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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2full.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss xmlns:a10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:feedburner="http://rssnamespace.org/feedburner/ext/1.0" version="2.0"><channel xmlns:live="http://schemas.microsoft.com/live/spaces/2006/rss/" xmlns:cf="http://www.microsoft.com/schemas/rss/core/2005" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/"><title>Veloce Velo Blog</title><description /><language>en-us</language><lastBuildDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:22:01 Z</lastBuildDate><generator>Microsoft Windows Live Spaces 14.3</generator><link>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/blog/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:49:05 GMT</pubDate><docs>http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification</docs><ttl>60</ttl><live:type>blog</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog</live:typelabel><live:identity><live:id>-4279844765203067240</live:id><live:alias>velocevelo</live:alias></live:identity><image><title>Veloce Velo Blog</title><url>http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pu1kpY8h-Giwtg4RejjI8-2cTuAjBkn0qrbwbH1I_Pa5UupuEhofr7urne9DB-6uAnQQY_Ul5O70</url><link>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/blog/</link></image><cf:listinfo><cf:group element="category" label="Category" /><cf:group ns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/live/spaces/2006/rss/" element="typelabel" label="Type" /><cf:sort element="pubDate" label="Date" data-type="date" default="true" /><cf:sort element="title" label="Title" data-type="string" /><cf:sort ns="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" element="comments" label="Comments" data-type="number" /></cf:listinfo><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/VeloceVelo" /><feedburner:info uri="velocevelo" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!780</guid><title>Veloce Velo Is EVIL!</title><description><p>Veloce Velo is now an authorized dealer of Evil mountain bikes. In case you haven’t heard of them, Evil is a new company out of the Seattle area producing some of the coolest new mountain bike designs around. Their high-end steel all-mountain hardtails and dirt jumpers demand to be ridden hard and treated aggressively. The <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mZSjbINx29dEuy5hIiql8WfD8-VbasfFzFdR5h_DB6Rv_3iZye8SyfbLEUxavsKHEj-mtDkCklz7QAhSmeai4LtRzZP6KNgjG9rLOJWZNJ_ReTlpdELKGEwRLt4oyZuZ4wVZ3j_jRq0nHWOwY3XukXg/Evil Soveregin[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;margin-left:0px;border-left-width:0px;margin-right:0px" title="Evil Soveregin" border="0" alt="Evil Soveregin" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mRGqGD6NxFGM7Q2YlWgJ7XSesnhAEEaT67hYSxQbdT1awdbsFBARLTLzUtbbCqtkG9GXAenSOd6WQflyXp4VtizKZMvn5bp-d2LI3ZkZigk6xkKh3HNopIHONP8ol9Z2-Jxyirj3vUqb9Zs44LfcnVw/Evil Soveregin_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="170" /></a> Sovereign is Evil’s awesome all-mountain hardtail. It’s perfect for winter riding, summer backcountry adventures, or even single speed duty. Evil builds in an innovative sliding dropout that makes for a wide range of chainstay length adjustment and makes either geared or single speed configurations easy. It comes equipped with ISCG mounts for a chainguide or even a Truvative Hammerschmidt. Coming soon will be a dedicated dirt-jumper and a series of excellent full-suspension designs. We’re most excited about a Dave Weagle-designed freeride/all-mountain frame that has yet to be named. It builds on the excellent suspension system utilized in the Revolt downhill bike. It’s going to be excellent, so watch this space. Evil oozes style, and backs it up with quality. There are some great things coming down the pike from Evil, and we wanted to be among the first in the country to get them. We love to support the local guys as well and prove that Seattle knows mountain bikes. Stop in the shop to check out the Sovereign, or have a look at their website. Watch this space for more Evil updates!</p> </description><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:42:45 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/JXYNh-VvGjY/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!780.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!780.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!780')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2010-01-14T04:22:01.6430000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!780.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!777</guid><title>Kreitler Rollers</title><description><p>Stationary trainers are great, but no matter what, they can’t quite deliver all of the benefits that rollers can. Sure, you can get out of the saddle, stretch your legs, and work on putting down the big watts easily, but no stationary trainer is going to help you perfect that smooth, efficient pedal stroke. In fact, part of what makes the pros so good is that their pedal strokes are incredibly efficient. They’re getting power out of the push at the top, the scrape on the bottom, and the pull on the back. Every stage of the revolution creates forward motion. This means that more muscles are engaged in pushing the bike forward, which reduces fatigue over long distances, and allows you to save energy for big efforts. It effectively allows you to burn more matches before your book is empty. The French have a word for a <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mgHfVE4gY2m6raK-Ec4R5Da8i3OF8WiHK2XtDA5nDI9TlPx-XmSwRKfAmz9GLbY593eBKFVFDjMyoiAf8Gjc852xQvMQZfYfIVsgl6lWH9gXe0GGpSymfy-1RQWRk9C-OtqkGxlOCwMoZb6lFXN6Asg/kreitler rollers[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="kreitler rollers" border="0" alt="kreitler rollers" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mY9kEtOwv4mzdOaPL7b4AY_2Pm7f7G5ONXWlFSPEcvJ9zemEgtp035c-sRFQq5ooznK2UmqU2BKkDD7zXBGSvIENv-FjbpB2SWh_jzPGe6xIeDveWgejZqMkzJeJbOkaW0VzJvCyGkg5KmiXxRyG14A/kreitler rollers_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="244" /></a> pedal stroke that is supple, smooth, and powerful. They call it <em>souplesse</em>. The only way to attain it is to work on your technique in addition to your fitness and strength. Rollers are ideal because they deliver a complete workout. They not only train your muscles for strength and speed, but they refine your technique to make each pedal stroke maximally efficient. When you’re balancing on your own, you have to pedal smoothly. There’s no choice. Just mashing the gears won’t keep you upright on a set of rollers. Trainers are fine, but unless you consciously focus on your pedal stroke, there’s nothing there to help you improve. Rollers make improvement mandatory. If you want <em>souplesse,</em> you want a set of rollers. And in the world of rollers, Kreitler is the undisputed king. They’ve been making fantastic rollers for decades, using high grade steel, the best bearings, and drums of machined Aluminum. Kreitler rollers are light, easy to transport, and incredibly easy to set up. You just unfold them, and hop on. Nothing could be more simple. Kreitler rollers are available a variety of drum diameters, from 4” down to 2.25”. We like the smallest drums, because they provide extra resistance, and are easier to transport to races or events. They’re ideal for warming up before races. In addition to the basic roller unit, there are a number of accessories and add-ons that can make your rollers even more amazing. The “Killer Headwind” resistance fan attaches with another band to the front roller. Your output spins a fan, which creates huge levels of resistance. Not only this, but it blows the air back on you to keep you cool. Plus, because it’s air-based, the increase in resistance is exponential, mimicking real-world riding conditions. Also, for those of you who aren’t lucky enough to have a power meter, there’s a convenient table published by Kreitler that shows you what wattage you’re doing at a given speed on the rollers. It’s a great way to monitor your progress without having to splash out on an expensive power meter. Kreitler costs more than some other units out there, but it’s an investment for life. They’ve been known to last for decades, if properly maintained. There’s never another reason to buy another indoor trainer!</p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:15:31 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/7fjKTcoh_Nk/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!777.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!777.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!777')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2010-01-10T23:15:31.2500000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!777.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!774</guid><title>Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Trainer</title><description><p>Training indoors, no matter what, isn’t what we really want to be doing. Regardless of how nice your trainer is, at the end of the day, it’s more fun to be outside. It’s the thought of being out in the sunshine, at the head of the pack in July that sustains us through those grim days in January and February we spend sweating over the trainer. At best, some people see training inside as a necessary evil. Nonetheless, most people still see the value in training indoors. A lot of people, then, would rather just get a functional trainer that gets the job done, rather than break the bank on a deluxe model. For those people, it’s easier to spend $200 on a trainer and $200 on some other upgrade than it is to spend $400 on a <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mfIkpi8VzavBfClURav0902OvocRBMcI6ScqL9EnhcknOVPwviJUHEH9dzauRX9sAIct33N-xS6Titdt_pQzoPF3PJXeXNcjMViJbxeycZqXoPJzKrvmTRxb6bbm-RpGXdUGR9I-BBbU8g3s7cKDRIw/blackburn trainer[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="blackburn trainer" border="0" alt="blackburn trainer" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mC81q0tJDiNkL1zeDZGwxy9tzJVMBMS2WzSLmR23EaEo1nsSF8nQ5oFCiqgygCRr34AoELp_q3PRJM62BMn5_Mx70FLJjgO250hDm1hak7lgabI18susII8mbXWa_IHVspwXhIm3fdXQ1YwoWWp0E1Q/blackburn trainer_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="244" /></a> really, really nice trainer. For those people, there’s the Blackburn Tech Mag 6. It’s an incredibly functional design that gets the job done in an economical way. Well built and carefully thought through, the Tech Mag 6 provides all of the necessary features in a high-quality package without breaking the bank. It’s extremely stable and strong thanks to its tubular steel construction. It has a remote, handlebar mounted adjuster for the magnetic resistance unit. The magnetic unit will provide more than enough resistance to wear you out. The aluminum roller is extremely durable and reasonably quiet for a metal unit. If you’re the kind of rider who is only inside every now and then, or you just have a hard time bringing yourself to spend a lot of money on an activity that you see as necessary but not particularly enjoyable, the Blackburn will get it done. That doesn’t mean that the quality is second rate, or that the performance isn’t good. For those riders that plan to do a lot of indoor riding, but just don’t have the cash to splash out on a top-shelf trainer, the Tech Mag 6 will perform admirably. That’s the great thing about it. It’s got the quality to compete with more expensive units, but it won’t bankrupt you. We have them in stock and ready to go, so feel free to stop in and check them out. </p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 02:04:33 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/TM7uuYJrAU8/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!774.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!774.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!774')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2010-01-09T02:05:14.9830000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!774.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!771</guid><title>Elite Crono Power Fluid Trainer</title><description><p>There are a few things that have really bothered us about some trainers in the past. They’ve been loud. They haven’t held the bike securely. They wear out your expensive tires quickly. They aren’t portable. They don’t offer enough resistance.. The list goes on and on. Because of all these problems, the idea of getting on a stationary trainer wasn’t an appealing one to us. However, Elite has come along and re-written the rules for what a trainer can do. Elite trainers use a proprietary elastomer roller and a unique fluid resistance unit design to deliver unparalelled quiet. Fluid, as opposed to air, magnetism, or mechanical friction, has lots of advantages as a way of providing resistance. When you’re out on the road, the faster you go, the more resistance you face from the air in front of you. This <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mB7G37VGOj5OKcfKWt92pHlBxD0TV-uj7D3KVuzPXaxxQIG-hAM-R1_zd7URK70P2TOhYy9p7tqJTScv_Xhvw5T_rCXEhvnQyiwnBsoVqRsd8ghofzWNC-zDWCe5jshayWSjjoJbvJpEnftHYEaKQXA/Elite Crono Trainer[3] 09A2B73E.jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;margin-left:0px;border-left-width:0px;margin-right:0px" title="Elite Crono Trainer" border="0" alt="Elite Crono Trainer" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mvgjQmCqmc0x9F8BpkMn6BmDTkhnw4XexYd2chYHg6aaFxpWbWQ6DieoojB7TtANRI5jPFXQvgjE47mHhWG7dYdRO9wEzR3v1_z39Lmg-Nlu5hCpQjjEFiUojkJpMM894ZTOv-N5MkKUW36ey6ZAehA/Elite Crono Trainer_thumb[1] 7C888B92.jpg" width="244" height="244" /></a> relationship is exponential, not linear, which is hard to replicate on an indoor trainer or a roller. For a trainer to feel natural, it has to match this resistance function. One trainer that can do it is the Kreitler roller fan. It almost perfectly approximates the resistance you experience when riding outside. The negative part is that it sounds like a jetliner taking off! The elite trainer replicates the outdoors wonderfully, but it also stays perfectly quiet. You can ride it indoors and not disturb your family. While the fluid resistance unit keeps the noise down, the elastomer drum helps as well. It keeps the feel in the rear-end natural, and even if you have a semi-knobby tire (like a smooth-ish ‘cross tire), it stays pretty quiet because it doesn’t resonate like a metal drum does. The best thing about trainers is that you can change positions, get out of the saddle, and approximate sprint efforts. You can focus 100% on your workout. Rollers are great for some things, but they divide your attention by requiring you focus on your balance, your technique, and your position. For doing really hard intervals, or even just doing mindless base miles while you watch TV, sometimes a trainer is better. The Elite trainer is incredibly stable. Stout steel arms, a rigid skewer clamp, and wide legs, you’d be hard pressed to tip it over, even in the most wild out-of-the-saddle effort. The only downside to the Elite trainer is that it’s not especially inexpensive. It won’t break the bank, but it’s not a budget model either. For about $400, though, you’ll have a great trainer that will help you get through the winter in top condition, come with you to races to help you warm up, and last for years to come. It’s our number 1 choice for indoor training. </p> </description><pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:37 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/9S2KLp5gE8o/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!771.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!771.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!771')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2010-01-07T16:39:09.1470000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!771.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!768</guid><title>Lampre’s new Cento Uno SL!</title><description><p>Team Lampre is one of the strongest in the professional peloton. For the past few years, riders like 2004 Giro d’Italia champion Damiano Cunego and 2008 World Champion Alessandro Ballan have lead the pack in both the classics and the grand tours. Their weapon of choice, since late 2008, has been the wonderful Wilier Cento Uno, which delivers a perfect balance of comfort, stiffness, and stable handling. For 2010, Wilier has taken the Cento Uno to the next level with a Superleggera version which uses Mitsubishi’s new 60-ton HM Carbon fiber in the already peerless design. In the past, the Lampre team colors have been available to the public on most of Wilier’s high-end framesets. However, the white, pink, and bluish-purple pattern hasn’t always been everyone’s cup of tea. That shouldn’t be the case in 2010. Check out the new black paint scheme! It’s a classic for sure. It’s great from a distance, but it’s the subtle details that really set it apart. The 1K Carbon is great, but even better are the small fleurs-de-lis woven into the carbon itself. The shaping of the tubes, the seatmast, and the asymetrical stays make this one of the most exciting looking team bikes to come along in years. And of course, the Lampre boys finish it off right with a set of great looking Fulcrum wheels and Campy parts. If you want to look just like the pros, we can help you do it. We love Wilier, and we love this new finish!</p> <p><a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mCL1vp9Gqg2B1DfvDJyiI0gzlxYrospvSl8WDytBc_q4yOnbyIudNedgo9J9vD4fm1eLaA6l_fDyb_rMZ2lbA5oaUdYHRMS5gkwU09CXC9zJWKi_ztaZcKLrDTxz9lX1J095aBD5H1FbDYC7-hkewwg/Black Cento Uno SL[6].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:block;float:none;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;margin-left:auto;border-left-width:0px;margin-right:auto" title="Black Cento Uno SL" border="0" alt="Black Cento Uno SL" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mV_9M5t_qQmj1HUzIYkAVQJATENvqU7JYhLNJDZdIyv12mpvwFg1SVO340f8HVLih-TZKIoogzxRk8rIfKqwdQgEfiedolg9Iz8VThMDSmdXgRmsFUCpzKmLwsqTYi2bh0swhrX5smaWHfkqgr3sIOQ/Black Cento Uno SL_thumb[4].jpg" width="635" height="414" /></a></p> <p>h</p> </description><pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:05:41 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/GlIBfRYA7f0/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!768.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!768.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!768')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2010-01-06T20:12:11.3970000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!768.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!765</guid><title>You’ve made your resolutions, now it’s time for a stationary trainer…</title><description><p>It’s January 1st, and that means its time to get started on those New Year’s resolutions. For a lot of cyclists, their goals center on their riding. Maybe you’d like to make the jump to Cat 2 this summer. Or perhaps you’re more interested in finishing your first century. Maybe you just want to drop a little weight. Either way, now is the time to get started. Riding outside this time of year isn’t for everyone. And even if you have lights, warm clothing, and the right bike for it, sometimes time just <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mP6MqcGVU_YK4ecFjfBlRoU2hGU0Uzbx73lbs0wJ8BZQkmQZHt5CxxGK6bUlWwuarmBUCwrAFSTuZnnzlZG7VfAzQ7aAVX3TL4SceMDeski1EFbE9E1T3wF3YGaZ7C_fn9jZTVpJgZtiijMnhe-IxMQ/Elite Crono Trainer[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="Elite Crono Trainer" border="0" alt="Elite Crono Trainer" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mp1qDx0VXuk_jbBNG0A-8r-jBeTM_qZIxj1SlxHwu8kBA0BcGK3PElFcV-wHesvfejJF0vWB0oh0DprsbOO9yA0Tr_WQpWuCTzyRZy_X0LNC7lQt5RQ_nQ4835o4RgEV3E8gGR9Ob6xQ6nhuFSMqiqQ/Elite Crono Trainer_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="244" /></a> doesn’t permit because it takes some extra effort to prepare your bike for outdoor action. Sometimes, even for the toughest rider, conditions are just too awful. That’s why its never a bad idea to have a stationary trainer, or a set of rollers on hand. You can get a head start on the competition, put in those early base miles, or start losing the pounds right away, all from the comfort of your own living room. There are lots of trainers out there, and we can help find the one that meets your needs in terms of budget, features, and quality. We stock options from Elite and Blackburn, and we can order from an even wider selection, including Tacx, Cycleops, and Kreitler. Keep your eyes on this blog in the next week or two for an ongoing series of reviews about some of our favorite trainers. We want to help you see your resolutions through, and the best way to get started is to hop on that new trainer!</p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:24:44 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/rsRS7IRditk/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!765.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!765.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!765')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2010-01-01T17:24:44.5130000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!765.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!762</guid><title>Happy New Year from Veloce Velo!</title><description><p>The new year is here, but we just want to thank all of our wonderful customers one more time for an outstanding 2009. We’re looking forward to an even better year ahead with all of your support. Hopefully, you’ve all had a good break over the festive season, and are recovered and ready to ride! Veloce Velo will be here to help you with all your cycling needs, whether it’s spending some of that Christmas money on a new dream bike, or investing in a new trainer to help drop those five pounds you might have packed on over the holidays. Here’s to 2010, and we’re looking looking forward to a fabulous season! </p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:10:18 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/DukKic2-LUg/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!762.