Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2013 i Bicycling

I snapped the above photograph 15 years ago atop Washington Pass, near the edge of North Cascades National Park. An old friend of mine was getting married in Winthrop, Washington, and I had decided to ride to the event. I used to do stuff like that a lot. This couple I barely knew dropped off me and my bike about 80 miles west of Winthrop and drove my luggage to the hotel. Washington Pass was windy and snowy, and I knew the descent would be long and cold. But I was feeling adventurous. Happy to have conquered a couple of alpine passes, I was ready for a very fast trip down to lower elevations. Route 20 drops more than 3,300 feet in the first 17 miles. In those days, I…

I teach at an American school in Italy. Two winters ago, my family and I visited Treviso to see the original Pinarello (my dream bicycle) bike shop. We were window-shopping when a well-dressed older Italian man stopped to ask my kids if they liked the bikes. I asked him in halting Italian if he had a Pinarello. His response: “Io sono Pinarello.” (“I am Pinarello.”) I had a smile on my face the rest of the day. Adam Ridgley, via e-mail Also sure to have Adam grinning from ear to ear: his new Park Tool Home Mechanic Starter Kit.…

EAT TO RIDE WHENEVER I ADVISE ATHLETES ABOUT NUTRITION, I tell them that they don’t need a special diet to fuel performance. The one that’s best for health is also the one that’s best for strong results. If you want all your systems firing at 100 percent, you need to feed them the best-quality fuel possible. Follow these three simple rules and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a faster and healthier cyclist. Rule 1// REAL FOOD DOESN’T NEED A LABEL Ever see an ingredient list on a tomato, almond, or egg? Packaged foods are often loaded with added sugar, salt, and fat that stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers, which encourages us to keep eating even when we’re full. Plus, the body processes nutrients more efficiently when they…

SOURCE: HEADACHE: THE JOURNAL OF HEAD AND FACE PAIN RIDE Oaks, Pennsylvania, to Philadelphia and back to tackle the Manayunk Wall with our editors at the BICYCLING Open on June 2; 50 miles total (including one lap of event) REWARD One Philly cheese steak (go to Pat’s at 9th and Wharton, and yes, ask for Cheez Whiz), one large order of french fries, and three 12-ounce Yards Philadelphia Pale Ales or 13 individual SuperPretzels or 55 Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews (0.3-ounce pieces)…

Tea Time Starchy foods such as bagels and pasta are ideal choices for preride carbo-loading, but the sugar spike that comes with them can raise your blood glucose, which can lead to overeating once it crashes. Now a study from Penn State University reports that consuming a cup and a half of green tea while eating starchy foods can reduce the spike in blood-glucose levels, leaving you less likely to overindulge. 30 PERCENT LESS FOOD YOU’LL WOLF DOWN WHILE SNACKING IN FRONT OF THE TUBE IF YOU MINDFULLY TAKE SMALLER BITES, ACCORDING TO A DUTCH STUDY EASE SORE MUSCLES Getting a massage immediately after a workout improves muscle function and reduces inflammation, according to a study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Rosemarie Rotenberger, LMT, owner of Wellspring…

VIBE Once the sole domain of stalwart commuters, messengers, and spandexed roadies, Washington, DC, is now home to a diverse cycling culture thanks to a flourishing 56-mile bikelane network and one of the nation’s largest bike shares. These days, tourists, inside-the-Beltway notables, and casual riders mingle on the dedicated bike lanes and trails, including the 8-mile Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT), which runs from Union Station to Silver Spring, Maryland. Powering this change are such groups as the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) as well as BikeArlington. RIDE Hop on a Capital Bikeshare rig at one of the five stations on the National Mall, hit the museums and memorials, then take the Pennsylvania Avenue dedicated bike lane over to the White House. For a more substantial outing, follow the mostly flat…

