Art’s Cyclery Blog

We’ve been working hard photographing and learning about 2012’s crop of hydration packs, and are excited about what we see! Stalwarts Camelbak and Dakine have their usual solid offerings, and new addition—for Art’s—Fox has some great product too. Here are three packs that really caught my eye this year:

Fox's Low Pro is perhaps the perfect small hydration pack.

Fox Low Pro

The Fox Low Pro is a great example of what a minimalist pack should be. It’s light, small, yet holds 70 ounces (two liters) of water—enough for at least two hours, depending on the temperature—and has a real storage compartment. The  main pocket has room for a full tube repair arsenal, plus a good-sized multi tool and a chain breaker. The bungee on the outside of the pack has room for a wind shell, arm, and knee warmers.

Camelback Charge LR

Backpackers know that keeping your pack weight low is important for balance, endurance, and comfort. Camelbak knows this too, which is why most of their multi-sport packs feature a reservoir located on the bottom of the pack. 2012’s Charge LR gets the Antidote lumbar reservoir, keeping water weight low for improved balance, endurance, and comfort, and allowing for a narrower footprint. There is still plenty of storage on the Charge LR, and enough water in it’s 70 ounce reservoir for an afternoon of riding.

Dakine Drafter

The Dakine Drafter opens fully for easy access to repair items.

Ever since the first time I rode with a Dakine Drafter, it’s been my favorite pack, and 2012 sees the Drafter back in all its glory. With armor straps and a helmet carry capable of an XC or DH lid, it’s an all-mountain rider’s perfect pack. Even if you don’t use knee guards and keep your helmet on your head at all times, the Drafter is a fabulous pack with tons of storage options and a comfortable back panel.

So there are some recommendations to get you started on your hydration pack decision. Look for in-depth reviews throughout the season.

Luke Gear, Mountain, Product Reviews camelbak charge lr, camelbak charge lr review, dakine drafter, dakine drafter review, dakine hydration packs, fox hydration pack, fox low pro, fox low pro review

Perhaps no other “outdoor” brand is more mainstream these days than The North Face. It seems like everyone and their mother has a North Face softshell jacket, likely because the brand is available everywhere from Back Country to Bloomingdales. With humble beginnings as a small mountaineering retail store in San Francisco in the 60’s, The North Face has evolved into an outdoor behemoth with an extensive line of performance apparel, equipment and footwear.

So when we heard The North Face was making mountain bike apparel, we were a little skeptical at first. What could these guys provide that’s better than what’s already out there? The answer is the same reason the brand has stuck around for as long as it has - The North Face has maintained an unwavering commitment to creating high quality, sustainable, functional products that deliver on performance. When The North Face decides to produce something, they don’t just throw stuff on the shelves with the expectation it will sell simply because it’s stamped with the half dome logo. The collection we have in our store is the result of years of product testing and refinement and we think there are some really great pieces that will appeal to a variety of riders.

The Chain Ring Tee feels like a cotton shirt but is made of a technical fabric to wick sweat. Available in 4 colors.

We love the fact that The North Face is so committed to sourcing sustainable materials, increasing its energy efficiency in product production and lowering its overall environmental impact. The North Face works closely with Bluesign, an independent organization that sets industry standards for sustainability. To learn more about The North Face’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, click here. It really is an impressive undertaking for such a large company.

Now, let’s check out some products. My personal favorites in the collection are the Chain Ring Tee and Chain Ring Shorts. The tee looks and feels like a regular T-Shirt, but it’s made of VaporWick fabric so it wicks sweat away from your skin. This is a true two-in-one top - wear it on the trails or just cruising around town. I love the mountain biker’s take on The North Face logo with chain rings in place of the standard stripes.

The outer shell of the shorts is made of a durable, water repellent fabric that’s as breathable as it is tough. Zippered thigh vents help to keep the air flowing as your body heats up. The four-way stretch seamless chamois has plush microfiber padding to reduce friction points and relieve pressure in key areas. The chamois is also infused with fibers that reduce odor and regulate temperature.

The Chain Ring Short is rugged yet comfortable with a nice chamois, thigh vents and a durable, water repellent shell.

Two front hand pockets are cleverly lined with mesh and one zipped cargo pocket provides ample storage. An optics wipe will conveniently clean your sunglasses or goggles and a brushed elastic waistband ensures your shorts won’t slide down or ride up. Additional features include reinforced stitching throughout all stress zones, a raised waistband for extra coverage, a seamless crotch panel and a reflective logo.

