Publisher - What's Cool In Road Cycling
Gear Break: Bern Major: A commuter helmet that won’t jack up your style, Colnago presents TT1, its new time trial bike, Black Inc unveils its fastest ever disc wheel at the Giro d’Italia, CHAPTER2: TOA Caitlin Fielder artist edition – Only 50 units, GCN: New & exclusive book and Santini: The Tour de France launches new ‘Maillot Jaune’ brand.
Looking for a commuter helmet that won’t jack up your style? Meet the Major, Bern’s business-casual commuter solution. The Major features our signature low-profile style, protection and comfort. Designed with 14 luxurious vents, it’s a lightweight package fit for urban adventure. With MIPS, our patented flip visor, and a brand spankin’ new Compass Fit system, the Major is the perfect lid for your next hot lap through the city or Sunday spin through the suburbs.
Find your perfect fit with our compass fit system. Simply twist the dial to adjust to your custom fit, keeping your head snug and secure. Due to its light weight, this system will feel as if the helmet were custom made for your comfort.
Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). Designed to protect against rotational violence to the brain caused by rotational impacts.
Chuck Peña PEZ sez: Not every ride is a fully kitted up road ride. Sometimes I just want to hop onto my “city” bike (my old Bridgestone MB-2 that I’ve fitted with slicks) and pedal around. Usually to meet a friend for coffee or lunch. So shorts and a regular shirt. For those kind of rides, the Bern Major is perfect. There’s no mistaking it for a full-on roadie helmet (the Bern FL-1 Pave is actually closer to that), but it’s a little lower profile and doesn’t scream “hipster” like a lot of other recreational / commuter helmets.
Size-wise, I’m in-between a small and medium per Bern’s sizing. I can actually wear either size, but the small sits on my head a little better. Fit-wise, the Major is very comfortable. The padding is a little thicker than what you would find in most road/race helmets and felt a little softer/cushier. And the twist-to-fit dial snugged the helmet up without pinching too tight.
Decked out to be an urban bike commando
It’s not yet the dog days of summer with high heat and humidity here in Babylon on the Potomac, so I can’t say how well the Major will do in terms of ventilation. But the 14 vents ought to be good for shorter, around town rides.
Fit adjustment via a 2-way click-stop dial
One thing I really like is the built-in visor (Bern’s version of the bill on a cycling cap). It provides just that extra little bit of sun protection. But if you don’t need it, you can flip it up and out of the way.
Down or up? You decide.
Finally, the Major is a MIPS helmet which means added protection against rotational impact. Given that the Bern Major is intended for urban riding — where there are more inherent obstacles and hazards — MIPS is an added safety bonus. The Major hasn’t been tested yet by Virginia Tech, but the Bern Union MIPS (a discontinued model and the Major is not a replacement for it) earned a 5-star rating so I would expect the Major would do well in crash testing (Bern has not decided yet if it will submit the Major to Virginia Tech for testing).
All the yellow means it’s MIPS
Colnago Presents TT1, Its New Time Trial Bike Better aerodynamic performances, components integration and safety. A new bicycle for the UAE Team Emirates riders aiming for the Maglia Rosa at the upcoming Giro d’Italia. The pursuit of performance no longer focuses only on improving individual details, but encompasses the overall integration of solutions and development of new geometries.
Colnago presents its new TT1 time trial bike, developed in collaboration with the professional cyclists of the UAE Team Emirates and which will debut racing at the next Giro d’Italia, starting from Budapest (Hungary) this Friday 6th May.
The frame has been developed using the experience gained with the previous Colnago TT model, K.One, which lists, among its many notable results, the spectacular comeback on the penultimate stage of the 2020 Tour de France and represents all of Colnago’s knowledge in maximum aerodynamic performances.
The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in creating the first 3D models and the findings obtained in the wind tunnel at the Politecnico di Milano University made it possible to obtain unprecedented results in terms of performance at high speeds. The TT1 is still homologated as a prototype with the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and will therefore have to undergo a further process of modifications that will make it available for sale to the public from autumn this year.
Nicola Rosin, Colnago CEO, said: “UAE Team Emirates is our top priority and we are focused on doing our best to contribute to their performances. The TT1 is both rich in technological advancements and aesthetically appealing, therefore in line with the Colnago brand, always looking to create iconic and desirable bikes”.
