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Let’s not beat around the bush, these guys roll in style and have over the last few years migrated north to the more expensive end of the componentry scale but you get what you pay for.  What is that exactly?  Let them tell you:

Doing it easy Nugga

Nuggets

Groupset: 2013 Campagnolo Record (Mechanical)

Likes: Very refined, smooth and responsive groupset. The hoods feel great in my hands whether you’re climbing or hammering on the flat. Shifts are very direct and there is a nice mechanical ‘clic’ to it. Braking is always consistent and there is good power through the levers. Above all, Campagnolo is super durable.

While this gruppo is new, my other bike has a 10sp groupset on it which is now about 8 years old. Never changed the chain ring or either of the derailleurs. Whenever I change the cables it feels like a new bike again. It looks boss too.

Dislikes: 11sp Campag can take some tuning and re-tuning – when you get used to the perfect shift, it becomes annoying if it is a little bit out.

If you didn’t ride it, your next best option would be: Chorus!! But if I were to move away from Campag, without going up in price range I’d try Ultegra Di2.

Moth Attacking!

Rayzor

Groupset: 2012 Shimano Di2 w/ Custom battery, cranks/rings, brakes, chain

Likes: Well, what can you say about the best groupset going around? Shifting gears is precise and you know that when you’re pushing the pedals hard, you’ll always get the gear you want. It’s quiet and efficient.

I like the hood position, they’re comfortable and provide a nice level of grip so that you feel like you’re always in control (even when it’s humid!).

Furthermore, the ability have sprint and bar shifters fitted make this a pretty versatile group set.

Chain, cassette etc is hard wearing and doesn’t cost the earth to replace.

Dislikes: Clearly if you’re a weight weenie, then the extra grams may be a concern to you, but this in my mind is outweighed by the superior shifting.

One issue is the single down shift… rather than wiping off 2-3 gears at a time… I believe this has been improved with the new 11 speed Di2.

If you didn’t ride it, your next best option would be: 11 speed Di2… maybe one day

Campagnolo 1 Shimano 0

Lach

Groupset: Campagnolo Super Record 2012 mechanical

Why?: Wanted to try Campag and where better to start than the top! (at that time EPS was still a couple of months away…)

Likes: Also really like to positive feel on the shifts, you know you’ve moved, the tactility is something you can’t overlook.  The shape of the hoods is awesome. Ergonomic, many places to fit your hands.

The looks. In my mind, there are still no other grouppos that look better than Super Record mechanical (so much carbon!) It’s the smoothest and quietest groupset I’ve ever ridden.

The ability to trim your front derailleur. Means your front ring shifts are always that bit quicker.

Dislikes: The cost of replacement parts. Really, it is excessive.

Sometimes in a sprint, you can grab two gears down when shifting from the drops instead of one. It’s enough to lose you a sprint.

Otherwise, not much!

If I didn’t ride it, my next best option would be:  I’ve always wanted to try electronic, whether that be Campag or Shimano.

New Artisan Google Image!

Danny

Groupset: 2013 Di-2 Shimano dura ace

Likes: shifting precision. Gear selection. Hood comfort. Consistency

Dislikes: the above not possible without good tuning

If you didn’t ride it, your next best option would be: mechanical dura ace

Where's the finish

Saus

Groupset: 2012 Shimano Di2 w/ Custom battery, cranks/rings, brakes, chain

Likes: Shape of hoods; maybe not as ‘ergonomic’ as Campag but I still like the shape. No thumb shift = easy to shift down gears in sprints.  Very durable group set and replacement parts don’t cost an arm and a leg. Ones the gears are tuned they stay tuned; no cables to stretch over time. Internal cabling gives very clean lines.

Dislikes: 11 speed would be nice but not essential; no other
dislikes

If you didn’t ride it, your next best option would be: New 11-speed Di2

Then we started to see this white blob on the television during TdF coverage.  The Bottle guy!  I didn’t pay him too much thought until I discovered the Clean Bottle and it clicked.  Smart move running up and down those roads.

