By Ed Pavelka HOT! 100% carbon high strength-to-weight design excellent ride quality precise handling and tracking effective “Bear Trap” headset adjustment NOT! graphics a bit overcooked blade shape may complicate computer installation www.eastonbike.com Price: $350 Source: bike shops, mailorder catalogs, websites Color: black Size: 700C wheel, 1- or 1 1/8-inch steerer Weight: 350 grams (RBR…
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! fits conventional and oversize handlebars improved design and construction no loss of hand positions padded, washable arm pads lots of length adjustment NOT! armrests rattle doesn’t allow narrow elbow spacing www.profile-design.com Price: $100 Source: bike shops, mailorder catalogs, websites Colors: black, silver Size: fits 26.0-mm and 31.8-mm handlebars Weight: 692…
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! non-bulky padding no irritating seams good fit soft microfleece nose wiper durable NOT! helps reduce but doesn’t eliminate hand numbness sizing runs somewhat small www.specialized.com Price: $32 Source: bike shops, website Sizes: SM-XXL in men’s; SM-XL in women’s Colors: black, blue, red Features: brushed neoprene wrist closure, synthetic leather palm,…
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! light and sexy reasonable comfort for a lightweight saddle flat top distributes weight evenly NOT! short rails mean limited fore/aft adjustment less comfortable on longer rides nose of saddle can press on soft tissue www.sellesanmarco.com Price: $100 Source: bike shops, mailorder catalogs Weight: 185 grams Color: black with silver stripe Features: …
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! light but rigid excellent shifting easy installation triple-like low gears NOT! requires frequent double shifts may not satisfy carbonphiles www.ritcheylogic.com Price: $200 Source: bike shops, mailorder catalogs Chainring sizes: 50, 34; 110-mm bolt circle Crankarm lengths: 170, 172.5, 175 mm Weight: 570 grams (without bottom bracket) Bottom bracket type: Shimano Octalink…