For really crappy weather rides, the Bracket Jacket is a must-have. This bike-specific shell is made of a water and windproof material that remains breathable even when you’re hammering on the trail. Technical features include elbow stretch vents and a removable hood that fits over a helmet. You’ll see several of our employees working the sales floor in the Chain Ring Hoodie. It may look like a normal sweatshirt upon first glance, but it’s actually made of a technical wind resistant material that can handle all but the most intense athletic pursuits.

The collection is pretty small compared to the massive catalog you’ll find from a company like Fox. One thing missing that I’d like to see in the future is a more substantial glove collection. But I anticipate The North Face taking off in our store and in bike specialty stores around the country because of the power behind the brand and the quality of the products.

Evan Gear, Mountain, Product Reviews north face bracket jacket, north face chain ring hoodie, north face chain ring shorts, north face chizno shorts, north face dirt merchant jersey, north face indylite jacket, north face jersey, north face mountain bike apparel, north face mountain bike hoodie, north face mountain bike jacket, north face mountain bike shorts, the north face chain ring shirt, the north face chain ring tee, the north face mountain bike

After months of hype and speculation, Cervélo has finally released the specifications for the P5 time trial super-bike. The bike is a complete re-design of the P4, with a ton of new features and a visually striking profile. The P5 brakes new ground on several fronts, perhaps most notably is the utilization of hydraulic brakes, which are produced by Magura. The motto for the P5 is “Simply Faster,” which according to Cervélo’s co-founder and CEO means, the bike “is not only fast, but simple and easy to live with.”

The new P5 will be available in two models - one for triathlon and one that is UCI legal. This is the tri version.

Frameset

The P5 frameset is Cervélo’s most aerodynamic ever, with a time saving of ~30-seconds in a 40-kilometer time trial, according to Cervélo. The P5 also features the BBright bottom bracket for ultimate power transfer and ComfortPly technology which removes unnecessary material to reduce vibration and improve ride quality. The P5 frame is the same on the triathlon and time trial versions of the bike, which means there aren’t any ridiculously deep tube shapes like the down tube on the Specialized Shiv. The fork on the tri version features much deeper blades than the UCI legal model and has a fairing that covers the hydraulic brake caliper. The P5 is also optimized to handle wider tires because of the trend toward wider wheels, popularized by Zipp and HED.

Aerobar

The integrated Aduro aerobar has been designed by Cervélo and manufactured by 3T. It features 100% hidden cables that eliminate aero drag and engineered cable paths that minimize bends and maximize shifting performance. The Arduro can be set up in three stack height configurations for over 11cm of adjustment and consists of only a few parts so assembly and adjustments are easy. Designed to match perfectly with the brake, fork and frame, the front end forms a single aerodynamic body for “flawless aerodynamic performance,” according to Cervélo.

The 3T aerobars have 11cm of stack height adjustability.

Brakes

The P5 is the first time trial bike to utilize hydraulic rim brakes in production. Made by Magura, the RT 8TTT system is compatible with all road wheels and mounts to any standard basebar. Stopping power is abundant with quick response to rider input. Plus, this hydraulic system is lighter than most cable brake setups.

The Magura RT 8TT hydraulic system is low maintenance and lighter than most cable setups.

Storage and Hydration

Designed for speed and versatility, a full range of sleek and intuitive storage solutions have been custom designed for the P5. From a bottle cage mount between the aerobar pads to a Shimano Di2 battery holder inside the frame’s HiddenPocket to multiple locations for nutrition, the P5 mates optimal aero locations with east of access.

A bottle cage will fit neatly between the aerobars and a storage box attached to the top tube.

Availability and Pricing

We expect the P5 to arrive around mid March. The tri frameset will retail for $6,500 while the complete Di2 bike will be $10,000. The UCI frameset will go for $4,500 and the complete Dura-Ace bike will be $6,500.

Evan Gear, Industry, Product Reviews, Road cervelo p4, cervelo p5, cervelo p5 2012, cervelo p5 availability, cervelo p5 images, cervelo p5 kona, cervelo p5 leak, cervelo p5 magura, cervelo p5 pictures, cervelo p5 pricing, cervelo p5 release, cervelo p5 review, cervelo p5 video, cervelo tri bike

The 2012 Garmin-Barracuda Team Jersey.

We can’t wait for the Tour Down Under to start this weekend so we can finally talk about racing again. But until then, we are left to discuss other news, such as Garmin-Cervelo’s new team name and kit.

Garmin-Cervelo will now be known as Garmin-Barracuda and is reverting back to the argyle design that graced the Slipstream jerseys of yesteryear. In case you were wondering, Barracuda Networks is a software company that provides security, networking and storage solutions. It’s too bad Cervelo is no longer a title sponsor, but it’s great that the team could pick up another high-profile sponsor.

Check out the aero dimples.

