Zipp 202 Firecrest clinchers - Eurobike 2012

Zipp 202 Firecrest Clinchers - Eurobike 2012 - BikeRadar Zipp 202 Firecrest Clinchers - Eurobike 2012 - BikeRadarSkip menuMain contentSub contentHomeNewsBikes & GearRacingRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoRoadNewsBikes & GearRacingRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoMountain BikingNewsBikes & GearRacingRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoCommutingNewsBikes & GearRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoBeginners & Family NewsBikes & GearRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoTraining & Events Search Training Advice Vuelta a España Magazines You are here: Home road news Zipp … Zipp 202 Firecrest clinchers - Eurobike 2012 0 comments By Warren Rossiter in Argenbühl, Germany | Tuesday, Aug 28, 2012 2.33pm

The new Zipp 202 (Ben Delaney/BikeRadar)

View Thumbnail Gallery

Zipp unveiled their new clincher wheelset at this year’s Eurobike Demo Day. We got to try the hoops out over a 40km ride in southern Germany.

The new 32mm Firecrest 202 has a typically distinctive shape, with rim width more than half the overall depth at its widest point. It's Zipp’s take on a climber’s wheelset, so with the addition of Firecrest’s aero benefits it could well be the most usable all-rounder in the current clincher line-up.

The basic principle of the Firecrest’s unique shape is that the rear half of the rim (the second leading edge) mimics the tyre (the leading edge of the front half).

At 1,375g for the pair the new 202s are no heavyweights, and Zipp claim that the aero benefits make for a better performing and handling wheel than a standard aluminium box-section rim.

Their own drag tests showed that a 13mm deep box-section aluminium rim produces around 324g of drag, whereas the new 202 produces just 131g – a claimed reduction of about 60 percent. They also say that it has better aero performance over standard ‘V’ section aero wheels up to 66mm deep.

Because of the shallower size, particular attention has been paid to the structure, with the brake track being bolstered significantly both for strength and heat-handling ability. Zipp also reported that in their 2.5 years of producing carbon clinchers they’ve had no heat-related failures.

Zipp showed us the 202s with a new version of the brilliant Platinum pad. The new EVO pad is thinner, making for better compatibility with older style brakes when paired with the wider rim. As well as being thinner, the new pad is also deeper.

We rode the 202s in warm but blustery conditions, with a few lumpy climbs. They felt both light and neutral, with no effect from cross or side winds on the steering.

The 202 Firecrests should be available in the late autumn/fall with a retail price of US$2,725 / 2,525 Euros. The new Platinum pads are $40 / 36 Euros a set.

Related articlesZipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Clincher reviewZipp 303 Firecrest CCL road wheelset reviewZipp 404 Firecrest tubular road wheelset reviewJust in: Zipp 303 Firecrest carbon clinchers

You can follow BikeRadar on Twitter at twitter.com/bikeradar and on Facebook at facebook.com/BikeRadar.
You can also improve your fitness and train with us on bikeradar.com/training.

Back to top Email to a friend You might also like...Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon ClincherZipp 404 Firecrest Carbon ClincherJust in: Zipp 303 Firecrest carbon clinchersEurobike 2010: Zipp launch faster 808 Firecrest wheelEurobike 2009: Zipp's Super-9 disk, 101 clincher and RZR shifter No posts to display Post a Comment:

You need to login or register to post comments.

NewsNews archive Most Viewed Most Commented Eurobike 2012: the biggest bicycle trade show is here

BikeRadar's complete coverage means you won't miss a thing

New Continental tires - Eurobike 2012If you build it, they will come - Eurobike 2012Paralympian cyclist Simon Richardson lights cauldron in CardiffGallery: Pro time trial machines Win a seat in the Rapha Condor Sharp Tour of Britain team car Lance Armstrong won't fight USADA charges

Maintains UCI is only agency with power to ban him

#ShareTheRoadUK - BikeRadar's responseCreating bikes and parts with a 3D printerEurobike 2012: the biggest bicycle trade show is here'Revolutionary' two-sided cleat debuted by FibraxVuelta 2012: Can Froome stop Contador’s triumphant homecoming? Training Log your training

29 Aug 2012

Joystyx cycled 14.9 miles in 48 minutes and 6 seconds

28 Aug 2012

fsd61b cycled 26.9 miles in 1 hour, 38 minutes and 58 seconds

28 Aug 2012

Alfredo Pierantoni cycled 26.3 miles in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 25 seconds

28 Aug 2012

Dalepoint cycled 48.5 miles in 2 hours, 48 minutes and 35 seconds BikeRadar Partner Offers Total Cycle Assist -

Accident Insurance for the whole family - only £24 through TotalCycle Assist

Fitness Matches -

Dating to get your pulse racing - find sporty singles near you to meet and date. Join for free.

