2011 Mountain & Road Bikes Have Arrived

Welcome to the Biketreks Staff Blogs!

Here at Biketreks we often have a lot to say about all aspects of cycling and the various facets it encompasses.  Whether you are looking for clothing advice, buying advice, or hints and tips from the workshop we have it all here in one form or another.

If you want to know something that one of these areas doesn’t cover then just send us an email to info@bike-treks.co.uk and we will do our very best to answer any query you have!

Colin’s Blog – Offers you advice on how to get the most out of your cycling whether it’s road or mountain.  Great read if you’re already a cyclist and are looking to improve skills, know more about fixing cycling issues, or be inspired to get out more.

Mike’s Blog – Mike is our in house competition and training nut.  He has a degree in it, and spends most of his time training for one thing or another.  Read here if you want to learn about correct nutrition, how to enter competitions, how to train without the aid of pies etc!  If it’s the Fred Whitton, 3 Peaks Cyclocross Challenge, or the Trans Alps you are looking at then Mike is your man; he’s been there, done that and got some funky over the shoulder bags to show for it!!

William’s Blog – Will is here to support all you who are new to the sport of cycling.  Whether you have just started road or mountain biking, all the technical jargon can be overwhelming, so Will is here to offer you great advice, in a simple, easy to understand format.

Keith’s Blog – Anyone who knows Biketreks, knows Keith!  Our longest standing and serving member of staff (13 years+!) he is the industry Expert when it comes to clothing and eyewear.  Honestly, there is no-one better in the industry than our beloved Keith.  So if you want to know how to stay warm in winter, cool in summer, and great both on and off the bike, then Keith is your man!  He offers wedding dress advice, handbag co-ordination, grooming tips…..

Martin’s Blog – Martin is our beloved mechanic who has been wielding spanners for god only knows how long and is a expert on all things mechanical.  He’s come from the F1 & 3 background so he knows a thing or two about carbon fibre and is more than happy to solve any issue you might have with your bike.  Martin’s blog offers advice, videos and tutorials to keep your precious running sweet!

2012 Is The UK Year of Cycling

That’s right, there has never been a better time to be a cyclist, or to become one. With 3 current British cycling world champions and the Olympics in London, cycling is the focus, and rightly so. It is a terrific sport that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. No matter how young or old, fit or fat, the unbridled joy of riding a bike can be shared by anyone. There are few sports that make the soul sing as much as cycling.

So how to do it? “I went to a bike shop but they used words I didn’t understand, technical descriptions and lots of equipment was mentioned.” Do not be afraid. All you need to cycle is a bike and a couple of pieces to make the experience a real pleasure. At Biketreks we can cater for any level of cyclist. If you are beginning and want good, honest advice then get in touch. We want to get you cycling, not fleece you for equipment you don’t need. We want you to enjoy the experience and delight in cycling the way we do.

We also believe regular cycling is good for your health. The nation is getting fat, lazy and ill. Just a couple of hours a week on the bike can make the difference to your way of life, making you feel better and live longer. It is scientifically proven that exercise makes you happy – it isn’t a con, it really works!

As this is the year of cycling, we thought we would highlight a bike of the month all year round. Not a race machine, but a comfortable, competent bike designed to get you into cycling and enjoy the amazing scenery Britain has to offer. Thus January is the month of the Allez. This bike has been refined year on year to offer you a comfortable and speedy ride on the road. It has been designed to offer thrills and joy. It is intended to transport you and your riding friends from A to B and back again, with a little stop half way in the cafe. It is ideal to get started into cycling and one of the best value for money bikes we have here at Biketreks.

So what is the next step? Get yourself to Ambleside and into Biketreks. We have quality bikes and components to suit every person, every level, every passion and every budget. More importantly, we have over 20 years experience in offering you the best advice in the UK. Come and have a coffee with us and see what all the fuss is about.

A New World Champion Is Crowned

Its about time Tony Martin aka The Panzer Wagon won the rainbow jersey, he has been knocking at the door the past few years and 2011 proved to be his.  Mr Time Trial Fabian Cancellara proved to be having a bad day and he has been the only person capable of keeping Tony martin at bay.  Being a Specialized dealer we cant be help think it has got something to do with the bikes they are both riding.  For the past two year Fab has been world Champion he has been riding Specialized, this year he changed to another well known American brand and Tony Martin riding for HTC Highroad is now riding a Specialized Shiv, Coincidence?  Brand bias It was a fantastic ride by all riders who made the podium.  Bradley Wiggins our man from Wigan got silver with his trademark pursuiter’s position and Fabian Rode like a champion until he crossed the line knowing he was not going to win.

The Road Races for commence at the weekend, Saturday being for the Women and Sunday for the gents.  All being well we Brits may have both a male and female World Champ.  On a reasonable flat course Lizzy Armitstead and of course Mark Cavendish have the hopes of Britain on their Shoulders.  Lets see what happens.

