Bicycling USA 2014-04

LESS FATIGUE,MORE CONTROL.

WITH

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www.bianchi.com

INTRODUCING NEW COUNTERVAIL

VIBRATION CANCELING TECHNOLOGY

BIANCHIS INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO CANCEL VIBRATIONBianchi collaborated with Materials Sciences Corp. to develop our innovative and exclusive application of the patented Countervail

integrated vibration canceling system for cycling. The result is the new Bianchi In nito CV.*Scienti c studies prove that long term exposure to vibration, typically absorbed by the rider, causes muscle fatigue and discomfort, resulting in reduced performance.

INTEGRATED SYSTEM PROVEN IN NASA AEROSPACE OPERATIONS

Traditional passive damping of the frame using super cial rubber inserts and isolators are only marginally effective compared to the integrated carbon Countervail system developed by Bianchi and proven in the extreme conditions of NASA aerospace operations.With its patented carbon ber architecture and viscoelastic material, Countervail carbon material, embedded within our unique In nito CV carbon lay-up, immediately cancels vibration while increasing the stiffness and strength of the entire frame.

ADVANTAGES

Maximized ride control and handling under normal to extreme vibration loads Reduced muscle fatigue and increased energy savings in distance rides Increased rigidity and peak power output over long distances

*As noted by the Journal of Sciences and Medicine report.

Carbon layers

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TRADITIONAL CARBON FRAME CONTINUES TO VIBRATE

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20

ROADThese bikes quickly get

you where you want to

gowhether youre

on a budget or a train-

ing plan.

48

BEGINNERSYou want to be care-

free and have fun. These

bikes are big on comfort

and qualitywithout a

scary price tag.

60

WOMENSYou want the same qual-

ity and performance as

the guys. But you want a

bike thats designed with

your needs in mind.

72

MOUNTAINFinding the right bike for

the trail doesnt have to

be complicated. What-

ever your goals, we have

you covered.

82

URBANWhether youre riding to

work or nowhere in par-

ticular, you want a bike

that reflects your eye for

style and utility.

whether youre shopping for your rst bike or looking to add to the eet in your garage, we

make nding the perfect ride easy this yeareven if youre still not sure what type of rider you are. With scores of tested

and reviewed bikes in ve basic categories, you can quickly narrow your search to nd the one thats best for you.

The Budnitz No. 3 Steel is tough yet elegant. Read the review on p. 88.

BICYCLING.COM 7


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AMER ICAN WATCHES B ICYCLES L E ATHER GOODS PAPER

TRIBECA 177 FRANKL IN ST. DETROIT 441 W. CANF IELD ST.

SHINOLA .COM


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114

Peeling Back the Layers Is there more to carbon fiber than meets the eye? Our author takes

a closer look at this complex materialand makes a few surprising

discoveries that take the mystery out of buying a carbon bike.

B Y B E R N E B R O U D Y

120

Shop SavvyBuying your first bike can be a thrilling experienceas long as you

understand the basics before walking into a shop. Our simple guide

gives you all the adviceand confidenceyou need to get rolling.

B Y N E I L B E Z D E K

On the CoverPhotograph by Trevor Dixon.

The Pinarello Dogma K Hydro

is ready for rough roads. Read

the review on p. 20. Find more bike and gear reviews in our iPad edition. Go to BICYCLING.com/ipad and download the app.

16 Editors Letter

18 The Feed

128 Contest: Win Any Bike

130 Source List

136 The Frame

B U Y E R S

G U I D E 1 4

Contents

90

GEARComponents and accessories

for every kind of riderand every kind of ride

92 | Gran FondoHit the road all day in comfort

94 | Womens Look and feel your best

96 | Road RaceFuel your need for speed

98 | EnduroTame any mountain

100 | Weekend RiderReward yourself with some-thing awesome

102 | LifestyleFlaunt your cycling flair off the bike

104 | UpgradesTake your ride to the next level

106 | CommuterArrive at the office safely and looking good

108 | Adventure Be prepared for the longor shorthaul

110 | Workshop Keep your bike in top shape

112 | Mountain XCShow the trail whos boss

FEATURES

92

10 BICYCLING.COM

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Peter Flax editor in chief

design director Jesse Southerland

E D I T O R I A L

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April 2014 Vol. 55 no. 3

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The fastest and most reliable race tire we have ever built. For every wheel system:

Folding, tubular, tubeless. BECOME ONE WITH SPEED.

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Co

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tes

y;

Izz

y C

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an

Editors Letter

The more I know abouT bIkes, The

more beautiful and mysterious they

become. Believe it or not, physicists

still dont fully understand how a bicycle stays

upright. Gyroscopic forces have something to do

with it, but scientists acknowledge that they may

know more about black holes and quarks than

about why bikes are so stable and fun to ride.

This uncertainty makes me unreasonably happy.

We all have a lot to learn. I was a serial cycling

monogamist before I took this job, but Id esti-

mate Ive ridden about 400 different bikes since

then. In that time, Ive had hundreds of conver-

sations with engineers and leaders in the bike

industry, and spent countless hours riding and

debating with the BICYCLING test teama

group of men and women that collectively has

ridden more than ten thousand bikes. Here are

some brief conclusions from my education so far.

Practically all bikes are good these days. There

was a time in the not-so-distant past when bad

bikes roamed the showroom floors. But now,

thanks to improvements in frame building and

years of trickle-down advances with compo-

nents, almost everything you can buy (at a real

bike shop) is reasonably light and stiff and com-

fortable and nimble. Its not exceedingly hard to

find bikes that are boring or have a

questionable choice of parts, but its

rare to find real duds. The trick, of

course, is to find a great bike.

Fit still matters. A lot. The bikes are

better and prices have fallen, but you

cant fully enjoy a bicycle if its too big

or small for you. Yet people make this

mistake all the time. This is one reason

everyone should visit a good bike shop

where someone will spend time getting

your fit right.

Pay attention to the details. The

tires are important. As are the saddle

and the bar tape and the angles. They

have to work and they have to work for

you. Before you buy a bike you should

take it for as long a ride as possible

to experience all the little things that

will affect how you feel about the bike

in the long term.

Good bikes have personality. Some

are steady and quiet. Others are impet-

uous and chatty. Bikes can be smooth

or brash, forgiving or unyielding, purposeful or

impish. All of these qualities can be good; its tough

to go wrong as long as you aspire to have a bike

with character that makes you feel something.

The story of a bike matters. Despite what some

engineers might tell you, a good bicycle is more

than the sum of its physical parts. The heritage

or soul of a brand, the ideas and inspiration and

people who influenced the final design, even your

emotional reaction to the shaping or color of the

tubingall of these things can have a real impact

on how you experience a bike. It is good to have

a bike with a story that speaks to you.

To find it, read this buyers guide closely. It

contains reviews and insights that can help you

find the perfect bike. Thats the point. Weve

picked standout bikes in every category that

illustrate qualities or features that might speak

to you. If were doing our job properly, the

reviews should help you figure out what you

really want. Whether youre here to shop or to

fantasize, I hope you learn something about the

mysteries of these magical machines.

T

Thanks to his avid-cyclist

father, BICYCLING test director

Matt Phillips has been around

bicycles his whole life. To help

you decide which one is best

for you, Phillips notes that its

not the coat of paint or the

brand name that makes a bike

worthy, but the personal con-

nection you feel to your ride.

A great bike is one that aligns

with your needs and desires

more than anything you can

tangibly measure, he says. If

it feels right, its right.

Colorado native Neil Bezdek

shares tips for first-time bike

buyers in Shop Savvy

(p. 120). His most important

piece of advice: Try lots of

bikes. Its like buying a car,

he says. You should never

purchase the first model you

see. Bezdek, a former profes-

sional cyclist, now lives in New

York City and works for the

Department of Transportations

CitiBike program. His beginners

guide to bike share will appear

in our pages later this year.

