2017 Scott Spark 960 - FULL REVIEW

Today, let’s take a look at the 2017 Scott Spark 960, a full suspension XC mountain bike that is so light and so fast that it was a clear option for Nino Schurter in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It comes in at a price point of $1,999 MSRP, with higher priced sub model options.

Let’s look at the specs:

Frame

Scott features the Spark 3 Alloy SL 6011 frame on the Spark. The carbon alloy, custom butted hydroformed tubing allows the Spark to be lightweight without sacrificing much as far as durability. It has a tapered headtube as well as dropouts for 141x5mm.

Shocks

Scott continues their excellence in suspension by showcasing their amazing Twin Loc technology. This remote allows to switch between three suspension modes with the click of a button. You can opt for full travel in the front and back shocks – great for eating up roots, rocks, and rough roads. The second option is for traction mode on in the rear with full travel in front. This is great for maintaining control, essentially turning this versatile bike into a hardtail. The last option allows for a full, simultaneous lock out on both shocks for when you need to ride more casually.

The fork comes equipped with the Rock Shox Recon Silver RL Solo Air, a tapered steerer, and of course the option to lockout. The shock has 120mm of travel. While there are other bikes in competition that have bigger travel than this, the Spark still provides a plenty smooth ride

The rear shock is an X-Fusion NUDE Trunnion with Scott custom travel. Again, there are three mod options on the rear suspension – lockout, traction control, and full travel – and the full travel is at 120mm.

Ride

The Spark 960 is relatively responsive and can smoothly roll over logs, rocks, and other odd bumps in a trail. That being said, Sparks have always been built for speed, and the 2017 is no different. If you are looking for a downhill bike, the Spark is not your best choice. However, if you’re looking for a speedy, responsive XC racer, look no further.

Rear derailleur: Shimano SLX RD-M7000-10 SGS 20 Speed

Front derailleur: Shimano Deore FD-M617-D w/side swing

Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M610 / Rapidfire Plus; 2 way release with gear indicator

Brakes: Shimano M365 Disc brakes

            180mm F&R / SM-RT30 CL Rotor

Crankset: Shimano FC-M627-B2 / 2-piece design

Rims: Syncros X-23 / 32H Tubless ready

Tires: Maxxis Forekaster / 2.35 / 60TPI

If you think that the Scott Spark 960 is the bike for you, come in to our shop today and we’ll get you set up!

Getting A Seat That Fits — Do You Need A New Saddle?

Symptoms May Include Pain, Discomfort and Lowered Motivation To Ride

How comfortable a seat feels has a lot to do with where your sit bones (those bones you feel when sitting on a curb or bench) rest on the seat. Ideally, those bones will rest on the saddle's padding. If you've been using a seat for a while you can usually see indentations formed by the bones, which allows gauging whether or not the seat is appropriate for your anatomy.

It's hard to predict which seat will be right for a given rider. Sometimes a wider seat solves pain and other times the narrow ones do the trick. It's all a matter of which seat suits your body shape. For starters, the wider your pelvic anatomy, typically the wider you want the seat to be.

 

Modern Seats Offer Improved Comfort
Over the years, more amazing seats have been designed than probably any other bicycle component. And today, there's still a wide array of models to select from, some with fairly wild shapes. One feature shared by many of these seats is a cutaway in the saddle top designed to relieve pressure on sensitive tissues in the genital area. Our customers have found these saddle types to be particularly helpful for eliminating problems with numbness. There are also models that have softer sections in the center of the seat designed to work the same as the cutaway.

Another pressure-point eliminator is gel. Some seat makers use this in the sensitive areas to prevent pressure that causes pain and numbness.

Wear Cycling Clothing

When trying seats, be sure to do so wearing your cycling clothing because if you're wearing pants with seams in the crotch area, you'll feel the seams and won't be able to judge the seat comfort. Also, after putting on a new seat, it's best to re-check saddle height because the shape of the new one may be a little taller than the one you've been using. If a seat is too high or too low, you'll feel discomfort from the incorrect seat position and won't be able to feel whether the seat is an improvement or not. The easiest way to match seat height is to measure it before you remove your original seat. You'll then have the exact height to place the new seat and you won't have to experiment to find your optimum position.

