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102 CYCLING TIPS: GUARANTEED YOU’LL BE A BETTER RIDER CCC 02985 AUGUST 2009 SUMMER TRAVEL SPECIAL -THE ULTIMATE 30-DAY TRIP -THE BEST BIKES FOR TRAVEL BIKE TESTS - SPECIALIZED - GIANT - FONDRIEST - RITCHEY PARIS-ROUBAIX SPRING CLASSIC PHOTO SPECIAL BOB ROLL’S CYCLING SURVIVAL TACTICS TUBULAR SECRETS THE BEST TIRES FOR THE BEST RIDERS CRASH INSURANCE THE RIGHT HELMET IS YOUR BEST FRIEND Attn. retailer: Please display until July 10 $4.99

NEVER SAY “THE KEY TO WINNING ROUBAIX IS TO NEVER SAY DIE. IT’S ALL ABOUT SURVIVING, SURVIVING, SURVIVING. MAYBE THAT’S WHY I’M SO GOOD ON THE COBBLESTONES. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP.” LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TOM BOONEN AND HIS ROUBAIX SL2 CONQUERED THE “HELL OF THE NORTH” AT I-AM-SPECIALIZED.COM DIE.

RBA contents BIKE TESTS TRAVEL SPECIAL 38 SPECIALIZED TARMAC PRO 42 THE ULTIMATE 30 DAY TRAINING RIDE The Latest & Greatest Out of Morgan Hill What Role Can Canada and Mexico Play in Your 56 GIANT TCR ADVANCED SL Life? When All Day Comfort and All-Out Performance 80 HAVE BIKE WILL TRAVEL Meet Testing the Latest Break-Apart Bikes from Dean 94 FONDRIEST TF1 and Ritchey If a World Champ Had His Own Bike TECH FEATURES 76 TOTALLY TUBULAR 34 BOB ROLL Visiting the Home of FMB Tubular Tires As You Might Expect, Bobke Has His Own Type of 116 ROAD TEST: FULCRUM RACING ZERO Tips High-End Aluminum Hoops 50 RACING FOR A CURE Team Type 1 Is Aiming For a Bigger Win Than Just the Tour de France 60 102 TIPS EVERY ROADIE SHOULD KNOW The Countdown to Becoming a Better Rider 86 ADS OF THE ’80s Taking a Look Back on a Different Decade 100 WOMEN HELPING WOMEN Jenny Skorez Lends a Helping Hand 102 MINI-WORKOUTS When You Only Have a Few Minutes 106 PILGRIMAGE TO PARIS-ROUBAIX Riding the Cobbles for the First Time www.roadbikeaction.com 4

RBA DEPARTMENTS 10 FROM THE EDITOR Here Are 20 Tips Not to Follow VOLUME 3 NUMBER 6 12 ZAP’S COLUMN AUGUST 2009 On the Cover: Tom Boonen up front at the Tour of Flanders. Will Shimano’s New Di2 Have Us All Singing a Photo: Yuzuru Sunada Different Tune? This page: A close-up view of the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. Photo: Yuzuru Sunada 16 BIKE CULTURE ROAD BIKE ACTION Magazine (ISSN: 1069-2649 Canada GST 12500#9266RT: CPC INT’L. PUB MAIL 40024492) AUGUST, 2009 (Volume 3, Sea Otter Outtakes, Keeping Up with the Tweets Number 6) is published bi-monthly by Daisy/Hi-Torque Publishing Company, 26 LETTERS Inc., with editorial offices at 25233 Anza Dr., Valencia, CA 91355. Subscriptions $15.99 for one year (9 issues). Canada add $8 additional We’re Here for You postage for one year. Foreign add $15 additional postage for one year. Subscriptions $28.99 for two years. Foreign subscriptions are shipped by sur- 28 WHY WE RIDE face mail and may take up to 15 weeks to receive. Copyright ©2009 by Daisy/Hi-Torque Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing in this Make Yourself Feel Free Inside magazine may be reprinted in whole or in part, by any means, without the 30 SLAYIN' IT express permission of the publisher. Contributors: Photographs should be submitted in digital form on CD or DVD. Images should be 4 megapixels or higher. High-quality, low-compression JPEG images are preferred. Please limit Taylor Phinney Lays Waste to the World submissions to no more than 20 photos at one time. Transparencies and 104 ASK R.C. prints will no longer be accepted for consideration; such images should be scanned and submitted as high-resolution digital files. Captions should You Got Questions & RC Has the Answers accompany all submissions. Make sure the photographer’s name, address, phone number and e-mail address are clearly labeled on each CD or DVD. 114 THE CAT 6 CHRONICLES Submissions will not be returned. Written articles should be submitted on CD (unless other arrangements have been made with the editors), saved as “text” How to Fit a Helmet the Right Way files, and accompanied by a printed version. Written submissions, both on paper and CD, will not be returned. The publisher does not assume responsi- 118 IN THE MIX bility for unsolicited material. PERIODICALS: Postage paid at Santa Clarita, CA 91383, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address Looking for New Products changes to Road Bike Action Magazine, P.O. 958, Valencia, CA 91380- 119 ON THE STREETS 9058. Printed in U.S.A. For Canadian returns mail to: Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Some Sweet Bikes to Savor WARNING: Much of the action depicted in 120 LAST SHOT this magazine is potentially dangerous. A Glimpse at Amstel-Gold Virtually all of the riders seen in our photos 122 OFF THE RIVET are experienced experts or professionals. Do Welcome to the Herd—As Long As You Shave Your Legs not attempt to duplicate any stunts that are beyond your own capabilities. Always use dis- cretion and wear the appropriate safety gear. Road Bike Action 5

I GAMBLED EVERYTHING ON “IT WAS ALL OR NOTHING, AND IN THE END, IT WAS JUST ME AT THE FINISH. TO TAKE A DOUBLE AT FLANDERS IS A DREAM.” READ MORE ABOUT HOW STIJN DEVOLDER WENT DOUBLE OR NOTHING TO WIN ANOTHER TOUR OF FLANDERS ON THE TARMAC SL2 AT I-AM-SPECIALIZED.COM THE MUUR.

Editor Brad Roe Feature Editor Zapata Espinoza Technical Editor Richard Cunningham European Editor Tim Maloney Online Editor Phil Booth Featured Columnist Bob Roll Designer Vicky Bertrand Photography Pat Carrigan, John Ker Contributing Photographers: Roberto Bettini, Yuzuru Sunada, Mitch Friedman, Ken Conley, Craig Dooley, Karl Ockert, Tom Moran, Terry Martin, Jeff Tse, Tim Tadder. Contributing Editors: Philip Booth, Paolo Galloni, Chris Henry, Ryan Cleek, Bob Sutton Test Consultants: Jon Miller, Dorothy Wong, Bari Waalk, Bob Sutton, Sean McCoy, Brian Bosse Online Editor: Tom Hinz Production Coordinator Wally Deicken Copy Editors Cassandra Mittelberg Prelim Coordinator William Hawley IV Advertising Advertising Director: Robb Mesecher National Advertising Director: Robert Rex Account Executive: Derreck Bernard Ad Production Coordinator: Eric Harter Account Executive: Lisa Beckwith Executive Web Advertising Director: Sean McCoy Hi-Torque Publications, Inc. President and Publisher Roland Hinz Associate Publisher Lila Hinz Assistant To The President Cassandra Mittelberg Assistant To The President Katharine McCoy Assistant To The President Tom Hinz Circulation Director Jeff Shoop Promotions Director Tim La Paglia Editorial and Advertising Offices 25233 Anza Drive Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 295-1910 Fax: (661) 295-1278 www.hi-torque.com Subscription Information To subscribe to Road Bike Action please visit us at www.roadbikeaction.com Or call, (800) 767-0345 (8am-5pm PST, M-F) Any change of address or subscription problems please contact us by e-mail: Wanda@hi-torque.com or call (800) 767-0345. www.roadbikeaction.com

FIELD TESTED BY COLUMBIA-HIGH ROAD Photo: TDWSPORTS.COM Proud sponsor of: “First Endurance is a leader in developing innovative products of superior quality for the unique needs of endurance athletes.” -Bob Stapleton (Columbia-High Road General Manager) THE ULTIMATE ENDURANCE NUTRITION Team Columbia-High Road is the number one ranked professional cycling team in the world. In 2008, they won 154 different races, including six stages of the Tour de France, four stages of the Giro d’Italia and multiple overall tour wins. They know what it takes to be at their best in the most demanding races in the world. That’s why they count on the award-winning, critically acclaimed First Endurance system to help them go harder and recover faster day after day. Shouldn’t you?

RBA from the editor brad@roadbikeaction.com By Brad Roe 20 TIPS NOT TO FOLLOW 9) Don’t decide that you alone are responsible to tell all oncoming traffic to slow down by flapping your arms like a bird and looking angry. I’m struggling with this one, but will keep you posted. It has something to do with age. 10) Never attack the faster riders at the beginning of your local climb and then give them the Lance-to-Ulrich look. You can’t pull that off. 11) Don’t tell your wife you are quitting your great job and moving your family to Spain to ride more, be a better dad and work on your next novel. 12) Also, don’t tell your wife you think $11,000 will pay for an entire year living in Spain, and then ask her to please see if her parents are interested in helping make that happen. T his is our first annual 102-Cycling Tips issue. In honor of 13) Never ask Lance in an interview when he plans to lose that, I decided to do the exact opposite and tell you 20 those final 15 pounds. Not good at all. things not to do in 2009 in order to save you grief at home and abroad. 14) Don’t buy a tandem for your spouse unless you plan on riding it solo for the training benefits. It’s just going to be you and 1) When you get on an elevator with your bike, in your Lycra, the bike in two weeks, so accept it now. It’s not a bad look, riding do not greet others with a firm handshake and demand they call solo on a tandem, as long as you aren’t wearing mountain bike you, “Admiral.” shorts and listening to country music. 2) Under no circumstances should you wear mountain bike 15) While stopping for a break at your local Gas and Sip, don’t shorts while riding a road bike. Better not to ride at all. Go fishing let your Lycra armor compel you to ask the employees technical instead—and bring good sandwiches. questions about the business like, “When are you guys gonna pipe in bio-diesel from Berkeley.” Just drink your Diet Rite and go 3) When you are at a stoplight and trying to pull off the Pro- on your way. track-stand-I-can-balance-longer-than-you thing, do not grab onto the mirror of a pickup truck. Chances are it’s a redneck—and you 16) Don’t ever tell your wife you are thinking of becoming a are doomed. car-less family unless you plan to back it up. If you make that choice, great, but don’t mention it to her right after you tell her 4) Never sing while riding and listening to country music. First about the plans to move to Spain. of all, you shouldn’t listen to music while riding, and certainly not country music. They say it melts your brain. 17) Don’t tell any of your riding partners that you stretch or do yoga or Pilates and expect them to respect you for it. You are bet- 5) When entering a bike shop, don’t shout out, “Who’s in ter off telling them you’ve started a worm farm in the backyard charge, here?” or throw the employees your keys and tell them to for extra money so you can buy tickets to go see Cher in Las park your car carefully. Vegas. 6) According to Zap, knee warmers are not to be worn as leg 18) Don’t try to break into a fixie-gang without doing your warmers, but I’m not sure I agree with him. I do, however, agree research in all things hip and urban. It could be dangerous and to disagree. isn’t recommended for anyone over 23. 7) Do not use embrocations on your legs (especially not the 19) Don’t tell your wife you are planning on racing a full sched- strong stuff), then proceed to eat an apple or run your hands ule in 2010 right after you tell her you want to move to Spain, bor- through your hair. It’s a bad way to start the day. row money from her parents, and put you and the kids on her health insurance policy. 8) Don’t put recovery drink powder in your morning milk thinking it will help you drive to work better. Just drink the milk and 20) Don’t forget to laugh at how great and silly this whole cycling save the powder for when you are actually riding. thing is once in a while. Chances are it will make you faster… www.roadbikeaction.com 10

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. The BB30. Nearly a decade after we invented it, the BB30 is now recognized as the industry standard. And standard on the Team Liquigas SuperSix Hi-MOD. The good fight. cannondale.com

RBA zap’s column letters By Zapata Espinoza I t’s that time of year. Spring is in the air. The flower fields are I do enthusiastically eschew all forms of electronic gizmos on my starting to burst with color. With longer daylight hours, the bike. That has less to do with being “anti-tech” as it is simply that speed demons are coming back out to play on Tuesday and I want my cycling experience to be as pure as possible. Felice Thursday nights for the Rose Bowl training rides. Oh, and what’s Gimondi accomplished quite a bit as a bike racer without ever that funny noise I hear? A small chirping sound? No, it’s not the once using a heart rate monitor or GPS. swallows returning to Capistrano. It’s a new sound. A different sound. A sound that could very well change the face of cycling as At the end of each day, after remembering and punching in we currently know it. countless codes and passwords to access information to get by in life, when I get on my bike I’m looking for uncluttered handlebars I’m talking of course about the sound of the electronic shifts and an uncluttered mind, so that I can have an uncluttered ride. made by Shimano’s revolutionary Di2 electronic drivetrain. I don’t want to download ride coordinates or heart rate rhythms. “Chirp.” While there aren’t that many of the battery-operated The only thing that I want to recharge after each ride is myself— groups in action, they are out there in a big way in the minds of a short glass of red with some sliced Bel Gioioso Parmesan and the most product-affected bike geeks. People ask me if I’ve ridden “Seinfeld” re-runs will do just fine. No batteries needed. it (yes), what it rides like (shrug), and when it will be available (by the time you’re reading this). After a few rides with electronic Dura-Ace, I came to the con- clusion that, yeah, it’s cool, but it’s not going to do anything to Now, in case the shrug wasn’t enough of an indication of my enhance my ride. Robb was, of course, immediately angling to be opinion of the drivetrain components, let me just say this about the first on the block to own the futuristic system. I couldn’t fig- the new parts, “Yeah whatever.” I know Wayne Stetina was a big ure out why. Spending $4000-plus for bike parts that won’t make player in the development of Di2, and I make no apology for the you faster, stronger, or more comfortable? For anyone who was abundant respect I have for him, but to me, it’s no different than if actually in search of those three attributes, I would happily advise my favorite eatery offered a new recipe for haggis; it just wouldn’t them to instead invest in a new set of lightweight wheels, along move my needle at all. The technology is simply amazing. So amaz- with the one Shimano product that easily does offer those three ing, in fact, that neither I (nor any other pedal scribe) will ever be attributes—their SH-R300 shoes with the Thermo-form, easy-bake, able to speak about mechanical shifting being so quick that it vacuum fit. Awesome stuff, and you’d still have enough money left feels automatic, because it can’t be since that is what Di2—and over to fly to Italy and enjoy the ride. only Di2—actually serves up. “Chirp!” Yeah, I know Campagnolo has already race tested their elec- Okay, so this wouldn’t be the first time that I was accused of tronic gruppo and the Sramsters mumbled something about “next being a Mexican Luddite. But really, I am no closer to being a year” when I brought it up with them on our Solvang ride. And long-lost relative of Ned Ludd than I am Kozo Shimano. So maybe then it will be done...birds of a feather. Win free stuff at Zap’s blog on www.roadbikeaction.com www.roadbikeaction.com 12

www.eastonbike.com PARIS-ROUBAIX 314,745 BUMPS. EA90 SLX TESTED BEYOND 4.4 MILLION BUMPS. 1,398 GRAMS. PRECISION HANDBUILT. EASTON EA6X RIMS. CERAMIC BEARINGS. EASTON. BEYOND ENGINEERING.

THE TREK MADONE. NOW AVAILABLE IN MILLIONS OF OPTIONS. ™ Customize yours at trekbikes.com/projectone

RBA bike culture SEA OTTER CLASSIC OUTTAKES As a frame engineer at Trek, you can bet that Ray Waxham has one of the most impressive stables of one-off bikes. This flat-barred, belt-driven, single-speed Madone with a patented rear dropout of Ray’s own design will actually be a production model for 2010. Inspired by the rigors of Paris-Roubaix, Zipp introduced a re- The Laguna Seca race track in Monterey, California, is the designed 303 wheel that offers up a host of new features to perfect venue to hold an event like the Sea Otter. Besides the make your wheel-buying choice even more difficult. Key road races, the nearly two-decade-old Sea Otter plays host to upgrades for the $2285 hoops include a wider tire bed every type of dirt event imaginable. After more years of rain (22.3mm to 27.5mm) for improved lateral stiffness, reduced than anyone could imagine, this year’s event was held under radial stiffness for more comfort, and an angled brake track ideal conditions. www.seaotter.com for better modulation. Already a race winner, the upgrades are found with the tubular 303 only. www.zipp.com The days at Sea Otter can be long, and there are few things better than a steaming cup-o-Joe from a bike-friendly coffee Following two consecutive runner-up finishes in the crit and maker to help get you through the day. Mark Ritz held various road race to the Colavita/Sutter Home squad, Joanne jobs in the industry before casting off the yoke of sales meet- Kiesanowski and her Team Tibco squad exacted revenge by ings to start his own boutique coffee house. www.kinetic-kof- taking the 50-mile circuit race. www.teamtibco.com fee.com www.roadbikeaction.com 16

RBA As usual, there was no shortage of flashy bikes over at the SRAM compound. Vision has been in the aero business since 1995, and thanks to their acquisition by FSA, they’re now going big in the wheel market by releasing a line of high-performance, purpose-built wheels for every type of rider. The TriMax line includes everything from this 88mm deep carbon Ultimate to the 33mm deep aluminum TriMax Pro. The wheels use Sapim spokes and are assembled in Italy. www.theloopisclosed.com As usual, SRAM used the Sea Otter to introduce some new Italian component maker 3T was one of many vendors show- parts, and this year it was the re-introduction of their mid- ing off their wares to the assembled masses. Nearing the level Force group. For 2010 the Force parts enjoy a sultry gray 50th anniversary of the storied brand’s history, 3T offers a full anodized finish, plus a lighter weight over the previous ver- range of carbon and aluminum components, including the sion. Look for a complete group with BB30 bottom bracket high end Ltd. line of stems, bars and seatposts. We especially option weighing in at 1957 grams and costing $1439. liked the highly adjustable Palladio seatpost. www.sram.com www.thenew3T.com Road Bike Action 17

