

as I rocked it from side to side. The 50/34 compact crank (with

close-ratio 11-25 cassette) provided an ample range of gears,

and helped me to settle into a relaxed cadence on longer climbs.

The F5 doesn’t leap forward like Felt’s top-of-the-line models—

likely due to the heavier wheels and tires—but the frame responds

sharply to pedal input, propelling you forward during hard efforts.

You still have to supply the power, but the F5 won’t hold you back.

In fact, I was able to win multiple town-sign sprints against folks

on much more expensive rides.

Anyone looking for a reasonably priced carbon bike to pedal

hard all day should consider the F5. Its premium frame and quality

components make it a strong value, and it might change how you

look at inexpensive carbon models.—Brad Ford

Felt F5HigH performance at a fraction of tHe cost

Price $1,800 Weight 18.5 lb. (54cm)

April 2014 • Bicycling.com 31

pHotogr a pH b y tre vor Di xon


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One day my lunchtime

ride group picked a route

called Corning—named

after a long, steep climb

about midway through. The

first time I’d done it, a lady

mowing her lawn at a house

about a third of the way up

had stopped her work to

laugh at me, the last in the

line of sufferers.

My initial impulse was

to reroute, but peer pres-

sure is powerful. Plus, I

knew from previous rides

that the Logic would help

me out. The geometry is

comfortably racy and the

frame felt stiff enough to

transfer most of my power

into forward motion, yet

not so rigid as to turn road

wrinkles into painful ham-

mer blows.

The bike was steady at

the bottom of Corning as I

established a rhythm, then

as the road curved left and

the grade increased I alter-

nated standing and sitting,

focusing on the road sign

at the top, oblivious to the

boost I was getting from

the Logic’s stability and

stiffness. I joined the group

at the summit, catching

my breath before plunging

down the other side, where

the bike handled predictably

while maneuvering around

potholes and downed

branches. Despite its stiff-

ness, the steel frame didn’t

feel harsh over sections of

broken pavement; it pro-

vided enough feedback that

I felt connected to the road.

It’s easy to mock the

“steel is real” catchphrase,

but the Road Logic’s effi-

cient, smooth, and refined

ride highlights the merit

of the material. Who’s the

ideal rider for this bike?

Anyone who values a qual-

ity frame, anyone whose

budget can’t accommodate

a pricey carbon model,

anyone who has crashed

and destroyed a carbon

frame, anyone who wants

a little give in a superrigid

racer. Yep, that’s practically

anyone.—Christine Bucher

S U P E R I O R S T E E L � The Logic’s chromoly tubes look old school, but only from the

outside. Ritchey says the construction process includes techniques that create

“aggressively short butted sections”—the inner wall of each is tapered, thicker on

the ends and much thinner in the middle. This creates a lighter, stiffer bike that

Ritchey claims optimizes steel’s forgiving ride.—C.B.

PRICE

$1,050,frameset

WEIGHT

18.2 lb.*(54cm)

*As tested

RITCHEY ROAD LOGICA STEEL BIKE TH AT IS SMOOTH, BUT A LSO SURPRISINGLY QUICK

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After being discontinued

in 2011, the Addict returns

in a lighter, faster, less

harsh, and more sophis-

ticated package that has

already shown its mettle:

Orica-GreenEDGE’s Simon

Gerrans beat Peter Sagan

on Stage 3 of last year’s

Tour de France riding a

version of this model.

At just 727 grams for a

54cm frame, it’s incredibly

svelte—163 grams lighter

than Scott’s superaero

Foil—yet 5.9 percent stiffer

in the bottom bracket area

than the previous Addict,

says the company. To boost

rigidity while shaving weight,

Scott used pieces of ultra-

high-modulus fibers on the

frame. Though the tubes

are not as rigid or aero as

the Foil’s, they were shaped

using wind-tunnel data to

reduce drag and improve

their slipperiness in wind.

The company also opti-

mized how the carbon was

applied in key areas, espe-

cially in the seatpost and

where the seatstays join the

top tube. Those changes

make the bike 39 percent

more compliant than its

predecessor, Scott says.

That’s enough movement to

reduce the sting of pothole

strikes, but the rear end

never felt soft or flexy.

The Addict’s combination

of rigidity and light weight

helped it fly up climbs.

Whether I was seated or

sawing away at the handle-

bar, this bike lunged

forward with every pedal

stroke, a trait I also noticed

in sprints. Most impressive

to me was the ride quality,

which reminded me more

of an exotic, handmade

carbon dream bike than

a pure racer—lively and

at the same time forgiv-

ing. In rough corners that

have upset other race bikes

in past tests, the Addict

would just glide through,

establishing it as one of the

smoothest-riding speed

demons I’ve ever been on.

—Ron Koch

W I N D -T U N N E L T E S T E D � To improve aerodynamics, Scott used its F01 par-

tial airfoil technology on the Addict. This design eliminates the trailing edge of

a traditional airfoil design, but retains the aerodynamic advantage of the full

shape. Scott says the frame is 13.2 percent more aero than the previous version,

which would mean you could use up to 7.8 watts less to maintain 28 mph.—R.K.

PRICE

$12,650,frameset

WEIGHT

13.1 lb.(56cm)

SCOTT ADDICT SLA SMOOTH-RIDING SPEED M ACHIN E

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Like many superbikes, the

S-Works Roubaix is made

for racing. Specialized

designed the bike to pro-

pel its pro riders to victory

over the flinty roads of

Europe’s spring Classics.

But the Roubaix line has

a more forgiving quality

than many ultrapremium

models, making the bikes

enjoyable to ride whether

you’re attacking the pelo-

ton or cruising with a

group ride.

Like previous iterations,

this redesigned Roubaix fea-

tures the model’s trademark

Zertz inserts in its seatstays

and fork, which Specialized

says increase rider comfort

by absorbing road vibra-

tions. To make this new

model even faster, engi-

neers gave it slightly more

aggressive frame angles and

used the same high grades

of carbon as the speed-

at-any-cost SL4 Tarmac

series. The power transfer

and downhill handling feel

more precise, but the bike

still rolls almost silently over

rough roads. It can rocket

out of a hairpin turn, power

over the next summit, then

hold a steady line across

cracked pavement and dirt.

In many ways, the SL4

Roubaix feels surprisingly

similar to the Tarmac, but

it has a taller head tube

and a ride that seems more

forgiving, making it better

suited for longer rides that

don’t end at a finish line.

Our test bike’s premium

build includes Roval Rapide

CLX 40 Disc wheels, 220-tpi

S-Works Turbo tires, and

SRAM’s Red 22 drivetrain.

The brakes in that group

have since been recalled,

and until SRAM resolves

the issues, look to models

with Shimano’s Dura-Ace

($8,500) and Dura-Ace Di2

($10,500), which use cable-

actuated rim brakes.

For riders with a smaller

budget, Specialized offers

several Roubaix models

starting at $1,800. But the

top-of-the-line S-Works SL4

has no weakness beyond a

lofty price tag.—Matt Allyn

G O B B L E T H E C O B B L E S � Specialized’s carbon-fiber CG-R seatpost uses

a carbon leaf spring under the seat to provide as much as 17mm of travel—

enough to take the sting out of cobbles, chipped pavement, and gravel roads

without detracting from the bike’s performance.—M.A.

PRICE

$8,500

WEIGHT

16.2 lb.(58cm)

SPECIALIZED S-WORKS ROUBAIX SL4A DRE A M BIKE FOR EV ERY DAY RIDERS

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THERE WE GO. RAISING THE BAR. AGAIN.

©2013 Jamis Bicycles. All rights reserved. Jamis® and Xenith® are trademarks of Jamis Bicycles registered in the U.S. and other countries.

JAMISXENITH.COM

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW XENITH SL.

EXPERIENCE THE 2014 XENITH LINE

[RE]DESIGNED. [RE]ENGINEERED. [RE]IGNITED.


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Although it looks similar to

last year’s model, the 2014

Madone has some subtle

but important improve-

ments that make it faster

and more enjoyable to ride.

The aero race bike uses the

same distinctive Kamm-tail

tubes (think an airplane

wing cut in half lengthwise)

as its predecessor, but this

version features stiffer

chainstays and a reinforced

bottom-bracket area.

The changes make the

bike feel more substantial.

On the previous iteration,

the rear end felt soft when

you jammed on the brakes

or hammered on the pedals.

No longer. With its reen-

ergized ride, this midprice

Madone better represents

the platform’s racing DNA.

It feels lively and firm over

rough pavement, but not

offensively so.

Both this model and the

slightly more expensive

Madone 7 come in two

versions: The H1 has a

low-and-steep geometry for

racing; H2 has a shorter top

tube and a taller head tube

that puts the rider in a more

upright, less taxing position.

I tested the latter, and the

handling felt balanced—

the bike was stable but still

quick enough that I could

take the inside line around

most corners without

scrubbing too much speed.

The stiffer stays and

stronger bottom-bracket

area improve your stopping

power, but the Bontrager

rear brake still felt weaker

than some similar caliper

models. Trek equipped the

Madone with Shimano’s

excellent Ultegra drivetrain;

it’s too bad the manufac-

turer didn’t go with the

matching brakes.

That rear brake did little

to detract from the ride,

though. Compared with

some similarly priced bikes,

the updated Madone feels

more refined. It’s agile,

energetic, and seems less

affected by the wind, and

its upright position kept me

comfortable. As the miles

added up, I felt fresher on

this Madone, and faster.

—Ron Koch

S M O O T H O P E R AT O R � Shimano’s new 11-speed Ultegra 6800 drivetrain strongly

resembles the company’s premium Dura-Ace group—and works nearly as well. This is

significant considering that the parts cost considerably less, with only a small weight

penalty. The revised shifters have a reduced throw, so gear changes happen faster

with less effort. And stiffer chainrings lead to crisper front shifting.—R.K.

TREK MADONE 6.2 H2A N A ERO R ACE BIKE W ITH A REFIN ED RIDE

PRICE

$4,600

WEIGHT

15.8 lb.(58cm)


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REMEMBER THE ‘70S? YEAH, NEITHER DO WE.

WHAT WE DO KNOW IS THAT IN 1974 WE

DECIDED WE WANTED TO START MAKING THE

BEST BIKE STUFF WE COULD. BY RIDERS,

FOR RIDERS. SURE OUR BELL BOTTOMS

MAY HAVE GOTTEN IN THE WAY A FEW TIMES

ALONG THE RIDE, BUT FROM ALL OF US

HERE AT SPECIALIZED WE JUST WANTED

TO SAY THANKS. BECAUSE OF YOU, WE’LL

NEVER STOP LOOKING FORWARD. HERE’S

TO ANOTHER 40 YEARS. SPEC I A L I Z E D .COM / F I R ST40


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��ŕöôõøŕŕĄ BICYCLING.COM 41

This aero road bike from

Italian builder Wilier has

sleek tube shapes to create

a fast, responsive frame

worthy of the brand’s race-

driven legacy. To design the

Cento1Air, Wilier spent time

in the wind tunnel to maxi-

mize the slipperiness of the

frame. Then it road-tested

the bike to make sure those

aero features didn’t detract

from the ride.

The Air fills a gap in Wili-

er’s line, falling between the

purely road-going Cento1SR

and the company’s Twin

Blade time-trial model. That

setup makes it ideal for rid-

ers who want a responsive

race bike that is less vulner-

able to the wind. The new

frame resembles the SR,

but with some aerodynamic

features. In addition to

drag-reducing frame tubes,

the bike comes with an aero

post, and the seatstays

attach low on the seat tube,

like they do on the Blade, to

improve airflow.

Those changes, and a stiff

bottom bracket, make the

Cento1Air more responsive

than the SR without seem-

ing harsh. The bike reacts

promptly when you put

down maximum watts, yet

is supple enough to take

the chatter out of the road.

Leaning the Cento1 to carve

a turn requires a minimal

shift in body weight and

the bike feels controlled

even on 40-mph descents,

blowing over small bumps in

the road without flinching.

Wilier sells the Cento1Air

frameset (seatpost, bot-

tom bracket, and fork) for

$4,000, or you can choose

from two Shimano build

kits: One has a full Ultegra

Di2 group; the other is a

mix of mechanical-shifting

Ultegra and Dura-Ace

parts. Each complete bike

costs $5,000. No matter

which package you choose,

Wilier’s sleek new road bike

is sure to please.—Mike

Yozell

H O O P D R E A M S � Believing that many of its customers already own race wheels, or

want to choose their own, Wilier ships the Air with moderately priced Shimano RS21

hoops. For those who want premium wheels, the company offers Hed’s Jet 60 FR

aero wheelset (at their $1,900 retail price), but you can keep the Shimanos.—M.Y.

WILIER CENTO1AIRA SLEEK N E W OPTION FROM THIS R ACE-DRI V EN BR A N D

PRICE

$5,000

WEIGHT

16.1 lb.(54cm)

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DiamonDback PoDium Vitesse athena ePs $6,000 J Until last year, the notion of a $6,000 road bike

from a company better known for its off-road creations might have raised some eyebrows. But

models such the Podium Vitesse (and the even more decadent Podium-Equipe line) prove that

Diamondback can produce premium bikes for the pavement. In fact, the Vitesse Athena EPS has

everything you need to mix it up at the front of a race or spirited group ride. Diamondback says

that using extensive computer modeling helped its engineers create a frame that weighs less

than 1,000 grams. The unyielding head tube and bottom bracket help deliver power efficiently

to the rear wheel, but the bike’s seatstays and seat tube have a small degree of flex to insulate

you from road vibration. Campagnolo’s Athena EPS electronic drivetrain packs performance

similar to the company’s carbon-laden Super Record, but has some alloy pieces, making it a

little heavier but also less expensive.

Cannondale SynapSe diSC 5 105 $1,570 J Cannondale claims

that its Save Plus Micro-Suspension absorbs road shock

and vibration. The design, which is also found on some

more expensive models, combines flat chainstays, helix-

shaped seatstays, and a superskinny 24.5mm seatpost.

With rear rack mounts, fender clearance, and strong disc

brakes, the Synapse is also a good option for commuting.

Fuji SportiF 1.1 $1,450 J A smart choice for recreational rid-

ers looking to increase their miles without emptying their

wallets, this model, based on Fuji’s carbon Gran Fondo, is

made for long rides: The aluminum frame’s rear triangle

features tapered stays to reduce road shock and vibration.

The carbon fork contributes to the unruffled ride, and

disc brakes provide consistent stopping even in the rain.

Courtesy

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Surly Straggler $1,775 J Fans of Surly’s steel Cross-Check

loved the bike’s go-anywhere versatility, but wanted a disc-

brake-equipped version. While not an exact copy, this new

model borrows the Cross-Check’s all-terrain ethos, thanks

to a tall head tube, a low bottom bracket, and toothy

41mm tires. That makes it well suited for gravel, adven-

turous road rides, dirt trails, and even some ’cross races.

jamiS iCon pro $1,750 J Not many aluminum bikes can

match the damped feel of premium carbon. But this one

comes close, thanks to carefully engineered tubes. At

1,150 grams for a 56cm, it climbs fast and whips around

curves on the descent. Add in a vibration-absorbing com-

posite fork and Shimano 105 drivetrain, and you get a

budget-friendly bike that’s ready to race.

KHS Flite 750 $1,850 J With a full carbon monocoque

frame that keeps weight low without sacrificing perfor-

mance, the 750 is a great first race bike. In fact, if you

want a fast and comfortable bike you can ride all day,

this one’s ideal. The 11-32 cassette offers lower gear-

ing than most bikes in this category, so you can spin up

steep hills with less effort.

Cannondale Caad 10 4 rival $1,950 J With the racy frame

angles of the Tour de France-proven SuperSix EVO, the

CAAD10 merges aggressive handling with an attainable

price. The hydroformed aluminum tubes keep weight

low, while heat treating and smooth welds strengthen

the frame and improve aesthetics. Acceleration is quick,

and the bike dives in and out of corners like a Bugatti.