Closer to home this weekend also sees the Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross ripping up Yorkshire.  Biketreks have 4 entrants 2 from the shop and 2 from the team so expect an update next week on how they faired.  If you have never heard of the 3 peaks have a look at this.

A tame video by 3 Peaks standards.

Silly Season Comes To An End

By Silly Season I mean the summer holidays, a phrase coined by our very own Mr Keith Ronson.  So after the wettest summer on record the pace has slowed, trade has died down but the winds certainly haven't!  Our National Tour, the Tour of Britain has been badly affected by our confused whether having to cancel stage 2 from Kendal to Blackpool due to safety concerns about the high winds.  Now I rode out to watch the stage and can say that their decision was entirely justified, the winds were incredibly strong and gusty, one particular gust was kind enough to pick me up and deposit me on the roadside for which I am eternally grateful.  Sadly I did not get to see Cavendish win in Blackpool but I’d rather not see that than see the peloton swept into the Irish Sea.  For most racers in the UK besides the pros the racing season is over and we have three choices 1. hang up the wheels for a month 2. Hill Climbs 3. CycloCross.  I have very wisely chose all three, I’ll drink beer and eat chocolate, destroy myself in hill climbs and play in the mud. 

So with Cyclo-Cross in mind it is just over a week away until the biggest most brutal race in the world (my opinion) The Three Peaks Cyclocross.  This year the shop’s list of entrants is 200% that of that year, Top dog Andy and Whippet Mike are both looking for a beating.  Both of them are riding Scott cross bikes, Andy on the Addict CX and Mike on the CX team.  This year Andy is approaching it with much more intent after last year finishing in under 4 hours, a fantastic time for a first attempt.  Mike I think just wants to beat Andy, a way to get one over his boss I guess!

Check here to see what kind of thrashing they have let themselves in for http://www.3peakscyclocross.org.uk/

Kieren

Scott Foil 20 2012 Has arrived in store…

Well here it is folks, we are one of the first in the UK to get the brand new 2012 Foil 20 from the carbon experts at Scott.

This model features full Ultegra groupset (compact version) with Mavic Cosmic Elite Wheelset and Ritchey finishing kit.  We have had the privilege of riding the Scott Foil’s on 2 demo days now and have a few staff saving up their pennies to buy one! 

For those of you who have been blinkered for the last few months, you can read all about the tech behind the bike here, but the best way to experience just how good this bike is is to take one for a spin.  We have 2 in stock, one in a 56cm and one in a 52cm (conveniently in the MD’s size, hummm?!) which you are welcome to take for a car park test or a spin around the village as you are with all our bikes.

These bikes are strictly limited at the moment with the rest of our stock due around the 1st of September when we will receiving Women’s Foils too!  So grab yourself one of the most up to date and advanced bikes on the market today.

This model is the Foil 20 and retails at £2799.99.  It is available on 0% finance up to 18 months so it can be yours from as little as £140.00 a month (based on £279.99 deposit and 18 months finance at 0% interest).

AutoSag, Danglers, and 29ers! What a Day…

This time the management have been playing in Whinlatter with the boys from Specialized and their new 29er bike range!  Yes that’s right, the beardy weirdy bikes have been tried and tested in pouring rain and biting midges on some typical Lakeland trails.  So what’s the verdict?

Well all in all I’d own a Camber 29er any day of the week!  Lined up for us to try was the new Camber 29er, the new Epic 29er and the Revised Stumpjumper FSR 26er.  For 2012 Specialized have expanded their model range hugely with the introduction of 29ers in both full suspension and hardtail format, and for both men and women.  So just what is all the fuss about?

First up and out on the trail was the Camber 29er which I was looking forward to trying.  About this time last year I got introduced to the standard 26” wheeled Camber Pro and I loved every second I spent with it.  A bike that is incredibly capable, sure footed and climbs with a spring in its step, so could this be transferred to a bigger wheeled version?  Yes is the answer!  Giving it a blast round the blue route at Whinlatter meant we encountered smooth singletrack, plenty of braking bumps, some rooty sections and plenty of those horrible things called hills!  The Camber rolled through, round and over all these obstacles with ease, it is without a doubt the smoothest bike I have ever ridden and doesn’t have any of the fanciness of a Brain or an RP23 with propedal or VPP suspension, it is simple, sleek and straight to the point.  It corners beautifully and the big wheels carry speed incredibly well and give the rider  great confidence in where they point it.  The 29er platform is balanced to perfection with no under or over steer which is what impressed me.  I was expecting it to be like trying to steer a boeing 747 down a Swiss mountain pass, but this was far from the reality.  The Camber climbed very well with none of that “rearing up at you” action on the steeper ascents, and when pointing downwards it swoops and swooshes along eating up all mere 26er riders in its wake.  An absolute pleasure to ride and with prices starting from around the £1500 mark this is certainly a bike that will feature in my “collection” soon!