The new kit is very similar to the special edition Tour de France jersey the team raced in last year with blue argyle on the bottom and white across the mid-section. Castelli improved what is already the most comfortable pair of bib shorts on the planet by adding dimples on the fabric of the thighs to reduce aerodynamic drag. Castelli also claims the Aero Race Jersey will save 10 watts at 40km/h compared to a standard cycling jersey.

We can’t help but take note how many teams will be sporting blue motifs in 2012. One of the best parts about watching cycling on TV is the dazzling rainbow of colors that comprise the mercurial globule that is the Pro Peloton. This year, Garmin-Barracuda, Saxo Bank, Omega Pharma-Quick Step and Team Sky will all ride in kits that feature some shade of blue as the primary color. Can you imagine a four-man breakaway forming with a rider from each of these teams? It’d be more than a little tough to tell them apart.

Another interesting tidbit that came out of this announcement was that mountain bike brake manufacturer Magura has signed on as a Garmin-Barracuda team sponsor. Rumor has it that Magura is launching some new road components this year, possibly hydraulic brakes for road and TT frames. After months of hype, Cervelo will finally unveil the new P5 triathlon/TT bike on January 18th, perhaps outfitted with some fancy new Magura brakes? We’ll soon find out and you can bet we’ll have more information about it here when the news brakes, pun definitely intended.

We’ll leave you with this video of Garmin-Barracuda pro Christophe Le Mevel training in the new kit on a snowy European mountain. If you are the type of rider who hides in the basement spending lonely hours on the trainer, this will hopefully inspire you to get out and ride.

Click on the image to see the video.

Evan Gear, Races and racing, Road buy garmin barracuda jersey, cervelo p5, cervelo p5 magura, cervelo p5 release, garmin barracuda, garmin barracuda bibs, garmin barracuda jersey, garmin barracuda magura, garmin barracuda team kit, garmin barracuda team store, garmin cervelo barracuda, magura road brakes

With the calendar year winding down and the holiday shopping season in full swing, we wanted to compile a list of the best products 2011 had to offer. The products on this list were picked by our staff of buyers, an enlightened collection of cyclists with expertise in every genre of two-wheeled machines. We have sorted through literally thousands of products to bring you our top picks for Gear of the Year. The products on the list stand out to us because they meet one or more of the criteria on the list below:

1. Revolutionary
2. Technological and functional superiority
3. Aesthetically awesome

So there you have it. Without any further ado, hype or puffery, we present our first annual Gear of the Year list, starting with bikes.

Road Bike of the Year

Cervelo S5

Thor Hushovd rode the S5 to two stage wins at the 2011 Tour de France.

Cervélo has been the pioneer in aero road bike design since 1996 and the S5 is the latest evolution in Cervélo’s lineup of wind-cheating machines. Evolving from the S3, the S5 is stiffer and more aerodynamic. The most obvious visual difference of the S5 compared to the S3 is the extended rear wheel cutout, which smoothes airflow from the frame to the wheel. Another aero advantage is the dropped downtube, which minimizes turbulence behind the fork crown. The seat stays of the S5 have also been designed to shield the rear brake, further improving aerodynamics. The BB area is massive thanks to the BBright bottom bracket; an improvement on the BB30 design.

The S5 had an impressive 2011 campaign, most notably in the Tour de France where Thor Hushovd rode it to two stage wins and a week in the Yellow Jersey. Not a bad debut for the bike of the year.

Honorable mentions go to the Specialized Venge, ridden my Mark Cavendish to a road world championship and the BMC Team Machine, ridden by Cadel Evans to victory at the Tour de France.

Mountain Bike of the Year

Yeti SB-66

The SB-66 in classic Yeti Turquoise.

Revolutionary. There is no other word that better describe Yeti’s newest 6” travel trail/all-mountain bike dubbed the SB-66. The “Switch Technology” suspension that sets this Yeti apart from other bikes utilizes a unique eccentric pivot above the bottom bracket to build a bike that takes the best characteristics of two radically different suspension designs and combines them while eliminating their drawbacks. Another improvement is a nearly flat suspensionleverage curve. This means the amount of leverage the rear wheel has over the shock stays essentially unchanged as it moves though the full range of travel. All this adds up to a bike that pedals and climbs crisply without sacrificing small bump sensitivity.

HED Aredennes SL Wheelset - $1,099.99

The HED Ardennes SL is our best selling wheelset, and understandably so. It delivers a tubular-like ride quality without limiting you to only using certain tires like tubeless compatible wheels do. It’s under 1,500 grams for the set, rolls insanely well, is stiff and aerodynamic. Lastly, with the new graphics, it just looks better than ever. What’s not to love?

Garmin Edge 800 - $449.99-$649.99

The Garmin Edge 800 will show you just about any metric you want to see, in just about any combination.

