MID-WEEK REPORT: THE LATEST NEWS, PRODUCTS AND EVENTS
Welcome to the December 23rd, Mid-Week Report!
Welcome to the December 23rd, Mid-Week Report!
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: BORA’S 2021 KIT
Bora-Hansgrohe released their 2021 kit from Sportful. A team’s kit should always reflect its values and respect its history as well as its distinctive traits. With this objective in mind, the design of the BORA – hansgrohe kit has received a refreshed look with a cool and modern light grey color, while keeping the iconic chevron at its core.
The chevron is inspired by paint brushes, with its colors being picked up in the launch video through the streaks of face paint – typical of American Football teams – used by the riders to represent above all solidarity and courage, values that form the foundation of the Band of Brothers.
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STORCK ANNIVERSARY EDITION
The Aernario.2 Signature 25th Anniversary will join Storck’s Signature collection of limited edition bikes. The rim brake SRAM Red AXS build weighs 13.01 pounds (13.01 lbs). The 12-speed build is a major upgrade to improve the all-roundedness of the lightweight frame. Only 25 anniversary models will be made available.
www.storck-bikes.com
CHALLENGE GRAVEL TREADS
- CORAZZA ARMOR
The Getaway includes a double layer 260TPI SuperPoly casing that delivers maximum sidewall protection while retaining a very supple and comfortable ride. As an additional touch, a bead-to-bead latex-based inner coating further improves puncture protection while greatly reducing air pressure dissipation. - GANZO PPS – Puncture Protection System
The Getaway features the all new Ganzo PPS puncture protection system. A highly flexible, tighter weave, multi-component puncture protection fabric placed between the tread and the casing. This new PPS structure is lighter, more puncture resistant, and retains Challenge’s supple ride. - SMARTplus COMPOUND
The Getaway also comes with the new gravel-specific tread comprised of a special high durometer, natural rubber SMARTplus compound. This new compound reduces wear, enhances durability and the SMARTplus rubber compound still retains all of the natural rubber properties like shock-absorption, better control and reduced rolling resistance, a handy combination when riding on varying terrain. - CHAFER ARAMID BEAD PROTECTION STRIP
The Getaway includes a bead protection strip to enhance longevity by reducing the effects of chafing, or rubbing, that can occur with a rim’s carbon bead hooks. The contrasting black chafer also acts as a precise line around the rim to confirm that the tire has obtained uniform bead seating all-around.
- Size: 700×40 / 40-622
- Color: black tread, tan casing
- Weight: 460 grams
- Price: $86
ITALIAN ROAD BIKE SHOOTOUT
Of the many reasons that exist to appreciate Italy, one of them remains the fact that the country is home to some of the history’s most iconic bike brands. And when it comes to Italian bike brands, Pinarello and Bianchi are certainly two of the most iconic, owing as much to their now celebrated beginnings but great racing heritage as well.
Recognized as the world’s oldest bike brand, Bianchi was founded by Eduardo Bianchi back in 1885. Although the brand is still best celebrated for the historic race wins during the sport’s golden era in the ’50s and ’60s with riders like Fausto Coppi, of late, their famous Celeste-colored bikes have carried the winning tradition forward with a modern race-winning tear preceding the 2020 Tour de France.
Of course, when it comes to winning ways at the Tour de France, few brands are as easily associated with La Grande Boucle as Pinarello. What would Giovanni Pinarello have thought if back in 1952 someone told him that the small frame shop he opened would someday go on to celebrate a dozen Tour de France victories with the likes of Miguel Indurain and Chris Froome?
Although both Bianchi and Pinarello market a variety of high-dollar, high-prestige race bikes, for 2021, each brand is also introducing a lower-priced bike that draws on their top-tier models.
Given that spending $10,000 on a new bike is a bit of a stretch for most, we decided to put the Bianchi Sprint Disc up against the Pinarello Paris for a practical, sub-$3500 carbon bike comparison.
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FIRST LOOK: TOPEAK MINI
A multi-tool is essential for each and every ride, because you ever know when a mechanical problem might rear its ugly head. The vast majority of multi-tools on the market have a selection of Allen/Hex wrenches permanently affixed to the tool body, enter Topeak.
Topeak designs dozens of tools and small parts for all types of riding. Their most recent addition to the Mini line, offers over two dozen functions to cover just about any roadside emergency. With products suited for nearly any price point, be sure to check out the latest Topeak has to offer.
TOPEAK MINI PT30 TOOLS
- 2L / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 mm Allen wrenches
- 10 mm hex socket
- T10 / T15 / T25 Torx wrenches
- 14G / 15G / Mavic M7 / Shimano 4.5mm spoke wrenches
- CrMo steel chain tool, chain hook, CrMo master link tool
- #2 Phillips / flat head screw drivers
- Tire reamer, plug insertion tool
- Serrated knife / saw, disc spacer
Price: $50
www.topeak.com
RICCO BANNED FOR LIFE
Italian cyclist Riccardo Ricco, who was thrown off the Tour de France in 2008 for taking a blood-boosting drug, has been banned for life, Nado Italia, the Italian national anti-doping agency announced. The 37-year-old had already been handed a 12-year ban that was due to expire in 2024.
He must also pay a 4,000 euro ($4,850) fine and costs of 378 euros, Nado Italia said in a statement issued Monday.
“The first section of the national anti-doping court, in the disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Riccardo Ricco… imposes a life ban,” the statement said.
A once promising rider known as “The Cobra”, Ricco’s career collapsed when he was found to have taken the banned blood-booster CERA during the 2008 tour
RBA/AFP
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