I really enjoy product pho-

tography because it can be

approached in many ways,

says Philadelphia-based

photographer Trevor Dixon,

who shot this months cover

and bike portraits. Once an

avid BMX rider, Dixon enjoys

pedaling with family in Mount

Gretna, Pennsylvania. He pho-

tographed the Editors Choice

dream bikes in our December

2013 issue and has also shot for

Philadelphia magazine, IKEA,

and Urban Outfitters.

C on t r i b u t o r s

@pflax1

Peter Flax

editor in chief

Shop Talk

16 Bicycling.com april 2014


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I hadnt even seen the lat-

est issue yet when my wife,

Jeanie, a new cyclist, said,

She rides a Specialized Ruby,

just like me! The couple fea-

tured on the cover had caught

her attention, and she had

begun leang through my

magazinebecause shed seen

someone she could relate to.

Chris Bornhauser

Chatsworth, Ca

Heres what my wife and I do:

We each have a daily calorie

limit, and if one of us goes

over it, that person has to be

the designated driver the next

time we go out. If we both go

over, the one who exceeds it

by the most loses.

Dave CroCCo

longmont, Co

Mission

Accomplished

After missing many group rides

last summer due to a new job, ryan Geyer santa BarBara , Ca

Thanks for the weight-loss stories in Tempt Yourself Thin (Jan./Feb.). My wife

and I have undergone a similar transfor-mation over the past year and the result

has been equally life-changing. Between us weve lost nearly 100 pounds.

diadoracyclingamerica.com


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I was struggling to reach

my mileage goal for 2013.

James Herrera (Personal

Trainer) reminded me

to stick to my plan. After

reading his goal-setting

column on a Friday night,

I knocked o 32 miles on

a 30-degree Saturday and

35 miles on a 28-degree

Sunday. Ive been riding

more than a decade, and

your magazine continues

to motivate me.

CARL KINGP OR T L A ND, ME

Roll ModelIn Street Kids, Tracy

Ross rode to the Grand

Canyon with troubled

teens from Colorados

Ridge View Academy.

God bless cycling coach

Greg Townsend, who

has risen from the abuse

of his own childhood

to inuence the lives of

young men who have

suered the same fate.

Having worked for the

past 16 years as a mobile

crisis counselor, I thank

Townsend for showing

us what it means to be

a true role model, hero,

and healer, and Ross for

documenting it.

DENIS ASHTONGIL BER T, A Z

Pedaling the PastJonathan Kimes story,

So This Is Where I

Begin, hit close to home.

I, too, never had the

chance to grow up with

my dad, who passed away

days before my birth. I

sometimes ride close to

his resting spot and nd it

very comforting.

MARK SHAMESBROOK LY N, N Y

Winning Note

Jim, were betting you wont be able to extinguish your love for your new

Park Tool Home Mechanic Starter kit.

WE GET ON LIKE A HOUSE AFIRE

When my house caught fire I was out of town. I was relieved to hear my bikes

were okay. Then I found out the fire started in my reading room, aka the

bathroom. My worst fears were realized when I found the remains of three issues

of BICYCLING. I contacted customer service and they sent me the lost copies.

Kudos and thanks to all!

JIM GREENE S A NDY, U T

police unity tour: 400 miles

from new jersey to the police

memorial in washington, dc.

R A CH A EL L ICH T VA N SL O T EN

the senorita

century in

san diego.

L IS A K . B A S SIL L

WHAT 2014 CYCLING EVENT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?S U R V E Y S AY S

the one where i have

the road to myself

on a windless monday.

L A RSEN BEE

[email protected]

Bicycling Magazine

@BicyclingMag

@bicyclingmag

TALK WITH US


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Actually, its called that because it flows like water, I said to the third or

fourth smartass who, on the Saturday ride, had pointed out that the Hydro

part of my bikes name was inaccurate. Then the Dogma and I dropped

him on the mile-or-so-long gravelly, rutted, wet-sand ascent of Hollyberry.

The Italian company engineered this version of its bad-road bike to

work with hydraulic disc brakes by tweaking the fork and chainstay to

accommodate the mounts and the new forces that will affect those spots.

When SRAM recalled the Red 22 Hydro in December 2013, our test bike

temporarily lost a name that made sense (replacement hydraulic brakes

will be supplied eventually), and we found ourselves, like other early

adopters, restringing our bike with a cable-actuated system.

To me, the brakes are the least of this bike, anyway. I dont mind disc

brakes, and, like others on staff, I found some advantages (less so with the

mechanical replacement, but still discernible): I could scrub speed later

and harder approaching corners, which made me faster overall. Once

accustomed to the sensitivity, I thought modulation and control were

unquestionably better. And, of course, in rain the discs grabbed without

the lag that occurs while traditional cantilevers squeegee the braking track.

But, after 30 years of riding, I go about as fast as I ever want to downhill

or into corners anyway. More pressing to me is my collection of beloved

wheels I dont want to toss just to switch brakes. On our staff, the moun-

tain bikers and the Google Glass guy are most excited about the disc

revolution. Ill switch when so many others have them that I keep plowing

into riders on rainy group rides.

I think you ought to check out the Hydro simply because, among the

many bicycles built for rotten roads, this one yields a striking ride. This

Dogma carries the Pinarello DNA that produces stiff, ultra-efficient,

crisp bikes that require attention but, with it, can be piloted in a manner

as razor sharp as that of any bike Ive tested. Make no mistake: Thanks

primarily to minute adjustments in angles and a slightly longer wheelbase,

this frame is more forgiving than a pure Dogma. Yet Pinarello sticks with

its asymmetric design (more strength where drivetrain and other forces

are highest), and its top-level carbon, so the Dogma K rides with its teeth

gritted a little more than some of its rivals.

One of the most important changes is easy to overlook because it doesnt

sound exciting: The frame and fork were altered to accept wider tires. When

ridden at 80 to 90 psi, the 700x28c Contis on our Hydro (theres room for even

wider options) have to be worth a million CAD iterations of fiber orientation

when it comes to cushion and traction. Kudos to Pinarello for pushing the

edges of its frame technology while not forgetting the fundamentalsand

for making a bike that flows even when its brake lines cant.Bill Strickland

PRice $5,300, frame and fork Weight 16.5 lb. (48.5cm)

april 2014 Bicycling.com 21

PhotograPh by trevor Dixon

PinARellO DOgmA

K hyDROa striking riDe equiPPeD for any rough roaD


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DIAMONDBACK HAANJO COMPFROM GR AV EL TO DIRT ROA DS TO CIT Y STREETS, THIS BIKE DOES IT A LL

The broad category of

skinny-tire bikes continues

splintering into niches: race,

endurance, cyclocross,

urban, and now the trendy

gravel-road segment. Is

all that hair-splitting nec-

essary? With the Haanjo

Comps versatility, the

answer is a refreshing no.

Designed primarily for

gravel-road rides, the

Haanjo is up for almost

any kind of experience

youre after. Pavement

ends? Ride on. Commut-

ing and errands? Slap on

fenders and a rear rack.

Exploratory adventures?

Get out the map. Its less

adept at fast group rides

or cyclocross racing, but

you can use it for both.

The Haanjo Comp

closely resembles a cyclo-

cross bike, but there are

important geometry dif-

ferences: The head tube

is 3.5cm taller than those

on Diamondbacks Steila-

coom cross series, and

the head angle is a degree

slacker. This translates into

an upright position and a

slow-handling ride thats

either reassuringly stable

or sluggish, depending on

your perspective. The long

wheelbase softens the ride,

important considering

that the frame and fork,

designed to handle the

stresses created by the disc

brakes, dont yield much.

Diamondback gave the

Comp a smart mix of

parts, including Shimanos

dependable 105 shifters

and derailleurs and WTB

All Terrain 32mm tires,

which corner nicely on dirt

and roll surprisingly fast

on pavement. One miss:

Wed prefer a conventional

50/34 compact-geared

crankset over the cross-

specific 46/36 setup.