RBA bike culture SEA OTTER OUTTAKES RBA MINI-VIEW: LEVI RIDES LOCAL The Sea Otter race is not considered a think the race could be mine. I have no Levi: They’re not using the mountain major race on the Pro schedule, so it came pressure on me, and I have to say I was sur- stage we used last year, so we’ll have to as quite a surprise to many spectators prised at winning Castilla de Leon, so I see. Last year I ran a Compact crank on when it was announced that Levi have good fitness. With all that in mind, it that stage with a 34-28 gear. Contador ran Leipheimer would be in attendance. We got might be the opportunity I need to do well. a 34x30 gear on that stage, and I wish I a chance to sit down with the Team Astana Still, it’s a special race this year (the 100th had more gear. It’s funny to think about the rider, who was spending some weeks at gearing now compared to back in the day. home following his recent win at the It used to be that a 23 gear was consid- Castilla de Leon race in Spain. ered big, then it was a 25, and then it went to a 27. I run an 11-28 for early sea- RBA: What are you doing racing the son training, and I remember thinking this Sea Otter, and what’s on your plate com- year, why not just run a Compact all the ing up? time? Levi: This is actually my second local race since I came home from the race in RBA: Earlier you talked about the ben- Spain. I haven’t raced the Sea Otter in a efits of the new SRAM cable system. few years, and I just thought it would be What impact does it have on your riding? fun to come down and give it a try. After Levi: I have a rain bike that uses a this, I’ll probably head to Utah or fully sealed cable system, so I’m partial to Not only was it surprising to see Levi Colorado to get some high-altitude train- race at the Sea Otter, but it was the Gore cables for that. Now I’m using ing in before heading over to the Giro. stranger still to see him unloading his the new SRAM/Gore cables on my race After the Giro, unless we do some stage bike (with the help of SRAM’s Alex bike, and the shift action is so smooth—I’d Wassmann) from the trunk of his car. previews for the Tour de France, I’ll come say 40 percent smoother—and that makes back to the States for more altitude train- anniversary), and the Italian guys all want a huge difference in a long race. During ing. to do good. In a way it’s a little bit like me some longer races I’ve actually suffered and the Tour of California—it’s my home from tendinitis from shifting so much. With RBA: What are your thoughts on the race, and I always end up riding stronger all the gears we have now, you end up shift- Giro? there. For the Italian riders, the Giro is the ing much more frequently, and you’d be Levi: The long-time trial will be unlike same for them. surprised at how much effort that can take anything anyone has ever done before. during a long day. Those cables definitely With a distance like that it will most likely RBA: What about gear selections on the make it easier, so it’s not as hard on the be ridden on a road bike, not a TT bike. I climbs? body. RBA MEET & GREET: MICHAEL PARKER Although the Sea Otter is predominant- a few wraps of tape to the top tube to pre- ly a mountain bike event, hundreds of road vent it from getting any more dented from riders showed up to compete in a trio of the handle bars hitting it. As old as the bike skinny tire events. Luckily among all the is, I have to say that it still has a really modern day, high falootin’ carbon-fiber smooth ride, and I like its stability at speed. wonder bikes, you’ll always find a selection I think the colors are really special, too, of classic back in the day works of two- especially today since so many bikes are wheeled art. Among them was 47-year-old black!” Coincidentally just as Parker was Michael Parker of Livermore, California, gloating over the tapered Columbus tubes who was aboard a beautiful Serotta of his faded neon tri-colored bike, former 7- Colorado II that he bought new back in Eleven man, Bob Roll, called us and verified 1991. the bike’s sweet ride and its place in the “I picked it up at Downey Cycles in pantheon of great race bikes. Parker then Southern California,” said Parker. “It was let on that he was skipping work to come just around the same time that the 7-Eleven out to race. His profession? It turns out that team was riding them, so that’s why I the unabashed steel lover is actually a bought it. The only thing I’ve changed on it composite engineer for the aerospace was upgrading to a Shimano Dura Ace dri- industry. “Yeah, it’s kind of ironic, isn’t it, vetrain and Mavic wheels. Oh I also added that I don’t ride carbon!” www.roadbikeaction.com 20

RBA FIRST LOOK: SKINS COMPRESSION WEAR The idea of compression wear to aid designed to aid the recovery of ath- recovery is not altogether new. Skins is letes. Anyone familiar with compres- an Australian company that is among sion wear is probably already aware of the leaders in producing technical the signature black with bright yellow compression wear specifically seamed products made by Skins. www.skins.com NEED TO DROP A FEW? Pacific Health Labs, purveyors of “This is the first time a company has of bars and a shake version for that the popular (and RBA staple) specifically targeted endurance ath- critical afternoon snack time. We have Accelerade, is introducing a new letes looking to reach their weight tried the bars and our first impression line of products to help endurance goals,” Jason Ash, Pacific Health Labs was favorable. To learn more about athletes meet their weight goals. CEO told RBA. There will be two flavors the extensive science of these bars check out www.forze-gps.com “STAGES” AND LANCE HAVE ARRIVED world’s most creative and diverse artists benefiting the LAF. The exhibit will also to produce original works of art inspired travel to New York, Portland, Oregon by Armstrong and his mission to raise and Los Angeles with final dates to be awareness of the global cancer burden. announced. “This year it’s about more This unique project brings together the than winning the race. It’s about people world of art, philanthropy and sport, in a coming together to use their talents and way never before seen, to create artwork abilities for a cause bigger than our- that represents the power of human selves and doing everything within our Photo: Susan Goldman/Nike potential in overcoming adversity. power to help those in their fight to over- How much power does Lance have? The come cancer,” said Lance Armstrong. city closed down Sunset Boulevard in SEE YOU IN PARIS both directions so that Lance and the 700-rider strong “Stages” posse could A big supporter of “Stages” will be ride a few miles from the Children’s Lance’s longtime sponsor, Nike. “Nike Hospital to the theater where Ben Harper would later play. has been a committed partner in driv- It’s a rare sight on a Saturday night ing global awareness of the Lance in Hollywood that you see 700 cyclists Armstrong Foundation, while raising riding down Sunset Boulevard. But millions to help in the fight against that’s what happens when Lance cancer,” said Mark Parker, Nike Armstrong is in town to announce the President and CEO. “The ‘Stages’ tour creation of “Stages” which is a collu- brings people together, using their tal- Photo: Susan Goldman/Nike sion of the art, cycling and cancer com- ents to inspire and engage more peo- Lance Armstrong, Nike CEO Mark Parker ple in the fight against cancer.” Once and artist Shepard Fairey pose in front of munities to further the work of the a mural done by Fairey at Nike Lance Armstrong Foundation. “Stages” it’s unveiled in Paris, each one-of-a-kind Sportswear at the Montalbán in Hollywood. brings together more than twenty of the work of art will go on sale with proceeds Road Bike Action 21

RBA bike culture READ ON TWITTER While you sleep, work and or ride your • “I hear they arrested 2 guys 4 steal- there’s a lot of press clips re: my hair bike, the universal cycling conversation ing my bike at the ToC. These guys musta test/drug test yesterday and I was surprised continues on Twitter. Offering insight into been @ the back of the line when they were and asking?’s.” 11:42 a.m. March 18th the minds and lives of riders and industry handing out the brains.” 4:14 p.m. April 7th folk alike, here are a few nuggets that • “First off, I’m never surprised any- recently caught our attention. Yes keeping • “Read the Sunday Times Sports sec- more. What does surprise me is that AFLD up with Twitter means less time riding your tion on the flight. Pages and pages of ( French Anti-Doping Agency) feels the bike. In case you want to follow along with rugby, soccer, cricket and barely a mention need to publicly comment on confidential all the latest gossip and intrigue in the of Cavendish. Pitiful.” 8:17 a.m. March matters.” 11:47 a.m. March 18th cycling world, make sure to follow along at 22nd www.twitter.com/roadbikeaction @TAYLORPHINNEY • “Easy day today on the bike. Went @LANCEARMSTRONG and rode an easy lap on the Tour’s opening • “Gotta love int’l travel...up early, leav- TT circuit in Monaco. Nearly got hit by 3 or ing casa Merckx soon! Only 20 hours from • “Just off the bike. 6 hrs. Amazing ride. 4 Ferraris. Weird.” 5:40 a.m. March 19th now and I am home! Blehhh” 9:36 p.m. Harder than hell tho. Oh wait, that’s the April 19th way I like it.” 2:13 p.m. April 17th • “Yet another “surprise” anti-doping control. 24th one. This one from the French • “Last night in Belgie land...I’m really • “Mornin’, twitterati. Long ride on tap authorities. Urine, blood, and hair! excited to get home! A bird tells me there today. With intervals. I see in the NYT that Classic.” 7:31 a.m. March 17th are some World Champ Oakleys Bill Rodgers is running Boston. Awesome • “So I’m clear—never complaining waiting...Sick!” 1:49 p.m. April 19th news.” 4:43 a.m. April 15th about these tests. Def part of the job. Feel targeted? * Of course. But anything to prove • “Landed in Wash. Saw some fellow • “Just took a shower. Got it down I’m clean. Onward.” 9:38 a.m. March 17th Olympians…Kinda cool. Part of the tribe!” under 10 mins. Whew.” 5:51 p.m. April 9th • “I’m hearing from a lot of folks that 10:08 a.m. April 20th

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RBA letters GET TO SOUTH AFRICA ging five years behind the industry in CF components? Just wanted you to know that not all the good riding this time There’s no question Shimano is the leader in market share. of year is going on in Europe. Cape Town, South Africa, hosted Shimano was more aggressive and successful at getting their the world’s largest timed cycling event on March 8—The Cape components spec’d on mass-marketed bicycles. Thus, TREK, which Argus Tour. Nearly 26,000 people finished this year’s tour from is a mass-produced bicycle, is sold with Shimano (although some the city, down into the Cape, and back. Fantastic views, great early Treks did come with Campy). But I would liken the Shimano- support (from the Campy market share to organizers and the com- PC versus Apple. PCs are munity), and a challeng- ubiquitous, but that does ing 110 km ride. Loved not mean they are supe- it! Will plan to partici- rior to their Cupertino pate again next year cousins. Those of us who and hope for less wind ride Campy and type on and a faster time! Apple keyboards know —Jim Reed that the intuitive design and “feel” of our prod- GIPIEMME, GALLI ucts is part of what makes them great. AND ZEUS —Doug Antelman; Many of us spent a Flemington, New Jersey lot of time in the saddle in the 1980s and ’90s, and most everyone BACK TO REALITY knows about Love your magazine, Campagnolo, Shimano, SRAM, and maybe Suntour. But many do but I’ve got one huge gripe: What’s up with all the uber-expensive not know about some of the other high-end component groups of rides? I think your staff may be a little out of touch with the peo- the time such as Gipiemme, Galli, Zeus, or that Mavic had a com- ple who ride for the sheer joy of it. When was the last time one of plete gruppo. Thought you might want to do a write-up on this. you guys actually bought a bike with your own money? Are you Could be interesting, especially things like Gipiemme’s relation- aware that these are tough economic times? ship to Campy. This would also seem to go along with your recent —David Conerly; Atlanta, Georgia stories on Brooks. —Duane Boyle THE MORE BOB THE BETTER Just finishing my first year’s subscription to RBA and I simply THE HISTORY OF SHIMANO? love your magazine. Do whatever it takes to keep Bob Roll writing I read with interest in your recent issue the “long” and storied for you; one of his columns is worth the price of the magazine. history of Shimano components on racing bicycles. There is no Someday, I will ride with Bob. I’m sure I’m one of the few people doubt that Shimano has imprinted its place in cycling history on this Earth to truly understand Bob, at least as well as anyone with its ubiquitous gruppos, but one could argue that its many could. Tour de France victories had more to do with Lance Armstrong —Ed Portman than with Shimano components. Until 1999, Shimano had never won a TDF. In fact, the most dominant riders in the TDF, such as MORE VIDEO Merckx, Indurain and Hinault, all won on Campagnolo. I just went on your website and was thrilled to see the video on the time trial bikes. That was a great addition. Please keep them But forget about stage race victories; let’s look at the recent coming. history of Shimano. Is Shimano really the technological leader in —Brian Burke; Summerland, British Columbia the industry? With its new Dura Ace 7900 gruppo, Shimano finally decided to route its shifter cables under bar tape—something WHY I READ that Campy has done for years and SRAM did from the start of its It’s clear enough to me why I like RBA, and it’s because you new road components. Could it be that Shimano finally realized guys come off as the kind of people that I’d like to ride with and that riders didn’t like the ugly cables sticking out front? Similarly, then hang out with afterwards. After reading Zap’s column in the Shimano gives us a gunmetal grey shift lever with a chrome piece last issue, I think it’s better if I put it this way: While marketing that looks out of the 1980s, whereas others have gone to carbon suits at the mags, I don’t buy sitting around trying to guess what levers. The new Super Record levers look like they came off a we want to read, you guys already know because you’re like us Ferrari! Shimano’s hollow body crankset is an interesting design, (well, maybe faster and/or younger than some of us, but you know but Shimano also seems to be the only one not selling a carbon what I mean). If something is interesting to you, then it’s pretty crank on its high-end components. So one obvious question to likely to be interesting to me, too. Keep it up. Shimano is: Where’s your carbon, and why are you seemingly lag- —Craig Fritz; Scituate, Massachusetts www.roadbikeaction.com 26

RBA why we ride Because it’s fun. Simple as that! —Kurt Fossen Omaha, NE Sometimes, you don’t know about things until you feel them. It happened to me when I started riding a road bike two weeks ago. It’s a great feeling and good workout. I love to ride on a lonely road with just nature. Only cycling can take me that distance without polluting nature. Muthu Arumugam —Boston, MA Because I love the burn in my lungs. I ride because when I reach the top of the hill, I feel like Icarus touching the sun’s rays— only to fall back down the road ahead of me. —Brian Greenberg In 1993, I broke my femur jumping my quad. I was 21 and had a baby daughter and a wife and a mortgage...I was out of work for many months in a wheelchair. The doctor prescribed bike riding for therapy. “Bicycles build you up, but motorcycles break you down,” he told me. Eventually, I began to race MTB and joined a club for cross training. Unfortunately, I didn’t take the doctor’s advice. In ’99 I shattered both of my ankles attempting a triple jump on my motorcycle. Wheelchair life again. Three surger- ies, therapy, pain, weight lifting, bigger mortgage, out of work, and did I mention pain? The doctor tells me the only word he could use to describe my ankles is “applesauce.” He doesn’t know if I’ll ever walk again. I’m off of my bicycle for a year and a half. After my ankles were fused, I was able to work through the pain to screw pedals to the bottom of my cast on one foot. The other foot had an external fixator, so I had to “improvise” another one for that foot. The first time out, I went for a slow spin. It worked! I was thrilled. Each turn of the crank was excruciating, but just being outside smelling the fresh rain and exploring was exhilarating. I was going to be able to ride again! I gradually got better and better and rode every day as far as possible. I grew to love the fellowship and the challenge that riding provided. And I know that riding is the thing that kept me going. —Steve McClelland Yorba Linda, California Years ago, I rode every day. Soon it was only once a week. Once a month. Not at all. I fell into a deep depression. I dealt with Riding makes me feel free inside. My insides say, “Yahoo!” this for a couple of years before I realized what was going on and Plus, I don’t enjoy jogging. I like to just get my feet on some bike found help. Then I found your magazine. It got me off the couch pedals and ride free. Lately, I’ve been learning how to shift gears, and back on my mountain bike. Now I’m on the hunt for a road and it’s really fun. This is a picture of me and the bike I got for my bike. Hope to find one soon. Thank you. eighth birthday. —Don from Davenport —Claire, age 8 www.roadbikeaction.com 28

RBA E-mail your submissions and photos to rbamail@hi-torque.com There is no way to describe the feeling of the early morning ride. It’s springtime; the sun is coming up over that “beast of a climb.” The birds are up; they’re “chirping” you on. They know the feeling; they are as happy to greet the morning as you are. You reach the summit. Heart pounding, legs burning, a smile across your face. “Good morning.” You’ve met the sun at the top again. You close your eyes for a brief moment, listening to the morning—yep, it’s going to be a great day. —Cheryl To go fast, and push through my pain and weakness. I know that if I am sitting on my couch, somebody, somewhere, is out-working me...I have a little talent, but that won’t win races. That is why I have to ride harder and smarter than anybody I know. —Alex Vanias There are eight individual reasons why we enjoy cycling: When all put together, they center around our love of one of the most enjoyable sports, the ride, pushing each other to new limits, and completing more demanding “centuries,” such as 6 Gap in Georgia (picture taken there). Most of all, we ride for the friendships we develop. —Cliff • Robert: Cycling to me is one of the best ways to maintain my individual fitness goals. To do this solo is great, but to do it along with other individuals having the same goals is even more enjoyable. • Tracy: In the beginning, cycling was a challenge to be conquered, a mountain to climb, a speed to reach, or a distance to travel. But through the years, cycling has become so much more; it has become an outlet for stress, and a way to meet some really awesome people. • Stephanie: Each cycling challenge I take on is another way for me to defy age. Every ride makes me physically and mentally stronger, whether 100 miles in the mountains or a sprint to the edge of sickness. • Bob: I have had the opportunity in these past 20 years to ride with a large variety of riders. However, I had not experienced the friendship and camaraderie that I now have with my current Skate Ski Bike “Pirate” teammates. We all have the same love of cycling and con- I bike, I run, I skate, I ski, tinue to grow and expand that love on a daily basis. To set the peace inside of me, • John: I ride for the enjoyment, the challenge, and the fitness Free. factor. There is nothing like the freedom of an early morning ride My muscles ache, sweat burns my eyes. with friends, the sound of the tires, the smell of fresh grass, and It really comes as no surprise, the pain of a strong head wind or hill. We push and help each That some comment, “You must be crazy,” other at the same time. To them I say, “I’m just not lazy,” • Trevor: I find myself extremely lucky; this sport has afford- I toil and I work all week, ed me the opportunity to become friends with a fascinating pack For people who don’t help me seek, of individuals (the Pirates). The freedom and the peace I crave, • Richard: Simply because I like it. The friends, fitness, and They chain my spirit like a slave, other health benefits that come with the sport are also a strong I climb those hills because they’re, “there,” attraction—from the strong feeling of being the engine in front of I ride my bike to God knows where, the pace line to being humbled at the back of the line using all I skate and ski because I find, your physical strength just to hang on. To free my heart and thus unbind, My soul, (Georgia Six-Gap photo from right to left (front): Cliff, Robert, I must. Tracy, Stephanie, Bob, John. Back row right to left: Trevor, —Norm Almack Richard.) All reside in Seminole County, Florida. Prince George, British Columbia, Canada Road Bike Action 29

RBA exclusive column I’d never ridden that far in a single day. The second stage was easily the hardest day I’ve had on a bike. Stage three and four were equally hard. The fifth stage climbed up and up for a solid 100 kilometers and topped out at around 13,000 feet, making the past couple of days feel like walks in the park. By stage five it really hit me. Wow, this sport is incredibly hard. And I’m only at the Tour of Mexico. Just wait until the Tour De France! Motivation was ebbing, especially during the long transfers to stage starts, but we had a great team, a great staff, and an awesome director (Axel Merckx). I managed to push through and make it to the final stage before mechanical problems put me out of the race. I flew home and spent five days in bed. While luxuriating on the fold-out couch in the living room, watching a movie and eating some tasty food I had made for myself, I came to the real- ization that I was really happy. This is the life. There is something beautiful about pushing your body to its absolute max and being able to spend several days simply letting it recover. When my energy came back, I had some of the best workouts (wattage output-wise) ever. My confidence was boosted. I flew to Poland with Coach Neal Henderson, and we had used upgrades for the business class. What a difference the flatbeds make; I slept six hours. I arrived fresh and ready to ride. We put the bikes together and went to the track. I had no trouble with the time change and had maintained complete control of my composure. My workouts in the days prior were right on schedule, and REVOLUTION BEGINS: I was flying. THE SLAYING OF Dream master. Every night before bed I would daydream about winning, putting the jersey on (even flashing forward to the THE WORLD press), and the prestige. I realized that these moments are what I live for. Anticipation, the attention of the crowd, the biggest stage By Taylor Phinney I’d be on all year. I was going to win. I knew it. I couldn’t wait. Photos: Rob Jones My support crew was in place. Coach Neal Henderson had been with me the whole time, and my mom flew in a couple days I won the World Championships on March 26 in a suburb of before the big day bearing homemade muffins. Jim Miller, the Warsaw known as Pruszkow on a beautiful and brand-new, new Director of Athletics at USA Cycling, was upbeat, and the 250 meter velodrome built of the finest blonde Siberian pine Belgian staff (Danny and Fox) gave me support and confidence. and housed in a world-class arena. I won’t forget that track, nor the feeling of that great pair of rides, nor of standing on the top Race day. I wake up, have breakfast, ride the rollers for 30-45 step of the podium wearing the coveted rainbow jersey. I also minutes, shower, eat again (four to five hours before my start), won’t forget the suffering that brought me to the starting line then I have time alone for a couple hours. The two-plus hours I feeling fitter than ever. have to myself before my race are the most important part of my program. It’s fuel, it’s where I dispel doubts—prepare myself for bat- Money in the bank. Our Trek-Livestrong team decided to go to tle, if you will. They say you have to see it to do it. I’m a believer. the Vuelta Mexico Telmex in early March for experience and training. I knew this volume of hard work would be good for me, but I get to the track two hours prior to my start and stretch and for some reason I had it in my mind that this was going to be hang out, just soaking in the atmosphere and pumping myself up. some small-time race in Mexico and it wouldn’t be that hard. Boy, I plug into my playlist of seven songs that match my warm-up was I mistaken. Maybe it was just lost in translation. The race was entirely so I don’t need a watch. I cruise through the warm-up feel- eight days, with five stages over 200 kilometers long. Truthfully, ing good, and with 20 minutes to go, I am off. I get completely www.roadbikeaction.com 30

