BMC SL01 vs CANNONDALE CAAD 9 1
There is nothing more exciting and enjoyable for me as a cycling enthusiast than shopping for a new bike. In that sense, I suppose I'm very much like a woman shopping for shoes. I love looking at the colors, checking out the new materials...etc..etc. I find that thinking about and building up a new bike is almost as much fun as riding it.
I wish I had the disposable income that would afford me to purchase whatever frameset I wanted. When there is no price tag too high, there are some incredible incredible machines. But, when you give yourself a sub $1000 frameset price tag...the process becomes a bit more challenging. But, I'm definitely one of those guys who enjoys finding great deals.
Which brings me to the top 2 contenders vying to be my next road frame. The BMC SL01 (recommended to me by a friend at my LBS) and the Cannondale CAAD 9 1 (recommended to me by Gregg of District Cycling). After getting their reco's, I've sat down and read a ton of reviews on both of these rigs and they are all favorable. But as always, I welcome all comments from those who have a history with either of these bikes.
BMC SL 01
The face lift performed to the Road Racer SL 01 for 2009 was so thoroughgoing, that we sometimes wonder why BMC didn't give it a brand new name. It bears virtually no resemblance to the original generation of the Road Racer -- one of our all-time best selling framesets, a real favorite to riders looking to extract maximum value for their money. And perhaps, in fact, this is why the name didn't change. Even though its design is all-new, the Road Racer is still THE standout model for ROI.
The silhouette of the Road Racer is all-but-identical to the Race Master SLX 01. The reason for this, of course, is its use of the BMC Streampost, a design detail first introduced on the Race Master. From a distance it might look like the same sort of integrated seatpost commonly seen on high end Ridley, Scott, and Giant frames. It's not the same thing, though. While it offers the beauty, the stiffness, and the aerodynamics of an integrated post, it has the adjustability of a standard post.
You'll be surprised by the thinness of the carbon walls used on the Streampost. This thinness is a function of the fact that no clamping forces are put on the Streampost. At the bottom side of the post is a wedge (not unlike an old quill stem) with a small bolt you pretension to put outward pressure on the seat tube, thereby giving the post some grip inside the frame. A carbon fiber cable connects this wedge to the locking bolt at the top of the post. Once the wedge is pre-tensioned you can still adjust the post up and down. And once the post is perfectly positioned you simply turn the locking bolt to hold everything in place. This locking bolt is literally an on/off bolt. It puts no tension on the frame. The first time you use it you'll be surprised at its elegance and its ease to use.
Other details give it great similarity to the Race Master. It uses the same seat tube and CNT carbon fiber chainstay, which provides the same stiff-under-power ride quality you get on the Race Master. The critical difference between the two frames is what gives you your cost savings here. The Race Master is a "mixed material" frameset -- a way of saying that BMC makes extensive use of carbon fiber in the main triangle to shed weight. In contrast, the main triangle of the Road Racer is made completely from hydroformed, triple-butted, 7000-series aluminum.
The down tube and seat tube of the Road Racer are as wide as the bottom bracket where they mate to it. Ditto with the chainstays -- they're as tall as the bottom bracket shell where they connect. This massive surface area is all about power transfer. Hydroforming is the only technology that allows BMC to morph the shape of the aluminum tubes into different profiles along their length. This gave BMC the ability to put stiffness where it's needed without forcing the Road Racer to ride like a jackhammer. Stiffness here doesn't translate into harshness. It's also why the seat tube can be built with such oversized dimensions at the BB shell, but then transition into a wind-cheating airfoil profile for the bulk of its length.
The Road Racer is available in 6 sizes and in two colors. It comes standard with an Easton carbon fiber fork built with an aluminum crown and steerer. It comes with an FSA threadless headset and the Streampost carbon fiber seatpost. It requires the use of an English bottom bracket and a braze on front derailleur. This one comes in around $699.
ALLOY PERFORMANCE:
The CAAD9 is the best alloy bike at any price. Cannondale's quarter century of aluminum design experience means the CAAD9 is the most refined and technologically advance alloy frame on the planet. In short, it outperforms lesser carbon frames.
BB30:
Now on the CAAD9! The BB30 was invented to give riders everywhere more power from every pedal revolution. Shave weight, maximize pedaling effort and ride faster. With the Hollowgram Si SL, it's the lightest crankset/BB combo in the world.
VERSATILITY:
As an Elite frame in Cannondale's road line, the CAAD9 has Pro-Tour geometry that’s at home in continental pelotons. But it’s equally suited for multi-day charity rides and remains a cult favorite when knocking elbows at the local crit race.
PRICING:
This one is a bit tougher to get an accurate price on because of Cannondale's relationship with bike shops. I'm going to have to walk into a shop and negotiate the price. But, the entire bike retails for $2999. So, I'm hoping that I can get the frameset for a price near to the BMC. But we shall see.
We Were Promised Jetpacks
Another item sent from Fancy Seeing You Here. This poster is designed locally in Rockville, MD by El Jefe Design and is available for $25.
