I have just had the new Saxo Bank kit explained to me. My impression is just Wow. Since the introduction of the Cervelo Test Team the Aero Jerseys and shorts and the rest of the investment they have made has changed the way they are percieved and what riders now what from their kit.
Seeing the new Saxo kit it the level has been raised again. The fabrics and cut have taken the advantage to a new level. The difference between a regular jersey and an aero jersey is worth about 10 watts at 40kmh. In a sport where every second counts and marginal differences make a huge difference over 8 hours or 3 weeks this is not only an advantage in myth, but in reality.
Will you want some, absolutely cycling clothing is now as technical as the bikes the riders are riding.
When does the racing start again?
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Monday Monday
looks good to me so the song went. Finally I cracked on Sunday. So much crap weather had got to me. Not having ridden a bike outside since early December had got to me. Okay it's not all the weathers fault, a bout of swine flu stopped me in my tracks for a bit and then the snow came.
I'm not really a fan of the snow. It may go back to the time when I had snow blindness as a kid. I remember starring outside and then nothing for hours until I woke up at home. It was very strange. The thing is that when I was a kid we used to have Winters like this all the time, or at least that is how I remember them.
Walking to school was a mission at the best of times as it was 3-4 miles which when you are 8 is a long way. Anyhow back to the bike. It had got the better off me so on Sunday evening I prepared the cross bike. I knew that the advantages of the cross bike in certain areas also had the potential of being completely the wrong bike for others. So how did it go. Frankly lack of fitness and slugging round the knobbly tyres was hard work. The sections where I thought the cross bike would be good were outweighed by the fact that the tyres couldn't grip throught the ice.
I think as a cyclist we always want a bike that can handle anything, but the reality is that not one is the master of all conditions. So as a bike collector (or tart) I'll be adding some more to my stable. I did see a fantastic Kona which might just be my next winter bike ....... but that as they say is another story.
Be careful out there folks and I hope that the 'cabin fever' doesn't get too bad. You could always drag the turbo/rollers outside.
I'm not really a fan of the snow. It may go back to the time when I had snow blindness as a kid. I remember starring outside and then nothing for hours until I woke up at home. It was very strange. The thing is that when I was a kid we used to have Winters like this all the time, or at least that is how I remember them.
Walking to school was a mission at the best of times as it was 3-4 miles which when you are 8 is a long way. Anyhow back to the bike. It had got the better off me so on Sunday evening I prepared the cross bike. I knew that the advantages of the cross bike in certain areas also had the potential of being completely the wrong bike for others. So how did it go. Frankly lack of fitness and slugging round the knobbly tyres was hard work. The sections where I thought the cross bike would be good were outweighed by the fact that the tyres couldn't grip throught the ice.
I think as a cyclist we always want a bike that can handle anything, but the reality is that not one is the master of all conditions. So as a bike collector (or tart) I'll be adding some more to my stable. I did see a fantastic Kona which might just be my next winter bike ....... but that as they say is another story.
Be careful out there folks and I hope that the 'cabin fever' doesn't get too bad. You could always drag the turbo/rollers outside.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
King Kelly
Sean Kelly is one of the few PRO's that I have ever got star struck over (along with Eddy Merckx). I met him a few years ago and like a star struck groupie I managed to say hello and that's about it. Irony is that he's one of the more approachable guys out there, according to those who know him well.
As a PRO he rode through three decades and saw many changes in both the technology of bikes (and equipment) and how racing changed. I bet 1/2 a hour with him would provide many useful soundbites and thoughts on racing then and today. It's difficult not to like Kelly, as a rider we won many of the important races, and some more than once. I like him because he's earthy, hard working and even today still loves to ride his bike.
AN Post may not be the biggest of Teams but you have to respect a guy who is busy with commentating and charity duties while at the same time being involved in the team. On the subject of the Team, they will be using CRAFT baselayers (or underwear if we are thinking Euro speak) for next season. The CRAFT kit is excellent and are currently my favorite for moisture management.
