Sidi Genius 6.6 Carbon Road Shoe Pro Review - by Russell Clark

• Patented full carbon sole
• Heel Security System prevents power robbing heel lift
• Vented, reflective heel cup
• Soft instep closure system w/Ultra SL buckle reduces numb spots
• High-security Velcro won’t shift or slip
• Sizes 38-48
• MSRP - $475

Introduction
The Sidi Genius 6.6 lies second in Sidi’s road shoe hierarchy. Built on the ‘Sidi Full Carbon Sole’, which is the same platform found on their flagship shoe: Ergo 2 Carbon. With two ‘High Security Velcro’ closures on the instep and the and ‘Caliper Buckle’ ratcheting, top enclosure.

Sidi is one of the most aesthetically appealing cycling shoe brands I’ve seen. When the Genius 6.6’s landed in my hands, I was almost reluctant to get them dirty. They are beautifully made: flashy, classy, and robust. However, as soon as I was home, I buttoned up a new pair of cleats for my ride the very next day. I enjoyed breaking them in for a couple weeks before racing in them in local road races and criteriums.

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(photo: our reviewer, Jeremy is seen here at a recent CCCX Norcal race)

Hutchinson Piranha CX Tubeless Ready Tire Review - by Jeremy Kimmel

What Hutchinson Says:

· Ultra Light 127 tpi casing

· Low knob profile combining lightness and performance

· This is a tire with tubeless structure (carcass and beads) whose sealing is guaranteed by latex and not by a rubber cover.

· Size: 700 x 35c

· Weight: 405g.

· MSRP: $49.95

Overview:

I was given the task of reviewing this tire from the perspective of a cyclocross racer…specifically one that trusts and uses tubulars. Although the tubular vs tubeless debate rages on, I’ll review this tire for what it is – which is a low-treaded clincher cyclocross tire that was designed for tubeless usage. While you won’t be finding these on Sven Nys’s new ride, there is definitely a place in the ‘cross world for this new offering from Hutchy.

The casing of this tire will likely please mountain bikers, and displease tubular aficionados – it is significantly heftier than any of the tubular currently available. In hand, the casing feels more like a mountain bike tire than a light-weight 35c cross racer.

These tires mounted up easily on Stan’s ZTR 29er rims, but did require a compressor to get the bead to seat. Hutchinson’s fast’air sealant worked well, and the tires hold their pressure within 2psi overnight. As these tires were tested in the summer/early fall here in Northern California, their mud-handling prowess is yet to be seen…but that’s not what these tires were designed for anyways. On to the review!

When it comes to cyclocross tires, there are a few key characteristics that really make or break a tire for me:

· Traction

· Feel

· Reliability

· Durability

Featured Video: Testing the puncture protection of the Hutchinson tire and Fast Air sealant.

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Joneswares Gear Gets Riders Ready for a Cold Winter

Petersham, Massachusettes - With a forecast of cold weather accompanied by record oil prices, droves of cyclists are expected to be donning their wool base layers, jerseys, and cycling sweaters both on the bike and off the machine this winter. According to Joneswares co-owner, Lynn Jones Peredina, the company is beginning to see an increase in the number of riders ordering multiple layers in anticipation of the chilly times ahead. “We’ve had riders email us that they are ordering wool clothing this year that is going to work for them both cycling, as well as, general wear. People are beginning to realize that a bit of conservation at home is going to save them some serious money.”

Wool provides superior warmth, durability, comfort, and on top of the fact that it is just plain comfortable, wool is a renewable resource. “Riders look at these pieces as a valuable investment; an important consideration given our economic times,” added Peredina.

We all know the facts; lowering your thermostat by even a few degrees will help save. Deb Jones Bachrach of Joneswares has noticed an increase in the number of riders, as well as others, stating they are ready to conserve. Thermostats are going down, while more and more riders are planning on using the bike to commute this winter. Wool is definitely part of the equation. And as they say at Joneswares “…think of your base layer as an extra layer of insulation.”

Joneswares provides high quality functional cycle wear and apparel for all fundamental activities. They are proud of the fact that all their garments are made in the USA and use Merino wool that has been processed in an eco-friendly manner. (The fiber from the Merino sheep is ultrafine providing a soft, great ‘next to the skin’ feel.) Fabrics coming from New Zealand follow the strict guidelines established for the Zque™ (ethical wool) Program. Vermont Organic Fiber supplies the Company with O~Wool™ yardage knit stateside and manufactured to established earth friendly/organic processes. The result of this type of processing is luxurious, super durable wool fabric that, with the proper care, will last a lifetime.

