In addition to the new Firecrest wheel offerings, Zipp Speed Weaponry also has quite the spread when it comes to new and improved handlebars, stems, and seat posts. Perhaps most noteworthy (at least in a practical sense) is the introduction of the Service Course line of lightweight aluminum parts.
Yes, after practically writing a lot of the book on carbon fiber component manufacturing, Zipp is entering into the aluminum market. Seeing a need in both the cyclocross market, and providing more options to the growing number of bike shops offering pro fits, Zipp sees their new offering filling in as a less expensive alternative to their carbon counterparts.
The new bars, stems, and seat posts will be available in Service Course and Service Course SL the latter of which utilized more intricate machining and offers titanium hardware to cut down on weight.
While the aluminum parts are sure to take the spotlight for many, Zipp is also unveiling a few new carbon parts with the superlight SLSpeed carbon stem, the VukaSprint carbon aero drop bar, and an update to the VukaBull carbon base bar.
Check out all the specs with the full press release after the break!
Press Release:
Zipp Speed Weaponry’s collection of cockpit components has grown considerably for 2011, with the release of Service Courseâ„¢ aluminum bars, stems, and seatposts, along with the superlight SLSpeed carbon stem, the VukaSprint carbon aero drop bar, and an update to the VukaBull carbon base bar.
The Service Course line – which takes its name from the French term for a pro cycling team’s base of operations – provides a level of fit, performance and reliability worthy of riders like US cyclocross champion Tim Johnson and the Cannondale Cyclocross Team prepared by CyclocrossWorld.
The bars, stems, and seatposts are available in two versions: Service Course and Service Course SL, which uses more intricate forging and machining, and titanium bolts to reduce weight.
Service Course components are produced from high-strength 7075 aluminum except for the Service Course SL bar, which uses Zipp’s proprietary ZTL-71 alloy.
Zipp Cockpit Product Manager Nathan Schickel said, “Zipp has traditionally focused on composites and carbon fiber technology. But aluminum bars, stems, and seatposts started making a lot of sense as we spent more time talking to elite athletes about their needs and to bike fitters about their clients’ needs. So we created Service Course to work for as broad a range of riders as possible.”
To fit all shapes and sizes of users, Service Course and Service Course SL bars come in Short & Shallow and Traditional Bend drop shapes, and four widths (40 ,42, 44, 46) measures outside-to-outside; stems are available in +/-6º and +/-17º angles, and 70-130mm lengths; seatposts feature a unique clamp design with an exceptional range of fore/aft adjustment.
Weights are highly competitive with other pro-level aluminum cockpit products: bars are 260g for Service Course SL and 280g for Service Course (S&S drop, 42cm); stems are 120g for Service Course SL and 130g for Service Course (100mm); seatposts are 220g for Service Course SL (275×27.2) and 270g for Service Course (350×27.2).
In addition to the new aluminum products, Zipp has continued to upgrade and expand its offerings of carbon aero bars, drop bars, and stems.
For 2011, the VukaBull carbon base bar offers a redesigned wing profile that improves aerodynamics and strength, along with new ergonomic features like a wider clamp area with an extra 20mm to adjust clip-on aero bars, angled grips for a more natural wrist angle when climbing or sprinting, and a choice between zero or 40mm-drop versions. The VukaBull weighs 200g and is available in 42cm width.
The new VukaSprint features a version of the airfoil section from the Vukabull, which is specifically designed to be most aerodynamic in the angles seen in a drop bar configuration. Internal cable routing and a sculpted aero top section provide comfortable hand positioning and give the 210g (42cm) VukaSprint a stiff, responsive road feel. The VukaSprint is available in Short & Shallow and Traditional Bend drop shapes in 42 and 44cm widths.
At just 102g (100mm), the SLSpeed stem in constructed entirely from unidirectional carbon and with titanium hardware, and is available with a +/-6º angle in 80-130mm lengths. Every detail, from the self-aligning bolt at the steerer clamp to the rearward-facing bolts threading into the faceplate, is intended to minimize weight without sacrificing stiffness or reliability.
Suggested retail prices (USD) for Zipp cockpit products:
Service Course aluminum components
– Service Course drop bar – $90
– Service Course SL drop bar – $110
– Service Course stem – $70
– Service Course SL stem – $100
– Service Course seatpost – $90
– Service Course SL seatpost – $120
Carbon components
– ContourSL drop bar – $295 – SL drop bar – $350 – SLC2 drop bar – $295 – VukaSprint drop bar – $350 – SLSpeed stem – $325 – SL145 stem – $250 – VukaAero integrated aero bar – $1,000 – VukaBull base bar – $250
Service Course products will be available in September 2010.
Service Course SL products will be available in October 2010.