Following on from the Camber was the new Epic 29er which has grown so popular over in the US that the 26 inch version is no longer in production.  An XC racers dream, the Epic and me have never really got along, I feel like I’ve been beaten up after a day out on an Epic, so how would the 29er fair?  Well, fair play to Specialized they have developed an XC race bike on a trail friendly 29er platform.  Still a bit too “rattle your teeth out” for myself but the likes of Mike and Colin within the shop will adore this bike.  The models we rode were equipped with Specialized’s new Brain which has gone on a bit of a diet (saving 30 grams) and the internals have been completely redesigned.  The Brain of old worked on an inertia valve platform where the bike responded to both pedal feedback and trail feedback and balanced the two out for you, so as a rider you glided along completely oblivious to what the suspension below you was doing.  This worked great as any owner of a Specialized bike with one will tell you, but they will also tell you that on occasions when you are really pushing the bike it can feel like it bottoms out or clunks and gives you a harsh feedback through the back end.  After a bit of a tweak in Specialized HQ they have redesigned the Brain to work on a Shim stack (like in a Cane Creek Double Barrel Shock for those of you in the know!) which not only provides effortless floaty like feeling with no end to its capabilities, but there are also less settings to choose from, only 6 clicks as opposed to 12-18 like on the old Brain!  So does it really make a difference?  You bet ya!  Even a numpty like me could tell the difference between riding the old 29er Epic with the old Brain to the New 29er Epic with the new Brain. 

So technology aside, the Epic 29er is a rapid bike.  It climbs with speed and finesse  and descends more confidently than you’d expect for a short travel bike.  The big wheels are a real bonus on this genre of bike as you just roll along effortlessly.  With some models boasting a full carbon frame, full XTR, Roval carbon wheels and a pair of carbon steerer RockShox SID forks also equipped with a brain, the Epic range isn’t cheap £2000 - £6500, but if you want a quick all day race bike that isn’t a full on 'hands down bum in the air’ affair then this one is you.

So after a teeth rattling experience on the Epic, came the beloved stumpjumper FSR.  So what’s new for the old faithful stumpjumper?  Well it has the same Brain as the Epic 29er which is even more of a benefit in a long travel bike, a 142mm spaced rear end making it stiffer and more direct, all models are coming with a tapered headtube transferring the stiffness up front as well as to the back end, most models are coming with a Command Seatpost (a variable height seatpost) for ultimate versatility, and then 2 brand new features for Specialized.

The first is called the Dangler!  Now this little device is the work of a genius.  The Dangler is Specialized’s take on the chain device or Gamut roller type thing. The Dangler is built into the rubber chainstay protector on the swingarm and is a triangular piece of posh plastic that guides the chain between the rear mech and chainset.  This has eliminated all chain slap and the dropping of the chain between the 2 extremes of the front rings on a 2 x 10 system, but the great thing about it is that it just dangles there.  It isn’t fixed like a roller which means it bumps and bounces around with you meaning it never gives up.  The chain never gets trapped between the roller and the frame or in other awkward places, it just “dangles” there doing its job quietly.  It can be removed if you want, but it works so well I don’t see why you would want to ride without it.

The next amazing invention from the boffins at Specialized is the “Autosag” feature.  Now having managed bike shops for the last 6 years, I know you boys are prone to fiddling with things whether you understand them or not, and your rear shock is one of those things!  A poorly set up shock can mean the difference between a great feeling full suspension bike, a horrible wallowing one, or one that feels more like a hardtail!!  So Specialized have taken all the thinking out of it for you on the Stumpjumper FSR range.  All you do now is pump the shock up to around 300psi with a shock pump, put the cap back on, find yourself a friend to hold the bike steady or a convenient tree, put all your kit and riding pack on, sit gently down onto the bike and then press the big red button!  And hey presto the bike autosags to the correct point for your weight!  Now I could go into how this is achieved but I don’t want to bore you all, but it really is that simply.  No more geek charts, sag keys, 30% guess work etc just press and go.  It is simple, reliable and needs no additional maintenance as it is all controlled by the piston inside so a normal air can service will see it right.

With all these features the stumpy rode incredibly well, just like I have come to expect from the range.  A full frills fancy affair that tackles anything you throw at it with a calm, deliberating manner that doesn’t get you in trouble or hold you back.  It climbs well, it descends well and is worth £2000, £3000, £4000 or £6000 of anyone’s money.  As a 140mm trail bike it is hard to beat and although it doesn’t have the “niche” criteria for some of you tarts out there (me included!) it can do no wrong and goes from strength to strength each year.

