The 2010 Litespeed Archon will
be sold in three versions, the C1, C2 and C3. The new "Aerologic"
road bike design incorporates many unique performance oriented
features. The three versions share the same aerodynamic configuration
but use different carbon fiber lay-up. Ride characteristics
are said to be the same from model to model, only the frame
weight is claimed to change.
A concave recess in the aero shaped
down tube facilitates the use of normal bottle cages and improves
frame aerodynamics with a bottle in place.
The unique head tube configuration
uses an oversized 1.125 " upper bearing race and a very
robust 1.5" very oversized lower bearing race. The benefit
is better front end stiffness and improved shock absorption.
Because of this unique head tube configuration the fork steer
tube design uses less material saving weight while improving
strength and stiffness.
The beginnings of the seat stay
at the brake bridge are vertically very narrow enabling better
shock absorption. The narrow portion near the brake bridge
also enhances the feel of the braking performance at the rear
wheel.
A concave wheel recess in the seat
tube improves aerodynamics. Notice the massive diameter of
the bottom bracket shell compatible with the new oversize
diameter sealed bearing bottom brackets. These new bottom
brackets lower bearing resistance and improve durability and
stiffness.
A lightweight, elegant rear derailleur
hanger is easily replaced in the event of a serious accident.
Vertical wheel dropouts make for easy wheel changes. Notice
the flat surface chainstay melding into the right/rear dropout.
A good angle to see the brake bridge
(where your rear brake attaches) and the unusual seat stay
configuration. The seat mast itself can be used as an integrated
seat mast, or, if a rider wanted to, the entire seat mast
can actually be cut entirely off the frame. A seatpost binder
collar would be slipped over the seat mast and tightened into
place then a more traditional aero seatpost would simply be
inserted into the frame like a more traditional seatpost design.
The version of the Archon we previewed
uses traditional external cable stops for easy maintenance.
This also provides another view of the comfort-oriented seat
stays and the multishaped top tube. Litespeed calls this continual
variance of the tube cross sections "Aerologic".
It is an amalgam of aerodynamic frame enhancements for high
speed riding and frame stiffness requirements for climbing,
accelerating and cornering while maintaining ride comfort.
The overall appeal of the Litespeed
Archon will grab the road bike buyer who wants a comfortable
riding, aerodynamic race bike with high performance features
such as the oversized bottom bracket and head tube. It is
a beautiful, racy looking frame with very elegant lines that
optimize stiffness and aerodynamics while reducing weight.
A very interesting asymmetrical
chainstay configuration puts stiffness where it is needed
to improve acceleration and drivetrain performance. This design
also maintains shock absorption and keeps overall bike weight
down. This is an elegant approach to rear end design. Notice
how much "thicker" the right hand chain stay is
than the left hand side chain stay. This makes your shifting
more responsive and makes the frame feel snappier under acceleration
according to Litespeed.
The Quintana Roo CD 01 sports a
new, sunny paint livery while using the unique asymmetrical
aerodynamic frame design developed in 2009. This year the
CD 01 is poised to be a category killer with a complete version
available with Vision Tech cockpit, Shimano Ultegra/Dura-Ace
and 105 mix component kit and an FSA crank priced at a competitive
$2999.99 MSRP.
The new color scheme shown above
will be the complete Ultegra bike at $2999. A different white
color scheme will be equipped with Dura-Ace. The Dura-Ace
version will be sold as a complete bike but without any stock
saddle- a clever move for any bike company since saddles,
like pedals, are an individual choice- few high end bike buyers
keep the stock saddle on their new bike.
Improvements in QR's wetsuit line
are very tangible for 2010. This new "Double Wall"
seam construction provides a better base of fabric for the
wetsuit stitching resulting in a more durable, longer lasting
seam. This is an important concern since triathlon wetsuits
have to be removed so quickly in transition. This new seam
design is more durable that a traditional glued/blind stitched
construction but retains excellent flex and comfort. Bottom
line: This wetsuit is more durable.
The "double wall" seam
construction also provides a better seal at the neck preventing
water intrusion and maintaining floatation. This new design
has effectively two seals at the neck.
The trademark Quintana Roo speed-cut
leg makes the suit easier to pull off the legs. Note the small
dots at the seam junctions to improve durability.
This is a critical upgrade for
2010: The seam closest to the waist is gone- moved higher
on the suit for better flex in the torso and improved durability
during quick removal. The seam closest to the waste on a triathlon
wetsuit is under significant stress during high speed removal.
Removing the waist seam and repositioning it make the suit
swim better, come off easier and last longer.
Note the different color of "pull
buoy" chest panel for superior floatation using thicker
neoprene.
