Nat Bromhead
Each edition we take a look at the latest releases from the cycling world. Here’s what’s crossed the BA desk this month.
New Colnago C68
Legendary Italian bike builders Colnago have announced (drum roll…) the C68. This stunning machine is the company’s highest-end model and comes packed with the latest technology.
In releasing the bike Colnago also announced a direct-to-consumer purchase option—‘from traditional B2B to Omnichannel’ as they put it—potential owners will have the option to buy direct from the Colnago website or even their app.
The bottom line is a price range of A$17,500 to A$26,000 (depending upon build options, exchange rate and freight), for one of the bikes that is hand-made in Italy.
A limited edition ‘C68 Road’ will also be available, this version featuring custom titanium components that are individually 3D-printed at Colnago central in Italy.
More at www.colnago.com
Sennheiser Sport Wireless Earbuds
We know headphones and earbuds can be a dangerous distraction when cycling, but this new release from Sennheiser allows some outside noise to enter for improved awareness. The German company’s Sport True Wireless earbuds offer superior audio performance with what they term an ‘Adaptable Acoustic’ feature.
Users have a choice of open or closed ear adapters, allowing them to tailor listening experience to their activities. The open ear adapters—in combination with Aware EQ settings—help to reduce noise and allow some outside sounds to enter for better situational awareness.
There’s a 9-hour battery life plus a further 18 hours of power in the charging case.
Sennheiser Sport True Wireless are available now for an RRP of $199.95.
Giant Dash L200 GPS
A dual release from Giant and Stages, the 200 series is the latest in Stages line of GPS / computer units.
Available in two sizes, the L (larger) and M (a medium sized unit), both models have full colour screens and an enviable array of internal functions and features.
Truly rich in data, the L model shows up to 14 values while the smaller-screened unit shows up to 10. With a crystal clear screen and 11hr battery life, this is a very impressive unit. We are currently riding and reviewing it with more on the BA website soon.
More at www.giant-bicycles.com
New Book: ‘Pain & Privilege, Inside Le Tour’ by Sophie Smith
The Tour de France—the race that captures competitors and spectators from across the globe with tales of human endurance, headlines of crashes and triumphs and its stunning landscapes. Yet there is more to this event than what plays out over the news for four weeks in July.
For a decade, Sophie Smith has been on the ground, witnessing the true cost of the contest. With contributions from Caleb Ewan, Cadel Evans, Richie Porte, Robbie McEwen, Sam Bennett, Marcel Kittel, Michael Matthews, Matt White & more.
Pain & Privilege: Inside Le Tour is a riveting backstage exploration of the humanity behind the spectacle. From the politics and strategies of riders, to the physical sufferings and exhaustion.
It’s available in bookstores and via online retailers such as Booktopia as well as direct from Ultimo Press via www.ultimo press.com
Fizik 3D Vento Argo Adaptive Saddle
Fizik’s ‘Adaptive’ 3D-printed saddle padding has expanded to the Argo range. Unveiled at Sea Otter 2022, the new saddle features similar 3D-printed lattice cushioning to the high-end Antares Evo Adaptive.
A short-nosed, power-style saddle, the Argo is suitable for a wide range of riding styles from road to gravel to cross country MTB. Coupling 3D-printing with the Argo shape, the new release features ‘zonal cushioning’ for improved comfort and stability, and is available in 140 and 150mm widths.
The Vento Argo Adaptive is 265mm long, 75mm high and has lightweight 7 x 7mm kium (black alloy) rails. Overall weight is 224g and the RRP is $370 (140mm) and $428 (150mm).
See your local Fizik dealer for more.
Easton Dropper Post & Lever
A dropper post on a gravel bike? Absolutely! The EA90 AX dropper post and lever have been specifically designed for drop bar off-road bikes.
Tested and used in many major oversea races and events, the dropper gives 50mm of drop for lower centre of gravity and to help get the saddle out of the way for trickier downhill sections of the trail.
The post is suitable for a 27.2mm clamp and features solidly assembled mechanical internals and quiet operation thanks to spring guides. To the actuator cable, and it can be attached from either direction for easy compatibility.
Easton also have a slick and stylish gravel dropper lever that pairs perfectly with the post. Both are top quality components and highly recommended!