MuchBetterAdventures -

Find the right cycling holiday for you with MuchBetter Adventures

Routes & Riding

Create your own route

You are here:HomeroadnewsZipp 202 Firecrest clinchers - Eurobike 2012 HomeRoadMountain BikingCommutingBeginners & Family Search News Road News Mountain Biking News Commuting News Beginners & Family NewsBikeRadar Blog Magazines Cycling News HD Cycling Plus ProCycling Mountain Biking UK What Mountain Bike Triathlon Plus Gear and Reviews Road Bikes Mountain Bikes Time Trial / Triathlon Bikes Hybrid Bikes Urban Bikes Kids' Bikes Races Tour de France Sister Brands Bikely ChopMTB Cyclingnews TriRadar Workshops & Buyers Guides Workshop: How to clean and lube your bike Workshop: Emergency bike repairs Workshop: Mechanics' Tips Buyers guide to: Commuting in the dark Buyers guide to: UK tax free bike schemes Buyers guide to: Kids' Bikes Best mountain bikes under £500 Best mountain bikes under $1,000 Best road bikes under £1,000 Best road bikes for under $1,000 BikeRadar Facebook Twitter Google+ About us Fitness Matches BikeRadar Training Future Active Audience TechRadarGamesRadarPC GamerComputerAndVideoGamesCyclingnewsT3Total FilmMusicRadarEdgeMetal HammerCreative BloqSFXClassic RockFast CarMollie MakesGizmodo UKJobsPressAdvertisingPrivacy PolicyCookies PolicyTerms & ConditionsInternationalDigitalFutureMagazine SubscriptionsFuture MediaStore© Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js' %3E%3C/script%3E")); COMSCORE.beacon({ c1:2, c2:6035216, c3:"", c4:"", c5:"", c6:"", c15:"" });

Lapierre Xelius 200 Compact review

The Xelius frameset is the top race model in the Lapierre line-up, with a naturally aggressive ride and the position to match. You’re paying for the frame quality in the componentry though, which makes it slightly heavy and leaden for the price. 

Ride & handling: Aggressive race position offset by high weight

While most big manufacturers position their 55cm size in the middle of their range, our 55cm Xelius sample counts as the large out of the three size options. This means a 570mm top tube that stretches reach out further than you’ll find on other bikes.

The narrow 400mm bars also give it a thin shouldered feel that’s definitely oriented towards the tucked elbow race crowd, not relaxed cruising. It certainly feels the part with your head down and heart rate up, showing no signs of suffering any loss of power delivery from having a conventional bottom bracket and spindle size rather than a BB30 setup. 

The alloy bar and stem might add weight, but they give a firm setup for stomping a gear round when you’re out of the saddle. The same can be said of the Mavic Aksium/Aksion wheel/tyre combo, which are stiff and anchored under power but relatively heavy. 

Mavic’s black-valved wheel and tyre combo look slick but they’re a weak link

There’s no doubting the extra componentry weight does sap some of the potential get-up-and-go from the frame though, with the Xelius surging forward rather than snapping into life as you apply the pressure. 

The narrow bars and slightly high bottom bracket also mean a firmer hand is needed to tip the bike into corners and then hold it there if the radius or road conditions change. The Aksion tyres and alloy seatpost also give a harsher top note to the ride on rougher sections compared to the suppler tyres and more compliant carbon equipment on some similarly priced bikes.

Thankfully, Lapierre haven’t just laid up the carbon for giving you and the opposition a battering though. While it’s got a precise and obedient feel to it when heading into corners and a strong sense of purpose underfoot, the Xelius isn’t remotely punishing.

Even with the stock tyres there’s a definite sense of glide and float over even the worst road surfaces. Spending some of the test on an upgrade Zipp wheel and Schwalbe tyre set really confirmed in our minds just how much potential the Xelius has as a great base to upgrade from, as well as its suitability for aero bars and deep-section wheels. 

You can’t ignore the fact that in its stock shop floor format it’s noticeably off the pace compared to other lightweight bikes. It’s disappointing because the frame is well worth the money but the kit is well off the mark.

Frame & equipment: Pro level frameset with weighty extras

The Xelius frame is a full carbon monocoque with tapering triangular top tube and angular down tube running smoothly back from the tapered head tube. The curved aero blade fork also gets a carbon steerer to keep weight under 400g. 

