Innehållsförteckning för April 2013 från Bicycling

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER GETTING A NEW Fuji 10-speed during the summer between fourth and fifth grades. I can picture test-riding that bike and a dark-blue Panasonic up and down the sidewalk outside the local shop where my parents had bought two Peugeots, and choosing the Fuji because of its lustrous maroon finish and superior bar tape. My father threw the bike into our wood-paneled Pontiac Grand Safari station wagon, and I have a memory of glancing back at the frame sparkling in the sunlight. When we were a block from home, we passed by a neighbor’s house where kids my age were playing in the yard, and the story goes that I begged my dad to stop the car so I could show everyone my new bike. But I…

1 Castelli Endurance Bib Shorts $150 Stretchy, lightweight fabric makes these bibs comfortable and cool. They are also Castelli’s least expensive model to sport the premium Progetto X2 chamois, a thin pad that won’t overheat like lower-end models do. —Matt Phillips 2 Genuine Innovations Air Chuck Elite Inflator $25 Repair your flats efficiently with this diminutive, durable inflator. Just screw on a CO2 cartridge and press the chuck onto a presta valve to fill your fresh tube. A 16-gram cartridge inflates a 23mm tire to 130 psi.—M.P. 3 Rapha Hi-Vis Gilet $160 Only Rapha could pull off such hip high-visibility clothing: This intense shade of the brand’s signature pink really lights up the road. The thick, stretchy material is comfortable in cool temperatures, but slightly bulky.—M.P. 4 Garmin Edge 810…

1 Bontrager Race X Lite Wheels $1,000 The aluminum tubeless-compatible clincher rims (23mm) give tires a full shape for great traction. The included rim strips let you ditch tubes and go tubeless. The wheels have butted, bladed spokes, Alpina locking alloy nipples, DT Swiss hub internals, and weigh a reasonable 1,438 grams.—Ron Koch 2 Easton EC70 SL3 Handlebar $210 The best thing about Easton’s new carbon handlebar isn’t the price ($55 less than the EC90) or the weight (233 grams for our 42cm sample). It’s the compact profile. A short 75mm reach and 130mm drop are roomy enough for big hands but small enough to keep the brake levers close.—Joe Lindsey 3 FSA K-Force Light BB386EVO Crank $580, compact crank; $50, bottom bracket Cranks are a good place to save…

1 Topeak Prep Station $900 This compact portable workshop includes most common tools, including hex wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers, but also more obscure items like a mallet. Two wheels make it easy to transport. Stacked bins that rotate out from a central strut keep tools organized. —Mike Yozell 2 Feedback Sports Sprint Stand $255 The three-leg, collapsible design makes this stand ideal for those who need to put the workshop away when the job is done. Its height is adjustable, and the horizontal support holds a bike by its fork dropouts and bottom bracket. The stand is compatible with most axle configurations.—M.Y. 3 Saris CycleGlide Ceiling Rack $235 Whether you have a museum-worthy collection or a family with a growing fleet, you need an easy and convenient way to store…

I set out for my first ride on the carbon Defy fully aware of its budget-friendly price and workmanlike components, anticipating a stable, somewhat plodding ride. Bikes at this price—even carbon—often feel heavy compared with their top-shelf counterparts. But after only a few dozen pedal strokes I realized how wrong I had been. I crested a short climb and swung around a slight bend, the bike responding quickly to every input. It accelerated smoothly and dove eagerly into turns, feeling much lighter than its 18-plus pounds. On each ride that followed, I ventured a little farther and often took the long way home. Never before has a bike so exceeded my expectations. The secret lies somewhere in the frame construction. Like many value composite bikes, the Defy is made of…

Look closely, and I mean really crouch down and stare at the bike. You’ll see a precious detail on the seat tube, above the bottom bracket: a tiny pink elephant blowing bubbles from its trunk. Random? Not according to Trek. This adorable pachyderm was inspired by the bike’s name—Lush—and is the handiwork of Stacey Martin, Trek’s graphics gal. You don’t have to be tipsy to see it, but the Lush is kind of intoxicating. And while I haven’t yet spotted any pink elephants on my singletrack, I’m happy to take this bike out again and again in search of one. Trek engineered the Lush, from start to finish, for female riders: It’s dressed in shimmering teal and crystal white that accent the bike’s curves. On the trail, its easy handling…