RBA Interviews. Cameras. It was disorienting. It was huge. The only problem with expecting yourself to win is that the biggest sensation you feel is relief. Still, it felt nothing short of great. The medal ceremony was sweet. The big screen was playing some race highlights. Hearing the anthem was cool. The most I did to celebrate was to rock the gold Oakley Frogskins for about 45 seconds—just for fun. I warmed down and went to my second drug control of the day (the first one was at the team hotel at 8:30 in the morning). That night it took me a very long time to wind down and sleep. Everybody in the Phinney camp but me was celebrating at the Ideal Hotel, as I had to race the kilo the next day. My mom was really proud of me. She bought a round of beers for the support crew at the hotel and sent e-mails late into the night. I wasn’t as nervous about the kilo as I was about the pursuit. I don’t train for the kilo, but I do like it in a sick sort of way, and I’m good at it. Your typical kilo rider is a pure sprinter with thick, mus- cular legs. Normal kilo riders open with a fast first lap and then slow down over the next three laps. Some of them are comically slow in the final half lap as their fast-twitch muscle fibers are spent. I, on the other hand, open about a second or more slower race ready and then really get into the zone. Those last 15 min- than they do and get faster with each lap. I’ve only raced the kilo utes are very important to my success. I ride the rollers until three twice, and both times I’ve won. I was actually thinking I might win minutes before my race, get off and wait. I knew what time I had this one, too. to hit and held myself back a bit for the final ride. I set a new personal best: 4:15.1. Pursuit is so-named because you pursue your opponent. Starting on opposite sides of the track, the fastest rider wins, but the real goal is to catch your opponent. It’s a test of speed and endurance, and it is tactical. If you start too fast, you die. Too slow, and you give your opponent an advantage you may not recover from. You have to choose your gear carefully. To win the title required me to ride a strong final against the highly touted 19-year-old Australian Jack Bobridge. At one point during my warm-up, I could feel the pressure getting to me. I had to use all my mental skills to beat back the doubt. In the start gate I stayed focused, trying not to look up at the giant image of me on the big screen or to dwell on the 16 laps of racing ahead of me. Four kilometers. Fifty seconds on the countdown clock. Breathe. Breathe. 30. 10. Five. Four. Three. Two. Lean back. One. Boom! Power on. I was off. I kept it steady, knowing that I had the strength to match anything my opponent had, but that I had to stay on schedule for the first half of the race. Jim Miller called my splits, so I knew I was right on schedule. At two kilometers we were just .005 seconds apart, but I stayed rock steady. The lactic acid was building, but I kept my high cadence and stayed smooth and aero. Four laps; one kilome- ter to go. I had him. I was gaining every lap. It hurt, but I was in the zone—so far into it that I didn’t even think about the fact that I was winning! I crossed the line, and a huge feeling of relief swept over me. Involuntarily, I stuck out my tongue and made a funny face. I grabbed a USA flag from my coach. Hand shakes. Hugs. Road Bike Action 31

RBA exclusive column Right before my start, the German, Stefan Nimke, went incredibly fast with a 1.00.66, a new sea-level world record. I tried to resist looking at his time, but the crowd reaction told me he was the man to beat. I took off fast and held my speed, inevitably dying a bit more than normal towards the end. The pain in that last lap is excruciating, but it is a different pain than the pursuit brings. The thing I like about the kilo is it is so short that the pain is easily forgettable. I rolled a new personal best, a 1:01.61, and was sitting in second place. But there were a lot of good riders yet to ride. I sat through a dozen more heats of men who started out blaz- ing fast and then barely missed my time. I held my breath as the Malaysian rider Tisin virtually tied me; he was only a few hun- dredths behind. When the last rider went and I realized I had won the silver, a wave of relief poured over me. The waiting was over. A silver medal! In the kilo! Winning the Pursuit title in Poland will always have the biggest place in my heart, but in retrospect, I know that kilo medal was special and surprised a lot of people, even me. There’s a revolution happening in track cycling. A lot of us young guys are coming up and doing great things. This is the start. Hang on and enjoy the ride! The VeloWear Guarantee: • Free Standard Shipping • Free Exchanges and Returns • USA-Made Products Now Available at VeloWear! Now offering a 10% Discount for a limited time to Road Bike Action readers! Visit velowear.com/AUGUSTROAD to apply the discount or call 800-371-2876 and mention “AUGUSTROAD. ” Discount does not apply to Gift Certificates, shipping or taxes if applicable. Only one source code may be applied per order. Offer expires 10/31/09. ® 2009 Velowear, Inc. Photo by Jonthan Devich.

RBA BOBKE’S THREE STRONG SUGGESTIONS & SEVEN HANDY TIPS By Bob Roll Photos: Yuzuru Sunada www.roadbikeaction.com 34

RBA STRONG SUGGESTION #3 L et’s face it. Most of us will never race in the Tour de France, and the average enthusiast will never perform at the level Never use your riding to define your self worth. For far too that elite pros maintain on a daily basis. However, we can many pros, riding bikes is closely tied to feeling good about them- all enjoy an enhanced cycling experience by emulating some of selves. The faster they ride, the more personal worth they feel. their habits. But before we get to those, there are habits of the Believe me, somebody will eventually be able to push on the ped- pros that I strongly suggest you do not emulate. als a little bit harder than you can. I admit to not having been immune to this phenomenon at times in my life. And those times STRONG SUGGESTION #1 have been the least gratifying of my riding career, even though I Do not suffer like a pro! Bike racers at the highest level have may have been traveling at a high rate of speed. The challenge of a pain threshold that will take your breath away. They hover just the open road, camaraderie with good friends, and a sense of below cardiac arrest, suffocation, accomplishment after a hard ride are and lactic acid induced asphyxia- much more sustainable byproducts of tion for many hours each race swinging a leg over my machine. day. Most professional sports that the masses enjoy are varia- Now, here are some things that pros tions on the theme of hand-eye do that help us all enjoy our riding a lit- coordination. Baseball, tennis, tle bit more. golf, cricket, basketball, hockey, football and even race car driving TIP #1 are hugely popular. But for me, Become one with your bicycle. To see the thought of commuting to a a pro laid out on his bicycle streaking stadium and planting my behind effortlessly down the road is a thing of on a Frisbee-sized piece of plastic beauty. The hours, days, weeks and to observe others play a game of years of riding that most pro riders put glorified keep away is not very in to rise to the top form a unit of effi- savory. On the rare occasions cient transportation where the rider and that I have done something of this machine are virtually inseparable. The sort, it has appeared to go some- point where the bicycle ends and the thing like this: Guy catches ball, rider begins is so seamless that it his team wins. Guy drops the ball, becomes impossible to differentiate his team loses. So then, I ask between the man and the machine. Over myself, did they really go any- the years, I have come to believe that where with that? this is the difference between the pros and everyone else. Proper bike fit is a big Bike racing is different. As a step in the right direction. Most good pro, you launch yourself into an bicycle shops have a fitting area and inferno of misery and abject suf- qualified personnel who can get you fering. For the pros, this is a started with a good position. Bike fit is meaningful and worthwhile so dynamic and includes such an amaz- endeavor. If you do it well and frequently, you will be paid handing array of measurements that Euclid himself would never have somely. For most people, though, the depths to which the pros had time for geometry if he were a bike racer. Here are just a few descend into Purgatory are to be avoided. It is fine to creep up to of the key measurements to consider: seat height; seat set-back; the edge and look down into the lake of fire, but better to back seat width, length and angle; crank length; crank Q-Factor; shoe away from leaping into the place where bad folks go when they cleat set-back; shoe/cleat/pedal spindle height; reach to handle- die. bars; drop of handlebars; handlebar width; brake lever height and so on. Getting all these parameters close enough to enjoy riding STRONG SUGGESTION #2 is critical for every cyclist. After many miles and due diligence, Do not take drugs to pedal your bicycle faster. While most pro anybody can achieve the ideal relationship between bike and riders don’t take drugs, some of them do. The few who do the rider. drugs get caught and become enablers of a press corps chomp- ing at the bit to go berserk with a bank of superlatives at the TIP #2 ready. I personally could never see the value of climbing any As important as being one with your bike is being smooth. To mountain with a pharmacist tagging along for the ride. I always be smooth requires an ideal position on the bike. And a good posi- wanted to know what I was capable of and have been fiercely tion goes a long way toward being relaxed, which in turn makes reluctant to compare myself to any drug-bloated Euroturd with you a much safer cyclist. A rider who isn’t rigid and uncomfort- self-esteem issues and a grim future in the factories and gulags of able can pedal smoothly for miles. This relaxed, supple, seamless Europe. Drugs have saved my life but will never help me ride my propulsion of rider and bike is the foundation of a truly satisfying bike. ride. Delightfully, this balanced relationship enables one to Road Bike Action 35

RBA BOBKE’S absorb terrain changes, respond to dangerous moves by others, shape.” Then they proceed to rip your legs off at the first chance. avoid obstacles and ultimately achieve a level of awareness and Don’t be this stripe of rider. If you are fit, then say so when safety that makes each ride more memorable than the previous queried. If you are tired, do not sit on the back wheel of your one. The pros are so relaxed and smooth that thousands of miles friends waiting until you feel better before dropping them on the pass under their wheels in insanely tight quarters with miracu- first climb when your legs come around. lously few accidents. Observe and report to your own group. TIP #6 TIP #3 Do not race the pros if you encounter them on a ride. Believe Massage is good. The pros get a massage almost every day. me, they are not impressed if you sit on their wheels and race This level of commitment is not necessary for everyone, but you them up hills. They are even less impressed if you sit on their should get a massage as regularly as you can. You will thank me wheels and hurl questions at them as you go down the road. if you do this. Least impressive of all is when you speed up to get to their group and then crash your TIP #4 brains out in front of the Do not crash! It is so same men you are desper- easy to say, but impossible ately trying to impress to do. Crashing will ruin your (don’t laugh—I’ve seen it pursuit of happiness on a happen). In fact, let’s all bicycle. Crashes hurt. be safe and not even ride Crashes require varying with the pros unless asked degrees of recuperation, to do so. And even then, depending on the severity of do not crash until you are the injuries sustained. back on your own. Crashes can be lethal. And, crashes are inevitable. From TIP #7 the simple I-can’t-get-out-of- Hygiene and common the-pedals tip over at a stop- sense. Lastly, I’d like to dis- light to the full-blown, booty- cuss some issues of over-tea-kettle, high-speed hygiene and common cartwheel, crashes stink. My decency. Hairy legs are worst crash was also the acceptable so long as they easiest to avoid. I crashed are not matted with lini- into a concrete lightpost ment. Leave the dreads for going about 30 mph in your head! If you use lini- Switzerland and shattered ment, it should not have my left collarbone. Silly me, I spoiled nor smell like the was looking at my feet bilge pumps in Barnacle instead of at the road ahead Bill’s tugboat. Your kit of me. During my racing should be freshly laun- career, I was fixated on get- dered when you put it on ting my feet aligned so that they were straight as an arrow. In before you ride. It should not be laden with soap suds due to fact, it was more than a fixation, it was a coping mechanism that improper rinsing. If said latent suds happen to be resurrected by allowed me to dwell on something besides being slaughtered rain, it will look like your buttocks have rabies. Not good. Your bike daily by my peers. Before my collarbone was vaporized by that should also be in good working order—especially the brakes. You Swiss lightpole, I had crashed hundreds of times. In all those tum- should be able to perform all simple tasks necessary to keep your bles I jumped up as if I was made out of flubber. When I think of bike moving in case of a reasonable mishap. Reasonable mishaps the danger I presented to myself and those around me because of include flat tires, broken spokes, a broken chain or loose bolts. You my distraction with my shoes and pedals, I am amazed a much should also be able to notify back-up transportation is case of worse crash never occurred. My position on the bike was an ongo- some catastrophic mechanical failure. Never engage cars in coming vexation to me that eventually came to a miserable conclu- bat; you will lose. You should strive to be an asset to your group sion. I am happy to report that most cyclists are not nearly as and not a liability. White shorts are not permissible if there is even pathological as I am and avoid crashing into perpetuity by being the slightest chance of rain or if you sweat profusely. No sharp smooth, relaxed, alert and well-fitted on their bikes. objects in your pockets, no glass containers on your bike, and when in Belgium, no window shopping for beer. TIP #5 Don’t lie about your fitness. One of the most aggravating BONUS TIP things about the Euro-schloogs is that when asked about their Point out obstructions to the rider behind you—especially if it readiness for the next race they all say, “Oh no, I am totally out of happens to be me at your back. www.roadbikeaction.com 36

RBA bike test Photos by: Adam Booth www.roadbikeaction.com 38

RBA SPECIALIZED TARMAC PRO SL DURA-ACE The Tarmac Pro doesn’t just look fast; it is fast. S tart by looking at the oversized look. Up front is a carbon monocoque downtube and the extended head fork with an oversized race. tube, and then focus a little while on the deep red finish and race-ready THE PARTS design. Specialized has made an enor- The all-red Pro SL features a Shimano mous commitment to the Tarmac frame Dura-Ace build (other builds are avail- by sponsoring two of the strongest able in other colors) with Ultegra brakes, teams in cycling: Quick-Step and Saxo a Specialized FACT Pro carbon crankset, Bank. Race testing has always been an and the worthy and popular Fulcrum important part of Specialized’s product Racing 1 wheelset with Specialized Pro development, and the evolution of the tires. A selection of Specialized home- Tarmac Pro SL is a direct result of feed- grown components graces the Pro SL: a back from riders like Tom Boonen and Specialized Zertz-infused seatpost, a Fabian Cancellara, who ride the top-of- Body Geometry Toupe saddle with hol- the-line SL2. Fortunately, the technology low ti-rails, an S-Works carbon handle- has trickled down to the Tarmac Pro SL. bar, and the 3D-forged Pro-Set stem. Plus, let’s be honest, the bike just looks pro. The good news is that you don’t THE NUMBERS have to be in the ProTour to get one. Our 58-centimeter Pro SL featured a 58.2-centimeter top tube, a 73.5-degree THE FRAME head tube angle, a 73-degree seat tube The Tarmac Pro SL begins with FACT angle, and a 205-millimeter head tube. 10r carbon (the highest designation The Pro SL is available in 49-, 52-, 54-, Specialized gives for carbon is 11r for 56-, 58- and 61-centimeter sizes and is the Tarmac SL2, which will run you an available in red or team carbon red. additional $3000) and features the ever-popular oversized bottom bracket, THE RIDE all in a compact race design. The slight- The Tarmac Pro SL Dura-Ace looks ly sloping top tube mated to the over- like it wants to be ridden. The red frame, sized downtube, and striking seat stays the red strip of color on the Specialized and chain stays give the Pro SL a fast Pro tires, and the red detail on the Toupe Road Bike Action 39

RBA tarmac Specialized’s Tarmac Pro puts Pro saddle all give the Pro SL a racy personality. Tour performance into the com- Then, once we actually got on the bike, we pact frame design. were more than impressed. From the very first ride we thought the Pro SL performed as well as any bike we have ridden in the last year— and maybe better. From sprinting to climbing to remaining steady and comfortable on three-hour plus rides, the Pro SL over-performed at every turn. Speaking of turns, the combination of the Pro SL’s geometry and the Fulcrum 1 wheelset allowed us to throw this bike into the corners in a way that we’ve only experienced with significantly more expensive bikes. One has to wonder, if this bike rides and looks so pro, why spend the extra $3000 for the SL2 unless you are Tom Boonen and need the extra stiffness? We loved the BG Toupe saddle and really liked the design and bend of the S-Works carbon bar. Shimano’s Dura-Ace 7900 worked well for all reviewers. For the sake of flow, however, if we had the money we would upgrade to 7900’s brakes, as their stopping power is unparalleled. As with any carbon seatpost, make sure to put some Finish Line Fiber Grip on the post to pre- The Specialized crankset joins together A Zerts insert in the seatpost vent slipping. in the center of the bottom bracket. damps high-frequency vibration. THE VERDICT Comp at ($2700), or the Elite at Buy one as soon as possible and ride it for ($2200). They have similar looks but a long time. It’s light, stiff, comfortable and different carbon and spec. We were versatile. And, it looks like it costs twice as really impressed with the attention to Price: $5500 much. If you can’t swing $5500 in this econo- detail on this bike and how much we Weight: 15 pounds my, take a look at the Expert ($3700), the liked it from beginning to end. Info: www.specialized.com www.roadbikeaction.com 40

DopE YOUR RIDE! Kaliente Kriterium C2C Konstrictor Kontender Lite FREE SOCKS WITH PURCHASE See Website for Details www.KendaUSA.com

RBA www.roadbikeaction.com 42

RBA THE ULTIMATE 30-DAY TRAINING RIDE: VANCOUVER TO TIJUANA What happens when two friends decide to ride 1900 miles from Vancouver, Canada, to Tijuana, Mexico, carrying only a credit card and a few meager belongings? The ride is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world, and the journey was unencumbered by panniers or set plans. By Bob Sutton Road Bike Action 43

A ll of us, at one time or another, have seen another bicyclist moving slowly down the road, laden with front and rear panniers and a rack piled high with a sleeping bag, pad and tent. And we’ve wondered what it would be like to head off all alone, with no support, on a long journey by bicycle. inside water bottles, and our Jandd Mountaineering Mountain Wedge III seat-bags were all packed away in our recycled bicycle boxes. We landed in Vancouver, and when my turn came to approach the Canadian border official, he took one look at the way I was It seems so complicated. First you have to buy a touring bike dressed, then glanced at Tom and said, “I want to hear your story, with longer chainstays (to keep your heels from hitting the pan- but I only want to hear it once. Have your buddy come up here.” niers) and cantilever brakes powerful enough to slow down 60 to 70 pounds of bike and gear. Then you’ve got to figure out which Our plan was to ride nearly 1900 miles along the Pacific coast, rack system and panniers are best for the trip. Last, but not least, starting in Vancouver, B. C., and ending across the Southern U. S. bor- it’s necessary to figure out the lightest camping and cooking gear. der in Tijuana, Mexico. We wanted to ride fast and have a good time, not work our tails off and sleep on the ground each night. So we car- Instead, how would you like to ride your latest and greatest ried a credit and ATM card, cash and our AAA and AARP cards for high-end race bike on a journey? Credit card touring is what you discounts along the way. We planned our trip so that we would be at are looking for. Ride your latest carbon wonder, or whatever else a motel, with laundry facilities, every night. No sag, no support, just you’ve got hanging from your rafters, on the trip of a lifetime. The our wits, our Specialized Roubaix, and our meager belongings. key is not so much what to take, but what to leave at home. WHAT WE SAW THE JOURNEY BEGINS The roads along the West Coast of the United States are as beau- My traveling buddy, Tom, and I always dreamed of doing a tiful as anywhere you’ll ever have a chance to ride. We loved the fern long bicycle trip together when we both retired, so a couple of covered, deep forests of Washington and Oregon and were stunned years ago, at the ripe old age of 60, we flew to Vancouver, British by the size of the Redwoods in Northern California (so dark that you Columbia, wearing nothing but river shorts, cycling jerseys, a pair needed front and rear lights). But being two Kansas boys, we never of socks and mountain bike shoes. Our cycling shorts, poly-pro tired of the crashing waves along the crags, cliffs and beaches of the shirts, arm and leg warmers, gloves and windbreaker were tucked Pacific coast. www.roadbikeaction.com 44