Getting The Maximum Mileage From Your Cycling Shoes

"Cycling shoes last far longer than other sports shoes. If you take care of them well, they can last five or even ten years!"

For example, you must replace running shoes every six months (or sooner) because the materials inside the soles lose their ability to provide cushioning. Also, regular sneakers are in constant contact with the ground and the soles and uppers wear rapidly. 

Contrarily, if cared for, a quality pair of pedal pushers could last five or even ten years! 


These easy tips will help you get the most from your shoes:

• Maintaining the fit: We recommend wearing only cycling socks with your riding shoes because these thin socks won't stretch the shoes, which can ruin the snug fit so important for efficient pedaling.
• Walking: Shoes made for off-road use or touring sport lugged soles and recessed cleats that are made for easy walking. Road-specific shoes, however, are designed for optimum power transfer when pedaling. While these shoes may include heel and toe tabs for walking, it's best to walk as infrequently as possible. Walking flexes the soles and stretches the shoes. Over time, this changes the fit and the stiffness of the shoes, which decreases efficiency and comfort.
• Moisture: Water won't hurt cycling shoes as long as you dry them properly. To do this, as soon as you get home, extract any removable liners and stuff the shoes with newspaper, which will absorb the moisture and dry the shoes. Do not place the shoes by a heat source because this can damage them. If the shoes are really wet, replace the newspaper after a few hours (the first batch is probably saturated).
• Maintenance: While not much can go wrong with cycling shoes, we recommend checking the bolts that attach the cleats to the soles about monthly. If these loosen, the cleats can change position, which may cause knee pain. If you have a pair of shoes with buckles that ratchet, they may be attached with hardware. It's a good idea to regularly check that this hardware is tight, too.

 

 

Looking For A Bike To Cruise The Neighborhood With, Or Ride Around A Local Park?

The 2014 Fuji Barnebey Series Has An Excellent Design and Features For More Relaxing Rides

The 2014 Fuji Barnebey 1, 3, and 7  are all great choices for a relaxing ride around the neighborhood, to the coffee shop, or to a local park for a well-deserved spot of fresh air and exercise. The key to relaxation resides in the foot-forward frame design. By moving the crank position forward, your foot position moves forward as well. The end result is better control, a lower center of gravity and greater comfort. Plus, when you are ready to stop riding, simply place your feet right on the ground. It's that easy.

The 2014 Fuji Barnebey 1 features swept back handlebars and a spring saddle for comfort, a rear coaster brake makes slowing down a breeze and a lightweight alloy frame lets you steer easily as the road turns.

Specifications:

Main Frame: A1 alloy

Rear Triangle: A1 alloy

Fork: Elios 1

Crankset: Cruiser, 38T

Bottom Bracket: Cartridge

Pedals: FPD, platform w/ Kraton non-slip

Cassette: 20T

Chain: KMC Z-410

Wheelset: Alloy Rims 36H w/ alloy front hub, rear coaster brake

Tires: Vera Seaside, 26 x 2.10”, 30tpi

Brake Set: Coaster

Headset: Cruiser, threaded

Handlebar: Cruiser, sweep back

Stem: Cruiser, quill

Tape/Grip: Cruiser, kraton

Saddle: Cruiser, sprung

Seat Post: Cruiser, alloy

The Barnebey 3 features swept back handlebars and a spring saddle for comfort, a rear Shimano coaster brake makes slowing down a breeze and a lightweight alloy frame lets you steer easily as the road turns. 

The Barnebey 7 features swept back handlebars and a spring saddle for comfort, a 7-speed Shimano Revo shifter for slight changes in road grade,and a lightweight alloy frame lets you steer easily as the road turns.

Come in to Gotta Ride Bikes today to see all the incredible bikes we have in stock, including bikes from Fuji, Scott, and LOOK!

Five Easy Tips For Powerful Acceleration

Image: totalwomenscycling.com

Stay Steady When Accelerating To Be Quick and In Control

1. Firmly grip the handlebar drops slightly lower in the bend than normal (not quite halfway between the deepest part of the curve and the end of the bar).