Cannondale has long used distinctive components and frame designs to stand apart from its competitors. The Scalpel 29 continues that trend. Designed for XC or marathon racers, this superlight racer with a clever suspension platform is more versatile—and more fun—than many similar models. Despite its race pedigree, the bike is capable of tackling aggressive trails. It climbs easily, dives into turns, and descends with a vigor not often found on such lightweight models. The steep 71-degree head angle and short wheelbase give the Scalpel playful handling without sacrificing too much stability. The bike’s versatility stems from the unique Cannondale Lefty XLR, which provides 100mm of plush suspension. Past versions of the fork used two square sliding surfaces, but the new model has a round lower leg. The change allowed engineers…

Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, home to BICYCLING magazine, is a great place to ride. In certain months, you can spin along challenging singletrack, then choose between racing cyclocross, joining any of several road group rides, or doing laps at the velodrome. But the family-oriented social scene and widely dispersed population can make it hard to be single. Cargo bike to the rescue? Having previously tested Yuba’s 83-pound Mundo V3 longtail hauler, I was intrigued by the more maneuverable “midtail” Boda Boda. It’s a hatchback to the Mundo’s box truck—an alternative that’s practical for daily city life and better suited to the bachelor lifestyle, said company spokesperson Kaytea Petro. “I guarantee,” she told me, “if you ride to the bar, you’ll have company for the ride home.” The bike can carry a…

For many years the only respectable town bike was a clapped-out rehab job made beautiful by select, totally unreasonable upgrades (such as silk tubulars on a $50 junkyard newsie), plus relentless use and general neglect. It was about patina, not trying too hard, letting the rattles work themselves out. You just rode around on these bikes—you didn’t go on rides. Spending real money on them seemed pointless. Today, a lot of cyclists, myself included, think that a town bike is as worthy of our desire—and cash—as the finest racing machines. I want a spirited accomplice whether I’m rushing to work or dawdling down a new alley. And, for the same reason I buy art for my walls, I want my town bike to be aesthetically inspiring. The Shinola Bixby is…

As I chased my buddies through the trees on a stretch of flowing singletrack, I couldn’t help but laugh: My $1,925 Giant Trance was going neck and neck with their expensive carbon superbikes. The 5 inches of rear-wheel travel on this 29er allowed me to plow through rock gardens, over babyheads, and across water bars. The stiff aluminum frame refused to yield, even as I careened over deep bumps. The Trance tracked predictably through corners and swung easily between obstacles. Through it all, I stayed locked onto a friend’s wheel—in this case, a carbon hoop that cost about as much as my whole bike. The 26-inch Trance X had been one of Giant’s best-selling models, and the larger wheels on this version improve the bike by adding stability. Because they…

Unlike most electric bikes, Stromer’s ST1 looks almost like a regular city bike. I like that. But hidden in the rear wheel is a motor that can move the bike along at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. I like that even more. Powered bikes are already popular in Europe and parts of Asia. This model’s characteristics mean it could help e-bikes catch on here: It’s easy to ride, the controls are simple, and it costs less than some similar models. A range of accessories also helps make the ST1 suited for many uses. To test the bike, I spun around town, but mostly used it on my hilly, 36-mile commute. I made liberal use of the motor’s four settings, which deliver a boost up to three times…

1 Fi’zi:k R5 Uomo $200 Three tones of black give these shoes a stylish and distinctive look. Mesh panels help keep your feet cool. 2 Giro Empire $275 Buckles and straps supplanted laces on cycling shoes long ago, but the classic tech delivers a near custom fit on these shoes. 3 Sidi Wire $500 If you demand performance, the Wire’s rigid sole, supportive upper, and line closure will keep you pedaling efficiently. 4 Mavic Scorpio $130 Made for aggressive trail riders, this women’s shoe has a comfortable upper and grippy rubber sole. 5 Bontrager Solstice $90 The stiff sole delivers ample power to the pedals, but the shoe is comfortable enough that it won’t hobble you when you stop to check out a yard sale or café. 6 DMT Radial…