So there you have it, 3 bikes tested and reviewed in the p**sing rain typical Lake District fashion.  If I had to choose one of them it would without a doubt be the Camber 29er and more than likely the Elite version which is coming in canary yellow!  All these bikes are available from early August and we have the privilege this year to be hosting demo days with the brand so if you want the opportunity to come and test them yourselves then look out for date announcements soon!

All that remains is to say a big thank you to Specialized for the opportunity to ride their lovely bikes and to Whinlatter for treating us to your tea and cake!

Thank you for reading

Sarah

xx

Specialized Allez Promotion

ALLEZ - ALLEZ!

IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO GET FIT. SPECIALIZED ARE OFFERING YOU THE BEST POSSIBLE EXCUSE WITH SEASONAL REDUCTIONS ON ALL 2011 SPECIALIZED ALLEZ BIKES. TO FIND OUT MORE, COME AND SEE US IN STORE.

Guaranteed to please riders hungry for speed and look for pro level performance!

The promotion runs from June 18^th, 2011, until August 31^st, 2011.

In store right now we have the Specialized Allez 24 with a triple chainset on offer at £519.99 (RRP £589.99) so you can save an incredible £70.00!

Best regards

Biketreks

Aero Excitement!

Maybe you are aware but at here at Biketreks and the bike world in general there is a fair bit of excitement spreading about a certain new bike.  The Scott F01L is teasing and titillating and with good reason, in all aero road bikes up until now there has been some degree of sacrifice in one regard or another stopping the bike from being perfect.  It has always been a case of ‘sure it’s aero but...’. 

The three main desirable qualities looked for in a bike are Lateral Stiffness, lightweight and aerodynamics.  Lateral stiffness is how much the frame resists the forces exerted through pedalling.  The stiffer it is the less energy is wasted through flex and deformation, meaning you go faster.  A lightweight bike takes less energy to accelerate to a given speed and to climb, meaning you go faster.  An aerodynamic bike cuts through the wind more effectively, less energy is wasted pushing aside the wind and the faster you go the more of an issue this becomes as drag increases by the square of you speed.   Over the past few years with development of Carbon fibre technologies comfort has now become possible in a top end race bike without sacrificing stiffness, you will often hear comfort explained using the term ‘vertical compliance’.  Vertical compliance is how much energy the frame can absorb through flex at an angle aligned with the direction of gravity.  After writing that, Will commented that ‘upward’ would have been simpler, I somewhat agree.

The F01L seems to have everything in this regard.  The Scott Addict weighed in significantly under the UCI’s weight limit so this give Scott a little room to play with.  Scott have been able to make the F01L 10% stiffer than the Addict with only a 5% increase in weight.  Considering the Addict was one of the Lightest and stiffest frames available they are some pretty good figures.

The F01L’s aero tubing is very different to modern bicycle aerodynamic theory which is based on aerospace models but seeing as bikes don’t travel at 35000ft at 700mph things are a little different.  In short, Scott have removed the trailing edge of the aerofoil while maintaining the properties of a full aerofoil but reducing weight and increasing stiffness.   I’ll go into the science behind aerofoils in more detail next week.

Kieren

Giro and FO1L Excitement Strikes

For the past two years the Giro d’Italia has entertained more than any other race.  This year’s Giro is looking to follow on in the same way and with last week’s tragic events it surely will be well remembered.  The second week has already started explosively with Contador’s gutsy attack after Oscar Gatto to claim second on the stage.  It may not seem much for a rider to attack on a short climb 2k from the finish but for a team leader with another 2 weeks ahead of him it is a big risk.  Any small mishap could ruin his GC chances for the rest of the race and it certainly makes a change from the conservative, calculated racing seen from most current Grand Tour contenders, consequently I can’t help but enjoy Contador’s style of racing.

If that attack did not raise your estimation of Bertie, then his attack on Mt Etna surely must have made you take notice.  To attack nearly 8km from the finish takes guts.  But I like to think it is his bike that gives him the advantage, of course I am talking about the Specialized Tarmac.  Since I have got mine I have to say I love it, no bike I have ridden is as stiff or as light and it is deceptively comfortable.  Deceptive because at first I thought it felt soft but then 4hrs later recorded my highest ever max wattage!  If it is stiff enough for Cavendish I don’t think any more needs to be said.

The only bike I have ridden which I thought climbed as well was the Scott Addict but sadly that bike is to be discontinued.  However, do not panic for all is not lost; Scott have levelled up.  Shortly the FO1L hits the streets.  Scott’s aero road bike is going to be the most desirable bike for this summer.  Keep your eyes peeled for updates but for now here are some pictures to tease you  .

Kieren

Its Been a While.

As the title says, its been a while since I last wrote a blog post but (here come the excuses) it has been busy and lots of things have happened. 

