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GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos p/b November Bicycles — 2-2-12

2012-02-02T10:59:24-05:00

As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.

When I was in my early teens, I started exploring the rural roads around my hometown in north-central Iowa. I had just a small water bottle and no idea whatsoever about how to properly use the gears on my bike. Also, I had no flat-changing tools (or knowledge) and no way to call for help should trouble arise. I didn't even know I needed those things.

And, of course, I had no helmet. You know, because I was invincible and all. Actually, I did have a helmet — and I never wore it. It was bright white with two vents and looked dumber than dumb. Plus, I wasn't doing anything tricky — just riding straight out of town. Who needs a helmet for that?

But now, viewed through the prism of not actually being invincible (total bummer), I know that helmets are needed. I wear one on every ride — even when I'm riding very, very slowly with my 4-year-old son. If he has to wear one, I'll wear one, too.

Thanks to the work of helmet designers over the last 20-plus years, wearing a helmet isn't the awful experience it used to be. They're lighter, more ventilated and more comfortable. And it's possible now to maybe look sort-of cool with a helmet on. That's in the context of being kitting up and on a bike. Get too far from a bike and you still look pretty dumb.

But let's focus on that on-bike setup. There are two new helmet offerings that I've been checking out over the last week or two — the Giro Aeon and the Bontrager Oracle.

The Aeon was introduced for the Tour of California last summer and is priced at $250. It has the qualities of a pair of older Giro models. It vents like the Ionos (which was heavy) but weighs little more than the revamped Prolight (which didn't vent well).

Upon picking up the Aeon, it's clear right away that it's a premium helmet. The materials and finish all look great. The straps are lightweight and soft — much like on the Prolight or the Lazer Helium. The Roc Loc 5 adjustment system in the back is trimmed down and easier to use, too.

Upon trying it on, it fits great, too. There are no pressure points, even on my alien-head skull. But there is a big issue. I didn't take a picture, but this one from Mt. Baldy will illustrate my point:

The Aeon is a wide helmet. Upon trying it on, it made me look like a mushroom from Super Mario Bros. (Michael Creed had the same problem last season with his Lazer Helium.) I realize that I look ridiculous regardless of which helmet I'm wearing, but there's no way I could wear the Aeon. Yes, I'm vain. No, I don't care that everybody knows it.

That said, if you have a more round head or face, it'll probably do just fine for you. It's a nice helmet — for the right person.

The Bontrager Oracle is another top-end lid that spent the 2011 season on the head of pro riders. Leopard Trek wore the Oracle in its debut season, and the merged RadioShack-Nissan-Trek team will wear it this year. It's priced at $179.99, which is comparable with the Bell Volt ($175) and the Lazer Genesis ($180).

Like the Aeon, it's lightweight and comfortable, with huge vents throughout. The straps are soft, too — they debuted in the mid-level Circuit helmet last spring. The Headmaster retention system is basically a big dial — easy to find, easy to use. But the wheel turns hard, and it doesn't click or otherwise ratchet to let you know it's going to stay put. I don't see it not being effective, but it doesn't give the feedback we've come to expect.

When I tried on the Oracle at Trek World in August, it didn't fit particularly well. There was a pretty apparent pressure point on the back of my head. But between then and now, the Oracle fit has been refined. Could that be the difference between prototype and production versions?

Maybe, but it actually fits now — no Dremel work required. Unfortunately, it also suffers from mushroom syndrome. Where the Aeon is lower on top and wide at the sides, the Oracle isn't super-wide but it looks super-tall.

Once again, if you have the right head for it, I have no doubts the Oracle will perform admirably. The materials and finish are all worthy of its billing as a top-level helmet. But, like the Aeon, it's not the right lid for me.

I'd be lying if I said looks didn't play a huge role in helmet choices for me. Fit is important, of course, but not at the expense of looking like a tool. But considering our get-up, I suppose that's all relative, isn't it?

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske has managed the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

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Sheesh, some of that stuff is expensive. Good thing you get your frames and wheels at Pro Deal pricing. Wait — you don't? You might want to look at November Bicycles. They've got a new racer-specific model designed to strip unnecessary pricing out of the cost of your new bike. It's like a Pro Deal for everyone.

November Bicycles. Race Smart.

GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos p/b November Bicycles — 1-26-12

2012-01-26T11:15:13-05:00

As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.

The weapon of choice for winter riding in Omaha — and elsewhere, I'd suspect — is the cyclocross bike. (If you thought I was going to say "fatbike," go run two laps and hang your head in shame.) Winter around here usually means enough snow to make pavement riding a bit sketchy on a road bike.

