Trek Domane 4.5 Disc! Disc Brakes are in!

With the evolution of disc brakes, decrease in weight, increased popularity of carbon rims, and the demand for greater and greater stopping power comes a new wave of road bikes with disc brakes. A highly anticipated bike in this wave is the 2015 Trek Domane line with Disc Brakes.

At a very reachable price point for a high end road bike is the Trek Domane 4.5 Disc. With Shimano R685 hydraulic brakes, this bike has more than sufficient stopping power demanded by road cyclists for even the most intense descents. The Domane is Trek’s quintessential Endurance Race road bike; built for comfort and performance over long distance road cycles.

Built for performance over distance is the IsoSpeed decoupler; Trek research and development has developed this decoupler from an 18-month study of how a racing bike performs over rough roads, and how that performance affects the rider.

The IsoSpeed decoupler allows the seat tube to rotate independently from the top-tube-to-seatstay junction. This allows for increased vertical compliance that is double that of Trek’s nearest competitor, without compromising pedaling efficiency. What this means in practical terms is simply that you can ride harder, for longer.

In conjunction with the IsoSpeed decoupler is the IsoSpeed fork. This one of a kind fork has ride-tuned sweep and unique shape that increases compliance for a smoother ride; in addition, the dropout placement is designed to optimize the wheelbase. This design is best explained by Trek, as stated on Trekbikes.com:

“An extra curve above the dropout in our swept-leg design creates a smaller angle to the direction of road vibrations. This angle increases fore/aft compliance, better positioning the fork leg to absorb road force rather than transmitting it straight to the rider. We’ve also increased fork lateral stiffness, maximizing both smoothness and control.”

All of this technology combined with a Shimano Ultegra 11-speed drivetrain, Bontrager Affinity Comp Tubeless Ready wheelset, and Bontrager R2 Hard-Case Lite tires this bike is ready for any distance cycle for a rider who  demands performance, either in a race situation or recreational.

Please feel free to direct any additional questions my way if you have any more at all. Trek racing, doing big things!

 

S-Works XC Shoe Review

Alright, let me start this post by simply stating that these shoes are the bees knees. Those who may neglect the benefits of a carbon sole shoe have clearly not experienced the Ultra-light, asymmetric optimized Powerline carbon sole. This sole advertises a Stiffness Index of 13, and believe me you feel all that in the power transfer immediately as you step on the pedal. Not to mention, this shoe is crazy light. Through stress and pressure testing, Specialized has identified the areas which require reinforcement and those that do not. Ergo with the S-Works XC, they have designed a super light yet ridiculously stiff MTB Shoe.

In my opinion, the next best design feature of this shoe is the Two independent Boa® S2-Snap dials. These dials are easy to use, even when the bike is in motion. Moreover, they are more precise than the ratchet system utilized by other brands. As snug as this shoe fits, the forefoot does is comfortable. This is a feature that I always look for in a shoe.

In my experience, shoes either are not snug enough around the ankle and Achilles and power transfer is lost as a result such as that from heal lift. Or, nearly worse, the shoes are plenty snug yet knacker the forefoot. I don’t know about you, but with shoes that knacker the forefoot, this pain can become intense, therefore slowing you down, maybe even to where you need to stop and take off shoes for 5 minutes, no bueno. I ride the S-Works XC shoe for 100 miles, comfortable and snug the entire time. The Thermobonded, Adaptive Fit upper is designed especially well in this model. Not to mention that the shoe comes in multiple widths as well as half sizes, guaranteeing a perfect fit.

Specialized invests heavily each year in their research and development, specifically in their body geometry engineering. This investment becomes evermore apparent in the quality and fit of their products. With this shoe in particular, the sole and footbed are designed to optimize hip, knee, and foot alignment and therefore increase comfort and ultimate performance. Of course, these may be minor improvements that the novice cyclist may not notice, but advanced cyclists will recognize them. Nevertheless, cyclists at all levels will benefit from these advancements whether they are noticed or not.

I back this shoe 100%, keep doing what you do Specialized, we love it!

Watch the video of the features of this shoe, explained by the Specialized expert here.

 

Specialized Winter Gear Review

Alright, full disclosure, I am a fan of Specialized equipment and apparel. Yet, as an avid cyclist and ambassador of the cycle industry, as well as an advocate of the brand, I feel the I make unbiased judgment of their product. I would never recommend a product to a fellow cyclist that I felt was rubbish. Moreover, Specialized is neither paying me nor giving me free product. I purchase my equipment and write honest reviews for fellow cyclists who are also spending their hard earned money. As the days get colder out there, of course all of us diehard cyclists are looking for the proper apparel to keep us rolling on two wheels through the winter. This year I have invested in some specialized product to keep me warm through the New York winter. Currently, as we have not hit the frigid winter months of January and February, I am riding the Specialized Deflect H2O Mountain Active Shell Jacket an the Specialized Deflect Gloves. Images of these items are below, and following is my honest review.

Granted, it has not generally been really cold yet, these products have worked out very well for me. Even those cold nights in November when it hit the low 20s, I was still out riding while others were indoors curled up by their space heaters. The Deflect H2O Mountain Shell works great for layering. Of course, when layering remember to begin with a good base layer that will wick away moister. This is essential because as you ride, you will warm up and sweat a bit in even the coldest of conditions. Ergo, a good moisture transferring base layer will wick the moisture away from your body, preventing you from getting cold later. I recommend the Specialized Merino Layer Long Sleeve for the winter.

Nonetheless, with however many layers I have felt necessary temperature depending, the Deflect H2O Mountain Shell has been great at everything that it advertises. The Gore® WINDSTOPPER® Active Shell breaks the wind, deflecting that super cold bite that Manhattan and Brooklyn are known for, and it effectively deflects light rain as well. Note that this is not a fully waterproof jacket, yet it works very well as a water resistant shell. The vents are perfect for when you start to heat up a bit, and the internal SWAT pockets come in handy surprisingly more than you would expect them to. Even as it has dipped below 30 degrees, I have worn this jacket with a base layer and then a sweatshirt and been plenty warm once riding, anything more and I would have been overheating.

Now, toes and fingertips are always a different story aren’t they. As mentioned, I have been using the Specialized Deflect Glove. Specialized advertises “Deflect offers great breathability and comfortable protection for temperatures down to 45°F/7°C”. And this statement I can vouch for. I have even been riding these gloves in the low 30s and been comfortable with them. In those November nights when it dipped into the low 20s, honestly my fingertips were a bit cold, yet not freezing off. Yet for these temperatures and even colder, specialized still offers three levels of gloves above the deflect, these are the Element 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0. The Element 3.0 is designed to handle even the most harsh of weather conditions.

The Hydrophobic Ax Suede fit palm of the Deflect gives great handlebar feel, especially for a cold weather glove. The wiretap technology, designed to use smartphones and other touch screen devices, is surprisingly effective. And this is a handy tool to have for those navigating maps or doing messenger work. Yet, my favorite feature of this glove is the Slip-on cuff for minimal bulk and snug fit. I would highly recommend these gloves, and when it gets brick cold out there you can always use the Mesta Wool Liner underneath or of course upgrade as there are numerous other options in the specialized line.

Thanks for reading, any and all questions I am happy to answer.