The 2016 VVish List
We made it to the new year! Bicycles have not been outlawed so things are looking up. Yet, the state of Cycling could always be much better and here are a few hopes.
Women’s Cycling- If anyone is racing on passion alone it’s women cyclists. God knows they are not doing it for the money as they don’t get any. Professional cyclists need to unite to get more of a share and women need to be there for the wrangling. The Women’s Cycling Association (WCA) is a great beginning. In Europe, another association, Strongher, is here to raise women’s cycling profile. I don’t know enough about women’s racing but I do know they are racing their asses off. They get little press, little money, little respect but anyone who watched the Women’s Worlds in Richmond knows how hardcore the racing is.
Men’s Cycling- The men are making good salaries, the prize money is impressive but the basic professional structure is teetering over a giant pot hole. Teams need more financial stability which will promote longevity and more sponsors. Can’t Gianni Bugno use his abundant Italian charm and good looks to fix all this, FFS? Frankly I’ll never have an informed opinion about this so I just hope someone gets it together. I’m calling for a strike damn it! See, I just said I no informed opinion.
Professional men’s cycling, like most professional sports where money is the driving force, is always going to be imperfect. And by imperfect I mean cheating by degrees will always be there and professional riders have always been negotiating the results while rolling down the road. There is no reason to think any of this will ever change so take your professional cycling with a small glass of skepticism.
UCI’s Technical Changes- It is likely the UCI will lower the weight limit for racing bikes in 2016. There maybe a trickle down effect for us civilians but I hope I can just lose some weight on me in 2016. It would be cheaper.
The disc brake experiments this year will be interesting. A soaking wet Amstel Gold or Roubaix would be a good litmus test. We all know soaking wet carbon rim brakes suck something awful; it’s the only time I fantasize about the discs. And speaking of soaking wet Roubaix, is that not on everyone’s list this year? This has to happen. And a snowy L-B-L while we are praying for miracles. Baby Jesus, make it so.
Velominati Goals- In 2016 I think we all hope for the time and health to train so as to crush our enemies and to hear the lamentation of the women (second part is optional). Getting older is no excuse when Rule #5 is on our crest, so Vive La Vie Velominatus, people. And yes, maybe finalize the V-crest this year too.
Maybe Bugno can buzz the UCI in his helicopter, perhaps mess up their hair.
Riding the discs has changed my entire experience. I can carry so much more speed into the corners and if (more like when) I smash a rim out of perfect true on the cross course or pave, I still have predictable braking. That said I still like mechanical over hydraulic for bomb-proofiness.
Snuck in an ultimate ride of 2015 with my son yesterday, a quick spin in the low 60’s down here in AZ. He complained at first but then kept pushing the pace – the V is strong with this one. he’s on a coed team so competes with the faster girls all the time – perhaps the new generation will see more gender equity in the peloton. Let’s hope so.
I know this is only one event but the 2015 whistler granfondo Giro category, (a sanctioned race that starts just ahead of the main granfondo), featured equal prize money for the female racers. The first place woman got the same $15,000 first place prize as the first male finisher. Would be great to see this more often as I agree the women race hard too and are great to watch!
Props for women’s cycling. If you haven’t seen already, watch Half The Road.
And on my reading list for this year is Ride The Revolution.
https://books.google.com/books/about/Ride_the_Revolution.html?id=4eWLCgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false
Got a ride in yesterday with my wife and friends. Cold (40F) but not bone chilling cold. Although mostly overcast so it definitely felt cold. Good start to the year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
@Major VVald
Interesting. I sort of agree that mechanical disc sounds better. I guess hydraulic works well until it doesn’t and there is oil all over things. My MTB has never gone to fluid failure but then again I don’t ride it much either.
Co-ed cycling team. Jesus, that is a great idea. There is hope for the world. There weren’t any scholastic cycling programs when I was a youth, unfortunately. If there had been maybe I would have actually talked to girls and not had to play football and football.
@Gianni
But the mechanical ones still tend (all decent ones anyway?) to have hydraulic callipers.
@chuckp
Good old Pat McQuaid. We don’t miss him. It’s still such a man’s world, the ASO/UCI operational mess. And it’s about to get more messy.
@Major VVald
Seriously. Gender equity won’t happen until a younger generation of cyclists gets brought up to see that it’s normal. Maybe I’m a cynic but I’ve given up hope that a bunch of old rich guys will get it done.
Also, I surely hope your son’s team resides in the greater Phoenix area and doesn’t ride for the hated blue and red team down south ;)
Discs are just wrong on road bikes. It completely fucks the lines.
