Donning his fresh TBSM kit Guy Frail stands at first place with his team mate after the Ourimbah round of the Rocky Trail Shimano GP 4 hour enduro race. Guy and his team mate took out the elite male category by an impressive 4 minutes over the next fastest male team. So far together they have placed first in 3 out of the 3 rounds this year with only two races remaining.

Keep up the good work Guy!

TBSM

Bursting onto the international scene in 2009 with Team Milram, the Focus Izalco has carried riders from many top pro teams including Acqua & Sapone, Jelly Belly, Netap, Katusha and AGR2-La Mondiale. Over the past few years the Izalco has won so many “Bike of the Year” awards that it’s got everyone talking, and the new SL 3.0 EPS model is no different.

When I first saw the SL 3.0 it struck me that it looked just like the 2012 model. Take a look at the two bikes below, the first is the 2012 Izalco Team 2.0. The second is the new 2013 Izalco Team SL 3.0. Both are Izalcos, but can you spot all 15 differences between the two bikes?

Focus Izalco Team 2.0 – 2012

Focus Izalco Team SL 3.0 – 2013

Some of the differences are obvious, others not so.

The Izalco is the result of German engineering and continuous improvement. The biggest improvement to the new SL is the new carbon lay-up, the all-carbon BB shell (now PF30) and all-carbon headset cups. Graeme Moffett of Derby Cycle (the company behind the Focus brand) says “the new frame is manufactured using a silicon mould instead of the normal bag mould, to achieve greater compression of the carbon resulting in reduced wall thickness but greater strength”. The new design reduces the frame weight by some 200 grams (on average 960 grams depending upon frame size) and this is evident with the Izalco EPS model weighing 6.93kg out of the box. The frame is designed with internal cable channels and is groupset agnostic – meaning any groupset whether electronic or not can be easily accommodated by this clever design. The internal cabling makes the bike more aesthetically appealing, but more importantly, the internal channels add strength to the frame. Visually, the SL retains the distinctive thin seat stays, broad flat down tube and elongated “liquid” shaped top tube.

One of the secrets of success for the Izalco has been its overall package and price. While the frame might be the biggest influencer of how the bike rides, it can be let down by inadequate wheels or lower level components. The FSA stem, handlebars and seat post are quality components and the performance of Fulcrum Zero wheels matches the frame perfectly.

The Ride
I couldn’t wait to test ride the bike to see if it rode differently to the 2012 model. Even before I had clipped in, the new SL 3.0 felt familiar and it only took a few hundred metres before I felt completely comfortable with it. The bike is a dream to ride, the handling is what you’d expect of a world-class bike. High speed cornering is stable, predictable and one of the most enjoyable aspects of this bike. The frame together with the fork provide absolute confidence, you simply lift your inside knee and you’ll find the bike is already going where you want it to. There is no jumping or skipping of the back wheel, while the stiffness of the frame provides nimble responsiveness. At low speeds the bike performs just as well due to the relatively short wheel base and the distinctive frame angles that the German engineers at Focus have perfected.

In a straight line the bike feels fast and smooth like it’s gliding over the surface of the road. The highly compliant seat stays, together with the 3T Rigida fork, cut the sharp vibrations and provide a smooth ride regardless of road surface. Accelerating hard out of the saddle the bike is super responsive, there is no spongy feeling. The Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels perform amazingly well and only a set of carbon wheels would produce a firmer ride.

The Groupset
The groupset on the SL 3.0 is Campagnolo’s new electronic Record EPS and just like Di2, EPS is awesome. Gear changes are crisp and faultless and trimming of the front derailleur is a thing of the past. Compared to the 2012 model running Shimano 7900 Di2, the gear lever feedback is a more definitive “click” making it similar to the feel of traditional cable. The gear changes appeared slightly slower than the Di2, however the precision gives immediate confidence even under full power. The gear lever position near the hoods had me moving my hands a little from time to time and proved a little distracting but this is largely due to where I rest my hands on the bars (personal preference). What I really missed on the EPS were the satellite buttons I’m used to with Di2! The ability to change gear from the top of the bars without moving your hands to the hoods is a significant advantage of Di2 over EPS.

If you are looking for a world-class bike with Campagnolo EPS then this bike should be on your list. And considering the price, this bike has to be near the top!

After writing this review I realised there were five more differences between the models pictured above (not including the pedals and Garmin components). Can you guess what they are?

Lachlan Mackay

Latest News
I was excited to hear from Graeme of Derby Cycle that “two new AG2R team replica models will be hitting the ground prior to the start of Le Tour at the end of the month”. The first model will be an Izalco AG2R Pro bike with a Chorus groupset retailing for around $4200. The second model will be an AG2R Team SL bike with Super Record EPS, Fulcrum Racing Speed 50 carbon tubular wheels and will retail for around $10500.