Cutters Ball
For those of you in the MNPLS region, you may want to check out this event taking place at the Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar. Still puts a smile on my face every time I see that Cutters shirt.
Online Fit Calculators: Competitive Cyclist and Wrench Science
After my recent ride on the Ellsworth I've decided to delve into this 'perfect fit' thing a bit more. To help with that, I went over to the Competitive Cyclist's website and to the Wrench Science's website too do a little online fitting. Both of the sites are full of gorgeous bikes. We're talking about the best of the best here. As for the fit calculators themselves, they share several of the same measurements. But there are differences, so it's interesting to see their fitting theories in practice.
If you've got time, and a person to help...I really recommend taking the time to run through their measurements. Not only did I find out that I'm riding the wrong sized frame, but I also found out that I'm no longer 6'2" (maybe I never was) like I had thought. I'm now a weeneriffic 6'1".
In the end, you can see that both systems rendered similar results. And what does all this mean? Well, it means that if you've got $600 laying around, you can get your hands on a gorgeous Ellsworth Flight frame (sells for $1199). For an extra $50 I'll toss in the carbon fork and Cane Creek integrated headset.
My results from Competitive Cyclist.
My results from Wrench Science
GamJams CompuTrainer Time Trial: Back in the saddle again
This morning I participated in the GamJams CompuTrainer TimeTrial Throwdown. Before I get into how I fared, I should note that Conte's in Bethesda is a gorgeous bike shop. If you've got deep pockets and a love for cycling you will not find a better place to pick up some seriously top end gear. I'm not top end, so I seldom shop there. But that's beside the point.
When I arrived at the event, the shop was buzzing. It felt like Target on xmas eve. I couldn't believe how many people were there. I immediately felt a surge of adrenaline...and nerves. The first group of riders were already warming up. Amongst them was Adam Austin, the guy who won this contest, writes for District Cycling, and happened to be at the Mellow Classic when I was there. That's how I know him. He's a cool guy, but that being sad, he deserves all the blame for my suffering today.
Watching the first race was a bit unsettling, guys that were clearly in better shape, sporting team jerseys and riding sweet machines were laboring. They were sweating buckets. When all was said and done the winner finished the 10mile course in about 27minutes.
Now it was my turn.
For those who haven't seen or tried a CompuTrainer...you're missing out. It's a pretty slick piece of equipment. The tension on the trainer adjusts to the incline on the big screen tv in front of you. Because you can see the hill coming in front of you, you're able to anticipate the need to drop a gear and vice versa. In addition, the big screen provides, MPH, Avg MPH, Watts, Avg Watts, RPM, Mileage Traveled, Distance behind leader...and a few others that I had no need for. I should note, this was my first time ever on a trainer, which means that everything from here on out is going to be awful in comparison.
My group turned to be a small one. Very small. It was just myself and a very likable and older Cat 4 rider named John. Because this is my first year of serious racing, I'm a Cat 5. Here is a quick equation of what that means for the non racers out there (Cat 5 = bum). I secretly had hoped I'd have been alongside a svelte Cat 1 rider who was going to push me.
So the race begins and being the baffoon I am, I realize that my ipod is in my pocket. Instead of sprinting out of the gates, I spend the first 4 minutes with my hands off the bars fiddling with my shuffle before realizing that it's not charged. So much for my motivating playlist. My idiocy is once again reconfirmed. The best part of that little stint was hearing the guy running the event telling me that "this is a race, you shouldn't be doing that." Having him scold me (jokingly of course) for talking and goofing off and generally making light of the event would become a theme. "If you can talk, you're not going hard enough" In hindsight, I should have listened to him...turns out he coaches a cycling team.
The ride was fun. I was cruising along, asking him about wattage output and what is good and what is not. Turns out I produce a decent number for an unfit slob. I averaged 220watts for the 10mile ride but at times got it up over 350. No doubt, those numbers occurred when I turned my hat around and utilized the Lincoln Hawk power generator maneuever. But alas, not even the hat could help propel me up the final 8% grade with any sort of pace to be proud of. For 9.75miles I felt strong and may have held back more than I should. But, for that last .25 I gave it my all and was not rewarded for it. That hill owned me. Owned me.
In the end, I finished in under 33minutes, and I won my group (John and I) by a more than comfortable margin. Actually, it was entirely too comfortable. After the first mile the race was all but decided. I really wish I had been pushed by someone other than myself. I had quite a bit left and definitely would be lying if I claimed to have left it all out there. But oh well. It was my first ride of the year. I had a great time and it'll serve as a great barometer for things to come. I'm not sure what my next race will be, but I'm officially looking. I know I'd be up for another one of these GamJam events. It was a blast.