Stoemper darrel $2,500, frame and fork J Handmade in

Oregon, the Darrel has aluminum tubes, a carbon fork,

and geometry that’s ideal for fast rides. Stoemper offers

several custom options, such as a choice of Pressfit 30 or

standard bottom bracket, and you can also choose from

11 frame sizes. If you prefer dirt roads to racing, there’s

a Darrel with a longer wheelbase for better handling.

treK domane 4.3 $2,200 J An IsoSpeed decoupler separates

the top tube and seatstays from the seat tube, so the

latter can flex to absorb feedback from rough roads. The

hidden fender mounts offer wet-weather capability and

the 10-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain is broadly geared to

tackle steep climbs. The affordable carbon-fiber frame is

stiff, light, and tough for dirt-road rambles.

www.bmc-switzerland.com


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cerVélo s2 $2,850 J The best way to cheat the wind? Provide a smooth route for flowing air. That’s

the design objective behind the updated S2, Cervélo’s modestly priced aero road bike (the frame alone

on the higher-end S5 costs $3,800). The seat tube has a subtle cutaway that curves around the rear

wheel to improve airflow, while the down tube is squared off at the cage mounts so air slips around

the bottles, reducing drag. Cervélo borrowed the rear triangle design from its RCA road model, and

the thinner seatstays offer better compliance, the company claims. But all those enhancements are

pointless if power transfer falls flat, so designers increased frame stiffness by using a wider bottom

bracket that accommodates an oversize seat tube and chainstays. Translation: Your pedaling force

goes to the rear wheel, propelling you forward whether you’re in a headwind or not.

niner rlt 9 4-Star $3,000 J Designed to accept 29-inch or

700c wheels, the RLT expands the boundaries of where

one bike can go. Mount a pair of slicks to the Stan’s

tubeless wheels and head out for an all-day gravel-road

adventure. Throw on cyclocross tires and line up at your

local race series. Light-duty singletrack? No problem, as

long as you’re comfortable ripping downhill in the drops.

giant tCr advanCed 1 ultegra $3,200 J The downward-

sloping top tube reduces the size of the front and rear

triangles, resulting in a lighter, stiffer frame. A larger-than-

average tapered head tube boosts front-end stiffness by 30

percent, Giant claims. The P-SL1 wheels use DT-Swiss-made

hub internals, and the frame is compatible with electronic

shifters, making it easy to upgrade. Courtesy

R O A D

R E V I E W E D

VX Trail Race

The fully user-serviceable VP-VX Trail Race is our top of the line trail sized pedal. It provides the utmost in longevity and durability in all conditions by employing a very high quality inner oil seal, full roller bearings and double sealed cartridge bearings. Thanks to VX bindings,

cleat-in is precise and cleat-out is crisp and predictable.

• SPD® compatible aluminum body with mini platform for extra stability• Heat treated steel VX bindings w/ adjustable release tension.

• Forged, heat treated, CNC machined cromoly steel axle. • High quality oil seals for superior longevity.

• Roller and double sealed cartridge bearings.

• Rebuild kits available.

Learn more about our full range of

SPD® compatible pedals.

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giant tCr Slr 0 $4,050 J Outfitted with SRAM’s top-of-

the-line Red 22 drivetrain, this lightweight racer comes

ready to tackle your local hills or conquer an office-park

crit. The high-grade aluminum tubes are 20 percent thin-

ner than those of most competing models, Giant claims,

creating a superlight frame that’s stiff and strong. The

carbon fork takes the sting out of bumpy pavement.

SalSa ColoSSal ti $4,500 J This verstile model is for any-

one looking to explore far-off, lesser-known roads. The

double-butted 3/2.5 titanium frame has shaped stays and

a narrow 27.2mm seatpost, both of which flex slightly to

take the hurt out of cracked roads. But it’s not just about

comfort: The carbon fork, sharp handling, and quality

parts mean it’s ready to be ridden fast.

pinarello pariS 50.1 tHinK2 $3,500, frameset J This

endurance- oriented frame has the same striking lines

and asymmetric construction as Pinarello’s flagship

Dogma race bike. But the head tube is 5mm taller, which

should reduce lower-back strain on long rides. The Think2

internal-cable-routing system is compatible with both

mechanical and electronic drivetrains.

Courtesy

Colnago CX Zero diSC ultegra $4,700 J With a tall head

tube, long chainstays, and a small-diameter seat tube, the

CX Zero emphasizes comfort. But don’t be fooled by the

posh ride—this bike was designed for rough-and-tumble

spring Classics, so it’s also fast. While the pros can’t use

powerful, easy-to-control disc brakes (they’re not UCI

legal), you can. And you’ll be glad they come on the CX Zero.

Wilier trieStina Cento1 Sr diSC $4,000, frameset J Available

only as a frameset in the US, the Cento1 SR Disc has

Kamm-tail shapes on the fork and seat tube—a design

that acts like an airfoil to reduce drag with less mate-

rial than traditional aerodynamic designs. The frame

weighs in at 990 grams, according to Wilier, making this

one of the lighter disc-ready aero road frames available.

Cannondale SuperSiX evo ultegra raCing edition $3,790

J Designed for racers who want high-performance car-

bon at a lower price, the stiff SuperSix EVO is cut from

the same mold as Cannondale’s flagship SuperSix EVO

Hi-Mod. This version has heavier low-modulus carbon,

but the same race-inspired geometry. Flat, leaf-spring-

shaped seatstays absorb road buzz, Cannondale claims.

www.bmc-switzerland.com

teammachine SLR01


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Factor Vis Vires $16,000 J Factor, a company that makes composite parts for the aerospace

industry, jumped into bike design in 2007 with the goal of creating groundbreaking bicycles. Its

first production bike, the Vis Vires, hits that mark. This radical carbon rig has an unusual frame

design with a split down tube: Two aero struts improve lateral rigidity and allow turbulent air

from the front wheel to pass through, Factor says. The equally unique (and not UCI-legal) twin-

blade fork is held together by an oversize stem that serves as both crown and bar clamp. (It also

has a built-in Garmin mount.) Brakes shielded by the fork and seatstays further reduce drag, as

do the 45mm carbon aero wheels. Factor’s Power Measurement Crank, which independently

tabulates left- and right-leg power output, is a stock component. An ENVE carbon handlebar

and a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain round out this stunning bike.

volagi liSCio ultegra r785 $5,900 J Like the original,

launched in 2011, this second-generation Liscio is built

around Volagi’s LongBow design, which separates the seat-

stays from the seat tube for increased bump absorption.

Volagi’s Ignite SL carbon wheels add to the comfortable

feel—the wide (25mm outer diameter) and shallow profile

lets you run larger tires at lower pressure for a supple ride.

Courtesy

Felt F2 $5,150 J The F2’s Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic

drivetrain has secondary shifters to use during sprints, which

speaks to the bike’s thoroughbred character. Felt claims

that the tube construction eliminates excess material to

reduce weight. A tapered head tube beefs up the front end

to sharpen steering. Tubeless-ready wheels allow lower psi

for a smoother ride, better traction, and fewer pinch flats.

Felt ia Frd $10,000 J Each frame section and many com-

ponents on this triathlon bike are designed to work with

the others—a concept Felt calls Integrated Aerodynam-

ics, or IA. Deep airfoil-shaped tubes and integrated

brake calipers reduce drag. Felt’s TTR1 wheels shave

weight and further improve aerodynamics. There’s

even a nutrition compartment built into the top tube.

FoCuS iZalCo maX 3.0 $7,250 J The Izalco Max frame weighs

just 790 grams (size small), making it one of the lightest

production models available. The carbon fork adds just

295 grams. Each of the seven frame sizes has custom tube

diameters to maintain consistent stiffness and ride quality

across the range. The 3.0 comes with SRAM’s top-end Red

22 drivetrain and Fulcrum’s aluminum Racing Zero wheels.

R O A D

R E V I E W E D


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DIAMONDBACK OVERDRIVE COMPRE A DY FOR A N Y TR A IL

PRICE $1,000 WEIGHT 30.5 lb. (18 in.)

The Diamondback Overdrive Comp is a talented

chameleon. It’s a trail-worthy machine for letting

off steam on the weekend and an apt candidate for

fast spins along rail-trails or your weekday com-

mute. This makes it a smart choice for riders who

want a multipurpose bike at a reasonable price.

Sometimes jack-of-all-trades bikes disappoint

on technical trails, but the Overdrive Comp is seri-

ously fun on singletrack. The hydroformed 6061

aluminum frame is low slung for good standover,

while the 29-inch wheels are forgiving over rough

terrain and large obstacles. The bike weighs slight-

ly more than 30 pounds, but rides like a lighter

model, dancing down the trail and nimbly nego-

tiating fallen logs and unexpected corners. It also

feels balanced: accurate through rooty lines and

stable on rock-strewn descents. The Overdrive’s

stiff frame makes controlling the bike easier, but

a slight curve in the seatstays provides enough

give to prevent the bike from feeling punishing.

At the trail’s end, the Overdrive still shines. It’s

about 6 cinder-path miles from the local trailhead

to my house, and the bike’s wide range of gears—it

has a triple crank—gives me the top end I want

to get home fast. Or I can use the easy gearing to

spin alongside my young son on a two-wheeled

ramble. While the bike’s geometry is based on that

of Diamondback’s higher-end mountain bikes, it

still feels comfortable at slower speeds.

The Overdrive Comp is plenty versatile, and

it’s a good option for riders looking for a capable

mountain bike without taking out a second mort-

gage. “It’s also ideal for first-time 29er riders,” says

Jon Kennedy, marketing manager at Diamondback.

The company chose a balance of Shimano parts

to keep the price down while offering reliable

performance in the parts where it’s crucial—like

the solid Deore drivetrain and brakes. The Octa-

link cranks are serviceable and shift well but are

slightly heavier than more expensive versions. The

wheels are not especially light, but they are tough.

The 100mm-travel RockShox XC 30 TK fork

feels smooth on most trails and does a surpris-

ingly good job of soaking up larger hits. Plowing

into successive bumps at high speed, like when

racing through a rock garden, can overwhelm

the fork’s basic damping and make it feel harsh,

but I still made it through those sections with

little trouble. The Overdrive’s relatively low price

positions it as an entry-level mountain bike, but

it performs like a higher-end product. Swapping

out a few parts—like the wheels and fork—as

your skills progress could deliver years of exciting

rides. And if all you want is a fun, versatile mod-

el for commuting and exploring dirt paths, this

Diamondback is good for that too.—Mike Yozell

��ŕöôõøŕŕĄŕ BICYCLING.COM 49

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MARIN SAN ANSELMO DS4

For me, a truly great bike

is one that inspires—even

compels—me to go on rides

I might not otherwise take,

and encourages me to seek

out adventurous routes. In

this regard, Marin’s mod-

estly priced San Anselmo

delivers splendidly.

The DS in DS4 stands for

dual sport, and the bike

proved worthy on paved

roads and gravel paths.

The Suntour fork provides

63mm of travel, which I

appreciated when rolling

off curbs and over cobble-

stones (a fact of cycling

life in Philadelphia, where

I live). It can be locked out

on the fly for road riding.

Schwalbe’s 40mm knobby

tires glided over lumps of

ice and slush lurking on

the road’s shoulder, and

enabled impromptu jour-

neys through snow-covered

fields. Attach a rack and

panniers to the frame

mounts and you can stop

for groceries on the way

home. The upright posi-

tion and flat grips made

climbing comfortable, if not

speedy—the bike weighs

nearly 30 pounds.

The San Anselmo has

women’s geometry with a

step-through frame and

comes with flat pedals.

(If you prefer a classic

diamond frame, check

out the San Rafael unisex

version.) The women’s

mountain bike saddle was

comfortable even after

hours of pedaling sans

chamois. It all adds up to a

bike that encourages you

to hop on and go, to pedal

as you are, to sneak in a

few miles at sunset, to see

what’s at the end of that

muddy path. If you’re still

trying to figure out whether

you prefer road or dirt—or

if you never ride the same

route twice—you might

find a worthy companion in

the DS4.—Emily Furia

F U N C T I O N A L LY F U N � I was initially skeptical of step-through frames: I’m

perfectly capable of throwing my leg over a regular top tube, even in a dress. Then

I tried the San Anselmo—and was surprised how much easier errands by bike

became. The design is especially helpful on skirt days, when using a rear rack, or for

riders running a high saddle height.—E.F.

F UN TO RIDE, NO M ATTER W HERE THE DAY TA KES YOU

PRICE

$800

WEIGHT

29.4 lb.(19 in.)

B E G I N N E R ’ S

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4

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When a bike that costs as

much as a quality used car

is amazing, we’re not sur-

prised. It better be amazing.

Finding an entry-level bike

worthy of such praise is

more rare. The Cannondale

CAAD8 7 Sora came ever

so close to shocking us with

greatness.

The bike’s frame and

many of its components

are pleasantly refined,

making this one of the

quietest bikes I’ve tested

at any price. The CAAD8

feels smooth, softening

larger bumps while damp-

ing much of the buzz from

rough pavement and chip

seal without sucking life

from the ride. Compared

with other bikes at this

price, this one felt bright

and lively. Its sporty

handling made it easy

to initiate turns and the

bike responded predict-

ably in corners, no matter

how fast I was going. The

geometry is similar to that

of Cannondale’s top race

bikes, which explains the

competent handling, but

the CAAD8 has a longer

head tube, which raises

the handlebar. That settles

the steering a bit and puts

the rider in a more upright

position. At 20 pounds,

the bike doesn’t acceler-

ate like an expensive race

model, but it’s still quick

and the extra weight adds

some stability.

The Shimano Sora nine-

speed drivetrain shifted

with a light touch and

a smoothness that we

associate with high-end

components. Some flex in

the aluminum frame and

crankset caused the front

derailleur to rub on the

chainrings when I pedaled

hard, and, unfortunately,

the brakes felt inadequate—

I’d recommend swapping

them for something more

powerful. Even so, the

CAAD8 exceeds expecta-

tions for a bike at this price.

You should check one

out.—Matt Phillips

M A K E T H E U P G R A D E � The CAAD8’s pleasing ride is complemented by quality

components, with one exception: The Promax brakes we mentioned above feel

underpowered and lack modulation, and their heavy pull requires strong hands.

Our best advice is to negotiate a discounted price to swap in Shimano’s excellent

105 calipers ($120 per pair) with the bike’s purchase.—M.P.

PRICE

$980

WEIGHT

20.0 lb.(54cm)

CANNONDALE CAAD8 7 SORA BRIGHT A N D LI V ELY, AT A GOOD PRICE

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To discover more about shoes visit R3

LIFE IS A ROADAND THE ROADIS MYLIFE


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I’ll confess, I wasn’t sure

what to make of the Dr.

Good at first. On the

one hand, the bike is

clearly meant to punch

the clock, with its front

rack, disc brakes, and

rugged butted-aluminum

frame. On the other, the

cornflower-blue paint, bell,

and Schwalbe road-cruiser

gumwall tires lend a cer-

tain aimless-summer-day

vibe. And the name sounds

vaguely like a ’90s-era

party band.

Was this Kona made for

the mule train or the board-

walk? I figured some rides

would sort it out. Carrying

only my laptop, I pedaled

home in a drizzle, and the

full fenders with mud flaps

kept my jeans and bag spot-

less. Soon after, heading out

to pick up new eyeglasses,

I loaded the rack with eight

pounds of books, including

a Philip Roth novel for extra

heft. The weight created

no perceptible difference

in the steady, upright ride

as I headed back up the one

mild slope toward my office

building.

Another day, I rode

downtown to Rice & Spice,

where I bought a 10-pound

bag of basmati and a few

other items—nearly 15

pounds of food in all. With

the rack filled, I pointed the

Kona up South Mountain

on Fifth Street. The bike

was heavier, sure, but there

was plenty of range in the

smooth-shifting Shimano

Nexus internal seven-speed

hub. Coming back down I

shifted the rice to either

side of the rack, to see if

it altered the ride, but at

worst the displaced steer-

age made the bike feel only

mildly squirrely.

