Am quite intrigued to see the effect of experience & training on the time…

Actually, I was just gonna go to the Crater Road, then to the midway point, then to the ranger station. I could also cite the fact that they turned me around because I didn’t have a fiver with me (toll booth) but I had already decided to call it good for my “leg stretching” ride first day on the island.

*footnote: No rule 24 violation as pointed out by @mcsqueak.

I’m hoping to score some easy VSP points on the side.

don’tcha just love it when teachers pet says “actually, I think you’ll find that the footnote says…”

They’re Fränk’s rules and Rule 24 is very specific “…as such the English system is forbidden.”

(as an Englishman, I simply cannot follow this rule though, I’d come over all European)

Not to defend fr0nk just for brownie points, but I believe in the originally article he mentioned using feet because that’s what the elevation markers are every 1,000 as you climb the volcano.

AND I QUOTEITH:

*The elevations in this article will generally be referred to in feet as this is how the roadsigns along the road are measured and, while it breaks with the convention set forth in Rule #24, these measurements have been forever burned into my brain. 10,000 feet is 3048 meters.

My use of them is just laziness.

@frank

Rode up to 7000 feet today to warm up. Payed my respects at the ranger station and headed back down. Man, the descent from 7000″² is just a fucking riot.

Rule #24 violation from the founder?! Best you do a couple of quick reps here on your way home!

I agree 100% especially afterthe whole temperature thing.

Rode up to 7000 feet today to warm up. Payed my respects at the ranger station and headed back down. Man, the descent from 7000″² is just a fucking riot.

Rule 24 violation from the founder?! Best you do a couple of quick reps here on your way home!

Ha, I almost gave Frank crap about that too, after all you’ve already done 7,000 ft, may as well do another 3,000 and reach the summit.

Then I remembered that my entire 47 mile ride on Saturday consisted of 3,500 ft, and my starter pistols were about to fall off, so I decided instead to not bring that up.

How could you return when you already reached 7000 ft? I would have rather made it to the top at a lower gear to warm up properly (if I was U). See Rule #5.
…
It’s just that I am totally jealous because I will probably never even come close to the volcano ;(

(the other) Frank

you make it sound like you didn’t experience the same pain as you did getting to that height as you did last time. good luck!

I’ll go ahead and say you’ll beat your old time by 15 minutes.

PS
Well done, frank!

My understanding of the wheels is that they really have a sweet spot for efficiency based on speeds. The 404’s, you can feel them start to fall into their zone in the mid to upper 30’s (km/h) up to the mid 40’s. If you ride in that range a lot, the 404’s are for you. The 303’s range is a bit lower, and the 202’s lower still (which is why, aside from their weight, they’re a good climbing wheel). The 808’s are for 45+ and really sing at 50+.

They have this amazing sensation when the wind is right where you feel the bike accelerate a bit when you hit the speed zone and you almost don’t feel like you need to pedal. Amazing.

Lastly, it’s embarrassing how light they roll; give ’em a spin, go out, have a bite, come back and it’s still spinning.

Cheers.

Just wondering if those were Zipp 404’s or 303 clinchers you were running on on your ride up Haleakala and how they held up? And very inspirational by the way. If I would’ve saw this post/video a few weeks ago while I was in Maui I would’ve definitely had to give it a shot.

I’m very happy to have not seen this article a month ago when I arrived here on Maui. I would have been tempted to match your impressive display of The V and document my efforts accordingly. Wonderful job and a great video. I applaud your excellent work. No Haleakala for me, though. I enjoyed many other great rides through Haiku, the Upcountry, and even the ever popular Kihei/Wailea/Makena to Kahului bike path. It’s a beautiful place to ride, yes? If not the climbs, the wind will surely bring out the Man with the Hammer. Alas, I leave tomorrow and my bike is already disassembled. Oh well, next time. You do it again, as you state you will, I’ll meet you here and we’ll tackle it together. Anyone else game?

I’m headed to Oahu later this month. Anyone know of any good routes there?

RULE 57:
No stickers on your bike. Nobody gives a shit what causes you support, what war your against, what gear you buy, or what year you rode RAGBRAI. See Rule 5 and ride your bike.

What about the chain I have on my drive side chainstay? That’s a sticker, am I allowed to keep it?

Marcus:
@frank
Thanks Fronky boy

++1

Am keeping the Chorus as am keeping my Baum as my second bike – but have a full 10-speed Record gruppo on a frame that I put a crack in. Frame no good, gear close to perfect condition. Also brand new Ritchey WCS carbon seatpost and stem looking for a home – but they aint gonna fit you!