Offering everything in wool from head to toe and all the parts in between, Joneswares garments are designed to provide warmth and comfort. From wool helmet liners to base layers and cycling jerseys to riding tights and socks, they are committed to making sure riders benefit from the Company motto ‘…get (real) comfortable™…’ no matter the activity!

To see their complete line, visit the website www.joneswares.com.

As the season winds down and the members of the BMC Racing Team segue into their off-season routines, it is time for the riders to digest what has happened in 2008, and look forward to the coming season. BMC began the year with the motto “the team is the star”, and each member is proud to have lived up to that idea. “It was really cool to see how everyone grew throughout the year, and how I grew along with everyone else!” Jeff Louder explained. And as the end of the year momentum was very much in BMC’s favour, there also seems to be unanimous excitement to pick up where they left off when the ’09 season rolls around.

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Colorado Springs, CO – In only his second time racing the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, Australian CTS Athlete Craig Alexander dominated the race, winning in a time of 8:17:45 – a full 3:05 in front of second place competitor Eneko Llanos.

Alexander, a former Ironman 70.3 World Champion, finished second in the Ironman World Championships in 2007 and worked diligently with his Carmichael Training Systems Coach, Nick White, and under the supervision of CTS Founder, Chris Carmichael, throughout the winter and the 2008 season.

“This is a dream come true. You can’t win this race without tremendous support from others, and Nick and Chris both prepared me get to the line first. I cannot thank them enough,” said Alexander after the race.

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Traralgon, Australia – Team Type 1’s Matt Wilson and Fabio Calabria will race on their “home turf” for the first time this season when the Jayco Herald Sun Tour begins Sunday in Traralgon, Australia.

Wilson is the race’s defending champion, while Calabria is believed to be the first rider with Type 1 diabetes to compete in the event that is now in its 57th year. The two are part of Team Type 1’s six-rider squad that will line up for the seven-day, 389-mile (627.5 km) international stage race.

Team Type 1 will start with one less rider than the other 13 teams after Chris Jones was unable to make the trip. Jones has been sick since helping Glen Chadwick win the Vuelta Mexico last month.

While Wilson will wear bib number 1 as the defending champion, Chadwick might ultimately wind up as Team Type 1’s leader. That’s because Wilson has been slowed by a knee injury that has limited his training.

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SVCC Teams Up with Garmin for an Evening of Product Demos and South-Bay Riding

Campbell, CA – Silicon Valley cyclists interested in learning more about the Garmin product line and its applications for training and cycling should make plans to visit Silicon Valley Cycling Center on Monday, October 6th for an evening of product demos and test riding, giving riders a chance to see the latest products in action.

“There’s been a tremendous growth in the market for high-tech training tools” said SVCC co-founder Karl Etzel. “Unfortunately a lot of riders either buy products and fail to take full advantage of their features, or they avoid them altogether out of frustration with the time it takes to learn. We’re trying to lower the barriers by focusing on consumer education and support, and we’re very excited to have Garmin’s support in this effort. ”

Riders should plan to arrive at SVCC by 6:00 p.m. ready to ride. After a brief product intro and route download, the group will roll out for a 1 hour ride over a local favorite training loop on Shannon-Kennedy roads before wrapping up with post ride data analysis and refreshments. If you can’t make time for the ride, stop by the studio at 6 for the product demo and Q&A.

Further details are available at the SVCC website - www.svcyclingcenter.com

About Silicon Valley Cycling Center
Silicon Valley Cycling Center (SVCC) carries high-end products and services for the discerning cyclist. As a studio focused on bike fitting and custom pro-builds they offer products from premium brands such as Look, Lynskey, Zipp, Reynolds, SRM, and PowerTap. They offer innovative services such as their BikeConcierge bike rental program, an extensive saddle and wheel demo program, as well as more traditional equipment sales and service.

Contact:
Nicola Cranmer, General Manager
Email: ncranmer@aol.com
Tel: 415.246.8791

NATIONAL TEAM RIDER SHELLEY OLDS’ BIKE IS STOLEN TWO DAYS BEFORE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN PREPARATION FOR WORLD CUP
September 30, 2008 – Grave misfortune has struck within the PROMAN Women’s Professional Cycling Team and UCI Professional Track Team. Shelley Olds determined this morning that her bike was stolen from her car in Gilroy, California, Her car was parked in a driveway near the Eagle Creek Golf Course.

