The 2014 Bontrager range includes a new top-of-the-range helmet, an updated shoe line, a new saddle modeled on the Fizik Arione and Bontrager’s first ‘see by’ light.
Content and Photos Originally Posted on RoadCyclingUK.com
The Velocis is Bontrager’s new top-of-the-range helmet – the eagle-eyed among you may have spotted it on the heads of some Radioshack-Leopard riders at the Tour de France.
The Velocis supersedes the Oracle (which itself remains in the range) as Bontrager’s flagship road lid and they say it’s their “fastest, lightest and most innovative helmet ever”.
The key change is the use of a composite inner skeleton which Bontrager say allows them to use larger vents without compromising the structural integrity of the helmet. It also helps keep the helmet’s weight down at a claimed 228g.
The Velocis uses Bontrager’s existing Headmaster II fit system, which uses an adjustment dial at the rear of the helmet, and a cradle which can be set to three different height, in order to fine-tune the fit.
Inside the helmet, the FormFit brow band is designed to form to the shape of the forehead. It also runs the length of the entire brow to help stop sweat running down to your eyes. One particularly interesting feature is the optional NeoVisor; a removable visor which slots in front of the brow band and attaches with a handful of small velcro patches. As a result, it’s said to have no impact on fit and will keep the sun or rain out of your eyes, much like a traditional cotton cap.
The Velocis is available in four colors, including the matte black/charcoal option photographed at Trek World.
One of Bontrager’s key strategic goals is to be recognized as a standalone brand, rather than purely as a subsidiary Trek. One of the ways they want to achieve that is through the sponsorship of professional riders who may not necessarily be associated with either Trek (as they ride for a team with a different bike sponsor).
One of those riders is Kanstantsin Siutsou, who uses the Bontrager RXL shoe in this limited edition Team Sky colorway. Now it’s available to the public, too, but only in limited sizes (41-45) and limited numbers.
The RXL is, of course, available in a range of regular colors. The sole has a rating of 12 (the highest possible) on Bontrager’s stiffness index and claimed weight is 276g per shoe.
Both the RXL and the RL (which is available in the new-for-2014 high-viz yellow pictured above) have a new low-profile buckle, originally designed for Bontrager’s mountain bike shoes in order to prevent the buckle hitting rocks and roots.
The 2014 Bontrager range includes a new top-of-the-range helmet, an updated shoe line, a new saddle modeled on the Fizik Arione and Bontrager’s first ‘see by’ light.
One of Bontrager’s key strategic goals is to be recognized as a standalone brand, rather than purely as a subsidiary Trek. One of the ways they want to achieve that is through the sponsorship of professional riders who may not necessarily be associated with either Trek (as they ride for a team with a different bike sponsor).
Trek Shows Off Their All New Speed Concept Time Trial Bike
Trek has taken 437 grams off the frame weight of the previous incarnation of the time trial bike, improved aerodynamics and reduced the frontal area, making it faster in real world riding conditions. Trek also claims that they have improved fit, adjustability, and assembly time.
What do all of these improvements mean in terms of time savings? Trek claims that the new Speed Concept will yield a rider averaging a 20 mph of savings of over a minute and a half on an Ironman course compared to the old Speed Concept. ProTour rider Fabian Cancellara was brought in to test the new design in a velodrome, the results of which would indicate that a rider of his caliber might save between 30 and 40 seconds on the new bike in a one-hour time trial.
2014 Shimano Ultegra 6800 Groupset is 100% Improved
For 2014, Shimano has released their Ultegra 6800 11-Speed Groupset. Dave Atkinson of road.cc interviewed Shimano's Mark Greshon. He has this to say about the new group: "Ultegra normally takes the latest technology from Dura-Ace and provides it at a much more competitive price. It's for real world riders who want good performance."
The 11-speed phenomenon with Shimano's engineering power to create this new system that "uses technology that's been proven in WorldTour races, proven at the highest level."
Using a shorter lever stroke which Shimano claims requires 35% less force input, gives tactile feedback to the rider that the shift has been completed. A defined *click* sound will ensure you that the gear has shifted. Improvements on ergonomics and control come from the more compact hoods and bracket grip, as well as a redesigned carbon lever.
The new wheel on the 11-speed level is the WH-6800. The wheel is lightweight on an offset rim for high rigidity and power transmission. Compatible in tubular, tube, and tubless setups. As with all Shimano wheels, the WH-6800 is 100% in-house produced and hand assembled.
The chain has also been redesigned for 11-speeds, and is coated with new surface technology called Sil-tec: an advanced surface painting technology adds a low friction surface treatment that runs smoother and lasts longer.