I brought my bike to a stop and took a long pause, one foot on the pavement, the other still clipped into its pedal. I stared at the stop sign in front of me as though it might offer information. To the left: grass, oak trees, fields. To the right: more of the same. I listened for oncoming cars but the silence seemed bottomless—not even the sound of wind, just my own heaving breath and the battering calls of birds on power lines. Nothing looked familiar. I’d been riding for about two hours beneath a hot midday sun, fatigue had come on suddenly, the road I had turned onto had swerved in unexpected ways, and now I couldn’t quite figure out where I was. I had two choices, left or…

When my bag of jelly beans drops onto the pavement of Dogwood Lane, I almost don’t turn around. We have just a while ago come of Coon Hollow, which is a road we would ride for the name alone but as a bonus happens to be smooth dirt packed as hard as any pavement, with such little canopy that the country sky sometimes curves blue and near-feeling from one of earth’s edges to the other, and with a ramshackle mansion of a barn that provokes sadness and wonder each time I pass—though I have been doing so for more than a decade. Dogwood becomes one of those climbs that at first is barely so then can take your knees of here and there over a couple miles. But that is…

THE ANATOMY OF A CONCUSSION If you fall of your bike and your head hits the ground, your skull absorbs energy from the impact. Wearing a helmet helps, and the brain’s built-in shock absorbers soften the blow. But a hard enough hit will overcome those mechanisms, causing an injury such as a concussion. Because much of the damage occurs at a cellular level, concussions can be tricky to diagnose; even with advanced scanning technology, this kind of trauma is hard for doctors to see. But if they could peer inside a recently injured cranium, this is what they might observe. —Brooke Borel TAKING A SPIN The head doesn’t sustain injury from just the direct collision with the road. The brain also has to contend with rotational acceleration (indicated by the…

Think lift-served mountain biking is all about bone-jarring descents and extreme hucking? Think again. At these resorts, you can ride manicured trails all day, soak in endless alpine views, and never have to pedal your bike uphill. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CHRIS LESSER AND JOHNATHON ALLEN Whistler THE ULTIMATE CYCLING PLAYGROUND The gondola had scooped us from the base of Whistler and was racing toward the summit when I looked down and saw a half-dozen riders zipping through a forest of cypress and pine. Sun glinting off their helmets, they carved around a wide, banked S-turn and rolled over a granite boulder the size of a school bus. Their riding looked fluid and effortless. And most of the cyclists appeared to be no more than 10 years old. I expected my…

Deciding which 2013 bikes will receive our Editors’ Choice awards is a rigorous task. Each finalist that appears on the following pages is a model we would recommend to you without hesitation—but some rise a little higher, separating themselves from the pack in subtle yet unmistakable ways. To determine which bikes reached the top of their class in eight categories, our staff engaged in some intensive testing, pedaling a cumulative 221 hours in four days, evaluating each model on the twisty, potholed roads of San Diego County. We pushed up the 12-mile climb to Mount Palomar’s snowy summit then turned around for the fast, sinewy descent—a sequence that proved to be critical in choosing some of our winners. Read on to see which bikes posted the best performance to claim…

Giant Avail Advanced A MODEL NO TESTER WANTS TO share is generally a clear winner in our head-to-head tests: “I could ride this bike all day,” declared one rider, as another insisted—politely—that it was her turn. We loved the Avail’s steady performance on rough roads, a trait that comes primarily from its longer wheelbase and chainstays, and frame angles tuned for stability. Testers also applauded the bike’s balanced handling, which helped us keep it pointed where we wanted to go but was also quick enough that we could dart around potholes. Giant’s composite frame stood out from the other bikes in this category. It damped bumpy surfaces but still let us accelerate quickly when we wanted a burst of speed to crest a hill. The Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, with a…

Jamis Icon Elite Our test riders have been on many great aluminum bikes lately, but we were still shocked by the Icon’s compliant ride. Various testers’ notes tell the story one word at time: smooth, damped, comfortable, surprising, and, simply, “Wow.” This is a quick bike that responded easily to rider input. Our testers praised the Icon’s geometry, which it shares with Jamis’s Xenith carbon road line, and noted that of the three bikes in this category, the Icon was the most fun to ride. This well-rounded performer also has great components for the price—we especially liked the excellent Shimano brakes and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels. As one tester said, “I would be happy to ride it any time. It’s a good, solid bike that performed well in every situation.”…

