Technical Stuff
Seen some great tech stuff? Seen some dreadful tech stuff? Have some tech questions? Then this is the page for you.
If you have tech questions then, if you are lucky you may get some answers. You never know but the answers may even be useful.
Note that for any advice given then it is up to the reader to use that advice advisedly at their own risk.
Forgot to shift gear into Neutral?!
https://fb.watch/4ZdpJSlUKM/
That is weird to say the least as you’d expect the pedals to continue to turn after the wheel hit the deck if it was spinning due to momentum. Would like to see the video from a bit earlier as to how he dismounted.
My “mini review” of the new Pirelli P ZERO Race clinchers in PEZ Gear Break today. As well as a bunch of other stuff for this Friday. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/gear-break-16-04-2021-pirelli-myvelofit-komcycling-rapha-efeducation-nippo-abus-sockguy/
Another shoe review. This time, the new Shimano S-PHYRE RC902. Totally flash in blue. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/shimano-s-phyre-rc902-shoe-review/
I like the variable arch support. I have very high arches and most standard insoles don’t give me sufficient support. I’ve done some of my own customisations with variable results. Anyone know of similar aftermarket customisable solutions that fit road shoes? I’ve tried SOLE which are are a good system but I found the basic sole was too thick for lying shoes and I was getting too compressed around the widest part of my foot. I did have ideal with the Stelbel to get custom inners within the price but with Covid lockdowns etc I’ve not been able to take… Read more »
@Teocalli – I use Bontrager insoles in my Lakes. I have low arches and the OEM insoles had too much arch support. I know Lake makes a custom insole but I wanted to see if something off the shelf would work for me. Not custom, but the Bontrager insoles work well for me. https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bontrager/inform_biodynamic_insoles/ I don’t have any experience with these, but both SOLE and Surefoot make cycling specific custom insoles.
AIIRC you can return the Bontrager insoles if they don’t work which is nice.
Giro do a sole with three levels of arch support. I have very low arches and use only the lowest option, so if you’d like the “highest” options let me know and I’ll send them to you.
I’ve found an aftermarket solution. Will save the details to see how they work out and can be the basis of an article if they turn out OK. It’s a very similar solution.
This comment doesn’t really belong here but… I had just finished reading this shoe review on PEZ a couple days ago and went out to get my mail. I was pleasantly surprised to find my OTR prize waiting for me, forwarded by Chuck since it was sent to him accidentally. So thanks to Teocalli for the original prize and thanks, Chuck, for taking the time to send it along. Just like dancollins, the phone/tool wallet will be a step up from the zip lock bag I had been using.
Excellent. Sorry for the cockup in sending via Chuck!
Happy to pay it forward!
Between Tubeless and Sponsorship Pressure (?) will we see more Pro teams moving away from Tubs?
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-of-flanders-on-clinchers-deceuninck-quickstep-break-with-tubular-tradition/?utm_medium=social&utm_content=cyclingnews&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR0PhogaRRFQn5zaY5CUvXTfuKWsOvUCsWwV_CU99mvPmKdg7UxlEDI47nc
Sadly…most likely. Really ticks me off.
Hmm – one for all those happy to buy Far East ‘knock offs’. Mavic find 100% failure rate in fake wheels.
https://road.cc/content/tech-news/mavic-warns-against-buying-counterfeit-wheels-281435?fbclid=IwAR2KkoPVGdWkGvwZMa4C-pKnmO0wCGo414WcTC9GcGoOmcHchSqOT4-46T0
Gulp! Canyon bars and seat post!
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/canyon-issues-stop-ride-for-aeroad-after-van-der-poel-handlebar-failure/
Not great PR for Canyon. This may show up some issues in the ‘direct to customer’ model vs using a LBS. Not least that I wonder how many of their customers would be capable of swapping out bars so any fix will likely require some form of credit/claim to have an LBS replace the bars – once they’ve worked out what they are going to do.
At least one report I’ve read says that the culprit may have been an overtightened brake lever. Given where it broke, a plausible explanation. At least Canyon is taking it seriously and addressing the problem. If there actually is a problem with the bars, direct to consumer vs LBS isn’t the issue, i.e., faulty bars are faulty bars and not a function of the business model. But yes, replacing them could be an issue for those who aren’t mechanically inclined. If not installed by Canyon, then a question of future liability. And maybe a LBS wouldn’t want to touch them… Read more »
Who needs the latest top end spec rig? Though the focus may well have been on aero gains rather than weight.
