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The current issue is Issue 12. The next issue is out early March 2004.

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Persistence rewarded

• STORIKA, THE PAST ENTERS A NEW FUTURE.
  
  STORIKA, the latest product by Selle Italia, is a time traveller that has been catapulted into the modern age. While maintaining the style and fascination of the history of cycling, it combines the latest innovations in the field of design and new materials. At first sight, it seems to be a product of the past that has remained unchanged up to the present: a traditional calfskin saddle with copper rivets and hot-pressed markings. No compromises have been made, just solutions derived from the constant research and innovation of Selle Italia.
  
  • The shell is made from carbon composite (Rylsan nylon and carbon fibre) that, thanks to its "suspension" design, compensates for the absence of foam padding. In the areas supporting the sit bones and frontal soft tissue area, the shell has been cut away to make the leather more flexible.
  • The leather is assembled onto the shell with special copper rivets by means of a totally manual procedure requiring outstanding care and skill.
  • The top quality naturally tanned calfskin is 100% waterproof.
  • A "new" Ti Alloy rail (20% lighter than a traditional Ti rail) is inserted into the base of the saddle, thereby creating a shell-integrated suspension system that makes the saddle much more comfortable.
  • The saddle markings are "hot" pressed directly onto the leather and resemble the old saddles that made the history of cycling.
  • The saddle weight is just 190 grams (+/-8%)
  
  
  In short, while the STORIKA seems to have been made with the materials of the past: it has the fascination of the new while blending with the present and rapidly moving towards the future.
  
  
  
  



• Shimano release details of new Dura Ace shifter and crankset
  
  This Shimano top road group set has gone through a complete redesign. Shimano has worked hard to improve all parts, even the smallest details were revised. Obviously, the shifters were not excepted. They are one of the most important parts, as riders spent huge quantities of time in direct contact with them and bike operation is handled through them. That's why ergonomics were one of the crucial issues.
  
  
  
  The exterior design has been retouched in terms of look and performance. The cradle-style perch supports popular hood top position. The angle between the hood and the handlebar has been reduced, offering more hand comfort, as stress points are practically eliminated. It is also more convenient for an aerodynamic riding position. Modern handlebar bends accommodate the new shifters effectively. The hood has also been reduced 5mm in circumference, which makes the shifters suitable for all hand sizes and offers better gripping to all riders. The shifter travel has been arced, following a more natural direction of the finger movement. This makes shifting much easier and much more comfortable. Other things to keep in mind are: modified pivot improving shift lever access and robust internal mechanism.
  
  
  
  FC-7800 (Crankset with integrated bottom bracket:
  
  • Hollowtech II design
  • Q-Factor remains same as FC-7701/BB-7700
  • Minimal bearing interface for smoother rolling
  • Outboard bearings are 82 mm apart. (BB-7700 bearings are 53.8 mm apart)
  • Relieved outer chainring, lightweight and very rigid with superior shifting
  • Weight is anticipated to be 30 grams less than current FC-7701 / BB-7700 combination.
  
  
  The new Dura Ace group will be available only from autumn this year.



• Dahon and Ritchey Team Up to Offer Portable Road Bikes
  
  Dahon California, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of folding bicycles, has entered into a licensing agreement with Ritchey Design, Inc., a leading bicycle frame and component manufacturer.
  
  
  
  Tom Ritchey said, "Dahon is the leader in compact folding bikes, so we are pleased with the addition of a full sized 700 C/28" BreakAway bike to their line using the Ritchey patented technology developed for performance travel bikes". The Dahon road bikes will be identical in performance and looks to any standard 700c/28" road bike. The frame will feature classic Ritchey road geometry and will be crafted from Ritchey WCS steel tubing. Components will be a mix of Shimano, American Classic, and naturally, Ritchey.
  
  The frequent traveler who wants to bring along his or her traditional bike faces some big barriers. Even with wheels, handlebars and pedals removed, traditional bikes face airline excess baggage charges of up to US $135 per flight. Traditional bikes are also difficult to fit
  into taxis or buses. But with the new Dahon portable bike, the entire bike fits into a medium sized suitcase with dimensions only slightly larger than a 700C/28" wheel. Production will begin in October 2003.
  
  See also The BreakAway Bike page on the Ritchey website.



Posted on 16 April 2003

Your comments ...




From: S (Happy Easter) on 20 April 2003

STORIKA Leather and studs??!!!! Fetishistic saddle without a doubt. Damn! Why did I go recumbent?




From: Ralf Grosser ([email protected]) on 21 April 2003

This is a nice looking saddle, but no matter how great a design is to look at, it either fits the rider or it does not. I always like to compair saddles with shoes, some fit you some don´t. Ralf Grosser (Also known as the (Brooks)Two-Colt-Kid!)

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