DAN.GEROUS.NET

The Art of CX

2012-01-05T21:20:00.001-05:00

Very nice edit of last weekend's New Year's Resolution CX race. The music and slomo shots of course are reminding us of the snowboard movie The Art of Flight but that's a good thing...

The race marked the return of Ryan Trebon and it looks like his knee works pretty well, just in time for the US Cyclocross National Championships this weekend. I'm pulling for Jeremy Powers though.

XX with a twist

2011-12-30T12:09:00.003-05:00

Still no official date about the release of a 10 speed XX Grip Shift but the pictures look closer to the real deal. Jaroslav Kulhavy already won the World Championships with the prototypes so we should see them sometimes in 2012...

Good news, I don't like triggers. Grip Shifts shift much faster, provide better, more direct feel/feedback, like your hand is physically connected to the derailleurs, they're also lighter, much simpler mechanically speaking, give some trim-ability for the front (and big plus to use the whole 10 cogs with the big ring) and should be cheaper than XX triggers. It's a win-win-win-win-win-win situation!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T16:36:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays to cyclists everywhere... Hell, I'll even extend my wishes to non-cyclists (but that gives you a good idea of New Year's resolution). Get some rest, party hard, do the Rapha Festive 500 Challenge but whatever you do, do it while having fun!

Red tease

2011-12-15T11:02:00.002-05:00

I really don't like the look of that chainring, the rest of the 2013 SRAM Red group looks more like an evolution of the original Red... Cam actuated brake calipers, hidden bolt on the very narrow crankset, longer looking brake levers... We'll see.

Picture of the day

2011-12-14T12:12:00.003-05:00

Meanwhile in Sardinia, the Liquigas-Cannondale boys are training.

Kabush's secret's out

2011-12-12T01:27:00.001-05:00

The news about Geoff Kabush's 2012 team is finally out. Looking forward to see if it will bring him up another step.

Off season work

2011-12-11T20:16:00.001-05:00

It's time to start training for next season (if you have the time, which I don't) and to clean and get the bikes perfect again (if you have the time, which I don't). I pulled apart my Speedplay Zeros a while ago, after a clean-up, I think they'll be back from the dead... I just have to build them back. Those pedals are the best there is as far as performance goes... they're just very sensitive, one ride in the rain/dust and they have to be rebuilt it seems.

SRAM or Campagnolo

2011-12-01T12:19:00.001-05:00

Yes I know SRAM just teased us with the next generation Red group but from what I could make of it, it's mostly just a lighter and refined group, still 10 speeds, still mechanical (not that is a bad thing though), hydraulic discs are not yet planned as part of the group from the start but it will still be a great improvement with promised better front shifts with no need for trim, cx friendly XX-style cassettes, customizable lever hood padding and maybe Magura HS-33 style hydraulic braking for TT bikes (makes you wonder if the same levers, if not only available for aero bars, could be mated to XX disc calipers to install on the SuperX disc-ready cross frame)...

But I think I may jump back in Campagnolo for my next road bike. The company has more soul, is the most durable and I love the Ergo levers. I'd stay with the mechanical Super Record though, not the EPS. Here is a visit of the Campagnolo factory. This ain't a chinese factory.

Double first

2011-11-27T22:37:00.001-05:00

Today was the first win of the season for Tim Johnson, who usually runs out of fingers to count them at this time of the year. But it was also a first major cyclocross win aboard a disc brake equipped bike.

Bike of the day

2011-11-27T19:48:00.001-05:00

This year, Marco Aurelio Fontana has a more subtle italian themed Cannondale SuperX to tackle the second half of the cyclocross season.

The falling of fall

2011-11-24T14:15:00.001-05:00

We had our first real snow yesterday but I think we will get a few nice fall days still.

Crack!

2011-11-22T19:05:00.001-05:00

The moment Simunek's fork snapped... Simunouch? He didn't look hurt or impressed that much, here is the video if you haven't seen.

Public fix

2011-11-21T22:39:00.001-05:00

I have no clue where this is (anyone knows?) but I love the idea. Tools, pump, right there in the streets to be able to fix most bike related mechanicals.

Picture of the day

2011-11-20T11:51:00.001-05:00

A late afternoon ride quickly turned into a night one yesterday. It ended up being even longer than anticipated when a pedal seized.

Picture of the day

2011-11-15T15:16:00.001-05:00

Have you seen my garage?

