Our beloved mechanic extraordinaire, Victor, is off to start a new chapter up north in QLD. We are super sad to see him go, but this opens up an exciting opportunity!
We will have a full-time mechanic position available in our busy workshop. If you or someone you know could be right for the job, please shoot us an email at shop@saintcloud.com.
Available for preorder now. Our favorite bit is the front of this bike. Very very good looking headtube!
Harnessing aerodynamics, lightness, responsiveness and comfort in one bike is no longer a dream. Thanks to our engineers' expert carbon fiber lay-up techniques, our commitment to premium materials, and the unique control our own factory offers, the new OSTRO VAM performs in all areas. This isn't just innovation; it's a re-imagining of performance on two wheels, all designed to deliver an unmatched cycling experience.
Experience the new OSTRO VAM: lighter, faster, unbeatable. Now 250 grams lighter and 7 watts quicker with optimized Black Inc 48|58 wheels, it redefines responsive riding with unparalleled aerodynamic efficiency. Journey through our OSTRO VAM Launchbook as we guide you using the latest computer modelling tools to unlock aero performance gains that had been unthinkable.
The new OSTRO VAM is a sub-7kg aero weapon, so your crit bike is also your mountainous grand fondo bike and they’re both awesome. This lightness also means that the pros can use their most aero option more of the time (and for big mountain stages with summit finishes, we make the feathery and fast O2 VAM). What’s more, the uprated stiffness level is mighty, unflinching in the face of even WorldTour watt bombs. Aerodynamics, lightness and stiffness used to be sworn enemies, impossible to bring together. Now we have more of all three in one bike than ever and it’s thanks to our engineers’ tireless work to iterate the carbon fiber lay-up, our investment in top grade materials, and owning our factory which lets us do things the hard way in pursuit of the perfect ride.
Shimano Australia have announced a notice for certain cranksets manufactured prior to 2019.
For all details visit the Shimano website.
We will be opening up for inspections from Monday 16th October. If you have an affected model, give us a call or book in here.
What are the defects?
The bonded crank parts can separate and break, causing the crank arm to separate from the main crank arm-body.
What are the hazards?
There is a risk of a fall or crash if the crank arm separates. At the time of publishing, Shimano has received 4,519 incidents of cranksets separating, and six reported injuries, including bone fractures, joint displacement and lacerations.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should not use a bike with Shimano Ultegra or Dura-Ace cranksets until they check if theirs is an affected model. Instructions on how to check are on the Shimano website.
If you have an affected model, contact the nearest authorised Shimano dealer to arrange for the cranksets to be inspected. Any cranksets that fail the inspection process will be replaced free of charge.
For more information, consumers can contact Shimano on 1800 269 958 from 8:00am to 5:00pm AEST Monday to Friday.
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The 2024 Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 has landed at Saint Cloud with this wild Digital Blurple paintjob. Featuring SRAM Force AXS Gen 2 2x and SLR1 Carbon Tubeless wheelset this bike is built to crush gravel!
Get in touch to check out the new models or shop here.
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Last week we had the pleasure of hosting a Dura Ace R9200 demo day with a fleet of Baum's. The day was super fun with a bunch of friendly folks taking turns in riding some of the best equipment the industry has to offer.
]]>The Build
The build process for Tri and TT bikes is typically an activity feared by most bicycle mechanics. CADEX have really taken this into consideration on the Tri frameset and implemented key features to enhance and streamline the build process. Internal cabling is easy with smart front end routing and access points, plus the super roomy frame body allows you to really get in there and work. The complex looking front of the bike is easy to install with a simple 'preload and lock' system for the fork plus the base bar is easy to loosen, slide and fold down for packing with ease. All in all a relatively easy bike to put together. Thank you CADEX!
Prototype 1X Driveline
We get so many questions about this one, so we might as well answer them here. At Sync, we do see a useful application for a well-designed 1X setup. The caveat here being - WELL DESIGNED, as unfortunately, many are simply not.
One of the most relevant design parameters is the chainline, which is required to see use of the full range of gears and to achieve an optimal chainline in the primary race gears. Most options on the market are simply a flat chainring, bolted on in place of the large chainring. This provides a chainline that will closely match what was intended on the original crankset and results in severe cross-chaining (and high-risk of chain drop) in the upper end of the cassette.
Second to this, the need for a tooth design that facilitates chain retention, especially when using gears at the extremes of the cassette. Of course, a chain catcher is also a good idea, but this doesn’t make up for a well-designed tooth profile in the first instance.
