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220
ISSUE
PEAK ROAD PERFORMANCE
VISION 2020
THE FUTURE IS HERE
EXCLUSIVE WITH:
Matthew Keenan,
Phil Liggett,
Tracey Gaudry,
Matt White,
Scott Sunderland
& Others
TEST LAB: 2020 SPECIALIZED ROUBAIX, BIANCHI E-ARIA & GIANT REVOLT
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8 Contents
ISSUE NUMBER 220
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
32
64
98
22
SPECIAL FEATURES
32 VISION 2020 22 THE NOOSA CLASSIC
A lot happens in the world of Luke Meers takes us on his
cycling each and every year and personal journey from the South
next year seems to have way Coast of NSW to Noosa in tropical
more in store than most! In this Queensland where he attended the
major special feature, long-time 2nd annual Noosa Classic.
Bicycling Australia journalist Peter
Maniaty takes a close look at 52 BJORG LAMBRECHT
what’s in store for the sport over
the next 12 months. Peter speaks
TRIBUTE
with such luminaries as Matthew During the 2019 Tour of Poland
Keenan, Phil Liggett, Matt White shock news of a serious incident was
52
TEST LAB
84 BOSSI BICYCLES
Vision 2020
A fascinating interview with
T
James Bossi of the Aussie bike
& wheel company. HE FUTURE ...IT’S HERE AND NOW.
88 PREPD HYDRATION Inside this latest edition of Bicycling Australia there’s
ENHANCER quite possibly the largest single feature to ever grace our trusted
Karen Forman tests out this pages. Peter Maniaty has compiled the editorial equivalent of
proven pre-ride supplement. a Grand Tour - page after page of interviews with the biggest
94 OVAL CHAINRINGS names from many aspects of the sport. The topic? Their vision
We review 1x and 2x oval for 2020 in the world of cycling.
chainrings from AbsoluteBlack. From young riders to watch, to trends in technology, to the
98 SPECIALIZED ROUBAIX latest in drivetrains, components and equipment right through
We take the latest Specialized to where and what we’ll be riding - we sure are living through
Roubaix to the cobbles of one of the most progressive and exciting eras in cycling. We
Flanders in Belgium. trust you’ll enjoy & get a lot out of Peter’s impressive article.
‘Vision 2020’ is the pinpoint theme right through this edition
102 BIANCHI ARIA E-ROAD
- from page 14 ‘Top Gear’ features some of the latest in cycling
Test-riding and reviewing the
equipment including items we saw at Eurobike in September -
first e-road bike from Bianchi –
clothing, tyres, electronics, e-bikes and more. The three bike
an impressive offering!
reviews for this edition sum up the three most popular aspects
109 GIANT REVOLT of the sport as we head toward 2020 - road, e-road and gravel.
Luke Meers gets down and From page 98 you can read about a Specialized Roubaix
dirty with the latest gravel ‘all- tested on the cobbles of Flanders, from page 102 we put a
roader’ from Giant. Bianchi E-Aria electric assist road bike through its paces, and
from page 108 we get down and dirty with the latest gravel
REGULARS offering from Giant, the impressive all-rounder, the Revolt.
Cycling is one of the most progressive sports and industries
plus a super-exciting passion and way of life. With more gear,
12 THE BIG PICTURE
wider wheels, better brakes, younger stars, new fabrics, lighter
© ZAC WILLIAMS
14 TOP GEAR frames and a plethora of other advancements, 2020 looks set to
30 BUNCH OF FIVES be a thriller of a year for our sport.
Bayview, Sydney
COVER: Spring is here with gusto and Here’s to the future!
46 VIEW FROM THE TOP
Stelvio Pass, Italy summer is on the way! Riders take
advantage of the perfect conditions
112 SPIN CYCLE to enjoy the best of Aussie cycling in
Anthony Tan on Team Ineos this stunning image by talented young
& Jumbo-Visma photographer Zac Williams. NAT BROMHEAD – EDITOR
12 The Big Picture
SALINAS DE TORREVIEJA, SPAIN
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
© ZAC WILLIAMS
Top Gear
14 BY STAFF WRITERS
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
Top Gear
CYCLING ... IT HAS GOT TO BE THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY SPORT. HERE WE TAKE A LOOK
AT THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN ALL THINGS NEW IN PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES.
www.prepdhydration.com.au
@cassonsaustraliabicycle
© Lotto Soudal-Facepeeters
THE NOOSA
CLASSIC:
An Insiders View
LUKE MEERS GIVES A FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF THE NOOSA
CLASSIC FROM BOTH THE FAST END OF THE BUNCH AND THOSE
SEEKING A SIMPLER BUT FAR MORE SIGNIFICANT GOAL
C
YCLISTS, WE ARE AN ODD BUNCH, A PECULIAR
social subset. We are those oddities that
enjoy the feeling of general fatigue that long
hours in the saddle create. We rise before the
sun to train and, at times, spend hard-earned
cash on equipment to make very marginal gains.
This peculiar peloton is growing in size across
our country, despite the odd bit of media-induced
persecution. The enjoyment and benefits of our
sport are such that events like Gran Fondos
continue to rise in popularity.
In Australia there is a growing number of Fondo
events and an increasing range in the style of
mass-participation rides on offer. 2019 delivered the
second running of the Noosa Classic, the fourth
Bowral Classic and the announcement of two
others. There has also been exciting news about a
gravel fondo in South Australia with more to follow.
But back to Queensland’s tropical coastal oasis
of Noosa where I was in August to ride my first
Noosa Classic. This event has grown rapidly since
last year and saw in excess of 1200 participants
across the three distances (160km, 120km and
45km). In addition to the Noosa Classic, Bicycling
Australia (BA) have been a real driver of the
expansion of Fondos around our country. I’ve had
the privilege of riding all three Bowral Classics run
to date and at the time of writing have entered the
fourth in October. BA have also created the Clare
Classic (coming up in April) and in May next year A SPECIAL REASON TO RIDE ABOVE: Grand fondo events are
growing in popularity. They provide
is the debut Mudgee Classic. This range of events My experience of the 2019 Noosa Classic a wonderful opportunity for riders
helps to create a great landscape of cycling events highlighted for me the beauty of Fondos. I wouldn’t to train, set targets and improve
and offers something for everyone. These fondos normally fly interstate to go to a one-day event, upon previous performances.
provide a great opportunity for cyclists to test but a close friend lives in Queensland and has had
themselves, to push their limits and enjoy a great serious struggles with illness in the last few years.
sense of community. The competitive and super-fit This has included kidney failure, being placed in
can really go for it and those for whom finishing is induced comas and even requiring rehabilitation to
the main aim can be equally rewarded. walk again at the start of 2019. So when he decided BICYCLING AUSTRALIA
For me, the real beauty of an event like the Noosa
Classic is the diversity found in those participating.
to aim to complete the 45km ride at Noosa, I was
keen to be there but simultaneously quietly nervous.
CLASSICS SERIES
4 Gran
As you walk around the village afterwards you see But therein lies the beauty of an event like the
old and young, male and female and a wide range of Noosa Classic: I pushed my own limits; doing the
fitness levels. Despite this diversity, there is a great
sense of common achievement because everyone
160km event and aiming for a fast time (I ended up
2nd overall).
Fondos
has tested themselves and is now weary and My mate, however, had a much larger
enjoying a beverage and some form of delicious salty
carbohydrate from the plethora of food outlets.
achievement, grinding it out, overcoming his
physical limitations and finishing the 45km ride
Noosa, QLD
MORE FEMALE PARTICIPATION
despite some tough moments partway through.
Our extended party of riders included my parents Bowral, NSW
completing the 45km ride on a tandem and my
Historically, cycling has been a male-dominated
sport in terms of participation rates. This has
uncle who smashed out the 120km as fast as he
could. As we debriefed in the village afterwards and Mudgee, NSW
been shifting significantly recently across a few traded war stories over dinner, there was a beautiful
different areas of the sport. It was heartening to
see around 30% of participants at Noosa this year
sense of shared accomplishment. Priceless.
So if you’ve never participated in a Fondo, I
Clare, SA
being female. This was really noticeable and adds can highly recommend Bowral, Noosa, Clare and
richness to the experience of everyone involved. Mudgee Classics as a great starting point. Equally, Total raised for charity:
There were many female riders finishing high up
on the overall results sheets too – setting personal
if you’re someone looking for a harder challenge
there will always be a group fast enough to stretch
$350,000+
goals and hitting them. all levels of an amateur rider.
Keep your finger
on the pulse of
everything cycling
Is it time for a WorldTour Salary Cap? What’s new for 2020 in cycling? The rise and rise
of Grand Fondos. Join Bicycling Australia editor Nat Bromhead as he discusses those
hot topics and more. Plus interviews with some of cycling’s greats!
Here are a few tips to get the most out of your Ultimately though, stick to what you have done
Fondo experience: in training and what you know works for you.
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32 The Next 12 Months In Cycling
WORDS: PETER MANIATY
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
VISION 2020
THE FUTURE IS COMING. READY OR NOT. PETER MANIATY
REACHED OUT TO A CROSS-SECTION OF INDUSTRY
FIGURES TO EXPLORE WHAT THE 2020 SEASON MAY HOLD
FOR WORLD CYCLING, ON AND OFF THE BIKE.
N
OSTRADAMUS WAS NOT A CYCLIST.
But imagine if he was. What
might the famed French
astrologer make of the next
twelve months in cycling? Can
Chris Froome make a successful
return from devastating injuries?
Is women’s cycling set to take a
major leap forward? Who will
seize Olympic gold in Tokyo? Will
Julian Alaphilippe deliver a Tour
de France encore? Or will Team
Ineos reassert its stranglehold
on the Grande Boucle? Looking
at cycling tech, how many rear
sprockets is enough? Will 2020
be the year rim braking descends
into its final commercial death
“...As far as the enthusiast spiral? And how much further
will e-cycling grow? Of course,
is concerned, the answers depend largely on
who you ask. Alas, Nostradamus
was unavailable. But plenty of
eminent cycling folks were. From
commentators, manufacturers
and race organisers, to sports
directors and even the UCI itself,
here’s what they had to say when
we asked them to gaze into their
carbon-coated crystal balls…
2020 WILL BE A
BIG YEAR FOR:
e-Cycling
Van der Poel & Evenepoel
High altitude super-climbers
Mathieu van der Poel, one of the most exciting young riders
of our time and sure to be on the main stage in 2020.