Some of the UK magazines have been talking about Cavendish as the greatest Sprinter of all time. This maybe true, but it is difficult to compare generations to one another, although we can't help ourselves. Is he the fastest, probably Yes, but this season will see many of the famous lead out train on different teams and this will no doubt influence the speed he is delivered to the last 250m.
Kelly is harder to pigeon hole. It would be easy to call him a Sprinter, winning the Green jersey four times (and the Vueltas Blue jersey 4 times as well) and Milan San Remo twice. But is Kelly the last of the 'Great Ones', able to win Classics (Paris Roubaix, L-B-L and Tour de Lombardi), Grand Tours (Vuelta) and short stage races (Paris-Nice and Tour de Suisse). I am unsure if we'll see this kind of rider again. For me this is a shame as the true all-rounder is what lifts riders such as Merckx, Hinault and Kelly into that 'Great arena'.
I'm not going to waffle on about his results but these great clips shows more than I can say in words. Hopefully at some point I'd like to interview him, then I'll have something to write about.
As a PRO he rode through three decades and saw many changes in both the technology of bikes (and equipment) and how racing changed. I bet 1/2 a hour with him would provide many useful soundbites and thoughts on racing then and today. It's difficult not to like Kelly, as a rider we won many of the important races, and some more than once. I like him because he's earthy, hard working and even today still loves to ride his bike.
AN Post may not be the biggest of Teams but you have to respect a guy who is busy with commentating and charity duties while at the same time being involved in the team. On the subject of the Team, they will be using CRAFT baselayers (or underwear if we are thinking Euro speak) for next season. The CRAFT kit is excellent and are currently my favorite for moisture management.
Some of the UK magazines have been talking about Cavendish as the greatest Sprinter of all time. This maybe true, but it is difficult to compare generations to one another, although we can't help ourselves. Is he the fastest, probably Yes, but this season will see many of the famous lead out train on different teams and this will no doubt influence the speed he is delivered to the last 250m.
Kelly is harder to pigeon hole. It would be easy to call him a Sprinter, winning the Green jersey four times (and the Vueltas Blue jersey 4 times as well) and Milan San Remo twice. But is Kelly the last of the 'Great Ones', able to win Classics (Paris Roubaix, L-B-L and Tour de Lombardi), Grand Tours (Vuelta) and short stage races (Paris-Nice and Tour de Suisse). I am unsure if we'll see this kind of rider again. For me this is a shame as the true all-rounder is what lifts riders such as Merckx, Hinault and Kelly into that 'Great arena'.
I'm not going to waffle on about his results but these great clips shows more than I can say in words. Hopefully at some point I'd like to interview him, then I'll have something to write about.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Reflection
But as a cyclist there any many points within the year that enable the self assessment. Winter in itself is a great time to draw a picture of where you are and where you want to be. The process of training, recording and looking at data is a viable way of moving forward with some tangible results, whether positive or negative. After the cold dark months of Winter and when Spring is still a little around the corner the first Race/Ride against your peers is the next point of reflection. After the hours of training you finally have a real world measure to gauge yourself against.
Depending on when your season starts, and ends, the mid season is the third point where goals are checked, re-evaluated and adjusted. For many people it also echoes a break in intensity in their riding. If you have a family this maybe already chosen for you in the guise of a Summer holiday, don't resent it but embrace it. You'll come back rested and gagging to get back on the bike. For the PRO rider splitting the season into chunks is the only way to hit 'form' and achieve goals throughout the year.
The fourth point is the end of the season. Balance I feel is the best approach here. No point in being too negative, while also at the same time it is highly important to be honest with ones self. Many start thinking about next year then. To a degree I do, but I always wait until January to think about which rides I'd like to do. Then before you know it we are back at the end/beginning of the New Year.
So what am I planning, or what am I looking to resolve. So being a firm believer in the need for goals and having something to aim for here is my list. Like many time and money and the balance of work and family life all need to be considered.
- Spend more time riding in Belgium. Not sure exactly how this is going to pan out. Whether it'll be one big trip or a series of some long weekends. What I do know is I like the people and the roads are my idea of heaven.