The Dr. Good might just

belong in a category all its

own. It’s a solid light-duty

commuter with enough

personality that it wouldn’t

look out of place rolling

along a New Jersey board-

walk. Saddle up and say

ahh.—David Howard

F U N C T I O N A L F A S H I O N � The Dr. Good features an aluminum, wood-lined

porteur-style rack, in homage to the way Parisian newsboys carried their papers for

delivery. Thanks to this utilitarian DNA, the rack does a great job of carrying com-

pact loads without unsettling your steering, the way larger or flimsier front baskets

can. Kona also added a front stabilizer spring to further steady the load.—D.H.

KONA DR. GOODTHIS ST Y LISH H A RD WORKER CA N CA RRY YOU TO THE OFFICE A N D BE YON D

PRICE

$900

WEIGHT

32.6 lb.(61cm)

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Giant Via 1 W $600 J Giant’s Via 1 W exudes comfort and style whether you’re commuting

to class, grabbing groceries, or just heading out for a leisurely spin. The curved fork blades

provide an elegant look, and the upright position helps you spot potholes or wayward

texting drivers. The internal, three-speed drivetrain is easy to shift, requires little mainte-

nance, and helps you conquer small hills without sweating through your shirt. Thoughtful

touches include a rustproof chain that should withstand seasons of wet-weather riding,

and a kickstand that makes parking a snap. Other favorite features: the SR3 tires, which

have reflective sidewalls and extra protection to resist punctures, and the custom built-in

basket—a feature not often found on similar models from other manufacturers.

Felt Verza Path 2 Women’s $540 J Felt’s Verza line includes

speedy flat-bar road bikes and street-smart city models. This

one lands in the middle. It’s well suited to bike paths, but the

suspension fork equips it to tackle rougher routes. The handle-

bar sits higher than on many bikes, which makes this model a

capable, steady commuter. Whether you’re dressed for work

or a beach barbecue, the Verza is easy to hop on and go.

Jamis allegro ComP $750 J A light, sturdy aluminum frame

and carbon fork offer the crisp handling of a standard road

bike, ideal for long fitness rides—or even a sprint triathlon.

The head-up riding position takes stress off your back and

improves visibility, so it’s also a good choice for less extreme

duties like bike-path cruising, commuting, or for road riders

who don’t enjoy hunching over a drop handlebar. Courtesy

B E G I N N E R

R E V I E W E D

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to cycling enthusiasts. Our bikes encompass podium proven road and mountain bikes, and our new

award-winning Easy Motion electric bikes.

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G6 DURA ACE DI2 ROAD BIKE LYNX 4.8 XTR MOUNTAIN BIKE NEO CROSS ELECTRIC BIKE


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Kona DeW $500 J Kona is based in the Pacific Northwest, home to bike-friendly cities such

as Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland—places where thousands of commuters ride practical

bikes to work, school, and around town every day. That up-close perspective has made the

Kona crew believers in utility bikes, and they hope to introduce more people to that type

of riding with the speedy, affordable Dew. This no-nonsense, versatile machine blends an

upright position with fast-rolling 700c wheels. Throw on a rack and fenders and you have

an everyday transport bike. It’s also capable of longer outings, if you plan to sign up for

a charity ride. The 2014 version has a 6061 aluminum frame—the same material used in

many of Kona’s high-end mountain bikes—to save some weight. Whether you’re going long

or just pedaling around the block, the Dew is a reliable option.

sPeCialized allez ComP smartWeld $1,350 J To shave weight

without sacrificing pedaling performance on the Allez, Spe-

cialized employs what it calls Smartweld—a manufacturing

process that joins frame tubes away from stress points. The

carbon fork is the same type used on Specialized’s higher-

priced Tarmac, and though the DT Swiss AXIS 1.0 wheels aren’t

pro-level light, they should withstand seasons of hard use.

sPeCialized triCross sPort disC $1,300 J The adaptable Tricross

has everything you need for road rides, long commutes, and

even cyclocross racing. Its lightweight aluminum frame puts

you in a powerful but comfortable position and the low bottom

bracket keeps the bike steady, a feature you’ll appreciate when

riding alongside traffic. The disc brakes offer great control,

and frame mounts make attaching racks and fenders a snap.

Courtesy

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B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

T E S T E D

Õ 1 4

Women ’ s


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When cyclists who are considering triathlons ask me which multisport

bike to buy, I usually say, “None of them.” Instead, I suggest they invest

in a more versatile road bike, then add an aero bar as they progress.

I’ve competed on both and find that a road bike’s stability and comfort

outweigh the minimal performance loss, especially on hilly or technical

courses (and training rides). But the Alias has me reconsidering that advice.

Designed for women, the bike has triathlon geometry (a 78-degree seat

angle) and comes with two multisport components: an adjustable clip-on

aero bar and a zero-offset seatpost. A traditional road post is available

for $55. To make the Alias even more race-ready, you can add a Remora

storage box ($25) to the top tube. Named for a type of fish that hitches a

ride with another, the compartment also slightly reduces the bike’s drag.

Specialized created the Alias for women who want use the same bike

for training and sprint- or Olympic-distance races. I was impressed

with how well it performed both in and out of the aero position. On

a fast, two-hour tempo ride, I spent the majority of the time on the

aero bar with little discomfort. The FACT 10r carbon frame made

bumpy sections of pavement and railroad tracks less jarring, another

quality many dedicated multisport bikes lack. Specialized credits the

seatstays: They are flattened to decrease drag in crosswinds, but

taper to a round cross section before they meet the seat tube, allow-

ing them to dampen some road shock. When I installed the traditional

road seatpost, it helped to further smooth the ride.

The bike steered quickly, but not scary fast: It was easy to wiggle the

Alias around potholes on the fly, and I quickly got used to moving my

hands to the hoods to shift. I also appreciated that, aesthetically, the bike

is more road than tri: The compact frame will blend in nicely on a group

ride and spare you the embarrassment of showing up to a low-key sprint

tri on a machine that resembles something out of Battlestar Galactica.

The Alias also feels comfortable off the aero bar. The position is relatively

upright, similar to what you’ll find on Specialized’s Ruby women’s endur-

ance road model. As I spun up climbs—aided by the midcompact 52/36

crankset—I sometimes forgot I was riding a multisport bike.

At $6,000, this is not the model I’d recommend for beginners. Newer

riders should look to the $3,300 Comp or $2,600 Sport—they have the

same versatile frame and geometry but come with different wheels

and components to keep the price down.

But if you have the means, the Alias Pro won’t disappoint. It’s the rare

multisport bike that has the potential to serve as your daily driver and

still propel you to victory in your next triathlon.—Emily Furia

Specialized aliaS proA smooth-h A n dling m u ltisport bik e

price $6,000 Weight 17.4 lb. (54cm, with aero accessories)


photogr A ph b y tre vor di xon


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I should have felt heavy and

sluggish on my postholiday,

burn-off-the-excesses ride.

Instead, I sliced through a

cold headwind and scam-

pered up hills on my first

test of the Liv/giant Envie

Advanced 1.

The Envie was developed

alongside Giant’s aerody-

namic offering for men,

the Propel. The bikes share

tube shapes and other drag-

reducing innovations (see

box) based on reams of

wind-tunnel data. But that’s

where the similarities end.

Liv/giant touts the Envie

as the first aero road bike

for women, and designed

it with input from reigning

world champion Marianne

Vos. The female-friendly

geometry includes a

shorter top tube, steeper

seat angle, and taller head

tube than the Propel. The

Envie also has a different

carbon layup: It uses less

material to reduce weight

and increase comfort for

lighter users, says Giant’s

global product marketing

manager, Andrew Juskaitis.

On my test rides, the

light Envie proved fleet and

responded crisply to pedal-

ing input. I had no qualms

about diving into corners

at speed. Giant credits the

oversized tapered head

tube and fork design for

steering precision, but

the women’s geometry

helped, too. On windy

days the aero frame and

deep-section Giant P-SLR1

wheels put my skills to the

test. Even a slight cross-

wind on a descent had me

struggling to hold my line.

I suppose that’s one con-

cession of a race bike built

primarily to reduce drag.

Another may be all-day

comfort—after a 70-mile

outing, I was wishing for an

even more forgiving frame.

The Envie won’t turn you

into Vos. But experienced

riders who aspire to glory

will find it a worthy choice

for gaining that extra

edge.—Leah Flickinger

PRICE

$4,800

WEIGHT

16.1 lb.(S)

LIV/GIANT ENVIE ADVANCED 1A FA ST RIDE FOR WOMEN W HO WA N T EV ERY A DVA N TAGE

G I A N T S P E E D C O N T R O L S L R B R A K E S Y S T E M � The Envie has a proprietary

braking system designed for maximum aero advantage. The carbon pieces are

molded to mimic the fork blade and seatstay shapes, effectively hiding them

from the wind and minimizing drag. The braking quality is solid, though the front

calipers occasionally moved out of alignment and rubbed the wheel rim.—L.F. Courtesy

WOM E N ’ S

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4


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bontrager.com/wheelworks

More than thirty years ago, Keith Bontrager took some

discarded 700c road rim trash, and reworked it into a

lightweight, race-ready, 26-inch mountain bike treasure. He

dove into a dumpster and came out smelling like a legend (ok,

a little like cabbage, but mostly legend). That legend—and the

obsession with doing it ourselves until it’s right—continues

today with the best-in-class Wheelworks products, hand built

with pride and passion in Wisconsin, USA.


WorldMags.net

http://bontrager.com/wheelworks



0

0

50

100

150

200

2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0

Yaw (degrees)

Dra

g (gra

ms)

Brand H

(46 mm)

Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3

(50 mm)

Brand Z

(58 mm)

bontrager.com/aeolus

Our exclusive D3 profi le reduces

drag on both the tire-leading and

rim-leading edge. This not only

makes you faster, it gives you

more control in a crosswind.

D3–Dual Directional Design

Shape is more important

than depth.

Our D3 rim shape is so

aerodynamic that even our

shallowest rims compete with

other brands’ deeper wheels.

Shallower is better.


WorldMags.net

http://bontrager.com/aeolus



bontrager.com/wheelupgrade

Road wheelsets MSRP Upgrade

RXL TLR $999.99 $799.99

Aura TLR $1,199.99 $999.99

Aeolus D3 Clinchers (all depths) $2,699.99 $1,999.99

Gain everything. For less.Bontrager wheel upgrade.

Mountain wheelsets MSRP Upgrade

Rhythm Elite (26" / 27.5/650b / 29") $999.99 $799.99

RXL TLR Disc $999.99 $849.99

XXX TLR (26" / 29") $1,199.99 $999.99

Rhythm Pro Carbon (26" / 27.5/650b / 29") $2,199.99 $1,699.99

Nothing improves the ride quality of a bike like upgraded wheels. Take your new bike to the next level with a second set of wheels. Carbon, aero, light weight, tubeless, or bomber—all available at sharp discounts when you buy a new Trek road or mountain bike.

RXL TLR Aura 5 TLR Aeolus 5 D3 XXX TLR Disc Rhythm Elite

Wheel upgrade pricing good for 30 days from the date of your Trek bicycle

purchase, until 6/30/14. Valid for one pair of wheels per purchase of Trek

road or mountain bike. Visit bontrager.com to fi nd a participating retailer.


WorldMags.net

http://bontrager.com

http://bontrager.com/wheelupgrade



With some discarded parts and a hacksaw in a small

garage, Keith Bontrager laid the foundation for Bontrager

Wheelworks. A heritage built on the commitment to making

the best and supporting the best. To tirelessly striving to

make our wheels and riders faster, the fastest, and worthy

of wearing the Bontrager label.

Bontrager Wheelworks and Trek Factory Racing. An

international roster, a Grand Tour team. State of the art

frames, with the fastest wheels available. Our team. Our

heritage. Our future. Ride with us, ride with the best.

Go forth and take it.

bontrager.com/wheelworks


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http://bontrager.com/wheelworks



PRICE

$1,750

WEIGHT

20.2 lb. (54cm)

One Saturday I found unex-

pected time for a ride, so

I threw on some cycling

clothes, stuffed a leftover

scone into my pocket, and

headed out. I’d been rid-

ing the steel-framed Quest

Elite for about a week, and

I was eager for a longer

ride. I got my wish: Several

wrong turns later, I found

myself on the border of a

neighboring state, staring

in disbelief at my phone’s

Google Maps app and won-

dering if my scone would

provide enough energy for

the predicted two-hour

ride home.

Taking whatever short-

cuts I could, I began

climbing a road that had

turned from gravel to

sticky mud. As the grade

steepened, I worked

the gears on Shimano’s

reliable 105 drivetrain,

thankful for the compact

crankset. At one point, I

turned down a crowded

gravel rail-trail. The bike’s

quick steering helped me

dodge walkers and little

kids, yet felt stable enough

that I could rumble over

patches of snow.

Jamis optimized the

frame angles and tube

lengths on this model to

better fit female propor-

tions (see box), so the ride

felt comfortable whether

my hands were on the

hoods or in the drops,

which provided not only

a change of position but

also a chance to eke out a

little more speed. Toward

the end of the ride, with

my scone long gone and

energy stores nearly

depleted, I appreciated the

Reynolds 631 steel frame,

which smoothed the road,

reducing fatigue, and also

helped translate the little

power I had left into for-

ward motion.

The Quest Elite turned

an outing that could have

become a never-again death

march into something more

fondly remembered, like an

old-school training ride. My

first thought upon reach-

ing home was: I have to do

this more often.—Christine

Bucher

F E M I N I N E F I T � Compared with a unisex Quest Elite, my 54cm Femme has a

shorter top tube. Jamis says the configuration better fits women, who generally

have shorter torsos and arms than men. And I agree. The bike was easy to steer,

which boosted my confidence and made me feel more in control in almost every

situation, whether I was dodging traffic or leaning into downhill corners.—C.B.

JAMIS QUEST ELITE FEMMEPRICED RIGHT, THIS BIKE IS REA DY FOR A N Y A DV EN TURE

Courtesy


WorldMags.net




PRICE

$4,200

WEIGHT

26.3 lb.(M)

Rumor has it…Rumor has

it…. Each time I tossed

a leg over Specialized’s

Rumor 29, that catchy ear-

worm by Adele would play

in my head on repeat. Yes,

this bike makes you want

to sing.

The Rumor’s pleasing

ride begins with its suspen-

sion. The bike feels like

it has more than 110mm

of travel, easily sinking

into and ripping through

rocky terrain with a reas-

suring stability. The front

end popped up with ease

when I needed to ride over

a log and the suspension

never bounced harshly,

even when I took lazy lines

through rock gardens or

rolled off a boulder.

I tested the Rumor Expert

29, which comes with Fox

Float CTD front and rear

shocks and a SRAM 2x10

drivetrain. It also has Spe-

cialized’s AutoSag feature,

which takes the guesswork

out of setting up your rear

shock (see box). The Cus-

tom Formula T1 brakes

were passable but a bit

mushy. I appreciated the

Command dropper seat-

post and used it often to

raise and lower my saddle,

but only after swapping

it for a shorter version—I

could barely reach the ped-

als when the 100mm model

was fully extended. Women

like me—with shorter legs

and longer torsos—might

need to do the same.

Speaking of fit,

the Rumor has a low,

confidence-inspiring 27.9-

inch standover height (yet

still has room for a bottle

mount—much appreci-

ated). The short head tube

keeps the bar low, so even

with big wheels the bike

was easy to maneuver. And

at 26.3 pounds, it climbed

adeptly and never felt too

taxing on long grinds.

Turns out that Adele’s

catchy tune is completely

appropriate. Whatever

you’re looking for in a trail

bike, the Rumor does have

it…and then some.—Selene

Yeager

S E T I T A N D F O R G E T I T � AutoSag, an exclusive feature on some Specialized

bikes, automatically adjusts your shock’s sag—that’s the amount it compress-

es under your weight. Ideally that’s about 25 percent of the shock’s travel.