“I love that bike,” explained Olds, shaking her head in disbelief. “You work hard to get yourself set up on a bike, then you get used to it and grow to appreciate everything about it. It wouldn’t be quite the tragedy it is if not for Track National Championships just two days away. I don’t know yet what I’ll do. We hope to recover the bicycle and I am offering a reward”

Bike Specs:
BMC Trackmaster 47cm Carbon frame, Cane Creek 50mm Carbon wheels, white Ritchey Syncros stem, 38cm FSA Bars, Dura ace 165mm cranks, gold Izumi Chain

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 Women’s USA Crits Finals Las Vegas

Jenn McRae (Advil-Chapstick)
photo by Ken Conley

“Every Thursday night in my hometown of Austin, I have a race course just like this to train on. Today felt like routine, like it was Thursday night. I was just out there doing my thing. Colivita had a counter and then Cheerwine, and then I countered that. It was really good timing and good luck. I was actually so motivated because I’ve been third season long. This is the spectacle here….being in Las Vegas. I couldn’t be happier. Las Vegas rocks.  It’s like what you hear that everyone is here to have a good time. When we rolled out today I thought I am so grateful doing what I do.”

“The teams did not have quite the depth. There were teams like Colivita and Cheerwine but were actually missing the Brooke powerhouse of Tibco. We usually have Tibco to throw down the muscle when we need it. That’s where more opportunities came up. When they came back that was the opportunity for me to go. People were staring to get tired. I saw nine to go and really thought it was a good time. No one was really cutting any seconds into me so I thought maybe this gap will stick. It kinda works on you a little bit when you are consistent but then you are the bridesmaid all season. It feels so good to win.”

McRae wins in a solo break
 photo by Ken Conley

“It is not my last year of racing. I am not really sure what is next. Advil is not sticking with it. This is another reason to come to Vegas….to talk to some sponsors for the following year.”

Hilton Clarke (Toyota-United)
 photo by Ken Conley

“It feels amazing,” stated Clarke. ”Tonight was a really sketchy course and I have the best cornerer in the business with Ivan Stevic and he just looked after me the whole race and the word of the night was composure. I just really, in the last three laps, had to keep my composure, it was just crazy out there. So just in the corners, every time, I just gave  a bit of  distance, I really made sure I had that last corner though, everyone else I think on every corner could outcorner me  but that last corner, I kept waiting for it and I kept watching it, going through it and knowing I could do it in that last corner.”

“When they fired that gun I got to the first corner in third place and a guy crashed in front of me so I never went further back than about tenth position the whole race just it was too hard to move up and I had two guys just looking after me the whole race, I never had to do a thing, I just had to finish it off.”

“I’m looking for a job, I’m riding as hard as I can, I’m not finishing my season until I’ve got a job so it’s not the best thing for US cycling but all I can do is try and win races to get myself a job. It’s really disheartening that this brilliant team is going and I really feel for all my teammates because there’s not one guy on my team that’s got a job, so we are all looking for a job.  I’m going to keep racing,  if I have  a black jersey on  I’ll keep on racing around until I get myself a team. I’m going to do the Sun Tour, keep racing until I get a job.”

Men’s podium
 photo by Ken Conley

“You know, it’s a long season, it’s a lot of races, I don’t win all that often but I’m in the top ten or in the top twenty in every race that I do and that’s what a series like this [USA Crits] is all about, I was there every weekend,” commented Myerson. ”You could go back in the results and look at all the little places where I… you know after leading out Barlevav in Harlem, I stopped to put my hands up instead of  pedaling ten more feet, I lost five places and that would have won the whole thing for me. It’s little things like that but you can’t manage every point in detail. This course, it has to be one of my favorite criterium in the country, it’s really the coolest parking criterium I’ll ever do. The course is perfect for me, it rides like a cyclocross race, I never left the top fifteen guys all day long, it feels like play out there, I had a really good time in this race, I had good legs. ”

Elite Women
 
1 Jen McRae (Team Advil-ChapStick)                    1.04.25
2 Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home)                        0.31
3 Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine Cycling)                      
4 Martina Patella (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team)           
5 Samantha Schneider (Colavita/Sutter Home)                 
6 Kelly Benjamin (Cheerwine Cycling)                        
7 Sabrina Savage (Veloforma)                                
8 Jennifer Wilson (Vanderkitten Racing)                     
9 Christina Smith (LoneStarWorks.com)                       
10 Tiffany Pezzulo (Park City Iron Man)                     
11 Beatriz Rodriguez (SC Velo)                              
12 Katie Compton (Spike Shooter)                            
13 Taitt Sato (ValueAct Capital Cycling Team)               
14 Meredith Miller (Aaron’s Pro Cycling Team)               
15 Lauren Franges (Team Tibco)                              
16 Melissa Sanborn (Vanderkitten Racing)                    
17 Kacey Manderfield (Verducci/Breakaway Racing)            
18 Kendall Ryan (Major Motion Junior Development)           
19 Melodie Metzger (Vanderkitten Racing)                    
20 Carrie Cash-Wootten (Team Revolution)                    
21 Shontell Gauthier (Colavita/Sutter Home)                 
22 Liza Rachetto (TEAM TIBCO)                               
23 Elizabeth Morse-Hill (Hub Racing)                        
24 Alicia Boland (Banning’s Bikes- Ducati)                  
25 Nicky Wangsgard (Colavita/Sutter Home)                   
26 Yukie Nakamura (Team Kenda Tire)                         
27 Shannon Koch (Metro Volkswagen Cycling Team)             
28 Jessie Maclean (Verducci/Breakaway Racing)               
29 Leigh Valletti (Vanderkitten Racing)                     
30 Liz Hatch (Vanderkitten Racing)                       0.44
31 Allyson Brandt (Cheerwine Cycling)                    0.49
32 Hilary Crowley (Banning’s Bikes, Ducati Women’s)      1.00