2. Keep your elbows slightly bent to help you hold a straight line.

3. Pull evenly backward and down on the handlebar with every stroke.

4. Don't hold your breath -  a common mistake during sharp efforts, even among experienced riders.

5. Keep your head up - another frequent error in technique, because it feels natural for some reason to drop your chin

3 Ways to be Safer In Traffic

Being A Move (or Five) Ahead of Motorists

Anyone who has ridden a bike for an extended period of time has probably had some close calls when cycling in heavy — sometimes even light traffic. While some of those times may be a result of carelessness or multitasking on the part of the rider, we are all too well aware of how distracted and careless drivers can be.

It should suffice to say that defensive riding is the number one way to prevent accidents when out there in the cold street. One reason for that comes from this road proverb: You can drive a truck between what motorists ought to do - what they're legally obliged to do - versus what they actually do. Just because I have the right of way does not mean I can proceed in the comfort that my rights, life and limb will not be violated.

So let's examine a few of the most common places to be aware of danger so that you may avoid nasty collisions or falls.


Cars Turning Right

When passing a motorist (or when one passes you) take a quick second to look through the window of the car. You will be amazed at how much you can divine of a motorist's knowledge and intentions.

Did he see you? Is he looking in his rear or side view mirror? Is he slowing down to make the right turn? Is he concentrated on the flow of incoming traffic— without looking back at you?

Remember - no matter how much it doesn't seem like it - motorists don't want to hit you either. Give them the benefit of the doubt and slow down a bit when you are in a place that you can tell it could be dangerous if motorists are distracted.

Cars Turning Left

Typically, seeing a car that is turning left is not too difficult to do. However, if you are riding in dense traffic, sometimes the traffic going in your same direction can hide a left-turning motorist from your view. If you have to ride in traffic like that, look for an opening in the traffic in front of you. The likeliest reason for this space is to allow a vehicle to cross the road, right in front of you.

Attentive Posture

Many of us who have ridden for a long time know fellow riders who tend to crash more than others. Typically, these are the inattentive riders. This might be excused, but for the consequences. At some point inattentiveness, and the disinclination to practice defensive riding, shifts the blame onto the cyclist. When you decide to engage in the sport of cycling, you're the one who'll pay the steepest price in an accident, regardless of whom is at fault.

The safest posture is to assume the worst from those on the other side. Then, you'll be pleasantly surprised when these drivers do the right thing and, more to the point, you're more likely to arrive home safe and sound and able to ride another day.

6 Ways To Improve Hand Comfort On The Road

Experiencing Pain or Discomfort In Your Hands? Maybe This Will Help -

Check Out Our Recent Post About Pedaling Efficiency HERE!

 

1. Handlebar-Shoulder Ratio:

One way to get an idea of what width handlebars works best is to measure the distance between your shoulder blades. Have someone hold a yardstick against your back to take a reading.

Drop handlebars come in sizes ranging from about 38-cm to 44-cm wide and you select by matching the width of your shoulders. So, if the distance between your shoulder blades is 42-cm, that's what the handlebar width should be, measured from the center of the other end. Some manufacturer's measure from outside-to-outside, so check with us if you're not sure.  

2. Improve Breathing and Control

The right bar width will provide comfort and increased efficiency because you'll be able to breathe better. It's especially noticeable if you've been using too-narrow a drop handlebar and you climb frequently. You'll appreciate additional leverage too, whenever you stand.

3. Extra Padding

If regular tape doesn't provide enough comfort, another effective improvement can be made by inserting additional bits of padding under the tape and the hoods. In this case, we've used the excellent Marsas foam inserts.

After positioning and holding them in place with electrical tape, try not to overlap the bar tape as much as you would normally when wrapping – you'll need to save a bit for the extra bulk and slightly bigger diameter of the padding to make it last to the end at the top of the bar.
Other padding can be installed under the brake hoods, but this takes a bit of doing, as you have to roll the rubber back far enough to make access easy and prevent folds. Do this before taping up.

4. Bar Tape


The padding on your handlebars is one of the easiest and most effective ways of making your bike a more comfortable ride. Some tapes contain a gel-like material integrated into the fabric to make it even more forgiving.

