Bill's new Moots Compact CR

This is our latest Moots build for Bill B. A very straight forward and classy looking bike. But also a major workhorse with the nice stuff in the right places...

Build as follows:

• Moots Compact CR, 55cm
• Enve 2.0 fork, 43mm rake
• Shimano Ultegra Rear Derailleur
• Shimano Ultegra Front Derailleur
• Shimano Ultegra Compact Crank, 172.5mm
• Shimano Ultegra Bottom Bracket
• Shimano Ultegra Chain
• Shimano Ultegra Cassette, 11X28
• Shimano Ultegra Levers
• Shimano Ultegra Brake Calipers
  
• Fulcrum Racing Zero Clinchers
• Continental GP4000s clinchers
• Continental tubes
• Thomson set back seat post, 27.2mm
• Chris King headset, black
• Deda Zero 100 stem, 110mm
• Deda Zero 100 bars, 44mm
• Fizik soft touch tape
• WTB saddle
• King stainless steel cages
• Speedplay Stainless Zero pedals
• Total weight with pedals and cages: 17.28lbs

Deda Zero 100 cockpit


In the stand, halfway there...


Aesthetically, Shimano Ultegra is a nice match with the satin finish on the Moots frame...


We chose the very nice and super durable Fulcrum Racing Zero clincher wheels for Bills bike.

Sneak peak at the new Fall/Winter Assos clothing

Here is a quick look at part of the new fall/winter line from Assos that we'll have stocked the beginning of next September. The great thing about Assos is that they make such high quality and high performing clothing that they don't come out with new clothing every year. For example the current rain jacket has been around for longer than I can remember. Same with the leg and arm warmers. So when Assos does come out with something new, it's worth taking a second look.
Last year Assos made some changes to a few pieces of their fall/winter line and added a few new items. Mainly the tights and knickers were totally revamped and we can tell you from many thousands of miles so far that they are amazing. The fit is super ergonomic and they do what they are supposed to, keep the cyclist comfortable in adverse weather.
That being said, here is what's new for next fall/winter...

RAIN.

Here is the brand new top of the range rain jacket from Assos. It's called the rS.sturmPrinz but you can keep it simple and just ask for the best rain jacket ever made. This is the kind of jacket that you grab when it's pouring out before you get on the bike and you know it'll be pouring hours into the ride as well. It's kind of like the new Habu jacket in that it's not really meant to stow. Pick the appropriate base layer, your favorite long sleeve jersey, put this on top and ride. These will not be cheap but then the best rarely is.


The back of the sturmPrinz. This flap you see here is not a pocket but serves two purposes. One is to offer extra ventilation and the other is to offer access to the jersey pockets underneath. No more pulling the jacket halfway up your back to grab your ham and cheese sandwich!


And then there is this guy. The Assos climaSchutz. This is a very re-worked version of the current climaJet jacket. We have a feeling that this will be our best selling rain jacket next year hands down. This is meant to be more of a stow-able rain jacket. It will come in a vest version as well.


Another look at the sJ.climaSchutz


Again, like the rS.sturmPrinz, the sJ.climaSchutz allows easy access to jersey pockets.


More vents on the side and under arm...


the Assos rainBootie S7. We are very much looking forward to these. We know a few guys who have been testing these for over a year and the feedback is great news to our ears. They have a tighter cuff on the top of the booty to keep water from running down the leg and into the shoes. They seem to be very durable if you keep walking around to a minimum of course. They will come in 3 sizes.

The rain cap

PANTS.

These are called the hK.sturmNuss which is Assos speak for rain half knickers or in English, rain proof knickers w/out bibs. These will be excellent for commuters or guys and gals that ride day in day out in cold, rainy conditions. I'm not exactly sure why Assos went knicker instead of a full pant but when you see the new rain booties it shouldn't be a big deal as no water will be getting in your shoes. If it was really cold I'd wear a pair of tights underneath instead of shorts.


The LL.fugu S5 bib tights. If you ride in Antarctica these are your tights. Meant to pair with the Fugu jacket, these are the warmest looking bib tights we have ever seen. Not really made for Northern California so we'll have to take a riding trip somewhere frigid just to get the chance to ride in them! We'll have them in stock but in limited numbers, so if you want a pair, get in touch with us now. Assos won't be bringing many into the states the first year...


Another look at the LL.fugu tight. We'll have more pictures when we get out to Switzerland again next month.

JERSEYS AND JACKETS.

This is the all new Assos iJH.tiburu.4 long sleeve jersey. Comes in black (shown), white and red. This will be more of a racing cut jersey and should fit snugly. Pretty bold in the design but we like it for sure. If you prefer simple graphics (like none) they will still have the Intermediate Evo Jersey.


The back of the iJ.tiburu jersey.


The iJ.bonka.6 jacket. Think of this as an updated AirJack. It will come in Black, White, Red (shown), Blue Calypso and Yellow Volt.


Back of the iJ.bonka.6 jacket. 3 BIG pockets plus a large zippered pocket.