1 These new levers have small hoods that are easier to grip than previous versions. To speed shifts, Shimano shortened the inner lever’s throw. 2 Savvy refinements to these two-pivot stoppers boost power and control. Shimano added a version that mounts directly to carbon aero frames. 3 With only four spider arms, this crank is Shimano’s lightest yet. The innovative design works with compact and standard rings. 4 The cable attaches higher on the front derailleur than on prior designs. This facilitates quicker shifts into the big ring. 5 Polymer-coated cables help the derailleur shift consistently across all 11 rear cogs. You can even fit a cassette with as many as 28 teeth on its easiest gear. Price $2,700, complete group…

Urban Civia Twin Cities Step-Through $995 The integrated steel rack and internal, seven-speed Shimano rear hub make the Twin Cities ideal for any task you can dream up, from running errands to setting off on a lengthy, scenic ramble. Civilian Ramble $800 With cork grips, a faux-leather-covered saddle, and high-flange hubs, this cruiser pays homage to Parisian newspaper deliverymen of the 1950s. Giant Via $600 The comfy upright position, spring-cushion seat, three-speed hub, and custom-alloy front rack make the Giant Via well suited for postwork burrito stops. Viva Kilo $1,300 The high-rise handlebar and stem are elegant, but the cushiony ride, courtesy of the Schwalbe tires, and a spring-loaded saddle are what will win you over. E-Bikes iZip E3 Path $1,700 You can pedal or opt for the all-electric mode,…

In “The Grand Bargain” (p. 90), JASON SUMNER helps you get the most bike for your money—and recommends nine models that can be had for $1,100 or less. “With technical advances and more efficient production methods, it’s possible to get a really solid bike for less than expected,” he says. Sumner, who lives in Boulder, Colorado, interviewed American track-cycling Olympian Sarah Hammer for our August 2012 issue. Brooklyn-based photographers JAMES MICHELFELDER and THERESE SOMMERSETH “were really pleased with the ethereal, backlit look” of the action shots they took for our Buyer’s Guide; the pair also photographed the drool-worthy Eddy Merckx EMX-525 carbon race bike that graces our cover. The former professional skiers’ work has also been commissioned by ESPN, Callaway, Under Armor, and Volkl. ALYOSHA SMOLARSKI, who rides for New…

1 PDW Full Metal Fenders $120 These sleek aluminum spray catchers fit tight clearances on most road bikes and work on frames without eyelets, although they only accept tires up to 23mm wide. They have struts that connect between your bike’s dropout and quick-releases. They also mount to your fork and brake bridge.—Matt Phillips 2 Chrome Cobra Storm Jacket $200 This snug jacket looks great off the bike and has enough technical features to make it a smart choice for wet rides. Though it could use more reflective hits than the logo in back, a longer tail protects you from spray. Multiple vents prevent overheating, and the hood fits nicely under a helmet.—M.P. 3 Topeak MTX Beam Rack and DXP Trunk Bag $60, rack; $125, trunk bag The expandable trunk…

1 Hincapie Edge Kit $130, jersey; $140, bib (see the bibs, page 53) Developed with input from pro riders, this snug-fitting apparel helps you slip through the wind. The jersey material stretches to avoid creating drag-inducing wrinkles. The bibs compress your thighs for a supportive feel and come with a comfortable chamois. Both have reflective cuffs. Like all Hincapie clothes, this kit best fits cyclists with long torsos; everyone else, size down. —Andrew J. Bernstein 2 Giro Air Attack Helmet $200 ($240, w/shield) This is the headgear for those who wear shoe covers in 95-degree heat, install ceramic bearings in their derailleur’s jockey wheels, and shave their arms. Giro says that switching from a standard lid to this slick model can save you 17 seconds over 40 kilometers—a substantial advantage.…

