by Velospeak | Dec 11, 2020 | Uncategorized
The Haley pictured with a complete Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 group set
Covering an entire group set from any of the three major manufacturers is a daunting task. There is a lot going on, from braking and shifting duties to electronic or mechanical shifting, and of course the many different levels of components offered. Before getting too far into it, I admit to being in the enviable position of having bicycles with group sets from all three, SRAM, Campagnolo and Shimano. And even better, I’ve got the top tier offerings. But, this post will concentrate on Shimano’s latest electronic group.
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9150 – nearly perfect? (more…)
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by Mike S. | Dec 31, 2019 | Accessories, Product Reviews
Replacing my older MTB gear with the Shimano S-PHYRE RC9 is probably the most significant change recently made to my bike rides. Currently, I’m riding a gravel/adventure bike with a bunch of fancy components. However, I know one of the most important aspects of my ride has been the addition of the Shimano S-PHYRE RC9 shoes. From long stretches along the SoCal beaches to a quick jaunt up to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, these shoes make rides quite an amazing treat. (more…)
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by Velospeak | Jan 23, 2019 | Accessories, Product Reviews
Los Angeles has been cold, very cold. Maybe we don’t experience sub-freezing temps, but it gets close on some occasions. Our weekly ride up to the Hollywood Sign meets at 6:30am on Wednesdays. It is early, it is dark, and the temperature tends to hover in the mid-40s this time of year. For a native of LA, that is freezing. So, in the hunt for one piece of clothing to keep me warm on these slightly misguided rides, I came across the Shimano S-Phyre wind resistant jersey. It is perfect.
This jersey is right in oh so many ways. First, the fit is spot on. It is slim, with just the right amount of drop at the rear, and the perfect length sleeves. The three pockets on the rear are large enough to carry all your tools, nutrition, tubes, and even a small windbreaker or vest. There is an additional zippered pocket at the rear for lip balm, cash and ID. The collar is high, perfect to keep the chill at bay. I’ve been wearing this jersey with a short sleeve base layer, and the combination is ideal for mid 40s to mid 50 temperatures. For me, keeping your core warm is the key to enjoyable riding, and the Shimano S-Phyre accomplishes this perfectly.
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by Velospeak | Apr 7, 2015 | Uncategorized
Back in the days when I still had the time to mountain bike, I eschewed the advent of disc brakes as being too much tech for the simplicity of the bicycle. With the advent of hydraulic disc brakes, I had an even stronger argument against the technology, as I reasoned having to bleed brakes on a bicycle was extreme and unnecessary. Then one day, I rode a mountain bike with mechanical disc brakes, and within months, the technology was installed on my trusty Ellsworth. I had found happiness, and my previous rants were for naught. Now, years later, I was resisting the call to electronics and disc brakes on road bikes. Had I become the luddite, resisting new tech for the sake of being ornery? In a moment of self realization, I knocked on the door of BMC headquarters to ask for a test BMC Gran Fondo with hydraulic disc brakes and electronic shifting. At least this time I would be armed with real world experience to make the argument against these technologies. Or, so I thought. A strange thing happened while riding the bike up and down the hills near my wife’s hometown in Neuchatel; I liked it. The braking was phenomenal, and the shifting precise. It opened my eyes to the possibilities, and I quickly became a proponent of the upgrades. When putting together my Calfee Dragonfly Adventure, I opted to use the latest from Shimano – the R785 hydraulic shift levers mated with the matching disc brakes. The levers can handle both Ultegra and Dura Ace Di2, so in the spirit of building the best possible set-up, I opted to run Dura Ace. I’ve been riding this combination for nearly six months now, and I can unequivocally say that this may be the perfect option for a new build. The braking is exceptional, with a lever feel that can’t be beat. One or two finger braking is a breeze, allowing for optimal stopping power. The hoods are tall to accommodate the hydraulics, but also allowing for an incredibly ergonomic position. The shifting via the Di2 Dura Ace is precise and assured. It has remained rock solid over time, with absolutely no need for adjustment. The set-up of the brakes is a breeze, as is changing the pads. With more time, I suspect I will gain even more respect for what Shimano has achieved in introducing the R785 system. I couldn’t be happier with the design, the stability, and the overall function of the system.
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by Velospeak | Mar 26, 2015 | Uncategorized
Anyone following the Velospeak Instagram knows I’ve been riding a lot of dirt as of late. It’s been years since I purchased any mountain bike shoes, and the last pair still in use is at least 15 years old. Not the ideal shoe to wear any longer, so when the opportunity to ride the Shimano SH-XC90 arose, I jumped at the chance. Strangely, I’d never ridden Shimano shoes despite their stellar reputation. The SH-XC90 is their top of the line mountain bike shoe, and is available in sizes 36 – 48 with the added benefit of a wide option on the 38 – 48 sizes. I am one of those folks who needs a wide shoe, so when a company offers that option, I take it. The shoe is well crafted, and the design simple, but quite functional. There are two velcro straps, and one buckle closure. This might feel a bit old school compared to the plethora of shoes using the BOA system, but when riding dirt, the security of a rock solid system such as this can’t be beat. The adjustment is easy, and the comfort achieved perfect. Another feature that impressed me is the ability to increase the arch via a system of shims that slide into the insole. It is a rather clever set-up, and allows for incredible flexibility in adjusting how the shoe fits. I’ve been riding with the SH-XC90 for many months now, and the fit, finish, and overall good design have won me over. It’s too bad I am only now discovering the high quality of Shimano shoes.
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