Getting it right can involve some tinkering. With AutoSag it’s a lot easier: You

just pump the shock to 50 psi over your riding weight (including all gear and

packs), climb aboard, and depress a single release valve.—S.Y.

SPECIALIZED RUMOR EXPERT 29W H ATEV ER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR IN A TR A IL BIKE, THIS ON E H A S IT

Courtesy

WOM E N ’ S

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4


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YES YOU CAN.

www.focus-bikes.com

/focus.bikes

PASSION.

PERFORMANCE.

PERFECTION.

CAYO EVOPerformance and professional quality come in an affordable package

with the FOCUS Cayo Evo. There’s no better choice for gran fondos,

sportives, and weekend racing events. There’s no mistaking the FOCUS

lineage in the sporty lines of the Cayo Evo. A compliant carbon frame

lets you go further and faster for longer.


WorldMags.net

http://www.focus-bikes.com



Juliana Joplin Segundo $3,100 J Back in 1999, Santa Cruz Bicycles developed one of the first

women’s mountain bikes, the Juliana, named for Juli Furtado, a ski racer turned mountain

biker who won numerous national and world titles. Furtado now works for Santa Cruz and her

new line of four bikes (sold under the Juliana brand) embodies her focus on performance and

her drive to get more women on the trails. The aluminum Joplin, named after singer Janis,

has 29-inch wheels, a 120mm-travel Fox 32 fork, and 100mm of rear-wheel travel controlled

by Santa Cruz’s capable VPP multilink suspension. Both the fork and the shock have climb,

trail, and descend settings so you can adjust the amount of bounce to suit your terrain. The

saddle, bar, grips, stem, and crank are sized to provide women with more control on the trail.

Breezer Downtown 5-St $570 J The Downtown 5 makes

it easier to choose your bike over your car for short

trips around town, thanks to the chainguard, fenders,

and rear rack. Though it’s not built for speed, the

frame delivers a stable ride and the step-through

design makes it easy to pedal while wearing every-

day clothes.

DiamonDBack Lux comp $1,000 J Previously offered in

26- and 29-inch-wheel versions, the new Lux is the first

Diamondback women’s bike with 27.5-inch wheels. The com-

pany says the middle wheel size has the stability of a 29er

but is more agile. The low top tube, reliable Shimano Deore

components, and hydraulic disc brakes make this a worthy

choice for XC riders who want a fast, quick-handling bike.

W OM E N ’ S

R E V I E W E D

Courtesy

DE S I GN ED

F OR Y OUR

J O URNE Y

PETER SAGAN

TOUR DE SAN LUIS

LEADER OF THE PACK


WorldMags.net

http://KendaTire.com



Specialized S-WorkS ruby $8,500 J The S-Works designa-

tion (and the price) indicate this bike’s top-of-the-line

quality. Vibration-damping Zertz inserts in the carbon

frame and fork help smooth the road, and the slackened

seat-tube angle, raised bar, and shorter reach are comfort-

able on long rides. The Shimano Dura-Ace components

include carbon tubeless wheels for a velvety, speedy ride.

Trek cali carbon $3,780 J Women who like fast, crisp-

handling hardtails will find the Cali hard to beat. The

29-inch wheels help you roll over obstacles, and the gos-

samer OCLV carbon frame quiets trail vibration. Trek

worked with its top female racers on the design; their

input led to a frame with a low top tube, which makes it

easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount.

eddy merckx eFx $2,495 J The carbon-fiber EFX frame is

made to go fast. The bike has a relatively short sloping

top tube and taller head tube. Those changes allow the

rider’s pelvis to rotate upward, taking pressure off her

back, shoulders, and sensitive saddle area, the company

says. The triple chainring adds weight, but its wide range

of gears makes ascents easier.

marin ravenna T3 comp 105 WFG $2,100 J A refined frame

and quality components make the Ravenna T3 a smart

option for anyone looking for a lower-cost carbon bike.

The tapered seat tube and swooping seatstays soak up

road buzz, the stout head tube improves steering preci-

sion, and lower gears on the compact crank make steep

roads hurt a little less.

Honey road day ride Women’S $1,895, frameset J Boston-

based Honey doesn’t believe in do-it-all bikes. Instead, each

of its frames is designed for a specific use. The Road Day

Ride is built primarily for daylong excursions, centuries, and

gran fondos. You’ll sit more upright than you would on a race

bike, which means more comfort on long rides. The beauti-

fully TIG-welded steel frames are constructed in the US.

Trek Speed concepT 9.5 WSd $6,000 J For 2014, Trek

revamped its flagship time-trial platform, reducing the

bike’s frontal area to drop weight and improve aerody-

namics. The Speed Concept now comes with six stem-size

choices and 14cm of stack-height adjustment to fine-tune

fit. Don’t like the stock lunar orange frame paint? Trek’s

Project One program lets you choose your favorite color. Courtesy

INTRODUCING THE GRAND TOUR COLLECTION

Find a Dealer at craftsports.us


WorldMags.net

http://craftsports.us



M O U N T A I N

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

T E S T E D B I K E S

’ 1 4


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Six and a half years ago, when Niner

cofounder Chris Sugai delivered a RIP 9 test

bike to my office, he told me that within a

few years the 26-inch wheel would be dead.

I rolled my eyes and laughed out loud; at the

time, 29er frame geometry was awkward,

the parts were heavy, and everything seemed

to flex. Sorry for doubting you, Chris.

This latest revision of the RIP 9, in alumi-

num, is about as stiff as the carbon version,

with a frame that weighs just 0.65 pounds

more. Its handling balances cross- country

responsiveness and trail-bike stability. That

blend helped the RIP 9 competently tackle

rough trails, making it easy for me to dive

into steep and nasty terrain that, had I

been riding some other bikes, would have

made me dismount and walk. Only when I

pointed it down near-vertical chutes and

approached shoulder-high drops did the

69.5-degree head angle feel too steep.

NiNer riP 9 1-Star X7Responsi v e, sta ble, pl ay f u l—a n d a ffoRda ble

Price $3,000 Weight 28.7 lb. (L)

Rarely, however, did I wish for more travel. Niner

increased rear-wheel travel by 5mm, to 125mm, and

improved its performance. On the previous frame,

the suspension sometimes sank into the middle of

its stroke and wanted to stay there. The new setup

rides taller, and it reacts faster to small, successive

imperfections like braking bumps. It resists bottom-

ing better too; I pushed the shock to its max only on

the biggest hits. Although the suspension resisted

bobbing when I pedaled in the small chainring, it

felt overactive when I pounded on the pedals in the

big ring—but many bikes do that, so it’s not a deal

breaker. Besides, a flick of the shock’s switch to one

of the firmer settings calmed things down.

Instead of hydroforming, Niner now shapes the RIP

9 tubes with compressed air in a heated mold. The

process makes it easier for engineers to control wall

thickness and to create complex shapes, Niner says.

To cite just one example, the bent and twisted strut

between the seatstay and chainstay is lighter but

just as strong as the two-piece hydroformed bridge

it replaced. To further boost the frame’s stiffness,

Niner developed stronger, lighter, forged suspension

linkages and replaced welded assemblies with forged

units, like the one that contains the bottom bracket,

suspension pivot, and shock mount.

Niner’s 1-Star X7 build is its lowest-cost package,

but it’s smartly put together. Schwalbe’s Racing

Ralph tires rolled fast and gripped predictably.

They’re paired with rigid American Classic Ter-

rain wheels to give the bike a snappy, high-end

feel that belies its price. SRAM’s X7 clutch-style

rear derailleur kept the chain seated and mostly

prevented it from slapping against the lower stay.

I wouldn’t expect a dropper seatpost at this price,

but Niner should have included a quick-release lever

instead of a bolt.

The wheel-size debate rages on, with 27.5 challeng-

ing the 29ers, but no matter what happens, the RIP

9 1-Star X7 is a great value. I only laughed this time

when I was riding it—and having fun.—Ron Koch

photogR a ph b y tRe voR di xon


WorldMags.net

http://Bicycling.com



I’d been waiting for a bike

like the Thunderbolt for

at least a decade. That’s

about how long ago I

began to savor (not just

endure) daylong rides

with thousands of feet of

elevation gain and tight,

steep, descents that make

your eyes water. My ideal

bike for such an adventure

would have limited travel,

an efficient suspension,

and relaxed frame angles to

keep it steady at speed.

When I first saw the

Thunderbolt, I thought it

might be the one. It has

a stiff aluminum frame,

120mm of travel, and 27.5-

inch wheels that allow for

a relatively short, quick-

handling rear end. Crucially,

the head-tube angle is 68.5

degrees—about a degree

less than many bikes with

similar travel, to keep it

calm at speed.

On my first ride aboard

the Thunderbolt, I

descended a trail named

West Leg in Nevada’s Boot-

leg Canyon. The bike quickly

revealed its potential. The

path twisted around volca-

nic outcroppings, climbed

over scabrous boulders,

and dropped sharply into

gullies, losing 10 to 15 feet

of elevation in a few bike

lengths. On wrinkles in the

trail that demanded deft

steering and (simultane-

ously) a measure of control,

the Thunderbolt felt like the

bike I had been longing for.

On subsequent rides, the

Rocky continued to flash

that brilliance. Notably, the

rear suspension impressed

me with its ability to absorb

big hits without getting

knocked off its line. But

other times the Thunder-

bolt left me wanting. The

suspension occasionally

felt too soft while climb-

ing. And at 29.3 pounds the

bike seemed heavy for a

model with this amount of

travel, even at this price. I

still enjoyed the Thunder-

bolt—it came so close to

fulfilling my longing for a

short-travel trail bike with

downhill muscle. And with a

few tweaks, it just might get

there yet.—Louis Mazzante

R E M O T E C O N T R O L � Rocky Mountain tunes the Thunderbolt’s rear suspension to

remain active as you pedal, which improves traction while climbing uneven trails.

But it also bobs under hard efforts in some gear combinations. To firm the rear end,

Rocky includes a bar-mounted remote that allows you to easily toggle between the

Fox shock’s three damping settings—the firmest nearly locks it out.—L.M.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN THUNDERBOLT 750A N IMBLE BIKE M A DE FOR H A RD RIDES

PRICE

$3,300

WEIGHT

29.3 lb. (L)

M O U N T A I N

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4

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WorldMags.net

http://maxxis.com



Last summer I tested a

$7,000 carbon version of

GT’s redesigned Sensor

on the sprawling trail net-

work near Park City, Utah,

and was impressed with

the 27.5-inch wheels, new

suspension, and updated

geometry. I wondered how

those changes would feel on

the more reasonably priced,

130mm-travel Sensor Elite.

I worried that at 32

pounds, the aluminum ver-

sion would feel less lively.

But the bike’s geometry is

the same as on the carbon

version, and on my first

test ride I found that the

suspension worked just

as flawlessly. I noticed the

weight only on steep climbs.

The new AOS suspension

is a completely revamped

version of GT’s i-Drive

design, with new chainstay

pivots, a stiff swingarm,

stout 15mm axles, and a

lightweight forged linkage.

Changes in tuning allow

it to respond quicker to

smaller bumps, so you have

more traction while scram-

bling up loose climbs. Even

with those changes, the

design felt as crisp and effi-

cient as the old i-Drive.

Compared with the pre-

vious Sensor, this one has

a longer top tube, which

creates a more stable front

end. The relatively short

80mm stem kept my weight

centered just behind the

front wheel—I was in a

good position to tackle

steep descents and attack

corners at full speed.

The rest of the com-

ponents accentuated

the Sensor’s aggressive

ride. Formula’s C1 brakes

were surprisingly power-

ful, the 740mm-wide bar

made controlling the bike

easier, and Shimano’s

clutch-equipped rear derail-

leur kept the chain seated.

The RockShox Sector fork

felt underdamped on chal-

lenging terrain, but worked

well everywhere else.

This Sensor wasn’t as irre-

sistible as the one I tested in

Park City, but it came close,

and that makes it a great

option for trail riders on a

budget.—Ron Koch

S W E E T S U S P E N S I O N � The Sensor’s single-pivot AOS suspension has a rear-

ward wheel path to help absorb sharp impacts. Those designs typically have more

pedal feedback, but GT’s Pathlink linkage, which houses the bottom bracket,

rotates rearward as the bike’s swingarm moves to absorb the blow. That limits

chain growth, keeping the suspension active with less feedback.—R.K.

PRICE

$2,820

WEIGHT

32.1 lb.(L)

GT SENSOR ELITERULE THE TR A ILS ON A MODEST BUDGET


Courtesy

M O U N T A I N

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4


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http://SUGOI.COM



Three years ago Salsa

introduced its popular

Spearfish, a fast, sharp-

handling bike made for

long, adventurous rides. It

was a great model for the

price, but its single-pivot

suspension (with flexing

seatstays) stiffened under

braking, and the shock

needed some platform

damping to keep it con-

trolled while climbing.

This year, Salsa addressed

those weaknesses by

licensing suspension

engineer Dave Weagle’s

Split Pivot design, which

helps the shock absorb

bumps when you’re

stomping on the pedals

or slamming on the brakes.

Altering a well-liked bike

can be risky, but the gamble

paid off.

At about 5.4 pounds,

the new Spearfish frame is

only slightly heavier than

the previous version. Rear

travel remains 80mm, but

the bike feels stiffer and

reacts more sharply to rider

input. The Split Pivot design

reduces the effects of brak-

ing and pedaling forces on

the suspension, and does a

better job resisting bobbing.

The bike’s rear end tracks

more smoothly over choppy

terrain and finds traction

whether you’re bouncing

over roots or climbing

granite boulders. The shock

slides evenly through its

stroke on larger impacts,

which helps keep the bike

steady on tough trails.

Compared with similar

29ers, this one has relative-

ly short chainstays and a

longer top tube, which give

it a balanced ride—stable

when you’re on the gas yet

nimble enough to let you

weave around tight switch-

backs. The new suspension

adds $200 to the cost of a

frame, but nicely equipped,

complete models start at

less than $2,750. There

are lighter bikes avail-

able, but they cost more,

making this one a relative

bargain for its weight. It’s

fast, efficient, nimble, and

enjoyable to ride for hours,

just the way Salsa intended.

—Louis Mazzante

S P L I T P I V O T � Salsa is the first American brand to license Dave Weagle’s Split

Pivot suspension design. As its name suggests, the key feature here is the rear

pivot, which rotates concentrically around the rear axle, separating the shock

from the forces associated with braking and acceleration. “That allows us to tune

the shock to do what it’s supposed to: Absorb bumps,” says Weagle.—L.M.

SALSA SPEARFISH 1FOR THOSE W HO CONSIDER 40 -MILE RIDES J UST A WA RM-UP

PRICE

$4,100

WEIGHT

25.1 lb.(M)


Courtesy

M O U N T A I N

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E Ô 1 4


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CONTROL YOUR CHAOS

Introducing Repack with MLink™ Technology.

REPACKAvailable April 2014

repack.breezerbikes.com


WorldMags.net

http://repack.breezerbikes.com



Courtesy

Yeti SB75 Race $4,900 J If you join the daily lunch ride that starts at Yeti’s Golden, Colorado,

headquarters, expect to roll trails that are steep, rocky, and unforgiving—good proving

ground for the SB75’s aggressive nature. The bike pairs Yeti’s Switch suspension with a

new 5-inch-travel frame built around 27.5-inch wheels. The ’tweener hoops help make the

SB75 agile enough to rail corners and pop through choppy lines at speed, and the dual-link

suspension has a unique eccentric lower pivot that switches directions halfway through its

travel—resulting in surprisingly efficient pedaling. Add in a relatively slack (67.6-degree)

head angle, low bottom bracket, and longish top tube, and you get a bike that doesn’t shy

away from aggressive terrain. It might even be enough for you to keep up on that lunch ride.

