It seems bigger is better in the Deda camp these days, as the Italian component makers have introduced a 35mm-diameter handlebar and stem system that's claimed to offer a 50 percent increase in bending stiffness over their standard 31.7mm offerings.
But isn't 35mm too big, you say? Perhaps, but not when you consider the finished diameter of a 31.7mm bar when handlebar tape is taken into account and the fact that the new M35 is intended to be unwrapped up top.
Even so, some riders will prefer the additional grip and cushioning of bar tape, and the extra stiffness could prove too punishing for slighter riders or on rough roads. However, this is just the sort of thing that should appeal to sprinters.
In addition, Deda have managed to increase the clamp diameter without adding much of a weight penalty. The Trentacinque stem is only 26g heavier (claimed weight of 136g for a 110mm extension) than a comparable 31.7mm-diameter Presa and Zero100 bar and stem, and the M35 is actually 4g lighter (210g for a 42cm).
The matching Deda Trentacinque stem is still light at just 136g (110mm) despite the larger handlebar clamp diameter
Whether or not the new size will gain wide acceptance is another question entirely but if nothing else, it presents another option. Besides, Deda aren't introducing it as a wholesale replacement for the current oversized standard.
Deda's Vincente stem concept is even more radical, with a unique internal-external steerer clamp that's claimed to be gentler on carbon tubes while also being more secure than traditional setups. Separate aluminium clamps and titanium hardware keeps the Vincente pretty light, too, at a claimed weight of just 137g.
Deda's Vincente stem is designed to be gentler on carbon steerers, with a unique clamp design that secures to both the inner and outer diameters
Other new component offerings occupy more value-oriented segments of the market and include the RHM01 (round cross-section) and RHM02 (aero cross-section) aluminium road handlebars, the Quattro2 and Zero1 forged aluminium oversized stems, and RS01 and RS02 two-bolt aluminium seatposts.
Frames, too
Sister company Dedacciai's ever-expanding collection of frames will total nearly a dozen models for 2011. Sitting at the top of the heap is the intriguing Temerario, said to be Dedacciai's stiffest option with simply massive squared-off carbon fibre tube sections, a tapered 1-1/8 to 1-1/2in front end with similarly enormous fork blades, and unique bonded-in titanium seatstays.
Dedacciai are also among the shrinking minority that continue to favour integrated seatmasts, with the Temerario sporting a deep oval cross-section throughout its length – and naturally, it's topped with a Deda alloy head. Despite the liberal helpings of surface, claimed weight is still rather impressive at just 1,050g for a medium frame, plus another 330g for the matching fork.
Dedacciai's striking Temerario flagship is mostly carbon fibre save for the unique titanium seatstays
Dedacciai's second-tier Super Scuro is also a new design, though more an evolution of the existing Scuro RS than a wholesale clean slate like the Temerario. Changes from the RS include a more heavily bolstered tapered front end and bottom bracket area, larger squared-off chainstays, smaller seatstays, and internal cable routing – and again, still with an integrated seatmast. Claimed weight is lighter than the Temerario at just 990g for a medium frame, though the fork is heavier at 420g.
Dedacciai's Super Scuro sports striking lines, high-modulus carbon fibres, nanotube-reinforced resins, a tapered front end and internal cable routing
Occupying the less expensive end of the scale is the more straightforwardly designed Nerissimo. In contrast to the radically squared-off tubing of the Temerario or Super Scuro models, the Nerissimo uses mostly round or ovoid shapes throughout and a standard, non-integrated seat tube. There's still a tapered front end, however, and the slim seatstays suggest a reasonably comfy ride. Claimed weight is 1,150g for a medium frame plus another 410g for the included fork.
The Nerissimo is Dedacciai's no-frills road model with more basic tubing shapes and a threaded bottom bracket
For races against the clock, Dedacciai now offer the Chrono model, which includes the usual teardrop-shaped tubes, curved seat tube, giant chainstays and slimseat stays favoured by many modern designers. Finishing things off are an aero-profile carbon seatpost and internal cable routing. Claimed weight is 1,250g – which is quite light for a dedicated aero model – plus another 390g for the non-tapered carbon fork.
The Dedacciai Chrono features teardrop-shaped tube sections, smooth joints and internal cable routing to help decrease aerodynamic drag
Finally, there's a new Cross carbon frame as well, aimed more at providing a slightly softer ride in the rough than outright stiffness with its flattened chainstays, relatively slender seatstays and non-tapered fork. The bottom of the top tube is flattened for easier shouldering, cables are routed across the top tube to protect them from contamination, and mud clearance looks fairly reasonable. Claimed weight is 1,050g for a medium frame; the matching fork will add another 550g.
Dedacciai's carbon Cross frame is light, with a claimed weight of just 1,050g (size M), and includes a flattened top tube underside for easier shouldering