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| Image courtesy of SOMA |
An announcement via social media by SOMA Fabrications was made last week which was a bit of a surprise. SOMA is now offering a Yokozuna branded cable pull, hydraulic caliper with six pistons!
SOMA has this to say about this product:
"Yokozuna BIG6: Quite easily the most powerful hybrid hydraulic ROAD brake from Yokozuna. Just having 6 pistons (vs 2 and 4) and bigger pads doesn’t automatically gives a brake system more power. You have to engineer the brake to push those pistons with more force, too. And the BIG6 does just that! "
The calipers feature three differently sized pistons made from 7075 aluminum. The caliper also ships with compressionless brake housing. The calipers are road pull/short pull specific. The caliper is activated by cable, but the caliper lever pushes mineral oil to activate the pistons in a hybrid type in this hybrid design. Each caliper weighs in at about 160 - 180 grams. Price for each caliper is $295.95.
You can see more and order these from SOMA's site HERE.
Comments: Wow! That is a pretty crazy, niche product. I can see maybe using these on a bike like my Gryphon Mk3 if I were doing loaded bikepacking/touring. I could see these coming in clutch in a scenario where you are dealing with steeper terrain and heavier loads. But I don't know if I would need this kind of (potential) power for my typical rides.
I have a set of TRP Hy/RD calipers and a set of the State Bicycle Co. calipers on bikes which are both hybrid cable/hydraulic set ups. My take is these types of brakes rely on the housing for the cable to be stiff and compressionless to really get the maximum benefit to this type of design. Another thing I've found is the hybrid type calipers tend to lack modulation and feel more "on - off" than I prefer.
Also, like previous Yokozuna branded calipers, you can find nearly identical calipers branded as "Juin Tech". But unlike previous examples, the Juin Techs are actually more expensive than SOMA's price on the Big 6 calipers.
SILCA Confirms Its Products Compatible With Clik Valve:
Thanks to reader "Steve" here, I was pointed to a video from SILCA where Josh from SILCA explains how SILCA pumps are compatible with Clik Valve.
In my Final Review of the Clik Valve system, I hinted about the possibility of using a Presta Valve pump on a Clik Valve and how this might work. Well, as it turns out, it does work, but there is something here I hadn't considered which is covered in the SILCA video.
Since Clik Valve uses a spring-loaded valve, much like a Schrader valve does, the normal Presta pump has to overcome this spring pressure to get the valve open so you can inflate the tire or tube. SILCA claims this amounts to about six to seven psi. So, you have to accommodate for this if you use a straight Presta pump on a Clik Valve.
Check out the video for the finer details, but the main point for me is the Clik Valve can be inflated with a standard Presta Valve pump. In case of an emergency, a Clik Valve tubeless set up wouldn't be at a disadvantage if you did need some air and you did not have a Clik Valve compatible pump.
Also, it is very interesting to see SILCA playing around with Clik Valve and having positive things to say about the design. One would imagine a day very soon where SILCA does license the technology.
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| Image courtesy of Castelli |
Last September, in an FN&V post, I wrote about a new waterproof/windproof breathable fabric development which was made in collaboration with PolarTec and Castelli. Called AirCore™, it promises a better experience riding in wet and cold weather.
Now this week Castelli announced additional clothing accessories to the jacket announced in September. The new Espresso 2 shoe covers and gloves utilize AirCore fabric in strategic areas to improve upon the item's ability to ward off cold winds and precipitation while remaining comfortable and easy to use.
For instance, the glove features a YKK zipper to ease the putting on and the taking off of these gloves. The shoe covers also use a zipper with a protector to prevent Achilles irritation. Reflective elements are included in both pieces to enhance visibility in poor lighting conditions or at night.
Learn more at Castelli's site.
Comments: Winter is going to be here soon, so if you want to continue to be outdoors, looking at your clothing strategies is a must. This new AirCore™ stuff seems like a game changer. I'll be keeping an eye on this for future purchases.
Right now it seems pretty expensive and, well.....unproven. I'd like to see how it works for others in teh meantime while I continue to use stuff I know works for me now.
As mentioned last week, N.Y. Roll had ordered a set of the new Wolf Tooth "DEL" pedals in for his girlfriend. Here is a mini-review on them for you straight from Mr. Roll hisself:
"7 miles in and this is what I can say. Spindle preload is either high or the bearings need to wear in. I think the later. We did not adjustments, slapped em on an went. Her cleat tension adjust is still at factory setting.
What I think this pedal may do, the grease and bearings will wear in and have less resistance. Also the DELs will be lighter and the riders will learn that they may have a more predictive pedal position for clipping in. I think other companies will follow."
So, there you go! Good stuff, it seems. You can learn more about this pedal and the other two pedals in Wolf Tooth's range by clicking the link HERE.
I'm looking forward to riding 40 miles of (mostly) Tama County gravel and Level B Roads this Sunday at 9:00am from Reinbeck, Iowa. This should be a great, end of season, group ride at a casual pace.
I haven't heard from very many people so this may end up being a small group ride, unless there is a big surprise waiting for me. Who knows? I don't.
At least the weather is going to cooperate with us with very little chances for any rain, a Sunny sky, and temperatures at the start in the mid 40's rising to a forecast high of 65°F. Light to moderate breezes from the Southeast mean we will get a tailwind for the second half of the loop.
There will be a full report on Monday as to who showed up, what the highlights were, and what N.Y. Roll is serving at the rest stop at the halfway point. Stay tuned.....
That's a wrap for this week! get out there and ride those bicycles! Even if it is just around the block!
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