Cycle Logic

Movember – get hairy for your prostate!!

The whole team here at Cycle – Logic have decided to embrace the Movember movement, not quite sure how we are going to move it on but it’s going to involve growing a moustache, having a laugh, arsing about and raising funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Basically we will register a team on the Movember site, put a gallery up here with  before and after mugshots, and have regular updates on our facebook and twitter page.

So donate your face to this cause during Movember and we can promise a whole month of pubic facial humiliation.

TIME RXR – RARE OPPORTUNITY

TIME RXR SUPER RECORD

Some bikes stand out from the crowd – this is one of them – hand made in France, woven from a single carbon filament on the oiled thighs of sophisticated French socialites, and painstakingly assembled in Michael Jackson’s used Hyperbaric chamber, ok possibly some slight exaggeration but there is no doubting that the TIME RXR is one very special bike.

Time frames are indeed manufactured by hand in Lyon and are actually woven from a single filament.

The carbon weaving loom that takes a single filament and creates the ‘sock’ that’s seen in the next shot.

Carbon ‘sock’ one long continous seam free tube – incredibly strong and lighter than a light thing – on an Atkins diet.

The sock is then pulled over a hard waxed mandrel placed into a heavy alloy casing and then pressure bled, by hand, with the resin (The RTM system) prior to autoclaving. each individual frame piece is then hand dresed with carbon paste before assembly and hand spraying.

This process produces one of the few repairable carbon frames and results in works of  art like this.

The RXR is the Ultimate incarnation of this craft and we have one in the shop (well two actually)  but the red one is available either as a complete bike at £5995 or as a frame module at £2375 (RRP is £3299) – The frame is a new 2009 module in medium, it has been built and test ridden hence the massive saving over new price.

The medium frame has a 56cm top tube with a 166mm head tube. So what do you want for Christmas?

Performance Enhancing Products

If your supplies of clenbuterol are drying up and you are struggling to stuff the vacuum cleaner motor down your seatpost – fear not. We have just taken in the new Giant Twist Express.

 Almost undetectable, intuitive power delivery lightweight and no need for a urine test.

We stock the full range of Giant Hybrid technology starting with the amazing £995 Twist Express pictured above.

Giant XTC 29′r – Customer ride review

Many thanks to Brian Murden for giving us his initial impressions on the XTC 29′r – opinions are divided and the debate on 29 v 26 ” wheels is sure to go on and  on -

Thursday 0730. Most of my mates (and the dog walkers!) will be either struggling out the pit, or already on their way to work. I am out on a brand new bike and a totally new type of bike to me. The conditions are superb on a still, warm, damp September morning. What is more, the guys from Cycle Logic have given me full permission to put their GIANT 29 inch wheel demonstrator through its paces. I find it difficult to suppress a smile as I unlock the garage, strap on my helmet and set off.

I have a max of three hours where I can blot out the list of duties and cares of modern life just enjoy. In the shop there was plenty of 29” vs 26” banter, so I also feel an air of experimentation. I have decided to take my most familiar route as a control.I feel like a kid in a sweet shop.

I take the track out the back of the house which heads to the top of CarnMarth. First thing, I pick the wrong gear heading uphill and have to correct. It’s early right? Then I do the same again on the stony shute at the bottom of a gullied path. This time I sit in the gear and grunt it out. The GIANT performs well. It is very stable. It sticks to the stony track well. When I direct it up the side of the gulley, it climbs effortlessly out where my 26ermight be tempted to slide down at the back.

Towards the top, after a level section, I again pull the wrong gear. Then I suss it. Because of the increased diameter wheels, the gearing is all changed. I am in the habit of my bike. I am being lazy. need to be a more precise in gear choice until I have made the adjustment.

I flip over a couple of granite steps without problems and then decide rather than take the easiest route to bump up some bigger lumps in the path. This is good. The larger wheels make this far easier, far smoother. At the top I take in one of my favourite views before taking on a technical path which I have never cleared. There is part of an ancient granite hedge on which I always bottom the crank or peddle. On the GIANT I fail again but the additional clearance means that I only clip the boulder with the right peddle. On the second attempt I clear and am gaining more confidence. I haven’t yet turned the suspension on. Time to see if all the talk of the downhill abilities of the 29er are what they are cracked up to be.

The track down towards Lanner and the Mining Trail back towards Carharrack disappear in a smooth blur. The relatively soft suspension and big wheels work in combination to reduce jarring and pile on speed. Th acceleration is exhilarating  andwhat I imagine full suss bikers experience. Luckily no walkers out yet.The smile on my face has returned and is momentarily turned to grimace with the approach of step witch I know jars the 26er at slower speeds. Again no problem. I sail over safely at speed. Wow!