For those who have not heard, Biketreks now has a race team.  A humble team of only 5 riders but even so we are 7th in the regional rankings, lets hope the points keep coming!  The team all ride Specialised Tarmacs, Clif Bar have supplied some munch and we have some nicely designed kit which will be available to buy in store at some point if you like it as much as I do.  Once established the team is hoping to become something of a development squad for talented young local riders.  Anyway the team has its own site so check it out http://www.biketreksracing.com/, support is always welcome and if anybody fancies handing up bottles get in touch!!  And while I am thinking about it, if any beautiful women fancy giving after race massages get in touch!!!

The Fred Whitton was at the weekend at our own Mr Wardle completed the damn thing in a not too shabby 7hrs 9mins.  Mike’s Scott CR1 did him proud and with his fancy new Mavic R-sys wheels the thing barely even registered on the scales and was definitely not UCI legal!   Whitton fever indeed gripped the shop, to such an extent that next year you may even see Keith on the start line!!

More updates coming soon.

Kieren

MEGA Easter Sale – 1 week only

Yes for the Easter period we are running a MEGA sale in store and online.  We have lots of great bargains to get you out riding this summer.

In the bike department we have ALL Scott mountain bikes on sale with savings of up to £500 to be had!  You can now pick up a Scott Genius 30 for only £2499.99 (RRP £2999.99) so if you are looking for a versatile trail bike then here it is.  It’s BIG brother the new Genius LT 30 is only £2599.99 (RRP £3199.99) so if you want an Alpine bike for the summer then here you go!  If Full Sus isn’t your thing then we have the best carbon hardtail on the market in the Scott Scale going mega cheap.  The Scale 35 is a bargain at only £1499.99 (RRP £1899.99) and the full singing and dancing Scale 20 is reduced to £1999.99 (RRP £2699.99) and we have one left in a medium!

From Specialized we have all our Epic FSR’s on sale, from Orange we have one ST4 Pro in pearl black with a Hope headset upgrade going for £2450.00 (RRP £2999.99) in an 18”.  From Santa Cruz we have a Butcher with an RP23 and R AM build kit with Rockshox Revelation fork going for £2499.99 (RRP £2999.99) in a medium.

So if you are after a new bike for summer then make this week the time to buy it.  Offers are only available on stock that we have in stock and all are built up and ready for you lovely people to come and try or buy online with FREE UK delivery.

Remember these offers end on 3rd May 2011 so get them before someone else does!

Spring Has Arrived it’s official…

Well, well, well, it’s approaching 5:30pm and it’s still light!  The Biketreks team are all getting ready for their commute back home to varying locations around the Lake District and the MD has been out on his road bike getting the miles in all day; it’s a hard life up North!  At the moment we’ve turned into a bunch of roadies with hardly a MTB to be seen.  We’ve got the MD Andy switching between his Scott CR1 SL with full Shimano Di2 kit and his Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert with full Ultegra (it’s tricky owning a bike shop!) and he just can’t decide which he likes more. 

We’ve got William who is new to this road biking on his Specialized Secteur Comp and his Mrs’ Beth on her Specialized Dolce Comp which both feature the same Zertz inserts as the Roubaix to make them very compliant machines on their commute from Staveley to Biketreks every day (Beth to Gaynor sports though).  We’ve got Mike who won’t sit still for 5 minutes on his Scott CR1 Team which has had colour coded bottle cages, water bottles, computers, tyres etc added to it since his purchase a few months ago, and he is currently road testing the Garmin Edge 800 GPS magical thing that tells us his cadence, calories burnt, his route travelled, his best time over a certain section and much much more (we’re using it to see how many cake stops he makes on a trip out!) 

Weeeeeee Colin (he’s Scottish in case you haven’t met him) has just come back from a weeks holiday North of the border on his Scott CR1 Pro with the Mrs’ Kerry on her Scott Contessa CR1 Team and he cannot recommend the CR1 highly enough.  Both are fitted out with Look Keo pedals and Specialized footwear but protest it’s NOT a his and hers combo, and just between you and me Colin has got women’s shoes on!  Sarah has had a broken truck so has been “enjoying” her commute from tother side of Kendal on her Scott Speedster FB and is learning that hanging off the back down Bannerigg, wearing 5.10 Sam Hills and a hydration pack, and listening to Electronic Trance are shunned on the road circuit (they are clearly jealous of my style!). 

Our resident roadie Kieren has been poorly this week (boy flu!) but he’s waiting with sheer excitement for his Specialized Tarmac SL3 to arrive so he can get back out on the racing circuit in his last year on the under 23 TT circuit.  Finally we even have our resident DH rider, mechanic Alex on some old skool road bike that he has single-speeded for his Windermere to Ambleside commute.  In fact the only one not riding to work is Keith who can be forgiven since an Ambleside to Pilling commute would stretch even the hardiest of roadies.  We all however look forward to him waving at us as he drives past in the “Team Car” (Clio!) ready to pick us up with a special Biketreks wave should we need tea, biscuits, Gore clothing, encouragement, oxygen….

