Paligap News

Paligap are pleased to announce they have taken over distribution of Merlin, Litespeed and Quintana Roo in the UK.
We are currently working on dealer lists for each of the three brands and will be posting more news here shortly.


Merlin
20 years ago, Merlin built the "Original" contemporary titanium road and mountain bike. The standards that Merlin set to build the finest titanium frames possible still exists today, as they continue to refine on bicycles that are light, strong and have that original magical ride quality. Each frame is individually handcrafted from aerospace-grade materials to exacting tolerances. Climb onto a Merlin and find out what smooth tracking and phenomenal acceleration are really like.


Litespeed
Since 1986, Litespeed have been developing new technologies and testing disciplines that push titanium shaping beyond it's traditional constraints and into new realms of precision, quality and performance.A recent collaboration with NASA have allowed Litespeed to product bikes with a level of performance once thought impossible to attain....performance that surpasses even the finest carbon fiber frames. The range of bikes include road, mountan bike and triathlon-specific products.


Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo has a long history with triathlon. QR founder, Dan Empfield, competed in the very first Ironman held on Kona in 1981, and in 1987 went on to create the world's very first wetsuits made especially for tri athletes Quintana Roo's dedication to providing the sport with the highest quality triathlon specific equipment continues into the present witha high performance line of QR wetsuits and bikes. Quintana Roo bikes are designed, built and most importantly tested by seasoned tri athletes. Tri-specific bikes have unique features as compared to a standard road racing bicycle. We design bikes with a precise geometry that places riders in a more aerodynamic position by allowing less exposed chest area and a flatter back. This geometry also creates a more efficient pedaling position to help preserve legs for the running leg of the race.




Kona Nissan Grass Roots Racing program
We are proud to be continuing our support of the UK race scene by helping up and coming athletes with a Grass Roots package. Kona dealers can enter the program on behalf of clubs, teams and individual riders and will benefit from heavily discounted Kona bikes and a free Kona Nissan race clothing package, teams of 4 or more riders will also receive a free Easy-Up race tent. All we are asking for in return is race reports and commitment to at least 4 events in the 2008 race calendar. All news and team profiles will be included on the Kona UK, Europe and Worldwide websites, giving extra coverage to the teams and supporting dealers.
For more information on the Kona Nissan Grass Program please contact your local Kona dealer or email grassroots@paligapltd.co.uk

MBR Lightweight Stems Grouptest - Ritchey WCS 4Axis 10/10
"If you want the lightest/cheapest stem on test that's reasonable stiff it's got to be the Ritchey WCS 4Axis. It's streets ahead of the rest in terms of construction and finish..."

Weigth: 111g SRP: £56.99 Order now from your local Ritchey Dealer.
MBR Lightweight Stems Grouptest - Ritchey WCS 4Axis 10/10
"If you want the lightest/cheapest stem on test that's reasonable stiff it's got to be the Ritchey WCS 4Axis. It's streets ahead of the rest in terms of construction and finish..."

Weigth: 111g SRP: £56.99 Order now from your local Ritchey Dealer.


MBR Dirty Dozen Group Test - Kona Blast 9/10
"Fifteen years ago Kona designer Joe Murray started the whole sloping top tube thing. Ever since then, the firm's hardtails have been some of the best-shaped bikes around and this Blast is no exception..."
"All in all, a solid, splined chainset/bottom bracket junction, nine speed drivechain and the most balanced geometry on test combine to make a very, very well rounded performer that's much better than the sum of its parts."

VERDICT: ..."as it stands the Blast was the the boxfresh bike any of the test crew would be happy to ride round the woods for hours. For the money, it would be difficult to get a better overall machine"

You can order one of the award winning Kona hardtails (Caldera, Cinder Cone & Blast) from your local Kona dealer.