Garmin’s Edge 800 is the ultimate companion to have along with you on almost any bike ride—it always knows the way and can tell you just how far you’ve come, how far you have to go, and give you multiple options on how to get there. With maps available for almost everywhere on planet Earth, you can just start pedaling and make it back home before dark no matter where you are, even if you’ve never been there before, and you’ll be able to find all the Thai restaurants on the way.

It’s hard to assign one feature that makes the Edge 800 so remarkable, besides the high-resolution, touch-screen display, the near-perfect GPS capabilities of Garmin’s GPS chip, the ANT+ capabilities for speed/cadence and power, and the high-level of customization. Custom maps can be used as well, such as those showing all the cycling routes and trails in an area, or any map you can find. Training regimens can be programmed and a virtual training partner used to help push you along. When you’re done riding, you can upload your data to Garmin’s own Garmin Connect to compare with others, view your route, or look for new routes. Available as a basic speed/distance setup or with cadence and heart rate for training as well, the Edge 800 is our choice for gadget of the year.

We had trouble keeping the Hans Dampf in stock all year.

Schwalbe Hans Dampf Tire- $66.99

The tire of the year award goes to the Schwalbe Hans Dampf. It takes one seriously awesome tire to virtually surpass all other mountain tires in sales and be more expensive (and it’s only been available since April!). The Hans Dampf is the perfect all mountain and trail tire. It rolls well, grips even better, is tubeless compatible, light for its size and level of protection, and performs exceptionally on every type of terrain. Jack of All Trades indeed.

Lezyne Dirt Floor Drive Pump - $59.99-$109.99

We love the distinct look of the Classic Dirt Drive.

There is no better way to inflate your mountain bike tires than with Lezyne’s Dirt Floor Drive floor pump. Designed specifically for larger-volume mountain bike tires, the Dirt Floor Drive outperforms traditional floor pumps by a margin of at least two-to-one. This innovative pump makes life easier for dirt riders everywhere. Sorry roadies, the DFD will only pump up to seventy PSI; it’s for mountain bikes only!

For Gear of the Year honors, aesthetics is as important as performance, and the DFD comes up aces in the looks category as well. Depending on the model you purchase—Classic, Alloy, or CNC—you’ll get a classy, varnished wood or stylish aluminum handle topping off the oversized piston. Sitting inside a huge barrel, the piston can push enough air to seat tubeless tires with only normal pumping effort required. We know, we use these pumps all the time. Tubeless or conventional tires are inflated in half the time it takes to inflate a tire on a traditional high-pressure pump. Looking at the taller/wider than average Dirt Floor Drive chassis and minimalist base, you might wonder about its ability to remain upright in a cramped workspace. Don’t, because the cleverly designed base is as sturdy as they come, employing a tripod design, which uses an oversized pressure gauge as one of the supports.

What puts the latest version of the DFD into elite status is the new ABS Flip Thread Chuck. Thread-on capability for both Presta and Schrader valves, and push-button pressure release (ABS stands for Air Bleed System), allows you to effortlessly remove the chuck from your valve with no loss of pressure or damage to the valve core. Of course, if you prefer to press rather than thread on, the DFD also comes with Lezyne’s Speed Fit Chuck, which fits Presta valves only.

Giro Factor and Code Shoes - $289.99

Our staff loved Giro's shoes so much, nearly half our employees placed special orders for them.

Our favorite shoes came from an unlikely source, not heavyweights Specialized, Sidi or Shimano, but we felt newcomer Giro created the best all-around product with the top-end Factor road shoe and Code mountain shoe. The best part about these shoes is the refined fit, which feels so perfectly dialed in, they’re ready to wear right out of the box. The unrivaled fit is largely thanks to Giro’s SuperNatural Fit Kit, which provides three different arch options to customize the amount of support. Stiff carbon soles, supple yet supportive uppers and effective closure systems leave nothing to be desired. We predict Giro will carve out a huge chunk of the market in 2012 and wouldn’t be surprised to see their shoe lineup expand in years to come. An Honorable Mention goes to the Fizik R1 and R3 for the classic, retro styling and handmade Italian craftsmanship.

Swiftwick Olefin Four Aspire - $15.99/pair

Socks are socks, right? Wrong. Socks are really important - if your feet are uncomfortable, it can significantly affect your performance. Our staff is totally sold on the amazing comfort and durability of Swiftwick socks. Once you try them, they’ll be your go-to socks for every ride. Features that set the Aspire Four apart from the rest - 200-needle construction, Olefin material with seamless toe and a four inch compressive cuff. As a special bonus, you can save 15% when you buy two or more pairs! We absolutely love this sock and think you will too, which is why it made the list.

