New Bontrager XXX Lite Team Carbon Road Stem
Speed Limit brakes
Variable Radius drops on the Race X-Lite Blade bars
Race X-Lite Aluminium Stem (l) and Aeolus 5.0 Clincher Powertap wheel (r)
Bontrager Race forks
We've just been sent some photos of the new fresh-off-the-line 2008 Bontrager products. There's some new stems, forks, handlebars, a new rear wheel and, for the first time, Bontrager brake calipers. Information on these products is a little thin on the ground but as we get more specific information you'll read it first here on RCUK.
The XXX Lite Team Carbon Road Stem has been redesigned from the ground up, and looks a lot sleeker than the previous version. Features include a 4-bolt front plate, carbon bar-friendly steerer clamp with opposing bolts, a HCM (High Compression Moulding) carbon fibre body and a weight of 140g for the 110mm model. Expect a price around £150.
At 50 notes, the Race X-Lite Aluminium Stem represents good value for money. 3D forged in 7050 aluminium alloy, the stem features a carbon friendly steerer clamp with offset steerer bolts and is actually quoted as weighing less than the Carbon Road Stem: 120g for a 110mm stem.
The Race X-Lite Blade Road Bars feature a variable radius bend (like a smooth ergonomic shape), with a 135mm reach and 85mm drop. Grooves in the carbon bars conceal cables and the corners of the bars have been trimmed to provide forearm clearance. Quoted weight is a reasonable 228g for a 42cm bar, and there's no rider weight limit. Expect to pay £150 for these.
If you're a user of cycle computers, and that computer happens to be a Trek Incite model, the new Bontrager Race fork has a cavity on the inside of the right leg designed to house the receiver. If you don't use a computer, a cap plugs the hole. Other features on the £99.99 forks include mudguard eyes and clearance, carbon legs and an alloy steerer tube and crown, making it an ideal fork for a winter training bike.
A first for the Bontrager range are the Speed Limit brake calipers. Their PowerAmp linkage design promises ample stopping power and claims to have the same leverage ratio as a dual pivot design without the extra weight. At 270g they're certainly lighter than the benchmark Shimano DuraAce stoppers (around 314g) and cheaper too at £89.99. Supplied with SwissStop brake pads.
Finally, if you've been crying out for an Aeolus 5.0 Clincher Powertap wheel, you're now catered for. With the same 110gsm OCLV deep section rim, the wheel hides a PowerTap SL carbon hub at its centre. It's not cheap though, at a penny under £2000.
Watch out for some more detailed information soon.
www.bontrager.com
