As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.
"Daddy, show me the muddy guy!"
I have a two-year-old son who soaks up information like a sponge. We had just come back inside from grabbing the mail when he spotted, in my hand, a Shimano ad featuring Niels Albert, muddy world champion's kit and all. He's a big fan of the Niels Albert ad, probably because of the mud.
"New VeloNews already?" I thought. "Too early in the month."
But it was better than a new issue, it was the 2010 Buyer's Guide. Jackpot.
While there are a few features in the guide, it's more like a catalog with good-sized pictures. In short, I'm a fan. My son is, too. After checking out the muddy rider, he wandered off, mumbling something about Lightning McQueen.
One of the most interesting bits in the guide is an examination of TT gear and the various bits' relation to drag. For anybody trying to go aero on a budget, you'll be happy to know that you don't have to shell out the cash to get a Specialized Shiv or a Felt DA. Sure, it helps, but there are other things to worry about first.
Another must-read: A detailed review of Shimano's Di2 system, along with a nice comparison between second-tier groups, including Shimano Ultegra, SRAM Force and Campagnolo Chorus. It's nice to see real-world testing, rather than third-hand message board grumbling.
If you don't have a subscription, the VeloNews 2010 Buyer's Guide is $8 on the newsstand.
Buying on a budget
Around this time of year, we get lots of guys in the shop trying to upgrade their ride without actually getting a new ride. Right now we have a guy who has a two- or three-year-old carbon frame with Shimano 105 shifters and derailleurs, an Ultegra crank and no-name brakes.
(By the way, if you want to feel like time has passed you by, spend some time on a 105 bike. Man, I can't believe so many people rode for so long with cables sticking out like that — including myself.)
The guy wanted to upgrade to SRAM, but didn't have a ton of cash to spend. In this case, the recommendation was simple: Force shifters, Rival rear derailleur, Rival brakes.
A lot of the "oh man, that's nice" factor of SRAM's Red and Force groups comes from the shifters. Rival doesn't have the same feel. It's a little softer, a little ... well, cheaper-feeling. But a Force shifter ($450) mated to a Rival rear derailleur ($80) feels pretty darn good, and it's worth the upgrade price.
Plus, since the Ultegra crank is perfectly fine, along with the 105 front derailleur, you're saving money right there. Rival brakes ($115) are reasonably inexpensive and most certainly better than a no-name setup.
The total: $640, with most of that coming from the shifters. A full Rival group is $300 more, and won't have the same shifting feel as this hybrid Force/Rival setup.
Deal of the century
Hey, do you ride on a team that has blue and white colors? I have a deal for you. At my house right now there's a medium Bell Volt helmet in blue and white (like this). I wore it for about two months, mostly off the back of the pack, while recovering from an injury. And this year I'm riding on a team with no blue and white, so this thing needs to go.
Retail: $175. Yours shipped for $90. Seriously, it's gotta go. Email me if you're interested: bredemske at gmail.com
In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.
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