Commencal Meta AM Downhill

The Commencal Meta firmly established a place in our hearts many years ago as one of the early trail-style, do-it-all machines. It also saw its fair share of glory thanks to the likes of Remy Absalon, who’s been instrumental in the development of the all-new AM and has since won the Megavalanche on one.

Miche Race 707 road wheelset

Miche are an often overlooked but longstanding component company. The ability to choose white, black or red rims for the same price adds cosmetic appeal and a broad groove in the centre monitors wear over time.

It’ll need checking for imbedded grit, though, and the joint is obvious.

Smith Fuel V.2 Sweat-X goggles

Smith Fuel V.2 Sweat-X goggles
$65 / smithoptics.com
Clear vision is a pretty valuable asset when you’re going fast, and good goggles are an important piece of equipment in every gravity rider’s kit bag.

Cateye Minimalist From Bookman

The arrival of winter shouldn't stop you getting some quality road miles or trail time in – you just need to be clever with your kit choices. Today's round-up contains several new products that could help keep you in the saddle as the nights draw in.

SRAM PoerChain 1091R

No weakest link. SRAM'S new Super Narrow 10-Speed Power Chain features the PowerLock connecting link — the only secure toolless attachment device for a sub 6mm chain in todays market. SRAM PC1091R series chains also feature hollow pin construction and outer plates with lighting holes for weight savings with no sacrifice of strength. Lightweight, smooth, precise-shifting. A true high-performance product.

EVS T7 Dimension Dirt Jump Helmet

 

EVS is a company devoted to keeping you healthy and happy in a very hostile environment. Of course, the ultimate piece of protective gear is your helmet, so EVS has two different offerings in that category. Both are value-oriented. The T5 line is aimed at the entry-level market (under $100), and this model, the T7, is a step up at $159. With top-of-the-line helmets costing $400, the T7 creates suspicion simply through its affordability. What do you surrender?

Cane Creek Double Barrel Air

 

The air can is able to rotate to accommodate different frame designs, while maintaining the adjustability of a piggyback reservoir—nice.

Review : TLR XR4 Tires

Whether you’ll rail a corner or hit the dirt all comes down to how well your tire hook up. These new tires from Bontrager dramatically increase your odds of the former, even on the loosest, sketchiest terrain. Designed by former pro motocrosser Frank Stacy, with input from an army of Trek-sponsored athletes, the TLR’s feel light (and indeed are, at 582 grams), roll fast, and boast an aggressive tread that sticks to even mud-slickened trails like Velcro.

Night Rider Stuff

Niterider’s new Race series uses a simple battery connected to their proven Pro head. The head is a relatively compact single-LED unit, attached to the bar with a multi-angle adjustable bracket. This puts it dead centre ahead of your stem but at 75g alone, it’s nearly as heavy as the head unit.

SRAM RISE Mountain Bike Wheels

SRAM have unveiled their first mountain bike wheels – the carbon-rimmed RISE 60 and aluminum RISE 40. Two years in the making, both sets feature asymmetric 19mm-wide, 26mm-deep rims, fast-engaging rear hubs and a choice of axle fitments. They'll be available in both 26in and 29in versions.

GENERAL TERMINOLOGY OF BICYCLE PARTS

Chapter on individual component areas of the bicycle have more specific terminology and definitions. For the purpose of this manual, the following terms apply to the frame and basic components.

Marzocchi 55 ATA Suspension

Marzocchi’s top-of-the-line, all-mountain fork weighs just 4.6 pounds, yet cranks out an impressive 6.5 inches of travel. On top of that, it comes loaded with a suspension lock-out, variable low-speed compression damping, a quick-release, 20-millimeter thru-axle, and 40 millimeters of adjustable travel. It’s a veritable Swiss Army knife on steroids.

DMR Dirt Jump Wheelset

DMR are well known among dirt jumpers and 4X riders, but this seriously tough wheelset shows they deserve wider recognition. At just over 500g, the new Thret rim is 250g lighter than previous DMR hoops, although chunky hubs and thick 36-spoke lacing mean it’s still an effort to get them going – but these hand-built wheels have proved unfalteringly stiff and strong.