Kona Hei Hei Supreme Review: Kona Reigns Supreme.
The Hei Hei Supreme is unlike any bike I've ever ridden. It had to be torn from my hands at the end of the race. I can hardly get on another cross-country bike now. I occasionally dream about the bike at night. Lust is a terrible thing. I can't concentrate.
Read the full review HERE>>


CycleOps Fluid2 Trainer Tested - SheCycles
Performance: 9/10 Value: 9/10 Overall: 9/10 - Verdict:
'A low noise factor and great progressive resistance mean this trainer is a winner in our book. The price is pretty impressive too, you can spend a lot more on other trainers but the Fluid2 prooves you really don't need to. An essential training aid when weather or time is an issue! Road-like feel and quiet too!'
Read the full test at SheCycles
Find your local CycleOps Dealer HERE>>
More information on the range of CycleOps trainers HERE>>

Paligap 2007 Sponsored Events.
Paligap now sponsor 3 prestigious events in the cycling calendar. For the third year running Kona are the title sponsor for the 24hr endurance event the Sleepless in the Saddle, the 2007 Entry Form is now available to download from:
www.konasits.co.uk - 11/12th August Kona Sleepless in the Saddle.
We have joined forces with the organisers of the Ritchey Bristol BikeFest and have added the new Kona Cheddar BikeFest. The event has been missing from the mtb calendar for a year, but is back in 2007 and we expect it to be better than ever. Both of the BikeFest event details can be found at: www.bike-fest.com - 9/10th June Ritchey Bristol BikeFest - 29/30th September Kona Cheddar BikeFest
Paligap News - 10.02.07

Dan Atherton gets Torq Tuned.
UK World Cup DH rider Dan Atherton will be Torq Tuned for 2007. The Animal Commencal athlete will be using Torq's energy products to boost his already significant World Cup performances, along with coaching from the main man behind Torq, Matt Hart.
Atherton joins a long list of top flight athletes now fueled and coached by Torq and Matt Hart. You can’t beat them, so join them. All Torq products available now from Paligap Ltd.
Paligap News - 20.11.06

Saris Indoor Cycle, the answer to cycle training in the winter and much, much more:
'The ride quality, adjustability, and stability of the ergometer is exceptional, and the level of analysis possible is superb.'
Read the full review on Pez Cycling Review>>
Check out the full range of Indoor Cycles: Range>>
Saris Indoor Cycles now available in the UK - Call us for availability and your nearest stockist: 01179 823 673

Paligap News - 20.11.06

Kona Paddy Wagon - Cycling Plus
Verdict:
'Around £500 is a very competitive price point and Kona have really done their homework... Had the Kona been on the scene when I was in the market for an all-season's fixer, I would've bought it in preference to my chosen fixed gear mount. The Paddy Wagon can commute, entertain and delight in equal measure as an off season trainer or club mount; there's something for everyone here... The specification strikes an excellent balance between function and form.
'Well Rounded, Solid Performer'.
Click HERE for the Paddy Wagon page

Paligap News - 03.11.06

TORQ Nutrition Products - Road Cycling UK, Performance: 9, Value: 9.
Verdict:
'I have been using the TORQ products for a few weeks now, first in training and then, when I felt comfortable that they worked well for me and had no adverse effects on my body, I used them in competition as well. The race results have been awesome and I have not suffered any of the after effects I had been resigned to up until now. The bottom line for me is that I would not have accepted any compromise in performance while using these products, but taste was secondary, so I was delighted to find that I actually like the energy powder more than the one I was currently using; the taste is fresher and much more natural.'
Read the full test HERE
Torq Bars and Powders are available from Paligap - Call 01179 823673 for details on your local dealer.

Paligap News - 25.10.06

Ritchey Break-Away - Cycling Plus Verdict '9/10'
'The Break-Away is the purists portable. Designed by someone who wanted a ‘proper’ road bike to take on his frequent flying trips, the bike does everything a conventional road bike does, and does it well. Top-flight road bike performance in a light, compact portable package.'
Frame – 9/10; - By having both clamps grip the seatpost, Ritchey ensures their relative immobility. Neither component of the system looks especially rigid, but the combined effect is an unqualified success. Even out-of-the-saddle efforts produce no discernible flex.
Handling – 9/10; - ….there is nothing this bike couldn’t handle, from Flanders-style cobbles to long days in the mountains, thanks to its low weight, at under 9kg, and the kind of supple ride provided by the long wheelbase and high quality steel tubeset. The Ritchey Pro Carbon fork keeps the front end light and comfortable, and the machine speeds along with minimal fuss…..
Equipment – 8/10; - The Break-Away is, well, a 10-speed, Ultegra equipped road bike, and rides as such-it’s as much bike as most people need. Super stiff cranks, buttersmooth shifting and massive braking power make for near faultless performance.
Foldability – 8/10; - The Break-Away….is a feathery 12.5kg in its case, which is mostly heavy duty fabric with a stiffener around the circumference.