@Gianni
Co-ed cycling team ??? Here in the states it’s NICA !! National Interscholastic Cycling Association. This outfit will do more for getting kids on bikes and racing than USAC has any chance. Our local team doubled in size year over year and our ladies and gents are training and racing together. Race day is same day, same course. Yes, separate fields by gender and grade but the result points all add up the same and contribute to the overall team score. It’s a blast and exactly what everyone is thinking is, Why didn’t they have this when I was a kid ?!?
@Owen
Yes we live up in PV/Scottsdale. Go Sun Devils.
@Wilburrox
Yep I love this and can’t wait to see where cycle sports are headed in America. Anytime there is only one option there is a lack of responsibility. NICA is a good thing and will force USAC to change if it wants to remain relevant. At least we hope.
@Teocalli
nope straight cable all the way to the control arm. Think BB7 or TRP. No oil and hey – they’re lighter than hydro too. Agree w/ many others that it should be easier to shed bodily pounds than weight on the machine – except see, there’s this thing called “ale” ……..
@DavyMuur
It’s a cross bike but I use it all the time for everything since I’d rather train on the bike I race.
@Major VVald
That’s fair enough. I automatically assumed we were talking road. I’m sure that disc brakes blow rim brakes out of the water in terms of performance, but I think they make the bike look bottom-heavy, which is unfortunate. Albeit, I’m more and more interested in trying cx. Having spectated my first cx race in 2015 I am intruiged, and impressed by it’s all-inclusivity. Looks like my cup of tea.
To honor LeMan and to emulate his casually deliberate style (for he is after all so cool it hurts), I am sometimes tempted to go out for a spin with an old Campy cap on backwards, just so, sans helmet. This is of course politically incorrect, not to mention reckless, behavior, and I cannot go 5 miles without some do-gooder pointing out my folly. Then don’t I feel foolish. I’ll bet no LBS scolds Greg if he should happen to stop in wearing a La Vie Claire lid!
HAPPY NEW YEAR from me and the rest of the PEZ crew!
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/features/happy-new-year-from-the-pez-crew-jan-2016/
My wish is for more Peter.
Breath of fresh air.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/peter-sagans-new-years-tribute-to-grease-video/
@DavyMuur
Yeah, I started off feeling the same way, but (spoiler alert: heresy) I’ll probably get my next road bike (when VMH lets me since I’m already over n+1 in her mind) with discs too. I’ve grown to love them and now I really couldn’t imagine not having them, esp. on serious downhills.
@DavyMuur
Agreed. Part of the aesthetic of fine road bikes are their delicate lines and in my opinion although I like mechanical things, discs are a clunky abomination. I had the ‘opportunity’ to ride a 2016 Synapse with discs. Didn’t notice anything different except…when putting the front wheel on the bike. So heavy! I predict more accidents as riders (non-pros) become overconfident in a corner or on a descent when their slide is determined not by their new stopping power but the contact point of their tires. My Dura-Ace rim brakes are more than enough.
Disc brakes on road bikes are the answer to a question no one asked, except maybe the bike manufacturer sales department. Pretty sure they are heavier when you consider system complete with things like hub and cross lacing. Discs on my MBs require regular maintenance and adjustment to stay quiet and powerful. Meanwhile, dual pivot side pulls on my RB need almost no service and have plenty of stopping power for the steepest twistiest descents.
The only rim brake downside I can think of is wear eventually forcing wheel rebuild or replacement, but honestly I bet most bikes/wheels are not kept that long.
I’m wishing everyone a great new season. I ‘ve been off the site for awhile, but I’m glad to see my account has remained. Still riding a lot and developed some new loops up here in the Cumberland Gap region. I’m not on STRAVA but some of my ride partners are so there may be maps, etc. FYI. I took a bad hit running over a dog before Christmas so I’m rehabbing my shoulder now while its cold outdoors. Hope to be back on wheels soon. Just wondering how folks perceive this, do you consider the kit you wrecked in jinxed, or will you wear it again although it has a scuff and small tears?
Ride Fast, Ride often, Have fun!
You all see the analysis that Giant Alpecin posted re: their results on descending and who on team was fastest and the why/hows of their technique. From what I gather it all came down to who was most aggressive in braking early, braking hard and for short distance before the turns on descents. And exactly why hydraulic disc brakes will ultimately be better for performance. Especially with C wheels. And heck yea it’s sales and marketing… who wouldn’t want to have available a superior performance option to market? Disc brakes for road bikes will be refined by leaps and bounds in coming model years and evolve from what’s been developed for mtn bikes and being used today.
@wilburrox
I’m with you. It’s a technological advance. People always say the same thing about new technology. I’m waiting a couple of years, then will build a new bike with wireless shifting and disc brakes. Of the current crop of disc brake road bikes, I like the Focus Izalco Max disc. Still looks like a “real” bike. Would love this as an AG2R team bike. And I’m not in the camp that believes disc brakes ruin the aesthetic of the bike.