Pearl Izumi Divide These shorts hang just below the knee—longer than many others. The extra coverage comes in handy on tight trails, where branches can scrape your legs. Multiple vents keep you cool and adjustable waist tabs let you fine-tune fit. $125; pearlizumi.com Sombrio Highline II Named for a cliffside trail in Sedona, Arizona, these rugged but comfortable shorts stand up to both sharp rocks and cacti. Zippered vents allow plenty of airflow, and three pockets keep your essentials stored safely. $170; sombriocartel.com Yeti Teller Designed for XC rides, the Teller is one of three new shorts from bike maker Yeti. A sensible cut keeps them from snagging on your saddle and the lightweight fabric won’t restrict movement. Two chamois liners are available separately ($30–$60). $75;yeticycles.com Mavic Stratos These baggies…

After spending a year researching and writing “Senseless” (p. 56), about head injuries and the shortcomings of bike helmets, BRUCE BARCOTT felt frustrated by the complexity of the issue but hopeful that cyclists can be part of the solution. “There’s no great villain here,” Barcott says. “Nobody’s in favor of concussions.” Barcott has also written for the New York Times Magazine, Backpacker, and Outside. Cycling coach MARTI SHEA was 44 years old when she discovered she had a métier for ascending 12 percent grades. The three-time winner of the Mt. Washington Hillclimb shares her best climbing advice in “Up to Me” (p. 84). “I don’t believe that climbing is more grueling than any other aspect of cycling,” says Shea. “You can ride a hill easy or you can crush it.…

GOING UP Though Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is quiet and mostly unused, you might still encounter cars. On the ascent, take note of potential blind corners. AT THE TOP If you venture out on a remote ride like this one, allow enough time to enjoy the payoff You’ll look down upon rocky cliffs and miles of Pacific grandeur. HEADING DOWN On the descent, maximize your angles—swing into turns as wide as possible and stay well to the inside through the corners. YOU ARE HERE Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, Big sur, California Halfway between Cambria and Monterey lies this little-used route, which snakes up the rugged hillside from Big Sur. The seaside panorama makes the 6.5-mile climb a worthy detour from any ride along the coast. Staggering views of crashing white waves, cobalt sea, and…

1. Donkey Label handcrafted soaps (formulated for cyclists), $7/bar 2. 110% Flat Out Sox (targets compression zones), $65 3. Moji 360 massage kit (two sizes), $69 4. Barefooters Classic Shoe (aids recovery), $100 5. Trixie & Milo Bicyclette flask (adorned with a vintage French advertisement), $29 6. Rapha Apparel Wash, Apparel Re-Proofer, and Merino Wash (for use on any performance wear), $15/each 7. Orontas Type A and B lubes, grease, and cleaner (100% sustainable sources), $13–$14 8. Dakine Riders Duffle 80L (with integrated changing mat), $8 9. Orbiting Olive Campagnolo keychain (vintage toeclip), $25. Learn more about our choices at BICYCLING.com/apresride.…

TWO GALLONS. That’s about how much water a hard-pedaling cyclist should guzzle on a hot day, according to the Institute of Medicine. The good news: You don’t have to mainline H2O to fill up. Top of your tank with foods that are high in water, says Tara Gidus, RD, an Orlando-based sports dietitian. As an added bonus, their nutrients can replace the electrolytes you lose through sweat, replenish spent energy stores, and reduce inflammation. Reach for these waterlogged foods to take a bite out of your thirst. MELONS Made up of 90 percent water, melon is an ideal recovery snack. “It replaces glycogen stores quickly,” says David Grotto, RDN, author of The Best Things You Can Eat. BERRIES These gems contain up to 92 percent water and are rich in…

STINGING NETTLES These 3-to 6-foot bushy plants deliver irritating histamines to the skin via tiny hairs that grow on the stems and leaves. Rinse with water from your bottle on the trail, and wash skin with soap and water as soon as you can. Apply rubbing alcohol or a baking-soda paste to relieve itching. Take ibuprofen for further relief. CACTUS SPINES Remove with tweezers. Spines vary by species, so pull according to shape rather than straight out. For fine needles, press duct tape onto your skin then peel it of. At home, wash with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment. If you see signs of infection (warmth, red streaks, or swelling), seek medical attention. EYE IRRITANTS Minor ones like grit, dust, or bugs usually will work their way out…

