About bikes, cycling and cycle to work - Tredz Blog

Specialized camber comp 2012 review

 

Specialized Camber Comp 2012

The Specialized Camber Comp is bred from a long line of Specialized FSR technology and has been designed to offer maximal pedalling efficiency and ride control. Utilizing Rock Shox fork and shock, the Camber Comp brings 120mm of front and rear travel to the table and is perfect for entry level XC and trail usage.

Frame and Suspension

The Specialized Camber Comp is formed from Specialized’s M4 alloy (aluminium) and has a Rock Shox Recon fork with lockout, air spring and rebound control and Ario RL rear air sprung sock.  The seat tube has a 30.9” diameter , ideal for upgrading to a ‘dropper’ seatpost; made even easier with the addition of frame mounts for the handlebar remote’s cable.

 

Groupset

The Camber has 27 Shimano gears and an SLX front AND rear mech. You’ll get reliable shifting and at a reasonable weight from the group-set that I personally regard as the bare minimum for trail bike use.

 

Wheels and tyres

Specialized haven’t been tight with the wheel set – Custom DT Swiss 445D rims with double walls are great for resisting trail centre stone hits. Specialized Captain tyres provide a low rolling resistance, while offering great grip in the corners.

 

Conclusion

The Specialized Camber Comp is a perfect entry level CX/trail bike. If you are new to mountain biking altogether it offers up a good level of componentry which will get you riding with ease. The four-bar suspension design sucks up the bumps and prevents too much power being lost through pedal bob.

 

Also consider: 

Specilized Camber Elite

Lapierre X Control 

Cube AMS 110

Scott Spark 60

 

Shimano XC50N mountain bike shoe review

 

Shimano XC50n 

New for 2012, the Shimano XC50N is a mesh free, off-road bred cycling shoe, perfect for trail, cross country (XC) and cyclocross use.

 

Grip

The Shimano XC50n is constructed with a reinforced nylon sole which proves to be ridged but still allows a bit of flex. The result is a shoe that pedals well but also enables you to get off the bike and run if you encounter any difficult terrain. At the front of the shoe there are two holes for studs – seasoned racers will appreciate the rugby boot-esque added traction when you encounter a steep bank.

 

Meshless

The outer of the Shimano XC50N is constructed with synthetic leather and there is no mesh. There are pros and cons to this design: having mesh does allow air to circulate, so, on a long summer’s ride you might find these shoes become a bit on the warm side. However, that is a bonus in winter when you want to stay warm. The biggest benefit though, is not having water flow in through the mesh vents every time you encounter a puddle.

 

Strap in and ride

To fasten the Shimano XC50 you have a three point strap system. Two Velcro straps towards the toe help hold the shoe in position, while a ski boot style strap is used to tighten the shoe around the ankle giving a very secure, snug fit.

 

 

For anyone looking for a great shoe for winter trail, XC or cyclocross riding/racing, the Shimano XC50N is going to fit the bill perfectly. 

 

Also consider: 

Specialized BG Comp

Shimano MT60

View All Shoes

 

Five ways to show your bike some love this Valentine’s Day.

 

You don't need to be in a relationship to show some love this Valentine's day. Chances are you'll already have a special something in your life that could use your attention. 

 

Clean your bike.

And no, don’t just take it out the garden and pressure-wash it, you need to look after its working parts. When you clean your bike, you can pretty much ignore the paintwork. OK, it’s nice to have a nice shiny bike, but it’s far more important to have one the works properly.

The Drivetrain is the bit that needs the most love. Make sure you use a chain cleaner and de-greaser to remove the old oil from the chain, then apply some chain lube and wipe off the excess. Please be warned, WD40, GT85 and similar products ARE NOT a suitable chain lube. They are too thin (they are more dispersant than lubrication) and will simply wash off as soon as you get moving, so invest in a good one.

 

Check your bike for wear. 

There is nothing nicer than a bike that feels new and ‘tight’.  If you look after your bike and gain a good basic knowledge of cycle mechanics, it is possible to keep your bike running like new. However, if you don’t look after your bike, you’ll be back in the workshop in 2-5 months complaining you have problems.

