Bringing the best in cycling to the head of the field
CALL UP Product / Tech / Trends / Know-How / from QBP and Friends
Road + Multisport / Feb/Mar 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Tech, Trends & Know-How 8 Power Meters: A Numbers Game 16 Lend You A Hand? 22 Triathlon: The Fourth Discipline 30 Last Stop
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Road + Multisport Product Louis Garneau: Prepare And Prosper DT Swiss: Stuck To The Trail Campagnolo: Lighten Up Fi’zi:k: Look Fast, Ride Faster Triathlon: Set Yourself Up For Success
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lead out / about this issue Pre-Race Prep
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’m Ryan Hall and I’m QBP’s western regional sales manager. As a competitive cyclist, I’m well aware that this time of the year is the best time for bike racers and multisport athletes to focus on their preparation for the season. Just as they’re making the effort to tune their bodies, this is a great time for you to get ready to help, and we’ll look at some ways to do that in this issue of Call Up. As any triathlete will tell you, the transitions within the race can be among the most stressful aspects of the event for both newbies and experienced athletes. A little preparation can help to relieve anxiety, improve confidence, and vastly improve the race day experience. We’ll help clarify the elements of an efficient transition zone that can reduce the amount of time spent there. I’ll let you use your own favorite analogy here: A bicycle without a wheel is like a…? Well, we here at Q know wheels! Our custom wheel department has a virtually limitless capacity to satisfy any rider’s needs for wheels from the most durable training wheels to the lightest, most aerodynamic racing wheels. Allow us to introduce you to a few of our wheel builders and let them share with you their experience and abilities. There is no more accurate method for analyzing performance during training or racing than by measuring output with a power meter, and these devices are now more accessible than ever before. Both the improved selection and reduction to entry prices in the category have led to a huge increase in demand. With QBP’s inventory and broad selection, you can provide excellent options to your customers without them having to make an insurmountable investment. Establish yourselves even further as the experts by making sure not to miss out on the opportunities within this category. I hope that this season is your best yet, and we look forward doing everything we can to play a part in that success. See you out on the course!
“Just as they’re making the effort to tune their bodies, it’s a great time for you to get ready to help.”
on this page: A grueling climb to the top. Photo courtesy of Highway 2
Cover photo courtesy of Louis Garneau
CALL UP / Volume 2, Number 1 / Feb/Mar 2015 Published by Quality Bicycle Products 6400 West 105th Street Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 www.qbp.com Customer Service: 800.346.0004 customerservice@qbp.com If you’d like to stop receiving a paper version of Call Up, please contact Customer Service. All brands, trademarks and content in Call Up is the intellectual property of QBP or our vendor partners, all rights reserved. © Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. 2015
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Prepare And Prosper It’s never too early to start preparing for early spring training rides. With technical cycling
apparel from Louis Garneau, you can get a jumpstart on your training miles. Jackets, vests, kits, warmers—all in bright colors that ensure you’ll stay visible on early morning rides. With so many options available, it should come as no surprise that QBP is thrilled to add Louis Garneau’s full line of cycling apparel to our assortment.
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1 Astoria 2 Women’s Jersey
3 Equipe GT Series Men’s Jersey
6 Neo Power Women’s Short
JT4492 / JO80I
JT4166 / KX70N
AB4147 / TR126U
Performance paired with moisture wick, heat management, and feminine style.
Good ventilation and moisturewicking light fabric.
Breathable fabric, with shape memory and compression.
4 Modesto 2 Jacket
2 Nova Vest
Men’s / JK4183 / ZR76X Women’s / JK4222 / TW76M
Men’s / JK4198 / IT46C Women’s / JK4232 / WA46M
High viz for safety and wind resistant/ breathable for comfort.
High viz vest perfect as a light shell on cool days.
5 Biogel RX-V Glove Men’s / GL4182 / SL26G Women’s / GL4166 / QK26G
Biogel padding absorbs vibrations and reduces pressure on your hands.
7 Neo Power Motion Men’s Bib AB4016 / UE150X
Compression is the key word. These bibs increase resistance to fatigue by 10–20%. 8 Electra 2 Jacket Men’s / JK4173 / YX114C Women’s / JK4212 / HF114Y
Detachable sleeves means jacket can quickly convert to a vest.
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Proven Technology Within Reach Upgrading your components shouldn’t mean having to refinance your home.
Luckily, DT Swiss agrees with this sentiment, and is beginning to utilize its proven SPLINE technology on wheel sets across all price points. The R23 and R24 models come in disc and rim brake, as well as quick-release and thru-axle, ensuring you’ll find what you need at a price that won’t change your mortgage payment.
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SPLINE Technology Explained SPLINE (straight pull line) Technology offers increased performance and durability by utilizing wider rims with an easy tubeless setup combined with forged straight pull hubs and the patented DT Swiss Ratchet System internals. Hub Everything from the lightweight hub shell to the patented and proven Ratchet System has been thought out and enhanced to increase the performance of SPLINE wheels. Spokes High precision straight pull spokes offer the perfect strength-to-weight ratio while being true-able and replaceable with standard tools.