Montreal commuter

2011-10-26T22:50:00.001-04:00

Found myself a cheap singlespeed/track bike to be my main transportation device in Montreal. BMX style chain, not much mechanical parts to quickly die in the winter months, flip-flop rear hub... Sorry though, not a Cannondale, for a beater, you just pick what fits with the best deal.

Cross season getting thick

2011-10-09T13:57:00.000-04:00

The cyclocross season has already started but now we are getting bigger races with more big names on both sides of the Atlantic. On this side, it looked like winter yesterday in Fort Collins for the USGP, conditions were cold and muddy, perfect for a cross race. Katie Compton was back but surprisingly, she finished 2nd, it was Katerina Nash who took the win. The men's race saw a strong Ryan Trebon stomp his authority and again, the 2nd place was a surprise, a nice one with Geoff Kabush catching and passing Jeremy Powers at the end.

Today, more dirt with the first Superprestige won by Popeye's wife look alike Helen Wyman taking the women's race and Niels Albert winning a few seconds ahead of Bart Aernouts. Klaas Vantornout completed the podium in front of the former cream of the crop: Sven Nys fourth, Bart Wellens fifth and Stybar, who was on the front then faded, finished in sixth. For the american fans, Johnathan Page DNF'ed with a broken front wheel.

Later today, the second day of the Fort Collins USGP will be broadcasted live from Cycling Dirt.

Picture of the day

2011-10-06T01:00:00.000-04:00

Very busy these days. Work work work, not enough sleep and not enough rides. But last sunday, I was able to squeeze a nice dirt road ride with Guillaume... rain or shine... it didn't shine and it was pretty cold but it was a nice ride nonetheless.

More from Magog

2011-09-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

Just a few more shots from sunday's race by Magog's local newspaper.

There were a few Cannondale SuperX among the racers. Incredible bikes, very tempted to sell my CAAD9 CX frame, some bikes and getting a SuperX frame and fork! It can easily get under the UCI weight limit.

Back to racing

2011-09-25T22:22:00.000-04:00

Well that wasn't planned... I haven't train all year, the last interval I did was in January and I just recently logged over 2000km since January 1st... So when I decided to race in today's Cyclocross Magog, I expected to finish dead last, I just decided to race yesterday night, for fun, very unfit. As expected, it was hard but it was fun. The new venue is great and the recent rain made for a damp and very muddy course that required a lot of power but also some technical skills.

To my surprise, I didn't finish last... close but, not last. Gave me the motivation to, if time allows it, prepare a bit in the next few weeks to race the Quebec Championships... I'm not promising anything though.

World Championships

2011-09-23T18:08:00.000-04:00

The question many are asking right now is how the men's road race will end? Bunch sprint? Small group? Breakaway? Cav? Freire? Gilbert? Sagan? Thor? We'll know sunday.

In the meantime, the other races have been good. Tony Martin crushed Wiggins, Fabian and everyone else. The French U23 team scored a 1-2 today and with it, showcased yet another wonderful name for a cyclist after Champion and Lesueur: the man with four arms, Arnaud Démare became the U23 World Champion.

Tomorrow is the junior men's race and the elite women's. I'm pulling for Marianne Vos! Sunday, I'd be happy to see Gilbert win or a very special 4th World title from Oscarito but I'm pulling for young phenom Peter Sagan.

End of season sale

2011-09-22T22:41:00.001-04:00

It's time to make some room before I, yes, again, move. I also have some eventual bike projects that needs financing (more on that later) so here we are, the Dan Gerous end of season sale! Prices are in canadian dollars without shipping. I'd prefer to sell the bikes locally though but they gotta go!

2010 Cannondale SuperSix 2, 54cm. 3500$

2008 Cannondale Scalpel Team Replica, medium. 4000$

2005 Cannondale Prophet 2000, medium. 1250$

Lefty Speed Carbon Terralogic. 500$

And that's not all, I have lots of parts: SRAM X.0 rear derailleur, XTR front derailleur, 2 pairs of Time Atac pedals, Gary Fisher Cake DLX frame with a Manitou Minute fork, Genuine Nico Mattan's polka dot Paris-Nice Cofidis team bike with Campy Record, Formula 160mm floating rotors, Selle Italia SLR XC saddle, Nobby Nic, Racing Ralphs, Hutchinson Barracudas and other tires and more!

