This week's sneak peek of gear and apparel lined up in the RoadBikeReview test queue centers on the Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, the final entrant in our ongoing Cyclocross Race Bike Shootout series. Here's a look at that competition ready steed, plus its top shelf build kit from SRAM, Zipp, Challenge and fi'zi:k.
Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie
The Full Tilt Boogie is Van Dessel
's top end cyclocross bike. The frame is compatible with quick release or thru-axles, but leave the cantilever brakes at home. This rig is disc brake only. We'll be riding and racing her over the next month during the final leg of the Colorado amateur 'cross season.
Zipp 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Disc
Zipp
's first entrée into the disc-brake wheel market were the cyclocross-specific 303 Discs. But with the increasing proliferation of disc-equipped road bikes, it added the more climbing friendly Zipp 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Disc. We'll see how these carbon hoops go up - and down - a variety of hills and give you a full report.
SRAM Force CX1
This is our second test bike that's fully equipped with SRAM
's cyclocross-specific Force CX1 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. Among the many features is the narrow-wide profile of the single chainring's teeth (pictured), which is designed to keep the chain securely in place no matter how bumpy things get. We'll be racing on this group for the rest of the season and let you know if it works as advertised.
Challenge Grifo Race Clincher Tires
We've long been fans of Challenge
's wide array of cyclocross tubular tires. Now it's time to give one of the Italian company's clinchers a go. The 120tpi Grifo Race is billed as an all-around tire. We'll see how well it does in the always varied Colorado course conditions.
Fi'zi:k Aliante VSX Saddle
Fi'zi:k
's Versus X collection is designed for riders wanting a saddle with a pressure relieving center channel. The Aliante VSX has carbon rails and a carbon reinforced nylon shell. Claimed weight is 229 grams. We'll see if it's comfortable - and how it handles the occasional botched remount.
Zipp Service Course SL Stem
Cockpit and seatpost on the Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie come courtesy of the Zipp Service Course SL
line, which are geared to offer lightweight, durability and performance. The Service Course SL stem is made from 7075 series aluminum and is held in place with titanium bolts.
Bontrager Convertible 180 Softshell Jacket
Finally, we'll need something to keep up warm during these late season races. For that, we'll turn to Bontrager
's Convertible 180 Softshell Jacket, which has zip off sleeves allowing it to do double duty as a vest. And as you can see, our Visibility Yellow test model is easy to spot, a good thing when riding in low light conditions. More details soon.
Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie
The Full Tilt Boogie is Van Dessel
's top end cyclocross bike. The frame is compatible with quick release or thru-axles, but leave the cantilever brakes at home. This rig is disc brake only. We'll be riding and racing her over the next month during the final leg of the Colorado amateur 'cross season.
Zipp 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Disc
Zipp
's first entrée into the disc-brake wheel market were the cyclocross-specific 303 Discs. But with the increasing proliferation of disc-equipped road bikes, it added the more climbing friendly Zipp 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Disc. We'll see how these carbon hoops go up - and down - a variety of hills and give you a full report.
SRAM Force CX1
This is our second test bike that's fully equipped with SRAM
's cyclocross-specific Force CX1 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. Among the many features is the narrow-wide profile of the single chainring's teeth (pictured), which is designed to keep the chain securely in place no matter how bumpy things get. We'll be racing on this group for the rest of the season and let you know if it works as advertised.
Challenge Grifo Race Clincher Tires
We've long been fans of Challenge
's wide array of cyclocross tubular tires. Now it's time to give one of the Italian company's clinchers a go. The 120tpi Grifo Race is billed as an all-around tire. We'll see how well it does in the always varied Colorado course conditions.
Fi'zi:k Aliante VSX Saddle
Fi'zi:k
's Versus X collection is designed for riders wanting a saddle with a pressure relieving center channel. The Aliante VSX has carbon rails and a carbon reinforced nylon shell. Claimed weight is 229 grams. We'll see if it's comfortable - and how it handles the occasional botched remount.
Zipp Service Course SL Stem
Cockpit and seatpost on the Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie come courtesy of the Zipp Service Course SL
line, which are geared to offer lightweight, durability and performance. The Service Course SL stem is made from 7075 series aluminum and is held in place with titanium bolts.
Bontrager Convertible 180 Softshell Jacket
Finally, we'll need something to keep up warm during these late season races. For that, we'll turn to Bontrager
's Convertible 180 Softshell Jacket, which has zip off sleeves allowing it to do double duty as a vest. And as you can see, our Visibility Yellow test model is easy to spot, a good thing when riding in low light conditions. More details soon.