Just In: Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Clinchers
Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Clincher (John Whitney/BikeRadar)
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We raved over Zipp’s 404 Firecrest carbon clincher wheel in testing last month and now its shallower-rimmed brother, the 303, gets the same Firecrest treatment.
The original 303 proved to be a great all-rounder, notching up wins in the Tour de France and the brutal terrain of Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. Its wider rim profile led to the development of the Firecrest platform which, unlike Zipp’s usual, bulging toroidal-shaped rims, maintains a more constant width to the spoke bed. We felt this development improved the handling of the 404s in crosswinds and made them more assured when cornering.
As with the 404, Zipp reckon this model maintains all the characteristics that made the original 303 so popular but with the improved aerodynamics of the Firecrest shape. Airflow is improved not only at the front end of the wheel, but also with the turbulent air at the back, they say. They’ve also moved the centre of pressure of the wheel (where the wind pushes on it) back, which is said to give the 45mm depth/28.5mm width rims the cross wind stability of a box-section rim. Other familiar Zipp details are present, including external spoke nipples for better serviceability and rim dimples for improved aerodynamics.
The wheelset tipped our scales, without skewers, at 1,520g (680g front/840g rear) compared to a claimed 1,498g and come in a choice of all black (as shown here) or grey (with silver spokes, grey hubs and white decals). UK prices are £1,050 for the front and £1,250 for the rear, while US wheelset cost is $2,700.
Veho
A relatively new electronics brand, UK-based Veho are just five-years-old but have expanded their range to include speakers, headphones and digital cameras. What we"re really interested in are their Muvi digital camcorders, some of which are impossibly small. First up are their HD camcorders, which range from the 720p resolution Muvi HD7 to the 1080p of the HD10, HD Pro and the soon-to-be released HD GPS. Each camera comes in the same outer case - it"s just what"s inside that differs.
Shown here is the HD Pro (£249.95), which has a coloured 1.5" LCD screen, records video at 30fps and has a 160 degree angled lens. It has capacity for a 32GB Micro SD card but is pre-fitted with 8GBs. Weighing just 82g, battery life is said to be up to three hours continuous recording. Key features include optional helmet and handlebar mounts, voice activation and 3x digital zoom (when using 720p resolution).
If that isn"t small enough, Veho reckon their Muvi Mini Cams are the smallest in the world. Both the Pro and Atom models feature a two mega pixel lens at a resolution of 640x480 and records at 30fps. The Pro (£69.95) version has a 4GB memory, a battery life of up to 90 minutes and weighs just 50g. It connects to your computer via micro USB, so no fiddling is required. Like the HD Pro, it has voice activation, so you can control recording hands-free, plus the option of accessories for handle bar and helmet attachment.
At just 37g, the Atom (£89.99) as the name suggests, is even smaller and lighter than the Pro. It has all the same features, but given its size makes a sacrifice in battery life (up to 45 minutes continuous recording). It also works as a camera, taking images in JPEG formats of 1280x960. Like its bigger brother, optional mounts for handlebars and helmets are available.
Uvex Sports
Starting out in Germany as a sunglasses brand in the 1960s, Uvex branched out in protective safety wear such as goggles and helmets. Uvex Sports is now the part of the company that manufactures cycling gear, which includes eye wear and helmet. New for 2012 is the I-VO all-rounder helmet, which looks ideally suited to the novice rider at just £39.99. It"s pretty light, too, at 225g (52-57cm) and comes in four colours (blue/red/white/silver).
Also new for next year are the SGL202 sunglasses (£119.99). They feature Uvex"s own "variomatic" technology, which adjusts the lens darkness depending on brightness. The lenses are made from polycarbonate, which should ensure their durability and come in white, red, silver and black.