WIN A TRIATHLON

Lance-like speed, La-Z-Boy comfort. Well, almost: The 9.9 features the same basic design of Trek’s Armstrong-era time-trial bikes—the TTX foil shape, bottom bracket, wheel cutout, and fork. But thanks to longer head tubes and a slightly steeper, 76-degree seat-tube angle (a flip-flop head allows 74.5 to 79 degrees), it’s a significantly more comfy ride. In other words, you get the technology of Team Lance with the comfort that amateur triathletes crave. Which is not to say it isn’t blazing fast: The current Discovery Team likes the TTX so much they’ll sit atop this exact bike for time trials this summer. As you’d expect for the price, it comes with a full Shimano Dura-Ace 10 drivetrain and Bontrager fork and wheels. 18.4 lbs, 56 cm; trekbikes.com

Bonus: Also available as the 9.5 ($4,400), with the same badass frame but less expensive components.

Bummer: The Race X Lite Aero wheels are fine for training, but contenders will want more aerodynamic rims.

The post Trek Equinox TTX 9.9 – Road Bikes: Reviews appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

The Classic

Powder Skiing

Once you experience Alta's powder, you too will be an Altaholic

ALTA SKI AREA, Utah: Not only does Alta get twice as much snow as less blessed resorts—it averages 500 inches—but its flakes are also lighter and drier. Maybe that’s why nearly 80 percent of Alta’s skiers return each year to the resort’s old-school lodges.

The Ride
KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT, California: They measure storms in feet, not inches, at this low-key Tahoe resort. New this year is Burton’s Powder Progression Program, the first U.S. school that teaches boarders how to ride knee-deep powder.

The Secret
KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT, British Columbia: It’s the anti-Whistler: no crowds, virtually no nightlife, and no wet snow. But the gondola system, which rises 3,800 vertical feet, might very well be North America’s single best lift.

The Exception
JAY PEAK RESORT, Vermont: Because it sits just south of the Canadian border, Jay receives an average of six feet of snow a month in winter, nearly twice as much as any other Eastern resort. Plus it boasts some of state’s longest, rowdiest runs.

The Mystery
MT. BAKER SKI AREA, Washington: The Pineapple Express (a subtropical jet stream) can be cruel to Northwest resorts. But when cooler temps prevail, it can be glorious: Last year, Baker received almost 350 inches before Christmas.

Classics

Total Package
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT, Utah: Award-winning terrain parks, impressive (and unsung) big-mountain terrain, and, thanks to the town’s lax attitude, the best nightlife in the state. Tip: Fly in early, bring your boarding pass to the ticket window, and ski for free the day you arrive.

Supersize
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, British Columbia: With 8,000 acres of terrain and 33 feet of snow per year, this B.C. mainstay is the epitome of big-mountain skiing. The annual Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival (April 11 to 20) is the biggest snow-sports party on the planet.

High Variety
VAIL, Colorado: Vail’s 5,000 acres of trails have something for everyone, from immaculately groomed cruisers to famed powder-filled back bowls. Nightlife is equally diverse, with everything from five-star dining to Mardi Gras–like mayhem at the season-ending CarniVail (Feb. 3–5).

Historic
TELLURIDE SKI RESORT, Colorado: Sandwiched among the jagged San Juan Mountains, this tiny, surprisingly hip old mining town boasts as many restaurants per block as Manhattan. But unlike in the Big Apple, there’s a gondola that accesses 3,500 feet of vertical just a few steps from your hotel’s front door.

East Meets West
KILLINGTON RESORT, Vermont: In terms of reliable nightlife (100 bars and restaurants) and variety of terrain, the East Coast’s largest resort (1,200 acres spread out over seven hills) can’t be beat. No new snow? No problem. The mountain has one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in the world.

Snowboarding

High Variety
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colorado: Can one resort have it all? Copper makes a strong case. Carve groomers, hop on the snowcat that accesses Tucker Mountain’s wide-open bowls and chutes, or take a lap through the Catalyst Terrain Park—all in one morning.

Park & Pipe
BRECKENRIDGE, Colorado: With a dedication to maintaining one of the best pipes in North America, Breck has established itself as a perennial favorite among the jibber crowd. This year, the resort adds a new park progression system on Peak 8.

