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Garmin Vector: 2013???

Garmin Vaporware finally condensing?

Vector System

From Garmin's German website, it appears like the Vector pedal based power meter, which had been grossly delayed several times, may finally see the light of day.  While the price has yet to be released, it will likely stay at the $1500 mark as had been reported earlier.

The biggest problem with the Vector is that it has been delayed on numerous occasions.  Looking at the screen grab from the German version of Garmin's website, you'll see in bright red print, January 2013.

German Garmin SiteThis is probably good news for those who are still interested, but I can't help thinking the release of the new Red Quarq (and subsequent dropping of the Cinqo Saturn prices) along with the lighter, smaller Powertap G3 have severely cut into the market for the Vector.  On top of those releases, the Polar Power Pedals and Power2Max crank based units are starting to become more widely available, further shrinking Garmin's market share before they even have a product on the shelves.

Honestly, if you're in the market for a power meter, don't waste your time on the Vector.  It's already been delayed several times for what has been described as “significant problems.”  First adopters will have to deal with those bugs and issues, and the last thing anyone wants is a buggy power meter.

Get yourself a Quarq, SRM or Powertap and enjoy it.  You'll be glad you did.

Look 675 Unveiled

Look 675As the Tour de France approaches, teams and companies alike debut their newest products, and Look is no exception.  While last year brought the ultimate in integration via the 695 i-pack, it also brought an Everest-steep price tag and a super stiff racing chassis.  This year, Look is positioning itself more squarely in the comfort bike market with the new 675.  Let's take a look at the new, eye catching offering.

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Tour de France Prologue

Wiggins was the big winner

WARNING: SPOILERS

With the Tour de France starting today in Leige with a short prologue time trial, arguably the most important race of the year is underway.  6.4 km isn't much, but it has already given us an early indication of who's ready and who's not.  Surprisingly, it might not be who you think.

Spoilers after the jump:

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De-Fredification: Trim Your Helmet Straps

Long helmet strapsSince the weather has warmed up, I've seen more riders than I can count on the local roads.  From cruisers to single speeds, slick road machines to mountain bikes, I've noticed one common element among a great many of them: dangling helmet straps.  For some reason, they drive me up a wall: the ends of helmet straps dangling in the breeze, flapping around when descending, blowing up into your mouth…besides all of that, nothing says “fred” like dangling helmet straps.  So take about 5 minutes of your life and fix those straps, eh?  This brand of de-fredification is easy, and I'll show you how to go about it:

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Quarq Cinqo Installation

Quarq Cinqo unpacked

With the release of the 2012 Sram Red Quarq, prices for the previous Quarq Cinqo Saturn have been dropping precipitously.  That being the case, now is the perfect time to grab them before they disappear from the market and used becomes your only option.

Since mid-season rest weeks are always prime tinkering time for me, what better time to change things up and swap out my Powertap in favor of one of the aforementioned Cinqo Saturns?  After scoring a brandy new 130mm bcd Cinqo and having it arrive safely at my door (thank you UPS for not throwing it from 15 feet away) it was time to get my hands dirty and swap cranksets.

 

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