Specialized updated the Roubaix SL3 for 2011, making it one of the smoothest and fastest bike on the market. The goal of the design was to make sure that jarring and vibration over uneven roads and rough roads will not be experienced by the rider.

To make this possible, the Zertz elastomer inserts were placed mechanically in the seatstays unlike before. This damping gives about 6mm degree of flex. The frame becomes more stiff and durable when the inserts were pressed onto it.

There is a new stay molding with one bladder on each leg with a new shape for the stays. The stays are now 3D and it trickles from the dropouts to the seat tube for additional side-to-side stability.

Overall stiffness is made possible with the one-piece top tube/head tube/down tube mold used on the Tarmac SL3. For power transfer, Specialized used Press-In bearings, which in turn no longer requires…

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The 2011 Charge Filter sports a traditional geometry, ideal for commuting as well as cyclocross racing. With Tange Prestige Cromoly frame and fork, the Filter Hi shows a semi-compact build. It has SRAM Apex components and Truvativ 50/34 chainset.

For brakes, the Filter Hi has Avid Shorty 4 cantilevers. The FSA Vero compact handlebar has a shallow profile and matches with the FSA TH-857 headset. Optional mudguards can be placed due to longer chainstays.

Finishing the road bike are Charge Spoon saddle, Alex wheels with Charge hubs and Kenda Small Block 8 tires….

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For 2011, Headsweats adds a semi-custom new designs to its cycling caps Shorty and Classic. Both products still feature the COOLMAX® fabric, which draws moisture away to give maximum comfort and performance. It dries up to 3 to 4 times faster than cotton. The new designs are that of gears and chain ring.

The Classic is the flagship product for Headsweats. Designed to be super comfortable for any use, it has a COOLMAX® terry sweatband that optimizes air flow to keep your head dry at all times. You can tie the cap at the back. Available in five colors.

On the other hand, the Shorty has a smaller tail with twelve colors to choose from. It also has an elastic back for a snug fit. The 2011 caps have an MSRP of $22 while regular caps retail for $20.

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An innovative way for drying wet and muddy shoes are the Stuffitts Shoe Savers. Instead of leaving your cycling shoes to air dry, Stuffitts Shoe Savers removes the moisture from the inside of your shoe towards the outside. The product is a shoe insert that’s made with dual-wick fabric and natural cedars. Not only does it dry out your shoe, it also keeps it from smelling bad.

Stuffitts Shoe Savers aims to lengthen the lifespan of your shoe each time it is used. It prevents deterioration of the mid-soles and decreases the possibility of acquiring bacteria in the shoe due to moist conditions. It has a carry-on strap that you can string along to keep your shoes with you while Stuffitts works its magic inside each shoe. No chemicals are involved in this drying item. Reusable, it is not only great for cycling shoes, it can also be used for…

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Sunringle presents the Black Flag Pro wheelset for cross-country and trail rides. It uses Stan’s NoTubes™ BST Technology that lets the sidewall height become lower. This makes sealing of the tire better and you can use the tire even at a lower air pressure.

The BlackFlag Pro has 15, 20 and a standard 9mm QR with a 24mm rim width. It has premium straight-pull hubs and Wheelsmith straight-pull double butted spokes. For the 26 inch, it has 24 holes and for the 29er it has 28 holes. It comes with taped rims, Wheelsmith alloy nipples and cro-moly skewers.

The 26″ Black Flag Pro weighs 1585 grams while the 29er weighs 1665 grams. The wheelset comes with 2 bottles of sealants and 2 valves. Retail price is $650. Colors available are gold and black.

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For excellent jumps and descents, the 2011 Trek Session 8 is a class above its counterpart in the market. With dialed geometry and the latest technology, the Session is dubbed a great benchmark for downhill bikes.

The Session 8′s frame is made from Alpha Red Aluminum ZR9000. It features Full Floater, alloy EVO Link and E2 tapered head tube. For speed and control, it gets ABP, oversized pivot bearings, replaceable derailleur hanger, ISCG03 mounts and 203mm travel.

“DH tuned” with rebound Fox Van RC takes care of the rear suspension for the Session 8. It comes with SRAM X.7, 9 speed shifters, Race Face Respond DH 38T crank and Wellgo pedals.

Bar, stem, seatpost and saddle are from Bontrager. An FSA headset was applied along with an Avid Elixir R for hydraulic disc brakes. Bontrager Big Earl Disc wheel system with Maxxis Minion DHF completes the bike. £3400.00 for a complete bike…

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The 2011 Orange 224 Evolution follows the footsteps of its predecessors and stays true on aiming to deliver winning performance in downhill racing. Available in two models, World Cup and Race, 224 Evo features stiff front and rear ends further strengthened by oversized single-pivot assembly by Orange.

The 224 Evo’s unique headtube system, adjustable shock mount and wide axle clamp presets the option for adjusting the head angle, BB height and wheelbase. This makes it a more flexible DH bike to suit different trails, roads and terrains.

The 224 Evo World Cup and Race tubesets are made from Monocoque/6061-T6 Custom Butted Aluminium. Rear shocks are Fox DHX RC4 with 12mm bolt thru swingarm. The 224 Evo World Cup carries Rock Shox Boxxer World Cup Solo Air MC 200mm while the 224 Evo Race has a Rock Shox Boxxer RC.

Being a high-end race bike, the 224 Evo World Cup is equipped…

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