DT Swiss R23 and R24 bring together modern features at an exceptional value. Available in rim and disc brake versions, 18mm inner width tubeless-compatible rims and convertable 3-pawl hubs make the R23 and R24 the perfect choice for both road and cyclocross.
Rim SPLINE wheels are built with tubelessready rims that are specifically designed for their intended purpose. Lacing Pattern Each hub used for SPLINE wheels is optimized for its respective lacing pattern, ensuring that the spokes are aligned with mathematic precision while optimizing that perfect strength-to-weight ratio.
1 R23 Spline Disc Brake Road Wheels Front / WE1462 / IR348J Rear / WE1464 / EX486K
2 R23 Spline Road Wheels Front / WE1460 / CO324K Rear / WE1461 / DW440M
3 R24 Spline Road Wheels Front / WE1465 / EF186R Rear / WE1466 / YP250S
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Tune up / tech tips and info to boost your know-how CAD
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VAM
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FT GAIN
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A NUMBERS Game
“Power” is easily one of the most talked-about topics in our industry at the moment—either by proponents of measuring power performance or by the rapidly dwindling group of skeptics. More and more cyclists are ready to take their training and performance to the next level, and with the help of an expanding number of power meters available, that next level is now within reach to a larger demographic than ever before. Train By Numbers Cyclists of all skill levels and disciplines of the sport are quickly realizing the benefits of training with power and knowing their numbers. By harnessing the data that power meters measure and calculating their wattage outputs, riders are able to track their performance throughout a single ride, a weekend of racing, or an entire season. Knowing key pieces of information such as functional threshold power (FTP) or different training zones can make a noticeable and measurable difference in a training regimen and racing performance. The biggest benefit of measuring power is that the numbers measured by a power meter aren’t subject to other variables that more common training tools like heart rate monitors are. Power is constant. The ability to set and achieve goals, measure performance in the moment, and know that the most recent race result was that best that could have possibly been achieved has won many people over to the idea of training with power.
A Brief History Of Power Historically, training with power was reserved only for professional cyclists or those that could afford the astronomical price tags that early 8 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
power meters carried. Those days are quickly becoming a fleeting memory, however, as measuring power is becoming more attainable then ever before. Additionally, as more brands have developed devices, power meters are now a central part of training plans across all skill levels. When power meters were first introduced, they were marketed towards those wanting to secure their place at the front of the peloton—be it in their local scene or on the World Tour circuit. With the recent increase in affordability, however, power meters have been opened up to new user groups. From gran fondo riders to cyclocross and gravel junkies to mountain bikers and track racers, it seems that riders from every discipline of cycling are now training more precisely with power. These devices have become so attainable, in fact, that there are even people using them on their fat bikes.
Decisions, Decisions With more brands making power meters now, it’s easier than ever for riders to find something that suits their power measuring needs. In some cases, brands offer power meters across multiple price points, so whether someone is a power novice buying his or her first meter or was an early adopter
now looking for the latest and greatest, there will be something that will work for most budgets. Cyclists should keep several factors in mind beyond price when choosing the proper power meter—the biggest consideration being placement, or where the power meter is on the bike. There are a few different areas of the bike that power meters can be placed: rear wheel, crank, and pedal.
Rear Wheel When it comes to rear-wheel power meters, PowerTap has been at it for nearly 15 years. PowerTap hubs come in a variety of axle standards and are available in both disc and rim brake options. They can be laced to nearly any rim on the market (PowerTap also offers a front hub so front and rear wheels can match). PowerTap hubs are ANT+ compatible out of the box with the option to swap out the end caps to the Bluetooth Smart cap, which was introduced last year. The ANT+ compatibility means that riders can view data on a number of different head units from a variety of brands, including the matching PowerTap Joule cycling computer. As one of the most affordable options, PowerTap is great for riders that are entering the world of training with power for the first time.
Crank While PowerTap is really the only option for rear wheel power meters, there are a couple different devices on the market that are crank mounted. The Pioneer SG series of power meters is a Shimano-compatible system that utilizes dual strain gauges—one on each crank arm. These gauges measure independent power data from both legs a whopping 12 times with every rotation of the pedals. In addition, Pioneer’s device also measures where the power is being applied in each pedal rotation, the location of the torque, and the force angles of each individual pedal stroke. All of these parameters make Pioneer power meters a great option for a rider that really wants to geek out about data and needs to know more than just wattage output. In addition to the power meter, Pioneer makes a head unit to be used with it. While the meter itself is ANT+ compatible and can be used with a variety of head units, the Pioneer unit is the ideal companion as it can display the wildly detailed data that the Pioneer meter offers. In the something-for-everybody category of power meters, Quarq offers multiple units across several different price points, from the Riken up to the Elsa. Quarq utilizes the spider of the crank to house the strain gauges and all of the electronics, minimizing weight and maximizing durability and protection from the elements. All Quarq devices are ANT+ compatible and can be used with a variety of head units.