After you've removed the old tape, start winding the new stuff from the bottom of the handlebars upwards. The trickiest bit is getting the tape to go around the brake lever body in a tidy way; use one of the extra pieces of tape provided to hide the lever clamp – too many wraps around the clamp zone and you may run out before you get to the top of the bars.

Finish off by cutting diagonally in line with the edge of the bar bulge and tape the edge over with some black electrical tape to make it neat and tidy.



5. Try Higher Bars

Riser bars are also available, which are models that slope upwards on the ends to provide less bend in your back when you lean forward to grab the grips. Many off-roaders find that risers are just the ticket for a more comfortable position. THey're also typically a bit wider than flat bars to provide additional leverage, which is helpful on technical terrain.

6. Lever Adjustment

As well as making life safer and less tiring, getting your lever reach correct will boost your confidence by increasing your braking control. Some Shimano STI levers can be moved closer to the bar by either screwing in the small adjustment screw as shown (Sora models) or inserting a set of spacer shims (current Tiagra, ST-R600, ST-R700).

You'll need to release a bit of cable at the brake anchor bolt to bring brake adjustment back to normal, then retighten firmly; but check that the cable hasn't suffered from cut strands at the old pinch point, and replace if in doubt.

If your levers have no adjustment, releasing a little cable will help you achieve an easier braking action, especially if you have smaller hands.

Tips on Stopping BIcycle Shorts from Chaffing Your Sensitive Skin

 

Enzo's Button Hole Bicycle Chamois Cream

Enzo's Button Hole Chamois Cream 2-Pack

What is chamois cream?

Because cyclists go commando while riding (you read correctly—no need to wear underwear with bike shorts), there’s often a need to prevent chafing on the bike and soothe the skin when not in the saddle. Chamois cream does both.

It’s a lotion that can be applied to both the chamois and directly to the skin to lessen friction between a bike saddle, cycling shorts and skin. It also works to fend off bacterial and fungal infections and prevent saddle sores. In other words, for people logging serious miles, it’s a dream come true. ButtonHole can also be used off the bicycle as a salve to soothe and moisturize the skin and treat saddle sores.

Utilizing the highest quality chamois cream ingredients, Enzo’s ButtonHole Chamois Cream has been engineered to reduce friction, inflammation and other sensations that make the button angry.  The longer the button can stay on the bicycle saddle, the happier you and the button will be. Enzo’s combines melaleuca oil, hamamelis, the Wu-Chu-Yu herb and organic silicone compounds to produce the ultimate button protection during those grueling cycling rides.

Buy in one of our San Antonio Stores or Buy Now on Amazon. 

ButtonHole uses these select chamois cream ingredients:
    •    Glycine Soya- In place of mineral oil, this aids the skin in retaining moisture and restoring barrier functions.
    •    Melaeuca Oil- A topical oil with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
    •    Hamamelis Virginiana- An antiseptic with soothing properties.
    •    Peppermint Oil- Contains Menthol, which is good for skin and gives a cooling effect.
    •    Menthol- A topical analgesic that relieves minor aches and pains.
    •    Sunflower Seed Oil- With a high Vitamin E content, this oil increases the lubricating properties of the formula.
    •    Cocoa Seed Butter- Excellent emollient properties adding moisture to very dry and dehydrated skin.
    •    Vegan- Enzo's ButtonHole Chamois Cream is 100% vegan.

How to Use Chamois Cream

Excuse us while we get a little personal and give you some info on how to use Buttonhole.  Spread a layer on your chamois, pre-ride, so that when your seat hits the bike seat, Enzo’s Buttonhole will be there to help make it a perfect union. If the chamois is thick, feel free to layer on the ButtonHole a little thicker.  Also do a two-finger dip spread directly onto your skin in any place where your bicycle saddle and your shorts might rub and create friction. In the end, don’t be shy; liberal use is better than not enough. Boom, ready to ride.

Buy in one of our San Antonio Stores or Buy Now on Amazon. 