UCI Women’s WorldTour
Increased sustainability
Connectivity & integration
Tokyo Olympics
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36 The Next 12 Months In Cycling NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
GENERATION NEXT. NOW. challenge Team Ineos at the 2020 Tour de cycling. I believe cycling (as a whole) would
“Mathieu van der Poel will be the most talked France is going to be a must-watch. Ag2r is greatly benefit – getting a bigger audience,
about rider in 2020. He’ll possibly win the under pressure to figure out the best way attracting more sponsors – if women’s races
cyclocross world title in February, a big one to structure Romain Bardet’s season. He were put on equal footing with men’s races.
day race on the road in April as he did at can’t win the Tour but he can win the Giro. Tennis does this best. Australia was just as
Amstel Gold Race in 2019, and then the big Is a French team, particularly its sponsors, enthralled by Ash Barty’s Roland-Garros
target, gold in the MTB cross-country race prepared to invest in supporting the team’s win as it was by Lleyton Hewitt’s grand slam
at the Olympics in Tokyo. It’s a massive big budget rider for anything other than the victories.”
menu but he has the appetite to demolish it Tour? I hope so.”
all. Remco Evenepoel will also continue to CHRIS FROOME AT THE TOUR?
attract a lot of the headlines. Also watch the EQUAL = OPPORTUNITY. “In many ways, this year’s Tour de France
progress of Tadej Pogacar, the 20-year old “Media coverage is priority number one to benefited from the absence of Chris Froome.
Slovenian.” help grow cycling. Sponsors want return He’s been so dominant. But in 2019 there
on investment, which comes from getting was an air of optimism which changed the
TEAMS TO WATCH. viewers, readers and listeners. And it’s way the Tour was raced. Hopefully a fully fit
“Team Jumbo-Visma were brilliant in 2019. self-perpetuating. With more money, more Froome returns in 2020, but the rest of the
Whether or not they can all come together, can be invested in growing the sport. peloton maintains the attacking mentality of
with the recruitment of Tom Dumoulin, and This is particularly important in women’s this year’s race.”
Image by Bob Barrett
Designed with carbon bikes The torque limiter dial Stable wheels – firmly fixed
in mind. Soft claw pads that prevents overtightening and in smartly designed wheel
adapt to your bike’s frame controls the force going into holders with diagonal
tubes – minimizing the risk the bike frame. quick-release wheel straps
of frame damage. and rubber rim protectors.
REMCO EVENEPOEL
“The young Belgian will stand on the podium of an elite
World Championship and will win a stage of a Grand Tour.
When I saw him race in Innsbruck at the World Junior
Championships back in 2018, I nearly couldn’t commentate
– my mouth was pretty much wide open. I thought his Elder statesman of the sport, Phil Liggett.
immediate move to the WorldTour would be too much, but
now we can see that isn’t the case. He’s on a fast track
trajectory and he’s going to win...a lot!” THE RAPID RISE OF A very brave, attacking Tour de France
to no avail, but with the will and desire
NEW GENERATION.
WOMEN’S CYCLING WILL GET A “This year we’ve seen the arrival
that’s now with the French team and
FRENCH-BASED GRAND TOUR. of some super young and talented
the addition of Elia Viviani, the wins
and stability will come.”
“The first race may not happen in 2020. But if all the signs riders. Egan Bernal, the first
and rumours are true, then we will see the announcement of Colombian and youngest rider
a major French women’s stage race. It won’t be three weeks since the War to win the Tour is ANOTHER EXCITING TOUR PLEASE.
(and to be honest most of the women’s peloton don’t actually mature, intelligent and seemingly “Of the 47 Tours I’ve worked on,
want that) but it will be long and it will have the support and limitless in talent. There’s also 2019 was up there with the best.
structure the women’s peloton deserves.” Daniel Martinez and Ivan Sosa, We had a real bike race, as quite
both are under 24. Colombian a few riders believed they could
win and the big teams all had bad
E-BIKE RACING. cycling is on fire right now. From
moments and looked fallible. I have
Denmark they also just keep
“2019 saw the launch of the first ever e-bike World MTB every respect for Team Ineos, but
coming, led by Kasper Asgreen
series. This covered four rounds in Europe. Expect to see this they found the secret of winning
and Jonas Vingegaard. Looking
expand in 2020 and for e-MTB to grow quickly with factory and turned the Tour into one long
to Belgium, the loss of Bjorg
teams, TV coverage and all the attention an exciting new yawn. The crowds returned to the
Lambrecht was probably the
sport can command.” roadside ... and it was a race to the
saddest happening of 2019. He was
an emerging superstar. But in his last three days and without doubt
same age bracket, the big star of the best man won. With the return
Remco Evenepoel, a name to watch in 2020.
2020 should be Remco Evenepoel of Froome, Dumoulin, Bernal, and
who became the youngest with others like Enric Mas, there
WorldTour winner ever when he are hopes the Tour of 2020 will not
took the Classica San Sebastian. be dominated by just one team.
The UK also has an array of young Hopefully never again!”
talent led by Tom Pidcock. There
are other names, especially, GB TO DOMINATE IN TOKYO. AGAIN.
Mathieu van der Poel. It’s difficult “Other nations may have figured out
to know where to stop. In 2020, the Olympic success of Great Britain,
the peloton will make a 27-year-old but do they have the funds to back
look just that – old!” it up? I think Team GB will continue
to win most of the medals, but I am
THE REVIVAL OF COFIDIS. hoping the Aussies rediscover what
“On a most improved basis, I expect they’re capable of. I’m biased of
Cofidis to realise its ambitions under course, as I will be doing my 16th
Cedric Vasseur and progress towards Olympics (and likely my last) for
being a WorldTour squad. They had a Australian television.”
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42 The Next 12 Months In Cycling NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
CONNECTIVITY AND CUSTOMISATION. investment goes frames, components cost of bikes and that changes the way
and wheels will be focused on continuing product managers prioritise specification
“Electronic and connected components are
to optimise the disc brake experience decisions. But it also opens up new
going to continue to expand, but we want
for drop bar bikes. As for the future of opportunities.”
to make sure these add to the cycling
11-speed? For mid to high end road
experience. Connected components open
up a world of opportunities to solve some
drive trains, we really like the benefits of MORE FOCUS ON LESS WASTE.
long-standing frustrations that many of 12-speed especially the range options we
“SRAM is working really hard in this
us have just come to accept. I think you’ll can create for a rider with a 10-tooth start
area. Much of it is internal, such as our
also see an increasing number of options for and a smaller jump up front.”
Continuous Improvement team that
customisation through electronic interfaces coaches us on eliminating and reducing
like your smartphone. At the same time we E-BIKES ARE JUST BEGINNING. waste in all aspects of what we do.
remain super aware some people ride to get “E-bikes have brought people back to More obvious to the market would be
away from technology, so we try to find the cycling who may have lost some fitness our conscious reduction in the amount
right balance of being true to the joy of just as life gets in the way. They’ve also of packaging, and making it recyclable
going for a bike ride.” lowered the intimidation for new people wherever possible. Our packing teams
to start riding. No doubt e-bikes are here have done great work in reducing plastics
DISC AND 12-SPEED. to stay and will be a significant portion of already. That said SRAM, and the
“Is rim braking dead? From a development the cycling business going forward. For industry at large, has plenty of room for
standpoint, yes! As far as future SRAM, the cost of motors impacts the improvement. It’s an ongoing process.”
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 43
MARIA BENSON & SCOTT ROY | DIRECTOR PRODUCT MANAGEMENT & PRODUCT ENGINEER, CERVÉLO
A GOLDEN AGE. challenge for the UCI. They need to look at ways of working
with industry partners and government organisations to
“As far as the enthusiast is concerned, we’re living through
develop a clear plan for it. In fact, they probably need to look at
the golden age of cycling. Just about every brand has at least
fundamentally re-writing the whole rule book. Our fastest bike
a handful of performance-oriented products that are equally
isn’t UCI legal, our lightest bike isn’t UCI legal, and so on. They’re
comfortable smashing a KOM/QOM up Alpe d’Huez, shaving
really leaving a lot on the table.” (Scott)
minutes off your time on the Queens Highway at Kona, or even
sending it at RedBull Rampage. Frames under 900g are now
commonplace and the magical sub-700g is not only available, SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS.
but surprisingly inexpensive. Gone are the days of needing to be “The bicycle industry is looking at ways of reducing its
a master yogi to get that ‘correct’ position. Gone are the days of footprint, but it’s still very dated. Cervélo has shifted the needle
geometry being tied to fit. Gone are the days of narrow is aero, in so many aspects of the sport that I feel we have a moral
and gone is that notion of inaccessible performance.” (Scott) responsibility to once again move forward and look at ways of
being more green. Our close relationship with SCB and Focus
LOOKING BEYOND AERO. has been invaluable in allowing for open discussions in this
space. A few avenues we’re exploring include non-toxic resin
“Cervelo’s heritage is in aerodynamic development. We’ve
systems, reducing ply wastage during layup, reusing offcuts,
watched the entire industry follow and realise massive gains
reducing the scrap and rework rate, organic substrates and low
in making bikes faster. As time goes on, this means we’ll have
energy cure cycles.” (Scott)
to work even harder to discover new ways to unlock additional
speed gains.” (Maria)
“Brands are all collectively converging on what we see as
the uppermost threshold of the current understanding of aero
development. In my view, the next big push is if we look to
move away from the major OEMs like SRAM and Shimano
or, alternatively, co-develop the form with them. If you look at
Ironman distances or flat time trials, for example, huge gains can
be made to stiffness and aerodynamics by designing the bike
exclusively around 1x.” (Scott)
JAMES YAFFA | PUBLISHER, BICYCLING AUSTRALIA & FOUNDER OF THE CLASSICS SERIES
THE RISE AND RISE the current Classics – Clare,
Mudgee, Noosa and Bowral.
