link to story

Personally, I love innovation, who doesn't...? That said, slowly but surely I've become a retro-grouch. See the big problem I have with reducing the size of a chain to accommodate an extra cog is typically wear, but on a MTB the problems range from strength, wear and clogging due to mud/snow.

Like, this is bad news to whoever uses a MTB for all purposes. I still haven't migrated to "outboard bearing/one piece crankset" mainly because of the poor chain-line alignment. This problem can't be rectified by changing the bottom bracket - therefor you're subjected to premature chainring wear which is especially troublesome if you're riding on a daily basis year around. I can't even to begin to imagine the chain failure rate which is already high enough as it is in my household.

I actually prefer the infamous "Isis Drive" because of the choice of bottom bracket widths...I actually prefered 8-speed with a 12x28 cassette (a better range for commutes) with it's heavier chain - in fact, you can buy one of those for less than $20 - and a change once per year.

Gee... I wonder what a Record 11-speed chain is going for nowadays...?

Johan Bruyneel is the latest sports professional to grace the radio waves at the Competitors Radio show with Bob Babbitt and Paul Huddle.

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Johan Bruyneel was the mastermind behind Lance Armstrong's seven consecutive Tour de France titles. We had the rare opportunity over at The Trek Superstore in San Diego on Saturday July 12th to film and record a one-on-one interview with Johan in front of a crowd estimated at over 300. Johan's new book is entitled WE MIGHT AS WELL WIN. Johan is a great interview.

recorded July 12/2008

http://www.competitorradio.com/details.php?show=253

podcast download link

Russian Gusev fired by Astana over suspected doping

MONTLUCON, France, July 25 (Reuters) - Russian cyclist Vladimir Gusev has been fired by Astana on suspicion of doping, the team said on Friday. 

Astana, who are not taking part in this year's Tour de France, carry out internal tests on their riders and when the data is considered abnormal the cyclist is fired. 

"Astana has terminated the contract of...Gusev due to irregular values," the Kazakhstan-funded team said in a statement, underlining that Gusev had not failed a dope test. 

 "The values were gathered during internal out-of-competition tests under the supervision of Dr Rasmus Damsgaard." 

Astana, the team of Tour de France champion Alberto Contador of Spain, were not invited to this year's race because of their past doping record. 

A positive magazine article on the sport of cycling featuring the Canadian bike company we all know and love -- Cervelo...!

ROB Magazine.

Here's some interesting quotes:

"How do you make the case that it's all about the bikes when headlines scream it's really about the medicine cabinet?"

"The partners believe it's the health- and fitness-conscious baby boomers who will ultimately drive Cervélo's business forward."

"Some observers go so far as to claim cycling is the new golf."

"It's one of the last intense physical activities you can do before you kick the bucket"

"All those A-type personalities can't do marathons because their knees are shot, but they can still ride."

Light Rain

Feels Like:
    8°
Barometer:
    1019 mb and steady
Humidity:
    90%
Visibility:
    2.41 km
Dewpoint:
    7°
Wind:
    Calm

[editor's note, by chris] Thanks Orangekick for starting this off; I got waylaid... The stage should look similar to yesterday's (scenery aside... though I understand Sacramento is the Milan of the Central Valley now ;-0). One of the better elements to the race early on is the diversity and proliferation of incentives to chase. Astana may be committed to waiting for someone else to take up the reins, but a number of other teams now must be feeling the heat to make a run at the GC or a stage... and will be drilling back the inevitable breaks.

The fifth stage of the Tour of Missouri -- 207km of roads from Jefferson City to St. Charles, Missouri.

As in the previous two years, biking enthusiasts have put together the details on the routes for all stages of this year's Tour de France

http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2007/06/tour_de_france_2007.html

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for those of us who were stressed with the name change of the American affiliate without corresponding changes here at home.

Fear not...!

OLN has release the broadcast sked for its exclusive coverage of the Tour de France, airing July 7-29. The 23-day broadcast will mark OLN's seventh year covering the prestigious cycling event as riders compete for the yellow jersey. Sponsors for this year's tour include Canadian high-end cycle maker Cervélo, Specialized, Molson and War Amps.

What's the best way to avoid saddle chaffing?

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