Why Enzo's Cycling Products

Enzo's is passionate about developing and producing high quality bicycle products at an affordable price, without compromising product performance. They don’t want anything on your body that’s a known eye or skin irritant, shown to cause cancer or associated with things like Formaldehyde, and you surely don’t either.

In fact, Enzo’s s as picky about what they put into their products as they are about what they keep out. Enzo’s promise that you’ll never find any of the following ingredients in Enzo’s Cycling Products: parabens, mineral oil, DMDM hydantoin, Oleth-10 or Triethanolamine.

Here's Why:
PARABENS: Used as a preservative agent in cosmetics, parabens can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis and rosacea in individuals with paraben allergies—a small percentage of the general population. Because parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, certain studies have concluded that exposure to them may be indirectly linked to breast cancer.
MINERAL OIL: A common ingredient in many skin care products, used to promote moisture. Mineral oil is a scentless clear liquid, the byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Due to its nature of creating a thin layer on the skin, this liquid isn’t easily absorbed by the skin, which in turn can clog pores.
DMDM HYDANTOIN: Most commonly used in cosmetic products and shampoos as a preservative to prevent mold and mildew. Can be a strong eye, skin and lung irritant. Skin contact has been known to cause allergic eczema (dermatitis). It is also a formaldehyde-releasing agent and may cause reactions in formaldehyde sensitive individuals including blistering, burning and itching of the skin.
OLETH-10: This ingredient, commonly used in skin care products, has been found to be possibly contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other significant health problems. It has also been found to be a mild to moderate skin irritant. 

TRIETHANOLAMINE: Triethanolamine is used primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant—something that helps a product spread over a surface. It also serves as a pH balancer in many different cosmetic products. A known eye, skin, nose and throat irritant that can cause liver cancer in rats.


Buy in one of our San Antonio Stores or Buy Now on Amazon. 

Top Ten Gifts For Cyclists

It can be hard coming up with gift ideas for your cyclist friend or family member. Many bike parts and accessories are highly specific and can be harsh on the wallet. We understand your frustration, and have compiled a list of the top ten gifts for cyclists. Come by either Gotta Ride Bikes location today to easily determine what to get that cyclist for any occasion, year round.

1. Serfas Combo Kit   -   $49.95

 Everything you need to get on the road. Saddle bag, front/rear light, multi-tool, patch kit/tire levers, and mini pump.











 2. Enzo's Button Hole Chamois Creme   -   $19.95

 Our most popular chamois creme.








  3. Nite Rider Solas 2W Taillight   -   $44.95

 At 2w, this light can be seen a long way away. 4x as bright as most higher-end taillights at only a slightly higher price. USB rechargeable means no AAA batteries to go dead on you.








 4. Clearview Micro Mirror   -   $14.95

Attaches to most any helmet, provides great vision with a minimal footprint

 5. Bike Helmets

 Previous year helmets by Bell, Giro, LG Mavic on sale for half off!

6. Louis Garneau Arm Warmers   -   $22.95

 A must for winter cycling!

7. Serfas TSL-200 Headlight   -   $64.95

 The TSL-200 Headlight is great for the bike commmuter who's looking for an extra light punch from a USB rechargeable that comes in such a small package.






 

8. Louis Garneau Electra Jacket   -   $22.95


 A must for winter cycling!

9. Gizmo Wooly G Socks   -   $12.95

Merino wool for colder days

 

 10. Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light   -   $44.95
 
This USB rechargeable light is the brightest rear light that we have. It features a wide non-directional beam to maximize visibility from side angles. Easy to move from bike to bike with the silicone attachment system. Runs 2 to 9.5 hours on a charge.






Thanks For Shopping With Us!

You Have GOT To Watch This Video

Amazing Mountain Bike Video Shot With GoPros

Top Rules of Cycling #11-20

Follow Any of These Rules To See Improvement in Your Ride!

Stay On The Lookout For the Rest of The Rules!

11. Train Your Weaknesses

Even though this may seem vague and obvious, this is much more about identifying your weaknesses and THEN training them. Professional endurance racer Mark Weir makes his living blasting through corners, but that wasn't always the case. "I was a semi-pro downhiller racing in Park City, Utah, and there was a corner that I thought just sucked," he recalls. "I told Jan Karpiel, one of my sponsors, about it, and he said: 'The corner doesn't suck, you suck at that corner.' I realized then that training my weaknesses is far more important than sticking with my strengths.