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!762.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!762')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2010-01-01T17:10:18.8500000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!762.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!761</guid><title>Veloce Velo is now an Authorized BMC Dealer!</title><description><p>Next year, George Hincapie, Cadel Evans, and Alessandro Ballan will take the roads of Europe by storm on their BMC Team Machines. They demand the best frames available, and BMC is there to deliver. At Veloce Velo, we pride ourselves on delivering you the best, and that meant we had to have BMC. The Swiss company has <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mYzztOoaondfQg6gDZjZiLJLnVcvumqm4Sqx6ii63MyjslXBZkbBxA4PhISWc2lYX2K_d0Rm1zYhsNS6GbxthCXp9cI7TekXUC-NM4HpGLhR8NvFFYyEYb9abEeaV1xiV6_EaB-hH1hxQPKfVSrfNtg/BMC Team machine[4].gif" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="BMC Team machine" border="0" alt="BMC Team machine" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mcX04VXZ2QGKwlR_3G7kL3UgHwzoCJ9gDa-p3xYCZXAPdpIJmvqz6V8Svjc5GDYpNbL-FXy_9ggwRMNzrmXk3EP6-RbDubkslfV58kv3eGJHhRNEIi5nizYt8Q6me2VCMY9skqR9nRG5cD26sztk6YQ/BMC Team machine_thumb[2].gif" width="406" height="230" /></a> been on the cutting-edge of bicycle design for years, and the 2010 line is definitely a step ahead of the competition. BMC offers amazing frames at all price levels. In fact, they’re particularly impressive at the mid range, with stiff, light designs that won’t break the bank. That doesn’t mean that their top-end offerings are any less fantastic, though. The Team Machine is a work of art, using some of the strongest, stiffest, and lightest Carbon fiber in the industry. We have a BMC Pro Machine available in the shop today, and there will be more on the way soon. Stop by to learn more about one of the greatest manufacturers in the world, and take one out for a spin. We’re proud to stock only the best, and so BMC belongs at Veloce Velo.</p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:16:34 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/QHJC5xUCXQQ/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!761.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!761.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!761')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-12-18T01:16:34.1230000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!761.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!758</guid><title>The Ultimate Winter Bike: Salsa La Cruz</title><description><p>The Waterford and the Moots are unquestionably beautiful bikes. Their only downside is that not everyone wants to invest so much in a bike that’s pretty much just going to be abused. Not that they can’t handle it, but something about riding a $5000 bike through the rain, sleet, and snow stings a little. That’s where the Salsa La Cruz comes in. Technically, it’s a cyclocross bike. That’s true really in name only, though. It can be set up as a fabulous road bike, a fat-tired commuter, or it can stay <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mZmFAU2ZlFIjfAiYNwHKh4WfKw0YqyjsN0ijF4H0-LtqzOyISvsUjBLGoidsQmlBxOXFpDj-OKPuYgVgbwo3tuMwI3FAnHPQsMaehsiOoaCgyiLRwPAHLXejugILlbosnJr7lOeBgX27vjpv76zsFmg/La Cruz[4] 70E44ACB.jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="La Cruz" border="0" alt="La Cruz" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mKPnBAT9RwvKvU7M_59nue2NVeJ1yu49UzbN6BVB06b4RElGA_XqGcr9K1KmZ5uU4CR82cFqRHBduruTP8ne9vYOT50fTfgGGiHtmzEgk4HKY7CCy-bxx3n8AaOhZP0vND9He7beJGbw6to95W79MVQ/La Cruz_thumb[2] 5EC7E171.jpg" width="460" height="285" /></a> true to it’s cyclocross roots. It can do it all, and do it all well. The La Cruz has a True-Temper OX Steel frame, which makes it light, and gives it a really resilient ride. It makes it a pleasure to ride on the road with skinny tires. It’s more fun to ride as a road bike than some dedicated road bikes from other companies! What really sets it apart, however, are the disc brakes and fender tabs that come on it. The disks make stopping in the rain no different than stopping in the dry. They’re light, the pads are much more durable, they’re less prone to going out of adjustment, and the Avid BB7 Road calipers have a great lever feel. If you’re spending considerable time outside in the rain, disks make a lot of sense. Especially if you live in a hilly area like Seattle’s Eastside. Perhaps the best thing about the La Cruz is that it’s available as a complete bike with Shimano 105 for right around $2000. The frame is worthy of upgrades, if you’re interested, but the 105 stuff is bombproof, cheap to replace if you break it, and really functional. For that level of investment, you have a bike that you can race cyclocross on in the fall, commute to work on all winter, and ride on rainy days in the spring and summer. It’s probably the most versatile bike that we sell. It’s a perfect second bike to keep you on the road in any circumstances. Come on in and check it out!</p> </description><pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:06:45 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/6RWB8Kfweg0/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!758.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!758.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!758')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-12-16T17:06:45.7630000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!758.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!755</guid><title>Moots Winter Bikes</title><description><p>For those of you still writing your wish-lists for Santa, now is the time to ask for a Winter bike. There are still 4 or 5 months of rain and cold to look forward to here in the Seattle area, and so it would be a good use of your Christmas wish. For those of you who have been very, very good this year, look no further than Moots for the ultimate in durability, comfort, and convenience. Whether you want to go with skinny-tired, fender compatible performance, or you want the ultimate in bomb-proof, surefooted, disc-brake equipped ‘cross bikes, Moots can do it.</p> <p><a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mZfajZFWFdA5IzTgv768d1d0vWKUBPvfxPWgUDlr18Buvcrau1iFLOdOxvHh4tteqdrtrjuNxBQ9KqULbR2SxSUmIp1ewnf8bp9qID0LXo4rrl_SMsplPpUVNPgla6vbzxqa38sKeDaL3jgprY1EmiQ/moots-psychlo-x[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="moots-psychlo-x" border="0" alt="moots-psychlo-x" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mqAPPonZ7dFYxDLe3G5U1XYyhGtYtAorV7QXTldU3O-JyR5z82DofLelU09ohjRefSNKCLCKoUtPIigG_hAjl6X7lUVWZMEB08iwctOFHeSvqyVq_WocTAld19nYLlmP_Jyq341oBvnkC0OFUM6qhcg/moots-psychlo-x_thumb[2].jpg" width="301" height="207" /></a>Moots prepares every frame to order, and so tabs for fender mounts or discs are never an issue. Road and ‘Cross geometries are available, and we have a great selection of appropriate build kits to complete your new machine. Moots uses 3AL/2.5V Titanium for the ultimate in comfort and durability. Titanium is about 30% lighter than steel for the same volume, and so tube walls can be made extremely thin. Unlike Steel or Aluminum, Titanium does not fatigue quickly, and so a Titanium frame, while expensive, is also an investment for life. It will never, ever corrode or rust, no matter what you do to it. You can ride it in the rain every day, leave it outside every winter, and sweat on it all summer long, and you will never damage the brushed matte finish on the naked Titanium. It’s the perfect material for a winter bike.</p> <p>Moots is the best in the business. With over 20 years experience hand-welding Ti frames, nobody has more expertise. The quality standards are legendary, and the welds are truly works of art. Nobody, in any material, produces welds that are as clean, precise, and as strong. </p> <p>Moots makes frames for every need, in every configuration. Custom sizes and geometries are always an option as well, and we can provide the fit information you need if you are interested in going down that road. Come on into the shop to find out exactly which Moots you want to ask Santa for this Christmas!</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:35:09 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/mtBS9tqujf8/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!755.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!755.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!755')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-12-12T19:35:09.9400000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!755.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!752</guid><title>Waterford Winter Bikes</title><description><p>Waterford Precision Cycles is a small, boutique framebuilder located in Waterford, Wisconsin. For those of you that know your history, you may remember the illustrious Schwinn Paramout frames of years gone by. The Paramounts were made by hand in the Waterford factory by Richard Schwinn, of Schwinn bicycles heritage. <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m0aHObYHUR-aQptzPh__DrL5PqOSSwqyTjuwDvQKLAJM9-gY3Yem8DY10wqNHP3RWPVGp4c54hudNRbJ-ShK15wcBoOnQn7soBDhEL1X6lFZAGHPs8aeA7uAg3ikvXISQ5bS5-ihyqIOUBu4ZXPza5w/image[3].png" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mTkZsBxIFW9qiYy9EXO_q_krEXT53WQUAVRvH9qmF9xZ1JE3Dp-gN_LSFovRqDlfjyzWcj6vrCkqqXqEFW-4s2D6YfCwHxqyYq13OU6JQ5wzp4u8PU0b-RMwstSRSdDGMn0okIsP8Mt3hQnpcuxZFFQ/image_thumb[1].png" width="244" height="139" /></a>Waterford Precision Cycles is his new company, and he’s still producing frames of unparalleled quality. Every frame is made by hand, and treated with unique care. Special attention is given to the ride quality of the frames in the design phase. Anyone who’s ever ridden a high-quality steel bike knows what a pleasure it can be, but the Waterfords really deliver on another level. Steel has always been comfortable, but Waterford uses highly specialized, carefully shaped tubes to guarantee high performance and efficiency a the same time. </p> <p>We’re happy to offer Waterford’s RS-14 and X-14 as perfect options for the Winter season. Complete with all the necessary fender tabs, the RS-14 is equipped for long-reach calipers, and the X-14 is ready for discs. These unique frames are available in any single color of your choice for just $1400.</p> <p>To complete your set-up, we’re offering several different build kit options using SRAM Rival for a very reasonable price. For example:</p> <p>Rival groupset w/ Shimano R650 long-reach calipers <p>IRD Mosaic 57 carbon fork (for fenders) <p>Ultegra 6700 chain and cassette <p>Ultegra 6700 hubs w/ Mavic Open Pro rims and DT butted spokes and Vittoria Rubino Pro Tech tires <p>Ritchey Pro Cockpit parts w/ Fizik Arione saddle <p>Planet Bike Cascadia fenders <p>$3000 with frame purchase <p>We’re happy to work with you find the right balance of performance and price, and so if you’re interested in substitutions, or other options, please let us know. The best way to keep your fitness and your motivation up is to get out there over the winter months. The best way to get out is on a brand new winter bike! Call (425) 427 6383 for more details! </description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:39:11 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/Wjz3B4M0Syk/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!752.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!752.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!752')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-12-09T21:39:11.7970000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!752.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!749</guid><title>Time for a Winter Bike</title><description><p>This time of year, a lot of what keeps people off the road isn’t the weather per se. That is, one can learn to put up with the rain and the cold. A couple of rides, and you realize that it’s not so bad. What actually keeps people inside, in a lot of cases, is concern for their machines. When you invest many thousands of dollars in a first-class race bike, the last thing you want to do is take it out into the rain and the dirt where you’re certainly going to do some damage to the drivetrain and the wheels, and quite possibly going to hurt the frame itself. While staying inside on the trainer is certainly a valid option, getting out and hitting the road on a bike designed to take the abuse that winter inevitably dishes out is more appealing for a lot of people. A rain bike is an incredibly useful investment. Not only does it save your sanity during the winter, but it also makes a great second option during rainy days in the summer, or as a commuting bike if you decide to go down that road. There isn’t any strict formula for what makes a good rain bike. Some people go with inexpensive carbon road bikes, and do custom fenders. Others go all the way <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mNbb2e9Bs9nmgRYd7hxfRj_c8psRzWPT39Pu9vyOjZrcYLQ9E29OIJjRqc-z7z3bPs3Uiqoso8xdl2gacOF_lSp9zguTS_sqSTsQvAsnSWnITqOXmgf8cfdjy1UuabOh7SKS9DvhzjDQ9xqXe3kxvGw/La Cruz[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="La Cruz" border="0" alt="La Cruz" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mfguwjPqQn42LLqcbddtO9OeYNvuoTXhdF6qJn_MD6jGz6tAoLXHFTnFp08lSKAyS09RfHz_rtaDTBu0Zt2ffFgXMbhweY-M1zNMGizZ7WHygzwx9Bkw8wYwblIFOddijrBFjp_ZMwHL6YGeLtosojw/La Cruz_thumb[2].jpg" width="419" height="260" /></a> with steel cyclocross bikes set up with disc brakes. Either option is a good one, depending on your interests and intentions. Cyclocross bikes, generally make awsome rain bikes. More often than not, they come with full tabs for fenders (and sometimes racks). The bigger tires make them surefooted in slippery conditions, and comfortable over rough roads. Generally, they’re designed with getting wet and dirty in mind, and this helps in terms of brake clearance and durability. Metal frames are usually a good idea, but not essential. Titanium, Steel, or Aluminum make awesome frames from a durability perspective. Titanium is the ultimate for its light weight, resistance to corrosion, and incredibly smooth ride. Component-wise, anything will do, but many people go with a relatively inexpensive kit, like Shimano 105 or Ultegra, or SRAM Rival. All these groups hold up well in nasty conditions, and are inexpensive to replace when things wear out. No matter what, you’re going to go through chains, chainrings, and cassettes quickly. It’s best to keep it inexpensive to minimize the cost when things do inevitably wear out. That said, if you have to have Dura-Ace or you’re a dedicated Campy fanatic, and you don’t mind the expense, we totally understand. The expensive stuff works well in tough conditions as well. Lots of the top cyclocross racers ride Dura-Ace through some awful snow and mud. Perhaps the component that nasty weather is hardest on is wheels. Rim brakes, when they have sand and water lodged between the pad and the rim, eat through the sidewalls of Aluminum rims with astonishing ease. It’s not at all uncommon to see commuters in the winter go through a wheelset per year, especially in hilly locations. So, a handbuilt wheelset with replaceable rims, or an inexpensive prebuilt set, like Mavic Aksiums, or Ksyrium Elites, make excellent winter wheels. Even better are disc brake setups, which don’t wear out the rims at all. Brake pads are another issue to pay attention to. Nasty weather will wear them out quickly. Also, some brake pads are better than others in the wet. Check out Swiss Stop pads for maximum wet weather durability and performance. In short, your winter bike should be a different animal from your normal machine. But, if it’s properly done, it can make riding in the winter entirely managable. We have some awesome choices already in stock and ready to go, or else we can put together a custom package with frames from Moots, Waterford, Salsa, Ridley, and others all available. Stop by and check it out!</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:08:20 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/3Eku2JdQ5Qw/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!749.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!749.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!749')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-12-05T20:08:20.4200000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!749.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!746</guid><title>Ridley Cyclocross Bikes are Here and in Stock.</title><description><p>‘Cross season is in full swing. Whether you’re new to the discipline, or you’ve been riding for years, there’s never been a better time to think about upgrading your machine. The recent surge in popularity has driven the technology forward in leaps and bounds, and modern ‘cross machines are a breed apart from the bikes of <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mzjcz66sNV5RQZ9u0yCWuqMmWypJdo_o5pOw-Qu6kNJONqQ1VbpXQlNUoP-6CYJ5OcL68iC34tGK57XJTXbeUlyLeNPY7TNf2p9yugBzqem3Jfo-DP9LYDbFS5Cu4t6icIGlx6P_fjmI9ylOYhlgmxA/X-fire[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="X-fire" border="0" alt="X-fire" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mkDujVNpgwQnvMzfufoGxHFPYIMbAkn2Vwfio4dIfVUqYz9fwJIEq-xHD9nMxrm2FgOKLMFkqvtx-BFzoR3WSD8Oxuc95fy0GNCQ-19l4m3p0ej4sHPArEnNM9ygr7u-_g4nopZbFk0is7zwicgl1oA/X-fire_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="148" /></a> even just a few years ago. At the forefront of this technological development is Ridley, Belgium’s biggest and best bike manufacturer. If you didn’t know, Belgium is the spiritual home of cycling. Despite being a small country, Belgium has produced an incredible number of the world’s greatest champions both on- and off-road over the last 100 years. Tom Boonen, Sven Nys, and Filip Meirhaeghe are all Belgians. Not to mention the undisputed greatest cyclist in history- Eddy Merckx. While Belgium has produced great champions in every discipline, ‘Cross is a Belgian institution. It’s as Belgian as waffles and fries with mayonnaise. Belgium’s passion for cycling, and cyclocross in particular, finds its way into every Ridley product. We’re proud to have recently become an authorized Ridley dealer, and we’re happy to have the world’s best ‘cross machines available now. The full Carbon X-Fire is an incredible value for a truly top-class ‘cross racer. Built with SRAM Rival, X-Fires are to be had for less than $3000, and the frameset goes for about $1500. Come in and check out the best ‘cross bikes in the business at Veloce Velo.</p> </description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:03:42 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/g_9IpPYD6G4/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!746.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!746.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!746')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-12-02T05:03:42.8430000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!746.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!743</guid><title>Cyber Monday is now Cyber December at Veloce Velo</title><description><p>Thanks to everyone for making our Black Friday sale a huge success! We had a very busy weekend, and a lot of people got great deals on some awesome new bikes. If you didn’t have a chance to make it in, though, don’t worry! The few items that we didn’t sell this weekend will be moving into cyberspace on our E-Bay store! Just go to <a href="http://www.ebay.com">www.ebay.com</a>, and search for Veloce Velo to find more great deals on bikes, clothing and accessories. All 2008 bikes will be 40% off until they’re gone. We’ll be running auctions all month long, or until we run out of great closeout deals. Come check it out, and you won’t feel bad about missing the Black Friday sale!</p> </description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:03:31 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/mW3CzUJhjB0/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!743.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!743.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!743')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-30T17:56:08.6000000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!743.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!740</guid><title>Black Friday is Here!</title><description><p>Tomorrow is the big day! Veloce Velo’s 2nd annual Black Friday sale kicks off tomorrow at 8:00am sharp! Get to the store at 8:00 for the best deals on clothing, bikes, <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mPNvRmhcfvCueaT6EFxhU-Q9lySqfsYAHTDGnacligSmrPto_pUbsLTiZmGkFA6sSFZJbu_Lbji-SLooHoCJKncluujGLQ-QRJkPJAQTKqhZTHOcYtjqk7t46ojbHlwfsh2U3iTEEjlnkrfnLlpwMhQ/turkey[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="turkey" border="0" alt="turkey" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mISjWM23MWNW-_S3Z6AqrJ1F647kYeER8IhMgTsto9EjSzI0SMmiNBueHZ4NpDhgNol0aQkuP2b6Xk0C9aKW8THdXRqIHQ5anAtmMRJFWTYyMmn_S3ARlj64xIBaio419JToZRChgYj0WX4m_6H-8EA/turkey_thumb[2].jpg" width="171" height="135" /></a> and accessories. Clothing from Capo Forma, Giordana, and Specialized is available at 60% off from 8:00 until noon, and then 50% off after that. The first 20 customers to make purchases get free wheelbags. Check out our phenomenal deals on demo bikes, ‘08 and ‘09 closeouts, and much, much more. Chances are we have your dream bike waiting for you at as much as 50% off. Get here early while selection is good! If you can’t make it on Friday, we’ll be extending some of our great Black Friday prices into Saturday on some items. Everything you need for the upcoming season will still be on hand, so don’t despair if family commitments keep you home on the big day. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Veloce Velo, and we’ll see you tomorrow morning bright and early! </p> </description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:23:22 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/iFwp4BAhuJY/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!740.