By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! Tests show performance improvement Easy to install Race-proven by big-name pros NOT! Pedal stroke feels awkward at first Increased risk of throwing the chain www.osymetric.com/ Price: to be determined Source: bike shops supplied by Sinclair Imports Sizes: 38-56 teeth How obtained: sample from company RBR advertiser: no Tested: 15 hours…
By Fred Matheny HOT! 34-tooth ring provides triple-crank low gears with a double Smooth shifting Reasonable price NOT! More flex than Dura-Ace Requires sensitive front derailleur adjustment www.fullspeedahead.com Price: $160 w/o bottom bracket Crankarm sizes: 170, 172.5, 175 mm Weight: 600 gm Source: bike shops, catalogs How obtained: sample from company RBR advertiser: no Tested: …
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! Helps eliminate “dead” spot in pedal stroke Possibly increases power at a given heart rate NOT! Heavy Costly Difficult to get accustomed to Promotes jerky pedaling motion Cornering feels strange www.rotorbike.com Price: $837 (with titanium bottom bracket) Source: website, bike shops Weight: 1,200 grams (2.7 lbs.) with chainrings Crankarm length: …
By Coach Fred Matheny HOT! Lightweight No bells or whistles Six degrees of float Confident engagement and release Lance uses them! NOT! Cleat wear is suspect Relatively stiff release tension Pricey — you’llneed Lance’s salary to buy “em www.shimano.com Price: $210 Weight: 330 g (including cleats at 60 g per pair) Source: bike shops, catalogs…
By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher HOT! Lightweight, durable materials cut rotating weight Walkable 3-hole cleat system Compatible (and tested) with Look cleats Wide, stable platform for good power transfer Tension easily adjustable across range of settings Cam-style entry and locking system smooth and fluid NOT! Smaller profile cleat system (preferable to SPD-SL”s) required a…
