While roaming the exhibitor stalls at the Interbike Outdoor Demo, we came across Control Tech’s new Formidable aluminum handle bars (MSRP $135.00). While aluminum bars wouldn’t normally get us excited, these were different because they’re an exact replica of Control Tech’s $350.00 ergonomic Carbon Comp Road with flat bar tops, and contoured riding surfaces. To recreate the contoured design of the Carbon Comp in aluminum, Control Tech uses a process called hydro-forming which shapes the metal using high pressure fluid and a casting mold. The result is a set of bars which are only 19% heavier then the Carbon Comps (293g vs. 246g), but cost about a third the price. So, if you can stomach an extra 0.10lbs (0.05kg) you’ll have a set of contoured riding bars, and still have an extra $215.00 to put toward something else like that new Power Tap you’ve been eyeing. Oh, and by the way, the Formidable bars won the 2006 IF Eurobike Design Award.

Product Link: Formidable

Posted by David at 10:02 AM | Permalink

Race Face (RF), better know for their off-road components, will introduce six new road products in 2007 under the Revolution and Cadence lines - each will feature a new seat-post, stem, and handle bar set. The Revolution line will be a bit more expensive, with most components forged from lighter weight 7050 aluminum, while the Cadence line (which uses heavier 6065 aluminum) will cost less. Choosing the Revolution road line over the Cadence line would save riders about 115g or about ¼ pound over the three products.

Seat Posts: The new seat posts from RF use a patented head design which the company says offers superior load distribution, and allows for easier seat angle adjustments. Both the Cadence and Revolution lines use 6061 aluminum in the post head, accommodate 7mm rails (with 35mm worth of rail support), and feature a 0.5" rearward offset. In the tube however, the Revolution uses triple butted 7050 aluminum, while the Cadence used 3D forged 2014 heat treated aluminum. Both posts will be available in 26.8, 27.2, 28.6, 30.0, 30.9 and 31.6 mm widths, as well as 280 & 350 mm lengths. The Revolution will weigh in at 195g, while the Cadence will weigh 230g.

Click through below for additional pictures, and product details.

Continue reading "Interbike: Race Face Shows New Revolution & Cadence Components" »

Posted by David at 1:45 PM | Permalink