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Featured Review: Williams Cycling Wheel System 30
by teamgomez

Price Paid: $499.00 at Williams Wheels
Review Date: February 7, 2010
Overall Rating: 3 of 5
Value Rating: 4 of 5

Bike Setup:
Specialized Tarmac SL2/Campy Record that hangs at 15.5lbs

Summary:
After getting the SWorks Tarmac with a set of Ksyrium SL’s, I knew that any ’spirited competition’ was not going to be happening on the Ksyriums.

After all the good props on the Williams wheelsets I read here (more specifically, Keith Williams’ customer service), I rolled in on a pair of Williams 30’s. The first ride with Conti 4000’s sprung squeaks/rattles on my bike (and molars) that I’d not previously experienced…was initially disappointed to say the least. Ksyriums felt like I was riding on a Cadillac and the Williams was similar to an unsprung go kart…I could tell if the ant was male or female…

It wasn’t until I was in a pack with the bubbas that I could feel these wheels really take off…keeping the pedals going over the top sent the bike flying to the front of the pack. Buyers remorse removed and learned to live with the roughasever ride.

Enter one gnarly pothole on a night group ride- pinch flatted the Williams rear and thought I must have cracked the wheel (as the leader in front of me begins to ‘bunny hop’…I’m starting to think ‘uh-oh’ simultaneously coinciding with my rear wheel crushing the lip of well-driller’s dream…or vice versa). The good news was the rim held up well and only knocked out of true about 2mm. The subsequent ‘trueing exercise’ on the park trueing stand revealed something I didn’t especially like about the buildup: some of the nipples were perpindicular to the rim and some were along the axis of the spoke. Can’t say I’ve ever noticed this before (not a ton of experience w/ different wheelsets), but the ramification is when you try to adjust the spoke whose nipple is perpendicular to the rim (thus not along the spoke axis), the portion of the spoke in the nipple must be ‘bent’ to sit in there thus creates a bit of a hassle turning the nipple. Keith says I need to use a tool to hold the bladed spoke but I’d never seen/used one before…the tools I see are no different than using an adjustable wrench to hold the spoke and either would mar the spoke surface. Some Kroil and a good grip on the spoke got the results I needed and the wheel is back in ‘true’ operation.

Decided that the Williams will only see race day use as they’re too much of a PITA to ride daily. Will mention here that I’ve gotta put some of the blame on the Continentals…running them at 115 psi versus the Michelin-type tires S-Works puts out (that are on the Ksyriums) produces a harsher ride no matter what wheelset you put ‘em on…

Strengths:

• They’ll spin forever when the bike is on the stand and they accelerate well off the saddle

Weaknesses:

• Ride quality is a bit harsh…could crack a diamond.

Similar Products Used:
FSA 400; Mavic Ksyrium SSC/SL/TDF; Mavic Open Pro/DA hub; Open Pro/Ultegra Hub

By: Eric Kenney

With busy schedules, many athletes just don’t have enough time to work on all the aspects necessary to reach their full potential. Let alone the Triathlete who needs to be effective in “all four sports”, see that article here.

Because of this, it is of great value if one can combine workouts. I am not talking about a brick workout or double sessions either. I’m talking about maximizing your time. Even pro’s whom train for a living need to be effective with there time and training. Do you think lance logged any junk miles while training for the Tour? Don’t think so.

A great way to do this is by focusing on more than one aspect of your training in one workout. By placing workouts within workouts one can get a double whammy effect out of his or her training. Consult your coach before concocting your own “double whammy” workouts. One of the best ways to do one of these is to place tech. drills or hard intervals into a longer endurance workout. For example: In your 3 hr. ride, focus on your technique while riding up hills. Keep pedal cadence high and concentrate on pedaling “perfectly”. Talk to your coach about that too. Alternate standing and sitting. Stand up on one hill; for the whole hill, sit on the next. Hone your skills. Do fast pedal drills in your long ride or strides in your long run. Another option is to do intervals or some kind of harder effort in your work out. If you are looking to increase your power or speed, do your intervals after a solid warm up. Cool down easily, hydrate and fuel up appropriately, then continue with a low intensity endurance workout.

