Some may remember the prototype handlebar I spotted in Toronto. Well, I usually keep my eyes peeled similar new and innovative items being tested in the mean streets of our cities and I wasn't disappointed tonight. Above you'll see a new version of the ever more popular integrated seat mast. It uses proprietary offset technology that I'm not familiar with but you'll notice the complete absence of a binder bolt or fastening device just like you would (err, wouldn't?) see on other bikes with integrated seat masts. If you'll notice the monster gap between the post and the frame you'll understand my amazement when I grasped the saddle and gave it a firm twist to see if it would move and it was indeed firmly fixed in place both vertically and laterally. I can't imagine what R & D secrets lie buried deep within this frame that this post could so steadfastly hold itself in place in this frame but I can imagine the envy other manufacturers with their binders and collars being quite jealous of the weight savings this bike has in it's apparent lack of seat post fixing hardware. It's enough to distract the viewer from noticing the inverted rear brakes which are also, undoubtedly, a prototype of some sort though I'm not sure what advantage it offers though I'm usually suspect of the advantages most of the new stuff purports to offer.
By the way, I've just gone over some of the price increases for the new Shimano DuraAce components. When going from nine speed to ten speed the cost of a set of STI levers went up about 30%. Going from 2008 ten speed to 2009 ten speed you'll see the price of an STI lever set go up another 25%, no pricing on the electronic stuff yet though. It's a good thing the markets suck these days so you won't feel so bad cashing in your stock options for a set of shift levers for your bike. On the Campagnolo side the new Record 11 speed ergo levers are actually priced lower than the Record 10 speed ergo levers. Of course there's Super Record now but that's another absurdity altogether.