Click here to Read More

A little guerrilla marketing

Anyone familiar with the Tour de France might be familiar with the cascade of sponsors “floats” that precede the race daily handing out products and providing a spectacle for the millions of spectators on the road side.

Clean Bottle

You might have also seen the lone figure of a drink bottle running up the pavement urging the riders on whilst performing a little guerrilla marketing.  Who is this guy?  Who knows?  All I know is that it is The Bottle guy.

Clean Bottle was started in 2010 as ‘the only bottle that unscrews from both ends for easy cleaning’.  Why?  Because people who love sugary electrolity drinks use these sorts of bottles and they get sticky.  It is a simple idea and one of those ‘why didn’t I think of that’.

The guys at Artisan have been using the bottles for a while now and everyone agrees they are great.  It is only a drink bottle after all but it has no flaws.

Weight whilst not relevant is around 100g.  Might be a little heavier with the solid bottom base but it’s marginal.  The bottle holds 622ml and fits easily into a regular cycling bottle cage (well especially the Arundel cages anyway!)

The entire bottle is dishwater safe, recyclable and BPA free – essential for any plastic drink bottle.  Better still, you can freeze the bottle and contents for those hot days!

Initially I was worried that the base might leak fluid but no such incident to report.  You just tighten holding both lids till neither spins and off you go.  I’m not one to remove the bottom EVERY time I clean it but certainly after leaving a bottle for half a day and removing the base, inspection showed a gooey film was there which keeps you cleaning
regularly.  Leave it too long and the mold will grow.

It comes in a BLUE or BLACK lid option.  Priced at around AUD$15.

BOTTOM LINE:

It’s a drink bottle but a damn good one at that.

[Show as slideshow]

Summer crit racing is about to flood Melbourne’s Sunday mornings.  Dusty legs, hairy legs in fact will soon be groomed for the first time in months in preparation for a summer of teeth-gritting fun.

Anyone can have a go and the action doesn’t take all day.  If you can get out of bed on Sunday, you are half a chance!

Have a go

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Today’s action at St Kilda was hard and fast across all grades.  Starting with the women who must be commended for their commitment.  Not just for racing hard but for getting out of bed to start racing at 8-bloody-AM!  Men’s A-B-C-D grades all suffered and there were plenty of outstanding efforts.  I witnessed one guy in D grade make the early breakaway in the first few laps with 2 others (both being friends of Artisan Cycles) then proceed to ride them off his wheel and solo away from the chasing bunch to finish half a lap up.  Needless to say he should probably go up TWO grades….. The flying Scotsmen managed to pull 2-3 in the bunch kick for 3rd and 4th place overall which was brilliant.

And I could be wrong but I thought I saw the Mayor of SKCC (and hopefully Port Melbourne) Lee Turner pull a turn in A grade?!  On second thought, I am due to get my eyes checked.

It had to be noted that the quality of bikes across all grades was, well, high.  Some tout this as the elitest or becoming more about the bikes than the riding.  Not true.  Everyone loves their bikes and its good to see people using their hard earned cash on the sport they love (rather than golf-clubs that just sit in the garage, or a bigger tv to sit and watch for an Australian average 3 hours per day).  Less complaining and more riding!

Better yet this shows to some extent the rise in quality across all the grades.  There are lots of time-poor hard working people who can afford a nice bike but not the time to train full time and take on Melbourne’s elite.

And it shows that whilst we can’t all win, we’ll go down trying and looking the part.

It also shows how effective marketing is.

But don’t worry, you will win aboard any bike you can get your hands on.  A strong heart is worth 5 sets of carbon wheels.  In fact an alloy frame, box section wheel set and a smart head is the fast track to success.

Good luck to everyone this season and keep the rubber side down.  Wanna get involved?  Come down and check it out!  Theres always a hot coffee to fall back on

Corporate Bicycle Packages

- Are  you thinking about a bicycle fleet for your staff?