LEGAL INSIGHTS FROM A CYCLING ATTORNEY CLASS DISMISSED WHETHER YOU’RE IN A CAR OR ON A BIKE, the flash of police lights behind you is never a good sign. A traffic ticket—yes, it’s possible to get one while cycling—can cost several hundred dollars or more, and it’s virtually guaranteed to raise your auto-insurance rates. Rack up enough tickets and you could lose your driver’s license. It can even put a damper on your job prospects should an employer want to see your driving record. And if you are involved in a collision and get ticketed for violating a traffic law, you will be the at-fault party in the eyes of the driver’s insurance company—even if that person was also responsible for the crash. One way drivers can avoid most of…

In the 2010 Tour de France, my team had Andy Schleck in yellow for Stage 16, which started on a huge climb. We knew the race was going to blow to pieces right away, and sure enough, after just 12 kilometers at full gas only one teammate, Stuart O’Grady, managed to stay in the front group with Andy. I was in a group about 20 seconds back and as we sprinted over the crest, I remember thinking, We’re gonna be okay. The pack is going to come back together on the descent. And it did for a lot of people. Just not for me. About one kilometer down, my front wheel exploded—a big bang! I had just enough time to think, Damn this is going to hurt! And it did.…

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN SPRAGUE About a year ago my 14-year-old daughter needed a new bicycle helmet. Her skull and level of sophistication had both outgrown her old pink flowery one. We paid a visit to the local bike shop. On a far wall our options were stacked five high and 10 wide: multivented Specialized models, slick red and black designs by Giro, brightly colored versions manufactured by Bell. There seemed to be little rhyme or reason to the prices, which ranged from $40 to $120. “Do any of these provide better protection than the others?” I asked the guy working the floor. “Does price reflect safety?” I trust the guy working the floor. Over the years he’s sold me tubes, tires, lube, shoes, gloves. He knows his merchandise. “Not really,”…

HOW TWO NEW HELMET DESIGNS TAKE AIM AT THE CONCUSSION PROBLEM SPIN CONTROL (fig. 1) A thin layer of viscous liquid separates your brain from your skull, dissipating some of the energy from a fall during impact. Two new helmet systems try to diminish concussion-causing forces by imitating that naturally occurring defense mechanism. The Multidirectional Impact Protection System (MIPS), from Sweden, and the Angular Impact Mitigation (AIM) design, created by Legacy Biomechanics Laboratory in Portland, Oregon, both incorporate an inner and outer shell; in a crash, the outer layer rotates away from the impact, which may reduce the odds of concussion. EASING THE BLOW (fig.2) Rather than hard-foam liners, which don’t offer much protection from slower-speed crashes, an AIM helmet will be made from sliver-thin aluminum strips arranged in a…

Somewhere on the lower slopes of Trail Ridge Road, I realize that gravity is not cruel, just misunderstood. Just ask the next physicist you meet to explain it all to you. Nobody can. Even now, centuries after Galileo dropped cannonballs off the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the essence of gravity remains a mystery. Though we can predict many consequences of the force that made those balls fall, we do not understand exactly what it was that made them fall, anymore than we know for sure how the sun exerts force on the earth, at a distance of 93 million miles, merely because of its size. Or the earth on the moon. Or why everything on earth “gravitates” downhill, from cannonballs to running water to cyclists. We know some of the…

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 Red IN A GROUP OF ULTRAFAST BIKES, the Tarmac outpaced the competition—for the second year in a row. Once again, it was “simply the best in a field of transcendent bikes,” summarized one tester. Another added: “The Tarmac made me feel like a better rider: a faster climber, a smoother pedaler, a more capable descender. I could dive into corners later, with more speed, and I felt like I had every right to sprint toward whatever imaginary line had been drawn across the road.” Despite its confident performance at the limits of traction, the Tarmac is still amiable on bumpy roads—these apparently contradictory traits help explain its enviable racing pedigree, including multiple ProTour wins with Omega Pharma–Quick-Step and other professional cycling teams. It’s a fast bike…