Man, this bike buying thing is a virus. Look at it spread through here!

Ah. just give in to the pleasure of knowing you are doing something so wrong, yet it feels so right.

@Marcus

You mean the one of him on the office chair recumbent?

Disclosure – just loaded up on a new bike (a Look 595 no less Jeff!) which will mark my return to Shimano after a 9 year separation…

“market openings” have nothing to do with what is right and good the realm of cycling soul. There are just some things that ought not be done. I have an S-Works crankset on my Cannondale because it was the nicest BB30 crankset I could afford but we do what we have to do. Yet the little demon sits on my shoulder and whispers “blashemer!” into my ear all the time and I have to agree with him.

@Colin

No racists overtones. I would be equally appalled at a Bridgestone or a 3Rensho running Campy parts.

BTW, I lived in Japan for two years and wanted to spend the rest of my life there so there you go.

Please spare the racist overtones of comparing Japan to Europe as if one is superior via culture, race, production, etc. I no longer choose Shimano, but all three gruppos are superior kit these days, and just because you and your buddies like the caché of one over another, spare the world your internment-camp-idealism and leave it.
This is cycling. Keep it classy.

@Colin
+++1

As someone who’s VMH is Japanese I have come to admire most things from the land of the rising sun, her especially. It’s also produced an awesomely handsome son!

I have just gone back to Shimano from Campy due to a new bike purchase. This was the stock set up that came with it so no choice (i.e. Velominatus Budgetatus). Both are good, both have their own idiosyncracies. What I can comment/compare on is that the Campagnolo suits me better as far as the hoods/levers. There is something about the shape of the Shimano hoods that don’t fit me. Bigger & uglier, yes. Shifting & stopping, comparable IMO. Europe meets Japan, think Modern Australian Cuisine. A nicely balanced blend of the two with respect for both cuisines. Complimenting each other to produce some of the finest food in the world (hints to my culinary background). The traditional meeting the modern, if it works, mo’ the better for us all.

Quite durable I must say, and easily the best handling bike I’ve ever ridden of many, many bikes. For once I can say I have a keeper. Though damned if you can fit a spec of dust between the rear tire and the FD clamp!!!

Please spare the racist overtones of comparing Japan to Europe as if one is superior via culture, race, production, etc. I no longer choose Shimano, but all three gruppos are superior kit these days, and just because you and your buddies like the caché of one over another, spare the world your internment-camp-idealism and leave it.

This is cycling. Keep it classy.

Maybe European drivetrain manufacturers shouldn’t leave market openings for Japanese competition to move in on what should be home turf!

Sweet bike man! Looks like you got a good deal too.

Just make sure you infuse it with the proper V during the break-in period… much like when you buy a new car you don’t want to just run it at 50 MPH in cruise control for the first 300 miles… ride the piss out of it!

Re the 585, has anyone heard from Steampunk?

G’phant:
Excellent story, excellent bike, and excellent choice of role model. Just watch out for jealous Australians pulling up alongside and head butting you. They do that.

Maybe you should heed your own advice there, fella…

Jeff in PetroMetro:

Here’s Julian Dean’s version of my new 595. I even have those cages on my Cervelo. I will move them to the Look because Julian Dean has them. Where can I get that Credit Agricole sticker that’s at the top of Julian Dean’s downtube near the headtube? I gotta get one. Or two. Put one on each side. I’m now a huge fan of Julian Dean.

Excellent story, excellent bike, and excellent choice of role model. Just watch out for jealous Australians pulling up alongside and head butting you. They do that.

Jeff in PetroMetro:

Here’s Julian Dean’s version of my new 595. I even have those cages on my Cervelo. I will move them to the Look because Julian Dean has them. Where can I get that Credit Agricole sticker that’s at the top of Julian Dean’s downtube near the headtube? I gotta get one. Or two. Put one on each side. I’m now a huge fan of Julian Dean.

That is the HOTTNESS. Good shit, Jeff.

Wow, congratulations on the new steed. Very nice indeed. I am also impressed at how, looking back, in 4 days you have gone from a pipedream to a new bike!
Well done good sir. Now the Hawaii part…….

Look forward to the write up in “the bikes”

Again, nice ride & nicely done

They did fine. Well, I assume they did fine. I guess I won’t know until I have a catastrophic failure of either the seatpost or the steerer tube.

And he gave me the answer.

A-Merckx.

Here’s Julian Dean’s version of my new 595. I even have those cages on my Cervelo. I will move them to the Look because Julian Dean has them. Where can I get that Credit Agricole sticker that’s at the top of Julian Dean’s downtube near the headtube? I gotta get one. Or two. Put one on each side. I’m now a huge fan of Julian Dean.