Giro Aeon Helmet - $199.99-$249.99

The aeon is crazy light and extremely well ventilated.

After years of developing an extended high-end road helmet line, Giro has finally streamlined its offerings and settled on the Aeon as the do-it-all, race-level brain case. Merging the weight of the Prolight with the ventilation of the Ionos, Giro has created the perfect helmet in the Aeon.

Registering 219 grams in a size medium, with all straps and retention systems in place, the Aeon would be a Mini Flyweight boxer. As a helmet, the Aeon disappears once you strap it on your head, thanks in equal measures to the lack of grams, the Roc Loc 5 retention system, and its design. Keeping contact points with your head minimal makes the Aeon very comfortable, and moves material to the outside of the helmet, increasing impact resistance. Upon first look, the Roc Loc 5 looks like it might be a bit obtrusive, as there is no padding on it’s plastic frame. The plastic is soft and pliable, however, and combined with the shape of the “pads” the Roc Loc 5 is as light, comfortable, and as easy to use as any tension device on the market.

If you had to judge by the defunct Prolight, there must be a trade-off between feather-weight and ventilation. The Aeon proves that isn’t true, with more vents than on an old leather hairnet helmet. Giro took advantage of two different technologies to create the Aeon; a reinforcing frame called the SL Rollcage, and a special EPS foam. Since the new thermoformed SL Rollcage—basically a second shell under the outer shell—is so effective, Giro was able to use a lower-density foam to keep weight down. Thin webbing with tiny adjusters also contribute to the increased airflow on your skin, and of course reduce weight as well.

An Honorable Mention goes out to the Kask Vertigo for its revolutionary retention system.

Shimano XTR M985 Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur

After checking out the new XTR Shadow rear derailleur , one of our mechanics remarked, “This is a real monkey touching the monolith moment’” Who can disagree? The Shimano XTR M985 Shadow Plus Rear Derailleur is a revolution in rear derailleur design, allowing the cage to swing backward, but limiting forward motion. The result is a chain that stays in tension, never slapping the stays. This derailleur is a chain guide and rear derailleur all in one.

The result of this technology is a much quieter bike and far fewer dropped chains. One employee here experimented using this derailleur with a single front chainring and only a bash guard to guide the chain. Over a one-mile trail littered with softball sized rocks, the chain never dropped. He plans on removing the bash ring soon. We can’t think of a better endorsement than that. We can’t wait to see this technology spread to all levels of mountain derailleurs.

Gore Ride-On Cable Sets - $36.99-$54.99

Cables are often overlooked and frankly a little unglamorous, but since installing Gore Professional Ride-On cables last October (2010 mind you), Brad, our components buyer, hasn’t needed to adjust his derailleurs once after the cables broke in. This bears repeating: he hasn’t even touched his cable adjustments in over a year and they still work like new. And yes, he does ride… a lot.

Niterider Pro 3000 - $649.99

Apparently Niterider grew tired of the slow-paced lumens competition, seeing each manufacturer’s output creep up by a couple-hundred L-M’s each year. In an effort to put some distance between themselves and their adversaries, Niterider teamed up with the Cree LED company (who have been supplying Light and Motion for years) and came up with the unbelievable Pro 3000, more than doubling last year’s high-output lamp without a price increase.

3000 Lumens! Are you kidding me?

The Niterider Pro 3000 uses a single head housing and two reflectors loaded with three LED bulbs each. Niterider’s mounting hardware is solid and secure—once you get the light aimed where you want it and tightened down, it won’t move. Another distinguishing feature to all the Niterider Pro series lights is the ability to customize output levels, and thus, burn times as well. This would come in handy for racing where you want a climbing mode to save energy and a descending mode to maximize visibility, with no shuffling through medium output and flash modes. All these things are nice, but really, it’s the sheer power of the Niterider Pro 3000 that we most appreciate. It’s like riding with the sun!

Runner up: Light and Motion Seca 1400. This was a tough choice since the Seca is much lighter, has a much lower profile, and has a smaller battery. In the end, though, we just couldn’t overlook the huge output of the Pro 3000.

So there you have it, our favorite products of 2011. If there are any awesome products you’ve been riding that should have made our list, or if you think any of these suck, we’d love to hear from you. Just leave a comment below.

Evan Gear, Mountain, Product Reviews, Road best bike of 2011, best cable set, best cycling sock, best cycling tire, best mountain stem, best road skewer, cervelo s5 review, code shoe, cycling gear of the year, Factor shoe, garmin edge 800, giro code, Giro shoe, hed ardennes, kask vertigo, lezyne dirt floor drive pump, niterider pro 3000, race face turbine stem, SB-66, schwalbe hans dampf, shimano xtr shadow, swiftwick, xtr shadow derailleur, yeti, yeti sb-66 review, zipp aero quick release skewers

The Factor is stealthy in all black.