BMC TF03 SLX $4,000 J BMC’s redesigned-for-2014 Trailfox

frames have 29er wheels, making them better suited for

aggressive trails, the company says. The TFO3 has 150mm

of travel with a long and low profile: a slack 67-degree

head angle, short chainstays, and a long top tube. To tight-

en up the rear triangle for enduro racers, designers moved

the seat tube forward and mounted the front derailleur

directly to the rear swingarm to create quicker handling.

Trek FueL eX 5 29 $1,980 J The most affordable model

in Trek’s extensive Fuel EX lineup—which now includes

both 29- and 26-inch options—the EX 5 is a versatile big-

wheeler with 120mm of travel. Part aggressive trail bike

and part nimble XC machine, the EX 5 29 feels steady on

a wide range of trails and comes with several premium

touches, including a custom fork offset for better han-

dling at lower speeds.

InTenSe TraCer 275 X0 1 $6,050 J This update comes

with 27.5-inch wheels. That hoop size balances stability

and agility and combines nicely with the stiff, US-made

aluminum frame. This version retains the multilink VPP

suspension, which can be adjusted from 5.5 to 6 inches.

The bike's relatively slack angles make it easy to control

at higher speeds, yet the short rear end keeps it nimble,

making it ideal for enduro racing and all-mountain riding.

PIvoT MaCh 429 CarBon XT/XTr $5,800 J This carbon trail

bike has everything riders love about the aluminum Mach

429 and comes in a lighter, stiffer, and more agile pack-

age. For a bike with just 100mm of travel, the new 429

can handle gnarly terrain. The difference is in the details:

A slightly slacker head angle, lower bottom bracket, and

shorter chainstays compared with the aluminum version

make this model more playful on descents.

M O U N T A I N

R E V I E W E D

KILLPAINRIDE IN COMFORT

Black225 to 280 lbs

Blue195 to235 lbs

Red165 to200 lbs

Yellow140 to175 lbs

White95 to

145 lbs

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B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

T E S T E D

’ 1 4

U R B A N


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ELECTRA TowniE Go!A n Atten tion- Getter W ith PeP

When you ride a bike, you notice things. The dog that’s always tied up out-

side, no matter the weather. The curious vegetable garden that employs

rubber snakes to ward off predators. The field full of rotting pumpkins that

never had a chance to be jack-o’-lanterns. You take it all in. It’s what you do.

But when I breezed along the roads, through the parks, and down the

alleys of my neighborhood on the Electra Townie Go!, I found myself

seeking out people—to see if they noticed me. In my eyes, I was a sight to

behold, a smiling girl on a sky-blue cruiser. A bike that looks like it should

be lazily rolling along the boardwalk. So how is it that I didn’t think twice

about coaxing it into light traffic? That I felt the need to tell—not ask—

friends and neighbors to take it for a spin? And that the reactions I got

ranged from “Whoa, that’s trippy” to “Neat” to “This is my kind of bike.”

It’s simple. The Go! is Electra’s first e-bike, its Balloon model with

a boost (step-over frame for men, step-

through design for women). Powered by a

rechargeable battery and SRAM’s E-matic

propulsion system, this pedal-assist bicy-

cle features a two-speed transmission that

automatically shifts between a low gear (for

acceleration and climbing) and a high one (for

cruising at a decent clip). Inside the rear hub,

a 250-watt motor senses the rider’s pedal

input and adjusts power output accordingly.

Tucked beneath the rear rack is a lithium-ion

battery that, when fully charged, will last up

to 35 miles. That estimate is on the conserva-

tive side, though, says Jackson Lynch, director

of marketing and communications at Electra.

Depending on rider weight and riding condi-

tions, it could last longer. As for how fast it can

go: “The pedal-assist system will take you up

to just under 16 mph, then it’s all you,” he says.

But here’s where the tech talk ends. While

many e-bikes come with more bells and

whistles—and a thick owner’s manual—the

Townie Go! is as basic as it gets. It has no

throttle to twist for an extra jolt, no digital

display to view regenerative braking condi-

tion, no power levels to select, no gears to

change. To turn it on, just push the button

on the battery and you’re ready to pedal.

And isn’t that what this kind of bike should

be? After all, there’s no learning curve to

operate one. According to the company’s

website, “the only hard part about riding

an Electra is choosing which one to get.”

The Go! is no exception. Like the rest of the

brand’s cruisers and city bikes, this one is for

the person who wants to go for a laid-back

roll with friends or bounce down the bike

path in flip-flops, and shop for the coolest

accessories to adorn it with. None of that

has changed. It just got a little easier. And a

whole lot more fun.—Jennifer Sherry

PRiCE $2,300

wEiGhT 56.0 lb. with battery (one size)

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The language in bicycle-

marketing materials

tends to gravitate toward

hyperbole. It’s no differ-

ent with BMC’s AC01, but

one often-repeated word

amid the heated prose was

appropriate: faster. Frankly,

I’m used to urban utility

bikes being completely

capable and basically

boring. Leaden. But on

the AC01, there’s no such

letdown. The 23-pound

commuter doesn’t feel

or move precisely like a

14-pound superbike, but

it is much closer than the

average urban option.

From the first accel-

eration, it’s apparent. You

notice less heft from the

bike, so it feels like more

of your effort is going into

pushing the AC01 for-

ward. The lively front end

certainly factors into the

bike’s quickness. Its han-

dling seems darty. Subtle

shifts of the handlebar cre-

ate sharp course changes.

It’s a little like, “Whoa,” at

first, until you learn to tem-

per your inputs and trust

the front end’s precision.

You’ll want to go easy

on the brakes too. The

Shimano hydraulic stop-

pers are smooth and the

power is good—perhaps

too good. The rear brake

locks up easily and requires

a light touch. I have nothing

but praise for the Shimano

105 drivetrain, which is as

smooth, quiet, and precise

as ever.

There’s some clever func-

tionality built into the AC01

also, including the capacity

for fenders and lights (see

box). I’m not a fan of dark

and stealthy paint on a bike

that is intended for riding

in traffic and at dawn and

dusk, but at least many of

the larger logo stickers are

highly reflective. This is the

rare case where the bike

lived up to the marketing

hype. No matter where

you’re going, the AC01 will

get you there fast.

—Matt Phillips

F A B F E A T U R E S � The ACO1 comes ready for three near-custom accessories:

Full-coverage front and rear Curana fenders ($180) install quickly and are just as

easy to remove, a securely mounted lighting kit from Sparse ($139) matches the

bike’s styling, and the post and wheels can accommodate ixow’s novel security

system ($89), which uses gravity to lock the components.—M.P.

BMC ALPENCHALLENGE AC01 105 A UTILIT Y BIK E TH AT M A KES YOUR CHORES FLEET A N D F UN

PRICE

$1,900

WEIGHT

23.6 lb.(M)

U R B A N

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4


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WD-40 BIKE Foaming Wash to remove

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Well-lubed chains keep bikes rolling for miles.

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Courtesy

Many of you reading

this—probably most of

you—should not buy this

wonderful bicycle. It is too

peculiar and too purpose-

ful in its peculiarities.

The Guv’nor is a path

racer, a style of bike made

for competing on velo-

dromes and unpaved roads

in the early 1900s. Hewing

to its heritage, this one is

hand-built in England—in

Stratford-on-Avon—from

Reynolds 531, a passé

steel tubing that upon its

introduction in 1935 had

a long reign as one of the

best frame materials in the

world. The bottom bracket

is so high it is almost level

with the hubs, the head

and seat angles are a super-

slack 68 degrees, the fork

juts forward about three

times farther than that of a

typical modern road bike.

The build is rounded out

with 28-inch wheels, bolt-

on seatstays, drum brakes,

and a Sturmey-Archer

thumb-shifted three-speed

rear hub.

The ride is unlike any I’ve

experienced on a bike: flop-

py and nearly dangerously

impetuous to start, then

ever smoother and stable as

it is fed speed, until, finally,

like a roller-coaster car, it

begins to carry the rider

along for the controlled

thrill. You feel as if you’re

flying, even though this

is not a fast bike. Nor is it

practical. It’s big and heavy.

You could fit fenders, but

you shouldn’t—it ruins the

authenticity—and there are

no mounts for bottle cages.

It’s not a great racing bike,

townie, commuter, or ideal

for chasing fitness goals

or even for riding paths in

the modern sense. It’s part

scorcher, part forcats de la

route, part rebel, and part

dandy. It’s one of the most

distinctive bicycles I’ve

ever ridden, and I want to

buy one. I’m not sure you

should. But if you do, you’re

the kind of person I’d like to

ride with.—Bill Strickland

A B O U T T H E F I T � I typically ride a 54cm road bike but of the Guv’nor’s three

sizes (20.5, 22.5, and 24.5 inches) I chose the middle one, which is the equivalent

of a 57-inch seat tube. This is how path racers were sized—with almost no seat-

post showing and no standover clearance. On the smaller model I’d have been too

scrunched to experience the authentic feel of the ride.—B.S.

PRICE

$1,695

WEIGHT

31.4 lb.(22.5 in.)

PASHLEY GUV’NORYOU PROB A BLY SHOULDN’T BU Y THIS WON DERF UL BIKE

U R B A N

T E S T E D

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E ‘ 1 4


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ViVa Juliett $730 (3-speed Version) J The Juliett is fash-

ioned after the Dutch omafiets, or granny bikes, that rule

the streets of Amsterdam. Like those models, this one has

a step-through frame, comfortable upright position, and

smart features like racks, fenders, and a chainguard. But

the Juliette is as elegant as it is practical—its swooping

frame tubes, ornate details, and classic design will add

style to your trips around town.

U R B A N

Budnitz no. 3 Steel $2,600 J The first thing you notice about the Budnitz No. 3 is the strik-

ing lines. Paul Budnitz, the bike’s creator, meticulously engineered the frame to create an

appearance that’s as visually intriguing as it is functional. The swooping twin top tubes act

like a bridge truss, flexing slightly to smooth road shock. Budnitz chose a segmented design

for the half-crown fork for the opposite reason: He believes unicrowns are too flexible to

work with disc brakes. The result is a tough yet elegant city bike that begs to be ridden

fast, even in dodgy conditions. The carbon belt drive is just as cool and can be paired with

a singlespeed drivetrain or a 14-speed Rohloff internal transmission. The components, like

the design, are clean and quiet, great for city riding.

Currie eFlow e3 nitro $3,500 J Unlike the down-tube-

mounted batteries on many electric bikes, the eFlow’s

juice sits inside its massive seatpost. That centers the

weight beneath the rider to improve handling and reduces

the risk of battery theft. The bike’s 500-watt motor gives

a nice boost. You can use the bike’s stem-mounted LCD

computer to preset the amount of power you get while

pedaling, or just twist the throttle and go.

KHs iped $420 J With small wheels and a folding handle-

bar and seatpost, the iPed fits easily into a closet, on

the train, or in your work cubicle. The 16-inch rear and

12-inch front wheel provide a sharp-handling ride—ideal

for navigating busy streets. Its aluminum frame keeps the

weight down, which you’ll appreciate while hauling it up

stairs. And the telescoping stem and microadjust seatpost

make the iPed easy to unfold when it’s time to get rolling.

R E V I E W E D

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soma piCK-up artist $1,500 J Instead of placing the load

behind the rider, as on many long-tail cargo bikes, the

Pick-Up Artist carries it up front, low to the ground and

directly on top of the 20-inch front wheel. The front

rack attaches directly to the frame, so you can haul up

to 150 pounds safely and with little impact on the steer-

ing. The frame’s low standover height makes it easy to

get rolling, even if you’re carrying a box full of anvils.

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G E A R

Anna Glowinski—a former British youth national mountain bike and ’cross champ—designs

stylish and practical clothing for female cyclists under the Ana Nichoola label. Her commuter

jacket seamlessly merges fashion and function: A peplum shape protects you from road spray

and creates a flattering silhouette, and eye-catching grommets double as underarm vents. A

sealed zipper, cinchable cuffs, reflective panels and piping, and cheery yellow water-resistant

fabric make cold and drizzly rides much more bearable.—Emily Furia

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B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

G E A R

‘ 1 4

5. FI’ZI:K VERSUS X ARIONE

SADDLE $200

Made for long rides,

the Versus X has a deep

channel to relieve pres-

sure on your sensitive

parts. The firm padding

doesn’t compress under

body weight, so I felt the

ridges on each side of the

20mm-deep cutout on

every outing—it’s not the

most plush saddle, but

that’s not the point. I don’t

have numbness issues so I

can’t speak to the design’s

effectiveness, but it sig-

nificantly reduced perineal

pressure.—M.P.

1. GIORDANA EXO KNICKERS,

$325, JERSEY, $260

Designed to improve

muscle compression and

increase aerodynamics, the

EXO knickers and jersey

fit snugly yet comfort-

ably, with little bunching.

Despite the knickers’

below-the-knee cut and

the jersey’s long sleeves,

the pieces are made for

warm weather; the extra

length aids in compres-

sion and airflow, Giordana

says. A flap over the jersey

pockets helps improve

aerodynamics, but hinders

regular use.—Matt Phillips

2. SHIMANO C35 WHEELS

$2,000

This 1,500-gram clincher

wheelset is perfect for a

grand fondo’s long days,

varied terrain, and unpre-

dictable weather. It nicely

balances quick accelera-

tion and lateral stiffness.

The aluminum brake track,

while heavier than carbon

versions, offers better

stopping power that’s

easier to control, especially

on wet roads. Shimano’s

top-end hubs roll smooth-

ly, are easy to repair, and

use some of the best quick-

releases we’ve tried.—M.P.

3. SIDI GENIUS FIT CARBON

SHOES $240

An unyielding carbon-

composite sole makes this

the stiffest midrange Sidi

I’ve worn. It has a snug,

low-volume fit that keeps

you connected to your

pedals, but likely means

you’ll need a larger shoe,

so be ready to try a couple

of sizes. Like all shoes from

Sidi, the Genius is made in

Italy and comes in a wide

selection of full and half

sizes. The shoes are form-

fitting, but you’ll want to

give yourself a few hours

to break them in.—M.P.

4. WAHOO RFLKT+ SMART BIKE

COMPUTER $130

Connect the RFLKT’s

remote display to an

iPhone or Android device

and the customizable

screen will show ride data

collected by compatible

cycling apps. It includes

a precise barometric alti-

meter—and can link ANT+

and Bluetooth accessories

to your mobile phone.

Battery life is impressive: I

got 5.5 hours out of a fully

charged iPhone connected

to a RFLKT, heart-rate

strap, and speed/cadence

sensor.—M.P.

1

1

3

4

5

A LL-DAY COMFORT FOR ROA D EN THUSI A STSGRAN FONDO //

2


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ou

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5. OSMO FOR WOMEN DRINK

MIXES $1.25 to $2.20 per

serving

A woman’s monthly cycle

affects the type of fuel

her body relies on dur-

ing exercise. Stacy Sims,

PhD, developed OSMO’s

women’s line to pro-

vide nutritional support

before, during, and after

a ride, no matter what

the hormones are doing.

I tested the drinks dur-

ing an OSMO camp and

at races; they seemed to

prevent the sluggishness I

feel at certain times of my

cycle.—Selene Yeager

1. DEMARCHI WOMEN’S VELOCE

ROAD BIB SHORTS $190

Italian company DeMarchi

has been making innova-

tive apparel for almost

70 years. (Its sister

company, Cytech, makes

chamois for brands such

as Assos and Rapha, as

well as pads exclusive to

DeMarchi.) The Veloce’s

slightly compressive fab-

ric panels support your

muscles—including your

core, thanks to a high-cut

waist. A women’s chamois

with an antibacterial lin-

ing hugs the body without

bunching.—Leah Flickinger

3. TERRY BUTTERFLY CENTURY

SADDLE $164

This sleek but oh-so-

comfortable touring saddle

is the first addition to Ter-

ry’s best-selling women’s

Butterfly line in six years.

An innovative shock-

absorbing material called

Poron XRD (used in protec-

tive sports gear) soaks up

road vibration. The light-

weight material allows for a

narrower profile than many

touring saddles and also

the widest cutout in the

Butterfly family. The no-

seam Lorica cover delivers

a chafe-free ride.—L.F.