Cervelo S5 Road Bike

Cervelo, the brand arguably responsible for popularizing the modern aero road bike, has pulled back the curtain on a their latest iteration. The S5 will be the weapon of choice for Garmin-Cervelo team riders at the upcoming Tour de France. It’s a faster, stiffer and lighter frame than the S3, says Cervelo. The S3, however, is no slouch as the winner of our Editors' Choice Race Bike award and the platform upon which Thor Hushovd won the 2010 World Championships. The S5 may not win any awards for beauty, but Cervelo thinks it's the world’s fastest frame approved for professional racing.

Best Mountain Bikes To Ride 2011

Winner: As we romped on Sedona's trails, navigating numerous ledges, drops, and rock-strewn singletrack, the Specialized S-Works Enduro leapt to the top of our list. In a group of fun bikes, it was simply the most enjoyable to ride.

New Fuji Altamira Road Bike

Fuji's newest road platform, the Altamira—named after (we're not making this up) a prehistoric cave and museum in Cantabria, Spain, where the Fuji-sponsored Footon team is based—boasts frame weights as low as 815 grams.

Road Bike Trends For 2011

You’re forgiven if you think that headline is representative of the depths the bike industry has gone to to attract new interest from cyclists. We’ve certain seen some kooky stuff pop up at past shows. But for the 2011 model year there is no clear single trend—seatmasts! aero road!—dominating the road side of things.

Instead, there are several mini-trends we noted that merit mention. A quick rundown:

I-Clic Carbon Titanium Pedals

Time has also moved towards an oversized platform, a slightly narrower 52mm width but a longer cleat bed at 75mm. The longer, narrower shape doesn’t feel quite as stable as the Blade, and once the cleats wore in we did experience a little rocking. Despite being longer than the Blades, the titanium axled I-Clics have a much more open design, and weigh slightly less at 182g a pair. The entry-level Fibreflex versions (£82.99) are 260g a pair.

Germany Fixie Bike Review

German company Fixie Inc have unveiled their range for 2010 which includes a new retro machine, a belt drive bike and updates to older models in the range like the Betty Leeds and Chip Race.

Backspin
The new steel-framed Backspin (main image) is aimed at riders who want to give fixed gear a try on a budget. At 850 euros (approx £730/US$1,200), it comes with toe clips, low-rise bars, a flip-flop rear hub and retro BMX saddle.

Specialized Myka, Mountain Bike For Women

Hardwired for the most fun on two off-road wheels, the Myka will quickly make riding your favorite pastime.

Braking Technique For MTB Newbie Rider

Bad braking technique is one of the biggest causes of crashes for both novice riders. Novices are far more prone to panic braking, harsh use of the brakes at the last minute or in an emergency, which causes one or both wheels to skid leading to loss of control of the bike.

Cassette Sprocket Maintenance Tips

At some time in the life of your cycle your going to have to change the cassette, you can take it to the bike shop, but its better you learn you to do it your self

Replacing a cassette is not a difficult job, but there can be a couple of problems you could come up against if you decide to take on the job yourself.

The Right Tools For The Job

Buy A Classic Bicycle Tips

Classic and retro bicycles are in huge demand in the present day – just have a look at the listings on eBay and you will see it for yourself. There are lots of benefits to purchasing a vintage bike over a model new one. For starters, you are doing all your half to assist recycle and not create new waste. You may also get really lovely bikes for a fraction of the price of a new one. If an older bike appeals to you, it’s vital that you simply be certain it is in good working situation and that it is value what the vendor is asking for it.

Black Backspin Freestyle Fixie

New visual highlights such as translucent pedals, saddle and grips combined with pedal clips and a low-rise handlebar define the new BMX/Fixed crossover trend. Fixie Inc claims the Backspin isn’t solely about exterior looks: the new 68-wheel-concept combines compact 26in wheel sizes in the smallest frames XS, S and M which feature new proportional frame geometry. This eliminates toe overlap when cornering.

Why Fixie?

What's a "fixie?"
“Fixie" is short for “fixed gear,” which is a slang term for bicycles that have drivetrains with one gear that's fixed to the rear wheel so that you cannot coast and must continue pedaling whenever the bike's moving. Fixies are among the most simple of bicycles because they don't require derailleurs, shifters, double- or triple-chainring cranksets, or, in some circumstances, even brakes.