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!740.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!740')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-26T17:24:51.7930000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!740.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!739</guid><title>Black Friday is less than a week away!</title><description><p>Don’t forget, the day after Thanksgiving is Veloce Velo’s 2nd annual Black Friday sale. Even better, we’re extending our sale into Saturday for two full days of incredible deals. The best prices are to be had on Friday, though, when we’ll be open two hours early for some incredible deals. Get here at 8:00am for 30% off on <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mkaDNdUmzj5decIxjta2WsGiTLP8pug434MXtjkaX1_1J-CgIWr71zOcpx3_ci1n5F97qAgIyP08ncceIqEG4JjZadmgfov8WolPe7fqrxkaS7i9ToFu-pYvWoAoZRtxsPv1djJtN4ss-P2N7d5pFUg/pinarello_fp3_duraace_red_2009[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;margin-left:0px;border-left-width:0px;margin-right:0px" title="Pinarello FP3's on Sale!" border="0" alt="Pinarello FP3's on Sale!" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m_2ExJFjlULk_ehC1GfLNIor34Mi3KRXzOyvGG10V1_wrlgd4fHiVQVNjeEaQ-doPaYzgZvh9waN7mD2Sl6pN-V-5oKcrYVOs161FaXzZ970j-ppjzyu-5xMg9XuQczlQBI6XmAQSdOKqRVHzF9zqCA/pinarello_fp3_duraace_red_2009_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="206" /></a> Sidi Ergo2 Carbon shoes, and 40% select Look pedals. We’re also giving away free wheel bags to the first 20 customers to make a purchase. If you can’t make it that early, don’t worry; there are going to be incredible deals both Friday and Saturday on select Jamis bikes (up to 40% off), 2008 bikes from Specialized, Wilier, Pinarello, and Cyfac (up to 50% off!), and amazing prices on some of our demo fleet from 2009 (40% or more off MSRP on all demo bikes!). Of course, there will be a huge selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories marked down by as much as 60% until noon, and 50% for the rest of the weekend. There are some amazing opportunities so if you’re going to be in the area, don’t miss it! </p> <p>These prices are a once-a-year event, and you’ll be kicking yourself for not coming home with the bike of your dreams at half off. We hope to see you in the shop!</p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:08:47 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/rFgbk3FDP8g/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!739.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!739.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!739')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-24T03:20:11.6130000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!739.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!736</guid><title>Colnago Matte Black EPS</title><description><p><a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mx1rJ8DNJn65XSqp6Nt1e8PdHuIx36m9w9oXNha44ilHk0pSoc4oGJTYJEhF_NZX73JuzelzIC13fkd5mbrWhQzwzJcVGTUA8jp1kjAaBfBTnQqfRXqIoaNz4gdCTsYUT3ORAzN28Cqb95Tlmy0TMtg/image001[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;margin:5px 5px 5px 0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="image001" border="0" alt="image001" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mdlwuYKlbBgTn50xjRgGv2a_0Xt-rJB7IEI_XqsWB0VntOhoZ7AIhskQOxsnsI7nLWp7CCABDUYa2zhbGMnXSttCsRbuYQXRSYOx3L4FDeLcqAgvajrlmyKtXSc7LECSb67_7WpPTugt-Dptf0dcPzA/image001_thumb[2].jpg" width="244" height="159" /></a>Hot off the presses (or the CCD, as it were) we have just heard that Colnago will be making a limited edition run of matte black EPS framesets. The EPS is an awe-inspiring bicycle that shows the pinnacle of what the Colnago designers are capable of and it’s one of the finest of the world’s best bicycles. We have a demo EPS ready to ride today equipped with Campagnolo Super Record 11 and Shamal Ultras, so if you’re interested in this class of bicycle you really should come in and ride ours to get a new reference.</p> <p>There is a small upcharge for this custom finish, and these will be special order only. E-mail us at <a href="mailto:info@velocevelo.com">info@velocevelo.com</a> if you’d like to arrange a fit session so we can figure out which of the nearly two dozen sizes of EPS will be best for you.</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:21:00 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/ttagLOnrjto/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!736.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!736.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!736')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-21T06:21:00.9900000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!736.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!733</guid><title>Black Friday Sale – Update</title><description><p>We sent out an e-mail update today with most of the details of our Second Annual Black Friday Sale (27th &amp; 28th). We have some incredible deals for our customers, and most of them are far too low to publish online. Here are some highlights:</p> <ul> <li>20% off ALL parts, accessories, and clothing from 8:00 to noon on Friday</li> <li>60% off select clothing from 8:00 to noon on Friday</li> <li>50% off all 2008 model year bicycles, Friday and Saturday </li> <li>40% off all demo bicycles, Friday and Saturday</li> <li>Special pricing on all 2009 bicycles, Friday and Saturday</li></ul> <p>To get a copy of our Black Friday e-mail newsletter, please e-mail us at <a href="mailto:info@velocevelo.com">info@velocevelo.com</a> and we’ll send it right over to you so you can see what is coming up.</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:06:50 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/UrNIocCMLOg/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!733.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!733.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!733')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-21T06:06:50.1270000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!733.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!732</guid><title>Fender Time!</title><description><p>I just looked at long-term weather forecast, and it doesn’t look like there’s going to be a break from the rain in the Seattle area any time soon. It’s a fact of life around here. Some of us are lucky enough to own a rain bike, but others are forced to give up on the road for a while. Mountain bikes and Cyclocross are great in their own <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mR4aayaMh5zWzieBYLETwtQ2zp4SAs-Tw5jwo-iojGvGXw0sKrLRDXbfpczz4U9X17myW6JF3DBdrHcV2514kebOflZKGETtujgJU9FcGoR_tn5A7JWfUDIKmpb_Nss1TjE1LNVr96JaOl98ePOYOhg/wooden fenders[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="wooden fenders" border="0" alt="wooden fenders" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mMkYvC6mZ8b3klea3W6InVmGR3t9f-2KVR5PlovtyCeibg9vhcR_C55LAC1i_CW9iii7SyFpLBJP4EzZUL27Ii_RQ5Yv227rG5jwqErk-_N6MsPdc6P98Q_3SQVXKLnxK9Z3nohfgVG0qMxGOhKezBg/wooden fenders_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="199" /></a> ways, but they’re just not the same. Moreover, if you’re a commuter, you probably don’t have a choice about whether to ride the roads or not. Rather than get depressed, there are ways to keep rolling all winter long! The solution is fenders. In the Pacific Northwest, they’re essential. They can make riding in the rain totally manageable. No more stripe up your back, soaked feet, or ruined drivetrain. The best part is, fenders can be put on any bicycle. If you have the proper tabs, its super easy. What most people don’t realize, though, is that if you don’t have tabs, it’s ok. You can still put fenders on your bike! Using a custom-made set of clamps and brackets, even the fanciest ProTour level race bikes can be equipped with fenders; it’s just a little bit more labor intensive. At Veloce Velo, we love to ride, and that means using fenders through the winter. Stop by or e-mail us to find out more about our custom fender program. We have all kinds of options in stock from Planet Bike and SKS, and of course we can get almost anything else you can imagine. Keep on the road despite the weather!</p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:45:52 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/DWCBSiw3Zpc/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!732.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!732.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!732')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-20T04:45:52.8430000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!732.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!729</guid><title>Contador abandons Trek for Specialized!</title><description><p>If you haven’t already heard, there’s some exciting news about Alberto Contador’s future coming out of Europe this morning. According to an <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/contador-signs-individual-contract-with-specialized">article</a> on <a href="www.cyclingnews.com">cyclingnews.com</a>, it looks like Tour De France champion Alberto Contador has signed an independent deal with Specialized to ride their frames next year. That means Contador is going to give up his Madone for the stiffer, lighter, and more comfortable <a href="http://www.specialized.com/">Tarmac SL3</a>. If you thought he was fast last year, just wait until the <em><a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1miKC8yh2vbcHSI63Phha8CPLcv0fRejEjIv4p-HLSA2KaWGcNn1exes3MSLSK2sdJPNA3nblo7camSn5S-eBYk0QZJB4vEdjJ7KCBGWQC9pR2QGINaJ6lGYLvzh5vLoQVJ3UKkkibFNnOFT9FzefD-Q/7700-06_d[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;margin-left:0px;border-left-width:0px;margin-right:0px" title="7700-06_d" border="0" alt="7700-06_d" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m3EMre8h-Qs83S750eIHmhnzvFia0neU9JMpaeiQLGpZyGRJVtvYL1X_MWpx23pPG8GUa_8H4wbv1KJS-0uCLEKi2tHIPfmJJY-rhA_QPrVSvaJKvuA4Hxx7b9hFi7rnwRBKc_DPWQWF8lCxWyzqq_g/7700-06_d_thumb[2].jpg" width="415" height="251" /></a> Grande Depart</em> next July. Also, it looks like the whole Astana squad might be switching to Specialized frames for the upcoming year, and potentially bringing Ivan Basso into the mix. Astana look like they’ll be tough, even without Johann Bruyneel. Even though there’s no racing right now, it’s still an exciting time in the world of road racing. Next season is going to be great, and we’ll certainly look forward to seeing Contador take on the world with the help of his SL3. If you’re curious about the frame, come on down and check it out in the shop. We have them on order and they’ll be on the way as soon as Specialized receives them in their warehouse.</p> </description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:17:21 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/o9h0wP6yIRk/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!729.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!729.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!729')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-21T06:11:14.2400000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!729.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!726</guid><title>2nd Annual Black Friday Sale</title><description><p>Black Friday will be here before you know it. Last year’s sale was an unbelievable success, and this year’s is going to be even better. We’ve got incredible deals lined up on bicycles from Jamis, clothing from Specialized, and a lot more. If you’re looking for that ideal commuting bike, or need to stock up on clothing for the Winter, we’ve got you covered with an incredible variety of items on sale. We’re preparing a separate space for our sale this year, and we’re planning on having some exciting surprises to tell you about as well in the next few days. Keep your eyes on the blog, and feel free to give us a call at (425) 427-6383 if you have any questions!</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:22:43 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/tH7jfvRfIiM/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!726.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!726.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!726')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-15T18:48:33.8600000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!726.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!725</guid><title>Gore Waterproof Gloves</title><description><p>If you’ve been checking our blog from time to time, you may have heard that we just became a Gore Bike Wear dealer, and our Winter stock is in. One thing that is absolutely indispensable this time of year is a good pair of waterproof gloves. Few people realize how difficult it can be to find a good, light, truly waterproof glove that you can use on the bike. Almost nobody even makes one, let alone makes a good one. Absolutely our number one choice in this department is the Gore Countdown glove. Seattle, you may know, is wet and about 35 degrees from November to March, with basically no interruption. The Countdown is the perfect glove for these conditions. It’s warm without being too bulky, and proper Gore-Tex lining keeps it dry. There are piles of allegedly “waterproof” gloves on the market that <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mAeBKbmbxH8QD89wzFsLahlzcL9ihlM8yiey1KDXERKm-s28w28V1BPNMEnNSAFyRxt5BnqQYfU-GEt71a7fTcy2ch18ILz40veM8z4tnr3X4lW8CrNzy58B0jDdXuUP7cNoPNz1C_HY6PvBXA3y6ng/gore-bikewear-countdown-gloves[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="gore-bikewear-countdown-gloves" border="0" alt="gore-bikewear-countdown-gloves" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m_eCLMuhkCBumhSifB3b6S44Lhyg55dUS9c917Rwl2J8Hnb8fadWKJWHqjS1IqaG4IF6yxlPUO36Y44ghzlm2d7f8UrzCJAVyPfAAlxNtb7EfS7UI74sxIPGNkTs-gGUe5C-O1NATISnkeNiNqjsqYg/gore-bikewear-countdown-gloves_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="162" /></a> don’t have taped seams. This means that the fabric may be waterproof, but water will come right in as soon as you get rained on through the stitching. It’s not really waterproof in any meaningful sense of the word. Gore-Tex products are guaranteed to be waterproof all the way through, and as an added bonus, they actually breathe a little. With a lot of gloves that are actually waterproof, you just end up getting wet from the inside because the glove won’t let moisture out. Gore-Tex is the only fabric that can stop this from happening. That’s what makes the Countdown maybe the ultimate glove for any time rain is in the forecast. Come on down and check them out!</p> </description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:57:43 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/pTRH3lluUXQ/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!725.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!725.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!725')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-12T02:57:43.5300000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!725.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!722</guid><title>‘Cross Tubeless Tires!</title><description><p>Perhaps some of you caught Leonard Zinn’s <a href="http://velonews.com/article/99811/technical-qa-with-lennard-zinn---it-s-all-about-the-tires">article</a> in VeloNews this week about cyclocross tires. With ‘cross season in full swing, it was definitely a timely discussion to have. As always with Leonard Zinn, it was an interesting and perceptive discussion. One thing that caught my attention, though, was his advice to give up on the tubeless cyclocross tires from Hutchinson. We’re huge fans of the tubeless revolution both on the road and on the mountain bike, and in our experience, Mr. Zinn is just flat wrong about advising people to hold off on tubeless for ‘cross bikes. He argues that tubulars with a latex sealant in them are probably better. He might be right about that. Tubulars, both on the road and on the ‘cross bike, are phenomenal. Light, extremely grippy, and capable of running really low pressures, there’s a reason most of the pros are on tubulars. The one thing that tubulars are not, though, is convenient. Anyone who’s ever glued a tubular, especially a ‘cross tubular, <a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mfSYVWZ6AqhklALvHtXOj1bs473bpfqBDFfq7GaCpB7ZW2amys0XD0qLHXwlZS1PEMQ2dk8A524ZFKmO9kfD2FnwTto3L9GMaSu59WubBxBI1StLn1MKyqQZDZ7MCavil_CHJVAuZDIucfVdb6jMjtA/hutchinson bulldog cx[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="hutchinson bulldog cx" border="0" alt="hutchinson bulldog cx" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mc9l5jyotBrQPU12W5RZD7rBc_sw-dXT9ZBEbficsSqFpH1VUsyo26k6WibTlP1VymuN2ODTT8fJ8_5A-4a11e-mfAstvEVXohxzPT5jkT5zdoFhXWPIIgh5vWN8Ty7Ds2nRs5cHuXWmkiUJGJMWp4g/hutchinson bulldog cx_thumb[1].jpg" width="204" height="204" /></a> knows what a pain it can be. And if you don’t have the three days it takes to properly get a tire on your rim, it can be a real problem when a race is coming up. This is all to say nothing about the ridiculous costs involved with tubulars. In short, they work great, but they’re a royal, expensive pain. That’s why we were so thrilled when Hutchinson brought out the Bulldog CX tubeless ‘cross tires. Our experience with them has been nothing short of amazing, as long as they’re set up correctly. The Bulldog CX is a great tire on its own. Even run with tubes, its one of our top choices for the Seattle scene because of the way it sheds mud, its tough side-knobs, and its relatively low rolling resistance. If you only have one tire to do all of your ‘cross racing on, this should be it. Running it tubeless, though, takes it to a new level. Leonard Zinn boasted about running his tubulars as low as 24psi under his 175lb body weight. The Hutchinson tires mounted to either Dura-Ace wheels or even with a Stan’s conversion are perfectly capable of the same feat, without burping air on every corner. We’ve ridden a lot of miles on both the Dura-Ace Sc<a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mybD9OrrXU9C4rjFYFa-iab-AMztO5gMOlUiKyn35xWR25dW-g5u339v2ezL-iO1-v93fjqoX_LUwnKfA7pyYlxTe6gy3OmSw9fBRBMqEkX3uteqeeSnkyfqzivGJ6rlRCk4u1RQfxWc_XaroaQbOmQ/olympicRS_small[5].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="olympicRS_small" border="0" alt="olympicRS_small" align="right" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mX8kfq8zvKiNGJjvJiPsIUsCqgt5SPu3ddv4VoJ-ubFBhQbK0w893GfLqKJx0v2kSP_sZS6pOzziUUdwPzDf89DdQvJV-U6pumCjGlmagOrcQKCEE6Gi8xln450DVXcMTsIYlDVAqrVyuogD_GGHDYQ/olympicRS_small_thumb[3].jpg" width="169" height="126" /></a>andium WH-7850 rims, and a set of Mavic Open Pro/Chris King wheels converted with a Stan’s NoTubes kit, and had zero trouble in either training or racing situations. Pressures in the 25-30psi range are perfect for maximum grip. The key to making sure your tires don’t lose air is the Stan’s NoTubes cyclocross rim strip. Basically, it’s a little rubber gasket that goes around the rim just like your rim tape would do on a standard clincher. It houses the valve, and creates a nice, tight seal between the rim and the tire. It’s a magic little component that makes tubeless ‘cross tires nearly the equal of any tubular, with about half the cost and none of the hassle. It’s the perfect solution for people who are serious about racing, but don’t have the time, money, or energy to put into tubulars. So, before you give up on ‘cross tubeless because of Leonard Zinn’s advice, try it set up correctly with the Stan’s rim strip, and you’ll see that he was just plain wrong about tubeless not being up to the job. Tubeless is hear to stay, but you do need to set it up properly!</p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:30:10 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/XPnKlsYL6Pg/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!722.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!722.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!722')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-08T17:30:10.3100000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!722.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!717</guid><title>11/27/09 is the Veloce Velo Black Friday Sale!</title><description><p>Mark your calendars! The Friday after Thanksgiving is the second annual Veloce Velo black Friday sale. We’ll be clearing out inventory at prices 30-50% below normal, with incredible deals to be had on bikes, clothing, and accessories. We’ll have great prices on some of last year’s demo bikes, which is a great way to get your hands on the dream bike you thought you’d never be able to afford. There are also some fabulous brand-new ‘08 and ‘09 bikes available from Specialized, Jamis, Wilier, and Pinarello that will be seriously marked dowon. We have lots of clothing from Castelli, De Marchi, and Specialized as well. So, don’t forget to reserve the date, and we’ll see you then!</p> </description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:43:28 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/aagUorJuot0/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!717.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!717.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!717')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-04T19:43:28.9370000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!717.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!716</guid><title>Gore Bike Wear is Here!