 
12. Check Your Tire Pressure Before Each Ride

13. Learn to Bunny Hop on Your Road Bike

Doing an unclipped hop shows you how changes in body position affect your bike's behavior — knowledge that will boost your confidence on steep downhills, rough roads, and in corners.

A. Replace your clipless pedals with platforms and your cycling shoes with soft-soled sneakers.

B. Ride across a flat, grassy field at slightly faster than walking speed, standing on your pedals, cranks level with the ground, elbows and knees slightly bent.

C. Push down on the handlebar while bending your knees even farther so you are crouched over the saddle. Then immediately pull up and back on your bar as you shift your weight back to get the front tire up.

D. With the front tire off the ground, shift your weight forward as you push the handlebar ahead and hop up with your legs to lift the rear wheel.

14. Fitness Takes Time

No crash diet or hell week of training will magically propel you into top form. "You've got to work toward it all season long," says Pierre Rolland, the best young rider of the 2011 Tour de France.

15. If something is painful like your knee, back, or wrists, you should consider getting a professional fitting. 

Many websites and blogs offer instructions to "do-it-yourself," however — it's a much better idea to let a professional fine tune your bike to your anatomy.

16. Wash Your Bike

Especially after a wet or muddy ride. Mist it with a garden hose or soak it using a bucket of soapy water. Wipe it down and rinse, then dry it with a clean rag or towel. Don't forget to lube your chain.

17. Buy a Torque Wrench and Learn How to Use It

This is mandatory for carbon parts, but will also extend the life of all stems, handlebars, bottom brackets, seatpost clamps, and suspension pivots



18. Speaking of Your Chain

A well-maintained and lubricated chain could last 3,000 road miles ore more, but check it every 500. Here's how: Take a ruler and place the 0 at the rivet of one link. If the ruler's 12 inch mark aligns closely with another rivet, you're in good shape. If it's more that 1/16th of an inch away, replace the chain.

 

19. Respect Your Front Brake

Applying 60 percent front brake will bring you to a smooth, controlled stop. But on steep descents or during rapid decelerations, you'll want to rely even more heavily on the front.

Be sure to shift your weight behind your saddle to prevent yourself from sailing over the handlebar

20. Stick With Your Group

Whether you're embarking on a 500-mile charity ride or racing Paris-Nice, there's safety in numbers. Teammates and friends can pull if you're feeling tired, share their food, or help fix a mechanical issue. "I've seen this so many times," says Chris Horner. "A guy is leading the race and is really strong and so he goes into a breakaway. But what happens if he crashes or flats? He is all alone. Stay with your group as long as possible.

Stay tuned for more GREAT tips, video reviews and much much more!

Gotta Ride Bikes is located at
20475 Hwy 46 West #210 in Bulverde , TX 78070
 (830) 438-1229
www.gottaridebikes.com

How to Get an Aero Road Bike Without Selling Your House

The 2014 Kestrel Talon Shimano 105 Sprint Delivers A Sweet Package At A Great Price

Kestrel has released their 2014 Talon Tri bike, and it truly is a beauty. It's versatile geometry features three degrees of adjustment on the seat tube angle EMS Pro seatpost. The frame and fork are a delicious blend of 800K high modulus carbon fiber and 700K intermediate-modulus carbon fiber; creating a bike that is both stiff and lightweight.

The Aerodynamic tubing used on this bike has been developed in the A2 Wind Tunnel for extraordinary speed. The bike looks and feels polished, and rides true.

The Shifting, handled by a mostly Shimano 105 drivetrain, is smooth and dependable, not to mention easy to clean. A great investment for the road cyclist that wants to break into the triathlon scene.

Come To One Of Two Great Gotta Ride Bikes Locations:

We'd love to help you pick out your next bike and help you fill your every cycling need.

CLOSEOUT BIKE- Click For Details

Kestrel Talon SRAM Force Carbon Road Bike

Reg: $2999.99

  Sale: $1699.96


(Please note that due to the already low prices on our closeouts, discount coupons will not apply to this item.)