Picture of the day

2011-09-19T15:06:00.000-04:00

Went for a nice but hard ride yesterday with my friend Nic. On the menu was some sun, beautiful views, deserted dirt roads and some nasty climbs over 20%!

Gilbert gagne à Québec

2011-09-10T11:04:00.001-04:00

Québec is a very nice city, one of America's oldest and it does have some good short climbs so it makes a great race venue with a nice backdrop.

It's never surprising this year when Philippe Gilbert wins a bike race so few people were yesterday in Québec. It would be easy for others to say 'Philippe's gone, let's fight for second' but a strong Robert Gesink didn't. He chased and chased and chased, head down and finished a close second. Can he repeat in Montréal tomorrow? I was planning to go but my day may be split between working and riding myself...

I'm a Hooligan

2011-09-07T19:02:00.003-04:00

After a bit over a year in the small town that is Sherbrooke, the Dan Gerous international headquarters will move back to Montreal. Because the UCI forced the city to repave the Camilien-Houde climb? No. That's because I'm out of work locally, I work for clients and partners that are mostly in Montreal. It will make things easier professionally. Sure small hilly country roads wont be in my backyard anymore but cycling is the only thing to do in Sherbrooke, not much else happening. So back to the city I go!

One thing I may not bring is the old singlespeeded F1000, it's been abused so it's time to retire it (or keep the frame for it's trade-in value?) and find a nice urban mobility bike. Thought about finding a used CX bike but, this little green bugger is tempting. Only issue, I haven't had much luck with disc brakes in winter, they tend to seize with the calcium...

Picture of the day

2011-09-06T21:28:00.002-04:00

You are not crazy, Peter Sagan is indeed doing a no-handed wheelie... uphill... up the Angrilu! Gotta love this guy!

Picture of the brutal day

2011-09-04T22:38:00.000-04:00

Today was maybe the last day to gain or lose a big chunk of time in the Vuelta with the finish up the feared Angrilu and it's 24% grades. Cobo gained the most, winning the stage solo and taking the overall as Wiggins unsurprisingly cracked. He still managed to finish 5th and now sits 3rd overall behind his teamate Froome.

I had high hopes for defending champion Vincenzo Nibali and former Cannondale-Vredestein mountain biker Fredrik Kessiakoff. Both started to lose time yesterday but today, they kissed any Vuelta success goodbye.

Sagan, easily

2011-09-01T13:07:00.000-04:00

Peter Sagan didn't surprise anyone by winning today's Vuelta stage. It didn't even look like anyone else tried to beat him.

Sagan and Liquigas crush

2011-08-25T15:47:00.004-04:00

The end of today's Vuelta stage was something to watch. Half of the Liquigas-Cannondale team bombed down the last descent to drop everyone but Lastras, making the last few kilometres almost look like a team time trial. The men in green all hoped to give Vincenzo Nibali the stage so he could gain the time they took plus the 20 bonus seconds for a win but Lastras thought otherwise. In the end, Peter Sagan sprinted past the spaniard to make sure his team took the win and took his first (of many) Grand Tour stage win. What I didn't understand was 3rd place Agnoli not letting Nibali through to at least get him 8 seconds... The time gained though, moved Nibali to third overall and further ahead of the other GC favorites.

Note they are wearing new Rudy Project helmets, made me wonder if the team will be wearing Cannondale helmets next year.

Picture of the day

2011-08-24T10:17:00.002-04:00

A SRM equipped Jekyll is a bit odd to begin with, but when it's used in a gravity race where the rules say you have to race without a chain, it gets funny.

Slick Slice

2011-08-21T18:07:00.004-04:00

We had already seen the next Cannondale Slice being ridden by currently defending Vuelta champion Vincenzo Nibali during this year's Giro but the details were few. Here are some from Ivan Basso's Slice for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Integrated brakes, aero external steerer, air pocket behind the seat tube, super narrow seatpost, neat cable routing... This brings the Slice into one nice, slick modern TT bike.

Picture of the day

2011-08-04T12:58:00.003-04:00

The Liquigas-Cannondale team delivered slovak champion Peter Sagan to a fine win yesterday... and he won again today.

Old School Tour

2011-08-03T17:24:00.001-04:00

Nice little film.

Picture of the day

2011-08-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

You may know him more for his endurance/marathon skills but Jeremiah Bishop is looking at the 2012 XCO Olympic race. So what better way to prepare for it than race the test event on the future Olympic course! Absalon won but Jeremiah did very well to finish 4th, ahead of none other than mr XCO 2011, Jaroslav Kulhavy.

