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<title>Cyclocrossworld: Blog Posts</title>
<link>http://www.cyclocrossworld.com</link>
<pubDate>2012-02-26</pubDate>
<description>List of Latest Blog Posts at Cyclocrossworld</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<isc:store_name><![CDATA[Cyclocrossworld]]></isc:store_name>
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<title><![CDATA[Aquasealing a Tubular Tire with Stu Thorne]]></title>
<link>http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Aquasealing-a-Tubular-Tire-with-Stu-Thorne_b_92.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-12-16</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ How to aquaseal a tubular tire with Cyclocrossworld.com owner and Cannondale prepared by Cyclocrossworld.com Managing Director Stu Thorne. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Aquasealing-a-Tubular-Tire-with-Stu-Thorne_b_92.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How to aquaseal a tubular tire with Cyclocrossworld.com owner and Cannondale prepared by Cyclocrossworld.com Managing Director Stu Thorne.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[How to aquaseal a tubular tire with Cyclocrossworld.com owner and Cannondale prepared by Cyclocrossworld.com Managing Director Stu Thorne.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[92]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jacob Sisson]]></isc:author>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[The Full Moon: Race Report by Jim Wirtanen]]></title>
<link>http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/The-Full-Moon-Race-Report-by-Jim-Wirtanen_b_91.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-11-21</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ By Jim WirtanenI have had the intention of posting race reports for this season to share with my fellow Cyclocrossworld.com Grassroots racers but with my busy schedule and never enough time in the day it's just another want to fall by the wayside. Cyclocross season moves very quickly as does the hour of racing. The action is often so fast and hectic many, many things will happen in a flash without you (the racer) being the wiser. Which brings me to the topic at hand. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/The-Full-Moon-Race-Report-by-Jim-Wirtanen_b_91.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[By Jim WirtanenI have had the intention of posting race reports for this season to share with my fellow Cyclocrossworld.com Grassroots racers but with my busy schedule and never enough time in the day it's just another want to fall by the wayside. Cyclocross season moves very quickly as does the hour of racing. The action is often so fast and hectic many, many things will happen in a flash without you (the racer) being the wiser. Which brings me to the topic at hand.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[By Jim WirtanenI have had the intention of posting race reports for this season to share with my fellow Cyclocrossworld.com Grassroots racers but with my busy schedule and never enough time in the day it's just another want to fall by the wayside. Cyclocross season moves very quickly as does the hour of racing. The action is often so fast and hectic many, many things will happen in a flash without you (the racer) being the wiser. Which brings me to the topic at hand.BRC Shedd Park Cyclocross Men's 3/4.Fourth row in staging. On the left - a handlebar mustache guy. On the right - a youngin' riding for Quad Cycles. Everyone was cool. We joked.The whistle blew and I was clipped in, then mustache man starts falling on me and getting all caught up in the wheel in front of him or vice versa. It was happening fast. So I lean a little right, still upright, still straight up and down. Oh wait I'm going left really fast, whoa I'm on the ground dudes are riding into me where's my bike, this a real waste of a fourth row start, hey his foot is on my rear wheel, this cinder track is gonna ruin my kit, what's with all the pushing... wait where is everyone?Inventory:Chain, off.Back on.Front wheel, half out of the fork.Back in.Left shifter, bent all the way in.Whacked back into place.GO GO GO GO!I made my way around and the 88th rider had just exited the cinder track as I caught up and moved through. I had a large amount of work ahead. I got to it and started passing, passing and passing. I got a few comments that didn't make sense initially because I was only concerned with passing and more passing. Lap one was over.The Wheelworks pit tent went nuts shouting as I connected to a group on the track at the top of lap two. I'm thinking yeah! I'm making some headway! Since I had been the only guy on the ground with mechanicals as the race took off, yeah, this is going to be a great underdog ride.That was not why they were yelling with such enthusiasm.Whatever! I have some passing to do. So I did.After executing a pass, I entered a turn a little too hot and lost the traction for a moment but kept it up and redirected the line smoothly, but was a little freaked out and relived all at once. I let out a big wooooooooooooo! and the racer I had just passed exclaimed man, you're letting it all hang out! I thought: yeah I am! that corner was hot and scary and I'm still rolling, Yeah GO GO GO!That was not what he was talking about.At the halfway point the adrenaline starting to fade and I'm wondering why my skinsuit is feeling not normal. I just go with the you're over-thinking the new skinsuit you don't like the fit of that much. Keep passing. So I did.Now it's three to go and I pass a guy on the cinder track and he shouts your shorts are ripped!Uh oh.Now it's starting to make sense.Bad?Don't worry, can't see the grundle!Okay, no grundle visual, so it must be the half moon, let's get some passing down. So I did.Two to go.Second ride up hill.You're ass is hanging out!Nice ass!Wooooooooooooo! Check out the ass.It's the ass guy again.Okay, I am definitely all over the internet on Monday morning.89 entrants; fourth row start; last off the track. 47th finisher. Passed 42 racers.12 DNF's, no doubt blinded by the Full Moon.The Failed Skinsuit42 full moon apologies going out those finishing behind me and especially to the guy who drafted me in for the sprint. Good job getting my last pass back.It takes about six inches of torn skinsuit to let out a Full MoonTo the New England Cyclocross community, I am sorry if I had offended you. I had no idea. I was trying to get my fourth row start back. It all happens fast in cross, you know. Had it been a cooler day I would of known or had another layer on to spare you.In conclusion:I have no idea why people fell over before the race even got going. My shoulder hurts a whole bunch. The veggie slice at Sal's is great, I just had one. It comes highly recommended.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[91]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jacob Sisson]]></isc:author>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Cyclocrossworld.com Lightbike Project]]></title>
