Parts Reviews and News

News: Gates launches red drivetrain belts

Colorado-based company Joins trend of color matching components and frame accents. And just like the black belts, the new red version requires no lubrication and will not rust.

In the Queue: What’s new in the RoadBikeReview test bin

This week we pay homage to the coming winter months and focus primarily on gear designed to keep you pedaling even when it’s snowy and cold out. Coming soon we’ll have reviews on mud tires from Vittoria, Michelin, and Vee, Lake winter boots, a Bell helmet, and more.

In the Queue: What’s new in the RoadBikeReview test bin

Coming soon reviews on Bontrager shoes, American Classic wheels, SRAM CX1, Shimano Ultegra Di2, and more.

New Product: Speedplay aero – and walkable – pedal system

Speedplay killed two proverbial birds with one stone with its new-for-2015 walkable aero pedal system.

Interbike: Nikola laterally moving pedal

Moving pedal seeks to improve performance and comfort with an innovative new design.

Interbike: BP4 carbon handlebar redesigns the classic shape

Innovative design increases comfort and claims performance improvement as well.

Eurobike: Shimano unveils top-tier road shoe, new alloy TT bar

Shoe’s upper incorporates new materials and additional custom fit features claimed to provide better fit, extra comfort and increased pedaling efficiency.

Spotted: Polished SRAM wireless shifting drivetrain

Bissell Development and Optum Pro Cycling teams are racing what looks (and feels) like a highly refined version of SRAM’s yet-to-be-released electronic shifting drivetrain. RoadBikeReview got an exclusive up-close look at the updated system. See it here!

Spotted: Speedplay releases Zero Pavé pedal system

Roughly seven years from the first hint of their existence, Speedplay has finally started shipping its Zero Pavé Pedal System.

News: Shimano unveils new mounting standard for road disc brakes

Results in a cleaner, integrated construction with the frame, more direct connection to the frame and better alignment.

First Look: New (new) SRAM HydroR and new Rival 22

With hopes of putting its road disc brake recall fiasco behind them, SRAM showed up in force at PressCamp in Deer Valley to show off a host of new (and improved) products.

News: More details on SRAM’s new hydraulic road brakes

SRAM’s new hydraulic rim and disc road brakes will come in four groups. Check out their new video to learn more.

First Look: 2015 Campagnolo Super Record, Record and Chorus mechanical groupsets

Electronic shifting may be all the rage, but that doesn’t mean mechanical groupsets are going away. This week Italian-component manufacturer Campagnolo released details of its 2015 model year Super Record, Record and Chorus groupsets — all of them cable actuated.

Review: Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-speed mechanical drivetrain

For the last six months we’ve put Shimano’s new 11-speed second-tier groupset through its paces. Find out if it delivered top-tier performance.

Spotted: SRAM wireless electronic shifting drivetrain

Chicago-based company lifts the lid on its on-going development project via the bikes of the Bissell Development Team.

Gear Review: Ritchey Vector Evo Streem saddle and Trail seatpost

Ritchey’s lightweight Vector Evo monorail saddle and seatpost system suspends rider for exceptional comfort.

Hot new road products from the Sea Otter Classic

New bars and ‘cross gearing from SRAM, new saddles from Velo and Ergon, and some styling new shades from POC are just some of the new and cool gear spotted at the 2014 Sea Otter Classic.

First Look: Shimano 105 11-speed group

Trickle-down shiftonomics hits Shimano’s 105 group with new 5800-series 11-speed group.

First Look: Shimano launches hydraulic road, cross brakes for non-electric group

Shimano has announced the release of their first hydraulic road and cross disc brake system for use with mechanical shifters, the ST-RS685 levers and BR-RS785 calipers.

Xpedo Cyclocross-Oriented SPD-Compatible Pedal

First Look: Xpedo 5.3 ‘cross-specific SPD-compatible pedal

This updated version will retail for $60 with three bearings—no bushings here—makes it look like one of the better bargains in SPD-compatible pedals.

TRP Brakes unveils improved Spyre mechanical disc brake, new Spyke fat bike brake, and a gravel favorite

What has changed with the Spyre dual piston mechanical disc brake since the voluntary recall in December? Find out here.

First Look: iSSi pedals offers colorful, spindle length alternatives to Shimano SPD clipless pedals

iSSi is QBP’s new pedal brand, and they’re providing a compelling, colorful alternative to Shimano SPD pedals, but they’re not Shimano SPD cleat compatible.

Vision Metron 55 wheels, Metron 4D handlebar, stem and seatpost

Check out the new high-end line of Metron carbon wheels from Vision that are available now. Also highlighted here are the Vision Metron 4D carbon handlebar, carbon stem and carbon seatpost.