</title><description><p>We really only have two seasons here near Seattle. Summer, and then the other 9 months of the year when it rains every day. So, unless you want to be confined to the rollers for most of the year, around hear you have no choice but to toughen-up and get out in the rain, cold, and wind. Lots of transplants to the area find their <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1msd6dPe90k3Fr1zpmflJvbp1GLTvn52s04YpTHDEMPjCLDw-_VhngAHu3FHQ0X80OcwmpUG446dHkslK83K4yL5Ft5YmcyWWGcY8fxejXRcrGWOUS_o_qfPVwzDz11QjAbOVrz2Cgy4nnnUDqUAFiiA/gore jacket[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="gore jacket" border="0" alt="gore jacket" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mzoq8dNUO-VMprHP3emYriwNvu5xBv42z8ICWhG6JVpx1utNwMePmDDNl9oR4FENo_Uar05pb1m83DyGFvlMq0SEtlzfZ3UvhWJRBh2PIkunkuskqkmkhqN4LoFzqCpIjv_jLsCGUEtFO98gt6ON9XA/gore jacket_thumb[2].jpg" width="198" height="185" /></a> first winter pretty rough. But then you discover that riding in the rain really isn’t so bad, as long as you’re prepared. That means fenders for your bike, and then the right clothing for you. “Waterproof” is the crucial term. A lot of companies make clothes that are Southern-California-style waterproof. That means that they might use a little fabric (like Gore windstopper) that is fairly waterproof, but then they don’t seal the seams, or otherwise complete the waterproofing. So, you have to take most claims of waterproofness with a grain of salt. Unless you’re shopping Gore Bike Wear products. They make a complete line of light, comfortable, durable, and stylish jackets, gloves, shoe covers, and other accessories that are 100% waterproof Gore-Tex. They’re breathable as well, which as anyone who has ever ridden any distance in one of those clear, vinyl rain jackets knows, is very important. You don’t want to stay dry on the outside just to get wet on the inside, if you know what I mean. So, whether you’re a Seattle local commuting through the dark months, or you’re from the frozen tundra of the Midwest, Gore has something for you. It’s the antidote to the worst winter weather. </p> <p>I’d like to suggest the Gore Oxygen jacket as perhaps the ultimate piece for either rainy weather, or those cold fall days where the wind just seems to cut right through you. I got my Oxygen jacket in the summer, when I was headed to Colorado to do some touring. One of the amazing things about it is that its highly compactable. It comes with its own stow pouch, and it will easily fit in a jersey pocket. I carried it with me over some big passes, and it saved me on descents. It’s cold at 50mph! More locally, the completely waterproof Gore-Tex material is like magic. Rain doesn’t penetrate. Period. The best part, though, is that you don’t sweat yourself into <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mDxYFV-CiwzyVB-n1-LNMDmD4Tf5q4jXO5KqM6Hr7A9rqyYCmAREzeXDSo3mOwcdblrsS7Tj3EAaFYyKsjbzPzdAQHS-Zp1Z2KtkGqdKKwjbnQ7KAldFDeqx-3qEszINpX4bHA9djU9s1C9y4_FWEoQ/gore oxygen jacket[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="gore oxygen jacket" border="0" alt="gore oxygen jacket" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m5sQP1CBgX3ETiDZs6poqgCaXQBd1SvFpGTFdFe5sSeucZPUIjC-3cllhWrGgkPHMpQWzv0S-0CC75YueqL8_q3t8UygNPfVEoasSH1F_09XMZO-Sg7cCDz9zAofW_mk6vkpr5_HyCAUbFkk855yeSw/gore oxygen jacket_thumb[1].jpg" width="204" height="204" /></a> discomfort because Gore-Tex breathes so well. It’s like wearing a regular jersey, only it won’t soak through. The fit is also fabulous. It’s cut close, so there’s none of that annoying flapping in the breeze you get with non-bike-specific jackets, or those really big mountain-bike shells. It’s also stretchy, which is great! I’ve never seen another Gore-Tex jacket like it. It moves with you, and it doesn’t bind in the wrong places, which has been a problem with some other company’s products. Lately, I’ve been using it even on nice days where the wind is up. Of course, being waterproof it’s also wind-proof. Even the coldest, fastest wind doesn’t get in, and so even descending at 40mph into a headwind on 40 degree mornings has been fine (just make sure your gloves and shoe-covers are as tough as the jacket. Fortunately, gore makes these as well). In short, it’s proven to be excellent at its intended purpose, and also much more versatile than I expected. If you’re going to own one piece of winter clothing, this should be it!</p> </description><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:55:53 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/fxT841hv058/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!716.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!716.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!716')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-11-02T16:56:35.8030000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!716.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!710</guid><title>Bell Volt Review</title><description><p>The world of bicycle helmets can seem to lack a little glamour sometimes. I mean, helmets are just a functional necessity rather than a performance factor, or so goes the conventional wisdom. In my opinion, though, people don’t think enough about their headgear. You have to wear a helmet, of course, and so just like shorts or shoes, it’s worth finding the right one. And anyone who tells you that all helmets are created equal is just not telling the full story. Sure, they all protect your head to the same standard, but there are so many other factors that can make one helmet better than another. Weight is a big one. Ventilation is next. The closure mechanism can affect not only how comfortably a helmet fits, but also how annoying (or not) it is to put it on your head. And, not to be ignored, looks are surely important. Anyway, I have to confess to being something of a helmet schizophrenic. I’m always changing my lid because I can’t seem to find one that looks great, is well ventilated, is light, fits my head, and has a decent closure mechanism. The closest I’ve come so far is the Bell Volt. New for 2009, and ridden by the likes of Andy and Frank Schleck and the rest of the Saxo Bank team, the Volt is Bell’s flagship helmet. It’s meant to compete with the best from Giro, Rudy Project, and all the rest. And it competes successfully, in my opinion. The Volt has a lower profile than the venerable old Sweep. It doesn’t balloon out like some other helmets on the market that can make riders with a certain-shaped head look rather mushroom-like. Not only this, but at least for me, it’s incredibly comfortable thanks to its shape, and its fabulous closure mechanism. Instead of those annoying clicking buttons you push and pull and can never seem to get right (I’m pointing the finger directly at Giro and Specialized here), it has an easy-to-use, lightweight dial mechanism <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mdFn94fq5SNImjTu1CGZIIK-zcEng9Ti9A9yAb5-fvY0ZIa9pVuraKpX0mw2anH3i2eh1_hPSx9i582Rs5cBcMnlCDnfZleIt6mobhWlnJ5tkoBFMJIly05Qw9Wk7XnzZJGuhfnPKLr3thzbjFEnzWw/bell volt[6].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="bell volt" border="0" alt="bell volt" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m5_5Xxqf7f6wu2dC0xRVsPS9FJ1z_cPqvXqINGOmGaIzG8FUjx2MFPRNyPKS-ZG0PLsESgs2uWJPi5RWR20Xes24-8zSztdYBbBsLHCGc1JlzBB8InhoaOSoqc12P4ILrF0xpdZ8sSbX_kjgbEoez6g/bell volt_thumb[4].jpg" width="266" height="184" /></a>that holds your head low at the back. It’s secure, comfortable, and easy to adjust, even <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1myJH411OkQyy6SCLVRP28UcA1C6fqGBBzBkx9uwBGpjHuoskwK_uMiZApbQPzrpJxB1W1LurgZcQQZiVjHVb3XqUfdm9h5V8wJzKc2ViNV_r2LhnwtuVyZOgcJxn2h0MM87ZTbLU7qntgzwbsbrI5FQ/schleck volt[6].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="schleck volt" border="0" alt="schleck volt" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m6TbTVW2JabhZsCqpRy3NzcMdS9EZOaIhpRKW0UJK-nXCDXNzaO4A6HWLnZBf24LA2UkSCITDIBS7ait1sHwdUESgPkdjhP2bogRkI3AYlyL5i7DD7ZOJhhyRCRYnmpvPd5xk7BNoNCYDDl-mpKoorA/schleck volt_thumb[4].jpg" width="230" height="317" /></a>with one heavily gloved hand in the winter. Perhaps most importantly for me, though, it’s light and its well ventilated. The Volt has bigger vents at the rear, making the airflow through the helmet excellent. Admittedly, this time of year that’s less important, but over the summer, this was a great feature. In fact, I switched to the Bell because my previous helmet just wasn’t keeping me cool. Next to no helmet at all (which is a terrible idea), the Volt is the best thing going. Anyway, everyone’s head is a little different. For some people, the Volt just won’t work because of its shape. For others, it will be great. The key thing is to try out your options, and find the one that works for you. If the Volt fits you, though, you’re in luck, because it’s a fabulous helmet.</p> </description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:04:59 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/uCdOXlfS_SQ/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!710.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!710.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!710')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-29T17:04:59.3430000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!710.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!705</guid><title>Contador to ride a Dogma 60.1 next year?</title><description><p>In case you haven’t been following the ongoing saga, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta A Espana, and two-time Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador has been looking to leave the Astana team. After the departure of Lance Armstrong, Johan Bruyneel, and the rest of the former Discovery channel guys to join Lance at his new Radio <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m4jDupzFbB7OfP7wedHgzIfLi3-1U5Ni9FwJVO-Ge8qji9d4FZJnnwH7cdMtdxGEI5MDcZfdyRZXMaAy2lzT_OV63bTR5VWZUinoyVbqlBLFZ5mO-QL1M6WLHnE3AjY8vfZEurJww4Mz_uEuNG4-00g/Contador[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="Contador" border="0" alt="Contador" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m7yqNAyCQnRFfS66k5uNIadnJAgIoPgS9Dd7JVo3v6ViLdbkDcM6fDOObLTqDi5NHECjI2VmX8BlSY4kZSp5d-3EVhN7fCfLLr1JwudFvk4HdjhM7nr3oRAY7gxI6WJGAHZYblO0_awl6Lbf3GrmtGw/Contador_thumb[1].jpg" width="224" height="170" /></a>Shack team, Contador is worried that Astana won’t have what it takes to support him in his defense of his TdF crown. Today the UCI confirmed that Contador is free to break his contract and move to a new team. Speculation is rife about where he’ll end up, but we’re quietly hoping that he heads to Caisse D’Epargne, who are currently sponsored by Pinarello. Maybe you also saw the route for the 2010 TdF, which was just announced this week. It looks amazing! To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Tourmalet, there will be a summit finish there, plus a series of brutal days in the Pyrenees leading up to it. It’s going to be tough, and Contador will need to be at his best. While not everyone will agree, we tend to be of the opinion that Contador could probably beat Lance Armstrong while riding an old Huffy with one leg tied behind his back. His real challenge will be fending off the likes of pure climbers like Frank and Andy Schleck, Robert Gesink, and Roman Kreuziger over all of the hills in this year’s route. If he joins Caisse D’Epargne, we think the Dogma 60.1 will give him just the edge he needs to come out on top. Stiffer, lighter, and faster than anything else out there, it’ll be great to see what Contador can do aboard one. You can’t blame us for getting excited about the world’s greatest rider putting the world’s greatest bike to the test!</p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:14:54 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/sNdKs88bBVQ/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!705.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!705.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!705')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-23T20:14:54.6670000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!705.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!702</guid><title>The Road Tubeless Revolution Is Here!</title><description><p>For all of you out there who are currently riding clincher tires on your road bike, but haven’t tried a tubeless tire yet, there’s only one question to ask. What are you waiting for? We’ve been sold on Mountain tubeless systems for years because of its lower weight, superior traction, and incredible puncture resistance. Hutchinson, Shimano, Fulcrum, and of course Stan’s No Tubes have brought this over to the road side of things with incredible results. Whether you go with a tubeless wheelset from Shimano or Fulcrum, or else convert your existing wheelset with a Stan’s conversion, you can’t lose. In fact, Stan’s makes tubeless an option for nearly anyone for almost the same price as a new set of regular clinchers. Next time you wear yours out, there’s no reason not to try it. </p> <p>Hutchinson is the main producer of tubeless tires, and they’ve recently broadened their range. The venerable Hutchinson Fusion 2 pretty much set the gold standard for clincher tire performance in its tubeless configuration. Incredible longevity, unmatched peformance, and a positively surreally smooth road feel made this tire a legend in its own time. Litterally, in over 5000 miles on Fusion 2’s, I have yet to experience a flat. I’ve managed more than 2500 miles on each set, which is roughly double what I was getting from high-performance clinchers. Even better, the Fusion 2’s cornered better, were lighter, and rolled super smooth. </p> <p>Recently, Hutchinson has released two new additions to their tubeless line- the Atom and the Intensive. The Atom is a narrow, slick, and very light-weight racing tire, whereas the Intensive is a wide, thick, and super-durable training tire. The only thing that had been lacking from the Hutchinson Road Tubeless system previously was choice, and now it’s here.</p> <p>I recently wore out my Fusion 2’s, and decided it was time to try out the Atom. At about 40 grams lighter per-tire, it’s a significant weight savings. I was excited to see if they could match the Fusion 2’s hitherto peerless performance. The first thing you notice about the Atom is how narrow it is. It’s ostensibly a 23mm tire, but when you get it on the rim, it looks much, much narrower. It’s also got a slightly lower radial profile, which surely keeps the weight down, and increases the stiffness of the tire under cornering load. Out on the road, it’s definitely somewhat less smooth than the Fusion 2. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Having feedback from the road <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mx5NH4gP5H5Suipfnz8kR-DB9oYi8mdqrLcrpTLDkDehXRR1uTmn0PGbl0x26vmDRRkBpMpGBoSJMoSsqlkdbmluDmDgLMOQn85xrvaJvd9vbVLzB5GaRy2PU9i1M16j8y0EFgqlHc3shS1cPl2tR9A/Hutchinson Atom[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="Hutchinson Atom" border="0" alt="Hutchinson Atom" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m9I6pShDPVg3DJhD05QSoK1NFKmD4_l3RkMHenbuYKbOpaTfJPmqPRjmDw9-AmiYckJWXUf02Y8RjdWSIkyADGih7TeoZTvPEiVkPvGSswJvQxKigF8mwhqkisou-RRcRq2CP6Gi6p4VYZvT5lEOzUw/Hutchinson Atom_thumb[2].jpg" width="407" height="301" /></a> gives you important information about how much grip you’re getting, and how close you are to going over the line. The main thing you notice when you start down the road, though, is how fast these tires are! The slick profile, narrow width, and firm rubber make it fly over the tarmac. The tubeless design is inherently more supple than a tube/tire system as well, which improves its rolling resistance even further. It’s a perfect tire for a time-trial or triathlon. The lower weight was also noticeable. Having a light tire is a great way to improve acceleration. For a sprinter, it’s a crucial virtue to have. Weight is most important to consider at the extremities of the wheels, and so a little numerical difference results in a big performance difference. That said, I was worried that with all that straight-line speed, the Atom would sacrifice some cornering grip. It does, mainly due to its narrow profile. However, it doesn’t give up nearly as much as one might expect. In fact, it still handily out-corners other “high-performance” clincher tires. The Fusion 2 is still the gold standard, but the Atom is only a small step down in terms of grip.</p> <p>The conclusion is that the Atom is an equal, but different, option for Road Tubeless users. It’s unquestionably faster-rolling than the Fusion, but a little less comfortable and a little less grippy. It is much lighter, however, and this is a major virtue. Which tire is best for you will depend on how you ride and what you like to do. Both are phenomenal, though.</p> <p>Look out for a review of the Intensive coming soon. Also, keep checking back for a “how-to” tutorial on how to select the best tire for you!</p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:47:11 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/HzXQ4OR5yF8/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!702.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!702.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!702')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-18T18:47:11.9670000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!702.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!699</guid><title>Website changes, “How-To” section coming soon…</title><description><p>We just wanted to let everyone know about some ongoing changes to our website. We’re reorganizing the front page a little, and cutting down on some of the tabs at the top. If you’re looking for our location, hours, or other details about the store, check out the “contact us” page. It’s got all you ever wanted to know about how to reach us here at Veloce Velo. One new thing that will be appearing shortly is a section of “how to…” articles, with helpful advice about topics like choosing a wheelset, how to test-ride a bike before you buy one, and other things that we think might be of interest to people looking to make some changes to their stable of bikes. If you can think of anything you’d like us to address, feel free to contact us and let us know what you’re thinking. Send any requests or questions to John at <a href="mailto:john@velocevelo.com">john@velocevelo.com</a>, and we’ll do our best to incorporate them! </p> </description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:18:56 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/WPhJCYsOyh8/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!699.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!699.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!699')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-14T19:18:56.5370000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!699.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!698</guid><title>Team SKY chooses Pinarello</title><description><p>The brand-new Pinarello Dogma 60.1, which in our opinion is probably the greatest race bike in the world, will be well represented in the professional peloton next year. Alongside Alejandro Valverde and the Caisse D’Epargne boys, the new British super-team SKY has just announced that it will ride Pinarello frames next <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mPv2rjDPeGqFiZH3vux8rsI9V-S80DqHMfrdsnbSm6sQXbdkyTT1HXc1BKpp0zwT5d9fYioiyJHCYZiIaStQrlvlL8m4unR5Mt7jbqbQHoVdmMlZF_B0dhC-9Pl2qd7atdpc7bvtmvfPlJ3dRifTskA/Pinarello-Sky-bike[7].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="Pinarello-Sky-bike" border="0" alt="Pinarello-Sky-bike" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mYYdDv6n9NwoKtM-YWTQP2Rp2AQSQjdTx2kgvthPjvE0UBCzrwB9PgKYuhUudKimx5amrTlZGqlmxQi9qZJlYFeOC6Ifaap-28zqu-OKE-Zp6Do947__Fkp-NOUkVDn_nyFvBztLaJYBAioqLhBup0g/Pinarello-Sky-bike_thumb[3].jpg" width="244" height="164" /></a> year. While components and wheels are still up in the air, the team will definitely be on the Dogma 60.1 as it races for victory in both the classics and Grand Tours. SKY have recently confirmed their ProTour status and announced a number of high-profile rider signings. They look set to compete for cycling’s greatest prizes aboard some of Italy’s greatest bikes. We’re always glad to see our products represented amongst the pros, and so we’re looking forward to watching SKY show what Pinarello, and the Dogma, are capable of!</p> </description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:41:58 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/OGMHdtaesRU/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!698.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!698.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!698')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-12T19:41:58.2230000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!698.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!695</guid><title>Lightweight Wheels</title><description><p>Another post-Interbike update…<a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mAvS2Jgwq3pxY2FyMe90oXQhk0Z7cztXH9ws3umSy2AFI21UiwMG4LSDqdfRYQpav6zUuv_hRtjlhQhsqurja9cC2xEKq-roAwrLTSj0yX9WIOMokKgy2KhsFZqY3Z5FLfDSpeAfSCzDUNNEVccnoQg/bg_laufraeder[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;margin:5px 0px 5px 5px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="bg_laufraeder" border="0" alt="bg_laufraeder" align="right" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mmY5GEpWPeh3HmDJupnnVNXxKM7G89yxDo7E3A6zYqmUTyK2YhEzUDVhXdPCKTJfONgo14nZ7BzCvxnRuZ0bU_6zdyJdNXN63iwVn6W7SceozrklcwcTIrNumX3aWEKjYKs3RAHa4SVS_Ki2ies89sA/bg_laufraeder_thumb[1] 4685C35C.jpg" width="244" height="144" /></a></p> <p>Veloce Velo is now the exclusive Washington State dealer for Lightweight wheels. We rode these wheels in Las Vegas at Interbike and were blown away with the amazing performance but without the rider weight limits and structural sacrifices frequently found on designs that seem to plague the high end carbon fiber wheel market. When you see and hold these wheels you can tell that they have been crafted with absolute attention to detail. After riding them, you will realize that they are the real deal and if you can afford components of this caliber then you will never be able to ride other wheels again.</p> <p>Our demo wheels will be a medium-profile Ventoux for the front and a high-profile Standard III for the rear, due to arrive in the shop the week of October 19th. This pairing will give the nimble handling and climbing balance so essential for the hilly Eastside of Seattle, but not miss the aerodynamic advantage from the larger rear wheel. This was one of the combinations we rode at Interbike, and we believe that this is a great combination. Max rider weight on this combination is an amazing 220 pounds, and a pair of the Standard III have a max rider weight of 260 pounds.