11 Ride Captains have been carefully selected to lead participants during the London-Paris ride. All ride captains have been kitted out with Specialized bikes and equipment carefully selected to suit their needs during the demanding ride. London-Paris Coffee Stop takes a look at some of the kit they will be using.
HELMET
New for 2010, we’re introducing dial-operated fit systems designed for high performance and ease of use. Forget one hand adjustment, these systems allow one finger adjustment, even while wearing full finger gloves. Featuring new technologies in fit system design — like the Double Clutch ratchet dial for a positive and secure fit and the Micro-Fit ultra-fine adjuster for accuracy fitting any size head — these dial systems are beyond simple to use and provide the most secure and accurate fit available on the market today.
S-WORKS HELMET (WOMEN’S MODEL AVAILABLE)
The lightest CPSC-certified helmet in the world, worn by Pro teams like Gerolsteiner, Lampre, Milram and Silence-Lotto. It’s all about race weight, maximum ventilation and complete comfort.
---------------
SHOES
FEATURE: VARUS WEDGE
THE PROBLEM: Since the foot is naturally canted for walking and running (with the big toe higher than the little), that same angulation on a bike can cause rotational movement of the knee/shin/foot and cause the foot to collapse, which not only degrades efficiency, but creates knee pressure and strain.
THE SOLUTION: We engineer a Varus Wedge into the outsole of our BG shoes, giving the foot a 1.5mm angle to compensate for its natural tilt. This creates better alignment of the knee over the foot, boosting efficiency and comfort.
FEATURE: METATARSAL BUTTON
THE PROBLEM: Cyclists often experience “hot spots” or numbness in the forefoot while riding,
due to the fact that a snug shoe can lead to the compression of nerves and arteries in between the metatarsals (long bones of the forefoot).
THE SOLUTION: The Metatarsal Button in our
BG shoes works against this problem by lifting and separating the metatarsals to eliminate related compression and discomfort.
FEATURE: LONGITUDINAL ARCH
THE PROBLEM: Similar to its angulation, the foot’s arch is great for absorbing shock when walking or running, thanks to its natural fl ex. But unless the arch is supported while on a bike, it can hinder pedalling efficiency and rob power on the down stroke.
THE SOLUTION: The footbeds and outsoles of our BG shoes are constructed with Longitudinal Arch support, truly making every pedal stroke count in your favour.
BG S-WORKS ROAD SHOES
Our featherweight S-Works shoe is the lightest cycling shoe with a closure system, while still meeting the demanding performance needs of the European pro racer. For this season the Boa closure dial system is entirely redesigned to reduce weight and enhance tunability.
BG S-WORKS ROAD SHOES (WOMEN’S MODEL AVAILABLE)
The choice of top Pro riders and anyone who wants a featherweight shoe that fits like a glove. Now with a full carbon sole and supple fitting upper.
---------------
OPTICS
URRACO
Equally at home on the Pro Tour as the Tuesday night training crit, the Uracco speaks to euro-influenced road racers who want a lens with versatility and larger coverage for ultimate performance.
---------------
SADDLES
NUMB NUTS, RAW HIDE, SADDLE SORE? Body Geometry saddles are medically tested and scientifically proven to reduce or eliminate the soreness and numbness associated with traditional saddles by taking pressure off the sensitive nerves and arteries in the pelvis. Medical doctor and ergonomic designer Roger Minkow was the first person to present solutions for saddle pressure/dysfunction, and through his expert guidance, we developed the specific shapes, contours and cut-aways you’ll find in our saddles today. Through tests with internationally respected urologist Dr. Frank Sommer, studies at the Boulder Centre for Sports Medicine (BCSM) and in-house blood flow testing at SBCU, Dr. Minkow has proven the health benefits of our BG saddles.
MEN’S SADDLE DESIGN
Testing has proven that the pressure conventional saddles put on men’s pudendal nerves and arteries reduces penile blood flow within just a few minutes on the bike. Reduced blood flow has been linked to Erectile Dysfunction in numerous medical studies, but we can design around this problem. Through blood flow testing, we’ve found that cutting away a precise centre section of the saddle will greatly reduce penile pressure and prevent long-term damage. All of our men’s BG saddles have been tested and proven to provide a safe level of blood flow.
WOMEN’S SADDLE DESIGN
Female riders are subject to the same blood flow issues as men, as well as direct pressure on their perineal regions, which can cause urinary and sexual dysfunction. Through pressure mapping at the Boulder Centre for Sports Medicine, we’ve designed BG women’s saddles with a central cut-away and bevelled foam contours that measurably reduce unwanted pressure and improve blood flow.