1 Mavic Crossmax SLR 29 Wheels $1,000 To create a stiff 29er version of its lightweight race wheels, Mavic beefed up the rims and spokes. Still, this aluminum set weighs just 1,610 grams and costs hundreds less than comparable carbon models. The front and rear hubs now accommodate standard quick-release skewers or thru-axles (with the included adapters).—Lou Mazzante 2 Sugoi EvoX Shorts $120 Made from lightweight fabric, these baggies blend comfort and performance. An 18-inch inseam may bother some old-guard XC racers, but it provides ample coverage and doesn’t hinder pedaling. Two front mesh panels increase airflow, and side pockets carry essentials. The contoured chamois delivers hours of pain-free saddle time.—L.M. 3 Schwalbe Racing Ralph 27.5 Tires $84 Racers loved earlier versions of this lightweight tire, but bemoaned its lack…

Riders on BMC’s ProTour team have recently used the company’s bikes to earn victories at the Tour de France and in world championships. This season, those riders hope a new aero bike—the timemachine TMR01—will propel them to even more top results. BMC says it designed this stiff, aero model for sprinters and breakaway artists—the bike’s rigid frame will give sprinters an advantage, while the aero tubes will help solo attackers conserve energy. We didn’t test the TMR01 in a wind tunnel, but it feels fast on the road. The unyielding frame (40 percent stiffer than the teammachine SLR01’s) transfers power to the wheels with an efficiency you’ll sense at the pedals, and its sharp angles result in quick, precise handling. The rigid tubes absorb some low-frequency buzz, but do little…

I was skeptical when the flashy Leo SL first joined our test fleet nearly a year ago. I’d never ridden a bike from Canadian brand Devinci and wondered if this new high-end model would deliver on the road, even if it looked the part. The company’s stated goal in building the Leo was to make a performance bike that the average cyclist could take to the races or on a long ride like a fondo without feeling too beaten up afterward. To achieve that goal, the company folded a wide range of technologies into the frame. The most important of the bunch is Dual Core Fusion, a name that refers to the manner of the bike’s construction. It combines two frame cores: an upper (the top tube and seat-stays) that…

This far from the paved roads, with the bridge out and the dirt so pocked from winter that few would have come this way even if there was passage over the river, the old man had not even bothered to leash his dogs. They all watched me pass, seeming less surprised or annoyed than appreciative that I had found my way so deep into the woods. I had my hands off the bar, and I waved then turned to look at them as I went by, and without my attention, the bike found its way like a good horse in a cowboy movie. Far around the bend and on a hill past the rusted tracks, with the front wheel pointing skyward, I put my hands in the drops and crouched…

Specialized’s description of the Secteur—a bike for “riders everywhere looking to do more with their road cycling”—is vague. The bike’s setup doesn’t offer many clues either: The upright position and stable handling indicate that it’s not ideal for racing, a lack of utilitarian features make it a less obvious choice for urban riding, and its fairly light frame isn’t intended to support a heavy load for serious touring. That’s not true of all Secteur models. Most are equipped with rim brakes and are basically less-expensive aluminum versions of Specialized’s venerable Roubaix Classics bike. The two disc-equipped ones—this and the $1,250 Sport Disc—include features that make them more versatile: Besides the cable-actuated Avid BB7 brakes, the disc version accommodates tires as wide as 36mm. You can install full-coverage fenders (which reduce…

Eddy Merckx won the Tour de France five times, but those wins accounted for a small percentage of the 525 victories he captured in major events over the course of his 14-year professional career. The EMX-525, the latest model from the Belgian’s eponymous brand, is for cyclists who hope that riding a bike with an unmatched pedigree will help them earn their own victories. Like the legend himself, the 525 craves speed; the faster you ride, the better the bike behaves. In the parking lot, lazy circles can be difficult to control. But exceed 20 mph, and the handling becomes smooth. On descents faster than 30 mph you need only to pick a line and the unflappable frame lets you confidently carve a tight radius. The stiff front end is…

