Friday 31 January 2014
Vision Metron 40 and 55 carbon wheels hit the market
Vision has been an aero company since its inception in 1992 in Seattle, Washington, when it hit the market with aerobars. FSA acquired the brand in 2002. Since then, the sister brands have differentiated themselves with FSA focusing on lightweight and Vision chasing aero gains. Vision is now selling the Metro 40 and Metron 55 carbon wheels that the Cannondale Pro Cycling team raced on last season.
Vision stepped up its work in CFD (computational fluid dyanmics) following a 2009 VeloNews group test of aero wheels in a wind tunnel, and “we didn’t like where we came up,” said FSA marketing manager Mike Lawless.
“Our engineer Ron Correa was left alone for two years to develop the Metron 81 rim,” Lawless said. “What we wanted to do was capitalize on the open patent from Zipp and Hed that made the center of the rim wider than the edge of the rim, which allows crosswinds to hit and bend around the rim without a lot of turbulence.”
“The wheel was developed from 0 to 30 degrees of yaw,” Lawless said. “The average rider is riding from 0 to 30, or more realistically from 5 to 25. The front and the rear of the wheel will work to push pressure to the center of the wheel and stabilize it.”
Metron wheels come in clincher and in tubular versions with black or red/white graphics
The 40 and 55 wheels, so named for their rim heights in millimeters, are similarly shaped. The Metron 40 weighs 1,320g in a $2,299 tubular set and 1,425g in a $2,499 clincher set. The Metron 55 weighs 1,400g in a $2,399 tubular set and 1,595g in a $2,599 clincher set. Weights are claimed and do not include quick releases.
BikeRadar recently tested the Metron 40 clincher and we were impressed with the performance and the price, relative to competitors in its class.
The wheels use what Vision calls the ‘PRA’ system, for preload reduction assembly, which minimizes the sideload on bearings. On each side of the wheel, PRA locking cones clamp down onto the axle. They hold the clamping force from the quick release, instead of transferring that load to the bearings. “Using PRA, we found a 10 percent reduction in drag,” Lawless said. “We call it free speed.”
Locking cones prevent quick-release clamping forces overloading up the bearings, Vision says
The wheels use a 2:1 spoke lacing system, with 14 two-cross spokes on the drive side, and 7 radially laced spokes on the nondrive. The bladed spokes are laced into brass nipples.
All the wheels come in carbon clincher and tubular versions, with black or red graphics.
As is the trend these days, the wheels are optimized for 25mm tires. The external rim width is 25mm; internal width is 17mm.
FSA sales manager Ivan Harms said it was a fight to get Team Cannondale to even try 25mm-wide tires. “The Cannondale guys were freaking out about 25mm tires,” Harms said. “‘No way!’ they would yell, waving their arms around. It took more than half a season to get them to even try it, but by the end they were racing on them and loving them.”
By season’s end, Cannondale had racked up 77 podiums racing on Metrons. Regarding braking performance in wet weather, Lawless noted that Cannondale’s Danielle Ratto won stage 4 of the Vuelta a España as “the only guy on carbon wheels” on a pouring-rain day. Vision recommends use of SwissStop yellow pads with its wheels.
Metron wheels are optimized for 25c tires
There is also a disc-brake tubular version of the Metron 40 that Raleigh-Clement raced in cyclocross this year. There is no PRA system on that set, but Vision is working on that for the future along with carbon clincher disc wheels.
Also expected to hit the market this summer is the Vision Metron 3-Spoke, which Cannondale raced in some time trials.
Metron has a 1,002g disc that is basically a Metron 81 with a shell attached to either side.
Finally, Vision is shipping the 4D handlebar, a $369 240g sculpted carbon bar. The 4D has a slight outward flare in the bend, a flat perch behind the lever-mount area, and an elevated height relative to the stem, thanks to a mountain-style rise. It comes in 40, 42 and 44cm widths.
The 4D handlebar has an upward rise as well as a forward sweep
UK pricing was not immediately available, but will be added to the story above as soon as possible.
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Gluten-free energy bars and recipes
Consuming bars, gels and drinks while on the bike is standard practice for most riders, but it can be a different story if you have special dietary requirements such as Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
Coeliac disease affects one in every 100 people, with nearly 75 percent of cases going undiagnosed according to Coeliac Australia.
BikeRadar recently spoke with endurance mountain bike athlete Andrew Blair of team Swell-Specialized about how he manages his Coeliac disease. The 2012 Australian mountain bike marathon champion said: "It took me many years, but I’ve learned that it’s not a hindrance to my performance. It doesn’t stop me from being my best."