Mikkel Bjerg, three-time UCI U23 ITT World Champion and one of the UAE Team Emirates riders most involved in the project, said: “I’m really excited to see the new Colnago TT1. I know Colnago has been working on it for a long time and I think it will be a big improvement and step forward. Time trialing is obviously a big passion of mine so I’ve given them some feedback on some things and the first signs are positive. I’m really looking forward to riding the TT1 and putting it through its paces.”
Disc brakes and improved aerodynamics The TT1 is the first Colnago time trial bicycle with a disc braking system. The choice guarantees the best routing of the hydraulic hoses inside the frame with better braking performance and greater rigidity of the entire bicycle thanks to the use of thru-axles on the wheels. The weight difference with the previous Colnago TT model, K.One, is minimal while delivering better overall braking performance and safety.
At the front end of the TT1, the solution chosen is the use of a bayonet fork, very similar to a double plate, a design that drastically reduces the frontal impact of the frame in the air while maintaining excellent torsional rigidity.
Among other important innovations is the monocoque base bar in carbon fiber, lighter, more rigid and more aerodynamic than the one developed previously, designed to be compatible with the Colnago aero cockpit (available from autumn 2022) and with the most popular aftermarket solutions, including the Deda Jet One appendixes as used by UAE Team Emirates.
The pursuit of maximum aerodynamic performance has also led to the creation of a bottle holder and bottle kit which now become part of the aerodynamics of the entire frame. The bottle, with a capacity of 0.5 liters, is still a 3D printed prototype, a technology increasingly present in the Colnago world, and will be developed in collaboration with Elite, available to the public from autumn 2022.
New geometries There are three sizes available (S, M and L), developed using both the feedback of the riders and the most modern biomechanical techniques applied to the riding position.
To obtain the best aerodynamic performance, it was decided to significantly shorten the length of the head tube and to obtain the correct positioning of the rider through the use of a greater number of spacers under the elbow rests. This is because the technicians have noticed a better aerodynamic performance of the “towers” of spacers in the wind tunnel compared to a more voluminous frame.
Another difference, compared to the K.One, is the completely horizontal upper tube which is no longer sloping. Important details include the unique compatibility with electronic groupsets (the modern standard for time trial frames) and the possibility of mounting a single front chainring or the classic double depending on the type of course.
Black Inc Unveils its Fastest Ever Disc Wheel at the Giro d’Italia All-new Black Inc ZERO carbon disc rear wheel will be ridden by Israel – Premier Tech in Budapest, during Stage 2’s ITT.
Black Inc, the premium performance component brand, today launches its new ZERO disc wheel. The new carbon fibre disc wheel was developed in partnership with UCI WorldTour team Israel-Premier Tech (“IPT”) and is set to make its official debut on Stage 2 of the Giro d’Italia on the streets of Budapest.
The rear disc wheel is amongst the fastest in the world, thanks to an innovative new design that pushes to the absolute edge of a bicycle’s functional and practical clearances to maximize aerodynamic advantages. The new ZERO will be making its Grand Tour debut after over a year of development in close collaboration with IPT, which saw three distinct prototypes tested both in the wind tunnel and out on the road.
The new ZERO’s unique lenticular shape is key to its impressive performance, which has been proven to generate as much as 20 watts of ‘thrust’ for the rider when fully sailing at yaw. To achieve this without compromising the smooth functioning of a modern drivetrain, Black Inc had to develop an extreme asymmetrical shape between the new ZERO’s drive side and non-drive side: the wheel’s drive side utilizes a ‘virtual 100mm rim’ design with a striking flat center section to allow the uninhibited operation of the bike’s rear transmission. The non-drive side, meanwhile, pushes the boundaries of wheel aerodynamics with a lenticular disc profile that challenges industry conventions on design and manufacturing.
Construction-wise, the new ZERO is a pretensioned disc without traditional steel spokes or spoke holes, a tubeless-compatible 21mm rim inner width that is aerodynamically optimized for a 26.2mm tire, all in a class-leading 1188g package. While the new ZERO was developed with the Factor HANZŌ in mind, its versatility should enable riders to run their fastest individual setups and achieve significant aero gains even when paired with other brands’ framesets.
Ahead of the new ZERO’s debut, IPT rider Alex Dowsett said: “My relationship with the folks at Black Inc and Factor is great. It’s so fantastic to be supported by a group of engineers and designers that share the same precise attention to detail that I bring to my racing. At the top level, all those small details add up.
The new ZERO is such an amazing piece of engineering. Whilst most riders see something similar to the competition, we know it’s really pushing the boundaries of technology. You can really feel the advantage of the bold design as it cuts through the air.”
