old man dave

Bits and peaces

2012-01-29T21:52:00.002Z

As it's been a week since the last post i suppose i should do something otherwise what is the point. We have had a few Ultegra Di2 bikes arrive these last few weeks from Bianchi and Cannondale but just had no time to build them so no road tests as yet but we have group sets in stock and i know they have been all over the web for months but now having them in the flesh shows just how simliar they really are. Excuse the usual standard of amazing quality photos but just so you can see both together thats all. Apparently the Ultegra is a little slower on its change than the Dura-ace but other than a few grams thats about it so really is worth considering and after the typical reliability shimano offer with Di2 the Ultegra will be just as reliable which is great from a UK weather perspective and daily user point of view and at the groupset cost makes me think is it time to go electric.

The mechs although really not interesting or exciting to look at still look just as good so money well spent me thinks, road test to come shortly.

Other things looking good at present are 3T's stealth stem and post , Mavic's cosmic ultimates and my belt drive hybrid from Focus, oh yes ive turned 40 and im doing my mid-life crisis on a budget. My newish commute monster is an 8 speed internal hub belt driven beauty, quiet as a ninja , faster than Usain Bolt and only for the most testosterone packed animals of us but an in-depth view into the belt drive shortly.
Meantime Shabi oops i mean Szabi (personel joke) is preparing for his second holiday already this year sorry i mean training camp i dont know whats come over me tonight. His Cannondale Flash carbon 1 29'r trail muncher is due into the country in a few more weeks and Cannondale have already sold through on 29'rs in carbon for the year and strangely Scott have also ran out of bikes so maybe a factory in the far east somewhere forgot to order enough carbon ? i dont know but still it's a shame only January and already gone i wish i could say the same for politicians. So Shabi and his new bike will soon be back from holiday and rolling round the woods in the dark but hes feeling fit and has some great sponsors on board this year who he will do proud im sure. We are off to the Core bike show tomorrow for a little fun and to see what we can blag so photos and incredibly funny belly cramp inducing stories to follow from there im sure. Well off to bed as its gonna be a long day.
Ciao.

Cannondale Evo 2012

2012-01-20T23:02:00.001Z

Our family of Evo's is growing nicely at present however some of you members of the cycling public keep coming in and buying them so we have to get more and they are already selling out for the year in certain sizes and models which makes me think come May and Giro time there will not really be any left.
This may sound a little over the top but im afraid it isn't so hopefully Mr and Mrs Cannondale will get it on a little more often over these coming months and produce some more offspring.

So as it stands above you have the SRAM red bike nearest followed by the Di2 model them the (dribbling again) Liquigas Team model. All Evo's run the same frame and fork set up but different paint finished leave different weights. The Red and Team models both weigh 6.5kg dead without pedals (size measured team=56cm Red=54cm) the Di2 model 58cm weighs 6.4kg (54cm pictured) and your more than welcome to pop in to see for your self. The spec of all 3 bikes is great and doesn't require any upgrading at all unless it's for personel reasons on preferred equipment. Complete bikes begin at £4000 to ober £8k for the ultimate and we will be offering frame and fork sets from March onwards in the Dura-ace black and white but these will be ltd so if your genuinely interested let me/us know asap.

The ride quality is as expected with these, fantastic. Lots of people were quick to say its more comfortable than the old one and its less comfortable etc etc before the bike had even hit the tarmac. The bike is stiff fast and very agile even more so than the original Supersix and with the light weight it just fly's and climbs like thing that climbs really well, really really well it even makes fat blokes like me want a red poka dot jersey. The steerer tubes come through quite tall and 99% of them will probably get the chop but at least you have the option to play around as we are not all rubber band bendy.

As the CAAD10 is to the CAAD9 the Evo is to the Supersix all amazing bikes but still a step up the ladder in performance and all round usability. The Team model has always been my favourite since i bought my first Liquigas bike in 2008 i have loved them all and my collection grows, i know why ride a team bike if your not in the team or even race etc quite frankly who cares there are millions of people wearing football shirts who can barely string a sentence together so i feel justified and if your going to spend £500 or £10,000 on something then buy the something you want not what others suggest, your only here once as far as we know so make the stay a good one.

Yum to the Cannondale SI chainsets and BB30 bottom brackets that everyone now adopts and double yum to the SRAM red/black/green (Dear Mr SRAM colour options on the new group please how hard can it be)

Tidy internal cable routing for the rear brake which exits from the top tube alla Synapse on the smaller framed models.

Lastly and we have been asked, why no go aero tube shapy, Cannondale wanted to keep and better the ride quality and comfort as you get more aero you get stiffer and heavier so they adopted the sensible bit, the tubes have been downsized to cut through the air quicker basically but with a different carbon lay up to allow the stiffness etc to be kept. Think 5 Chocolate biscuits in your mouth apposed to one biscuit, one biscuit gets the job done quicker, strange analogy but it works on my level. Well all that talk of biscuits has made me hungry so im off, i hope you have learnt some new words today and enjoyed the pictures. Todays blog has been bought to you by the colour Green and the number 6.
Kettles on Ivan get a move on.

Bless him he's last again.

It's beginning

2012-01-15T21:05:00.004Z

Well after a fairly dull year last year this one has started with a bang. It may be cold out round here but the sun was shining this weekend and the cycling has been mental. Are the Olympics having an effect im not sure. It's far to early to tell but im seeing Nike posters every where of Cavendish and Harry Main, the local area is rammed with roadies, you cant drive round Box hill for all the cyclists churning up the Olympic course to be and even the local skatepark is stacked out with kids from 5 years old upwards doing tricks i would of said were impossible when i was a teenager (very very long time ago). Now whilst i mention skateparks and how well cycling seems to be doing here in blighty at present can i just throw a few facts out there. English down hill world champions Steve Peat and Tracey Moseley, world champions for feck sake and who new about generally yet premiership footballers shed a toe nail and it's front page of the papers. Jamie Bestwick anyone , anyone no never heard of him well imagine if we won the world cup, what an achievement we would spend the next 60 years bragging about it, Jamie Bestwick holds and has held the past 5 X-Games vert gold medals (world cups) and 7 Dew tours as well and when you watch what he does you'll know why. Its about time these athletes started getting the recognition they deserve as they push their sports forward day in day out , they dont earn Manchester United wages and they work extremely hard and have done to get where they are so i hope 2012 see's these guys and girls up there in the public eye.

Cycling covers all different disciplines so lets support them all and make it a great year for the UK, who knows a few Golds wouldn't hurt now would they.
In other news lots of nice shiny things leaving the shop over the last few days and lots more shiny things to come, there is a lovely EVO Di2 custom build around the corner, ltd edition Sidi shoes, Kask helmets new Cavendish model to come , Ultegra Di2 first ride and Scalpel 29'rs so im going to be busy over the next few weeks and then come April we go for a spin with Cipo, the Lion King as he lives and breathes so lts to do. The shop site is now and to an extent still being updated with the web shop due in Febuary.
Well tomorrow is my day off so i have an early appointment at the Gym then ill send a few hours at Harrow skatepark on my BMX whilst all the kids are at school pretending im Jamie Bestwick as i hop over a coke can and generally hurt myself so enjoy your week peoples and i will return.

Back to normal

2012-01-09T21:47:00.003Z

Well finally we are back to normal, as much as i love Christmas and all that festive stuff i do love to get back to a routine, mainly for my stomach i think as one week a year of traumatic expansion is enough. So we are 200 days away from the Olympics and we all wonder here in blighty if it will be great or a traditional cock up. To be honest i was thinking along the cock up route but over the last week seeing the amount of people in the shop looking, enquiring and buying bikes to get in shape and ready for this massive summer i now begin to think it's actually going to be ok medals or not im sure it will go down well and hopefully get such viewing numbers here it will help prompt kids to get out off the X-box with their massively over worked opposing thumbs and zombie stares and find out just how much of a laugh sport can be with your friends which brings me round to Cav, S.P.O.T.Y what a result and a truly deserved one plus the guy is so much a team player hes just what the sport needs so well done to him.

So more 2012 product is beginning to land in the shop and ill be displaying it as the weeks go by and we get to use it but for now the Sidi Ergo 3's are in and looking lovely. Firstly the speedplay specific sole offers more adjustment for and after than a std shoe would do it also lowers the stack height and saves you weight 62g to be precise. The carbon is T700 and comes from a factory that also makes parts for believe it or not Ducati and Ferrari, Come on it's Italian what do you expect. New this year is a vent at the front of the sole which opens to allow air flow up into the mid part of the shoe keeping your feet cooler in the hotter weather. The shoe has 4 closure systems on the upper, your standard security velcro strap nearest the toe, the second is the techno 2 system (twisty dial bit) in the middle a buckle and strap at the top of the foot which can be adjusted on the non buckle side side to allow for a high or low instep giving closure and pressure on the correct part of the foot and lastly the heal closure system which was tested with Liquigases Ivan Basso a few years back. This lets the shoe give a secure fit above the heal that does not squeeze or pinch or effect blood flow but means if you were running your straps looser due to very long miles, aches, discomfort or just need a little room to keep your feet awake it keeps the shoe in place and feeling safe.

The current RRP is £309.99 and their in stock now, a full range of colours and models from Sidi will be on our web shop come mid Febuary when it goes live. Keep an eye on here or here for more info.
And lastly if your lucky enough to be a Liquigas sponsored rider you get these.

Super bling im on the blag as we speak or you read and i write etc, oh you get it. Well thats enough for tonight i need sleep and protein.

Ciao

Happy new year

2012-01-01T21:13:00.000Z

Well we are here 2012 has just begun and hopefully a great year for us all. This will be a big year for us in the UK with the Olympics and high hopes for Gold medals especially in the cycling. Cavendish at SKY will im sure make for a very interesting Tour, how will the team work it with Wiggo will they go for sprinter, overall points and placement and so on and that's if there are no injuries or changes due to the Olympics but whatever happens im sure it will be a memorable year and hopefully one where we stop hearing about all the doom and gloom of recession. So far the shop has been buzzing over christmas with people eager to get riding, a mix of mild weather and the excitement of whats to come i think.

I will try to run a good mix of things this year from whats new in the shop to what just plain works regardless. Lots of cycling miles to do this year and comment on and also just general fitness achievements. I have managed to drop 2 stone in the last 10 weeks so hills are feeling enjoyable now and ill share with you how i did it. Szabi has a busy year of races this year with his 24hr solo career and his first year with a group of top notch sponsors. Follow his blog for all that goes on but i will keep you informed anyway with a pre season write up to follow this week.

Turning 40 this year has messed up my thinking and made me buy a hybrid to commute on, dark times i thought but actually not thanks to Focus bikes and my new belt drive beauty, also the addition of my BMX via ZEAL BMX (thanks Mr Hitchcox) ill admit i love BMX and have done since the age of 9 and quite frankly couldn't imagine the last 31 years without it in my life, its character building, it keeps you fit, it makes you determined and to continuously push yourself plus keep A&E busy so works all round but ill do a stint on my visits to XC in Hemel and Harrow skatepark with my son soon.
The shops online store will open shortly which we are all quite excited about and hopefully will give people a bigger insite to what we sell and what we are about.

I will give an up to date link shortly for the shop just awaiting a few amendments to be done first. Strava what fun this site is after a bit of a slow year for me and lack of interest in the road bike this site kicked me straight back into touch with routes and records to break all over the place including competitions and so on so if you havent seen it yet take a look and feel free to join our club Bicycle richmond to help us build those KOM points. Now i must go and ready myself and get my blogs, tweets and god knows what other things in place so once again Happy new year folks, get out on the bike get down the gym be positive and lets make 2012 a year to be proud of. I will leave you with this video Congrats to Robbie and Levi what a way to kick off the year.

Ciao

Change is coming

2011-12-11T21:23:00.001Z

January 1st it all starts here

Orbea 2012

2011-08-25T22:41:00.002+01:00

Finally Orbea are beginning to get the picture with their road bikes, the Orca has always been a looker no doubt but costly with nothing remotely sexy under it's price point but finally they have produced the bike that should of started the range off 3 or more years ago the spanking new 2012 Orca bronze. Basically orbea have taken the 2011 Orca's front end dropped in a round seat-post and tweaked the back end for aesthetic reasons and not performance to give a sexy entry level carbon roadie. I personally love the look of the Orca apart from the Orbea own finishing kit ( stem and bars) which looks so out of place on a £3k plus bike but more at home on the new bronze. The carbon lay up is the same as the current Onix which will remain in the Orbea line up for 2012 although not shown on the web i believe ? anyway the 2012 range in general is looking sharper than ever and larger than ever aswell. The Orca gold and silver stay untouched other than group sets and colours as does the Ordu and most of the other bikes.
The Orca range itself has 20 bikes and that's not including the women's models which alone has 17.
The range goes like this- Orca Bronze 105/ultegra/athena/ultegra Di2

Orca Silver ultegra/ Ultegra Di2/ Athena/ force/ dura ace/ record/ red/ Di2

Orca Gold ultegra/ ultegra Di2 /athena/ force/ red /record /dura ace /Di2

Orca Bronze 105 £1800

Orca Bronze Ui2 £3000

Orca Bronze Ui2 for the Ladies

Orca Silver record

Orca Gold Dura-ace

Orbea will be putting more effort into their road bike production this year as last year was just terrible for them so expect availability to be a lot better and hopefully they will start marketing themselves in the UK properly as they are wonderful bikes but still relatively unknown in this country, fancy a go on one we have a demo Orca Gold so get in touch.
Now fancy something big and filthy ooer misses the Alma 29'er YURSE PLEASE SANTA

I could rattle on for ages as it is such a big range but i honestly can not be bothered as i do have a life that i manage to fit in here and there so if you want more info then contact me/us as that will be the best way.
We have quite a line up planned for next year so keep watching as ill post up 2012 Cipollini's shortly which look dead funky this year and you can see the first one released into the wild by us here already.
Bianchi will be late September when we get back from Italy the best country in the world ever and our new secret hush hush brand that everyone knows but just wont sus it out.

Meantime this snippet of cycling info has been brought to you by the new Red hot chilli's album I'm with you, a large fruit smoothie and an overly loud washing machine.
Until next time children check this out with muchos base and relax.