Powder
BRIGHTON, Utah: Easy access (it’s an hour from the Salt Lake City airport), mellow crowds, and 500 inches of great snow annually are three good reasons to hit this resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon. But it makes our must-go list because of its diversity, from three linked top-to-bottom terrain parks to sidecountry access with cliff drops and chute squeezes.

All-Mountain
NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE, California: Thanks to runs like The Stash, a top-to-bottom tree run, all-mountain freeriders can hone skills on natural jibs, bounce down a pillow line, or clear a road gap at this 2,490-acre resort near Truckee. .

Legend
STRATTON MOUNTAIN, Vermont: This historic hill is home to snowboarding’s marquee event, the U.S. Open, and served as the proving grounds for the first Burton snowboard. The reason on both counts? It’s a boarder’s paradise, thanks to few traverses and the best terrain park in the Northeast.

Backcountry Skiing

DIY
SILVERTON MOUNTAIN, Colorado: With its wall-tent base lodge, lone double lift, and seriously badass big mountain, this “resort” is the scruffy soul of North American skiing. Early and late season, experienced skiers can now opt to go self-guided for just $49.

Cat Power
BALDFACE LODGE, British Columbia: There are dozens of cat-skiing operations in the province, but those in the know head to Baldface for its combination of wickedly steep and vast (36,000 acres) terrain and gourmet cuisine.

Powder Hunters
SUN VALLEY HELI-SKI GUIDES, Idaho: If there’s fresh snow out there, these guys will find it: Their 750-square-mile playground includes three mountain ranges. Packages include unlimited vertical feet daily. Tip: Fly standby for just $625 day (normal rate is $925).

Get Schooled
JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT, Wyoming: Hire one of the resort’s guides ($235 a day) and sample the chutes and bowls just outside the resort’s boundaries, or sign up for the Grand Slam smorgasbord, a four-day package that includes heli-skiing, cat skiing, touring, and freeskiing ($1,895).

High Variety
PURCELL MOUNTAIN LODGE, British Columbia: Mixed group of nordic and downhill skiers? This helicopter-accessed eco-lodge has something for everyone, from snowshoeing to guided backcountry tours.

Nordic Skiing

Set a personal best or take in the scenery at these top nordic races and resorts.

Royal Gorge, California: Snow dumps by the foot on Donner Pass, near Tahoe, where you’ll find over 9,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort’s Ice Lakes Lodge now has free wireless to go with the trailside location.

Soldier Hollow, Utah: Got a pro and a newbie in the party? You’ll find trails for everyone at this lodge, site of the nordic events for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Stowe Derby, Vermont: This fast and fun 16K race starts at the top of an alpine hill and ends in downtown Stowe. February 17;

Crested Butte Alley Loop, Colorado: Ski the town’s streets and alleys in this high-altitude classic. February 2;

Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont: Yes, that Trapp family. It may be in New England, but the lodge and impeccably groomed trails are straight out of Austria.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado: Gently rolling terrain surrounded by the Rockies makes this a skier’s paradise.

Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing

From parks to peaks, here’s where to find vertical ice near you.

Ouray, Colorado: Ouray Ice Park is home to the country’s preeminent ice festival; this winter’s is scheduled for January 9 to 13.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire: No surprise that the mountain with record cold temperatures is a good bet for ice. Get pointers from the local International Mountain Climbing School, or join others for the Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival in February.

Hyalite Canyon, Montana: South of Bozeman, Hyalite Creek seeps into steep crags and drips down sheer faces, creating ice routes from beginner to pro level.

Canmore, British Columbia: For natural waterfall ice, a long season, and some of the hardest multipitch routes in the world, go to Canmore. Local guides at Yamnuska Mountain ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøs can get you started.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan: There are hundreds of world-class ice routes up the frozen waterfalls that ring Lake Superior. The Sunday ice-climbing socials offered by Marquette outfitter Down Wind Sports are a great place to start.

Camping

Winter Camping

Winter Camping

Winter-camping newbie? Here are five beautiful backcountry spots.