Graham Shrive, Director of Engineering at Black Inc said: “Black Inc is unique in the cycling industry in that our approach is to absolutely push the limits to the extremes that other brands won’t go anywhere near. Our products are laser focused, and do not try to be everything to everyone. We build wheels and components that will help you win races, period. In an industry where pleasing all types of riders in all types of disciplines is considered state-of-the-art, we forge our own path with zero compromises to performance.
Overcoming the functional limitations of disc wheel clearances while pushing the camber of the new ZERO to a maximum required many functional prototypes which were extensively tested both in the wind tunnel and under professional cyclists, leading to the fastest disc wheel we’ve ever tested, by an extremely significant margin.”
CHAPTER2: Caitlin Fielder Artist Edition – Only 50 Units We are super excited to launch our first Artist Collaboration Project. The TOA Caitlin Fielder Artist Edition. Mini Website here.
We are honored and privileged to kick off our Artist Edition Collection with Caitlin Fielder. A natural fit for CHAPTER2. She is the embodiment of our key values: Art, Cycling and New Zealand. Beyond this, Caitlin is a wonderful artist, adding a multi-faceted dimension to her vision.
Caitlin has been painting for many years and recently turned her attention to doing fully customized cycling shoe painting. I’ve personally had one of her creations and she’s painted shoes for some of the world’s most famous cyclists, including New Zealand’s UAE Team Emirates rider George Bennett. Other Caitlin custom projects have included shoes for Michael “Bling” Matthews, Daryl Impey, Luke Durbridge, Esteban Chaves etc.
A deep-rooted love for New Zealand connects Caitlin and CHAPTER2 at the core. Through this collaboration we pay tribute to our roots, using the symbol of the native silver fern. Caitlin sourced real ferns in the Abel Tasman National Park, cutting them out and applying them to a 3-dimensional collage on the frameset.
Only 50 will be made available worldwide with each frameset coming with a personalized signed certificate of authentication, and gold detailed matching thru-axles, top cap and carbon bottle cages. Available via authorized dealers and via our website, pre-orders for this hyper exclusive creation ends on 13 June with framesets being delivered in September 2022.
Available as a frameset only. Prices:
** The MANA Bar is sold separately in order to allow customers the choice of sizes that fits their requirements. ** All prices are including shipping and taxes.
GCN: New & Exclusive Book!
Go to the GCN shop at: shop.globalcyclingnetwork.com
Santini: The Tour de France Launches New ‘Maillot Jaune’ Brand
A special collection that celebrates the uniqueness of the Tour de France. Developed by Santini to offer cyclists a range of minimalist technical cycling wear from the exclusive new ‘Maillot Jaune’ brand.
The huge symbolic value of the Tour de France has been brilliantly distilled into the ‘Maillot Jaune’ brand used for a brand-new and exclusive capsule collection developed by Santini for A.S.O.
The Maillot Jaune logo can be interpreted either as a stylized bird’s eye view of a cyclist or an athlete with their arms raised in victory.
The Santini collection spans jerseys, bib shorts, a base layer top, a technical t-shirt, jacket and various accessories. The color palette chosen for the Maillot Jaune is ultramarine blue, petrol green and yellow. The result? An elegantly minimalist look.
Jerseys There are two jerseys in the collection. The Allez is an exact copy of the official Yellow Jersey’s fit and is made entirely from recycled PET and waste yarn-derived fabrics. It is both sleek and body-hugging to optimize aerodynamics. The design itself is attractively minimalist: the upper part of the jersey is ultramarine blue while the sleeves are petrol green.
The Esprit, on the other hand, is designed for the hottest summer days. It is slim fit and made from particularly light, breathable fabrics. Yellow stripes against an ultramarine background give it an elegant, linear appeal too.
The other products The ‘Maillot Jaune’ collection also includes a technical t-shirt with the same design as the Allez jersey that’s perfect for everyday wear, bib shorts with the C3 pad with ergonomic 3D different density surfaces and gel seat bone inserts, and a micromesh base layer top. Santini has also designed a vest and a 100% waterproof jacket for wet windy days, both of which pack away into their own zipped side pockets and sport reflective Maillot Jaune logos.
Coordinating accessories – gloves, socks, cap and neck warmer – complete the look. The launch of the new ‘Maillot Jaune’ collection is part of the Santini and A.S.O. agreements and further strengthens a partnership that also spans the Tour de France leader jerseys.
Note: PEZCyclingNews ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper / safe use, handling, maintenance and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
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