<link>http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Cyclocrossworldcom-Lightbike-Project_b_85.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-11-15</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ How low can you go? We wanted to see how light a 'cross bike can really get. This isn't one of those project bikes where every component is milled out and costs countless man hours to produce. This is a project bike you can buy at Cyclocrossworld.com. This is a project bike that you can bring with you to the races. This is a project bike that you can beat up, shake around, get dirty, power wash and it will keep coming back for more.We picked the best components in our catalog and tried to keep as much weight off as possible. We didn't cut any corners or use any products that would fail as soon as they went off road. We went as light as you can go, without losing any performance advantages. Believe us, we had to struggle to keep this thing on the scale! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Cyclocrossworldcom-Lightbike-Project_b_85.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How low can you go? We wanted to see how light a 'cross bike can really get. This isn't one of those project bikes where every component is milled out and costs countless man hours to produce. This is a project bike you can buy at Cyclocrossworld.com. This is a project bike that you can bring with you to the races. This is a project bike that you can beat up, shake around, get dirty, power wash and it will keep coming back for more.We picked the best components in our catalog and tried to keep as much weight off as possible. We didn't cut any corners or use any products that would fail as soon as they went off road. We went as light as you can go, without losing any performance advantages. Believe us, we had to struggle to keep this thing on the scale!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[.pointer { cursor: pointer }.clearboth {clear: both;}#map-view-container {position: relative;}#map-container {float: left;}#map-view-container img.map {position: relative;z-index: 100;}#map-view-container img.region {display: none;left: 0px;position: absolute;top: 0px;z-index: 20;}#map-view-container img.regionBg {left: 0px;position: absolute;top: 0px;z-index: 19;}#practice-container {float: left;}#practice-container ul {display: none;}#practice-container ul.selected {display: inline;}#practice-container ul li {list-style-type: none;}#practice-container .selected-list ul li {list-style-type: none;}jQuery(document).ready(function() {jQuery('.Lightbike-list').addClass('selected').css('visibility', 'visible');jQuery(#map-container AREA).mouseover(function(){var regionMap = '.'+$(this).attr('id')+'-map';var regionList = '.'+$(this).attr('id')+'-list';jQuery(regionMap).css('display', 'inline');// Check if a click event has occured and only change the Region hover state accodringlyif (! jQuery('#practice-container ul').hasClass('selected')) {jQuery(regionList).css('display', 'inline');}}).mouseout(function(){var regionMap = '.'+$(this).attr('id')+'-map';var regionList = '.'+$(this).attr('id')+'-list';// Check if a click event has occured and only change the Region hover state accodringlyif (! jQuery(regionMap).hasClass('selected')) {jQuery(regionMap).css('display', 'none');}// Check if a click event has occured and only change the Region hover state accodringlyif (! jQuery('#practice-container ul').hasClass('selected')) {jQuery(regionList).css('display', 'none');}});jQuery(#map-container AREA).click(function(){jQuery('#map-container img.region').removeClass('selected').css('display', 'none');jQuery('#practice-container ul').removeClass('selected').css('display', 'none');var regionMap = '.'+$(this).attr('id')+'-map';var regionList = '.'+$(this).attr('id')+'-list';jQuery(regionMap).addClass('selected').css('display', 'inline');jQuery(regionList).addClass('selected').css('display', 'inline');});});HandlebarsStock: 4Za Cirrus ProUpgrade: Zipp SLClaimed Weight - 233 gramsClaimed Weight - 170 gramsActual Weight - Weight Savings: 63 grams (0.14 pounds)The Zipp SL handlebar is billed as a minimalist bar for climbers. Despite that billing, Zipp has gone to great lengths to make sure that this bar doesn't lose any of the performance capabilities of any of the other bars in its range. For the Lightbike, we went with their lightest possible configuration for the 42 cm bar width - the short and shallow bend.At only 170 grams, the SL bar is one of the lightest on the market, which made it so attractive. Zipp is a master of carbon fiber, so when they say that their bars can withstand the rigors of cycling, they're saying it as experts. 4 years of research and develeopment have gone into this handlebar, as well as a claimed 40 revisions to their carbon laminate structure. This bar pushes the limits, but as long as you don't push them too hard yourself, the Zipp SL Handlebar is a great way to shave lots of weight.Handlebar TapeStock: 4Za StratosUpgrade: Lizard Skins DSP 1.8Claimed Weight - 45 gramsClaimed Weight - 50 gramsActual Weight - Weight Savings: -5 grams (0.01 pounds) Lizard Skins claims that their bar tape is the lightest on the market. The 50 gram claimed weight stands for an entire roll of tape, and even includes the end plug, so at a weight so small, we have to agree. The DSP 1.8 is the thinner of Lizard Skins' two bar tape offerings, and is 1.8 mm thick. Lizard Skins also offers their DSP 2.5, which, logically, stands at 2.5 mm thick.Depending on your preference for bar feel, the DSP 1.8 is the obvious choice for light weight, but the advantages in terms of weight are negligible. From a grip and comfort perspective, however, Lizard Skins is top notch.TiresStock - USA: Challenge Grifo Pro ClincherStock - Europe: Challenge Grifo Open TubularUpgrade: Clement Crusade PDX TubularClaimed Weight (USA) - 380 grams eachClaimed Weight (Europe) - 340 grams eachClaimed Weight - 356 grams eachActual Weight - Extra Weight - Tubes: 258 grams; Rim Strips: 25 gramsExtra Weight - Tubular Glue: grams; Tubular Tape: gramsWeight Savings (USA): 331 grams (0.73 pounds)Weight Savings (Europe): 251 grams (0.55 pounds)Clement's cyclocross tires are some of the most well known in the business. The Clement name bas been around for more than a century, and they