I point the GIANT towards Wheel Maid and the lumps and bumps of the old arsenic works in the Poldice Valley. There are tracks and drops here which are old friends and there are others; gremlins, outside my comfort zone. One brute which I have cleared once but on a second attempt the front wheel hit a boulder sending me airborn, scared and luckily only bruised.Hence I call it “Big Scary” nad have not been back since. Iavoid this one on my first pass through. With my growing confidence in the GIANT this would be a fitting climax to the ride. I take a less exciting route over a few smaller drops, then head toward Unity Woods noting the ease with which I climb short steep sections along the way.

After some fun in the woods I decide to head down to Porthtowan and climb over the cliffs to Chapel Porth. Try to stretch out that 3 hour window a little. I realise that I haven’t tried the bike on tarmac.Taking the Wheal Busy Loop on the Coast To Coast route, I stop for a drink on the bridge over the A30. I note that the aches and pains in my shoulders gained completing the Exmoor Bike Marathon have returned and get off to stretch and admire the GIANT. It really is all wheels, a bike drawn in a comic. The bright frame is completely dominated. I note it is not nearly as shiny and clean as when it was lent to me. Oops!

On the road down through the mining waste to the north coast again there is far less loss and the ride is fast and smooth. I go out of my way to find a downhill shute and am again impressed. In a gulley I catch the handlebar end and for the first time realise that these are particularly wide. Perhaps this is because extra leverage is needed to turn such a big wheel. I remember the stability I noted when climbing and heading downhill.This is due to the additional centripetal force of the big tyre and wheel. I also notice that not only are the bars wide but my hands are at their extremes. The geometry of the bike I as different as the looks.

At Porthtowan the bike handles really well on the stony climb. The descent into Chapel Porth is superb and rewarded with a cup of steaming coffee at the café. The GIANT, propped against the benches, draws admiring glances from some surfydudes . My shoulders are by now really stiffening up and I try to adjust my position on the bike as I climb back towards Towan Cross. Moving my hands in on the bars helps my back but hampers my control of the bike. Moving them out pulls my upper body forward and I am amazed that with such weight transference forward the back wheel sticks on the stony path – but it does, like glue!

Finally, back at Big Scary, the old fears are negging me out. I am on my own for a start. At least last time there were mates to pick me up and dust me down (after they finished deep belly laughing of course!). Today there is nobody around. My back is aching.  In just over three hours my lackof upper body fitness has been exposed. I think to the stability and smooth ride of the GIANT and its stone clearing capacity, my increased confidence. “Surely if it going to be any time, it’s got to be now” I stiffen my resolve. “What about the boulder halfway down? It took you out last time” the health and safety inspector in my head counters.

The lack of braking on thesebig wheels, mentioned when I picked up the bike, but not experienced, enters my head as the GIANT tips over the point of no return. Then the downhill rush, the bite of back brake on stone, a slight sideways movement as the back wheel slews, correction, and I’m down. I complete the two smaller drops below in celebration. Aches, pains and negative thoughts are banished until later. Adrenaline fuelled I head elated for home.

I make no bones about it, in the 26 vs 29 argument I am still firmly in the 26 camp. But then I have invested in that camp. Before this ride I didn’t even know there was a choice. I thoroughly enjoyed myself despite being slightly anti at the offset. The GIANT had exhausted me, but if I had more time, days as opposed to hours, my body would probably get used to the altered geometry. Afterall, once I took more care with gear choice that ceased to be a problem and soon became natural. If this is the new look of off-road biking it has real merits: ground clearance, smooth fast down-hilling and stability. These are gained at the cost of responsiveness in steering and a slightly heavy feel when climbing (I’m sure both of these are due to the gyroscopic action of the larger wheels). The wider handlebars are more likely to snag and change body position on the bike.

If you are in the market to buy or replace, or if you are fortunate enough to be able to afford both options – or alternatively if you are a tall rider – ask Steve or Shane for a go. You may just be converted!

GIANT 2011 PRODUCT LAUNCH

Spent Sunday/Monday this week at the Giant 2011 launch – loads of new stuff, a  a thinning out of some ranges and of course the 2nd phase of the 29′r onslaught that is about to descend on us.

We sat through several fairly intense presentations and came away with a good overview of what we can expect for the next 12 months. The good thing with the Giant range is that it acts as a decent indicator of what other manufacturers are going to be doing, and if that doesn’t give you a clue as to why bicycle BRANDS seem to come out with very similar colous, graphics and design features then nothing will.  Whilst we are on the subject of ‘who makes what’ , an interesting little tit bit of information that came out was the existance of a company called KGLM,  Kunshan Giant Light Metal Technology Co., Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Giant Global Group from Taiwan. This facility occupies 235 acres,  with a building area up to 60,000m2, equipped with 4 billet casting furnaces,18 direct or indirect extrusion press lines, 4 heat-treatment furnaces, with a production capacity of 30,000 metric ton per year. The main products are aluminum bicycle rims, motorcycle rims, heatsink, seamless tube, seam tube and other custom made aluminum extrusion profile.