Pedal The third common type of power meters is the pedal system. The Vector series from Garmin is one of the newest on the market. The idea behind the Vector is to measure the power where the force is being applied to the bike: at the foot. Launched initially as a dual sensing system, the Vector has been available for just over a year and has made quite an impact on the power meter market. Shortly after the original model came to market, a less expensive, single sensing version—the Vector S—was introduced. Both models are ANT+ compatible and are designed to work best with Garmin Edge series of cycling computers, although they
will work with a variety of other ANT+ compatible units. Since Vector pedals can easily be swapped from bike to bike, they are perfect for riders that want to measure their power data on multiple bikes without a lot of hassle.
Putting It All Together Making use of all of this data might seem like a daunting task to those that are relatively new to training with power. There are several options for organizing power output into usable metrics that a rider can then analyze
“Cyclists should keep several factors in mind beyond price when choosing the proper power meter—the biggest consideration being placement, or where the power meter is on the bike.” and incorporate into their training regimen. With the exception of Quarq, all of the brands in this article have their own software systems that enable riders to analyze and utilize the data from their devices (though many play well with third-party components). Quarq is compatible with third-party brands like Strava or Training Peaks, whose robust web-based software provides users with many features not found in the brand’s native software. As power meter technology continues to advance and more and more devices hit the market, it won’t be uncommon to see more riders using power meters and to overhear more conversations about watts. It’s likely that this trend will continue and power meters will only increase in value, while also adding more features and capabilities.
Knowledge Is Power Here are the five most important things to consider when selecting a power meter. Location There are three main spots on the bike that power meters can be used—the rear wheel, the crank, or the pedal. Each location offers its own benefits and advantages; the perfect choice really depends on what type of rider you are. Current Setup Depending on how your bike is currently set up, you might find that one power meter is a better fit for you over another. If you’re dedicated to using Shimano pedals, the Look-compatible Garmin Vector might not be your best bet. If you already have a set of race wheels that you love, a PowerTap might not be the best route to go. Intentions How are you planning on using your power meter? Will it be used just for training or will you also be analyzing data during races? Some power meters offer extra data that can really provide insight into your race-day performance. How about your bike situation? Some devices are more easily swappable from bike to bike and offer an advantage if you have multiple bikes. Desired Features How much are you hoping to geek out with your data? Some devices, such as those in Pioneer’s SG series, capture more data than the average user knows what to do with. While this data is very valuable to those that are seeking it, it might be a little more than what a first-time user is looking for. Budget While power meters are now more attainable than ever before, there is still a wide range in price, so rest assured that there will likely be something that will fit your budget.
NATURE’S SECRET WEAPON Honey Stinger Energy Gels harness the power of honey, which has been used for millenia as a source of energy.
Energy Gels Ginsting with caffeine / EB5574 / VR44G Gold / EB5571 / VB44X Contains 95% honey and certified gluten free.
Organic Energy Gels Chocolate with caffeine / EB5863 / PS44S / Fruit Smoothie / EB5861 / TM44V Vanilla / EB5862 / WP44C / Acai Pomegranate / EB5860 / CK44N Kiwi Strawberry with caffeine / EB5864 / WN44X A blend of organic tapioca syrup, organic honey, and electrolytes offers a different taste and texture from classic gels.
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4 1 Wheels Manufacturing ZERO Ceramic Hybrid Bottom Bracket CR2142 / JO148X Smooth spinning cranks? We’ve got a bottom bracket for that. Made in the USA, loaded with ZERO Ceramic Hybrid Bearings and warrantied for two years. A QBP Exclusive!
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5 2 Wahoo TICKR X Heart Rate Strap EC4085 / VA130G Connect to your Bluetooth or ANT+ enabled device and find the right training zone with the Burn and Burst program. 3 Brave Soldier Crash Paks Road Rash Survival Kit TA2000 / TI18T Treat up to 40 wounds with this easyto-stow, lightweight, resealable, and waterproof kit.
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6 4 Molten Speed Wax Chain Wax LU0800 / MJ22I Great longevity provides up to 400 miles of lubrication. No more grease tattoos! 5 Finish Line E-Shift Cleaner LU2513 / YW12T Clean your sensitive electronic components while keeping them safe.
7 6 Velocity Aileron Rim RM4582 / ZD130I Tubeless-ready design and an aerodynamic shape optimize performance. 7 Gatorade G-Endurance Energy Fruit Punch Chews EB0206 / ZI36M Consuming chews before and during training or racing will provide you with the fuel you need to perform at your peak.
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Welcome To The Club QBP has exclusives with some of today’s top road brands.