certainly know a thing or two about producing tires of the highest quality. Chances are, if you can recognize a cyclocross tire tread these days, Clement had something to do with it.Despite their history, Clement is relatively new to the modern cyclocross tire block. They broke back onto the scene in the last couple years with their new Crusade PDX tire. Named after possibly the most famous cyclocros scene in America, the PDX is a do-it-all tire that is as at home in the mud as it is in the fast and dry. The PDX Tubular takes the clincher and puts it on a lightweight casing that gives you the ultimate combination of speed, control and durability.WheelsetStock - USA: Fulcrum Racing 5Stock - Europe: 4Za Cirrus Pro T50Upgrade: Zipp 202Claimed Weight (USA) - 1760 gramsClaimed Weight (Europe) - 1560 gramsClaimed Weight - 1095 gramsActual Weight - gramsWeight Savings (USA): 665 grams (1.47 pounds)Weight Savings (Europe): 465 grams (1.03 pounds) Lots of weight to be had here. It's always been that you had to pay a premium to save weight on your wheels. Traditionally, it's been a few grams here, a bit of stiffness there. With the latest advancements in carbon fiber, composites, engineering and the like, those days seem to be behind us. Enter the Zipp 202.The Zipp 202 has been around for a while. It's always been known as the go-to wheel for when the roads start going uphill. It's seen its fair share of Tour de France stages over its illustrious career. Last year, however, it was seen in a whole new arena - the cyclocross arena. Cannondale prepared by Cyclocrossworld.com trotted out a few sets of 202 wheels over the course of last season, proving it was up to the rigors of cyclocross. Since the best place to save weight on a bike (after the rider, of course) is the wheels, what better wheelset to choose than the Zipp 202.Handlebar TapeStock: SRAM Red DoubleTapUpgrade: SRAM Red DoubleTapClaimed Weight - 280 gramsActual Weight - Weight Savings: 0 grams (0.00 pounds)The lightest shifters out there. SRAM's top-of-the-line Red group revolutionized the market of lightweight, durable shifting components. SRAM's DoubleTap and ZeroLoss Technology makes the Red shifter one of the most technologically advanced shifters out there, leading to extremely accurate shifting at some of the quickest shifting speeds around.SRAM's DoubleTap system combines both shifting directions into one shift lever. SRAM explains it best: DoubleTap handles up- and downshifts in one short, sweeping motion, with minimal effort and maximal comfort no matter where you are on the bars. This, coupled with SRAM's ZeroLoss technology - when you push on the lever , for an upshift or down shift, the cable is engaged instantly - zero loss of movement - you get the quickest, crispest, most accurate shifting out there.Front DerailleurStock: SRAM Red 31.8 mm ClampUpgrade: SRAM Red Braze-OnClaimed Weight - 72 gramsClaimed Weight - 58 gramsActual Weight - grams Extra Weight - Parlee 31.8 mm Derailleur Clamp: 7 gramsWeight Savings: 7 grams (0.02 pounds)Not too much functionally different here. For looks, we're opting for the black SRAM Red unit, which features aluminum mounting hardware and a superlight titanium cage.To shed weight where weight is scarce, we've ditched the weighty clamp version of the SRAM Red front derailleur, and gone down the Braze-On route. That's good for 14 grams up front, but we've still got to attach it to the frame. For that, we've added a carbon fiber derailleur braze-on adapter made by Parlee, which takes away 7 grams from our gains.CranksetStock: SRAM Force BB30 StandardUpgrade: SRAM Red BB30 CompactClaimed Weight - 645 grams (With Bottom Bracket & 53/39 Rings)Claimed Weight - 630 grams (With Bottom Bracket & 53/39 Rings)Actual Weight - grams (No Bottom Bracket & No Rings)Weight Savings: 15 grams (0.03 pounds)The claimed weight values on the crankset are a bit misleading in this situations, as this is an apples to oranges comparison. We've elected to go with a SRAM Red BB30 crankset, but with a twist. We've gone with the 172.5 mm size out of sizing necessity, but to shave grams, we've elected to opt for a 110 mm, compact bolt circle diameter.Opting for the BB30 crankset configuration alone shaves 130 grams over the GXP configuration. That's nearly three tenths of a pound just by matching our frame's bottom bracket standard! The smaller BCD will save more grams over its standard sized counterparts, and allow us to use a smaller, lighter, 36 tooth inner chainring. Throughout all this, we're still using a Red level crankset, and not sacrificing any performance.FrameStock: Ridley X-Night - 54 cm Uncut SeatpostUpgrade: Ridley X-Night - 54 cm Cut SeatpostClaimed Weight - 1280 grams (Unknown Size)Actual Weight - 1517 grams (Uncut Steerer)Actual Weight - grams (Cut Steerer Shimmed to Size)Weight Savings: -237 grams (0.52 pounds)We made the decision to opt for the X-Night over the X-Fire (which gave the X-Night a considerable run for its money) because it is simply lighter. The two frames share a number of the same great innovations - the tapered steerer, the Press Fit 30 bottom bracket, the unorthodox tube shapes, the internal cable routing. So, on the technological side of things, the two run to a dead heat.Underneath the surface, however, the weight advantages begin to emerge. While its raw weight is more - 1280 grams claimed for the X-Night versus 1250 grams claimed for the X-Fire - that weight includes a seatpost! When everything is considered, the X-Night pulls ahead, and as it should, as it's the pinnacle of Ridley's cyclocross line. It's got the world championships to prove it.SaddleStock: 4Za CirrusUpgrade: Prologo C.One NackClaimed Weight - 240 gramsClaimed Weight - 85 gramsActual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: 155 grams (0.34 pounds)Weight versus comfort. The age old question when it comes to picking out the right saddle. For the purposes of the Lightbike, we threw caution to the wind, searching for the lightest possible saddle out there. While an uncomfortable saddle can be a bother over the long haul of road races, cyclocross races are a different story.Sure, no padding means some awfully heavy landings in the thick of the racing, but if your technique is dialed, you shouldn't have to worry. That doesn't mean you forget you're riding on a simple piece of carbon fiber, but you shouldn't be too poorly off. So, for the purposes of ultra light weight, we'll be going with the Prologo C.One Nack. Prologo has some excellent saddles with light weight that offer ample padding, but there's no room for their extra grams here!BrakesStock - USA: Avid Shorty UltimateStock - Europe: 4Za CirrusUpgrade: TRP EuroX MagnesiumClaimed