OF THE FONDO.
“Cycling events used to be
“I think the 2020 Fondo scene is
marketed to a bunch of blokes
in for more growth, with a range
climbing a big hill in the middle of
of fantastic events being offered
nowhere, I think those days are well
across Australia.”
and truly limited. The Fondo scene
is now a good even gender mix and
MORE FEMALES CYCLING. in the main are held in desirable
“The rise of the female market is destinations that allow riders to do
the one to watch. You are seeing more than just the ride.”
a complete transformation of the
once only ‘boys weekend away’.
Double digit growth is coming
ROAD IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
from female ride participation “The future Fondo weekend will
and the girls weekend away is also include cross-discipline
alive and well. In just 4 years activities like CX, MTB and
we have seen our female ride hopefully E Bike only events ... The past few years has seen a boom in Gran Fondos with new
numbers explode for all four of watch this space, it will happen!” events such as the Mudgee Classic to take place in 2020.
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46 The Next 12 Months In Cycling NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
Nairo Quintana may be only 29yo but much younger riders are now vying for and winning Grand Tours. YEAR OF THE DISC.
“Perhaps 2020 will be the year where road
disc finally reaches its tipping point. Nearly all
YOUNG RIDERS AND THE NEXT equipment development such as manufacturers are starting to see their disc
the McLaren/Bahrain partnership, braking platforms deliver over 50% of their road
GENERATION. for example. The best teams will sales. On the higher end it’s generally even
“Bernal, Evenepoel, Sivakov and continue to watch each other and more pronounced. While not quite time to count
others have achieved rare feats continually improve to ensure they out the rim brake just yet, it’s certainly headed
for young riders this year. Bernal remain competitive.” towards minority status.”
was the youngest rider to win the
Tour in over 100 years. Evenepoel
achieved the same for a WorldTour
HIGH ALTITUDE SUPER DEATH OF TUBULAR?
one day classic. Sivakov was CLIMBERS. “With such great offerings in clinchers
the youngest top 10 in a Grand “The number of Latin Americans and substantial improvements in tubeless
Tour in 26 years. These young in the WorldTour has been steadily technology, you’d be hard pressed to find many
riders, and others, are defying the growing, and teams are learning willing to purchase tubular wheels nowadays
conventional wisdom, performing how to better support this talent – due to practicality and also the lack of
beyond their years, and should – many of whom are ‘altitude performance benefits over clincher or tubeless.”
continue to develop into the stars natives’ and pure climbers. It will
of an exciting future for the sport.” be interesting to watch how race INCREASED VERSATILITY.
organisers adapt their races in “We’re starting to see a clear return to bikes that
PERFORMANCE SUPPORT. response to this new generation are capable of doing more and performing over
of high altitude super-climbers. a wider variety of terrain and situations. This will
“There’s been a lot of talk of new
For example, the recent trend for only continue in 2020.”
forms of nutrition, such as ketones,
less individual time-trialling in the
and stories of bad performances
Tour de France may favour this
resulting from changes in nutrition. CeramicSpeed’s ‘Driven’ chainless drive system.
emerging population of super-
Fuelling the demands of our sport
climbers, opening up the sport
remains a key limiting factor in
to a new market, and forcing
performance, and advances
European riders and teams to
in nutrition strategies will allow
adapt. Or an increase in time-
the limits of performance to
trialling and other challenges in
be extended. More teams are
races may bring the balance back
investing in developing and
in favour of more versatile riders,
supporting performance through
and force the climbers to improve
coaching, sport science and
their time trialling. Increasingly
engineering. Different teams
altitude training has become an
are raising the bar in different
indispensable training tool for sea
areas and teams are also taking
level-based athletes, and this is
a more professional approach to
only likely to continue.”
HAUL ASS,
NOT CARGO.
It’s time to change the paradigm of gravel bike
design from hauling gear slowly to empowering
athletes quickly. Leveraging vast knowledge
from road racing, the Áspero frame is designed
with world tour stiffness for greater pedal power
transfer, using less and lighter material to aid
climbing and accelerating, while maximizing
speeds with aerodynamic shapes critical to
efficiency at speed.
FEWER RACE DAYS. but I think it [their ‘Alternative Calendar’ in 2019] was mostly a
gimmick. Whereas cyclocross and MTB for someone like van der
“One of the big changes in recent years is the amount of race
Poel is hugely valuable because it keeps him fresh for the future.
days the riders aren’t doing. A lot more science and specific
We don’t have anyone in our team riding cyclocross, but what we
training goes into programming and race days have fallen
are seeing are guys doing running. It isn’t for everyone, but some
dramatically. There wouldn’t be a rider in our squad now that
really enjoy it. If you want to lose a bit of muscle, for example,
does more than 80 race days a season, most will only do running gives a good bang for your buck. You also want to stay
between 60 and 70, that’s the least of any WorldTour team. The mentally fresh of course, it’s a long season, so doing something
racing is just so intense, from the Tour Down Under in January to a little different, whatever that may be, I think that’s going to be a
the Tour of Guangxi in October, you can’t race 120 days a year full trend that becomes more and more common across the peloton.”
on, it’s impossible. That’s why a lot of teams are cutting back. If
you go into a race underdone, unless you’re a very, very talented
athlete, you will simply get beaten down.”
MORE RIDERS ON THE MOVE.
“We’ve never really struggled with WorldTour points, so the new
UCI three-year cycle doesn’t change too much for us. But there
TURNING JAPANESE. are definitely other teams who are very nervous. Who’s going to
“For guys targeting the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 there’s really only miss out on a licence? That’s why this year we’ve seen such a big
two ways to prepare. Obviously the Tour de France, but that’s transfer market, with more stars moving than ever before. Teams
tight, just a six-day turnaround with the men’s road race on the that don’t have the points have to go out and spend money on
first day of the Olympics. Basically riders will be going straight athletes, because if you miss out now you’re really in a spot
from the Champs Élysées to Charles de Gaulle and boarding a of bother. Mind you, licence or no licence, if you haven’t got a
plane for Japan that night. There’s no training to be done, they sponsor, you don’t exist. Obviously a three-year licence should
just need to spend the week recovering. How well that goes is help, but it’s still no guarantee.”
very individual, but I’d still suspect the gold medal winner will
come from the Tour de France. The other event riders might use is YOUNG GUNS COMING THROUGH.
the Tour of Poland. Every four years they move it so it runs during
“I think you’re going to see some pretty big things from Jack Haig
the second week of the Tour de France.”
and Lucas Hamilton in 2020. The other guy who’s coming to our
team and has already showed lots of potential is Kaden Groves.
NON-TRADITIONAL RACE PROGRAMS AND TRAINING. He’s still pretty green, but he’s very fast. He actually reminds
“Doing different types of exercise, even 10 years ago, just didn’t me a bit of Michael Matthews, maybe a bit bigger and stronger,
happen during the season. But I absolutely see value in riders not quite as good on the climbs. But he’s certainly not a one-
trying something different. No disrespect to EF Education First, dimensional sprinter, definitely a young guy to watch.”
FAST, CONTINUOUS SHOOTING
FROM ANY ANGLE
170 110 35
WWW.MUDGEECLASSIC.COM.AU
you are passionate
about!
TOUR OF POLAND, WAS UNDERWAY. Bicycling Australia offer our deepest sympathy to
family, friends, and teammates of the talented young
rider – may he forever Rest in Peace.
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 53
CLOCKWISE
FROM LEFT:
Bjorg at the 2018
Tour Down Under
– he rode the entire
course after not
starting due to a
paperwork issue.
Charging on in the
warm January heat.
Bjorg was
considered a star
of the future.
110 50
WWW.CLARECLASSIC.COM.AU
about!
T
O MOST CYCLISTS, THE IDEA OF PRESCRIBING Patients at two medical centres in the Welsh
cycling to improve mental health and well- capital Cardiff are offered six-month subscriptions
being is pretty obvious really. People who ride to a bike-rental service that allows them to take
regularly usually don’t visit their GP as often as unlimited free rides of up to 30 minutes at a time.
others, and when they do they are congratulated This program is part of a wider trend called social
for their active lifestyle. prescribing where GPs and other frontline healthcare
And in Wales, there’s a program being trialled to professionals refer patients to a link-worker who
actually prescribe cycling for improved mental and works with them to design their own personalised
physical health. The pilot program, the first such ‘social prescription’, often using services provided by
initiative in Britain, according to the health board the voluntary and community sector.
that is leading it, reflects an effort by medical General Practitioner Dr Catherine McInnes who
professionals around the world to give patients is also a cyclist herself says a number of good quality
alternatives to drugs, in order to avoid side effects studies support the theory that moderate exercise is
and improve cost efficiency. beneficial to both physical and mental health.
56 Mental Health NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
www.cyclinginflanders.cc
The Cycling Classics
for Australia
YOUR 2020 CYCLING EVENT CALENDAR
YAFFA 11194
MINDFULNESS
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was ahead of his
T
HE TEMPERATURE IS 30 DEGREES AND I AM GRINDING
up a four kilometre climb. Having lived
in London for too long, I’d forgotten what
heat feels like. Sweat dripped along the helmet
straps gathering at the buckle and the Lycra is
beginning to stick to my skin. The temptation to
give up at this mid-way point was strong.
“C’mon!” shouts my new-found friend back at
me, “You are a better climber than you think!”
The ego boost was all I needed to keep going,
after all, I am chasing former professional
cyclist and Canadian National Champion Alison
Testroete around the hills of Tuscany. If she says
I am a good climber, then I wasn’t going to show
any weaknesses.
Most come to this region to visit Renaissance
cities Florence and Pisa or the wine regions such
as Chianti, but I base myself in Lucca, a historic
city nestled in a valley among the hills north
of Pisa. Enclosed in perfectly preserved 16th-
century city walls, which is now a well laid out
pedestrian and cycle path, it is the sort of city
that epitomises Tuscany.