Last July, a group of six women pedaled the entire route of the Tour de France. Captivated by their 2,000-plus-mile journey, called the Rêve Tour, I was eager to test the EVO, the bike that took them all the way to Paris. Its predecessor, the SuperSix, is also one of the most memorable bikes I’ve ridden. But when I hopped on the EVO, it felt different from the SuperSix, a bike I described as having a “deceptive stealth” and “quiet strength.” And for good reason: The EVO’s design is completely new, says Lyriel Jordan, Cannondale women’s product manager. While its predecessor had felt mellow at first, the EVO was crisp and responsive from the get-go. But that peppy stiffness didn’t eclipse comfort, thanks to a slightly longer top tube and…

The venerable S2 may be an old blade, but it still holds a sharp edge. This bike debuted in 2005 as the Soloist Carbon and helped spark the aero-road frame craze. Since then, the S2 has steadily received upgrades, including optimized cable routing around the head tube, internal cable stops, and an updated carbon material for its frame tubes. Cervélo has also fine-tuned the bike’s geometry several times, incorporating feedback from its professional teams. The pace of updates slowed as the Canadian company prepared to release the S5 in 2011, but the S2 continues to be popular despite remaining unchanged for a few seasons. Though it once set the benchmark for aerodynamics, it still has a straight 11/8-inch steerer tube and a conventional 68mm bottom-bracket shell. Does it feel dated?…

1 This 11-speed cassette features a massive 42-tooth large cog. SRAM built a custom hub body to accommodate the innovative 10-tooth small gear. 2 Unlike traditional rear derailleurs, the XX1 body moves only horizontally. This small difference significantly reduces ghost shifts. 3 The single chainring comes in six sizes to dial in your gearing, and its wide, square teeth keep the chain on track, even during aggressive downhills. Price $1,575 w/crankset, shifters, and chain…

Carbon race BMC SLR01 SRAM Red $7,500 Lightweight, stiff, and snappy when you floor it, the SLR01 features BMC’s Tuned Compliance Concept—sections of the frame are molded to add forgiveness. Cannondale SuperSix Evo Black $13,300 Using new carbon technology, Cannondale built a frame it claims weighs just 700 grams. Add in lightweight components and a complete bike tips the scale at about 11 pounds. Sarto Custom $5,000–$6,000, frame and fork This Italian shop only recently started working with carbon, but its bikes offer impressive custom-geometry options. Time RXRS $5,800, frame This all-rounder has a frame that’s tuned to be comfortable and speedy. It’s one of our favorites from the French manufacturer. Aero road BH G6 Dura-Ace Reynolds Assault $7,800 The aero shapes and beefy bottom bracket tell you the G6…

INTREPID Now hear this: Delta Cycle claims that its Airzound is the world’s loudest bicycle horn. You see a bike pump; José Gómez-Márquez sees a nebulizer. The MIT professor specializes in turning ordinary objects into inexpensive medical devices for use in developing countries. Want to catch air? “Speed is the most important aspect of a drop,” says Wade Simmons, known as the Godfather of Freeride. “The faster you go, the less effort you need.” “If I said it was a breeze, I’d be a liar.”—Jefferson Smith, who completed the 25-mile bike leg of the 2012 Nation’s Triathlon in Washington, DC, on a 40-pound Capital Bikeshare bicycle. Sign of the times? Full-service bike shop Philly Electric Wheels recently opened an additional showroom—dedicated solely to electric bikes—in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy neighborhood. No…

LESS IS MORE Our Jan./Feb. feature “2,696 Pounds, 36 Lives” resonated with readers of all sizes. It was nice to read about people riding to better themselves. Even though I am not looking for weight loss, I’m riding with a goal in mind. I started cycling this year to feel more fit. Steve Drouillard, Windsor, Ontario Started with walking, then got small enough for a bike. Now it’s 4,000 miles a year on a road bike and 220 pounds gone. Never going back. Bill Cole, via Facebook I weighed 210; now I’m 170 and still eat what I want. Haven’t driven my car for two years. Steven Spenner, via Facebook I did Selene Yeager’s Ride Your Way Lean program and lost 25 pounds in three months. Then I started racing…