Overview: The Giro Factor has a perfect fit with a stiff sole and supple upper - but the Fit Kit with customizable arch support is what sets the Factor apart.

Price: $289.99

The Factor really doesn’t look all that spectacular. A buckle, two Velcro straps, synthetic upper, carbon sole…there are a glut of high-end shoes with many of the same characteristics and far more shelf appeal because of lavish color schemes and gimmicky closure systems.

You have to try the Factor on to appreciate its inner beauty. Not that it’s an ugly duckling, but it probably wouldn’t be the first shoe you’d grab off a shelf or click on a page. Giro went through 16 revisions of the last before releasing a full lineup of shoes last spring. Once you slide your toesies into the welcoming confines of the Factor, you’ll thank the cycling Gods for delivering the most comfortable shoe you’ve ever tried on. I found the fit to be so congruous with my foot, I raced in them after just one test ride. Our staff found Giro’s shoes to be the real deal as well - so far seven employees have special ordered shoes.

Giro's SuperNatural Fit Kit insoles with 3 different arch supports.

Giro takes a different approach to providing arch support compared to Specialized or Shimano. Rather than build support into the carbon sole, which Specialized does with a structural tilt called a Varus Wedge, you can choose from three different arch supports included with Giro’s SuperNatural Fit Kit insoles. This makes sense because while most people need some level of support, it varies from person to person. Starting with a flat platform and adding support based on your specific arch structure seems like a simple idea but it’s actually unique to Giro’s system.

The Easton EC90 sole is super thin at only 6.5mm

The Easton EC90 unidirectional carbon sole is only 6.5mm thick and is just as stiff as any shoe I have ever tested. The upper is made of a supple microfiber material called Teijin, which is commonly used on high-end soccer shoes. This material shapes to your foot and feels like a custom molded shoe after a few rides.

The buckle worked flawlessly and the off-set middle Velcro strap secured my midfoot without any unnecessary pressure. I have ridden in S-Works shoes for the last five years and am a pretty die-hard Specialized shoe fan. But I am now officially a Grio convert having ridden in the Factors for the last month. What makes the Factors fit better for me compared to the S-Works is a shallower toe box. I have a low-volume, fairly narrow foot. I have found the Factor to provide a snugger, more secure fit and I feel like I’m transferring more power to the pedals because of the fit. This shoe does run a tad small, so I went with a half size bigger from my S-Works shoe.

The offset middle strap eliminates pressure points.

At $289.99, the Factor falls into the realm of high-end, but it’s at least $80 cheaper than the high end offerings from Specialized, Sidi and Shimano. When you consider the performance built into the Factor, it’s really quite a bargain.

There’s not much to complain about, but if I had to come up with one knock against the Factor, it would be that the heel and toe pads are pretty minimal so walking around the coffee shop is a little tricky. I’d rather have the small pads and save the grams, but some people may feel differently and prefer a bit more padding for walking stability.

Bottom Line: Everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to the “perfect fitting shoe.” What works for me won’t necessarily work for you. But keep this mind - nearly half our staff special ordered Giro shoes, some multiple pairs, after trying them on. With our free shipping and free returns, you can’t afford not to try on a pair.

Evan Gear, Product Reviews cycling shoe, factor review, Factor shoe, Giro, giro code, Giro cycling shoe, Giro Factor, Giro Factor Review, Giro Factor Sale, giro fit kit, giro privateer, Giro road shoe, Giro shoe, giro supernatural fit kit, Giro Trans, super natural fit kit

When Fizik introduced its first saddle, the Arione, it rocked the saddle world. Now they have done it again with the Kurve saddles. But rather then reinvent the saddle, Fizik takes a cue from the best saddles of old and updates the technology to work with modern materials. They’ve put a premium on comfort above all else, and the result is the Kurve platform. The Fizik Kurve saddles feature a two part system that is designed to give you unprecedented comfort on the bike.

The Re:Flex base and Mobius rail

It starts with a 3 layer carbon fabric base (or shell) that has adjustable tension (read: flexibility/firmness) so you can tailor the saddle feel to your preferences. The 3 layer fabric, called Re:Flex Dynamic Interface, is designed with only 1 layer beneath more critical parts such as your sit bones and perineal nerve so that it flexes easily under those areas. The second part of the system is the Mobius one-piece, forged, aluminum rail. The Mobius rail is designed as a spring held in compression by the base and the “Tuner” you choose (more on that in a moment). You therefore have the flexing of the base and the springing of the rail complementing each other to provide comfort. The Mobius rail holds the base at the very ends of the saddle. This is a key design point. Most other saddles, including Fizik’s, have the rails attached to the base underneath the sit-bones area, which consequently increases pressure there. By supporting the saddle at the very front and rear of the base, the entire saddle is able to flex and move with your body.

