Tech News Flash – March 20, 2009 Got tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech desk. Calling all cars - GT golden bike on the lam Have you seen this bike? Photo ©: GT Bicycles GT's intriguing Golden Bike series is set to kick off the first leg of competition at next month's Sea Otter Classic but one lucky 'winner' may have already taken home the prize. According to GT marketing man Robb Zbierski, one of the company's specially finished GT Zaskar race bikes was lost in shipping last month - while the shipping label arrived at the intended destination in an envelope, the bike did not. In addition to the flashy gold paint job on the frame, the bike also features a custom gold finish on the Shimano XTR drivetrain, Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels, and Ritchey bar and stem. Just as was the case with Lance Armstrong's stolen - and recovered - one-off Trek Equinox time trial bike, Zbierski is hoping the bike's distinctive appearance will hamper any potential illicit sale and will lead to a quick recovery. Nonetheless, GT is offering a US$3000 reward for the bike's return. Limited edition white version of Continental's GP4000 The GP4000 LTD White has the same casing Photo ©: Continental Continental are releasing a limited edition white version of their top clincher, the venerable Grand Prix 4000. The GP4000 LTD White has the same casing and construction as the GP4000 S, including Vectran puncture protection, and weighs in at 205g. The white tread colour comes from Continental's activated silica compound (ASC), which they claim provides excellent dry-condition performance and low rolling resistance. The GP4000 LTD White will be available in limited quantities only through Continental dealers. It will come in 700x23 only. MSRP is US$124.95 (approx £90) a pair. Sidi lower prices in US Sidi's new Ergo 2 Carbon Vernice shoes Photo ©: Sidi Sidi shoes have had a price cut in the US despite the global economic downturn. Distributors Veltec Sports have told independent bike dealers to adjust their prices by 8 to 15 percent The move bucks a general industry trend towards higher prices. It's due to an anticipated drop in the value of the euro relative to the dollar, as Sidi shoes are handmade in Italy. Manfred Krikke, CEO of Veltec Sports, said: “Now that there is some renewed confidence in the US dollar, we are passing the benefits of a lower euro onto the consumer." He added: "A tough economic environment causes a lot of stress for consumers and retailers, and riding is a great way to blow off some steam." USA Cycling Bill Woodul Race Mechanics' Clinic wraps up in Colorado Springs USA Cycling recently wrapped up the 2009 edition of their Bill Woodul Race Mechanics' Clinic, a unique program specifically designed to train and certify mechanics for working in race situations. USA Cycling claims the clinic is the only one of its kind in the world and the certification earned there is a requirement for wrenching at most national and international-level events as well as for neutral support programs such as Mavic, SRAM, Shimano and FSA. This year's running encompassed a wide range of topics, such as: Neutral and team support for numerous types of road, mountain, track, cyclo-cross and BMX events Technical theory on bicycle frame, wheel, and component design and materials; power meter setup and troubleshooting; proper tubular tire gluing techniques; and suspension setup Mechanic skills not normally learned in shop environments such as race situation wheel changes; equipment planning, packing and transport; and DOT regulations for team vehicle transportation Team relations between mechanic, riders and other staff such as soigneurs and directors In all, 28 attendees fulfilled the requirements at this year's clinic and qualified to apply for their USA Cycling race mechanics' license: Jeff Bates, David Blackett, Blake Chilson, Ray Clark, Jesse R Edwards, Josh Freeman, Karl Frisk, Jason Gardner, Tim Gray, Robert D. Holcomb, Scott House, James Huang, Richard Hurst, Randy Kiunke, Michael Knudsen, Kevin Loftus, Tommy Magrath, Derek Melberg, Steven Mielich, Calvin Miller, Austin Moran, Brian Muck, Brent Nutting, Jeffery Paige, Garth Smith, Marco Vasquez, Will Wheeler and Charles M. Wiesner Stay tuned for upcoming features highlighting some of the techniques covered during this year's clinic. Rocky Mounts unveils new fork mount Rocky Mounts' new Pitchfork fork-mount bike carrier Photo ©: James Huang Rocky Mounts recently introduced a new Pitchfork rooftop fork-mounted bicycle carrier to replace their popular Lariat SL model. Company owner Bobby Noyes designed the Pitchfork with an unusually low profile for a sleeker appearance and reduced wind noise yet the novel tubular tray - roughly half as tall as most carriers - is claimed to be 40 percent stiffer and stronger than typical roof rack extrusions. Nevertheless, the new tray can reportedly accommodate up to a 2.7" wide tire - the Lariat SL was rated to 2.4" - and a built-in cutout easily clears front disc brake calipers. Up front, a similarly svelte head houses a convenient one hand-adjustable skewer with a generous 12mm throw that should clear most lawyer tabs. Optional lock cores securely lock bike to rack (and rack to crossbar) as usual but an additional lock can also be added such that the mount is always locked to the crossbar regardless of whether or not the skewer is locked. The included mounting hardware will also fit both round and rectangular crossbars. In keeping with the company's high-value mantra, the Pitchfork retails for just US$89.95 and is available in a wide range of colors yet Noyes is adamant that the bargain pricing doesn't reflect lesser quality as compared to better-known brands. "Anyone who uses our equipment is sold after the first road trip," he said. "We use marine grade stainless steels, UV stable nylons, and 6061 aluminum alloys. [There are] no corners cut here." Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by GT Bicycles Have you seen this bike? GT has reported one of its specially finished Zaskar bikes missing and is offering a US$3000 reward for its return. Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com Rocky Mounts' new Pitchfork fork-mount bike carrier sports a sleek appearance that should complement the look of newer vehicles. The tubular tray is much stiffer and stronger than usual roof rack extrusions. Tray height on the new Rocky Mounts Pitchfork is roughly half the norm. The Pitchfork head can accept up to two lock cores: one to lock the bike to the mount - and mount to rack - and another that always locks the mount to the rack if the skewer isn't locked. Mounting hardware will accommodate both round and rectangular crossbars. Images by Sidi Sidi's new Ergo 2 Carbon Vernice shoes Images by Continental The GP4000 LTD White has the same casing and construction as the GP4000S. Continental are releasing a limited edition white version of their top clincher.