You don’t have to get yourself a Cytech qualification either, although if you want to be a mechanic that is the way forward. There are numerous books on cycle maintenance that you can flick through and learn as you go along. Tightening bolts correctly and adjusting gears can make all the difference.

 

Think about an upgrade. 

Spring isn’t too far away and your bikes components will have taken a beating over the winter months. Now might be a good time to upgrade the wheels or the group-set to get a lighter or higher performing bike for the summer event season. 

 

Enter some events.

If your bike has been sat in the shed or garage all winter, the entry into a race event will give you the motivation you need to dust of the bike and get stuck into a training schedule. You’ll be healthier and your bike will be back on the road, a win-win situation however you look at it. Your actual Valentine might not see it like that, but you could always buy them a bike and take them training with you.

 

Find a (cycling) friend.

It can be a bit daunting and actually quite boring riding on your own all the time (especially if you are a beginner). These days it’s actually quite easy to find yourself some riding buddies. You have the internet at your disposal for a start. Go on facebook and talk to some riders, or you can join a club – the British Cycling website has a full list. In my experience, you could go to a trail centre on the weekend, get chatting to a few people and ask if you can tag along. For roadies, getting involved with a club or hanging around your local shop is usually the best place to start.

 

One more thing...

Ok I know I said five but I just wanted to say; enjoy riding. It’s a brilliant past time and can be one of the most rewarding. If you are reading this as a beginner then don’t fear going out and getting involved in the sport. It’s not football, the participants are usually on the same wavelength as you and you’ll love it. 

 

Where to ride at half term

Thankfully, spring is on its way and we are already into half term. Before you know it you’ll be booking a holiday and the kids will be breaking up for summer – great! Anyway, next week is half term and what better way to keep them entertained than getting out on your bikes and going for a ride.

 

Family riding

There are hundreds of places around the UK where you can get out and ride. The Sustrans network is an interlinking network of cycle paths all over the UK. If you are looking for a safe place to start out then the national cycle network is the place to go.

Bike Hub have produced a bike sat-nav app that can direct you through the network and of course a bar mount for your smart phone will sit your phone on your bike so you can follow the route. 

 

Seafront

One of my favourite rides is along the sea front. Both Swansea and Cardiff have a great coastal cycle paths and whether you are a seasoned cyclist or first time rider, you’ll enjoy a refreshing pedal down the seafront.

If you aren’t in a sea-front town there will usually be a cycle path or park where you can ride so go outdoors this half term and enjoy what’s local. 

 

Beginner MTB

If you have thought about giving mountain biking a try, half term could be a great opportunity to give it a go. There is an increase of blue graded trails popping up over the country and they are a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for what mountain biking is about. A prime example is the centre at Forest of Dean.

If you are still unsure, get in touch with a local guide. Most trail centres have guides working in the area and will be more than happy to take you on the mountain on trails that match your ability. We have a few guides working at Tredz and they offer guiding and coaching throughout the south Wales area. Get in touch with them for more info.

 

Road

I’m reluctant to encourage new riders to just go out and ride on the road. If you do want to do it, my best advice would be to join a local club. The British Cycling website has a list and they will have experienced riders who can show you the ropes…  and dangers. 

 

NEW Birzman tools

 

Birzman tools 

We have recently added Birzman tools to our product list and last week we had the first of their stock to check out. The Birzman ½” ratchet/wrench set landed on my desk in a green and black box and I wasn’t sure what to expect from the tiny pictures I'd seen on their preview flier, but when opened the box revealed a nice surprise. 

 

Quality construction

The ratchet and the tools are finished a shiny, metallic, almost bronze-coloured finish and the ratchet has a good weight to it - so we knew we weren’t looking at some cheaply made parts.

 

Shimano/Campag fit 

The kit comes compete with a cartridge BB tool for changing Shimano bottom brackets (including ISIS), a Shimano HG cassette removal tool with centre pin, an 8mm and 10mm hex socket perfect for removing crank arm bolts, a Campagnolo bottom bracket and cassette lock-ring tool and a HG cassette tool without the centre pin (used for Shimano centre lock items).