RBA VANCOUVER TO TIJUANA GET RID OF IT you’re up close and personal, it’s hard to see much in front of you; Tom trained hard for the trip by riding with a group of racers I hit everything). (no slouch himself with a state mountain bike championship title to his name) several times a week, while I, always fearful of the NATURE’S FUEL & THE PROPER GEAR detriments of overtraining, kept my riding down to a couple of 30- Fueled by wild blackberries we found during a nature stop milers a week. Needless to say, by the third day of my dream tour, while still in Canada, and all the way south to Santa Cruz, we I was toast. Tom claims that he talked me through that day, but I rolled along totally enthralled by the scenery surrounding us. don’t remember anything except wishing that I’d brought more Bag Balm. That day was a death march! Riding into Bremerton, Another surprise of the trip was the amount of climbing along Washington, I spotted a “Pack and Post” and told Tom that I had the route. Every stream flowing to the Pacific came with the requi- to mail a few things home. Startled by my haggard appearance, site fabulous curving downhills and gut-busting uphills—which the lady working at the counter asked me how she could help, made it tough to dress appropriately. We settled on our poly-pro and I answered, “I need a small box,” not knowing how much was long-sleeved shirts, under a jersey, to ward off the chill/sweat going home, but knowing that this was a time for severe cuts in effect of these sections. luggage. Right in front of her, I dumped everything that I had with me on the ground, then picked up each item and made a choice. Our trip was thirty days long, with four of those being rest Two and a half pounds went home in that box, including my sun- days. We chose Portland, San Francisco and Santa Barbara for glass case, billfold (a Zip-loc would do), heart rate monitor (all my our days off, because we wanted to explore those cities. heart needed to do was keep beating), Chapstick, a dead tire pump, fleece vest, and emergency toilet paper (scary). I was FINDING OUR WAY AROUND never so glad to ship a package in my life. That two and a half We relied on maps that we purchased from The Adventure pounds felt like fifty once it was gone. My spirits began to lift Cycling Association and can’t praise their usefulness enough. The almost immediately. roads chosen are peaceful and travel through local, scenic areas that you typically wouldn’t find on your own. We didn’t ride the The fourth day I took a pull, much to Tom’s surprise, and from shoulder of I-5 or the 101. In addition to the routing information, then on, I was ready to roll. Really, though, Tom did most of the the maps included information important to a bicyclist: bicycle pulling. That’s why I had most of the flats and cut tires (when shop locations, camping spots, motel listings, food availability and Road Bike Action 45

RBA VANCOUVER TO TIJUANA much more. Now available, but not when we took our trip, is GPS riding gear in the washing machine. After dinner, we’d move the waypoint information for each route. Check out their website at clothes to the dryer and wait patiently for them to be ready to put www.adventurecycling.org back on. BICYCLE TRAVEL BY CREDIT CARD We’ve used various racks with top packs, and backpacks for THE (SUPER LIGHT) VERSION shorter trips, but settled on using the Jandd Mountaineering Traveling by credit card necessitates having laundry facilities Mountain Wedge III seat pack because it carried the weight clos- at each overnight location (or asking the manager to let house- er to the center of the bicycle and didn’t affect the bicycle’s han- keeping clean your clothing for you). If you end up washing your dling on fast curving roads like having the weight centered over clothes in the sink in your room, you can speed up the drying the rear wheel does. Keeping that thought in mind, we used large, process by laying the wet clothes on a flat towel, then rolling them wide-mouth water bottles (with straight walls), to keeps items like up together so that all of the surfaces are in contact with each vests, knee warmers, arm warmers and windbreakers close at other. Then sit on the roll to press the moisture out of the clothes hand. We used Camelback Rockets for our water needs, reason- and into the towel. By morning they’ll be much dryer than if you ing that the weight would be reduced as we traveled, rather than simply hang them up. carrying the dead weight of clothing all day. After arriving at our overnight location, we would immediate- Notes: Roll your clothes to make them fit better. Put your jack- ly change into our river shorts (which doubled as swim wear), put et or vest and knee warmers in water bottles for easy access. on our shoes, without socks, and then we would put on our wind- Don’t carry a wallet (use a small Zip-loc instead), or at least empty breakers without a shirt underneath and throw all of our soiled it except for necessary items. Put toiletries in a small Zip-loc. www.roadbikeaction.com 46

riotago.com Deda Elementi introduces RHM Rapid Hand Movement, concept, handlebar designed to improve the quick changes of handle position: more quickly from “upper” position to “on the ends” position. Riders are evolving; so are bikes; so are handlebars. Patent design Continuous Incremental Ra- dius, to overcome the limits of anatomic shape, which allows you to hold the handlebar in only one position. THE SHAPE OF MODERN CYCLING ROAD HANDLEBAR ZERO100 Material: strong 7075 T6 triple butted alloy Widths: 40-42-44-46 cm (outside to outside) Drop: 128 mm Reach: 75 mm Weight: about 242 grams STEM ZERO100 Material: tempered light alloy Lengths: 80-90-100-110-120-130-140 mm Weight: about 107 grams www.dedaelementi.com

RBA VANCOUVER TO TIJUANA Here’s our packing list: the seat pack.) Miscellaneous • Headlight • Map (Adventure Cycling Association) • Cell phone and charger www.adventurecycling.org • Camera and charger (AA version is better) • Credit cards—two • Cycle computer • Discount cards (AAA, AARP) • Shift cable (rear) • Passport • Brake cable (rear) • Driver’s license • Tubes–two • ATM card • Patch kit • Cash • Folding spare tire (Fold it tightly and stuff it in an old sock to keep it Clothing compact.) • Mountain bike shoes • Large mouth water bottles—two (For clothing, the big green • Socks Gatorade bottles work well.) • River (runner) shorts (swimming trunks) • Camelback (for water) • Bike shorts • Jandd Mountain Wedge lll Seat Pack (or rack mounted pack—slight- • Knee warmers ly affects handling and slightly heavier) • Arm warmers • Bungee cord (to tighten the pack to the seat rails) • Short-sleeve jersey • Mini tool with chain breaker • Long-sleeve Poly Pro (with zip neck) • Small Swiss Army knife with scissors • Nylon vest (vented back) • Cable lock • Nylon windbreaker (If necessary, cut the armpit and back seams for • Pump (Topeak Road Morph G with gauge is best) www.topeak.com• ventilation.) Chain lube • Gloves Toiletries • Possible raincoat (or large trash bag) • Bag Balm (put it in a screw-top travel jar) • Helmet • Razor Gear • Toothbrush (child’s size) • Sunglasses (Bring clear and yellow lenses for the deep forests.) • Toothpaste (travel size) • Watch • Deodorant (travel size) • Rear view mirror • Ear plugs (your friends probably snore–I do) • Tail lights (We used two: one on the back of the helmet and one on • Anti-inflammatory pills (Advil, Aleeve) www.roadbikeaction.com 48

RBA BLOOD BROTHERS (AND SISTERS) Their goal is to get a rider with Type 1 diabetes into the Tour de France by 2012 and to show kids and adults all around the world that with proper management, diabetes should not stop anyone from pursuing dreams—Especially if that dream is racing a bike for a living. By Brad Roe Photos: Marco Quzada www.roadbikeaction.com 50

RBA y first glimpse of the strength of Team Type 1’s Phil M Southerland came not when I heard his story of being diagnosed at seven months old with Type 1 diabetes and given a death sentence, or when I met him at Team Type 1’s camp in Solvang, but when I read his response on his blog to an anonymous comment about the team’s invitation into the 2009 Tour of California. Road Bike Action 51

RBA BLOOD BROTHERS the race. On some level, you are right. In the last five years I have THE NUMBERS no results. In fact, I have barely raced. Five years before, I raced, There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United got plenty of results, and for what? The work has been done, and States (7.8 percent of the population) who have diabetes. with the goal of group health insurance for people with diabetes, so that the next 20-year-old with diabetes thinking about going to Anonymous: “What you’re doing as far as spreading a mes- Europe can do it without question.” sage for diabetics is great. But you have no right to be in a race like TOC. You have no results that should make you pro. Touche. He could have said more, but didn’t. Remember, this is a professional sport, not a charity. Do something on the bike that will change my mind. Not as a diabetic, but Mr. Anonymous obviously didn’t watch the horde of profes- as a cyclist.” sional riders drop off the back at the TOC, including former Tour contenders and hugely famous European pros, not to mention Phil: “Last I checked, I was on the start line with a number most domestic riders. The Tour of California was for Phil pinned to my jersey, which technically gives me ’the right’ to be in Southerland, and the majority of the field, about hanging on for www.roadbikeaction.com 52

RBA WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES? told his mom he wouldn’t make it. “Back in the day, the insulin and Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and the technology were pre-historic relative to today. And at the time, young adults and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. no research had been done to show the benefits of good control, In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin so they were being honest. I am grateful they said it, as it was is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), motivation for both my mother and me to beat the odds, which I starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. In did.” people with Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin. The beta cells have been destroyed. They need insulin Setting goals has always been a part of Phil’s life and allowed shots in order to use glucose from meals. (American Diabetes him to reach levels of success that even surprise him. “The goal is Association) the Tour de France by 2012. I don’t care if it is me, Fabio, Willem, or some new talent with Type 1 who is there, so long as we dear life. Phil made it five stages, which was above average. The achieve the goal. Reaching people with diabetes to motivate them weather was horrendous, and sickness riddled the peloton to the to take control to achieve their dreams is my number one passion. point where many teams only had one or two riders in the last I began setting goals at six years old (keep my eyesight) and bust- stage. For Phil Southerland and Team Type 1, the race was more ed my butt to achieve them. Now, I just get to set/achieve goals about exposure than victory. knowing it is going to help a lot of people.” “It’s my goal that everyone in the world knows about Team WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES? Type 1 or Team Type 2. My dream in life is that I wake up one day Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In and no one goes blind from diabetes. 150-200 people go blind Type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough every day. If you make small adjustments you can avoid the com- insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for plications that come from this disease. The pro teams are a great the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat avenue for that.” food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. THE GOALS Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When Phil Southerland is 26 years old. He has given himself 60,000 glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it injections of insulin and checked his blood sugar 120,000 times. can cause two problems: Right away, your cells may be The past five years he has worked 95-hour weeks with Joe starved for energy. Over time, high blood glucose levels may Aldridge to make Team Type 1 a reality. It all started when he hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. (American Diabetes was diagnosed at seven months old with Type 1 and the doctors Association) Road Bike Action 53

RBA TEAM TYPE 1 IS MADE UP OF 7 TEAMS there is a quiet humility which comes across as Southern charm. Pro Men: 15 professional riders with four riders having Type After prompting him a few times about his favorite win, we got to 1 diabetes some of the fire in his belly: “The 2003 SEC Crit champs. I was Pro Women: Eight professional riders with two riders having ticked at the start, lapped the field solo, then won the sprint. Met Type 1 diabetes Joe right afterwards. Rest is history.” Triathlon Team: All ten members have Type 1 (Cliff Scherb on the team has qualified to race in Kona) Now that the structure of the team is set and the funding is in Elite Team: The Elite Team is made up of only Type 1 riders, place, we wanted to find out if Phil can go back to his race-win- and this team prepared for the RAAM event as well as racing ning days in 2009: “I want to win a race. I want to help the team road, mountain and cyclocross events. get more comfortable on a higher level, and I want to get back to Development Team: This team feeds the Pro Team and is my winning ways of five years ago. I have a great team of man- made up of all Type 1 riders agement, racers and staff all helping to make that possible.” Team Type 2: All racers have Type 2 diabetes, and their goal is focusing on competing in the RAAM in the eight-person cate- That passion doesn’t come without setbacks, as anyone famil- gory. iar with Type 1 diabetes will attest. “I was at the RAS race in 2002, and on the third day I bonked badly. I wasn’t able to get enough food in that night and did too much insulin. The next morning I THE ORGANIZATION woke my teammate Daniel Holt up by smacking him. I was stand- Phil has teamed up with the well-known Tom Schuler to take ing, but seizing. Luckily I had told him, as well as all my friends, Team Type 1 to the next level. Tom represented the U.S. at the what to do in case of emergency. He forced me to eat and then 1976 and 1980 Olympics, was the 1987 National Road Race check my blood sugar, which at the time was 16 (the lowest I have Champion, raced for the venerable Team 7-Eleven, and directed ever seen—near death.) Needless to say, the next few days of the Team Saturn from 1999-2003. “Tom is a master at finding good race were very tough, but I got through them and learned a valu- people to help the program able lesson.” grow. When I was beginning to tell people the team And then there’s would turn pro, a good this edge about Phil friend introduced us. We Southerland and Joe worked on the funding for Aldridge, the whole 1.5 years before the team team actually. They actually came to fruition. seem to embody the What most people don’t drive and determina- know about Tom is that he is tion it takes to not a big-time family man. He only manage dia- has a wonderful wife and betes, but to win bike four great kids. He never races while manag- misses a beat when it comes ing diabetes and to being dad and still helps want to get that mes- us rock out in the racing sage across to kids: world,” says Phil. “I want them to know that if they control it, Tom Schuler has been it will NEVER hold around racing for a long Phil checks his blood sugar level at the start of the Tour of California. them back. In 27 time and can obviously spot talent when he sees it. He says, “Two years, I have never said ’no’ because of diabetes, and I don’t think ingredients to being a successful athlete, and specifically a suc- anyone should have to. I make a lot of small adjustments so I can cessful cyclist, are to be able to dream it and not be afraid of say yes. Whatever it is you want to do better (work, race, family, attempting anything to reach your dream. Both Phil and Joe pos- diabetes) a few small lifestyle adjustments can probably help.” sess these traits of success. As much as physical talents, which both Phil and Joe possess, the other two attributes are imperative for athletic success.” FOLLOW THE TEAM If you or someone in your family is touched by diabetes, Tom hopes to manage the team to help reach their goal and Team Type 1 is a great organization to follow and root for. says, “In both 2009 and 2010, we hope to move the team in incre- You can access them at: mental steps towards our ultimate goal of getting an athlete with www.teamtype1.org Type 1 diabetes into the Tour de France.” www.twitter.com/teamtype1 http://teamtype12007.blogspot.com/ THE PASSION http://philsoutherland.blogspot.com/ After a conversation or two with Phil Southerland, it is clear www.roadbikeaction.com 54

BLOOD BROTHERS TOUR DE CURE The American Diabetes Association puts on cycling events in 40 states every year as a way to raise money to find the cure for diabetes. A member of Team Type 1 will There’s a little kid I know pretty well who is almost six years old attend at least 40 of these races to help educate, sign auto- and bears my last name who has Type 1 diabetes. He hopes Phil pulls graphs and participate in these great events. To learn more off a win this year in a bike race. If Phil doesn’t get that win, however, and to take part in one in your state, go to tour.diabetes.org. it won’t really matter. There are thousands of little kids like my son who will still cheer on the courage, passion and determination of Phil Southerland and his quest to get a rider with Type 1 into the Tour de THE REAL RACE France by 2012. As I sat down to write this story on Phil and the team, a friend called to tell me that Phil had come up just short of his first pro- We will both make the trip over to France to cheer that rider on. fessional win of the 2009 season at the Georgia Cup Road Race. He avoided a crash with 500 meters to go, slipped a pedal, recov- ered and sprinted to second place. “I was a little down on myself THE DOCUMENTARY: “ONE SHOT” after California and Taiwan,” Phil said, “so to come out here Vox Pop films is documenting the team’s journey to the against an aggressive local field and get a good result is good for TDF in 2012 and has already produced an amazing trailer. my morale. It also makes me eager to transfer that success to a The producer, Lisa Hepnner, is very motivated to tell the Type national level and get some results in the bigger races.” 1 story and follow their journey to the Tour de France. According to Phil, they are hoping to have trailers released Quick note to Mr. Anonymous from above. How do you like every year. You can view the trailer at http://www.voxpop- them apples? Add that to 45 wins in their first season and, as of films.tv/oneshot early April 2009, 19 wins for Team Type 1 in the pro ranks. They should have been at the Tour of California in 2009 and should be there again in 2010. Not because they have diabetes, but because they’ve earned it. THE SPONSORS Team Type 1 is fortunate to be helped by Lantus, Apidra, Freestyle, Omni-Pod, Dex4, Orbea, Louis-Garneau, Shimano, K- Swiss, Continental, Cat-Eye, Finish Line, DeFeet, Albabici, Park Tool, Timex, Thule, Nuun, Genuine Innovations and others. Road Bike Action 55

RBA bike test Photos by: John Ker GIANT TCR ADVANCED SL 0 The race bike even non-racers will love T he TCR name is not a new one in the lexicon of Giant road bikes. But for 2009, it might as well be. After a five-year play with similar models and technology, the top-of-the-line road bikes are all-new for this year. And to help prove the point, Giant went out and hired the powerhouse Dutch Rabobank team to show off their wares in the Pro peloton. There are five different models within the TCR Advanced SL family, from the top-of-the-line LTD model (pushed to an unfathomable $13,500 price due to the Shimano Di2 drivetrain) to the $4200 SL 1 (which uses the same frame, but without the integrated seat mast). We tested the mid-priced TCR SL 0, which can be found on the showroom floor for just over $7000. THE FRAME We first saw the new Giant at their press launch last summer in Mallorca. We were immediately impressed with the frame design and technology. In a world of over-the-top, origami-shaped frame tubes, the TCR frame stands apart with its more straight-forward, yet still massive, oversized frame sections. From the rectangular Mega-Drive down tube to the 86mm-wide Powercore bottom bracket and 1.125 inch tapered Overdrive head tube, it’s obvious that the TCR frame was designed to be stiff from front to back. There is some similarity with other bikes at the seat tube/top tube junction, where the former looks to pierce the latter. As the world’s biggest bike maker, you’d guess that Giant would have some cutting-edge manufacturing at their disposal. They do, and most of it can be found within their C-Tech factory, where all the carbon fiber R&D gets done. Giant uses a fusion process, where the frame endures a second round of mold time after the tubes have already been molded and co-wrapped together. Frame construction is first rate. With its compact frame design available in seven different sizes (XS-XXL), there is undoubtedly a frame to fit every consumer. www.roadbikeaction.com 56

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RBA giant THE PARTS On a bike that celebrates carbon so well, the flat-black aluminum FSA stem seems a tad on the utilitarian side, especially for a bike in this price range. Of course, the reality is, more often than not, an aluminum stem is lighter than a carbon stem— maybe by just a coat of gloss black paint. As for the rest of the bike, there is no shortage of glamour. You’ll find a full Sram Red group, Fizik bar tape and Arione saddle. Most enamoring of all are the Zipp 404 clincher wheels mounted with Michelin Pro 3 tires. But for as svelte as the 404 wheels ultimately are, we remain per- plexed by the big Zipp quick-release skewers. Like castoffs from a mountain bike, they seem out of place. THE VERDICT There’s really not much to say about the Giant’s ride, beyond, well, let’s see...how should we put it? How about sim- The 86-millimeter wide Powercore bot- Two seat clamps are available; one ply amazing. This is a hotrod race bike that tom bracket provides a stiff founda- that offers 20mm of vertical adjust- oozes performance from the first pedal tion. ment and one that provides 40mm. stroke. Test riders were left gushing and pointed to three main players: 1. The Zipps. Everybody loves them. 2. The stout frame still a bit to get used to for setup, but as Simply put, the all new TCR Advanced construction. Owing to the oversized front stiff as the frame is beneath you, the ISP is one of the best bikes we’ve ridden. triangle, the SL 0 tracks straight and true. (along with the rear triangle) delivers Point it to the apex of a turn and it executes enough comfort to provide the perfect Price: $7300 your command flawlessly without com- mix of crit-level stiffness and all-day ride Weight: 14.8 pounds plaint. 3. The integrated seat post. Yeah, comfort. Contact: www.giant-bikes.com www.roadbikeaction.com 58

RBA 102 TIPS EVERY ROADIE SHOULD KNOW Tips are a dime a dozen. These should be enough to get you a cup of coffee By the RBA Staff P robably more than any other sport, cycling breeds an expertise mentality whereby the wholly subjective is often espoused as the entirely objective. There are at least six million tips per- taining to cycling that on any given day might be told to you as much to improve your cycling experience as to make the person telling them feel like a two-wheeled sage. Regardless, tips are tips, and we’ve compiled a handy list of 102 of them from which we’re sure even the most experienced cyclist will be able to glean some useful information. 1 Start with the most basic. Ride your bike as often as possible. Tell your friends and family to do the same. Tell a stranger. ship with the staff at that shop so that if you are in a bind, they may be inclined to help you out late on a Friday afternoon when you had planned to do a race Saturday morning. 2 As with most sporting activities, technique is everything. Turning at speed seems to be a major scare factor for most of us. Find a good section of twisties with both tight and falling away 4 Carry three gels. One isn’t enough, and three will allow for the inevitable extension of a great ride. Additionally, there is turns and practice braking and counter steering. For wider, arcing nothing better than reaping the humanitarian reward of feeding turns, practice your lean angles and pedaling through them. a friend in need. 3 Find a shop that offers good service, has a knowledge- able staff, and stocks the products that you need. Buy your bike 5 Have more than one bike, but make sure that one of them is a commuter/townie bike with flat pedals and not one ounce of from the store that you want to service the bike. Build a relation- peloton panache. The more of a beater look it has, the more www.roadbikeaction.com 60

