Infinite Cycles Blog
11
2010
Who cares about performance in bicycles?
The answer is “everyone should!” I was talking to a gentleman recently about why a bicycle was worth $1000. My natural response was that it is all about technology and engineering that when applied correctly, translates to performance. What does that mean? Most of us are just recreational riders and aren’t trying to win any races. You don’t have to race to appreciate high performance. A low performance bicycle puts the limits on the equipment rather than allowing the rider’s skill and fitness to be the limit.
No offense, but isn’t a BMW much more fun to drive than a Buick?
Anyone can make (or put their brand’s stickers on) a generic frame, throw on some parts, and sell it. There are literally dozens of these kinds of bikes online. They are cheaper, and always on sale (who ever pays the “regular” advertised price on those bikes anyway?). Is it worth it? I’ll let you decide. It is all about performance.
Now a lot of the discussion below is about the frame. Every single piece of every kind of bike has models with basic to extravagant levels of performance. You can pay anywhere from $10 to $1200 for just a handlebar! Many of the same principles apply to components, but because the frame is the core of the bike, so I’ll mostly talk about that.
So let’s look at road bikes first. What is desirable in a road bike? Here’s a list, not in any particular order. These are all connected in some way.
- Lightweight - light bikes are easier to get up to speed and maneuver, and it takes less energy to keep it at speed. Number one bragging rights too, “my bike is lighter than yours!” It is true that losing 5 pounds off your body is easier than losing 5 pounds of the bike, but a light bike flies much faster no matter your weight. Also, I have never seen evidence that a heavier bike will give you a better workout.
- Efficiency - does the power you push into the pedals propel you forward or does the frame and/or components flex in a number of places robbing your power and wasting your energy? Efficiency = speed.
- Comfortable ride – absorbing the vibration and bumps from road/trail conditi0ns to keep your body from getting fatigued. 100 miles is hard enough to ride, and if your body is sore from the bike (and not from the exercise), that ride will be more difficult than it needs to be. The fit and geometry come in to play here too. With low-end technology, comfort comes at the expense of efficiency. High technology brings comfort AND efficiency, no compromises.
- Durability - long life without worrying about your bike breaking. Crash durability, in-and-out-of-the-car durability, pothole resistance, etc. A warranty is only as good as the product, and doesn’t cover rider defect, no matter who the warranty is from. Does your frame have a rider weight restriction on it? I hope not!
- Excellent handling – steering precision is important at high and low speed, under acceleration, cruising, or braking. Bad handling will keep you from pushing your handling skills and athletic ability because of the fear of losing control at speed.
- Affordable - the price determines if it is a good or bad value. It seems natural that a $15,000 bike would have rank high in every category, but that is way out of budget for most of us. The most expensive isn’t necessarily always the best either.
Any one of those qualities is easy to accomplish on its own. A lightweight bike isn’t that difficult to create, but often durability and handling is sacrificed. Comfort is easy to design, but efficiency and weight usually suffer with it. Durability on its own generally ends up as a boat anchor with a dead feel. The real trick is to get ALL of those positive qualities into one bike. With so many types of bikes, a bicycle engineer looks at the end user and intended use determines the correct mix of these qualities.
Here are a few examples:
- Cannondale’s new CAAD8-S series has a focus on price. A Cannondale road bike at just $820 is impressive, but why does that stand out from any other $800 bike? The engineering in the frame and choice of components make it a great value, but the performance you get from it at this price is unmatched.
- The ever-popular Cannondale Synapse series of road bikes has a focus on long and short distance comfort, but efficiency and speed are not lost. It is said that Cannondale makes the most efficient comfortable bikes, and the most comfortable efficient bikes.
- 2009 Tour de France King of the Mountain winner was riding the new 2010 Cannondale Super Six. The focus on the Super Six is speed, efficiency, and stable handling. This is accomplished through advanced carbon fiber technology but does not neglect ride comfort and aerodynamics.
Why does engineering matter?
Like any product, the design determines the performance. On a frame, many variables determine the feel and performance qualities. The shaping of the individual tubes on a frame makes a dramatic difference in how each piece performs. An ovalized tube will be stiffer on one axis than on another. A round tube will handle loads and torque different than a shaped tube. Cannondale generally uses large diameter, thin walled tubing on their frames. Other frames may use smaller diameter, thicker tubes. You’ll see complex tube shapes on different frames with specific goals. For example, the Synapse frame has chain stays that flatten horizontally in the middle allowing for vertical flex which provides ride comfort, but is stiff horizontally for efficiency. Aluminum is limited in how much it can be manipulated.
Carbon fiber is much easier to manipulate and make complex shapes and allows the designer to increase or decrease the thickness of the walls on a tube. This is why carbon fiber is currently the most desirable material to work with in most bicycle applications. One of the most exciting possibilities with carbon fiber is the ability for an engineer to determine how to connect one tube to another. Generally, aluminum only lets you weld a tube to another tube. An engineer can make two or three tubes and their connections out of one piece of carbon fiber, or choose how to connect multiple pieces together. For example, the 2010 Super Six front triangle is made of one piece, and the back end is attached to it. On the 2009 Super Six, the bottom bracket area and chainstays were all one piece. They were able to make that area stiffer on the 2010 model out of two pieces than one! That defies traditional thought!
