Sunday, April 25, 2010

I Want a New Road Bike

Here's my criteria:
  1. Frame: Carbon. I got my first (and only) carbon frame back in 2000 (Look 261) and I really like how it feels on the road. Having ridden aluminum and steel previously, I think carbon suits me best.
  2. Geometry: Should be race-worthy. I plan to race it, (although this season may be a bust...) so it should have race-oriented geometry.
  3. Drivetrain: Campagnolo. This would be helpful because my current setup has Campy and I could use some of my old parts, if needed.
  4. Price: around $3,000
  5. Brand: I may get accused of being a snob here, but I would really like something a little different and not ubiquitous (i.e. Trek and Specialized). Maybe something French or Italian...
Here are a few of my current considerations: 












Any other recommendations??

Friday, April 23, 2010

Dirty Deeds

I finally made it up to ride with the club this past Thursday. A unique ride (unique as far as I know) of 35 miles almost entirely on the dirt roads around Clarkston. Cyclocross bikes are the order of the day, speeds are pretty fast, and the climbs can be leg-burning.

A few observations:

  1. When you hit washboard bumps at 30 mph, you gotta stay loose. If you stiffen up, the bike responds, and not in a good way.
  2. Riding rollers this winter has helped my sense of balance and stability. I felt a lot more sure of myself.
  3. It was great to ride with the group again - I really missed the camaraderie.

I'm going to make every attempt to do more of these rides. Dirt, washboard bumps, loose gravel and cyclocross bikes - a recipe for a great time and a helluva a good work out.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

A Sunday in Hell? Not for me!

I had quite a nice little Sunday today. Got up had breakfast with my daughter, and watched Cancellara trounce the field in Paris-Roubaix. Then I went out to the local Metro Park and cooked out 50 miles of my own. Felt GREAT. Maybe not quite the epic cobbles of Roubaix, but it was fun - Plus, I feel like I'm finally getting back on track. Feeling solid on the bike, with some strength in the legs. Maybe all the time spent on the rollers is starting to pay off... 

The LOOK was running good and the weather was perfect - arm warmers and knee warmers were the only order for the day.  

Great Day.