The Birzman ratchet set is a great buy or gift for any home mechanic and it will fill a gap that basic trail tools might leave in your mechanics arsenal.

Birzman have launched into the market with a full range of trail and home workshop tools. They also offer a full tool kit with 40 tools, a really high-end, and somewhat beautiful chain rivet extractor, a digital torque wrench and a range of hand and floor pumps. Check out the whole range now. 

 

Also consider:

Park Tool

Bikehand

View All Tools

 

GT Fury - Atherton Racing

As I rightly predicted back in December (ok it was industry inside info), the Athertons have moved from Commencial to GT in 2012 and will be racing aboard the Fury Downhill bike.

Pictures first surfaced of the team on facebook and Pinkbike in early Janurary, showing the custom painted, white GT Fury in a bike stand in Newport Beach, Los Angles. The Athertons aren’t new to winter training in California, but I have to say looking at that bike getting built up in the warm winter sun while enduring the usual British winter was painful. Anyway, back to the bike…

On first inspection of the bike you’ll notice the GT Fury has a ‘single pivot’ design. In a world where every manufacturer is employing 4-bar and other fancy linkage systems, it’s great to see GT using one big bearing rather than 15 little ones.

Why single pivot?

This is a purely personal choice, and we are talking something akin to the PC/Mac debate here, but when it comes to single pivot vs multi linkage I’m a single pivot guy through and through. Why? Don’t think what they say about 4-bar and DW link etc isn’t true. They do dial out the pedal strokes and they do make the ride smoother, but personally I want to feel like I’m killing a trail. A single pivot provides great feedback when you are riding and allows you to know what’s going on more. Also, I love the fact that you can approach a corner, hit the back brake which will sink the back end, lower the centre of gravity of the bike then rail it around the corner – unlink a  multilinkage, the suspension kicks back and you are launched out of the corner. And to me that is the greatest feeling you can experience on a mountain bike.

The Gt Fury comes in two formats. The Carbon fibre, all singing, all dancing version and a slightly more affordable version made of aluminium. We have spoken to the UK suppliers of GT and we are able to get hold of the Carbon Team edition fury but you’ll have to give us a call and we’ll sort it out with them. The Aluminium version is available now online - view full spec here. 

The GT Fury is a perfect bike for any independent downhill racer and is going to be up there with Giant, Specialized, Orange and Cube in terms of ride quality and build.

Also look at:

Orange 224 | Cube 2 15 | Giant Glory

  

Core Bike Show part 2

Continuing on from yesterdays Core Bike Show pictures, here's a few more highlights.  

John Tomac's Yeti C-26, XC AND downhill bike! Well it was the 80's. Sign reads, "C-26 JT Team Race Bike... Price: Priceless". 

 

This is E thirteens latest pedal. Not the thinnest in the world but thin enough. The gold dial on the end of the axle, dubbed 'spin control allows adjustment of the buttery smooth bearings. Turn up the resistance and the pedal hardly spins meaning if you are coming off the pedal for any reason (corner, trick) they are easier to find when you need to get your foot back on. 

 

Since the UCI relaxed regulations on Cyclocross bikes using disk brakes, hydraulic options have been popping up everywhere. The Parabox is one such system - this one is connected to a bike with Campag brakes.  The modulation can be altered between the front and rear independently and the feel is surprisingly good. 

 

Hope also had their Cyclocross brake on display - with the usual Hope styling, the CX brake resembles a V8 engine. The lever feel was pretty close to a normal Hope hydraulic brake. 

 

POC had the usual colourful selection on display. They are now offering a D30 pad that looks great and fits perfectly. 

 

ODI Flight Control bras with 'Wingtips' so you can customise the length of your bars by adding a screw in bar-end. Available in 700mm and 750mm options. 

Core Bike Show 2012

We took a trip down to Core Bike Show this week. Core is a trade only affair but we took some pictures for your viewing pleasure. 

 

Danny Harts UCI World Cup winning Giant Glory. We looked closely, and it is pretty much standard (name on side-walls aside). Our verdict... he is 'that' fast. He was around the show but was far too quick to catch a picture of. 