@David Booth Beers
Yes, one wouldn’t want to make a habit of it but we do want to take the cycling cap back from the exclusive hipster ownership. So I say get out there and horrify the public by riding sans helmet. I hope you have noticed how close the new V-cap resembles Greg’s cap.
Also in that photo is Kelly, boring down on Greg as they descend the Poggio. Guess who went on to win?
@wilburrox
Thanks for that link. I just came back from a ride with a long descent with lots of corners and this rings true. Being completely off the brakes in the corner is the key as the bike corners so much better without brakes. It’s a skill I’m always working on as I have to force myself to release that front brake and let the bike carve through. This will take a lifetime of learning.
Here is another VVish. I just saw Ryder Hesjedal out in new Trek kit today. I was actually waiting for him to come blowing by as wife and I climbed aforementioned climb (and descent). My wish is Fabs gets in da pink jersey for some quality Giro time and Ryder wins it all again, just to shut up the doubters. Ba-boooom.
@chuckp
I’m liking Focus bikes too. They just look better than the other frames. They still retain the basic double diamond steel frame geometry, it’s a good look. Maybe they should send us both one, so we could find out!
2016 starts here with the TDU.
“V” flag will be up on Willunga Hill displayed proudly.
Then, it’s onward and upward from there hopefully.
Only major purchase is a new helmet, either a Giro Synthe or Lazer Z1 to replace the now ageing Bell Sweep.
Funny how after owning just about every guise of frame material and braking system I always go back to high end steel and caliper brakes . Have we really gotten any further ahead with what there is to offer now or are most just sheep following the herd never to have considered or ridden a great steel frame with rim brakes on god forbid alloy rim,s.
What’s LeMan doing with his right hand in that pic?
@RobSandy
He’s telling the moto to get the fuck out of the way.
@Oli
Makes sense. How badass.
@RobSandy
He’s telling to moto to get the fuck out of the way because Mr. Kelly is bearing down on them with full force and fury. Short of doing a Nibali “handshake” with the moto, Greg and his wheelsucking companion Mario Beccia are shit outta luck on this one. Greg must be wearing a new cap given to him during the race as his bike, face and jersey are filthy but the cap is pristine.
@wiscot
I didn’t spot Kelly first time around. If I looked around to see Shaun Kelly chasing me, looking like that, I think I’d shit my pants on the spot.
@RobSandy
Here’s the tape: https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=1986+milan+san+remo&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-003 The Greg hand gesture is at about 1:48. He and Beccia were getting blocked but once Kelly bridged up, things got better. IMHO Kelly got Greg and Beccia onto the podium. Once on the finishing straight, there was only one order to the finish.
@Gianni
My Felt FC is the same look, i.e., a little more “traditional.” Yes, @frank, I know I left my lights on for this pic.
I know black is where it’s at, but I do love the Focus Izalco Max Team AG2R bike.
@Geoff Milan
YES! We definitely need more peter. And just so the video is forever part of this thread.
@chuckp
Maybe, it’s just me, but the Olivia Newton John character looks a wee bit like Andy Schleck in drag . . . I think we should be told. Other than that, I agree, Saggy is a breath of fresh air and I hope he has a great 2016.
@wiscot
Uh … it’s his wife, Katarina.
Bicycles haven’t been outlawed, but a few local fuckface politicians are seriously hunting cyclists here in NC.
One old dude is pissed because his country road is closed for a few hours twice a year for a sanctioned road race. His wife can’t get to church and he’s trying to get all sorts of insane new laws put on the books. No more riding two abreast, no more taking a lane ever, even on something like a narrow two-lane bridge, and something along the lines of cyclists having to pull over and stop off the road to allow cars to pass. Oh, and letting decisions at the state level trump what a certain county or city votes on (more bike lanes, low maximum speed limit, etc.).
I wanna scream, “You fucking idiots, we have some serious fucking problems in this state. Stop worrying about 40 dudes who do a competitive ride for 2 hours on Saturday.”
What they are proposing is actually so crazy I almost can’t be bothered to advocate against it, but I have to as some of it really might become the law. And gotta love the failure to see enforcement of reckless drivers is vastly more necessary than new law regulating cycling.
The one good part – the old dude posits that cycling on public roadways is a leisurely choice, not a right, while church is definitely not optional.
Since it looks like my calendar has conspired to prevent my participation in the local Test of Metal dirt series I shall have to get my competitive dirt fix on in the Fall. CX here I come.
@chuckp
Chuck – You’re in DC? I didn’t realize that. I went to graduate school there and lived and worked there for a bit too. Now I’m south of ya.
Revolution Cycles – I used to frequent their shop on M St. because I lived around the corner. Still using some PI gloves I got there around 2005 and also bought a bike there too.