Boundary Waters, Minnesota: Cross-country-ski three miles north across Sawbill Lake and camp on one of the many unnamed islands in this Scandinavia-like wilderness. Tip: Rent a pulk in Ely at Piragis ().

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire: Join the hundreds of adventuresome (and often downright rowdy) skiers who make the annual pilgrimage to Tuckerman Ravine every spring. Trek in from Pinkham Notch Camp and set up your tent a half-mile from the Bowl at Hermit Lake Shelters.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: This classic destination sees just a handful of winter visitors. Snowshoe or ski 3.5 miles from Glacier Gorge Trailhead 760 feet up to the 10,000-foot Glacier Gorge campsite, where you’ll have views of Longs Peak all to yourself.

Yosemite National Park, California: Cross-country-ski Wawona Meadow Trail until you hit Mariposa Grove. The towering sequoias here are among the largest living trees in the world.

Winter Cycling

From lunchtime quickies to official events, there’s a winter ride that’s right for you.

Boulder, Colorado: The famed Morgul-Bismarck 13.1-mile circuit is an anytime torturefest that ends with a climb up a 12 percent grade.

Seattle, Washington: This February join the Cascade Bicycle Club for the Chilly Hilly, a well-named ride (there’s 2,600 feet of climbing in 33 miles) around Bainbridge Island.

Boston, Massachusetts: The Charles River trail, a 14-mile out-and-back loop to Watertown, is our favorite.

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Frigid temps don’t deter too many folks here: Layer up and try the designated one-way Chain of Lakes trail (3 to 20 miles).

Chicago, Illinois: Whenever there’s two-plus inches of snow, a hardy crew heads out for an urban ride from Wicker Park’s Handlebar Bar and Grill ().

Tropical Getaway

Stick your toes in the sand this winter.

The Tides, Zihuatanejo, Mexico: Lush gardens, modern suites finished in traditional Mexican hues, and the mighty Pacific a few steps away. Doubles from $330;

Cayo Espanto, Belize: Six new five-star villas, but with an intact pastel Caribbean soul. Bonus: You get the bonefishing (and beach) to yourself—it’s a private island. Doubles from $995;

The Moorings Village Resort, Islamorada, Florida: The quick fix: a long weekend at this luxe Florida Keys resort, which fronts more than a thousand feet of white-sand beach. Doubles from $250;

The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand: Sea-kayak or snorkel on the Andaman Sea, or relax in your suite’s freestanding stone tub at this swanky spa and resort. Doubles from $185;

Maho Bay Camps, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Allergic to all-inclusives? This rustic camp’s 114 tent cottages dot the hill above a secluded white-sand beach. Propane stove, cooking utensils, and bedding provided. You bring the rest. Doubles from $80;

The post Powder Skiing appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

1. Mountain Hardwear Ghost Anorak // Weather insurance is not like life insurance: In this case you want as little as possible. Make it the four-ounce Ghost, which squashes down smaller than a grapefruit but repels light rain or a stiff breeze. $85;

ultrarunning

2. Patagonia Airius T-Shirt // This quick-drying, breathable poly-nylon shirt eliminates nightmare chafing with flat seams in key zones—where your pack straps hit and between your arms and sides. $46;

3. GoLite Mesh Cap // Get 2.5 ounces of portable shade with this mesh cap. It has an inner sweat liner and a glare-beating brim. $20;

4. Dean Karnazes Signature Edition Sole // Heat-moldable, alignment-correcting footbeds add critical long-mileage support. Bonus: A portion of the proceeds goes to Karno Kids, a foundation that addresses childhood obesity. $50;

5. Nathan Sports HPL #020 // Think of it as a moving aid station, on your chest. The superlight (six-ounce) HPL has room for essential stuff—pickles, M&Ms, shell, etc.—and two liters of liquid. Independently moving shoulder straps keep sloshing to a minimum. $80;

6. Sugoi Vulcan // Mesh paneling and lining on these shorts keep you cool. And you can cram up to six gel packets into the three back pockets. $38;

7. The North Face Arnuva 100 TR // Thanks to a shock-damping polymer in the heel and forefoot and a unique rear-foot compression cage, the Arnuva absorbs impact better than standard trail runners. And you’ll bless the roomy toe box when your feet swell. $110;