Our solution? Adjustment of the chainline, allowing for the use of all cogs on the cassette. To do this, on our prototype setup, we have been using a power2max track spider, on the Rotor road spindle. This delivers a standard road Q-factor, but a narrower (track) chainline. The rings we have been using for this exercise are made by Garbaruk, with a unique tooth profile that is by far, the most secure and robust, of the 1X designs we have seen to date.
Sync EVO PRO Cockpit
Offering an EVO solution for the CADEX Tri has been on our agenda since the release of the bike and we now have a solution for this, allowing for uncompromised setup options on the CADEX Tri. The EVO PRO is a high-performance, modular design, CNC machined and 3D Printed Titanium TT extensions that are developed with nine different setup configurations to optimise aerodynamic performance. Along with our 3D Printed Ti extensions, the EVO PRO features 3D Printed Deep Groove Performance arm cups, a build-specific computer mount and our infamous hooked lug grips.
Modern-day Triathlon Demands
Getting from T1 to T2 in the shortest possible time requires maximum output (speed) for the rider’s input (power output), this efficiency coming primarily from the athlete’s position on the bike (aerodynamic efficiency). For even modest pace, around 90% of resistance to forward motion is in the form of aerodynamic drag, and about 10% is in the form of mechanical resistance. Of this, about 70% of resistance is attributed to airflow over the athlete, 30% is attributed to airflow over the bike. In other words, a bike needs to be aero, it needs to cater for the nutrition requirements of the athlete (inc hydration), it needs storage provisions and most importantly, it needs to facilitate the achievement of an aero cycling position.
Aero Wheelsystem
This is a complex package that encompasses far more than simply the wheel and requires a system wide approach to achieving the most balanced design. Bringing this back to the basics, it’s about rolling resistance, a factor in the mechanical resistance to forward motion.
Ceramic bearings help in reducing friction, but so does the precision machining of the bores in the hub shells, an often overlooked factor in rolling resistance. The interaction between the tyre and the rim is relevant for both aero performance, but also controlling the deformation of the tyre as it is weighted while riding. The design of the rim is favourable to certain types of tyres, which of course, all have their own unique rolling qualities. Then, of course, there is the aero component, with airflow over the wheel and the interaction between the wheel and the bike.
Addressing all of these design considerations really comes from CADEX “owning” the whole package and hats off to the team for producing a great Wheelsystem.
Framesets available here and here.
Credits
Images by @benxlehner
Copy by @saintcloudbikes and @ridesync
Sync Ergonomics has been supplying Saint Cloud with ergonomic cockpit solutions from the first days of our existence and we continue to share a customer base and collaborate on exciting builds. This CADEX Tri is one fine example.
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Email shop@saintcloud.com.au to book in a test ride. Alternatively, roll up on the day and we can arrange a spin!
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We are very proud to share this amazing build for Martin with you all. Starting with the ENVE Melee Frameset Module it was off to the VeloCraft Team for a custom paint job. The build spec is super high quality and we have no doubt it will perform incredibly well.
The biggest call out of this build is the use of the Classified Powershift System. The Powershift uses a wireless 2-speed rear hub, an innovative system that does away with the need for a front derailleur. Every part of this build was carefully considered and we have detailed them below:
ENVE Melee Frameset Module - 54.
VeloCraft Full Custom Paint.
Included with Frameset - Enve SES Handlebar, Enve Integrated Stem & Enve
Aero Seat Post.
Classified CF Powershift R35 Wheelset.
ENVE SES Tyre - Tan 700x31.
Classified 12sp Cassette 11-32.
SRAM Red AXS 12sp 1x Disc Groupset.
SRAM Red AXS Quarq 1x Aero Powermeter -50T.
Shimano PD-R9100 SPD-SL Dura Ace Pedals.
Kogel T47 Dub Bottom Bracket and Preload Adjuster.
Saint Cloud 3D Printed Chain Keeper.
Cadex Boost Saddle.
ENVE Carbon Bottle Cage.
K-Edge Computer/Light Mount.
Prototipo Works Bolts & Valve Caps.
Saint Cloud x Burgh Bar Tape.
It was such a joy to facilitate a build of this calibre. Get in touch with our team to discuss your dream build.
Thank you and enjoy, Martin!
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We are super excited to introduce Classified to our repertoire of top notch wheel options!
Why is the Classified Powershift Different?
Powershift is a wireless 2-speed rear hub. Why is that special? Because this innovative system does away with the need for a front derailleur. That means if you've an existing single chainring bike or are considering an upgrade, you can setup the Classified wheelsets and indulge in the benefits of a 2x drivetrain.