RBA 9 So you’ve decided to start cycling again and you just bought a new bike, but you tell the dealer that you don’t need to buy a helmet because you still have a barely used Giro ProLight you bought after Greg LeMond won the Tour in 1989. Not smart. The foam used in bicycle helmets has a three-year life span, so although the 15-year-old helmet may still look new, the foam won’t do the job. 10 Plan ahead and help yourself stay committed by writing down your desired workouts so that you consider them important and necessary, much like you would do if you had a dentist appointment. 11 When you transport your bike on a rack on the exteri- or of your vehicle, always remove your computer, Powertap, Garmin, etc., as these expensive devices might not always make it to your destination. They are designed to be on your bike at riding speeds, not at 70 mph down the interstate. 12 As important as the measurement of your saddle height is, don’t forget about the distance from your front axle to the center of your handlebars. While the move to more upright positioning is understandable, the higher your handlebars are off the ground, the more adverse effect it has on your cornering. 13 If the temperature is under 65 degrees, don’t leave home without a plastic grocery bag to act as a handy undershirt on the descents. It easily packs in your pocket and is 1/10 the size of a vest. inclined you will be to use it around town without fear of scratch- 14 Run your brake pads as far away from the rims as you can without compromising stopping performance. Wheels flex es, dents or thieves. wildly when you are climbing, accelerating and sprinting—which 6 Our favorite conflicting tire installation tips: One school says to start at the valve so for that last bit of bead wrangling the drives the rims against the brake pads, causing brake drag when you need it the least. Brake makers use silent pad material to valve won’t be a conflicting player. The other school has it that mask this problem. you should start opposite from the tube to provide as much “bead slack” as possible. Either way, as you roll the tire on, make sure 15 Don’t slag people riding aluminum, titanium or steel bikes, or worse, people who don’t shave their legs. the bead is sitting in the center-most part of the rim channel to provide optimum slack. And remember, no matter the snobs who eschew tire irons as some feeble tool for the feeble-minded, it’s 16 Remember that 70 percent of your stopping power always good to carry one due to the manufacturing variances in comes from the front brake. tire sizes and their growing penchant for using tighter dimensions for liability reasons. 17 The most common cause of poor shifting is a stretched cable. Fortunately, derailleurs have small adjustment barrels. If 7 An important inflation tip, especially if you’re using a C02 cartridge, is to inflate carefully and not all at once. You want to the derailleur is hesitating shifting toward the spokes, turn the barrel toward the spokes in 1/4-turn increments until the shifting make sure that the tire bead is seated evenly on both sides of the occurs with each click. Do the opposite if the derailleur is hesitat- rim, so inflate in stages. ing shifting away from the spokes. 8 Everyone knows that the only way to become faster is to 18 Experience new frontiers of cycling. The two best ways ride with someone faster than yourself. On those days when you are to participate in a group/charity ride and to take a cycling can’t find any fast friends to pedal with, head out anyway and vacation (preferably in Europe if you really know what’s good for purposefully try and catch anyone you see in front of you. you). Whether it’s an old lady on a cruiser wearing knee-high tube socks or the local time trial champ, make the effort to catch and 19 Cornering in the rain can be especially tricky. Keep as much of your weight on the outside pedal as possible, and keep pass them. Whether you do or not is beside the point. It’s all about expending the effort and making yourself stronger and the bike as upright as you can so that your body leans more than faster—even when you’re riding by yourself. the bike. Road Bike Action 61

RBA 20 Oil that you can see on the chain is useless. Most cyclists over oil their chains. Put one drop in the inside of the chain 24 If you just went out and bought that set of carbon wheels you’ve always dreamed about, do yourself, and the rims, across the barrel so the oil also contacts the inside of the side a favor by making sure you run carbon-specific brake pads. plates. Work the chain lube into the pins and bushings by spinning the cranks slowly for a minute or so, and then wipe off every bit of oil from the chain and sprockets. Oil inside the chain pro- 25 Few things are as environmentally irresponsible and culturally distasteful as the tube snob who throws away a tube vides lubrication—oil on the outside attracts dirt and wears out after every flat. Don’t underestimate patched tubes—they are just the drivetrain. Oh yeah, don’t lube the chain right before you ride. as strong as a new tube, as long as you use a quality patch (RBA Do it the evening before to allow time for it enter the chain, evap- does not recommend glueless patches) and it is properly applied. orate, harden and dry. 26 Your cleat position is important. Before you put new 21 Always eat three hours prior to your start time, or you ones on (and they should be replaced if cleat/pedal interplay has might be eating the same breakfast twice. Speaking of pre- deteriorated), take a marker and outline the edges of the old ones race/ride breakfast, here’s a quick and easy suggestion: beat two for a placement pattern for the new ones. eggs in a bowl, add a dash of milk and microwave for two minutes. Add a small handful of pasta, (we choose penne), add olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget your pre-race carb/protein 27 If you never ride for more than an hour, save the extra water and weight and just run a single bottle. drink on the drive to the race. 28-31 All the latest cable-operated shifting systems 22 If you know you will be eating on the fly, there’s nothing worse than swerving around trying to open a Powerbar. from SRAM, Campy and Shimano now run the shifter cables under the handlebar tape. The first 250-300mm of shifter housing Always pre-open the nutritional items you carry in your jersey. It is a combination of extreme bends that, if not set up properly, can makes it quick and safe. result in much greater friction and decreased life of the shifter housing and cables. Greater care needs to be taken to make sure 23 Don’t forget to check chain wear. Start by putting a that the shifting is smooth and precise. The following three tips will help to make sure that your shifting is smooth, fast and pre- slight bit of pressure on the pedals to tension the chain. Then hold a ruler against the chain. On a new chain, the distance of 12 full cise: links, pin to pin, is 12 inches. If 12 links on your chain measure 12- 1/8 inch or more, then it is time for a new chain. If you replace your chain on a regular basis, you will get longer wear out of your (29) The shifters from all three companies offer alternate routing of cables as they exit the shifter. One option routes chainrings and cassette cogs. the cable housing in front of the bar, and the other routes the www.roadbikeaction.com 62

RBA 102 TIPS cables straight out of the back of the shifter and towards the back the gears, and lube the chain. Having peace of mind prior to of the bar. In all cases, the straight shot out the back of the shifter starting a race allows you to focus on performing to your full to the rear of the bar will result in the fewest kinks and the potential. smoothest shifting possible. Unfortunately, most bikes come assembled in the front location, because it looks a little cleaner under the bar tape. In this case, it is far better to forgo the slight 35 If you are just starting to commute, plan your bike route by first driving it and doing some basic recon. What’s the fashion gain for faster, more precise shifting. shortest/easiest route? Which route has the better road conditions? Are there any bike stores en route? Donut shops? Get famil- (30) Next, as the housing exists from under the handlebar to be routed to the downtube, the traditional method has iar with the street names so that in case you need to get picked up you can give easy directions. been to route the right side shifter housing to the right side of the downtube. This produces a sharp bend in the housing as it exits from under the bar tape, decreases turning radius before the 36 The one tip we tell everyone (but don’t always follow ourselves) is to always unclip one foot and plant it at a stop sign, cables bind, and creates housing rub against the side of the bike’s even if it’s brief. Rolling stop signs gives us all a bad name. head tube. Route the right side shifter housing to the left side of the 37 Owing to the more specialized equip- downtube (it will follow ment, always test your TT the same path as the equipment prior to race rear brake cable), and day. From the different then route the left side positioning to the warmer shifter housing to the helmets and TT specific right side of the down- saddles, you want to be as tube. The shifter cables familiar with your setup as will need to cross each possible. Bonus TT tip: other mid way down the Don’t be afraid to run a downtube in an X pat- cog-set with a 26 or even tern in order to reach bigger gear. Even the best their proper location on time trialers know that the each side of the bottom number one rule of a suc- bracket. This routing will cessful effort is to never result in much smoother have to shift out of the big arcs to the housing, less ring. friction, and no rubbing or slapping of the shifter housing on the sides of the head tube. 38 On a group ride, it is easy to lose focus and overlap wheels with the rider in front of you. Back off a bit; it will save you (31) Lubrication: Even though shifter housings are Teflon-lined and most high-end cables have some sort of friction- some pavement time. Keep your eyes ahead of the rider in front of you as well. Your bike will follow your eyes, so look up. reducing finish, you can’t beat the shifting performance that can be achieved with lubrication. In our experience, nothing works better then Buzz’s Slick Honey. This is the standard for bicycle sus- 39 A good road racer knows how to ride bored and do as little work as possible while accusing others of not working. pension rebuilds and is also the ultimate cable lubrication. It is Always fear the racer who says he hasn’t been riding much but very light, very slippery, and doesn’t attract dirt like most high- has the tan lines of George Hamilton. tack lubricants. It is available in a syringe and in small or large containers at just about any high-end shop. It’s the finishing touch in the quest for perfect shifting! 40 Everyone has their own reasons why they ride (best evi- denced by our supremely entertaining and motivating Why We Ride section, (see page 28). For many of us, cycling is simply a 32 When riding in the rain, if you lower the air pressure in way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For some, it’s all about com- your tires you will create a larger contact patch that will provide petition. No matter why or how you ride, if you’re not bringing a more traction. big dose of fun and adventure to your two-wheeled experience, you need to reprogram your efforts. 33 Remember, different shoes have a different stack height and can throw your seat height off. So, if you are a multi- pair owner, remember to always measure. 41 Not all tire inflators and C02 cartridges are designed to work together. Before you ride, make sure that you have a work- able system. 34 Clean and check your bike the day before a race to make sure everything is working. Soap and water, a sponge, and a few small brushes make short work of the washing portion. 42 When changing your pedals, play it safe by putting the chain in the big ring to avoid running your knuckles or forearm Check over the small bolts to make sure they are snug, go through across the exposed sharp teeth. Road Bike Action 63

RBA 102 TIPS pre-ride safety check that includes checking the stem, brake, chainring, seatpost, saddle and water bottle bolts. 49 If you ride through glass, reach down and drag a finger across the tires to keep the debris from lodging in your tires. Make sure you have a glove on, and make sure you wipe the front tire in front of the fork. And when you do the rear, use extreme caution and try to hold a seat stay to protect your hand from being pulled into the rear wheel/seat stay junction. 50 When riding in a group, avoid being the serial pointer— the rider who points to everything from a fallen leaf to a discard- ed sofa. Not everything lying on the road is worthy of grabbing everyone’s attention when they’re pedaling hard with their heads down. 51 Eat before you’re hungry and drink before you’re thirsty. 52 Make sure you know what purpose you are buying a bike for. Each person is a unique customer and has different needs. If you are looking to race the local training criterium series, your bike should be different from the bike of the rider who is interested in doing a cross-state tour with his gear attached. Typically, a hardcore racer would be looking for a bike with a steeper head angle than a recreational/touring cyclist would desire. 53 When you’re behind the wheel, don’t become the type of car driver you dread and curse when you’re riding your bike. 54 Knee warmers should end just below the knee and not go all the way down to your ankles. If they do, they are leg warm- 43 If you have not been riding a lot, you might lower the saddle five to ten millimeters to make up for some lost flexibility. ers. Pull ’em up. Arm warmers go under your jersey. Pull them up farther than you need, then overlap the jersey. No skin should Crank it back up to full height in a month of riding, after your legs show. have relaxed back into fitness. 44 We saved the most important tip of all for #44. Do your part to increase the sense of community among cyclists by waving to every rider you ride past—and that includes the bus boys who are commuting to work on their beater mountain bikes. 45 If you’re the type of rider who can’t seem to wave back to fellow cyclists who are waving at you, here’s a tip—go play golf! 46 Find out the difference between pedaling “harder” and pedaling “quicker.” Whereas the former might help out for short, out-of-the-saddle, uphill sprints, the latter will make you a better and faster rider. 47 When crossing railroad tracks, try to cross at as much of an angle as possible. Do your adjustment prior to the track, not while riding over it, as they can be very slippery and usually sur- rounded by uneven pavement. 48 While everyone knows to check their air pressure before each ride (right?), also check to see that your skewers are tight. Before every other ride, be sure to perform a one-minute, www.roadbikeaction.com 64

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RBA 102 TIPS 55 Changing your bike position should be done before 60 There once was a well-liked mountain bike racer, who besides being ridiculed for not shaving his legs, was also scorned your serious training season gets under way so that you can gradually get accustomed to these changes. Once you dial in your for wearing tall black socks. Despite such obvious character flaws, position, you should duplicate that position on all of your bikes of Colorado’s Dave Wiens would go on to not only win a National that style (road bikes for racing and training, for example). Make XC Championship, but he also tooled Lance at the Leadville 100. sure you take all of the key measurements and write them down. Oh yeah, happen to notice Lance rockin’ the black socks these If you ever buy a new bike or crash your existing one and need to days? borrow another bike, you should be able to duplicate your position perfectly on that borrowed or new bike. Don’t think you can 61 It’s not just a fashion thing, or a way to get you to spend money on more expensive clothing, it’s just good advice. If set up the new bike by feel. A tape measure and plumb line are all you need, and the new bike should fit exactly the same as the you plan to start riding for more than two hours (heck, even one old one. hour), run with bib shorts. 56 Always leave an extra wheel between you and the rider 62 You may think they look cool, you may think they’ll make you ride faster, but if you’re just starting out, take our advice and in front of you when you think he is going to go from sitting to standing. At best he will stall momentarily, at worst he will roll avoid slapping the aero bar extensions on straight away. The biggest backwards. Be prepared. reasons are twofold: 1. Safety. The slower response time for hitting the brakes when you’re stretched out can make all the difference 57 When their feet get hot spots or feel like they are blis- tering, people tend to loosen their shoes. They should actually be when coming to a quick stop if a car, child or errant soccer ball rolls out in front of you. 2. Safety. The handling characteristics change tightening them to stop the chafing. dramatically when your hands are out in front of the front axle. 58 Eat lightly and often if your ride or race is longer than 63 Not a big deal, but if it’s chilly out, put your arm warmers on before your jersey so that the sleeves slide right up and an hour—every 30 minutes, or 45 minutes at the max. If you eat half a bar or a single gel, you’ll digest your nourishment easily over without any hassle. and there will always be room for water in your stomach. 64 When you’re not riding follow RBA on Twitter @road- 59 Don’t overdress. Dress for the race, not the staging area. Although morning starts can be uncomfortable when you bikeaction. Our own Bob Roll now has a Twitter account, and his daily musing are well worth the shame of being a Twit: @bobkeroll are sitting on the line, you actually need to err on the side of being cold when you start, because once you get going, you will likely 65 Few things are as enjoyable as showing up at the group ride with a new pair of shoes. However, leave the Imelda warm up to a perfect temp and soon be overheated. www.roadbikeaction.com 66

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Marcos syndrome behind until you’ve done at least three short rides by yourself to get your feet used to the shoes. It’s almost inevitable that a new pair of shoes will initially produce irritating and painful hot spots and there is nothing worse than suffering this agony in the first hour of a five-hour epic. 66 You’ve probably already heard the one about putting chunks of your Powerbar on the stem so you can eat easily in the heat of battle. Another race and ecology-inspired tip for in-the-saddle food prep is to just slightly tear a gel pack before you ride and place the half-torn open flap under the lid of your water bottle. When you need to eat, a slight tug of the gel pack should open it fully, leaving the tab stuck under the lid where it can be properly disposed of after the ride. 67 If you are properly hydrated and nourished beforehand, you can ride hard for one hour without food or water. Practice high-intensity training without on-the-bike refuel- ing and then use this information for time trials, criteriums and cyclocross races, where the intensity of the event may pre- clude eating and drinking. 68 Try something new: Visit www.roadbikeaction.com and realize that Cyclingnews and Velo News are great sites, but there is a new player in town with compelling, up-to-date race coverage, plenty of product reviews, plus some personality thrown in. 69 Depending on the design of each, you can usually store your riding glasses by flip- ping them upside-down and inserting them into the wider vents of your helmet. 70 Having good friends to ride with is a good thing. Letting them get the upper hand on you over the climbs is not. When nearing a climb on a group ride, remember to start thinking about a useful strategy and not the inevitable suffering. Just as you approach the base, shift into a higher gear to get a short, last-ditch boost of momentum. Find the balance between climbing efficient- ly and keeping a good pace by staying in a taller gear for as long as possible. Downshifts should be done smoothly, not at the point of desperation. Just when you get to the top of the climb and want nothing more than to sit up and backpedal for a rest, downshift one more time and keep pedaling. Building strength is fun, but not as much fun as it is to demoralize your friends. 71 If you’re not vying for the criterium national title, don’t bother running lightweight 700x21 (and below) tires, which are far more prone to flat than heavier-duty 700x23 (and above) tires. 72 Remember that even with all the anti-flat technology in the world, nothing will prevent flats better than rider control. Keep an eye on the road surface almost as much as you keep an eye on what’s up ahead.

102 TIPS 73 For a pre-race meal, find something that is repeatable and easy to have access to, regardless of where you are or what time of day your race is. One popular menu item is oatmeal mixed with a little peanut butter and fruit. These are easy to travel with ingredients that you can have with you no matter what part of the world you are in. All you need is some hot water to complete the cooking and make it edible. Great source of energy and easy to digest. 74 In a race, as in a hard training ride, pick your battles. The race is not won in the first 70 percent, just lost. Be honest about your strengths. The guy who always wins rarely comes out to play until the end, and he usually still has fresh legs. 75 When riding in the rain, plan ahead in regards to when you are turning or braking, and be attentive to obstacles that may not normally be a problem in dry conditions. Metal sewer covers and white crosswalk paint become extremely slick when they are wet, regardless of how fast or slow you are going. Remember that your brakes won’t work as well when they are wet either, so it will take a little more time to slow down or stop. 76 It’s an unspoken rule that you don’t show up without fenders for a group ride in the rain. If you are riding in the rain on a regular basis, adding rain flaps that go all the way down (almost two inches off the ground) help keep you dry regard-

NonStopCiclismo, CA – tel. 805-653- 1894 Laguna Beach Cyclery, CA - tel. 949-494-1522 VeloTech Cycles, CA – tel. 650-462-0789 Bicycle Emporium, CA – tel. 530-823-2900 less of the conditions. For cheap and durable rain flaps, cut down old water bottles and Alex’s Bicycle, FL – tel. 954-990-0836 Balancewheel, NJ – tel. 718-282-2992 bolt them to the base of the fender. Kim’s Bike Shop, NJ – tel. 732-846-3880 Pompton Cycle Center, NJ – tel. 973-835-6339 Gregg’s Cycles, WA – tel. 206-523-1822 www.worldcycling.com 77 The best way to encourage other people to start (and enjoy) cycling is for you to go out and do some intro rides with them. To make the experience helpful (and enjoyable), do not ride away from them on the first climb. Learn to hold back. 78 Make sure you can drop your heels in a pedal stroke without rocking your bum side to side. If Mr. Bum rocks, your seat has to come down. If you run your seat too high, your bum will let you know. 79 After installing new cleats on your shoes and getting used to their spring action, be sure to retighten them. 80 If and when you do decide to take a turn at the front, the number one rule is to make sure you have enough energy to actually pull it off and keep pedaling. Do not get to the front, tire and stop pedaling—or you will ride alone, friendless. 81 If you’re riding out of a hotel room and it looks like there might be inclement weather, don’t forget to take along the in-house shower cap as a just-in-case helmet cover. Sure, you’ll look odd, but nothing beats potential cold better than a warm, dry head. 82 Train for what your goals are, not what your friend’s goals are. If you are training for a 100-mile century and your friend is training for a 15-mile time trial, you each need to train differently. 83 With today’s vogue, deep-dish wheels, do you ever wonder what that clicking noise is every wheel rotation? It’s the valve extender clicking against the wheel. Use a wrap of electrical tape around the Presta valve to tighten the tolerance between the Presta valve and rim and the noise will be gone. Maybe that’s why Schraeder valves are rubber based. 84 If you are having trouble getting tires on or off your rims, trying using a tube that’s one size smaller in width than the tire you’re using. For example, if you use a 700x25C tire, try a 700x23C tube. 85 Powerbar and GU wrappers work great for fixing sliced tires, so don’t throw them in the trash until you get home from your ride. Dollar bills also work.