And didn’t realize one of your co-workers rides a Tommasini. Me too!
@Ron
Ron – Actually live in Arlington, VA. If you’re ever back up this way, let me know and we can ride together. And if you haven’t been, we can go to Coppi’s Organic for dinner (or brunch, which they’re supposed to start doing sometime soon). Cheers, Chuck
http://www.urbandaddy.com/dc/food/32684/Coppi_s_Organic_Restaurant_Coppi_s_New_Home_in_Cleveland_Park_DC_DC_Restaurant
@wiscot
Awww jeeze, that is so wrong in so many ways. Yellow card.
I think we have discovered a deep, dark secret about ol’ wiscot! Somebody has thought about what Andy would look like dressed as a woman…
He’s only had a few weeks of winter as well, and out comes that skeleton. Quick, someone nominate him to write a piece on a classic cycling tale so we can get his mind back on track.
Chuck – sounds good! Haven’t been in a few years, but I have very fond memories of my time there. Used to ride my bike down to the National Mall nearly every weekend, either sit outside and look around or head to one of the museums. Also saw tons of good live music. And, most importantly, it was standing around waiting for a bus that got me hooked on cycling; saw a bike commuter whiz by and thought, “Why the hell am I riding a bus to work? I have a bike.” That was around 2002. Pretty much ridden a bicycle daily since.
I’ll give you a shout if I’m ever in your area. Last time I was happened to ride with a guy I “met” online. Dude let me ride his Colnago and I was a complete stranger! Awesome.
@RobSandy
Shaun Kelly? SHAUN?
@Unc V
Nishiki track – 1980 steel – gave to my brother who probably traded it for beer when he was U21 but will never admit it
Benotto – 1979 steel – traded for the Univega
Univega – 1983 steel – sold so I could afford the Schwinn
Schwinn Paramount – 1985 steel – gone but not forgotten
Condor Lightweight – 1981 steel – rebuilding now – will have Alu rims and calipers
Trek hardtail – 1999 Alu and still in service as my 1×9 XC bike
Basso – 1994 steel – sold to a friend who appreciates the finer things like full Campy
Ibis Hakkalugi – 1996 steel – gave to a friend’s daughter to help her into cycling last year, she loves it, cantilevers and pink fingernail polish on the handjob and all :)
Raleigh CX – 2006 Alu – crashed, parted out
Terrano Razza – 2006 CF with VeloMax CF rims- still in service, my son rides it now
Fuji cross – 2014 Alu – still in service and I ride it every day
Have ridden many other bikes over the years esp. when racing but these were the long-term keepers. Other than the Terrano all have Alu rims, either Mavic, Bontrager, or American Classic. All have calipers, cantis or v-brakes except the Fuji.
Disc brakes have made a measurable impact in my enjoyment of the work: I just don’t worry about scrubbing speed anymore. Kind of like how we all don’t worry too much about having to pump the drum brakes in the rain anymore now that nearly all cars come with (OMG!!) disc brakes and ABS. I still slip around the cross course of course, and when it’s raining let some more air out on the road, but I know I can stop on a dime if I have to, which frees my mind to concentrate more on the line, balance, speed, and general riding with élan, kind of the point of being casually deliberate.
I don’t work in the cycling industry (oh, to dream!) and haven’t received any products for free which would prejudice my opinion ;) except for free race entries when I was sponsored (too long ago).
@GottaRideToday
Given I’m less than three months on from une mauvaise chute which cost me a broken arm and six weeks off the bike, I’ll poke this one with a stick…
I’ve come across a few cycling superstitions over the years, but never one against wearing crashed clothing again. Back in the mid-80s the first question local juniors asked each other after a crash was “never mind the body, how’s the bike?”, and I’m sure it’s still the same the world over. We healed, but had little money then to get bikes going again quickly. Clothing was much the same, and with perhaps one racing and one training jersey and shorts, we’d be straight back out in them, repaired if necessary. That said, anyone with obvious multiple repairs, or worse still, holes in their shorts, was given a wide berth, although some track sprinters in particular no doubt used “weathered” clothing to show they weren’t to be messed with… To me a few scuffs on a favourite jersey is fine, as long as one doesn’t look like they’ve been dragged through a gorse bush backwards…
Sponsored kit is probably another story, fronting in ragged race kit probably makes the sponsor look cheap, even if they are.
@Oli
You know, as in ‘leproushaun’…
@Ron
Probably early onset of winter cabin fever with nowt but cheese to eat. Tends to bring on hallucinations. Particularly when the haggis are out of season and in hibernation.
When piling on a few winter kilos should we term it “preparing for the track season”….
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/racing/olympics/bradley-wiggins-gains-over-11kg-as-he-prepares-for-olympic-team-pursuit-205328?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social