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Has cycling technology turned into a Formula One race car? Some pros think so, and other tech news from Shimano, Zwift, Le Col, Dahon, Fairlight and more.

        With the release of champagne colored shoes, some really cool hues from Koo, new Jack Wolfskin commuter wear, and an update to one of the most versatile bikes, it’s been a very busy week in the cycling world, but here we go. with giving you the question begins…
        Has cycling technology become so important that it has turned the bike into a Formula 1 racing car? This is the opinion of a group of professional cyclists and team managers quoted yesterday in a France 24 media article.
        UCI rules assert the superiority of man over machine. In other words, the rules are designed in such a way that success in racing depends more on the rider than on the motorcycle. However, Thomas Damuseau, a former pro rider who now heads up the equipment department at AG2R, says: “Obviously the rider is still a horse, but between full bikes from capable manufacturers and other, more limited manufacturers, it’s a” ™ Day . and night.
        “Riders understand this, they talk to each other in large groups. When they have to choose a future team, they look at motorcycles before signing a contract.”
       AG2R sporting director Julien Hurdy says that the best bikes attract big-name riders, who in turn play a key role in the “contract war with the right manufacturers,” so it’s a self-perpetuating system.
        “When it comes to hiring, the first thing that comes up in all of our discussions is the bike,” he said. “Whoever owns the stars also owns the best bikes.”
        Brands are always bragging about the benefits that their latest product offers. Just this week, for example, Cannondale unveiled the new SuperSix Evo 4, claiming that various settings resulted in the SuperSix Evo 3 saving 11 watts at 45 km/h (28 mph), which is 12 watts more than the current Trek Emonda SLR. In other words, Cannondale says that riders on the new bike can reach the same speed as riders on other bikes while making less power.
        Of course, this is a standard thing, and not only for bikes. Poc has claimed in recent weeks that his Propel goggles improve aerodynamics and performance, and further down the page you’ll see Le Col say his new McLaren racing suit is the fastest ever, lessons learned. The result was a wind tunnel. The bicycle industry runs on his stuff.
        But has it gone too far? Anthony Pérez of Cofidis quoted France 24: “Before, everyone [riders] had almost the same bike. Today there is a big difference.
        “Frame, wheels, tires… put it all together and you’re going from a two-wheeled salesman’s motorcycle to a rocket. Cycling has become like Formula 1. €
        Shimano has announced a special edition of their updated RC903 S-Phyre road boots. Don’t say they look gold because Shimano says they are definitely champagne.
       The RC903S is the same as the existing RC903 but with a champagne finish and a new BOA Li2 metal dial.
        “Enhancing the signature shape of the RC903 slippers, the low-profile BOA Li2 metal dial is paired with a new cross-lacing pattern for quick micro-adjustment of the system, ensuring a snug fit every time—even on the fly,” said Shimano. .
       The Shimano S-Phyre RC903S comes in standard and wide sizes 36 to 48 (including half sizes 37 to 47) and retails for £349.99.
       Fairlight has updated its hard-to-categorize Faran steel, which is important since the latest version scored a whopping 9/10 in our review.
        We called it “a great cycling and touring machine that loves to be loaded and guided into the wild.” Fairlight also calls it a randonner, adventurer, commuter, gravel and all-around bike…yes, all-around.
       The latest version, the Faran 2.5, features a Bentley x Fairlight Mk II rear fork and a heat-treated rear triangle that Fairlight says reduces weight and improves compliance.
        “The Faran 2.5 has subtle but real improvements, such as the addition of a heat-treated rear triangle, which allowed us to reduce chainstay wall thickness by 0.15mm [they are 0.8mm thicker], resulting in a reduction in weight and increased elasticity. sex,” Fairlight’s Dom Thomas said. “v2.5 also includes a Fairlight x Bentley Mk II rear wing with fully modular CNC-machined inserts on both sides.”
       Jack Wolfskin says he’s prioritizing “a more sustainable environment” with his new Bike Commute line of apparel and gear launching this spring.
       “Designed to provide urban rider comfort and weather protection in styles that complement everyday wear, every piece is made from recycled or repurposed materials to minimize our impact on the planet,” says Jack Wolfskin.
        “By using one type of material (here PES/polyester), the jacket can be recycled at the end of its use phase. Before the recycling process, only the zipper and reflective elements need to be removed.”
       The Bike Commute Mono jacket, available in men’s and women’s sizes, has a 10,000 mm waterproof rating and 6,000 g/m²/24h breathability.
       You have a long tail and flared cuffs, as well as two raised hip pockets, a back pocket and an inside pocket.