102 TIPS 86 If you are going to ride in the rain on a consistent basis, a beater rain bike is a good investment. This prevents your favorite bike from being subjected to the grit and grime that come with riding in the rain. 87 Always drink more water than you think you need. A general rule is to drink one bottle per hour, even when it’s cold out—which is hard to do, but it’s important. Director Sportifs often have to tell the tour stars to drink when it’s cold. Even the best forget. 88 Although we pretend to know it all, we don’t. Two great places to go for additional tech tips are: www.sheldon- browne.com and www.parktool.com. 89 Even if your planned three-hour ride gets compressed into 30 minutes, ride anyway. Thirty minutes is better than NEUVATIONCYCLING.COM Great bikes at great prices. Assembled from the frame Carbon frame Sram Red 50 mm carbon tubular wheels 15.4 pounds Sale $2595 nothing at all, and it will remind you how great the two-wheeled life can be, even for a short amount of time. 90 Few things are more aggravating than a mis-shifting drivetrain. At least once a year you should go through your drivetrain for a thorough cleaning using solvents, brushes and gear combs. Take off the chain. Does it need to be replaced? Clean it thoroughly as well. Give your cranks a good spin to make sure they rotate like a Frisbee in flight.

RBA 102 TIPS 91 When flying with your bike, reducing the tire pressure will prevent a blowout as the pressure changes during flight. Do 100 Time trial tip: Always have your heart rate build to its maximum at the finish of the race. The key is to moderate the you also need to be reminded to leave any C02 cartridges at gas pedal, but you need to know your engine. As you know, it can home or lose them to the TSA? vary day to day, week to week. One day you’re a Don Garlits drag- ster, the next day you’re Herbie the love bug. The trick is learning 92 This one is born from firsthand experience. If you’re going to insist on riding how much rest you need leading up to the event. Don’t follow what with THE yellow jersey, be sure to respect works for your buddies. its history and prestige by making sure it Plus, never trust what your covers your belly. buddies tell you works for them. 93 After flatting on the road, never, and we mean never, install a new inner 101 Record your preferred tire pressure, and tube without first checking then experiment with two the inside of the tire cas- to five psi in either ing to see if there are any direction so you sharp objects poking understand how through. There’s nothing your bike can han- worse than installing a dle differently with new tube only to have it relatively the same go flat as it gets inflated setup. because the same nail that caused your first flat is still embedded in the tire. 102 When you plan to store your bike, be sure to drop 94 We always put a carbon the front derailleur onto adhesive (Finishline) or rub some dirt (did we the small ring and the rear say that?) on carbon stems so they won’t slip. derailleur onto the small cog to relieve pressure on the springs. 95 Check your tires for cut glass or thorns after you ride, as opposed to before you ride. This way, you have time to fix the tire or get a new one before the next ride. 96 Since most road bike helmets do not have a visor option, wear a cycling cap under your helmet if you have a long ride in the sun on your schedule. And to help maintain air flow, you can cut out most of the top and frontal area of the cap to just maintain the benefit of the visor. 97 Glazed brake shoes cause weak braking and impolite squeals. Use sandpaper, a file or an emery board to buff off the glaze and roughen up the pads. Also, pick out dirt, grit or pieces of metal that have become embedded in the pad. If the pad has hardened so much you can’t scratch it with your fingernail, or if it’s worn past the indicator line, replace it. 98 Dieting is for early season training. After that, if you are putting in miles and racing regularly, you’ll need to pound calories to refuel. Too many athletes race undernourished because they become obsessed with dieting. 99 Even if you haven’t joined the aero wheel revolution (yet), carry a valve extender. There are various companies, (Park, Schwalbe, Zipp) who make quality valve extenders, and someone will need one on your ride. It’s also not a bad idea to carry a Schraeder adapter as well, just in case a gas station is the only place you can find some air. www.roadbikeaction.com 72

Compete for your Stars-and-Stripes at the USA Cycling National Championships. June 28 - July 4 USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships Louisville, KY July 2-5 USA Cycling Junior Track National Championships Carson, CA July 28 - Aug 2 USA Cycling Junior, U23 & Elite Road National Championships Bend, OR July 31 USA Cycling Tandem Sprint Championships Trexlertown, PA Aug 15-16 USA Cycling Elite & Professional Criterium Championships Downers Grove. IL Aug 18-23 USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships Indianapolis, IN Aug 29-30 USA Cycling Professional Road and TT National Championships Greenville, SC Sept 30 - Oct 4 USA Cycling Elite Track National Championships Carson, CA Dec 10-13 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships Bend, OR

RBA tech TOTALLY TUBULAR How family-run FMB sets the standard Tim Maloney S ituated on the far-flung reaches of France’s westernmost region of Brittany, along the pink limestone cliffs of the Côtes-d’Armor, is where you’ll find the tiny hamlet of Plurien. Plurien is home to FMB (Francois Marie Boyaux), a tiny artisan outfit that makes some of the finest tubular tires (known as boyaux in French) in the world. Francois Marie and his family moved to Brittany from Paris a decade ago when Marie decided to produce his handcafted tubular tires. Although Marie didn’t know it at the time, when he started his business in the late 1990s he was ahead of the market trends. Tubular tires have became popular once again over the past five years. Road Bike Action recently traveled to the majestic Cap Frehel shoreline to pay a visit to Marie and his petit company, a true family affair, where he and his wife and his father and mother all work to make their unique cycling tires. On the way to Plurien, we passed through Yffinac, the hometown of Bernard Hinault. Eventually, we arrived at FMB. As the smells of latex, rubber cement and salt air swirled through our nostrils, Marie gave us a tour of his tiny atelier and patiently took us through Bernard Hinault looms large in the painstaking steps involved in the fabrica- his home village of Yffinac. tion of tubular tires. THE HISTORY Marie began the tour by explaining how he got into the handmade tubular business. “I’ve always had a passion for tubular tires,” he said. “I was a racer and also used to repair tubulars on the side. I learned to make tubulars by working for several tire manufacturers. After working as a motorcycle messenger in Paris for six years, I decided to move to Brittany www.roadbikeaction.com 76

RBA HAND ROLLING After the casings emerge from curing, Marie hand-rolls each casing to compress the threads. “This makes each casing stronger,” he says. Then the casings are cut in two, and fold lines, called “orielles” (ears) are drawn. The edges are turned over and sewn by hand on an old industrial sewing machine with linen thread. “We have a special way to stitch this part; usually it’s a single stitching, but we double-stitch it for more strength and durability.” Once the casings are stitched, the internal chafing Tubulars Are Us: FMB tubular tires. and make my own tires.” Working in a miniscule, 350-square-foot, corrugated metal garage, Marie creates road, track and cyclocross silk tubulars with custom rubber treads. “We source or make ourselves all the components for the tubulars in France. We make the special cloth here that makes the casings. It takes several days of work to make a tubular tire.” Marie explained that the fabric for the casings comes from endless bands made by wind- ing a fine thread of cotton or silk on a drum, which is then coated with liquid latex. Once the latex has set-up for 24 hours, this mate- Each tubular starts with custom-produced, rubberized cloth rial then turns into fabric. The fibers are angled at 45 degrees and in cotton or silk that arrives as an endless roll, ready to be cut to the correct width. then laid in two biased plies for strength and flexibility. The casing fabric is not vulcanized (which would make it more durable, but strip is sewn in place on one side, the tube is placed inside, and less supple) and is only held together by the air-dried latex. “Once the other edge of the strip is then sewn to enclose the tube. FMB the casing fabric is made, we unroll it as we cut the casings to the uses a special latex band between the tube and casing as anti- proper size for each tubular, from 20mm for track tires to 34mm puncture protection and to reduce rolling resistance. Next the for cyclocross tires. Once we make the first casing, we store it in base tape is glued on, and then the tread is glued in place on the a dark, dry room for a week so it cures and dries out before fur- casing, which is then inflated to 13 bar (182psi) and hung on a ther assembly.” special rack to cure for 12 to 24 hours. Road Bike Action 77

RBA tech Totally Tubular THE TREADS Because Marie prefers to follow his own path, he designs and sources his own treads for FMB. Although FMB gained a cult following for its cyclo-cross tubulars, like the SP (Super Prestige) model with tangerine casing or SSC Sprint (Spécial Service Course) for fast courses, FMB also produces state-of-the-art track tires in silk or cotton, like the Super Pista Record with ultra-low- rolling-resistance, green, fine-file treads. Road models include the Cotton Critérium in 20- and 22-millimeter versions, Soie naturelle Critérium (Silk Critérium) in 20-, 22- and 23-millimeters, and a 25- millimeter Paris-Roubaix model with a special reinforced 0.2-mil- meter green latex sidewall that Tom Boonen rode to victory in last year’s Roubaix classic. Once the sewing of the FMB casings is completed, they are mounted on rims at high pressure to check construction integrity. THE NUMBERS True to the tradition of old world craftsmanship, Francois Marie and his small FMB outfit produce less than 10,000 tubulars per year, but each one maintains the fast-disappearing tradition of a handmade bicycle product. “We really love our work,” Marie says with an obvious air of pride and enthusiasm. “We have a special passion for this.” Following his interview and factory tour, Marie excused himself to drive all night to deliver a fresh batch of Various custom FMB treads before being mounted on com- 130-gram track tires to some riders at the French track champi- pleted casings. onships. C’est l’amour. www.roadbikeaction.com 78

Spokes are THE KEY element R-SYS of the wheel structure. light & stiff By redesigning the spoke’s construction Mavic made LIGHTER and STIFFER wheels for INSTANT ACCELERATION. Tracomp technology has been developed with and is endorsed by Mavic pro-riders from AG2R-La Mondiale, Liquigas, Silence-Lotto and OUCH teams. www.mavic.com 10% lighter* Carbon TraComp spokes are 38% lighter than their stainless steel equivalent. With the Tracomp technology, the tubular carbon spokes works both in traction and compression. This new design allows us to lower the spoke tension and ﬁnally to reduce the stress on the rim and the hub. 30% stiffer* Thanks to clamped spokes on each end: TM - to the rim with Fore technology TM - to the hub with the Tracomp ring Uncompressible and non-stretchable spokes: - Metallic spokes are ﬂexible and stretchable - Tubular carbon spokes are uncompressible and unstretchable *compared to a wheel using conventional spokes.

RBA TWO BIKES WILL TRAVEL The Dean Randonneur and The Ritchey Breakaway will take you places you never thought you would go. And, the ride will be pretty good while you are there. www.roadbikeaction.com 80

RBA Photo: Pat Carrigan T here is art to traveling with bikes. A tradi- took these two bikes at face value, broke them tional bike, boxed up, broken down and down, built them up, and rode them in all situa- thrown on a plane is expensive, risky, diffi- tions to see if either one could be the answer to cult and oftentimes not worth the hassle. Dean the challenge of traveling with bikes. What we Bikes and Ritchey are hoping to change that. We found out was quite a surprise... Road Bike Action 81

RBA Price: $6450, (frame and fork and coupler: $3600) Weight: 21.25 pounds Info: www.deanbikes.com THE DEAN RANDONNEUR A custom titanium touring bike—in a suitcase? Dean’s Randonneur is available with or without the S&S aged, you can fix them as well as possible and ride drag-free with- Titanium coupling system, but if you travel, there is no substitute out compromising your braking performance. for the breakaway version of Dean’s most popular touring design. Dean builds the Randonneur frame specifically for each customer PUTTING IT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT APART from U.S.-made 3/2.5-alloy titanium tubes, and then outfits the Before you awaken the Randonneur from its sleep, take note (or a frame with your selection of components, chosen from a number picture) of how the parts are stored inside the case. There is a method of existing build kits. Ours was a $2150 Shimano Dura-Ace build. to the madness—get it wrong and you might miss your return flight The frame alone will run $2150, with an additional $750 for the trying to repack the bike. The case is engineered to be as small as pos- S&S coupling system, and then you’ll need to add $400 for a fork. sible—to the point where the 700C tires must be deflated to tuck the The handy traveling case will cost about $400, and you’ll want to wheels inside. Custom neoprene wraps and pouches are included to include it—both to protect your investment from overzealous bag- provide separation and protection for the various disassembled bits, gage handlers and because it will exonerate you from having to and if you look carefully, each is inscribed (black-on-black) with a felt pay outrageous airline bicycle fees. The complete, 58-centimeter pen so you can mate the proper neoprene with its rightful compo- Dean Randonneur weighs 21.25 pounds and fits very snugly into nent. Our bike came with quick-release fenders (a nice touch), and its sturdy 26.5x26.5x10.5-inch locking hard-case, which is there were no bike assembly instructions in sight. equipped with a pull handle and a pair of wheels. With the Randonneur in a bike stand, it took 45 minutes to get THE FRAME the Dean assembled. This is not something that you will want to Dean’s take on the ultimate touring bike is both innovative and do on a daily basis, (although this is quite possible should you classic. Its arching top tube blends into curved seat stays, which require it). The S&S couplers are easy to operate and are tight- give the Randonneur a vintage flavor. Joe Breeze-type dropouts ened to 35 foot-pounds with a special wrench included with the enhance the Dean’s minimalist profile, as do its tiny, welded-on bike. Next, the fork is slipped into the frame (take a good look at pannier mounts. Two S&S hirth-type junctions are welded in place the cable routing, because it can be quite a puzzle should you get on the top tube and downtubes, and the cable housing stops are the handlebar twisted in between one of the four housings) and slotted to allow quick disengagement of the controls. Our 58-cen- then the bar and stem are reintroduced. Screw in the rear timeter frame had a classic-length, 58-centimeter top tube. The derailleur, slide the Dura-Ace crank through the bottom bracket, slightly sloping top tube raises the handlebar to an amicable and secure the left arm. Slip the wheels on and slide the seatpost tourist height, which segways into the Randonneur’s most unique in place and you are almost there. features—a Woundup Team-X aluminum-crown, carbon fiber cyclocross fork, and Avid mechanical disc brakes on both wheels. There are three cable connectors that thread together that Why disc brakes? Dean designed the frame to double as a fully enable the rear brake and both derailleur cables to be broken loaded touring machine. Also, since you’ll be traveling with one down along with the frame. Threading them back together can be set of wheels, it is a comfort to know that, should the rims be dam- done by hand—and (this is the best part) shifting and braking www.roadbikeaction.com 82

RBA WILL TRAVEL remain in adjustment after reattaching the connectors. The only The special wrench tools you’ll need beyond the S&S wrench is a set of Allen wrench- is easy to use. es and a plastic Shimano spline tool for the left crank arm adjustment (not included). Give yourself at least 45 minutes for your first try at disassembling the Dean, because inevitably, there will be some confusion about which padding goes where and the sequence that best results in a well-packed case. Get it wrong and the case will “nearly” close, but avoid the temptation to sit on it and force the latch- es, as there are $6500 worth of delicate Randonneur parts inside that your well-being will depend upon later. THE PARTS Dean outfitted our Randonneur with a Dura-Ace 7800 drivetrain and triple crankset, Avid BB7 disc brakes, a Thomson aluminum stem and seatpost, a Ritchey Comp handlebar, and DT Swiss RR 1.2 rims laced to Chris King hubs. Tires were ultra- durable Continental 4Season clinchers. Together, the Randonneur frame and components weigh 21.25 pounds and are a well-craft- S&S fittings are welded ed blend of sporty performance and trekking durability. in place. THE RIDE Initial acceleration reminds you that this is a touring machine, not an uber-light ProTour racing bicycle. The Dean takes a couple of extra pedal strokes to get up to speed, but once there, it remains on point with an enlightened, efficient feel. There is enough steering stability to make hands-off riding comfortable, should you want to snap pictures of tulip fields in Holland or Lamas in Patagonia. Cornering is stable and secure, but still live- ly enough so you can rip up a lunch ride or sit in with a peloton full of racer-boys. The Randonneur’s titanium frame and component selection mute the feel of the pavement for an all-day level of comfort. Avid’s disc brakes take an hour or so to bed into the rotors. Take heed, because unlike rim brakes, they require a lot of squeeze when they are new, but they will haul the bike down with one finger once they pass the break-in period. The bends of the Ritchey handlebar were well suited to all-day riding on the hoods, while being low enough in the drops to make headway against strong winds. We liked the Dura-Ace triple crankset because we could enjoy the closely spaced 21x25-tooth cassette and still have Neoprene pads fit all the low gears for extended climbs. parts that may rub together. THE VERDICT Dean’s breakaway Randonneur is the ultimate travel accesso- Threaded quick release cable ry. You don’t need an adding machine to realize that the Dean fits connectors are a nice touch. into the “James Bond” category of travel gear. The bottom line for the Dean Randonneur is not a monetary figure, it is the freedom to ride. When you see a road less traveled, you won’t be wishing you brought your road bike—it will be waiting in the trunk of your rental car or in your hotel room. Cycling enthusiasts who travel frequently can take the Dean along and enjoy the pleasure of riding a custom-tailored, high-performance road bike instead of watching the world Snooker Championships in the hotel sports bar. If you don’t have time to ride, it remains conveniently stowed in its case until you do. Road Bike Action 83

RBA Price: $6230 Weight: 17.4 pounds Info: www.ritcheylogic.com RITCHEY TI/CARBON BREAK-AWAY A titanium and carbon traveling companion from one of the most famous names in cycling Ritchey has been making road and mountain bikes since the THE FRAME late 1970s. During the 1980s, Ritchey built roughly 400 frames a The Ritchey Ti/Carbon Break-Away features a frame made of year. Starting in the 1990s, Ritchey began scaling back frame aerospace-grade titanium and hi-modulus carbon fiber. The front products and focused on components. By the end of the decade, triangle is made from 3/2.5 titanium and features a braze-on it appeared that Ritchey frames would be a thing of the past. front derailleur mount and integrated headset. The carbon fiber Thankfully, a couple of years ago Ritchey revived their frame divi- rear triangle features a replaceable rear dropout. The titanium sion and introduced the Break-Away series—a collection of road, and carbon frame is mated to a full carbon Ritchey WCS fork. mountain and cross bikes based on the famous Ritchey geometry, but able to be broken down and packed into a 8.5x26.5x31-inch PUTTING IT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT APART travel case. To make the always-traveling RBA staff’s life easier, The Break-Away comes apart at the seat cluster and downtube Ritchey sent us their top-of-the-line Ti/Carbon Break-Away. We near the bottom bracket shell. The junction at the seat cluster con- were curious to see if a “folding” bike could live up to the Ritchey sists of two separate seatpost clamps, one on the wishbone seat heritage. stay and the other attached to the top tube. Each clamp is cut at an angle to allow them to align and form a solid link when the The Ritchey breaks down at the seatpost is inserted and the clamps are tightened. seat tube and down tube. The junction at the bottom bracket consists of a straight cut in the downtube. On each side of the break, the tubes feature beveled lips that press together and are then secured with a compression clamp. The derailleur and brake cables use cleaver screw couplers that allow for quick separation when disassembling the bike. Unpacking and assembling the Ritchey took roughly 15 minutes, while disassembling and packing took about 25 minutes. The extra time was mainly spent covering the tubes and fork in their plastic scratch guards and packing everything in its speci- fied order. The ease with which the Break-Away assembles and disassem- bles is impressive. RBA testers traveled several times with the Break-Away and were never charged a bicycle transportation or www.roadbikeaction.com 84