Pinarello ROKH Force/Rival THIS SPORTY MODEL exemplifies an evolving category. Unlike a pure race bike, the ROKH takes a lot of the sting out of rough roads and eased the strain on our backs on multi-hour rides. The ROKH impressed our testers with its handling: The bike was stable enough that we could sit up and remove a jacket—even on bumpy lanes worn down by the heavy tires of farm machinery—but still playful and fun when it was time to bomb a switchback. The frame felt stiff from front to rear whether we were speeding uphill or launching a sprint. The ROKH isn’t as upright as some, but a stem with a moderate rise can help any rider fit comfortably. Price $3,600 Weight 17.6 lb. (58cm) Info pinarellousa.com ALSO ON…

Giant Defy 2 Riding the Defy 2, our testers forgot they were straddling such an affordable bike. The aluminum frame was stiff and efficient, and not overly jarring on rough roads. The parts are well suited to any kind of road ride—the Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain is reliable and many of Giant’s own components and wheels help keep the price low without sacrificing quality. Fast and responsive, the Defy is ideal for riders with a tight budget but ambitious goals—like completing their first century or riding a fondo. Price $1,075 Weight 20.1 lb. (54cm) Info giant-bicycles.com ALSO ON THE PODIUM Diamondback Podium 3 Most of the drivetrain components on this bike are from Shimano’s 105 group—a step up from the Tiagra parts found on the others. Unfortunately, the wheels don’t…

WE TEST: Road Bikes, $700–$800 AFTER A 25-YEAR HIATUS, Ron Kuban, 51, returned to riding because he wanted to lose weight. The Louisville, Kentucky, resident pedals about 20 miles a day on his Trek 7.3 hybrid and has seen remarkable results, dropping from 340 pounds all the way down to 235. In the process, he has rekindled his love of cycling and is now targeting longer rides. He needs a bike that’s faster than his current model but still comfortable on outings as long as 100 miles—and he has $800 to spend. Trek 1.1//$740 This fast, lively model rides so smoothly, you might think it costs hundreds more. Already the lightest bike in this group, the 1.1 feels more agile than its 22-pound weight suggests, which should help Ron sprint…

NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES With the reviews in our annual April Buyer’s Guide, we aim to bring you a selection of lust-worthy bikes and components to suit a variety of riding styles, whether you’re in the market for a new bicycle or simply dreaming of one. Each year I spend days reading the Buyer’s Guide until the pages are worn and ink is smeared on the various frames and components. I tuck it inside the pages of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue so I can stare at those international beauties (the bicycles, of course) for hours on end without provoking any looks of jealousy or despair from my wife. Jon D. Bush, Amarillo, TX Nothing strikes fear in the heart of my noncycling spouse like your Buyer’s Guide. It goes from the…

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, riding a bike was a simple pleasure. But somewhere along the way, it may have gotten complicated. Between unfamiliar clothes, intimidating bike shops, and unpredictable traffic, it’s hard to just hop on and go if you’ve been out of the game for years. Use this guide to bypass some common roadblocks. Roadblock// SHOPS SEEM INTIMIDATING By doing a little homework, you’ll walk through the door more confident. Before you go, bring your needs into focus: What are your goals? Where will you ride? How far? Over what types of terrain? Consider how much you can afford to pay for a bicycle and key accessories. Plan to spend at least $500 on your first bike. That may seem steep, but it adds up to just $42…

TIRES INFLATE THEM SLOWLY. IF the treads are just slightly worn, there’s still life left. But if the rubber is so degraded that you can see threads or any sidewall damage, replace your tire. WHEELS Open quick-releases and, using a wrench, check that the axle nuts are securely fastened. Eyeball the wheels to make sure they’re centered in the fork and frame. BRAKES If the brake pads look shiny, rough them up gently with sandpaper and wipe down the rims of your wheels with a clean rag. If the pads are worn (the grooves are nearly gone), replace them before your first ride. PARTS Wipe down the components, frame, and wheels, and look for anything that needs attention. Secure tattered tape or loose grips, and use a degreaser on gummed-up…