Weight (USA) - 230 gramsClaimed Weight (Europe) - 250 gramsClaimed Weight - 206 gramsActual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: 44 grams (0.10 pounds)Companies are constantly pushing the limit of cyclocross braking technology. TRP cantilever brakes have been found on some of the top cyclocross riders' bikes for years, and they've been constantly designed, redesigned, tweaked and improved to where they are today. To save weight, TRP makes the cantilever arms out of lightweight magnesium, and mixes in a healthy dose of titanium and lightweight aluminum to boot.The most attractive part about the EuroX Magnesium is its functionality. TRP has not made these brakes hopelessly difficult to use despite their light weight. Great features like their Inplace Adjust brake pads allow you to fine-tune your braking and make them more user friendly. And all this by being the industry leader in lightweight braking.StemStock - USA: Ritchey WCS 4-AxisStock - Europe: 4Za Cirrus ProUpgrade: Zipp SLSpeedClaimed Weight (USA) - 120 grams (Unknown Size)Claimed Weight (Europe) - 111 grams (100 mm)Claimed Weight - 102 grams (100 mm)Actual Weight - gramsWeight Savings (USA): 18 grams (.04 pounds)Weight Savings (Europe): 9 grams (0.02 pounds)Another instance of a company catering to the climbers but claiming still folding in enough stiffness and durability to excel in the cyclocross arena. For our money, there are no lighter options out there. Sure, you're doing a lot of gram counting on the stem - the gains aren't huge - but when every gram on the front end of things counts, this where you would turn.Unlike a lot of carbon stems out there, this isn't just an aluminum stem wrapped in some pretty carbon weave. Zipp has gone all in with the SLSpeed stem, designing it with carbon in mind from the ground up. It's got some tricky features - like the rearward facing bolts threaded directly into the faceplate - that are there to both reduce weight and add stiffness. And all in an extremely light package. ForkStock: 4Za OryxUpgrade: ENVE Composites CrossActual Weight - 445 grams (30 cm Uncut Steerer)Claimed Weight - 460 grams (35 cm Uncut Steerer)Actual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: -15 grams (0.03 pounds) Another case of having to look a little bit deeper to find the real weight savings. ENVE claims the weight of their Cross Fork - with a 1.125 to 1.5 tapered head tube - is 460 grams. At first you say, hey, wait a minute, that's more than the actual weight of our Oryx fork! Then you start to look closer.The uncut steerer of the Oryx fork is 300 mm long. The uncut steerer of the ENVE Cross fork is 350 mm long. 5 centimeters is a fair bit of material in this game. So, in terms of weight savings, this one's more or less a wash, so making the decision here will come down to which fork has the best ride characteristics and how you feel about stock equipment on a project bike.CassetteStock: SRAM PG-1070 12-25Upgrade: SRAM OG-1090 11-26Claimed Weight - 210 grams (11-23)Claimed Weight - 166 grams (11-26)Actual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: 44 grams (0.10 pounds)Things are looking good to earn some more weight savings here, as the claimed weights earn a 44 gram advantage for the OG-1090 cassette versus the PG-1070, and we're not even comparing like-for-like sizes! The 210 gram claimed weight measures the 1070's lightest configuration, so there's even more weight savings to be had here.And yes, we've heard the complaints about the 1090's operation in the mud; how the 1070's preferred because it works better in less-than-stellar conditions. Still, in a race against weight, the 1090 is leaps and bounds ahead of the pack. At a claimed 166 grams, it's feathery yet robust enough to take miles and miles of racing. It's the obvious choice for the Lightbike.Rear DerailleurStock: SRAM RedUpgrade: SRAM Red BlackClaimed Weight - 153 gramsActual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: 0 grams (0.00 pounds)Functionally, no changes here. From a purely aesthetic point of view, the black Red rear derailleur will win out in our book ten times out of ten. Is there any performance advantage? Is there a performance advantage to making car noises when you're trying to go faster? We'll let you be the judge of that.The Red rear derailleur pushes the boundaries of light weight rear derailleurs. There's carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum and ceramics throughout the derailleur. It's got SRAM's BlackBox ceramic pulleys that both decrease the weight and make the drivetrain run more smoothly. It takes advantage of SRAM's Exact Actuation technology, which helps provide quicker, more accurate shifts no matter the conditions. No matter where you look, the SRAM Red rear derailleur is the lightest game in town.CablesStock: SRAM RedUpgrade: Gore Ride-On ProfessionalClaimed Weight - gramsClaimed Weight - gramsActual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: 0 grams (0.00 pounds)Tried and tested over and over again on the bikes of the Cannondale prepared by Cyclocrossworld.com professional cyclocross team, Gore's Ride-On Professional cable system cuts zero corners. It's perfect for cyclocross, featuring long nosed ferrules and Gore's own GRUB seals to protect the exposed parts of your cables. All this leads to significantly lower friction, less contamination and, ultimately, markedly improved shifting performance in all conditions.But is it lighter than the competition? Simply, yes. The Professional cable system is not just the cable and housing system of choice for cyclocross teams. It's also been the go-to in the professional road ranks for years. Special fabrication techniques are used to create a lighter cable, lighter housing and a lighter system in general, without sacrificing any shifting performance whatsoever. ChainringsStock: SRAM Force 48T/34TUpgrade: SRAM Red 46T/36TActual Weight - grams (48T)Actual Weight - grams (34T)Actual Weight - grams (46T)Actual Weight - grams (36T)Weight Savings: grams (0.00 pounds)Machining, machining, machining. SRAM machines away unnecessary material in their Red cyclocross specific chainrings to create a chainring that's not only super light, but also structurally sound and able to stand up to the bursts of power and strain necessary in any cyclocross race. All that silver on that chainring is proof positive that SRAM is looking to shave weight wherever possible.The Standard build comes stock with a 48T/34T gearing, but we've elected to switch that up a bit and go with a 46 tooth outer chainring and a 36 tooth inner chainring. Decreasing the size helps to keep the weight down, while increasing the inner chainring size gives it a little