RBA WILL TRAVEL oversized luggage fee. If you travel a lot, the money saved in fees will help offset the cost of the Break-Away. THE PARTS The Ti/Carbon Break-Away featured a full Dura Ace group that worked flawlessly. A Ritchey WCS carbon stem, handlebar and seatpost made up the cockpit, which was rounded out with a Ritchey Streem saddle. All the Ritchey parts worked flawlessly and have been race-tested by some of the best riders in the professional peloton. The Ritchey Protocol WCS LTD wheelset was smooth and stayed true throughout the test. Weighing a respectable 1495-grams a set, we were impressed with the wheels’ durability and overall performance. The Protocol WCS LTD wheels were fitted with Ritchey Road Slick tires. The tires offered good traction in both wet and dry conditions. THE NUMBERS Our 56-centimeter Ritchey has 73.5-degree head and 73.5- degree seat tube angles, connected by a 56-centimeter top tube. The Break-Away weighed 17.4 pounds without pedals. THE RIDE We expected to feel some additional flex in the bottom bracket due to the coupling being so close to the bottom bracket, but we were pleasantly surprised to find little or no difference between the Break-Away and a non-folding bike. The combination of the titanium front triangle mated to the carbon rear and WCS fork made for one of the smoothest riding bikes to come through the RBA offices. All-day comfort was exceptional, and the bike’s The rear section balance offered solid handling in virtually all situations. While not is carbon fiber. super stiff, the Break-Away climbed extremely well with a snappy feel in and out of the saddle. Descending was equally impressive, as the smooth ride aided in the feeling of control and encouraged us to tackle descents with increased speed. THE VERDICT The Ti/Carbon Break-Away is a great, no-compromise bike that happens to fold up for easy transport. Its light weight and quick breakdown time make it ideal if you travel and don’t want to sac- rifice performance and ride quality. Keep the headtube spacers so you can fit the bike to another rider. The second break-away is on the downtube. Road Bike Action 85

RBA THE BEST ADS OF THE 1980s cool? Do you remember when this was R oad Bike Action decided to take a look back—way back—at some of the technology and trends of the 1980s. Here’s a taste of some of our favorite magazine ads from the era. It would help if you listened to Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” while reading this story. Or, listen to the soundtrack to Sixteen Candles. A classic steel Bianchi in Celes te. Bianchi has a long histor y of racing, mos t recently sponsoring the Barloworld team. e Motorola, ther .S. Postal and Descente was one of the , Columbi a, Discover y, U 1980s. They’re still aro premier clothing brands of the Before Garmin team. und today and offer a was the legendar y 7-Eleven quality apparel. full line of www.roadbikeaction.com 86

RBA st hubs co earing s ealed-b largest bicycle ialized e of Spec ne of th ank an d 1983 , a pair pecialized is o s the Saxo B In 4.95. To day, S sponsor only $4 rld and ies in the wo s. compan al team ofession Quick Step pr Rossin was an Italian brand th 1980s but fade at had mild su d from the mar ccess in the ea ket by the mid rly 1990s. early s in the ane Cycle , nd ro de for Git the Tou r de France G reg LeMo d had n’t yet won ic to sell Panasonic disp lays their idea ugh LeMon oors Class bicycle. The Ae of an aerodyna 1980s. Tho the 1981 C ro Road 6000 mic d his victory in post and aero included an ov Gitane use ed States. water bottle. alized seat- bikes in the Unit Road Bike Action 87

gh mpete at the hi attempted to co and perform- l Gruppo Rino quality The 1982 Exce ver match the - t but could ne t until the emer the 1984 Olym pics team, en d of the marke ponents. H owever, it wasn’ and supe- ial supplier of - gnolo com their lower pric e Murray was th e of fic gold medal-win ance of Campa late 1980s (with Serotta, while Shimano in the ally folded. ere really built by gence of ) that Excel fin but the bikes w d performance de a Pinarello. rior quality an ner Alexi Grewal ro group, with a top-of-the-line The Ultimat e was Excel’s and drilled-out rear derailleur By today’s stan polished al uminum caged ed, but in 1983 dards, the V1-P RO is heavy an ve weight. the V1-PRO was d poorly ventila chainrings to sa cutting edge. t- www.roadbikeaction.com 88

BEST ADS OF THE 1980s Pepsi as a sports drink. inn her- he Schw m 1982. T rsar y -edition is ad fro th-annive ge in th 0 racing herita ase of the 7 to uts their ith the rele Schwinn e today w itage is aliv unt. Paramo The Raleigh team featur ed Andy Hampsten, Ste Roy Knickman and Steve ve Hegg, Tilford. Raleigh was one teams capable of compet of the only ing with 7-Eleven in the U.S. Road Bike Action 89

RBA -the-line equip- nsidered top-of Dia-Compe brakes were co Alexi Grewal on his congratulates ment in the 1980s. This ad pic games. the 1984 Olym gold medal at nal Sprint world professio our us ed eight-time rbePro group. In 1984, SunT fits of their Supe ano to sell the bene were familiar w ith Champion Nak e United States few people in th Unfor tunately, er. ectacular care N akano, or his sp Flyer,” staring Kevin featur- ic Kreitler logo r the m ovie “American not a main- e developm ent of the icon high-end A 1985 ad fo e movie was Long before th r was making avid G rant. While th e cycling com- Yorkshire Terrier, Kreitle r continues Costner and D assic within th ing Killer the in 2001, Kreitle s be come a cult cl Al Kr eitler’s passing stream hit, it ha rollers. Despite stry standard. remain the indu mun ity. mak ing rollers that www.roadbikeaction.com 90

RBA BEST ADS OF THE 1980s The Victor y w as Campagnol 1980s. By the en o’s mid-range d of the 1980s, group during lower-priced Campagnolo w the as in competitio building quality and more innovative gr n with 1985. Despite Campangnolo oups from A Panaso nic ad from U.S. market, ev entually to one-up each and Shimano have spent the Shimano. c stru ggled in the other. last twenty year bikes, Panasoni s tr ying pulling out in 1989. stry a long the bicycle indu Assos used this Pearl Izum i has been in igg’s win at ad to promote n of Rebecca Tw Assos clothing their line of tim time. This ad is in celebratio is still used by e trial clothing . world. professional rid s Classic. ers all over th the 1983 Coor e Road Bike Action 91

major Coors was a cycling in suppor ter of onsoring the 1980s, sp the fa mous Coors e race. Classic stag d their Coors continue suppor t of cycling into with the the 1990s team of Coors Light Alexi Grewal and Davis Phinney. In the 1980s, Peugeot was pushing the technological envelope with the PY10-FC. The PY10-FC featured carbon main tubes mated to aluminum lugs and an aluminum rear triangle. Dura- Ace cam e to the forefro By the early 19 nt in the 1980 French hero Be 90s, it was the s. all other groups standard by w rnard Hinault were judged. In hich Sidi Cycle Spor is featured in launched the D 2008, Shiman t shoe. Sidi shoe an ad for the i2 electronic gr o s are still used 1983 oup. by top professio nals. www.roadbikeaction.com 92

BEST ADS OF THE 1980s Raleigh capita lizes on the su 1984 Olympics ccess of the U . The Raleigh su .S. team at th time trial and perbike helped e track bikes for set the trend fo the next decade r . Superbe-Pro was SunTour’s top-of-the-line group, but the introduction of Shimano’s STI brake/shift levers at the end of the decade put an end to the Superbe-Pro’s dominance. Specialized ha nal s a long histor . Natio ing in America. y of suppor ting the U.S In 1985, Spec rac- e nts for es in Los port traveled ac ialized’s neutra compon pic gam ross the countr l sup- upplied 4 Olym racers. y, helping coun gnolo s ed for the 198 tless Campa repar s they p Team a . Angeles Road Bike Action 93

RBA bike test www.roadbikeaction.com 94

RBA Photos by: Pat Carrigan FONDRIEST M TF1Modern-Day World Champion’s Perfect Racer aurizio Fondriest’s racing career (1987 to 1998) spanned the golden era of innovation, which included clipless pedals, index and brake-lever shifting systems, The TF1’s frame numbers are tour-proven and vary according to frame size. Our 55-centimeter, large model (56-cm level top tube equivalent) had a 56.5-centimeter top tube, 40.7-centimeter chain stays, a 73-degree head angle and a 73.5-degree seat the rise and fall of aluminum and titanium, and the dawn of carbon fiber. Maurizio was known for his dedication to minute tech- angle. Medium-sized TF1 frames weigh 970 grams—lightweight by nical details regarding the bike and his cycling position. Victories anyone’s standards—and the TF1 fork weighs 340 grams. Five in a wide variety of classic races, including two World Cup overall frame sizes are available, and Fondriest offers a custom frame titles and the 1988 World Championships, lend credibility to option as well. Fondriest’s post-retirement decision to design a line of racing bicycles and custom carbon frames, the most famous of which is the THE BUILD TF1. Outfitted as a pure racer, the TF1 breaks from the present trend towards addressing the comfort concerns of amateur THE FRAME enthusiasts with taller head tubes, shorter stems and forward- The TF1 is Fondriest’s masterpiece. With an oh-so-Italian position saddles. Fondriest delivers a true pro-bike setup with a frame, it features a curved top tube and wildly profiled seat and long, 130-millimeter, 3T ARX aluminum stem and full-depth, 3T chain stays. It is topped with 3K woven carbon material for both Ergosum Team carbon fiber handlebar. The seatpost is a set-back- structural concerns and visual pop. The arching top tube theme type FSA K-Force Carbon model topped with a Selle Italia Flight Ti- continues through to the TF1’s wishbone seat stays. The TF1 car- rail saddle. The moment he climbs aboard, the TF1 rider is remind- bon fork is molded with aerodynamic fins near the front brake ed that speed is the goal of racing. and below the crown. The headset is integrated into the frame, which plays well to the Fondriest’s clean-looking profile. Bici Fondriest is decidedly Italian, so most customers will have Construction methods are kept secret, but the technique visible their TF1 dressed in one of three Campagnolo ensembles. But if through the clear-coated frame indicates the tube-to-tube joining you prefer, you can order a TF1 with a Shimano Dura-Ace build. process. We ordered our TF1 with Campagnolo’s new 11-speed Chorus group because we wanted to see how it compared to the Super Tube-to-tube frames are built from separate carbon fiber pipes Record groupset (RBA June 2009). The wheels were Campagnolo so that each can be high-pressure molded more precisely than a Fulcrum Racing-1s mounted to Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX clinch- one-piece frame. The frame is glued together and reinforced at er tires. The all-up weight of the large Fondriest was a respectable each joint with hand-applied layers of carbon material. The frame 15.3 pounds (6.94kg). is then cured to its final strength. Tube-to-tube construction results in very lightweight frames and lends itself well to moderate pro- THE RIDE duction runs and custom builders. This is just one more reason “Long and low” were the first impressions that every Fondriest the TF1 stands apart. rider noted. Its 130-millimeter 3T stem has no rise, and its setback Road Bike Action 95

RBA tf1 FSA seatpost effectively adds 2.5 centimeters to its already roomy office. Riders who usually ride 58-centimeter frames would fit the large Fondriest TF1 best. The fact that it is advertised as a 55-centimeter bike is not a trick—just an honest representation of the seat tube length. On the road, the TF1 is smooth and versatile—as one would expect from a true ProTour racer. Its Fulcrum Racing-1 wheels are not the lightest racing clinchers, and thus temper the Fondriest’s initial acceleration, but their precise feel in the turns and wind- cheating aero spokes make up for losses (imagined or otherwise) while descending or spinning a big gear on the flats. In a sentence, the TF1’s handling is smooth and predictable. The TF1 reminds us that most enthusiasts choose too large of a frame, while top professionals often ride smaller sizes that afford more fitting options and a lighter bicycle. Those who actually fit the TF1 raved about its climbing and about the fact that it held a razor-straight line while sprinting. The difference between Chorus The semi-aero fork design and Campagnolo’s Fulcrum wheels and Chorus “skele- and Super-Record is price and integrated headset give the TF1 ton” brakes make for an impressive pair—adding weight—not performance. a sleek look. another level of descending performance to the already-impressive Fondriest. Powerful and precise, RBA’S VERDICT Campagnolo’s braking encourages the TF1 rider to When a decorated professional competitors—those who dictate the pump the pedals a few more times before each cor- develops a racing bicycle, one can pace on the climbs, who force the ner—while the TF1 yells “faster, faster” when acceler- expect that he will infuse it with the decisive breaks, and who lie in wait ating out of each apex. Campagnolo’s separate brake riding qualities and inspiration that for anyone who dares to make a and shift paddles are not perfect for all riders—espe- come from a level of cycling even the move—will feel right at home aboard cially those who ride far back on the drops. On the most devoted enthusiast can only this outstanding Italian beauty. hoods, the thumb lever is better than electric shifting aspire towards. Those of us who are because it selects a number of gears in one push. In happily pumping out club rides on our the drops, however, quick shifts with the thumb lever Roubaixs or Madones will probably require practice and a degree of technique. That said, find the Fondriest’s authentic racing Price:$4700 (frame only) our shift-lever gripes are not Fondriest’s problem, but ergonomics uncomfortable and its Weight: 15.3 pounds merely an observation about a component option. predictable handling too tame. True Info: www.veloeuropa.com www.roadbikeaction.com 96

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RBA Women Helping Women A group of cyclists, Giant For Women, is helping new riders transform into enthusiasts… Jenny Skorez from Giant For Women. W omen are a fast-growing segment of the cycling population, and much of that growth is being fueled by some of the best women racers and their sponsors taking an active role in encouraging other women to take up the sport. Women are offering support by sharing experiences (sto- experiences. It is a true virtual community. The Ride Society Leaders support the larger women’s cycling community, traveling all over the country to conduct clinics and seminars through local dealers. ries about their first race, first visit to a bike shop, or first time RBA: How did you get involved? using clipless pedals) that can give other woman the confidence Jenny: I met someone from Giant while attending SRAM to give cycling a try. We caught up with Jenny Skorez from Giant Technical University and was invited to become a founding mem- For Women to find out more about what they are doing to reach ber of the Ride Society because I have an extensive and diverse out to female cyclists. background in the bicycle industry. I bring technical expertise to the Ride Society, both mechanical and in regards to bike fit, and I RBA: What is Giant for Women? have a long history of conducting cycling camps and clinics for Jenny: Giant for Women is a multi-faceted program that con- women. nects brand, product, and people (women!). We don’t just make great women’s bikes. We support women of all ages and abili- RBA: What is one tip you would give to women who are either ties, from experienced riders to first-timers, by providing just entering the sport or looking to step up their involvement? resources through www.GiantForWomen.com. Our website Jenny: Connect with other women locally. The support a offers how-to tips, full-length articles on training and mainte- woman gets from riding with a group of other women builds con- nance, a place to post events, a way to find other women to ride fidence. Women love to share tips and information. Riding with a with, and a forum for discussing questions, concerns, and sharing strong women’s group always manages to inspire me. www.roadbikeaction.com 100

RBA Mini-Workouts for Busy Days When you can’t go for a long ride… By Katharine McCoy RaeLynn Milley, a fellow busy woman, racer and coach, shares a HEAD TO THE GYM few of her secret tips. There are so many different schools of thought on weight workouts and the gym. I alternate between these two, depending PRACTICE YOUR PLANK on time: I’m a big believer in core strength. The plank is a move you can When time is short, I work my major parts: back, chest, biceps, do in your cubicle, in a hotel, or in the park while the kids play. shoulders, calves, quads, hamstrings and triceps…one to three Hold for as long as you can while maintaining proper form. A reps/two sets with a heavier weight (not superman strength, just plank is a seemingly simple move where you hold your body in as more than I usually do). For quads, I prefer ball squats to weights; straight a line as possible while putting your weight on your fore- choose what is best for you. arms and toes. This is a great workout for the entire core and is When I have more time, I work all the same parts one to ten much harder than it looks. reps/three sets each at a low weight. I also add obliques to this workout. HEAD TO THE HILLS When time is short, make the most of your ride. I’ve mapped out QUICK CARDIO a five-mile hill loop inside my neighborhood. I do a quick warm up, I hate cardio inside, so I run up a little hiking hill near my then hit this loop. It has nine small, short hills, varying in grade from house. It gets my heart rate up and I’m outside. Spin class is five percent to 18 percent. I do each hill once, then I do them each great, too…45 minutes to an hour, and work hard—no slacking! If again, but standing, or in a harder gear. Take a rest by spinning soft I can’t leave the house, I grab a backpack and do the Rocky between each interval. A 10-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of hills, thing—fill it with books, switch my iPod to “Survivor,” and up and and a 10-minute cool down; it’s a great workout in under an hour. down the stairs I go. Shady Advertising Canopies are the ultimate solution for advertising your company & products. These durable free-standing canopies are ideal for giving a very visible, high impact look to your advertising efforts. All our canopies are modular and can upgraded with new graphics as the need arises. Side skirts and back drops can also be added at any time to increase your product visibility.

www.setteusa.com MSRP $3,400 • Lightweight 12K Carbon Frame Price Point 1100g/2.4 lbs (Med. Size) $2,19998 • Lightweight 12K Carbon Fork w/Carbon Steer Tube • Complete Shimano Ultegra SL Groupo • Shimano Ultegra SL Wheelset • FSA cockpit with Carbon Seatpost and ProLogo Ti Saddle • Complete Bike Weight 16.9 lbs (Med. Size) • Lightweight 12K Carbon Frame MSRP $2,500 1150g/2.5 lbs (Med. Size) • 12K Carbon Fork w/Carbon Steer Tube Price Point • Complete Shimano 105 Groupo $1,49998 • Mavic Ksyrium Equipe Wheelset • FSA Cockpit • Complete Bike Weight 18.5 lbs (Med. Size) MSRP $2,100 Price Point $1,09998 • Full 12K Carbon Frameset • Shimano Tiagra Drivetrain E X C L U S I V E RISK FREE Shopping If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return the item within 30 days of purchase for a refund!