 

Birzman were in the Merida room with this great looking pro toolkit/work stand. A Must have for any team. 

 

Ever wondered what fi'zi:k shoe would look like if they took some kangaroo leather, hand stitched it in Italy, used sails for the straps, stainless steel for the buckles and carbon fibre for the sole? Well now you know! They'll set you back £299.99.

 

Nectar is a new energy product form For Goodness Shakes. Tasted great - more info on these soon. 

 

Brooks saddles... in colour. Beautiful. 

 

Really excited about the NEW Endura Urban range. More info and a full write up coming soon. 

 

More tomorrow...

Cognation

If you’re a mountain biker and have been riding in the Brechfa, Cwmcarn or Afan Valley lately, you may have seen the presence of Cognation in the hills. Whether it’s a sign on the wall, a trail crew or the brand new trail sections they have built, Cognation are developing and preserving the mountain bike infrastructure in the South Wales area.

Cognation is a group set up in partnership with Neath Port Talbot, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil borough councils and also the Forestry Commission Wales and its main aim is to develop mountain biking in the South Wales area.

Cognation are playing a major role in the construction of the Gethin woods mountain bike center, due to be open in October 2013. Their other projects include: the creation of a new 6km competition mountain bike trail in Margam park to hold XC events (should have had the Olympics as well), they have extended the carpark in Cwmcarn as well as creating a small skills area coming May 2012, a new downhill trail by March 2013 and another trail by October 2013.

Cogantion are also behind the creation of the new blue/green graded trail in place of the Penhydd at Afan Valley, something we are quite highly anticipating after riding the blue, Verderers trail in Forest of Dean.

Cognation have loads going on and we really recommend you head over to their website for all the latest new and trail developments. The future of mountain biking in south Wales is looking bright.

 

Mountain bike dates for you diary 2012

2012 is looking like it’s going to be a packed year for mountain bike racing. The Gravity Enduro series is back and as strong as ever, we have a race in Essex that some people like to call the Olympics and either Freecaster or Red Bull are going to be running a worldwide downhill series.

So, if you have an empty diary for 2012, here’s some dates that might help you fill it:

Gravity Enduro series

Gravity Enduro, if you don’t know, is the newest kid on the block in the MTB race calendar. Based around trail centres, Gravity Enduro sees riders climb up the hill at their own pace and race back down, making it the ultimate ride and race your mates kind of event.

Mountain Mayhem

One of the original and best 24hr races, Mountain Mayhem is up there with the must-do races for any mountain biker. We visited last year and really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

22nd, 23rd, 24th June

WDMBA

Originally founded by a Tredz staff member, the WDMBA continues to run the South Wales’ premiere DH series after Dragon downhill’s reign ended.

28/29 Apr, 16/17 jun and 8/9 Sep

Halo British Downhill Series (BDS)

The Uk’s number one Dh race series. You’ll go head to head with the likes of Gee Atherton, Steve Peat, Brendon Faiclough and the best of British race talent.

14/15th April Combe Sydenham
12/13th May Fort William
7/8th July Glencoe
Nat Champs 21/22nd July Moelfre
4/5th August Caersws
25/26th August Bringewood
22/23rd September Llangollen

Megavalanche

The 2600m downhill/endure race is an annual pilgrimage for hundreds of Brits. This year three Tredz team members will be racing it. Watch this space.

16-22 July

DH UCI world Cup

The Crème de la crème of DH talent – you’ll need UCI points from the BDS series to even dream about entering, but it’s a great event to watch in the flesh or on Freecaster.tv.

17/18 March

02/03 June

09/10 June

23/24 June

30/01 July

28/29 July

14/15 September

Kokanee Crankworx

Big Air and style is the theme at Crankworks. If you are one of the lucky few who gets to ride in Whistler then you might be in town for the Crankworx event. If you want to enter, you are going to need A LOT of practise and an invite. 

28/29 July

Olymipcs - Cycling, MTB

With the worlds oldest sporting event coming to the shores of the UK this year, the Olympic mountain biking held at Hadleigh farm in Essex has to be on the list of things to watch. Sadly, us mere mortals wont get to enter but I'm sure it will be all over your TV. 

11/12 August