Ciao

Felt 2012 and the future

2011-08-19T23:32:00.001+01:00

Well 2012 has well and truly arrived at Bicycle with Cipollini's and Cannondales already on the shop floor and in customers garages and when you have seen what we have seen for the coming season it's going to be a truly great year kit wise for you guy's and girls it's just a shame it comes during such a financially crap time in the world. This could actually be a good thing as we all look for something that is fun and enjoyable that can transport us away from the hassle and stress of day to day living cycling offers freedom, health and fun all in the one great escape also the amount of couples now cycling together and families aswell in the UK is great, you see so much more on your bike rather than being stuffed in a car or bus your children/friends/partners indulge in conversation with you and when all is said and done you fell a little fitter and happier with things in general.
Enough with the life lecture i think as cyclists we already know this but introduce it to someone who isnt, after all it doesn't cost you a penny and they benefit 10 fold. Now soon to hit our shiny shop floor will be amongst others some that will remain a secret until Eurobike and some you already know of is Felt.
Their 2012 range expands on what was already there opening up the price points even further with a varied range of road, aero road, TT-Tri and CX bikes thats without touching the MTB's and hybrids.
Below are a few models but be aware the prices and spec/colour could eventually differ slightly as nothing is confirmed until we open the box it comes in.
First up the F75- aluminium frame, carbon fork and post, 105 groupset and Mavic rims at a respectable £1175

Next and in no relevant order as that would be far to easy is the DA3 with it's full carbon frame and fork and SRAM red TT groupset it hits the wind tunnel at £3699

Next the AR3 aero road bike, full UHC advanced carbon frame and fork, and the new Ultegra Di2 groupset and Mavics cosmic elites which are cropping up on lots of bikes for 2012.
Kerrching £3599 Batteries included.

The equally loveley AR2 with full red in white £3999.

The very discreet F1 Di2 for you under the radar types. £7499 sneak it passed the wife tips with each one sold.

Now i havent at present got UK prices for the next 2 but they are both on my winter bike list but who will triumph, disc brakes and SRAM or neon yellow and buzzing Di2, who cares they both look good.
F2X

F65X

Now i have more but we could go on all night and wheres the fun in that, im an old bloke i need sleep and rest but if there is a certain model your interested in drop me a mail or post a comment and ill give you what i can. As i get the full specs over the next few days ill post bits up here and there and also to come soonish (if you follow this blog regularly youll know soonish can mean very longish) 2012 Cipollini, Mr Mario has been busy with his glue and scissors whipping up the LOGOS for 2012 and he has even flicked the paint brush around the current stuff aswell as making it all pretty and shiny and very Italian. Cannondale we kind of did a while back but them is arriving in the shop now so me get big pics for some soon. Bianchi we dont see until Mid September and there is also a new brand to the shop which i think will cause a stir amongst you guys in 2012 with some amazing and i mean amazing value high end bikes so watch this space, we've seen em and the man from del monte says ooh yeah baby.
I still pick up our EVO every morning to remind me how much cheaper it is than a Cervelo frame that cost's twice the price oh and if you like the Cannondale EVO wait until Euorbike thats all im saying incase they decide not to do it ooh have i said to much i just dont know.
Lots of Castelli stuff, DMT shoes, sidi and Northwave and the list just goes on, right time for some quick self tanning lotion as i get in to Vuelta mode, come on Sagan explode into your first proper tour.
Ciao.

2012 Wilier

2011-07-23T21:41:00.002+01:00

Well i did promise some Wilier news a while back so here it is. The laveredo and Escape disappear this year to be replaced with the Monte Grappa (sub £1k) the Triestina gets a facelift and the Izoard stays untouched along with the Gran Tourismo. The Imperiale becomes a frame-set only and i feel this bike has missed out big time, it had the looks and performance a year before spesh and Scott started doing aero stuff but it's been completely missed by the cycling world especially in the UK, sort your marketing out guy's. The Cento starts at £3500 for a complete bike and obviously the new Zero7 is the big news for Wilier this year however im sure their new TT bike will go under the radar without some kind of push advertising wise and there are a couple of nice single speeds chucked in for good measure and cheap £500 the blue one is a must, look at the pics below and see for yourself. As soon as i get the proper images next week ill post them up but until then you will have to make do with Szabis photography.

Now there will be more to come and Wilier as usual will have bikes hitting the UK from September onwards with no real price changes which is good so if you fancy one let us know.

2012 Cannondale continued

2011-07-09T23:26:00.005+01:00

Just thought i would add a few more images before we move onto next years Wiliers and other stuff. As i said previously i have no exact UK line up yet so these images are mainly europe and U.S bikes and basically if it's black, white or black and white it will be UK bound (how exciting). Thank god for Italian manufacturers and loud colour schemes.

Enjoy peep's

And just for Dan.gerous the yellow supers are back buddy.

2012 Cannondales

2011-07-06T17:39:00.001+01:00

Ciao everybody, firstly i apologies for the lack of blog recently but a mental few months has just simply not allowed me to dedicate the time. Not that much has changed but i have a small window between family and superhuman duties so i thought i would use it wisely.
Below are some pics of the 2012 Cannondale range. Now at present we do not have our confirmed UK model and colour range as that's a few weeks away yet however i thought i would share a little info with you on what's happening.
All CAAD's seem to be staying the same except paint obviously, the same goes for synapse ally, Super X and standard trim supersix's. The EVO is all new and we may even see some Jeckyl's this year even though we are still awaiting the current one's (thanks for that Cannondale). And it seems although theres lots of spy shots of the NEW slice floating about that the bike stays as is with no deep rim spec just a ladies and a couple of bloke very std versions. Potentially the new model will be a late or early release next year so we do not get another Jeckyl balls up. The carbon Synapse gets a little tweak if you notice it or not is another matter but until i have the official what have we done to it im saying naff all about the seat post's.
From what i have seen theres lots of 29er's and a big women's range which most of will hopefully make the UK rather than 50% of the range and everything in black.
Oh yeah and Ui2 on various Supers. Enjoy.

SL3

Flash 29r

CAAD8

CAAD10

Evo Team

Synapse Hi-mod

Supersix Ui2

Scalpel Hi-mod

Scalpel 29r

Oh yeah and helmets, mmm not so sure but we will see.

Want some info drop us a line or email etc and soon we will have 2012 Wilier up as soon as images are ready.

DMT shoes and Oakleys

2011-05-31T21:51:00.000+01:00

Well the giro is over with for another season and although Nibali didn't claim a second year on the trot for Cannondale Liquigas it was a close run race with Scarponi putting up an equally good fight and Contador head and shoulders above the filed especially on the climbs , almost a bit to good but i will not let my personel feelings interfere here and just say well done to all. Now the shop has been busy of recent with what seems a funny year so far with sales up and down all over the place but far more expensive bikes rolling out the shop this year than ever before which is great and the workshop is rammed and has been for months now, i dont think poor little Szabi has seen day light for ages but as long as he has his daily 2 tons of fruit he seems quite happy. Now we do like an Italian product or two in the shop and our newest is DMT footwear.

DMT have been around since the late 70's producing various forms of sporting footwear and are a main contributor and supplier to NIKE yes thats right the biggest sports company in the world get their cycling shoes from these guy's just ask the likes of Cavendish for starters who makes his shoes with the tick sawn on them. The distributor is bringing in 2 models at present the Prisma pictured above and the Radial pictured below.

The Radial is based on light weight and comfort hence no weighty buckles but an anatomic padded tongue for comfort, an external anatomic heel counter for stability and a super lovely carbon sole.
The Prisma although weighing the same as the Radial offers a one peace lace system called the RAM, which as you adjust the widget on the side of the shoe tenions evenly across the foot top so although giving a secure fit allows an even pressure across the foot for comfort. For those of you like myself who live and breathe speedplay pedals DMT even offer a speedplay specific fit which is great and offers a stupidly low stack height aswell. The full 2012 range beginning under £100 will be available from around September but if you fancy something a little different and not on everyone else's feet this summer pop in the shop and ask to try some. I am awaiting my first pair to arrive in the next week so i can let everyone know what kind of fit and comfort they offer as i ride Northwaves due to a wide fit so keep checking back for updates.
Oakley's have also landed in the shop now and we have all been busy using the custom order option and coming up with the silliest colour ways possible on Jawbones which are still the glass of the moment it seems.

We have found that so far all custom orders have been delivered within 4 working days so treat yourself for the summer. If you need advice on which colour/type of lenses to go for which really is the important bit just give us a call or pop in with your requirements.
Apart from the amazing world of bicycles i do also have some form of a private life which this weekend involved my lovely wife's 40th birthday and a visit to Bournemouth ink which is a yearly Tattoo festival here in the UK and all i can say is that the entertainment was great and the artists were awesome it's such a shame my pics were crap as there were some amazing peaces and my photos will do them no justice however if you get a chance to check out Rakhee her portraits are just stunning.
Well that's it for tonight folks the shop website is being updated as we speak and over the next few days will get a little more up to date as will my I tunes collection as i need something to listen to while pressing all these buttons.
If your into health and diet's and stuff check out Szabi's blog page for the latest on Fruitarians.
If you suffer from a really short memory go back to the top of the page.
Lastly 1st June Ace cafe london, hot rods and rockabilly's its a good night out for free.

Ciao

2012 Cannondale EVO

2011-05-16T10:45:00.000+01:00

Well firstly the EVO has not only made it's debut at the Giro but we have ordered ours and have been told delivery is in July. Im a little dubious about this to say the least as im still awaiting 2011 bikes but the info comes direct from the big C so there has to be some truth to it. Get your orders in peeps as they wont be hanging around. Now the Giro is not even half way through and apparently Contador's already won it, come on people we are only on stage 9 of 21 there is a way to go yet including another great climb and maybe Contador will win it although i still look forward to an Italian taking a home victory and although all eyes will be on Nibali in this house i must say so far there has been some great showings from Farnese Vini aboard their Cipo's and Androni Giocattoli with their Bianchi's. The bigger teams dont seem to making as much of an impact so far but maybe that will change toward the last few stages.

Visconti's RB1000 looks gorgeous in this paint job i think, a ltd edition beckons Mr Mario please maybe a bit over the top for a London commuter but dam it looks good. Well while the riders take a day to rest and look at their strategies im going to sooth my latest ink with some cream and hit the Gym in preparation for tomorrows Giro stage and to see if the Tour of Cali actually gets going. Travis Barker quede up on the pod so off we go.
Ciao

EVO 2012 will green still be the new pink

2011-05-06T21:28:00.000+01:00

Well Cannondale have officially launched the EVO so we can freely look and discuss it now with out fear of being told off. First impressions although from a month back were that i wasn't keen , just looked like a carbon CAAD10 how ever since getting a little more used to it's looks and Cannondales typical build ethic it makes perfect sense it looks fine, it's not going to just sell on looks but quality and simplicity above all and will still be as good if not better than most other stuff out there and strangely cheaper than Mr Cervelos project California thingy and all at 1 gram lighter. Now im never one to go for light weight as with my weight it usually brings problems but my CAAD10 is awesome and i for the first time in years can not see why i need a carbon or more expensive bicycle as it performs superbly however at half the weight (frame) but same geometry etc it has to be a must i think and that Liquigas paint is simliar to my 2009 rep therefore it has my name written all over it.

Now the EVO will replace the Hi-Mod frames only beginning at around £4k fior the SRAM red model then going up to Dura ace , Di2 , Team and Ultimate which as a full build is just shy of 5kg ouch !.
I will not go into all the tech stuff as it's all over the web but reading our dealer pack is quite interesting.
Now it looks as though the new Slice and short travel Jeckyl have been shelved for 2013 release as the big C need to concentrate on just getting bikes out their at present and dont want the same problem as they did with the Jeckyl this year which we are still awaiting delivery of (not impressed) but the std supersix will stay as is but looks as though all prices will go up 5-10% next year for everyone.
Now revel in the EVO's beauty before we finish off.

Sorry for small images but it's all Cannondale have given us so far. Now as things evolve ill tell you more but still to come this month, Willer's new 07 , various new gear and builds, my CAAD10, and Vanilla goes Lavender this will make sense shortly and trust me it's worth waiting for.
Giro is less than 24hrs away will Liquigas green retain pink with Vinnie or will Contador take the pink only to have the title stripped when the UCI do him for something if that ever gets finalised, they seem almost as useless as the Government here in the UK. well im back to some old school Jay-Z and looking at shite on eBay but before i go,
Grant rims due Tuesday bike being built midweek.
Mum is your car fixed.
Moped rider that i took on both acceleration and top end coming home tonight, 1 large stuffed crust meat feast please.
And finally to all who arranged hot rod night at the Ace Cafe on Wednesday wicked evening and thanks.
Brrrraaaaarrrp

Di2 Builds new shoes and the Giro

2011-04-28T23:35:00.000+01:00

well 9 days left until the 2011 Giro gets underway and it's going to be a biggy. This will be the 150th anniversary of the Giro and im sure the Italians will be looking for a home win and fingers crossed Vincenzo will have the stuff to do it. As a rider he has matured a lot it seems over the last few seasons and you never know this could be his time but if it is or isn't one thing is guaranteed, with the likes of Contador and Menchov wanting a nice shiny cup and Mount Etna it's going to be seriously exciting.
The likes of Basso and Evans will be missed after last years battles but the line up so far looks strong across the board so it should be good viewing on the old Eurosport and if anyone fancies dragging me along for free around the 15th of May let me know.

Now these last few weeks we have gone a little Di2 crazy it seems with quite a few custom builds rolling out the door which has been very nice and there are still a few in the pipeline so lot's to come on all of those shortly and also Electronic Ultegra, yes it's real being launched at the Tour de France and supposedly available from August. I have had rough prices and specs but ROUGH these will probably change over the next few months but lets say 50% of Di2 for now "bargain" you say, wait to here the full spec first and it is cheaper for a reason but all shall become clear.

Nice to see Rabottini grab a victory today in Turkey on his Cipo and i have to say i always had Turkey down as a bleak place to go but after the coverage on Eurosport i must admit it looks bloody lovely so ill add it to the must go to list.
The Cipollini booth is coming along nicely and there is even word of a £3k frame-set for 2012 with std seat post to make life a little easier and we are also due our demo RB100 shortly so a true reflection of the ride quality to come asap.