The Haanjo Comp isnt

built for a particular style of

riding, and it is remarkably

capable over a wide range

of roads and experiences.

The key is not to pigeon-

hole it as a gravel-road

bike. Its a pleasingly versa-

tile model for riders who

want to keep their options

open.Joe Lindsey

T R P H Y/ R D D I S C B R A K E S trisol_east The Haanjos HY/RD (say high road) disc brake

system is a hybrid: It relies on cable actuation, but has hydraulic fluid to push the

pistons and pads against the rotor. Its heavier and more complex than a pure

hydraulic or cable system. But it gives you the more consistent feel and modula-

tion of a full hydraulic brake at a lower price, plus self-adjusting calipers.J.L.

PRICE

$1,300

WEIGHT

21.8 lb.(53cm)

R O A D

T E S T E D

B U Y E R S

G U I D E 1 4

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The Cayo Evo 3.0 is suit-

able for just about any type

of road riding you plan to

do, from casual outings

with friends to long gran

fondos to fast-paced races.

The German brand set out

to make a more forgiving

frame by manipulating tube

shapes and profiles (see

box); its goal was to create

a bike that will be comfort-

able from the first mile to

the last.

I noticed the smooth-

ness almost instantlythe

frame capably took the

edge off road vibration

and I felt connected to

the pavement without

every imperfection rattling

through my bar and sad-

dle. Confident my wheels

wouldnt skip, I carved

turns and powered through

rough patches of gravel

with purpose. The Cayo

Evo provided a reminder

that comfort doesnt have

to slow you down.

At 18.5 pounds with

pedals and bottle cage, the

Cayo Evo seemed lighter

than it actually was, some-

thing I noticed when rising

out of the saddle to climb

or sprint. After a few pedal

strokes, the frame swayed

reassuringly back and forth

beneath me, feeling lively

and energetic.

The Cayo I tested had

Shimano Ultegra shifters

and derailleurs, ensuring

precise gear changes. In

the past, North American

customers could choose

between a compact

(50/34) or standard

(53/39) drivetrain, both

with FSA Gossamer cranks.

But this year the Evo 3.0 is

available here only with a

compact setup. The rest of

the build features Concept

EX branded components,

Fulcrum WH-CEX 7.0

wheels, and Schwalbe

Lugano tires. With these

quality parts the Focus

Cayo Evo is a considerable

value at this price

a bike that combines

race performance with

predictable handling and

all-day comfort to make

every mile more enjoy-

able.Brad Ford

C O M F O R T A B LY S T I F F trisol_east The Evos flattened seatstays resist twisting but have

a slight curve that allows just enough flex to blunt the sharpness of impacts or

bumps. The hourglass-shaped top tube is stiffer at its wider ends, where it meets

the head and seat tubes, but is more forgiving where it narrows in the middle,

adding to the bikes stable, predictable handling.B.F.

PRICE

$2,700

WEIGHT

18.1 lb.(54cm)

FOCUS CAYO EVO 3.0A REFIN ED FR A ME M A KES LONG RIDES MORE COMFORTA BLE

Courtesy

R O A D

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26 BICYCLING.COM

The new Norcom Straight

replaces the venerable

D6, a time-trial bike rid-

den by Olympians Matty

Reed and Sarah Haskins.

Change is good: This latest

model boasts improved

aerodynamics and better

handling that should have

any competitive riderpro

or amateurcontending

for even more podiums.

The midrange Norcom

2.3 felt nimble and agile,

stable on descents yet

able to roll quickly from

one turn to the next. The

massive bottom bracket

prevented the frame

tubes from twisting when

I torqued the cranks to

summit a climb and when I

accelerated to racing speed

from a complete stop. The

frame muted road chatter,

so much so that I noticed

buzzing from the handlebar

only on some poorly main-

tained rural roads.

This model has a multi-

position carbon seatpost

that allows up to 70mm of

front-to-back adjustment,

nearly twice as much as

some similar posts. On

longer rides and races, I slid

my saddle back for added

comfort; for shorter out-

ings, I moved it forward into

a more aggressive position.

I wish the elbow pads on the

bar extensions offered as

much adjustmentto get

comfortable I had to swap

the stem and install risers

under the pads.

The Norcom 2.3 comes

with SRAMs Rival 10-speed

group paired with an Oval

crank and 52/36 midcom-

pact chainrings, all of which

delivered reliable shifting.

A sliding dropout makes it

easy to lengthen or shorten

your wheelbase to suit

specific courses, but the

design isnt flawless: The

derailleur cable can inter-

fere with wheel changes,

slowing midrace flat fixes.

Despite these minor

exceptions, the Norcom 2.3

impressed me. Rarely does

a multisport bike at this

price offer such a pleasing

ride. Whether youre a sea-

soned pro or entering your

first triathlon, this bike has

the versatility to suit your

needs.Greg Kaplan

B R A K I N G W I N D trisol_east By mounting the front brake behind the fork and running the

cable through the head tube, Fuji engineers reduced drag by 11 grams compared with

traditional brake setups, the manufacturer claims. Thats a savings somewhere

between 7 and 16 watts and means you can go faster with the same effort.G.K.

PRICE

$2,800

WEIGHT

19.3 lb.(53cm)

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PRICE

$4,500,*frameset

WEIGHT

15.6 lb.(54.5cm)

GURU PHOTON SLA PREV IOUS AWA RD W IN N ER BECOMES EV EN MORE REFIN ED

The original Photon won our

Editors Choice Dream Road

prize in 2010. We lauded its

747-gram frame, sprightly

climbing ability, and snappy,

responsive ride quality. Guru

revised the Photon in 2013,

expanding it to a three-bike

line that includes the SL

reviewed here, the super-

stiff Photon R (for race),

and the gossamer Photon

HL (hyperlight).

The SL (superlight) is the

most direct descendant of

the original Photon, says

Nicolas McCrae, compos-

ites engineer for Guru.

We wanted to show what

weve learned in the past

few years, he told me. The

new model has rounded

main tubes that are similar

to the originalsbut now

they flare at the junctions

to increase surface area;

the larger joint allows the

front triangle to better

resist twisting stresses.

The Photon SL has the

same ethereal climbing

qualities as the original;

its handling was quick and

even more crisp than in

previous iterations, thanks

to the stiffer frame. The

rigid Reynolds Assault

SLG wheels would be

excellent for racing, but

they made the bike ride

a bit more harshly than

I liked. Switching to Shi-

mano C24 hoops restored

the smoothly damped,

almost polished ride I

remembered from the

earlier model.

Gurus frame sizes and

geometry differ among

the SL, HL, and R, mak-

ing direct comparisons

difficult. Generally, the

SL has a slightly taller bar

height and shorter reach,

which put me in a more

upright position. If you

race and prize stiffness,

the R is a better choice;

the HL obviously has the

lightest frame. But the

Photon SL hits a wide

sweet spot, a performance

bike with a gorgeous ride.

Joe Lindsey

F A B R I Q U E A U Q U E B E C trisol_east Guru builds its Photon frames at its factory in

Quebec, which allows the company to do rapid prototyping of new ideas or

designs that would take months on the usual Asian-built program. North

American manufacturing also offers Guru access to military-grade carbon

that isnt sold in China.J.L.

28 BICYCLING.COM *$6,900 as tested

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www.DogmaDemoDealers.com

Find out what makes the Tour de France winning DOGMA so special. Now you can take the exhilarating

new Dogma 65.1 Think2 out for a test ride. Over 200 of these new bikes are ready to roll at of cial

Pinarello Demo Test Centers across the country. Check the dealer locater (QR code below) to nd

the one closest to you and schedule your ride today. Just remember, returning it will be the only

unpleasant part of the experience.