Bike example: 20’ warm up.
3×10’ level 3-4. (rest 3’).
10’ cool down, continue cool down at level 2 for 2 hours.

Looking to focus on more endurance for that IM. Do the intervals after 2 hours of riding at level 2. BAMB! Two birds with one stone! Please consult your coach or a coach before doing any of these as they are a bit more taxing than your normal single aspect workouts that mere mortals do. There are some “double whammy” workouts that are a bad idea. Example: working two different maximal effort zones in the same work out. Working long tempo, cooling down then doing 1minute intervals. Not effective training here.

With proper planning there is no reason that anyone can’t finish that IM, be a contender in there age group, or win the big one. Happy training!

Eric coaches athletes of all levels in triathlon, cycling, mountain, biking, Cyclocross
and is working with RAAm solo rider this year!

http://Erickenney.blogspot.com

Norco CRR2 Road Bike Pro Review – by Twain Mein

• Size: 58 cm, frame weight 1790 grams (claimed)
• SRAM Rival drivetrain + Force rear derailleur
• Ritchey Pro Logic handlebar, Pro 4-Axis stem, Ritchey Pro 2-bolt seat post
• Mavic Aksium Black wheels (1795 total grams)
• 11-25 rear cassette/compact 50/34 S550 crank (825 grams)
• Vittoria Zaffiro Pro II 700×23 clincher tires (240 grams)
• Fizik Arione white saddle
• White bar tape, cables, seat, and brake covers
• MSRP: $3,236 USD
• 17lb 14oz with Look Keo Carbon Ti pedals

Norco is more known for it’s mountain bikes where they offer an astounding 50 different models. They’ve been making bikes in Canada for over 40 years, and they are branching out into the road bike arena. For 2010, they offer 4 road race bikes, all based on essentially the same frame but with varying component levels. Norco touts three main differentiators for their carbon road frames:

1. EPS Mandrel system “process”. This offers a much stronger and more controlled surface when laying up the carbon in complicated and high stress areas of the frame such as the head tube and BB shell connections. This process eliminates the chance of wrinkling inside the layup or cracking in these areas of the frame thus greatly improving the strength compared to conventional mandrels.

2. HTR- High Toughness Resin is used in all 2010 Norco carbon frames. It is a newly developed resin that is exclusive to our carbon manufacturer. The HTR resin increases the impact resistance by 20% making the frames less prone to damage. It also decreases the amount of resin required and therefore decreases the overall weight of the frame.

3. Thermoplastic Resin. Another new feature that Norco carbon frames feature for 2010 is the use of a thermo plastic mesh laminate in key stress areas inside the frame. This smoothes out THE carbon layering and disperses stress forces WHICH prevents the propagation of small cracks. This new mesh system is designed to work in conjunction with the EPS process.

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Featured Review: Ridley Phaeton R
by CliveDS

Price Paid: $1050.00 at glorycycles.com
Review Date: January 20, 2009
Overall Rating: 4 of 5
Value Rating: 4 of 5

Bike Setup:
Built with SRAM Rival

Summary:
The Ridley Phaeton R is the ultimate second bike for any one who has a “uber bike” and is looking to add an all rounder to their stable. It’s also a fantastic bike if you plan on racing and need one bike for training, racing and time trials.

The Ridley Phaeton R turns out to be one of the most versatile bikes I have tested. The Belgian bike manufacturer has used the technology of the well established Ridley Noah and trickled it down to a very practical alloy frame at a reasonable price.

It’s an excellent second or “rain bike” the alloy frame rides a straight line and has a fantastically predictable nature to it, I felt I could keep going on the Phaeton and do some long miles without it tiring me out. The 73 degree seat tube angle and 73.5 degree head tube angle on the medium size I tested was just enough to be responsive and comfortable for an all alloy frame.