Picture of the day

2011-08-02T10:40:00.005-04:00

We just started August... but I'd say Philippe Gilbert is the 2011 rider of the year. What team will he end up for 2012?

Great Tour

2011-07-25T16:09:00.003-04:00

Usually, one Giro d'Italia has more interest than about 7 Tour de France. But this year, the Giro wasn't as good as usual (thanks in part to Alberto having no real competition) and the Tour was action packed (thanks in part to Alberto not being at his best, other riders becoming more human to the same level as the French and sadly, to the numerous crashes).

Congratulations to Cadel Evans who many didn't consider a serious favorite until it was too late (I'm talking to you Andy). Nice gutsy performance by Voeckler, Rolland, Thor and Philippe Gilbert too.

Picture of the day

2011-07-22T18:59:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I wonder how they can climb with all those idiots running too close, standing in their way, pushing them, throwing things at them... but sometimes you see the yellow jersey yelling back at booing spectators or Mr Grand Tour (not having his best Grand Tour) doing something about it.

Picture of the day

2011-07-17T14:41:00.003-04:00

Last week in this Tour after tomorrow's second rest day. The Pyrénées didn't provide much firworks for the GC battle. I don't understand the Schlecks, they missed their chance to put time on Cadel and Alberto by doing self-aborted mini attacks and many are wondering if they are racing like they are due to one brother waiting for the other. Whatever the reason, they have shown they don't have the smarts and/or the legs to win the Tour if you ask me. They don't seem to know what to do.

Basso is looking good for the podium, Cadel seems like the top favorite for now but Contador, if he keeps getting better, could come back in the Alps... But what about Voeckler? Can he win?

Le Tour grimpe

2011-07-14T14:08:00.003-04:00

Todays was the first mountain stage of this year's Tour de France and it sure was interesting. Olympic golden boy did what he wanted and took a stage in the Pyrénées but behind, Like a snake, Ivan Basso crawled from under his rock and suddenly seems more credible as a solid candidate. The Schlecks worked well with Frank gaining some time and Andy sitting in with Evans and Basso.

But something we rarely see occured today, Contador was dropped and lost a few seconds to those three. Is Mr. Grand Tour hopes over? Certainly not. Basso and the Schlecks need to put loads of time before the TT if they want to be in yellow in Paris as Alberto can easily erase his deficit to them in a single TT. But Cadel Evans is perfectly placed, looks strong and can beat them all in the TT. This race ain't over yet for once. Too often lately, the Tour was pretty much over at the first mountain top...

Crazy Tour

2011-07-11T09:24:00.006-04:00

If the riders crashing themselves wasn't enough, it's motos stealing bikes or cars sending riders flying right into barb wires. Ridiculous. Flecha and Hoogerland both finished the stage in pain and will be pretty happy that today is the first rest day. Hoogerland needed more stitches than you can imagine and is back into the polka dot jersey, no news if the jersey was made by just giving him a plain white jersey and let the blood do the rest... Click the picture above to see how he ended up in that position.

Thankfully, he seems to be in good spirits and was spinning his legs today.

Dont touch TJ's Evo

2011-07-06T15:07:00.002-04:00

Tim Johnson will ferociously defend from anyone trying to steal his Cannondale SuperSix Evo.

Picture of the day

2011-07-05T13:21:00.002-04:00

A wet but interesting stage in le Tour today. Cadel Evans won the sprint just ahead of an aggressive Alberto Contador and both put a few seconds on Andy Schleck and a few other overall favorites.

Picture of the day

2011-07-04T15:44:00.006-04:00

Can Ivan Basso peak just in time and be at his best for the second half of the Tour? Some doubt it but he may still be fresh and getting stronger when others will start to be tired once they get in the mountains. We can tell he isn't at his best yet and today he almost got caught behind a split but got back and didn't lose time.

Cannondale 2012

2011-06-28T15:47:00.004-04:00

I posted helmets, SuperSix Evos, prototypes of the Slice and Scalpel 29ers but now, more and more information and pictures of actual production models from Cannondale are starting to pop here and there. So far so good...

