Featuring its 3D headtube the ARGON 18 Gallium Frameset uses a threaded insert into the head-tube, 10 or 20mm spacers are then held in place, (traditional spacers cause the distance between the bearing and bars to be longer). Argon 18’s method reduces this distance therefore increasing the head-tube length – just under the bar sits the bearing assembly, in essences flex is almost eliminated with less stresses on the steering tube, this can also increase the ‘life’ of the fork.
With the headset and bottom bracket being oversized and tapered, and the large asymmetrical chainstays, huge balanced power transfer is achieved; this frameset is very rigid and weighs in at only 920g, with the all carbon folks adding 340g together the cost is £2042.54
The more traditional Kranspoort frame is made from 3A1/2.5V titanium, which results in lightness rather than stiffness.
Former pro Jean-Claude Pretorius explains: “its aimed at the amateur or sportive type rider”, it does not require the geometry or stiffness of the professional ranks. Frame and the Ritchey carbon comp UD fork cost upward of £1,390.
This one pictured above is a very nice top end build, equipped with Campagnolo Super Record groupset, Campag Bora One are the wheels and weighing in at a remarkable 7kg (15.5Ib). Sizes are 50-60cm with custom geometry also available. Total cost is £4,990.
Aimed at the serious female rider the Specialized Amira Pro Frameset is the version of HTC-Highroad women’s squad team bike, for some time it has been available in the US and now the improved version is here.
When fully built the full carbon frame accompanied with the Ultegra Di2 weighs in at around 6.3kg (14Ib).
Specialized have used specific data to ensure a smaller rider-to-weight ratio is safe. Available in shops from November the Pro will cost around £4,500 for the serious rider, the lower priced Amira will be available late summer, sizes 44-56cm.
A classic -looking retro- style bike from the world’s largest bike company the Via 1 isn’t looks alone . It has thin chrome moly steel tubing, curvy Mixte-style lateral stays (even on the “men’s” diamond-frame model), and moves along with a three speed Shimano Nexus hub gear. It has a rear coaster brake attached to a front calliper stopper. The saddle is very ‘Brooks-esque’ and comes with a leather care kit – a nice touch .
There are practical features for all weather commuting like the steel mudguards and a full- length chain guard to keep you oil -free. The split top tube that can accommodate a lock and the bolted on wheels are sensible street smart details .
With the women’s flower basket on the front or optional rear rack the Giant Via 1 is a well -priced practical option for those wanting to look like they’re pottering round a European city rather than dashing to work.
Specification of the Giant Via 1 Hybrid Bike:
The distinctive split top-tube design gives Via a character all its own. And it’s not just
about looks. The tough double-butted chromoly frame tubing means you don’t have to
pamper it, and clever features like the subtle U-lock holder and bolted wheels (no
quick release) show off Via’s street smarts.
Features:
Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal gearing with twist-style shifter
Great news for women serious about their cycling: the brand new 2012 Specialised Amira is a women- specific pro-level race bike.
The high-performance, women’s-specific machine features two key improvements: increased stiffness and decreased weight.
Specialized are responding to the high numbers of women now seeking more choice at the top end of the bike market. The Amira has a full carbon frame. and will be offered with five different component specs – Base, Elite, Comp, Pro and S-Works – and in five sizes (44, 48, 51, 54 and 56cm).
For competitive women who’ve found the level of choice at the pro end of the market limited this could be the answer.
Andy Fenn rode a Dolan Ares An Post-Sean Kelly team issue to fifth place in the U23 Paris-Roubaix, and won the Memorial Philippe Van Coningsloo – UCI ranked 1.2 – on the Apres. A more difficult-to- pronounce Lithuanian Gediminas Bagdonas won a stage and the overall in the Tour de l’Oise and also the An Post Ras.
Dolan Ares
The Dolan Ares is proving to be a winner, weighing in at a lightweight 1,100 grams for the frame, and the folks at 380 grams, it is made from Toray UD carbon, the versions available are for standard groupsets or the Di2 electric groupsets. British built Hope wheels are used by the team, though the new Cosmic Carbon SLRs by mavic are the spec for the general public; also the new black SRAM Red is used.
It is difficult to find another British bike manufacturer having so much UCI success as the Dolan Ares, Terry Dolan says “We met with Sean Kelly last September, former pro Phil Thomas give the Ares its first tryout and simply said ‘Yep’, so we handed a few to the team for trials and they went with it. During the team’s winter training camps we went out to visit them and the feedback was great, Nico Eeckhout – who tries to break everything – even thought it was good.”
The An Post-Sean Kelly team got the first 40 with the green colour scheme – which incidentally still needs to be loaded on to the website, it is in-stock with (compact) sizes 44-56cm, this machine will cost you £3,600.
With huge attention to detail the Asian produced Spin Spitfire Mk III is a fantastic looking machine, the Spitfire Mk III is a very light 1,400 grams, inclusive of this weight is the titanium frame, full carbon fork and bars with titanium seat post and stem. Highly polished and hand finished in the UK. £2,350 will get you this lighter end titanium bike set up.
The Spitfire Mk III arrives ready for you to build at home within your own specifications, at extra cost Spin will build you a full considered purchase head turning titanium bike that will last you for years.
Spins aim to manufacture top end light and ‘stiffer than stiff’ titanium machines means the Spitfire Mk III really wont be suitable for the more leisurely orientated sports cyclist.
Special orders are now available in sizes small to extra large.
Halfords is still growing strongly even in the difficult retail times, helped along by the strong Boardman Bikes range.
Halfords has 466 stores with 11,000 staff. The high profile Boardman Bikes range (as advertised on the recent Tour Series races) is doing very well. Halfords has sold more than 21,000 Boardman Bikes!
Boardman the range designed by legend Chris Boardman and sold via Halfords.com all over the country have a new 20 -bike line up for 2011. The Elite range of Boardman bikes is going to be sold exclusively via independant retailers around the world.