Its Easy to Test Ride the New Dogma,the hard part is giving it back.


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Just a couple of years ago, I wouldnt have considered buying

any of the less-expensive carbon bikesmost were too rigid

and rode harshly, and rumors of catastrophic failures concerned

me. But bikes like the F5 are changing my opinion. Its satisfying

mix of speed, power, and comfort made me forget after only a

few rides that it costs just $1,800. I wasnt surprised when I later

learned that Felt uses the same frame design on models that can

cost three times as much.

A handful of winter rides revealed the bikes premium qualities.

A series of storms near our Pennsylvania HQ left many of the

roads covered in snowmelt cinders, then the freezing and thaw-

ing widened cracks in the pavement and ripped open potholes.

Even in those conditions, the F5 felt reassuringly connected to

the road. It smoothed out vibrations from the gravel-like cinders

and lessened the sting when I couldnt avoid rolling into a pothole.

I could drive hard up climbs and lean into corners confident that

my wheels would hold the road and go where I pointed them.

While comfortable, the F5 never felt soft or vague, the way some

inexpensive frames do.

Felt is one of many manufacturers chasing that satisfying blend

of comfort and stiffness. To achieve it in the F5, the company uses

some premium layers of carbon in the frame and fork. Felt doesnt

skimp on components, either. The frame comes with Shimanos

105 shifters and derailleursparts typically found on bikes sold

at $2,000 or more. But to save some money, Felt uses lower-grade

Shimano parts in areas it believes will have less impact on the ride:

the 10-speed cassette, chain, and dual-pivot brakes.

At 18.5 pounds including alloy pedals and a bottle cage, the F5

is reasonably svelte compared with similar bikes. On the road, the

bike felt neutralneither heavy nor lightand moved predict-

ably in response to my input. When I stood to climb or to chase

back to a group, the bike felt balanced beneath me, swaying easily

as I rocked it from side to side. The 50/34 compact crank (with

close-ratio 11-25 cassette) provided an ample range of gears,

and helped me to settle into a relaxed cadence on longer climbs.

The F5 doesnt leap forward like Felts top-of-the-line models

likely due to the heavier wheels and tiresbut the frame responds

sharply to pedal input, propelling you forward during hard efforts.

You still have to supply the power, but the F5 wont hold you back.

In fact, I was able to win multiple town-sign sprints against folks

on much more expensive rides.

Anyone looking for a reasonably priced carbon bike to pedal

hard all day should consider the F5. Its premium frame and quality

components make it a strong value, and it might change how you

look at inexpensive carbon models.Brad Ford

Felt F5HigH performance at a fraction of tHe cost

Price $1,800 Weight 18.5 lb. (54cm)

April 2014 Bicycling.com 31

pHotograpH by trevor Dixon


WorldMags.net

32 BICYCLING.COM

One day my lunchtime

ride group picked a route

called Corningnamed

after a long, steep climb

about midway through. The

first time Id done it, a lady

mowing her lawn at a house

about a third of the way up

had stopped her work to

laugh at me, the last in the

line of sufferers.

My initial impulse was

to reroute, but peer pres-

sure is powerful. Plus, I

knew from previous rides

that the Logic would help

me out. The geometry is

comfortably racy and the

frame felt stiff enough to

transfer most of my power

into forward motion, yet

not so rigid as to turn road

wrinkles into painful ham-

mer blows.

The bike was steady at

the bottom of Corning as I

established a rhythm, then

as the road curved left and

the grade increased I alter-

nated standing and sitting,

focusing on the road sign

at the top, oblivious to the

boost I was getting from

the Logics stability and

stiffness. I joined the group

at the summit, catching

my breath before plunging

down the other side, where

the bike handled predictably

while maneuvering around

potholes and downed

branches. Despite its stiff-

ness, the steel frame didnt

feel harsh over sections of

broken pavement; it pro-

vided enough feedback that

I felt connected to the road.

Its easy to mock the

steel is real catchphrase,

but the Road Logics effi-

cient, smooth, and refined

ride highlights the merit

of the material. Whos the

ideal rider for this bike?

Anyone who values a qual-

ity frame, anyone whose

budget cant accommodate

a pricey carbon model,

anyone who has crashed

and destroyed a carbon

frame, anyone who wants

a little give in a superrigid

racer. Yep, thats practically

anyone.Christine Bucher

S U P E R I O R S T E E L trisol_east The Logics chromoly tubes look old school, but only from the

outside. Ritchey says the construction process includes techniques that create

aggressively short butted sectionsthe inner wall of each is tapered, thicker on

the ends and much thinner in the middle. This creates a lighter, stiffer bike that

Ritchey claims optimizes steels forgiving ride.C.B.

PRICE

$1,050,frameset

WEIGHT

18.2 lb.*(54cm)

*As tested

RITCHEY ROAD LOGICA STEEL BIKE TH AT IS SMOOTH, BUT A LSO SURPRISINGLY QUICK

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USA & CANADAASSOS North America IncTel 1 800 266 [email protected] MontrealCANADA

THE INCREDIBLE RESULTS OF THE _S7 DESIGN ARE

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OF WHICH THE CORE INNOVATION IS GOLDENGATE.

IT IS ANOTHER ASSOS MILESTONE CREATION.

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PATENT PROTECTED. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS.

GOLDENGATE - ASSOS PATENT

WHERE TO BUY?

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ASSOSONLINE.COM


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After being discontinued

in 2011, the Addict returns

in a lighter, faster, less

harsh, and more sophis-

ticated package that has

already shown its mettle:

Orica-GreenEDGEs Simon

Gerrans beat Peter Sagan

on Stage 3 of last years

Tour de France riding a

version of this model.

At just 727 grams for a

54cm frame, its incredibly

svelte163 grams lighter

than Scotts superaero

Foilyet 5.9 percent stiffer

in the bottom bracket area

than the previous Addict,

says the company. To boost

rigidity while shaving weight,

Scott used pieces of ultra-

high-modulus fibers on the

frame. Though the tubes

are not as rigid or aero as

the Foils, they were shaped

using wind-tunnel data to

reduce drag and improve

their slipperiness in wind.

The company also opti-

mized how the carbon was

applied in key areas, espe-

cially in the seatpost and

where the seatstays join the

top tube. Those changes

make the bike 39 percent

more compliant than its

predecessor, Scott says.

Thats enough movement to

reduce the sting of pothole

strikes, but the rear end

never felt soft or flexy.

The Addicts combination

of rigidity and light weight

helped it fly up climbs.

Whether I was seated or

sawing away at the handle-

bar, this bike lunged

forward with every pedal

stroke, a trait I also noticed

in sprints. Most impressive

to me was the ride quality,

which reminded me more

of an exotic, handmade

carbon dream bike than

a pure racerlively and

at the same time forgiv-

ing. In rough corners that

have upset other race bikes

in past tests, the Addict

would just glide through,

establishing it as one of the

smoothest-riding speed

demons Ive ever been on.

Ron Koch

W I N D -T U N N E L T E S T E D trisol_east To improve aerodynamics, Scott used its F01 par-

tial airfoil technology on the Addict. This design eliminates the trailing edge of

a traditional airfoil design, but retains the aerodynamic advantage of the full

shape. Scott says the frame is 13.2 percent more aero than the previous version,

which would mean you could use up to 7.8 watts less to maintain 28 mph.R.K.

PRICE

$12,650,frameset

WEIGHT

13.1 lb.(56cm)

SCOTT ADDICT SLA SMOOTH-RIDING SPEED M ACHIN E

R O A D

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34 BICYCLING.COM


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36 BICYCLING.COM

Like many superbikes, the

S-Works Roubaix is made

for racing. Specialized

designed the bike to pro-

pel its pro riders to victory

over the flinty roads of

Europes spring Classics.