MUST-SEE STAGES STAGE 2 Monday, May 13//Murrieta to Greater Palm Springs Riders will head out of the desert and up to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in what will be the tour’s first uphill finish. STAGE 6 Friday, May 17//San Jose (Individual Time Trial) This 19.6-mile race against the clock is a stiff test. The closing coup de grace is a nearly 2-mile climb featuring several pitches with grades of more than 10 percent. STAGE 7 Saturday, May 18//Livermore to Mount Diablo The 11-mile ascent of Diablo hits at the end of this 92-mile penultimate stage that likely will determine the overall champion. BY THE NUMBERS 742.1 Total miles of racing over 8 stages. 62,875 Total feet of elevation gain 8 Number of stages won by Peter Sagan in just…

Sometimes I can’t push the pump handle down when trying to inflate a tube with a presta valve—even though I know it’s on correctly. You’ve probably also noticed that sometimes all it takes to fix the problem is to remove the pump head and try again. But if that doesn’t work, the valve is probably stuck. To help you understand the problem, here’s how a presta valve works: Air inside the inner tube closes a sealing ring in the valve so air can’t escape. The last time you inflated your tire and tightened the valve, that ring may have gotten stuck. Air pressure from the pump alone may not be enough to break that seal. If this is the case, unscrew the locking nut on the end of the valve,…

STUDY THE COURSE Fondos are designed to be scenic, which means they’re usually somewhat remote. Course signage can be easy to miss, so have a plan if you get lost. Bring a GPS, plus a course map, phone, cash, and multitool. TIMING IS EVERYTHING Organizers base results on timed climbs, a single time for the entire course, or both. They’ll generally post multiple rankings, including listings by age and gender. Find out ahead of time to plan your strategy. PREPARE TO SHARE If you’re gunning for speed, slipping into a group will help you save energy. But don’t wait for event day to try it for the first time. Build group rides into your training to practice sticking close to someone else’s wheel. START SMART Thousands of riders will line…

The news media loves to pit drivers and cyclists against one another. Of course, the truth is that most of us are both, depending on whether our posteriors are in the bucket or on the rivet at that particular moment. Bicycles and cars each have their place, and owning and utilizing both doesn’t need to be a source of existential angst. But what about using those vehicles together—driving your bike to a ride? That’s an ethical gray area. There are times when this is acceptable, and other situations when it’s a bit wimpy, if not downright hypocritical. Let’s take a look at a few common scenarios. RACES Whether you ride the track, mountain, road, or cyclocross, if you are traveling to a race then it is perfectly acceptable to use…

1880S: PITH HELMET Meant to cushion the head during a fall from a high-wheeler-style bicycle, the pith offers little protection. 1900 (APPROXIMATE): HAIRNET Comprised of strips of leather-covered padding, this version shields the head only from some cuts and scrapes. 1939: FOOTBALL HELMET The Riddell Company designs the first plastic-shelled helmet for football players. The material is brittle but improves on leather models used previously. 1975: BELL BIKER The company then known for automotive helmets unveils the first head protection for cyclists using the basic design still in use today. MSR releases a similar helmet. 1985: GIRO PROLIGHT The Prolight is the first helmet to prioritize ventilation while still meeting safety standards. It drives the industry toward lighter headgear with better venting. 1989: BELL MICROSHELL Bell puts a thin plastic…

SOME ARGUE WE’RE BETTER OFF NOT WEARING HELMETS AT ALL Here’s a look at some of their arguments.—Julia Merz THEY MAKE MOTORISTS COMPLACENT In 2006, Ian Walker, a psychologist at England’s University of Bath, used an ultrasonic sensor to measure the distance between his bike and 2,500 passing cars over the course of two months. Vehicles passed him on average 3.35 inches closer when he wore his helmet. Walker argued that drivers assume cyclists wearing helmets are more experienced and need less space. THEY INCREASE RISKY RIDING Psychologists Aslak Fyhri and Ross O. Phillips from the Institute of Transport Economics in Oslo, Norway, published a study in January in which they tested the risk-compensation theory: If you trust your helmet to protect you, you’ll engage in riskier behavior, like riding…

