Red now fits 32 sprocket, World’s fastest disc, cool summer threads and upgraded saddles
Still happy with the 2012 iteration of its top Red groupset, the big headline for SRAM is the rollout of the mid-cage WiFLi rear derailleur that debut’d with the Apex group. Standing for Wider, Faster, Lighter, the longer cage of the derailleur allows the use of an 11-32 tooth cassette with a compact chainset, getting rid of the need for a triple in the mountains, and allowing non-climbers to still enjoy top-level components. To this end, WiFLi is now available in Red, Force and Rival, as well as Apex, giving a wider gear range at every level of SRAM’s road component range.
The headline for Zipp however, is the introduction of new, clincher versions of its 202 wheelset and Super-9 disc. The 202, which is Zipp’s classic climbing wheel, also is also given the Firecrest rim shape - which the tubular version is yet to get - making it wider, more aerodynamic, and more stable. Coming in at just 1375 grammes a pair, the 202 is the lightest entry into Zipp’s carbon clincher range.
With the Super-9 Disc, Zipp claims to have created the “fastest wheel ever”, partly because it has been found that - because of they way they sit on the rim - clinchers are actually more aerodynamic than tubulars. The disc has already been adopted by Omega Pharma-Quick Step’s World time trial champion Tony Martin, who rode it at the Tour de France and the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, he was denied by punctures in France, but went on to take silver in London, despite having fractured his wrist just weeks before.
As well as its wheels, Zipp is also creating a zero setback version of its range-topping SLSpeed carbon seatpost, to sit alongside its 20mm version.
Santini SMS set for summer with BCool range and bio-ceramics
BCool are Santini’s top of the line shorts for 2013 which, while providing a little compression to reduce muscle strain, use a carbon fabric in the side panels for UV-protection and thermo regulation. For the braces Santini uses a mesh elastic, rather than elasticated mesh, with a breathable insert between them, to allow a comfortable fit for taller riders. As is becoming popular, the shorts feature a raw cut, shaped lycra band around the bottom, instead of silicone grip tape for comfort around the legs. They also feature Santini’s new MIG3 chamois, featuring layers of differing density silicon gel.
The matching BCool jersey has a one-way stretch front with an elasticated back - also featuring carbon fabric - to allow freedom of movement and keep the jersey shape in the riding position. The Kauri jersey features a bio-ceramic material, which is said to provide excellent thermal insulation, and protection against UV-A and UV-B rays. Additionally, bio-ceramic has the ability to reproduce Far Infrared Rays, which can be absorbed by the body and help stimulate the microcirculatory system.
The same technologies are used in Santini’s 2013 women’s range, which has been developed through feedback from its work with teams, including UCI team Orica-GreenEdge and British team Matrix Fitness-Prendas.
Santini also introduced its 365 Collection, which consists of more everyday items, in a selection of block colours and available independent of seasonal collections. Additionally, the Downtown range of city riding clothing has been expanded, including jeans, jackets and polo shirts for urban cycling.
fi’zi:k upgrades top end Arione saddles
Italian saddle maker fi’zi:k has made some changes to the top models of its Arione range, with the introduction of the 00, R1 and R3. The 00 features a composite carbon shell, but still includes both fi’zi:k’s Twinflex and Wingflex to keep things comfortable despite the low weight. The use of a single Mobius carbon braided rail keeps its claimed weight down to just 135 grammes, and it is available in both black and white Microtex finishes.
The new R1 and R3 saddles are constructed from a carbon thermoplastic and fibreglass thermoplastic composite shell respectively. Microtex cover stripe down the middle is far wider than the top level CX saddles that they replace in the range, but their carbon braided and K:ium rails are similar. Like the 00, the R1 and R3 come in classic monotone colours but, where the R1 comes in a single shade, the R3 is available in black and white, or white and black.
Click the images below for a full gallery