bit more usefullness. Further, these chainrings are the perfect match for our Sram Red crankset, and the silver on black motif certainly looks sharp. ChainStock: KMC X10SLUpgrade: SRAM PC-1091R PowerChainClaimed Weight - 250 grams (112 Links)Claimed Weight - 255 grams (114 Links)Actual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: -5 grams (0.01 pounds) 5 more claimed grams, but two more links means the KMC chain wins out in the absolute weight discussion, but the PC-1091R wins out when the chain is cut to length. Lots of work has gone into making this chain as light as it can be without sacrificing any performance value. The outer plates of the 1091R get what SRAM calls a Lightning Hole - a cutout in the plate's construction that removes but doesn't remove strength or fatigue life. The chain also gets chrome hardened pins that help to increase wear life.Another attractive feature on the 1091R is its HollowPin construction. As you can see, the pins connecting each link are a hollow cylinder, removing weight. The 1091R is a SRAM Red level chain, so it matches up perfectly with the rest of the bike's Red level equipment. While the 1091R is a great choice for any drive train, it's most at home when it can interact with the rest of the Red component group. Bottom BracketStock: Truvativ PressFit 30 AlloyUpgrade: Truvativ PressFit 30 CeramicClaimed Weight - 91 gramsClaimed Weight - 83 gramsActual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: 8 grams (0.02 pounds)If you're worried about value for money when it comes to saving weight, now's the time to go make yourself a sandwich. Ceramic bearings have lots of great qualities - they're more durable, they produce less friction, their seals are a different, fancier color and they're lighter. Ceramics are great when it comes to bicycles. Shedding weight, decreasing friction and lasting longer are all fantastic qualities to have in a bicycle component.So what's the drawback? Well, in the case of our PressFit 30 bottom bracket, ceramic bearings are 4.5 times more expensive than standard, steel bearings. Look at it another way: with a claimed weight difference of 8 grams, you're paying $23 per gram to save weight. That's huge money for a minor weight savings, but if you want the durability and free-spinning characteristics only ceramics can provide? This is the bottom bracket for you.HeadsetStock: Full Speed Ahead C-40-CXUpgrade: Cane Creek 110Claimed Weight - 101 gramsActual Weight - 133 gramsClaimed Weight - 91 gramsActual Weight - grams Extra Weight - Cable Hanger (27 grams)Weight Savings: 15 grams (0.03 pounds)The Cane Creek 110 headset is the top of their lineup. It's got a fantastic mix of super light weight and outstanding durability. Further, it comes in two different formats - a tall top cap and a short top cap. The weight difference for the two is about 10 grams, which gets you 7 millimeters of extra stack height. We'll be making up for that with our cable hanger, so we'll opt for the short stack headset in this instance.At 91 grams for the headset, the 110 is a flyweight. There are rumors of an even lighter beast being tested at Cane Creek's headquarters, but for the moment, the 110 is the gold standard for weight savings. Further, it's available in four different colors! For our headset, we've got a Zero Stack top configuration - compatible with our Ridley X-Night frameset - and a Cane Creek 1.5 inch Radial Contact Bearing on the bottom. Simple as you like, and helps to save weight as well! Brake PadsStock - USA: Avid Shorty Ultimate by SwissStopUpgrade: SwissStop FlashPro Yellow KingClaimed Weight - gramsClaimed Weight - gramsActual Weight - gramsWeight Savings: grams (0.00 pounds)The brake pads of choice for the Cannondale prepared by Cyclocrossworld.com for the past few seasons, SwissStop's Yellow King compound is the compound of choice for stopping on carbon fiber. Whether it's wet, dry, muddy, sandy or whatever the weather can throw at you, SwissStop's compound will bring you to a stop confidently.Going with SwissStop opts with performance over light weight. SwissStop are up there with the lightest brake pads in the industry, but their all-weather, elite level performance gives them the edge against their competition. PedalsStock: NoneUpgrade: Crank Brothers Egg Beater 11Claimed Weight - 174 gramsActual Weight - gramsThere's not a whole lot of material that makes up the Eggbeater 11. Lots of titanium goes into the Eggbeater 11, which is, at the same time, strong as can be, and light as anything. To keep weight down, the Eggbeater doesn't have any sort of platform to stand on. On the one hand, this is great at shedding weight - pedals can get pretty heavy - but on the other hand, it doesn't give you much to push on, if that's what you're into. Luckily, Crank Brother's Candy 11 uses some of the same great materials as the Eggbeater 11, has a platform, and only costs you 52 claimed grams.Personally, that's not a concern. The Eggbeater 11 is simple, clean, functional and, most of all, extremely light. The mud shedding capacity of the entire Eggbeater line is top notch, and is right at home in the cyclocross arena. Be aware: the Eggbeater 11 does have a stated 200 pound rider limit - a sure sign that this is a flyweight piece of equipment - so just bear that in mind. As the final piece of icing on the cake, the Eggbeater has a great grey and gold color package that looks great in any light.Cyclocrossworld.com Lightbike ProjectClaimed Weight: 6120 grams (13.49 pounds)Actual Weight: grams ( pounds)Welcome to the Cyclocrossworld.com Lightbike Project! With the boundaries of weight constantly getting pushed, we figured we'd take a long, hard, calculated look at what is and isn't too light for cyclocross. From across the industry, we collected the lightest parts we could find and assembled them to see how low we could actually go. Sure, there are other project bikes out there that have taken light weight to the extreme, but frankly, we wouldn't be too confident riding them on the road, let alone on a cyclocross course.Our mission was to take the lightest possible products we could find that were ultralight straight out of the box. We didn't take anything to the machine shop, we didn't machine away excess material we deemed excessive. Sure, some of the stuff we used may not be your first choice for a cyclocross bike, but we're here to prove that you can go light but still ride confidently.For a detailed look at each part we used, hover over the click on the bike above. There you'll see a quick rundown of each product, what its advantages are, and how it stacks up against the product that comes stock on our Ridley X-Night. Click on the stats section