So what is the point of all this I hear you ask?  Well many many years ago Mr Stephenson set up a little shop called Biketreks with the moto “staff who ride, gear that works” and sometimes this has been brought into question, but here it is, proof that we are riding and we are riding the products that we sell because they work, not just kind of work, or just get us by, really really work; I mean do you honestly think Stevo would let us get away with been late for work blaming shoddy kit and punctures?!  So if you are looking to purchase a road bike, regardless of whether you are male or female, regardless of whether it is for pleasure riding, commuting or racing we are the people to ask as we are out there road riding every day, not just talking the talk! 

We look forward to seeing you all soon or alternatively give us a “beep” as you lazy car drivers go past… Sarah xx

The Resident Roadie’s Blog 02/02/2011

I hope you have been making the most of this mild weather, it may be raining but at least its warm and there’s no ice.  its one week until my birthday(gifts can be left at Biketreks) and the last year of my Under 23 licence, were does the time go? The season is approaching fast! One month down and Andy is only 180miles into his 10000 mile target.  Every day gone is a day lost so make the most of it and get riding!

Motivational speech over.  Interesting news for some is that Chris Boardman’s Individual pursuit record set in 1996 has be broken and by an Aussie no less!  Boardman's record was famous because it was set using the Legendary Lotus bike in the super low superman position both of which have now been banned.  The record was thought to be unbreakable with legal equipment.  The Aussie in question is a young Jack Bobridge who rides for Garmin-Cervélo, he knocked more than half a  second off Boardman’s time taking it from 4:11.114 to 4:10.534, for 4km that's pretty fast i think you will agree!

Resident Roadies blog 27/01/2011

Well I suppose the big news of the morning is that Contador has received a one year ban.  It was announced yesterday evening, he has 10 days appeal or the ban stays and he loses all of his 2010 victories including Le Tour.  The whole case has been a shambles from the start but its not quite over yet, it seems the UCI have not sent all of the scientific data to the Spanish Cycling federation and the chances are WADA will push for a 2 year ban.  If you remember back to September Contador hinted that he would retire if found guilty, lets see if he holds to that.

Better news for us Brits came form the Tour Down Under with Ben Swift winning stages 2 and 6 and coming 3rd in GC in the process, Certainly the biggest wins of his career so far.  Matt Goss won the preceeding Cancer classic Critireum and stage one riding one of our Good ol' Specialized Tarmac SL3s.  I think both Matt and Ben look reasonably happy, don’t you?

A great new cycling related site for you to have a look at http://www.thecakerun.co.uk/ It is ran by a good friend of the shop and a local celebrity(he was interviewed on newsnight yesterday for about 30secs).  Its full of brilliant suggestions for coffee and cake stops mid ride, all tried and tested by Gordon.  I’m not sure whether all that cake agrees with my highly tuned athletes diet? but its certainly appetising!!  Anyway make sure to have a look and if you have any recommendations i am sure Gordon would be keen to know.

If you are free on 2nd April a great looking event has came to my attention called Ronde van Oost Lancashire its a homage to the Tour of Flanders and a pretty informal thing but looks to be great fun especially if you like climbing things like this and this. 

Looks great fun to me, right I'm of to check my race planner.

Kieren

The Resident Roadie’s blog 20/01/2011

I know i wrote  blog yesterday but some things have came to my attention that i can not help but comment on.

Firstly, Floyd Landis the disgraced American Bikerider has launched an attack on the UCI and anti-doping authorities proclaiming that must “legalise doping”  Almost every word i can think of to describe utter imbecile certainly can not be published here.  His reason is that the anti-doping tests are so far behind current doping practices that we might as well accept it as part of the sport.  Sure, from one angle you might be able to see where he is coming from, creating a level paying field, but would it really work?  No, doping costs a hell of a lot, so its always going to be the richest guys with the best drugs that win and where would it stop?  Anyway moving away from doping and that moron and on to a more important matter.

For those who don't know, yesterday was a dark day for cycling.  Female HTC rider Carla Stewart was killed while out training in South Africa, the 23 year old was hit by a truck and sadly died before she reached Hospital.  Closer to home, Lewis Balyckyi, a super talented racer up here in the North West, was killed in an accident with a van while out training.  I knew Lewis from the local CNDW races and he was a great chap to be around as well as to watch on a bike with his great attacking racing style.  He was destined for great things and was scheduled to go to France this year to race on the continent, a sad loss for British Cycling, a sad loss for us all.

Yesterday a Facebook page was created called Save a Cyclist please have a look and spread the word.

Kieren

The Resident Roadie

The racing season may have begun but really, things are still the same.  Armstrong is still accused of doping and “Spanish Beef” is still a euphemism for “suspiciously good” but racing is underway!

