From Mountain to Road - A tale of the newly converted

From Mountain to Road by Jo Riley

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Jo in her normal environment.

I like dirt.  Lots of dirt – and dust, rocks, fast swoopy singletrack descents, flat handlebars and knobbly tyres.  Yes, I love mountain biking.
However, there comes a time in a girls life when she needs a little variety.  After all, it is the (sugar and) spice of life, isn’t it?  So when the Hampton Cycles resident expert of all things road, Leigh, said he had just the bike for me, who was I to argue?  I decided to take the plunge into the world of fancy road bikes.
I’d seen glimpses of my bike while Tris and Tim were building it and finally saw it in its full glory one wet Saturday afternoon.  A Specialized S-Works Roubaix. 

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Jo's new Specialized S-Works Roubaix

As I sat on it on the windtrainer in the middle of the shop, we were drawing a lot of admiring glances.  I liked to think they were all for me but alas no, the bike was getting all the attention.  And quite rightly so.  Fitted out in Sram Force, Roval Fusee SL25 wheels and other carbony goodness, it’s very pretty.  And finished in matt black it matches my Specialized Fate 29er perfectly (this is very important!). 
Now, I’m sure there are flashier, faster and sexier bikes out there but for me, this is perfect.  Ideal for long training rides, a dabble at crits and maybe (only maybe) a road race or two.
Anyway, finally a dry, work free day arrived and it was time to go for a ride.
I haven’t been to the Yarra Boulvard for a couple of years and was pleased to find it had been resurfaced and was lovely and smooth.  No wait, what’s that??  It’s not been resurfaced?  What can it be then?  My bike??  Really?
Today was a revelation for me.  I never would have believed a road bike could be so smooth and comfortable.  The ride was like silk and so confidence inspiring.  No hovering over the saddle when anticipating a bump, less caution descending at speed – it was pretty darned amazing.
Cornering was precise, no drifting out into the middle of the road (or maybe that’s just my dodgy bike handling) and it felt stable and secure and accelerated quickly out of corners, up hills and flew down the other side.
And the brakes!  I never knew road brakes could actually stop you in less then 50 metres!  I felt so happy and confident on this bike that I couldn’t stop riding it and did another lap, just for fun.  Now THAT is just weird.
Any negatives?  My legs are cactus from some long hilly MTB rides recently and I got overtaken by a bloke on a singlespeed with flat handlebars.  Otherwise, I’m loving the ride.

 

Thanks Jo for taking the time to write this review. Looking forward to hearing more about your Road & Mountain Bike Racing.

2012 Specialized Quarq available soon. Details here.

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2012 Specialized Quarq Power Meter

The 2012 Specialized Quarq Power Meter features Power Balance™, OmniCal™, light weight and improved clearance, and compatibility with a wide range of chainrings. The entirely new design, using aluminum-armored, integrated electronics, lifts accuracy to +/- 1.5%. Ease-of-use takes center stage with the prominent ANT+ ID, LED indicator and Quarq’s tool-less, user replaceable battery.

The Specialized Quarq power meter is compatible with Specialized's S-Works crankset and replaces the factory spider. It is available in full size (130BCD) and compact (110BCD) bolt circle diameters - as a spider only or equipped with SRAM Black RED chainrings.

Quarq offers a spider removal and installation tool so the power meter can be installed at your your local bike shop. The alternative is to ship the cranks to the Quarq factory for installation, which is a free charge, plus shipping.

Features

  • +/- 1.5% accuracy
  • Visible ANT+™ ID
  • LED indicator
  • Tool-less, user-replaceable battery is a cycling industry standard CR2032

Power Balance™: Displays the ratio of power generated in the right drive stroke (first half) versus the left drive stroke (second half). Lets you work on an equal pedal stroke over 360 degrees of rotation.

OmniCal™: Power measurement is independent from chainring selection. Switch from road to TT chainrings without impacting accuracy. No recalibration necessary.

Power[ed]

The Specialized Quarq Power Meter is the choice of the of the Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team and champion triathletes Nikki Butterfield, Rasmus Henning, Ben Hoffman and Jordan Rapp.

MSRP

$2095 - with SRAM Black RED chainrings

Buy

Available June 15 (130BCD) and July 1 (110BCD).

Specifications

Material CNC machined AL spider
Chainrings SRAM Black RED (optional)
Battery CR2032 - over 300 hours of riding time
Arm Lengths N/A
Bolt Circle Diameter 130BCD, 110BCD
Ratios 53/39, 50/34 (optional SRAM Black RED)
Q-Factor N/A
Bottom Bracket N/A
Weight 138g (spider only)
Head Unit ANT+™ compatible head units including Garmin Edge® 800, Garmin Edge® 500 and Garmin Forerunner® 310XT (available separately)
Analysis Software Training Peaks WKO+®, Training Peaks®, Golden Cheetah, Strava® (available separately)
Compatibility Specialized S-Works crankset

Compatible chainrings include:

  • SRAM Black RED
  • SRAM Force
  • Specialized S-Works SL
  • Specialized S-Works Team
  • Specialized S-Works
  • Rotor Q-Rings (110BCD must use the OCP3 model)
  • Rotor Round
  • Stronglight CT2 11-speed

Getting cold in the mornings? Check out these and enjoy your ride more.