Our friends at Oatley CC are planing a ride to Ettalong this Queens Birthday, Monday June 10^th. Several riders from the TBSM team are heading along and will be leaving the TBSM Retail Store in our commuter van from 6am sharp Monday morning. Several seats are still available for those from the area who want to join the ride. To reserve a seat email Aaron at TBSM via generalmanager@tbsm.com.au
Ride details are as of below;

Course: St.Ives, Palm Beach, Ettalong, Calga, Brooklyn, Bobbin Head, St. Ives
Distance: 135km with estimated 1800-1900m ascending
Strava data:  http://app.strava.com/activities/11586179
Start: 7am – parking lot across from Pattisons Café on Mona Vale Road, St. Ives.

• 237 Mona Vale Rd, St.Ives  is the café, and across the street is the parking lot.
• It’s on the corner of Mona Vale Rd and Stanley St.
• A long day in the saddle with the ferry ride and a coffee stop or two.
• Back to Mortdale between 2-3ish depending on how much you like coffee

Course Highlights:

• Whale Beach – ride through the area has amazing views.
• Ferry Ride from Palm Beach to Ettalong ($10)
• Mount White Descent is long, fast and not technical…speeds top 80km if you want but average is around 55km
• Brooklyn Hill is 3.8km long and averages 4.7% but on a super smooth surface and Pie shop at the top
• Bobbin Head – solid descent and climb out to finish the day (and your legs)
• Finish at Papa’s Café to swap stories of achieving a high suffer score (Ernie got 301 last year!)

Please contact us if you have any questions!

Only weeks after releasing their first 650B/27.5″ bike Santa Cruz have announced their second model in the wheel size, the Santa Cruz Solo. The Solo takes what Santa Cruz have learnt about the wheel size from its bigger brother, the Bronson, and have produced a trail orientated bike with 125mm worth of suspension travel  through tuned VPP™ linkages.

The Solo’s 650B/27.5″ wheel size balances the performance benefits that larger wheels offer with the agility and maneuverability that smaller wheels provide. With this performance mated with a frame weight of just 5lbs (2.27kg) for the carbon version is promising to be a formidable trail weapon.

Santa Cruz are expecting the Solo to make it over to Australia from July for the complete bikes and from September for frames. Pricing is still TBA however will be quite similar to that of the Bronson released a few weeks ago. Contact us ASAP if you are interested in getting one on order to ensure delivery in the first shipment!

SRAM announced their latest addition to the 11sp range over the weekend with their new X01 drivetrain. Designed around their “championship-winning 1X philosophy” the X01 promises to bring a simple 1 x 11sp platform to a more affordable price point. By dropping down to a single front ring SRAM have been able to increase chain retention through a unique chain ring design while eliminating the need for a front shifter and derailleur for a lower group weight.

At the heart of the X01 11sp drivetrain is SRAM’s X-DOME cassette which provides one of the widest ranges of gearing available, without the need for additional front rings. Similarly to the 1X range the X01 will offer a 10-42t 11sp cassette with a variety of front ring sizes, from 28T through to 38T, to provide a gear range to suit any trail you have the chance to ride.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the group however expect it to sit somewhere around the $1000-$1200 mark. SRAM have confirmed that the X01 drivetrain is to be stocked on several 2014 model bikes which we will see from August this year while the drivetrain group will be available to purchase aftermarket from September.

In terms of bicycle helmet supremacy, Kask has made it. It has shot to fame on the head of 2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and is the culmination of years of development and innovation. But bike helmets haven’t always shared the podium at the TDF, in fact they have only been mandatory at La Grande Boucle since 2003.

When I was kid we never wore helmets while riding our bikes. Sometimes we fell off, sometimes we even hit our heads but it never occurred to us (or our parents) to wear a helmet. Since the helmet law was introduced in Australia in the early 1990s it has become second nature to wear a helmet. Have you ever ridden out of your driveway to the local bunch ride and realised you forgot your helmet? You immediately feel very vulnerable.

So, while we have come a long way with respect to wearing helmets, so too have the helmets themselves. In Australia all helmets sold must be certified to the Australian Standard AS/NZS2063. Once the helmet manufacturers have achieved this safety standard they look to other aspects of the helmet to be the differentiator from their competitors. The most common aspects targeted are comfort, reduced weight, increased ventilation and increased aerodynamics. The Kask helmets of today have progressed so far in each of these areas that now they are appealing to cyclists’ sense of style and fashion by introducing new lines such as the Limited Edition Vertigo helmets. In this range there is a helmet that corresponds to the three main classifications in the Tour de France, the GC leader in the Giro d’Italia and Vueltaa Espana.