RBA ask R.C. By Richard Cunningham SHOULD I BE USING THE BIG RING MORE? I just read your answer to a similar question in the the key is to stay in the center of the cassette cogs and use the March/April edition concerning compact cranks and standard front derailleur to adapt to rolling terrain. As a rule of thumb, any cranks. I live in South Mississippi and ride moderate hills. In your time you will be down-shifting or up-shifting more than two cogs, previous answer, the response seemed like it dealt in large part you should be using the front derailleur, not the rear. The advan- with both riders being in the big chainring on the front. I ride a tage of the “stay centered on the cassette strategy” is that you will standard 39/53 with a 12/23 9-speed on back and ride with a be able to up-shift or downshift with either lever in an emergency fairly high cadence (88 to 94 rpm). Many of the guys I ride with situation—like when you need to counter a break or sudden ride compact cranks and tend to live in the 50-tooth chainring a change in the terrain. good bit of the time. Unless I am going above 23 or 24 mph, I very seldom get out of the 39-tooth chainring. I tried compact SPRING MAINTENANCE? cranks once and felt it put me in the big chainring before I want- After being away from my road bike for the winter, what are ed to be in it, and I had trouble finding a comfortable gear once some things I should check to make sure they are in proper work- I was in the 50-tooth chainring. My question is two-part. Should I ing order before taking it out on the first ride of the season? be using the big chainring more, and second, it seems like you are —Jeffrey Stych a proponent of compact cranks. Given my small-gear/high- cadence riding style, am I still at a disadvantage using standard First order of business is the tires and tubes. Next is to replace cranks on hills? I do have a triple on one of my bikes that I use the brake pads—which should be done annually, regardless if they when we are going to be doing a ride in mountainous country. seem worn or not. Most cables and housings run smoothly —Glen Rayburn enough to last a few seasons, but run the bike through the gears and cycle the brakes to ensure there is no crud keeping them from The key to the compact drivetrain is the 11-tooth cassette cog. operating correctly. Check the quick releases before you ride, as The 50x11 is slightly taller than a typical, standard-geared 53x12 you may have thrown a wheelset on without properly tightening bike. So, if you switch to a compact drive, you get a taller high it. Finally, if you have not been riding a lot, you might want to gear and a lower low. As far as gear selection while riding goes, lower the saddle five to ten millimeters to make up for some lost

RBA flexibility. Crank it back up to full height in a month of riding, after up brake pads and heating his rims when descending steep your legs have relaxed back into fitness. grades. For this reason, watch the pad wear and choose a wheelset with aluminum rims (the Mavic Ksyrium is a great BIKES FOR THE CLYDESDALE SET choice). Also, keep the tire pressure up towards the maximum I'm inquiring about a frame/gearing recommendation for a noted on the sidewalls. Second, he will be pushing a lot of weight 300-pound new cyclist. I introduced my brother to cycling, and he uphill, so suggest that he upgrade his bike with a triple chainring is addicted. His weight/size is a concern, due to the flexibility in setup. The granny gear will make extended climbs a practical part today's frames. He currently has a of his cycling and give him the ability to 2007 Lemond Alpe d'Huez, which ride with any group or organized event was selected based on his comfort, that includes substantial climbs. As far as budget and appearance/confidence a bike, the Roubaix is a good choice, as is when riding. When the Lemond is on the Giant. Aluminum and carbon are the a trainer, he can see/feel the flex in best materials, because they offer the best the bike when he is pedaling. strength- and stiffness-to-weight ratios. The Manufacturers do not provide fact that he flexes his frame and compo- weight limits on frames, so shop- nents when on the trainer is inconsequen- ping with safety in mind is a chal- tial—there is no way to put lateral forces lenge. From his research, he into a frame unless it is bolted to a rigid appears to be extremely interested platform. Once he puts the rear wheel back in the Giant Advance and/or on and hits the road, his frame will see less Specialized Roubaix. lateral stress than a featherweight, high- —Nancy Photo: Sunada watt climber would inflict upon it. Most road bikes are designed for 185-pound males, but tested to far greater extremes, so strength issues should not deter your Contact Richard Cunningham for questions or brother from pounding out the miles. Safety should not be a con- comments, or just to talk bikes at: cern if he takes a couple of precautions: First, he will be burning askRC@roadbikeaction.com

RBA PILGRIMAGE TO PARIS- ROUBAIX The journey to Paris-Roubaix is a cyclist’s rite of passage— a chance to embrace the soul of bike racing, to digest the pain, suffering and glory of the Queen of the Classics By Brad Roe Photos: Yuzuru Sunada www.roadbikeaction.com 106

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A Classics rider is a little taller, a little stronger, carries a bit more weight and is able to endure amazing suffering and pain in terrible conditions. That same rider will hit the var- iegated and substantial cobbles of the Arenberg Forest at 40 kilometers per hour and get spit out the other side, shaking, rocking, scared and angry. But, he will persevere. Paris-Roubaix is on Easter Sunday. The Thursday before the race, I got to ride a 2009 Specialized Roubaix up the venerable Koppenberg climb, the decisive and steep (22-percent) climb of the Tour of Flanders. I almost turned around in defeat until I remembered where I was and what I was climbing. The next day, we loaded up our bikes, waited in a parking lot at the start of the Arenberg for Team Quick-Step to arrive and then were invited to join them as they rode the course as a team. They hit the forest at a high speed, and I was spit off the back pretty quickly, but it didn’t affect the smile I had on my face, riding those sacred rocks, learning the rhythm, the hand positions that work and riding a bike built specifically for this event and for these cobbles. We rode the course into Roubaix, and I was able to hang on for three hours and 12 sections before I hopped in the car, relieved and satisfied. Minutes before the start, as I walked down the course to get to our car, I peeked into an ancient cathedral as Easter Mass was being celebrated. I opened the closed doors, took off my hat, smelled the incense, dipped my finger into a bowl of Holy Water and tried to take in the magnitude of the day. I knew in a few hours my family would be searching the yard for Easter eggs and going to Mass back home. And, I also knew that in a few minutes, the riders would begin flying through the towns and cobbles of Northern France, enduring the unendurable. The course was lined with thousands and thousands of fans, most yelling the meditative and fes- tive chant, “Tommeke, Tommeke, Tommeke.” When Tom Boonen lost his last challenger, Thor Hushovd, on a left-hand turn crash, the chants reached epic sound levels. Standing in the velodrome as the crowd went crazy and as Tom Boonen, in a sort of redemptive pose, took the two right turns into the hallowed place, he had a determined look on his face riding faster than needed and sprinting across the line to clinch the win. The defeated faces. The bloodied bodies. The hands. And, the dreams that didn’t come true were all a part of the day. That and the smiles, the victory hugs, the champagne shared by the Quick-Step team at the Kennedy Hotel to celebrate Tom Boonen’s third Paris-Roubaix victory and the relief that the world’s most difficult bike race was over. Road Bike Action 109

4 1. The dreaded Arenberg Forest section of pave (Photo: Sunada) 2. Fans of Tom Boonen lined the course 3. Pre-riding the course with the Specialized Crew. 4. Inside Quick-Step's Race Shop in Belgium. 5. Team staff preparing 5 for the worst the cobbles can bring. 6. Stijn Devolder was all smiles after his Tour of Flanders win (Photo: Sunada) 7. The French country- side is filled with bicycle lore. 8. The anticipation at the start. 1 6 2 7 3 8 www.roadbikeaction.com 110

4 1. Thor Hushovd had the legs but a late crash put him into third place (Photo: Sunada) 2. The windy and tough course of the Queen Of The Classics. 3. Bjarne Riis in a pre-race interview. 5 4. All lined-up and ready to go. 5. Hutchinson debuted some 28mm tubeless prototypes at Roubaix. 6. Quick-Step fans were out in huge numbers. 7. The 2009 Roubaix got me across 12-sections of cobbles. 8. Cycling fans are as unique as 1 the sport they follow. 6 2 7 3 8 www.roadbikeaction.com 112

EDITOR’S CHOICE - BICYCLING MAGAZINE MBA rating: “Perfection” Jan.’07 SWEAT BLOCK TECHNOLOGY BEFORE AFTER Halo Headband FITS UNDER HELMETS Protex Bandana Halo II pullover Skull Cap HEADBANDS HATS VISORS BANDANAS SKULL CAPS www.haloheadband.com 800.508.4256

RBA cat 6 chronicles SIX STEPS TO PROPER HELMET FIT H elmets come in various sizes, with fit varying greatly among manufacturers. Road Bike Action has outlined the six steps necessary to properly fit a helmet. Be pre- 3 pared for the possibility that not all helmets will be compatible with your particular head shape. You should expect to try on several brands and spend ten to 15 minutes to get your helmet properly fitted. 1 Center the left buckle under the chin. On most helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or Measure your head for approximate size. Try a similar sized shorten the chinstraps. It is easier to make these adjustments if helmet on to ensure it fits snugly. With the helmet placed level on you remove the helmet. top of your head, make sure the helmet doesn’t rock side to side. Sizing pads come with new helmets, and you can use the pads to fine-tune the fit, mixing and matching the pads for comfort. Most new helmets now feature some sort of ratcheting, ring-sizing sys- 4 tem instead of pads. Adjust the ring size to fit your head. You want the helmet to be comfortably touching your head all the way around, with the helmet level and stable enough to resist even violent shakes or hard blows. It should be as low on your head as possible to maximize side coverage. 2 Make sure that the helmet sits level on your head and low on your forehead. A good rule is that the base of the helmet should Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shape under, sit two finger-widths above the eyebrows. and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock the sliders if possible. www.roadbikeaction.com 114

RBA 5 6 The final and usually the most time-consuming step is adjust- ing the helmet straps. Open your mouth wide as if you were yawn- ing. The helmet should pull down on your head. If not, refer back to step five and tighten the chinstrap. If your helmet rocks back more than two fingers above the eyebrows, unbuckle it and shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle, retighten the chinstrap, and test again. If your helmet is sliding forward over your eyes, unbuckle and tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward your ear. Buckle, retighten the chinstrap, and test again. Finally, once all adjustments are made, roll the rubber Buckle the chinstrap and tighten the strap until it is snug. No band down to the buckle. All four straps must go through the rub- more than one or two fingers should fit under the strap. ber band and be close to the buckle to prevent strap creep.

RBA road tests FULCRUM RACING ZERO 2-WAY FIT WHEELSET Aluminum at its best By R. Cunningham F ulcrum’s Racing Zero is the Italian wheelmaker’s best alu- weight. The spoke interface is left thicker and then minum wheelset, and 2-Way Fit means that the Zero machined between each spoke hole. During that rim profile accepts tubeless tires without any spe- process, the rim is dynamically balanced so cial rim strip. Fulcrum wheels are made at the it will run gyroscopically smooth at down- Campagnolo factory and use exactly the same hill racing speeds. The balancing extrusions, spokes and manufacturing protocols. process assumes the weight of an Why two brands? Campagnolo realized that average Presta valve stem in its drivetrain loyalists who prefer SRAM or calculations. Fulcrum makes it Shimano Dura-Ace are, for the most part, clear that the Racing Zero is reluctant to display the Campy logo any- perfectly suited for conven- where on their bicycles. To expand into tional tubes and clincher the greater marketplace, tires—and remember to Campagnolo initiated the Fulcrum subtract the weight of brand to offer its cutting-edge two unnecessary rim wheel technology to elite-level rid- strips from the Racing ers outside the fold. Zero’s total weight. Spoke lacing is THE STORY 16 radial spokes Fulcrum Racing Zero 2-Way up front, seven Fit is visually striking, with black radial on the left, and red rim graphics and red- and 14 laced anodized, aero-profile alu- two-cross on the minum spokes. The hub drive side. The flanges feature a straight-pull freehub bodies spoke interface, and the spokes are aluminum, as are gradually thinned into a are the hub shells and wide blade as they radiate out- axles. Fulcrum chooses high- ward towards the rim. The 2-Way quality bearings (Campagnolo would not have it any other way), Fit rim requires no rim strip, as the and one spin of the wheels will telegraph this fact to non-believers. spokes do not protrude through the upper level of the extrusion to The front wheel weighs 625 grams and the rear 800 grams, which provide a perfect seal for tubeless tires. Fulcrum wheels are avail- puts the Fulcrum Racing Zero in close competition with other elite able with Campagnolo or Shimano/SRAM freehub bodies. The aluminum wheelsets, like the Mavic Ksyrium. wheels come with dedicated spoke wrenches, quick releases and a Fulcrum wheel bag. The pair weighs 1420 grams without quick THE RIDE releases and costs in the neighborhood of $1800 for the set. Stiff and predictable are the hallmarks of the Racing Zero wheels. These are the wheels to reach for when your race or ride TECH takes you into the mountains. The braking surfaces are race-car Campagnolo’s rim manufacturing technique, used on all smooth, and modulating the brakes is beautifully precise. At 1420 Fulcrum wheels, creates a very thin-wall extrusion to reduce grams, the Fulcrum wheels are not as quick on the sprints, but the www.roadbikeaction.com 116

lateral rigidity of the ’Zeros can take whatever your legs can dish out. After the first three pedal strokes, the Fulcrum wheels deliver more power to the ground, and in a straighter path, what’s stopping you? than is possible with an ultra-lightweight wheelset. Until you ride a balanced wheelset, you will not appreci- ate the smoothness that the Fulcrum Racing Zeros bring to the table. Switch back to a non-balanced wheelset and you will instantly feel the vibration at speed. We used Hutchinson tubeless tires for half of our test and then switched to conventional Vittoria clinchers to make a comparison. For starters, the tubeless tires mounted and inflated without the need for a www.trpbrakes.com fancy pump or compressor. The ride of the tubeless Hutchinson tires was measurably smoother (but we already knew it would be). The Vittoria Corsa CX tires with tubes were about 30 grams lighter per side than the Hutchinson tires, although there was no discernible difference in the acceleration of either setup. Mounting the tires was possible with fingers only, but the Hutchinsons were a tight fit. RBA’S VERDICT Vanity is reason enough to buy Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels. The red, silver and black graphics and whirling red spokes can turn an uninspiring, carbon-fiber racing bicycle into an ani- mated expression of power and speed. Beyond the vanity, Racing Zero 2-Way Fit wheels deliver elite-level performance and over-the-edge technology to back up their looks. The greater benefit of 2-Way Fit is that the tubeless www.trigonbicycles.com option brings an added measure of safety (they can run flat), lower rolling resistance, and greater comfort. As more tire makers join the tubeless movement, Fulcrum Racing Zero riders will be ready to taste their fruits. If a better, standard variety clincher shows up, they will be able to take CARBON advantage of that also. FRAMES Price: $1800 (including quick COMPONENTS releases, tools and carry-bag) Weight: 1420 grams (without quick releases) Contact: www.fulcrumwheels.com COMING TO AMERICA SPRING 2009

RBA in the mix SEVEN CYCLES V II Seven’s top-of-the-line carbon V II features full custom carbon construction and a strikingly aero profile. The unique frame design allows for the V II to come in 27 sizes for a perfect fit. The proprietary, multi-modulus carbon tubing also allows the V II to be ordered with an extended head tube for an even more custom fit. The V II is also available with custom paint and decals. Price: $4395 (frame) Info: www.sevencycles.com TRAITOR RUBEN The Ruben is named after the shop dog and designed to be a versatile commuter bike with cyclocross-inspired geometry and disc brakes that make it suited to bad-weather commuting. The Ruben is constructed of double- butted Japanese 4130 chromoly, and the frame weighs 4.5 pounds. The Ruben is available in three sizes and comes in Oil Rig, Scribble green/white and Old School grey/chrome paint schemes. Info: www.traitorcycles.com Price: $609 USD Frame and Fork RALEIGH SOJOURN The Raleigh Sojourn is designed for touring and long commutes. The frame is constructed with Reynolds 520 butted chromoly tubing with CNC-machined dropouts, spoke holders and a pump peg. The fork is a 4130 chromoly cyclocross design with mounts for disc brakes. Shifting is handled by Shimano Tiagra and Deore derailleurs that are mated to nine-speed Dura Ace bar-end shifters. Raleigh finished off the Sojourn with a classic khaki paint job. Price: $1225 Info: www.raleighusa.com LYNSKEY HOUSEBLEND HELIX The spiral-shaped tube design really stands out. It increases the stiffness and structural integrity of the tube without adding additional weight. The spiral tube was designed to best handle the different loads a frame is under during braking, accelerating, climbing and descending, while still providing the ride and feel that titanium bikes are known for. Price: $4495.99 Info: www.lynskeyperformance.com HARO MAXWELL The Maxwell sits atop Haro’s line of commuter bikes and features a Metro series, disc-brake-specific, lightweight aluminum frame mated to a carbon fiber, disc-brake-specific fork. The Maxwell uses a Shimano nine-speed drivetrain with a Shimano XT rear derailleur, Shimano M486 hydraulic disc brakes and a Ritchey cockpit that includes a Ritchey adjustable stem. Price: $1195 Info: www.harobikes.com www.roadbikeaction.com 118

RBA on the streets ARUNDEL CHRONO BOTTLE AND CAGE The Arundel Chrono bottle and cage combo is specifically shaped for races against the clock, including triathlons. The shape pays special attention to the mechanics of releasing and inserting the bottle in the cage. For example, the countersunk surfaces on the bottle form a seamless interface with the cage. The cap on the bottle is an industry standard with a mouth wide enough to use ice cubes or sports drink powder. Price: $79.99 Info: www.arundelbike.com THOMSON ELITE X2 STEM The Thomson X2 for Road allows you to utilize the benefits of stiffer 1.125-inch forks and 31.8 handlebars. The X2 is designed to provide precise steering and more control while riding. The Thomson X2 features a lighter, two-bolt handlebar clamp, but the interlocking handlebar clamp makes it as tor- sionally strong as other four-bolt designs. The X2 has a low, 36mm stack height and is available in two rise options: 10 degrees and 17 degrees. Both the 10- and 17- degree stems can be run with a positive or negative rise. Price: $100 Info: www.lhthomson.com SKS RACE BLADE FENDERS Race Blades are designed for 19- to 23-millimeter tires, while Race Blade XLs are for 23- to 32-millimeter tires. The SKS Race Blade fenders are what SKS terms “quick-release fenders.” They are designed to fit road bikes where the frame and fork are void of fender eyelets, or the frame design doesn’t allow mounting, like with aero frames. Race Blade fenders allow the owners of these bikes to still ride with the basic protection of fenders. Race Blades are available in black, silver and carbon. Price: $50 Info: www.sks-germany.com JAGWIRE BARCON TRIATHLON SHIFTER MOUNTS The BarCon is a simple solution that allows external mounting of both SRAM and Shimano bar end shifting systems. The BarCon’s low-profile design keeps weight down, and its external mounting is adjustable for fine- tuning lever position. While originally designed for triathlon bikes, the BarCon can be used with a variety of bars, including H-type handlebars, touring-style drop bars, and recumbent bike handlebars. Price: $75 Info: www.JaguarUSA.com Road Bike Action 119

RBA last shot The peloton descends at Amstel-Gold. Photo: Yuzuru Sunada

RBA

RBA off the rivet By Phil Booth Committed; com·mit·ted a: to put into charge or trust: entrust b: to place in a prison or mental institution It started when a friend took me on my first ride. I was hooked. the bicycle. Once you have made the commitment, you will need A few more rides, and I decided it was time to get my own bike. a few basic questions answered. Next came the Lycra shorts, the jersey and clipless pedals. Then I eventually got fitted and even signed up for my first organized The first and most important question is, how high do you ride and started racing. I even passed the failing to unclip and shave? Basically, there are four levels. The first is the “board falling over at a stoplight initiation. I was now fully committed to short shave,” in which one only shaves to just above the short the cycling lifestyle. Despite my new lifestyle it still took a couple line. This is the least amount of commitment that a person can of years to take the final step, pick up a razor and commit. There make and still shave one’s legs. This method also leads to the is one last step any new rider must take to be fully accepted into dreaded hairy candy corn look when not wearing cycling shorts. the cycling herd: shaving your legs. It’s a huge commitment, and This occurs when a thin strip of shaved yet pale skin breaks the one that should not be tan line and the hairline. There is also the risk of one’s shorts taken lightly. It riding up and exposing the unshaven upper thigh. This will draw goes against laughter and ridicule from cyclists every social and non-cyclists alike. norm and can often draw The next is the “boxer ridicule and shave.” This particular shunning from shave occurs when one non-cycling friends and shows a higher level of family. I’ve done it, and I’m now commitment but is unsure determined to help you cross that line and about where to stop. After join the herd. that there is the “briefs shave” where one fully com- For some the commitment is easy, while others, like myself, mits and shaves all the way to the it takes years to finally pick up a razor. Sadly there are a pelvic area. Finally there is the few that will never commit and will spend their entire cycling “Speedo shave”, which is self-explanatory lives on the outside looking in. If you have decided to take the and should never be mentioned or discussed in plunge and fully commit, don’t bother asking why–there is no public. good or truthful reason. The “reason” for cyclist shaving their legs varies greatly depending on whom you ask. Some will say Another question that is never asked, and is not something that it is for aerodynamics; some say its better for the muscles generally taught in high school health class, is how to actually when getting a massage. Other’s say its so you will slide across shave one’s legs. You’ll get a closer shave if you shave in the the asphalt better when crashing and keeps the wound cleaner. shower after your skin has loosened up by warm water. If you The truth is all of these are lies passed down from one cyclist to have never shaved it is a good idea to trim the hair first with a another in a futile attempt to justify such behavior. set of hair clippers. This will save time and stop the razor from becoming clogged with hair. Go slow and change razors often to To be honest I have yet to see wind tunnel data on shaved legs avoid nicks. Some people swear that using a dull razor prevents versus unshaved and doubt there is much difference. Plus, if the cuts, but to be honest the first time you shave you are going to drag created by hair was such a concern, one must ask why cut yourself, you will bleed, and yes it will hurt. Using shaving cyclist don’t shave their arms and their heads. Think how much cream will also help protect the skin from nicks and cuts. If time could be saved if the airflow through a helmet wasn’t con- you’re nervous about cutting yourself, or are particularly hairy stricted by locks of wet, sweaty hair (Maybe this is why Levi you can take the easy way out and use an electric razor instead. Leipheimer is so fast). If crashing were really such a concern then people would be wearing suits of armor and full face hel- If you feel your commitment level is greater than leg shaving mets instead of a thin layer of Lycra and head colanders made can demonstrate there are far more painful and expensive of Styrofoam. Finally, other than professional cyclists few people options of waxing, plucking, electrolysis or lasers. Waxing and get enough massages for hair to have a negative effect. Despite plucking are the best long term, and I repeat painful, options as the myths surrounding cyclists shaving their legs, the fact it takes a while for the hair to grow back once it has been ripped remains it continues to be the symbol of one’s commitment to from the skin. Whatever method you chose, welcome to the herd. www.roadbikeaction.com 122

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