1 Ritchey WCS Trail Group $170, bar; $100, stem; $220, seatpost These components strengthen your cockpit and improve handling. The aluminum stem’s clamp wraps 220 degrees around the bar for a secure interface. At 740mm, the light, stiff riser bar is Ritchey’s widest carbon model. The layup in the carbon post adds damping, but most trail riders will prefer a dropper. —Ron Koch 2 Mavic Notch Helmet $110 Aggressive riders should appreciate this lid’s extended rear coverage. Large vents keep you cool and plush pads boost comfort. A dial-operated retention system keeps the helmet in place, but the Notch best fits riders with rounder heads. Straps on our test sample were too short, limiting adjustability; Mavic says the helmets in stores will have longer ones.—R.K. 3 Shredly Basic Shorts $85…

1 The Bike Shelf Rack $300 Display your bike on this wooden shelf like the work of art it is. Designer Chris Brigham, founder of the Knife & Saw, created it to store bikes in tight quarters—its clean lines won’t clash with your furnishings. Choose walnut or ash in one of two sizes: One fits standard frames; the other holds boldly shaped carbon bikes.—Matt Allyn 2 Chris King Hub Shakers $120 King’s highly skilled machinists build components to exacting standards, but mistakes happen. Instead of tossing flawed hubs, King upcyles them into salt and pepper shakers (silver-and black-anodized caps ID contents). They may look like the real deal, but don’t expect them to buzz like King’s freehubs. —M.A. 3 Campagnolo Big Corkscrew $145 Tullio Campagnolo invented the quick-release in 1930,…

Just 10 years ago, most high-quality bikes sold in the United States were made from aluminum or related alloys. As recently as 2003, our annual Buyer’s Guide featured only a handful of carbon-fiber models. And in the first years of this century, pros rode aluminum race bikes alongside carbon-fiber models at the sport’s most celebrated events. Then the carbon-composite craze took hold and so commenced the great aluminum disappearing act. High-end road bikes were the first to go. Top-of-the-line hardtail mountain bikes were next, quickly followed by suspension and midpriced bikes. Aluminum’s 20-year run at the pinnacle of the sport ended with shocking abruptness. By 2005, most manufacturers had relegated aluminum to value models and hybrids, but a few continued to build impressive frames out of it. More recently, improvements…

Although some people looking to purchase an entry-level bike may be drawn to models with a drop handlebar like those found on race bikes, we humbly suggest that a model like Marin’s Fairfax might be a better choice for many casual riders or for anyone setting off on his or her first cycling adventures. Why? A flat handlebar helps newer riders develop confidence as they head out on open roads. The wider bar lets you spread your hands wider apart, which gives you more leverage over the front wheel. That makes the bike easier to control and puts your fingers near the shifters and brake levers. Plus, because you’re less hunched over than you would be on a drop bar, you can better observe traffic, look for obstacles, and take…

From the first pedal stroke on a short ride last summer, Specialized’s latest race bike impressed me. The Tarmac SL4 was responsive and comfortable, with a nuanced feel that left me hungry for longer routes. And when I watched a version of the bike in action during the 2012 Olympic road race, I became further entangled in its mystique. For that race, Specialized supplied its riders, including eventual gold-medal winner Alexander Vinokourov, with neon red frames. On subsequent rides, I looked at the boldly shaped tubes on my own test bike and couldn’t resist the temptation to launch attacks against imagined adversaries in my own Olympic road race. My rivals may have been fictitious, but the Tarmac’s performance was the real thing. It accelerated rapidly, with the quickness you expect…

Trek’s Domane line shares the “race performance” moniker with the company’s Madone series. Both are built using Trek’s OCLV carbon and designed to satisfy a need for speed—but each achieves that speed differently. The Madone has a slightly shorter head tube and a geometry tuned for more reactive handling—traits preferred by racers who don’t mind sacrificing comfort for a win. The Domane (“DO-man-ay,” an anagram of Madone), on the other hand, is designed to be more stable—especially on rough roads—making it better suited to riders who want to maintain speed and comfort over long miles. Before riding this bike, I had previously tested the high-end, unisex Domane 6.9 (November 2012). This version felt similar on the road despite a greater weight, lower-level parts, and a heavier grade of carbon. The…