And though I've ridden plenty during the winter on a road bike, this year was when I decided to go all-in and get a 'cross bike. And since I had SPD pedals for it, I decided to get some winter boots, too. Like others, I'm sure, my hands and feet suffer most in cold (sub-freezing) temperatures. Relying upon a shoe cover for warmth in the snow was probably not going to do the trick.

But there aren't a ton of choices for winter boots. Shimano, Sidi, Lake, Northwave, Garneau and Mavic are your options. And it's usually only one model per company. In terms of accessibility for me, Shimano, Sidi and Lake were the top three.

I went with the Shimano MW81, which was new in the fall. It has a Gore-Tex liner, thermal insulation and a neoprene ankle cuff. It retails for $230 and is probably the easiest to procure of all of the brands listed. Plus, since I was ordering them without trying them on, I knew the MW81 would probably fit properly. Eric O'Brien, meanwhile, ordered the Sidi Diablo at $330. (This will be important later.)

After the first few rides, it was evident that the value of the MW81 — and most winter boots — isn't so much keeping your feet warm. Rather, it's keeping them from freezing into solid blocks of ice. Below 25 degrees, I've come to believe that you're just delaying the inevitable. Your feet will get cold in boots — but they won't freeze.

I spent the first few weeks just trying to figure out which socks work best. Thick wool socks (like GamJams Woolie Boolies) are not it. The boot's last is slightly wider than a standard shoe, but not that wide. Had I gone up a full size — as some do with the MW81 — that might have worked. But a full size up is a lot, and I don't want to have to wear a heavy wool sock just to make my shoes bit correctly.

A medium-weight wool sock, like Castelli's Gregge or Quindici, works better. I've tried it with and without a charcoal warmer underneath my toes. Why use a warmer instead of a thicker sock? A thicker sock adds bulk all around your foot. A warmer can fit under my metatarsal arch, which is ridiculously high.

A thin wool sock with a warmer is probably the best setup I've found so far. Down into the upper teens, you have enough room in the shoe for a warm-air barrier and a charcoal warmer (a big box of them is pretty inexpensive at Costco). And into the mid-20s, you can get by without the warmer. Above that, and you can be warm enough with a regular sock.

My only real issue with the Shimano boot is the neoprene cuff — I wish it was a little bit taller. If I don't quite get my tights or leg warmers down low enough, it can get a little drafty. It hasn't ruined a ride, by any means, but I wouldn't mind a bit more coverage.

I mentioned Eric's Sidi Diablo boot (which also has a Gore-Tex liner) a few paragraphs ago for good reason. That was option No. 2, since it was also easily available. Eric and I have approximately the same-sized feet, so we switched last week. Within a mile or two, I was reminded of the reason why I generally avoid Sidi shoes: They don't fit me very well.

Where the Shimano boot uses softer materials to make a sort of flexible upper, the Sidi boot is stiff — like a not-yet-broken-in work boot. While that definitely helps make it more weather resistant, it did nothing for providing a good wrap around my feet. Moreover, it was so stiff that once the boots were strapped down, it actually hurt — specifically the Velcro strap that says "Sidi" on it.

I spent a little more than an hour in the Sidi Diablo, and all but the first minute or two was awful. The heel cup seems too shallow — like I couldn't get my heel to stay locked in — and if there's insulation in there, I couldn't feel any. My feet were frozen by the time I got home.

Of the dozen or more people in our regular group that's been riding on weekends, I'm the only one who really didn't like the Diablo. It could be that I have wussy feet, but it's more likely due to the fit issue. The boots just felt wrong from the beginning.

Before a ride last weekend that featured single-digit wind chills, Eric and I switched boots again and rode in our own. We were both happy and warm (enough) at the end of the ride.

Unsurprisingly, choosing the right winter boots is a lot like choosing the right road shoes. You need to stick with what works. Sidi has never fit for me, so it's not a shock that the Diablo didn't work. Meanwhile, I have two pairs of Shimano shoes that I love. Of course those fit better.

If you're comfortable in either model, there's the price difference to consider, too. The Sidi boots are $100 more than the Shimano offering. Is it worth it? For me, no. But if you're a fan of the Sidi fit (and styling), maybe.

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske has managed the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

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November Bicycles. Race Smart.

GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos p/b November Bicycles — 1-19-12

2012-01-19T10:45:46-05:00

As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.

We try not to get too ranty around here, but today's topic may stray that way. Opinions, ahoy!