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1 Louis Garneau Clean Imper Jacket JK4165 / DX30I Environmentally-friendly EVA provides waterproofing and mesh side panels allow breathability. Seams are merged for additional water protection. 2 Zipp Front 404 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Wheels WE9510 / DP1704V WE9534 / PB2080B The 404 are incredibly versatile wheels that can be used in triathlons, criteriums, breakaways, field sprints, and even Grand Tour mountain stages.
3 Quark Elsa RS Crankset CK4240 / NW2312L Dealers and consumers continue to look to Quarq for accurate and consistent power measurement and user-friendly setup. Quarq strain gauges feature 10K temperature calibration, so the power data is consistent even through wide temperature swings. 4 ENVE 3.4 Disc Rim RM0723 / GG1340T Unique proprietary manufacturing process molds spoke and valve holes into rim, eliminating need to reinforce nipple bed.
5 ENVE SES Aero Road Handlebar HB0482 / QT570B An aero profile with wing-shaped top section provides aerodynamic and ergonomic advantages over standard bars. 6 Hirzl Grippp Tour Gloves GL0980 / WV56X Available in short and full-finger gloves and made from the finest kangaroo leather, these gloves provide more grip in dry and wet conditions.
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7 Bont Blitz Road Shoes SH2879 / RG280S Fully heat moldable with a 100% carbon chassis. BOA dial retention system ensures a close fit. 8 Chris King PressFit & ThreadFit Bottom Bracket CR7740 / AA206I This 24mm press fit BB comes with stainless steel bearings, a fiveyear warranty and an extremely serviceable design.
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Super Record
Championship Strip LED Shop Light
KT6907 / RU3630N
MA9206P / IQ738N
New shifter and derailleur for optimized shifting and 20% stiffer cranks.
Currently only available through the Lighten Up program. 28 x 22 x 4".
Lighten Up For 2015, Campagnolo has completely redesigned the Super Record, Record, and Chorus gruppos, making them better than ever before.
If you’re a dealer, get an exclusive limited-edition Campagnolo lighted sign free when you purchase four kits, for $100 when you purchase three kits or $200 when you purchase two kits (Chorus or above). See qbp.com for details.
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New BORA Clinchers
Looking to try out a set of Bora One 35 wheels for your shop? Check our Dealer Demo Program. Head over to qbp.com for more details.
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Steel Road Bike Bliss Mr. Pink SRAM 11-Speed Complete Bike BK1352 / PB2740U Influenced by classic steel race bike geometry with wider tire clearance and hidden fender mounts, the Mr. Pink is everything a road bike should be: quick on the road, stable on gravel, and comfortable for long days in the saddle.
Photo courtesy of DT Swiss
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Just Like Mom Used To Make
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Bonk Breaker combines great flavors to make delicious energy bars for endurance athletes—and it all started in the kitchen of one of the founders’ mom. 1 Energy Chews Strawberry / EB0318 / FH56U Orange Tangerine / EB0317 / DR56W New energy chews that are made from gluten-free, organic, non-GMO ingredients and contain 120mg of electrolytes. 2 Energy Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip / EB0301 / HK43G Apple Pie / EB0302 / DK43M Fuel up with a great tasting energy bar that is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and has seven grams of protein.
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3 High Protien Energy Bar Cookies & Cream / EB0316 / WV47B Same great benefits as the energy bar, but with a total of 13 grams of protein.
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our team / QBP employee profile
LEND YOU A HAND?
QBP started offering hand-built wheels in the mid ’80s. Today, the Quality Wheels and Wheelhouse department at our headquarters in Bloomington has taken large-scale wheelbuilding to the highest level and gives shops every reason to leave wheelbuilding to us.
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hen Quality Wheels is running at full steam, it’s an impressive sight. “The department is staffed by 24 production employees, including custom wheelbuilders. We have three production lines that cover two shifts,” says Paul Ziegle, Quality Wheels brand manager. Two of those production lines start with non-human wheelbuilders—in the form of Holland Mechanics lacing machines and truing robots. Custom wheel presses (built in-house) are utilized to stress-relieve wheels during multiple steps in the production process, all but eliminating any “settling” of spokes or loss of tension with inflated tires when they first hit the road. To meet the needs of the ever-growing fat
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bike category, Quality Wheels utilizes an Acra-feed nipple feeder for our fat wheel production line. “In 2014 we built over 71,000 wheels with approximately 11,000 of them used for assembly in QBP’s Bike Builder,” Ziegle says. If you search “quality wheels” on qbp.com, you’ll see why it takes 24 employees working in two shifts to keep our inventory levels as high as they are. There is a wheel available for the vast majority of bikes coming through just about any service department. “Our 300 wheels cover popular sizes at many price levels. We carry top brands and work hard to bring dealers durable, long-lasting, and relevant, wheels at favorable pricing, ” says Quality Wheels product manager Aaron Pieplow.