Powershift has the simplicity of a 1x drivetrain with all the benefits of a 2x system. What really marks it out is the superfast, wireless shifting which enables the rider to change gear instantly, even under full load.
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We have the Advanced Pro 0 model here in Airglow/Black Currant and it looks incredible. With tyre clearance of up to 53mm in the ‘long’ position, Fox 32 Float Front suspension with 40mm travel and a dropper post this really is a gravel bike ready for anything.
Giant Advanced Grade Composite Frame.
Fox 32 Float AX Performance Elite, 40mm, Fit 4 damper.
SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x 40t.
SRAM X01 Eagle Rear Mech 10-52t 12sp.
Giant CXR1 Carbon Disc Wheelset.
Maxxis Rambler 700x50c Tubeless.
53mm max tyre size in ‘long’ flip chip position, 45mm max tyre size in ‘short’ flip chip position.
Giant Contact SL XR D-fuse Handlebar. (Pictured with Curve Walmer Bars).
Giant Contact Switch Dropper w/ remote.
Giant Approach SL Saddle.
Come by the store to check this beast out.
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About us
Established in Fitzroy in 2010, Saint Cloud bike store has grown into a nationally recognised go-to shop specialising in high-end road, gravel and commuter bikes, supporting unique and exclusive products both on a local and international level.
About you
If you’re someone with an unbridled passion, and extensive knowledge in all things cycling, you are already ticking boxes. With a background in bicycle mechanics, you will ideally have hands on experience in a bike shop.
Key Responsibilities
The role
To apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to nick@saintcloud.com.au
]]>The Classic All-Steel Folding Bike
Andrew Ritchie's original design with the 3-part fold, hand-made in the London factory since 1975. Compact and robust - a serious bike that’s fun to ride here, there & everywhere.
We've always had a soft spot for Brompton and are super stoked to be able to sell the range at Saint Cloud. We love that they are still hand brazed by skilled workers in London and individually stamped in the factory. We also love that they come with a whopping 7-year warranty!
We have started with a small display batch in store so swing by and have a look and a ride.
]]>"The Melee chassis is the canvas upon which you can create your dream bike"
Saint Cloud proudly introduces this incredibly good example of an aero road frameset to our lineup. The Melee is super clean and very well built, inside and out. They come in a wide range of sizes with varied fork rakes to get the most out of the smaller and larger models. The cockpit is exceedingly tidy and the internal cable system is nicely designed.
We cannot wait to get stuck into some custom builds on this platform!
For a deeper dive into the specs see here and purchase here.
]]>A huge thanks to all our wonderful customers, suppliers, staff and friends of the shop for another unreal year! We are super thankful for all the support we have received from you and wish you all the best for the festive season.
Ride a bike, stay safe and have fun!
We rounded out the year with this ripper Giant TCR SL0 build.
BOXING DAY SALE
We will have an online store Boxing Day sale with 20% off everything excluding bikes and frames.
Discount will be applied at checkout.
Sale will run from 11:59pm AEDT 25th December - 11:59pm AEDT 29th December.
SimWorks is a super cool company who partner with some very special brands to produce high end, unique cycling products. With a focus on Japanese made parts, SimWorks takes action against the trend of mass production by aiming for the highest possible quality product.
We've secured a nice selection of SimWorks collaborations with Panaracer, MKS and SimWorks Original. Have a browse through the range and pop in for a look yourself.
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At the beginning of October, Saint Cloud boys Victor and Lachie attended the overnight Curve Flashpacking Gippsland ride, which saw a group of twenty riders cycle through the stunning Strzelecki Ranges. I chatted with Victor earlier in the week about his experience.
With a forecast of exceptionally sunny weather, the riders began in Yarragon, 110km ahead of them. They warmed their muscles in the chilly morning by jumping right into a long climb and found themselves spoilt by an impossibly lush, rolling countryside thanks to the months of rain prior. The moisture also ensured that the gravel roads provided good traction and minimal dust.
“The roads were so quiet,” said Victor. “I could count the cars that crossed our path over the two days on my fingers.”
Pedalling forward, the group lapped up the peacefulness, seeing the open scenery change to a secluded and quiet pine forest. After a quick stop in Boolarra for a general store lunch, the riders started along the Morwell River Road. This picturesque gravel stretch followed alongside the river, bringing them near to their destination, Foster. Freshening up at their overnight cabins in the local caravan park, the group met for dinner and well-deserved beers at the Foster Pub.
An early start on day two, another 110km ahead, the group began their alternate route back to Yarragon. With a steep climb to Mirboo North for lunch, the riders were treated to exceptional views on either side of tall tree forests.