It's become an inevitability of late that, while on a ride in which cyclocross bikes are being ridden, the discussion turns to disc brakes. There are pros and cons tossed about the bunch for a few minutes. Lighter rims! Better mud-braking performance! Better overall braking performance! A bunch of other wonderful things!

Meanwhile, like a guy who grumbled (and might still be grumbling) about the move to 10-speed chains and cassettes, I just don't get it. I don't see the need for disc brakes on 'cross bikes. It seems unnecessary. Let me explain why.

One of the things I enjoyed most about 'cross this fall was the welcome diversion to offseason meandering. I mean, I like to roam around on a bike as much as anybody, but that can sometimes lead to boredom for me. So having something to do was nice — it was a little side adventure.

Based on many of the bikes I saw while racing — budget-friendly, second-tier bikes, rather than the customary full-bling road bikes — it's a nice fall diversion for many others, too. Many people just moved their road wheels (or full drivetrain) over to their 'cross bikes and got on with it.

You wouldn't be able to swap wheels with your road bike if you had disc brakes on your 'cross bike. You'd have a specific wheel with only one specific purpose. And if you want a set of wheels in the pit, you'll need to buy another pair of extremely specific wheels. While that's OK for a select few, it seems more likely that most racers who are approaching 'cross as a fall diversion are swapping wheels back and forth between their road bike and 'cross bike.

Also, it seems to me that those clamoring for disc brakes fall into one of two categories: mountain bikers and people who've never had good cantilever brakes. And many times they're one in the same. There's a reason disc brakes got hot a few years ago — old cantilever brakes sucked. (Go ahead and get all indignant, mountain bikers. That's fine.)

But the new generation of cantilever brakes is a huge step above those of the past. Avid's Shorty Ultimate, the TRP CX9 and Shimano's new CX70 — among others — all provide ample stopping power and easy setup and adjustment.

And yet, somehow, they're not good enough? We still need more stopping power?

Call me crazy, but part of what I enjoyed about 'cross this fall was wrestling the course as much as the competition. And part of that includes dealing with what the course does to your bike. That means adjusting technique and strategy as things deteriorate. Disc brakes take part of that out of the equation.

Yes, you still need to account for the course, but if you know your brakes are going to be the same, it takes away a bit of the required finesse. But is applying a ton of braking power into a muddy corner a good thing, anyway? And are you really going that fast where you need a ton of power? No, probably not.

We'll see more bikes with disc brakes in the next couple of years — I have no doubts. But for racing purposes, you won't be able to convince me that it's an improvement compared to where we are today.

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske has managed the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

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November Bicycles. Race Smart.

GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos p/b November Bicycles — 1-12-12

2012-01-12T11:17:27-05:00

Mark Savery placed fifth in the Masters 40-44 race last weekend at the US National Cyclocross Championships in Madison, Wisc. Photo by Joshua Stamper

As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.

Mark Savery has been thinking about this weekend for more than two years. Chances are, he'll keep thinking about it for years to come. The Omaha rider is in Louisville, Ky., for the UCI Masters World Cyclocross Championships this weekend. (And he was on a local TV morning show yesterday.)

Savery, who rides for Trek Midwest CX, placed fifth in last weekend's US Masters 40-44 Championship race. He made plans to race this weekend when the venue was awarded to Louisville in the fall of 2009. He drew the No. 1 slot for today's 30-minute seeding race, which will set the call-up rows for Saturday's championship race. UPDATE: Savery finished third in today's race.

The weather forecast for the next few days in Louisville is abysmal. It rained most of the day on Wednesday, and snow is on the way for later today. An already soft course will likely be a slop-fest by the end of the day.

We spoke with Savery this morning about his equipment plans for the next few days.

"It's going to be a total mud slog, basically," he said. "It's gonna be brutal."

Savery will ride a pair of Trek Cronus Ultimate bikes with a SRAM Red drivetrain on his A bike and a SRAM Force drivetrain on his B bike. Both have Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes and Bontrager bars, stems, seatposts and saddles.

With the sloppy conditions, the Challenge Limus tire is really the only choice. Tires will be glued to a set of Bontrager XXX-Lite carbon wheels on the A bike and Bontrager RXL aluminum wheels on the B bike. Savery has a set of the new Bontrager Aeolus 5 wheels as well, but they're glued up with dry-weather Challenge tires.

"At this point it's coming down to how good you are in the conditions," he said. "How good of a bike handler you are; how good of a runner. It's power-heavy course."