Not On The Menu For situations that call for something more unique, Quality Wheels offers custom builds that can solve everything from easy issues like silver components instead of black, to far more complex one-off builds. “We had an order for internally geared disc brake wheelchair wheels one time” says Anthony Kamstra, one of the Wheelhouse custom builders. Pieplow adds, “Wheelhouse custom builders can create anything customers can dream up! Whether it’s the ‘newest of the new,’ a sentimental favorite, or something awesomely unique, we deliver top quality in two days.” Every once in awhile, a request will come in that seems a little weird, notes Kamstra, “but we’ll always call and
ask if that’s what the customer really wanted rather than just go ahead and build it. We vet a fair amount of these requests because we are very in the know about what will and won’t work, whether it’s for a standard floor bike, or if it’s just a combination of parts we know are incompatible. For example, we can say for sure that a BionX hub laced three-cross on a 20" wheel will not work. We are full of friendly suggestions and happy to help.” Quality Wheels also discovers interesting frame builders this way, Kamstra adds. “If it seems it’s something that shouldn’t work, we call, or check out the website, and find out that they are doing something new and unique. This has at times required us to design some of our own tools to accommodate these strange builds, but it’s an honor for us to make them possible for customers.”
Reduce Your Inventory While wheel building is indeed a fun and noble craft that shops could take on in-house, the cons can easily outweigh the pros. Even as something to do in the slow season, it’s not really a profit-maker. It’s impossible to plan for those custom requests during the busy season when repair schedules are already booked, and maintaining an inventory of spokes, hubs, and rims ties
up a lot of shops cash if you can’t turn them over quickly. For these reasons and more, Quality Wheels can makes a good argument for why shops should place custom orders with us: • We have a massive selection of DT spokes to choose from and the expertise to know which ones will best suit your build • We have a warranty policy. Can the shop afford to eat parts and labor? • We have all the appropriate tools—tension meters, dishing gauges, bladed spoke holders, and any wrench needed • Our turnaround time and wheel spec is among the best in the industry • We can return defective product from the vendor immediately and obtain a replacement. Shops don’t lose time setting up a RA and sourcing a replacement
“Wheelhouse custom builders can create anything customers can dream up! Whether it’s the ‘newest of the new,’ a sentimental favorite, or something awesomely unique, we deliver top quality in two days.”
Ordering a custom wheel is easy. At the top of the main catalog page, under the red QBP header bar, find “Kits/Custom Wheels.” Click on that and select “Custom Wheels” to get started. Or call Customer Service at 1-800-346-0004 to place an order or for assistance with any questions.
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Look Fast, Ride Faster Fi’zi:k is known throughout the racing world as a brand built on passion, and a brand that represents beauty, speed, and comfort. With updates to both the Aliante and the Kurve saddles,
two new models of handlebar tape, and new line of tri saddles, Fi’zi:k is continuing to push the envelope of performance and keeping the passion for cycling alive and well. Cyrano R1 Stem SM2832 / KS138N
Sleek, lightweight and able to put the rider in the correct position. Cyrano 00 Carbon Handlebar HB2833 / BR530O
High-modulus carbon with sizing options for every rider: Snake, Chameleon, and Bull. Tritone 6.5 Saddle with Carbon Braided Rails 7x9 SA2866 / TG380E
The next evolution of fi’zi:k’s noseless performance tri saddle. Aliante R3 Saddle with K:ium Rails SA2853 / AH240D
Find your inner Bull with the updated Aliante R3. Kurve Aliante Bull Saddle with Mobius Carbon Rails SA2861 / JX440D
Reinforced Kevlar shell and Mobius carbon rails, in addition to fit specificity, ensure the Kurve saddles are not to be missed. Superlight Handlebar Tape HT1247 / CA26B
Connecting you to your bars, fi’zi:k SL tape has the color and feel for every rider. Performance Handlebar Tape HT1279 / SB30H
Durable and breathable with added thickness for superior comfort and connection on your bars.
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The good stuff
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15 1 Exustar PR2-BK Pedal PD9443 / GH98L Durable for everyday riding but light enough for racing. 2 Look KĂŠo Blade 2 Pedal PD6263 / XG402W An aero profile with an integrated carbon blade spring and a large pedaling surface. 3 Suunto Ambit3 Peak Watch CY0791 / EO700Z Up to 50 hours of battery life with GPS. Strava compatible.
4 Lazer Genesis Lifebeam Helmet HE3153 / AC276P An integrated heart rate monitor transmits to both ANT+ and Bluetooth. 5 Easton EC90 Seatpost ST3713 / RI252S Features full carbon fiber construction including the upper and lower clamping plates. 6 Easton EC90 SLX3 Road Bar HB3413 / NY324T Intelligent flexibility keeps the bar stiff while sprinting and cornering, and compliant while cruising.