Triathlon

Stay ahead of the pack with this go-fast gear

triathlon

1. Zoot Sports Zenith // By using 2mm rubber and adding 3mm panels in key areas, this wetsuit offers superior insulation and buoyancy without compromising flexibility. $600;

2. Zipp Speed Weaponry 343 // Ride the middle ground between deep-section rims and shallow climbing wheels. The 343 delivers low weight and aerodynamics, with a more shallow-profile front wheel and a deeper rear. Available in clincher or tubular. Clincher, $1,950; 744 grams (front), 884 grams (rear);

3. Profile Design Lightning Stryke // Unique aero-bar extensions emanate from a single point, reducing material and offering a strong aero position. $180, 375 grams;

4. Specialized TriVent Shoe // Key ingredients: breathable mesh uppers, two-strap security, a pull-on heel hook, and silver bottoms that reflect the pavement’s radiant heat. $160;

5. Fuel Belt Helium 4 // Refuel without breaking stride: This reflective hydration belt gives you instant access to 32 ounces of fluids stored in four hand-size eight-ounce bottles. $45;

6. Selle San Marco Aspide Triathgel // This seat’s tried-and-true design now has a thicker nose, with plenty of gel, for ultimate comfort while in the time-trial position. $200, 185 grams;

7. Orca Killa Tri Suit // Choose this one-piece when wetsuits aren’t allowed. It acts like a second skin, allowing moisture to escape while repelling water. $275;

8. Giro Advantage 2 // With this ventilated lid descended from pro models, you’ll blur by competitors in good style. $150;

Climbing

Seven reasons your climbing this year will be better than last

climbing gear

1. Black Diamond Demon Pack // Consider this a sleek reincarnation of the classic, durable klettersack. It easily fits a rope, a rack, and all sundries. $120;

2. Edelrid Eddy // This auto-locking belay device feeds rope smoothly, accepts cords down to 9 mm, and features an emergency lockout so your belayer can’t drop you. The drawback: It’s heavier than a Petzl GriGri—and twice as expensive. $140;

3. Black Diamond VaporLock // Weighing just 1.8 ounces, this locking ‘biner offers the same smooth action and high strength ratings as the company’s standard models, but with about a third less heft. $14

4. Five Ten Dragon // This soft, radically downturned lace-up fits much better than its previous iteration with Velco and is perfect on steep rock, thanks to the generous slathering of sticky Stealth HF rubber. $130;

5. Flashed Ronin // Get over the sticker shock. This pad’s revolutionary innards—it employs 432 extremely durable independent cells of air—justify the price. It packs down small enough to avoid airlines’ oversize-baggage fees. $410;

6. Petzl Fuse 9.4 // No need to worry about kinking up your new rope first time out. The Fuse (and the company’s entire new line of ropes) is unspooled in the factory and shipped in a mountaineer’s coil. Brilliant! $210 for 60 meters;

7. Scarpa Spectro // Designed by climbing-shoe ace Heinz Mariacher, the Spectro is a semi-stiff high-performance edging shoe that’s as precise as any shoe out there, without the pain caused by foot cramping. $125;

Open-Water Swimming

Who needs a boat when you can cross the ocean under your own power?

Open-Water Swimming

1. Nike Challenger II // Smoke-tinted lenses subdue the sun’s glare, while a wide-view design allows enough peripheral vision to spot other swimmers. Plus, an adjustable nosepiece and wide head strap fit snugly with or without a swim cap. $13;

2. Quintana Roo HydroJohn // The sleeveless HydroJohn keeps your core toasty without restricting shoulder movement. Bonus: The 5mm neoprene padding in the hips and thighs lends extra buoyancy and helps improve form. $299;

3. Bodyglide Sun Screen Stick // Two-for-one protection: In addition to being SPF 25, this all-natural, unscented lube eliminates friction at chafing hot spots like under your armpits and around the neckline of your wetsuit. $9 (1.3 oz);