The Kurve saddles are tunable to your preferences by placing soft or hard “Tuners” at the nose of the saddle. The Tuners control the tension of the base. Higher tension equals less flex. Lower tension equals more. This is old technology and Fizik is keen to borrow it from sister company Brooks and implement it in a modern design.

The most common Fizik technologies have also found their way in to the Kurve saddles. Wing Flex technology allows full unhindered movement for your legs and a supple microtex cover provides that little extra bit of softness over the base. Padding is kept to a minimum since comfort is derived primarily through the flexing of the base.

The Kurve Snake shares its basic shape with the Arione CX saddle

Though the price may scare some away, the reviews around the cycling world so far have only given high praise. With an understanding of the  Kurve saddle design, it’s not hard to see that most everyone could benefit from riding one. They currently come in Bull, Chameleon, and Snake models. Each corresponds to the Aliante, Antares, and Arione, respectively.

If you’ve never quite found the current crop of saddles available to be comfortable enough, take a look at the Fizik Kurve saddles. Kurve saddles can be purchased here.

Bradstone Gear, Road cycling, Fizik, Kurve, Saddle

Van Cleve Racing Team Jersey

Clipless pedals, tubeless tires, carbon fiber, aero frames and wide rims all have one thing in common: they were game changers in the world of cycling. It is not often that you come across game changers, but when you do, it is always exciting. We believe that Van Cleve Racing has developed a game changing line of cycling apparel and are pleased to announce that Art’s Cyclery.com is the exclusive distributor for Van Cleve Racing cycling apparel. As part of this announcement we are offering an introductory 20% discount on all Van Cleve Racing gear. Just use the code VANCLEVE20 at checkout.

What makes Van Cleve Racing kits a game changer? Well, unlike most of the hyped-up high-tech components out there, Van Cleve makes no wild claims to proprietary technology when it comes to their garment’s construction. What makes this new kit so exciting is its back-to-basics design and innovative use of faux finishes.

Members of the Van Cleve Racing Team out on a training ride.

Van Cleve’s departure from the brightly colored pajama-esque styles we are used to seeing recalls the ever-evolving history of rock-and-roll. Elvis Presley was the foil for stodgy big band jazz. The Beatles’ music was a response to the boring folk songs and urbane, sanitized pop of the early sixties. The Clash and The Ramones battled against the overwrought prog-rock of the 70’s. Nirvana shook up the over-synthed world of “altnerative” rock with a three piece line-up and a healthy dose of distorted guitar.

However, Van Cleve Racing isn’t about angst or fighting the system like any of these rockers were. But they are about getting back to that straight ahead three-chord sound that is the antidote for the diseases of an overcomplicated, over-done, hyper-real world. They have accomplished this through a simple design aesthetic that hearkens back to the bicycle craze of the 1890’s when the safety bike first became available in the United States. This era of two-wheeled excitement had a certain purity to it. All of the bikes were single-speeds and riders wore clothes to ride in that are nicer than you or I are likely to be seen wearing at a wedding, let alone out on a bike. As impractical as those victorian styles were, they sure looked good.

The Nikola Jersey up close

Van Cleve Racing has distilled the essence of this early racing gear and infused it into modern fabrics and then cut those fabrics to fit like the best cycling kits available on the market today. Van Cleve’s “Team” kit recalls the wool sweaters and shorts of early track racers, while their “Nikola” kit with its herringbone faux finish references the suits worn by gentleman racers out on the roads. What makes these kits unique is that they aren’t just retro throwbacks, they have a modern edge to them that truly looks “pro” while maintaining a sense of victorian class.

Beyond the great styling of these kits, they just plain work great. Made by Voler, the fit works with most body types and isn’t overly tight or loose. The chamois on the bib shorts is made of a high quality multi-density foam with a wicking inner cover that never rubs the wrong way. Plus, it is as comfortable on both long and short rides as any other manufacturer’s bibs we’ve tried.

The Nikola Bibs

One last thing, the guys behind Van Cleve Racing are local and hail from our home town of San Luis Obispo, CA. They are real cyclocross nuts that also spend plenty of time on the road and the dirt in the off season. Perhaps their most endearing quality is that they bring a sense of humor to an industry that is often characterized by too many graphs and charts detailing new improvements to frame stiffness, compliance and the like. Some evidence of this sense of humor can be found in Van Cleve Racing’s press releases that are typically written in victorian prose and the tongue-in-cheek old-timey phrases they print on the collars of all their jerseys.

