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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Overview: This clever base layer/jersey combo is great for fall cycling and eliminates the need for arm warmers in cool conditions.

Price: Feroce Midweight Base Layer: $99.99, Fedele Jersey: $99.99

The Feroce Baselayer.

The Fedele Jersey.

Castelli is one of our favorite apparel brands here because its rich Italian heritage pervades through every well thought out, stylishly designed piece. The result of combining that invariable classiness with the latest technical fabrics bodes well for the continued success of the Castelli brand.

The 2011 Fall/Winter collection has some real gems - unique pieces with remarkable functionality and, of course, classic Castelli style. Two such products that stuck out in my mind when I first saw the line 6 months ago were the Feroce Midweight Long Sleeve Base Layer and the Fedele Jersey. Used together, this combo is the perfect system for fall cycling, or the “transitional season” before you start pulling on a heavy duty jacket and full-length leg warmers or tights.

The Feroce Base Layer is unique from other long sleeve base layers because the sleeves are made of a thicker material than the chest because it’s

The sleeves are warmer than the rest of the base layer.

designed to be worn with a short sleeve jersey. Gone are the days of the dreaded gap between your arm warmers and jersey. This base layer allows a seamless transition and creates the perfect temperature equilibrium. The medium weight material utilized in the chest makes it great through multiple seasons.

The Fedele Jersey is much warmer than a typical summer jersey thanks to the Thermoflex Lite fabric, which has a brushed, fuzzy finish and is velvety soft and really stretchy.

I rode in the jersey and base layer for the first time on a brisk October morning. I set out just before sunrise with the temperature in the low to mid 50’s. I was chilly as I rolled down my street, but as soon as I hit Highway 1 to head north toward Morro Bay, my muscles began to de-stiffen and my core temperature started to warm up.

I felt perfectly cozy for the duration of my ride, even through the heavy fog along the coast. If the temperature were any cooler, I would have gone with a vest over the jersey or possibly a lightweight jacket, like the Castelli Leggero. But for temperatures between 53 and 65 degrees, the Feroce base layer and Fedele Jersey are tailor made to keep you warm and looking good.

A horizontal zippered pocket perfectly stashes an Ipod.

Features I really enjoyed on the base layer included a high neck collar to seal out the cold when the jersey was zipped all the way up. I was delighted to find a side zip media pocket on the jersey to store my Ipod. These details, along with reflective accents on the jersey, are welcomed attributes that leave little to be desired.

My only complaint was that the material on the arms of the base layer wasn’t warm enough to be worn in temperatures down to 50 degrees, as the Castelli website states. At that temperature, I would definitely want another layer, but that’s my personal preference. You may find it to work just fine.

Summary: Arm warmers can be tricky - they can slip down, bunch up, twist and pinch. The Feroce Midweight Base Layer eliminates the need for arm warmers and creates a seamless transition between jersey and sleeve. The Fedele Jersey is warm, but not too hot and has classic Castelli styling. When used together, this system is the perfect solution for rides between 53 and 65 degrees.

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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.

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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.

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It’s been a while since we introduced a new bike brand here at Art’s Cyclery, so we are pretty excited to announce that we are now carrying Yeti bikes. Yeti has deep roots in the mountain bike industry dating back to 1985 before mountain biking was even considered an industry. Yeti is a company of riders with an anti-corporate approach to designing bikes - product guys make decisions at Yeti, not accountants.

Starting with Julie Furtado’s World Championship win in 1990, Team Yeti has become one of the most widely recognized teams in the history of the sport and has been home to some of the biggest names in mountain biking including Aaron Gwinn, Jared Graves, Missy Giove, Miles Rockwell, John Tomac, Jill Kitner, Sam Blinkensop, Tara Llanes, Paul Rowney, and Marla Streb. This commitment to racing has driven their innovative suspension designs that continue to push the limits of what is possible at a time when most of the bicycle industry has given up investing resources into radically new suspension designs.

The 575 is a trail beast, and the most successful bike in Yeti's history.

Beyond Yeti’s racing heritage and their commitment to innovation, their bikes have always had a distinctive style that has set them apart from the crowd. Some signature traits include oval top tubes, loop tail one-piece seat/chain stays, external headsets, and their unique turquoise and yellow color schemes.