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16 7 Easton EC90 SL Stem SM3914 / SL300U TaperWall and titanium hardwear puts this stem at just over 100 grams. 8 SRAM Red R22 Disc Kit KT9424B / ER3128O A superlight pro-level road group, now available with hydraulic disc brakes for maximum power and control in any condition. Bottom bracket and rotors available separately.
17 9 Garmin FR 920XT with HRM EC9640 / UG742I Transition between sports at the press of a button. Great for tri training! 10 Park Tool Race Stand TL8265 / SM342W Ideal for the traveling mechanic, this stand features a taller bottom bracket saddle to clear the sensor used on power meter cranksets. 11 Trigger Point STK TA1044 / NT46C AcuGRIP handles provide direct compression for targeted relief and support healthy circulation of blood and oxygen to fatigued tissue.
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18 12 Vision Metron Road Bar HB2200 / VJ444H Ergonomic shape and design input from Ivan Basso makes this a great bar. 13 K-EDGE TT Mount For Garmin Edge & Forerunner EC1735 / SG78O Mounts computer between TT bar extensions, keeping it low, tight, and aero. 14 CeramicSpeed 11-Speed Pulley DP0108 / WB338K Extremely low friction increases performance and provides great longevity.
15 Clement Strada LGG Tubular Tire TR3275 / OY158H With a slightly textured center tread and a traditional Clement chevron side-tread, this tire performs great in wet or dry conditions. 16 Maxxis Padrone Tubeless Ready Road Tire TR6293 / QK126H Dual Compound Technology makes for enhanced wear life and improved cornering control.
19 17 Michelin Pro 4 Grip Tire TR8793 / ES78V Better traction on wet, better grip in turns, and better progressiveness in grip during turns on the wet. 18 Continental Grand Prix 4000S II Tire TR9509 / FE74C An updated Black Chili rubber compound provides low rolling resistance, great grip, and a long life.
20 19 White Lightning Wheel Johnny Wheel Bag AR8892 / XB60L A rubber-coated interior and an inflatable donut-divider ensures your wheels are protected from grime and each other. 20 Easton EC90 Aero 55 Carbon Tubular Wheel WE3222 / VF1560B One wheel for all disciplines on the road with zero compromise. Hand-built and acoustically tuned, these wheels offer amazing aerodynamics as well as durability.
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digging deep / exploring the industry
The Fourth Discipline Seasoned triathletes know that a triathlon is more than just three sports. There is also a fourth discipline, often overlooked by people new to the sport: transitions.
Triathlon Tips For Shops Triathlon continues to grow, drawing more novices each year, but shops catering to triathletes are not as plentiful. This is an opportunity for bike shops. Catering to the tri crowd can mean more sales and a more diverse customer base. The face-to-face relationship that customers experience at brick-and-mortar stores can be huge for first-time triathletes. They can ask questions, hold products in their hands, and get advice from employees and other customers. But while many bike shops explore skis, snowboards, camping equipment, or other categories, triathlon remains off the radar for many. As you might expect from a company dedicated to an active life, QBP is home to quite a few triathletes. Neil Hailstone, for example, started doing triathlons in the late 1990s, and while he remembers all eight of his Ironman competitions, he’s competed in so many other triathlons that he’s lost count. That real-life experience intersects well with his day job selling tri products. He notes that most shops that cater to the triathlon market are not dedicated tri stores. In fact, many are bike shops that have branched out. “If someone comes into your shop and says ‘I’m doing my first triathlon,’ that’s a potential customer,” Neil says. “That person might even be one of your regulars.” To help shops avoid losing this potential business, he helps shops understand and explore the market potential. “With a bit of effort, many shops can become regional resources for ‘tri-curious’ consumers.”
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Research. Neil says that, in his experience, the number-one reason shops avoid this potential business is a lack of knowledge. So first, he advises, do some research. Find out a little more about triathlon with some basic online exploration and by talking with triathletes in your area. Learn how races are set up, their rules, and some of the products racers are looking for. Enter a Triathlon. It’s a great idea for someone at your shop to
enter at least one race. The experience provides valuable perspective, especially from a beginner’s point of view, and can introduce employees to both a community of experts and potential customers. Stock And Merchandise Tri Products. There are plenty of tri-
related products that don’t take up a lot of space and don’t require a ton of knowledge or investment—basic support items like glasses, goggles, laces, clothing, and body lubes (for cycling and swimming). Also consider more advanced items like swim training aids, hydration systems, and power meters. Carry at least some support items from each sport, and create a dedicated area in your store to merchandise them. This will not only highlight your commitment, but also make it easy for customers to find and compare products. Set Up a Demo Transition Area. This doesn’t take more than a few square feet and can be quite valuable, allowing would-be racers to see a well-staged transition area and encouraging conversations about practices and products. Use QBP as a Resource. QBP is the only bike industry supplier to
comprehensively support triathlon. We carry a wide selection of race-day equipment and supporting products. More importantly, we employ a dedicated staff with extensive personal experience whose job it is to help shops of every level succeed with triathlon. Neil, for example, regularly travels to shops, advising, answering questions, and performing clinics for staff and customers. We can help you attract and serve customers, regardless of their—or your— level of tri experience.