FEATURING: SRAM Force drivetrain

Highest Quality Carbon
Since 1987, Kestrel has been meticulously hand-building their carbon frames using the tightest quality control standards in the industry. Their goal - perfecting the science of speed. Kestrel was the first to launch an all carbon bike and thus wrote the book on bicycle performance: weight, stiffness, efficiency, and even the shape of the bicycle itself. With over 20 years of carbon fiber experience under their belts, Kestrel is a name you can feel confident in.

Superb Ride
Kestrel's geometry has been painstakingly refined to maximize ride comfort and handling grip. Every Kestrel frame comes with a matching, frame-specific fork that's engineered and ride tuned for perfectly balanced handling with a sensitive road feel and superb ride comfort. The Kestrel has been said to have one of "the most aero frames you can legally race".
Just like the award winning RT700, the Talon uses Kestrel's unmatched carbon fiber know-how for a superior riding experience. Superb stiffness, superior strength, durability and Kestrel's legendary aerodynamic geometry lend to a road-smoothing ride with precise handling and efficient power transfer. Size-specific tuning optimizes the ride for every size, so you get the same precise handling with a responsive feel regardless of how big you are or where you ride.

Highest Technology
This Kestrel is formed from a weight-shaving 700k Carbon fiber hybrid with a Modular monocoque aerodynamic frame design.

FEATURES - 

Constantly varying tube sections and optimized shapes throughout, for increased torsional rigidity and bottom bracket stiffness

Semi-sloping top tube for lower center of gravity and stiffer main triangle

Structurally optimized one-piece modular Monocoque main triangle

Size-specific, proportionally scaled tube and junction profiles for consistent ride quality and superior stiffness in every size

Aero-sculpted and sleek, for solo breakaways

Reinforced bottom bracket and chainstays for power transfer

Dedicated Kestrel EMS Carbon fork, co-engineered with the frame for balanced handling feel and precision

Full Internal cable routing

Semi-integrated headset for a low profile, optimal stiffness and full replaceability

Ultraclean rear brake cable exit integrated into seatpost binder

Proprietary, dropouts and fork

Replaceable derailleur hanger

Sculpted H-shape seatstays are tuned to damp vibration so less road buzz reaches the saddle

Precision-tuned fork for cutting fast downhill bends or criterium corners Frame weight = 1.3kg* (approx avg.)

COMPONENTS -

  Frame - 700k Carbon Fiber - Structurally optimized one-piece modular Monocoque main triangle, Reinforced bottom bracket and chainstays for power transfer, 2xH2O bottle mounts, replaceable derailleur hanger,Frame weight = 1.3kg

Fork - Kestrel Fluid Design Dedicated Carbon Fiber fork with 1.125 inch aluminum steerer tube, co-engineered with the frame for balanced handling feel and precision

Crankset - FSA Carbon SLK-Lite w/ Hollow Integrated Spindle, 7075 CNC 39/53T Chainring

Bottom Bracket - FSA MegaEXO exterior bearing system

Front Derailleur - Shimano 105, Braze-on

Rear Derailleur - Shimano Dura Ace 7800

Shifters - Shimano Dura Ace 7800

Cassette - Shimano Ultegra 6600, 10-speed, 12-25T

Chain - Shimano 5600

Wheels - Mavic Aksium Race

Brake Set - Cane Creek SC 3 w/Cartridge Pads

Brake Levers - Shimano Dura Ace 7800 integrated with shifters

Headset - FSA Orbit Road Sealed Cartridge Bearing Threadless 1 1/8"

Handlebar - Profile Hammer OS Aluminum Bar 31.8mm

Stem - Profile H2O Aluminum threadless

Saddle - San Marco Island Ponza with Cro-Mo rails

Seat Post - Kestrel Fluid Design Carbon Aero 

2014 Scott Solace 10 Redefines Endurance

The Solace is Scott's new comfort model, designed for sportives, rough roads and long distances. It takes over from the CR1, which continues in the range as an entry-level carbon fiber model. 