One of the best climbers in the United States, Marti Shea, says she discovered her affinity for going uphill during her first bike trip out West, for an event called the Bicycle Tour of Colorado. “I had no idea about the distance or elevation of the first ascent, Monarch Pass,” she says. “Being from New England, where most rises took me less than 10 minutes, when I heard the big climb was coming I assumed it might take me twice that. Twenty-three miles later, the pass peaked out at 11,300 feet of altitude, and I took away two big lessons: First, just because there’s a curve in the road doesn’t mean the top of the mountain is right around the corner; and, second, even though I loved climbing and seemed…

Specialized Amira SL 4 Pro SRAM Compact WHETHER WE WERE CLIMBING through avocado groves, dropping into shaded canyons, or meandering along rolling hills, the Amira was a nimble, engaging playmate. “It’s light, efficient, back-friendly, and climbs like a mountain goat,” said one tester. The FACT 11r carbon frame shares plenty of technology with the Tarmac race bike to ensure efficiency, but it has a longer head tube, shorter top tube, and more standover clearance. One tester noted that the Amira’s geometry “felt the most female-friendly,” compared with the other finalists. She also praised the touch points—the narrow handlebar and comfortable saddle. Compared with Specialized’s endurance-oriented Ruby, this bike’s wheelbase and chainstays are shorter, resulting in a racy frame that can be pushed hard but is also fun to ride on…

Cervélo R3 Ultegra BIKES IN THE ENTHUSIAST category are versatile—they can be used to outsprint your coworkers to the town line, pedaled leisurely on long, chatty rides, and even raced. The R3 will make each of those ride experiences better. One tester described the R3 as “a high-end bike in a sea of midrangers.” Our testers universally praised the Cervélo’s all-around performance: Whether we were climbing past snowbanks on Mount Palomar, trying to outrun traffic in downtown La Jolla, or pedaling along the Pacific, the R3 fit the part. The Shimano Ultegra drivetrain worked flawlessly, and the Fulcrum wheels were the smoothest of any in this category. You pay more for those premium features, but they’re worth it. We also liked the silver paint, a welcome departure from the red,…

Breezer Beltway Infinity Breezer, whose Uptown model has won this category in the past, impressed us anew with this speedy commuter. The easy-rolling 700c wheels and quick-handling frame let us maneuver through traffic, while the powerful hydraulic disc brakes helped us control heavy loads. Company founder Joe Breeze says he believes transportation bikes should be ready for any situation, so this model includes dynamo-powered lights, a rack, fenders, kickstand, and a bell. The Nuvinci 360 internally geared hub delivers blissfully smooth shifts. Price $1,600 Weight 34.2 lb. (M) Info breezerbikes.com ALSO ON THE PODIUM Raleigh City Sport DLX The well-appointed DLX has a laid-back position and stable handling. Those traits make it ideal for leisurely Sunday rides to the farmers’ market or an afternoon picnic—especially if you mostly stick to…

Utah’s Fire Road Cedar City dirt fondo serves up 7,500 feet of climbing—and awe-inspiring views of Zion National Park. (15, 37, or 62 miles; July 6) Writer Bill Gifford tackled Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved street in the United States that doesn’t dead-end. See how he fared on page 84. Thanks to her prowess in the mountains, Evie Stevens took third at last year’s Giro d’Italia Femminile. (2013 dates: June 28 to July 7) “The bicycle...notices a rise where your untrained eye would not observe that one existed.”—Mark Twain, Taming the Bicycle Castelli’s quick-drying Climber’s jersey weighs just 91 grams—which is why Garmin-Sharp riders wear it on steamy Grand Tour mountain stages. Climb smarter: On rolling hills, stay seated until your cadence drops by about five rpm, then…