With temperatures touching 0 degrees in parts of Melbourne today, having the right accessories to keep you warm makes all the difference.

These following items have been our best sellers over the past few weeks, Hurry in so you don't miss out!

 

Radiant Glove $65

Radiant

Hate cold fingers? These will keep them nice and toasty on Melbourne's coldest mornings.

Even in cold rain or snow, these insulated and fully waterproof gloves will keep your digits warm in wind-chilled weather down to 0°C.

Thinsulate™ backhand and palm for superior warmth
Fully waterproof internal Hipora™ shell
Slim-fit elastic cuff keeps wrists warm and comfortable
Reflective construction for enhanced winter riding safety
High-grip palm material reinforced with Clarino leather works well in wet weather

Absorbent microfiber thumb surface for wiping away sweat

 

BG Deflect Glove $55

Deflect
Combining a wind- and rain-resistant upper with a soft shell palm for improved breathability, this glove provides comfortable protection for temps down to 10ºC.

Upper uses a wind/water-resistant membrane with a warm fleece inner to keep hands toasty and dry
BG pad reduces hand numbness by relieving pressure on the sensitive ulnar nerve
Brushed microfiber thumb brushes away sweat, plus it's windproof for added protection
Water/wind-resistant palm and silicone fingertips for solid grip on levers
Slip-on cuff has extra length for warmer wrists

High visibility reflective piping for safety at night

 

Squadra Shoe Cover $59

Squadra
 

Keeping your feet & toes, warm and dry make for a much more pleasant ride. Try some Squadra Shoe covers

Designed for use in cool or wet conditions, this lightweight shoe cover looks pro while protecting your shoes from wind and splash.

Coated nylon/spandex fabric is windproof and water resistant
Fully opening, locking zipper located on the arch side of the foot allows for easy on/off
Inner zipper flap protects against ankle rub
Clarino synthetic leather panels at toe and heel for durability

Aqua Veto Jacket $189

Aquaveto

Stay dry on your bike without unnecessary bulk. The Aqua Veto's lightweight, waterproof fabric and seam sealed construction provide sure-fire rain protection without restricting your mobility on the bike.

Lightweight polyester/polyurethane bonded fabric is rated for waterproof performance
Stretch woven construction for form fit comfort
Waterproof back pockets protect your essentials
Zippered chest pocket for easy access to food or electronics
Two-way front zipper can be opened from the bottom for easier access to jersey
Velcro cuff closure seals out the elements
Custom Specialized logo silicone gripper holds the jacket in position

 

 

S-Works Tarmac SL4 SRAM Red Black - Limited Edition "Specs" - Pre order

Tarmacblack

'12 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 SRAM RED Black - Limited Edition

We are taking Pre-Orders of this 15 only in Australia bike, Call or email us to secure one.

03 9521 8700

info@hamptoncycles.com.au

 

You are already familiar with the S-Works Tarmac SL4. You have spent countless hours looking at the beautiful lines of the frame and the perfect geometry. Have you ever considered what it would look like in all black?

Specialized has built up a limited run of 300 complete bikes with a very custom feel in all black for just that reason. This exclusive bike has minimal graphics which are gloss black over a matte black frame. In fact, it only has a Specialized “S” on the headtube and S-Works on the downtube. The graphics have been removed from the Zipp 404 tubular wheels and the stem and seat post are free of logos as well. This sort of subdued styling looks extremely sophisticated and fast.

The components are the latest from SRAM. The new SRAM Red group is in full effect, straight down to the crankset, which is a noticeable difference from other S-Works models in the line-up. Having the complete group ensures that everything works flawlessly together and once again adding to the custom feel of this particular bike.

The beauty is in the simplicity. This bike is built around performance as paramount and understated black aesthetics to create the “sleeper” attribute. There are no flashy graphics to make this bike seem fast, only amazing technology that truly is fast.

Specification Description
Frame Specialized S-Works SL4 FACT 11r-carbon
Fork Specialized S-Works FACT-carbon
Headset 1-1/8" upper and 1-3/8" lower Cr-Mo cartridge bearings, w/ 8mm carbon cone spacer and 20mm of carbon spacers
Rims/Wheels Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubular
Tires Specialized S-Works Turbo Tubular, 700 x 23c
Crankset New SRAM Red
Chainwheel 53/39
Bottom Bracket SRAM ceramic press in BB30 bearings
Chain KMC X10 DLC Superlight
Front Derailleur New SRAM Red
Rear Derailleur New SRAM Red
Rear Cogs New SRAM Red, 10-speed: 11-25
Shifters New SRAM Red
Handlebars Specialized S-Works Tarmac carbon, Short Drop
Tape/Grips Specialized Pro D2
Stem New Specialized S-Works ProSet
Brake Levers New SRAM Red
Brakes New SRAM Red
Saddle Specialized Body Geometry Toupe Pro w/carbon rails
Seat Post Specialized S-Works SL FACT-carbon, 27.2mm
Seat Binder Forged alloy, Ti bolt and nut, 32.6mm

* Subject to change without notice.