As a result of their consistently unique approach to bicycle design, Yeti owners have a tendency to remain loyal to the brand. Ride a Yeti, and you may become a member of the Yeti tribe that congregates every year at their headquarters in Golden, Colorado for a BBQ and ride. Yeti still has the same kind of company it did back in the day - small, passionate, independent and proud.

Here’s a brief rundown of the bikes we’ll be carrying:

Yeti 575

The 575 has been the most successful bike in the history of Yeti. Why? It’s light, has loads of travel (5.75″), is efficient and descends well. But most importantly, it rules on rough terrain.

Yeti ASR-5

The ASR-5 is an amazingly versatile all-arounder. Long, gnarly back-country rides? No problem. You wanna race a little cross country? This bike is light enough to help you stomp your lycra-clad friends uphill and then put more time into them on the downhill.

Yeti Arc BigTop 29

This 29er has a carbon fiber rear end that provides vertical compliance, great lateral stiffness with a forgiving, comfortable ride.

The ASR-5 may be THE perfect trail bike.

The Arc Big Top has comfortable ride with a carbon rear end.

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HED Stinger 6 Tubular Flamme Rouge. Rim Depth: 60mm. Rim Width: 28mm. Weight: 1433g

Overview: For the elite cyclist or triathlete, this is one of the best all-around wheel sets on the market. Incredible stiffness, low weight, easy serviceability and proven aerodynamics make the HED Stinger 6 FR one bad-ass wheel set.

Price: $2,099.99

After an entire year off from competitive racing, 2011 will be a re-birth of sorts for me. The effects of racing as a triathlete for the last 10 years led to an unfortunate mental and physical burnout. With over a year off, I’m now craving the competition I left behind and I’ve decided to dedicate my efforts to cycling. I raced at a high level as a triathlete, and I want to see if I can reach the same level as a cyclist.

The first step in my athletic reincarnation was my approach to training. Once I got that sorted out, it was time to invest in some gear. I bought a Cervelo S2 and am absolutely loving it. I decided my next upgrade would be wheels. I needed an all-around set that would carry me through hilly road races, crits and the occasional time trial. With a glut of carbon tubulars to choose from, I went with the wheel that offered the best performance for the price.

The carbon layup was re-designed, making this year's wheels stiffer than the 2010 version.

I have always been a fan of Zipp and have never actually owned a pair of carbon wheels from any other brand. But when I looked at the specs for a set of 404’s compared to the Stinger 6’s, I decided it was time for a change.

The defining characteristic of the Stinger 6 FR (Flame Rouge) is the 28mm wide rim, which is one mm wider than the Zipp 404. The advantages of a wider rim include a more comfortable ride, increased aerodynamics and crosswind stability. HED requires this wheel be used with a at least a 23mm tire in order to maintain the warranty. The disadvantage to the wide rim profile include the annoying task of having to adjust your brakes in order to have the calipers open wide enough to accommodate the width of the rim. I went with Zipp’s carbon brake pads and was able to adjust my SRAM Red brakes wide enough to work. A co-worker who purchased the same wheels had to grind down his Swissstop Yellow pads.

First Ride

I still get excited about new gear the way a 6-year-old gets excited for candy. After glueing on some Vittoria Corsa Evo CX Tubulars, I was ready to roll. My first ride on these wheels was a windy cruise along the coast that provided the perfect terrain to test HED’s claim of manufacturing the “most stable aero wheels” available. I prepared myself to get blown all over the road, but to my surprise, the effects of the gusts that came from every angle were far less than I expected. I felt in total control of my machine even with powerful blasts of direct side wind. These wheels handle more like a 40mm deep rim than a 60mm rim.

I did a few sprints out of the saddle once I was warmed up. I don’t often “wow” myself, but ‘holy crap these things are fast’ was my only thought as I rode back to work with a huge smile on my face.

Matt Goss won Milan-San Remo on a set of Stinger 6's. Photo credit: TDWsport.com

Braking power and control felt great along with overall compatibility with my bike.  I raced twice the following day and the Stinger 6’s excelled over the rolling course, helping me snag two top-ten finishes.