- Do you want to encourage a healthy work environment?

- Do you need a yearly on-site fleet service facility?

- Or do you simply want to organise bicycles for a corporate cycling event?

Artisan Cycles can tailor a corporate bicycle package for your business and employees.  Firstly we will meet with you to establish boundaries and figure out what will encourage your employees to get healthy and happy.

Riding a bicycle has many intrinsic and extrinsic benefits which will promote a positive work environment and harmony in your business.  Aside from the many publicised health benefits, riding socially can be a  great way to have a meeting with colleagues and partners.

The Prices:

Corporate buyers will receive an appropriate discount off the RRP of the fleet chosen.  Fleet servicing will be fixed priced for agreed upon terms and conducted at your convenience at the bicycles storage location.

We will tailor the package to include all necessary safety equipment and accessories that fit within your budget and keep you safe.

Your staff are able to purchase bicycles separately for personal use at the same agreed discount.

Servicing:

All servicing is performed by Justin Riedy.  Justin has 18 years’ experience in the bike industry, worked with Olympians, Commonwealth Games team and Tour de France winners and provides servicing, tours and skills services.

The Bicycles:

Artisan Cycles has a range of bicycles to suit every budget.  We can organise to custom paint bicycles with your company logos, a handcrafted carbon road bike or tandem from French bespoke frame builder Cyfac or provide well-priced bicycles from German
manufacturer Focus.  Focus have mountain-bikes, flat-bar urban bikes, carbon race bikes and everything in between.  We can supply quality bicycles priced from $399 to $17,000+ for a custom bespoke build.

Popular Corporate models are:

Focus Highland Peak 26” mountain bike (RRP $499)

- Versatile MTB frame

- 100mm front suspension for a comfortable ride

- Mechanical disc brakes for all-weather stopping

- 24 speed quality Shimano gears

- Durable tyres from German manufacturer Schwalbe

- Perfect as a low cost, do it all bicycle

Focus Arriba 2.0 (RRP $799)

- Durable alloy frame and fork

- High quality 18spd Shimano SORA gears

- Quality Focus wheelset

- Durable tyres from German manufacturer Schwalbe

- The perfect fitness bicycle

Focus Wasgo 3.0 (RRP $999)

- Low maintenance Shimano 8spd internal hub

- Shimano hub dynamo and 30 Lux frontlight

- No-fuss single chain drive

- Durable tyres from German manufacturer Continental

- The ultimate city bike

Focus Planet TR 2.0 (RRP $1399)

- Durable alloy frame and fork

- Low maintenance SRAM 8spd internal hub

- Quality Tektro hydraulic disc brakes

- Durable tyres from German manufacturer Continental

- The ultimate road and urban bike

Focus Mares AX 4.0 Disc (RRP $1499)

- Light and strong triple-butted alloy frame and fork

- High-quality Shimano Tiagra gears

- Quality Tektro Lyra disc brakes

- Mud guards for wet-weather riding

- The ultimate on and off road bike

Cyfac Custom bicycles (RRP $3000+)

- Custom painted with your company identity (colours and logos)

- Light and strong alloy, steel and carbon handcrafted frames

- Custom choose the parts to suit your needs

- Perfect for promotions or display

- The ultimate bespoke bicycles

Enquires

Call Dan or Justin at Artisan Cycles on 03 9078 4753 or email: info@artisancycles.com.au

Nugga as he’s affectionately known has come along way in the cycling stakes.  He started out like everyone on a value racing set-up and now boasts a small collection like no other.  His racing career progressed faster than Daniel Riccardo.

Sri Lanka’s best known ex-patriate cyclist has long resisted overtures to return from to home federation, perhaps driven by their inability to match his corporate salary. Despite always being vocal in his dislike of cold weather, ‘Cipo’ has a love of parading around the streets of Victoria’s High Country, to the comedic delight of his friends and lustful delight of the area’s many track pant-clad females.