It’s a unique road bike that can be used as a TT bike because of it’s aerodynamic features. The Phaeton R has the Oval Concepts patent R-Flow fork that draws turbulence away from the spokes, something you only find on high end TT bikes. It Also has a special treatment to the paint Ridley calls R-surface, this is some sandpaper like strips placed in strategic areas to “increase laminar flow” All cables on the Phaeton R are internal to lessen exposure to wind and the seat post of the Phaeton is a teardrop shape with the rear wheel cut out and the post extended for aerodynamics. Simply swapping the drop bars for flat aero bars with extensions and putting your race wheels on this baby and you have converted your off season trainer into a TT killer.

The Phaeton R also distinguishes itself as a crit bike, the beefy alloy bottom bracket and chain stays ensure all the energy applied to the pedals propels the bike forward. The traditional Belgium race geometry is not sharp and skittish like many of the newer crit bikes it’s more inclined toward control and predictability. Rest assured you can hit the last corner in a tight pack and blast for the line with complete confidence.

The bike I tested was built with SRAM Rival and a pair of 3 cross hand built wheels. This was a prefect set up for this bike. The 3 cross wheels were comfy and although they are not light they took some of the edge off the alloy frame and added to the road feel of the bike. Obviously this makes for a pretty heavy bike 18lbs (frame weight is published at 1565grams)

Ridley has a way with graphics and finish, the founder of Ridley is a former Eddy Merckx employee and at Merckx he was the finish man. The Phaeton R has an excellent finish, the colors of the paint are deep and the paint is thick. It seems like it would not easily chip or fade.

This is a fantastic road, time trial and crit bike. Put it on your must-ride list and you might have to take one home. You could always justify it by saying it was a three for the price of one deal.

Strengths:

• Stiff and very versatile

Weaknesses:

• Rather heavy

Similar Products Used:
Ridley Noah, Ridley Dean

Look 464 Aluminum Track Frameset

• 4 sizes (XS, S, M, and L)
• Frameset: $899, Full Bike: $1899
• Frame Weight – 1600 grams
• Carbon Fork Weight – 360 grams
• Available starting this month

For 2010, Look Cycles is introducing a new aluminum frame into their track lineup. Originally created for track cycling schools using the same research as the 496, the 464 is now available as a low cost alternative for track enthusiast looking for a stiff yet affordable bike. According to Look, the 464 makes use of variable thickness 6061 high end aluminum tubes to deliver an exceptionally rigid frame.

The 464 frameset will sell for $899 with a matching “aero” carbon fork. A fully built bike can be ordered for $1899, and will come with a mixture of Miche, Deda, and FSA components.

We just received our 464 frame and have some close up shots to share of the build quality. Over the next several months, we’ll see if we can build up our own custom “Look-ster”. Look out for it!

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The weather outside may not be optimal, but you don’t have to hang up the bike all winter long. Keep on pedaling no matter what the weather is like outside with an indoor trainer. Keep those pedals turning and enter this season better, faster, and stronger than last! Here are some of our most recent trainer posts to help you decide on an indoor trainer!

Indoor Trainer Pro Reviews –
1upUSA CPR A2000 Pro Review

Blackburn Trakstand Mag Pro Review

Elite Fluid Primo Pro Review

Blackburn Trakstand Fluid Pro Review

Minoura VFS G Pro Review

Trainer Videos –

Trainers Part 1/2

Read the rest of this entry »

By Eric Kenney

By the time we rest get re-focused and on track again it’s winter. Don’t despair! Before we get to specifics lets go over a few points so we don’t get side tracked this winter.

We all have different ideas on winter training. For some it is a vital time of year, laying the foundation for a big race mid summer or tuning speed for the early season du-athlons/Crits. For some, winter will be a success if we gain less than 10 pounds. What ever your motivations for this winter; balancing a structured plan with a good dose of spontaneity will get you in the best form ever, physically and mentally.

Outlook:
If you live in the northern states or anywhere that snows in the winter, and you’re not a pro, you simply can’t train as much in the winter. With darkness coming around 4:30pm, frigid morning temps and icy roads it just not possible. We won’t even get into jobs, girl friends, kids, wives, the patriots game schedule, etc…

So now that we are at peace with the fact that we simply can’t put in as much time as we may want, We can focus on what to do with the time we have.