to see a full breakdown of all the parts we've picked to shed weight.Every part will be inspected, cataloged, photographed and weighed using a Feedback Sports Alpine hanging scale and a Feedback Sports Summit table scale. Check back throughout the season for reviews of each product on the bike, taking a look at how well these lightweight products stand up to the challenge of cyclocross.Cyclocrossworld.com Lightbike ProjectClaimed Weight: 6120 grams (13.49 pounds)Actual Weight: grams ( pounds)Welcome to the Cyclocrossworld.com Lightbike Project! With the boundaries of weight constantly getting pushed, we figured we'd take a long, hard, calculated look at what is and isn't too light for cyclocross. From across the industry, we collected the lightest parts we could find and assembled them to see how low we could actually go. Sure, there are other project bikes out there that have taken light weight to the extreme, but frankly, we wouldn't be too confident riding them on the road, let alone on a cyclocross course.Our mission was to take the lightest possible products we could find that were ultralight straight out of the box. We didn't take anything to the machine shop, we didn't machine away excess material we deemed excessive. Sure, some of the stuff we used may not be your first choice for a cyclocross bike, but we're here to prove that you can go light but still ride confidently.For a detailed look at each part we used, hover over the click on the bike above. There you'll see a quick rundown of each product, what its advantages are, and how it stacks up against the product that comes stock on our Ridley X-Night. Click on the stats section to see a full breakdown of all the parts we've picked to shed weight.Every part will be inspected, cataloged, photographed and weighed using a Feedback Sports Alpine hanging scale and a Feedback Sports Summit table scale. Check back throughout the season for reviews of each product on the bike, taking a look at how well these lightweight products stand up to the challenge of cyclocross.Cyclocrossworld.com Lightbike Specifications ModelClaimed WeightActual Weight FrameRidley X-Night  54 cm frameset - saddle height: 1280 grams1517 gramsForkENVE Composites Cross  1.125 - 1.5 inch tapered steerer460 grams gramsHeadsetCane Creek 110  ZS44 short cap top assembly; 1.5 Radial Contact Bearing bottom assembly91 grams gramsFront Cable HangerTektro Cable Hanger27 grams gramsCranksetSRAM Red Black BB30 Compact  110 mm BCD; 172.5 mm length630 grams gramsChainringsSRAM Red Cross  110 mm BCD; 46 tooth outer; 36 tooth inner grams gramsBottom BracketTruvativ PressFit30 Ceramic83 grams gramsShiftersSRAM Red Black DoubleTap280 grams gramsRear DerailleurSRAM Red Black153 grams gramsFront DerailleurSRAM Red Black Braze-On  With Parlee Carbon Front Derailleur Clamp65 grams gramsCassetteSRAM Red Black OG-1090  11x26166 grams gramsChainSRAM Red PC-1091R PowerChain  Links255 grams gramsWheelsetZipp 202 Tubular1095 grams gramsTiresClement Crusade PDX Tubular712 grams gramsTubular GlueVittoria Mastik One grams gramsTubular Tire TapeThorne Products Belgian Tubular Tape grams gramsBrakesTRP Euro X Magnesium206 grams gramsBrake PadsSwissStop Flash Pro Yellow King grams gramsHandlebarZipp SL  42 cm center to center170 grams grams Handlebar TapeLizard Skins DSP 1.850 grams gramsStemZipp SLSpeed  110 mm102 grams grams SaddlePrologo C.One Nack85 grams grams CablesGore Ride-On Professional200 grams gramsPedalsCrank Brothers Candy 11176 grams gramsCalculated Claimed Weight: 6120 grams (13.49 pounds)Calculated Actual Weight: gramsActual Weight: grams ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[85]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jacob Sisson]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Cyclocross to Debut at Sea Otter Classic 2012]]></title>
<link>http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Cyclocross-to-Debut-at-Sea-Otter-Classic-2012_b_90.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-11-10</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ MONTEREY, Calif. - Cyclocross racing is breaking away from the cold, wet days of fall and winter to debut at next spring's Sea Otter Classic, a four-day Celebration of Cycling, scheduled to take place April 19-22, 2012 in Monterey, California's Laguna Seca Recreation Area. During the last few years, cyclocross has grown with a cult-like fanaticism as a participatory and spectator sport, said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic. It fits right in with the festival atmosphere and the celebration of everything cycling that makes up Sea Otter. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/Cyclocross-to-Debut-at-Sea-Otter-Classic-2012_b_90.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MONTEREY, Calif. - Cyclocross racing is breaking away from the cold, wet days of fall and winter to debut at next spring's Sea Otter Classic, a four-day Celebration of Cycling, scheduled to take place April 19-22, 2012 in Monterey, California's Laguna Seca Recreation Area. During the last few years, cyclocross has grown with a cult-like fanaticism as a participatory and spectator sport, said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic. It fits right in with the festival atmosphere and the celebration of everything cycling that makes up Sea Otter.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[MONTEREY, Calif. - Cyclocross racing is breaking away from the cold, wet days of fall and winter to debut at next spring's Sea Otter Classic, a four-day Celebration of Cycling, scheduled to take place April 19-22, 2012 in Monterey, California's Laguna Seca Recreation Area. During the last few years, cyclocross has grown with a cult-like fanaticism as a participatory and spectator sport, said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic. It fits right in with the festival atmosphere and the celebration of everything cycling that makes up Sea Otter. The Sea Otter Cyclocross, hosted by Raleigh America, will take place Saturday afternoon, April 21, and will feature all men's and women's professional and amateur divisions, as well as singlespeed, messenger and industry cup races. (For cyclocross details, click here.) Cross racers will experience the thrill of starting and finishing on the Laguna Seca Raceway while thousands of fans cheer them on. The course will snake through the Sea Otter Expo and Laguna Seca Lakebed area, and will include off-camber and kitty litter sections, a high-speed barrier section located near the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden, and other yet-to-determined obstacles. We hosted the Midsummer Night Cross race and found that people will show