I think was almost as crestfallen as you when you said it was sold. But the ’07 595 sounds mo’bettah anyway. What a steal for that bike, and the 595 is the cat’s cock. Dog’s bullocks? Which was it again? I lose track.

Anyhow, if I need any of such work (I just might) I will call upon your services.

And I expect (at minimum) a post on The Bikes with photos once you’ve dialed her in and (ideally) a full-on guest piece on the old one your nefarious plan that got you into this bike.

There never WAS a 585 Ultra, was there? Yeah, not my first rodeo.

First, the bad news. The Look 585 Ultra was sold. I called at 9:58am this morning, as the store opened at 10:00am. They sold it yesterday. I was crestfallen.

Now, the good news. They also had a Look 595 from ’07, white, integrated seatpost, full Dura Ace 7800, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, VO2 carbon stem and bar (the bar that’s kind of a flat oval on the top), and a white Selle San Marco saddle that’s gone off-white/vanilla–not really a fan of the color.

So I begged for the same price as the 585 Ultra–$2250 U.S. as I am starting a new business and have very meager means. While I was unable to use my Merckxian powers of persuasion (as I have none), I was able to purchase said bike for–$3000.00. NO SHIT. New. Done. Already rode it for about 45 minutes before the sun went down.

Because I run the old red Look Keo Sprint pedals on the Cervelo, I opted for the red Look Classics–a little heavy, but they fit my budget and they are the same pedal I already use. They look awesome with the very slight red highlights of the frame and wheels.

So, bike, sales tax, and pedals–$3355.75.

Weight: 7.48 kilograms.

Ok, serious bike upgrade accomplished. Now to figure out a way to Haleakala by next year.

Mastercard is happy, I am happy. I don’t need food or electricity or gasoline. I’m good.

Does anyone need a copywriter or content writer or technical writer or ghostwriter? I know one. And he has a Mastercard bill coming due.

Gianni :
@Buck RogersKeep me posted, I can show you some stupid fun rides, much more fun than the Volcano.

btw, I do not know about stupid fun but I am always up for a stupid ride it seems (at least accoring to my cycling friends who do not try to delve into The V quite so much!)

Gianni :
@Buck RogersKeep me posted, I can show you some stupid fun rides, much more fun than the Volcano.

Thanks Gianni! The meeting is the second week of January every year and I really might try to go to it Jan 2012, although I am setting up my April Roubaix trip and the wife might start to wonder why I need my bike for an ophtho meeting.

Look has a storied past in cycling; it worked for the Badger, so you’re probably ok. Strackelder has a Look from a few years back and he absolutely loves it to pieces. I think it’s his number 1 or 2 bike. (Out of 32 at the last count…)

I dont want to speak for Gianni, bu i think he hates French bikes, though, so don’t ask him.

@Gianni

How is sharing the road with drivers (and tourists tearing around in rental cars, ugh$ down there?

Fucking hell on the riding schedule, tho…I had to get out today for 75k, since the weather was awesome.

I was on Maui in Sept., and the riding does look epic. North Maui loop, Hana Hwy, even the slog from Kahului to Wailea seems to have pretty good bike paths.

Maui Cogal… Who’s in?

They aren’t considered a racing shop because they cater to the masses. So they have a handful of top end bikes just gathering dust. They keep these bikes toward the front of the bike section locked together with a cable. I guess it’s just marketing for them. But the bikes have been sitting there for a couple of years. Rednecks ask the employees to unlock the bikes, take down the one with the $7000 price tag, and let them pick it up. “Wow, that’s really light!” Then they hand it back to be locked up again.

It’s an enormous retailer. The guys in the bike section don’t care. They tell me they’ve taken that bike down for someone everyday for 2 1/2 years.

I was there getting a cheap 24″ Haro mountain bike for my 8-year-old daughter. Otherwise, I’d have never set foot in this place for any reason. So I chat up one of the bike guys, and point out the Looks. He says the manager would probably let me have the 585 for $2500. My jaw hit the floor. Then the manager said he’ll knock and extra 10% off for me because he’s tired of taking the bike down and putting it back up. SHIT! $2250. I can’t get that frame for $2250, nevermind add a Dura Ace 7800 groupo and Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels.

They’ve got a 2009 Look 595 for a shade over $3000 US, also Dura Ace with Ksyrium wheels, but I’m stretching my budget at $2500 with tax as it is. So the 585 Ultra it shall be.