- Lose that 6 kg that is killing me on the climbs. I'm never going to be a Twiggo, but a little lighter will be better.
- Spend more time riding with my family. This at times will be frustrating, as it won't be this or that; but what it will be is quality time put into the investment bank of friendship and love. I would loved to have gone riding with my parents as a kid, I can't rob my children of that memory.
- Sort a Summer commuting bike out. Don't really want to ride the S2 to work, but I'd like to have a lighter machine compared to my Winter Surly.
- Blog more. I haven't written enough this year, but will try to write more regularly.
- Get in touch with friends I have lost contact with. This is a whole Pandora's box of possible good and bad experiences.
Here's to a great 2010, on a whole 2009 has been a great year, Best Wishes to you.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Traditions and Rules
Folks welcome to the 21st century. I sit somewhere between enjoying and observing the 'rules of the road' and at times struggling with the constraints that they bring. I am all for road etiquette, pointing out road furniture, pot holes and not blowing snot on your fellow riders. But in regards to clothing the old rules have passed away and a new free form expression needs to be embraced, by one and all, regardless is you decide to follow it.
Once upon a time all road shoes were black and socks were white. Sometime in the mid eighties this all started to change, no doubt spurred along by the new clipless technology. Companies like Castelli and Assos changed the way PRO's and cyclists the world over wore jerseys and shorts. Sub-lamenation and lycra had a massive effect on the apparel industry encouraging manufacturers to look beyond their normal supply chains for new and exciting fabrics. The Ski industry must receive a doffed cap as important changes like the Look pedal and the Assos short come from that sport.
Shoe makers looked for new materials to create lighter and better drying shoes fr their Elite athletes. Although leather is a fantastic option traditional leathers where heavy and highly absorbent (Kangaroo skin is favoured these days if using leather). Lorica was new, an artificial leather but with all the correct attributes that the shoe companies were looking for; lightweight, faster drying, less prone to sun fade and less stretch. Whether the two are intertwined or fashion helped dictate it also but it seemed as Lorica became popular so did the emergence of coloured shoes.
sprintingforsigns
In the nineties socks no longer 'had to be White'. Teams tied the colour of the socks in with the rest of the uniforms allowing a flowing look from head to foot. Lance Armstrong is highly credited to the wearing of black socks. While this isn't entirely true as other PRO cyclists donned this look before him, he was (and I think still is) the only reining Tour de France champion to do so. Since his recent come back I can't think of an occasion when I haven't seen him wearing the black sock/shoe combo.
theroaddiaries
With the absence of rules, in regards to clothing, there are no rights or wrongs. Bike snobbery, is at best unpleasant, at worst damaging as it removes freedom of expression and creativity which may be absent from the riders 'normal life'.
Bicycles should be about liberation and for a couple of hours being able to forget the 'normal life' and not have to comply to a whole set of other rules. Maybe I'm always looking for that freedom I experienced as a 9 year old boy, and on a good ride still manage to find. Oh and for the record I like white shoes but never white socks.
theroaddiaries
Once upon a time all road shoes were black and socks were white. Sometime in the mid eighties this all started to change, no doubt spurred along by the new clipless technology. Companies like Castelli and Assos changed the way PRO's and cyclists the world over wore jerseys and shorts. Sub-lamenation and lycra had a massive effect on the apparel industry encouraging manufacturers to look beyond their normal supply chains for new and exciting fabrics. The Ski industry must receive a doffed cap as important changes like the Look pedal and the Assos short come from that sport.
Shoe makers looked for new materials to create lighter and better drying shoes fr their Elite athletes. Although leather is a fantastic option traditional leathers where heavy and highly absorbent (Kangaroo skin is favoured these days if using leather). Lorica was new, an artificial leather but with all the correct attributes that the shoe companies were looking for; lightweight, faster drying, less prone to sun fade and less stretch. Whether the two are intertwined or fashion helped dictate it also but it seemed as Lorica became popular so did the emergence of coloured shoes.