This is the sort of destination in Italy that
combines all that with a touch of romance
influenced by books and movies such as Under the
Tuscan Sun. It is a place where you come to sit in a
beautiful renovated villa, leisurely sip on a chilled
glass of wine produced by vineyards just ‘down the
road’ while soft music – an Italian opera – plays in
the background.
For this trip, I had wanted a woman guide,
because with a sport that is mostly associated with
men, I needed someone I could relate to: women
like me who enjoy the challenges and rewards
that road cycling gives, and at the same time who
don’t always want to talk about gears, kit and
professional results.
Alison now lives locally in Lucca and runs the
Lucca Cycling Club. Promising to make my first
day easy for me, she planned a route of roughly
30 kilometres to give me a taster of what would be
expected from a leisure ride in this region.
66 Destination | Tuscany NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
WHEN TO GO
Best seasons to ride are between
March to June and September to
October.
ABOVE: Lucca-based former Canadian National Champion Alison Testroete stops to take in the scenery during a local ride.
EATING AND SLEEPING
Lucca has plenty of
accommodation options within
its city walls. From budget to
The Tuscan landscape is a patchwork of the At this point, I do a quick scan of my surrounds.
luxury, there is something for
greens of vineyards and olive groves, rustic honey- I couldn’t see many hard climbs in the vicinity.
everyone.
coloured villas and punctuating Cypress trees. The “You want hills? Could save a couple for you
Finding accommodation with
mostly empty roads are well paved and smooth, tomorrow!” Alison winks mischievously.
breakfast included will save you
its curves nestle in the crease of the rolling hills Fuelled with enthusiasm from my first day on
the effort of having to find one
decorated with castle and church towers joining the hill, I meet Alison again in the morning of the
that serves more than just an
villages and communes with lyrical names such next day ready to take on more. After all, she did
espresso and a pastry for fuel.
as Sant’Alessio, San Martino in Vignale and San promise me some challenges.
Most towns and villages will have
Gemignano di Moriano, it is all very much like a
a deli and a ristorante for lunch
painting, making a ride in the Tuscan countryside
and plenty of options for a carb-
especially exhilarating.
filled dinner back in Lucca.
Leaving the city centre and taking the road
going north across the Serchio River where the
traffic begin to thin, we start shifting to higher
such as TOURING
gears for some speed. When my legs are spinning Sant’Alessio, San Martino in Lucca Cycling Club offers tailor-
made road cycling travel from
at a comfortable cadence, I pull alongside Alison
for a bit of a chat. Vignale and San Gemignano point to point multi-day itineraries
When Alison first moved to Italy she
immediately fell in love with the Italian lifestyle.
di Moriano...” to centre based day trips.
Bike Hire: Want to save the
Having quit professional cycling, she continues her hassle of take by your own bike?
love of cycling by guiding visitors on tailored road Following a similar route out of the city, Lucca Cycling Club can organise
cycling holidays around Lucca. westwards this time, Alison takes me deeper into high-end bike hire from single
“I find Lucca to be the most authentic of all the mountains. It’s another clear day with not to multi day for individuals up to
Tuscan cities. When tourism dictates so much a cloud tainting the perfect blue sky, meaning large groups.
of the infrastructure and personalities of other another hot day in the saddle. Ride Guide: Cycling guide
destinations, Lucca remains to be itself. It is lively, Once again, I am being pulled towards the Alison Testroete is a former
friendly and honest. I knew I wanted to live here attractive landscape of Tuscany. Feeling more Canadian National Champion
the first time I visited it. confident in my hired bike, I open my eyes to and pro cyclist. With more
“The areas around Lucca provide so much the mountains and the valley, listened for the than 7-years cycling industry
variety for cyclists. You can ride to the sea, into the song birds and the distant chimes of church bells experience she now owns
mountains, keep it flat or tackle some pretty hard and felt flower-scented breeze on my skin. Once and operates Lucca Cycling
hitting climbs. So it’s great for point to point trips a while we stop to admire the view. The sun is Club. Further details at
or to base yourself in one place and still experience bright, highlighting the glory of the surrounding www.luccacyclingclub.com
something different every day.” in saturated colours.
PREPARATION IS ESSENTIAL
Brian has the confidence to ride even when the road
can be unpredictable. He stores all his roadside
repair needs in his Seat Roll PREMIO. And most
often, he forgets it is there; because it doesn’t
rattle as a constant reminder. But if something does
happen, it’s one pull of the dial and a quick snap to
salvation. Like a Boy Scout, Brian is always prepared
and puts his faith in gear that embodies integrity and
accountability. #mySILCAstory
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72 View From The Top
BY NAT BROMHEAD
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
I
T’S UP THERE (NO PUN) AS ONE OF
the ultimate destinations on
earth, an absolute bucket
list climb and one of the peak
personal challenges for any keen
road cyclists.
Yes, it’s the Stelvio Pass, or
‘Passo dello Stelvio’ in Italian, and
it’s located in Europe’s Central
Alps on the Italian/Swiss border.
Like many addicts of the sport,
the author’s personal journey
to this high-altitude heartland
began many years before
ultimate arrival.
The climb is etched in bike
racing folklore, has been freshly
ridden by seemingly every rider
‘just back from Europe’, and was
made famous when named as ‘the
world’s greatest road’ by Top Gear
over a decade ago.
So when the opportunity to I call my friend Daniela and said are the most famous climbs of the
spend a week in nearby Bormio ‘Spot On.’ He said ‘magnifique, Giro d’Italia. These climbs are
came up at the end of August perfect,’ and I name my new shop hell – very steep with up to 24%
– the same time as the annual Spot On.” gradient. There are three routes
‘Stelvio Bike Day’ when the With riders from all around to the top of Mortirolo and the
climb is closed to traffic – it was “...on the 2019 the world visiting Bormio to ride hardest is only for the brave.”
impossible to say no.
Bikeless and local knowledge- Stelvio Bike Day the Stelvio Pass, Paulo said up
to a quarter of visitors are from
It’s not often that brilliant
cycling climbs are closed to
less (if that’s even a word?), upon
the advice of more than a few
well Australia. So why the Stelvio,
we asked him.
traffic but, as Paulo explained,
that was the case the following
recent Aussie visitors I paid a visit “It is the bucket list destination,” Friday and Saturday.
to Spot On Bike Shop and soon he said. “The Stelvio is not that “Cancano is closed on Friday
learned about their fascinating steep. The problem is the altitude, and the Stevio on Saturday,” he
Aussie connection while sorting
out a steed.
, snap their and the length of the climb. Most
of the people who come here are
said, “no cars, bikes only.
To ride these climbs over these
“Before I opened my bike shop selfies, and raise from lower areas. It’s something car-free days was an absolute
I was helping an Australian client
with a damaged bike,” Paulo
a glass...” very special – we start the climb at
1200 at Bormio and arrive at the
delight. First up was Cancano
with its gentle 7% gradient and 17
Birroci told us. “He said ‘Paulo, top at 2700.” dreamy switchbacks. The view from
please help me … save my holiday, “It doesn’t matter how long the the top is absolutely staggering, the
my bike is broken.’ I fix the bike climb takes,” Paulo added. “Once picture-perfect hairpins a visual
and he said ‘Paulo, Spot On.’ they arrive at the top it’s such a reminder of a road you’ll never
big satisfaction.” forget. That Friday sortie to 2000m
As daunting and impressive as was the perfect pipe opener to
the Stelvio is, the Bormio region Saturday’s Stelvio mission.
is famous for far more legendary With Bormio absolutely buzzing
climbs than that, the pinnacle of on Friday night it was clear that
world cycling. thousands of riders had honed in
“We have a lot of other options,” on the region for the open day.
Paulo continued. “The top three Early the next day I was awoken
other climbs are the Gavia, by the sound of clipping cleats and
Mortirolo and Cancano … the freewheels, the hotel balcony doors
lake. Stelvio is the King, Gavia is being open and an almost endless
the Queen, and Cancano is the line of riders leaving the village for
Princess. The Gavia and Mortirolo the challenge ahead
After a hearty breakfast I joined
the parade. A few kilometres
LEFT: The Stelvio is just one of the out of town the bunch I’d joined
region’s great climbs – this shot is passed two armed officers, their
from Bormio 2000. police car blocking the turnoff
ABOVE: Looking back down the to the Stelvio climb ensuring the
mighty Stelvio from the top, an popular route remained car-free
absolute dream descent. for the day.
76 View From The Top NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
WWW.DIGGARI.COM.AU
THE PERFECT GIFT
FOR THE “HARD TO BUY FOR”
PERSON
5s
A bunch of coffee is excellent. Same goes
for the service, which gives the
whole place a delightfully relaxed
and welcoming feel. The vistas
are spectacular. You can even
RIDER: Warrick Nicholson take a dip at Bayview Baths right
LIVES: Newport RIDER: David Martin next door if your cooked legs are
RIDES: Specialized Tarmac Di2 Disc LIVES: Warriewood in need of cooling (just heed the
OCCUPATION: Production Director RIDES: Giant TCR signs and watch for sharks). On
Advanced Pro 1 any given morning, certainly
during the warmer months, you’ll
OCCUPATION: School
likely find a healthy gathering
Psychologist of two-wheeled bunches sipping
coffee and talking bikes. Today is
no exception…
T
O SOME, IT’S THE ‘INSULAR TOUR DE FRANCE IN 2020?
Peninsula’. But to Northern He will come back. I don’t think
Beaches locals, this part he can win the Tour, but good
of the world is nothing short of luck to him.
cycling nirvana. Based on personal
experience, past and present, 5. IF YOU HAD $500 TO SPEND IN A
it’s hard to argue with them – BIKE SHOP WHAT WOULD YOU BUY?
especially gazing out from my New shoes and a helmet.
current waterfront surroundings
on a glorious morning in early
spring. Whether you’ve just MARK CHAFFER
cruised up the coastline from 1. BEST RIDE IN SYDNEY?
