Dynacraft doesn’t hit our radar screen all that often, but their new chain-less drive system is a fairly novel take on drive-trains, and will probably be welcomed by the casual-cruising crowd. The system – called D-Drive – ditches the chain and rear derailleur in favor of a sealed 18” aluminum drive shaft coupled to Shimano’s Nexus three-speed gear system and a Nexus three speed shifter. Dynacraft claims that that system will require less maintenance, and should have a longer life than chain-based systems. Bikes featuring the system – sold under the Dekra brand – will retail for about $300. We suspect that die hard road bike enthusiasts probably couldn’t care less, but its new technology, and now you know….

Read [ via: Gizmag ]

Posted by David at 1:44 PM | Permalink

We have seen measurement tools integrated into online maps before. Runningmap.com however offers one of the largest map areas yet, along with a very clean and modern looking scrollable interface. To measure a route, users start by entering their zip-code or city which brings a local map up on the screen - sorry, looks like detailed mapping is limited to the USA and Canada right now. Routes are created by double clicking on the map which adds track-points. Each time a track-point is added, the total distance is added to the last track point created. The service has several features that most users will appreciate, including an undo button that deletes the last track-point created, the ability to reposition track-points for greater accuracy, and a quick-button to bookmark to del.icio.us.

Read

Posted by David at 4:04 PM | Permalink

Team Phonak’s Steve Morabito won stage five of the Tour de Suisse in a time of 5:37:46. Second in was Jurgen Van Goolen, followed by Angel Vicioso. The leader in the GC is Angel Vicioso (21:53:31).

Posted by David at 12:12 PM | Permalink

Team Wurth’s Angel Vicioso won stage four of the Tour De Suisse in 3:45:08. Second in was David Herrero followed by Daniele Bennati. Nick Nuyens remained the overall leader.

Posted by David at 11:26 AM | Permalink

Cycling coverage over the next week will focus on the Tour de Suisse. All listed times are Eastern Standard Time (GMT -4:00).

OLN TV

Tour de Suisse - Highlight Shows

• 6/11/2006 6:00P - 7:00P
  
• 6/12/2006 4:00P - 5:00P
  
• 6/18/2006 5:00P - 7:00P
  
• 6/19/2006 3:00P - 5:00P
  

Tour de Suisse - Live Coverage

• 6/13/06 Stage 4 - 9:45A
  
• 6/14/06 Stage 5 - 9:45A
  
• 6/15/06 Stage 6 - 9:45A
  
• 6/16/06 Stage 7 - 9:45A
  
• 6/17/06 Stage 8 - 9:45A
  
• 6/18/06 Stage 9 - 9:45A
  

Posted by David at 2:40 PM | Permalink