What is performance?
You’ve got to watch that video above! It’s all about performance! Climbing efficiency? Control and stability when coming downhill? Aerodynamic advantage? Instant acceleration? Confident handling in bad conditions? Road buzz absorption? Consistent braking? Yes and more.
Where does performance come from?
The frame is the core and foundation and most important part of any bike. Anyone that says otherwise either doesn’t know what they are talking about or they are trying to sell you something inferior. Sure, components like brakes and wheels have a tremendous impact on how a bike will perform, but the frame is the primary difference between all of the brands available on the market. Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE my Zipp carbon wheels. The wheels are stiffer and more responsive than most wheels on the market, and allow the frame to perform how it was designed.
All bikes use some level of components, some brand of wheels, and some handlebar and some other parts to come up with a complete bike. Although different in intended use, the 2010 Cannondale Six Carbon 5 and Synapse Carbon 5 have identical parts kits and prices, the frame is the only difference. That is the difference! Why would they bother making two separate models if they were “about the same?”
The right bike for you depends on intended use
When someone comes in to Infinite Cycles, we ask them what kind of bike they are looking for or what are they looking for in a bike. This helps us determine which bike is right for them. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, we ask what you want to do with it, and what your goals are. Then we match your priorities (from the list above) to a type of bike, then match your budget to a couple of particular models in a series.
Does it matter?
Someone recently asked me if Lance Armstrong hopped on his bike then a different bike with all the same parts, would there be a difference? I’d submit that while his time in a race might be very close because ultimately the rider is what makes the speed, but I am certain that he would have some different feedback after finishing. Performance is more than just speed, although from a bystander’s perspective in racing it seems like speed is all that matters.
Cannondale’s race-winning Slice time-trial/triathlon bike is extremely efficient, and very comfortable. Imagine in an Ironman race after swimming forever, then riding a bike 100 miles, then having to jump off and run a marathon. The SAVE vibration damping technology in the frame leaves the rider feeling fresher, so he/she can run without having lost so much energy from getting beat up on the bike.
As most bikes in the same category and spec from different manufacturers, shouldn’t you want the best bike for the same money? When looking at different bikes and comparing them side by side, make sure you buy the best bike for the money.
A simple analogy to why you want high performance in a bike is like laundry washing machines (or any appliance, or vehicle). Basic ones will usually get the job done, but a high performance washing machine will wash your clothes faster and cleaner, require less maintenance, and be more power efficient and quieter. Same with any type of product out there, but the end result with bikes is fun. It’s all about performance.
Posted Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 by Brad
10
2010
Bonk Breaker: Best Energy Bar… Ever!
Remember the first time you tried a PowerBar? Unfortunately, I’ll never forget my first generation banana-flavored PowerBar. One bite was enough. Many different bars and gels and chewy things have come along over the years. Finally there is an amazing bar out there with all the nutrition of other less tasty bars, but this one is amazing. Bonk Breaker.
We brought these in a little while ago, and people are getting hooked on them! One of the best things about the bar is the most, easy to eat texture. The PB&J flavor is simply described as a real peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with soft oatmeal bread. So delicious.
Bonk Breaker bars come in four great flavors including
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Peanut Butter & Banana
- Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Chip
- Almond Butter & Honey
The Almond Butter & Honey flavor is also a really good one, both delicious and easy to eat. I brought a few of these on a century ride I did earlier this year and it was a revitalizing snack at mile 80.
We’ve heard rumors of a couple of new flavors coming out this year, we can’t wait to see what they are!
Jason at Bonk Breaker was so generous to sponsor our Tour de Riverton by giving a Bonk Breaker bar to every rider. We appreciate him doing that, and hope all of you that participated enjoyed your bar. He must be a great guy because he’s riding a Cannondale Synapse in his bio picture! Thanks, Jason!
Nutrition Facts for the PB&J flavor
- Serving Size: 2.2oz (1 Bar)
- 250 Calories, 72 Calories from Fat
- 8g Total Fat
- 170mg Sodium
- 175mg Potassium
- 37g Total Carbohydrates
- 8g Protein
- Dairy and wheat free
Visit Bonk Breaker’s website at http://www.bonkbreaker.com/ for more information about the product, other reviews and awards.
Posted Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 by Brad
10
2010
GU Chomps New Flavor: Watermelon
We had a first look and taste of the new Watermelon Chomps from GU. GU packages the Chomps in our favorite color of foil packaging instead of less-expensive plastic wrappers to maintain freshness. That works well and really increases the shelf life (and jersey pocket life) of these great little energy treats. As soon as they are available, GU will ship us our first order of Watermelon Chomps. We hope to see them next month.
The flavor is reminiscent of Jolly Ranchers, one of my favorite candies. It is a light flavor that isn’t overbearing and doesn’t leave a gross aftertaste or residue like some other energy foods. This new Watermelon flavor is caffeine free, which many of our customers prefer over the caffeinated flavors.
