Categories: Anatomy of a PhotoLook ProThe Hardmen

Anatomy of a Photo: Looking Fantastic

Roger de Leginck riding in a Flemish Mirror. Photo: CorVos/Pez

Steel Gazelles, check. Monster fork rake, check. Hairnets, check. North European monsoon, check. Flemish Mirror, check. Chain welded to the Big Ring, check. WTF Leggins affixed to Our Hero, check.

Roger de Vlaeminck does his part to remind us that while Looking Pro isn’t synonymous with Looking Fantastic, being a Level V Badass can make even the most jacked gear look the business.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

Next Guest Article: Just give me something - something I can use »

Previous « The Seduction of Symbols

View Comments

DerHoggz says:

Dec 10 2011 at 6:07 pm

@TommyTubolare

I know, that was Merckx talking to Frank for trying to take 10 points away.

@Tartan1749

That sounds like fun, with a few problems. Main one being finances, as I still haven't found a job, but I have talked to the LBS a few times and they said maybe in the spring. I would have to get a passport as well, or smuggle myself across the border. What i the drinking age in the Great White North? I will be 19, could I participate in the post-ride recovery? It would be cool to do a little "mini-tour" up and back as well. I will definitely keep it in mind. Is there a specific thread for this, or just the Cogals thread?
DerHoggz says:

Dec 10 2011 at 6:09 pm

Oh sweet, Wikipedia says 19 for Ontario drinking age, now to work this out.
scaler911 says:

Dec 10 2011 at 6:57 pm

Yet another great photo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCtaOSsM_3Y
scaler911 says:

Dec 10 2011 at 6:58 pm

(referring to the article by Sir Frank)
frank says:

Dec 11 2011 at 8:34 am

@Steampunk

@Chipomarc

Those leg protectors aren't much more dorker that guys taping on that bright Green and Blue SpiderTech nonsense on their legs these days.

I was waiting for someone to comment on that one way or the other. I'm still on the fence, especially if they provide some muscular support, which improves performance. I mean, Frank has been known to rock the nose plaster, for chrissakes! Also just got a couple of the Spidertech thingies from their launch swag bag. Don't see myself ever wearing them, mind...

To be fair, I only do that because Der Ullrich did it. Not for any performance-enhancing effect.

@cutters79

Lest we forget Roger's smallest gear is probably 42-19!

Best.Handle.Ever. Just watched that move the other day. When Dave pulls out 96kmph on the freeway on his little ring, that's some class riding.
Steampunk says:

Dec 11 2011 at 9:23 am

@frank
Right. But I get the impression you likely wouldn't wear RdV's garters, even though RdV evidently did. And lots of guys have been rocking the SpiderTech tape over the past year or two. I wasn't criticizing, just observing.
frank says:

Dec 11 2011 at 9:28 am

@Steampunk

@frank
Right. But I get the impression you likely wouldn't wear RdV's garters, even though RdV evidently did. And lots of guys have been rocking the SpiderTech tape over the past year or two. I wasn't criticizing, just observing.

Sure, sure. No worries. Is there a problem with the SpiderTech tape when you have an injury? Is it ineffective? Not a physio. No clue.

I'm assuming that because of a lack of photographic evidence of him having worn them more often, this was an experiment and he abandoned ship. If he hadn't, I bet I'd have a set in my kit somewhere.
TommyTubolare says:

Dec 11 2011 at 9:37 am

@DerHoggz

Got ya mate.Sorry.
Steampunk says:

Dec 11 2011 at 9:47 am

@frank
I've only heard good things about the SpiderTech stuff, but I'm not a physio either. I was responding to Chipomarc and suggesting that form and function sometimes overlap. Or style and performance.
Pedale.Forchetta says:

Dec 11 2011 at 12:39 pm

I've just bought the rocktape, I'll tell you in few weeks...