But the Roubaix line has

a more forgiving quality

than many ultrapremium

models, making the bikes

enjoyable to ride whether

youre attacking the pelo-

ton or cruising with a

group ride.

Like previous iterations,

this redesigned Roubaix fea-

tures the models trademark

Zertz inserts in its seatstays

and fork, which Specialized

says increase rider comfort

by absorbing road vibra-

tions. To make this new

model even faster, engi-

neers gave it slightly more

aggressive frame angles and

used the same high grades

of carbon as the speed-

at-any-cost SL4 Tarmac

series. The power transfer

and downhill handling feel

more precise, but the bike

still rolls almost silently over

rough roads. It can rocket

out of a hairpin turn, power

over the next summit, then

hold a steady line across

cracked pavement and dirt.

In many ways, the SL4

Roubaix feels surprisingly

similar to the Tarmac, but

it has a taller head tube

and a ride that seems more

forgiving, making it better

suited for longer rides that

dont end at a finish line.

Our test bikes premium

build includes Roval Rapide

CLX 40 Disc wheels, 220-tpi

S-Works Turbo tires, and

SRAMs Red 22 drivetrain.

The brakes in that group

have since been recalled,

and until SRAM resolves

the issues, look to models

with Shimanos Dura-Ace

($8,500) and Dura-Ace Di2

($10,500), which use cable-

actuated rim brakes.

For riders with a smaller

budget, Specialized offers

several Roubaix models

starting at $1,800. But the

top-of-the-line S-Works SL4

has no weakness beyond a

lofty price tag.Matt Allyn

G O B B L E T H E C O B B L E S trisol_east Specializeds carbon-fiber CG-R seatpost uses

a carbon leaf spring under the seat to provide as much as 17mm of travel

enough to take the sting out of cobbles, chipped pavement, and gravel roads

without detracting from the bikes performance.M.A.

PRICE

$8,500

WEIGHT

16.2 lb.(58cm)

SPECIALIZED S-WORKS ROUBAIX SL4A DRE A M BIKE FOR EV ERY DAY RIDERS

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THERE WE GO. RAISING THE BAR. AGAIN.

2013 Jamis Bicycles. All rights reserved. Jamis and Xenith are trademarks of Jamis Bicycles registered in the U.S. and other countries.

JAMISXENITH.COM

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW XENITH SL.

EXPERIENCE THE 2014 XENITH LINE

[RE]DESIGNED. [RE]ENGINEERED. [RE]IGNITED.


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Although it looks similar to

last years model, the 2014

Madone has some subtle

but important improve-

ments that make it faster

and more enjoyable to ride.

The aero race bike uses the

same distinctive Kamm-tail

tubes (think an airplane

wing cut in half lengthwise)

as its predecessor, but this

version features stiffer

chainstays and a reinforced

bottom-bracket area.

The changes make the

bike feel more substantial.

On the previous iteration,

the rear end felt soft when

you jammed on the brakes

or hammered on the pedals.

No longer. With its reen-

ergized ride, this midprice

Madone better represents

the platforms racing DNA.

It feels lively and firm over

rough pavement, but not

offensively so.

Both this model and the

slightly more expensive

Madone 7 come in two

versions: The H1 has a

low-and-steep geometry for

racing; H2 has a shorter top

tube and a taller head tube

that puts the rider in a more

upright, less taxing position.

I tested the latter, and the

handling felt balanced

the bike was stable but still

quick enough that I could

take the inside line around

most corners without

scrubbing too much speed.

The stiffer stays and

stronger bottom-bracket

area improve your stopping

power, but the Bontrager

rear brake still felt weaker

than some similar caliper

models. Trek equipped the

Madone with Shimanos

excellent Ultegra drivetrain;

its too bad the manufac-

turer didnt go with the

matching brakes.

That rear brake did little

to detract from the ride,

though. Compared with

some similarly priced bikes,

the updated Madone feels

more refined. Its agile,

energetic, and seems less

affected by the wind, and

its upright position kept me

comfortable. As the miles

added up, I felt fresher on

this Madone, and faster.

Ron Koch

S M O O T H O P E R AT O R trisol_east Shimanos new 11-speed Ultegra 6800 drivetrain strongly

resembles the companys premium Dura-Ace groupand works nearly as well. This is

significant considering that the parts cost considerably less, with only a small weight

penalty. The revised shifters have a reduced throw, so gear changes happen faster

with less effort. And stiffer chainrings lead to crisper front shifting.R.K.

TREK MADONE 6.2 H2A N A ERO R ACE BIKE W ITH A REFIN ED RIDE

PRICE

$4,600

WEIGHT

15.8 lb.(58cm)

38 BICYCLING.COM

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REMEMBER THE 70S? YEAH, NEITHER DO WE.

WHAT WE DO KNOW IS THAT IN 1974 WE

DECIDED WE WANTED TO START MAKING THE

BEST BIKE STUFF WE COULD. BY RIDERS,

FOR RIDERS. SURE OUR BELL BOTTOMS

MAY HAVE GOTTEN IN THE WAY A FEW TIMES

ALONG THE RIDE, BUT FROM ALL OF US

HERE AT SPECIALIZED WE JUST WANTED

TO SAY THANKS. BECAUSE OF YOU, WELL

NEVER STOP LOOKING FORWARD. HERES

TO ANOTHER 40 YEARS. SPEC I A L I Z E D .COM / F I R ST40


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BICYCLING.COM 41

This aero road bike from

Italian builder Wilier has

sleek tube shapes to create

a fast, responsive frame

worthy of the brands race-

driven legacy. To design the

Cento1Air, Wilier spent time

in the wind tunnel to maxi-

mize the slipperiness of the

frame. Then it road-tested

the bike to make sure those

aero features didnt detract

from the ride.

The Air fills a gap in Wili-

ers line, falling between the

purely road-going Cento1SR

and the companys Twin

Blade time-trial model. That

setup makes it ideal for rid-

ers who want a responsive

race bike that is less vulner-

able to the wind. The new

frame resembles the SR,

but with some aerodynamic

features. In addition to

drag-reducing frame tubes,

the bike comes with an aero

post, and the seatstays

attach low on the seat tube,

like they do on the Blade, to

improve airflow.

Those changes, and a stiff

bottom bracket, make the

Cento1Air more responsive

than the SR without seem-

ing harsh. The bike reacts

promptly when you put

down maximum watts, yet

is supple enough to take

the chatter out of the road.

Leaning the Cento1 to carve

a turn requires a minimal

shift in body weight and

the bike feels controlled

even on 40-mph descents,

blowing over small bumps in

the road without flinching.

Wilier sells the Cento1Air

frameset (seatpost, bot-

tom bracket, and fork) for

$4,000, or you can choose

from two Shimano build

kits: One has a full Ultegra

Di2 group; the other is a

mix of mechanical-shifting

Ultegra and Dura-Ace

parts. Each complete bike

costs $5,000. No matter

which package you choose,

Wiliers sleek new road bike

is sure to please.Mike

Yozell

H O O P D R E A M S trisol_east Believing that many of its customers already own race wheels, or

want to choose their own, Wilier ships the Air with moderately priced Shimano RS21

hoops. For those who want premium wheels, the company offers Heds Jet 60 FR

aero wheelset (at their $1,900 retail price), but you can keep the Shimanos.M.Y.

WILIER CENTO1AIRA SLEEK N E W OPTION FROM THIS R ACE-DRI V EN BR A N D

PRICE

$5,000

WEIGHT

16.1 lb.(54cm)

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DiamonDback PoDium Vitesse athena ePs $6,000 J Until last year, the notion of a $6,000 road bike from a company better known for its off-road creations might have raised some eyebrows. But

models such the Podium Vitesse (and the even more decadent Podium-Equipe line) prove that

Diamondback can produce premium bikes for the pavement. In fact, the Vitesse Athena EPS has

everything you need to mix it up at the front of a race or spirited group ride. Diamondback says

that using extensive computer modeling helped its engineers create a frame that weighs less

than 1,000 grams. The unyielding head tube and bottom bracket help deliver power efficiently

to the rear wheel, but the bikes seatstays and seat tube have a small degree of flex to insulate

you from road vibration. Campagnolos Athena EPS electronic drivetrain packs performance

similar to the companys carbon-laden Super Record, but has some alloy pieces, making it a

little heavier but also less expensive.