New Design for 2011

The 2011 Stinger 6 is not simply tweaked from last year’s model; it’s a whole new rim shape, much more like a different species rather than an evolution. The 2011 wheel is dramatically more aerodynamic than the previous model. HED claims at a 15 degree wind yaw angle, the new Stinger 6 produces 100g less drag than the previous model. The overall result when combined with SCT (Stability Control Technology) is a faster wheel no matter which direction the wind is coming from. The 2011 Stingers are also 20% stiffer laterally and 16% more impact resistant thanks to a new carbon layup schedule over the previous model. Thus the new Stingers are stronger and more resilient than previous models with added stiffness for those out of the saddle sprints.

The Flamme Rouge hubs have a grease port for easy serviceability.

The Stinger 6 FR wheels use HED’s FR Sonic hubs. Incredibly smooth, light, and aerodynamic is the most accurate way to describe them. For 2011 the Flamme Rouge (FR) Sonic hubs have been made more serviceable thanks to a grease port on the rear hub body. The result is quicker and easier service to keep the bearings rolling smoothly.

Bottom Line: These wheels have helped renew my passion for racing and I can’t wait to test myself aboard the Stinger 6’s this season. Aside from the minor hassle of having to mess with my brakes to make them work with my bike, I love everything about this wheel set. If you’re looking for an awesome set of wheels that can handle any discipline of racing, the HED Stinger 6 should be on your short list.

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The WTB Dissent Tire excels in any condition and loves bombing down hills.

Overview:  This tire has been designed from the dirt up to keep you flying down the trail. It’s made to do one thing - go downhill fast.

Price:  $24.99-$38.99

Ernest Hemingway said “There are only three sports: Bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are games.” I have a feeling that if Mr. Hemingway had seen riders like Aaron Gwin, Fabien Barel or Sam Hill rip down a boulder infested mountain, he’d probably include downhill mountain bike racing as a sport as well.

Racers throw caution to the wind to be the fastest down the course. They depend on a combination of skill and equipment to beat the clock. Staying connected to the trail is key, making tire choice a crucial decision.

I put a set of WTB Dissent tires on my downhill bike last September and haven’t looked back since. Like the Maxxis Minions, they are strong and offer a great strength to weight ratio. I switched brands in search of a more confident cornering tire, and found exactly that in the Dissent on my first ride. The Minion is lighter but the Dissent has proven more durable in my experience.

The Dissent's broad knobs won't flex or squirm on rocky surfaces.

Like Hemingway has his place in American literature, WTB has its place in mountain bike history. The company was founded in Marin, CA in 1982 near the very hills that gave the world the mountain bike. Based purely on providing the world with the highest quality mountain bike specific parts, they have grown into a world-wide enterprise without losing their passion for cycling.

The Dissent is WTB’s downhill/Freeride tire. It comes in two versions and sizes. The Team version, which is a wire bead, features WTB’s patented DNA rubber and a heavy-duty side wall construction. The lighter Race version has an Aramid bead and the same patented DNA rubber with a lighter sidewall construction. Size options include 2.5 and a 2.3.

WTB redesigned the Dissent in 2010 through feedback from several UCI world cup downhill athletes including Fabien Barrel. The updates include a deeper tread and wider spacing with a low enough rolling resistance to sprint form corner to corner.  Opposing directional side knobs increase cornering confidence.  These features highlight one of the best multi-condition downhill tires on the market.

I run the Team Edition (2.3 rear and 2.5 front) on my 2011 Giant Glory teamed up with WTB’s LaserDisc downhill wheels, which are the finest points of contact with the ground I could think of.

From the rocky and dusty trails of San Luis Obispo to the wet and tacky springtime runs down the famous Downieville trail in Tahoe, I haven’t found a place where these tires don’t connect.  Just one look at the tire and you know it means business (and cornering). The opposing side knobs allow you to lean the bike harder into corners with ease and give peace of mind on the dusty, flat high-speed turns.

The center knobs are well spaced and roll fast for the sprints and flats on any trail. When the going gets muddy, the Dissents are quick to shed the mud and offer continual traction in the slickest of spots.

Bottom Line: The World Cup team development shows in this tire as it is great for just about any terrain you can throw at it.

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