As for the Ellsworth. It certainly turns head. I'm not sure I own a bike that gets more 'beautiful bike' comments. But, I left a bit concerned about its viability as a serious racing bike for me. The frame is huge. I installed a super short MTB stem on it so that I could reach the bars, and yet I'm still stretched. Also, not one, not two, but three separate people commented on how much power I was pushing thru the bottom bracket and how much the frame was flexing. That power is important to me. I want it transferring to the rear tire, not the frame. I don't have a ton too spare. I should point out that, that little flex is what makes the Ellsworth sublime on longer group rides. Nothing harsh about it. But, I want harsh and stiff, so at this point I'm not sure what to do. Seems like it might be fun to go out and test drive some of the new geometry's and see what's out there. Sure will be tough though, because man oh man...the Ellsworth is gorgeous.
On the eve of my demise
Somehow, someway I found myself signing up for a ComputerTrainer Time Trial today. I'm not sure how it happened actually. What I do know is that I'm in serious trouble. This undboubtedly has the potential to be one of the most humiliating and humbling experiences of my adult life. To say that I'm in bad shape is a gross understatement. Unlike some of my peers who spent these snow laden days sweating to their precious Sufferfest videos. I drank my face off and shoveled. When I wasn't shoveling, I was drinking my face off, eating fatty foods, and building a spectacular near Olympic caliber luge in my back yard! Tequila and luge runs. I'm fairly certain that's not in the how to be a good cyclist handbook.
If that wasn't reason enough to be worried. Consider this, I've never once ridden on a trainer, and this will be my 2nd ride ever on my Ellsworth. DOOMED.
So, on the eve of my demise I am racking my brain to come up with as many excuses as possible. (A skill, I should point out, that every never-do-well cyclist must have). I've got a few solid excuses already....so I should be fine come race day. Fact is, the bulk of my training for this event will take place tonight, while I sit back and watch the Sommers brothers. See..that was another good one right there! Sweet.
But, truth be told, I'm anxious to get my ass handed to me. It'll be the wake up call I need for this upcoming season. I've been slacking too hard and for too long. It's time to get serious again. And nothing motivates like humiliation!
My Leadville Trail 100 rejection letter
Dear Leadville Trail 100 Family, We deeply regret that we were unable to accept your application into the 2010 Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. We really wish we could accommodate every interested rider, but we simply can’t. Our goal and primary obligation is to offer every racer the nation’s highest quality athletic experience with the utmost degree of safety, medical care and racer support. The ever increasing numbers of returning racers and new applicants are testimony we are meeting our goal. We do not keep a waiting list and cannot yet accept entries for 2011. There is still ONE way you can gain entry into the race. For the third year, the Leadville Trail100 has partnered with Carmichael Training Systems to host three 2-day mountain bike camps in Leadville in July 2010 in preparation for the LT100 MTB Race. Camp participants will earn guaranteed entry into the race and the race entry fee is included in the camp fee. Athletes who are unsuccessful in the lottery will have first priority to get into a CTS LT100 Camp. Call CTS today at 866-355-0645 or visit www.trainright.com to reserve a camp spot and we’ll see you at the start line on August14. We would also encourage you to consider entering the awesome 50 mile “Silver Rush” on July 17. It’s a tough, demanding and incredibly beautiful ride in Leadville’s historic east side mining district. Also new this year is 24 Hours of Leadville on Sept. 4 & 5 – for when 100 miles isn’t enough! Try it solo or grab some of your friends and sign up as a team. In addition, we are offering a special $50 discount on the 24 Hours of Leadville race by including this Code: 24Pb on the race application. Simply download it from the web site, fill it our and mail it in! Last, but certainly not least, we always need and welcome volunteers to assist the mountain bike and running events. Not only is it very rewarding to help other riders and runners achieve their goals, but preference in the 2011 entry process is also given to those who volunteer for any of our 2010 races. We are sincerely grateful for your enthusiasm and dedication to the “Race Across the Sky”. In appreciation, Ken Chlouber President, Leadville Trail 100 Leadville Trail 100 www.leadvilletrail100.com
Have no fear…KTRACK is here.
Frustrated by the snow? Had enough of your trainer? Looking for someway/somehow to ride in this snow? If so...then you may want to consider this interesting conversion kit created by KTRACK. For about $530 you can create a monster like this.
Ktrack is a universal tracted rear drive kit that will transform your mountain bike into the ultimate all terrain riding machine. It is designed to provide traction for previously unridable surfaces such as snow and sand.
Bodega x BaileyWorks x Independent Fabrication launches 2/12 Paper Labels Project Preview
This is a very cool collaboration from three killer New England outfits. PAPER LABELS is a design project uniting BaileyWorks (Portsmouth NH), Bodega(Boston) and Independent Fabrication(Sommerville MA) – Three local DIY crews hellbent on creating the best in their respective fields. Since 1993, BaileyWorks has been hand crafting the most durable and elegant courier bags to survive the daily abuse of Bike Couriers. Independent Fabrication transforms metal and carbon into rolling pieces of art - bespoke bicycles measured and tuned perfectly to the individual with the meticulous care of artisans.
This and that
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