The Radavist

Chas’ Zipp Firecrest 404 Track Wheels
Photos by Kyle Kelley, words by John Watson

When Zipp announced their Firecrest track wheels in both the 404 (58mm deep) and an 808 (82mm deep) model, it was very apparent they were making wheels specific to the track criterium crowd, not the velodrome crowd. Track racers who invest in a set of Zipp’s would opt for the Firecrest 404 or 808 tubulars. The clincher Firecrests are clearly designed for the street use.

These new 404 Firecrest track wheels come in a 28h front / rear 2x lacing pattern, use a single-sided fixed asymmetric rear hub with a non-proprietary lock ring and rather than go for a 15mm bolt, Zipp chose a 6mm allen.

Chas has been racing on these wheels, which found their way onto the Cinelli Work frameset. A steel singlespeed frame that can be ran as a fixed crit bike, work bike or even a singlespeed ‘cross machine. Kyle caught up with Chas at the Wolf Pack Hustle Civic Center crit a few weeks back and loved the look of these wheels.

With the Red Hook Crit Barcelona underway this weekend, Chas, his bike and those wheels will go through a thorough amount of work and personally, I like how this bike is looking.

Zipp Firecrest 404:
58mm deep
1,655g wheelset weight
$950 front and $1,150 rear

Zipp Firecrest 808:
82mm deep
1,805g wheelset weight
$1,100 front and $1,300 rear

In stock now at Zipp.

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Follow Kyle on Instagram and Chas on Instagram.

This is not for the vintage elite, the collectors, the Eroicas, the spoke sniffers, or the internet aesthetes. Do not bother commenting on the lack of period correct toe clips, or the lack of bar tape, or how you don’t like white tires. The bar angle will rub you the wrong way and Scotty will ride on, not giving two shits.

Scotty’s a working messenger in Los Angeles. Scotty’s older than dirt. He walks with a stride, or a cadence that is only found in individuals who live, breathe and sleep track bikes. You won’t see Scotty on a road bike and in fact, you won’t see him on any other bike than this street-thrashed Eddy Merckx SLX pista. The components tell a story, moreso than any museum-grade bicycle will, regardless of heritage.

Like beausage? This bike is for you. Just remember, before you type a critique, Scotty don’t care. Happy Merckx Mondays. Thanks to Tracko for the heads up on this bike!

the 2015 Red Hook Crit Brooklyn
Photos and words by Chris Lee and Chris Dilts.

This past weekend, racers and spectators gathered for the eighth annual Red Hook Crit. Unlike previous years, this last Saturday provided far more sun and warmth, although racers had to fight against considerable gusts of wind all day.

2015 brought the most diverse field of racers in the history of the Red Hook Crit. With 29 countries represented, it was a melting pot of nationalities staging in the Cruise Terminal, where riders warmed up before the races. Additionally the number of competitors in the women’s field more than doubled from last year, boasting a healthy 79 racers registered.

Like last year, multiple qualifying heats during the day were used to advance and place racers in the two feature races later that night. The men’s field had a new addition of the “Last Chance” race. The “Last Chance” race was a 14 lap crit with the top 10 finishers were added to the feature race.

At the end of the night, Ivan Ravaioli and Ainara Arteaga took home the win, the medals, the custom RHC Cinelli track bike, and the glory.

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Follow Chris Lee on Instagram and Chris Dilts on Instagram.

One of the best new products I saw at NAHBS this year were these Enduro Bearings 24mm outboard pista cranks. You might ask why these somewhat simple looking cranks would have piqued my interest and guys like Trackosaurus Rex so much and the answer is easy: why not!?

Made in the USA, with 144bcd chainrings in the works as well, these outboard bearings and cranks will retail for approximately $800. Guess what? Road cranks are on the way! What’s old is new again, just way, way better.

In the meanwhile, follow Enduro Bearings‘ Facebook.