Blair told BikeRadar that it’s definitely easier than it used to be, as most gels and sports drinks are now gluten-free. "I don’t eat solid foods during races, but when training I prefer to eat real food," he said. "I often make my own cake, which is tasty and full of appropriate energy." (Blair's cake is similar to Jo Hogan’s recipe below.)
Blair mentioned the importance of not self-diagnosing Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance and consulting your GP doctor before taking any action - cutting out gluten could mean that a proper diagnoses cannot be made.
Many grocery stores have nearly doubled their gluten-free selections in recent years, and more people have chosen to live gluten-free by preference, so there’s way more choice for Coeliac sufferers than there used to be.
BikeRadar has assembled a list of gluten-free energy bars and recipes that have proven to work well for those with food allergies - as well as those without.
Gluten-free energy bars
Em's Power Cookie Bars
AU$4.95 per bar / US$N/A / £N/A
Em’s Power Cookie Bars are three-time multi-sport world champion and nutritionist Emily Miazga's homemade cookies. Em wanted something closer to real food during her races and began using her power cookies as fuel. Of the five available flavours, chocolate cranberry craze is the only gluten-free option, however this is also BikeRadar’s favourite.
Bonk Breaker
AU$4.50 per bar / US$3 per bar / £43 for 12 (from UKhealthspot.co.uk)
With a fresh homemade taste, Bonk Breaker uses only the best ingredients in its bars. Now the official bars of the Ironman Series and the USA Cycling Team, all 11 flavours are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization and are also dairy-free.
www.bonkbreaker.com / firstendurance.com.au
LARABAR
From AU $2.60 per bar / US$1.79 per bar / From £23.99 for 16 (from astronutrition.com)
LARABARs are made from a mix of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices, and that's it. There are no more than nine ingredients in any given bar, and every flavour - bar those with chocolate chips - are kosher, vegan, and gluten- and dairy-free.
Raw Revolution Bar
AU$3.30 per bar / US$1.89 per bar / £20.43 for 12 (from UKhealthspot.co.uk)
The ingredients in Raw Revolution bars are 80 to 100 percent raw; the company claims this eliminates any loss of nutrients through the cooking process. All products are vegan, gluten- and dairy-free, non-GMO and organic.
Gluten-free recipes for on-the bike
Jo Hogan's secret recipe: Raw cacao energy slice
Australian professional cyclist Jo Hogan, aka the Healthy Cyclist, suffers from coeliac disease, as well lactose intolerance. This homemade energy bar is ideal for her riding nutrition needs.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of almond meal
- 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup of Raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until a dough is formed.
- Shape tablespoons full of mixture into balls and place on a tray. Alternatively, place all the mixture in a slice tray and flatten with a spatula.
- This mixture can be baked for 15 to 20 minutes in an oven heated to 180°C or simply chilled in the fridge.
Allen Lim’s bacon and egg rice cakes
Lim says: "I started making these rice cakes at training camps and races to give riders something savory and fresh to eat while on the bike. They became a huge hit, since almost everything the riders ate was pre-packaged and sweet. Not only are these rice cakes delicious, they also provide a consistent energy source that doesn’t upset the stomach."
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked calrose or other medium-grain 'sticky' rice
- 3 cups water
- 8 oz bacon
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons liquid amino acids or low-sodium soy sauce brown sugar salt and grated parmesan (optional)
Method
- Combine rice and water in a rice cooker.
- While rice is cooking, chop up bacon, then fry in a medium sauté pan. When crispy, drain off fat and soak up excess with paper towels.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl and then scramble on high heat in the sauté pan. Don’t worry about overcooking the eggs as they’ll break up easily when mixed with the rice.
- In a large bowl or in the rice cooker bowl, combine the cooked rice, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Add liquid amino acids or soy sauce and sugar to taste. After mixing, press into a roughly 20cm square baking pan to about 1 1/2in thickness. Top with more brown sugar, salt to taste, and grated parmesan, if desired.
- Cut and wrap individual cakes.
This makes about 10 rice cakes in 30 minutes.
Tip: Always use calrose rice, a strain of medium-grain rice common in Asian cooking. This variety cooks fast (in 20 minutes or less), retains a nutty flavor, and is just sticky enough to hold our cakes together. If you can’t find it, use another medium-grain rice or any kind marked 'sushi rice'.
This recipe was republished with permission of VeloPress from The Feed Zone Cookbook, by Chef Biju Thomas and Dr Allen Lim. The book features 150 athlete-friendly recipes that are simple, delicious and easy to prepare. Try more pre-ride, portable and post-ride recipes at FeedZoneCookbook.com.
