The start of the racing season is always interesting for cycling fans. Many brands launch new “team machines” around this time of year; after being thoroughly tested in winter training camp, we can see the latest models shining in the uniforms of their respective outfits. With the Tour Down Under coming up and the one-day races in Belgium and northern France on the horizon, the bikes are going to be thick and fast. We have two here.
First up is Ridley’s redesigned Noah Fast, which will be ridden by the Uno-X team, followed by Giant’s latest TT bike, which will support the Jayco AlUla team’s racing efforts.
If racing and competition bikes aren’t your thing, we offer Stinner’s all-steel Refugio Select balance in gravel bike shape. Made in the USA from Italian tubing, it looks nice and understated, but looks like a lot of fun to ride. Last but not least are some new shades from Tifosi that seem to have all the features you need without the triple-digit price tag.
Ridley Noah Fast
Taking advantage of the new UCI regulations, the new Noah Fast has a completely different look than its predecessor.
(Image credit: Ridley)
Noah has quite the racing pedigree. Launched in 2006, it has won multiple Grand Tour stages and helped Robbie McEwan win his third green jersey at the Tour de France that same year. It later evolved into Noah Fast and became a favorite of another Australian sprinter, Caleb Ewan. As the aerodynamic bike chosen by the Uno-X Mobility team, this latest version of the third-generation Fast will also see plenty of action in the peloton.
So what’s new? It wouldn’t be an aero bike launch without a claimed wattage saving, and Ridley says the Noah Fast is 8.5 watts faster than the previous model. To achieve these results, designers took advantage of changes in UCI regulations to create longer, narrower tube shapes in the fork and seatstay areas as well as a deeper head tube, while the oversized down tube now directs airflow around the bottle.
The extra-deep head tube is the most eye-catching feature of the Noah Fast.
(Image credit: Ridley)
The cockpit is also new and has been designed in conjunction with the bike; a now common holistic approach that takes into account all aspects of the bike, including the rider, during testing. Ridley says that by integrating the Nimbus cockpit into the top tube, turbulence in this area can be reduced. The shape is also designed to aid aerodynamics by tilting the shifter inward to help the rider get into a smaller, folded position. There is also a flared element, so that the lever length at the gear lever is 36 cm, while at the gear lever it is 40 cm.
Ridley also unveiled an updated version of the Noah, which features many of the same design developments as the Fast but uses different carbon fiber layup and cockpit to keep costs down. You can learn more about both bikes in our launch story.
Giant Trinity Premium SL
Luke Plapp’s Team Jayco Trinity Advanced SL TT bike is colorful
(Image source: Giant)
A new season of racing means time trials will once again attract the attention of racers and fans alike. Giant, sponsor of the Jayco AlUla team in the World Tour, has unveiled a new machine ahead of the big stage race: the Trinity Advanced SL.
The bike comes in two styles: the Trinity Advanced SL for triathlons and the TT version for time trials. While the frame group remains the same, the settings are different. Tri models are available in multiple package levels, including those with AeroVault integrated fueling system and top-tube lunch box. Meanwhile, the TT bike comes with an integrated water bottle cage.
Luke Plapp races his new Trinity Advanced SL TT
(Image source: Giant)
As for the frame and fork, Giant says it’s 558 grams lighter than the previous generation, which is an impressive saving to say the least. Disc brakes are also included, as is a redesigned cockpit with greater adjustment in the armrests and some extra compliance built in. Other details include modifications to the tube shape and more seatpost options for more customization and, hopefully, a strong stance. This was certainly proven by Jayco’s Luke Plapp, who won his third consecutive Australian Elite Men’s National Time Trial Championship on a Trinity in January.
Stinner Refugio Select gravel bike
Handcrafted in the USA from Italian steel tubing
(Image source: Stinner Frameworks)
The Refugio Select is Stinner’s all-around gravel bike. Previously available as a bespoke product, it’s now part of the brand’s Select range, which offers models in six stock sizes with the aim of making them more affordable. Priced at $3,995.00 for the complete set and $1,695.00 for the frame, it’s fair to say that Stinner has achieved its goal. Of course, the price is far from cheap, but considering the frameset is hand-built in the USA from Columbus Zonal and Life steel tubing, and the paint and assembly are done in-house, the price is competitive. The result, at least judging from the photos, is a great-looking bike with the timeless quality that only steel can provide.
Refugio Select has clearance for 50mm tires to tackle the toughest roads
(Image source: Stinner Frameworks)
As mentioned, it’s essentially a utilitarian machine, with clearance for 50mm wide tires, fender mounts and headlights, as well as three fork hubs and internal Dynamo cable routing. The entire bike is equipped with a wireless 12-speed drivetrain made up of SRAM Apex and Eagle GX AXS components, which makes for a huge gear range that should be able to handle all kinds of terrain. You also get a pair of DT Swiss wheels and a two-piece Easton cockpit to complete the build.
Tifosi Vogel XC Sunglasses
The durable Grilamid TR-90 frame helps you win!
(Image source: fans)
I’ve always been impressed by Tifosi’s ability to deliver contemporary shades that perform well without wasting the planet’s resources. The Vogel XC might do it again.
The vents at the base of the lenses are said to improve airflow.
(Image source: fans)
The compact XC offers full coverage but is designed with smaller faces in mind, claiming a weight of just 24g while still offering eye protection at 51mm x 127.5mm. Available in six different versions, the lenses feature vents for increased airflow, while hydrophilic rubber nose pads are designed to keep your glasses in place, no matter how much you sweat.
As for the frames, they’re made from Grilamid TR-90, a hard-wearing thermoplastic often used in sunglasses that costs significantly more than the Vogel XC’s $39.99 price tag.
