Source: USA Cycling News Headlines
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Dual slalom caps the final day of Collegiate MTB Nats
The 2011 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships culminated Sunday in Angel Fire, N.M., as the riders contested the dual slalom. As has been the case throughout the three-day event, the ground started frozen in the morning and became muddy as the ground thawed.
Tifosi CK1 review
Tifosi's simple but effective frame is firm enough to be a hit for racing, whether that's weekend cyclo-cross events or weekday traffic contests. Campagnolo cockpit comfort and impressively sharp braking are standout highlights too.
- Highs: Long, low position and firm feel will suit competitive riders, and the Campagnolo ergopower levers and sharp brakes add comfort and control
- Lows: The plain frame isn't particularly light or comfortable, steering is stable rather than snappy and the tyres aren't as grippy as they look
- Buy if: You want a Campag-equipped, traditionally shaped and firm-feeling cyclo-crosser with added day-to-day versatility
The monochrome paintjob of the CK1 is a suitably straightforward coat for a frame that's definitely a proven workhorse rather than the latest in luxury design. Frame and fork weight are on the sturdy side (1,720g and 850g, respectively), but alignment is good. The ample mud room you get, plus the fact that all the control cables are routed along the top tube away from winter filth, mean it'll stay working.
No frills is the overriding first impression we got of the CK1, with a blunt and direct approach to whatever you're heading over. Add a long stem to a frame that's already relatively long and low, and even with a big stack of washers to raise the bar it stretches you into a position that's more orientated towards competition than comfort.
While the frame angles are naturally neutral, the long stem and wheelbase mean that the handling is as speed-focused as the riding position. That means an 'aim carefully and then carve it' approach to corners, rather than a more responsive feel that you can trim to suit traction.
The mid-volume Vittoria Cross tyres highlight the frame's direct feel, and while they look grippy, we had to learn to trust the tread after some sketchy wet trail moments early on. A firm frame feel and direct power delivery meant we had to feather traction on steep or loose surfaces when cornering or climbing, on and off road, to stop the bike skipping.
The tyres roll well, though, and the Campagnolo Khamsin CX wheels add distinctive triple-spoke grouping and high-quality bearing reliability to the mix. The comfortable shape of the Campagnolo Ergopower levers was praised by all our testers. The narrower neck makes them much easier to hang onto when you're pushing the off-piste limits.
The Tifosi brakes were well liked too, with a sharp bite that snatched control back from the brink numerous times in the woods. The bike's ready for full mudguards and a rear rack. Overall, the CK1 is alive enough to make a decent winter training partner or local 'cross league steed that'll also carry your sandwiches to work.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine.
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Hat Tip To: BikeRadar.com Road Bikes & Gear
STXC and DH highlight Day 2 of Collegiate MTB Nats
The 2011 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships continued Saturday as the riders contested the short-track cross-country and the downhill races.
Source: USA Cycling News Headlines
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Cielo Cross frame and fork review
A market crammed with sculpted carbon creations means the subtle beauty of a top-quality handbuilt steel frame like the Cielo Cross is easily overlooked. It shouldn't be. The comfortable ride, on and off road, of this classy slimline offering from Chris King's US frame artisans is enough to persuade many riders that carrying the inevitable weight penalty of a steel frame is a price well worth paying.
Like King's headsets, Cielo frames are built to last. True Temper OS Platinum tubes have a good reputation for durability, and that matters on a frame designed for high speed riding on and off road. Sizes range from 49 to 61cm, and the geometry varies slightly between sizes. Our 55cm frame has a 72.5-degree head angle, 73 seat and 56.5cm top tube reach.
Combined with a 45mm fork rake and the shock-stifling characteristics of quality steel tubes, this produces a comfortable and relaxed feel that has as much in common with a fast touring bike as the best cyclo-cross bikes. If you're used to aluminium or carbon you'll find this plush in comparison, but it still has that speed kick spark.
If you think £1,489 is a lot of cash to shed on a steel frame and fork, have a look at some of the finishing detail. Background knowledge on Chris King's reputation for meticulous metalcraft will help, but the basic build quality is outstanding. The TiG welding is immaculate. The head tube has stainless reinforcing collars at both ends, with the collar design mimicked on the seat clamp.
The seatstay top caps are in stainless too, with the engraved Cielo name finished in blue to match the frame's tough powder coat. Horizontal dropouts (also in stainless) let you move the wheel back and forth to fit big tyres, or adjust the wheelbase or chain tension around a single sprocket or hub gear. Mudguard eyelets are fitted, there are two sets of bottle bosses and tyre room is still generous around 38mm 'cross tyres. Parts wise, it's totally up to you. our test bike spec would cost you about £3,000.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine.
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