Brookvale or Narrabeen, or Our Akuna Bay circuit. Within
hurtled down from McCarrs minutes you’re up into the
Creek Road after a loop out to National Park enjoying challenging
Akuna Bay or West Head, there climbs and quick descents.
are surely few better-located The scenery isn’t bad either.
coffee stops in Sydney than 8
Knots Café at Bayview. Nestled 2. WOMEN’S TOUR DE FRANCE?
at the southern edge of Pittwater, A big yes from me. It seems
directly adjacent the local strange we can have a sport as
marina with its bobbing yachts popular as cycling and an event
and chirping seabirds, 8 Knots with as much media coverage as
provides the perfect park up for Le Tour and not have a female
many reasons. For starters, the version. It happens in many
80 Bunch of Fives NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
WARRICK NICHOLSON
1. BEST RIDE IN SYDNEY?
Can’t say I’ve done them all, but
I never tire of my local loop out
to Akuna Bay and back home to
Newport. Incredibly scenic from
other sports, so why not cycling?
I’d happily watch it.
terrain. I don’t think there’s any
more to it. The only difference
“...I never tire start to finish, a lot of it flanked
by Pittwater, full of birdsong
for women at the moment is we of my local loop and native wildlife sightings
3. UCI’S NEW E-MTB RACE SERIES? don’t know as much about the are common. It also has some
Ah, this is an interesting debate. individuals. Give them some good solid climbing, twisty fast
I have friends riding mountain exposure and it will take off. descending and for the most
bikes and there’s an ever-growing part, great road surfaces…
number of them switching to 3. UCI’S NEW E-MTB RACE SERIES? heaven! Tack on a diversion out
e-bikes. Simply put, as we get I didn’t see that, but it would to West Head for some extra
older these riders are finding open up events for lots of people distance and an insanely good
e-bikes allow them to ride for who would otherwise not race view of the mouth of Broken Bay
longer. I can imagine the e-MTB or ride. I know people who at the half-way point.
race series would follow a similar are having cycling holidays on
principle with races able to be e-bikes now, going with friends 2. WOMEN’S TOUR DE FRANCE?
run over a longer timeframe. who are on standard bikes. I’m Yes! Why should Grand Tour
hopeful e-bikes will change cycling be any different to World
4. CAN FROOME WIN THE community opinion about cycling Surfing, Tennis, Soccer etc. in
TOUR IN 2020? by bringing many more people in ABOVE: Not a lot goes on at sleepy this day and age? If my daughter
I believe he can. If you can and, ultimately, make it safer for Bayview, a splendid waterfront harboured dreams of one
win Le Tour a bunch of times, us all. The other thing to think location just 25km north of Sydney. day winning a Grand Tour in
then you’d have the mental about is…if something moves, it BELOW: Good coffee and quality cycling, I’d love to think she had
determination to overcome just should be raced! banter, two key ingredients for a every opportunity to strive for
about anything. I wish him well. memorable ride with mates. that, as much as my son would.
4. CAN FROOME WIN THE
5. $500 TO SPEND IN A BIKE SHOP? TOUR IN 2020?
Wahoo cycle computer or a new Yes. I’m a physio and I see loads
pair of road shoes. of cyclists with injuries. I don’t
have full knowledge of the type
of fractures, however assuming
DAVE SHEPPARD they weren’t overly unusual, his
1. BEST RIDE IN SYDNEY? pelvis, ribs and femur should
It’s hard to beat our standard recover well and not bother
ride around Akuna Bay. The him too much eventually. The
climbs in and out ask enough elbow may not straighten fully
of you, and the scenery is – but has anyone ever seen
stunning. There aren’t many Chris Froome straighten his
cars either. It’s hard to believe elbow on a bike? The neck and
you’re in Sydney. other soft tissue injuries may
bother him, so I’m not sure
2. WOMEN’S TOUR DE FRANCE? about those. The other thing
I’d watch it. Why not? Cycling is his confidence. My wife is
as a spectator sport is about a Clinical Psychologist with a
racing, bikes, personalities and sports psych background. She
FOR SUSTAINED
POWER
“Using has really helped me back
up and perform at my best day in day out.
At crunch time I know I have more power
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82 Bunch of Fives NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
“...for me the power in any UCI event 3. UCI’S NEW E-MTB RACE SERIES?
I think it’s very odd. Not to
rubber front and back with
the change.
mention a nightmare to regulate
for a fair race. It’s akin to having
a sailing race and allowing an DAVID MARTIN
electric motor to be used for the 1. BEST RIDE IN SYDNEY?
lulls. A marketing coup to be West Head.
sure, but for me, the power in
any UCI event should only ever 2. WOMEN’S TOUR DE FRANCE?
come from the legs of the riders. Yes. They should try to run it
Pretty sure Jens never uttered: concurrently with the men’s race,
“Shut Up, Batteries!” possibly the day before. I’m a
strong supporter of equity for all.
4. CAN FROOME WIN THE
TOUR IN 2020? 3. UCI’S NEW E-MTB RACE SERIES?
If his family can keep him As long as all the bikes have
from using overly sharp consistent power assistance, I’d
kitchen knives, running with be happy to see it.
scissors or mowing the lawns
in bare feet, I’d say he’s in 4. CAN FROOME WIN THE
with a fighting chance. But I TOUR IN 2020?
hope someone else can come I think the biggest issue will
through and mix it up to be be his motivation. It would be
honest – this year’s Tour was disappointing to see a champion
immensely more watchable. like him struggle in a Grand
ABOVE: David Martin takes time out to enjoy Tour, especially the Tour de
a morning coffee at Bayview north of Sydney. 5. $500 TO SPEND IN A BIKE SHOP? France. In summary, no.
A fresh helmet most likely –
mine’s definitely getting close 5. $500 TO SPEND IN A BIKE SHOP?
to retirement – and some new I’d convert to tubeless tyres.
0% Frame Contact
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84 Profile | Bossi Bicycles
BY PETER MANIATY
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
Bossi Bicycles:
From Fast Food To Fast Wheels
LEADING AN INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AND
MANUFACTURING TEAM FOR CLIENTS LIKE McDONALDS
MAY NOT SEEM A NATURAL PATHWAY INTO HIGH-END
BICYCLE FRAMES AND WHEELS. BUT FOR INDUSTRIAL
DESIGNER AND PASSIONATE ROAD CYCLIST,
JAMES BOSSI, IT WAS A ROLE THAT PUT THE WORLD’S
BEST TITANIUM AND CARBON FACTORIES AT HIS
DOORSTEP DURING A TWO-YEAR STAY IN CHINA,
AS PETER MANIATY DISCOVERED.
S
KETCHING PROTOTYPES AND healthy growth, we’re investing
visiting local production heavily into design and stock,
facilities in his spare we’re also looking to expand into
time, it provided a unique a larger premises.”
opportunity to establish In the early days, Bossi was
relationships that, today, designing both commuter and
underscore Bossi Bicycles, the road frames. However 2018 saw
burgeoning business he owns a strategic shift towards lower
with his father, John-Paul, in volume, higher quality custom
Sydney’s inner west. titanium builds which now
Articulate and approachable, make up around 80% of the
the 29-year-old explains he first business. It also paved the way
came to cycling when a serious for high-end carbon wheels to
leg injury halted a promising be added to the Bossi stable.
soccer career. “I actually broke “Titanium frames are beautiful
my knee in year twelve and got things – but they aren’t designed
into cycling through the rehab,” to be aero,” Bossi explains.
he says. “I just fell in love with “It meant our bikes needed to be
it, the riding but also the design. performance optimised in other
I started sketching triangles areas. We took a deep dive into
when I was studying at UTS and aerodynamics and our research
I’ve been doing it ever since!” showed only 5% of total drag
While it would be almost was the frame. Wheels were
a decade before Bossi’s twin at least double that, so we
passions of design and bicycles started realising we needed
converged, the idea of was to be specifying high calibre
always in the back of his mind. carbon wheels to complement
“In mid-2016 I decided to come our frames.”
back to Australia to give the As Bossi explains candidly,
bike business a real shot. I was that quickly led to another
26 and I didn’t have a house problem. “Australians are
or a family, so if it failed, it paying way too much for
failed.” (Clue – it didn’t.) “Three carbon wheelsets. Initially for
years on and we’re seeing really us it was about bringing much
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 85
PREPD Hydration
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IKE RIDERS LOVE ‘NEW’ –
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really? Can there be anything
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Then I spent some time
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Namely, it isn’t a hydration
drink, but actually a hydration
enhancer.
So that idea is very new.
It meant I didn’t have to quit
drinking the product I had
decided was ‘my’ hydration
drink. I could still have it, but
add PREPD to my before and
after exercise regime.
The theory was that PREPD,
which tastes like a very nice
fruit smoothie (the mango and
passionfruit Prime is taken
six to 12 hours before training
or racing while the equally as
flavoursome strawberry and
kiwi Recover is taken straight
afterwards) works with other
forms of hydration in my body
(including water), enhancing
their absorption.
And as most riders know, with
better hydration, an athlete can
minimise dehydration, sustain
training/racing efforts, recover
better and reduce the risk of heat
stroke on super-hot summer days.
With that information, I was
keen to try some for myself and
even hauled the road bike out
of storage after a snowy winter
to get out there, sweat a bit in
the spring sunshine, and see if
it worked.
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 89
102 Bianchi Aria E-Road 108 Giant Revolt
A MAJOR ADVANCEMENT
Until recently, we have not
seen any substantial advances
in hydration technology
since sports drinks were
invented. PREPD professes to
change this by significantly
increasing the absorption of all
fluids consumed by athletes.
Backed by 20-plus years of
research and testing through
Flinders and Yale Universities,
PREPD, as mentioned above
consumed pre- and post-
exercise, has been proven to
boost the absorption of leading
sports drinks and water. lead to physical and cognitive using PREPD and experiencing
Interestingly, the Prime is “...The key impairment in athletes. improved hydration and
taken a minimum of six hours
before you clip in and with its
difference we It found that sport drinks
used by athletes were often
performance benefits.
