News
PRO presents the Missile Evo aerobar and stem
When Team HTC-Columbia and Scott approached us for the development of a completely new aerobar to fit their revolutionary Scott Plasma project we just couldn’t refuse... The challenge of creating the world’s fastest aerobar within the UCI-limits (3:1-rule), using the latest technologies in terms of aerodynamics, materials and construction simply fits the PRO-philosophy. Besides the team’s requirements we also utilized our contacts with professional triathletes and time trial and aerodynamics specialists to be able to integrate the latest developments and innovations. Finally we went the extra mile by developing a matching aerodynamic monocoque carbon stem to complete the kit!
Aerobar
The 40cm wide unidirectional (ud) carbon monocoque construction of the base-bar incorporates fully integrated cable-routing for the brake and shift cables (compatible with SHIMANO Dura-Ace Di2 cables). The ud carbon extensions and arm rests are mounted to widely adjustable alloy “chimneys”. The total weight of this aerobar is 595 grams (incl. extensions, arm-pads etc.).
Stem
PRO also introduces a carbon monocoque constructed stem that ensures a seamless connection to the aerobar. Highlight of this stem is an integrated brake and shift cable routing (compatible with SHIMANO Dura-Ace Di2). Furthermore, it features an integrated carbon front and top cap. The separate stem ensures a wide adjustability which is vital for a perfect aerodynamic and/or comfortable position. This stem comes in three lengths (85, 95 & 105 mm) and comes with a 17 degree angle. Weight from 280 grams.
The PRO Missile Evo Kit is the new benchmark in terms of integration, aerodynamics and adjustability. Transform your position and your bike in a way that was never possible before and save precious seconds. When every second counts, go PRO.
Both the stem and aerobar are expected the end of August.
PRO launches Mark Cavendish Star Series
PRO introduces the Vibe Sprint “Mark Cavendish Star Series” handlebar and stem: a no-compromise cockpit for the most demanding and victorious sprinter in the peloton. Cavendish (Team HTC-Columbia) is very particular about the technical details of his bike and the bar and stem are a major focus in this. Besides the functionality, Mark was also very keen on the final design of “his” cockpit. After all, the products are bearing his name…
Stem
The stem-body is of a unidirectional carbon in monocoque design for an ultimate rigidity and responsiveness. Together with the integrated CNC alloy top- and frontcap this stem definitely has the X-factor! The rigidity of this stem is almost double compared to a regular PRO Vibe 7S stem. The stem will be available in 105, 120 and 135mm lengths. Weight will be from 170 grams.
Handlebar
The bar will be produced of a reinforced alloy, with an internally splined construction, instead of carbon which can be unpredictable after a crash. By adding four splines in the already oversized top-section of the bar, the rigidity is increased with 9% compared to a regular PRO Vibe 7S handlebar. You can imagine that even 1% can be decisive in a shoulder-to-shoulder sprint at 70kmph. This handlebar will exclusively be available in an anatomic bend, in three widths: 40, 42 and 44 cm.
Weight will be from 295 grams.
Both the stems and handlebars will be separately available at your local PRO dealer
from the first week of June 2010.
You can watch the teaser of the new Anthill MTB film "Follow me" presented to you by Shimano and sponsored by PRO at
http://www.anthillfilms.com/content/videos/follow-me-shorts/follow-me-the-teaser/
Official European premiere of this 45min. movie will be at Bike Festival in Riva del Garda (central stage, outdoors,
on a huge screen with big sound and before over 5000 attendants!) and will be hosted by PRO and Shimano PLG
Note that both PRO Star Series stars Gee Atherton and Thomas Vanderham are featuring in the movie, and Thomas will
even attend the premier in Riva to announce the movie (on his birthday!) and to support PRO.
Dominique Cornu optimizes his position on the new Skil-Shimano team bikes
End of March Dominique Cornu will compete at the Tracks Worlds. Today Cornu spent his day testing and fine-tuning his new Track- and Road Time-trail bikes at the Omnisport Track in Apeldoorn in The Netherlands. During a series of tests Dominique was able to optimize his position in terms of aerodynamics and effectiveness by using an advanced computer-program in combination with expert knowledge of the team and its material-sponsors Shimano, PRO and Koga. Cornu said: “Testing my materials on aerodynamics is extremely important because on this level every second counts. It’s amazing to see what a difference the right equipment already makes, and together with my new position I’m looking forward with confidence towards my road time trials and the coming Track Worlds.”
Cornu tested the new 2010 Skil-Shimano team clothing. Extensive research enabled Shimano to find the best match of fabrics to make the time-trial suit extremely wind-cheating. Shimano uses a very smooth material on the front and on the back a special surface texture which reduces drag. Next to that the stitching at the shoulders and arms is the same as the strips used by speed skaters. Recent tests already revealed that the 2010 Skil-Shimano team time-trial suit is among the fastest available.
