Congratulations to Tornado Tom! I knew he was going to do it again, but it’s amazing none the less. WIsh I could’ve seen the whole race (sounds like there were a lot of crashes). As for me, I’ll be racing Mountain Bikes(!?!?) this weekend. Check back in soon for more posts, though.
I am off to team training camp in a matter of hours! I can not wait to ride outside of the city and get back into “racing shape.” Commuting is good for fitness, but not nearly as effective as long rides with little to no stopping (the opposite of all riding in Chicago…)
Upon my return I will be reviewing 2009 SRAM Rival. I’ve only ridden it on the trainer thusfar but i will put it through it’s paces this week — for sure. From the mag trainer to the mountains… I’m excited, to say the least!
I forgot to bring a camera… (I wish I had a shot of the IndyFab “crown-jewel” carbon lugs… ugh.)
That glaring oversight aside, this year’s NAHBS was amazing. The exhibitor list consisted of a good blend and the show floor was about as full as it could get. There was something for everyone, really; from art-conscious commuters to arduous roadies, and from cyclocross legends to mountain bike start-ups. All the bases were covered.
Beyond the show’s namesake – the hand-made bikes, there were plenty of other exhibitors displaying new components, clothing, fit-systems and everything in-between. It was these exhibitors that caught my attention most. I do love some bike eye-candy, but I’m a bit partial when it comes to custom bikes… hoping to call Brent for a Eurocross someday soon…
The first new “concept” that I got to demo at NAHBS was SRAM’s new Hammerschmidt mountain bike “front derailleur.” I “quote” it because it’s hard to explain. Also, with my very limited MTB experience I didn’t except to be as blown away as my fellow attendee and friend who is a dirt-bag from way back. Well, it is unbelievable. The shits are so crisp and its ability to positively engage both an up or down-shift while the rider isn’t even pedaling is mind boggling.
The other item that I was extremely impressed by was the electronic Dura Ace Di2 group. I got on the demo bike and the sales-rep kinda led me through it. Again, I didn’t expect much but ended up blown out of the saddle. At first I couldn’t figure it out, so he asked me if I’d used Shimano controls before. I have, but still couldn’t up-shift. The guy just pushed a button right above the paddle and viola! It was amazing and a lot of fun. The noise it makes is almost sci-fi film-like. I still like SRAM and can in now way afford Di2, but the future looks cool as hell thanks to Shimano.
Back to the bikes; the two Portland-located builders really stood out for me: Vanilla and Courage. If you love bike porn and had been to any UCI ‘cross races this past fall, there’s no way you could’ve overlooked the Vanilla team. I can confidently say they’ve got the hottest bikes in the Elite men’s field. Equally hot, but without an Elite squad – for now – is Courage. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Jonathan at Chicago Cyclocross Cup races. His bike is the classiest in the city, hands-down. They’ve got big things in the works for Midwest CX racing, and I hope to remain in contact with them.
It’s a bummer, for sure, to come back to another snowstorm after dreaming of decadent days in the saddle on my bike, but I can look back fondly. Scour the Web for pics – there’s some really cool stuff to look at. Don’t know where the show will be next year but if it remains as well-attended as it was Saturday, it should be a success.
Time’s up. If you are going to be beginning a new lifestyle as a cyclist or you are an old vet about to start working-over your ample stable of rides; do it now! Bike shops will be slammed in just a few weeks. They are already writing about it in the Tribune.
If you are spring-cleaning; take that old bike and or any parts from the bin to Working Bikes on Western Ave. It is simple, fast, painless and it’s just a good thing to do.
As far as getting a new bike (this is where I dissagree w/ the Trib); if you are looking to make a sound investment, stop in at your local shop. they will fit you to an appropriate and affordable bike. If your in the area of our offices, there’s no better shop than Amling’s on Milwaukee Ave in Niles.
Enjoy the weekend! Sprint for spring!
If there was ever a reason — albeit far-fetched — to dislike Levi Leipheimer, there is no longer. The man has my utmost respect. I know it helps that he lives in California, but the early-season training he puts in order to perform year-in and year-out at the TOC is amazing. His time-trial performance was ridiculous — even with last year’s still fresh in my mind. Wow. And Lance as domestique???
Whatever happens in the long run, this year will no doubt be a memorable one for American pro-tour cyclists.
