Pedal, Shoe, And Saddle Tech

August 14th, 2009 by Timothy O'Connor View Comments

TIME is pre-releasing line drawings and a video of a completely new line of road pedals, called I-Clic. The company claims it is the first clipless road pedal without a metallic spring, and the first clipless pedal with a pre-opening automatic engagement. Rather than using a metallic spring, a blade of carbon fiber flexes to provide retention. TIME’s knowledge of carbon composites inspired the company to eliminate the metallic spring and replace it with a carbon blade. Additionally, the cleat itself uses no metal, making for a very light combination.

The “I” in I-Clic stands for Instantaneous and Intuitive, as the in and out engagement is said to be simple and effortless. In a few months, we’ll hope to know more, as trade show sample production is underway. Final production for sales won’t start until October. I-Clic pedals will be available in the U.S. in January.

Reported weight for the I-Clic Ti Carbon pedal is 183 grams for a pair of pedals, and 263 grams for the pedals with cleats. The range of four I-Clic pedals will all have 8.5mm of lateral Bioposition play, and 447 square millimeters of platform surface. The four different I-Clic models will be built of various materials to meet different price points, but all use a carbon fiber or fiberglass blade, rather than a metal spring.

TIME Sport International has posted a video here where you can see the new pedals.

Northwave is starting to show some early releases from the 2010 shoe line, including the Rebel SBS mountain bike shoe. It’s positioned as a mid-priced, high performance trail shoe that includes many features from the top-line product.

Features include:

Good ventilation via the Airflow System (strategically placed venting in key areas including the toe), while wider perforation holes in the upper help maintain temperature and comfort.
The Ultra Y heel counter, designed to stabilize the heel while keeping weight down for better energy transfer.
Northwave’s proprietary Step By Step (S.B.S.) buckle and closure system to create a perfect fit over the instep, while ensuring control and precision. The buckle actually allows the rider to set the buckle while a Velcro “macro” adjustment centers the system every time.
The advanced Jaws Carbon Reinforced sole. This sole uses a 100% rubber outer sole to maintain traction while off bike. Its carbon additive midsole creates a stiff pedaling platform while keeping weight minimal.
Inside the shoe, a new Performance Advanced insole. It has a 3D arch support for superior fit, comfortable foam inner, and is perforated throughout for excellent temperature control.

The Rebel SBS, which reportedly weighs 370 grams in a size 42, will be available in black or white, for $150. Also available is the Rebel 3V, which forgoes the buckle in favor of three Velcro straps, for $130, and weighs 350 grams in a size 42.

Among saddle manufacturers, Selle Italia was well represented at the Tour de France, on roughly a third of the bikes we saw. These Team Edition saddles by Selle Italia are the originals used by professional cyclists and mountain bikers everywhere, with slightly stiffer saddle bases and “Perfect Fit” self-molding padding that’s ideal for long-distance rides. The waterproof microfiber Lorica covers are meant to be durable and abrasion-resistant, and the shells are constructed from carbon composites.

The Thoork Team Edition Saddle weighs 140 grams, and its high-tech carbon rail is claimed to be the lightest on the market, manufactured using an innovative process that produces stronger and more impact-resistant rails. MSRP: $246.99.
The SLR Team Edition Saddle weighs 150 grams and also features the carbon rail for maximum strength. MSRP: $232.99.
The Flite Team Edition Saddle weighs 200 grams, and has the new Ti 316 Tube rail, with improved shear strength and durability thanks to its oval cross-section and wall thickness. The elastomer suspension shock absorber system between the shell and the rail eliminates road shocks and vibrations. MSRP: $193.99.
The SLR Gel Flow Team Edition Saddle weighs 225 grams and has a high-strength Vanox Tube rail. The silicone gel inserts have differentiated thickness around the cutout. MSRP: $201.99.
The Max Flite Team Edition Saddle weighs 290 grams and also has the extremely light Vanox Tube rail. Its silicone gel inserts have differentiated thickness around the cutout as well. The elastomer suspension shock absorber system between the shell and the rail eliminates road shocks and vibrations. MSRP: $189.99.

Selle Italia Team Edition Saddles are available at bike shops or from ProNet Cycling.