        Italian company Koo has released two new versions of the Supernova goggles that are said to be inspired by the men’s and women’s jerseys for the 2023 Gran Fondo Strade Bianche taking place tomorrow (Day 5 for 2023 amateur drivers, 3 months away), after today’s professional competitions. a game.
       “The masculine version features earthy tones that blend with the vibrant colors of the sun-drenched hills, while the feminine version features warm earthy tones typical of a Tuscan sunset,” Koo says.
       “After this photochromic transition, Supernova Pine Green lenses take on a mirror red tint, while Supernova Siena Red lenses take on a bright gold tint,” Koo says.
       The Le Col x McLaren Racing collection will return in 2023, with the British clothing brand saying it will be “much faster than before”.
        Le Col said: “Combining McLaren Motorsport’s world-leading data scientists and aerodynamics experts with a portfolio of technology and the knowledge of professional drivers, we’re taking what we’ve learned from the wind tunnel and applying it to your daily life. live, produce the fastest racing clothes ride on a date.
       “Key updates to the previous groundbreaking version include updates to the strategically placed aero panels on the sleeves of the suit, which have been rigorously tested and proven to block and regulate leading edge airflow around the body.
       Le Col x McLaren Racing Sweatshirt (£180) Le Col x McLaren Racing Long Sleeve Bodysuit (£395) Le Col x McLaren Racing Long Sleeve Sweatshirt (£195)
        Dahong has launched its first folding electric cargo bike called the Dahon Foldable Cargo Electric Bike. You can’t argue with that.
       “[We] have made it our mission to produce luxury cargo vans for fast, reliable and comfortable economical travel,” Dahon said.
        “Designed for stress-free mobility, the Folding Cargo Bike is a cargo bike with a low center of gravity that folds quickly and compactly, reducing its size by 35%, making it ideal for tight spaces like elevators. five gears, powered by four levels of electric boost combined with excellent climbing ability thanks to a 250W mid-mounted motor, it has a range of 160-200 km (100-125 miles) thanks to a Samsung 48V/20Ah battery.
       ”The research and development team focused on stability and a maximum payload of 250 kg (551 lb), which is 50% more than comparable standard cargo models. Child seats can be installed for added flexibility, and when they are removed, the parts will be neatly aligned in cargo hold box.
        The bike has a 24″ front wheel and a 20″ rear wheel. Its folded dimensions are 1273mm x 937mm x 877mm (50.1 x 36.9 x 34.5 inches).
       Zwift and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI, the world governing body for cycling) have announced that they will compete in the 2023 Olympic eSports Series organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
        Zwift and the UCI will be in charge of hosting the cycling events at the Olympic Esports Series Finals in Singapore from June 22-25. As always, riders will compete against trainers to drive their avatars in the Zwift virtual environment.
       Sixteen finalists (eight men and eight women) will be selected based on their performance at the 2023 UCI Cycling & Esports World Championships and the Zwift Grand Prix.
        Cycling will be one of the nine disciplines of the 2023 Olympic Esports Series. Other sports include archery, tennis, sailing and, believe it or not, kickboxing.
       Speaking of virtual bike races, the MyWhoosh Race Championship we told you about a few weeks ago has been postponed, and the organizers said that this will allow him to cope with the influx of interest in this series.
        “The interest of the cycling community in the MyWhoosh championship has far exceeded our expectations, and we have received feedback from experienced riders on how we can make the series even better. As a growing platform, we value the voice of the community, which is why we’re improving the racing experience for this series with some new features, including player attack notifications and the ability to connect your extra power to MyWhoosh.
       “Together, this will help strengthen results validation and ensure the highest standards of sportsmanship and fairness.
       “In order to implement these features and provide riders with the best possible experience, we have decided to postpone the event.”
        The six-stage virtual race series will now run from April 28 to May 5, 2023. Registration will open March 27 on the MyWhoosh event page.
       Lavelle has released a new version of the Fireroad wheelset compatible with the Classified system.
        If you don’t know Classified, where have you been? It’s essentially a replacement front derailleur with a second sprocket hidden in the rear hub. like. You can find the latest information here.
        The Lavelle Fireroad has a 5-spoke monocoque, 25mm internal width and 32mm external width. The wheels are said to be made from five different types of carbon fiber and weigh 1600 grams. Its price is 2979 euros (about 2640 pounds).
       Yorkshire’s Restrap has updated the way they make custom frame bags and now brings you a second zipper option.
       “Between color, size and zipper options, we now have up to 40 combinations to choose from – custom shapes designed by our clients using our simple design process,” said Restrap.
       Restrap Custom Frame Bags range from £119.99 to £189.99 depending on size, zipper configuration and material.


Post time: Mar-13-2023