Cannondale helmets

2011-06-22T10:35:00.009-04:00

Here is the new Cannondale Teramo, a 245 grams helmet which apparently has an excellent air flow and is not too wide to reduce the mushroom head look... There will be 5 colors, two sizes of the Teramo and a total of four different models in the new Cannondale helmet line. Availability is August/September. Check all the models and impressive prices at Bikerumor.com.

New trails

2011-06-20T19:41:00.002-04:00

Found an a-MAZE-ing trail network practically in my backyard, right in Sherbrooke. Too bad I'm moving in less than two weeks but it still will be close enough to get there on the bike...

Sagan too fast in Suisse

2011-06-18T21:15:00.003-04:00

Peter Sagan took another win in the Tour de Suisse today and almost made it look easy to navigate through slower riders then leaving everyone else behind. I like the reaction of Daniel Oss in the background, the tall italian lead Sagan and the rest through the last turn then let the kid do his thing!

Picture (+ video) of the day

2011-06-17T15:55:00.003-04:00

Rene Wildhaber and Jerome Clementz in Bolivia.

Picture of the day

2011-06-13T12:35:00.004-04:00

The Tour de Suisse sure is beautiful! And today's stage was great to watch with a thrilling descent to the finish from Peter Sagan and Damiano Cunego. Sagan took the stage, Cunego the GC lead.

First mtb ride

2011-06-12T12:45:00.000-04:00

Incredible but, friday was my first mountain bike ride of the season. A nice one though through the classic Kingdom Trails network. It twists, turns, goes up, down through roots and rocks. Beautiful. The new PBR internals on the Lefty worked very well!

Ride through the fields

2011-06-03T21:29:00.004-04:00

Nice little ride this evening.

Offenburg

2011-06-02T11:04:00.004-04:00

Marco Aurelio Fontana always posts nice pictures after races, including the above visual explication of Jose's poor result in Offenburg. Be sure to check the rest here.

Picture of the day

2011-06-02T10:30:00.000-04:00

The Cervélo women's team doing some recon up the Mortirolo for the upcoming Giro Donne.

Picture of the day

2011-06-01T10:47:00.003-04:00

Nice climb!

A new Slice

2011-06-01T10:29:00.001-04:00

You may have noticed the new Cannondale Slice Vincenzo Nibali was riding during the Giro's last stage. It may not have been enough for him to move up on the GC but the redesigned TT/tri bike looks pretty slick and aero with hidden integrated brakes front and rear and slick shaping.

See you next year Italy

2011-05-29T10:25:00.001-04:00

It was a beautiful Giro. Sure after Etna, we pretty much knew who would end up winning but still, Nibali tried, Gadret surprised, Sastre didn't, Rujano raised from the dead and Alberto was royal. It hasn't been all nice with Wouter and Xavier's passing away but the Giro is always a beautiful race. Being in Italy doesn't hurt.

Now it looks like Alberto will be at the Tour de France, fighting Andy and Ivan. Let's see if the race can measure up to the Giro...

Picture of the day

2011-05-25T22:25:00.003-04:00

I need to hit some trails soon.

Picture of the day

2011-05-24T16:04:00.005-04:00

While Vincenzo Nibali has it's hands full trying to shake Alberto Contador's Giro dominance in Italy, the Cannondale mountain boys had a great weekend at the Dalby Forest World Cup.

Fontana took a pair of 3rd places in the Eliminator and the cross-country races. Martin Gujan took a 6th and a 15th and Manuel Fumic took 9th and 5th.

Picture of the day

2011-05-16T11:03:00.003-04:00

Today is the first rest day of the Giro so a good time to see where things stand.

As was expected, it looks like Alberto Contador could fly away with the win. He was 'tranquil' for the first stages but his little acceleartion stole a few seconds on stage 8 then a solid attack up Etna yesterday probably have the other favorites probably thinking about the podium's 2nd step now... or thinking about that upcoming CAS decision...

But the other contenders are now fewer. Sastre is long gone but so is his teamate Menchov and Rodriguez. Those left fighting for the podium are Nibali, Scarponi and Kreuziger who are all close together. Of those, Nibali was the best/smartest yesterday. When Contador left, he remained calm and punched it later while Scarponi tried to go with Alberto but burned his engine... but he will fight again. And there is plenty of good racing to be done and much harder stages to come but it will be extremely hard to get the Maglia Rosa back from Contador who is the best climber and the best time trialist of the contenders.