Click here for a list of UK Ritchey Dealers

Paligap News - 03.10.06

Sombrio Vapor Jacket - MBUK 'Winner All Round' & 'Big Value' Award
Featured in MBUK November Issue.
'Its the Sombrio Vapor that takes the prize as the best all-rounder on test. No other jacket (tested against 13 other jackets) combines on-bike performance with off-bike style and protection like the excellent Vapor. It was the only jacket that non-bikers told us looked great, and it also fits superbly and performs well enough to survive a typically wet 24-hour race. In other words, the Vapor is all the coat you need for an affordable amount of dosh'

Read the rest of the Vapor test HERE

Click here for a list of UK Sombrio Dealers


Paligap News - 27.09.06

Ritchey Carbon Classic- Cycling Plus 'Recommended Buy'
Featured in Cycling Plus November Issue.
'As used by Team Gerolsteiner and Saunier Duval, the Ritchey Classic series with the curved bend now includes this carbon model, which is compatible with oversized stems. The drop and forward reach are both average so they'll suit a broad range of different riders' needs, and the textured area prevents brake levers and the stem from slipping. It features a 135mm drop and a reach of 82mm. For a carbon fibre handlebar, the Classic is also exceptionally stiff. Weight: 205g Widths: 40, 42, 44cm

Click here for a list of UK Ritchey Dealers


Paligap News - 23.06.06

CycleOps PowerTap - The choice of top athletes
Competitive athletes around the world rely on the best-in-class CycleOps Power Technology. Five cyclists in the Tour De France used CycleOps PowerTap meters to monitor their performance. CycleOps PowerTap was also used by 25 out of 40 racers during the 2005 Hawaii Ironman.

Click here for a list of UK PowerTap Dealers


Paligap News - 23.06.06

Sombrio Estelle Womens Freeride Shorts
Featured in the Summer issue of What Mountain Bike
'We're loving these Estelle Shorts for summer. The fit is loose and long, big enough to fit over a chamois short, but pretty enough for just hanging out in. The fit is great too - all too often shorts are designed by men who never get the waistband height or crotch length quite right for girls, but the Estelles fit like your favourite jeans.'

Click here for a list of UK Sombrio Stockists


Paligap News - 16.06.06

Sombrio Summer range in stores NOW
Pic - Forensic Cuffless Glove
Sombrio's Mission - To offer mountain bike riders of all abilities a diverse range of active and lifestyle apparel that is unique due to its performance-inspired design, technically advanced construction, and fashionable features.

Click here for a list of UK Sombrio Stockists

Paligap News - 10.06.06

Kona DH Shorts - SRP: £40
MBUK - Value WINNER Hardcore
Kona don’t just produce bombproof bikes, as these impressively robust long-leg shorts prove. Heavyweight Cordura cloth marks them out as seriously crash and thrashproof, but they are still light and mobile enough for you to ride all day in them. The shaped panel cut, stretchy back piece, side vents with zips and elasticated waist belt add mobility, and a full mesh liner keeps sweat moving away from your skin. MBUK VERDICT 9/10

Paligap News - 01.06.06

New Kona LongBoard for 2006 - SRP: £140

• Board: 9 ply Maple deck w/concave & a kick tail
• Size: 423” x 9” w/a 27.5” wheelbase
• Trucks: Randal RII
• Wheels: 70mm Krypto’s OR 70mm Freeride (both to be 78a)
• Bearings: Chinese ABEC5
• Angled risers for better turning