4. OAKLEY MISS CONDUCT

SQUARED SUNGLASSES $160

This update to Oakley’s

popular Miss Conduct is

ideal for riders who seek

eyewear that looks as

good as it performs. The

new shape is stylish yet

blends seamlessly with

such technical features

as grippy nose pads and

impact-resistant lenses

with exceptional UV pro-

tection. The black iridium

lenses (tested) made for

clear visibility in bright

sun and overcast weather.

The rimless construction

reduces weight.—L.F.

PRODUCTS TH AT FIT YOUR BODY A N D RIDING ST Y LEWOMEN’S GEAR //

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

G E A R

‘ 1 4

1

3

2

5

2. SPECIALIZED WOMEN’S

CASCADE XC SHOES $275

The lightweight Cascade

XC is comfortable and

sleek. The outsole and

footbed are designed

to work with your foot’s

shape to reduce fatigue

and increase power. The

integrated tongue and pad-

ded heel conform to your

feet, preventing the shoes

from slipping as you ride.

Two hook-and-loop straps

and a Boa lace closure keep

you locked in while offer-

ing sufficient adjustments

to minimize irritating pres-

sure points.—Erica Yozell

4


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Courtesy

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

G E A R

5. THULE ROUNDTRIP

TRANSITION CASE $600

Use this rugged, hard-

plastic caddy to protect

your beloved ride in an

airliner’s cargo hold. It

accommodates bikes of

almost any size, even beefy

29ers (up to a 46-inch

wheelbase) and its internal

stowage system doubles as

a three-legged workstand.

Pack carefully: An empty

case weighs 35 pounds,

so adding a bike and gear

can easily push it over the

50-pound weight limit, and

you’ll incur steep baggage

fees.—M.P.

1. POWERTAP GS HUB $1,090

The new GS boasts reliable

internals from renowned

wheel maker DT Swiss. It

lets you swap driver shells

so your hub remains com-

patible with evolving axle

standards and cassette

configurations. PowerTap

also uses straight-pull

spokes, which it claims can

be attached to the rim with

higher tension to create

a stiffer wheel. The bat-

tery and electronics are

packed into a cap that pulls

off for repairs, so you can

still ride the wheel.—Matt

Phillips

2. MAD ALCHEMY

GENTLEMAN’S BLEND

EMBROCATION $20

Rub this gentle warming

balm onto your legs to

warm up your muscles.

Unlike some stronger for-

mulations, this one’s heat

is faint; it’s made for the

milder temperatures of

late spring and early sum-

mer. I found the aroma

pleasant and the mix of

cedar and rosemary woke

up my senses on morning

rides. Apply precisely: The

apricot-colored salve can

stain light-colored cycling

clothes.—M.P.

3. SPECIALIZED S-WORKS

EVADE HELMET $250

The Evade aero helmet is

designed to help you slip

easily through the wind. It

is reasonably light and well

ventilated, though some

other models feel cooler.

Inside, the helmet’s shape

is not too round and not

too oval; it should fit lots

of riders comfortably. The

thin chinstrap is hardly

noticeable. Does this

unique helmet make you

faster? Wind-tunnel data

suggests it will, but aver-

age riders might not notice

much difference.—M.P.

4. K-EDGE PRO ROAD CHAIN

CATCHER $30

The US-made Pro Road is

the latest and most secure

version of K-Edge’s popu-

lar chain catcher. New is

a lower bolt that prevents

the device from rotating

in high-load situations.

Another improvement:

Derailleur adjustment is

now independent from

catcher adjustment, mak-

ing the setup of both

components easier and

more precise. Note: The

Pro Road is compatible

only with braze-on front-

derailleur mounts.—M.P.

TOOLS TH AT HELP DELI V ER THE SPEED YOU N EEDROAD RACE //

1

3

2

4

5


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B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

G E A R

1

2

4

Made in the USA. Ridden Everywhere.

King Matt and his Evergreen PRO

Ride with them at sevencycles.com/kingmatt


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1. ERGON BA3 EVO PROTECT

BIKE PACK $130

Made for enduro races,

this backpack offers stor-

age for your full-face

helmets and pads. And

it also provides a little

armor itself—an optional

spine protector ($30)

slips into a rear compart-

ment to shield you during

falls. The 141-gram guard

is made of flexible EPS

foam and, other than the

space it occupies in the

pack, goes unnoticed

while you’re riding. Even

when fully loaded the

BA3 is remarkably stable

and comfortable. Ergon

doesn’t supply a reser-

voir, so you can drop in

your favorite.—Ron Koch

2. RACE FACE DIY WOMEN’S

SHORTS $70

These lightweight

women’s shorts look

and feel minimal-

ist, but the stretchy,

abrasion-resistant, and

water-repellent fabric

is designed to survive

abusive trails while

providing a comfort-

able, flexible fit over a

chamois. Silky fabric on

the inside of each leg

slips easily over protec-

tion, and an adjustable

inner waistband feels

soft against your skin.

New this year: The shorts

come in turquoise as

well as last year’s black,

and there’s a matching

jersey.—Jennifer Sherry

3. POC JOINT VPD 2.0 KNEE

PADS $120

Made from a visco-

elastic polymer dough

(VPD) that contours

around your knees and

stiffens upon impact,

these lightweight pads

are extraordinarily com-

fortable and provide

surprising levels of pro-

tection. A floating layer

of softer fabric sits just

above your kneecap to

limit chafing, and two

hook-and-loop straps

keep the pads in place.

The only drawback is

that the VDP material

stiffens as temperatures

drop. POC also offers a

matching elbow guard

($80).—R.K.

4. THOMSON ELITE DROPPER

SEATPOST $450

Thomson used its

experience crafting

reliable, good-looking

components to create

this new dropper seat-

post. The Elite has

125mm of adjustable

travel and operates

smoothly whether you’re

raising or lowering your

saddle. The cam-actuated

rebound feels nice and

controlled, so there’s no

pogo-stick action, and the

613-gram post has little

side-to-side play. The

diminutive release lever

is easy to operate and,

as a bonus, it takes up

hardly any space on your

handlebar.—R.K.

RIDE (A N D R ACE) A LL DAY, IN COMFORT

ENDURO ACCESSORIES //

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5. BELL INDY HELMET $55

Available in two high-

gloss and three matte

colors, the Indy is packed

with features—gener-

ously sized vents, reflective

highlights, and an eas-

ily removable visor—at a

reasonable price. Its con-

temporary shape works

equally well with road,

mountain, urban, and even

noncycling apparel, so it

can protect you on just

about any ride. The helmet

comes in just one size, but

Bell’s internal ErgoDial

system makes it easy to

find the proper fit.—B.F.

1. SKS AIRWORX 10.0

PUMP $50

The SKS pump head is sim-

ple to use and fits a variety

of tire valves—there’s no

need to switch parts or use

adaptors. A long hose lets

you inflate your tube with-

out needing to reposition

your wheel, and a broad

base and wide handle keep

the pump stable while it’s

in use. Each push delivers a

good volume of air—it took

about 20 strokes to fill my

road tire. When you’re fin-

ished, the hose clips neatly

to the body of the pump.

—Brad Ford

2. LEZYNE FEMTO DRIVE PAIR

LIGHTS $28/pair

Lezyne’s Femto minimalist

lights come packed with

thoughtful details. The lens

cover doubles as an on/

off button that also lets

you toggle between four

blink rates and a steady

beam. The short machined-

aluminum body holds a

silicone rubber strap and

composite belt clip that

attaches to bags, clothing,

or nearly any frame tube.

The lights are available

individually for $15 or $28

for a pair—white for front,

red for rear.—B.F.

3. SHIMANO PD-A600 PEDALS

$140

These single-sided pedals

engage with an audible

snap, so you know you’re

securely clipped in. They

have easily adjustable ten-

sion and a wide platform

with a large contact area

to stand on. They’re com-

patible with shoes that

have a two-bolt pattern for

attaching mountain-bike-

style cleats, which makes

them a great choice for

riders who stop frequently,

commute, or often need

to walk in their cycling

shoes.—B.F.

4. 1UP USA HEAVY DUTY DOU-

BLE BICYCLE QUIK RACK $530

Made in the United States

with high-quality hardware,

this aluminum rack attach-

es to a 2-inch hitch with

a wedge-style retention

system. There’s no locking

pin, but the fit stayed snug

throughout our testing.

The 47-pound rack holds

two bikes, and you can

add as many as two more

trays ($200 each). It fits

most wheel sizes, but the

dual ratcheting arms clamp

down on your tires, so be

careful if your bike has

fenders.—Ron Koch

RECREATIONAL-LEVEL GEAR THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DOWEEKEND RIDER //

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5. TIMBUK2 PROOF

MESSENGER BAG $190 (small)

Part of Timbuk2’s upscale

Distilled Collection, the

waxed-canvas Proof is

finished with leather trim.

Timbuk2 didn’t skimp on

features in its pursuit of

style: The bag comes with

a smartly angled shoulder

strap, magnetic weather

flaps that seal automatical-

ly when the bag is closed,

and a removable cross

strap for use while cycling.

The Proof is ideal for your

next business meeting, trip

to the café, or daily com-

mute.—Brad Ford

1. RAPHA ROCKET ESPRESSO

MACHINE $2,500

This limited-edition

machine made by Rocket

Espresso Milano has a cop-

per boiler with lead-free

brass end plates, and its

Sirai pressure stat is legend-

ary for its accuracy. But

if you have the means to

consider this machine, you

assume luxury-level opera-

tion; you just want that final

rationalization. Here it is:

Our mechanic—who has

the most experienced pull

among our staff—insisted

on taking it home for exten-

sive testing.—Bill Strickland

2. FYXATION LEATHER SIX-PACK

CADDY $60

Milwaukee has long been

a city of beer and bicycles,

so it’s fitting that Fyxation,

a small company that four

years ago began devel-

oping stylish urban bike

tires in that city, should

create this carrier. Part

of the company’s Tannery

collection, it is made out

of full-grain leather and

latches to your top tube

with a sturdy slotted-hole-

and-ball-stud system. It’s

either a solution or a per-

sonal statement—or both.

—David Howard

3. UPRIGHT CYCLIST DIVISION

PANT $130

Made from cotton woven

with spandex, these pants

are as comfortable as

they are practical. The

reinforced, gusseted crotch

prevents snags on the sad-

dle and the articulated legs

won’t bunch as you pedal.

A high back provides ample

coverage, reflective pip-

ing gets you noticed after

dark, and the buttoned

front pockets keep your

wallet or keys from slipping

out. At your desk they look

and feel like a good pair of

chinos.—Matt Allyn

4. SHINOLA RUNWELL WATCH

$550–$800

The pairing of bikes and

wristwatches isn’t new—

Colnago has released

several high-quality

iterations—but the Run-

well stands out because

timepieces are the flag-

ship product of Shinola, a

made-in-Detroit startup.

This quartz-movement,

stainless-steel chronograph

is not light, laterally stiff and

vertically compliant, and will

never disappear beneath

you. It just keeps accurate

time and marks you as a

cyclist of style.—B.S.

BECAUSE EV EN W HEN YOU’RE NOT RIDING, YOU’RE STILL A C YCLISTLIFESTYLE //

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B U Y E R ’ S

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1. WHEELS MANUFACTURING PF30 OUTBOARD

BOTTOM BRACKET $74–$125

Shimano cranks are nice. Many frames with

Pressfit 30 bottom brackets also are nice.

But the two don’t always work together so

nicely—combining them often requires a

bunch of creak-prone parts and adapters. The

Wheels PF30 Outboard is a clean, two-piece

aluminum bottom bracket that presses in

and threads together for a solid (and so far,

quiet) solution. Wheels offers three levels

of bearings, including ceramic, as well as an

option for SRAM GXP cranks.—Matt Phillips

2. OSYMETRIC CHAINRINGS $330/pair

Osymetric points to a study that showed a 4

percent gain in watts with its nonround rings.

That extra power comes from the TwinCam

design, a radically flattened 52-tooth ring

that delivers the power of a 49- to 55-tooth

design through its revolution. The rings have

a kind of pulsing feel, which I got used to

within a ride or so. Climbs didn’t feel easier,

but I went faster.—Joe Lindsey

COMPON EN T SPLURGES FOR THE ULTIM ATE RIDE

UPGRADES //

3. RITCHEY MONOCURVE HANDLEBAR $600

At 363 grams, this one-piece bar-and-stem

combo is no lighter (or less expensive) than

separate parts. But grip Ritchey’s Monocurve,

stand up and rip off a sprint, and you’ll get

the appeal. Without bolts, the unified carbon

construction makes the bar strikingly stiff; it’s

perfect for anyone who rides hard enough to

flex a traditional bar. With a 128mm drop and

78mm reach on our 42cm tester (reach varies

based on bar width), the Monocurve has excel-

lent ergonomics, but the fixed attachment

means you can’t change the bar angle.—J.L.

4. SCHWALBE ONE RT TIRE $88

The rap on tubeless road tires has been that

the stiff ride blunts the comfort benefit of

lower pressures. Schwalbe’s 285-gram One

RT is part of a new crop of tubeless tires

with better rubber compounds and casings

to improve their connection to the road. The

127-tpi casing feels more supple at lower

pressures than standard ones, while the tube-

less bead locks tightly to the rim.—J.L.

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5. CHALLENGE TUBE $20

If you pair a latex tube with an open tubular

tire like Challenge’s Paris-Roubaix or Criterium,

you’ll get 90 percent of the legendary ride

of tubulars with almost none of the equally

legendary hassle. Latex tubes do have some

challenges—they leak air more quickly than

butyl tubes and require more care during

installation—but their supple, buoyant ride

is worth a little extra effort. And seamless

versions, like this one, are less susceptible

to flats.—J.L.

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B U Y E R ’ S

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3. CONTINENTAL TOP CONTACT

II TIRE $60

The 596-gram Top Contact

II fights flats with a layer

of Vectran Breaker mate-

rial under the tread and a

beefy three-ply polyamide

casing. Its smooth center

tread rolls fast, while shoul-

der blocks boost cornering

grip in variable conditions.

It’s available in diameters

from 26 inches to 700c

and in multiple widths; my

32mm test pair handled

predictably even in dirt.

And reflective sidewalls

mean your adventure can

continue past sunset.—R.K.

1. DELORME INREACH SE

SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR

$300

Stay connected anywhere

in the world you ride with

this 194-gram device,

which lets you text and

post to social media as

well as send SOS mes-

sages and communicate

with rescue responders

in an emergency. It can

be used as a stand-alone

unit or you can connect

it via Bluetooth to your

smartphone or tablet to

boost its mapping features.

Service plans start at $12 a

month.—Ron Koch

4. ORTLEIB BACK ROLLER

CLASSIC PANNIER $180

Nothing dampens the spirit

of adventure like soaking-

wet supplies. Ortlieb’s

lightweight, waterproof,

no-frills sack has a roll-top

closure to keep your gear

dry, and a single internal

mesh pocket to organize

your cargo. A clever quick-

release system detaches

with a tug of its handle.

The Back Roller Clas-

sic attached securely to

my Tubus Logo Evo rack,

and after I installed the

included plastic shims, the

bag never rattled.—R.K.

5. A’ME HEATED 1.3 TRI GRIPS

$200

Heated grips let you use

lightweight gloves in sub-

freezing conditions for

better control and dexter-

ity. These 562-gram (with

battery) clamp-on moun-

tain bike grips feature

integrated power buttons

with six settings. Run time

varies with ambient tem-

perature and bar material,

but the lowest setting

kept my hands toasty for

90 minutes in 32-degree

weather. Use a carbon bar

instead of aluminum to buy

more time.—R.K.

2. GIRO NEW ROAD RIDE

OVERSHORT $150

Giro’s New Road casual

cycling collection might

be the most functional

style-focused clothing

line I’ve tried. Thanks

to a formfitting cut and

Schoeller’s cozy, four-

way stretch fabric, you’ll

almost forget you’re wear-

ing these shorts. For extra

comfort on long rides, pair

them with the New Road

bib undershorts ($150),

which come with a front

fly, hidden rear pockets,

and an Italian-made

chamois.—R.K.