Impressed? – I was when I found out that their customers include Mavic and DT – like I tell people every day – ‘you have probably already owned a Giant built frame’.

So what’s new, well in catalogue order –

TCR – not much change other than detailing with Advanced SL and Advanced but we now have two new additional frame material designations – Composite and Alloy (oh yes the return of the original alloy TCR with a price tag starting at  £995 through to £1500 for an Ultegra equipped bike.  You just know this is a bike you are not going to get Boardon!!

£995

All Giant carbon bikes are manufactured from Toray carbon filament, depending on model this will be either  T800 – T700 – or T600  for the new Composite range – no compromise unlike cheaper carbon frames that are might just say ‘composite’ . Also  all are moncoque construction as opposed to tubes stuck into some form of carbon lugs, it makes a difference.

Trinity – a top spec (ULTEGRA) all alloy aero bike in ladies (why aren’t you at home?) (JOKE) and gents options for just £1500

£1500 - one for the ladies

Defy – same as last year but revamped, still raceworthy and the alloy models kicking of at £525 share the same frame through the range – all hydroformed tubes no gas pipe shapes.

Rapid‘s and Dash models are now all mudguard friendly with flat bar road specific frames, complete bikes from £500

The Urban commuter ‘SEEK‘ range now has the stainless steel toptube crutch guard through the range and all models get discs.

A new range is the VIA – classic retro chic, all Cro Moly steel (YAWN) two ladies models (where’s my tea?) (JOKE) and a Gents. Fairly light and utilitarian – interesting.

Bowry – two models both (YAWN) steel one track styled and one flat bar model with CAR SCRATCHER bar ends ??? Can that be right?

Sedona 26″ and Cypress 700c now condensed to just two models.

A new folding 16″ wheel ergh . . . the wheels don’t fold, but you know what I mean – super compact with a chain glider system to stop the stains on the trousers £750

Electric bikes, or should I say Hybrid drive, fantastic new range with additions including some 36volt motor models offering a bit more grunt and a couple of 36volt rear wheel drive models due in the Spring.  An entry £995 model with Li Ion battery has also been added to the line up. Star of the range is possibly the 26volt twin battery model at £1895. Most frames are new, the RWD bikes are based on the sporty Escape (old CRS) models.

We sell lots of Electric (sorry hybrid) bicycles and will stock this line-up in depth. Top kit – easy to use – great fun - light at around 24kgs – reliable and simple to maintain with all new plug n play components and on board self diagnostics. 

TCX  – 4 models with new beefed up frames starting at £695 for a triple chain ringed TRI CROSS  challenger.

The Roam sports hybrid range has been tweaked, unsuprisingly as this is now the cycle industries fastest growing segment. Fast and very off road able.  All the Roam’s are 24spd the Roam XR’s are 27spd with lock out.  Prices from £395.

Maestro suspension, what can be said about Maestro that has not already been raved about in magazine tests. The system is sublime and equally at home on the entire full suspension range. The Maestro sytem remains pretty much unchanged but the frames it enhances have been ughh enhanced.  1 1/8″  – 1 1/2″ head tubes with beefy press fit bb shells allow for the use of bigger section frame tubes, cant’ really call them tubes though. Frames are stiffer as a consequence. Disc fitments are all post mounts with the welds extending past the mounts to disapate the forces. QR15′s feature throughout the range.

Anthem’s start at £1650, we get an all new 29′er Anthem more of them later. Trance gets a new straight top tube  and a slightly slacker head tube  along with a 5″ specific FOX fork. 

 The Reign is lightened up and condensed to just 2 models.

XTC is headed up with an all new Composite carbon model, remember Composite?  Thats Giants Toray T600 material just like the TCR’s. 

The Talon sport range of MTB’s are closely linked to the Trance X range and feature more mud clearance, lighter frames and now feels ‘sharper’ due to the longer cockpit feel. The Talon range kicks off at  £600 through to £950 including a phenominal 29′er – more of that later  . .

£550 Talon Zero

Revel, Giants recreational mtb range all feature the same classy frame starting at £300 and topping out with the new Revel Zero which is dressed with Shimano’s new 9 speed Alivio group, 100mm lock out forks and hydraulic brakes, all for just £550.

Kids bikes – all new proper bikes with alloy frames and decent brakes, you know the sort of one’s that actually works. Arriva for girls in 20 and 24″ wheels XTC for boys. £240 and £260 respectively. Definetly not to be confused with cheaper heavy kid’s bikes.

So 29′ers whats the big deal? All the main players are going to be launching or re-launching this format so what’s the score?