Riding (and a bit of spring
smoothie-like texture, minimal continue to see hyperosmolar; this was known to snow skiing) with PREPD for
sugar and a pleasant flavour,
isn’t bad as a night cap the night with pro cyclists be suboptimal for rehydration as
it did not utilise the absorptive
just a week, I wasn’t able to
test my hematocrit and didn’t
before a morning ride.
So how does it work? Why is it
using PREPD is capacity of the large intestine
which could be enhanced by
weigh myself, but I found that
I didn’t feel as thirsty/obviously
so different? fermentative production of short dehydrated as I usually do,
The team at PREPD explained chain fatty acids (SCFA) from particularly on the mountain.
they use patent-pending substrates such as resistant I am keen to try it again in the
resistant starch formulations; starch – as utilised by PREPD. hot summer months when I
this specific resistance starch The primary outcome markers spend hours coaching junior
has been proven through of hydration were hematocrit and master’s riders at mostly
research to enhance fluid and (the ratio of the volume of red club level.
electrolyte absorption in the gut. blood cells to the total volume
As many of us have experienced, of blood) and body weight.
often most inconveniently while Across three time-points, WORLDTOUR TESTED
trying to do a PB in a race or hematocrit was significantly Kevin Poulton is head coach
sportif, when dehydration sets lower and body weight UCI WorldTour Team Katusha
in it is extremely difficult to significantly higher in sports Alpecin and has had long-term
rehydrate fast enough to avoid drinks compared to maize starch. experience and is a strong
performance deterioration. The study’s conclusion was advocate of using PREPD. With
Nathan from PREPD said that the combination of the 20 years of coaching experience,
the crippling sensation of significantly lower hematocrit victories in Paris-Roubaix 2016,
fatigue towards the end of and increased body weight in the Grand Tour stage wins, World
a long training session or in maize starch group represented Tour Classics and many podium
competition is caused as much better hydration not only at places at World Tour level,
by dehydration as from depletion the end of training as well as Kevin understands the planning,
of fuel stores as is commonly to following a recovery period but science and training required to
blame. also at its commencement. “The win the biggest cycling races.
magnitude of the benefit seems He was first introduced to
sufficient to have an impact on PREPD at a pre-Vuelta training
CLINICAL STUDY ABOVE: A stockpile of PREPD performance and further camp in Andorra during the
A recent hydration clinical trial hydration enhancer ready for a studies to test this possibility height of summer last year,
of elite AFL players published in pre-summer training block. are now indicated.” conducted his own research
the Journal of the International OPPOSITE PAGE: There is strong research and knew what the supposed
Society of Sports Nutrition Best consumed well before and to back up PREPD’s claim of benefits were.
acknowledged that fluid deficits after activity, PREPD Prime & enhanced hydration along with “I wanted to trial PREPD
exceeding as little as 1.6% could Recover is increasingly popular. a growing number of athletes without giving away what
90 Test Lab | Prepd Hydration NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
by Insurance House
YOUR HOME,
CONTENTS &
BICYCLES COVERED
UNDER ONE POLICY
Distributed by: P: +61(0)2 8882 1900 E: enquiries@cassons.com.au Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram
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92 Test Lab | Perfuro Cycling Kit
BY NAT BROMHEAD
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
Perfuro Gear
WE ROAD TEST THE LATEST KIT FROM GOLD COAST BASED
PERFURO GEAR, A NEW PLAYER IN THE CYCLING KIT MARKET.
W
EATHER CAN BE EVERYTHING Perfuro is Latin for the term
in cycling. It can have ‘to storm, to rage’.
a direct and dramatic Martin said the designs are
effect on all aspects of the sport themed around the elements. It’s
– from the decision on whether the stuff you see on the news every
(no pun intended) to ride, day but with an artistic twist.
where to ride, what to ride and “I’m offering something
indeed what to wear on a ride. different, something meaningful
Perfuro Gear, is a relative ... I’m not going to go down that
new player on the cycling apparel mainstream path. These themes
scene and one of their debut are designed to give the rider
collections draws inspiration from motivation, it’s a lot easier to ride
exactly that: weather systems. knowing nature is on your side.”
Just over a year old, Gold
Coast-based Perfuro was
established and since then has PERFURO TESTED
quickly made its mark on the Having taken a close look at
cycling fashion scene. Perfuro and worn the bibless
“Our designs are influenced knicks and coldfront jersey on
by weather systems,” says numerous rides we can certainly
Martin Coleman from Perfuro. verify the comfort factor. The
“It is Mother Earth’s natural jersey lives up to its UV rating,
elements and the patterns fitted true to size in medium,
in nature that make up our and provided a smooth and
surroundings. We use these comfortable fit over a recent
patterns, then extrapolate them 60km / 2.5hr outing.
into designs that represent
energy, endurance and that
spark of motivation.”
All Perfuro Gear features
Italian fabrics and the knicks I’m not going
incorporate the highly-regarded
to go down that mainstream path...”
‘Paris’ breathable chamois from
Elastic Interface, world leaders
PERFURO GEAR
in chamois and cycling-wear Big fans of the Elastic Interface The fabric used in all Perfuro
technology. chamois, it’s wonderful to see the gear has been selected for the
“Being a cyclist I always small Aussie company has chosen following key reasons:
thought there was a gap in the this world-leading insert from the • Sweat wicking and moisture
market for more comfortable booming Italian manufacturers. management.
apparel,” Martin told us. The synoptic series • Quick drying.
“Also, being a creative I includes the Rainmap and the • Air, ventilation and comfort.
needed an outlet. Coming Coldfront. These both have the • 4-way stretch to ensure a
from the Northern Beaches lightening bolt with symbolise comfortable yet firm fit.
in Sydney I grew up with the strength. “Lightening • Dimensional stability.
surf and the weather. I’ve also galvanises power and strength,” • Odour resistance – resistance
been a pilot since a young age. Martin told us. “The lightening to bacterial residue from sweat
Combine the surf, the sky and bolt symbolises that.” that produces odours
cycling and obviously weather is ABOVE: Perfuro have launched a
• Its SPF resistance.
a major influence – it has always For further details on the range range of stylish cycling wear with • Printing ability.
been a fascination for me and and to buy online visit www. design inspiration drawn from the • Overall weight.
that’s the basis of Perfuro.” perfurogear.com weather, a key aspect of the sport.
NEW CHASE™ BIKE VEST
LIGHTWEIGHT 3D
MESH, IDEAL FOR
RACING, QUICK RIDES
WHERE A FULL PACK
ISN’T NECESSARY
S
OME OF THE MOST dead spots and offer a marginally asked. “In short, it means you
successful pros of all longer (therefore more powerful will consume less energy at the
time swear by them, and efficient) down stroke. same power output using oval
the science backs it up, the A leader in oval chainring chainrings so you can ride for
numbers are clear…so why do technology, AbsoluteBlack longer and/or faster.”
oval chainrings remain a topic worked with the University
of debate and division in the of Primorska in Slovenia to
cycling world? record and compare differences TESTING THE CHAINRINGS
Real life results speak for between oval chainrings Bicycling Australia recently
themselves with thousands of compared to round. The tested out a set of 52/36 and
amateurs right through to some results…up to 9% increase of a 1x 42T AbsoluteBlack oval
of the biggest names of the sport force effectiveness, up to 7% less chainrings. First things first,
– none other than Chris Froome oxygen consumption, up to 15% so far as construction goes the
and Bradley Wiggins – choosing less ventilation and up to 10% chainrings are a high in quality
ABOVE & RIGHT: Eye-catching
oval chainrings over round. heart rate decrease when using and perfectly finished, the
and look fantastic. They are
In essence the theory is this – oval chainrings versus round. AbsoluteBlack chainrings look manufactured in Europe from
elliptical chainrings help smooth “What does that mean?” a great and have a positive impact 7075 aluminium and certainly
out the pedal stroke, eliminate spokesman from the company on performance. stiff enough to provide good
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 95
© BEARDY MCBEARD
WA N T M O R E
G E T T H E L AT E S T C Y C L I N G N E W S ,
TRAINING TIPS & MORE BETWEEN ISSUES
G E T T H E F R E E B I C Y C L I N G A U S T R A L I A E N E W S L E T T E R | S I G N U P O N L I N E W W W. B I C Y C L I N G A U S T R A L I A . C O M . A U
NOW AVAILABLE AT
*Average values given, sugar free percentage varies by avour: Lemon Lime 99.5%, Grapeberry 99.4%.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. END5678 - 09/19
98 Test Lab | Specialized Roubaix
BY NAT BROMHEAD
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
YES, SMOOTHER
IS FASTER
Next morning and it wasn’t long
before the Roubaix was bouncing
along over a cobbled sector
at speed. And it was instantly
apparent that Specialized’s often
quoted line of ‘smoother is faster’
packs way more substance than
a slick three-word slogan – it’s a
statement of fact!
Enjoying that first local loop
out of Oudenaarde, a ride that
took in the legendary cobbled
climbs of the Kwaremont,
Patterberg and Koppenberg,
the Roubaix was the perfect
platform for this high-intensity
dream destination, heart-starter.
The fact that this bike has
a suspension dial on top of
the stem is no gimmick. Twist
it half a turn left for more
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 99
SPECIFICATIONS
GROUPSET: Shimano Ultegra
Di2 Disc R8070
CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra,
11-speed, 11-34t
CHAINRINGS: 50/34T
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra RX, RX805
STEERER / FORK: Future Shock 2.0 w/
Damper, Smooth Boot, 12x100 mm thru-
axle, flat-mount
SADDLE: Body Geometry Power, Hollow
Titanium rails
BAR TAPE: Roubaix S-Wrap
SEATPOST: S-Works Pave 2
HANDLEBARS: Specialized Expert Hover,
alloy, 125x75mm w/ Di2 hole
TUBES: Presta, 48mm valve
TYRES: Specialized Turbo Pro, 700x28m
WHEELS: Roval C 38 Disc
BRAKES: Shimano Ultegra, Hydraulic
FRAME: FACT 10R, Rider First Engineered™
(RFE), FreeFoil Shape Library tubes,
threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle, flat-
mount disc.