His house was featured in The Financial Review’s “Luxury” section on 24th April 2012.  It’s reported that all transportation including luxury cars, boats and bicycles have their own level at the Mansion-a-la-Nug.

Nickname: Nuggets, North Melbourne Mountain Goat, Cipo

Doppelbanger: the late Alfonso Lincoln Ribeiro aka Carlton Banks

Most admired cyclist: Michael Knoff

Favourite bank: NAB

Favourite website: PBK

Favourite Clothing: More outfits than a drag queen

Ride: More Cyfac’s than you can poke a stick at

Quoted as saying: “Let’s turn around and go back for coffee”

The 32mm full carbon clincher Attack wheelset weighs in at a paltry 1405g and cost $1499.  Unbeatable.

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Reynolds Attack carbon clincher - Front (603g)

I’m struggling to find a reason not to recommend the Reynolds Attack clinchers over any other wheel above or around $1499.  They are quite simply the best bang-for-your-buck, aesthetically pleasing, no fuss, training-racing or just cruising, bullet-proof, cheap to service, lightweight full carbon wheel set you can get.

Sure $1499 is a lot for some (read: most average) people to spend on bicycle wheels but if that amount is not a huge stretch then…..  The Attacks (32mm) are priced at $1499 and its bigger brother the Assaults (46mm) are $1899.  Both come in a full carbon clincher or tubular version (ed. – Attack only in clincher).  These wheels are more suited to those in the 50kg up to 100kg mark but I wouldn’t worry if you are nudging above that.  Either way you’re on to a winner.

Reynolds Attack carbon clinchers

For starters they are light for a carbon clincher.  The Attacks weigh in at 1405g = $1.07/g.  The Assaults are 1483g = $1.28/g.  Compare this to ZIPP 303 Firecrest carbon clinchers (45mm) at $2.26/g or Lightweight Standard III carbon clinchers at $4.78/g.  Sure the ZIPP wheels use a more expensive spoke and hub, slightly more aero rim but does this actually make the average person faster?  The ZIPPS are actually heavier than both sets of Reynolds wheels which use a lower grade spoke and no fuss hub.  In fact I’d argue that you’re more likely to have a drama with your older ZIPP hubs than Reynolds although this isn’t necessarily the case anymore.  If your life depended on it and you just won Powerball then sure there are lots of options.   Lightweight wheels are in another league of stiffness, power transfer, beauty and weight but even at 1150g you are paying for it!  Lightweight now have new aero models and are the best money can buy but lots of money you will need.  This review is about us regular people that have a budget.

Reynolds Attack CTg braking surface

The reason these wheels are cheaper is a smart build.  They use generic 20/24 hubs that Reynolds source from Taiwan.  It’s made by KT (who you won’t ever hear about) but rest assured these hubs are perfect for the job.  You can change the press-fit bearings for $20 each and the hub stands up to years of daily abuse.  The wheels use DT Swiss Revolution spokes and DT Swiss Competition on the rear drive side so they are strong and cheaper to replace.  And finally the Reynolds carbon rim.  Reynolds use a very similar rim to that of the more expensive range – 32c and 46c which are paired to top-end spokes and DT 240s hubs – but don’t get the Swirl Lip Generator.  This little 0.9mm lip on the high-end  Reynolds wheels is designed to assist air-flow and minimise drag.  The jury is out on  whether this works in the real world.  The 2012-2013 Attack and Assault rims still get the new CTg brake track designed to reduce heavy-braking heat induced rim failure.  The carbon lay-up is the same although once again the 32c and 46c are said to have a lighter laminate although it’s very hard to believe when Reynolds publish that both the Attacks and 32c rim-only weight as 399g.  Where is this light weight laminate exactly?  Who knows.

