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.
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.
The Shimano PD-M530 comes from a long history of pedal design. The term SPD has become synonymous with clip-less pedals, but the SPD or Shimano Pedal Dynamics has been a long running development of the Japanese manufacturing giant.
All mountain SPD
The PD-M530 is the latest pedal from Shimano, released in the 4th quarter of 2011 and designed for everything from XC to aggressive all mountain use, the PD-M530 has a cage around it’s SPD clip-less mechanism to support the sole of your shoe. The design also means your pedal will ‘roll’ into position if the pedal isn’t flush with the sole of the shoe.
I have used the Shimano M545 pedals (DX) since I first decided to man up and clip myself to the bike and they have been excellent. We are looking at around four years use and only now after four harsh winters in the Afan Valley have the bearings started to go a bit dry. They still perform perfectly.
Perfect 'trail' pedal
On first impression, the PD-M530 looked like it was going to be less pedal, but in honesty I think the ability to be more slimline, yet still having the ability the roll the pedal into the clip-in position is just perfect for trail use.
It’s fair to say I’m going to be sticking with the PD-M530’s for trail use, riding to work and they’ll be taking a trip to the Alps in the summer.
Quick re-entry
In short, the shimano PD-M530 trail pedals are great if you are buying your first pair of SPD pedals, or if you are a hardcore trail rider. Easy to clip-in and a good platform, the PD-M530’s are my chosen pedals and I can see their sealed-bearing, longevity meaning they'll stay there for quite a few seasons to come.
I have been riding the Shimano PD-M530 trail pedals with Shimano’s AM45 SPD shoes. The softer sole works well with the trail pedal and they really seem to complement each other – especially when you come out of a corner and stamp your foot back into the pedal.
There is an XT and XTR version of the pedal available which might be a bit too much luxury for me – great if you are looking to shave grams off your bike's curb weight, but are probably a bit over most peoples cost/function threshold; myself included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Megavalanche 2012 entries are now open. If you are a mountain biker, the Alp d’Huez Megavalanche is THE ultimate race and one you really should tick off your mountain biking bucket-list at some point.
If you haven’t heard of the Megavalanche, then I’ll give you a brief description of what it is: Picture the Alps, in summer, 200 riders on a single start line. You all start to the sound of some crazy Euro-techno and race down a 2600m decent across snow, rock, dust, tarmac and grass.
To put 2600 meters into perspective; South Wales’ second highest Peak, Pen-Y-Fan is only 800m… above sea level. Mt Snowdon is only 1085m, and Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis is 1344m. Or, the Rheola downhill track is 300 metres decent, so it’s the same as doing nearly 9 runs… in an hour!
If you are thinking of entering this year, here’s a few top tips:
You will need to drive, going by plane will be far too much haste and you’ll never carry all your kit. Try and go with 3 other people in a van if you have the option – trailers will incur higher road tolls which are going to cost you about 100 euros each way – so be sure to factor it in your budget.
Take spares. You really have to plan ahead when you’re heading to the Alps to ride. They do have bike shops in France, but your local bike shop will have far better stock.
Book early. And try to stay in Alp d’Huez not at the bottom of the valley. It might be a bit cheaper, but there is far more going on in the resort and you won’t have to drive up the 21 bends to get your lift pass, which is tiring enough in a car, let alone on a bike.
It’s a long drive – around 15 hours, so you could do a stop off at Les Gets on the way down to add a bit of variation to the trip.
Kit List:
You will need a full face helmet, long finger gloves and elbow pads. These are compulsory so don’t forget or you might not get to start. The Organisers also recommend knee pads and a long sleeve jersey. Some people recommend full body armour, but personally I’d find it a bit too restrictive for an hours riding.
You will need something warm for the start that is fairly light weight – a packable jacket maybe. The start line is going to be cold – the race starts at 3300 metres above sea level so it’s going to be cold, even in summer and if it’s warm at the bottom. Don’t take too much clothing as you are going to have to carry it… unless you have a support team.
You’ll need to take spare brake pads. I’d take two pairs to be sure. (Personally I’d have two pairs, one sintered and one resin, but you don’t have to break the bank). I’d also take brake fluid, as the alps do take their toll on your brakes – at least get them serviced before you go.
Goggles or glasses – I could never ride without eye protection. Especially not when you ride with 200 others and the terrain goes from snow to dust with everything in between.
Tyres - If you are running trail tyres or single compound rubber, I’d highly advise you upgrade to dual ply. Also, go for at least a 2.35 tyre and 2.5 max. My chosen rubber will be a 2.35 Maxxis Minion at the front and a 2.35 Highroller at the back. Take a spare if you can, if you bust a tyre wall it’s going to cost you.
Hydration pack. You are going to need to drink on the way down, so carry some fluid in your back pack. You can also stick a trail tool kit.
Trail tool kit – you might want to carry the following
Don’t forget to take your Helmet cam- personally I don’t think any do it better than Go Pro. You are going to want to show people how crazy this race was and there will be crashes. Hopefully you won’t be involved in any.
The Cube Analog has proved itself to be a real value for money, best-selling, entry–level mountain bike. The German manufacturer’s unique selling point is the rigorous DIN testing that all their bikes and components endure to be passed as fit to ride. DIN testing may be more familiar if you work in engineering, but to us ‘laymen’ it means they test the life out of their frames and more so, components – so if a fork, brake lever, seat post doesn’t pass, it doesn’t get fitted to a Cube bike.
The Cube Analog’s kitted out with a spec that’s above the bikes actual value. Cube made this their aim over the last few years and as a result, they have become one of the UK’s largest selling brands.
The Analog, unusually for a bike in its price bracket, comes fitted with a Rock Shox front fork and Shimano groupset. The Rock Shox XC 28 has 100mm of travel, perfect for smoothing out the rough ground and also features a Poploc to lock-out the suspension on the climbs.
Cube have fitted the Analog with a Shimano SLX shadow rear mech. With the Shimano Shadow system, you are less likely catch the mech on a passing rock or other obstruction meaning you are far less likely to end up with a bent (or snapped) mech hanger. SLX is also a grade of component more akin to bikes of the £700 price point and the 27 gears will get you up, and down the steepest hills.
The brakes on the Cube Analog are Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (hense the name - Analog Disk). They are a scaled down version of what you’d find on a motorbike, so they are going to stop you fast in the worst of weather conditions. The beauty of hydraulic discs is they doing get dragged through the mud like their cantilever cousins, so you are going to get a similar stop every time.
Other notable features of the Cube Analog is the Easton bars and stem, Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres, full Shimano groupset and its Alu Lite AMF 6061 frame.
In short the Cube Analog is the perfect bike for anyone who wants to get into mountain biking. It will be happy on the road or cycle path, but you’ll need to take this bike off road to really get the most of its potential. Light weight and strong build, make the the Cube Analog a really popular choice for entry level mountain biking and it will give you years of fun on or off road.