£800

 Well they are faster, and due to the larger contact patch of the bigger diameter wheel afford more drive, better braking and hoof over bumps better. Convinced? Giant have placed a Talon, XTC and an Anthem in the range. We will have  demo model’s – and if you are in any doubt it’s worth bearing in mind that in the states 70% of all hardtails sold over $1000 – are 29″ers

So that’s it, come and have a look.

PERRANPORTH TRI – CYCLE LOGIC TAKE TOP HONOURS

We had a fantastic showing at Perranporth Triathlon last Sunday with Dave Bartlett taking top  slot a minute clear of second placed Kit Stokes having led the race from the outset.

 Michael Birchmore was less than two minutes behind David in third place taking top junior placing adding to his recent St Agnes victory.

The Cycle Logic team performance was further boosted by fantastic performances from Anne Maskell and Natasha Diment, not least by Natasha’s amazing swim in challenging surf conditions exiting the water in 5th position after a swim taking just 18m20s.

Anne Maskell - obviously enjoying herself too much!!

Cycle Logic and Snugg wetsuits sharing the Giant Marquee

Dave Bartlett - on the finishing straight

Michael Birchmore - Fantastic In 3rd - top Junior

Overall a terrific couple of days culminating in the Surf Challenge Triathlon – well done to all competitors and a big thanks to Perranporth Surf Life Club for hosting another incredible event.

2011 Specialized – High Lights

Busy couple of weeks as far as our cycle suppliers are concerned – most are launching there 2011 product these are some of the highlights from the Specialized range

MTB’s – forstly the whole world is going 29′er mad. Specialized have Epics and  Stumpy hardtails in the big wheel format and word from the team riders is that going back to a 26″ wheel after riding a 29′r is like riding with flat tyres.

I’m sold – the guys in the workshop are still a bit sceptical but one things for sure we are going to be seeing a lot more of them in all manufacturers ranges this year.

The Camber is an all new bike that sort of replaces the FSR XC and cuts across the the Stumpy FSR domain – with prices ranging from  £1199.99 for the Comp model to £2200 for the Pro demand is going to be high, hopefully supply will be good to match.

Travel is 120mm and the Pro gets the new 2 x 10 speed drive trains that are featuring through several models. 2×10 makes sense although personally I would be happier with  30/42 chainrings rather than the ‘std’ 24/38′s that are being fitted. We’ll see!

Lot’s of the bikes are getting full on colour make overs this season – not a bad thing as everything got a bit ‘samey’ for 2010. Winner in the Glamour stakes for 2011 has to be the Stumpy Pro Carbon with gold high lights and the Secteur’s in the Road Sportif range that has now lost is ‘Blue Rinse’ image.

Continuing with the rise of the 700c market the ever popular Tricross gets a new frame with internal cable routing along with some hefty price rises taking the Sport model to £999 (we still have good stocks of the older models), this and a more ‘cross’ specific stablemate with the launch of the Crux at £999 emphasises the importance of the all-rounder market .

Loads more changes in the range with over 20 new frames alone.  – Wilier next then Giant – Fun Fun Fun.

VULCAN BOMBER – TARMAC SL3 – TIME TEAM PRO

Not something that you see everyday flying over your local bike shop but spectacular none the less – the RAF’s last flying Vulcan bomber

Couple of very nice Custom’s that we built recently, first up a Specialized Tour winning Tarmac SL3 that is one of the few bikes that we have done that has pretty much split opinion down the middle, one things for sure you can’t ignore it in Flo Red Trim.

And heres a little beauty – some classic retro Chic – a Time Team Pro built to a customers exacting spec using the latest SRAM Apex group and weighing in at just under 17lbs

JEFFS DIARY UPDATE

Summary of recent results

A Weekend in Wales

24^th/25^th July

David Bartlett – A weekend in South Wales…

Having decided to make the trip to Wales for the Welsh Sprint Triathlon Championships I thought I would get my money’s worth and complete a double cherry weekend racing both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

7am Saturday morning I took my place on the start line of the Gower Triathlon, rated last years ‘Triathlon of the year’ to compete over a 750m beach swim, 24k challenging but scenic bike and a 5k multi terrain run.  I immediately established myself at the front of the swim and cruised around the ‘short’ course exiting in 8.06, over 30 seconds ahead of Welsh veteran and former international Richard Jones.  The bike course was demanding and the descents were dangerous due to the heavy rain, I was caught and overtaken by Julian Hatcher who recorded a minute quicker bike split but I was pleased with my 42 minute effort and got around the run course in 18 minutes to maintain by second position.

Final results:

Position           Name                           Swim   T1+Bike           T2+Run            Total

1                      Julian Hatcher                9.19      42.46                17.05                1.09.08

2                      David Bartlett                 8.06      44.02                18.47                1.10.53

3                      Richard Jones                8.49      43.58                19.04                1.11.49