Giro's strade bianche

2011-05-11T13:02:00.005-04:00

The Giro resumed to it's normal racing self today for a hilly stage featuring the now famous strade bianche that turned into brown goo last year. Pieter Weening took the win solo and took the maglia rosa. Most GC riders finished together so let's see how they look relative to each other so far:

6th Vincenzo Nibali - 0:00
7th Michele Scarponi - 0:02
9th Alberto Contador - 0:06
10th Jose Serpa - 0:09
18th Roman Kreuziger - 0:28
20th Denis Menchov - 0:31
24th Emanuele Sella - 0:37
26th Joaquím Rodríguez - 0:42
44th Carlos Sastre - 1:44

Nibali and Scarponi were aggressive today and are well placed. Contador was attentive and is right where he should be. Kreuziger and Menchov have some work to do but not as much as Rodríguez. Carlos Sastre has been a sad rider to watch in the last few Grand Tours and it looks like it will be again. His chances are pretty much over already and sadly, he probably wont help Menchov but might go for stage wins. Serpa and Sella might be dark horses...

Goodbye Wouter...

2011-05-09T16:09:00.003-04:00

SuperSix Evo

2011-05-05T09:15:00.009-04:00

It's now official, today Cannondale unveiled their latest, greatest and lightest road bike, the Peter Denk'ed' evolution of the SuperSix: the SuperSix Evo. In the 650-700 grams range, it's still a racy stiff beast but with Cannondale's touch of being very comfortable. Watch Vincenzo Nibali trying to win the Giro on his while I dream of riding one of my own...

Winter is over

2011-05-03T10:11:00.003-04:00

Winter finally left us alone. Sunday was a perfect day to get some miles in with a few friends, catch some sun and test new wheels.

Giro countdown

2011-05-02T12:50:00.005-04:00

5 days before the Giro d'Italia starts, most connaisseur's favorite Grand Tour. Who will win? Who'll burn? Who'll surprise?
Can Nibali win? Will Contador add yet another Grand Tour win to his palmares before he potentially loses it in courts? Should be a beautiful race anyway.

Picture of the day

2011-04-27T15:35:00.003-04:00

Current and former Mr. Spring Classics Philippe Gilbert and Tom Boonen checking out the Copenhagen World Championships course.

Nibali's SuperSix

2011-04-26T11:28:00.006-04:00

Probably the bike that we will know as the SuperSix Evo, ridden by Vincenzo Nibali in the last few races. This was during sunday's Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Looks like the next logical step in the Peter Denk design book with many features reminding of the Flash/SuperX/CAADX... Around 700 grams, probably with a PressFit 30 BB and a geometry like the current Supers... I like, I want.

While we're on the L-B-L, the race marks a fourth straight Ardennes win by Philippe Gilbert, the first ever cyclist to do so. And he did it all in a very impressive fashion. Chapeau Philippe, you probably earned a little break now.

Picture of the day

2011-04-26T10:07:00.003-04:00

The Mountain bike circus is back in action with the first round of the World Cup just done and won in South Africa. Nino Schurter won in a battle with Julien Absalon. Kulhavy rounded the podium with World Champion Jose Hermida in fourth and a good showing by the CFR team with Fontana continuing a strong start of the season with a 5th, Fumic in 6th and Martin Gujan 14th.

The women's race was won by 'back from the dead' Ren Chengyuan now looking with much better technical skills. The podium was completed by Julie Bresset and Irina Kalentieva.

Rejuvenated Lefty

2011-04-19T13:40:00.004-04:00

I got back my 2008 Lefty Speed Carbon SL yesterday... but it's not a 2008 SL anymore. The races were shot, a seal was dead, it needed some love. Craig from Mendon Cyclesmith did his magic and then some.

The Lefty now has fresh internals: new 2011 Solo Air and a 2011 PBR 100 cartridge. Travel went down 10mm and everything is improved, from better, more efficient damping all the way to the much more refined lockout that's easier to engage and release while riding and has an adjustable blowoff now. The thing is lighter as well. Now if winter could finally leave us alone...

Picture of the day

2011-04-18T10:33:00.002-04:00

Fontana wins another one...

2012 Scalpel 29er

2011-04-17T13:43:00.007-04:00

People have been whining and begging for a 29er version of Cannondale's venerable Scalpel... They just wanted to make it right, not rush it on the market. But the wait will soon be over. It will be out later this year as a 2012 model. A few info: sub 21.4lbs, 100mm travel to both wheels, Ballistec Carbon, Carbon pressfit BB30, Zero Pivot technology on seat stays, a pivot instead of flexing chainstays, ECS-TC clamped 15mm thru-axles at the main pivot & lower link pivot like on the latest Jekyll... Maybe it's time I really try a 29er...