RRP EA90 AX post $585.00. RRP AZ Dropper lever $129.00
More at www.ridefoxaustralia.com.au
New Eco Conscious Kit From Trek
Trek have released a range of new eco-friendly apparel they say delivers maximum performance while having far less of an impact on the planet.
Technologies include recycling scrap textiles from the manufacturing and cutting process and using them in shorts. In addition, a selection of their new jerseys contain fabric made from discarded water bottles that’s been converted into plastic pellets then woven into yarn.
How do they ride? Over the past few weeks we’ve had the opportunity to ride and review the new Circuit range. Presented in paper (not plastic) packaging, the jersey has a soft and supple feeling and is super comfortable on the skin. While simple and minimalist, the jersey has a classy and high quality feel and attention to detail (for example the zip stitching) is outstanding.
Similarly soft and comfortable, the bibs are made of 77% recycled nylon and 23% recycled Elastane. The chamois is Trek branded and proved comfortable over a number of 40-50km test rides.
Overall it’s subtly stylish, on trend, and ‘very 2022’ kit. We’ve found it to be soft and supple while looking great and performing well.
More at www.trekbikes.com
Finish Line Fibrelink Tubeless Sealant
Ever tried to count the number of tubeless sealants currently available? There are absolutely plenty of them! So much so, one of the more popular questions over the past few years has been ‘what sealant are you running?’.
The major point of difference in the latest release from Finish Line is the inclusion of small Kevlar fibers in the latex formula.
We’ve recently installed, ridden and tested it and, in all honesty, can’t really vouch for it’s sealing properties due to not puncturing for a while.
That said, it’s made in the USA, is quite a thin and low viscosity mix, and therefore very simple & easy to apply. Finish Line say Fibrelink offers stronger and faster seals for punctures up to 8mm across! They also claim it is a longer lasting sealant.
Suitable for road, gravel and MTB applications, the other bonus is it comes in a handy 240ml plastic bottle with a spout suitable for Presta valves.
Ask for it at your local bike shop or visit http://www.velovita.com.au
WHOOP
If you watched the Giro d’Italia on GCN / Eurosport you probably saw the data updates from several star participants. Riding with WHOOP monitoring bands, pro’s including Matthieu van der Poel shared live data updates with the audience.
A wrist or apparel-mounted device, WHOOP monitors sleep, recovery and daily effort around the clock to deliver insights and help athletes of all abilities improve performance.
Bicycling Australia are currently testing and reviewing the system and will have a detailed report next edition.
For more on this interesting training and recover aide visit www.whoop.com
Koo Supernova Eyewear
Ultra light at just 21g, the Supernova from Koo are one-piece, frameless, high-performance eyewear from the Italian sunglasses arm of Kask.
Hand-assembled in Italy, they ooze quality and offer a fantastic fit due to the flexibility of the single lens. After recent testing of a pair with white frames and a Category 3 Turquoise lens, it its fair to say you can hardly feel these lightweight sunnies on your face.
With a crisp and clear Carl Zeiss lens, they not only look great on but offer bright and sharp clarity. The Supernova’s dock well with Kask helmets and have proven to be a sensational addition to the kit.
Ask for them at your local bike store or read more at www.kooworld.cc
Challenge Tyre Fitting Tool
Tubeless tyres offer so many advantages over running old-school tubes, but one negative can be getting them onto the rim in the
first place.
Italian bike tyre company Challenge have come up with a smart and simple solution for the perpetual ‘this damn tyre won’t fit!’ issue with their tyre fitting and seating tool.
Constructed of a high density synthetic polymer (which translates to super strong!), the tool is designed to be safe to use with beaded carbon and alloy rim designs. It’s also suitable for tubed tyres, with the design preventing any potential contact or damage to an inner tube during installation.
Via single-handed application, the tool offers far more leverage and grip of the tight tubeless tyre, and makes fitting a breeze.
We have been using the tool over the past couple of months here
in the BA workshop and can vouch for it’s ease, simplicity, strength and abilities.
Quite simply, if you change tyres regularly this is a workshop, car boot or toolbox essential!
The RRP is around $30.
More at www.challengetires.com or ask for the tool at your LBS.