WARMERS.

We didn't get enough shots of these but Assos has fully redone their arm, leg and knee warmers including the UV protector line. They are all (excluding the uv protect line) are made with the new Quantum Roubaix material that is used on this years bib tights and knickers. So much more ergonomic than before and very comfortable.

FEET & HANDS.

Interesting? Yes, these are called fuguSpeer. They are heavy socks with airblock protection. Who doesn't want warm feet? They will come in 3 sizes.


The new Assos winterBootie S7. In black and white (shown) and 3 sizes.


These are the Assos fuguBootie. Hardcore, cold and wet bootie. In person these looked amazing, more thought put into a bootie than we've ever seen ever before...


The new Assos earlyWinterGloves S7. Again, they feel warm without being bulky. Two colors, black and white (shown). XXS-XLG

This is only a part of what's new. There are new winter hats, more gloves, snow booties, womens tights w/ the new material and S5 chamois. More socks as well. It's been a while since Assos has really gone over their line and we are really looking forward to it. If you have any questions or want to reserve something contact us at the shop!

Last week at Above Category, in pictures Vol. II

Last week was a busy week to say the least and the following photo's represent just a fraction of what went on. Here then are some pictures to guide you through last week at Above Category...

One word. Rain. We've had a bit, seems like 90% of the rides this month have been in cold, pouring rain and wind. No worries though, it filled up the lakes and will make us appreciate spring that much more! Also, I was able to get a few last rides in my 3 year old Assos ClimaJet rain jacket. It's done well, but is at the end of it's life for sure which is just fine as Assos is bringing out brand new rain gear next fall. Just in time for the rain to start back up!


Also gave me some time to test the Assos Habu jacket in the wet stuff as well. Work very nicely, though you do still get soaked. Even then I stayed plenty warm even on long rides and would just bring the Assos rain jacket with me for the descents. But overall this is the best winter jacket I have ever worn.


Another rain ride, this time with Tony and TJ.


And when it wasn't raining, it looked like this. But wait then, about five minutes after snapping this photo it poured, and then hailed, then poured some more...


San Francisco is RIGHT there, really, I promise!


Riding in all this crappy weather reminded us why we love Mad Alchemy so much. BTW, we are pretty much stocked back up on all there embrocation and chamois creme again...


The few times it didn't rain it was glorious.


And I got to wear my Fabian C. lookalike jersey...


OK, enough about the weather for now. We received a few Pinarello Graal TT frames in last week. The one on the left is for the shop while the white and red one is getting built up right now...


Another shot of the white and red Pinarello Graal. Don't think we'll be going with these wheels. This is going to a triathlete who I'm sure will be doing some proper 40k TT's on it as well. We want something deeper than the 50mm Lightweights. Would love some Mavic IO road wheels or even the new 80mm Mavic Cosmics...


It looks messy now, but it will be so clean soon!


Kalara did some re-arranging in the showroom. Verdict; we have too many bikes in here...


During the week, Kris built up some very sweet Enve 45mm wheels with Kris King R45's in Mango. Black aerolight spokes rounded off the package.


Built up they look like this...


...which Ed then put on his Parlee Z4 which looks like this...
(BTW, Ed is crazy. He's doing a 600k race in a couple weeks in an attempt to qualify for PBP on this bike. Hardcore.)


Here's another Moots we built up last week for Bill B. Nice and simple...and fast...and smooth...and light...etc...



Got this bike in last week! Did a write-up on it a few blogs ago, check it out...


Not only did we get the San Rensho, but we received this incredible Nagasawa track bike. Seeing these two bikes reminds me of how much history Japan has in cycling as well. Maybe not as long or as storied as Italy, but very storied non the less. Our thoughts go out to these people in Japan right now and hope they make as quick a recovery as is possible.


Ralf (who else?) built the Nagasawa up last friday...


And Joao claimed it about three seconds later!


All Fizik shoes are in! We have the R1's, R3's in white/black and red and the R3 Donna woman's shoes in almost every size in stock.


We installed a Shimano Yumeya kit onto our shop Pinarello Dogma.


The Yumeya rear derailleur pivot bolt is beautiful and good for about oh, 3 grams.


Brake pad holders and bolts also included in the Yumeya kit as is a chain, pinch bolts, jockey wheel bolts and shifter cables (for non Di2 shifters).


The week ended with a ride on Sunday that was entertaining to say the least. First I got my second flat in as many days on tubulars. No big deal as both times I fixed it in less than 5min and was back on the road. But yesterday, right after fixing the flat I picked up a stray branch that tore my Campagnolo Chorus Derailleur in half.


But luckily I remembered that I had a multi tool with a chain tool on it. First time I've ever had to do this on a road bike in over 20 years of riding. Got me over the mountain and back down again. Take it from me, go take a look at your riding tool kit and make sure you have what you need and that it is all in working order. If you need any help/suggestions come on in to the shop or give us a call and we'll help get you sorted.


And the one day of sun we had, Zack found the warmest spot...