Specialized releases the Turbo e-bike, would you buy it?

Techspec-bike

http://turbo.specialized.com/

In designing the Turbo we created an entirely new category of eBike: a speed-focused, high-tech urban bike that looks and performs like a fast bike should... and it just happens to have a motor!

With a top speed of 45kph, the Turbo is unquestionably fast. It's even fast standing still: the battery recharges in just 2 hours.

Every aspect of the design exudes speed, efficiency and style: clean, sweeping frame lines, a hidden battery, internal cable routing and fast, grippy tires.

On the road, or standing still, it's all about speed. It's you, only faster.

Design-battery
Design-axles
Design-cables
Design-specs
Design-fork

IM coming soon Shiv Experts in Medium & Large ready to buy! $4499 Dura Ace

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$4499 - Just add race wheels.

We ignored UCI rules and designed the Shiv exclusively for triathlon: with unmatched aerodynamics, the Fuelselage integrated hydration system, and a huge range of fit adjustability. The FACT IS 10r carbon frame and Shimano Dura-Ace/Ultegra drivetrain make the Expert an amazing race-ready value.

The ultimate frame for all distances of triathlon, this FACT IS 10r carbon frame with OSBB is optimised for crosswinds and the most aerodynamic race-ready frame anywhere
Specialized FACT carbon monocoque fork with crosswind-optimised airfoils is stiff and stealthy for precision steering and max speed
Fuelselage™ integrated hydration system keeps your fluids hidden inside the down tube for ergonomic fuelling and optimal aerodynamics
New, fully adjustable, Specialized Hydroformed Alloy Aerobar fits any rider to provide the fastest position
Lightweight and ultra-smooth Shimano Dura-Ace derailleur offers legendary performance
Stiff, light, contoured Body Geometry Romin Evo Comp saddle positions the rider for optimal power transfer and comfort

Lightweight,12.5mm offset, Shiv FACT aero carbon seatpost is reversible for wide range of saddle fit.

 

Specialized Helmet Amnesty still on. S-Works Helmet $149 Propero $79. Be quick

Specialized Helmet Amnesty

Until March 30th you can bring in your old helmet, it doesn’t matter what brand,and exchange it for a Specialized Propero or S-Works helmet at a reduced price.

So take advantage of this great offer and ride away in a new helmet and feel the benefits of the Specialized helmets great features, including;

Propero Was $149 Now  $79 -This race-inspired design is known for its great fit and great value. With similar features to the S-Works Prevail—like the Tri-Fix webbing system and 4th Dimension Cooling—the Propero II handles even the most intense efforts on the pavement.

S-Works Was $239 Now $149 -The S-Works is Specialized’s ultra-light CPSC-certified helmet. It’s all about minimum weight, maximum ventilation and complete comfort.

Helmetamnesty

Specialized S-Works McLaren Venge

Every once in a while a bike comes along that just cant be explained with words. Specialized along with McLaren collaborated to put together such a bike.

This week we took deliver of 2 of them a 54cm & 56cm bike.

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The 56cm Bike built up.

I had seen the press releases, the pictures on cyclingnews, managed to see one over at Specialized HQ, Morgan Hill in California late last year. Until holding it in my hands, closely inspecting the workmanship and details that have gone into producing such a special bike, I was not sure if it would live up to its hype.

Unboxing it last week, I have to say it sure does. Built up out of the box a 56cm bike weighs in at 6.3kg. Thats with Zipp Vuka bars, Zipp Speed stem, Zipp 404 Firecrest Tubulars. Shimano Di2 Groupset, S-Works Carbon Cranks, S-Works Carbon Toupe saddle and the amazingly light and strong EE Cycleworks brakes.

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EE Cycleworks brakes 94gms the pair.

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The paint finish on this bike is amazing! Vibrant red pinstriping would have taken quite some time to get it just right.

The normal S-Works Venge frame takes about 15-20 hours to make in labour. The McLaren frame takes upto 10 times that at 150-160 hours in carbon layup and optimization as well as frame finish and painting.

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My only dissappointment with the bike is the archaic way that the Di2 battery has to be mounted. The cable tie is only there for transporting but at $18000 AUD I would have liked it to be a little more exotic. We will be putting the battery inside the seatpost for the customer lucky enough to buy our specimens.

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We have for sale a 54cm and a 56cm complete bike. They are priced at $18000 and we will be including an internal Di2 battery with the bike at no extra cost. Come in and have a look at it in person or call/email if interested in the bikes.

info@hamptoncycles.com.au
03 9521 8700

For more details please see this website.

http://venge.specialized.com/html/content/en/index.html