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/mathieu-van-der-poel-uses-budget-spec-aeroad-cf-sl-for-strade-bianche-win/?fbclid=IwAR3-hjxvhAxtzXNle57c9bcEKbx_icTSBXSkxlqe9nz-iJWjGINo98zqYEI
Another review on PEZ. Specialized S-Works Ares road shoe. Worn by the likes of Sam Bennett and Julian Alaphilippe. Won’t be surprised if Sagan ends up wearing them too. But for us mere mortals … bloody expensive! Also, the styling/look might not appeal to everyone. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/specialized-s-works-ares-shoes-review-channeling-your-inner-sam-bennett/
Black shoes should be lace up!
Waiting for MangoDave’s Golden Tickets to show up, so taking the time to give these beauties a right proper cleaning.
I’ve got a couple of those on worn out Shamal rims that I am thinking about rebuilding with new rims, though not sure whether anyone makes the ‘3 group” spoke pattern that matches Campag so my only option may be to rebuild with Shamal rims. The only thing putting me off is the internal nipples on the Campag rims which look like being a ‘mare to lace.
Campagnolo sells a little magnet that slides into the spoke nipple, so you can then use another to guide it to the spoke hole. It works quite well actually.
Yes I saw that. Will have to look at rim options but might be best to stick with Shamal and then I can reuse my existing spokes. Hopefully.
Oh, very nice! They felt smooth, didn’t think they would need a proper cleaning. How do they look inside?
The hub bearings were still really clean actually, dirt had worked its way into the freehub area, so good to get that cleaned out. I also pulled and re lubed the cartridge bearing in the freehub body itself, will be super smooth when you get them back. 🙂
Anyone in the market for a new helmet? My review of the new Lazer Sphere MIPS. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/lazer-sphere-mips-helmet-review/ Next in the review queue for me are the new Specialized Ares road shoes.
Another review for PEZ. Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL GPS watch. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/wahoo-elemnt-rival-review-and-set-up-guide/
More winter kit. This time from Alé. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/alebikewear-prs-winter-cycling-kit-review/
My pic didn’t post. Trying again.
If anyone is still looking to buy winter kit. My review of La Passione on PEZ. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/la-passione-winter-kit-review-baby-its-cold-outside/
For those who are contemplating buying a smart trainer and doing indoor riding over the winter, my latest review on PEZ. Wahoo KICKR AXIS. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/wahoo-kickr-axis-the-joys-of-indoor-riding/
The quill stem is making a comeback – if it ever went away…….
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/new-canyon-aeroad-2021/
Actually a f*ing cool bike with some neat tech. And the price is right. Would be on my short list if I was in the market for an aero road bike.
Canyon know what they’re doing.
Have any of you guys tried the SRAM AXS groups? I’m upgrading my Orbea Orca Aero, which came with Shimano 105, but very slowly because Red is expensive! So far I’ve got the cassette, chain and front derailleur…
I can’t wait to try this out, but it’s going to take a lot of squeezing the budget to have everything ready for the 2021 season.
I guess 16,000 miles is a good innings for a rim ridden in all weathers, particularly as my old home patch used to have a lot of sand in any runoff. Glad though that I was on the rollers when this happened!
Suddenly I seemed to be riding over cobbles – which is a bit odd on rollers. Thought the bearings in the rollers had gone until the tyre blew. Big time.
I recently had a rim failure, too. Ambrosio Crono tubular. I bought them a few years ago, so I can’t attest to the mileage. Looking back, they probably shouldn’t have been built with high tension cx ray spokes, but that wasn’t my choice.
I tried to upload a small jpeg of the rim but I get an error saying it doesn’t support this file type.
Ooops. Should work now.
Looks like it’s working now to add a jpg. I meant to say that I bought them used, so I don’t know the mileage history. The damage did make for a long ride home, taking care not to hit any bumps that would cause a complete failure.
My review of the new Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tubeless tires. I don’t know how many of y’all here are running road tubeless, but if you are, these should be on your short list. Cheers!
https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/f1-tires-for-your-bike-pirelli-p-zero-tubeless-review/
Seriously considering giving tubeless another whirl next time I’m up for a tyre replacement. Probably stick with Vittoria though.
And these recently dropped on me. Pirelli’s new P Zero tubeless tires that were officially released on Monday. These are 700×28 because that’s what Pirelli had to send out, but is supposed to be available in other sizes too. Need to get them mounted on my wheels and take them for a spin and then review for PEZ.