The bottom bracket is a conventional external screw-in design stiffened up by flared ends to both the down tube and seat tube. Multi-shape chainstays swing right in alongside the tyre before curving back out, while the straight seatstays blend into a narrow wishbone above the rear brake. 

Gear cabling is internal, but the rubber shrouds constantly loosened and fell out. The full length outer brake cabling through the top tube also adds a few needless grams. 

Despite being significantly larger in overall dimensions than most 55cm frames, our sample frame still just ducked under the magic one-kilo frame weight barrier. There are only three frame size options available too, so if you’re particularly tall or small then you’ll have to forget about the Xelius.

The Xelius is definitely a race bike when it comes to ride position

Buyers using a Top Trumps style shopping technique are going to be disappointed with the Lapierre, as the high quality frame has obviously eaten into the complete bike budget. We’ve no complaints about the smooth, functional Ultegra stop-go gear, but the Tiagra cassette they’ve tried to sneak through is significantly heavier than Ultegra. 

More significantly, while the Aksium wheels are solid and dependable performers, they’re heavier and less responsive than some. 

The black-stemmed inner tubes and matching logos of the Mavic tyres are a nice aesthetic touch. The actual ride is noticeably wooden, and the alloy bars and seatpost aren’t light either, all of which leaves the Xelius relatively heavy.

This article was originally published in Triathlon Plus magazine, available on Zinio.

2013 Orbea Ordu time trial/triathlon bike

2013 Orbea Ordu Time Trial/triathlon Bike - BikeRadar 2013 Orbea Ordu Time Trial/triathlon Bike - BikeRadarSkip menuMain contentSub contentHomeNewsBikes & GearRacingRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoRoadNewsBikes & GearRacingRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoMountain BikingNewsBikes & GearRacingRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoCommutingNewsBikes & GearRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoBeginners & Family NewsBikes & GearRoutes & RidingFitnessForumVideoTraining & Events Search Training Advice Vuelta a España Magazines You are here: Home news 2013 … bike 2013 Orbea Ordu time trial/triathlon bike 0 comments By Ben Delaney in Boulder, Colorado | Sunday, Aug 26, 2012 8.59pm

The 2013 Orbea Ordu (Courtesy)

View Thumbnail Gallery

After nearly four years of development, Orbea onSunday released the new Ordu time trial/triathlon bike in Denver. Besidessubstantial gains in aerodynamics over the old Ordu, the new Ordu frames offerhuge adjustability in fit. Also, one model comes with Shimano’s brand newelectric Ultegra Di2 time trial/triathlon wiring system.

One unique feature of the frame is the integratedMonolink stem, which pivots at the steerer tube for 140 degrees of verticaladjustment. Further, each frame ships with four stem lengths (75, 95, 110 and120mm) to dial in handlebar position without a single spacer.

“It’s super clean,” said Orbea USA’s managingdirector Tony Karklins. “There are no spacers, no shims. You don’t have to useany specific handlebars. For a bike fitter, it’s a dream.”

The bike comes in four frame sizes, the smallestof which is a 650c bike. “We’re calling that one a 48cm frame, but it’s muchsmaller than a 700c 48cm bike,” Karklins said.

The bike comes in five models, including the$5,499 GLi2 with the new Shimano Ultegra Di2 time trial/triathlon drivetrain.“We expect this one to be huge,” Karklins said. “With the new Di2 wiring at thenew Ultegra price point, this is going to change the game. Now you can haveelectric time trial and triathlon bikes at a completely new price point.”

The other bikes include the $4.499 Ordu GLT withmechanical Ultegra, the $5,999 Ordu GRD with SRAM Red, the $6,499 Ordu GDR with11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace and, by spring, the GDi2 with 11-speed Dura-Ace Di2.

The integrated Monolink stems feature 140 degrees of vertical adjustment

While many companies have chosen to tuck thefront brake of their TT/tri bikes behind or inside the fork, Orbea stuck with astandard caliper. This move wasn’t out of laziness, however, but theirwind-tunnel work.

“We choose not to go internal on the brakecaliper on the fork, because as we were doing work to put the caliper inside,the fork kept getting less and less aerodynamic,” Karklins said. “Also, thereare lots of great aero calipers out there from Magura, Tetkro and others. Andat the same time, we know the disc brake train is coming for triathlon/TTbikes.”

Each Ordu ships with two tops caps for organizing internal cable routing: one for mechanical systems and one for electric drivetrains

Karklins said that although the bike made hugegains in aerodynamic drag over the previous Ordu, “we still took time to makesure the bike rides the way you want it to ride.”