Lastly new shoes, i was going to wait and see what Sidi offered in a mega fit for 2012 to see if i could buy anything top end,ish colour wise etc but i couldn't wait and my current Northwaves have lasted 2 seasons and been great so i grabbed another pair which feel even more comfortable and as far as shoe prices go for a top end model they are cheap and for us wide footed freaks super comfy.

Well that's about it for tonight as im pooped and still need to watch the rest of fight club again for like the 50th time as it's just great.
Tonights instalment was brought to you by PHD nutrition, musically assisted by the Asian dub foundation and the general need to talk bike stuff.

Bonjour

2012 Cannondale Felt Wilier and so on

2011-04-18T22:04:00.002+01:00

Well while the cycling world gets its knickers in a twist over 2012 product that wont be available until the 2013 stuff is on show let's roll back the clock and tip toe through those precious 2011 beauties that are only just washing up on our little island shall we. This year has been a bit of a let down to say the least as most manufacturers havent managed to get 2011 product into the UK yet but are quite happily showing 2012 stuff already when there are people who have paid their deposits on bike porn that they may now not get. The bikes below are all truly awesome machines and really dont need to be superseded or tweaked as much as they are as most owners will never get them to perform to there limits anyway if the truth be known. Firstly Orbea's Orca gold an ultra high modules carbon frame served up in this case with a SRAM red groupset slipping in at £6600 and this particular beauty is a demo model so if you fancy a spin id and deposit please. Orbea run 3 levels of carbon the gold as mentioned the silver which is High modules and then Bronze which is on the likes of the Onix. Bronze is comfy and buzz absorbing, Silver is still comfy yet lighter and stiffer giving a slightly flightier ride then Gold which is Pro level aimed at stiffness weight and power transfer.

Next in our Spanish bike porn collection is the Ordu which comes in a silver or gold model. The black bike is a Silver model (confused) with Ultegra groupset and also available in 105, the blue/white is the Gold. Frame is the same but purely the carbon is the only change with an offer of Dura ace/ Di2 and SRAM groups.

The Gold models both Orca and Ordu and to an extent the silver aswell offer a downgrade upgrade option on various parts like wheels, chainsets and bars hence the above £6k bike with entry level shimano wheels in it as the lucky owner already has some nice hoops to chuck in it.
The following 3 bikes have also shot out the door this week to be used and abused for the summer.
Cannondales Supersix team model.

Wilier Imperiale.

Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod custom build.

So anyway the bikes are beginning to arrive just like Mavic's exalith rims and Sidi's shoes and shortly Felt and Enve product should have landed. I am in the process of trying some clothing by Etxeondo which i have to say so far is very nice and a full report to come on my CAAD10 which im afraid to say is fecking awesome. Well you can go back to your 2012 scalpel 29'rs, Wilier 799, and disc clad Felt cyclocross bikes but for now enjoy whats available and just bloody ride it.
This weeks blog update was brought to you by Blink 182, Galaxy hot chocolate and my youngest son locking me in my room for embarrassing him in front of his friends, being a dad has it's plus points.

Next time on why do i read this crap, none of the stuff i promise to write about like Martin @ Suppleworx for fixing my old knackered body, my CAAD10 (it does exist ive seen it) and other random mythical babblings.
Peace out Bra

Cipollini Sidi and More

2011-03-19T18:33:00.001Z

I have been a little pre preoccupied for the past week with various bit's and peaces from trying to source bicycles for customers that according to manufacturers cant be made, random illness and general madness so im taking 5 minutes to chill this weekend and sort stuff out. The weather has been pretty good the last few weeks and customers are beginning to come out of the wood work to find their new weapon of choice for the season so are the good times ahead of us for cycling ?. With the olympics in the UK in 2012 it should be a great year for sports in general but we need the weather as this changes more than just the chance of a ride in the sun but our moods and general attitudes. We are all so much happier when the sun is out all day and life just seems simplified in general so fingers crossed we have a 6 month stint of glorious weather in front of us, bright enough for car drivers to actually see us, so sunny that all the idiots who run red lights on their bikes will just chill and enjoy those few extra seconds in the sun, warm enough that getting ready in the morning isn't the standard sprint relay from bed to bathroom to wardrobe and as you get home the neighbours are sat in the garden with a cold beer for you after a long hot commute.

In the meantime life goes on so we at the shop are trying to get all the lovely bits and peaces in that you lot want for your super summer rides and my god there is a hell of a lot of stuff. We have Oakley eyewear this year which is a no brainer in the eyewear department and joining our range of footwear is Giro and Sidi, Giro we mentioned a while back and the shoes have been steadily trotting out the door with a great welcome from there new owners. The ltd edition Rapha shoe will be us shortly as will Sidi whos range of shoes is massive and when you break them down the attention to detail and finish is wonderful, the fit is like a slipper even in the Mega shoes for wide footed freaks like me.

The 2 shoes above show a std fit on the left and a mega on the right, it's a lot easier to see in the flesh but the mega is a fair bit wider across the toe box. Every shoe is hand made in Italy which is why Sidi can only produce so many shoes per month but general stock in the UK is getting better and better.
We have also had our Selle Italia test saddles delivered to run alongside our long standing Fizik range and they come in some very funky colours which the camera just doesn't do justice to.

We also have got round to getting all our signed Liquigas jerseys out on display in the shop aswell its amazing how the smallest things can take so much time to do but they look great none the less and hopefully a few more victories to be added this year by the boys in Green.

Well that's my 5 minutes of chilling up now it's time to go back to work so enjoy your weekend all and keep em crossed for the sunshine.

2012 supersix evo ?

2011-02-25T23:05:00.000Z

Well we are just receiving 2011 models as we speak but these images are doing the rounds at present so thought id pop on them on. Rumours are it's the 2012 supersix evo question is is it ?. It seems to be a carbon CAAD10 or Super X with tweaked geometry so is this the big EVO we have all been waiting for or just the entry level supersix for 2012 who knows but as long as it rides like the current model thats all that matters. The only real thing you notice is it seems to be running a 27.2mm seat post like its little ally brothers and sisters so will this be a 700g frame as speculated, 5 or so months and i guess we will all know but ill have one regardless.

Now as for the present our Cipo's have started to arrive and they look good and should offer some amazing custom builds this year and judging by Australian mag Rides road test on the RB1000 it's one hell of a bike. If your local to the shop come in and have a look as much nicer and sharper in the flesh as always and i am talking about the Cipo of course.

Now a little more down to earth literally as Danny Bent embarks on his latest adventure on Shirley across south America only days after his first book gets released. Now the book although only half way through is a really great read about his journey to India on his little Surly we built up for him (shirley) so dig deep it's the same price as a visit to subway and will last you a lot longer and will not make your fingers as messy. The book pictured below is available on Amazon and various book shops we even have a few copies in the shop. Dan can be followed on Twitter @dannybent and Facebook and will be worth following as He and Caroline head in to the unknown you can share there fun, good luck buddy and look after Shirley and her little sister.

Well a big happy birthday to @cleopompom today and have a great weekend and for any budding photographers out there who twitter @wiggys has been posting pics like those below of his Aurora adventure and i am now sold on it and off there myself in the next few years to witness this phenomena up close before our continual destruction of the planet makes the sky every where look like it.

Well thats pretty much it for now everyone but lastly my quest to become a world conquering Triathlete continues as i reach a mile stone this week and start hitting my first 10K runs. 10K whats so great about that some of you may say well ill tell you, this is the furthest i have ran in 25 years possibly my life and along with it im loosing weight and gaining strength which is a personel bonus but like the swimming and time in the gym it's all about the journey, i couldn't give a toss about the destination at this point but i have to say that with all the sports i have been involved with over my life Tri seems to be the warmest and nicest bunch of people i have ever met so for anyone considering it just jump right in now who cares how fat or old you are if you can only run upstairs or cant even ride a bike you'll learn and their are people that will gladly help you on your way and it just breaks up the day to day monotony called life we all know and love so much and you know what, you might just enjoy it.

Night peeps

YUM YUM New Shoes

2011-02-18T23:58:00.000Z

Hello everyone i hope your all enjoying the lovely english weather unless your reading from another country in which case you probably are not, lot's of bit's and peaces arriving this week and we start with one for the Ladies, new shoes. Giro have dipped their toe in the shoe market with a few offerings that i touched on briefly a while ago but now we have some lets have a closer look. Top of the pile is the Prolight SLX available in 2 colours black or white simple and safe. The upper is made of Teijin microfibre which is very soft and helps to take your foots shape giving great comfort the 3 strap's D-rings are offset so they do not cause any real pressure points across the top of the foot their are made of Titanium for weight and you will also notice the lack of a ratchet on the top strap for the same reason.

The sole is EC90 slx hi-mod carbon giving great stiffness to weight ratio's and with Ti hardware. The shoe also comes with 2 insoles 1 super light for racing and one slightly heavier ( a little over the top i think) and 3 different arch supports that attach to the insole on a fine velcro style attachment. All in all a very light and good looking shoe with full road test to follow soon. Dropping 2 models lower is the Trans at almost £100 cheaper this shoe takes a cheaper carbon sole and upper material adding 70g in weight but has a buckle and a semi fetish shiny bit which i really like and in terms of value for money about £169 i think is a fantastic value for money shoe. The Trans also comes with a medium arch support but the arch kits are sold separately.

The Trans pictured above is also shown with a Mavic pro-road which is a very light and comfortable shoe for pretty much the same money, the picture doesn't really quite show what i intended here but for anyone who has seen the Mavic shoes they are super thin comfy slippers that feel floaty light on your feet the Giro much like a Sidi is a slightly beefier shoe sitting a little taller on the foot and probably being a little better in the colder temperatures aswell as the Mavics are extremely well ventilated. The 2 brands compliment each other nicely and with Sidi due in to us in the next few weeks you should be spoilt for choice when it comes to proper footwear. MTB shoes in the next blog if that floats your boat but in the meantime Zipp, Zipp have been a big and leading name in aero wheels for years now and hold a huge market share in the Triathlon market and with the 808 Firecrest it's no surprise as they are a truly beautiful wheel in the flesh with their dimpled surface and fat chunk stance they make any bike look a million dollars.

The 81mm deep rims sit at a porky 27mm width but for a reason, im not going to go into all the tech detail quite frankly because it bores the shit out of me but if you really want to read it click here, basically by testing different rim profiles Zipp have managed to move the centre of pressure caused by wind on the rim nearer to the centre of the wheel giving a much more stable feel and allowing the wheel to be far more efficient.
Even the skewers and hub/bearing covers are shaped to help cut through the air so if your already running Zipps make sure everything is facing the right way or you could be giving away precious seconds on the commute home. Now while on the subject of aero rims we all know EDGE/ENVE dont we ? well you should as this year they are set to place a foothold on the market in the UK with their product. Now i can not tell to much yet as that would be unfair on the UK distributor but there are a few new rims on their way and they look very good and offer some very interesting wind tunnel results but more on this later im afraid all i will say is start saving as the wheels will be offered in complete build packages with Chris King hubs to name but one variety, that should make your life a little easier Grant because i know i dont, sorry but Grant knows who he is and for those of you that dont hes the bloke that will have blinging Enve/king wheels in 2 months time. reference to the wind tunnel bit good news for Cannondale owners but again ill spill the beans later.
Well i need some rest after this mornings early run and bike session but thank you Cytomax for todays energy boost.

Night Yall

TCR show and jolly nice people

2011-02-15T21:49:00.000Z

Well this weekend gone saw the TCR show at sandown park to which myself and Soloszabi made a visit, i have to say that the show lacked a certain something and i think the words happiness and excitement should cover it. There were various trade stands their i new and they were quite happy go lucky but the general mood seemed some what British really, if it were a colour it would of been grey. There were various bike shops their but it didn't seem to be the right place for them i think trade only plus loads of talks and demos/workshops would make it far more interesting or maybe i just visited it at a down point in the day however Tim from Compressport was on form as usual with what i have to say is the best compression gear on the market full stop. There was also a stand for Cytosport those lovely people who brought you Muscle milk which if you havent tried is awesome, they are a switched on focused company using a great distributor who are 100% behind their product and make sure you know the ins and outs of all if it and SiS have this mentality aswell which brings them to the top of the pile in the nutrition market i feel so expect to see cytosport take a big standing in Triathlon and cycling in general this year.

I picked up some new ZOGGS goggles aswell along with a pool buoy to crack on with my swim training which i have ignored for a week due to a cold so we will see how that goes in the morning with all the old bobbing biddies in the pool when i wash them aside as i pass like a torpedo (floating doughnut) in the cold morning water. Lots of energy product tried and all quite scrummy including new Zipvit flavours and Yum Yum flapjacks that really are Yum Yum and must be tried but we will have them next week (oh thank you god) so expect pics of empty wrappers.
Also spotted on the Compressport advert that was everywhere was one SoloSzabi in full Bicycle kit which was nice, hes taking a year out from racing to do stupid stuff like 100km running races and the like but will return next year with a vengeance so keep em peeled peep,s.
There is more to come this week in the way of new products from Giro and Zipp, Compressport and others and also my CAAD10 build tee hee new toy joy.

Some things that are rockin it this week- Giro shoes, Fruitairianism , yum yum bars, muscle milk, slipknot and early morning runs.

Things that definitely are not rockin it are - early mornings, people who run red's , the cost of my son's driving lesson's , my fruit bill and ticket prices for the Olympics.

Darren wheels in progress buddy, Grant i have all the ENVE info now and bikes due 1st week in March, Hello @cleopompom and @Tbag75.

Whatever your doing make sure it's fun or stop it immediately unless it's reading this which you must keep doing like every day and all that.

Oh and the shape of things to come.

Happy Tuesday

2011-02-01T22:04:00.000Z

Well another typical day in the life of etc until Coach Fi popped in and wished us Happy Tuesday which actually worked and made us all feel far more enthusiastic than we were so thanks Fi.
So what news do i bring to ye readers of this tripe, not much really as im on a Happy Tuesday come down now and feeling just a little tired oh yeah just a little. We blinged up a Slice a little this week which has been noticed by everyone and their mother so far and i must admit 2 sizes bigger and i would of taken it already.

Now i with deep regret have to share some bad news, today after a serious phone call to which i am still in a state of shock was told that Mavic will not be releasing these puppies to the public this year.