Cannondale SynapSe diSC 5 105 $1,570 J Cannondale claims

that its Save Plus Micro-Suspension absorbs road shock

and vibration. The design, which is also found on some

more expensive models, combines flat chainstays, helix-

shaped seatstays, and a superskinny 24.5mm seatpost.

With rear rack mounts, fender clearance, and strong disc

brakes, the Synapse is also a good option for commuting.

Fuji SportiF 1.1 $1,450 J A smart choice for recreational rid-

ers looking to increase their miles without emptying their

wallets, this model, based on Fujis carbon Gran Fondo, is

made for long rides: The aluminum frames rear triangle

features tapered stays to reduce road shock and vibration.

The carbon fork contributes to the unruffled ride, and

disc brakes provide consistent stopping even in the rain.

Courtesy

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ISMSEAT.COM

ISM saddles. Measurably superior.

ISM is the rst and original dual-arm saddle designed to increase blood ow in the perineal area. The results are a more comfortable

ride without the numbness associated with traditional saddles. To see the ISM difference, visit ismseat.com/technology


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Surly Straggler $1,775 J Fans of Surlys steel Cross-Check

loved the bikes go-anywhere versatility, but wanted a disc-

brake-equipped version. While not an exact copy, this new

model borrows the Cross-Checks all-terrain ethos, thanks

to a tall head tube, a low bottom bracket, and toothy

41mm tires. That makes it well suited for gravel, adven-

turous road rides, dirt trails, and even some cross races.

jamiS iCon pro $1,750 J Not many aluminum bikes can

match the damped feel of premium carbon. But this one

comes close, thanks to carefully engineered tubes. At

1,150 grams for a 56cm, it climbs fast and whips around

curves on the descent. Add in a vibration-absorbing com-

posite fork and Shimano 105 drivetrain, and you get a

budget-friendly bike thats ready to race.

KHS Flite 750 $1,850 J With a full carbon monocoque

frame that keeps weight low without sacrificing perfor-

mance, the 750 is a great first race bike. In fact, if you

want a fast and comfortable bike you can ride all day,

this ones ideal. The 11-32 cassette offers lower gear-

ing than most bikes in this category, so you can spin up

steep hills with less effort.

Cannondale Caad 10 4 rival $1,950 J With the racy frame

angles of the Tour de France-proven SuperSix EVO, the

CAAD10 merges aggressive handling with an attainable

price. The hydroformed aluminum tubes keep weight

low, while heat treating and smooth welds strengthen

the frame and improve aesthetics. Acceleration is quick,

and the bike dives in and out of corners like a Bugatti.

Stoemper darrel $2,500, frame and fork J Handmade in

Oregon, the Darrel has aluminum tubes, a carbon fork,

and geometry thats ideal for fast rides. Stoemper offers

several custom options, such as a choice of Pressfit 30 or

standard bottom bracket, and you can also choose from

11 frame sizes. If you prefer dirt roads to racing, theres

a Darrel with a longer wheelbase for better handling.

treK domane 4.3 $2,200 J An IsoSpeed decoupler separates

the top tube and seatstays from the seat tube, so the

latter can flex to absorb feedback from rough roads. The

hidden fender mounts offer wet-weather capability and

the 10-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain is broadly geared to

tackle steep climbs. The affordable carbon-fiber frame is

stiff, light, and tough for dirt-road rambles.

www.bmc-switzerland.com


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cerVlo s2 $2,850 J The best way to cheat the wind? Provide a smooth route for flowing air. Thats the design objective behind the updated S2, Cervlos modestly priced aero road bike (the frame alone

on the higher-end S5 costs $3,800). The seat tube has a subtle cutaway that curves around the rear

wheel to improve airflow, while the down tube is squared off at the cage mounts so air slips around

the bottles, reducing drag. Cervlo borrowed the rear triangle design from its RCA road model, and

the thinner seatstays offer better compliance, the company claims. But all those enhancements are

pointless if power transfer falls flat, so designers increased frame stiffness by using a wider bottom

bracket that accommodates an oversize seat tube and chainstays. Translation: Your pedaling force

goes to the rear wheel, propelling you forward whether youre in a headwind or not.

niner rlt 9 4-Star $3,000 J Designed to accept 29-inch or

700c wheels, the RLT expands the boundaries of where

one bike can go. Mount a pair of slicks to the Stans

tubeless wheels and head out for an all-day gravel-road

adventure. Throw on cyclocross tires and line up at your

local race series. Light-duty singletrack? No problem, as

long as youre comfortable ripping downhill in the drops.

giant tCr advanCed 1 ultegra $3,200 J The downward-

sloping top tube reduces the size of the front and rear

triangles, resulting in a lighter, stiffer frame. A larger-than-

average tapered head tube boosts front-end stiffness by 30

percent, Giant claims. The P-SL1 wheels use DT-Swiss-made

hub internals, and the frame is compatible with electronic

shifters, making it easy to upgrade. Courtesy

R O A D

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VX Trail RaceThe fully user-serviceable VP-VX Trail Race is our top of the line trail sized pedal. It provides the utmost in longevity and durability in all conditions by employing a very high quality inner oil seal, full roller bearings and double sealed cartridge bearings. Thanks to VX bindings, cleat-in is precise and cleat-out is crisp and predictable. SPD compatible aluminum body with mini platform for extra stability Heat treated steel VX bindings w/ adjustable release tension. Forged, heat treated, CNC machined cromoly steel axle. High quality oil seals for superior longevity. Roller and double sealed cartridge bearings. Rebuild kits available.

Learn more about our full range of

SPD compatible pedals.

www.vp-usa.com/vp-vx-series


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giant tCr Slr 0 $4,050 J Outfitted with SRAMs top-of-

the-line Red 22 drivetrain, this lightweight racer comes

ready to tackle your local hills or conquer an office-park

crit. The high-grade aluminum tubes are 20 percent thin-

ner than those of most competing models, Giant claims,

creating a superlight frame thats stiff and strong. The

carbon fork takes the sting out of bumpy pavement.

SalSa ColoSSal ti $4,500 J This verstile model is for any-

one looking to explore far-off, lesser-known roads. The

double-butted 3/2.5 titanium frame has shaped stays and

a narrow 27.2mm seatpost, both of which flex slightly to

take the hurt out of cracked roads. But its not just about

comfort: The carbon fork, sharp handling, and quality

parts mean its ready to be ridden fast.

pinarello pariS 50.1 tHinK2 $3,500, frameset J This

endurance- oriented frame has the same striking lines

and asymmetric construction as Pinarellos flagship

Dogma race bike. But the head tube is 5mm taller, which

should reduce lower-back strain on long rides. The Think2

internal-cable-routing system is compatible with both

mechanical and electronic drivetrains.

Courtesy

Colnago CX Zero diSC ultegra $4,700 J With a tall head

tube, long chainstays, and a small-diameter seat tube, the

CX Zero emphasizes comfort. But dont be fooled by the

posh ridethis bike was designed for rough-and-tumble

spring Classics, so its also fast. While the pros cant use

powerful, easy-to-control disc brakes (theyre not UCI

legal), you can. And youll be glad they come on the CX Zero.

Wilier trieStina Cento1 Sr diSC $4,000, frameset J Available

only as a frameset in the US, the Cento1 SR Disc has

Kamm-tail shapes on the fork and seat tubea design

that acts like an airfoil to reduce drag with less mate-

rial than traditional aerodynamic designs. The frame

weighs in at 990 grams, according to Wilier, making this

one of the lighter disc-ready aero road frames available.

