It might only be March, but yesterday details of some of Shimano’s 2005 line up for mountain bikes were released. Have to say there is nothing that exciting to be honest. They’re trying to push their axle mounted rear mechs a bit more and there’s a new groupset called Hone. Singletrack’s Mark Alker says it’s:
A new groupset aimed at the type of rider who doesn’t need the strength of the new free ride Saint groupset but wants something a little beefier than XT. Priced rather nicely around the LX level the Hone will boast ‘Flippy’ shifters, Hollowtech cranks, rapid rise rear mech, 203mm or 160mm discs and centre lock hubs.
There’s photos in this Singletrack article.
Perhaps more significant is the fact that Shimano have acknowledged the feedback they have received over their new paddle STI units and have created some new rapidfire units for next year at XT level spec in both silver and black. Bikemagic has the photos.
Mike Davis also has news of two new Rock Shox models for next year. The lightweight marathonesque Reba and a new light weight long travel single crown fork that will probably hope to give Manitou’s Nixon fork a run for it’s money. You can also learn more on the Rock Shox promotional site.
Without wanting to appear like a Lance Armstrong appreciation page, here’s the latest on what the most talked about cyclist on the world has planned for this year:
From: Cycling News
Subject: Armstrong to ride Dauphiné LibéréLance Armstrong has decided that he will ride the 56th edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, to be held between June 5-12. It will be the fifth time he has ridden the race, and the two time winner is attracted by the Dauphiné’s mountain time trial, which will probably be on Mont Ventoux. The only time Armstrong has not competed in the Dauphiné in the last five years was in 2001, where he opted to do the Tour de Suisse, again because of its uphill time trial.
There has been some money placed this year on the Armstrong/Ullrich battle for the Tour de France title and I have to say I think Lance is going to do it again.
Finally if you’re thinking about getting a bike frame resprayed take a look at the work of airglow. That has to be some of the finest work on the market.
R O T H A R . C O M 