So lighten up and try out one of Van Cleve Racing’s new kits. We guarantee that wearing either one of the Van Cleve kits will make you the classiest looking rider at your next group ride. Order now with the code VANCLEVE20 to get 20% off.

Evan Gear, Road Art's Cyclery, bibshorts, cycling apparel, cyclocross, jersey, road cycling, shorts, Van Cleve, Van Cleve Racing, Van Cleve Sale

The Schwalbe Nobby Nic is a new favorite among our staff.

Overview: Designed to be your go to tire for any situation, the Scwalbe Nobby Nic is a true all-around performer.

Price: $64.99-71.99

It is commonly known that if something is a ‘Jack-of-all-trades’ it must be a master of none. On the contrary, we mountain bikers look for products that are designed to tackle everything, from steep technical climbs to descents scattered with rock gardens and twisty single-track. Not only do we expect our gear to be tough and responsive, we have come to demand it.

Nearly every bike manufacturer offers a steed that is presented to the ever growing ‘all mountain’ market. It is easy to find a frame, fork or handlebar designed for this type of riding. What is tough to find are tires that provide enough traction to keep your rear wheel from slipping during climbs in addition to deflecting sharp rocks when it’s time to get medieval on the way down. Schwalbe comes to the rescue with the Nobby Nic, a tire that is remarkably light, extremely tough, tacky and durable.

My mission was to put these tires to grueling tests of epic rides through a variety of terrain. My first ride on the tires was exceptional. I set out on my favorite local trail here in the hills of  San Luis Obispo and set a new time record on both the climb and descent. The Nic gave me constant traction on the way up and gave me added confidence when the terrain got nasty on the way down.

The U structure of the Nobby Nic.

Schwalbe calls the Nobby Nic an ‘all grounder’ tire, which rang true when my rides turned muddy, sandy, rocky, loamy or dusty. The knobs are spaced perfectly adding to its traction by deflecting mud and tearing away at the trail. The ‘phase shifted blocks’ evenly space the tread for excellent grip and eliminate tire vibration. You will notice the tread creates a ‘U’ structure. This U block pattern angles the outside knobs 20 degrees to mold over the trail surface which comes in handy when the corners are sharp.

My initial perception of the tires being too tough to roll was destroyed by the Pacestar compound specific to the Nics. Pacestar rubber compound keeps the knobs agile to grip and move fast over a variety of terrain. These tires deserve to be on your bike, continually keeping you locked to the trail with the durability to last all season long. Besides, why would you want to buy a tire designed for one season when you can have a set that keeps you rolling ride after ride?

My only negative remark about the Nic is that it lacks traction in tight turns. Compared to a WTB Weirwolf that grabs even the loosest berms, the Nic tends to loose traction in these instances. Granted, this is the performance characteristic the Weirwolf is designed for, while the Nic is an all grounder tire capable of any terrain. At a killer 250 grams lighter than a 2.3 Weirwolf AM TCS, the Nobby Nic is just as durable, leaving the competition lagging behind on those long, grueling climbs.

Bottom Line: The Schwalbe Nobby Nic is a killer tire designed to keep you rolling strong and efficiently to destroy any trail that lies in front of you.

Evan Gear, Mountain, Product Reviews nobby nic, nobby nic review, schwalbe, schwalbe nobby nic, schwalbe nobby nic review, schwalbe review, schwalbe tires

Click this image to see how Shoefitr works on our site.

Necessity is indeed the mother of the greatest innovations. A few months ago, we were introduced to a new company called Shoefitr and immediately recognized it as a powerful application with huge potential for us to better serve our online customers.

Shoefitr uses 3D scanning technology to scan the insides of shoes, generating measurements relative to fitting a shoe to a foot. This company was born out of a problem - consumers are uncertain about what size shoe to order and are therefore hesitant to shop online. Even with free return shipping, which we offer, we understand that buying shoes online can be tricky. According to Shoefitr’s website, if a consumer chooses the same size shoe in a different model, he will not receive his preferred fit 40% of the time.

Simply tell Shoefitr what size and model shoe you currently wear, and it will tell you exactly what size to order in another model. You can view a 3D scan of the inside of a shoe that shows where it may be tighter or looser compared to your current shoe. This almost guarantees you will order the perfect fitting shoe and completely eliminates any guess work involved in picking the right size.

In addition to increasing customer satisfaction and confidence, we anticipate this application will cut down on returns, which cause approximately 8,500 tons of carbon emissions per year from online retailers.

We are proud and excited to have partnered with Shoefitr and hope it helps you in your quest for the perfect fitting shoe. To try it out, just go to our site and click on any shoe.

Evan Gear shoefitr