Reynolds KT hub and Reynolds Skewers

The wheels have a two year limited warranty but Reynolds offer a RAP program which basically means you pay US$250 and for two years get unconditional wheel replacement should you crash or damage your wheels.  Worth noting.

The reviewed 2011 Attack set has been the daily ride for 18 months and tens of thousands of km’s.  Ridden in all weather conditions, used for bunch rides and solo missions and raced in crits and road races.  In short they have done it all.  The 2012 Assault tubular wheels are been primarily used for road-racing and crits and long enough to get a good feel.  Both offer a similar experience although the Assaults have a deeper profile which combined with the lighter tubular weight did ‘feel’ faster.  We didn’t do a scientific test so ‘feel’ is the best you’ll get.  Considering the Assault tubulars weigh 1263g it’s a fair assumption.

Reynolds Assault carbon clinchers (1263g)

Riding wise the Attacks do it all.  They are just a great depth and all-rounder.  Simple as that.  You can climb, sprint or just ride to your heart’s content.  The Assaults are a little more pricey and for that you are buying speed.  The Assaults with their 46mm profile (the same as the famous BORA…..) are the wheels for fast races, rolling flats and to look good.  Let’s face it, 46mm of carbon profile looks great and a little better than 32mm when your bike is parked up against the café wall.  You will feel the benefits of maintaining speed but really only above 40km/hr.  It’s a line call if the Attacks are a better buy than the Assaults.

The braking surface has worn but nothing out of the ordinary.  In fact it looks like they’ve held up better than some alloy wheels I’ve used.  After 18 months of consistent use, I’m confident there is another 18 months ahead.

So.  Now you are thinking does this guy work for Reynolds? Is he on the payroll?  He  hasn’t said a bad word.  Well these wheels are not the be-all-and-end-all.  Braking.

Reynolds Cryo Blue carbon brake pads

Braking in the dry is fairly good.  I would say 7/10 at worst and I’m sure most others would say 8/10.  Reynolds supply the Blue Cryo pads designed specifically for these carbon rims so pad choice doesn’t factor here.  The brake calipers in use include 2012 Campagnolo Super Record and EE-Cycleworks brakes.  If anyone wants to argue about their stopping ability I’m happy to go there.  Both sets of brakes work VERY WELL so let’s leave it at that.  So regardless of how good your brakes are, these wheels will pull you up well but do not compare to an alloy rim with good quality rubber pad.  In the wet however these wheels are average at best.  In heavy rain or consistently wet conditions they are somewhat dangerous.  I’d say 5/10 stopping power.  I’ve had the situation of riding a fast bunch ride and when a distant light goes red, literally not being able to stop and having to coast into the intersection.  Embarrassing.

But it’s not all dome and gloom.  These wheels still get ridden every day and in most wet conditions are fine.  It’s rare you need to slam on your brakes if you ride safely with people you trust and in the dry you can pull hard.

Is it enough to not get them?  No.  Because they brake as well as most other carbon wheels and better than many.  Just not that great.

Rating – 9/10

With Reynolds you are buying a trusted American wheel brand.  They’ve innovated and developed new technologies and focus on carbon wheels.  In the road category, Reynolds make ONE alloy wheelset and SEVEN carbon varieties… Very few others can make that claim.

Each wheelset includes: Reynolds stainless skewers x 2, rim tape x 2, Reynolds Cryo Blue carbon brake pads x 4, Warranty card and RAP information.

http://www.reynoldscycling.com/

Want a great price?
Contact Artisan Cycles – info(at)artisancycles.com.au

Positives:

-     Lightweight

-       Cheap and easy to service

-       Cheap to purchase

-       RAP program

-       Look good

-       Blown one spoke in 18 months.

Negatives:

-       Blown one spoke in 18 months

-       Why is there a $400 price difference between the Attacks and the Assaults?

-       Such a great deal that soon everyone will have them

-       Braking is on par but average

Artisan Cycles – 123 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park, 3206, VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

03 9078 4753 / info(at)artisancycles.com.au