“With the combination of hilly terrain, the sunny days, and green fields, it
felt like every time we looked around, we were inside a classic Windows XP background. Absolutely awesome! I was so awed by the views that I forgot to take hardly any pictures.”
Towards the end of the ride and after plenty of short pinches over farm tracks, the group faced one last, gradual climb through the ranges. And then they were blessed with what Victor described as the cherry on top of the ride.
“A fast-flowing 10km descent back into Yarragon. It was a very rewarding paved incline where it was hard to keep track of the curves. The whole time, stunning views to our left.”
After a final wrap-up and cheeky beer at the Yarragon town hall, the group called it a day and departed for home.
Although Victor is experienced with long days in the saddle and camping, this was his first time combining the two.
“It’s definitely fun to have everything you need strapped to your bike and just going forward.”
Riding his Curve Kevin of Steel with Rival / GX AXS group set, Victor opted for his DT Swiss 700c wheels with Goodyear Connector tyres in 40mm.
“I was keen to try them out and chose to run narrower tyres because the route was mainly well-maintained backroads with no singletrack. So, having a lighter tyre would really help my unfit ass up all the hills, haha.”
To carry his gear, he took a Blackburn outpost frame bag with tool kit and spares, electronics, toiletries, and snacks; a Blackburn Outpost saddle bag with clothes and some sandals; and a Blackburn top tube bag with more snacks.
“One can’t have enough snacks.”
While usually riding in smaller groups or solo, Victor found it a great experience riding with a large group.
“The Curve crew did an amazing job planning this ride, and the people that came along were fantastic! I enjoy planning my own rides, but going to something organised by someone else opens the opportunity for something new. From different places I wouldn’t think about riding, to connecting with new people. On this ride, there were so many different backgrounds and experiences, and all such nice people to be around. I felt there was no sense of being left behind, and everyone was just enjoying being out riding!”
Keep an eye on upcoming rides and events that Curve have on offer.
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Fonz’s Giant TCR Advanced SL Disc is a beauty. Custom painted by Velo Craft paying homage to Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Team and built with Shimano’s finest.
Giant TCR Advanced SL Frameset.
Shimano Dura Ace 9200 Di2 Disc Groupset.
54/40 Chainring - 11-30 Cassette.
Shimano Dura Ace C50 Carbon Wheels w/ Vittoria Corsa Control 700x25.
Pro Stealth LTD Performance 142mm Saddle.
Pro Vibe Alloy Compact Bar w/ Enve 3.0 Bar Tape..
King Cage Ti Cages.
Shimano Ultegra SPD SL Pedals.
Enjoy, Fonz! 🍀
Pic above: Alfa F1
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As our current store manager, Sime moves on to a new life chapter, we have a rare opportunity for a customer service professional to join our welcoming team and help Saint Cloud continue to thrive.
If you’re someone with an unbridled passion, and extensive knowledge in all things cycling, you are already ticking boxes. With a background in sales and store management, and ideally specialised selling experience with cycling equipment, we would love to have a chat!
Click here to see the full details.
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'Prince of Spain' Pinarello Prince build for Jarrad from MAAP. This wild frame has been built up with some beautiful Campagnolo parts as well and some other tasty bits to suit Valverde's signature frame.
Sadly we didn't get to see Alejandro for one last World Champs in Australia. Jarrads' bike certainly pays tribute to his legendary professional career!
Pinarello Prince Frameset
Campagnolo Record 11sp
Campagnolo Bora One 50
Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 - 700x25
MOST Integrated bar/stem
Selle SMP Evolution test saddle
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To celebrate the UCI World Road Cycling Championships on our own soil, we are running an online sale. Enter promo code WORLDS22 at checkout for 20% off store wide.
A reminder that our retail store will be closed until Monday and this is an online only offer. Any in-store pickup orders will be available for collection after the long weekend and all other orders will be shipped Monday. Have a ripper weekend!
*Offer ends Monday 26th September 12am Australian Eastern Standard Time.
]]>A super smart build and a pleasure to ride. Luke's RZ7 will certainly be the envy of the local bunch ride.
Specs:
Frame - Parlee RZ7.
Group - SRAM Force AXS.
Wheels - Princeton Grit.
Saddle - Pro Stealth.
Bartape - ENVE 3.0.
Tyres - Vittoria Corsa 28.
We've taken the All-City Spacehorse Microshift and stepped it up a notch.
Additions are as follows:
Panaracer Gravelking SK tyres.
Skin Grows Back Lunchbox handlebar bag.
Skin Grows Back Wedge frame bag.