Cannondale SuperSiX evo ultegra raCing edition $3,790

J Designed for racers who want high-performance car-

bon at a lower price, the stiff SuperSix EVO is cut from

the same mold as Cannondales flagship SuperSix EVO

Hi-Mod. This version has heavier low-modulus carbon,

but the same race-inspired geometry. Flat, leaf-spring-

shaped seatstays absorb road buzz, Cannondale claims.

www.bmc-switzerland.com

teammachine SLR01


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Factor Vis Vires $16,000 J Factor, a company that makes composite parts for the aerospace industry, jumped into bike design in 2007 with the goal of creating groundbreaking bicycles. Its

first production bike, the Vis Vires, hits that mark. This radical carbon rig has an unusual frame

design with a split down tube: Two aero struts improve lateral rigidity and allow turbulent air

from the front wheel to pass through, Factor says. The equally unique (and not UCI-legal) twin-

blade fork is held together by an oversize stem that serves as both crown and bar clamp. (It also

has a built-in Garmin mount.) Brakes shielded by the fork and seatstays further reduce drag, as

do the 45mm carbon aero wheels. Factors Power Measurement Crank, which independently

tabulates left- and right-leg power output, is a stock component. An ENVE carbon handlebar

and a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain round out this stunning bike.

volagi liSCio ultegra r785 $5,900 J Like the original,

launched in 2011, this second-generation Liscio is built

around Volagis LongBow design, which separates the seat-

stays from the seat tube for increased bump absorption.

Volagis Ignite SL carbon wheels add to the comfortable

feelthe wide (25mm outer diameter) and shallow profile

lets you run larger tires at lower pressure for a supple ride.

Courtesy

Felt F2 $5,150 J The F2s Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic

drivetrain has secondary shifters to use during sprints, which

speaks to the bikes thoroughbred character. Felt claims

that the tube construction eliminates excess material to

reduce weight. A tapered head tube beefs up the front end

to sharpen steering. Tubeless-ready wheels allow lower psi

for a smoother ride, better traction, and fewer pinch flats.

Felt ia Frd $10,000 J Each frame section and many com-

ponents on this triathlon bike are designed to work with

the othersa concept Felt calls Integrated Aerodynam-

ics, or IA. Deep airfoil-shaped tubes and integrated

brake calipers reduce drag. Felts TTR1 wheels shave

weight and further improve aerodynamics. Theres

even a nutrition compartment built into the top tube.

FoCuS iZalCo maX 3.0 $7,250 J The Izalco Max frame weighs

just 790 grams (size small), making it one of the lightest

production models available. The carbon fork adds just

295 grams. Each of the seven frame sizes has custom tube

diameters to maintain consistent stiffness and ride quality

across the range. The 3.0 comes with SRAMs top-end Red

22 drivetrain and Fulcrums aluminum Racing Zero wheels.

R O A D

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DIAMONDBACK OVERDRIVE COMPRE A DY FOR A N Y TR A IL

PRICE $1,000 WEIGHT 30.5 lb. (18 in.)

The Diamondback Overdrive Comp is a talented

chameleon. Its a trail-worthy machine for letting

off steam on the weekend and an apt candidate for

fast spins along rail-trails or your weekday com-

mute. This makes it a smart choice for riders who

want a multipurpose bike at a reasonable price.

Sometimes jack-of-all-trades bikes disappoint

on technical trails, but the Overdrive Comp is seri-

ously fun on singletrack. The hydroformed 6061

aluminum frame is low slung for good standover,

while the 29-inch wheels are forgiving over rough

terrain and large obstacles. The bike weighs slight-

ly more than 30 pounds, but rides like a lighter

model, dancing down the trail and nimbly nego-

tiating fallen logs and unexpected corners. It also

feels balanced: accurate through rooty lines and

stable on rock-strewn descents. The Overdrives

stiff frame makes controlling the bike easier, but

a slight curve in the seatstays provides enough

give to prevent the bike from feeling punishing.

At the trails end, the Overdrive still shines. Its

about 6 cinder-path miles from the local trailhead

to my house, and the bikes wide range of gearsit

has a triple crankgives me the top end I want

to get home fast. Or I can use the easy gearing to

spin alongside my young son on a two-wheeled

ramble. While the bikes geometry is based on that

of Diamondbacks higher-end mountain bikes, it

still feels comfortable at slower speeds.

The Overdrive Comp is plenty versatile, and

its a good option for riders looking for a capable

mountain bike without taking out a second mort-

gage. Its also ideal for first-time 29er riders, says

Jon Kennedy, marketing manager at Diamondback.

The company chose a balance of Shimano parts

to keep the price down while offering reliable

performance in the parts where its cruciallike

the solid Deore drivetrain and brakes. The Octa-

link cranks are serviceable and shift well but are

slightly heavier than more expensive versions. The

wheels are not especially light, but they are tough.

The 100mm-travel RockShox XC 30 TK fork

feels smooth on most trails and does a surpris-

ingly good job of soaking up larger hits. Plowing

into successive bumps at high speed, like when

racing through a rock garden, can overwhelm

the forks basic damping and make it feel harsh,

but I still made it through those sections with

little trouble. The Overdrives relatively low price

positions it as an entry-level mountain bike, but

it performs like a higher-end product. Swapping

out a few partslike the wheels and forkas

your skills progress could deliver years of exciting

rides. And if all you want is a fun, versatile mod-

el for commuting and exploring dirt paths, this

Diamondback is good for that too.Mike Yozell

BICYCLING.COM 49

PHOTOGR A PH B Y TRE VOR DI XON


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MARIN SAN ANSELMO DS4

For me, a truly great bike

is one that inspireseven

compelsme to go on rides

I might not otherwise take,

and encourages me to seek

out adventurous routes. In

this regard, Marins mod-

estly priced San Anselmo

delivers splendidly.

The DS in DS4 stands for

dual sport, and the bike

proved worthy on paved

roads and gravel paths.

The Suntour fork provides

63mm of travel, which I

appreciated when rolling

off curbs and over cobble-

stones (a fact of cycling

life in Philadelphia, where

I live). It can be locked out

on the fly for road riding.

Schwalbes 40mm knobby

tires glided over lumps of

ice and slush lurking on

the roads shoulder, and

enabled impromptu jour-

neys through snow-covered

fields. Attach a rack and

panniers to the frame

mounts and you can stop

for groceries on the way

home. The upright posi-

tion and flat grips made

climbing comfortable, if not

speedythe bike weighs

nearly 30 pounds.

The San Anselmo has

womens geometry with a

step-through frame and

comes with flat pedals.

(If you prefer a classic

diamond frame, check

out the San Rafael unisex

version.) The womens

mountain bike saddle was

comfortable even after

hours of pedaling sans

chamois. It all adds up to a

bike that encourages you

to hop on and go, to pedal

as you are, to sneak in a

few miles at sunset, to see

whats at the end of that

muddy path. If youre still

trying to figure out whether

you prefer road or dirtor

if you never ride the same

route twiceyou might

find a worthy companion in

the DS4.Emily Furia

F U N C T I O N A L LY F U N trisol_east I was initially skeptical of step-through frames: Im

perfectly capable of throwing my leg over a regular top tube, even in a dress. Then

I tried the San Anselmoand was surprised how much easier errands by bike

became. The design is especially helpful on skirt days, when using a rear rack, or for

riders running a high saddle height.E.F.

F UN TO RIDE, NO M ATTER W HERE THE DAY TA KES YOU

PRICE

$800

WEIGHT

29.4 lb.(19 in.)

B E G I N N E R S

T E S T E D

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When a bike that costs as

much as a quality used car

is amazing, were not sur-

prised. It better be amazing.

Finding an entry-level bike

worthy of such praise is

more rare. The Cannondale

CAAD8 7 Sora came ever

so close to shocking us with

greatness.