Yes its true my summer wheels the CC80's will never be however there is a help line for all of you feeling the need to talk to someone about this cruel act 0800 you bastards , yes dial 0800 you bastards now to help come to terms with this pain.

Oh my god another picture im so sorry the tears meant i couldn't see what i was picking oh the agony, but suddenly.

Well hello :) things are looking up with this little black beauty "woof woof "summer wheels sorted then oh and if you Mr Mavic for any reason should now try and take these away from me then i suggest sleeping with your eyes open.
Let me break it down for you chick a chick ah, The black rim has had the Exalith process which basically strengthens the rim and slows braking wear whilst leaving the lovely blackness, this process allows the rim to be made slightly lighter (thinner) without risking strength and quality. The purpose of the carbon spokes "Tracomp technology" traction and compression is that they will work better under the loads of compression and traction giving a wheel that is both more responsive and gives less flex and if you dont believe me then ask my mum cause she know's its true she does so in your face. Actually my mum does know as i have bored her to death almost with the entire process but anyway lot's of change from Mavic in 2012 but thats enough info for now as it's only Febuararary.

Right what else what else, the Liquigas boy's have been track testing to get them super aero for TT's this year and as usual Mr Basso was killing it in the hat department and i would post a pic but apparently ill get sued or something if i do it again, actually it's Happy Tuesday corporate bullies wheres your soft side.

ooooh that kit rocks shame Trek LEO pard (careful how you say it or get sued) didn't get someone that was alive to design their kit.

Right weekly shouts- Grant and Emma super6 is on it's way and ill buzz you about fork tomorrow dear boy.
Darren hub and rims ordered chap, Ollie rims on the way for project super x, Fi im chasing Orbea, Mum put my zipp 2-11 presentation down you tech freak.

Goodnight John boy.

Almost the weekend

2011-01-27T21:28:00.000Z

Friday is almost upon us people so a general lift in mood will be noticed across the board im sure but if this weather keeps on being typically british it's not a great deal to get excited about really. so whats been happening in my head this week ? well im glad i asked because i was going to tell you all anyway.
We have managed to get our hands on a few more Supersixes in various sizes and set ups to make up for the fact that the bike is pretty well sold out until April/May now some models are June which is crazy but what can you do if their selling faster than they can be produced. Our mechanic Szabi is now running our Saturday ride outs from the shop which is great but as you can see from the picture below even after 5 years in this strange country he is still finding simple tasks very hard to grip.

Also in the workshop this week was Daniel Bents Surly. For those of you who dont know or havent heard of Dan amongst all the weird and wonderful things he has done, last year he rode his little Surly to India hence gathering the decoration you see on it. Dan has since written a book on his journey which is being published as we speak and more details will appear on here as soon as i have them. I am sure the title is "you've gone to far this time Dan" but it would seem he hasn't gone far enough as he is now heading off to do south america which i am sure will bring forth another book, I see a theme here old boy.

This Sunday brings the Core bike show to the UK trade arena and im hoping to make an appearance their on Sunday but with family duties on the card i fear it may not happen but let's wait and see. Now i did mention some time back i was training (that sentence even makes me laugh still) for Triathlon's for 2011 and despite my legs having a very different view on this i am struggling on. A torn calf muscle has lead to the last 2 weeks of no running still with another 2 weeks or so to go its quite frustrating so i have taken my few spare minutes and hit the pool twice this week which for me is a lot. I can swim no problem or fast bobbing as my son calls it but i have lost the knack of the whole breathing thing and after realising that i should inhale while my mouth is above the water i have taken action to get some adult lessons so i can reach a stage at which Coach Fi can turn me into a super hero or mega bobber the latter being more likely. The only thing that really stumps me here is pool etiquette, firstly why do OAP'S swarm the pool like locus at 6.30am when they seem to have far more time available to them than lets say someone who works all day secondly when lane swimming and following the clockwise/anticlockwise rotation system why do some of the said OAP'S feel it is perfectly ok to just turn around at any point they want and cut you off. The first few times this happened i looked around for someone at pool side given instruction in the sudden change of direction only to realise it was just complete random madness on the bobbers part. I feel something should be done about this as the elderly should set an example to all of those naughty youngsters (notice i did not include myself in the youngsters bit) so i put forth that each lane well at least the ones at the sides have a life guard that carries a long pole with a small electric discharge in it that can be administered at random to any non conforming old biddy or person (gotta keep the balance) . Ok the chance of mild spasm, potential drowning and heart attack may occur but hell if they have been swimming for the past 500 years then they should be able to hold their breath or something right. Anyway my swimming continues along with the gym and bike and soon ill even add some structure to it all so it feels like i really know what im actually doing hell we all gotta start some where havent we. Well beauty sleep, children's homework and the smell of doughnuts in the kitchen some 2 floors away are calling so i must dash. Check out the links top right for people who know what they are doing or pop back here in a few days for someone who clearly doesn't.
Ciao

F1 Friday

2011-01-21T22:09:00.000Z

Happy weekend everyone, well almost and i have oodles of stuff to talk about but as history proves ill just waffle for a few lines and do no more about it so let's get waffling. Firstly we had our first drop of Catlike helmets delivered today with the Whisper. Not to be confused with the Wispa from big choc company which plays havoc with your hair on hot days and only offers one colour way. Pictures below for anyone still unsure which is which.

The Whisper has a very nice retention system and i feel offers a great looking lid and with all those 39 holes to stick stuff in offers hours of off the bike entertainment. The only downside i can find is at 61cm for the large it will not fit me and after trying them of various passers by would seem that you need to have a catlike head to get in one properly so to all you who have and fit them i envy you. Various colour ways and models dropping to us over the coming months which is lucky as i saw sunshine and everything today so it's like riding weather isn't it. Whilst arranging delivery of said helmets the courier did ask me my street name to which i had to point out that being middle aged and staying in a lot im not cool enough to have a street name so just stick to Dave but apparently that's not what they meant ho hum.
Now the photo collective below will show a little number that popped in to us today thanks to one of our very oldest customers. The Factor001 , cutting edge, formula 1 tech, futuristic bla bla etc etc cut away all the silly hype and you have one very pretty extremely stiff fantastic bicycle.

Now i will not dribble on with the tech side of this bike as the website for it is great and all info is their ready for you needing a tech fix. but ill skim briefly over the beast, one of the stiffest bikes i have ever ridden bar none in every way, i can usually get a good bit of flex on with most kit due to my chocolate powered motor but this wouldn't budge, bars wheels forks nout which although great took a while to compute. Di2 with lots of carbon jiggery going on like the custom hoods that encompass a hydraulic brake master cylinder on top of them.

Oh yeah built in lights aswell, the hoods look funny in pics but when you ride it you just dont notice them.
Custom carbon battery cover to look funky, the crank measure torque for each leg, speed and cadence etc which is all viewable via the integrated enterprise bridge esq dashboard.

Ok so the pics upside down but for £23K yours will be the right way up trust me. Rolling on spangly carbon wheels and disc brakes corners and stoppies are superb fun and strangely it's a real head turner.

Now this is a 56cm and a touch small for me and as i only got a tiny ride in i could not say anything bad about it, people always love to find fault with this kind of thing and maybe it has some maybe it doesn't but riding a £23k bike round was quite a nice experience and shows where the future of cycling is going but on a personel note a bicycle or 2 weeks surfing and bmxing down Newquay way with a new team van and a hefty deposit to my savings account i think i know what id be doing for the moment.
Yall come back now ya hear me.

About Time

2011-01-18T22:47:00.001Z

Finally our first Supersix 105's have arrived and sadly almost gone as quickly. I know i go on and on about the C word but what an awesome f*****g bike for under £2k of your earth pounds people, this would kick the arse out of pretty much any bike on the road however the plus point here is that you get a 105 groupset and shimano wheels so it's affordable and ride/raceable out of the box, sprinkle a few quid on it at a later date and that's good by competition, i cant wait until EVO day.

on a completely different note i have been informed that when viewing this blog on various PC's not all my images are being displayed and alas i know not why for this is down to the gods of electro wizardry and those little gremlins in the internet stealing my images of joy but i will do my best to investigate.
Now so far this week i have looked at clothing by Fusion, Dunning and X bionic and it's all pretty good stuff and shop bound over the coming months but ill pop stuff on here as i get it and try it also to come ISM saddles and wetsuits by 19 and a few hush hush bits as well.
Tamsin's Di2 TT bike build will start this week as soon as the rest of the bit's arrive and as soon as our websites updated both Tams and Mr Heaton-Armstrongs schedules will be up there with results and everything. Now as i write this im questioning my sexuality as after a huge I tunes download fest i noticed that the majority of my albums were - Erasure the best of, The pet shop boys, A-Ha's greatest hits and Simon and Garfunkel to name but a few. A large dowsing of the chilli peppers i think is needed to calm my fears "he thinks to himself in a deep manly voice".
Nutrition is set to grow next month as well with new items from Mulebar and Honey stinger to be added to the below collection and Mulebar's new cherry bomb gel rocks.

Now going back to earlier there are 2 pictures on this page if you can only see 1 or less than that i urge you to write to your local MP about something far more important. Finished.

More Micky and a little Cam Sinclair

WET WET WET

2011-01-14T23:37:00.000Z

Well the last week has been moist to say the least so lets see if we can bring a tiny ray of sunshine to your otherwise drizzly lives except if your reading this somewhere in California in which case i hate you (not really oh sun blessed ones). Well stuff has been happening in the shop this week with more 2011 product arriving and already being given 2012 info ? how much does that suck i cant get all the 2011 bits i have ordered and im already geting fed mouth watering info on 2012 bikes which im not saying dick about just incase its all lies planted to see if ill break and spill the beans publicly.
Amongst the important questions put to me this week like whats the best sauce to have with fish finger sandwiches by twitterer @TEABAG75 and if i eat fruit and nut over whole nut will it be better for me i found time to look at new product from ZIPP, MULE BAR, and CATLIKE to name but a few and with a few trade shows approaching hopefully a whole lot more.
Now first on my picture list is a quick pic of old Ivan chilling at the Cannondale Liquigas launch in the spanking new kit which obviously i lurve big time. This year it's easier on the eye and made by SUGOI who are owned by DORELL who also own CANNONDALE, do you see what they have done there do you.

So the kits looking better even though i have the last 3 years worth which all rocked and for the first time the team is Cannondale Liquigas, a few new members and set to make some impact this year i hope and retain the pink and red jerseys forget the Tour the Giro is for real men some riders have already complained that it's to hard (they must be british) now continuing on a slightly green theme we had our first Super X delivered today and strangely enough it also sold and left the premises as well so not much drooling time and believe me when i say my photos do not do it any justice what so ever, in the flesh it's mental.

The super X comes in 2 models to the UK this one with an Ultegra spec at £2400 and a SRAM red model for a fair few pennys more but it is disgustingly light and ride quality is superb. This time of year is great for cyclocross bikes anyway as a winter trainer or commuter but this will give many smiles per hour i assure you.
Also appearing this week was supersix 105's some CAAD X's and soon a few more Bianchi's and Orbea's, ooh there was also some slices as well which now has me thinking cake so i may need to peel off for a snack.

Whats hot and whats not, its been a while since this appeared but it's back for all you sad cases who can not decide things for yourself.
HOT- Comedian Mickey Flanagan check him out here.
Timex global trainer, milka daim bars, Dunning sports wear, and an old favourite Family guy.
COLD - Britain, minicab drivers in the Harrow area, torn calf muscles and manufacturers who claim their bib tights are waterproof.

Bit personel on the cold stuff but i do like a moan. Now go away go on chill out a bit have a laugh phone an old friend just make sure its fun as thats what its all about peeps.

Back to work

2011-01-03T23:52:00.000Z

Well that's it all over again for another year so i now have 11months of hard training to make room for all next years chocolates and alcohol and during this period i will try and give you honest tests on everything i can except chocolate, apart from celebrations truffles as there just class although after almost one tub the word celebration is not the first thing that pops to mind. Somewhere above or below should be some pics of Giro's offering into the shoe market, now we wont actually get these until February so no ridey testie stuff until then however they are very nice in the flesh as in most cases pics just dont do them justice.

Three offerings for the Roadie the Trans, Factor and Prolight six. The trans is the entry level shoe 2 straps 1 buckle and an EC70 carbon sole a very nice general use shoe the Factor with it's EC90 carbon sole gets a little lighter then there is the prolight which is the top end super light racing shoe, no buckle but an EC90 SLX (woop woop) sole and to be honest their all nice it's a shoe for god sake how amazing can they be but saying that we will try them soon but what i really do like is that instead of a million different insoles sold separately with the prolight only i believe you get a fairly std insole but with different arch supports that can be swapped and interchanged to give a more custom approach and Retul allegedly helped with the design so they should work quite well and for the really weight conscious among you you also get a waffer thin mesh insole that's super floatie light for race day, personally my weight problems are much higher up than my feet so in my case they wont make much difference but i have discovered that any pocket on my cycling atire designed to take a gel is perfect for those small dairy milk bars you can buy although if wearing white open the choc at arms length as it get's quite soft after the first 30 mins of a ride people and melted choc on light colour lycra isn't a good look for anyone. Mmmmm hungary now night folks.

Happy new year

2011-01-01T22:06:00.000Z

Well firstly happy new year to you all, it's been a while and there is a lot to get through. Let me give you a brief on whats gone on as apparently little and often is good so ill abide by that rule this year. The shop Bicycle ltd has undergone a fairly moderate extension these last 4 months giving us some well needed space and allowing the following brands to be stocked - Bianchi, Cannondale, Cipollini, Kona, Orbea and Wilier to date with a few options on the horizon but we can cover those another time. Parts and clothing brands will also be growing shoes from Sidi, Mavic and Giro wheels from Mavic, Zipp and Fulcrum and quite frankly the list goes on and will continue to do so until we are happy with what we can offer our customers.
Triathlon still the biggest and fastest growing sport in the UK and probably most of the world as well so much so i have decided to get my feet wet this year and have a go to see what all the fuss is about and to back this up we have teamed up with Triathlon Europe who are or rather is Fiona Moorhead-lane who's results speak for themselves as does her coaching so if your looking for some help take a look at their site.