Any objections, speak now. That bike will probably be mine by Tuesday unless a fellow Velominatus knows something I don’t but should.

Oh, and full warranty. I think this retailer adds a bigger warranty on top of the warranty that comes from Look. I’ll get the details on that when I buy the bike. I’m gobsmacked.

Jeff in PetroMetro:
Oli, I’d very much like your opinion on the Look 585 Ultra I just blathered about. You’re the reigning shop Velominatus, so I value your input.
Gracias!

Hi Jeff, I am honoured to be considered such, but I’m afraid I don’t have too much experience with the 585. I’ve worked on a couple (Jo Kiesanowski’s for one) and was impressed with the build quality, but I’ve never ridden one. FWIW Jo really rated it, and the word on the street is definitely positive. From past experience with other Looks I can’t imagine you being disappointed at all, especially at that price!

Gracias!

I just might have to do this. Tomorrow. Maybe Tuesday. Word and photos to follow over in The Bikes if I pull the trigger.

Regarding bike fit: Sean Kelly rode a bike his entire career that looked seven sizes too small, but it worked for him. While today’s technology would have corrected some his quirks, I bet he would have gone back to what felt right. There’s a lot to be said about mental and physical comfort in our sport, regardless of what a computer readout says.

Marcus, I bet if you make small incremental changes toward the recommendations of your bike fitting, the transition would go more smoothly. Bike fitting is still an art, not a science. Probably 80% of a good bike fit is the fitter bringing the changes along slowly so the rider can adapt. Dropping a new template on someone and expecting him to bend right into it is asking a lot.

The riding on Maui was second-to-none. Amazing. And Gianni is the guy to guide you, knows it like the back of his hand.

Re: Bike Fit, my wife did a Reteul(pronounced retool) fit recently and it was very impressive but as Oli points out, it relies on the experience of the fitter. I believe Reteul compares each person’s data against a large data base of racer’s data. I won’t go into it here but it is cool how accurately this rig makes all the body measurements.

Personally, I have raised my saddle over the years and recently endeavored to lower my bars/stem to make me more Rule compliant and generally look more ‘core. I’m down to one 1cm spacer under the stem and that’s as far as I go.

Chapeau!

@Marcus: It sounds like your fit was bogus indeed, showing that even the best computer fit is only as good as its operator. I don’t have access to any such technology so I rely on my eye-ometer, which does have its limitations too at times…

I didn’t say the pro fit doesn’t yield results – just that I didn’t fit the particular fit given to me (probably an indicator of my inflexibility or something like that). My point (which I didn’t actually state) is that bike fitting is a bit of a black art in that there can be a huge amount of disrepancy between the most powerful position and the most efficient over extended periods of riding. Therefore I guess you are more likely to have success with a more experienced “practitioner” who can use some judgement on this point – where is your Melbourne office Oli?

Absolutely, we should keep experimenting and always try to get better; I’ve been higher (that’s where I’ve started) but just kept going down to get comfortable. When I go up 1.5 cm to my 6 degree stem, my back starts to hurt and the bike feels less stable. What you say makes sense, but just doesn’t work in practice for me. Like @Marcus and @ZackOlson say, the pro fit doesn’t always yield results. Too many factors of physiology that we just don’t completely understand, I guess. @Gianni’s VMH also did a fit and it leaded to all kinds of ailments. Very tricky stuff.

For me, the key thing to my comfort is low bars, it’s just how I’m made. When i switched to the 17 degree stem (2cm lower), my speeds when up imidiately, my back pain went away, and the bike cornered better. It was pretty convincing for me.

But like I said I may go to the Pro stem (can I put a shimano product on my bike???), to go up about a cm. Doesn’t hurt to try. The big question is, do I dare go with the white model or do I stick with the black?

Like @ZachOlson says though I’m happy and enjoy riding.

Or maybe it just means he really is a COTHO.

Started getting saddle sores immediately following the fit – thought I might be set too high and reaching so lowered it a touch. No more saddle sore. Persisted with the rest of the set up until around mid-Jan. Put up with sore outsides of my feet, some knee soreness etc., before finally deciding f-ck this, this pozzy might be best for my power output but not for more than 30 mins before discomfort sets in – which surely must have a deleterious effect on my riding. So have made a few changes to my cleat position to get a bit more comfortable and am still messing with my saddle.

So now I have the bike fit “yips” or “fiddles”. Every bloody ride I am wondering about it – have developed different aches in places I never had before. Am sure my fit was “theoretically correct” – after all I had a big computer screen with graphs and things telling me what my power was doing as each change was made. But bugger me, it has brought on its own set of issues…