Cambridge Bikes recently got a big shipment of Mavic shoes, and I was lucky enough to get ahold of a pair to try out. I chose the Avenir model because they will look hot with the new CB race kits, due in any day now. Here's my experience so far:



Last year I raced with the Adidas Adistar Road Pro, which were made by the same company (Salomon) that owns Mavic. Mavic now makes the Road Pro model, with a price in the $250 range, but the Avenir that I'm wearing is a lower end model, costing only $130. What's the difference? Well, 35 grams and $120. To be fair, the Road Pro's have a carbon sole and the Avenirs have a fiberglass sole. I've done 170 miles in the Avenirs so far and haven't noticed any lack of stiffness in the sole, so for me it's all about the comfort.



Now shoes fit differently for everyone, but the first thing I noticed when I put on the Avenirs was how comfortable they felt. I try not to be a shoe snob (or any kind of snob for that matter), but until now Sidi's where the only cycling shoes that ever felt comfortable to me right out of the box. I felt just as at home in the Avenirs. I think the main reason is that the body of the Avenir is just plyable enough to form to my very irregular feet and still feel solid. The Adistar never quite felt that way to me, even after a full race season. Also, the Adistar didn't have a true tongue, instead simply cinching around your foot. The Avenir has a slightly padded tongue that goes a long way towards comfort.



One thing Mavic has changed from the older Adidas models is the ratchet mechanism. While the Adidas used a center buttom push-to-release, the Mavics have a little lever on the side that you lift-to-release. Since I spend most of my time in my Sidi Dominators, neither of these two designs felt intuitive to me, but after two rides I'm already used to the Mavics. I really like the feeling of security the ratchet strap gives you. The Avenir utilitzes a ratchet strap top closure, and two lower velcro straps.



Mavic does make higher end shoes, all the way up to the $300 Zxellium you can see Tim Johnson wearing them in the recent Redlands Classic and the $450 Zxellium Ultimate that weigh only 245 grams, but for the money, I think the Avenir is a smart purchase. I hope to be wearing them on a podium somewhere soon!

Also, due to the arrival of the Mavic shoes, the Adidas models are now 20% off at Cambridge Bike. That means the Adistar Road Pro will cost you about $160. So, if you're not a shoe snob either and don't mind wearing last years model, there are some good deals to be had on these shoes.

Ride Safe, Ya'll...
CrothJackson!

http://www.mavic.com/road/products/footwear_range.6.9.1.aspx

I will be representing the race team on the XC circuit this season. Bud, Jason, Kip and the honorable Mr. McCormack were kind enough to hook me up with this ultra light whip. Thanks guys.

With pedals, it weighs an even 22 lbs even.



While many associate CB with fixed gears, the shop is outfitted to service fancy mountain bikes too. Tom was able to build this up to proper torque settings, with perfect shifting and braking and logical fit in less than an hour. This bike will be periodically on display in the shop if you are interested in ogling a state of the art cross country machine.

RMM

I ran into this tough guy on River Street and his modified/dyed CB hat caught my eye. His name is Kit and if you run into him tell him that Kip wants to give him a new CB hat of his choice. We've currently got two different models in the shop, and a new top-secret one is boxed up in some crazy factory in China or somewhere....

See you soon Kit!

It's here: the one of a kind Glow in the dark fixed gear Bike! Almost every component on this track bike is glow-in-the-dark, and as the photo shows, this thing GLOWS BRIGHT. We had everything custom powdercoated with a special glow-in-the-dark powder that not only looks great but is also a much more durable finish than paint. The bike is size 55cm and is for sale for $2000. We can ship it anywhere in the continental USA for $100.

Other than all the parts on this bike, we have a very limited supply of other glow parts for sale, such as handlebars (bullhorn, riser, cruiser), pedals, toe cages, and stems (threaded, threadless).

Thanks to Marty from Geekhouse Bikes for helping us with this project.

From Glow Bike

From Glow Bike

Velocity, makers of the popular Deep V rim, is in the process of designing a Super Deep V, named the B43. The rim will be 43mm deep and triple-walled for bulletproof strength. Obviously it will be a bit heavier than the original Deep V, but if you want to be able to beat the crap out of your wheels and ride away unscathed, a pair of these might be ideal for you. Word is they will be available in 32 hole, 36 hole, and even a 48 hole drilling. Expect to see them in the shop this May.

Earlier this week was the long anticipated Embrocation Volume 3 Release Party. The party was a huge success and I have to say Volume 3 is looking pretty amazing (I got a free copy for DJing! Thanks Jeremy.) The New England cycling scene was out in force and wasn't shy about getting down on the dance floor. I had a great time behind the decks alongside DJ Claude Money. Money started the night off with some nice soul Jams while I finished it out with some bangers and electro.


I was told this guy had some sick moves.


Pick up your copy over at Embrocation Cycling Journal. More Photos there as well!