In the nineties socks no longer 'had to be White'. Teams tied the colour of the socks in with the rest of the uniforms allowing a flowing look from head to foot. Lance Armstrong is highly credited to the wearing of black socks. While this isn't entirely true as other PRO cyclists donned this look before him, he was (and I think still is) the only reining Tour de France champion to do so. Since his recent come back I can't think of an occasion when I haven't seen him wearing the black sock/shoe combo.
With the absence of rules, in regards to clothing, there are no rights or wrongs. Bike snobbery, is at best unpleasant, at worst damaging as it removes freedom of expression and creativity which may be absent from the riders 'normal life'.
Bicycles should be about liberation and for a couple of hours being able to forget the 'normal life' and not have to comply to a whole set of other rules. Maybe I'm always looking for that freedom I experienced as a 9 year old boy, and on a good ride still manage to find. Oh and for the record I like white shoes but never white socks.
Saturday, 26 December 2009
The Calendar
Like any important date on the calendar the expectation that comes before Christmas can surpass the event itself sometimes. Maybe this is why before racing people get so nervous & need to pee a lot, & in some cases puke.
It's difficult not to apply the same build up while approaching a major event cycling wise as you can to Christmas; be it Flanders, the Etapé or the club 10. As important & special these events are would they benefit from a slighty more relaxed build up, and allowing the day to unfold?
Nerves & anticipation produce one positive side effect, adrenalin. The fight or flight instinct kicks in & the first part of any race/ride could be run on this alone. But like a sugar spike the loss of adrenalin in the system feels harsh & cruel once depleted. Caffeine & any energy product helps feed the system ready for the next attack and the bodies next fix of natural highs.
I'm looking forward to not only my first time on the bike in over three weeks but next year. Already I will be facing new challenges & old. New sportives, some enduro Mtb and Crit racing seemed to have crept onto the calendar for next year. I'm looking forward to the challenges and the Highs & Lows that come with it.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Sugoi Walaroo 290 Winter Hat, IMO
When I saw this product in the Spring I knew that when we had them in stock I'd have to buy one. I couldn't have predicted that we'd be sold out by mid September and initially I thought I'd missed out. With more orders placed I had to wait until they arrived, with the temperatures dropping it couldn't arrive soon enough.
Rapha revived this hat which had it's last bastions in the cycling hinterlands of Belgium and Italy. There hats of this guise are common place, although internet searches don't throw up many results but go to any cross race in Winter or the Spring Classics and you will see plenty.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedaleforchetta/
Much like the Rapha Winter Hat this one from Sugoi uses Merino Wool. Where it instantly scores higher is in the bulk department. It's thinner so making under the helmet use a lot easier, while at the same time retaining the required style elements for those who prefer not to ride with a Helmet. Colour options come from the Henry Ford pantone book, and I'd like to see some colour options, red, white and blue would be welcome.
So this Winter Hat does it's job nicely. It keeps the head and ears warm while not boiling the head. One size fits most with only the very small or large heads not being catered for. It is low bulk item and has survived multiple washes. This bodes well for a longevity test and because of this I throughly recommend you get one. The best bit, it can be all yours for around £20.
Rapha revived this hat which had it's last bastions in the cycling hinterlands of Belgium and Italy. There hats of this guise are common place, although internet searches don't throw up many results but go to any cross race in Winter or the Spring Classics and you will see plenty.
Much like the Rapha Winter Hat this one from Sugoi uses Merino Wool. Where it instantly scores higher is in the bulk department. It's thinner so making under the helmet use a lot easier, while at the same time retaining the required style elements for those who prefer not to ride with a Helmet. Colour options come from the Henry Ford pantone book, and I'd like to see some colour options, red, white and blue would be welcome.
So this Winter Hat does it's job nicely. It keeps the head and ears warm while not boiling the head. One size fits most with only the very small or large heads not being catered for. It is low bulk item and has survived multiple washes. This bodes well for a longevity test and because of this I throughly recommend you get one. The best bit, it can be all yours for around £20.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