“You can make some tubes a little too thin, and whileit may look fast, it can compromiseride quality,” Karklins said.

Matching the stem, the Ordu has a Monolinkseatpost, which comes with two kits: one for Monolink single-rail saddle andone for standard dual-rail saddles.

Also, the Ordu is selling with the popular ISMergonomic saddle for the first time.

The bikes will begin shipping in October.

The 2013 Orbea Ordu GRD with SRAM Red

Related articlesOrbea Oiz XC bike announced for 2013Orbea Occam S10 29er - First ride reviewOrbea Orca GDR reviewBehind the scenes at OrbeaPro bike: Georgia Gould’s Orbea AlmaRelated linksOrbeaBikeRadar is not responsible for the content of external websites

You can follow BikeRadar on Twitter at twitter.com/bikeradar and on Facebook at facebook.com/BikeRadar.
You can also improve your fitness and train with us on bikeradar.com/training.

Back to top Email to a friend You might also like...Time Trial & Triathlon HaircutSRAM unveils new time trial and triathlon shifterCampagnolo EPS time trial/triathlon group — First rideDi2 Dura Ace unveiled for time trial and triathlon bikesWorkshop: How to prep your time trial / triathlon bike No posts to display Post a Comment:

You need to login or register to post comments.

NewsNews archive Most Viewed Most Commented Eurobike 2012: the biggest bicycle trade show is here

BikeRadar's complete coverage means you won't miss a thing

New Continental tires - Eurobike 2012If you build it, they will come - Eurobike 2012KS eTen seatpost - Eurobike 2012Paralympian cyclist Simon Richardson lights cauldron in CardiffGallery: Pro time trial machines Lance Armstrong won't fight USADA charges

Maintains UCI is only agency with power to ban him

#ShareTheRoadUK - BikeRadar's responseGyroscopic technology to 'revolutionise' way kids learn to ridePipedream Skyline R931 - Just inCreating bikes and parts with a 3D printerVideo round-up: Alex Rafferty vs France Training Log your training

29 Aug 2012

Joystyx cycled 14.9 miles in 48 minutes and 6 seconds

28 Aug 2012

fsd61b cycled 26.9 miles in 1 hour, 38 minutes and 58 seconds

28 Aug 2012

Alfredo Pierantoni cycled 26.3 miles in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 25 seconds

28 Aug 2012

Dalepoint cycled 48.5 miles in 2 hours, 48 minutes and 35 seconds BikeRadar Partner Offers Sletoh -

Hotel comparison for 70,000 hotels, apartments and B&Bs in 18 European countries

MuchBetterAdventures -

Find the right cycling holiday for you with MuchBetter Adventures

Fitness Matches -

Dating to get your pulse racing - find sporty singles near you to meet and date. Join for free.

Routes & Riding

Create your own route

You are here:Homenews2013 Orbea Ordu time trial/triathlon bikeHomeRoadMountain BikingCommutingBeginners & Family Search News Road News Mountain Biking News Commuting News Beginners & Family NewsBikeRadar Blog Magazines Cycling News HD Cycling Plus ProCycling Mountain Biking UK What Mountain Bike Triathlon Plus Gear and Reviews Road Bikes Mountain Bikes Time Trial / Triathlon Bikes Hybrid Bikes Urban Bikes Kids' Bikes Races Tour de France Sister Brands Bikely ChopMTB Cyclingnews TriRadar Workshops & Buyers Guides Workshop: How to clean and lube your bike Workshop: Emergency bike repairs Workshop: Mechanics' Tips Buyers guide to: Commuting in the dark Buyers guide to: UK tax free bike schemes Buyers guide to: Kids' Bikes Best mountain bikes under £500 Best mountain bikes under $1,000 Best road bikes under £1,000 Best road bikes for under $1,000 BikeRadar Facebook Twitter Google+ About us Fitness Matches BikeRadar Training Future Active Audience TechRadarGamesRadarPC GamerComputerAndVideoGamesCyclingnewsT3Total FilmMusicRadarEdgeMetal HammerCreative BloqSFXClassic RockFast CarMollie MakesGizmodo UKJobsPressAdvertisingPrivacy PolicyCookies PolicyTerms & ConditionsInternationalDigitalFutureMagazine SubscriptionsFuture MediaStore© Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js' %3E%3C/script%3E")); COMSCORE.beacon({ c1:2, c2:6035216, c3:"", c4:"", c5:"", c6:"", c15:"" });