DUR A BLE GEA R FOR THE LONG H AUL— OR YOUR DA ILY TRIPSADVENTURE //

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1. PEDRO’S STARTER TOOL KIT $155

The burrito-style roll contains the essential

tools any aspiring home mechanic might

need for basic repairs. Nestled inside the

packable set are screwdrivers, hex wrenches,

cable cutters, and a crank puller. With extra

pockets for adding tools as your collection

grows, this kit forms a solid starting point for

a portable workshop.—Mike Yozell

2. BUTTER B1 CHAIN HANGER $50

Smart mechanics use a chain hanger to hold

the links of a chain like a cassette would,

making bike washes and lube jobs a cinch.

It’s a simple tool that makes dirty jobs eas-

ier. Butter’s model is made from machined

aluminum, has a chain runner made of durable

Delrin, and attaches with just one quick twist.

The company also makes thru-axle-compatible

versions for mountain bikes. There are cheap-

er options, but Butter’s American-made B1 will

outlast most bikes.—M.Y.

B U Y E R ’ S

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KEEP YOUR BIKE ROLLING W ITH THESE SM A RT

A N D F UNCTIONA L TOOLS

WORKSHOP //

3. WD-40 WET AND DRY LUBES $9

Better known for products that quiet door-

hinge squeaks, WD-40 now offers a full line

of bike-maintenance products. The chain

lube comes in two formulations, one for wet

weather and one for dry. The wet has proved

to be long-lasting and durable in extreme

conditions, while the dry version lubed well

and kept grime to a minimum. As a bonus,

both have a lightly perfumed aroma.—M.Y.

4. EVT MEDIEVAL PEDAL WRENCH $131

This US-made tool has three precisely

machined 15mm flats, so you’ll never strip

the pedal’s axle. At 18 inches long, it creates

enough leverage to remove stubborn ped-

als, and the adjustable head makes it easier

to find the best angle to loosen the threads.

The handle’s slight outward bend saves your

hands from bashing on chainrings. EVT also

makes adaptors to fit pedals without wrench

flats or that require 6mm wrenches.—M.Y.

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5. PARK TOOL TEAM ISSUE REPAIR STAND $340

Sturdy and easy to set up, this portable repair

stand quickly became one of my favorites. It has a

professional-style clamp that fits frame tubes up

to 3 inches in diameter and swivels 360 degrees to

make accessing any part of the bike a snap. Plus,

the wide, easy-to-brace legs proved sturdy even

on slightly uneven ground. The main trunk adjusts

as much as 60 inches high—but when folded, it

measures 47 inches and fits neatly into the trunk

of my car.—M.Y.

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GREAT GEA R FOR RIDING

FA ST, GOING LONG, OR BOTH

MOUNTAIN XC //

1. ENVE SWEEP BAR $160

When choosing a handlebar, some gram-

counting racers make their choice by looking

only at the component’s weight. But durability

and comfort deserve equal consideration. The

Sweep offers all three traits: It’s stiff enough

to provide precise steering, adequately damps

trail vibration to reduce fatigue, and weighs a

respectable 180 grams. I found the bar’s 740mm

length comfortable, but if you prefer yours

shorter, Enve includes graduated lines every

10mm that take the guesswork out of trim-

ming.—Mike Yozell

2. INDUSTRY NINE TRAIL 24-HOLE 29 WHEELS $1,195

Installing lightweight wheels is a sure way to

increase your speed. The Trail 24s weigh a few

grams more than the most featherweight hoops,

but they incorporate high-performance details

into an eye-catching design. The wide, tubeless-

compatible rims increase tire volume, so you

have better control; the fast-engaging hub gets

you rolling as soon as you push on the pedals;

and the wheels’ stiffness propels you forward

with little wasted energy. The 1,605-gram Trail

24s come with swappable end caps that are

compatible with all current axle sizes.—M.Y.

3. MAVIC CROSSMAX SL TI PEDAL $400

The new Crossmax SL, like the Time ATAC that

it’s based on, has an open body that sheds muck

well so you can clip in easier after a muddy dis-

mount. But it’s built with a narrower retention

bail that keeps your foot more centered over

the pedal for better power transfer. The Cross-

max also offers more support under the lugs of

your shoes to prevent side-to-side rocking. The

premium version with titanium axles weighs 240

grams a set, but Mavic also makes two lower-

cost versions that are only slightly heavier.—M.Y.

4. LIZARD SKINS DSP GRIPS $30

Grip maker Lizard Skins first used DSP (a type

of durable shock-absorbing foam) on its bar

tape. Having proved the material’s value in the

rough-and-tumble world of cyclocross racing,

the manufacturer has now developed two DSP

mountain-bike grips—one is slightly thicker than

the other. Weighing a scant 30 grams per pair,

the thinner grips I tested have withstood months

of hard riding. Both options come in eight colors

and are easy to install on almost any bar using

double-sided tape.—M.Y.

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A DEEPER LOOK AT CARBON

FIBER SHOWS THERE’S FAR

MORE TO THE MATERIAL

T H A N M EE T S T H E E Y E

B Y B E R N E B R O U D Y


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I’m standing in Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness in South Burlington, Vermont, looking down a row of carbon-fiber bikes, contemplating the differences between the $1,900 crimson-and-white one in front of me and the $9,000

matte-black beauty at the end of the line.

I’ve been around bikes long enough to know

that high-end components can make a big

difference in the bottom line, but that only

accounts for so much. What I want to know

is: What about the frames?

I lean in close enough that my breath forms

condensation on the tubes, but the construc-

tion techniques within these bikes clearly lie

below the surface. I turn to Joe Drennan, Earl’s

manager, and ask, “What gives?”

He explains that bike makers use several

grades of carbon. “When you spend more,

you get a stronger material, so manufacturers

can use less, which makes the frame lighter,”

he offers. That makes sense, but when I press

Drennan on how the grades differ, how they

affect a bike’s feel on the road, and whether one

brand’s premium carbon bike is like another’s,

he goes behind the counter and

returns with a stack of catalogs.

Clearly, I have homework to do.

Back home I flip through the

literature and tap into Google.

I’m bombarded with informa-

tion. Carbon manufacturing

is so complicated and has so

many variables that at first I

doubt I’ll be able to make sense

of it. I don’t want a masters-

level class in material science,

but I want to understand how

these frames are designed so I can make an

informed decision. But I persist over the next

few weeks, eventually picking up the phone and

talking to nearly a dozen carbon-fiber engineers

from brands like Cervélo, Giant, Specialized,

and Trek. Over time, the mysterious material

comes into sharper focus.

The most surprising revelation? The carbon

used in every single bike—no matter the cost—

comes from one of just five manufacturers.

As I would learn, those fibers can be tweaked

a multitude of ways before they end up in a

frame, but every bike starts with more or less

the same raw materials. “Building a carbon bike

is like putting people in a kitchen, all with the

same ingredients,” says Jeff Soucek, director

of research and development at Felt Bicycles.

“Some will be great chefs, and they will make

something delicious.”

Nearly all the carbon

produced by the five man-

ufacturers is destined for

the aerospace industry (the

total amount of carbon used

by all bike makers in a year

is less than in three Boeing

787 Dreamliners). The Japan

Carbon Fiber Manufacturers

Association has categorized

five grades of the material, four

of which are used in bikes and

A SINGLE BIKE CAN CONTAIN

500 PIECES OF CARBON, ASSEMBLED

IN 40 LAYERS.Courtesy

��ŕöôõøŕŕĄŕŕ��þ�� 115


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can help guide your bike purchase.

Those grades are defined by, among

other things, the carbon’s stiffness

(also called modulus) and tensile

strength (which is tested by pull-

ing the material until it fractures).

As you move up the scale, the mate-

rial generally becomes stiffer and

more expensive, but not always

stronger (see graphic at right).

All carbon begins as thin fibers

that must first be made into sheets—

by weaving, or by aligning the

strands in a uniform direction—

before they become part of a bike.

Then manufacturers add glue-like

resin to create a composite materi-

al called pre-preg, which can be cut

and layered into complex shapes (See

“Elements of the Build,” page 118).

Then things get really interesting.

Carbon bikes can contain up to

500 pieces of pre-preg, assembled

in 40 or more layers—often combin-

ing different grades. Some pieces are

as long as a down tube, while others

are no bigger than a postage stamp.

By using stiff carbon in some places

and more forgiving strands else-

where, engineers can tailor a bike’s

feel. That’s how a company like

Specialized can tune a Roubaix to

be comfortable on long rides and

make a similarly priced Tarmac

ultrastiff. As a bike’s structure and

tube shapes become more complex,

it typically requires higher grades

of carbon to hit a manufacturers’

strength, weight, and stiffness goals.

That can significantly add to price.

I will never fully understand all

the nuances of carbon manufactur-

ing, but the basics now make enough

sense that I feel comfortable walk-

ing into a shop and selecting a bike.

I return to Earl’s and hone in on

two models that each cost about

$3,500. They’re made mostly from

midlevel carbon, and when Dren-

nan tells me they both should offer

a forgiving ride, I understand why

that’s the case. Only one question

remains: How do I know which

one will offer a more pleasing ride?

That’s easy, Drennan tells me:

“You still have to ride the bikes.” �


Courtesy

STANDARD MODULUS

Modulus of 200–280 Gpa

Tensile strength of 2,500 Mpa or higher

Relatively strong and stiff, this is the least

expensive form of carbon fiber and is found

almost exclusively in entry-level frames. Used

In Full tubes, tube junctions, high-stress areas

around the head tube, lower down tube, and

chainstays (even on some high-end bikes).

INTERMEDIATE MODULUS



The strongest of all carbons, it’s found primarily

on premium frames. Used In High-strain areas

like flexing seatstays, and in strength-critical

regions, like the top tube, down tube, and parts

of the head tube.

HIGH MODULUS



This carbon is on average 62 percent stiffer

than standard modulus, but it’s more brittle so

engineers use it sparingly. A high-end bike might

contain 25 percent high-modulus fibers. Used

In Areas that require extra lateral rigidity, like a

down tube, seat tube, or chainstay.

ULTRA-HIGH MODULUS

Modulus of 600+ Gpa


The stiffest of carbon types, it is also brittle and

very expensive. It’s used selectively in top-of-

the-line bikes, often with stronger intermediate-

modulus carbon—even then, it comprises only

about 15 percent of the material. Used In Low-

impact zones, like the center of the top tube.

*These Japan Carbon Fiber Manufacturers Association standards are guidelines only—bike manufacturers and

other makers of carbon goods can label their products however they choose.

MAKING THE GRADE*

MODULUS

Stiffness, or how well a material

resists stretching.

GPA

Gigapascals. Modulus is

measured in Gpa.

TENSILE STRENGTH

A representation of how much force a fiber can take before failing.

MPA

Megapascals. Tensile strength is measured in Mpa.

HOW T HE FOUR L E V EL S OF CARBON USED IN BIK ES S TACK UP — B . B .


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elements

of the build

CARBON FIBER // There are two precursors to carbon:

rock-like pitch and polyacrylonitrile (or PAN), which is

a fishing-line like filament favored by bike makers. To

make fibers(1), manufacturers bake the PAN; heating it

longer creates a purer, lighter, stiffer product. Premium

carbon threads can be as thin as 7 microns, about one-

seventeenth the width of a human hair.

R E S I N // The glue-like resin (2) epoxy holds carbon

strands in place by filling the gaps between them so

they can provide structural integrity. Manufacturers

can mix in additives (microscopic rubber balls, for

instance) to improve certain performance traits, such

as increasing a bike’s ability to stay intact during a crash.

P R E - P R E G // These are the thin, pliable sheets of fiber

impregnated with resin that, with only a few excep-

tions, are used to manufacture carbon bikes. Each

composite sheet (3) has between 3,000 and 24,000

strands of carbon per eighth of an inch. In struc-

tural carbon—the type of pre-preg that gives bike

tubes their strength and rigidity—the fibers are laid

unidirectionally, which makes them stronger. The

interlaced weaves you see on many frames are mostly

cosmetic, but offer some protection against impacts.

L AY U P // Manufacturing processes vary greatly

between companies (and even by model), but most

composite bikes are made by arranging small strips

(4) of carbon around a solid core inside a mold (5).

Heating the mold liquefies the resin, and pressure

forms the pre-preg into the shape of the frame.—B.B.

PIECES OF THE PUZZLEFor engineers, building a carbon frame

is like putting together an intricate 3-D

jigsaw puzzle. Bikes can have hundreds of

pieces, assembled in 40 or more layers.

To get it right, designers rely on computer

software called Finite Element Analysis

(FEA), which helps them determine where

they should use each grade of carbon

and how best to orient the pieces for

the ideal mix of strength, stiffness, and

compliance. Without leaving their desks,

engineers can go through hundreds of

variations an hour until they strike the

right balance. A high-performance bike

like Specialized’s Venge, shown, requires

about 400 individual pieces of carbon.

Each color represents a different thick-

ness of the carbon tubes. —B.B.

1 2

3

4 5

Specialized Venge

Courtesy


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G U I D E

SHOP n e i l b e z d e kBY

SHOP



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SAV V YEverything you need to know to buy your first bike—plus great new gear that will take your riding to the next level

SAV V Y


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If you plan to do more than just salivateover the shiny new bikes in this issue, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by your options. Before your head explodes, allow us to demystify the process of bicycle buying.

Start by deciding which of the most common

bike types makes sense for you—mountain,

road, hybrid, or city/commuter. Next, factor in

your goals. Consider things like what kind of

terrain you’ll ride most, what distance you want

to cover, and what you want to accomplish.

If you’re more interested in exploring off

road, your choice is pretty straightforward:

Look for a mountain bike with wide, knobby

tires, a flat handlebar, strong brakes, and shock-

absorbing suspension that’s made for rough,

unpredictable trails. You’ll then need to decide

how much suspension you want (most have

between 4 and 8 inches of travel) and which

wheel size is right for you: 26-, 27.5-, or 29-inch.

Smoother trails require less travel and allow

you to use larger, more stable wheels.

If you expect to spend most of your time on

pavement, your options increase. Depending

on your goals, you might want a road bike, a

commuter, or a hybrid. Most

road bikes have smooth, skinny

tires and a curved handlebar,

and place you in a bent-over

position suited for speed.

Hybrids provide comfort and

stability via moderately thick

tires and an upright riding

position, a compromise that

allows you to ride easily on city

streets or packed-dirt paths.

Commuter bikes range from

sturdy workhorses to stylish

fashion accessories, and often have utilitarian

features like rack and fender mounts, an upright

frame design, and low-maintenance drivetrains.

Choosing between the three depends on how

hard, how long, and where you want to ride,

says Mattie Davitt, sales manager at Piermont

Bicycle Connection in Piermont, New York.

Many bike makers offer hybrids with high-

quality drivetrains and disc brakes. They’re

lightweight and fun to ride, making them a solid

choice for commuters or new riders who want

one bike to run errands, cruise the rail-trail,

and ride with the family. But if you’re planning

to burn some serious calories, train for a char-

ity ride, or maybe even sign up for a race, you’ll

be more satisfied with a road bike, says Davitt.

In terms of versatility, don’t discount a road

bike just because the name implies a single

purpose. “Manufacturers are getting better at

catering to people who want to do more than one

thing,” says Nelson Gutierrez,

owner of Strictly Bicycles in

Fort Lee, New Jersey. They

see that buyers often want to

use one bike for exercise and

commuting. With features like

thicker tires, disc brakes, and a

more upright geometry, many

current road models are fast,

efficient—and rugged.

Once you decide how you’ll

use a bike, consider the follow-

ing tips to focus your search.�

B R I N G A L O N G Y O U R O L D B I K E

A N D E X P L A I N W H AT Y O U L I K E

O R D O N ’ T L I K E A B O U T I T.