We will also have our own teeny tiny team consisting of the following, Bandli Sazbolcs (Szabi) our shop spanner person who will be concentrating again on his 24hr endurance races in the land of MTB's
Mr Johnny Heaton-Armstrong contending road and Tamsin Lewis for all you Triathletes. This is the first year we have attempted something like this and it will be a learning curve for us but hopefully a fun one above all.
So to recap ill be keeping you up to date with the shop and what's hot and whats not, the team and their results, Triathlon Europe s very busy schedule and fantastic training camps and amazing levels of suffering and failure as i try to attempt something sporty along with all the usual old crap i rant on about as most of you probably well know so have a great new year people train hard sleep long and chill on the in-between bit's otherwise it all gets a little stressful. TTFN

Im back and theres lots to show

2010-11-11T22:04:00.000Z

They have landed.

Friday Night in

2010-08-13T23:37:00.000+01:00

Friday night in and feeling knackered this week with 3 hours on the bike in the morning before work that i would rather spend in bed but i have new GU gels to try so in some respects I'm actually looking forward to it. Other things I'm looking forward to are finding a Triathlon to cut my teeth on , buying 2011 Cannondales and something i shouldn't say much about yet but we (bicycle) have taken Mario Cipollinis bikes for 2011 the deal at present is you buy a frame and fork for a sum of money, we measure you up the frame gets made Mario gives us a bell and says frames ready mate, you jump on a plane to Italy to pick up your frame from the man himself. All this included in the price which from what Ive seen is actually very reasonable. Italy is an amazing country with some great places to visit and worth the trip alone but you also get to shoot the breeze with the big man and if you plan it right you could be out there for the Giro, bliss thats my holiday solved for next year just need to break it to the misses but in the meantime check him out in this vid , watch for the wink peeps.

My blue hat theory continues.

More Stuff

2010-08-11T19:50:00.000+01:00

Nothing exciting but I'm going for a big skate 3 session on the xbox so i thought ill quickly post a few pics up. Firstly or lastly a Synapse carbon collective and all 3 colours looking sweet in the flesh so i expect to see loads of the black and white sell this year especially with Sram apex (which we have in stock ) at £1600, next but where on this page I'm unsure as blogger now just puts the pics randomly on the page is the lovely slurp slurp must have one super x, i cant wait until the weather turns shite for that baby and lastly a cool I phone carbon cover ( blagged). More to come and a little bit of stuff on Rotor cranks as well.
Grant i have all your info ill get it to you later on.

Skate 3 :) :) :)

2011 Gt's and Cannondales

2010-08-09T23:50:00.000+01:00

Today myself and head spanner Szabi visited CSG UK for the official 2011 launch, firstly great place and the guy's and girls there were all really cool. Not all Cannondales were their but what was missing was made up for by a one day only Ian Carvel appearance, top grizzly from Cannondale Europe with all fingers in the right pies ( more on the pies to come) so a plenty chit chatty we had. I took some pics which are up to my usual high standards ( sorry peeps ) which ill plop on tomorrow but don't hold your breath their crap.
I must say though the one bike apart from the 2 old school Patterson race BMX'S that really made me think bank loan was the GT fury pictured above or below depending on where this random blog thing puts it.

Now as you usual suspects may be thinking " he hasn't winged like an old fart yet what's going on" Winchester services, £3.89 for a pre Ive had the life and every bit of goodness sucked out of me Packed sandwich, P**s off id rather look for crisps under the cars back seats than pay that you tight b******s, what a rip off where I'm from you could eat out for that, remember that ladies i like to show a girl a good time. Any how's ill leave you with pics of the ever youthful Mr Carvel and the Fury but you guess which ones which.
Ciao.

A true champion

2010-08-08T00:59:00.001+01:00

Roel Paulissen not a champion but "THE" champion in many ways, this guy is a true down to earth mtb racer who can even find time to answer questions from me, what a star but his full bio will be up on the Bicycle website shortly and if you want to find out more about the king of socks then try clicking on the coloured words.

Specialized ( not that much)

2010-08-05T12:40:00.000+01:00

Take a read of the below link after looking at the above pic which is from the start of 2010 , well done Dan shows them backstabbers for what they are.Now im off to sue Nokia as i just remebered i invented the mobile phone, and arent spesh trying to claim rights to the wheel as they probably thought of that aswell bless em.
http://thedangerousofficial.blogspot.com/2010/07/imitate-or-die.html

Chrissie Wellington what a girl

2010-08-05T00:20:00.000+01:00

Well firstly a massive congratulations to Lady Wellington not only for setting a new record at Roth but also for knocking 12 minutes off her time from last year, 12 minutes for god sake that's an amazing difference and if you check her results this year you can see she is on fire. Again another top British athlete setting records every where she goes, i mean she should have her own county or something but no ask a member of the general public who she is and they just draw a blank, now if she spent her time throwing tiny spears at a circle on the wall with fat drunk blokes or had 10 other team members helping her kick a pig's inners around a field of course they would know who she is, this is why our country sucks at sport because it doesn't get the coverage go to the states or Europe and it's a different story. People recognise sport for it's health benefits and general good fun, English citizens cant have fun as it's far to non British, twatting government anyway (happy thoughts) down at the shop which has a new website if i hadn't already mentioned it ( bicycle Richmond dot bla bla) we have been trying compress sports compression garments and i have to say so far it's very good compared to other brands so expect to see our shelves dripping with it as soon as Tim can get round and stock us up. Also Chrissie wears it and loves it so it cant be bad can it, and she rides a Cannondale why what a coincidence the fastest women in the history of tri uses the products we sell how uncanny.

Now come buy some you know where we are because our address is on the website silly.

Web time

2010-08-03T14:22:00.000+01:00

Website is live peeps so clear your cache if you need to and drop me some honest feedback, enjoy.
Thanks Francis.

Thieveing Scoundrals

2010-08-01T19:22:00.004+01:00

Well first up anyone coming across a 54cm black CAAD9 with dura ace group, Deda finishing kit and SISL chainset going cheap in the clapham area please let me know as it's a friends. He took it in a shop with him that sells gym equipment and the next thing a group of kid's stormed in grabbed it and ran , one of the shop staff chased them but got another bike thrown at him. So like i say anyone coming across it or got info rewards will be given.
Now Above Blue supersix looks sexy and the Jekyl i love, awesome colour but not UK bound I'm afraid. Next Monday I'm at the launch so ill have pics on GT and Mongoose as well, i have all the Dales for the UK and it's a great range maybe a little to black and white in colours but there is grey, blue and of course LIQUIGAS colours in there. The ladies range is great with the Lexi (wmns Rize) and supersix's looking sweet. My powertap bearings are up for change this week so ill do a pic by pic thing but first I'm in for some new ink this week, my ink man (Taurus Tattoo) has some new colours and needs a guinea pig and I'm skint so it's great. Maybe a big green supersix S on my chest or to much you think Hmm.
Music wise Ive been doing that old man thing and listening to music that's way to young for me but that said the new Eminem album ain't to shabby, it's my son's so i did the checking it for language thing and it's a good album 3rd listen in and Ive learnt new naughty words but i wont tell you what they are coz your all my bitchies and that's how i roll mofo's, or something.
New Mavic gear end of the week and the website DUN DUN DUN DAAR should be live tonight, there is a little man in Wandsworth frantically banging fingers to make it happen so he can grab his Flash team that I'm holding ransom so please keep checking http://www.bicyclerichmond.co.uk/ peeps and feed back would be good on dbrownsmail@googlemail.com, enjoy your week people and in the words of the big dog himself Westwood, don't smoke it's a bad look and your gonna die.
Peace out

Silent Night

2010-07-28T23:48:00.002+01:00

What can i say Chrissie Wellington just wooped everything this year didn't she, some say she should be made queen some say she travels through time i say shes just shit quick end of and with this black little number she will be the talk of the town, why doesn't she get the recognition she deserves instead of poncy football players who have to play in a stadium in case they just wondered off and got lost.

I Love custard

2010-07-26T14:06:00.002+01:00

Well the Tour is over for another year and i can't say I'm that bothered really after this years Giro the Tour was like a skyride in comparison but that's my view on it and poor old Cav denied a green jersey again even though he was by far the best sprinter there.
Well more 2011 stuff is rolling through the shop at present and as and when i can ill plonk stuff on here but it will be a few more days yet. Cannondale sponsored triathlete Sven Riederer dropped his bike off to us the other day for an emergency frame change the day before the London triathlon at which he came 2Nd (well done Sven) after some one at the airport obviously used it as a ramp for their forklift truck and if you had seen the size of his bodyguard/friend Andreas i reckon he could of broken it just by growling at it, the man was huuuuuge but extremely polite and well mannered don't you know. Slurp slurp custard yellow supersix above with a campy group fitted for a very lucky young mans 21st present and that colour in the flesh is wicked, such a shame it's not around for 2011.
Thins i like this week- hard turbo sessions

Things i don't like this week- hard turbo sessions

Go ride and check this out (look for the guy with no shoes)

Dreambike

2010-07-17T22:10:00.002+01:00

Basso's race bike pictured above looks yummy does it not, nothing new really just very nice. Rumour has it and i have it on very good authority that Liquigas this year are all riding a different carbon layup on the bikes, possibly the the Supersix evo we hoped for this year but now it looks like 2012 bike is what these guys are testing, who knows. Other stuff for 2011 Mavic are running a black braking surface on some of their wheels which will apparently stay black all the way through , there are lots of people asking if its a ceramic coating etc but apparently it's as simple as that but more on Mavic mid August. We are just getting some Castelli stuff in the shop that looks and feels great and at last our website will be up next week. Things to show you guys shortly, new compression gear due shortly and big things on the supplement front but no info yet it's all top secret in it.

Happening- old chili pepper albums, mento and coke rockets (check you tube) and doing shit in the tour

Not so happening- England, my dog snoring and doing shit in the tour

Pretty in Pink

2010-07-07T22:22:00.002+01:00

Dear Mr C.anondale please find the nearest sharp object and poke yourself in the eye with it then once the pain has disappeared and the bleeding stopped reconsider making pink a Japanese model only and then you may sell some Hooligans.
Bubble gum pink CAAD10 anyone, ooo you know ya would.

Le crash bang wallop

2010-07-04T23:04:00.003+01:00

Firstly congrats to Petacchi for today's win aboard his Wilier but how many crashes were there in the last few miles, makes up for 4 very boring hrs of eurosport, roll on the mountains although the misses loved it because i done D.I.Y while it was on, i almost posted pics of my wall papering skills but ill save them for winter peeps you know you want to see them but you ll have to wait.
Above Flash Hi-Mod 1 and 29er carbon 3 both very nice bikes, suits you sir.

Le Tour 2011

2010-07-02T23:08:00.003+01:00

Well it's here the 2011 Tour de France begins tomorrow so we can forget about stupid football and typical tennis and spend the next few weeks getting excited about Brad,s first tour win and Cav dropping everyone in the sprint and giving us Brits something to finally celebrate otherwise I'm off,
always said this country was shite "when you get the weather its the best place on earth" they say to which i say "then you've never been to Italy or the Bahamas" stupid island under a rain cloud and this ain't summer it's global warming.

More Cannondales

2010-06-30T23:39:00.004+01:00

Today's little beauty's are as follows, entry level supersix shes the cheapest of her sisters but don't let that fool you shes still a real lady deep down and knows how to perform and to please, above her we have SuperX shes top of her game and looks super sleek and smooth but likes to be taken out at the weekend and likes it rough and dirty just ask Tim Johnson and on top which is where he likes to be when it comes to podium positions is Scalpel Carbon hes been around the block but with a little surgery this rambling enthusiast kicks ass big style. If you think one of the above is your perfect partner just dial 0800 I NEED A DALE that's 0800 I NEED A DALE and let your cycling needs be fulfilled.

2011 Dales

2010-06-29T22:23:00.004+01:00

Ciao and com i sta, the first of many pics to come people and remember the bikes shown are U.S models the euro colour options may differ slightly but i cant remember exactly which ones they were.
Tech session to follow on the shock setup but enjoy their beauty for now.The bikes above are the Jekyll ultimate and the claymore 1, both due to hit the blighty coast in January and expect prices from £5k claymore to £7.5k jekyll for the models above.

Super X

2010-06-25T20:10:00.002+01:00

Go on look at it again and again and again it just gets better, I'm getting one and it's gonna get dirty and then it will still look just as good.

2011 Cosmic Carbon's

2010-06-23T23:10:00.004+01:00

Our 2nd set of 2011 Cosmic carbons arrived the other day but not much to write home about it's basically the same wheel with new big shiny stickers and on Cannondales Liquigas 2011 Supersix they do look awesome. I have also seen a pic or two of some new deeper cosmic elites but ill let you know when i know. Loads of Crank Brothers bit's arriving at present and very nice it is to so pics etc up tomorrow on that stuff if i finish riding early enough. I am now also completely clued up on Cannondale 2011 the UK range and i really cant say much until July 22nd but one thing i will tell you is the Cyclocross range is great but the Super X model just wipes the floor this year with the competition and on looks alone it has serious horn factor but more on that soon.
And if you want to be like Basso you gotta get a Blue hat peeps, it's as simple as that.
Night

And theres more

2010-06-22T21:43:00.009+01:00

Firstly the Scalpel, for 2011 has had the front triangle totally redesigned and what looks like a flash rear end attached to it but i wont dribble on with all the tech stuff as every where else will be doing the sensible bit I'm just gonna say they have totally changed the BB area to a one peace design that looks super cool, as soon as we get one at the shop (your guess is as good as mine) we will give you a full road test report but for now just look at the pretty pictures and ill get some more tomorrow.

Cannondale Super X

2010-06-21T08:01:00.001+01:00

2011 Carbon cross bike all i know at the mo other than that theres one on my christmas list :) :)

Colnago Commuter

2010-06-20T12:29:00.007+01:00

Now some people may look at this and think what a waste but personally if i could afford one of these for cruising around in my later years i would get one. The Colnago cross prestige is a full carbon cyclo cross F&F and looks lovely, we had a customer who although in his retirement years wanted a light carbon road bike but did not want drop bars due to flexibility and also wanted to cruise the tow paths of the river Thames in comfort so CX bike it was, had Cannondale already released its carbon one (48hrs to go) it definitely would have been one of those but the Colnago was the only bike that offered looks as well as quality. Ksyrium sl wheels were a must for there general strength and a Sram red and force group with their double tap flat bar shifters and a campy record front mech for a little stiffness.
We are still awaiting arrival of the 50/50 crank brothers pedals and currently running through the fizik demo saddles to find some suitable comfort but one thing that is for sure is the ride quality it glides everywhere and the owner is super stoked with it, another happy customer :)
go ride peeps.

