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Team Bike » Cycling News T2
Jamis trims the fat and slices through the air
Jamis Bicycles launched its Xenith full-carbon road platform only last year but has wasted little time in making improvements. The new top-of-the-line Xenith SL frame now drops below the 900g mark through the use of refined lay-up schedules and higher-end carbon fibers, yet supposedly the new SL is also a better performer as well. New internal bladders and selective use of silicone mandrels are said to yield higher compaction forces for an overall higher quality product, while an updated bottom bracket shell-chain stay interface and upsized seat tube and seatpost yield additional rigidity. As with the original Xenith, the new Xenith SL continues to use Jamis' size-specific tubing diameters and lay-up schedules to retain a consistent ride quality across the range. New to the Xenith line for 2008 is the slippery T series, aimed squarely at the triathlon and time trial market. According to Jamis Product Manager Steven Fairchild, the new carbon fiber Xenith T frame supposedly posted one of the "lowest drag figures ever recorded" during a recent visit to San Diego's Low Speed Wind Tunnel facility.
The Xenith T's aero tricks include NACA airfoil-shaped tubing, a tightly tucked-in rear wheel, internal cable routing, and cleverly shrouded front and rear brake calipers. The latter apparently is one of the most critical features of the new design, as swapping to a standard fork and front brake increases drag by a reported 10%. The top-end Xenith T2 is thoroughly stacked, with specifications that include Zipp 808 carbon tubular wheels, FSA's Neo Pro TT crankset, and an Easton Attack TT integrated aero bar, along with a SRAM 10-speed drivetrain. Claimed weight is just 7.6kg (16.75lb), and the suggested retail price is US$6300. Jamis gives the carbon treatment to its workhorse Dakar cross-country mountain bike as well, with the introduction of the new Dakar XCR Team and Pro models. The new 100mm-travel modified single-pivot platform is expectedly lighter than the alloy versions, with frame and complete bike weights reported at 2.25kg (4.96lb), including shock, and 10.66kg (23.5lb), respectively. More importantly, though, the material change should also yield a significantly more rigid frame for snappier pedaling response and handling.
Team NYPS Pittsford, New York …a 50+ Masters Team
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