While regular GU gel packets do deliver the nutrition you need as you ride, the Chomps are a nice alternative to drinking the toothpaste consistency. If you haven’t tried Chomps yet, come in and get a pack, you’ll love them!
We also had a taste of the Mandarin Orange GU gel, and it was a fresh new fruity flavor. Look for those to come out soon too!
Posted Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 by Brad
27
2010
Bike of the week 12: 2010 Cannondale Scalpel 3
Scalpel is a long time name in the Cannondale family. With many national and world championships under it’s belt, the Scalpel is the winningest full suspension bicycle in history. This year’s Scalpels featured 100mm of pivotless travel on the rear, resulting in very efficient climbing, but has plenty of plush travel for the fast descents. Those that have ridden a Scalpel will agree that it feels like a road bike on the dirt. The power transfer and handling characteristics are unmatched due to the unique suspension design.
The 2010 Scalpel 3 features an aluminum front triangle to keep the budget in check, but like all Scalpels, it has the suspension’s fundamental carbon seat- and chainstays. Matched with a Fox RPL, you are in control of how the rear end reacts. On the front you get Cannondale’s Lefty Carbon DLR with 110mm of plush travel. SRAM handles the shifting with a great performing X.9 derailleur and the Avid Elixir brakes will bring you to a controlled stop in all conditions. An FSA BB30 crankset integrates better with the frame than traditional outboard bearing configuration boosting stiffness without contributing extra weight.
At $3,500, the Scalpel 3 delivers top level performance without breaking the bank like the upper level Scalpels. This one weighs in at under 24 1/2 pounds.
Check out the video below of a quick lap with European Cannondale pro mountain biker Marco Fontana on his Scalpel.
Posted Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 by Brad
25
2010
Important Garmin Edge 500 Software Update
For those of you that have purchased any of the Garmin Edge 500, there is an important software update now available to resolve some minor issues. I have only heard very minor mentions of the issues below, but get the updated software anyway.
To download the new software, open Garmin’s WebUpdater with your Edge 500 plugged into the USB port and it should walk you through the steps. If you don’t have the WebUpdater installed, you can download it for the 500 from Garmin’s website.
Changes and resolved issues from version 2.30 to version 2.40:
- Fixed issue that was causing unit freezes on manual and auto laps
- Fixed issue that was causing missing activities after reset
- Fixed issue that was causing missing laps and bad timestamps in activities
- Fixed issue causing large elevation readings to be recorded in activities that created errors when uploaded to Garmin Connect
- Improved smart recording
- Added a Statute UK setting that sets distance to miles, speed to mph, elevation to meters and temperature to Celsius
- Fixed issues related to editing workouts
- Fixed issues with ‘Repeat Until’ in workouts
- Implemented a prompt if the timer is not reset after 4 hours to remind the user to reset
- Corrections to ANT wheel speed, size and auto calibration with PowerTap hubs
- Course Map Zooming -> The device now pops up a page on the course map with the light key like is done for the course scaling. This page will allow the user to set the zooming to auto or to some set zoom level.
- Updated the Start Notice feature to alert the user any time the timer is not running if set to Repeat
- Fixed issue causing elapsed time to not be calculated correctly
- Delete Garmin software update files after updates are complete
- Updated translations
Posted Sunday, July 25th, 2010 by Brad
6
2010
Group Mountain Bike Ride Saturday July 10, 2010
Join us for a group mountain bike ride this weekend. Plan on riding in Corner Canyon in Draper for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. We will ride up Clark’s Trail and come down either/both Jacob’s Ladder and Ghost Falls, whichever ride you prefer. Riders of all experience levels are invited, so don’t be intimidated.
Where: Corner Canyon – meet at the Equestrian Center parking lot
When: Saturday July 10th, leaving at 8:30 am
Questions? Email Ben at benb@infinitecycles.com
See you there!
Posted Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 by Brad
12
2010
Bike of the week 11: Electra Townie 7D
With Summer approaching, cruisers are becoming a hot seller at the shop. One of the Electra bikes that is particularly cool is the Townie 7D. Electra has three major series of bikes:
- Cruisers: Style is king. Lots of different models, colors, and styles.
- Townie: Practical, yet very cool.
- Amsterdam: European-style bikes for everyday life.
The Townie series of Electra cruisers is the most practical for everyday use. 7D indicates that this mode has 7 speeds and shifts using a traditional derailleur. This gives you a good range of gears, but the shifting is still very easy to use. In Utah, you’re always riding up or down a hill, so having a few extra gears is not just luxury, it is necessity! The Townie 7D also uses front and rear hand brakes to give you a little more control as you ride. When pulling a child trailer, this is a must have option. Both men’s and women’s models are available in a number of different colors.
What makes this bike so versatile and cool, is Electra’s Flat Foot Technology. The rider is able to easily reach the ground while sitting on the saddle while being comfortable and allowing for a full leg extension. Proper leg extension is critical on every kind of bike for efficiency, but it often puts the rider uncomfortably high so reaching the ground is a struggle.
We have these in stock, so come take a look and a test ride today!
Posted Saturday, June 12th, 2010 by Brad
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