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.
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!
I like to think of it as a combination of spring maintenance and learning a lesson. Squeezed a quick 22 miles in today before the rain came and temps dropped. Silent bike all the way! Bliss!
Out of the saddle there was a creak. Right hand crank going down – creak bloody creek. Took the crank off, regreased. Creak bloody creak. Took all the chainring bolts out, regreased them. Creak bloody creak. Lubed the pedal springs. Creak bloody creak. Installed a new chain and small chainring. Creak bloody creak. Ordered a new bottom bracket (it was overdue). Installed it. Creak bloody creak. Readjusted left crank arm several times. Creak bloody creak. Took it for a ride with a different back wheel. Silence. Put original wheel in. Checked spokes. Lubed the spoke crossings and hub flanges. Silence.… Read more »
Something similar. Creak when going over crap road surface on the Steel Pinarello on first time out this Spring. Worried that the frame might be giving way (apparently Sestrieres were prone to this on the chain stays). Checked frame thoroughly, no sign of cracks. Ride yesterday. Intermittent creak still there. Definitely rear triangle area. Hmm only seems to be when seated. Stop. Check seat post. OK. Check saddle not loose. OK. Restart. Defo seems to be in saddle area. Hmmm. Bounce on saddle on smooth road. Creak, creak, creak. Happens as the saddle was flexing a little! By the end… Read more »
I just watched the LeMond Fignon ITT on the Champs. I was struck by the position and tactics used by LeMond. First he was in the praying mantis position. In recent years the TT convention has come back to this position after years of using a flat position for aero bars. Once again LeMond has been vindicated. In addition, LeMond employed the strategy of looking down at the road for most of the ride and looking up every few seconds to reassess his line. As most here know, that strategy eliminates the air trap created by the TT riders torso… Read more »
Not to mention bike computers, Earning what he believed to be worth, and his refusal to give up golf!
@Wiscot I was unaware that he was also a bike computer pioneer. After your comment and some research I found this article . I was also unaware that Greg was a pioneer in: Cycling specific eyewear, electronic shifting, power meter training, smart trainers, raised seat hights, pedal stroke analysis (pedaling in circles), HIIT, VO2 max testing, heart rate monitoring, and mitochondrial-based exercise physiology.
In other words, Greg LeMond invented modern cycling.
Yup, dragged it kicking and screaming into the 1980s from the 1950s. He could have been a helluva DS for a team.
I have been a LeMond fan for decades. I knew about some of the things he pioneered but when I see them listed as in the article it is absolutely amazing. What a visionary!
Not to mention he was one of the very first to call out the peleton for doping.
Hello all, I was hoping to get a bit of input on cycling computers. If anyone has experience with Wahoo computers I am trying to decide between the Elemnt and the Bolt. As nearly as I can tell there are three differences between these units: Cost, size, and customizable rows of display. The Elemnt is listed as $50 more expensive than the Bolt on most sites. The units are almost identical in every meaningful way except the Elemnt has two rows of customizable data on its screen compared to one for the Bolt. My feeling is that the extra row… Read more »
I have the Elmnt and I think the size is fine. With my ageing eyesight it’s just right. Re the screens there actually is a single display (I think) and you zoom in/out to show more/less data. You may be able to have more than one screen but as I don’t use cadence or HRM I’ve not had the need to investigate. So you can show your key data in 2 or 3 large rows and then zoom in to 4 or 5 rows – if your eyesight is good enough! Yes speed is available. I’ll photo mine on a… Read more »
Thanks @Teocalli. I am leaning toward the Elemnt but don’t want a cell phone sized head unit. I think I would really use the extra data while riding.
I have the Roam and love it. If you use mapping, their use of color on maps (Elemnt and Bolt are B&W) makes a difference. My review of the Roam on PEZ: https://www.pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/wahoo-elemnt-roam-review/
Pic of my Roam on my bike
Thanks, for the perspective.
Wow, what a thorough and complete review. Thanks a lot for the link.
One concern that I have is that the Wahoo link to the phone would drain my phone battery. I love my phone but the battery life isn’t great. Is this an issue?
Rick – Thanks for the kind words. Not a DC Rainmaker review (his are the best if you want to know pretty much everything), but I do my best. I had an iPhone SE and as long as I started a ride with a fully charged phone, never had my battery die or even come close. I now have an iPhone 11 that has a pretty robust battery so no issues. Of course, YMMV.