up just about anywhere, and anytime, when offered a chance to ride their cross bikes, said Chris Speyer, vice president of product and marketing for Raleigh America. When the idea of helping with cyclocross races at Sea Otter presented itself, we didn't think twice. Sea Otter attracts more than 50,000 cyclists and fans every year, where they are immersed in dozens of races, product demos, family-oriented events and more than 350 exhibitors showing off the latest in cycling services and products. Cyclocross joins Sea Otter's cross country, dual slalom, short track and downhill mountain bike events, as well as its road, criterium, and circuit road racing events. Recreational options include three Gran Fondo routes - a 96-mile Carmel Valley route, a 50-mile Coastal route, and a 20-mile mountain bike route. More details about Sea Otter's cyclocross races, and online registration for all Sea Otter Classic events, can be found at www.seaotterclassic.com. About Sea Otter Classic A four-day Celebration of Sport, Sea Otter Classic is regarded as the world's largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans. The 22nd Annual Sea Otter Classic is April 19-22, 2012 at Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, California. For more information, visit www.seaotterclassic.com.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[90]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jacob Sisson]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[New England's Jeremy Durrin Raises Funds, Taking Aim At Europe]]></title>
<link>http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/New-Englands-Jeremy-Durrin-Raises-Funds-Taking-Aim-At-Europe_b_89.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-11-10</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Northampton, MA - 23-year-old New England cyclocross racer Jeremy Durrin has a dream: to race cyclocross at its highest level. Jeremy will be taking a big step towards achieving that dream this December, when he travels to Europe to tackle some of the world’s biggest and most important cyclocross races.As an up and coming racer, Durrin is asking for some help from the cyclo-cross community to help him in achieving his goals. Jeremy currently races for the J.A.M. Fund / NCC cyclocross team, whose mission is to help young, aspiring cyclists reach the pinnacle of their abilities. Jeremy first joined the team as one of their first developmental grant recipients, thanks to his ambition, enthusiasm for cycling, devotion to serving the cycling community and his abilities as a racer. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/New-Englands-Jeremy-Durrin-Raises-Funds-Taking-Aim-At-Europe_b_89.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Northampton, MA - 23-year-old New England cyclocross racer Jeremy Durrin has a dream: to race cyclocross at its highest level. Jeremy will be taking a big step towards achieving that dream this December, when he travels to Europe to tackle some of the world’s biggest and most important cyclocross races.As an up and coming racer, Durrin is asking for some help from the cyclo-cross community to help him in achieving his goals. Jeremy currently races for the J.A.M. Fund / NCC cyclocross team, whose mission is to help young, aspiring cyclists reach the pinnacle of their abilities. Jeremy first joined the team as one of their first developmental grant recipients, thanks to his ambition, enthusiasm for cycling, devotion to serving the cycling community and his abilities as a racer.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Northampton, MA - 23-year-old New England cyclocross racer Jeremy Durrin has a dream: to race cyclocross at its highest level. Jeremy will be taking a big step towards achieving that dream this December, when he travels to Europe to tackle some of the worlds biggest and most important cyclocross races.As an up and coming racer, Durrin is asking for some help from the cyclo-cross community to help him in achieving his goals. Jeremy currently races for the J.A.M. Fund / NCC cyclocross team, whose mission is to help young, aspiring cyclists reach the pinnacle of their abilities. Jeremy first joined the team as one of their first developmental grant recipients, thanks to his ambition, enthusiasm for cycling, devotion to serving the cycling community and his abilities as a racer.This is my first season concentrating on cyclocross. I am 23 years old and have been racing bikes for 3 years now. The past couple years I have dabbled in cyclocross a bit but was always using it as a way to train for road racing. After last season I fell in love with cyclocross and this year, I'm giving it 100% of my attention and see where I can take it.The early returns have been encouraging, as Durrin has stood on his fair share of podiums across New England and the Mid Atlantic already this season. Durrin is eager to improve his current racing ability and submerge himself against the best in the world.I feel strong on the bike, but my technical skills need to really come a long way to make it to the top. After talking with about it with Jeremy Powers, we decided that going to Europe will make me learn how to race the most technical and challenging conditions in cyclocross, so when I come back to the US I will hopefully be at the next level up from this current season.Durrins tentative schedule is exciting. He'll be jumping into the deep end at the UCI World Cup in Igorre, Spain on December 4. After that, hell hit the Superprestige and Gazet van Antwerpen series races.With all the travel and lodging for this trip, it is going to be expensive. My team has supplied me with all the equipment I'll need while Im over there. Now I'm doing the best I can to raise the funds to get there. The total budget for my trip is approximately $5,000. Regardless of how much I'm able to raise I'm going to make it happen, for me, for the team, and for everyone who has supported me over the years.With your help, Durrin can lead the way for young riders who want to experience European racing. With this groundwork in place, Durrin will lead other young riders by example, and show that Europe is not just for the select few. Help fly the flag for young riders, for American cyclocross and for the sport as a whole by helping Jeremy Durrin.For more information about Jeremy's trip and to donate, visit Jeremy's site: www.jeremydurrin.com.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[89]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jacob Sisson]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[USAC's Midwest Regional Cyclocross Championships For Masters And Juniors]]></title>