Fixie Braking Technique

Since fixie braking is more involved, you'll need to remain extremely aware of your surroundings. Constantly scanning the road for hazards is ideal while riding through traffic, but you'll have it a little easier while practicing. Try to define an ideal stopping point in your practice area by setting up goal markers like traffic cones. With a definitive "red zone" to work with, you'll be able to practice stopping short of (or even skidding around) obstacles.

Fixie Bike History

Fixed gear bicycles have become the ultimate item in urban chique. Messengers glide effortlessly in and out of traffic in a show of defiance and freedom among lines of cars chained to the grind of the daily commute. Fixie bikes are simple and elegant, with clean lines and a genuine beauty which springs from their lack of complexity, stripped to the bare requirements of pedaling, steering and rolling. And they are becoming more popular as more people discover the joy of riding single speed and fixed gear.

Fixie Chain Maintenance

Basically the chain should be tight enough to engage the sprockets without binding (too tight) , or skipping (too loose).


For maximum forward and reverse pressure control, you want the chain to have a slight ‘pre-load’ against the teeth. You can guestimate this very easily by checking the slack at the center of the chain . It should be about 10 – 15mm.

Be Safe With Your Fixie

A fixed gear bicycle (also called a "fixie" or a "track bike") is a single-speed machine with a fixed drive train, meaning the pedals spin at the same rate as the rear wheel. It is impossible to coast on a fixed gear bike, leading to a different style of riding from traditional free wheel-equipped bikes. Riding a fixed gear bike develops leg strength, pedaling technique and overall riding efficiency as the rider pedals through all kinds of terrain.

Be Safer Cycling To Work Tips

While good cycling technique is a vital part of staying safe on the roads, it isn't the only answer. We asked three cycling advocates what they felt should be done to improve cyclist safety. Here 8 tips for safer cycling.

Keep Your Folding Bike In Maximum Performance

To keep your folding bike operating at maximum efficiency, it’s important to follow a few basic maintenance procedures that will keep you riding safely and help extend your folding bike’s lifespan.

Best Mountain Bike for Kids

Once your children are good and stable on two wheels and want a “proper bike with gears”, go for one of the Hotrock series by Specialized. These mini-mountain bikes are great all-rounders and will last for years. As well as being superbly built, they also look the business, which is getting important when you're five or six.

Cycling Breathing Technique

A 2001 study of competitive cyclists conducted at the Unversity of Wisconsin and published in "Respiratory Physiology" found that respiratory training can improve endurance exercise performance. Another study, conducted at the University of Arizona and published in "BMC Physiology" in 2004, found that endurance training of respiratory muscles improved cycling performance in young, fit cyclists. Cyclists who don't pay attention to their breathing are prone to push themselves too hard and wind up gasping for air, but certain breathing techniques can help cyclists prevent that from happening while boosting performance.

How To Choose Mountain Bike Tires

More so than any other single component, the tires you put on a mountain bike can affect the ride, handling, and grip on the trail. Therefore choosing the right tire (or combination of tires) for your bike is important to getting everything out of your bike that you can and feeling confident on the trail. If you have ever walked into a bike store and looked at the selection of tires and been overwhelmed then you are not alone. A good idea at that point would be to ask the sales rep at the bike shop for advice but a better solution is to know what you want before you even go into the store. To get to that point you need to know a few things.

Choose Helmet Types In Different Track Condition

You should wear a helmet every time you ride. In many states helmets are mandatory for children under a certain age, usually 14 years old. Be sure that your helmet fits comfortably and correctly, and check that it is certified for impact protection.

Helmet Types

Cycling Equipment For Beginner

Cycling, more than many other sports, is equipment-centric. I am of the minimalist school – you don’t need a host of fancy gear to get started. Add those later.

What’s the minimum gear needed? Here’s my list:

How to Choose Bicycle for Women

Women generally have longer legs and shorter torsos than men. several bike manufacturer’s build women’s specific road bikes with the feminine anatomy in mind. this text can teach you ways to settle on a women’s specific road bike.

Gears For Mountian Bike

Gears are the components that define the evolution of the mountain bike. Don’t believe us? Take a look back in history, to Marin County, California where it all began. The legendary Repack started as a downhill race for beach cruisers in 1976, and the riders used a truck to get them to the top. Later that year, over in Colorado, those same pioneers pushed their klunkers around the first Pearl Pass Tour to Aspen.