Getting started:
Find a routine. With cold temps, warm beds and stale indoor air it is easy to get “off track”. Try to find some kind of routine. This could be one workout or rendezvous with a friend per week. ie. “every Wednesday morning John and I run together, no matter what.” “Thursday night I do the spinning class at my gym.” This one appointment can be the back bone of your winter success. Find something that works with your schedule so it will be easy to keep this date and not get side tracked.
This can work for you in a great way if this one workout focuses on your weakness. I have known athletes to turn there swim that puts them 5 minutes down to 1 minute up, over the course of one winter!

The bike:
These time constraints really hit hard when trying to work on your bike, especially if you are training for an early season race that’s long. First thing to do is invest in the proper warm clothes. Water/wind proof booties and gloves. Warm tights, thermal cycling jacket, hat or helmet cover. Investing in proper cycling winter gear will make your cold rides more enjoyable, more effective, and maybe a bit longer. One trick for cold feet is to use shoes 1 size to big and put in two insoles. And don’t jam your feet in there with to many socks. You’ll restrict circulation and have lumps for wood for feet in less than an hour.

The trainer can be your worst enemy and your best ally all at once. If you are going to improve your riding regular visits to the trainer will be a must but they don’t have to be torture.

• 1. Don’t do the same thing day in day out. Mix it up with different workouts and the amount of time you spend on it. Try something new once every 2 weeks or so. Like watching football with your buddies 3- 4 hr’s with big gear climbs every commercial, sprints every field goal, and hard tempo every time your team is on offence would make even Mark Allan slump over the handle bars by the final 2 minute drill.
• 2. Keep your mind busy. When you’re not with your friends watch TV, listen to the radio, etc.
• 3. Stay focused. I have just given you ways to distract your self from your work but the best way I find to make time fly is to have specific workout and stick to it. To the second. Warm up, cool down, some 10 minute strength intervals, rest intervals. You’ll find that riding for less than an hour becomes pretty difficult.

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Ritchey SuperLogic Carbon 46 Clinchers Pro Review – by Twain Mein

• Same as the tubulars above but in a clincher-style rim
• 46mm tall for aerodynamics
• Ritchey hubs with premium bearings
• Cool quick releases-extremely light
• Front: 20 hole, 610 grams claimed. $1460.00 msrp
• Rear: 24 hole, 800 grams claimed. $1540.00 msrp
• Actual combined weight of 1430 grams with rimstrips

As promised, Steve from Ritchey came over with the clincher version of their amazing SuperLogic Cabon wheelset. Despite the incredible weight savings that can be had with tubulars, I’m not a fan of them; I’ve gotten caught in the rain and cold because of a puncture; my hands were too cold to remove the tire, let alone install the spare. I ended up walking several miles before hitching a ride home. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to see the clincher version of these phenomenal wheels. And they didn’t disappoint. Like their tubular siblings, these wheels truly make you feel like you are cheating. Though slightly heavier then the tubulars, they are still an amazing 1430 grams–with rimstrips installed! The additional grams put the total build at an amazing 13lbs 11oz.

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Contador chooses Specialized Bicycles as complete bike sponsor to Team Astana

It’s official— after Alberto Contador requested the support of Specialized Bicycles in his
bid to win his third Tour de France, the California brand will be the complete bike sponsor for Team
Astana in 2010.

In a video conference with Specialized Founder and President, Mike Sinyard, Contador said, “I am very
excited. I want to have the best bike. It is very important to have the best if you want to win the Tour de
France. This is why I made it a requirement to have Specialized as the team bike for my return to
Astana.”

“Team Astana, Alberto and Specialized share the same goal—to be the best. We are totally committed to
supporting Alberto and the rest of the team in their pursuit of another Tour victory,” said Specialized
Chief Brand Officer, Ben Capron from the company’s Headquarters in Morgan Hill, California. “Winning
the Tour has been a dream of ours for many years, but even more important is the opportunity to work
with riders like Contador and Vinokourov to help us create the best bikes possible and bring them to
riders everywhere.”

Read the rest of this entry »