4. TYR Pull Float // Take this to the pool and train your upper body by immobilizing your legs. $11;

5. Finis zoomers z2 // Use these fins during pool sessions to promote a quick kick. $40;

6. Speedo XD Skin Jammer // You’re training for a triathlon, but you’d rather not look like you’re training for a triathlon. The Jammer’s supersleek and stretchy nylon-based fabric is race-day fast, while its mid-thigh-length cut keeps you decent. $74;

7. TYR Aqua Shift Cap // A drag-reducing design (called Tripwire) helps your head slice through the water with less resistance. Tip: Get one in a bright color to increase your visibility in crowded waters. $12

8. TYR Streamline Training Board // Improve your kick and lower-body strength with this lap-swimming tool. $15

9. TYR Warmwear Cap // Made of silicone-coated Lycra and cut to cover your ears, the Warmwear is toastier than a traditional swim cap, making it a must-have for those chilly early-morning training sessions. $16

Safari

Just booked the wildlife trip of a lifetime? Get gear to match.

safari gear

1. Scotte 237D // Ernest Hemingway meets Bill Gates. With 33 pockets, this weather-shedding convertible jacket/vest stows binos, camera, field guides, iPod, GPS, multitool . . . you get the picture. $160;

2. Royal Robbins Extreme Expedition Long-Sleeve Shirt // With its ventilated back and 40+ UPF sun protection, this ripstop nylon shirt is perfect for Africa’s intense heat. $60;

3. Brunton Eterna High Power Binoculars // Because these 15×51-power glasses have lightweight alloy frames, you get lion-size magnification in a two-pound package. $599;

4. Red Oxx Safari Beanos Bag PR5.5 // This duffel’s 2,400-cubic-inch size is compact enough to pass the strict restrictions of small bush planes, and the overbuilt bag won’t crumple when it gets kicked around camp. $185;

5. Marmot PreCip Safari Hat // A wide brim protects from the sun, while waterproof-breathable PreCip fabric means you don’t need to pull a hood on—and obstruct your view—in the rain. $38;

6. UK 4AA eLED Zoom // A protective rubber sheath makes this high-intensity (and focusable) LED nearly indestructible in a fall. A mounting clip gives it hands-free utility. $59;

7. Trek-Tech TrekPod // Thanks to a magnetic quick-release mounting system, this adjustable aluminum walking staff converts in seconds to a monopod or tripod for cameras and binoculars. $140;

8. Gramicci Venture Q.D. Kick It Zip-Off Pant // Lots of pants are made with quick-dry nylon. These convertibles pass muster because they work well as shorts or pants, and the cuffs can also be rolled up and snapped at the knees. $70;

9. Samsung Pro815 // Take more dramatic (read: close-up) wildlife pics with the Pro815. Its 15x lens—equivalent to a 28–420mm telephoto lens—is one of the world’s longest built-in optical zooms. $650;

The post Ultrarunning appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

BIKES, LIKE CELL-PHONE PLANS, should come tailored to your needs. That’s what you finally get in 2006: a slew of highly refined models suited to your riding preferences. Want a road ride? Now there are pure racers, comfort bikes built for speed, and everything in between. Mountain bikes, you say? You’ll choose between single-speeds and 29ers and all-mountain machines.

Don’t panic. We’ve done all the hard work for you. We loaded up 26 bikes and headed to Tucson, Arizona, where we logged laps in sandy arroyos, on jangling singletrack, and along ribbons of desert pavement until we settled on the finest rigs in each category. In the pages ahead you’ll find two picks in each class: the rigs you lust after—decked-out dream rides for cash-flush connoisseurs—and value-laden alternatives that are a must for anyone on a modest budget. And unlike with cell-phone plans, you’ll never have to ration your time on these rides.

Bianchi 928 L’Una

THE CARBON-FIBER REVOLUTION CONTINUES. As engineers refine the way carbon is constructed and shaped, road bikes get wispier and tougher. When combined with more traditional materials like aluminum and titanium, strategically placed carbon tubing and components save weight, boost pedaling efficiency, and improve ride quality. These bikes are built for speed; providing torque is still up to you.