(originally published on BikeRadar.com)
Four variants of the Solace will be available: the 30 (Shimano 105), 20 (Shimano Ultegra 11-speed), 10 (Dura-Ace 9000) and Premium (Dura-Ace Di2). BikeRadar tested the Solace 10 at Scott's international launch in the Swiss Alps.

See A More Race Oriented 2014 Scott Bike in the Scott Addict SL HERE

Ride & handling: Comfort and stability with undertones of raciness

The Solace has a shorter top tube and taller head tube than Scott's race models, as is the sportive bike convention. From the off you feel more relaxed and ready to ride for a long time, not a fast time.
While we were initially cynical about the frame's split Comfort and Power Zones (see below), they are surprisingly tangible. Aiming the Solace straight through broken sections of Switzerland's generally excellent roads quickly established that it successfully reduces shocks and vibration through the saddle.

Furthermore, aggressive out-of-the-saddle efforts and fast descending confirmed that the bottom bracket and head tube rigidity aren't compromised. In fact, the power transfer and steering accuracy is on par with that of many dedicated race bikes. The more relaxed geometry makes the steering slower and calmer but, because the precision is retained, cornering is still fun.

We do have some reservations about Scott's approach to comfort, though. Rather than focus on vibration damping, they've worked on increasing the controlled flex at the saddle and front axle. This means they can easily quantify the gains and claim, for instance, that the Solace is 42 percent more comfortable than the CR1.

The Solace is light and responsive. Hard climbing is fun and rewarding; you don't feel as though you're having to drag the bike up hills. Factor in the ultra-compact gearing and it's a machine to help you conquer the next challenging ride you think might be beyond you.

Less frantic and more cossetting than a pure race bike, the Solace is still ready to throw down when there's a town sign to sprint for or a demanding descent to carve up.

If your sportive goals revolve around high placings and gold-standard times, the Solace's compromises (small as they might be) are probably more than you'll want to live with. The taller riding position and fatter tires make it noticeably slower than the new Scott Addict we rode back-to-back on the same roads (stay tuned for a first ride review of that bike). If you're that speed focused then you should be on a race bike. And probably in an actual race.

Frame & equipment: Split personality frame with Syncros and Shimano kit

There are two versions of the Solace frame – the Premium uses Scott's higher grade HMX Net carbon fiber for both the frame and fork (claimed to weigh 890g and 330g respectively in a 54cm size), while the standard model is made from the more affordable HMF Net (950g frame, 380g fork; still very light). Every frame has size-specific geometry and layup, including the women's Contessa versions.
Scott began R&D for the Solace by researching the role of each frame section in terms of ride comfort and pedalling stiffness. They found that the strength of the head tube, down tube, bottom bracket and chainstays are – as you'd expect – essential to creating a laterally and torsionally stiff frame for efficient power transfer.

Scott's engineers also found that the seatstays, seat tube and top tube play a much lesser role in frame performance but a far greater one in comfort. This led them to split the frame into the Power Zone and Comfort Zone areas, optimizing the design of each accordingly.

One of the first things you'll notice is that the rear brake is mounted under the chainstays, behind the bottom bracket. This is something you will see on many time trial bikes but it isn't to make the Solace more aerodynamic. Rather, it relieves the seatstays of braking duty, freeing them up to provide comfort.

The seatstays are very thin and there's no brake bridge, so you can actually squeeze them together by as much as 10mm with one hand. At their top ends, they join to the top tube more than the seat tube, allowing each part to flex in a more natural direction to provide damping.

The seatpost is another key element of the ride comfort – it's a Syncros FL2.0 of 27.2mm diatameter; an 'Ergoptimized' carbon layup means it's designed to flex backwards to take the sting out of bumps, without wobbling back and forth. Clever stuff.

Syncros are owned by Scott and their component range has had a huge makeover for 2014, so it's no surprise to see it all over the Solace 10 – saddle, seatpost, stem, bar and wheels. The saddle has chromoly rails and the cockpit is all aluminium. The wheels are the OEM-only aluminium RP2.0 models, shod with 25mm Schwalbe One V-Guard tires.

The Solace 10 has a complete Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 11-speed groupset, with a sportive friendly 50/34 crankset and 11-32 cassette combination.