The season officially began on Monday with the first stage of the Tour Down Under and as expected the Cavendish/Greipel showdown didn't materialise, Instead it was Matt Goss, Cav’s team mate who took the win.  Yesterdays stage saw a crash of disastrous proportion, with most of the racers hitting the deck and Ben Swift of Team Sky taking the biggest win of his career.  One of the worst off from the crash was Mark Cavendish, who has to receive stitches to fix up his eye.

Ouch!!

The cause of the crash was gravel on the road apparently, any cyclist knows turn+gravel=crash.

For me January is probably my favourite month, its the start of a new year and motivation is high, the days are getting longer and (should be) getting warmer and makes getting in those all important base miles a pleasure. Talking of miles the Top Dog Andy has decided that 2011 is going to be the year of the road bike.  He has got himself a Scott CR1 Pro, kitted it out with Di2 and has committed himself to riding 10000 road miles this year.  Taking influence from this noble aim, my target for the year is to ride 10001 miles. 

Whatever your plans for the year, happy riding.

Kieren

The Resident Roadie’s Blog 1/12/2010

I suppose the big news of the week is all this damned snow.  At the weekend i had a big ride planned taking in some lovely little lanes but instead i found myself confined to main roads, oh joy.  What’s worse is that i have just purchased a White Gore Xenon Jacket, i chose white believing i would be more visible on the roads on now it seems i am wearing some form of arctic camouflage.  I guess if i choose a black one next time we will be treated to a unexpected solar eclipse every time i don the thing.

Moving on from my mundane moanings, things are progressing in pro cycling.  Spartacus (Fabian Cancellara) has finally confirmed the team he will be riding for next year, as expected the Luxembourg Pro Cycling project is his destination.  No surprise there really, it was widely accepted that Joining the Schlecks at the Luxembourg team would be the most likely choice.

Little progress with Alberto Contador’s Clenbuterol case, he has handed in his defence documents to the Spanish Cycling Federation and is still adamant that the positive test was due to contaminated meat, although several organisations including WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) believe this to be extremely unlikely.  He has also been allowed to attend the first Saxo Bank training camp in Fuertaventura.

If you are brave enough to confront the weather, don’t forget get rides leave from the shop regularly.  Call 015394 31245 for more info.

Kieren.   

The Resident Roadie’s Blurb

So November (Movember to the perfectly piliferous) is passing along nicely, sunny days and fresh weather make me realise why i love winter riding or at least tolerate it, maybe endure is the right word.

On the Pro road Scene its transfer season!  With a mass migration of riders from Saxo Bank and Alberto Contador’s Clenbutrol case still dragging on, Bjarne Riis looks to be in a bit of a pickle.  It also looks likely that the Schleck’s new team has been granted Pro Tour status(the cycling equivalent to the premier league) granting them automatic entry into some of the biggest races while the smaller pro continental level teams are left fighting for wildcard places.

The bad thing about the off season is the lack of news, as i unsuccessfully try and pluck humorous subjects out of the air in order to continue the blog i notice in the absence of real news, drugs seem to be drawing alot of attention.  Obviously that FBI agent is still poking around a certain famous American cyclist, he won the Tour seven times i am told but his name escapes me at the moment…Juan something.  Second to that is the list of convicted dopers returning to the sport in 2011, among these is Danilo di Luca who came second in 2009 Giro but then like a true twit was found to have taken CERA.

Kieren

The Resident Roadie’s word

Its officially the off season and time to eat biscuits and as i look outside, see the rain falling and the wind beating it against my window i am almost grateful. 

Any body up for a 2up time trail??  I am unsure whether this is a concept bike or a photoshop jobie but it looks……interesting.  If it was photoshoped the creator was not that thorough as its missing a chainset.

Maybe i spend too much time surfing the web searching for idiocy but i found something that may interest the more fashion conscious ladies.

So for a little extra challenge a nice Italian chap will fix some cleats to the soles of your shoes to make walking in heels that little bit easier.  On the other hand they are the most power efficient stilettos you could ever buy and is that not what every girl wants? I know what my girlfriend is getting for Christmas!

On a note more to do with racing, for a long time i have been wondering what the result would be if Mark Cavendish was to go head to head with Andre Greipel and it seems that we are going to find out.  The first race of the 2011 Season, The Tour Down Under will see them race against each other for the first time, add Tyler Farrar in to the mix and it should prove to be some interesting racing.

Don't forget its the North West cyclo cross champs on the 5th December at Brockhole, its great fun to watch if you have a free morning.  An alternative would be to ride the Cumbrian Christmas Cracker, a 60mile sportive setting off from Grasmere organised by Epic Events could prove to be a chuckle.

Don’t forget to pop in for a brew.

Kieren

The Resident Roadie’s Bit

What a close to the season!  These past two weeks have been so exciting I forgot to write a blog last week (at least that's my excuse!)