</p> <p>Lightweight Wheels are priced at $4500 for the Standard III tubular, $4800 for the Ventoux, $5600 for the Standard III Clincher, and $6500 for the ultimate Obermayer. A no-questions-asked three year replacement warranty is also available for 10% of the retail price.</p> </description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:34:48 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/f43nQ5hyzAc/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!695.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!695.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!695')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-07T12:34:48.3930000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!695.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!691</guid><title>Colnago CLX 2.0</title><description><p>First, some exciting news:</p> <p>For the 2010 season, we are proud to announce that Veloce Velo will be the exclusive US dealer for the CXBC color scheme on the CLX 2.0. Colnago America wasn’t going to bring this color into the country, but we loved it so much we convinced them to reconsider. Initially, they’ll only be available in this color as complete Ultegra 6700 bikes. They’ll be going for $3699. We hope to bring in some framesets in the new color after the new year, though! </p> <p>We expect our first shipment to arrive at the end of October, so please call or e-mail for more information or to reserve one. We will have all sizes, from 42s to 59s. If you’d like to ride one today, we have a demo CLX 2.0 (56cm) with Ultegra 6700 in the beautiful red color scheme.</p> <p><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mPJEzHT9ONxhTMIflcjpm-47QkfiwMFIU2goW-i3YhItpNtGsfd4g6oAsdY5iK1wjle2ChnfKLeQB8H8Po0pd9p5GCO0xcG0GabrHLvi0V3RBAyZKdv3lOWfbruYBIEQI-zSvtCO3YAP7lO98L7Go3A/CLX CXBC[2].png" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="CLX CXBC" border="0" alt="CLX CXBC" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mW284-ZUiXawvbnOOL2MY-G_dJevVIIrg_ADxqlfG3EjYuqgR-uSYgilOGV0PRJmBe5oJ8V0joO9P8ddcJuHEus8ysdgWx6rSFO5uhxoy99WNe2S9pEoTs-e4096vvMl2CSTJZFczgUMqYkCUGz_7fQ/CLX CXBC_thumb.png" width="244" height="175" /></a> </p> <p>Now that the frame’s beautiful appearance has got your attention, here’s an initial sketch of our impressions of the CLX 2.0:</p> <p>The original Colnago CLX was a nice bike, without question. There’s no such thing as a bad Colnago. As soon as you threw a leg over one, you came to appreciate the plush feel above all else. The first time I noticed exactly how plush was when riding over the chip seal in Marymoor Park . For those of you who aren’t from the Seattle area, Marymoor park has some pretty nasty surfaces, and it’s a place we like to test bikes for their smoothness. On the CLX, I didn’t notice the roughness. However, even though it was plush, a few other people around the shop felt that the original CLX wasn’t as lively as other Colnago frames. They thought that was too far removed from the stiff, exciting C-50. On the other hand, others thought that given that it cost less than a C-50 frameset, it was unfair to expect the same thing. Moreover, it was designed with comfort, not performance, in mind. In short, it was a great bike, but somewhat polarizing amongst those who rode it.</p> <p><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mf1kmN3N9hMi7VPeiEDopBMYDykJMRaNk3EeMfrUJZHVPX41FrXQigiQJUULEzrX9MWy9cnUaiZrjOJmzfLskI1XYAOnHjEX1_QO9usIW1FmvXIXhbgUL9r4Lq57HeTAKgCp22Bh0DWpqvVQ2_SmjLQ/415[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;margin:5px 5px 5px 0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="415" border="0" alt="415" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mhTFi5Szj4NUlYaqC2hBYvEE4qDdjqCVlSqjsvvOHXp9Sa2Eet1_my4LkbMQlrLg1VPLFq-1faaBunMtKtJ9EYMfOCbPbVnsymJFfOpVhTL7OtfzGzo9Kvh3MYsWvOGWc_Jgl4GFsw-tCVyPINtAQnw/415_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="164" /></a> The new CLX 2.0, however, has taken a huge leap forward. This year, everyone who has ridden it has loved it without reservation. It brings all of the hallmark stable-yet-lively-ride of the higher end Colnago models, but in a surprisingly affordable package that is also more comfortable than some of its more expensive brethren. Stand up and push it, and it is very efficient and responsive. It can’t quite match the rigidity of the ultra high end EPS, but it really shouldn’t be expected to. It’s much smoother than an EPS, and you could almost buy 2 CLX’s for the price of an EPS frameset. That said, you can tell they’re from the same family. The design of the CLX 2.0 is very obviously of the same lineage as its “classic” Colnago siblings.</p> <ol> <li>The Ultegra 6700 on our demo bike is a marked improvement from last year’s Ultegra SL, and the Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels are an apt choice for a mid-level package. Although we have yet to try the new Campagnolo Athena package on the CLX, we are anxiously awaiting the next shipment from Colnago, which will contain one.</li></ol> <p>If you have more questions about the CLX 2.0 or would like more details, please e-mail us at <a href="mailto:info@velocevelo.com">info@velocevelo.com</a>, and we’ll do our best to respond quickly. We are planning a more detailed, in depth review of the CLX 2.0 very soon.</p> <p><a href="http://www.colnago-america.com/collection.php?name=CLX 2.0" target="_blank">Link to the CLX 2.0 page at Colnago America</a></p> <p><a href="http://velocevelo.com/store/category/5/98/Colnago/" target="_blank">Link to the Veloce Velo Colnago page</a></p> <p>CLX Geometry/Sizing:</p> <p><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mpV5q0Z1nbBm74kZ7o06Ciw4M_UUJIHF4yAq-7kopDAZc7HkgBL3w7PELo3MbiblGIzTyFo1a-rstV5uYOhIJbcv9yBOzrH-JTqjE3AzFoj5uJc4wxhVKyRD0oHQvxHQypDn5M61lF1ws4QC0itdglA/CLX Geometry[3].png" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="CLX Geometry" border="0" alt="CLX Geometry" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m3lucjoTXwmrY2gslmM5DV7ZY1PndKnpgfeNXZMnsfXoEPqEBto2BVuRWXSu6wSH6ZeGaTG43CGJdmLbOF426JreiW1fhpNfmN5qMjBDrJaD9wNJmrJ1vVb3f6TkImW_AycVOnRn3PeJtmv3eOEPF2A/CLX Geometry_thumb[1].png" width="404" height="380" /></a></p> </description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:39:29 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/xhkWM8DFWcs/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!691.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!691.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!691')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-14T19:39:08.1900000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!691.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!684</guid><title>Announcing Ordinarybike.com!</title><description><p>We’re always working on exciting new projects around here, but this time we’re happy to announce a really big change! Veloce Velo is branching out on the web with <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mM4mq06fBvUS6LHIAevI2yAeHhh-7SnrXEug9fYdMTMTR7JaMTlqzZvWFtP1GATjh0dCWQrh4mnhF9RpFBNFaMEU2CZrerM8loefzVGigrR9V6HV88wNLSsJDVIUdbz5WKbinQeoYXBDTY5vLhx9fkw/computer[4].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="computer" border="0" alt="computer" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mb1EZxtN2hx6aHAZtYvkbcmMBzlUawW13deQpgYI3osKT3Ci3Xr8VByDs5FAZhrQp7qjvoPVXjDzlpe_rg4wuvzD1qu8ANxRXgAT4sbDdQB7_jjnpN-bI1Fpf84799bZ_TYTGgX2qLMVzyWAkJWN5yw/computer_thumb[2].jpg" width="103" height="109" /></a> a brand new sister-website dedicated to all things component-and-accessory-related. In fact, we have one biggest selections of parts available on the web, and as always you get our honest and reliable service to make the deal even sweeter. We’re still going to keep all of our bike sales available on the Veloce Velo site, but if you’re looking for anything else, from Abus locks to Zefal pumps, as well as anything else in between, check out <a href="http://www.ordinarybike.com">www.ordinarybike.com</a>! Call us, or send us an e-mail at <a href="mailto:info@velocevelo.com">info@velocevelo.com</a> for more information.</p> <p>Also, keep your eyes open for a new mountain-only site coming your way soon. It’s going to be exciting!</p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:20:04 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/VtlK59cGLKI/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!684.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!684.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>1</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!684')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-10-04T22:20:04.5200000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!684.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!681</guid><title>Look 586 Interbike Review</title><description><p>We’re all back from Interbike now, and it was a great week. We saw some pretty unbelievable new things that’ll be coming along soon. We rode all kinds of new bikes, and we were constantly comparing them to each other referring them back to the machines that we’re already familiar with. With all that comparison going on, it was inevitable that we would all establish a certain hierarchy for all the bikes we rode. Everyone’s was different, of course, but everyone had an idea of what bike they liked the best out of everything at the show. Out of all the unbelievable things we experienced, I think the most unbelievable thing for me was that in my own personal hierarchy, the bike of the show wasn’t someone’s flashy new flagship bike, or an uber-expensive Italian dream machine. It was the tried and true Look 586. </p> <p>It’s the same bike as was available last year, and its the same bike we all saw this summer in the Tour De France with the Cofidis team. About the only change for the venerable 586 between last year and this year is some new paint and graphics, which are great looking, but don’t change things at all. And I’m really glad that they don’t. I’d ridden the 586 a fair bit before Interbike, and loved it. I knew already that it was a great bike. Part of what makes Interbike cool, though, is the chance to compare things head to head, on the same course, and in the same conditions. It’s really helpful to take one bike out right after another so that you can get as direct a comparison as possible. What really let the 586 shine was this head to head comparison with everything else. It’s stiff, smooth, and stable, but you don’t understand how perfect the balance is until you compare it to what else is out there. Other bikes are stiff, smooth, and stable, but rarely to the same degree in each category as the 586 manages. </p> <p>The 586 is Look’s monocoque race machine. It’s designed to be stiff enough for the top pros, but a little more forgiving than the 595, which is their super-stiff lugged frame. Comparing the 586 to the 595 was actually a really revealing exercise. The 595 is a rocket-ship. It’s really stiff, really fast, and extremely responsive. Going from the 595 to the 586, I expected the transition to exaggerate my perception of the loss of stiffness. On the contrary, though, I was amazed by how close to the 595’s <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mUOE3Z8JkJzOldxuhHZ9NIBuvJYnNyWJTRKRmOsWdk-99ejTLDbebrFviJNwM6Aa9aGqROh1rJRiKi3KXVRgErJ8OzHF2b2WrJWT3XMQnMIYvRE4jveJMa_h2lVkNoK1M4uOy88hs4ZKDzsPCkLtisg/Look 586[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="Look 586" border="0" alt="Look 586" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m5d-fouYxTjL43WXoXuYvcCz5lAXBN94GHq3LVH6U6VkLM78YcQ7_OXlSTIHrzCoymtSA6I7WG6x20YGIw0avfhSFPZ7heRhRUJJjl0SpfieNYrjRTUWEeir91mxasL5o723z0vCjcMGWX9s6XhuqCQ/Look 586_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="201" /></a> level of stiffness the 586 came. It was a real surprise! Actually, I think the bigger surprise in the comparison between the two is not only how close they are in stiffness, but how comfortable the 586 is despite that extreme rigidity. That’s what really won me over. Not only is it right up there in the top echelon in the stiffness department, but it’s also really, really smooth. In recent years, the “comfort” road bike category has been somewhat frustrating. For a marginal increase in smoothness, there’s a dramatic decrease in stiffness for a lot of models out there. It’s generally the kind of bargain that’s not with making, in my opinion. The 586, on the other hand, delivers smoothness that compares favorably to some road framesets that fall into that “comfort” category, but without the irritating loss of efficiency. It’s really a great compromise. </p> <p>Like all Looks, the geometry is spot on- it corners and descends quickly and predictably. It’s stable at speed, and the handling is fast but manageable when navigating through the pack. That dialed shape is a great feature of all Looks, from the 566 on up. The 586 brings a lot to the table, though, by marrying that great handling to a nearly unbeatable combination of stiffness and smoothness. Nothing that came out of Interbike that I threw a leg over this year could really rival it. I can’t blame Look at all for not changing it this year. Why would they? The must know they have a real winner on their hands.</p> <p>Come find out for yourself- We have a 586 demo in stock and ready to go! </p> </description><pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:16:00 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/8GQ_eZeuIUQ/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!681.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!681.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!681')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-28T04:16:00.2830000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!681.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!678</guid><title>Interbike Update</title><description><p>We’re all in luck! With all the amazing new products on display here at interbike, there will surely be something coming along to get you excited. We’ve seen the 2010 offerings from a lot of different companies, and there are some pretty cool things on the way. Specialized has some really great new bikes coming through that will redefine a few categories, I think. Some of their mountain bikes in particular will be really cool. Look out for a new, bigger Enduro headed our way soon. Maybe the <a href="www.specialized.com"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="specialized-secteur-comp-2010-road-bike" border="0" alt="specialized-secteur-comp-2010-road-bike" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mnyzlpwcQni2p9TWMpBXmsF5cBxXB2pZbF0tRVYkIKyEWprUOxhOjuC_xPYyzVxIxT9U3SnkAoST7Fp-lFOjmvINkp83fJXRRS6jzhTCOVAJI5sIDOTauBYg6He23myMzjVfQkX_5SEDR_CIDzdfjjw/specialized-secteur-comp-2010-road-bike_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="162" /></a> coolest things in the mountain bike world are going to be the new 29’ers that are on the way. Both the Stumpjumper and Epic platforms are getting 29’er versions. Our test-rides confirmed that they’re super fast, and they’ll be worth competition for any big-wheeled bikes on the market. On the road side, you’ve probably already heard about the Tarmac SL3. It’s great, of course, but what looks to be even better is the new women’s-specific Amira. It’s like an SL3 in a lot of respects, and delivers absolutely top-class performance to the women’s line. Also looking good is going to be the new Secteur, which is like an aluminum version of the Roubaix. The Allez was one of our best-selling bikes last year, but we all really wished there were something a little more comfortable at that price point. The Secteur delivers on that wish. It’s a more relaxed geometry with a taller head-tube and a longer wheelbase, which makes it a great bike for a lot of people. We should have our hands on one soon. Anyway, we’ll start seeing some of these things arriving in pretty short order. Keep checking in for updates!</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:05:06 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/OSBsoMzeB3U/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!678.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!678.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!678')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-26T02:06:25.0570000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!678.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!675</guid><title>Check Us Out on Facebook!</title><description><p>Join us on Facebook! We’ve got a Veloce Velo group set up for all of our customers, friends, and anyone else interested in what’s going on at the shop. We’ll post all the lastest information, as well as pictures and other interesting bits and pieces. We’ve got a lot of freinds already, but we can always use more. Don’t forget to tell all your friends too. See you there!</p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:06:23 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/RBMKef2vPQw/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!675.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!675.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!675')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-20T03:06:23.2570000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!675.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!674</guid><title>Interbike is Here!</title><description><p>It’s here! It’s North America’s chance to check out all of the 2010 bikes and equipment for the very first time. If you’ve been following cyclingnews.com’s coverage of Eurobike, you’ll have seen some of the good stuff on display. We can hardly wait to get our hands on it! In order to be able to see everything, we’re going to be closed on Tuesday, September 22nd, and Wednesday September 24th. Sorry about that. We’ll be back on normal hours during the rest of the week, though, and we’ll have lots of exciting new things to share with everyone once we get back! Thanks for your patience, and we’ll see you soon!</p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:48:19 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/bfAiFWWWS3w/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!674.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!674.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!674')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-20T02:48:19.6100000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!674.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!673</guid><title>Dogma 60.1 Vs. Prince- Head to Head Comparison</title><description><p>The gold standard in bicycle design, aesthetics, and function, over the last few years has without question been the Pinarello Prince. It’s the measure of everything else on two wheels, and for good reason. Anyone who’s followed professional racing over the last few years knows what a potent tool it has been. If you’re a <em>Bicycling</em> magazine reader, maybe you caught that it won the Editor’s Choice award for bike of the year. Not once. Three times. In a row. By any standard, the Prince has been in a class of its own. </p> <p>So, you can imagine our interest when we heard that Pinarello was coming along with a new flagship mod<a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mpJhpn11jQ5NUql38dov0WDpxZ5N-mlPAN0htMAsHOhB0uWJi-mPmI2PNnV1jU82Xf8RrDcZVmSiXwIL0F9eLD1w8rnHOqJPEeCS6GK30lg-3WoMVc1Z9gL9yj_NWlq4z2AanxSvwS9Yed9zw5Qs1fA/bob dogma[9].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;margin-left:0px;border-left-width:0px;margin-right:0px" title="bob dogma" border="0" alt="bob dogma" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mrgupJeqOiM-n2loigkyVHsAaQNH_h7wcmdUSVkNmYlxVN8nqIcTliKdYyN5IrTMuQKxc3ScAY09o80d1nOILppRMt9d_uffeFh9zT_dW4UlRL46NHQp6R8iiQzlp1Nvaibb0hy1sgbys2e5oBo0Tmg/bob dogma_thumb[7].jpg" width="624" height="405" /></a>el. How could they top the Prince, we wondered? Literally, it strained the imagination. The Prince was made from a higher grade of carbon-fiber than anything else out there. In terms of design and engineering, there isn’t a straight, round tube in the entire structure. That’s not just image: every single centimeter of the frame had been shaped to serve a specific function- from the triangular, arched top-tube, right down to the flattened, box-section chainstays. I simply couldn’t imagine what they would do differently. </p> <p>The answer is that they started from scratch with the Dogma. A new, even stronger, lighter, and stiffer carbon was sourced from Toray, the Japanese company largely acknowledged to be the global leader in carbon production (also the producer of the Prince’s 50-ton material). That’s the 60.1 in the name of the Dogma. 60-ton high-modulus carbon underneath a 1k cosmetic weave. The production is still undertaken in Italy under the watchful eye of the Pinarello family, and so the quality control is the same. </p> <p>More importantly, though, all those tube shapes have been refined. In fact, it’s a game of two halves with the Dogma. It’s profoundly asymmetrical. This is the biggest structural innovation relative to the Prince. The Dogma takes the material from where it’s unneeded, and used where it’s most important. What Pinarello found is that when a bicycle is being ridden, the right (drive) side of the frame experiences forces in a profoundly different manner from the left. Even when the left crank is being pushed, the drivetrain is still transmitting the force down the right side. This extends all the way through- from the chainstays, through the downtube, right into the fork. The left side can therefore be made lighter without sacrificing stiffness, whereas the right side can be made stiffer where it really counts. </p> <p>So, the question everyone had in mind upon hearing this was whether the Prince was at all still relevant. It sounded like a whole new ballgame with the Dogma. Pinarello is keeping the Prince for 2010, but would it still be a player at the top-end with the Dogma in the mix? </p> <p>The only way to find out was to ride them both. A lot. And hard. So ride I did.