Thanks, one of the worst things in the world is getting close to finishing a long ride and the computer dies. I am not sure if the computer would keep recording data without the phone or not.
I’ve done rides without my phone so you don’t have to have your phone (or have the two connected to each other) for the computer to work. I think it’s mostly if you want to take advantage of “connected” features that require the phone, e.g., getting texts/emails.
Thanks, I ride to get AWAY from being connected. Although I certainly understand how some people need or want to stay connected.
My thoughts exactly!
Photos of the Elmnt on #1 plus a zoom in of the display – you can customise what goes where via the phone ap.
Thanks for the perspective.
Thanks to everyone for the fantastic input. It is greatly appreciated and getting info from riders who use these computers on the road was invaluable. Perhaps it is a “you kids get off my lawn” complaint but I find current product descriptions and reviews to be next to useless. As I noted above, I want to know what data I can see as I ride. Up until a few weeks ago I was spending quite a bit of time riding in swift pace lines where there is no time to change pages on a computer. I decided on the Bolt… Read more »
I’ll put this in tech since that seems an appropriate place. My Felt FC featured as a Writers’ Rigs on PEZ. https://www.pezcyclingnews.com/readersrigs/writers-rigs-chuck-penas-felt-fc-3t-shimano-speedplay-absolutechainrings-irwinwheels-sellesanmarco/
He all! Sorry I’ve been absent of late. The holidays and then back to work. Hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year’s. TDU in progress and can’t wait for the spring classics! I’ve gone tubeless on my Hollands. https://irwincycling.com/continental_gp5000_tubeless_tires_review/
My latest for PEZ. Review of Selle San Marco Shortfit Carbon FX saddle. https://www.pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/selle-san-marco-shortfit-carbon-fx-saddle/
Hmm, interesting – might take a look at thee in the spring. After my 2018 issues my groin became only Brooks (Cambium) compatible through to late 2019 when I was able to revert back to my Sella Italia Flite. Might have to investigate these when my Stelbel is ready and either go this way on the Pina with the Sella Italia on the Stelbel or vice versa. I definitely notice the benefit of a slightly wider seat on the Brooks vs the Flite and this sounds similar from you write up and measurements. Thanks for posting.
Glad you found it useful. 20-something degrees (F) when I went out the door to ride this morning! But no wind whatsoever so surprisingly “comfortable.”
An interesting video from 1989…..
Ground truth
Enough info on chains to keep you all going for a bit……..
https://cyclingtips.com/2019/12/the-best-bicycle-chain-durability-and-efficiency-tested/
Really interesting. I’ve been happy with my bling-y gold KMC X11EL chain that currently has ~3,500 miles on it and still more than OK per my Park chain wear tool indicator. But not very well rated per this article for both friction and durability. I’d never heard of YBN, but they also make a bling-y gold chain that’s a little less expensive (on Amazon) as the KMC. In fact, it looks very similar with the hollowed-out side plates. Might have to give it a try when I replace my chain and cassette in the spring.
Cripes! If it is possible to justify that YBN Titanium chain it’s eyewaterinw for chain…….
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/ybn-sla-211-s2-titanium-11-speed-chain-hollow-pin-886351?currency=3&delivery_country=190&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz53vBRCpARIsAPPsz8URDD3DLHnBqf_OjuA3JVX9-RfSTIlx3r3g_23NteAb8ZAWX5B2GtwaAtLsEALw_wcB
Gents – I’ve gone tubeless! My latest for PEZ. https://www.pezcyclingnews.com/technspec/the-road-to-road-tubeless/
I may well give Tubeless another go with Schwalbe Pro One Tubeless – hoping they will come out with a tan wall version. One thing though – I’m not sure I would go as far as not carrying a spare tube/pump/CO2 though. My previous run with tubeless was not a success as when I did get some punctures they did not seal – so I’m hoping that the sealants are better now. I’m running Orange in my MTB so may try that or the Finish Line that is supposed to last the length of the tyre. Will have to investigate… Read more »
I will probably eventually figure out some sort of tubeless tire repair kit to carry along with a CO2 cartridge, regulator, and mini pump that will fit in a jersey pocket. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WHDQG6R/
I’ve tried those, with some amusing results. Just before I gave up on tubeless first time around (as the sealants were not sealing punctures) I decided to give those a go – fortunately in a controlled experiment – in the conservatory. Put on a tyre that had punctured and put in fresh sealant. Partially inflated and inserted one of those in an existing puncture that had not sealed. Noted to self that in using the tool it appeared to make the hole a bit larger…….. Pumped up the tyre to road pressure, span the wheel and left it a while.… Read more »
I’m hoping that riding tubeless is no different than riding tubes as far as flats go. Per my article, I’ve had four flats in the last 6 years.
