Feature Articles | Sea Otter Classic | Video

Look Cyclocross X-85 Frameset

One of the most anticipated and requested bikes from Look Cycles has always been a true carbon fiber cyclocross bike. Look answered those requests this past fall with the introduction of the X-85. Shown quietly at the fall bike shows, the X-85 was still very much a prototype bike. Prototype no more, the production version was on display at this year’s Sea Otter Classic. Look is returning to cyclocross with a truly avant garde cross frameset. Using Look’s 25 years of experience and “know-how” in carbon technology, the new X-85 is completely hand made in Look’s Nevers, France carbon factory. The frame is constructed of “tube-to-tube” technology and weighs in at a very respectable 1150 grams (size M), and the all carbon disc fork is 550 grams.

The X-85 is built to accomodate standard 160mm rotors with the IS standard mounts, hydraulic or mechanical. To ensure a wide range of wheel options, Look opted to use a standard 135mm rear wheel spacing allowing for most any 29er wheel to be used. Look’s “Mud Evac” chainstays have been designed for optimal mud clearance and seatstays were designed with a carbon composition incorporating flex, ideal for absorbing vibrations. Look has also moved the cable routing from the below the flattened top tube on the prototype to above it, for easy shouldering during cross racing.

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Feature Articles | Sea Otter Classic | Video

Yakima Introduces The DoubleDown Ace

Yakima’s new hitch-mounted bike carrier features tool-free installation and integrated locking. The DoubleDown Ace fits squarely in the middle of Yakima’s current lineup, and is available in 5, 4, or 2 bike configurations. As with the rest of Yakima’s DoubleDown family, the DoubleDown Ace is made from powder-coated steel and the bike cradles feature robust, scratch-free plastic. The quick-release arm folds for parking and storage, and the quick-release mast tilts forward for easy rear-of-vehicle access. The DoubleDown is compatible with both 2-inch and 1¼-inch hitch receivers right out of the box.

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Apparel | Feature Articles | Video

John Cardiel x Chrome Travel Collection

Love by nature…Live by luck…Ride with passion

Over the weekend, RoadBikeReview attended the Cardiel Attack Series Launch Party at the Chrome store in San Francisco, CA. Although the rain was pouring down, it didn’t keep the crowds away. People were out in full force, there to admire and celebrate John Cardiel’s new line for Chrome, drink free beer sponsored by PBR, eat free tacos from El Tonayense taco truck, and participate in the Chrome raffle which benefited Bikes to Rwanda. Chrome sure knows how to throw a party!

The new Cardiel Attack series is a 3 bag weatherproof travel system that includes the Fortnight, the ORP (Operation Readiness Pack) and the Shank hip pouch (all sold separately). John showed us how all three bags can be used together or on their own. The Shank fits perfectly into the Fortnight’s integrated pouch pocket and the ORP can also be carried under the Fortnight’s compression flap with commercial grade straps. John told us that his favorite bag from his new line is the ORP, since it’s versatile (the rolltop design can also be configured into a convenient carrying handle), super lightweight (0.9 lbs!) and can fit under the Fortnight’s flap when you need to carry more gear.

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Feature Articles | Pro Review | Product Review | Video

Selle SMP Carbon Saddle Pro Review

Selle SMP is an Italian company that was founded in 1947 by Martino Schiavon, a young craftsman who started creating bicycle seats by hand in his attic. Martino was inspired by the racing efforts of fellow countrymen Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali in such races as the Giro d’ Italia and the Tour de France. 65 years later, Selle SMP is still a family business and their saddles are still hand crafted in Italy. They make one thing and one thing only, bicycle saddles. (Well, actually, they also make one model of bib shorts with a seamless bottom, but even that product is based off of their knowledge and expertise with saddles.)

The Selle SMP Carbon saddle is a bare bones (no padding!) performance race saddle with extremely light weight (165 grams). Hardcore gram counters might say that 165 grams isn’t all that light, so for the über weight-weenie, Selle SMP also makes the Full Carbon model that weighs in at a scant 115 grams. The large cutaway section in the center of the saddle relieves pressure on your gentle bits and provides better blood flow.

Selle SMP offers many different models of saddles besides the minimalist Carbon, non-padded models including the popular Composit line (nylon body with elastomers, leather covers, steel frame), the Stratos line (same as the Composit series but with more padding) and the more affordable (albeit slightly heavier) Glider line. For a mountain bikers review of the Selle SMP Stratos saddle, click here.

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North American Handmade Bicycle Show | Video

Bekes Wooden Cruiser Bike

Attila Bekes from Bekes Wooden Bicycles shows us a bike he built for his wife that’s made out of mostly 1/4″ laminated plywood with a metal dropout, headtube insert and a metal fork enclosed in wood. The bike even features a hidden beer compartment!

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North American Handmade Bicycle Show | Video

Ventus Custom Cycles Ti Lugged Carbon Tubed Road Bike

Mark Kargol from Ventus shows us the first bike he’s ever built, a titatium lugged carbon fiber, 11-speed Campy touring bike. Mark has been painting frames for 5 years and this is his first year in the frame building market. The bike features a Whisky Parts Co. fork, Curtis Odom hubs, Wheel Fanatyk wood rims, 2012 Campagnolo Athena, King Cage toe clips, Crud fenders, and custom made toe straps and bar tape from Busyman Bicycles in Australia, that match the Brooks saddle.

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North American Handmade Bicycle Show | Video

Ritchey Road Logic

Tom Ritchey stops by to talk 40 years of building bikes. Starting out as a 15 year old who just wanted to build a bike on a whim, he started professionally building road bikes for years before venturing into the new category of mountain bikes in 1979. This year, Ritchey will be launching a new Road Logic triple butted steel bike. Available as a frameset for $1199 later this year in late July.

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For more information visit www.ritcheylogic.com



North American Handmade Bicycle Show | Video

Vendetta Cycles Best Finish of the Show Track Bike

Garrett Clark from Vendetta shows us a fixed gear, no brakes, Columbus Max tube set track bike that won “Best Finish” at NAHBS 2012. The bike also features fillet brazed integrated bar and stem that decreases the visual clutter and hand painted design details by Jim Carmickle from Eugene, OR.

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North American Handmade Bicycle Show | Video

Vendetta Cycles Lugged Commuter Bike

Garrett Clark from Vendetta shows us a lugged steel, ultimate commuter bike that features hard carved lugs, Schmidt Generator hubs, front and rear disc brakes, Rohloff hub, custom made stainless rack and chain guard, internal lights and cable routing, a liquid color paint job by Harry Phinney with custom pin striping by Jim Carmickle, and a silver brazed, lazer cut, stainless steel logo, head badge and stem badge.

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North American Handmade Bicycle Show | Video

Ti Cycles Rando

Dave Levy from Ti Cycles shows us a custom rando bike that won 3rd place in the Gates Belt Drive Competition.

The bike also features TRP Parabox hyrdraulic disc brakes, custom anodized red levers, Light On! battery light system that can run for up to 10 hours, an iPhone mount with a Supernova USB plug for charging while riding, custom Ti Cycles titanium stem and seatpost, custom front and rear racks, and a titanium fork.

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