RRP: $8500
100 Test Lab | Specialized Roubaix NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
3
– make no mistakes the latest
Roubaix is a bike you will grow close to ..
SUMMING UP
We found this bike to be
exceptionally smooth, super
comfortable and incredibly
versatile. It’s a capable bike that
not only looks great but is ready
to head most places you point it.
PERFORMANCE
As mentioned above – a capable
machine and very versatile.
Whether it be on a cobbled
climb or fast ride with the local
bunch the Roubaix is a genuine
all-rounder
Astana and Drapac riders. Unlike previous model Back to that catchy three
It was a surreal moment Roubaix (male) and Ruby word slogan and yes, smoother FINISH
to be scooting along on the (female specific) models, the certainly feels faster. The bike The only minor issue we had –
Oudenaarde-Gent express, on new Roubaix features a shared clung to the road whether it be as ironic as it seems – was the
the Roubaix, mixing it with geometry that Specialized say is harsh cobbled climbs, gravel
Future Shock adjustment dial
a peloton packed with mid the result of research from more backroads, the single lane
coming off on the first cobbled
to high-end road bikes and than 8,000 bike fits. concrete paths that criss-cross
sector. This was re-secured later
similarly accomplished pros. The test Roubaix came fitted rural Flanders or the smooth
in the day (via 1.5mm hex key).
with a unisex Specialized power blacktop riverside run.
Other than that minor irony the
MORE AERO THAN saddle, one I found perfectly
comfortable and visually in
To that final morning and
the bike was dismantled and finish of the bike (in blue and
A TARMAC keeping with the sleek, minimalist boxed up a lot slower and with silver) was spot on.
With a frame lighter than the and functional lines of the bike. a lot less gusto than it had been
Venge (900g in size 56cm) and assembled some 10 days earlier. OVERALL
more aero than the Tarmac (as HOVER BAR FOR COMFORT The Roubaix was one of The latest Roubaix is a huge
tested in the company’s ‘Win To the handlebars and the those review bikes we certainly step forward for the model line,
Tunnel’), the Roubaix is a truly Roubaix features the company’s would have been very happy a giant leap from the previous
impressive release. Not only ‘hover’ bar with 15mm of to keep for a year (or more). incarnation. It’s a standout
have engineers incorporated rise either size of the stem. Delivering it back to the local release, a super-impressive
aero shaping (for a claimed This made for a comfortable, dealer in Sydney was like offering. One only wonders
saving of 20+ seconds over endurance style riding position farewelling an old friend – what the company could do to
40km), they have also opted to and was perfectly comfortable make no mistakes the latest improve it next year.
make the bike gender neutral. for the duration of the test Roubaix is a bike you will grow
102 Test Lab | Bianchi Aria E-Road
BY NICOLA RUTZOU
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
Bianchi E-Aria
THE BIANCHI ARIA E-ROAD IS PART OF A NEW ERA IN ROAD CYCLING – THE ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE ERA.
NICOLA RUTZOU RECENTLY ENJOYED THE ENVIABLE TASK OF TESTING ONE OF THESE CELESTE STUNNERS.
T
HE BIANCHI ARIA E-ROAD IS had something they weren’t been riding a road bike for years, even when the assistance level
part of a new era in road expecting. The first question was and is struggling with this new is set to zero.
cycling – the electric unsurprising – how much does decree. He could instantly see I’m pleased to report that
assistance era. Some call it it weigh? In response, I invited that the Aria E-Road would give it really does ride like a road
cheating, while others are in them to pick it up and see for him that little boost he needs, bike, albeit a slightly different
favour of a bike category that themselves. They were universally particularly on hills to allow him feel because of its extra weight
allows more people to enjoy impressed with its 12.3 kilograms, to ride with his friends and keep but nonetheless, like a racing
road riding. Either way, the Aria which is saying something when his heart rate at the required level. machine. It corners well and
E-Road is an impressive machine most of them ride bikes around goes up and down hills with
with plenty of Bianchi’s street the 8-kilogram mark. ease. The only time I noticed
cred, with the added bonus of The friend who was most RIDES LIKE A ROAD BIKE the extra weight in the rear was
some electronic assistance. impressed and was pretty much The Bianchi Aria E-Road is when I stood up while climbing
When I arrived at my local ready to buy it on the spot was my based on the aero road bike and noticed an unfamiliar feeling
cafe to meet up with my usual mate who has recently been told of the same name. I suspect in the rear of the bike. On
riding bunch, they flocked around by his cardiologist to take it easy Bianchi chose this particular reflection, I should have dialled
to admire the glossy Celeste on the bike and not get his heart frame because it’s a bike built up the assistance level which
Bianchi paint job, and then one rate above a certain threshold. for speed and they wanted to would have precluded the need
by one realised that this bike He’s in his mid-sixties and has make this e-bike fast and sleek for me to stand up on the pedals.
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 103
1. Discreetly mounted in
the rear hub is the
internal Ebikemotion X35
electric motor.
1
2. The only sneaky
e-road giveaway on the
top of the ARIA E-road
is the multi-function
power button.
3. The ARIA E-road
continues Bianchi’s long
history of high-quality,
perfectly-finished
performance bikes.
SPECIFICATIONS
SIZING (*TESTED): 47, 50, 53*, 55, 57, 59, 61 cm 2
WEIGHT: 12.3 kg
FRAME: Aria E-Road Disc Carbon
FORK: Bianchi Full Carbon Disc
STEM: Bianchi Reparto Corse alloy stem
HANDLEBARS: Bianchi Reparto Corse Aero Compact bars
SEATPOST: Aria Full Carbon Aero
SHIFTERS: Shimano Ultegra ST-R8020 2 x 11 speed
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra FD-R8000
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra RD-R8000 GS 11 speed
CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra 11-32T
CRANKSET: Shimano Ultegra FC-R8000 52/36T
3
CHAIN: Shimano Ultegra 11 speed
BRAKES: Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc BR-R8070
ROTORS: Shimano SM-RT86, 160mm
BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano SM-BB72-41B
SADDLE: Selle Royal Seta S1, steel rails
WHEELSET: Vision Trimax alloy disc with Ebikemotion motor
unit rear hub
TYRES: Vittoria Rubino 700 x 28c
MOTOR: Ebikemotion X35 system, 250W rear hub motor unit,
250Wh integrated battery, and iWOC One remote control
PRICING: $8,499
104 Test Lab | Bianchi Aria E-Road NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
4
4. The bike features a beefy bottom bracket and
comes standard with a Shimano Ultegra groupo.
5. Spot the difference…the E-road version is
strikingly similar to the standard Bianchi ARIA.
5
allowed me to move off more
quickly and made me feel more
confident alongside the cars.
The same occurred when I was
riding on narrow suburban
streets riding uphill where
car drivers have difficulty in
passing. I could ride that much
faster and keep myself safer in
the process.
INTEGRATED SEAMLESSLY
The assistance system is
controlled by a button-mounted
flush with the top tube near the
headset so it’s easy to operate
while you’re riding. It took me
a little while to get the hang
of scrolling through the three
power options but once I’d
mastered it I found it pretty
straightforward. Simply press
the button once to turn it on
then where the LED-lit ring
shines white. Press and hold it
and it turns green (Eco), orange
(medium), red (full). It’s also
visible in bright sunshine.
The same button is also the
battery level indicator: white is
100 to 75 per cent; green 75 to 50
For daily commutes
and family bike
adventures
Thule Child Bike Seats
SUMMING UP
7 A new era in road riding which
will be great for older people
who want to keep riding, people
with health conditions like heart
issues, and commuters who
per cent; orange 50 to 25 per cent; tyres match the bike well with a of a ride. Like me, most will want to minimise the sweat.
red 25 per cent; and flashing red nice firm grip on the road. spend part of a ride in the
is less than 10 per cent. different levels including zero
The Aria E-Road is also assistance. Owners of this
PERFORMANCE
Bluetooth enabled which allows WHAT ABOUT THE RANGE? bike will find out what works
Rides like a regular road bike and
ticks all the performance boxes
you to view a number of bike The other big question that I best for them and adjust the
functions in conjunction with found other riders ask is about assistance levels to suit their when cornering and descending.
the Ebikemotion App on an IOS the range or the distance you own needs. It comes into its own when
or Android phone which shows can travel before the battery ascending, allowing all riders to
battery level, distance travelled,
altitude, average speed, cadence,
runs out of juice. I found it to
be pretty good on a 90-minute
INTEGRATED MOTOR enjoy the joys of road cycling.
gradient, and current speed. ride where I experimented with AND BATTERY FINISH
the different assistance levels The motor is discreetly located Everything you’d expect from
RELIABLE GROUPSET and used only about 20 per cent
of the battery. The phone app
in the rear hub while it’s
powered by a slim, 40mm
Bianchi with a glossy celeste
AND WHEELS allowed me to keep a close eye wide 250W battery, positioned
and black paint job, matched
with quality, reliable components
The Ultregra groupset and disc on this while I was out. inside the downtube of the like the Shimano Ultegra Disc
brakes make it a very smooth The suggested range figures Aria E-Road frame. The Groupset and Vision wheels.
ride, and the disc brakes that were provided by the local weatherproof charge-port is
give a very firm braking feel, Bianchi distributor were: located discreetly in the upper
particularly when descending • Eco mode set at 25 per cent – surface of the down tube, near OVERALL
with the extra weight on board. 80 to 100 km the junction with the seat tube, The new Aria E-Road aero
All the electronic wiring of the • Comfort mode set at 50 per for a simple plug and charge carbon bike, engineered with
bike runs internally, sealed cent – 50 to 70 km operation via any household Bianchi’s Inner Power Drive
away from the elements and • Power mode set at 100 per mains electricity supply. I’m system, has the look and feel of
danger, completing the Aria cent – less than 45 km. also told there will be external a traditional, high-performance,
E-Road’s aero aesthetic. But when looking at these batteries, that fit in a standard race-bred road bike, with
The groupset is complemented figures you need to understand drink cage available in the integrated electrical assistance
by Vision disc wheels that roll that most riders will not use future that will increase the only when you need it.
well and Vittoria 28mm wide the assistance 100 per cent range of the bike.