Early Days

2010-06-17T23:17:00.002+01:00

Well Mike Cotty (cannondale UK marketing guru) has ridden it, Dan.gerous.net has already had the pic up and now its my turn a lesser spotted 2011 CAAD10 in its photographic flesh. A little to early to give frame mods over CAAD9 but a touch lighter and look at those seat stays, how thin are they but overall not very different which i think is a good thing as the 9 is a wicked peace of tackle regardless of build spec, bring on the others.

2011 Mavic Ksyrium SR

2010-06-16T22:21:00.005+01:00

OK people get your tech heads on because I'm going tech talk crazy, to be honest i was going to use loads of big words and sound real tech guru but with the letters E and R missing from my pance pc keyboard its just not worth the spelling hassle so lets keep it simple, pictured above are an early release wheel from Mavic a rear R-sys and front Ksyrium SL with white bits (must be the same french designers that designed my car, Thrilling really pushing the envelope boys) but there is more to come for 2011 so lets not get to pessimistic to soon. The rear wheel is basically an R-sys giving a lovely light very stiff and comfy wheel, easy to spin up and with Tracomp technology (traction compression) that was the tech bit in case you missed it, basically a lighter and stiffer wheel when it comes to lateral flex over a std spoked wheel but what those clever little frenchies did was pick a box of Ksyriums instead of R-sys for the front giving a more aerodynamic wheel to cut through the air, anyway they look nice in the flesh and if your after a good set of climbers then these should do or you could just get some nuts and man up and pedal a little harder or go for one of Cancelaras engines :)
More crap to come people so please stay tuned.
Today's episode of old man Dave was brought to you by the letters E and R and the number 0
it is a number.

Dr Jekyll

2010-06-14T21:21:00.003+01:00

Well this seems to get earlier each year but we are already trying to get as much info as possible on 2011 models which is a bit sad as it's only June but hohum, pictured is the 2011 Jekyll which comes in a 140-160mm flavour from what i can make out so far. There is a 180mm travel bike aswell but look at a Giant or a Specialized and you have seen it as far as im concerned but the Jekyll looks good so roll on July/August then i can actually see it for real, stupid UK last to see everything.
The Cento has had a few little outings so far and the general word is good. As i rack some more miles up ill let you know what i think but first of all ill compare campy 11 speed to sram red so tune in tomorrow.

Supersex

2010-06-10T22:42:00.002+01:00

2011 Liquigas Supersix, ooohhh it looks good, actually it looks the same except Mavics cosmics get big stickers for 2011, these wheels and more will be with me next week so ill let you know the score including the Ksyrium SR's.

New Toy

2010-06-06T22:04:00.003+01:00

Well i couldn't get a Liquigas super six this year and i haven't got round to building my Hi-mod frame up so what should i do. Well i had some one wanting the six frame to use immediately so i bought one of the above to use for summer, the Wilier Cento uno. I actually only had my first ride on one of these the other week when Colin from ATB popped over to the shop and brought all the demos with him. I was impressed straight away with the ride quality enough so to get one and secondly i love the curves of the frame, i know it's shiny new toy syndrome but i just cant stop looking at it and discovering little bits of detail i hadn't already noticed. Now the maiden voyage was postponed due to rain that we didn't get so ill now have to wait until Tuesday weather permitting and until then i will decide what if any changes i will make to it. The seat mast will have to have another half/full centimetre taken off it but this ill decide after the first few rides, secondly the mast topper may be swapped out for a 0 offset one as i need to be a little further forward in the saddle then stem length etc but all in good time. firstly some loud bar tape and a campy 11spd freehub body for my ZIPP zedtechs. More to follow.

The new stuff come'eth

2010-06-02T23:41:00.003+01:00

Well its the start of June the whole summer ahead of us and Cannondale have run out of bikes, seriously we are stuffed at present no Six carbons no CAAD9's and the odd wiff of a super six which is a real bummer. Don't get me wrong Cannondale have been super popular this year and look to be equally as popular next year but we will have to wait and see. Now Wilier are in stock at present but not for long me thinks as suddenly people are snapping them up and I'm not surprised as they are a fantastic ride and the pics up top are the 2011 Cento colours taken out in Italy a week ago by a friend on a dealer launch that unfortunately we could not attend but it looked like a great do with loads of factory pics and the Wilier Museum. Ill add some more pics in the next few days but my friend said that once you have been there and see how it all works you realise the passion that goes into these bikes , its like one big Italian family sharing the cooking a lot of effort and care with a wicked end result. Now there are certain pics of the new Gran Turismo which i cant show as its not officially released yet but all i can say is dribble mats out, its gurd. The Cento above just gets a fresh lick of paint so it doesn't hurt to show these but as for the rest wait and see and do they really ride well, i think so and i just got one.

Pink is the new Green

2010-05-30T23:50:00.003+01:00

Well congratulations to Liquigas and Basso, i know he had it in the bag as of yesterday but i didn't want to say something and curse them. Basso rode a great Giro and so did Nibali and taking best team was just icing on the cake. So Cannondale take a good win for 2010 but what will happen in the Tour now, will liquigas be happy with this win for 2010 and just ride the tour for the sake of it well we will have to wait and see. Lastly farewell to Gilberto Simoni who will be missed in the cycling world but at least hes left happy with a good track record, another super cycling weekend.

Basso in the pink

2010-05-29T00:39:00.002+01:00

Stage 19 was just incredible, this is the best racing Ive seen in years and it truly has made the tour of California look like a Sunday club ride, i cant believe i will see a better stage for the rest of this year and I'm not loving it because Liquigas done the business although that helps i thought that David Aroyo Duran rode an amazing race from looking like he was finished at the foot of the Mortirolo then clawing back a minute and passing almost everyone to loosing 3 minutes in the final 10km he gave his all, Evans who Ive never been a fan of but am coming round a little after the determination he has shown in this Giro and old Scarponi doing the bizz as well true blood and grit from the Italians i have to say and apparently team SKY are in the giro, cant say i noticed.
Well done Liquigas, Basso and Nibali and all the riders that have made it what it is, roll on stage 20.

My Collection is complete

2010-05-24T21:32:00.005+01:00

Not really but how nice would it be to have both of these in the garage to pop down the chippy on, the Flash team and Scalpel Himod 1 are the pinnacle of Cannondales XC and endurance range both disgustingly light and equipped with loads of lovely dribbly bits, these puppies remind me why i bought my first dale back in 1992 because it was just plain and simply the best.

King of Zoncolon

2010-05-23T21:33:00.002+01:00

Well only a few days back i was moaning about him saying hes holding Nibali back and after Nibalis solo effort on stage 14 i thought there we go but strangely and very very rarely i was wrong , today Basso showed his form and took the monster climb of Zoncolon like a true master, Cadel did his best to stay with him but Basso just kept it smooth and almost made it look easy as he just pulled away from everyone and took the win in front of some of the most amazing crowds witnessed at the Giro and Even the Tour.
Now there are still some climbs left to hit over the last week but 2 time trials as well so if Liquigas get their planning right it could be an Italian win this year and after today a well deserved one.
Complimenti Ivan

Evans

2010-05-22T14:41:00.003+01:00

Is it just me ?

Peter Sagan

2010-05-21T00:04:00.001+01:00

What can i say a new talent has arrived Peter Sagan todays stage winner in California and i think he's enjoying it, watch him.

Choclate and eggs

2010-05-19T23:13:00.005+01:00

Crank Brothers have been around for ages and i for one never really liked them but all that's about to change as after playing with all the revamped kit i have to say I'm impressed.
Basically there are 2 formats Iodine and Cobalt , Iodine is all mountain and Cobalt is xc race and these differences can be spotted in the stem alone going from a 4 bolt clamp on the Iodine to a tension grip system on the Cobalt. You also get levels 1 to 3 and then the 11 which is the top end Ti jobbies. Crank Bothers have remastered their pedal service issues and made them as user friendly and reliable as everyone Else's but with the added bling factor that there product has always had.
The seatposts, bars and stems are all gorgeous very well finished and floaty light and fingers crossed filling our shelves very shortly. Ill have some personal tests on this stuff over the next few months but in the meantime we will have to make do with the Giro and the Tour etc.
Info over the next few days on our Wilier demo day and the ooh so lovely Cento uno and plenty of other stuff.

Cav's back

2010-05-17T14:25:00.002+01:00

Well it's that time of year again and over the next few months we should see Mark Cavendish popping up all over the place with stage wins (fingers crossed) just like yesterdays opening stage of the tour of California. Lance Armstrong came 66Th for anyone who is interested in the old bloke, i am as I'm an old bloke and i still think he has something to prove but maybe I'm just caught up the old days anyway over the water in Italy at the end of stage 8 Nibali and Basso were sitting 3rd and 4th in the GC around 1.30sec down and again Cadel Evans seeming to ride well for someone who moaned like a baby last year about the lack of team support etc etc hes doing it all on his own at present and not saying a word about the new team, lets see if that changes if he starts loosing shall we and that brings me to Nibali, little Vinnie looked a bit pissed off to say the least with Basso the other day after their crash because he had to keep waiting for him, team orders probably but i cant see Basso winning it or anything to be honest i think he should be backing Nibali all the way and using his experience to point him in the right direction, a little like the English football team, got the talent and earns places in the big tournaments then falls apart, anyway enough old bloke moaning what will be will be but watching the Giro live at the mo on Eurosport HD and the weather is shite i think Cav made the right choice based on weather but you cant beat the Italian roads and scenery for a quality tour it has everything, amazing views, terrible roads and an amazing mix of conditions none of that flat tarmac sunny road crap (oohhh flat tarmac sunny road crap Homer moment) come on Nibali.
Lastly it will be interesting to see how the Di2 boys do in all that water on today's stage.

Flash Time

2010-05-15T23:20:00.008+01:00

Well i know you've all seen or read about it but our first Flash team finally arrived and it's pretty nice really and then you pick it up and its pretty f*****g light as well, 7.5 kg on the nose, exact ,spot on not a gram over or under just perfect and so is all the detail on the bike. I have to admit you don't go running round shouting oh my god its incredible i must have one or ill die you just look at it pick it up think fook me and then admire it for the splendid bike it is.
If its not carbon its green and if its neither of those then you cant see it so it doesn't matter, and unfortunately my pictures are crap which don't do it justice but I'm sure the owner will just sit in a well lit room and study it for a few days and think wow its gorgeous attach it by string to something heavier than it is like a paperclip to stop t blowing away and consider riding it, the problem there is that because it looks so good and is so sooooooo light (seriously it is for a mtb) will the ride be less impressive and spoil it or will it be a cosmic experience, ill tell you next week when Ive blagged a go on it and Francis if your still in Scotland i just want you to know im writing this sat naked on your new toy and its really nice oh and did i mention how light it is.

Told you so

2010-05-12T22:14:00.002+01:00

Well i did say it and Ive said it before Nibali is one to watch hes an up and coming youngster with a good head on his shoulders, its a bit early to discuss possible winners and stage 5 will favour the sprinters more but lets see what the week brings but top 3 places in the GC cant be bad can it.

Giro a go go

2010-05-11T22:26:00.004+01:00

Well its been an interesting first few days with so many crashes its been more like its a knockout but boy has it made it more interesting to watch with all the chaos. Now there off to Italy and hopefully some interesting riding to come and i was offered a weekend wined and dined out there to watch the racing courtesy of ATB and Wilier but short notice and a lack of passport have pooh pooed that one what a bummer anyways i got some stuff to come this week so keep em peeled and apart from Wiggo in the pink which will be good to see again, hes a proper Brit don't count him out keep an eye on Nibali, every ones going on about Basso but personally i think his days are done, i would love to eat my words in a few weeks time but he just hasn't got it, Nibali has it and so does Sagan, Pelizotti had it and by the sounds of it he had to much of it but we will say no more on that one.
laters peeps.

Come and have a go

2010-05-09T21:55:00.005+01:00

Well come the 19th of May the shop (Bicycle) will be holding a Wilier open day where all road models will be available to ride , so why not pop down and take a spin up to Richmond park on a Cento SL to see if they ride as good as they look, i know i will be.

Best bike in the world ?

2010-05-07T22:12:00.003+01:00

Supersix Di2 best bike in the world or not well based on everyone i talk to who has ridden one properly and their views over other bikes they have owned i reckon it is. The one pictured above which was collected today seems to have put a smile on it's owners face and that's it now i cant take anymore people telling me how good they are and have one sat on the wall unridden so I'm building it up this month and getting it going before I'm to old to enjoy it and then i can tell you how good it really is. Now the Giro starts tomorrow and there has been a few last minute changes due to some over enthusiastic supplement takers but lets hope it doesn't put to much of a dark cloud over the whole thing but let's face it they are all on something i think more people look for who will be caught next than for who will actually win it. I wonder if there will ever be a day when races are won based on natural ability and not doping (day dream moment) nah oh well lets see what goes on.

Pass me the Scalpel

2010-05-03T23:20:00.006+01:00

Today i have mostly been looking at this Cannondales Carbon Scalpel 2 which has taken months to arrive but well worth the wait. It's dripping with green bit's which really finishes it off even down to the green lock rings on the grips (picture above doh !) and green semi erotic XO rear mech (to much excitement me thinks) but i do like an anodised part or two and i dont care what you ride or what you think but deep down we all love a bit of bike bling or we wouldn't of grown up attaching bits to our spokes that made silly noises, or was that just me, it was the seventies , oh well those were the day's etc etc now back to the bike, a mix of SRAM and shimano drivetrain (SLX front mech that's it, oooh went to town there ) Avid brakes and DT swiss wheels and it sure looks pretty so much so that Ive decided to keep and the customer can fight me for it, i say that as i know he's much smaller than me. As for other stuff poor old Sagan, a shitty time trial drops him from the lead and the overall win in Romandy but for his first proper season hes raised a few eyebrows, the boy has passion and wants some shiny mugs for his shelf so one to watch and come on Giro i want to watch more exciting cycling on the box as I've watched all my recorded episodes of Ashes to Ashes and all other TV is shite. And last of all May the 19th (a Wednesday) will be a WILIER open day at the shop from 4pm into the evening with lots of shiny bikes to ride so come and have spin and a beer, Night.