<link>http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/USACs-Midwest-Regional-Cyclocross-Championships-For-Masters-And-Juniors_b_87.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-11-09</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Cincinnati, OH, USA - USA Cycling's new Midwest Regional Cyclocross Championships for Masters and Juniors is coming to Cincinnati on December 3. The one-day championship event will see age Group racers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri and Iowa will be competing for the first-ever opportunity to add the title Midwest Champion to their cyclocross palmars. The championships will be run as an open event in in which any USA Cycling licensed competitor may participate with the championship medals and jerseys being awarded to the highest-placing eligible racers. Championship Medals will be awarded for Category 3 and 4 Masters winners, while Juniors and Elite (Category 1, 2) Masters will compete for both the medals and the coveted championship jersey. As an officially recognized USA Cycling single-day Championship, Midwest Champions receive the honor of wearing their championship jerseys in all sanctioned cyclocross races for the following year. Non-championship open categories will also be on the program for riders not eligible for the age group championships. ]]></description>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Cincinnati, OH, USA - USA Cycling's new Midwest Regional Cyclocross Championships for Masters and Juniors is coming to Cincinnati on December 3. The one-day championship event will see age Group racers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri and Iowa will be competing for the first-ever opportunity to add the title Midwest Champion to their cyclocross palmars. The championships will be run as an open event in in which any USA Cycling licensed competitor may participate with the championship medals and jerseys being awarded to the highest-placing eligible racers. Championship Medals will be awarded for Category 3 and 4 Masters winners, while Juniors and Elite (Category 1, 2) Masters will compete for both the medals and the coveted championship jersey. As an officially recognized USA Cycling single-day Championship, Midwest Champions receive the honor of wearing their championship jerseys in all sanctioned cyclocross races for the following year. Non-championship open categories will also be on the program for riders not eligible for the age group championships.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Cincinnati, OH, USA - USA Cyclings new Midwest Regional Cyclocross Championships for Masters and Juniors is coming to Cincinnati on December 3. The one-day championship event will see age Group racers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri and Iowa will be competing for the first-ever opportunity to add the title Midwest Champion to their cyclocross palmars. The championships will be run as an open event in in which any USA Cycling licensed competitor may participate with the championship medals and jerseys being awarded to the highest-placing eligible racers. Championship Medals will be awarded for Category 3 and 4 Masters winners, while Juniors and Elite (Category 1, 2) Masters will compete for both the medals and the coveted championship jersey. As an officially recognized USA Cycling single-day Championship, Midwest Champions receive the honor of wearing their championship jerseys in all sanctioned cyclocross races for the following year. Non-championship open categories will also be on the program for riders not eligible for the age group championships.The Kingswood Park venue is ideally suited for a championship event, which is why it was also chosen as the site for the following days Season Finale for the Zipp OVCX Cyclocross Tour presented by Papa Johns on December 4; giving visiting racers a value-packed two-day racing weekend. Located in Mason, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati, Kingswood Park is surrounded by restaurants and other attractions within a five-mile radius. The official race hotel, the Marriott Cincinnati Northeast is located less than two miles from the race venue. Special rates apply for those who mention the race when making their reservation and shuttle serve between the hotel and the race venue, making rental car unnecessary for the weekend. For the past four years, members of the 7 Hills Racing and Zephyr Wheel Sports have been quietly and deliberately adapting Kingswood Park into one of the premier cyclocross facilities in the U.S. An abandoned, formerly vacant, golf course with typical golf course design features enhancing the naturally rolling terrain and wooded sections, the venue has been turned into a municipal park and is a cyclocross course designers paradise. Local government is supportive of cyclocross at the otherwise under-utilized facility; the park now hosts four races annually as well as twice-weekly open practice sessions that begin in mid-summer. Kingswood is also the home of the Queen City Wheels/Lionhearts Junior Racing Team, a team of 52 junior racers from the age of 7 to 17. Both the Midwest Regional Championships and the following days Zipp OVCX Tour Finale will utilize the chip timing and scoring system that has proven so successful in the Zipp OVCX Tour this season, with quicker, more accurate results and a wealth of additional data that riders and coaches can analyze, including lap times for every lap by every rider in every class. Though not UCI sanctioned, the courses will also meet international specifications.For non-racing family members, the venue and the race hotel provide plenty of Holiday vacation options within a 3 mile radius. From shopping and dining at Deerfield Town Center within walking distance of the Marriott, to seasonal delights such as Sharon Woods drive-through Christmas light display and the huge Holiday train display at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The cyclocross courses at Kingswood Park also have a reputation for being extremely spectator friendly, so family members will be able to constantly monitor the progress of their loved ones throughout their championship races.Details on the Midwestern Regional Cyclocross Championships for Masters and Juniors, and the following days Zipp OVCX Tour Finals, can be found on BikeReg.com. Additional information, including details on the racers discount at the Marriott and local holiday delights, can be obtained by contacting the Race Director, Cory Green, at corey@kingscx.com.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[87]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Jacob Sisson]]></isc:author>
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