</p> <p>As for me, I’m a late 20’s former racer. I’m not a strong climber, but I’m not a bad sprinter. I like stiff bikes. I like stability in corners, but quick enough handling to get me through gaps at the front of the bunch. I should probably just lay my cards on the table: in 2008, if I were a wealthier man, I would have bought a Prince. </p> <p>As for 2009, its a different story, and I’ll try my best to articulate why. </p> <p> First, a few initial impressions. In all honesty, the Dogma doesn’t differ from the Prince visually by a lot. I see this as a good thing. It has a slightly more radically curved top tube, slightly deeper grooves along some of the tubes, and the asymmetry is largely invisible. Its mostly internal, I think, and even the external stuff appears subtle. It’s different from a Prince for sure, but both are gorgeous. I couldn’t separate them on looks. To look as good as either would be a worthy aspiration for any other bike on the market. They’re both in separate category from everything else on that score. </p> <p>So, the ride. I was expecting to have my mind blown. My expectations were sky-high. Can you blame me? Take the best bike in the world, and make it even better. How could you not get a little over-excited by that! What I can happily report is that my expectations were met. But not at all in the ways I expected. </p> <p>The Prince is a race bike. No question about it. It’s as immovable as a brick wall under load or in corners. The downside to that is that it’s not a soft ride. And it doesn’t apologize for that fact. Nor should it, in my opinion. The Prince’s only job is to get its rider to the finish line first. This means certain sacrifices in the comfort department. While it certainly delivers unrivalled efficiency, the comfort aspect is one area that had come in for criticism from some riders. Even so, I’d rather have a stiff bike than a smooth bike. So would most of the riders on the ProTour. None of this is to imply that the Prince is so stiff as to be uncomfortable, but just that it doesn’t make compromises in order to achieve that comfort. Anyway, the other defining trait of the Prince is its handling. The head angle is very steep, resulting in razor-sharp, lightning-quick handling and even a little toe-overlap in the extreme steering positions. I love it, but I also respect it. You can’t take your attention off of it in the corners, or else that quick handling will prove a little <em>too</em> quick. When I set out on the Dogma, I was expecting these traits to be taken to the next level. By way of analogy, I imagined that if the Prince was a street-legal Ferrari, and the the Dogma was going to be its big brother on the F1 circuit. On steroids. I was bracing myself for a wild ride. </p> <p>What shocked me, then was that the Dogma was, in fact, a more civilized and well-mannered version of the Prince. The Dogma basically takes the Prince, and tames its wilder instincts. It’s decidedly a refinement of the Prince’s ride, not a revolution or even an evolution. It has roughly the same angles as the Prince, thereby preserving the handling characteristics. Whereas the Prince could be a little uncouth in certain situations, the Dogma was perfectly gentlemanly. Whereas the Prince could be unnerving, the Dogma was confidence inspiring without sacrificing quickness. This newfound stability was noticeable on the flats, but in high-speed descents with lots of changes of direction, the difference between the two was really dramatic. I think a lot has to do with the re-engineered front end and the stiffer 60-ton carbon. The front end is absolutely rock solid. Not that the Prince was limp, but the Dogma really is a step up in this regard. I think this renders the quick handling a little more predictable. The result is unequivocally the best descending bike I’ve ever ridden. The Prince is great, once you get used to its mannerisms. The Dogma is phenomenal right out of the gates. No learning curve. Just stable, smooth, and responsive handling. I took familiar corners at higher speed than I ever had before aboard anything else. I had the bike leaned over further than I normally would feel comfortable, and this despite being on tires that I’m not particularly fond of. The geometry of the Dogma places you squarely over the front wheel, giving you extra traction from the location of the center of gravity. In short, the handling was breathtaking. As I mentioned, I’m not a great climber, but the descending inspired me to climb the same hill a couple of times just so I could take it back down again. It was that good.</p> <p>The other shocking trait was the smoothness. As I have mentioned, the Prince is a race bike, and indisputably so. So is the Dogma. Thus, it stood to reason that the Dogma would ride about like the Prince, right? Therefore, I would never have imagined that the Dogma could be comfortable in addition to being stiff. However, Pinarello managed it. Again, I think the higher-modulus carbon is to thank- thinner walls, and more developed engineering allows them to build in just the right amount of vertical flex. However, there is no debate that this bike is every bit as stiff as the Prince in the bottom bracket and rear end. Absolutely no distance between them. The only difference is how much more comfortable the Dogma is over the same roads. There was noticeably less road buzz, combined with more muted responses from obstacles in the road that one inevitably runs into. The Dogma basically takes the edge off the Prince’s single, minor, character flaw. </p> <p>As I say, the differences are real, and noticeable, but not revolutionary. The differences make the Dogma the better bike, in my opinion, but at the same time they don’t diminish the virtue of the Prince. If I think of the bike industry today, I still think of it in two categories. Whereas last year you had the Prince and everything else, this year you have the Dogma and the Prince in their own exclusive club, and then everyone else miles behind. </p> <p>Anyway, we’ll be doing some more riding, that’s for sure. Watch this space for further updates and reviews as we get more miles on the Dogma 60.1</p> <p>The bottom line, though, is that the best thing to do is to ride it and make up your mind for yourself. We have a demo (55cm actual TT) in the shop ready to go. Call us at (425) 427-6383 to set up an appointment. </p> </description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:13:06 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/9YkSXhdoZ0I/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!673.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!673.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!673')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-15T03:17:43.2870000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!673.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!670</guid><title>Congratulations Bike MS Riders!</title><description><p>We just wanted to say thanks to all our friends and customers that we saw out today on the Washington Bike MS ride! It was really encouraging to see so many people out to raise money for such a great cause. And the ride was fantastic! The weather couldn’t have been nicer, and if you’ve ever been up to Whidbey Island, you know how great the views are. We saw tons of Veloce Velo regulars out taking part on the ride, and we are really proud to help get people on the road for events like this. We just wanted to say a special thanks to our friends on Team Columbia Athletic, all the guys and gals from the Eastgate crew/Team Copaxone, Team Microsoft, Byrne Investment, and Team Swedish Neuroscience Smyelin’ Babes. Altogether, the event has raised almost 1.5 million dollars to help find a cure for MS. Good work everyone, and thanks from Veloce Velo!</p> <p><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1my1yTvxbGVEdlUw3EplCQFqNkxnnERMWYyNyr7_bgPCuGcgAT8snFvIeXl7qRI_54KvggwdZkg2FAm_9VHZFDnhOA0_c2sN7v2L_NC5K974FMnVLuZPD0C7I7ExoV8E02J8RWF0it2ZvMvJGT9nAmMQ/bikems[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="bikems" border="0" alt="bikems" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mwXPMWVMVqohbj7pvxKjCPXFcTS9IEPc1KO-2Julmcx-QXt6xhXy_O1yGRRqi15JAm5BAxTJx7TZ1SaoHn1Q50kePNEfzaNPDFoXYQeeGk4c3pkoLZ-4tbYETenHiv8cnCDoD6zMxA-84RtnVZDRUag/bikems_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> </description><pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:22:36 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/0KcoOzNRz9k/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!670.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!670.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!670')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-14T15:28:32.1500000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!670.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!634</guid><title>Mountain Boutique Naming Contest Update</title><description><p>Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone! There are some really fantastic ideas coming in, and it’s going to be tough for us to pick a winner. Just to get the creative juices flowing for those of you out there who haven’t yet submitted, we thought we’d throw up a few that we think illustrate what we had in mind. This list is by no means a complete record of all the great submissions we’ve received, so if you don’t see yours, don’t worry! Anyway, just to remind everyone, we’re going for an English pub-style theme. We’re still working on getting a beer tap to go with it as well, so keep checking up on that one. If you have a favorite Rouge ale you’d like us to bring in, let us know that as well! So, with no further ado, here are some great suggestions we’ve received:</p> <p>The Crown and Spoke, Dirty Knobbies, The Log and Loam, The Rusty Chain, The King and Cog, Dirty McKnobby’s, The Fat Tire, The Crankbolt Inn, The Three Chainrings, The Trail Bike Arms.</p> <p>Thanks so much for all your great suggestions. If you really like one that you see here, please let us know at <a href="mailto:info@velocevelo.com">info@velocevelo.com</a>. If you’ve got other great ideas, please shoot us an e-mail at <a href="mailto:ideas@velocevelo.com">ideas@velocevelo.com</a>. We’d love to hear it. And most importantly, don’t forget that the winner is going to get a free pair of tires, any size, any style, of his or her choice! Keep checking back here for the results!</p> <p><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mlnWIjTmMZwv2YAcOKEGXn5meNSuMtl66og1O1i-MGnOjzI97tXh59qRTUaKxmgi12MP8m-43zI3lrx1xipZyOylVHmQDvGm8tp4J6wIpNVCi0NgNmtraQchAJZmNMsl2-dgbbmmUeF6fKcXHUp9YvQ/Mountain King[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="Mountain King" border="0" alt="Mountain King" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mZmlXKrs4LPWnF_mMC5JoNc_O3TvfRaoXYdN-PcDpUhWq4vtZ6FcTN8c8ydgqmnVnlEDbsfmFD4yf7EmBghScOM2gi2mN0i4SpRk9QuFgBPGqWEWrCgAjgw4gjrMidyW2bnXlcvsgvc0CVBGI3jDZhA/Mountain King_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:13:29 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/XuZaGkxiwUE/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!634.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!634.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!634')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-11T03:23:21.4430000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!634.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!631</guid><title>New Time, Look Pedals on the way!</title><description><p>For those of us in the bike industry, this is by far our favorite time of year. It’s like Christmas, only more exciting. This is that special season in which all the brand new 2010 products start to debut. It’s great to see things that we’ve heard rumors about, but its even more fun to be totally blown away by things that we just never even thought were possible. Two things that have blown my mind lately are the forthcoming road pedal systems from Time and Look. The new trend this year in the clipless pedal department is the abandonment of the good, old, reliable steel spring to hold your cleat in place. Both Look and Time are going to a carbon fiber leaf-spring design that’s going to radically change the way you connect with your bike. The new systems, called the Look Blade Ti, and the Time iClic, are going to take lightness to a whole new level. Steel is great for lots of applications, but no matter what, it’s just not that light. Anything steel can do, carbon can do better, it seems. The aesthetic of both company’s new systems are really radical looking as well. I think that the Looks have an especially modern appearance. The Times actually remind me a lot of some of their older designs, which is cool in its own way. The Looks have gone with an even wider platform than their standard Keo design, and they’ve added a nice, smooth steel plate to keep the pedals sliding freely. The Times actually have a trigger release mechanism, which I think is a really clever idea! It’s supposed to make getting in easier than ever before, without sacrificing the tension that holds you in under the most strenuous efforts. Unfortunately, we don’t have these pedals in hand yet, but we’re headed to Interbike in a couple of weeks, and hopefully we’ll have our own first-hand report then. In the meantime, check out the pictures, have a look at the <a href="www.velonews.com">VeloNews.com</a> and <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com">Cyclingnews.com</a> coverage, and watch this space for more info!</p> <p><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m0bpJGu1TZJQIfpxN_tw42xn3b48DyKUSsUlCI8gkUO9XLk1E8kk6BTbK12d_rAPFM-CnPDbj53sFStx7d1ut0AuWkppCQqz2euiBLjvZV6WNkVG_Xs0eVxLBSGKxdrum9bsPWMsxNnMQoFHVlQN5-A/look blade 2[4].gif" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="look blade 2" border="0" alt="look blade 2" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mOOKc_HFDbHo96FHqyAnxYPmRJJf17hgIwzLGiuPXho3VEa_WKBLOWJ_N0PxdspLcPTMioT_qYipVxxjWt0RPYLfPZ0xZM1K7uJEloBkXm3Fo2IYSg693CEEfuBxL-4uY9QZWI5GwAYr_WeYI1j_w_g/look blade 2_thumb[2].gif" width="248" height="230" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1midWeltgHTZTdroafmC_iWVUbqjODbW0buiBDSRYsjtB5EIgngqS5LLYqtMEoXosbYPCumWCSNn0Xz_aTLikPEIDcc1jfocx6dmD1Kao8POeEKpJMaS9u9NehjzS8CoJZt1tIi47LvUOouL2XrACfFw/time i clic[3].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="time i clic" border="0" alt="time i clic" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mEVBt9ToZ4Pnk9ftSH14Q1CH-VcJQMhHIbppuU4dKXqbWzTcu9s8MWsM1G6_vZQbllqXZ1472ogUHXfLMVG6kFa9deIi7OyfA-Cvca85DAG8J24qljVDI4AKnruD8JZ2M3jDrbVyeZBWrevfK38fUrQ/time i clic_thumb[1].jpg" width="213" height="150" /></a></p> </description><pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:11:55 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/_d_TwvscVag/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!631.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!631.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!631')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-10T03:11:55.6130000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!631.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!626</guid><title>Cunego wins stage 8 of the Vuelta a Espana aboard his Wilier Cento1</title><description><p><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mLsCSccOkb7sCCaPJSxJjm-WFlO8H0vR9Sqgr-M9zbeW16KghZul4euBLqX0jMgv8kxCK1THBNvg_DyXF5bu-qr5N5g4MeC7-JBDhq4mne7jwimpHCdaLn0OVIpLvRcgi9X8kC2c0xLcw7XvqtQhrsQ/Cunego[6].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;margin:0px 10px 10px 0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="Cunego" border="0" alt="Cunego" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mDIrjcmY5AvJ2OHoJ5s2aKKk3ikKALoXLXr9vcqRv8mKDERiBaqdIDeU92JHa6M3YQ_yvOHZRuY-Hk66q9sJh5MmEGjPVgIuZq3eqfAKNYLxSywmQtolM33iAfuMhr369IEIC6l5VkAai0USOIVkkjA/Cunego_thumb[2].jpg" width="132" height="84" /></a> Bravo Damiano! Today’s 8th stage in the Vuelta a Espana was a dramatic one. The mountaintop finish to the Hors Categorie Alto de Aitana was anticipated to be one of the decisive battlegrounds for the main race favorites, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. After the morning’s early break had effectively been reeled in, the team leaders began to lay their cards on the table. Ivan Basso’s move tested the legs of the elite group that remained, but it was Cunego’s expertly timed counter-attack that won the day. And that Wilier Cento1 can’t have hurt anything either. We’re always proud to see our bikes at work under the greatest athletes in the world, and today’s brilliant stage finish was certainly no exception! Come check out Damiano’s ride down at the shop any time. We’ve got demos in stock and ready to go.</p> </description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:03:37 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/jayd_ZPB6gI/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!626.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!626.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!626')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-07T14:09:20.6970000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!626.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!623</guid><title>Dura-Ace 7850 C24-TU Long-Term Test</title><description><p><a href="www.shimano.com"><img style="border-right-width:0px;margin:0px 5px 5px 0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="Dura ace wheels" border="0" alt="Dura ace wheels" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mOO637ylxw4ldMa90KyRtDY6fym7E70n9WcONC2pIBOvGU6H9sFCr2ZjIVwMKpghspoRpwipeZLIGHwdTsjo_GFFYNGvWyAAs_FS8_v0aanwwYh9Y-_IoqLtjgdo4eLYiHalsvwM3WRj6LoZC8YULNQ/Dura ace wheels[4].jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <p><em>(Review by John)</em> <p>Wheels are a complicated business. It’s one of those areas where people always want to know what the “best” is. It’s complicated for a lot of reasons, including riding style, rider weight, terrain, frame type, and even more. The best wheel for me may or may not be the best wheel for you. And the best wheel for me today on my flat recovery ride might not be the wheel I’d choose for race day. That said, there are some wheels that seem to feel pretty good more often than not. <p>First, a little about me and what I like in a wheel. I’m 28 years old, I used to do a bit of racing, and I consider myself more in the mold of a sprinter than a climber. That means a couple of things regarding the types of wheels that I tend to like. First, because I want every watt to count when I’m out of the saddle and pushing hard, I like wheels to be laterally stiff. That is, they shouldn’t flex side to side when I push hard on the pedals. It’s just a waste of effort if they do too much. That also affects the handling; imagine laying into a sharp corner- if the wheel flexes, your steering won’t be as quick because the wheel is flexing. <p>I also like really light wheels. I mean, who doesn’t? For me, as a weak climber, It’s a great place to save some grams that are just going to slow me down even more going uphill. The other thing that I appreciate about light weight is that a light rim will accelerate quickly. For sprinter types, this is a virtue. <p>The downside of these two things are often as follows; a laterally stiff wheel tends to be vertically stiff and therefore harsh, and light wheels, well, break all the time. More often than not, stiff wheels beat you up a bit over rougher roads. In order to prevent the wheel from giving when you push from side to side, it tends to not give at all up and down, which is where the comfort comes from. A lot of wheels that I’ve liked in the past as race wheels, I wouldn’t want to use every day because they’re too harsh. Light wheels are great, until you crack a rim, break a spoke, kill the bearings, or do all of these things over the life of a wheel. It gets expensive, and nothing is worse than missing out on a ride because your multi-thousand dollar wheels are giving out every hundred miles. <p>So what that means, I’m looking for a stiff, comfy, light, durable wheel. Sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? There aren’t many out there that tick all the boxes. One that does, in my book, is the Dura-Ace 7850-C24-TU. That’s a mouthful, isn’t it? These are the Dura-Ace wheels with the carbon-aluminum hybrid rim. <p>The rim is about half the thickness of a normal aluminum hoop, with a layer of carbon integrated into the structure of the metal. It makes the rim not only crazy light, but also really stiff. It’s also tubeless compatible, which is an added bonus. Anyone who’s spent time on a tubeless set up knows what I mean. If you haven’t tried it, come right over to the shop right now and take one of our demos out. It’s a whole new world of comfort, and I’ve personally logged over 4,000 miles on tubeless tires with no flats, cuts, or other deflation problems at all. <p>Anyway, so, the 7850’s have some of the lightest, stiffest rims out there. What makes the wheel comfy too? A lot of it is in the spokes. Steel is real in spoke material. A lot of manufacturers have moved to Aluminum to keep things both stiff and light. The downside is, Aluminum almost always ends up harsh. Ksyrium SL’s and Campy Euruses are great for some guys, but they always were a little on the harsh side for me. I wanted all that stiffness, without having to suffer for it. Steel spokes deliver. Not only that, but steel is also way more durable. It doesn’t fatigue like aluminum will, and so the spokes won’t wear out after a few thousand miles. <p>That accounts for most of the ride, but as an added bonus, there are a set of classic Dura-Ace hubs holding it all together. Shimano uses cone and ball bearings instead of the now ubiquitous cartridge design. Not only does this eliminate seal drag, but you don’t have to replace the cartridges every season because they’ve developed some play. You can just take it all apart, clean it, and put it back together, if you need. So far, I haven’t needed. I’ve got about 5,000 miles on these wheels, and the hubs feel smoother than ever. Oh, and they’re not ceramic for good reason. Ceramics are more prone to fracture, wear out your races, and are just otherwise more problematic. Shimano did extensive research, and went steel for good reason. <p>In short, this is a wheelset that really does cover all of the bases. The weight for the pair is bang on 1400g, and unlike some other high-end wheelsets out there, Shimano saves the weight at the rim instead of at the hub. That means they accelerate like nothing else. Because the rim is strong at the same time, it allows for a very high spoke tension, which makes the wheel stiff in the lateral dimension. Because the spokes are steel, they give just a little vertically and they make the wheel comfortable. It’s a win-win situation, in that they’re durable too. There’s a reason that you see these wheels on the bikes of guys like Mark Cavendish and George Hincapie of team Columbia HTC, as well as the Francais Des Jeux and Skil-Shimano boys. The great thing is that this wheel works for me just as well as it works for those ProTour folk. It’s as close as it gets to a wheel that works for almost any rider in any situation. <p>I pretty much can’t say enough good about about them. They’ve met my every expectation in the 6 months I’ve been testing them. I’d recommend them to anyone. Oh, and they look sweet too, if you ask me. <p>The best thing to do is ride them, and see what you think! We’ve got a demo pair on hand ready to go, if anyone is curious! </p></description><pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:13:52 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/RhIjkfVGWD4/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!623.