Besides the Shimano equipment the Koga bikes are fully equipped with PRO components. Aero bars and wheels are probably the most influential factors when it comes to aerodynamics of a track- or time-trial bike. Together with its sponsored teams PRO has gathered a lot of experience in this field over the last years and this shows in the test-results. With the wide program of bicycle accessories PRO is able to provide the required components to enable every rider to find his optimal aerodynamic and effective position.
Both the Skil-Shimano team and its sponsors invest a lot of time and effort into the newest innovations. In fact, innovation is known to be one of the core values of the Skil-Shimano team and of its high-end technical partners. Despite state-of-the-art computer-simulations in the various R&D-departments it’s the real-time testing and custom fitting of the athlete on the bike that makes the difference. After all, the real seconds are won on the road, on the track or in the field, not in the wind tunnel or on the sketch board. Both Shimano and PRO are testing their components intensively with the best riders in the world before making it available for the consumer.
Voluntary recall of PRO “Hi-Comp” bicycle stems
PRO has identified a potential safety issue involving the PRO Hi-Comp road racing bicycle stems produced between November 2003 and June 2006. Due to fatigue these stems may crack and eventually break. If this happens during cycling, the cyclist may lose control of the bicycle, which could lead to serious injuries.
As all PRO products should meet the highest industry standards, as a precautionary measure, and in the interest of putting the safety of its consumers first, PRO has decided to undertake a voluntary recall of all affected stems.
The models affected are all PRO stems branded with the “PRO Hi-Comp” logo as shown on the picture.
If you have a PRO stem branded “PRO Hi-Comp”, whatever the size or diameter, stop using it immediately. Please return it to the retailer it was purchased from for a full refund of the purchase price.
More information and downloads
Check the Atherton and Vanderham PRO trailer on YouTube
Wanna know why these Stars choose PRO? Check out the following clips on the PRObikegear channel on YouTube
Craig Alexander - World Champion Ironman Hawaii for the 2nd time!
Australian Craig “Crowie” Alexander (36) defended his World Ironman crown with success yesterday in Kona, Hawaii. With this new title, he became only the fourth athlete in history to claim multiple World Ironman titles following in the footsteps of Dave Scott, Mark Allen and Tim DeBoom as the only men to taste success more than once on the tough course in Hawaii that incorporates a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run.
It wasn’t an easy victory for him but his race was tactically superb, passing pacesetter Chris Lieto to take the lead with eight kilometers to go and eventually win by more than two minutes in an overall time of 8 hours, 14 minutes and 4 seconds.
Alexander: “It’s great to win a race when everything goes to plan, but to have to fight and scrap for it… to have to dig so deep and come away with a win like that is another feeling again.”
Craig chose to ride a PRO Missile aerobar and PRO Vibe carbon stem as well as a complete SHIMANO DURA-ACE group with the Di2 electronic shifting system, SHIMANO DURA-ACE wheels and SHIMANO SH-TR70 Triathon shoes.
Link
Niels Albert - Great start of 09/10 Cyclocross Season!
After winning 3 of the 3 World Cups and 2 of the 3 Super Prestige races sofar Niels feels more confident then ever before.
Allthough competition is shaping-up and the season is long you can be sure Niels still has some surprises up his sleeve...
Gee Atherton beaten by two girls!
At the annual Shimano Germany OTC Press Camp, Gee Atherton lost the Table Soccer semi finals by 2 girls playing backwards! According to Gee the girls were cheating by distracting him in any way possible...
Earlier that day however Gee demonstrated his skills on the bike (in the snow!) which was impressive enough to forgive him his "Tisch-kicker" performance later that evening...
Getting ready for the new season (1)
Over the last few months PRO has been intensively cooperating with its professional road teams in the field of ergonomics and aerodynamics.
By testing all riders and measuring the required power in various positions and with different components, the optimal positions and set-ups are determined. It is amazing to see the enormous gains that can be achieved even at this level.
With this valuable knowledge and data PRO keeps on developing new products that are state of art when it comes getting the most performance out of your gear. A clear example of how PRO Powers Your Performance.
PRO 2010 - In the shops now!
First shipments of the 2010 PRO line-up have been delivered to the shops!
New Anthill movie "Follow Me" on schedule - Starring Gee Atherton and Thomas Vanderham
After their legendary Mountainbike films "Roam" and "Seasons" the Anthill crew is working on a new release called "Follow Me".
Presented by Shimano and in association with a.o. PRO this new movie is already destined to be the hit of 2010. With no less than 2 PRO Stars among the 10 featured riders you can be sure of some mind-blowing stunts and extreme action.
Watch this site for the latest news.