We’ve said it once and will say it again – we love the Tour de France. We kept up with product launches all week and can already tell you that next week should be no different. This week we shared new bags from Zipp, Specialized’s new Venge ViAS and CLX 64 wheels, Bontrager’s Ballista helmet, the new KICKR SNAP from Wahoo, and just yesterday we shared shots of Giant’s new Trinity Advanced SL. We also had a chance to share our long-term review of the Giro Synthe, which you’ll see worn by a few teams over the next three weeks.
Next week we plan to share our thoughts on Scott’s new Foil and Trek’s new Madone. We’ll also take a more in-depth look at Specialized’s new Venge ViAS. And of course we have a few more surprises in store for you as well.
Oh, and not to mention today’s news from Cervelo, Santini, and Strava! Read ahead to see what they have in store.
This Week’s Posts
Monday – Giro Synthe – Review
Tuesday – Three New Bags from Zipp – First Look, Specialized Wants to Save You Five Minutes – First Look
Wednesday – Bontrager Ballista – First Look
Thursday – Wahoo KICKR SNAP – First Look
Friday – Giant Trinity Advanced SL – First Photos
Readers’ Rides
It is rare when we highlight a bike being UCI legal, but with this being the kickoff weekend for the Tour de France, it just felt right. Check out Colm’s UCI legal P2 resting at the end of what will be the Ironman 70.3 Dublin bike course (Aug. 9th 2015).
- SRAM Force front/rear derailleurs
- SRAM RTC shifters
- Rotor Q-rings
- FFWD F6R wheels
- Oh, and that super Lizardskins bar tape.
You can check out our complete Readers’ Rides gallery at http://on.fb.me/12jEqE3. To have your bike featured in our album, tweet us at @AeroGeeks, Facebook message us, or email us at info@AeroGeeks.com.
Cervelo’s S5 Team MTN-Qhubeka bicycles will support #BicyclesChangeLives
How many times have you lusted over a pro tour bike? Well Cervelo and MTN-Qubeka have been listening, and in a partnership with #BicyclesChangeLives are going to make approximately 200 team-level bikes available to the public through authorized retailers as of July 2. For every MTN-Qhubeka S5 sold, Cervélo will donate a sturdy “Buffalo Bike” to the Qhubeka Foundation’s #BicyclesChangeLives campaign, which aims to deliver 5,000 of them to students in South Africa.
The S5 Team bicycles come equipped with ROTOR 3D+ INpower crankset and Smart ENVE System 4.5 wheels, among other high-performance components.
They’re also custom-painted and emblazoned with the words “Move Forward.” Not only is this the English translation of the word “Qhubeka,” it’s also an apt slogan for the unique partnership between bicycle innovator and charitable organization.
For more information on the S5 Team MTN-Qhubeka: www.cervelo.com/S5MTN
Strava and Garmin Partner for Strava Live Segments
We are huge fans of Strava. The AG Team regularly uses it to better understand how new equipment is stacking up during the review process. Starting with the launch of the Garmin 520, athletes will now be able to experience Strava’s segment experience in real time. Cannondale-Garmin will debut the new head unit at the Tour de France.
This new integration will allow live segment performance data to be displayed on the device with continuous ahead and behind indicators. Those using the 520 (as well as the Edge 1000, 810 and 510 devices pending a firmware update in Q3) can visualize your current performance against your personal records and the top times for the King/Queen of the Mountain (KOM/QOM).
Santini Interactive 2.0
This week Santini announced their new Interactive 2.0 kit. The Interactive 2.0 allows a rider to enjoy the benefits of a traditional jersey and bib short combination that can be instantly transformed into a one-piece speed-suit.
The aerodynamically cut jersey is constructed from a combination of fabrics – LycraKa, a Lycra micro-mesh utilized for the back portion of the jersey, while to the front the light and breathable Artico fabric, a light and breathable textile with strong bidirectional elasticity creates a true second-skin effect. The overall fit of the two-piece set is strategically designed to offer maximum comfort in the riding position. Santini accomplishes this thorugh the special characteristics of the materials used in the kit’s construction, such as the innovative Artico fabric – a fabric that is very soft on the skin while also promoting the dissipation of excess heat build-up produced during exercise, helping to lower core body temperature and keep the rider cool in the hottest of environments.
The jersey features three rear pockets and elastic gripper bands around the hem of the body and sleeve cuffs to lock the garment comfortably in place. The Interactive 2.0 bib shorts have anatomically constructed mesh braces with a specifically formed low-cut waist offering a high level of comfort.
One of the most unique aspects of the Interactive 2.0 set is the addition of the small zipper to the rear of the jersey and bib shorts, which when zipped, recreates the aerodynamics and fit of a speed-suit with the comfort of wearing two separate garments.
Current Reviews
Sugoi RS Ice Trisuit
We love when a product lives up to its name. We did a brick this week wearing the RS in 87 degree temps with 80% humidity and stayed comfortable and distraction free. We also noticed the leg grippers left us chafe free.
Betty Designs Jett Pak
The Jett Pak has been Tracy’s go-to gym bag for the past few months. This versatile bag easily holds everything she needs to go from workout to the office. With extra pockets inside and out, it lets you separate your smaller, harder-to-find items from your towels, clothes, and shoes.
Bontrager Aelous Helmet
The Ballista isn’t the only aero helmet that Trek Factory Racing riders will be sporting over the next three weeks. During the Time Trial, you will find them in the Aeolus – the European-only aero helmet that we just happen to be reviewing. It’s a purpose-built aero weapon that puts aero way above cooling. Stay tuned for our in-depth review in the next two weeks.