BIANCHI 928 L’UNA / $5,300, 17.1 lbs
Why It’s Cool: The Ferrari of road bikes: blindingly fast, impeccably equipped, and designed to turn heads.
The Ride: The L’Una lives up to Bianchi’s 121-year heritage of building dream machines for Italy’s top racers. If traditional carbon is sexy, the L’Una—the only white-carbon bicycle on the market—is an Italian supermodel. Spec’d with a glassy-smooth Campagnolo Chorus drivetrain, Bianchi’s own carbon crankset, and featherweight Campagnolo Eurus wheels, this rig is race-ready out of the box. On the road, the sculpted carbon fiber soaked up the chatter of small bumps, dips, and cracks. The extra-large bottom bracket may look overbuilt, but it didn’t flex at all on a 15-mile hill climb, translating each pedal stroke into pure power. On the steep 3,500-vertical-foot descent, the L’Una hugged high-speed mountain curves, inspiring confidence when the pavement turned rough.
Right Bike If: You race (even on solo rides), and you want a ride that matches your ambition. Sizes: 50, 53, 55 (tested), 58, and 61 cm;

LeMond Chambery

LEMOND CHAMBERY / $2,100, 18.9 lbs
Why It’s Cool: Traditional geometry and classic European styling with less weight, thanks to the aluminum-carbon-hybrid frame.
The Ride: Coming from a company that built its reputation on steel, the Chambery—with teardrop-shaped aluminum tubing mated to a carbon-fiber fork and stays—could be seen as treason. But this bike preserves LeMond’s signature long cockpit and easy-on-the-back riding position, while updating its road feel with the lively crackle of aluminum. The Chambery comes with Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and brakes, rounding out a solid-steering, stable platform that still feels peppy. Stomp on the pedals and the bike immediately surges forward, even on steep hills. But the Chambery seemed happiest on the wide-open road, smoothing out the miles and nearly putting testers to sleep with its hypnotic hum. That makes it the perfect choice for epic outings.
Right Bike If: You measure your rides in hours, not miles. Sizes: 49, 51, 53, 55, 57 (tested), 59, and 61 cm;

Santa Cruz Nomad

BUYING A MOUNTAIN BIKE used to mean choosing between low weight and long-travel suspension. No more. Thanks to improved shock technology and trimmed-down components and frames, manufacturers are churning out bikes light enough for cross-country riding that still soak up bumps with six inches of travel in the shocks. At around 30 pounds, all-mountain rigs aren’t exactly willowy, but they’re light enough to power up steep climbs. And on the descent, well . . . that’s still the best part.

SANTA CRUZ NOMAD / $3,850, 31.4 lbs
Why It’s Cool: Laid-back geometry and gracious trail manners make this versatile model a one-bike quiver.
The Ride: With a Fox DHX Air 5.0 shock in the back and a burly Fox Talas 36RC2 fork, the Nomad is set up for a pillowy six-plus inches of travel at both ends. The active suspension, courtesy of Santa Cruz’s virtual-pivot-point (VPP) linkage, prevents the bike from bobbing when you pedal, thereby reducing energy loss. With its slack angles, tight cockpit, and upright position, riding the Nomad feels like riding a La-Z-Boy designed by Porsche. Steering while climbing is accordingly slow, but the bike tracked well and provided great hookup on loose, rock-strewn ascents. Point the nose down and that relaxed feel becomes confidence: Even at frightening speeds, the Nomad doesn’t flinch from its course.
Right Bike If: You like launching big drops, bombing the downhill course, and still keeping up with the cross-country crew. Sizes: 21.9, 22.8, 23.8 (tested), and 24.5 in;

Rocky Mountain Slayer 30

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SLAYER 30 / $2,200, 34.3 lbs
Why It’s Cool: A hand-built frame with superb all-mountain performance at a closeout price.
The Ride: The Slayer has been redesigned this year to perfectly blend uphill efficiency with downhill flash. The new frame looks like Frankenbike, with a double-braced main triangle sporting a new single-pivot LC2R suspension system—six inches of rear travel when paired with the Fox Float RP3 shock. The nuts and bolts for this strange creation are a solid mix of Shimano LX and XT drivetrain parts, Hayes HFX 9 disc brakes, and Marzocchi’s six-inch custom Drop Off III fork. The unusual range of components harmonizes when this bike hits the dirt. True, the Slayer is not too bad on the climbs, but it really comes alive when the trail drops. The first impression of being cocked back and perched up high disappears on the descent, as the bike’s low center of gravity provides firm, solid handling.
Right Bike If: Your allegiance lies with fast downhills, but you still grasp the concept of a pedal stroke. Sizes: 15, 16.5, 18, 19 (tested), 20.5, and 22 in;

