This past summer I switched from my stock stem and handlebar to a nice combo from Ritchey - the WCS 4-axis Stem and the WCS OS Handlebar. My original setup was a heavy Bontrager stem and bar that came stock on my Trek 1500, so it was a welcome change.

(While each of these are about $90 at Performance Bicycle, I actually won these in a fantasy Tour de France league, so that made it even sweeter!)

Let’s start with the stem, the Ritchey WCS 4-Axis Stem. Overall I have enjoyed it and have not experienced any major problems. It has proved to be light, stiff, and durable, just what I need. It looks good, too, from the silver front plate to the Ritchey world champion stripes on the sides.

I’m also a big fan of the four-bolt front plate. Two-bolt front plates concentrate pressure over a smaller area and require more force per bolt to hold the bar securely, so they can be a hassle. The four-bolt plate offered here spreads the clamp force over a greater surface area and, therefore, does not stress the bar so much.

The rise (+/- 6 degrees) worked out well for me. It’s just enough to raise or lower your position slightly for the right fit.

Not to mention, the recommended torque specs are listed right on the stem, so you don’t forget.

I have one small complaint, and it’s because the bolts that clamp my steerer tube are a tad too long. One sticks out and hits the inside of my quad if I’m really cranking up a hill. (The first time you won’t really notice it cut into your skin, but once you have a cut right there, you’ll feel the stem brush it every time you sway the bike!)

It might have something to do with the angled steerer clamp that “reduces the risk of damage to lightweight aluminum and carbon steerer tubes.” It’s not a big problem though, and it could be fixed with a little shorter bolt, or, my solution - gluing a tiny piece of old bar tape right beside the bolt so my leg hits that instead of the metal. (But depending on your bike setup and riding style, you probably won’t even have this problem.)

Others like this stem, too. It was even featured in the 2006 Bicycling Buyer’s Guide:

“At 111 grams, this stem ranks among the very lightest, but the forged construction means it’s sturdy as well. The polished-aluminum face-plate, with narrowly spaced bolts, is designed to clinch carbon handlebars without damaging the composite fibers.”

Now for the handlebar. It is a Ritchey WCS OS Handlebar with a classic bend (like Levi Leipheimer and I prefer,) but it’s also available in an ergonomic bend.

This bar is made with triple butted TRX50 construction for “unbelievable strength and stiffness,” while the oversized 31.8″ diameter “provides more stiffness and virtually eliminates bar flex.” And that’s why I love ‘em.

I would agree that the oversize diameter makes for more stiffness at a lighter weight, but man it still absorbed a heck of a lot of road shock! Going from the stock bar on my Trek 1500 to this was like switching to a carbon bar. (At least it felt like it to me.) It just soaks up tons of road vibration.

I actually had to get a carbon seatpost because the lack of road shock getting to my arms made me realize just how much was getting to my butt…

The only thing that ever worried me about these bars was how the ends would flex if I was pushing hard on the flat part of the drops. I never noticed it in the hooks though, so once I got used to it I wasn’t worried.

As for durability, I put these on my bike in June I think. After using them for 6 months, there have been no durability issues.

My final verdict is…

After having this chance to test them, I’d buy them if I needed a new stem and bars. They are especially good if you don’t like the idea of a carbon handlebar and prefer the durability of metal.

While I haven’t compared these one-on-one with a carbon bar, they certainly absorb more road shock and vibrations than a typical bar.

Click the links below to learn more about either product:

Ritchey WCS 4-Axis Stem and Ritchey WCS OS Handlebar

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[Click here if you would like to get your product reviewed on CoachLevi.com.]

I like to keep an eye on all the crazy new energy drinks because sometimes you find something healthy. Today that something was a small can of green tea straight from Japan.

This is the Sencha Shot from Ito En, a premiere tea brewer in Japan. If the name didn’t give it away, the rock solid, steel can sure would have. This is not the can to try smashing on your forehead!

It actually reminded me of the Starbucks Double Shot Espresso can, which clues you in to the taste. In a word, it’s strong! This is the tea version of an espresso - strong, bitter, and a definite wake-up call! I guess that’s how they take it in Japan.