Transition Tips For Athletes Train for Transitions. Treat transitions as another discipline. Train
for them as diligently as you would the swim, cycle, and run. Search online and talk to experts and other triathletes to learn about best practices and preferred products. Build your own routine, then practice, practice, practice. Set time goals for yourself and beat them.
Product Test. There are a lot of products available to help make
transitions easier, like speed laces for your shoes, and body lube to make it easier to get out of wetsuits. Research and try different products to see what works best for you.
Transitions from the swimming portion to the cycling portion and from cycling to running are timed just as the other portions are. Swimmers must get out of their wetsuits and into their cycling gear, then from their cycling gear into their running gear. While being prepared for this fourth discipline won’t win the race, being ill-prepared can cost participants valuable time, affecting their mindset and overall performance.
Keep It Simple. Bring what you know you’ll use, and use what you’ve trained with. Don’t second-guess yourself on race day or bring equipment you aren’t familiar with. Some redundancy can be good, though. Bring extra equipment, such as a fuel belt, shoes, glasses, sunscreen, or other key items that may get lost or broken. Prepare Your Equipment. Before you arrive at the race, there are
things you can do to prepare. Pump up your tires in the morning. Make sure your bike is in a suitable take-off gear. Have your laces loose and shoes open. Clean your glasses. Organize your gear bag.
Arrive Early. Familiarize yourself with the flow of the transition area and where your specific spot is. Set up your area. Transition zones can look much different filled with people and equipment, especially under the rush and stress of competition, so walk the route several times to make sure you know where you’re going. Mark Your Spot. Many racers mark their transition area for better
visibility. Some fly a balloon, hang a towel on their bike (which also makes drying off more efficient), or employ some other unique, easyto-see indicator that identifies their area and equipment.
Set Up Your Transition Area. Lay out your mat and your equipment. There are many practices veteran racers employ, such as placing their socks in their cycling shoes so they can find them easily. Efficiency is key, so keep items vital for each transition staged in order of the process you’ve established, and keep support items out of the way but accessible. Keep your space clean and organized. Visualize Your Transition. As you’re nearing the end of the swim-
ming or cycling stage, begin to think about your transition. Mentally go through your route and transition plan: where you’re going to go, what you’ll be doing as you approach your transition area, what’ll you’ll do when you get there, and how you’ll exit.
“A triathlon can be an epic experience, especially for athletes who are new to it. The tension of competition can be unnerving, and one of the most common post-race discussions for newcomers is how challenging the transitions were.” — Neil Hailstone, triathlete and QBP category sales manager
Multitask. Use your time wisely on the run-up to the transition area and as you leave it. Begin to remove your swim cap, goggles, and wetsuit to the waist as you leave the water before T1. Dry off, apply sunscreen, grab your gear, and put on your helmet and glasses as you run to your bike. Take off your helmet and shoes as you approach T2. FEB/MAR 2015 / Road + Multisport / 23
“Do nothing new on race day. This should be a rule, not a tip. What you do for breakfast, pacing, gear, nutrition, and everything else. If you haven’t trained with it, don’t bring it on race day.” — Sam Thillen, QBP account manager
Set Yourself Up For Success Profile Design Race Number Belt
Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen
MS1622 / GD18E
TA0703 / XK22B
TYR Cat. 1 Wetsuit
TYR Apex Transition Bag
MS0800 / BV206A
BG0002 / ZC106H
TYR Special Ops 2.0 Goggles
Louis Garneau Pro 8" Tri Short
MS4004 / ND32M
AB1752 / HU104C
Halo Sport Visor CL8984 / LX32C
Louis Garneau Tri Comp Sleeveless Top
Lock Laces Orange
JT0331 / UL80H
MS5062 / HD10B
Zoot Solana Running Shoe SH4279 / NP118X
Lazer Neon Helmet HE3183 / XC72U
Optic Nerve Omnium Performance Sunglasses EW2072 / SS50Y
Jelly Belly Sport Beans EB3162 / CY42D
Bont Riot TR Tri Shoe SH2597 / DY170P
Body Glide Original TA3000 / SF10W
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Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans EB3154 / SG42F
GU Lemonade Roctane Energy Gel EB5747 / DS28N
GU Salted Watermelon Energy Gel EB5748 / EC46J
Aquasphere Kaiman Goggles MS3327 / QS26I
T-Mat Pro Transition Mat MS0510 / YX32M
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Photo courtesy of Bonk Breaker
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exclusive to Qbp 1
The Hottest Brands In Tri, Exclusively From QBP
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1 Roka Men’s Maverick Pro Fullsuit MS2003 / LQ1028T New to QBP, Roka wetsuits help you swim faster with less effort. Buoyancy placed where you need it and ultimate flexibility for more stretch and comfort. 2 Torhans Aero 20 Hydration System WB0301 / UJ40Y Stay hydrated while tucked in the aero position.