Skin Grows Back Plan B saddle bag.
Skin Grows Back Snack Stack stem feed bag.
King Cage Ti cages.
Crane E-Ne bell.
MKS Gauss pedals.
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What a weapon this turned out to be!!!!
Greg was after a lightweight mixed terrain gravel/road bike. Something suitable for exploring the gravel roads of mid west Victoria, but also tackling the local bunch ride and hitting the hills.
Build spec:
- SRAM Red AXS 1X
- Garbaruk drivetrain
- Cadex AR wheelset/René Herse Barlow pass 38's
- Cadex AR bars
- Schmolke TLO seatpost and stem
- Pro Stealth carbon saddle
- Favero Assioma pedals (post pics)
The whole build came out out at 7.1kg without pedals.
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Neil’s beautiful Belgie Ultra custom build!
With expert bike fit from Riderfit.
Paintwork by the masters Velo Craft.
Built by our handy hero’s in the Saint Cloud Workshop.
Neil was after a no compromise, comfortable endurance road build.
His unique request of a “Wood Look” Fork & Stem creates a really interesting contrast vs. the raw Titanium of the frame.
SRAM Red AXS.
G4T Wheelset.
Panaracer GK Slicks.
Curve Walmer, Velo Orange, Thomson cockpit combo.
Specialized Power.
Arundel Mandible cages.
Shimano XT pedals.
Shane’s ultra classy Curve Belgie ULTRA custom build.
Paintwork by Velo Craft in Brilliant Blue with a silver metallic flake that pops under the sunlight so nicely!
Custom leather bar tape from Busyman with matching blue perforations.
Expertly fitted by Stewart at Riderfit.
SRAM Red AXS.
Curve G4T’s.
Panaracer GK Slicks.
Thomson Stem/Post combo.
Pro Discover Bar.
Busyman Leather Tape.
Specialized Phenom Mimic Saddle.
Arundel Manidble Cages.
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There's not much these 2 extraordinary builds couldn't tackle.
Justin and Kenneth were keen on a couple of bikes which could take them anywhere. With the focus being off road multi day tours and the ability to just get out and explore on a gravel ride.
The GMX+ was the obvious choice as it's essentially boundary-less in the world of mixed terrain touring. 1X AXS mullet group sets were chosen and the K-Lite (care of our good friends at Commuter Cycles)/Son dynamo systems picked out. The wheel sets are Curve Dirt Hoop's Wide to Son/Industry9 hubs built in house. Vittoria Mezcal 2.6 rubber/Thomson build kit round out the builds nicely and Ingrid cranks are the perfect cherry on top!
Thanks so much Justin and Kenneth. Enjoy the bikes!
]]>We've managed to score a bunch of extra SRAM Red, Force and Rival AXS XPLR groupsets with a variety of crank lengths and chain ring sizes.
If you are looking to do a custom gravel 1 x build, now is the time!
Tailored to the needs of drop bar gravel riders, SRAM’s new 1x-specific XPLR AXS wireless drive trains target a gearing sweet spot. With a 10-44T cassette and matching derailleur, you get big range for gravel climbs and tight jumps for fast riding on road.
Get in touch to chat about your next amazing build.
]]>This was a super fun one.
Nick went with GRX Di2 for the groupset, Chris King i7 headset in black and gold with a colour matched fork paintjob and CK R45 hubs to HED Emporia gravel rims.
A seriously nice bike! We love the gold highlights without going overboard.
]]>We are stoked to introduce this exceptional collaboration between two forward thinking companies in the cycling industry. Both are renowned for quality product and cleverly thought out design.
"When MAAP asked us to create a bikepacking bag range to complement their new Alt_Road collection, we took inspiration from their modular approach to gravel apparel and created a new range that combines the best features of a full bikepacking setup into the lightest, simplest and most convenient setup possible."
Read the full Apidura article here.
Click here to shop.
]]>With an outstanding stiffness-to-weight ratio and updated aero tube shaping, this TCR is engineered for superior climbing capabilities, aerodynamic efficiency and sprint stiffness for race-winning performance.
This is where the TCR’s most quantifiable gains can be found compared to previous generation models. Every tube shape was engineered and tested to create an overall structure with significantly lower drag at a wider range of yaw angles.
Integrated disc brakes deliver smooth, powerful stopping power and modulation for added control in variable weather and road conditions. Flat mounts and new thru-axles boost stiffness and improve overall handling, while added frame and fork clearance allows for larger diameter tyres up to 32mm. Yew!!
Click here to buy!
The AR model comes with Giants new Power Halo power meter.
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