Underneath these stylish shells, the Vertigo comes with some great features that have made it a popular choice for Team Sky and weekend warriors alike. Apart from looking compact the main thing I noticed when I put on the helmet was how well it fit. Certainly the “up-n-down” hinged adjustment at the back of the helmet made it easy to get the helmet fitting snug. The combination of the compact shape and great fit meant it didn’t wobble around. The other aspect I noticed was that it felt very light, Kask state the helmet weighs 290g. These were the standout features me but Kask boasts still more such as:

• In-moulding innovative construction with reinforced frame for additional safety
• Ventilation achieved by of 24 large air vents, arranged to optimize aerodynamics
• Ventilated, non-stick pads at nape of neck for additional security
• Easy-clean leatherette chin strap
• Nylon thermo fixed straps, which have soft lateral spacers where straps contact the skin, to give excellent ventilation and comfort
• Chin pad is made from non-allergic imitation leather which improves wearing comfort and eliminates skin irritation
• 3D internal padding optimises the wicking away and evaporation of sweat, and are removable and washable
• High-visibility reflector stickers on the back of the helmet and on every strap for maximum safety

In terms of the technology used you can check out the Kask website for more information.

Finally, whereas many frames, accessories and helmets are manufactured in low-overhead east Asia, the Kask helmets are surprisingly still made in Italy, again this is a key differentiator with competitors. Aussie’s buy European, Europeans buy European and the manufacturers have realised this!

Lochie

>> Check out the entire Vertigo Tour range either in-store or online through this link.

Now in the fifth month of being run, the weekly night ride has now become a staple. Started as much to make sure that I kept riding once a week, the group had grown, shrunk, diversified and everything in between. We have had everyone from 15 years old to 66 years old which had now become a group of between 4-12 people who come out on a regular basis. The ride normally consists of between 10-20km around The Royal National Park encompassing single track and fire road between Sutherland cycling club, where we meet at the short course car park out towards Heathcote and some of the secret tracks in between.

Getting ready to hit the trails after work, back before the sun set before 5:30…

If you want to get involved bring a set of lights so you can see where you are going, a functioning bike, a positive attitude and a helmet and come for a ride. Everyone new will be welcomed with the aim to hopefully get an even more diverse and mixed group to ride throughout the course of the winter as sometimes it can be hard to get that motivation. I look forward to seeing you out there.

We meet at Sutherland cycling club at 6.30pm on a Wednesday night, we generally get back to the car park about 8.30-9pm. If you have any question pop into, or call the retail store to have a word and bring your friends.

Jason – TBSM

Stage 21 of the Giro d’Italia came to an end in the early hours of this morning bring a close to the 2013 event. While British rider Mark Cavendish won the final stage it was Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali on top after more than 3 weeks’ racing. Nibali won the leader’s jersey on stage 8 and continued to extend his lead to a convincing 4 minutes 43 seconds by the end of the closing stage. Australian Cadel Evans lost time to rival Rigoberto Uran Uran in the closing stages to finish the event in 3rd place.

ITA 1 NIBALI, Vincenzo (ASTANA PRO TEAM) 84:53:28
COL 2 URAN URAN, Rigoberto (SKY PROCYCLING) + 4:43
AUS 3 EVANS, Cadel (BMC RACING) + 5:52
ITA 4 SCARPONI, Michele (LAMPRE-MERIDA) + 6:48
COL 5 BETANCUR GOMEZ, Carlos Alberto (AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 7:28
POL 6 NIEMIEC, Przemyslaw (LAMPRE-MERIDA) + 7:43
POL 7 MAJKA, Rafal (SAXO-TINKOFF) + 8:09
ESP 8 INTXAUSTI ELORRIAGA, Benat (MOVISTAR TEAM) + 10:26
ITA 9 SANTAMBROGIO, Mauro (VINI FANTINI – SELLE ITALIA) + 10:32
ITA 10 POZZOVIVO, Domenico (AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 10:59

Australian Cadel Evans shakes the hand of winning rider Vincenzo Nibali on completion of stage 21 – photo curtesy of gazzetta.it 2013

With several big name riders either withdrawing or missing from the fast end of the field at this year’s Giro rumours circulated that they were saving themselves for le Tour de France in 33 days time. Only time will tell as the tour riders prepare themselves for the 3,360km, 21 stage event commencing 29th June in the Corsican town of Porto-Vecchio.

The TBSM Giro d’Italia Comp was taken out this year by TBSM regular Aldo M. who correctly tipped Nibali and was within 29 minutes and 41 seconds of his elapsed time. Aldo will now receive his choice of colour and size in Kask’s top-of-the-line Vertigo helmet.

TBSM

We were pleased to receive our first delivery of the new Santa Cruz Bronson in the form of two carbon frames. I can assure you that both of these colours look amazing in real life. Santa Cruz have not disappointed with their entry into the 650b market!!

Stay tuned for more images once both frames have been built by the TBSM workshop!

TBSM