3 X-Lab Rocket Pocket Top Tube/Stem Bag BG0606 / EZ32Y Features a super-smooth, low skinfriction exterior that reduces drag. 4 Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Tri Race Short AB8621 / CU100Y ELITE Transfer fabric with In-RCool technology provides superior cooling, reflective sun protection, and chlorine resistance. 5 Speedfil 40 oz Aero Bottle WB0050 / EH108A Features a dual splash-resistant opening allowing for on-the-fly refills with minimal splash.
6 X-Lab Aero TT Water Bottle & Cage System WC0010 / EI86P 50% less drag than round bottles. 7 Speedfil R3 Water Bottle Carrier WC0501 / BA92Z Includes dual and single cage mounting options. 8 Torhans AeroBento Top Tube Storage BG0302 / OT34S Mounts directly to integrated top tube bosses.
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9 Compex Sport Elite Muscle Stimulator EC0700 / QJ1110L Top-of-line muscle stimulator for competitive/high performance athletes with nine programs and five levels of progression. 10 Roka Women’s SIM Pro Short MS2079 / VF152E These shorts mimic the effect of a wetsuit by creating buoyancy and faster-than-skin nano coated surface that is ideal for the pool or open waters.
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1 Prologo Zero Pas Tri Saddle SA1118 / MS174Y With a carbon fiber injected base, this saddle has a central channel cut-out for additional pressure relief and rider comfort.
3 Aqua Sphere Kaiman EXO Goggles MS3349 / SI60W Plexisol lens is anti-fog, scratch resistant, and provides 180-degree distortionfree visibility.
2 Fuelbelt Helium H20 Hydration Belt MS3160 / XL54O A revamped Helium collection boasts a lighter weight design, breathability for comfort, water-repellent material and improved bottle holsters.
4 ISM PR 1.0 Saddle SA0151 / SJ134I Fills the niche between racers and recreational riders.
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5 Zipp Vuka BTA Bottle Carbon Cage WC6002 / VC90N Engineered specifically for use with the Vuka BTA mount.
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6 Pearl Izumi Tri Fly Octance Shoe SH2793 / ZT408N Octane grade unidirectional carbon for feather-light stiffness. Only 185g per shoe. 7 Lazer Wasp Air Helmet HE3108 / WD360N Shaped around the rider’s position to find the optimal fit between the helmet and the rider’s back.
Stay In The Lead Zoot Sportswear has been a leader in innovative fitness apparel for 30 years. 1 Zoot Women’s Ultra Compression Sock SK0861 / MY64Q Anatomically specific construction to provide each foot the optimal amount of targeted pressure to speed muscle recovery and reduce fatigue.
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2 Women’s Run Sunset Graphic Tee JT3401 / CC42Y New for 2015, this tee’s stitching lays flat for a chaffe-free fit. Also features breathable material, and reflective detailing.
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3 Carlsbad Road Neutral Run Shoe Men’s / SH4440 / HX142H Women’s / SH4449 / TK142A This midweight, neutral trainer running shoe offers medium amounts of cushioning and allows your foot to track naturally through your run stride. 4 Ultra Tri 2.0 Triathlon Transition Bag BG1400 / JX134Q Features an external mesh helmet storage pocket. 5 Solana Road Neutral Run Shoe Men’s / SH4471 / WT118F Women’s / SH4460 / HC118J This lightweight, neutral trainer running shoe offers lower amounts of cushioning and allows your foot to track naturally through your run stride.
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8 Zipp Vuka Alumina BTA Mount with Quickview EC9901 / LO78X Accepts all Garmin Edge series head units and offers multiple positions for placement and visibility. 9 Vision Metron 55 Clincher Wheelset WE6561 / KD3380F All carbon rim construction, with aerodynamic 23mm wide rim profile.
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10 Finis Z2 Gold Zoomers Fins MS1017 / AP35C Designed specifically to teach and train a more efficient and powerful kick while swimming. 11 Louis Garneau Tri-300 Shoe SH1164 / WQ345Y Featuring a heat-moldable insole, multi-vent carbon outsole, and Power Flex Velcro closure. 12 Profile Design T5+ Aerobar HB1799 / OV165S Maintains the aerodynamic performance of straight extensions with the comfort of a skibend and a wide range of position options.
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13 Torhans AeroZ WB0314 / GR84P New from Torhans for 2015! 22 oz aerodynamic BTA hydration solution with multiple straw mounting options for optimal aero efficiency and comfort. 14 Rotor 53t Q-Ring Chainring CR5141 / WK230N Increase power by maximizing time in the power stroke phase of the revolution and minimize time in the dead zone.
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Last stop
Photo courtesy of Easton.
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
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PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT No. 27370
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