#1085
The BH \ Pivot bikes trailer swung by Headquarters the other day and as such, my eye went straight to the, as of yet un-ridden by the cycling public, BH Ultralight. A bike chock full of "new and improved" things.
Things like the first tapered fork to go less then 300 grams. ( that's a lot of carbon, and it made for a very stiff, and lively ride ).
The first BB386 bottom bracket system. ( combining the diameter or the fatness of a BB30 spindle with the frame shell width of a BB86 system )
The bike is also one of the first to go under 775 grams for the frame. The trick paint developed along with Calfee (Correction- Parlee) def helps it get this light. I will say that the frame finish didn't seem to take to marks and scuffs very well. If you are the type that likes your bike to remain looking in new condition, this bike may bring you down.
What else can be said that hasn't already been said about this wonder? The cycling media was introduced to the bike back in April here
and sure enough as you would expect, everyone who gets a chance to ride it says that the bike is stiff, light, yet vertically compliant to a reasonable extent. I certainly can not disagree. The bike, even with the (heavy-ish) carbon clinchers, felt sick light, and even sicker stiff. The bike darted around like a chipmunk on crack. A bike like this requires a learning curve, a chance to become used to it, a chance to forget what your previous road bicycle felt like.
This bike belongs in the "super-bike" category.
Whether or not it is too stiff, too harsh or too unforgiving, is going to be a matter of individual taste. The complete bike will be as-expected-expensive. That's ok though because innovations like its, lightweight paint, oversized bottom bracket system and feathery fork are bound to make their way onto lower-tier bikes.
Companies like BH deserve a tip-o-the-hat as we are sure that lower priced bikes of tomorrow will feel and perform more like the super bikes of today.
Notice the square tube shapes and the massive width of the bottom bracket. Its edge actually sits underneath the inner chain-ring |
Note that the color in a lot of these photos has been slightly tweaked to show off the angles. That said, the finish of the frame did show off bumps and bruises very well. |
The Toptube gets significantly narrower as it reaches the seatmast |
Thin seatstays have been proven to make the ride more gentle, without robbing power. |
Round is so 2009. Square tubes are the new deal! |
Area of Supreme Power Transfer |
Can't let the trailer leave without some "improvements" |
#1082
Looking for a great deal on a new saddle. Check out the Carbon railed Serfas Phantom Here.
Serfas for years has been quietly toiling away at bringing cyclists products from Taiwan with great quality to deal ratios. Popular opinion about such products has gone up but the low Serfas price points haven't. This lightweight model can be had for just over $150.
#1079
Counterfeit Pinarellos!
"We
have become aware of several counterfeit Pinarello frames making their
way into the United States. Some of these frames are branded and painted
to look like a Pinarello, but have obviously not been subject to the
strict quality control and testing that genuine Pinarello frames must go
through. Examples we have uncovered are easily recognized as they do
not have Italian threaded bottom brackets, do not use proprietary
Pinarello headsets and with imitation Dogma frames, accept a traditional
round seat post.
Typically
these frames are being supplied without the small parts, such as the bb
cable guides, the seat post clamps and, in some cases the rear
derailleur hangers. Genuine Pinarello parts typically do not fit on
these frames.
Gita
and Pinarello urge all dealers not to supply any parts or labor to
these frames as doing so could place liability on the shop should any
legal claims arise.
It
is important to realize these are not Pinarello frames, are not made in
the Pinarello factory, are not made from the proprietary materials that
are only available to Pinarello and are not subject to Pinarello's
stringent quality controls. Therefore, they will in no way perform like a
Pinarello bike nor can their safety or suitability for use be
determined.
Since
the origin of these frames cannot be determined there is almost
certainly no manufacturer's warranty or liability insurance in place to
protect buyers in cases of catastrophic failure. There are several
instances on the internet of failures of counterfeit frames. As always,
to be certain that you have a genuine Pinarello, be sure to deal with an
authorized Pinarello dealer."
#1061
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