I wasn’t expecting something that was all-natural, unsweetened, and had 0 calories to be tasty, but I was still surprised at how “full-bodied” the flavor was. Some people call it “full-bodied” or “authentic,” but I have a more descriptive opinion…

I think it tastes like crap. Figuratively speaking, that is. Literally, it tastes (and smells) more like vomit. I couldn’t drink the whole thing (even though the can is only 6.4 ounces.) The terrible smell rising from the can sets the stage for a bitter green tea, which actually isn’t so bad once you’re drinking it.

Like I said, I couldn’t finish the can, so I let it sit overnight in the fridge. Then the horrid smell was gone the next morning. I was able to taste this “authentic Japanese green tea” which was interesting, but still on the bitter side. The taste actually seemed like I was chewing on raw tea leaves and branches out in the wilderness (except that I was sipping it from a can in the comfort of my living room.)

Moving on to the health benefits…

The highlight of this tea is that it contains 152 milligrams of catechin tea antioxidants. Epicatechin, epicatechingallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechingallate, to be specific.

Surely the high concentration of antioxidants plus a day’s worth of Vitamin C is worth the bitter taste!

My final verdict is…

If you like to try exotic or just plain weird drinks, this could be for you. It could also be used as an espresso replacement for someone looking for a pick-me-up with more antioxidants.

If you like green tea as we drink it in America, though, steer clear of this.

Official site: www.itoen.com/sencha/

Buy it: Amazon.com

I almost bought these for Christmas gifts last year… for my enemies!

* It got a 4-star rating at Amazon.com, so some people must like this stuff.

[Click here if you would like to get your product reviewed on CoachLevi.com.]

Over the weekend I discovered a new energy drink called FRS Healthy Energy. At first glance it reminded me of ACT Energy, which is a healthy/natural energy drink, so I figured FRS was worth a look.

And boy was I right! It turns out that this energy drink is endorsed by none other than Lance Armstrong! Apparently Lance scrutinized the science behind this energy drink and deemed it worthy of consumption. He’s even sitting on the Board of Directors for the company now, so he must really believe in this stuff.

Here’s a quote from Lance about the situation and his take on the FRS energy drink:

“FRS is a part of my daily routine. Though I have retired from cycling, my days, like the days of many other people, are strenuous and I need something to keep me going. FRS has been the healthy energy choice for me.”
- Lance Armstrong [via FRS.com]

Just with his endorsement I’m really considering trying this. If you want some, they are running a free trial offer right now where you get a selection of all their products, including ready-to-drink cans, powder to mix your own, concentrate liquid to mix your own, and soft chews.

So why am I not jumping at this free trial? Sucralose. While the ready-to-drink cans and the liquid concentrate are sweetened with organic evaporated cane juice and white grape juice concentrate, the “low calorie” flavors and all the powders contain sucralose. (The soft chews contain sugar and corn syrup, but that’s still better than artificial sweeteners.)

I’ll be holding out because I just want the good stuff, but regardless, expect a full review in the future.

Aside from the sweeteners and typical vitamins and minerals, here is a little quote about the main active ingredient:

Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in the skins of apples, blueberries, and onions. It protects the adrenaline that your body naturally creates to give you energy for small daily tasks like staying awake at work and big events like running a marathon. Quercetin allows your body to use energy more efficiently so you feel more energy for a longer amount of time.

(Quoted from the FRS website.)

So if you want some, get an FRS Free Trial!

(It’s a $65 value but you pay shipping, and then if you don’t cancel by phone, they’ll set you up for automatic monthly payments. The typical “catch” for any free trial offer.)

Photo credit: FRS

If you weren’t watching track cycling back in 1990, you sure missed out on some good racing. These days track racing is a lot of “ride fast and beat the guy at the line.” But back in the day, there were some crazy tactics at super fast and super slow speeds.

Check it out in this match sprint of Michael Huebner versus Claudio Golinelli for the world championship. Old school!