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108 Test Lab | Giant Revolt
© LUKE MEERS
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
I
’M NOT PARANOID BUT…. suspension, long-fingered gloves The Advanced 1 model on test Advanced 2, Giant’s aluminium
I’m pretty sure the powers- and 26-inch tyres. here sits in the middle of the tubeless-ready PX2 rims.
that-be in the mountain bike In search of truth, I have put range. The top-tier Advanced All three models share the
world are infiltrating the road the New Giant Revolt Advanced 0 upgrades the wheels to same frameset, utilising Giant’s
market with some tempting 1 through its paces. proprietary carbon rims and “Advanced Composite” carbon
offerings to lure riders off the The Revolt Advanced is the utilises the Ultegra 11 speed and fabricated as one piece
tarmac on to dirt. They may latest gravel bike from Giant. groupset. The lower-range in what Giant call “modified
look like road bikes and they The new range is an attempt Advanced 2 uses a Shimano monocoque construction”. The
are increasing in number, but to create a bike that is truly 105 drivetrain and the Giant Revolt frames look noticeably
be careful…slippery slopes versatile, capable of smashing Conduct braking system. similar in style to the road-based
abound. These “gravel” bikes up dirt trails and gravel roads The Advanced 1 uses Defy range, with severely sloping
may just tempt you onto some without prohibiting its ability SRAM’s Apex 11 speed 1x top tube and low set seat stays.
literal slippery slopes, but the to be a suitable steed on long system with Apex hydraulic The Revolt Advanced range
mountain bike head honchos road rides, commutes or any brakes, a 40 tooth SRAM offer no active damping
are banking on you also finding combination of the above. Apex 1 crankset combined technologies, but rather utilise
yourself on a figurative slope Spoiler alert: the Revolt was with a 10-42 tooth cassette. something called D-Fuse
and sliding uncontrollably impressively capable on almost This bridging model shares technology. Essentially this is
towards hairy legs, full any surface. the same wheelset as the lower designed compliance in the seat
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME: Advanced grade composite,
12mm thru-axle
FORK: Advanced grade composite, full
composite OverDrive steerer, 12mm thru-axle
HANDLEBAR: Giant Contact XR D-Fuse,
31.8mm
STEM: Giant Connect, 8 degree
SEATPOST: Giant D-Fuse, Composite 2 bolt
1
SADDLE: Giant Contact, Neutral
SHIFTERS: SRAM Apex, 11sp
FRONT DERAILLEUR: N/A
REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM Apex
BRAKES: SRAM Apex hydraulic disc, 160mm 2
BRAKE LEVERS: SRAM Apex hydraulic
CASSETTE: SRAM XG-1150, 10-42T, 11sp
CHAIN: SRAM PC1110
CRANKSET: SRAM Apex 1, 40T
BOTTOM BRACKET: SRAM GXP pressfit
RIMS: Giant PX2 disc tubeless
HUBS: Giant sport disc, 28H
TYRES: Giant CrossCut Gravel 1 tubeless,
700x40c
RRP: $3499
DISTRIBUTOR: Giant Bicycles
www.giant-bicycles.com/au
110 Test Lab | Giant Revolt NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
3
post and handlebars. During my slick tyres on, would effectively
time riding any extra handlebar mimic an endurance style road
compliance was not overly bike (more on this a little later).
noticeable. Although having This bike was used with 40c
too much flex in the steering tyres but has enough clearance
connection would not be a great for 45c rubber or even more if
thing anyway. In contrast, the some 650c wheels were fitted.
flex in the seatpost was evident The Advanced 1 is fitted with
within 30 seconds of hopping SRAM Apex and the 1 x 11 speed
on the bike the first time. The groupset includes hydraulic
D-Fuse post allows movement brakes and a clutched rear
due to the flat rear surface derailleur. The front chainring is
(creating a “D” shaped profile), a 40 tooth and the cassette fitted
which facilitates flex in the was a massive 10-42 tooth. This
forward-backward plane, whilst obviously gives an impressive
limiting lateral movement. This gear range when compared
system was remarkably effective with a compact road groupset.
in reducing transmission of a The highest gear (40 front, 10
range of bumps, from regular rear) is 12% easier than the 50
road-based high-frequency front, 11 rear compact groupset
vibrations all the way through to combination. This is unlikely
6
3. Slick attention to detail is clear in
the finish of the 2020 revolt.
4. The chain guide as fitted to the
SRAM-equipped Revolt.
5. The Revolt comes fitted with Giant
Crosscut 40c tyres.
7. An aggressive stance and ready
to roll, the 2020 Revolt Advanced
in it’s sparkling ‘Wine Purple’
colourway.
SUMMING UP
QUALITY
Giant have produced a quality
all round product. Good
finishing on the frame and
attention to the little details like
mounting points and rubber
covers indicate the high level of
design and production which
“... essentially the premise is correct; has been utilised.
PERFORMANCE
Well, it really depends on where
features that are well thought compliance in the D-Fuse jump gutters and have some fun and how you are riding this bike.
out such as mountings for components combine to deliver a on the way to or from work. A But basically, it can do it all,
racks and mudguards which stable and confidence inspiring few sneaky dirt tracks on the and do it well. The only clearcut
are hidden beneath removable ride. On rougher terrain, riding commute could also be added in improvement would be from a
covers. There is a third bottle in the drops became more with confidence. lighter wheelset.
cage mount underneath the necessary, particularly when ADVENTURE RIDING: This was
downtube as well as a rubber descending. The crosscut tyres not tested, but given the extra VALUE
guard which indicates the intent seem to grip well as a good bottle mount and well thought $3499 is a very competitive
for this bike to be used on the range of angles. out rack mounts, it seems the price point and gets you a
rough stuff. All cable and hose GRAVEL: basically the same Revolt is well equipped for some lot of bike. Giant may not
routing is internal, keeping the as for dirt. Fast gravel sections long term, mixed terrain tours. be the trendiest of brands,
aesthetics relatively clean. were super fun. If there was a CAFE: Not really the forte of but they know how to offer
The aluminium tubeless-ready particular sweet spot for the the Revolt. Cafes are more the products which are solid value
Giant PX2 wheels felt relatively Revolt, this would be it. scene of deep-dish carbon and propositions. Depending on
bulletproof but on the flipside ROAD: The geometry, while price tags well north of $5000. your needs a move up to the
the weight of the wheels (just more relaxed than endurance So, essentially the premise is Advanced 0 ($4299) or down to
over 2000g) added a sluggish frames, is close enough that the correct; this bike can basically the Advanced 2 ($2799) could
feel to the bike. The Advanced Revolt feels okay on the road. The do it all. Giant has produced an be appropriate.
0 (top tier) includes the carbon CrossCut tyres make a little noise, impressive all-round machine
fibre CXR1 wheels which are a but feel ok when riding solo. that will certainly lure road OVERALL
full 400g lighter than the PX2s. BUNCH: Same as for the riders off road and down the Slated on the Giant website
Undoubtedly this upgrade would road, except this was where the slippery slope of fun that is as a “performance gravel bike
make the bike feel much more extra resistance became very gravel and dirt. To seal the that’s equally adept at tackling
responsive and nimble. This noticeable. If you’re feeling strong, deal, a recommended retail of paved roads or dirt”. Sometimes
wheel upgrade alone could be going for a bunch ride on the just $3499 is impressively low manufacturers clearly overstate
enough to justify the $800 jump stock Revolt could just be the for such a well thought out and the calibre of their products but
in price. training hit you’re looking for. engineered bike. But folks, just in this case their description
So the real question is how Alternatively, if fitted with some remember who you are. It’s is pretty bang on. The Revolt
well did the Revolt Advanced 1 fat slicks, I think the Revolt would ok to dabble off road, but we Advanced 1 is a well priced
handle all the different types actually ride quite reasonably on must hold firm to our roadie product that delivers in spades
of terrain which is slated to be flattish group rides. foundations and always come and allows for such a range of
suitable for? COMMUTE: The commute was back to bunch rides, cafe stops, riding that it is hard to look past
DIRT: As described previously, a great way to use this bike. shiny legs, meaningless banter when considering a gravel bike.
the relaxed geometry and You can have a little thrash, and excessive spending.
112 Spin Cycle
BY ANTHONY TAN
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM
T
HEY SAY IMITATION IS THE concerned there were no GC Arenberg the highlights. When
sincerest form of flattery, triumphs at WorldTour-level Belkin decided midway through
but what happens when races and just two podiums – at their sponsorship agreement
imitator becomes governor? the ENECO Tour and Tour de to end things early, however,
In 2015, when Team LottoNL- Suisse. precipitating a second major
Jumbo took over naming rights This was a team born from ABOVE: The rise and rise of Team funding exploration in as many
from the Belkin-Pro Cycling the ashes of the Rabobank pro Jumbo Visma – with 2019 their years, Dutch cycling's future
Team, they had fairly modest cycling team who competed best season to date, Anthony Tan looked bleak as a northern
ponders their potential for 2020.
expectations. The previous (and indulged) at the height of European winter.
season wasn't a complete write- the EPO era. Their claim to OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP: Yet in July 2014, less than a
off – four WorldTour stage infamy culminated in Michael Teammates form a guard of month after Belkin pulled the
wins including Lars Boom's Rasmussen being kicked out of honour around Vuelta winner plug, it was announced a formal
memorable victory on the pavé the 2007 Tour while wearing Primoz Roglic. declaration of intent with the
at the Tour de France – but the maillot jaune for lying as Jumbo-Visma’s Steven Kruijswijk Dutch national lottery and
as far as stage races were to his whereabouts. It marked on the podium at the 2019 TDF. marketing agency BrandLoyalty
WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 113