Ill have one of those please Ernesto

2010-04-30T22:38:00.003+01:00

The postman delivered this today, a Colnago cross prestige frame set and it's pretty tasty. We are building this for a chap who lives just round the corner and basically he wants it built with flat bars to fly up and down the river tow paths on sunny day's and some of you may say what a waste but hell if you can afford it then do it i know i would. More to come on this little puppy over the next week especially as my kitchen will be finished and i can chill a little. I am just watching thee TT from today's tour of Romandy and just waiting for Sagan to go to see if he will keep his lead or not, also eurosport gave some great coverage of the XC racing from Dalby forest Yorkshire yesterday and it looked like a great event, one to visit next year maybe ?

Mmmmm Candy

2010-04-29T23:36:00.002+01:00

Well i haven't really been a fan of CB products but the new stuff is looking good and they have even got rid of that service your pedals crap they always did, now there like everyone Else's. I will have a full run down of the all new kit shortly but for now check the the new candy 4's
226g a pair, ally body Ti everything else 90kg rider limit (shit that's me out) stainless steel spring and 5 year warranty £350 ish (that's me out again) cheaper one's for fat blokes to come me thinks.

More mtb stuff

2010-04-27T22:18:00.005+01:00

This arrived today as a special order, now we had decided not to stock this bike this year as we just don't get the call for Kona's anymore mainly as they haven't progressed enough over the last few years but after seeing the 2011 prototype of Barry Wicks Carbon BB30 Jake at the sea otter classic maybe that's all about to change but back to the Hei Hei, it's a lotta bike for £1635 and i think the clear coat scandium finish is gorgeous finished neatly with the white linkage plates but the downside is the weight, it comes in nearer an all mountain bike than and endurance xc machine unfortunately which will put lots of you off but at the price it's still a great fun bike. The next few days will see bits from crank brothers , Cannondale and Wilier.

Fixie's

2010-04-23T23:11:00.003+01:00

Wow didn't realise it's been so long since i last blogged , terrible but in my defence the shop has been crazy of recent, I'm in the middle of a kitchen fit and with everything else i just haven't had the time but i suppose i should bring you all up to speed. There is quite a bit happening behind the scenes at the shop with brands which we will cover soon but today we were visited by a previous contact who i wont mention for now but he brought in a brand called MASI and if you don't know the name then read this- Masi history. As with many brands catalogue photos do not do these bikes justice but in the flesh they are lovely, good attention to detail and they look far more expensive than they are.
Now i know we all don't like fixies or single speeds as i call them but these bikes do serve a purpose in a complicated world, their simplicity is quite refreshing and the fact you can customize this style of bike very cheaply is a bonus if your after something different and seeing as the bikes pictured are between £500 and £650 that's not a lot of dosh for a top quality fixie, you know you want one.

Muc off 8 enduro

2010-04-12T22:54:00.008+01:00

I spent this Sunny Sunday at the muc off 8 enduro event helping out Szabi our shop mechanic and closet racer who stupidly entered in the men's solo event (madness). Now i have to say the event was well run and very popular with a great spectrum of bikes and people turning up for a sunny day of biking. The category's were solo men and women, Teams and pairs with a running Le mans style start and a starting pistol that made more smoke than a paper factory on fire (see pics).
So the event gets under way and Proteinfabrikken/ktm and Ian leitch get a great start and there away from everyone, Szabi got caught in the pack and by the time he had left the transition area with his bike the others were already out of site. 50 minutes in and Szabi makes his first lap , a quick drink swap and some gels and hes off again for another 50 minutes (you get the idea) what you couldn't appreciate is that when the riders got down from the top of the hill they went through some pretty wet and crappy terrain so by the time they get back up the hill (small mountain) to us they have dried out a bit but are carrying some serious mud. Now Ian Leitch was consistently fast and szabi lapped consistently from lap 1 to lap 9 although everyone else did begin to drop off toward the end. It was great to see some of our customers down there racing and even Mike our rep from 2pure was there in the team event having some fun and big respect to the guy who dressed up as Elliot from ET and had the whole alien in the basket for the whole event and the unicycle team who were awesome. So the results rolled in as the 8 hours clocked up and the solos were as follows-
1st Ian Leitch
2nd Ant White
3rd Szabi
yep he got 3rd which was a great result seeing as he hasn't ridden an MTB since September 2009 and this was his first race this year to test the water as such and he is only a little boy at 20 something so he has years to mature into the sport yet but a descent sponsor can make a lot of difference so if your reading anyone help the lad out you know it's a safe bet.
Full results here Results and if you think you might enjoy an event like this then have a go, there were people of all ages riding bikes from £100 to £7000 and having a great time and Muc off had a bike cleaning zone which i waited in line for (1 hour) to clean the bike after as it wasn't going in my car with the 2 tons of east Sussex Szabi had collected on his jaunt through the woods , but at the end of the day it was all gurd.

Slice of the pie

2010-04-02T20:24:00.003+01:00

It's a shame that as many Cannondales as we get through in our little shop that pictured above is our first Slice. Amazingly we have never stocked this bike which is weird in an area where there are so many triathletes and people whizzing round Richmond park on their TT bikes that none of them have had the sense to buy a Slice which is an amazing bike just ask Chrissie and Miranda they should know. Next year will be different we will stock them and touch wood the entry level model will have a good paint job like its big Hi-Mod brother and i wouldn't mind owning one as they look so good in the flesh.
The picture is terrible but for all you regulars you know what you get from my photos, they are raw, blurred and badly lit which is just what you expect from a mobile phone camera and lack of patience but you have to start somewhere and when i do i will know not to start their.
The 11th of April sees me venturing somewhere south , warm and picturesque ? yes you got it Sussex, for the Muc off 8hr enduro thingy where our little Hungarian chappy will be racing and hopefully winning as he warms up for his bigger events this year the funny thing is and he doesn't know yet that if he doesn't win hes walking home.
Oh and lastly the website is on its way go here for a little peek.
Well I'm off to prepare for something so see ya.

Go look go on now

2010-04-01T22:10:00.000+01:00

Look here now

April 7th is good

2010-03-31T21:10:00.004+01:00

Well i have not been around much lately due to kitchen building and just being plain old busy also the shops been quiet as the council shut our road for 7 weeks (genius) but now it's open again those customer things have been coming in and ordering bikes and according to pretty much all of our suppliers the 7th of April is the next delivery date for most of the bikes and bit's we need and if you think I'm just being silly then your wrong. After years in the motorcycle industry and being able to order the weirdest and most rare parts from the likes of Yamaha and Honda Europe and have them delivered in 48hrs max, factory Japan being 5 days it's amazing that in the world of bicycles its nearer 5 months.
I know there are reasons for it etc but it's 2010 for god sake this even makes me look efficient.
Anyways rant over let's look at lovely yellow shoes, Mavic Huez to be exact and they are plain old wicked, extremely comfortable and light but best kept for Summer days. More to come over the next few days but keep an eye on bicyclerichmond.co.uk as the web site will be up very soon peeps.
Bonjour

Wilier wont ya

2010-03-25T22:53:00.003Z

Well although my blood runs Liquigas green and ill ride Cannondales until the day i die i have to say the last few days i have become a secret Wilier lover. Ive been looking at lots of different brands lately and taking a closer look at the Wiliers as we stock them but it just seems under £2k there isn't a lot worth looking at however when you look at the Izoard at £2400 against say a Cannondale six carbon ultegra at £2200 it does that Italian thing and looks like a Ferrari against an Audi, it does 100mph standing still, it makes you lick your lips , its got campagnolo all over it, its just one of those Italian products that looks spot on. Next time you see one take a while and appreciate it, i know i do and as for the Cento dont get me started.

Hello again

2010-03-19T22:23:00.003Z

Well sorry i haven't been posting recently but destroying my kitchen to make place for a new one is quite time consuming, now whats been happening at the shop and land of bikes, to be honest not a lot, the weather has picked up a little and bikes are rolling out the door like the RZ120 one pictured above, CAAD9's are still top of the list with the six carbon taking a close second. Now i cant confirm this until Monday but the deal of the century is on its way if you contemplating buying a Supersix but ill let you know more next week when the T's are crossed and i's dotted.
More importantly my speed weaponary has arrived, Zipp zedtechs these puppies will propel me round the countryside this year on my supersix once the Hungarian black magic has been cast by Szabi with a powertap hub on the rear unless metri gear actually produce a physical product soon, anyway ill keep ye all posted especially on the Liquigas green Zipp stickers, ooh er

Milk it

2010-03-12T23:05:00.003Z

Well i can not miss the chance to milk this can i , Sagan takes 2nd win in Paris -Nice, Kreuziger holds best young rider with Sagan 2nd, Bennati takes stage and overall lead at Tirreno-Adriatico.
Its Liquigas green every where which is just fantastic all my dreams are coming to i just hope this is the start of a big trophy cabinet season for the green team.
In other news if anyone is remotely interested which i doubt as I'm not but my ripping the kitchen out for a new one to keep misses Liquigas happy is going well but lets not dwell on that shall we, oh i know a big hello to Jason out in Washington DC who i haven't seen for ages mainly due to the fact that he lives in America but Jason it was good to hear from you mate and i hope all is well, just funny you found my blog (you should get out more) and if your ever back in blighty pop in for tea and biscuits chap, and anyone else who wants to pop in for Tea and coffee your all welcome just bring lots of cash as mind blowing conversation and amazing tea doesn't come cheap.
According to Mavic R-sys ultimates look like they wont make the shelves due to not enough pro rider testing so if you were saving your Penny's for a set of them potentially don't bother.
Right I'm off for a can of Quatro and a Texan bar so ciao.

Super Sagan

2010-03-09T22:29:00.005Z

Well young Mr Sagan and Mr Kreuziger are placed 1st and 2nd in the young rider standings at the Paris Nice as well as both of them being in the overall top 10 with Sagan being pipped to the line today and what about Chicchi, what's going on with him this year hes like a 9 year old on a diet of shot bloks bouncing off the walls of every event he enters, which is great 10 out of 10 for enthusiasm and effort, if only more riders were like that it would be great.
Maybe they could jazz up some stages by blowing a whistle at random at which point all riders have to dismount, run round their bike 5 times get back on and go, that would be a giggle but enough stupidity and back to serious stuff from the world of grown ups.
Tirreno-Adriatico starts tomorrow so sprinters out in force which should be good to watch and Eurosport is showing both and it's my day off f*****g fantastic.
And in events closer to home we had a look at the winter kit from Mavic and ordered loads of stuff even though we cant get it until September at the very earliest which seems a long long way off i mean shit we haven't had summer yet and we probably wont as ill probably be working or sleeping for all 4 hours of it when it comes but at least in September i can look at summer stuff which will cheer me up, also looking at Rapha for next year as a little boutique bit but we shall see.
The above white Jacket is the Hydro which is a close fitting waterproof little number and if i can loose a few more kilos it will fit even closer, the Orange jacket modelled by angry ugly bloke is the Signal Jacket i believe which is new for 2010 and is a snug warm racers training jacket basically, very nice race fit but in orange (the new yellow/green) with loads of Hi-viz stuff so you look like a stand in from the movie Tron and i think it will sell well, better in the flesh than in ugly bloke pic, sorry Jay you miserable old sod. Tatar for now people

General Stuff

2010-03-08T22:33:00.002Z

Well Ive sat down after a marathon Absolute 80's session ripping out yet more of my kitchen only to find that Kerang is playing some well girlie style music, expecting heavy guitar, men in funny masks and lots of screaming I'm listening to what i can only describe as utter crap so enough of that shite let's talk bike stuff, well ill talk you listen but read it first otherwise you wont hear anything right, good well I'm hoping you all read yesterdays post as ill be asking questions at the end so pay attention you , yes you in Australia pay attention.
Now i hope you all saw the Supersix on weight weenies because its lovely and its a Cannondale and that's all the excuses you need i just wonder how he is going to explain yet another bike let alone the fact its staying in the bedroom, he has also ridden it now and states that it is awesome and that the Di2 group is just fantastic so that's enough about that bike as I'm getting jealous.
On the pro scene front after day 2 of Paris Nice Roman sits in the top 10 and Levi is looking focused people so i feel hes one to watch, as for sprinters they are all starting the Tirreno-Adiatico on Wednesday as a warm up for San Remo so that should get interesting , will Cavendish show early form or not and i had to laugh tonight reading wiggos Twitter feed when he referred to Russell Downing as a curb crawler , i don't know why but it just cracked me up.
Right rest and beauty sleep for my ride tomorrow.

Supersix Di2

2010-03-07T12:56:00.000Z

Go see this bike people Supersix Di2 and do it now.

Yet more bits

2010-03-06T21:11:00.005Z

Well i missed yesterdays blog so there goes my daily record, maybe next month but anyway i have more lovely bits to talk about.
Now the owner of this bike will be posting it on weight weenies tomorrow (Sunday) or ill go and get it back and do it myself so until its been posted by him i will not show the full build specs pics and weights etc but i will drip feed you the parts bit by bit and trust me when i say as a complete bike the thing looks awesome. Right today we have brakes and stem, the calipers are TRP's latest offering the 970sl's and by um they are lovely little magnesium numbers, extremely well made and finished and worth every penny. We looked at Zero gravity and M5 calipers but the TRP's seem a lot easier to set up and adjust and after playing with them seem well worth the money, we also had a choice of white and black but felt the white would look a little tacky on a black bike and i think collectively we made the Right choice, they also come with swiss stop yellow king pads which was a result as these were needed anyway. Next we have a 3T arx ltd stem, again we were going to go with edge composites stem, post and bas but unfortunately the lead times on them are not set so we could of been waiting forever but the 3T components seem to be of a high quality, the finish is excellent and there are lots of guys in the states using 3T kit with no problems so although we are waiting for the seatpillar until late April the stem and bars are here and on. Touch wood this bike will be on weight weenies tomorrow and ill get a link on here so you can take a look but it is gorgeous and as its ridden ill get some feedback for you all.
Well i have 2 weeks of AMA Supercross to catch up on so I'm off.