Shimano Fixie Gear

Shimano recently unveiled a slew of new components to the global cycling press, and the revamped Ultegra 6700 road group, with all its sexy forged parts (and even more appealing price point) hogging all the attention.

Easton Haven Carbon For Fixie Wheelset

All-mountain goes bulletproof
The use of composites in bicycle manufacturing is hardly a new idea; frame builders have been utilizing bonded carbon fiber tubes since the mid-1970s, and as carbon-composite technology advanced, wheels and components were quickly embraced by the skinny-tire world.

Maxxis Tyre For Fixie

Also available in a heavier wire-bead version, the Re-Fuse is cheaper than most of its rivals and comes in a rainbow selection of colours. London fixie riders will no doubt love it for that feature alone.

Puncture protection comes from a Kevlar composite belt under the tread, and what Maxxis call a ‘silkworm cap ply’ casing running bead to bead. This protection bows out the tyre, so it needs a toe-strap or two to hold the tyre to the rim when fitting.

Here Comes Fixie For You

Big-city bike messengers have always been tragically cool and indifferent to fashion trends, because let's face it, not everyone can pull off Emo pants and 30-pound chains wrapped around the waist while riding a bike in New York City traffic.

But the influence messengers have had on bike spec the past five years has had a large impact on the bike industry as a whole, as seen in the halls of the Sands Convention Center during the recent Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

It's Time For Hand Made Bicycle Show

Just as in years past, steel was the predominant material at this year's NAHBS thanks to its wide range of available sizes, shapes, alloys and gauges, the ease with which it can be manipulated, and the multiple ways in which it can be joined. Stainless alloys continue to grow in popularity, too, with Reynolds and Columbus increasing their inventory of sizes for their respective 953 and XCr alloys but also a newcomer to the scene, KVA.

CINELLI ROAD BIKES 2011

Cinelli’s 2011 lineup sees a few model upgrades like the Best Of, above, some spec updates and the entirely new mid-range Saetta lineup.

The Pro Best Of frame up top isn’t their lightest bike, but it’s their premier example of carbon and bike building technology. It’s a sloping geometry frame built with co-curing, hand-wrapped Columbus XLR8R Plus 3K twill carbon fibers and tubes.

New : Vuelo Velo Bike

Vuelo Velo are a tiny bicycle company based in Sydney, Australia who specialize in custom titanium. Their frames are built by Black Sheep Cycles in Fort Collins, Colorado, and the designs are definitely unique, with a strong emphasis on curved tubes and ultra-short rear ends.

Specialized Langster, Economic Fine Fixie Bike

This bike is designed to suit all types of cyclists. The Specialized Langster is great for competitive track racers as well as your everyday commuters and fixed gear enthusiasts. The Langster is also known for its great efficiency and speed because of the 42 tooth chainring crankset.

Santa Cruz Blur LT Frame Only

It’s almost two years since we went to see Santa Cruz in, er, Santa Cruz and came back with a brand new bike. So how is the Californian after two years’ hard labour in Yorkshire?

New Shimano DURA-ACE wheels and pedals

As seen in the pro races this year (pictured, Juan Antonio Flecha of Team SKY), Shimano have now released their DURA-ACE wheels and pedals. This includes 24mm & 54mm carbon laminated aluminium rims and a 35min carbon aluminium rim and 35mm and 50mm full carbon tubular rims.

The DURA-ACE carbon composite SPD-SL pedals weigh in at 248gram a pair.


DURA-ACE Specs:


PD-7900
• DURA-ACE carbon composite SPD-SL pedals
• Maintaining all SPD-SL features and benefits
• Weight: 248g per pair
• Availability in the market: September 2010

Fixie Inc. Peacemaker with Belt Drive

Belt drives are not mainstream... yet. The Fixie Inc. Peacemaker was my weapon of choice for my first Belt Drive ride and the main thought in my mind was how direct the transmission would actually be.

Featured User Review: Dura-Ace 7900 Groupset

Price: $1380.00 at chainreactioncycles
Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating: 5 of 5
Bike Setup:
Scott Addict. DA 7900. DA C24 Clinchers.
Summary: