New Year’s resolutions for cyclists: I resolve to race

With the new year starting tomorrow, Canadian Cycling Magazine presents our guide to New Year’s resolutions for cyclists. If you like to go fast and ride hard, nothing pushes you more than competition. Find a local crit series and see what you can do. And then do it again. Here’s some gear that might help you achieve your racing goals in 2014.

Mavic Zxellium Ultimate

$475
Built with a low profile carbon-fibre outsole and highly breathable upper, the Mavic’s Zxellium Ultimate shoes are perfect for racing or training. All-important power transfer is increased thanks to the 3D carbon-fibre heel cover, stiff carbon-fibre outsole and the combination ratchet-buckle and hook-and-loop closures, which all work together to lock the foot in the shoe. Mavic further improves power transfer by reinforcing the upper with strategically placed carbon-fibre overlays. The result is a shoe that comes in at a feathery 250 g without compromising the pedalling performance necessary for winning races. For $150 less and 25 g more, the regular Zxellium shoes have many of the Ultimate’s features, except for the carbon-fibre straps and framework. (mavic.ca)

Maxxis Padrone Tubeless Tires

$120
A fresh pair of Maxxis Padrone tubeless tires may be the simplest thing riders can do to improve their performance. The tires feature a unique dual-compound tread that delivers exceptional grip when cornering without compromising the durability needed when logging training miles. Maxxis adds their proprietary Silkworm material in the casing for increased puncture resistance, while tubeless-compatible construction reduces rolling resistance and improves overall ride quality. (maxxis.com)

Easton EC90 Aero 55 Clincher Wheels

$4,100
The new EC90 Aero 55 clincher wheels will help any aspiring road rider conserve muchneeded energy during a race. The wheels feature a 55-mm deep profile and 19-mm internal width, which provide the optimal blend of aerodynamics and crosswindstability – perfect when riding in the pack or launching a solo breakaway. Easton has also ensured these wheels are road-tubeless compatible (without resorting to rim strips) and has added an exceptionally efficient braking surface, which offers consistent stopping in a variety of conditions. Throw in Easton’s durable Echo hubs and Sapim’s light and efficient straight-pull bladed spokes and it’s easy to understand why these wheels are such a good choice for road racing. (eastoncycling.com)

Shimano Ultegra Pedals

$210
With their wide platform, lightweight carbon-fibre composite construction and adjustable spring tension, Shimano’s Ultegra PD-6800 pedals are a great choice for anyone looking to do some racing this season. The pedals offer a supportive shape that ensures excellent power transmission, while also minimizing pressure during longer races. For increased pedal-body durability, Shimano has wisely added a stainlesssteel plate that reduces cleat-to-body wear. The pedal’s low profile also provides excellent clearance (useful when pedalling through corners), while the sealed-bearing construction means consistent performance for many years. (bike.shimano.com)