A S K T H E S A L E S P E R S O N

T O T R A N S L AT E J A R G O N

I N T O E N G L I S H .

A L L O W A E S T H E T I C S T O

I N F L U E N C E Y O U R D E C I S I O N —

B U T N O T T O T H E D E T R I M E N T

O F A G O O D F I T.

IT’S OK TO…


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BICYCLING EDIT ORS SHARE T HE GE AR DISCOVERIES T HAT T RANSFORMED T HE WAY T HE Y RIDE

12

� B U D G E T F O R M O R E T H A N J U S T T H E B I K E

Decide how much money you want to invest in your

cycling goals before you start shopping. Then, regard-

less of your budget, allocate about two-thirds of it to

the bike. You’ll want the rest for accessories—because

no matter your price range, you still need basics like a

helmet, a pump, a water bottle, and bottle cages.

P R I O R I T I Z E F I T

Even a top-shelf bike will be miserable to ride if it doesn’t

fit. Any good salesperson should help you find the right

size, then make at least four adjustments: seat height,

saddle position, handlebar height, and reach. Better:

Find a shop staffed with a certified fitter who will take

precise measurements, set you up on multiple bikes, and

swap parts if necessary to dial your position. This kind

of service usually costs extra, so factor that into your

budget. And beware: Sometimes retailers offer deep dis-

counts on odd-sized bikes left over from past seasons;

resist the temptation unless the bike is truly your size.

T E S T L O T S O F M O D E L S

Bike shopping is a lot like buying a house or car—you

should rarely purchase the first model you see. If you’re

still riding the same clunker that’s been in your garage

since high school, almost any new bike is going to feel

amazing, but that’s only because the technology has come

a long way. On the other hand, an unfamiliar bike at the

shop might feel wrong just because it’s different.

N A R R O W Y O U R S E A R C H

Try to focus your options to three models based on your

budget and intended use. Then make sure you take an

adequate test ride of at least 15 to 20 minutes—longer

if you can. Before you take that spin, though, ask for fit

adjustments and a quick tutorial on how the bike oper-

ates, says Gutierrez. You might dismiss an otherwise

worthy model if you’re stretching to reach the handle-

bar or fumbling with a type of shifter you’ve never used.

D R E S S T H E P A R T

For test rides or bike fittings, put on the same apparel

and shoes you plan to use on actual rides. A bicycle can

fit one way when you’re in jeans and another when you’re

wearing cycling shorts.

S E E K P E R S O N A L S E R V I C E

There’s nothing wrong with shopping for bargains online.

But consider all the advantages of going to a brick-and-

mortar store. Besides fit sessions and test rides, a shop

will ensure quality assembly and might offer free adjust-

ments for a period of time, as well as other discounts on

accessories included with the purchase of a complete bike.

A shop is also a venue for getting to know other cyclists

through organized group rides and events, says Charles

von Isenburg, owner of Mock Orange Bikes in Winston-

Salem, North Carolina. “We invite our customers into the

cycling community,” he says. “It’s our greatest service

for the new rider.”

game changers

CHAMOIS

CREAM

Saddle sores hurt like hell, but theyÕre entirely prevent-able. TRY Assos Chamois Cr•me, $20—Peter Flax, editor-in-chief

WIDE ROAD

TIRES Rubber thatÕs 25mm (or wider) lets me run lower pressure and gives me more control. TRY Vitto-ria Diamante Pro, $64—Joe Lindsey, contributor

BASE LAYER

I ride more in winter now that I know how to layer. TRY Craft Active Extreme with Windstop-per, $120—David Howard, executive editor

DROPPER POST

Lowering my saddle on tricky mountain bike trails gives me more confidence. TRY RockShox Reverb, $384—Louis Mazzante, articles editor

FLOOR PUMP

A durable pump with a stable base makes that mandatory pre-ride tire-pressure check fast and easy. TRY Black-burnÕs Air Tower 1, $30ÑJ.L.

BIB SHORTS

These address one of my pet peeves: ill-fitting waist-bands. TRY Louis Garneau Neo Pow-er Fit Bibshort, $140—Christine Bucher, managing editor

Courtesy

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S P L U R G E O N S A D D L E , S AV E O N S A D D L E B A GA seat bag’s job is pretty

basic, but a saddle can make

or break your ride—and

sometimes the saddle that

comes with a new bike might

not be the ideal choice for

you. “A good bike shop will

work with you to try differ-

ent ones,” says Davitt.

S P L U R G E O N S H O E S , S AV E O N P E D A L SAll the retailers we talked to

stressed the importance of

contact points—any place

the body touches gear. Com-

pared with pedals, which

vary in weight but work simi-

larly across all prices, shoes

differ more in quality and

fit—and you feel them with

every pedal stroke.

S P L U R G E O N S H O R T S ,S AV E O N J E R S E Y When it comes to shorts, a

higher price almost always

means a superior chamois

(the padding that provides

a buffer between you and the

saddle) and better construc-

tion, which translates to

greater comfort and a more

pleasant ride experience.

S P L U R G E O N B O T T L E S ,S AV E O N B O T T L E C A G E SStandard alloy cages are

nearly as light as their car-

bon counterparts and get the

job done with no fuss. Pay

a few extra bucks for your

water bottle, on the other

hand, and you’ll get practi-

cal upgrades or, even better,

fun graphics that inspire you

to get out and ride.

S P L U R G E O N A F R A M EP U M P, S AV E O N T U B E SAlthough they are a few

grams heavier, lower-priced

tubes are often better able

to resist f lats than premi-

um options. More expensive

pumps, however, will fill

your tires faster and require

less pumping effort than

basic models.

S P L U R G E O N L I G H T S , S AV E O N H E L M E TBoth are designed to pro-

tect you. But every cycling

helmet sold in the US has to

satisfy the same regulations

regardless of how much

it costs. Spend more on

lights, however, and you’ll

get brighter, more effective

illumination with longer

battery life.—N.B.3

smart

splurges

Where to invest—and

where to save—when

accessorizingyourself and

your bike

Bottom bracket

ANATOMY LESSON4 K NO W Y OUR BIK E PA R T S

Brake

Chain

Chainrings

Top tube

Down tube

Seat tube

Stem

Rear derailleur

Seatpost

Fork

Dropout

Hub

Cassette

Chainstay

Front derailleur

Head tube

Brake

Crankarm

Handlebar

Shifter

Brake hood (onlyon a road bike)

Rim

Tire

Headset

Saddle

Seatstay

Spoke



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ALL-STAR FEEDBACK

mary roach

Best-selling author of such titles

as Stiff, Spook, and Gulp555 mike wolfe

Creator and star of History

Channel’s American Pickers

rebecca rusch

World champion

endurance mountain biker

CANDID GE AR RE V IE W S FROM OUR E X CLUSIV E PA NEL OF C Y CL ING NO TA BL ES

NORTH ST. HIP POUCH

// Handmade in Port-

land, Oregon, with

US-sourced materials,

this pack has a water-

proof liner, an adjust-

able belt, and a U-lock

harness. $48

HERO KIT FOR ROAD

BIKES // Not only does

this repair kit come

with enough tools to

fix almost any roadside

snafu, it also contains

step-by-step instruc-

tions on how to use

them. $40

SOMA FABRICATIONS

MORNING RUSH

COFFEE HOLDER // This

stainless-steel cup

holder mounts to your

handlebar and frees

your hands on the way

home from the coffee

shop. $20

TOPEAK FLASHSTAND

SLIM // This portable

kickstand slips over

your crankarm and

props up your bike

when there’s no rack in

sight. $45

ROAD ID APP // This free

mobile tool tracks your

ride via GPS using elec-

tronic “crumbs” and

lets your friends and

family know if you are

safe when you’re miles

away from home.

If I blew a tire on my way home, I’d just throw the bike on the bus rack and take it

into the shop later. I’m never going to be the gal who

replaces a link or tinkers with her gear shifter. I did use the

multitool to unscrew a broken bell from my handlebar, and

that worked out just fine.

For solo cyclists or nervous parents, the app—which

tracks you and alerts loved ones if you’ve been stationary too long—makes some sense. Though I wouldn’t give a kid an app that texts you every

time he sets the phone down for five minutes.

Perfect size, simple design. I like the removable belt and the two-pocket inside orga-

nizer, though it should be removable, too. Great design

idea to carry a U-lock. The reflective tape is more than

a nice touch, it’s a must.

It’s the MacGyver starter kit. The 12-function tool is killer. A rain poncho, duct tape…

these guys must have served in an Indy 500 pit. The how-

to guide is full of pictures and the most brilliant thing is the size—doable for any

small seat bag or jersey pocket.

My mom wears fanny packs. I prefer purses and back-packs. But this pouch is

definitely bomber, with an industrial-strength belt and

construction that would survive a war. I’d use it as a sweet tool bag for travel.

I ride alone all the time and change my routes on a whim. I’m also an EMT, so I

like the idea of easily accessi-ble emergency info. The app was incredibly easy and fast

to set up and start. But if you leave a cell-phone bub-ble, it may not be reliable.


I don’t drink coffee while I ride, but let’s not let that get

in the way. This is one ver-satile holder. It will also hold

a cocktail shaker, a large upside-down pear, a soup ladle, a pint glass, and—

huzzah!—my aluminum water bottle, which doesn’t actually

fit in my bottle holder.

The Soma is sleek, simple and functional. I love the

full-page instructions that came with it. “Get to a safe

place before drinking”: That’s sound advice regard-

less of the situation.

This is great for people who bought a bike without a kick-stand, came home, smacked themselves on the forehead and thought, “What? I really wanted a kickstand.” For the

rest of us? I’m unsure.

This stand isn’t made to store your bike—it’s made to display it. If you have a friend on your ride who’s

always showing off, whip out the FlashStand. Your bike will

look like a million bucks.

Ca

rly

Na

irn

; T

od

d M

eie

r/R

ed

Bu

ll C

on

ten

t P

oo

l; C

ou

rte

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WANT TO TAKE HOME A BICYCLE FROM THIS ISSUE? YOU’LL

NEED TO CHANNEL YOUR INNER BILL STRICKLAND.

THIS YEAR’S WIN A BIKE CONTEST pays homage to the erstwhile Inter-

national Imitation Hemingway Competition. The American author was a passionate

cycling fan who frequented the Parisian six-day races with his first wife, Hadley; a

passage at the end of The Sun Also Rises takes place at the Tour of the Basque Country.

Instead of emulating Hemingway, we’re inviting you to imitate BICYCLING’s own

two-wheeled truth seeker, editor at large Bill Strickland. Scores of you have written to

tell us how well his midpack musings on everything from hot corners to frozen nasal

effluvia capture the sensations of your own rides. But because we both love Bill and

enjoy being able to laugh at him, this will be a parody contest, rewarding the reader who

not only best evokes Strickland’s prose stylings, but displays comedic chops as well.

BICYCLING (ISSN 0006-2073) Vol. 55 No. 3 is published 11 times a year (monthly except bimonthly in January/February) by Rodale Inc., 400 S. 10th St., Emmaus, PA 18098. Periodicals postage paid at Emmaus, PA 18049, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to BICYCLING, P.O. Box 26299, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-6299. In Canada: Postage paid at Gateway, Mississauga, Ontario; Canada Post Publication Mail Agreement Number 40063752. Return any address changes to BICYCLING, 2930 14th Ave., Markham, Ontario L3R 5Z8; GST #R122988611. Copyright by Rodale Inc., 2014. BICYCLING, incorporating Cyclist magazine, is published by Rodale Inc. Subscribers: If the postal authorities alert us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within 18 months.

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.”

— E R N E S T H E M I N G W A Y

“I lick a spot on my skin where her sweat was. I am embarrassed to do it, but when I taste nothing more exotic

than my own salts I try once more in another place.”— B I L L S T R I C K L A N D

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO enter or win. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Contest begins at 12:00 a.m. ET on February 27, 2014, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on April 8, 2014. Must be over 18 and a US resident of 49 US states or DC (excluding residents of AZ) or Canada (excluding resi-dents of Province of Quebec). For the official rules, visit BICYCLING.com/winabike14. The winner will be determined based on how effectively the entrant evokes the spirit and style of Bill Strickland’s writing in a parodic manner. Rodale Inc., 400 South Tenth St., Emmaus, PA 18098-0099, is the operator of the contest.

STEP 1

Visit BICYCLING.com/strickland to catch up on Bill’s columns and blogs.

STEP 2

Submit a cycling-themed paro-dy of Bill, in 150 words or less, at BICYCLING.com/winabike14.

STEP 3

A panel of cyclist luminar-ies—including the overgeared scribe himself—will choose the winning entry. The win-ner gets to choose any bicy-cle reviewed in this issue that has a suggested retail price of $4,999 or less.

HOW

TO

ENTER

B U Y E R ’ S

G U I D E

2014 WIN A BIKE CONTEST!

C O N T E S T

OFFICIAL RULES

AND REGULATIONS


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adventuresA cyclist’s ultimAte guide to epic getAwAys Around the world

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CYCLE TOURS – All inclusive road

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CROSSROADS CYCLING ADVENTURES

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Small groups, personal attention, business-

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CYCLE AMERICA® – Enjoy a Fully

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EASTERN STATES

CAROLINA TAILWINDS – From South

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NEW ENGLAND CLASSIC 150 & 550

TOUR DE CURE – July 12 & 13, 2014 = 150

miles or July 12-18, 2014 = 550 miles. A fully

supported American Diabetes Association

event. Indoor accommodations, Beautiful

Landscapes. Are you ready for the ride of your

life? Email Ryan: [email protected] or

visit www.diabetes.org/newenglandclassic

SOUTHERN STATES

BICYCLE RIDE ACROSS GEORGIA

(BRAG) – Spring Tune-Up Ride, April 4-6, 2014,

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8-14, 2014. Georgia BikeFest, Oct. 10-12, 2014,

Columbus, GA. Great fun for families and groups.

Various mileage options. 770-498-5153,

[email protected], www.brag.org

37th Annual HORSEY HUNDRED –

Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25).

Discover cycling paradise in Kentucky’s

Bluegrass. Country roads through charming

towns surrounded by rolling farm land,

board and historic stone fences. Bourbon

distilleries, vineyards and the world’s finest

horses. Event details:

www.horseyhundred.com

Lodging info: www.georgetownky.com

CAMP MONDAMIN – Brother / Sister

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more. 800-688-5789,

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KATIE RIDE – Presented by Mayo Clinic, with

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donor registration education.

www.katierideforlife.org/register

2014 ALABAMA BACKROADS

CENTURY SERIES – Enjoy Alabama’s

scenic & diverse backroads in 10 established

century rides. Centurions receive medals.

Patches upon completing 4 centuries.

Various mileage. April - October.

www.alabama-backroads-cycling.com

WESTERN STATES

TIMBERLINE ADVENTURES – Cycling &

hiking vacations for those who love to bike

and hike. Experience an extraordinary

adventure with a group whose sole purpose

for 32 years has been the U.S. & Canada.

Ofering 23 new tours and 73 tour dates in 2014

including our new 2108 mile cycling Odyssey

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www.timbertours.com.

www.facebook.com/timberlineadventures.

E-mail: [email protected], or call

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MOAB WILD WEST MOABA

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ride with high adventure options: river raft ride,

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801-654-1144, www.moabmoaba.com

CANADA

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CYCLE TOURS –

All-inclusive cycling and mountain biking

adventures in the breathtaking Canadian

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800-661-BIKE (2453)

www.rockymountaincycle.com

to Advertise, contAct jAckie cAillouet At 214-252-9971 or [email protected]


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http://www.crossroadscycling.com

http://www.abbike.com

http://www.CycleAmerica.com

http://www.CarolinaTailwinds.com


http://www.diabetes.org/newenglandclassic


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mor n i ng t r a f f ic a l ong t h e n e w J er se y b or der ou t si de u n ion v i ll e , n e w yor k , 7 : 0 0 a . m .

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bicycling usa 2014-04

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