The bikes frame and

many of its components

are pleasantly refined,

making this one of the

quietest bikes Ive tested

at any price. The CAAD8

feels smooth, softening

larger bumps while damp-

ing much of the buzz from

rough pavement and chip

seal without sucking life

from the ride. Compared

with other bikes at this

price, this one felt bright

and lively. Its sporty

handling made it easy

to initiate turns and the

bike responded predict-

ably in corners, no matter

how fast I was going. The

geometry is similar to that

of Cannondales top race

bikes, which explains the

competent handling, but

the CAAD8 has a longer

head tube, which raises

the handlebar. That settles

the steering a bit and puts

the rider in a more upright

position. At 20 pounds,

the bike doesnt acceler-

ate like an expensive race

model, but its still quick

and the extra weight adds

some stability.

The Shimano Sora nine-

speed drivetrain shifted

with a light touch and

a smoothness that we

associate with high-end

components. Some flex in

the aluminum frame and

crankset caused the front

derailleur to rub on the

chainrings when I pedaled

hard, and, unfortunately,

the brakes felt inadequate

Id recommend swapping

them for something more

powerful. Even so, the

CAAD8 exceeds expecta-

tions for a bike at this price.

You should check one

out.Matt Phillips

M A K E T H E U P G R A D E trisol_east The CAAD8s pleasing ride is complemented by quality

components, with one exception: The Promax brakes we mentioned above feel

underpowered and lack modulation, and their heavy pull requires strong hands.

Our best advice is to negotiate a discounted price to swap in Shimanos excellent

105 calipers ($120 per pair) with the bikes purchase.M.P.

PRICE

$980

WEIGHT

20.0 lb.(54cm)

CANNONDALE CAAD8 7 SORA BRIGHT A N D LI V ELY, AT A GOOD PRICE

Courtesy

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To discover more about shoes visit R3

LIFE IS A ROADAND THE ROADIS MYLIFE


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Ill confess, I wasnt sure

what to make of the Dr.

Good at first. On the

one hand, the bike is

clearly meant to punch

the clock, with its front

rack, disc brakes, and

rugged butted-aluminum

frame. On the other, the

cornflower-blue paint, bell,

and Schwalbe road-cruiser

gumwall tires lend a cer-

tain aimless-summer-day

vibe. And the name sounds

vaguely like a 90s-era

party band.

Was this Kona made for

the mule train or the board-

walk? I figured some rides

would sort it out. Carrying

only my laptop, I pedaled

home in a drizzle, and the

full fenders with mud flaps

kept my jeans and bag spot-

less. Soon after, heading out

to pick up new eyeglasses,

I loaded the rack with eight

pounds of books, including

a Philip Roth novel for extra

heft. The weight created

no perceptible difference

in the steady, upright ride

as I headed back up the one

mild slope toward my office

building.

Another day, I rode

downtown to Rice & Spice,

where I bought a 10-pound

bag of basmati and a few

other itemsnearly 15

pounds of food in all. With

the rack filled, I pointed the

Kona up South Mountain

on Fifth Street. The bike

was heavier, sure, but there

was plenty of range in the

smooth-shifting Shimano

Nexus internal seven-speed

hub. Coming back down I

shifted the rice to either

side of the rack, to see if

it altered the ride, but at

worst the displaced steer-

age made the bike feel only

mildly squirrely.

The Dr. Good might just

belong in a category all its

own. Its a solid light-duty

commuter with enough

personality that it wouldnt

look out of place rolling

along a New Jersey board-

walk. Saddle up and say

ahh.David Howard

F U N C T I O N A L F A S H I O N trisol_east The Dr. Good features an aluminum, wood-lined

porteur-style rack, in homage to the way Parisian newsboys carried their papers for

delivery. Thanks to this utilitarian DNA, the rack does a great job of carrying com-

pact loads without unsettling your steering, the way larger or flimsier front baskets

can. Kona also added a front stabilizer spring to further steady the load.D.H.

KONA DR. GOODTHIS ST Y LISH H A RD WORKER CA N CA RRY YOU TO THE OFFICE A N D BE YON D

PRICE

$900

WEIGHT

32.6 lb.(61cm)

Courtesy

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Giant Via 1 W $600 J Giants Via 1 W exudes comfort and style whether youre commuting to class, grabbing groceries, or just heading out for a leisurely spin. The curved fork blades

provide an elegant look, and the upright position helps you spot potholes or wayward

texting drivers. The internal, three-speed drivetrain is easy to shift, requires little mainte-

nance, and helps you conquer small hills without sweating through your shirt. Thoughtful

touches include a rustproof chain that should withstand seasons of wet-weather riding,

and a kickstand that makes parking a snap. Other favorite features: the SR3 tires, which

have reflective sidewalls and extra protection to resist punctures, and the custom built-in

basketa feature not often found on similar models from other manufacturers.

Felt Verza Path 2 Womens $540 J Felts Verza line includes

speedy flat-bar road bikes and street-smart city models. This

one lands in the middle. Its well suited to bike paths, but the

suspension fork equips it to tackle rougher routes. The handle-

bar sits higher than on many bikes, which makes this model a

capable, steady commuter. Whether youre dressed for work

or a beach barbecue, the Verza is easy to hop on and go.

Jamis allegro ComP $750 J A light, sturdy aluminum frame

and carbon fork offer the crisp handling of a standard road

bike, ideal for long fitness ridesor even a sprint triathlon.

The head-up riding position takes stress off your back and

improves visibility, so its also a good choice for less extreme

duties like bike-path cruising, commuting, or for road riders

who dont enjoy hunching over a drop handlebar. Courtesy

B E G I N N E R

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BH Bikes is proud of our long lineage in the cycling industry; creating innovative bikes for elite athletes

to cycling enthusiasts. Our bikes encompass podium proven road and mountain bikes, and our new

award-winning Easy Motion electric bikes.

US PAT. 7717212 , 8002301 PATENT PENDING W02008027277

For more information, access www.BHBikes-US.com, www.eMotionBikesUSA.com

or call us toll free at 866-752-4872. EXPERIENCE THE BH DIFFERENCE!

G6 DURA ACE DI2 ROAD BIKE LYNX 4.8 XTR MOUNTAIN BIKE NEO CROSS ELECTRIC BIKE


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Kona DeW $500 J Kona is based in the Pacific Northwest, home to bike-friendly cities such as Vancouver, Seattle, and Portlandplaces where thousands of commuters ride practical

bikes to work, school, and around town every day. That up-close perspective has made the

Kona crew believers in utility bikes, and they hope to introduce more people to that type

of riding with the speedy, affordable Dew. This no-nonsense, versatile machine blends an

upright position with fast-rolling 700c wheels. Throw on a rack and fenders and you have

an everyday transport bike. Its also capable of longer outings, if you plan to sign up for

a charity ride. The 2014 version has a 6061 aluminum framethe same material used in

many of Konas high-end mountain bikesto save some weight. Whether youre going long

or just pedaling around the block, the Dew is a reliable option.

sPeCialized allez ComP smartWeld $1,350 J To shave weight

without sacrificing pedaling performance on the Allez, Spe-

cialized employs what it calls Smartwelda manufacturing

process that joins frame tubes away from stress points. The

carbon fork is the same type used on Specializeds higher-

priced Tarmac, and though the DT Swiss AXIS 1.0 wheels arent

pro-level light, they should withstand seasons of hard use.

sPeCialized triCross sPort disC $1,300 J The adaptable Tricross

has everything you need for road rides, long commutes, and

even cyclocross racing. Its lightweight aluminum frame puts

you in a powerful but comfortable position and the low bottom

bracket keeps the bike steady, a feature youll appreciate when

riding alongside traffic. The disc brakes offer great control,

and frame mounts make attaching racks and fenders a snap.

Courtesy

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