Cervélo P3 Carbon

WITH THEIR AERO WHEELS AND SLEEK DESIGN, tri bikes—time-trial models favored by dedicated triathletes—will get any cyclist salivating. No surprise they’re one of the industry’s fastest-growing categories. Unique geometry improves power delivery and creates a better drop position, while the forward seating engages your hamstrings, keeping your quads fresh for that end-of-race run. Unlike road bikes, which are designed for more control while riding in a pack, these purebreds are built for one thing—to make you faster on those long, hard solo rides.

CERVÉLO P3 CARBON / $4,500, 18.4 lbs
Why It’s Cool: This Canadian-built Tour de France stage winner is lighter on the wallet than other high-end carbons.
The Ride: When American Dave Zabriskie beat Lance Armstrong in the 2005 Tour de France prologue, triathletes took note: Zabriskie rode to victory on a P3 Carbon. Equally impressive, the 2006 frame is nearly half a pound lighter than last year’s, and still makes diehards swoon, with luscious curves, one-piece carbon layup, and Cervélo’s distinctive rear-wheel cutout. The P3 comes spec’d with Shimano Dura-Ace, VisionTech aero bars, a bladed front fork, and a dual-setting seatpost that adjusts for different riding positions. The P3’s shallow Mid-V Easton Vista rims are fine for training, but to make this thoroughbred nearly unbeatable, invest in a higher-profile pair of rims.
Right Bike If: You spend more time at triathlons than on vacation. Sizes: 48 (650c wheels), 51, 54 (tested), 56, 58, and 61 cm;

Trek Equinox 9

TREK EQUINOX 9 / $2,200, 20.5 lbs
Why It’s Cool: You get wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics, carbon-fiber add-ons, and a responsive aluminum frame—without busting your bike budget.
The Ride: Trek’s top-of-the-line aluminum tri bike excels in handling and control, and comes outfitted with Bontrager’s carbon fork and bars. A solid mix of Shimano components stretch your dollars even further. Unlike some similarly priced options, it’s race-ready, so you won’t be lured into spending more coin on accessory upgrades before you leave the shop. On the road, the Equinox provides powerful acceleration; credit the stiff frame, bladed tubing, and Bontrager Race Lite Aero wheels. Alongside other, more expensive rides tested, the Equinox held its own, thanks in part to its bladed tubes and a comfortable cockpit topped with Bontrager Bullhorn and Profile Design clip-on aero bars.
Right Bike If: Money is tight but you want a durable tri bike with lightweight carbon gadgetry. Sizes: 50, 52, 54 (tested), 56, 58, and 60 cm;

Moots Uno YBB

WHEN MOST MOUNTAIN BIKES are stacked with 27 gears, why are so many cyclists turning to single-speeds? Easy: They’re light and simple, fun to ride, and whip you into a better, stronger cyclist. Granted, you may break a serious sweat on rides that were previously cake on your geared bike. But that’s the point: There’s a raw pleasure in testing your limits—and using just one little gear to burn off your buddy on his overstuffed mountain hog.

MOOTS UNO YBB / $5,100, 21 lbs
Why It’s Cool: This ridiculously lightweight titanium ride will win over the staunchest single-speed skeptics.
The Ride: The Uno is nearly as svelte as a road bike, making the midrange 36×16 gearing easier to push on climbs than the competition. The hand-built ti frame is stiff and smooth, with clean welds NASA would envy. The YBB softtail takes the edge off the rough stuff and keeps the rear wheel connected to the dirt on ascents, meaning you stay in the saddle longer and conserve precious energy. Downhill, the Uno excels on tight, swoopy, banked singletrack. The stable-platform Fox F80X fork damps three inches on rocky descents but goes rigid when the trail turns smooth. And the disc-brake-ready slider dropout makes it easy to tension the chain. It also lets you sub in a derailleur-compatible hanger in case you ever lose the single-speed mojo, making this frame a lifelong investment.
Right Bike If: You’re already a single-speed convert and you want the finest ride available. Sizes: custom and 12, 14, 16, 17, 18 (tested), 19, 20.5, and 22 in;

Bianchi W.U.S.S.