Surely you saw David Millar take Gold in the Commonwealth Games Time Trial, Bronze in the road race where Cavendish came 7th.  Then to capitalise on his late season form Millar raced The Chrono des Nations and not only won it but set a new course record becoming the first person to ride it in under 59mins. Phillipe Gilbert took the will at the Giro di Lombardia after a fantastic tussle with Michele Scarponi.  I love Road Racing but I admire Time Trialists for their efficiency, and efficiency key to time trialing success.  An efficient Pedal Stroke is important at all levels of cycling, allowing you to go further, faster, for longer and it looks so much better than rocking all over the saddle.  The French call it souplesse and it is the mark of all great cyclists, people like Steven Roche and Lance Armstrong were famous for it.

If your pedal stroke is something you have never really paid any attention to then perhaps this winter is the time to develop it.  Begin by trying to pretend you are scraping mud off the sole of your shoe, this extends your down stroke, the most powerful part of your stroke.  Do it slowly at first at a cadence of about 70-80 RPM, if you don’t have a cadence sensor where have you been the last few years?  Once you have it smooth, only then increase for cadence to your most efficient speed but always remembering to keep it smooth and supple.  Once you have got it sorted I guarantee you will notice an improvement in speed, power and endurance.

Recent news in the world of cycling include the doping case against Italian Franco Pellizotti (2009 Tour de France King of the mountains) being dropped but a dark ominous cloud lingers over his head, even so this has not stopped Team Sky from expressing an interest in signing him for the oncoming season.  As of the ongoing Contador crisis, all three of the stock holders of Saxo Bank (the teams sponsor) have put their shares up for sale.  The reason is unknown but the rumor mill believes the company is under investigation from the Danish Government. What this means for the future of the team I am unsure.  Fabian Cancellara’s team for next year has still not been confirmed; apparently he paid 3million Euros to get out of his contract with Saxo Bank a year early.

Don’t forget that road rides leave the shop every Saturday at 9 30am.

See you there

Kieren

The Resident Roadie’s Blog

Well its been a busy week in the cycling world with the World Champs, Contador’s doping case and now the Commonwealth games going on.

For those of you who did not get chance to watch the worlds, our very own Emma Pooley did us proud becoming Great Britain's first world Time Trial Champion.  In the men's TT David Millar almost took the gold for us only to beaten by a motoring Fabian Cancellara, a result  i could not of been happier with.  Cancellara is a such a classy rider it is always hard to look past him in TT.  In the Men's Road Race, Thor Hushovd, the God of Thunder, stormed to the line to take the win with plenty of daylight between him and Denmark's Matti Breschel and Australia's Allan Davis.  In the women's race Giorgia Bronzini won the sprint to take gold.  Nicole Cooke was Britain’s best placer, just off at podium in 4th.  Emma Pooley, not renowned her sprinting capabilities was the last placed finisher in 20th however she had little to prove after winning the time trial a few days earlier.  Now a homage to Mr Fabian Cancellara.  

Enough of my Fabian Cancellara worship.

For those of you who don't know Alberto Contador has tested positive for Clenbuterol Don’t panic yet however and don’t lose all faith in our glorious sport just yet.  The amount found was so small (400 times smaller than what WADA laboratories have to be able to detect) that the only logical explanation is food contamination and even the guys in white coats agree.  However The New York Times have reported that Plasticisers were found in Contador’s blood the day before his positive test for Clenbuterol.  The plasticiser found was a chemical present in IV bags indicating the possibility of a blood transfusion, you should bear in mind however that this was reported by a newspaper and when have they ever been faithful to the truth? Whatever the outcome these are dark days for Señor Contador.

Speaking of dark days, Winter is here and its time to break out the Winter bike.  Its the Scott Speedster S55 for me, Scott have designed it with the British winter in mind and have very kindly given it more tyre clearance so we can get proper mudguards on, I don’t care for the opinions of some “Purists” regarding mudguards they are definitely welcome on my bike in the winter.  Besides the aforementioned “Purists” are probably the ones sat at home polishing their Cinelli quill stems while pining for the days of the woollen jersey.  If you don’t want a separate bike for winter the next best solution is the Crud Road Racer mudguard, i have just replaced my old race blades with them and the improvement is considerable.  Second is winter tyres, speed is not important in winter but avoiding flats is.  Nothing ruins a ride more than struggling to get a tyre off a rim on the roadside while being splashed by cars at 3°C or less.  A tyre with a high TPI(threads per inch) and some kind of puncture protection is suitable, Specialized’s Roubaix Armadillo would be ideal.  Offering Armadillo protection, good wet weather grip and extra air volume for a little extra comfort.

What ever you do, please don't throw you bike in the shed and leave it there until the Spring.  It is now that you build the base to fully enjoy the summer.

If you are struggling for motivation to get out, don't forget road rides leave the shop on Saturday Mornings at 9.15, nice and easy (it’s Winter!) so don't worry about being dropped!

Kieren