NEWS NEW PRODUCTS
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BALANCE TRAINERS (1) David Good’s balance trainers are not necessarily a new product. However, Good is interested in talking to partners to take the product forward. The innovative design enables gradual progression for kids and adult learners alike. The adjustable trainers can be placed in four separate positions, spaced wide apart at first for maximum support.
MADISON (2) MADISON has just taken stock of a limited edition batch of Giro Ionos Astana and Garmin Chipotle team helmets. According to press officer Albert Steward: “These are going to be pretty rare seeing as we’re only getting the one limited quantity drop, so when they’re gone – they’re gone. Priced the same as the standard colours, (SRP £139.99) these are sure to fly off the shelves and will be top of the list for many Pro Tour fans. The Astana model even comes complete with x2 Astana die-cut decals, which can be applied to the helmet for the complete look.” CRUD (3) PETE TOMPKINS, the director at Crud, has informed BikeBiz of the latest changes to the consistently popular Crud Racepac mudguard. Tompkins said: “We have
5 The wheel spacing can gradually decrease as the learner’s stability improves – lowering the amount the rider relies on the extra wheels. Good told BikeBiz: “This is a really important product that I’m unable to take much further forward by myself. Users of the product say how it has transformed their training as it allows learning to be advanced as and when. I’d like to talk to anyone interested in the design about taking the product forward.” The stabilisers are easily installed and full instructions are included. Adjustments can be made quickly and a new support shape conceived after testing has bolstered the product’s strength and safety credentials, as well as being more aesthetically pleasing. Good can be contacted on 01248 713624 or visit www.disabledcycling.f2s.com
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re-tooled the blade to accept the new Raceguard ‘09 arm, which will come with three shims to cover every common seatpost size. We have also added a rubber nose to the ZX Crudcatcher, and this will be the new front splashguard for the Racepac. The packaging has also been redesigned, giving IBDs more room on their walls.
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“The headercard now ties in with our new ‘09 packaging across the range and we have also changed the name. I felt for a long time that the name ‘Racepac’ was a bit wrong, and after much deliberation, we have come up with the Crud ‘Commuter Twinpac’.” Tompkins praised the BikeBiz Forum, which enabled him to receive feedback from a wide variety of IBDs nationwide. He said of the assisted progress: “I have posted queries for advice on design and packaging during 2008, and have had excellent input from the professionals who sell my product. This is a valuable resource for a manufacturer, and I will be using it again in the near future.” MAVIC (4) MAVIC has patented a new spoke lacing technology, dubbed ISM 3D. The spacing between each spoke is put under very little strain, allowing it to be milled for additional
gram shavings. Designed for easy acceleration, the ISM 3D technology uses only the essential material to meet the strength-to-weight ratio, maintaining rigidity and also offering a high level of durability. One side of the rim is joined to the opposite via a continuous carbon fibre spoke, which crosses the centre of the wheel directly through the hub flanges. As part of the brand’s pursuit of perfect aerodynamics, it has launched ‘rim to rim’ spoke
technology (R2R). A typical wheel utilises two spokes with four spoke ends, whereas the R2R technology allows the use of only one spoke with two ends. Mavic has now patented this clever system, which creates very low stress at the hub and halves the number of spoke ends required.
GELERT (5) CANYON has launched a new 20 to 26-inch wheel stabiliser that is a specially engineered set designed for use on bigger wheeled bikes. The stabilisers are designed to support riders up to 80kgs and have been designed for adults, both new or those returning to cycling, or even for those suffering difficulties with balance. The system comes packaged with full fitting instructions and is now available from Gelert, carrying a retail price of £39.99. To find out more about the new stabilisers email bikes@gelert.com or ring Gelert on 01766 510300. 4DOWN (6) STOCK of professional BMX riders and brothers Kye and Leo Forte signature frame has landed with 4Down. The United ‘40 frame’ carries a lifetime warranty and weighs in at 4.8 lbs. As is traditional with trail specific models, the frame has
6 a large tyre clearance and modern features such as an integrated seat clamp and internal headset. Boasting plenty of strength the frame has ovalised chain stays, heat-treated dropout, headtube and bottom bracket and also laser cut heat-treated stay bridges. Double-butted tubing is used throughout. The frame is available in either black or translucent blue and comes in sizes 20.6, 21, 21.25.
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BIKEBIZ JANUARY 11