More pictures here and here.

Almost ready

2011-04-15T10:38:00.004-04:00

Just a chain to put on and a front derailleur to adjust and the season can shift onto a 53T gear.

Gilbert again

2011-04-13T12:18:00.004-04:00

It has been known that Philippe Gilbert is one the greats in today's peloton for a long time but recently, he seems to win more often than before. Experience and maturity in his attacks? Just stronger? Maybe both but I really like how he races.

More from Roubaix

2011-04-11T14:11:00.004-04:00

This time from another of the best in the buisness: Kristof Ramon, catching the moment Johan Van Summeren made his winning move. A nice and impressive win from the tall skinny belgian who did the last 5km on a rear flat tire!

Roubaix pictures

2011-04-11T12:05:00.003-04:00

As always, stunning pictures from one of the best in the buisness, Jared Gruber.

Picture of the day

2011-04-10T16:41:00.003-04:00

Two nice rides this weekend. One longer endurance and a shorter ride with a focus on hill climbs between 10-17%. I'm not particularly fast or strong but I'll aim to be later this summer.

Picture of the day

2011-04-07T10:05:00.003-04:00

Only days before Paris-Roubaix...

Women's Flanders

2011-04-06T11:58:00.003-04:00

Did you know there was a Tour of Flanders raced by women too? Yes there was, but sadly, it barely gets a pixel of coverage by the media.

Picture of the day

2011-04-04T16:46:00.001-04:00

Must be steep to force pro cyclists to dismount and walk up a climb... Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco stage 1.

Picture of the day

2011-04-01T15:36:00.005-04:00

Under some new paint is what looks like the new SuperSix Evo, shown here ridden by Daniel Oss in a training/recon ride for the Tour of Flanders... Don't miss that race, can someone beat Fabian?

Cape Epic

2011-03-31T13:18:00.003-04:00

The Absa Cape Epic race always brings some nice pictures...

Lefty love

2011-03-30T19:47:00.005-04:00

Time for some Lefty love from one of the world's top Lefty specialist, Craig at Mendon Cyclesmith. One 2005 Lefty Speed DLR2 will get a standard routine service while a 2008 Lefty Speed SL will get more involved work, it will get new 2011 PBR damper and SoloAir internals to replace a bad damper and probably new bearings and races, it's been to hell and back...

360° moto cam

2011-03-30T12:13:00.004-04:00

Tired of cameramen on motos missing the action in bike races because they are not aiming right? Check this pretty cool feature on Sporza, you can control the camera with your mouse. Click to rotate, click+command (ctrl on a pc) to zoom in and out...

Big Fonzy

2011-03-28T13:35:00.005-04:00

Marco Aurelio Fontana speeding with big wheels and big enough to use as a desktop background, even if you're a graphic designer with a huge screen. Click for the big version.

Mavic M40 prototypes

2011-03-28T12:39:00.008-04:00

World Champion Thor Hushovd will be using the new Mavic M40 prototypes for Paris-Roubaix. The wheel is a 40mm tall carbon tubular rim with what appears to be 24 steel spokes but is the first Mavic road wheel to jump into the wide rim bandwagon that Hed started a few years ago. The wheels has already been raced by a few riders, notably Philippe Gilbert winning the Strade Bianche on them...

Picture of the day

2011-03-28T10:46:00.002-04:00

It's cobble season!

Fresh links

2011-03-25T09:36:00.002-04:00

With bigger chainrings, I need a longer chain but it's not a luxury to put a fresh one after a year.

Go big or go home

2011-03-23T09:54:00.004-04:00

Since I will be racing on the road with a more serious pack this year, speeds will be fast! One thing I will be changing on my SuperSix is the gearing as, if I'm still there at the end of a flattish race, I wouldn't stand a chance with a climber's compact crankset.

One of the many advantage of the Cannondale Hollowgram SL crankset is that you can convert it from compact to standard quite easily. So this will be installed with standard 53/39 rings on a 130BCD spider.

2011 team kits

2011-03-22T10:27:00.005-04:00

Last saturday, the ABC road cycling team had it's first meeting. It was great to meet the teamates, talk with the people that made it all possible and get our jerseys and bibs. Now training has to kick up a notch... or twelve notches.

