Sampson has refined their Diablo spec package to create the Diablo SL.  Weight as shown with pedals is 14.3 pounds!  What’s remarkable about this weight is that it’s a) with pedals, b) with alloy dropouts and hanger, not carbon, and c) it’s all yours for just $6,499.
The Diablo SL uses a monocoque carbon front triangle with carbon lugs attaching the rear end.  Sampson claims this set up actually reduces weight while providing a stiffer frame than a full monocoque would.
MSRP includes Zipp 202 wheels, Sampson Stratics / Stratics SL component group and Stratics seat.  What in the world is a Stratics component group?  Read “more” and see…
The frame uses high modulus T700 Toray carbon wrapped with a full unidirectional cover for a bit of extra stiffness.  It has a huge downtube and BB area to keep the power going where you want it.
Sampson has been making components for quite a while, and they offer another variation on the brake lever/shifter module than Shimano, SRAM or Campagnola.  Note that the components shown here are their 2008 stuff.  They have a new carbon crankset/bb unit coming out that will weigh just 645g…should have pics released in about two weeks.
With the Stratics shifters, the brake lever is carbon and the inner shift lever is forged alloy.  They have a lower-level Showtime Group, too, that uses an alloy outer lever and steel/plastic inner lever.  The inner lever controls the up-shift on the gears (smaller to larger rings/gears).  The little nub located right under the hood releases the cable for a single downward gear shift.  The left shifter has full trim adjustments for the front derailleur, letting you keep it positioned with no chain rub for silent riding.  They are 385g per set.
Sampson claims they’re great for cyclocross because the braking is totally separate from the shifting…so you won’t accidentally shift or brake while your hands are bouncing around.  The Stratics components are cross compatible with Shimano’s DuraAce, Ultegra and 105 chains, cassettes and shifters/derailleurs, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
The  rear derailleur has a carbon body two 11-tooth CNC aluminum pulleys that spin on sealed cartridge bearings.  It weighs 195g.  The complete group, including front derailleur and crankset has an MSRP of $1,200.
 Don’t want your Sampson frame built that way?  No problem…just let them know what you want and they’ll do a custom build with your spec list.  (MSRP w/ Zipp202 wheels and SRAM Red: $7,699; DuraAce: $7,899; Super Record: $8,799)
One of the more interesting looking bits on the bike is the Stratics Carbon TT saddle. It’s carbon shell and carbon rails put it at just 111 g, and has replaceable high density foam pads. It is still very light, but the foam inserts make the saddle usable for most.  According to Eric Sampson, “it is for racing-pure and simple–but without pain! Retail price is a very reasonable $245-an awesome value when you consider a Selle carbon is about $500!”
Sampson also has a new Tri/tt bike, the 745 for 2009-with Zipp disc/and 1080 ft. and Stratics equipment, the bike is just $7899!