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!623.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!623')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-07T14:08:36.5630000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!623.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!621</guid><title>New Mountain Shop – Naming Contest</title><description><p>Sometime around the new year we will be launching our mountain bike and cyclocross boutique in the space right next door in Issaquah. We’re running out of room in which to display all the cool stuff we have, so we’ve decided to open a boutique dedicated to all things dirty. The problem is that we can’t decide on a name, so we’re asking our customers to help.</p> <p>We’re aiming for an “English Pub” theme and would like the name to combine something British and something related to mountain biking (we’re also talking to Rogue Breweries across the street about supplying a keg and tap). Here are the four best names we’ve come up with so far:</p> <p> · Crowne and Gear</p> <p> · Log and Loam</p> <p> · Berm and Ridge <p> · Trail and Rim <p></p> <p>We’re going to give a pair of mountain bike tires (your choice) to the person who comes up with the best name, and undoubtedly it will be better than those four up above. Please e-mail us at <a href="mailto:ideas@velocevelo.com">ideas@velocevelo.com</a> with your suggestions, and we’ll notify everyone when we’ve picked the winner. You can also enter in the shop, so come on by and discuss names with us!</p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:24:36 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/w3l7mI50Bik/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!621.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!621.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!621')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-09-06T02:39:46.9100000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!621.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!617</guid><title>Wilier Imperiale</title><description><p>The Wilier Imperiale has just arrived at Veloce Velo in a size Medium demo bike. We had seen pictures of this bike before and were mixed about its radical new looks, but in person it is quite stunning and every “meh” and “not my style” quickly became “wow”. It’s shaping up to be an incredible year with all the new bikes that are coming for 2010, and it’s pretty much xmas four months early in the shop!</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mC4tmLt2lA8NoFXjEz6fv6hNIIdAcgPl1byQwy3JJzrAXScTaw99NrbCeiBMsnIm616EOAA0jaYu34EqwB_x2e2Q8MHqlKd7vBOf0BoGUQ5fYvGf7fTBBn1LsssZYOgxTmP4ak_A-SPRn9NCtrasHMg/IMG_1239[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="IMG_1239" border="0" alt="IMG_1239" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mEeLV7NbDcJvx-CftGe_OIFCqmi0AXzcj9PWZ2yomw3ge0lbaBAJM5uAPp9qIcEPfoklbQAHxCWUbMeKFTWlJ11gFgggjr1J5Ck3bBPFiBqPpFRAE7LvNjkbRowMd3Llpozej2mfM_0rGV_IugCHB9w/IMG_1239_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1ml_rYhnIGVp1AB5X2IwSywPWJwLAvMkwpKe_TXmGYYmaqCafUE-lzTsdM6N1WX6nq4h0C2odLy8Yk2aOYJ-ntJ69aOB8N1ZreXRsnORZ5AuHcQWgpEAxsLlulwIJ01KQCIWzUg5FHbeM7kAvWWbXfKA/IMG_1244[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="IMG_1244" border="0" alt="IMG_1244" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mVAhpTsTHKoPVYK1Z6lbWd5tDVsaJ2Wqz5afCrGHPZJzSSr8e7PyO7qFCj8GchOVS8NoYneFsZgHqAfGkF9XO4bWcokn16ewWsX-QTZxh6iXqwiUoceI5cSFFmxtxeJyUs1Re8PBuZEjNRrSxQLRseQ/IMG_1244_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m1Acf4Zjhcbr_vZb-Ms5Or2DHNuuFIxSNMDnjR0T-IJIjxFIrRPIgNqW9KgdOU-VIwzGNQUN80VOs8B8h8n6_KZLQa9jwnJYdivDfHiB0yrd_pABBnwgtoHe3Dj-UkScpwuNtvuPodtF7CAMEcPgNRw/IMG_1240[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="IMG_1240" border="0" alt="IMG_1240" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mUDpBMfpDjCJYS1CbbbdTv7Cmw6_CKfwanqZ5gErsdpwI3uGPIHAgAhZWHLSi-23m15VISaUJOfk1bwBLZaD-BADQf2eN5PUlQsUYdIfXj_QwEdta0oKECsSEuRfulZ3zy_ftg2nlqnRYR2oO18hekw/IMG_1240_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>As is evidenced by the pictures, aerodynamic accents are the key to this bike. A lot of competitive riders are constantly asking us for the latest in aerodynamic assists, and the Imperiale provides a wonderful foundation designed by aerodynamics guru John Cobb. The forks and rear stays are all bladed, the down tube and seat tube have strategically placed bulges to lower wind resistance, and the striking head tube and seatmast are the icing on the cake.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m3cz-tmK3vLIh38BK_5qFHQd1pWVmbimmJQuZPPHDbrrZgTaGaAWgMj_GbVkkdGaBA2KbnxIvYtmMxw6UN6GKdHT9qay28bPxbXqrJOm7g73r_MSikVlyGKqHz0jp7AVBvM0KP-z7d1_kdc2qFQ_BMw/IMG_1249[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="IMG_1249" border="0" alt="IMG_1249" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1me-_xOnlW-etq1uLAIIzVTAWlo68ddOsbxOvPytRrFUCY29fAFAg_m07sgoWdi13LxfQhp0Udnj9pM8zdCSyK2YwuHM95pkgWCqDdrq1XCongLPuDctksKtziV1jXfIZ-fYYMjg01aTRgTY7pt8mibg/IMG_1249_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mOhoN47EWj4f6AqJ_4XLoyzRDpNl2oQpOw2iGT37Id_5KTMCkwYGRX90sukR6ZGgoQsyj3o6TpZBtzYTlebgPoboJlVAwaP_bwkZQ7BaF1CbB_0Dc-jCtybwPu7iSQEK6NwIj-IJt-8Raca9c9aGCRQ/IMG_1245[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="IMG_1245" border="0" alt="IMG_1245" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mkS5sth08wzyGjnkn8uHV0n18EZX8JR0Jv5xdFSQ9i4CcLkv1mg4iuLYEVLAWpVpGpqK8XvIJmQHceirPdlWxaEX6KNy2nk8wSOo4NJssUn03XJyhAVQtA21yBdVmFLvtCTpxRJKj1b3aJnbOUUmlOA/IMG_1245_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m4bZuKzvXcQFaKHbK9drCnVfxwjQKNovpIQed7cJH1ccStdxPGcI8ipDaHHnHWZomdpKKokrQFflLIJx2040rbFfWISYm0oP7-3mT1bX5Jbgc4mkNa3x5I682Vm3kSAjmmqusVW7Lp4lKdkilHPuczQ/IMG_1240[5].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="IMG_1240" border="0" alt="IMG_1240" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m6OTl3bVm1sNg1R6ZfhNJgRnomgph8jw-Rd6lnJ88DEw-5PEgtLIgC1OqNoFbb-LzQ9GczkoA9-INjLuT1ZZvpcvaaE812ynwS6M0Pv8GeNGoW0HKxODpsGDwzWTLU6x7PQtHNfxvbAc0xDA_T6SK-Q/IMG_1240_thumb[1].jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>We’re just completing our initial riding sessions with this bike and will post our opinions here on the blog very soon, but our first impressions is that Wilier has done a great job at making a light, responsive, and stiff racing bike that looks great as it slices the air.</p> <p>The Imperiale is priced at $3,899 with Fulcrum Racing 5 and Ultegra 6700 (our demo bike is an early production model and has Ultegra SL), or $2,899 as a frameset. We are also working on a special package price with a more aerodynamic set of wheels to turn this bike into a racing monster right out of the gates.</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:01:35 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/8Al-ZL1BPbk/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!617.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!617.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!617')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-08-29T21:02:14.3530000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!617.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!604</guid><title>The Dogma has arrived!</title><description><p>The Pinarello Prince has been one of our best selling bikes since it was introduced for the 2008 model year (just after we opened our doors, as a matter of fact). Highly responsive, amazingly light, looks like nothing else out there, it was one of a few bikes that really live up to the hype in the bicycle press. Now, new for 2010, Pinarello has completely outdone themselves with the Dogma 60.1. When we started to hear the rumors of a new top dog in the Pinarello lineup (bad pun intended) we were very curious indeed. Our demo 54cm Dogma has just arrived, and based on our first impressions Pinarello has done it once again.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1muV-v2Xkypvxa-B5o7xTIGKew4z3dey4nvjgxXCDtSxClBLOi0EHg3rKwHoyqTZqLN2Oc0m-tvSqoBdFRKsFFN9pgEBbMIB96-ZmmAhpV4gzqxp3c6iblvRVgPNO8NUU89pRIJb2d71cuY9Fx2L0oGA/287[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="287" border="0" alt="287" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mLIk90VrIJZy9squQGmLfiGdJBH4ZlIyattm6hwBELOydSSly4kseL8zYYJoSbcQQK6TVIPqzHsh02WUaXr_0QFf4DOz6sWlM12H2DE-hd5ScmhEfLrYq3sDby1ExBaddKBs0iTyPi0D8gYTIRp_qLA/287_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mTupL7cOUCLCmQEnp0GVuBIiw2MVnUsaiTUeC2AiM-HlM8g7rA4LTPXfKDSHMNJriB7gHk57SOwLWf9EGvv7PIaPK5Cxb9zXDVcQjOswyNDs8PWnoI-dv0Cv7jXZLIysGp7EN9Okx1oJq_g8yYton3g/286[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="286" border="0" alt="286" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mIjVZpQY0JSlsliIS9UNFvL3w9cL6e_NY94dIxqheL5Ohe7lgRwflpteGPGSLIpg7Glw88E1eL6PDxjwwtpoAP7h2ux6TNfTrmWXIRxVgxyc9ktpIzMcSV03nXrhQhnZCdpIknx4fASDCs6uZE-v8gw/286_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mS95P8qhUG3ADKyNqcrPV7kTLMd_TdFP0kvWp8cdfDc3hMUSGxQlWU45N6LL7XJRJzQplzIjwKPjyNAoWW-Dv5XzAN9pqWsvA_ONi66e6NXCr716xMf14V96aSix5mTv3IjweEREnZZ4wDVLOvQwikQ/301[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="301" border="0" alt="301" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mKWDl-pO3zEnUM9dKrlTQErHAHyxrYSPrvXVNNzIsvhIOfziU8r5GozOvyQf2BPXK7nZ53TOvE1hmgww8iV5pOTZjgfvrDwWX5r56XmWkeNtjZH8H3bOHKwR04dIGW3H_njIDVX5a65-2ozUloyuh4Q/301_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>This bike is in the black/silver/red color scheme, and we needed to take it outside into the sunlight to really capture what it looks like. The soft lights in our photo area don’t do justice to what this bike really looks like.</p> <p>The last Dogma was a magnesium frameset that we’ve only seen a few of in Washington State. Intensely stiff and uncomfortable to many, it was built specifically for Pro Tour rider Alessandro Petacchi who is thought of as one of the most powerful sprinters ever. This new Dogma 60.1 is barely related to that Dogma.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1maa8zcCLdEHW376AQzQ5TrbaGCzEi8ktIoonIZiyoLaTvBAb7h1_xZr13wSN42BUjUKVZ2RCZbNJlFDCzlsZ7i5Q1cFrHrZl7KAu6WKMILWYpFLVIde3jvLQq7Vva5fQpOr9EO-sly71iiuCxlFk0gg/297[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="297" border="0" alt="297" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mRF0e6hUizWmSz9PKgvPxRrGtkY4EcF7JMungqCeCjMSno2x_kRWLVa_97kQ6H84r8DBXSMb91aWd5W1iEMFpqy9Lp9ActEBAMDCikvha6YHZFLHPvjfXGL4HIxkZCRxHoZbS9BLApTv3D1aAKqEIpg/297_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mkXAOdUbJLdn4GzFsY_uuo5tWoZs6mxQqZdYNYV9qJUnVQD02NqR_9NYZRqyTQrpZHIRLRS2J8jr6LHn_5cwaABBxBYEsLyxBIw-PgDvIAsApoj4zmlDWXe0aFnk89GT4dvFOwNAPbLptCumkPOd1VA/291[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="291" border="0" alt="291" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mgTPUCbxMquoNx2TD_o-MNjNhctmeowVUec0-KxcLx5UH3zMhyHVEi7zjWj0iAw2pz1A6OQ0jP3WdK30uXfHXQvw9ENrdW0w6MEyMTYePs8C3v8w-BFKR1p6ZrR_kFcQ_hJA6mFbRqLYjCRUkPwOj1g/291_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mX2Wt0AG2pXMUqZo9gdAZvOxHeYapMs_YBxGZclw1jBKrWi0ro05v5NKPUx4O4BWCH-8wD2gmCM3SeLf5pztcWZCo4kMsMZ0-Mr904RgcaiseUDkvM7g3LmYWk2DVogJ_BhaXYeHE1PDWS_2fwqnkYQ/302[2].jpg" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="302" border="0" alt="302" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mqXqo6ZnENq5pKd4bsf-nX1BomL1RMaEadf0u7ltGsxng59CEvXc42JKBZWZdswObIPg-ybZdn6FrtZYUJf2uiAnvrKjxVGGtti-9OatR1MCGpq_qlSkBdKyzWZD5SJQxzldLiOoAhTYtmjGXnp4Pkw/302_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The 60.1 in the new Dogma’s name comes from the 60-ton carbon fiber that is used in its construction (the Prince used 50-ton). Its design is asymmetric, with incredible attention to detail in nearly every tube on this bike as to where the carbon is laid to optimize stiffness EXACTLY where it matters. We saw this first last year with the Wilier Cento Uno in its rear stays and noticed a difference, but the Dogma is taking this concept to a new level.</p> <p>How does it ride? Absolutely breathtaking. It gives a new meaning to the words “instant response” and it flows with every movement you make. We’re planning a longer review, including a detailed comparison with the Prince by one of our good customers who has been a Prince fanatic for the past few years.</p> <p>Our bike is the 54cm size (55cm top tube) equipped with brand new black Campagnolo Shamal Ultras and Campagnolo Super Record. It has the integrated MOst bar/stem combination which is surprisingly stiff compared to other one-piece bar/stem combinations we have tried before. It’s ready to ride now, but please call the shop first at (425) 427-6383 so we can plan accordingly.</p> </description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:48:27 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/uLShd2AZ28o/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!604.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!604.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!604')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-08-28T03:48:27.5900000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!604.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!579</guid><title>Pinarello FP3 Review by JDub</title><description><p align="center"><a href="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mgsaiYP3VHQIsJLLQSAjuIFd6m5iFbbC-el5UqeNfP2gcUGiS8-CBX_ZuoFh8eXarX2Puy2bA-fRmaX7TG03Om0ReSUt0G6Jj-Wg-k09kP6hJGQdaiXfYNfWEtBZKuScqbqvhrTX4MFL6O79j7gTILQ/image[2] 2B3CF3B4.png" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;display:inline;margin-left:0px;border-top:0px;margin-right:0px;border-right:0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="https://bnqppq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m20CV7WvvYGg2a0XbqRp8kvXzEnGM12wvjw1Kzbb9cCP3iWOwc4hKK0Z8z-LPXcQzbW5kMFxN4UHU3QSaMWkVkcmvEQfzOUh3_B30u1-iicCZ16-sm1o3t9uPAPy_wJJyHcJPi2SHjl2uieLg3Gmoag/image_thumb 65781DFB.png" width="244" height="213" /></a> </p> <p align="left"> <p align="left">OK, I’ll cut to the chase: I really like this bike. Yeah, it’s Red, White and Black; and it’s Italian, and carbon and it’s Campy. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of that. Indeed, nothing at all. It’s just not what I ride on my daily sport bike. <p>Riding the FP3 is probably the best example so far as to why I should perhaps consider starting a ‘help JDub get a new bike’ fund, or a bake sale. The Pinarello FP3 is a really fine ride. <p>The first time I checked out the Pinarello armada it was the Prince that got me lite headed. Yes, the Prince is a nice bike and if you’re not careful will suck 10 grand out of your secret Swiss savings account in a flash. If this is of no concern to you, please, buy a Prince. Put Campy Super Record on it and get some Hyperon Ultra Two wheels and a cool skinsuit with a hoodie while you’re at it. But, If you live in my world, you’re looking for Princely character with Pauperesque price. <p>At $3699, the FP3 isn’t cheap. What you get for your money does allow you to recognize that by spending more, you get more. More ride quality, sportiness, solid feel, coolosity, panache and probably some other cool euro terms that I’m not able to pronounce let alone spell. <p>This is a nice bike. <p><b>REPEATED INFORMATION:</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>Me:</b> For reference, I’m a reasonable sport rider, used to race; some MTB racing back in the day and a bunch of triathlon. Still race cross bike in the fall. I try to not get all worked up about it – it’s supposed to be fun. Climbing is good. I’m not good at it but I love it. I like to have fun. I like to ride. <p>I’m about 5 – 7 and weigh a buck fifty. I’m a titanium and Shimano Dura Ace kind of guy, been that way for a long time. Nothing against Carbon or other gruppos, just haven’t felt the need to replace my Ti ride. Yet. . Shimano works good; I’m used to it. <p><b>The Route:</b> <p><b></b> <p>This ride was the standard Bushwood loop. , Bushwood includes a couple tough but semi short climbs with a long slog of a climb at the end. Good for the Max HR experiencer. For handling points, there are a couple fast descents capped off with my favorite high-speed carving turn as a reward for the hard work getting there. Braking is evaluated after this turn, going downhill fast, watching to make an exit to the left on a blind curve; subtle use of brake is recommended. Style points are every where you look on the bike. <p><b>NEW INFORMATION:</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>The Bike:</b> Pinarello FP3 $3699 <p>The FP3 frame design is based on the drool inducing Pinarello Prince. To make the FP3 affordable to minions like myself, Pinarello uses a less expensive, heavier carbon composite. The FP3 is heavier and will flex a bit more than the Prince. If you’re a sport rider like myself, I’d double blind bet whether you can tell the difference, all else being the same. <p>The FP3 is the current ‘intro to the high end’ by Pinarello. This is an all carbon frame, fork with Campagnolo Centaur shifters, derailleurs and brakes, MOST (Pinarello’s house brand, not an adverb) seat post, stem and crank. Yeah there are a lot of bikes like this out there, but this is something special. The FP3 weighs in at 17.5 lbs, stripped naked of pedals. <p>As would be expected, the frame is pretty drop dead gorgeous in that Italian Ferrari way. Pinarello sculpts the seat and chain stays with some beautiful work on the fork that lets dares you to show it who’s the boss. The Campy Centaur gear made the ‘oh I get it’ light bulb go off in my brain making me realize why Campy users are rather, umm, fanatical with their loyalty. Centaur is mid line and it was very nice. The hood grips are sculpted and very comfortable. The MOST crank didn’t miss a beat, no problems there. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Campy brakes kick butt! <p><strong>Compromise</strong>: When I setup the FP3 for my test track run, I made an unfortunate assumption. First things first; I setup the lower body box – the seat height and setback the same dimensions as my trusty daily sport riding machine. On to the cockpit… A standard fit measurement is - reach; the distance from the rear of the seat to the center of the bars as they go through the stem. I set this measurement equal to my daily rider. So far so good. However, the bars on the Pinarello have a significantly deeper reach than that of my main machine. , thus lengthening the cockpit relative to the lever hoods. Significantly. <p>OK, so here’s what happened – the reach to the center of the bars was identical to my daily sporty bike. However, the bars on the FP3 I rode had a l- o- n- g reach to the levers and hoods. Yikes. I prefer a stretched position but this was a tweak on the long side. Annoyed at first, I kept on task. Changing the bar for my test ride wasn’t really feasible; a shorter stem would have helped. I was lazy and didn’t do this. <p>This is something to be aware of when test riding. Try - Try - Try to get the demo ride to reflect the geometry that is optimal for you. Bike fits are incredibly valuable tools; especially if you’re dipping into your giant jar of change to pay for a not inexpensive bike. Get a good fit. Pay for a good fit. <p><b>The Ride:</b> <p>With the first impression, due to laziness being the stretched out position, I was down one strike right off the bat. And I was kicking my butt for not changing the stem. Whatever. I forgot about it in about 3 minutes. <p>The FP3 made up the difference in no time. The carbon ride was sweet as expected but refined in a way that I did not expect and is pretty subtle but there nonetheless. When I ride a carbon bike I look for imperfections in the road surface and want to test the vertical compliance and chatter absorption that carbon is renowned for. The FP3 had a great combination of compliance, absorption and road feel. I mentioned in a previous post how a rider of certain weight will preload a bike frame and wheels to a certain extent. My weight on the FP3 I think is pretty optimal. <p>Some carbon bikes eat up the road noise, but also eat up the tactile feedback of the road; sort of like your Aunt Tilda’s Cadillac, the one with the huge. Yeah it rides smooth but you’ll be looking for some Dramamine. I want the tactile feedback. I want the tactile served up as a highly refined experience; descriptive, predictable, and confidence inspiring. The FP3 has a great mix of tactile. It worked for me. It was a dead solid tracker, hands off was confidence inspiring. However, because of the road feel, going into tight fast turns was very natural; just take your hands off the brakes, look far ahead into the turn and go. Sweet. <p>The shorter tougher climbs were as good as anything I’ve ridden and better than just about all of them. Moving from seated to standing on a climb was very natural. The bike accelerated with each pedal stroke. Of course, this is where you find out if you have a smooth circular pedal stroke or not… I’m working on it. <p>Downhill was ear-to-ear grin. Again, the smoothness, stability and feedback let you know what the bike was doing, what you were doing; Very confident. The first of the fast turns was a giggle. Up the next hill in a higher gear than normal was pretty nice too. I was looking forward to the final long slog climb and it was worth the wait. Either I’m getting stronger or the bike was just a better machine than I’m used to. I choose to believe a bit of both. The final high-speed corner was incredible. It was fast; it was solid. I felt like I could have cut figure 8s as I was zipping along. <p>After the first mile of the ride, I completely forgot about the long reach situation. Yes I should have set it up properly to begin with. However, even with the handicap the FP3 was the most fun I’ve had with my test ride quest. Yes, this bike is over my original $2500 - $3000 plan, but hey, if you have the chance to ride nice stuff, I recommend you jump all over it. See for yourself if it’s worth the difference in price. <p>I was relieved to learn that spending more money does pay you back. The bikes I’ve ridden in the $2500 - $3000 range are all excellent bikes, and even more impressive if you calculate the nice bike / dollar quotient. The FP3, at $3699 has a refinement about it that leaves a very positive impression. It makes you want to go out and ride it some more. For me, this is worth the extra money <p>That’s what this is all about for me; riding, enjoying the ride, significant pain thrown in as required and then wanting to ride some more. I would love to ride the FP3 more. I would change the stem, put the lever hoods within reach of my short torso and arms and just go. <p>JDub <p>jim@velocevelo.com </p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:32:36 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/Bk_phAUL2JM/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!579.