In the women’s race, Katie Compton (Spike Shooter ), Katerina  Nash (Luna Chix Racing Team) and Georgia Gould (Luna Chix Racing Team ) broke away from the field early. Compton stayed in control and took advantage of Gould’s mid-race mishap to keep the Luna riders separate. Compton then powered away from the Nash in the final sprint.

Katie Compton (Spike Shooter)

“Katie is definitely the strongest rider in the field,” commented Nash. ”I decided to stay on her wheel. She is a true cross racer. My team just finished mountain biking. We need a couple of weeks to get into cross racing. I just kept on her wheel and tried to attack her. I couldn’t get away. We did try to put some pressure on each other. We were pretty equally matched today so neither of us could open a big gap.  I had a great time racing today.”

Katerina  Nash (Luna Chix Racing Team)

“It was really hard because Katerina rode really well,” stated Compton.  “It was a challenging race and the course was really tough. I tried everything I could to go fast. We were trying to attack each other and we also tried to have a pace that we both could sustain. It’s pretty hard to get in front on this course. We are just naturally fast starters so we just kept the pace on and we really got a good start. It feels really good to win.”

Compton and Nash keep it close.

Compton, who won a UCI World Cup event last season and finished second at the world cyclocross championship in 2007, said she would be focusing her 2008-09 efforts on European racing.

Elite Women
 
1 Katerine Compton (USA) Spike Shooter                                41.58
2 Katerina Nash (Cze) Luna Chix Racing Team                            0.03
3 Georgia Gould (USA) Luna Chix Racing Team                            0.07
4 Kelli Emmett (USA) Giant Bicycles                                    0.18
5 Rachel Lloyd (USA) California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized          0.19
6 Susan Butler (USA) Monaviecannondale.co                              1.26
7 Wendy Simms (Can) Kona                                               2.12
8 Deidre Winfield (USA) Velo Bella - Kona                              2.25
9 Meredith Miller (USA) Aaron’s Pro Cycling Team                       2.26
10 Kari Studley (USA) Velo Bella - Kona                                3.31
11 Laura Van Gilder (USA) C-3 Sollay (Cross Team) Cheerwine            3.52
12 Kathy Sherwin (USA) Velo Bella - Kona                               4.09
13 Shannon Gibson (USA) Velobella                                      4.16
14 Barbara Howe (USA) Velo Bella                                       4.26
15 Natasha Elliott (Can) Emd Serono/Stevens                            4.29
16 Sarah Maile (USA) Ventana Mountain Bikes                            4.36
17 Josie Jacques-Maynes (USA) Specialized/KMC Pb Cal Giant             5.00
18 Tiffany Pezzulo (USA) Park City Iron Man                            5.18
19 Eszter Horanyi (USA) Waltworks/Fuentes Design                       5.25
20 Melodie Metzger (USA) California Giant / Specialized                5.48
21 Kate Scheider (USA) Bikes Belong-Mafia Racing                       5.55
22 Kendall Ryan (USA) Team Cicle Presented By Voler                    6.10
23 Kelli Jones (Can) Sugoi                                             6.22
24 Jennifer Tilley (USA) Velo Bella                                    6.39
25 Kris Walker (USA) Krieg Cycling                                     6.47
26 Lana Atchley (USA) Bailey Bikes                                     7.52
27 Marian Jamison (USA) Velo Bella                                     8.47
28 Dorothy Wong (USA) Team Cicle Presented By Voler                    1 lap
29 Deb Sweeney Whitmore (USA) BMW-Bianchi
30 Heidi Kanayan (USA) Team Cicle
31 Christy Blakely (USA) BMW-Bianchi

All phots copyright Stephanie Gutowski