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Five components that caught Andrew's attention

By Andrew Juskaitis, VeloNews Tech Editor
Published: Oct. 15, 2003
Five components that caught Andrew's attention
Five components that caught Andrew's attention

1. Hydrapak Air Scoop Race
Silly as it sounds, many racers don't wear hydration packs simply because they cover up valuable sponsorship territory across their backs. Hydrapak's new Air Scoop Team pack solves the problem with a removable and interchangeable Lycra cover which can be printed with your sponsors logos or simply your favorite stylings. The bladder offers 70 fl. oz. of capacity, while the pack offers 125 cu. In. of capacity. Together the $60 pack weighs a scant 1 pound. 2. Pearl Izumi Viper shoe
Part of Pearl's new high-end Red Label collection, the revamped Viper off-road shoe features a carbon fiber I-beam carbon sole and Boa Lacing system. Using a ratcheting twist buckle, the Boa system provides the rider instant on-the-fly access to microadjustablity. The $190 shoe comes in two color configurations (blue flame and black) and sports removable toe spikes and molded toe bumper. 3. Crank Brothers Candy Pedal
At this year's outdoor demo, Karl and Frank, the Crank Brothers, offered retailers the opportunity to ride its new cross-country targeted Candy pedal(in limited edition orange). The company has pushed hard into the cyclocross market by sponsoring a horde of athletes including Marc Gullickson, Todd Wells, Johnny Sundt Carmen D'Alusio, and Gina Hall. Those that tested the pedals raved about the ease of entry and more sure-footed feeling once clipped-in. The pedals range in price from the $100 cromoloy spindle candy to the $220 titanium spindle candy ti. 4. Hutchinson Tubeless
Now available in a tubeless version, Hutchinson's multi-purpose Spider tire is said to offer good wet and dry condition performance. The larger traction profile is designed to grip over rocky terrain, while also permitting mud release under muddy conditions. Available in 2.1 and 2.3 in the regular 695/745g version and 2.1 and 2.3 in the lighter (580/645g) "Air Light" version. 5. Ritchey BreakAway
Ritchey's new foldable BreakAway bikes are full size, standard geometry steel road bicycles with 700c wheels, that feature a unique coupling system that allows the bike/frame to be quickly disassembled and packed into a 26x28x9" suitcase. The bike weighs 19 lbs and is equipped with Ritchey Pro and Shimano Ultegra components. Suggested retail is $2500 (includes case). A 17 pound prototype titanium version was shown at the booth and may or may not see production.

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