BIANCHI W.U.S.S. / $1,340, 23.3 lbs
Why It’s Cool: Who doesn’t want a hard-cranking machine with Italian panache at a rock-bottom price?
The Ride: It may be decked in pearly paint—a defiant middle finger to pragmatism—but the W.U.S.S. is no softy. This “White Ultimate Single Speed” is about fast, all-out trail assault. Aggressive geometry makes for responsive, cross-country-inspired handling, and the Easton Ultralite aluminum provides a ride with plenty of snap. At 23.3 pounds, the W.U.S.S. feels light and springy on the climbs. On flat, never-straight singletrack circuits and whooping, chutes-and-ladders-style trails, we couldn’t stop smiling. Even on sharp, knotty downhills, the W.U.S.S. tracked a line surprisingly well, due in part to the hard-to-beat three-plus inches of cushion in the RockShox Reba Team fork. The Avid mechanical disc brakes are sweet, though they detract from the overall minimalist aesthetic.
Right Bike If: Your bike quiver lacks a fast, fun, abuse-loving one-speed. Sizes: 13.5, 15.5, 17.5, 19.5 (tested), and 21.5 in;

Salsa Dos Niner

TO WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND THE BENEFITS of 29-inch wheels, consider the monster truck. The bigger the wheel, the bigger the stuff it can roll over. Which explains the rise of the 29er as an alternative to the 26-inch-wheel mountain bike. These rigs generally have a higher bottom bracket for better clearance; hold their momentum better for less effort on long rides; and boast a longer wheelbase for a more stable ride. What more could you ask for than wheels that never want to stop?

SALSA DOS NINER / $3,600 (as tested), 26.5 lbs
Why It’s Cool: The sharp reflexes of a cross-country race frame with a much plusher ride than a standard-wheeled softtail.
The Ride: When you first mount the Dos Niner, it’s hard not to feel like a circus clown on a velocipede. But the feeling melts away as the bike gobbles up every obstacle in its path. Credit the suspension: The RockShox Reba Race fork up front, with at-your-fingers lockout, gives four inches travel, while the one-inch-travel Salsa Relish shock cushions the rear. All that softness and the stiff frame—built from scandium, a high-strength aluminum alloy—still rockets forward at the slightest press of the pedals. On steep, loose talus—portaging terrain on a 26-inch rig—the Niner’s extended wheelbase prevented endoes. On gentler grades, it soaked up logs and babyheads. And in sand patches, the big wheels floated on top, leaving my little-wheeled partners spinning comically, clownishly slow.
Right Bike If: You want to ride, with ease, where others walk. Sizes: 16, 18, 20 (tested), and 22 in;

Gary Fisher Paragon

GARY FISHER PARAGON / $1,760, 25.6 lbs
Why It’s Cool: No-nonsense, all-out performance from the original 29-inch-bike builder.
The Ride: You can’t talk about 29ers without mentioning Gary Fisher—he debuted the first mass-production models five years ago, and he’s been exhorting the industry toward bigger wheels ever since. That expertise shows in the Paragon, the working man’s 29er, built of flared aluminum tubing and decked with a range of choice parts. The lineup is straight value: a primarily SRAM X-9 drivetrain, Avid Juicy 7 hydraulic disc brakes, a RockShox Reba Race front fork, and Bontrager bits and pieces throughout. Unlike some 29ers, the Paragon’s sloping top tube gives plenty of stand-over clearance, while the steering is surprisingly nimble. Compared with most hardtails, the Paragon rides soft and comfortable as the extra circumference eats up small bumps and ruts. Among our hardtail disciples, the performance offered further proof that 29ers aren’t going the way of toeclips anytime soon.
Right Bike If: You want to join the big-wheel phenomenon without breaking the bank. Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 19 (tested), and 21 in;

The post Rolling Wonders appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.