With plunging temperatures, clothing may turn out to be more important than the bike, which almost turns into an afterthought after tire selection.

Underneath his helmet, Savery will go with a traditional cycling cap — to better keep the mud off of his glasses.

"Everybody thinks the mud comes from below, but by the time it hits you it's on the downward arc," he said.

Savery won't put the aero rainshell cover on his Lazer helmet, though. At temperatures above freezing, it's too hot at race intensity.

He'll use a long-sleeved thermal skinsuit, paired with Castelli's Nano-Flex leg warmers. The fabric coating on the warmers is water resistant and helps shed mud and moisture. He's been using Mad Alchemy's pre-ride warming oil underneath for additional warmth.

Castelli's neoprene Diluvio glove will tackle the potentially wet conditions.

"I'm thinking about putting some embrocation on my hands, too," Savery said. "Staying warm is going to be a key."

For shoes, Savery has a full-Lorica version (no mesh) of the Sidi Spider, which have 3/4-inch toe spikes installed. Instead of going with a thicker wool sock underneath, Savery prefers to go with a standard sock and normal blood circulation.

This is all well and good pre-race, but once things get started, Savery will be focused on keeping his bikes clean for as long as possible.

"I've been thinking about taking two bikes per lap, since it's a double pit," he said. "We'll do what we have to do to keep it clean for 10 minutes at a time."

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske has managed the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

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November Bicycles. Race Smart.

Equipe CMI / BST: Local Team With Euro-Schedule

2012-01-09T09:16:32-05:00

After a pleasant and relaxing winter/off season Equipe CMI/BST are looking ahead to 2012. With new sponsors to be announced later in the new year, the team will be returning with a series of experienced riders, solid results and full support staff who will be taking care of the International Calendar for the team in 2012.

The Team will once again focus on UCI Europe Tour, Africa Tour and hopefully some UCI Asia Tour races to add to the Mid Atlantic racing calendar. Currently finalizing the 2012 calendar, the Team will be kicking off the UCI season with the 10 day UCI 2.2 Tour du Maroc at the end of March, followed by a series of 3 single day races also in Morocco called the “Challenge des Phosphates”. Following on from the UCI Africa Tour races the team is aiming to race in Holland, the United Kingdom, Morocco again in May, and either Belgium or Italy before returning to the Tour of Serbia in June where Sebastien Jullien won the final stage in 2011.

Riders Sebastien Jullien and Zbigniew Gucwa will both be taking their fast turn of speed to Morocco. Zbigniew has proven his sprinting abilities with wins in the UCI 2.2 Tour du Faso in Africa and 2.2 Tour de Gironde in France.The team’s best GC rider and overall winner of the 2010 Tour du Faso is looking forward to starting the season in Morocco. Julien Shick kicked off his UCI season there 2 years ago and is keen to return to the 10 day stage race before attacking the rest of the season.

Other riders for the European calendar include Guillaume Soula, Benjamin Trouche, Simeon Green, and U23 Polish rider Konrad Tomasiak who will also be racing the U23 World Cup (Trophee Des Nations) with the National team and is aiming for a good performance at the U23 World Championships at the end of the season. The youngster already has solid UCI results to his name and will be a good addition to the team for 2012. John Delong and Ryan Pettit will also be returning for more international fun and games. New Jersey resident Ryan has just undergone knee surgery, but should be back to full strength later in the season. Ryan had a mixed year in 2011, with a crash that cracked his pelvis at the Tour of Serbia and some knee issues the down-point of his season. However Ryan also amassed an impressive amount on wins on home soil throughout the year.

Team favorite and all around easy-going-nice-guy John Delong started off the 2012 season a little earlier than most, with a 4th place in Belize on New Year’s day.CMI riders will also obviously be sporting the jersey at the local and regional races in and around Virginia, and the team is looking forward to some classic Mid Atlantic racing with a late season start on April 1st at Jeff Cup. MABRA can follow the team's action and even like the team and try to get a date with it or something on The Facebook.

Fred Wittwer lays down "old man power" to take stars and stripes at CX Nats

2012-01-06T15:38:32-05:00

Charlottesville's favorite son (and dad) Fred Wittwer (ALAN North American Cycling) put in an impressive performance at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships yesterday, and handily won the gold medal in the Men's 60-64 category. An excellent write-up on Cyclocross Magazine reveals that Fred prized open a gap in the 2nd lap, and extended it as the race wore on - despite breaking a collarbone only 10 weeks ago.

Fred was also interviewed by Cyclocross Magazine following his win, thusly: