Product Reviews GOING THE DISTANCE By Tom Barry
As any triathlete will attest, this is a sport in which you get out what you put in. For some, that means waking up at the crack of dawn to put in 3,000 at the pool before work. For others, it means setting aside a Sunday afternoon to grind the pedals for hours on end. But no matter how much you love training, there are always going to be days when it is tougher to get yourself motivated than others. Here are four products to help get you through the highs and lows of long training days, and make those hours just a bit more comfortable — and entertaining — so that you will be ready to go on race day.
ZIPP 101 CLINCHER ($585 front, $715 rear;
zipp.com) PREMISE: Combining the aero properties of carbon fiber with the durability and affordability of aluminum, the all- new Zipp 101 claims to be the most aerodynamically advanced aluminum wheel set on the market. The 33mm- deep “fully toroidial” rim shape comes from Zipp’s 202 and 303 carbon tubular wheels but is the first foray into aluminum. Weighing in at 1523g for the set, the 101 is available in a 700c clincher only.
TESTERS SAY: A big hit, the 101’s “just feel faster than your typical aluminum wheel” and the high quality 88 and 188 hubs ride like a dream. Whether climbing or descending, testers remarked at the 101’s stability and cornering, and the increased durability meant that there was no problem with riding them day after day.
Kaili
really appreciated the aero design while pulling through the pace line on long group training rides, and “even with the aerodynamic benefits of the slightly deepened rim, it didn’t pose a problem in crosswinds.” While not as lightweight as some other wheels in the price range, the Zipp 101’s performed admirably, and our testers agreed that they are an excellent, high-end wheel for both training and racing. RATING: 5
SELLE ITALIA SLR FLOW ($209;
selleitalia.com) PREMISE: Lightweight and comfortable, the 175g SLR Flow has been redesigned to generate less friction and more power on the downstroke while keeping the rider in a healthy riding position. The Flow anatomical cutout and tubular Vanox rails reduce weight and provide increased flex at the base, while the Perfect Fit self- molding padding maximizes comfort for long rides.
TESTERS SAY: All about stability and comfort, our testers enjoyed the SLR Flow even while riding in a deep-tuck aero position. Scott really liked the Flow
100 USA TRIATHLON FALL 2011
anatomical cutout, which “gave it the feeling of being particularly well-padded, especially in the center.” Testers reported a stable riding platform and an extremely comfortable fit while riding in a natural stance, but “the comfort fell off if I tried moving to a different position.” The Vanox rails got props for both their durability and flexibility, which added more cushion to an already comfortable ride. The main complaint was about style, as no one seemed terribly impressed with the color selection. But the combination of comfort and stability at a competitive weight still make the SLR Flow a good saddle for those long training rides. RATING: 4.5
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