Cinelli are bringing out a load of new kit for 2012. We've already shown you the Italian company's WYSIWYG time trial machine, and more bikes are set to be unveiled later this summer. For now, here's a look at some of their latest components and clothing to whet your appetite.
RAM3 cockpit
The original RAM was the first all-carbon integrated bar/stem combo. As great as it was, it wasn’t without issues – the main one being the positioning of the internal cable routing, which didn’t allow for any adjustment in lever positioning, limiting its appeal.
The new RAM has had a thorough makeover, with the comfortable wing profile of the previous model all that remains. The internal routing has been repositioned and made easier to use, and the lever adjustment we’ve been wanting is now there. The drops have been completely reshaped too, with a more parabolic curve in a shallower drop.
The front computer mount is no longer a bolt-on accessory but actually integrated into the bar, and it’s been dropped lower, creating what Cinelli describe as a ‘Manta Ray’ shape. The underside of the mount is shaped, with finger flats giving a comfortable hold when riding on the tops.
The stem has also been reshaped with a flatter, squarer shape; Cinelli say this is to give greater stiffness. The stem's top is now flat, to make fitment of the latest generation Garmin GPS units easier and more secure. The RAM has been on a diet too, with the new version weighing in 40g lighter than the RAM2. It’s available in six width/length combinations.
Classic bars and 1A stem
Cinelli have also brought back three of their classic cockpit designs. First up is the aluminium Giro D’Italia ’64 bar, which is made from 6061 alloy to meet the latest EN standards but still shaped exactly like the original. With a 75mm reach and 140mm drop, it’s the ideal companion to a classic road bike.
The 1965 Criterium bar is also back, with its deeper drop (145mm) and further forward curve (82mm). In its day, this was the sprinter's bar of choice. Cinelli have recreated the original ‘milky’ anodised finish of the originals too.
The classic 26mm diameter bars need a stem, so Cinelli have brought back the 1A. It's now made from 6066 T6 alloy to meet EN standards but has the same simple, elegant design. It's available with the same ‘Milky’ finish as the bars, in lengths from 90mm to 130mm.
Bar tapes
Two new bar tapes have joined the Cinelli line-up. First up is the Caleido Ribbon. This is made from multi-density leather-like material, with rainbow coloured EVA padding underneath that shows through the tape's perforations, giving a kaleidoscope effect.
The other new tape is a red version of the Mike Giant Velvet Ribbon - a collaboration between Cinelli and legendary San Francisco skateboard graphic designer Mike Giant, which has been inspired by vintage tattoo symbols.
Clothing
On the clothing front, 1960 Rome Olympics winner Viktor Kapitonov is celebrated with a replica jersey, and, as we reported earlier this year, Cinelli have teamed up with skate shoe brand DVS to create an urban riding shoe.
While it looks like a standard skate shoe, this has a number of features that make it cycling specific. The gummy sole has been beefed up to add some stiffness when stamping on the pedals, and the tongue features a large Velcro flap to secure your laces and keep them out of the drivetrain.
The upper features plenty of reflective detailing, with piping around the sole bumper and large reflective details on the heel. The shoe is available through DVS outlets and in either black or the blue/grey pictured here.