Though the AX 2.0 is a race-worthy cyclocross bike, Focus designed this versatile, affordable model to have a broader appeal, hoping to entice commuters or those who want a rugged setup for rainy rides and gravel roads. It is also one of the least expensive ’cross models equipped with disc brakes. The technology is old news to mountain bikers, but it’s red-hot among road and ’cross riders who may not be aware that the brakes come with a learning curve. Until I broke in the pads, the Tektro Lyra stoppers on the Mares delivered little power. I had to leave extra room to stop, even at slow speeds. It took several rides, including one with lots of mud, to wear in the pads and rotors. Once I did, I needed…

Rarely do I leave for a first ride on a test bike without analyzing its build. But on one bracing winter day I hopped onto the Speedster 30 without inspecting it and started pedaling. I was immediately impressed by how similar it felt to Scott’s high-end carbon race bike, the Foil—a bike I had tested extensively when it was first unveiled in 2011. This feeling led me to believe that the Speedster was a lot more expensive than it turned out to be. Scott has done an admirable job of packing value into this bike. The frame is made of double-butted aluminum drawn into shapes similar to the aero designs found on the Foil. That shaping makes this one of the least expensive aero road bikes currently on the market.…

Jamis launched the Icon series of aluminum race bikes this year to satisfy customers demanding a category of bikes that split the difference between its aluminum recreational models and its carbon-fiber Xenith race bikes. Although aluminum has been derided for its jarring ride (see page 38), this new frame is more damped than some aluminum bikes—and just as fast as some carbon models. The Icon’s racy geometry is identical to that of the Xenith—a bike developed for the Jamis-Hagens Berman pro cycling team. It also comes with the same high-modulus carbon-fiber fork as the premium Xenith Team model. It takes more than just sharp angles and quick handling to make a race bike. Lightweight materials are also important—and that is what sets this bike apart from many other aluminum models.…

Though cycling elitists consider $1,000 to be bargain-basement territory for road and mountain bikes, many models at that price will provide you with years of happy riding. If you’re in the market for a city bike, you can land even more value for less. The key is to be a smart shopper. Before heading to your local bike shop, contemplate whether you’re planning to ride singletrack, log road miles, or commute to work. Also consider what other gear you’ll need. Buying a helmet, cycling shorts, and basic repair tools to fix a roadside flat can slice $150 to $300 from your budget. Next, find a retailer you like—one with helpful salespeople who can answer your questions. “This should be the beginning of a long, happy relationship, so don’t go looking…

1 In addition to powering the group, the sealed battery contains a microprocessor that controls components. One charge lasts between 930 and 1,200 miles, says Campagnolo. 2 In a crash, the rear derailleur’s motor decouples from the body to protect the internals. The EPS model is carbon; this version is aluminum, and only slightly heavier. 3 Separate levers control braking and shifting. The shift paddles have a distinct throw and an audible click to help eliminate unwanted gear changes. You can also shift across multiple cogs at once. 4 Powered by the same motor as Campy’s Super Record EPS group, Athena’s front derailleur shifts as smoothly as the premium version and is only slightly heavier. Price $3,215 w/carbon crank; $3,000 w/aluminum crank…

Women’s trail Cannondale Scarlet $3,650 This Cannondale has many of the same innovative features as its trail-oriented brother, the Jekyll. We especially like the DYAD shock with settings for climbing and descending. Giant Anthem X 29er 4 W $1,925 Designed in part in consultation with Giant Factory Off-Road team member Kelli Emmett, this 4-inch-travel model features a short, sloped top tube for a comfortable fit during long singletrack adventures. Raleigh Eva 29 Comp $1,100 The Eva is ideal for new riders. It features the simplicity of a hardtail, the stability of a 29er, and geometry and components designed for women. Specialized S-Works Fate Carbon 29 $7,500 This bike has serious performance chops: Specialized XC pro Lea Davison pushed the lightweight racer to 11th place in last summer’s Olympic Games. Trail…