@Nate I don’t think Rule #72 means one shouldn’t use a powermeter – but rather, that one shouldn’t brag about the numbers. I wish I could afford one (next thing on my list…), but I do hate the types who finish an epic ride and can only say “340 NP on t… »

Surprising to see so many V-getarians here. And so many of those that aren’t, consume their meat carefully and selectively. It appears that the population actually committed to sports is usually more careful about what they eat, and not only in terms of c… »

@frank Just to comment on 5 and 3: 3) “Fat burns in a carbohydrate flame” – lipids (fats) are more energy-dense (even a 5%-bodyfat cyclist has, on paper, enough energy to last through two days of exercise), but require an energy investment in order to ex… »

@VeloSix Murphy’s First Rule: If you cleaned your bike before a ride, said ride will be through either rain or duststorms. Happened without fail for the past two months. Jesus – rain, pouring rain, in fucking May, in the fucking desert. I enjoyed it, but… »

@Deakus But pros have everything to risk if it fails on a crucial stage. With mechanical, if a cable snaps (which happens as often as a digital cable snapping) you’re stuck in the smallest cog, or small chainring. For the average joe, Di2 is, if anythin… »

I test-rode electronic and for time-trialling, it’s the bee’s knees. My courses often have significant climbing or short powerclimbs where shifting from the base-bar is very welcome. My TT bike, with internal cabling, doesn’t shift as well as my road bike… »

@frank If we believe Hampsten when he says he retired because he didn’t want to dope, then we should believe Herrera and the other Escarabajos. It’s not just a post on the Colombians – it’s an entire blog full of VVonderful V-intage cycling photos and s… »

@frank There’s a whole blog dedicated to Colombian cycling that wrote about the rise and fall of the Colombians in the late-’80s. It’s the doping that made them disappear in the first place. Apparently many of them called it quits when sprinters starte… »

@piwakawaka Salads. Learn to treat a salad as dinner. A big, heavy pile of chopped-up veggies, some tehini for protein on top, some quinoa, rice or pasta mixed in and you’ll be stuffed and healthier. I could eat entire loaves of bread after a long ride, b… »

@ChrisO Son and step-son to two cyclists, and that TCR was always a bit too big on my step-dad anyhow. He bought the team edition frame as soon as it debuted, but chose to dress it in his preferred Grouppo and matching Nucleon wheelset. »

Ugh. Finally the tiring discussion is over and the subject of Ulle and Pantani’s awesomeness is back on the menu. One day I’ll inherit a beauty just like this one: Except dressed in full Campag Record 10sp. Oh, baby. @ChrisO Indeed, that’s the one… »

@the Engine Road signs are inconsistent, at best. Matte, Mateh – whatever the clerk in the office decided, I guess. Misspelling all over the country. »

So I finally introduced my girlfriend of some time, a former college runner, to road cycling. Two hours in the mountains had whet her appetite. With her petite frame, it won’t be long until she out-climbs me. »

@DerHoggz I was wondering about that. Most of my bibs and shorts are the same length, but my team kit is, for some reason, two centimetres shorter. On the arms I’ve given up sharp lines – with four slightly-different sleeve lengths to contend, it seems a… »

@Spun Up Fantastic colour – my favourite of the Madones. Surely your VMH will agree to the aesthetic reasoning behind a new crank and seatpost? My team’s Elite squad is now Trek-sponsored and they’ve chosen purple-white Speed Concept TT bikes. Awesome. »

@Nate Cheers, I couldn’t resist that piece of bling on my bike. I may be a budgetatus, but it’s such a cool piece I couldn’t resist. I was pleasantly surprised that the Omega actually doe it’s job (mainly, braking) rather well, since I bought it with the … »

@wiscot Lumpy, but nothing significant. Strong winds, though – apparently the course record is nearly 3 minutes faster. I went at least 15km/h faster on the way back. One truck interfered with my run, and I passed a tractor on the ascent to the finish-l… »

@Steampunk Actually, it’s got company: Canyon’s new aluminium bike is quite amazing, as is the new Specialized Allez Race. Both feature nearly the same weights (1100g-1300g depending on size and finish). Giant recently launched a new Alu race frame with… »

I’m quite partial to remaining on the metal side of things when it comes to my road-biikes. I ride a somewhat aged Trek 1.2, now shod with a mix of Ultegra and old Dura-Ace, and I’m quite pleased with it. Post-graduation plans are either an all-Magnesium … »

@Ron Same here – Evo CXs and latex tubes on the race wheelset, and I often found myself checking for a puncture when, in fact, it was simply the smooth ride. »

In two-three months, I’ll envy you guys with the rainy, cold summers. Maybe even the snowy, harsh winters. I’ll start my rides before dawn to escape the 40c midday, and spend the rest of the day inanimate in front of a fan or AC. But meanwhile, let me en… »

There’s no Rule #9 needed down here in the Middle East, but it appears our very own ChrisO has been dishing out copious amounts of Rule #5. I believe that’s him, bib #101? »

@Dinan Downsides: First of all, weight. This complex construction almost inevitably means weight in the 300g area unless you splurge (but it’s worth it – I tried the TT9 and boy oh boy, is it comfy!) Second – while great for time-trial positions, it’s n… »

@Dinan ISM Adamo, in this case one of the more “sedate” versions. The idea is that you rest your sit-bones directly on these prongs, and the rest of your junk remains pressure-free. Time-trialists and triathletes are swearing by these, since the  flat TT … »

@Marcus Actually, that’s one sport that Australians are pretty damn good at. From Whitfield (in his days) and the three Emmas doing short-distance, to Alexander, Jacobs, McCormick at the IM distance – Aussies have this sport nailed. Good luck man. 16km i… »