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Graeme Obree to attend Cycling Plus Weekenders
Maverick and all-round cycling legend Graeme Obree is set to join the upcoming Cycling Plus Weekenders to share his career experiences and show how riders can get the best out of themselves on a bike.
The Scot, a former hour record holder, track world champion, serial bike innovator and author of The Obree Way: A Training Manual for Cyclists , will attend all three Cycling Plus Weekendercamps to equip attendees with the all the expert advice and guidance they need to make 2014 their best-ever year on the bike.
Obree, known for his enthusiasm and sparkling wit, will reflect on his career and his dramatic life story with guests – and he'll probably join in the riding too.
Cycling Plus Editor Rob Spedding said: “I’ve been lucky enough to meet and interview Graeme a couple of times and I can’t wait to catch up with him again at the Cycling Plus Weekenders.”
Over the course of his career, the 48-year-old broke the hour record twice, endured running battles with UCI officialdom over his unorthodox but highly successful bikes and riding positions, and, off the bike, battled depression and alcoholism.
Obree was nominated for the Rectorship of Glasgow University last month. In September 2013, Obree set a new record for the fast speed while cycling in the prone position at the World Human Speed Championships at Battle Mountain, Nevada.
For your chance to meet Obree and get in gear for a super summer of cycling, book your tickets to the three events in Cheshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire at the Cycling Plus Weekenders website.
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Video: Graeme Obree on training the Obree way
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Super-reflective skinsuits for Dutch and Belgian world cyclocross teams
Watch out for sci-fi-style Dutch and Belgian riders at the cyclocross world championships this weekend – they're wearing skinsuits that have been impregnated with an ultra-reflective material that turns arms into glow sticks.
The teams' skinsuit manufacturers, Bio-Racer, launched the jersey on the eve of the championships in Hoogerheide, Holland today.
Robby Cox at BioRacer told BikeRadar that the high-vis material becomes extremely reflective under car headlights.
"It's to improve visibility in the traffic. It's just a sort of reflective material and it really lights up when you put a car light on it."
He said the material, which BioRacer dub Pixel, will filter into other sections of the company's range in following months.
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Reynolds Black Label mountain wheels launched
This week Reynolds Cycling launched a four model line of high-end mountain wheels dubbed Black Label. Including 27.5in All Mountain, 29in Trail, and 27.5 and 29in Cross-Country wheels, Black Label uses existing Reynolds carbon rims built up with DT Swiss hubs and spokes. Each set has a retail price of $2,400/£TBC.
Each type of Black Label wheel features a purpose-built rim. They're laced with DT Swiss Aerolight spokes to DT Swiss 240 centerlock hubs with 15mm and 142x12 axle compatibility. The tubeless-compatible wheels will come pre-taped with valve stems installed when they begin shipping this summer.
"The 27.5 All Mountain is probably our bestselling wheel right now," said Reynolds director of sales and marketing Rob Aguero, referring to the current AM wheel with Reynolds-branded hubs. "It is probably one of the widest on the market at 31mm external/23 internal."
In related news, Reynolds signed on as a sponsor of the Pivot Factory World Cup downhill team.
"We want to show that we can make dramatic changes in the mountain bike market," said Reynolds product manager and former pro downhiller Todd Tanner. "We are working on a new gravity product that will be completely new and forward thinking."
Meanwhile, the new Black Label wheels are 160-180g lighter than Reynolds' current mountain wheels, which retail for $1,800-$1,950 a set. Reynolds and one of its closest competitors, Enve, are both in Utah, and the Black Label line was created as an answer to Enve's high-end wheels.
Black Label speification details
27.5 XC - 1,435g claimed per set
The 27.5 XC carbon tubeless rims are 28mm tall, 29mm wide with a 21mm internal width. As with all the Black Label wheels, these have sublimated black-on-black graphics.
29 XC - 1,440g claimed per set
The 29 XC wheelset has rims that are 24mm tall and 26mm wide with a 18mm internal width.
27.5 AM - 1,528g claimed per set
The burly 27.5 All-Mountain wheels are 24mm tall and 31mm wide with a 23mm internal width.
29 TR - 1,500g claimed per set
The 29 Trail wheelset features rims that are 28mm tall and 29mm wide with a 21mm internal width.
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Thursday 30 January 2014
Core and The Bike Place image galleries, Martyn Ashton back riding on a handcycle, Guy Martin pro bike
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