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!579.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!579')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-08-20T04:32:36.9970000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!579.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!524</guid><title>Wilier Mortirolo review by JDub</title><description><p><a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1m1hII-m4AycoZBJxJL4On3VnGmDqiHo5Jg7rO6cpLfJTmz2-8uQ2RWjlJvjzjXv8qBfqKis4G7okAJFDWAFpoBtwwuHo1cWQhagTWoYHZZULJDa7mOS2122hIc6vmfKjGTUvVDVTIIwFog2Lpi16q5g/mort[6].png" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-bottom:0px;border-left:0px;margin:5px 10px 5px 0px;display:inline;border-top:0px;border-right:0px" title="mort" border="0" alt="mort" align="left" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mp1yFteeNWTQjALMafNQtr65JIwO1lqnkh1AsfvEa30DeN2jVr6ZCdT0Y6lowu0z7kI4NXZp1cf4-zPrv82LhA6S7xszyuqoyZzZjEa1-xeXdUlhXigUI6SzRCDG55-SezRCL7S02tbHMaU6WmV7Eqg/mort_thumb[2].png" width="244" height="166" /></a> </p> <p>My anthropomorphism for the Wilier Mortirolo is ‘long legs’. I’m not sure why, but that phrase got in my head while I was riding the bike and it’s still there today. Me, I’m not of the long legged variety. I’m used to short. Quick and nimble are good too. <p>The Wilier Mortirolo is the introduction to Wilier greatness. The Wilier line is an awesome pedigree with a world class racing team. &quot;W&quot; is an abbreviation for &quot;Viva!&quot;, and thus Wilier stands for &quot;Viva Italia Libera E Redenta&quot;—Long live Italy, liberated and redeemed! Dal Molin founded Ciclomeccanica Del Molin in 1906. <p><b>REPEATED INFORMATION:</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>Me:</b> For reference, I’m a reasonable sport rider, used to race; some MTB racing back in the day and a bunch of triathlon. Still race cross bike in the fall. I try to not get all worked up about it – it’s supposed to be fun. I like to have fun. I like to ride. <p>I’m about 5 – 7 and weigh a buck fifty. I’m a titanium kind of guy, been that way for a long time. Nothing against Carbon, just haven’t felt the need to replace my Ti ride. Yet. . I ride Shimano and have forever. <p><b>The Route:</b> <p><b></b> <p>This ride was on a different loop. This is my climbing test track. It’s a set of three max heart rate climbs, a couple of higher speed rollers in between and some screaming downhills with sweeping turns. Then there is the finish with two very fast very tight turns. This route has a fairly high pucker factor. <p><b>NEW INFORMATION:</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>The Bike:</b> Wilier Mortirolo $2399 <p>The Mortirolo looks like a throughbred; long legs, svelte, lean and somewhat mean. A welcome relief to the Red, White and Black bike thing, the Morti I rode was white. Black is available as is, you guessed it, White, Red and Black. It’s a cool looking bike. <p>As a Shimano gruppo rider, I was comfortable with the Ultegra kit on the bike. Ultegra is pretty awesome gear. It’s kind of a workhorse, but with a seriously good pedigree. It’s not heavy, looks tremendous and is silky smooth. As Dura Ace pricing continues to go up up up, I am more more more of a fan of Ultegra. Obviously I’m used to Shimano, I missed no shifts, felt very comfortable. <p>Again we see the Fulcrum 7 wheel set supplied in this price range. This is a $2400 bike and at this price these wheels make sense. Upgrading the wheels down the road would be a good use of the extra cash you’re stashing in your sock drawer, but they’re great wheels that can be enjoyed for a long time. <p><b>The Ride:</b> <p>The Mortirolo presented to me my first truly quizzical experience on a bike. I really liked the ride, it brought out the grunt in me. I climbed as well as any other bike and in some cases better. It was very vast descending. But I couldn’t figure out what it was about the bike that left me a bit unsettled. More on that later. <p>The Mortirolo is a bit stiffer than the other bikes I have ridden and written about recently – the Look 566 and the Colnago ACE. While these other bikes were designed for a more relaxed yet sport fit, the Morti is designed with a more intense pedigree. <p>The Morti is tighter and stiffer feeling on the road. This is to say the vertical compliance is a bit stiffer; thus road feel is not as muted as on the other bikes. This is an awesome characteristic when going through a tight fast curve or screaming downhill; you feel much more. Yet, it’s not annoying, but it does get your attention. It climbs really nicely. I found myself using one higher gear ( more gear inches ) than usual; either I was in better form or the bike made me do it. <p>Downhill was truly screaming. I was kind of going ‘whoa’ after bit; don’t know why, but then again I don’t have a speedometer on the bike. When heading into the fast downhill hot wheels cornering test track, I was compelled to touch the brakes; either I was entering faster, or I wienied out a bit; Probably the latter. The bike still tracked through the turn with no problem, corrections were easy to make. It was the initial transition into the turn that got my attention. After I breathed again I was able to attack the roller section without losing my pace and I was proud of the performance. <p>I was focused and attentive all the time. This was rewarded with some high-speed hijinks that made me grin big time. It also made me rethink my methodology of hitting a couple high-speed corners. This bike can mover through them faster than I am currently comfortable. <p>Back to the long legs situation. The Mortirolo goes fast. It climbs really well. It does this through its stiffness. Road feel is tight with precise feedback; again, a result of the stiffness and carbon frame. <p>I felt like the bike really got going on flats and went f-a-s-t on any downhill section it could gobble up. The long legs, with me on top had to focus hard on corners. Again, I’m used to shorter legs and a bit more agility. <p>The Mortirolo made me think of the bike as a spring; a leaf spring. Sure it’s a complicated spring, but to simplify, there is a vertical compliance component that is a combination of frame and wheels. A rider sitting on the saddle or standing on the pedals weighs this spring down and naturally compresses the spring with pre-load. I am thinking that a large part of how a bike feels to a given rider has to do with this pre-load. Too much and the bike sags and feels lethargic. Too little and you feel like you’re riding on top of the bike and even though it may fit, it feels big. Just right and you feel like you’re part of the bike, an integral component; one with the bike. Be the Bike. <p>On the Mortirolo, I felt like I was on the light side without enough preload. The bike was awesome to ride with some characteristics that were awesome; especially climbing and high speed descending. Other aspects didn’t fit me as I would desire. <p>Your mileage and experience may vary. I would recommend this immediately to many people I know who are taller and heavier than me. This is a fast bike. <p>There are lots of choices in the $2K to $3K price range. No two choices ride the same. This is good. No two people are looking for exactly the same characteristics in a bike and the ride. The Mortirolo is snappy, fast, quick to climb and a beautiful piece of crafted carbon from a world class provider; Wilier. I know a couple people who need to try this bike. <p>JDub <p>jim@velocevelo.com </p> </p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:07:01 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/rCgt_W4Qfxc/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!524.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!524.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!524')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-08-11T22:48:30.3200000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!524.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!521</guid><title>Colnago ACE, a second review by JDub</title><description><p> </p> <p><a href="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mrvh5PHO1XsPRcg3n2TjKkQD3Pj86qXMO-nHtdmmy8VVVY3yaT1GGtJrAFmSD9ZBYy1Aege-JAK7AUlQMM2okUUM2Q5aC0oSGogMobFbI2zm80CVT9bHg3d3VMjmDkOOri478dkplwb1o6P2owhU6fQ/image[2].png" rel="WLPP"><img style="border-right-width:0px;display:inline;border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://tzfzpa.bay.livefilestore.com/y1mMlAGn7312aq5g3rel9YAabWVjwH7Z1NgqvZM-tM1vDrVbG4kqz16wwKaUbjENwUt6WwfjDveRbNlBTcSToHrRcUvoSXza4lpkM1q8EtAH85esinKvlysTAqa7vCSVhUSX-2IcGSxxuz2Hxt1Wu3HkA/image_thumb.png" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>It’s interesting how bikes can remind us of other things – cars, skiing, flying, pants, flying pants. A cool bike has a cool look. Some ride smooth, soft, others harder and quicker. Mountain biking is just like skiing, or so I think. My friend Chris disagrees; he doesn’t ski so he doesn’t understand. <p>If you are picking a new car, you have an objective in mind : you want it do certain things well. You do your homework and realize that if you want fun, sporty, you can choose a Miata at $20K or a Vette at $80K. Or you could go the Ferrari route at $100+K. You know you’re going to get an agile handling machine with as much acceleration as you can afford. Or, you may decide that a sport tourer with lots of zip and curve carving is more to your liking. SO you decide to check out the new / old Tbird, 2000 incarnation and maybe a Lexus sport coupe. These are cars you can get an adrenaline rush with but can also cruise all day long sporting a good look. <p>Oh yeah, this is a review of a bike, and a pretty fine bike it is – the Colnago ACE. <p><b>REPEATED INFORMATION:</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>Me:</b> For reference, I’m a reasonable sport rider, used to race; some MTB racing back in the day and a bunch of triathlon. Still race cross bike in the fall. I try to not get all worked up about it – it’s supposed to be fun. I like to have fun. I like to ride. <p>I’m about 5 – 7 and weigh a buck fifty. I’m a titanium kind of guy, been that way for a long time. Nothing against Carbon, just haven’t felt the need to replace my Ti ride. Yet. . I ride Shimano and have forever. <p><b>The Route:</b> <p><b></b> <p>The ride was on a favorite loop. It’s oh so easy to get there as it starts in my driveway. There are lots of moderate rollers with a couple max heart rate climbs and a final longer climb. The final climb is the real test. A couple high-speed curves, two of which I use as a test to see how I’m riding on a given day. There is one max speed downhill – 50 mph on a dry still day. This is my preferred test track for this comparative set of bikes. <p><b>NEW INFORMATION:</b> <p><b></b> <p><b>The Bike:</b> Colnago ACE $3299 <p>The ACE is a sweet looking ride. It’s got that sculpted carbon, wet paint look that is awesome when done properly. It looks great, a bit subdued with a serious riding look about it. The ACE weighed in right at 18 lbs 2 ounces. It’s kind of White, Red and Black. But the Red isn’t the normal Ferrari Racing Red; it’s kind of darker and a welcome relief from all the other Euro Red bikes that are out there. The cockpit is beautiful. <p>The Campagnolo Veloce kit was typical Campy. It worked great, very snappy and precise. The levers and hoods have a really comfortable feel. Again, the Fulcrum 7 wheel set is supplied. This is a $3300 bike, at this price, this wheel set makes sense. I would strongly consider picking up a set of seriously light wheels for the ACE as the rest of the gear would strongly support the upgrade. <p><b>The Ride:</b> <p><b></b> <p>Oh yeah, riding the bike... <p>On the road, the ACE was awesome. The ACE sucks up road chatter and gives a really smooth ride. With this smooth ride you might expect laggard handling – not the case. You feel the road but in a way that is not annoying. It doesn’t let you know that ‘YOU’RE RIDING OVER A PEBBLE’. I like that. The ACE is quick but silky going into corners, holds its line with confidence. I found myself taking my high speed test corners not just with speed, but without fear. It’s a solid bike, feels like one piece. <p>Climbing was great – something about the smooth ride that seems to make climbing a bit less of a chore. It’s quick up hills, no bad habits, no annoying idiosyncrasies. <p>As a Shimano gruppo rider, it took a bit to get used to the Campy lever system. The hoods and levers felt really nice and natural. I flubbed a few shifts because I’m not a Campy owner, but never missed a shift other than the operator error. It’s solid, and feels great. The brakes were incredible; the best stoppers I’ve ever used. <p>The cockpit was a bit close for me. The ACE is designed for a more upright position. This is accomplished with a larger head tube. This allows the more upright position without the dreaded ‘stack of ugly spacers’ that too many bikes are sporting these days. To me this indicates that the bikes with the spacers were not designed for the rider on the seat. Too bad. The ACE allows the relaxed sit without the strange look. I like this and I know many people who would greatly appreciate it. However, for me, I would prefer a bit lower bar and a bit more reach. I could have moved the bar down another centimeter but didn’t. This is part of a test ride. Usually the bike isn’t setup exactly as you would like. So I have to extrapolate that with the bar lowered, my grin would have been larger. It was a pretty nice grin as it was. <p>The Colnago ACE is a screaming good deal of a bike at the price. It’s Colnago for crying out loud. And, even though it’s an affordable Colnago it does nothing to indicate it’s not a super expensivo Italian steed. Great handling, great ride, awesome looks. If you’re looking in the $3K to $4K price range, make this a must ride. Even if your budget is in the mid-$2,000’s you need to ride this bike before making up your mind so you can see what upgrading is all about. <p>If the ACE is a car, it’s not a Ferrari or a Vette – you don’t feel every pebble, bump and crease in the road. You do go over them rather quickly with control and confidence. It can be ridden all day with pleasure and a grin on your face. It’s more of a TBird, Lexus or maybe, a Maseratti. It’s pretty sweet. <p>Oh yeah, pants. So bikes are like pants in the way that there are different fits for different people. Go to the GAP and you can select a ‘relaxed fit’ for your new blue jeans. The ACE is kind of the ‘relaxed fit’ of sporty bikes, king of like the 2000 era TBird. Throw on your new blues, put the top down and spend a day on a great bike. <p>JDub <p>jim@velocevelo.com </p> </p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></description><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:57:43 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/BvR6SkP_Z6k/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!521.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!521.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!521')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-08-11T22:51:07.1230000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!521.entry</feedburner:origLink></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">C49AEFDC94418E98!424</guid><title>Clearance on ebay</title><description><p>We’re seeing a lot of very cool new things coming for the 2010 season (which starts, funnily enough, right around now) so we’re clearing out a lot of our old stock in ebay to make room for the new. Please visit our ebay listings here (our seller id is veloce_velo):</p> <p><a href="http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/veloce_velo_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_ipgZ"><u><font color="#0000ff">Veloce Velo ebay listings</font></u></a></p> <p>Of course, you can pick up any ebay item in the shop for no charge.</p> <p><strong><font color="#008000"><em>So what’s coming that’s making us so excited?</em></font></strong></p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Fulcrum</font> was by far our favorite wheel last year, and they are revamping nearly their whole line with new spoke lacing patterns for weight and stiffness improvements and some new cosmetics as well. We’ve asked Fulcrum for permission to post details and the pics a little early, so stay tuned.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Specialized</font> has a new entry-level bike called the Secteur. Imagine if you will the tried and true Allez but with the more comfortable geometry from the Roubaix. We’re hoping that this bike encourages a lot more people to get involved in road riding, which will be good for everyone.</p> <p>We have a new custom “Stealth” paint scheme for the <font color="#ff0000">Cyfac</font> Cadence that we designed in conjunction with their team in France and Erick Sakalowsky (the US Distributor). The Cadence sells for $3900 as a complete bike with SRAM Rival and Fulcrum wheels.</p> <p>We’re about to bring in <font color="#ff0000">Gore Bike Wear</font> for the winter season. We have been continually impressed with their constant improvements and desire to produce the absolute best all-conditions bicycle clothing.</p> <p>The new <font color="#ff0000">Colnago</font> ACE (see our blog review) and CLX 2.0 (blog review coming soon) are category changers. When the US Sales Director, Soren Krebs, started raving about these amazing new bikes we thought he was being his usual exhuberant self about all things Colnago, but when he sent us his two demo bikes we quickly realized that he was 100% right. We’ll still have his demos until mid-September, and stock of these two new bikes is en route to US shores now.</p> <p>We just picked up <font color="#ff0000">Look</font> as another core European bike brand, rounding out our high end options so we’ll hope that there is truly something for everyone who comes in. Their 566 (see blog review) and 585 have turned a lot of heads in the shop since they’ve arrived.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Giordana</font> has revamped their winter line, bringing the luxury of the FormaRed (our number one selling shorts by a long shot) across the line. Their previous fall/winter lines were always functional and of good quality, but they’re upping it a notch this year and really becoming a challenger for the title of “ultimate road clothing”. We frequently get asked for Assos clothing, but when our customers see the quality of high end Giordana at prices between “normal” bike wear and the stratospheric prices from other European brands they quickly change their minds.</p> <p>We’ll write here about more sweet new stuff very soon, and will also be posting a lot from the Interbike show in Las Vegas in late September.</p> </description><pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:14:24 Z</pubDate><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VeloceVelo/~3/me0NbM-yUkg/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!424.entry</link><comments>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!424.entry#comment</comments><slash:comments>0</slash:comments><live:type>blogentry</live:type><live:typelabel>Blog Entry</live:typelabel><wfw:commentRss>http://cid-c49aefdc94418e98.users.api.live.net/Users(-4279844765203067240)/Blogs('C49AEFDC94418E98!118')/Entries('C49AEFDC94418E98!424')/Comments?$format=application%2frss%2bxml</wfw:commentRss><dcterms:modified>2009-08-08T21:06:27.2900000Z</dcterms:modified><feedburner:origLink>http://velocevelo.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!C49AEFDC94418E98!424.entry</feedburner:origLink></item></channel></rss>
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