Picture of the day

2011-02-17T15:01:00.003-05:00

Philippe Gilbert having some fun in the leader's jersey of the Volta Ao Algarve.

CX World's coming right up

2011-01-28T13:13:00.003-05:00

Who's pumped for the 2011 CX World Championships? I am. Will Nys finally get another? Will Stybar defend? Albert back in the rainbows or a big surprise? I'm hoping Tim Johnson and Jeremy Powers have good rides, top 10-15 maybe?

For the women's race, Compton seems due to win it and has shown she's ready recently but Vos has the statistics on her side, was there ever a year she didn't have a rainbow jersey in one of cycling's various disciplines?

Skull component shirt

2011-01-19T17:37:00.005-05:00

I want one, there needs to be enough demand to print a batch so hopefully, some of you want one too...

By the way, I use twitter and facebook more regularly than this place these days so, if you want more updates, you know where to go.

Winter training

2011-01-12T21:42:00.002-05:00

A typical January training ride around here...

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

Picture of the day

2010-12-16T14:53:00.003-05:00

Bikes and riders are getting ready for 2011. Liquigas-Cannondale team bikes are now fitted with SRAM Red as the riders are starting their training. I'm starting slowly to build base fitness myself, I really need to...

Picture of the day

2010-11-11T17:49:00.001-05:00

We're getting deeper into the cyclocross season.

Winter started this weekend

2010-10-31T20:23:00.007-04:00

A nice ride today. With the previous day's snowfalls, roads would be wet and dirt roads dirty so we went for the cross bikes. It was nice and sunny when we started but turned grey and snow started to fall again.

This dog seemed really happy to see us.

This little road is a jewel, too short though.

Memphremagog Lake in the distance.

The last climb of the ride.

Picture(s) of the day

2010-10-27T13:00:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, I'm in the offseason but still, content is coming. In the meantime and to make it up to you, here are not one but two pictures of the day, taken last weekend as I was exploring small dirt roads in my area. Found some nice ones.

Picture of the day

2010-10-19T12:03:00.003-04:00

The 2011 Tour de France route was announced today. Pretty nice climber's race (sorry Wiggo).

Who'll win? Andy? Will Alberto be there? Will Basso focus on it instead of the Giro or will Nibali aim for it? This is the end of stage 19: l'Alpe d'Huez....

DIY Paris-Roubaix ride

2010-10-17T18:41:00.006-04:00

Me and Nic, even under the menacing skies, decided to add new sections to a ride on roads we know pretty well. We ended up doing a very fun ride that might have been better done on CX bikes but it wasn't bad enough not to do it on our SuperSixes...

The ride was pretty much always climbing or descending and it was windy alright. We each did short pulls on the front pretty much until we got to Knowlton so the wind didn't wear us down too much.

The best part of the ride was the Mont-Echo road that goes from Knowlton to Sutton. It's beautiful, even under dark grey skies. That road is never flat which is a big plus in my book. The first part is on wonderfully smooth empty roads and it climbs through what I called the Beverly Hills of Knowlton. Huge houses planted on huge chunks of land with stunning views. The second part is quite the opposite. Roads so banged up that there is not one piece of asphalt bigger than one's fist, it was like riding pavés. Just when we got back on a smooth section, a bit before arriving in Sutton, we turned on a little dirt road, with the rain we had the last few days and up to this morning, it was a muddy mess. Yish, we didn't manage our nice road bikes today but they handled everything without crying. Plus following that with wet roads, they kind of got cleaned, no?

We finished the ride with the classic Scenic road followed by the Missisquoi road with the wind now in our back and burned our last cartridges climbing the Vale Perkins road. Very cool ride that could be made harder and longer by adding the Sutton Mountain climb and the VT105 up Jay... Hummm...

We've been talking about organizing a Roubaix-style cyclosportive in the area, scheduling it earlier than all the other events in Quebec... or after everything else. Kind of a hardman's cyclosportive to get ready for the road or mountain bike season or to end the season in style... There are sections in there that would be great nd we have other sections we'd like to include... Any interested promoter?

Picture of the day

2010-10-17T06:21:00.001-04:00

Not too sure what's going on here but if I had to guess, I'd say they're watching the first CX World Cup of the season... Well a season many seasons ago.