And my latest for PEZ is a review of Primal’s Zebra Evo 2.0 kit. I expect everyone here to get the Mario Cipollini connection immediately. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/primal-zebra-evo-2-0-kit-channeling-your-inner-cipo/
Another review on PEZ. This time Tifosi Aethon sunglasses that were a birthday present. https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/tifosi-aethon-stylish-and-affordable-glasses-review/
My pic didn’t post.
Here they are with Clarion red lens which I think looks better than the blue lens.
Chuck, Great looking glasses. I am curious to know how they look from the other side? Do they really increase visibility? If so, is it a noticeable difference? I ask because I am looking for replacement lenses for my Rudy’s. I often ride into and out of shaded areas, often at high speed on less than optimal pavement. I am looking for lenses that will allow me to see divots in the shaded areas. I am currently using photochromic gray lenses which don’t allow me to see in the darkened conditions as well as I had hoped. Any feedback on… Read more »
Hi Rick! Good question to which I can’t give you a definitive answer. I believe the actual tint of both the blue and red Clarion lenses is smoke. I don’t know if the actual mirror finish makes any difference. I like the tint and the clarity is very good IMHO. However, not sure how well any tinted lenses are going to do in shaded areas. I’ve ridden in shaded areas with them without any issues. But don’t know your circumstances, i.e., how much shade and the condition of the pavement. I have Tifosi’s Fototec lens that changes tint for my… Read more »
Rick – Following up. I rode today where I went through some fairly heavily shaded areas. And on sections of road that I knew weren’t perfectly smooth. Even though I knew the line I wanted to ride, was definitely a little difficult to see the changes in road surface. So I wouldn’t recommend the Clarion lens (either blue or red) if you’re doing a lot of riding in dark shade. The tint is just dark enough that it makes it a little dicey being able to pick out the road surface (especially at speed). I think you’d be better off… Read more »
Chuck, Thanks for the feedback and follow up. There is one rout that I frequent where the road deteriorates just as the foliage begins to block out the sun. To make it more challenging a steep descent begins at the same point! I thought the photochromic lenses would help but they really didn’t. That is why I was curious about the red tint which is supposed to bring in maximum light. Due to my ocular inserts I am currently locked into Rudys but they have a broad spectrum of replacement lenses available. I am currently using their gray tinted lenses… Read more »
Rick – You might want to take a look at the Scicon Aerotech or Aerocomfort sunglasses. If you get either model with their photochromic lens, you get an optical adapter for prescription lenses. I have their bronze photochromic lens and I find it’s really good for changing light conditions. First, it changes tint pretty rapidly. Second the bronze lens is intended to improve contrast, clarity, and depth perception. Particularly in spring and fall, it’s my favorite pair of sunglasses to wear riding. They’re not as dark as a dedicated tinted lens, but provide enough tint in bright sunlight. They don’t… Read more »
My review on PEZ of the Scicon Aerotech has a few pics that give you some idea of what it looks like through the tint. https://pezcyclingnews.com/amp/technspec/scicon-aerotech-sunglasses-review/
See my second reply below.
I never know whether kit counts as tech. But here’s my latest for PEZ. Review of the La Passione jersey and bibs. Cheers y’all!
https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/la-passione-jersey-bibshorts-review/
It’s pretty technical stuff these days so counts as Tech for me!
Ok, not really tech but I just got my Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Black Edition tires. I love the look of a nice gum wall tire on certain bikes but these black beauties will look great on my matte black Pino.
I got them at a great price from Bike Closet which seems to have great prices. Not sure if they ship outside of the US.
Does not look to be too unreasonable a price for a pristine (post) Pegoretti, if you like Pink and White – and it’s the right size…..
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ebay-finds-dario-pegoretti-luigino-frame/?fbclid=IwAR3lwu8F69DA89B-tesxGkl0Mkq72fqPNFoVcItSypqRfcmA8zgat0mJYxo
If anyone is in the market for a heart rate monitor, the new Wahoo TICKR with ANT+ and Bluetooth is officially released today. $49.99 (not sure about pricing in UK, Europe, or Asia) https://pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/the-new-wahoo-tickr-hrm-for-your-ticker/
Phew! Had an issue with my rear wheel bearings that didn’t seem right. Sunny outside so was stripping it on the patio. Hmm……. one of the bearing race cages seemed broken. So I wasn’t too worried as some ball bearings dropped onto the patio. Then I found the cage was not actually broken. Arrgghhh – where did those bearings go! Finger tip search of the patio ensued. After some time I was still two bearings short. Decided I was going to have to order a new one. Ceramic bearing races are not cheap! Back to hands and knees and finger… Read more »
That’s a job where you work over an old, soft towel. I’ve been there, done that.Wee bits can sure bounce far in a split second!