This is more expensive for an on-the-road tubeless repair kit, but may not have the problem you had: http://www.dynaplug.com/bike.html
Yeah I saw those too. They would appear to trash the tyre which is a bit of a downside!
The roads I ride tend to have a lot of crushed stone/flint chips from the nature of the geology in the roadside fields and so punctures are a bit of a fairly regular hazard around here.
Not according to this article: https://www.velonews.com/2017/01/news/reviewed-dynaplug-micro-pro-tubeless-tire-repair-kit_428098
The repairs are durable. Last fall, about half way down the Whole Enchilada in Moab I put a 2-3mm tread puncture in a brand-new Maxxis Minion DHF tire. It was its maiden voyage. $70 in the trash bin, I thought. But no. The on-trail Dynaplug repair is still holding, four months later.
I tried to go tubeless on my mtb a couple years ago, gave up when I couldn’t get enough air pressure to seat the tire.
As far as sealant is concerned, I’ve had good experience with Stans in inner tubes an tubulars. After reading good things about Orange I gave it a try with disastrous results. It seeped through the tubes and tires (road clincher, not tubeless compatible), leaving a sticky residue that attracted road debris.
MTB can be a pain to seat if you do not have a compressor. My current rig took me an age to get the tyre in just the right place to seal. That rig does have Orange which seems to have been fine – but is probably overdue for replacing. Having said that I don’t do a huge amount of MTB miles these days. Yeah though – not a great idea to try tubeless on non tubeless tyres – if that is what you did (?). In the first round of tubeless tyres I did try Hutchinson tyres for a… Read more »
Thought this was worth sharing
https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq-a-tubeless-tire-blowout-in-the-pyrenees_500757?fbclid=IwAR0E3LPK4S-ONrvx-tHyOcOhq5_rkZ7D3W5Rr5AzPRfV-nFddC589nLJXDQ
Interesting short article on comparative tyre rolling resistance. I’m probably going to try Tubeless again via the new Schwalbe One Tubeless with Finish Line Sealant (that is guaranteed to not go off). Mainly as I’m planning an even next year in Nice where it is likely to be a) hot and b) have 3 v long downhills and I’m a bit concerned about heat buildup on the downhill braking and supposedly Tubeless is less prone to overheating blowing the tyre off the rim. Well, according to the Schwalbe blurb anyway.
Both wheel sets on my bikes are tubeless ready. And the Pirelli Cinturatos https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/road-bike-reviews/pirelli-cinturato-velo-2018 I’m currently riding can be ridden either tubeless or with tubes. Part of me wants to go tubeless simply out of curiosity. But the other part of me doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of sealant.
Yup – I gave up 3 or 4 years back as I was picking up punctures that would not seal and was noticing that the sealant was forming Coral clusters (clumps) fairly quickly. So I’m hoping that the sealants have moved on since then. Also hoping that the lates Tubeless Tyres may be a little more puncture resistant. I felt that part of the problem I had back then was that the Schwalbe One of that year were pretty sticky rubber. The ride running Tubeless was fantastic but round here we get a lot of little stone flakes in the… Read more »
If puncture resistance rather than rolling resistance is your priority, you should take a look at the Pirelli Cinturato. I’m riding them with tubes and have been very happy with how they’ve held up, i.e., no flats. Per the link in my previous post: As promised by Pirelli, our tests confirm that the Cinturato TLR sets a new level of puncture resistance. On top of that, the Cinturato also offers a very high tread thickness of 3.7 mm where competing tires generally come in at less than 3 mm. All this comes at a cost of a 40% higher rolling… Read more »
I’m after best balance between Rolling and Puncture with min Rolling being the bigger benefit.
But if you roll faster but still puncture/flat, then what price speed?
Ha Ha! True – that’s where risk and probability somehow factor in!