Ill have what he's having

2010-03-04T23:27:00.004Z

Well i don't no where to begin, firstly 4 days and 4 blogs secondly project Jago has begun. All parts except the seat pin which will not be due until mid April have arrived at the shop and the jigsaw has begun so over the next few days ill give you the low down on the build until the final thing all weights etc will be displayed on weight weenies and ill provide all links as soon as they happen.
So tonight's bits, well it has to be the wheels so here the blurb.

Rims- Edge 45 carbon clinchers 395g
Spokes- DT swiss aero lite in white 209g
Hub Rr- Powertap SL+ 412g
Hub Fr- Tune Mig 75g
Tyres- Schwalbe Ultremo R white 180g each
Tubes- Schwalbe SV15 who cares
Skewers- Tune Skyline 18g

Total pair 1864g + tubes

Now i think that's pretty good for a pair of deep section wheels with a pt hub and wheels that will be strong and last with edges proven track record in durability and Szabis special build quality's.
Weight and price aside they look awesome and i just couldn't stop picking them up and playing with them.
So that's the brief on hoops tomorrow will be other goodies but for now i have a few minutes left to make this a legitimate 4th of march blog so I'm off.

Green is Better

2010-03-03T22:46:00.003Z

Wow 3 day's and 3 blog's i must be ill or something as I'm actually being consistent but I'm sure it wont last, anyway today, what did today bring, to be honest not a lot the phones are beginning to hot up about the bike of the year thing (did i mention a cannondale won) but otherwise its pretty quiet on the western front especially as the council have shut the western fronts road and dug the said road up to replace the western fronts sewage pipes leaving the western front very quiet, Bastards.
My SiSL chain set did arrive though at last with my shiny green bits which although when dropped on the scales both red and green weigh the same although everyone who i tested with them said the green were definitely lighter, its the powers of good and Liquigas see when mixed give you the likes of Yoda (green and on the good side, funny ears though) green veg both green and good for you and green traffic lights not that anyone on my route pays a blind bit of attention them anyway, I'm sure there just for the amusement of local nut jobs and small children. Now tomorrow oh tomorrow yes what a day that will be because we are getting stuff and stuff means pictures and pictures mean interesting stuff not the crap you've spent the last 5 minutes reading wondering why you keep returning to this page to torment yourself with the drivel i have typed out badly on Satan's keyboard which is missing the E and R button and that is a royal pain in the arse, its amazing how many words have those 2 letters in, even my spell check thingy is getting fed up with it now its crazy but hey like a true Brit ill battle on like a pig headed fool instead of just spending some money and fixing it because that's just to easy.
Inglorious basterds watch it it's great and now old Pearl Jam tracks are on so I'm off to rock.
Peace out and stuff.

In the shop today

2010-03-02T22:44:00.004Z

Well we had a STORCK fascenario in today for a service and it was wrapped in expensive goodies, consisting of the following :-
Schmolke bars £240 + lightest in the world apparently
Tune mig an mag hubs £400 a pair roughly
Tune starke stuck seat post £95
Tune crank £200
and other bits, now this bike probably cost around £8k which is a lot of dosh and its got some nice kit on it oh and a record 11spd group but it weighs 6.6kg, now whats wrong with that i hear you ask its a reasonable weight and a good quality build, my only problem is that Szabis (shop mechanic and euro loon) 2009 supersix that's running a powertap hub and and although lovely is built with sensible parts weighs the same exactly and cost under half the STORCK price.
My argument is not against the build of either bike or parts choice but considering how well the Cannondale rides compared to the Storck how can manufacturers charge what they do for some components and frames when a model at a much lower cost can match if not beat it on performance and quality.
We sell both the above brands so I'm not be Cannondalist as usual i just hate being taken for a ride financially.
Anyway that's my silly moanie bit over for today I'm off to the land of nod to dream about my chainset that arrived today, pics tomorrow, well sad i know but who cares.
To quote the Warrenator " keep it chunky"

New Shooz Sir

2010-03-01T21:10:00.004Z

A big yellow box with big yellow shoes arrived today and by jimminy they look good. The said banana slippers are MAVIC'S zxellium weighing in at 300g per shoe UK size 9 these are some seriously comfy puppies. Running a 5.5mm thick carbon sole gets the foot a little closer to the pedal which according to some science bods is good so I'm not arguing because their clever and I'm not, although some people (like 2) that have tested mavic shoes have mentioned hot spots above the cleat, whether or not this is due to the sole thickness i honestly don't know, probably more to do with there feet as the science men are clever remember and they made the shoes and other clever stuff.
So on the whole these are some comfy velvet foot lovers and as soon as weather permits , because these ain't seeing the current crap we've got ill let you know how they feel and they also come in a heavenly white if the yellow doesn't flick your switch.
I will have some of the 2010/2011 winter mavic goodies on Thursday so although its not even summer ill let you know what its like seeing as summer clothing in this country is only good for roughly 4 days a year.
Good evening all

Title for Roman

2010-02-27T19:37:00.004Z

Roman Kreuziger takes victory at the Giro Di Sardegna today just 2 seconds ahead of Radioshacks Chris Horner and adds another trophy to the Liquigas cabinet alongside last years Giro Di Sardegna winners trophy which was won by which liquigas rider ? answers on a postcard please.
Well Ive spent all day eating crap which really isn't a good advert for cycling but one naughty day for an old fat bloke like me wont hurt, will it ?.
I have been getting quite into the winter Olympics at present and if you get the chance check out the men's slalom and look for the Snow Leopard, he's awesome.
Now the 6th annual handmade bicycle show starts this weekend in North America and there is always some lovely kit there including the Speedvagen/Vanilla cross bike pictured above which is just gorgeous in my opinion and i would love one.
Well I'm going to grab some more bad food and watch something on the box but what i don't know so see ya later.

Gio Di Sardegna

2010-02-26T22:27:00.003Z

Only one day to go and young Mr Kreuziger could be saying Czech please, did you see what i did there, Czech please ? anyway he still holds the leaders jersey and its the last stage tomorrow although Radioshack man Christopher Horner is only 4 seconds down so it can all go to pot for Roman but lets see if hes made of stronger stuff. Now after his last minute dismount Sabatini will be riding the last stage tomorrow and so will Petachhi both of which had a hard fall today when Petachhi met an over enthusiastic spectator 100 metres before the finish line leaving them dazed and grazed.

So will Roman take the title tomorrow, can the Cannondale supersix take another win, and will Tiger ever play the field again, all these and more will be answered in the next episode of ?

How many of you were gonna say SOAP

Bike of the year 2010

2010-02-24T21:25:00.002Z

Well folks cycling plus have finished their bike of the year 2010 test and the supplement is in this months issue and guess what wins (excited pause) Cannondales Six carbon, yahoo.

I have to admit that caught me by surprise i honestly thought the Synapse would of been in the top 5 and i didn't even consider the Six, i mean its a great bike but it hasn't registered on the radar much in the last 18 months. Now the top 5 bikes are a Storck scenario 1.1, a Scott CR1 pro, Bianchi C2C infinito, Felt F3 and of course the Six carbon.

All of the above are £2.5k bikes with the exception of the dale at £1799 or an Ultegra version at £2200 which would be cheaper by £300 still and then due to component upgrades in the same weight area as the others. I remember riding this bike in 2008 at the launch in the UK and thought it was great , more than capable of taking on top superbikes with the right kit fitted to it and running the same geometry as the Supersix but with a 10-15mm taller headtube which makes it that little more comfortable for sportives and the such. The Ultegra version is a great value bike and this year the frame is 100g lighter than last years ( i know a silly 100g) but as Cannondale say, Everything matters.

Well i suggest you all go and buy one and find out for yourselves and luckily i know of a shop you can get one.

Bicycle in Richmond

go on you know you want one.

Benna is back

2010-02-16T15:33:00.002Z

Well day 2 of the tour of Oman sees the return of Daniele Bennati as he takes the win, now he has been with injury and bad luck for a while so it's nice to see him back at the front and lets hope this is a sign of things to come this year. Also I'm back i seem to have overcome my PC woes and have now taken the demon virus away only to subject myself to one and feel like crap, Gates this is your fault and you will pay , anyway the weather here is rubbish at the mo so you cant get out and ride properly anyway.
Now touch wood a Flash Team should arrive this week for one of our customers so pics all round when it does and probably lots of dribble on my part and touch wood my chain set will arrive soon so i can start building my Supersix to ready it for the oncoming season of sportives and stuff.
Lastly today as i need sleep now is Cycling plus has a bike of the year test in the April issue which is on sale in March unless you subscribe and you ll get it end of Feb, work that one out. Apparently a certain manufacturers bike does very well but I'm sworn to secrecy so ill say no more.

Im Back and so is Chicchi

2010-02-12T14:22:00.003Z

Hey everyone sorry for the lack of bloginess but my pc has died a slow and painful death (slow and painful for me) so I'm having to squeeze time on various other units until my MAC arrives.
Anyways just a quick hello really and a big Congratulations to Francesco Chicchi for his 2 stage wins in Qatar, a very good ride for him and glad to See that guy get some of the lime light as he is a really funny character.
Blogging back to normal now so more rubbish to come over the next few days people seeing as the weather here is crap.

Snow snow snow

2010-02-08T21:58:00.002Z

More snow today but it didn't settle though thank God, although the journey home was a bit of a nightmare as i had a 6mile blizzard to contend with. I haven't really got any bike info today as i just haven't had a chance to sort stuff out but i did do my FTP test yesterday with my big Hungarian coach Szabi watching from a far. My results left me with a power to weight ratio of 2.86kg which is OK for an old bloke like me so now ill knuckle down for a month and retest in March to see if i have made any gains. My main thing this year is to get a 100 mile sportive as close to 4hrs as possible which will be virtually impossible for me but last year was 5hrs 20Min's so this year i want 4.5hrs and if i get this ill treat myself to the 2011 Etap so ill let you all know what goes on.
Bye for now.
Oh yeah what happened to Wiggo today ?

Wiggo a go go

2010-02-07T13:10:00.002Z

Well first stage of Qatar over ,the team time trial and although my mean green liquigas boys placed a joint 7th i believe ,old Wiggo showed hes open for business by putting in a very good work effort to place the sky boys 1st with another 2 Brits in the same team namely Downing and Thomas its made me quite proud to be British this morning so i wish them all the best over the coming day's as i do to all the riders let's hope there is some good racing to watch which will take my mind off of this stupid PC that now seems possessed and just opens bloody random windows whenever I'm trying to do something then just turns off completely and i know i can hear it laughing at me when it does but it wont win it just wont.

F*****g PC's

2010-02-06T17:46:00.003Z

I have had enough of pc's they are shite this poxy peace of rubbish has acquired another virus in its registry which has caused me 24hrs of mind numbing mental pain, which almost ended in a John Cleese type scenario ( the car and the branch scene, you know the one) so it's Mac time baby. I will acquire a Mac over the next few months then pass this laptop to my son who will destroy it seconds.
As for the world of bikes i haven't got a great deal to say tonight as I'm recovering from post pc trauma but the Tune hub pictured above arrived for the front of project Jago i and the wheels should be built up this week by our little Hungarian workshop mouse Szabi before he disappears off on another training camp in which case ill have pic's on here shortly. As for secret project Jago i which I'm sure everyone knows about anyway there will be a final and full build roster with all images and weights etc and hopefully this will be about the same time as the shops new website will be up and running so all will be displayed on there with a shortened version on here because I'm crap at typing. Now above there is also a Cannondale Hooligan, this particular bike is owned by xgreygoose off weightweenies and it looks lurvely, these bikes are great fun if you have never ridden one you have to have a go they bring out the mad child in you with no problem at all and later on this year there will be some very special custom ones popping up on here so stay tuned as they say.
Well that's all for now me thinks I'm gonna remove Bill Gates from my christmas card list and pin his picture to the wall on the local shooting range after i have read my incoming emails from the owner of Jago i.
Have a good weekend peeps.

Evening all

2010-02-02T21:46:00.004Z

Hello everybody, i hope your well and riding your Cannondales oops i mean bicycles and being healthy, not much to say at the mo I'm afraid it seems Ally is the new carbon by this i mean CAAD9's selling like hot cakes. The magazines love em, weight weenies love em i love em and our latest customer to take one (frame and fork set) will tell me later if he loves em or not. This bike was built for one Mr John Heaton-Armstrong who up till now has been riding a Mercxx but has taken a chance on a CAAD9 and SiSl chain set for his crit racing and general all round well being.
There is a Super 6 to follow but we wrll keep quiet on that for now.
Now as in the pic Szabi (shop mechanic and 24hr Hungarian endurance champ) is keeping a closer eye on the scales to make sure there is no tampering but you can see a healthy 2.7kg for frame/fork headset chain set, bottle cages uncut steerer and a little packing which ain't bad.
The whole bike came in at 7.5kg (16.5lbs) which i think is great for a practical day to day bike weekend racer etc and if you swapped out the Dura ace wheels you could go sub 16lbs.
I will let you all know how John gets on with the bike soon but if he is as happy with his as i am mine then its a no brainer.

CAAD9 and about time

2010-01-29T22:10:00.004Z

Good evening to you all, above you will see a pic of my CAAD9 winter training/commuting bike, firstly it rides like a heat seeking missile, it's very responsive and it turns before you think about it
it is just superb but it's a dale so it should do. I wont bore you with the full spec that's on weight weenies if your interested click me to see but it's a mix of Sram force and FSA parts so a mix of affordable, reliable and I'm gonna race youable in your car. I hope you find it easy on the eye and i look forward to riding it again tomorrow and Sunday and Monday and, you get it.

One for Grant

2010-01-29T22:08:00.001Z

This pic is for a chap called Grant, dude i hope this helps.

Di2's inner goings on

2010-01-28T23:33:00.006Z

Well pretty boring really especially when you have spent as many years as i have rewiring motorcycles but today we removed a std BB inserts from a Di2 supersix for a very good friend of ours the one and only Mr Jago. Basically for anyone not up to speed the Sup6 has a BB30 BB section (a bigger hole where all the spinning happens) and because shimano cant make a BB30 chainset (stubborn little buggers) the wonderful wizard of Cannondale has to put a std BB adaptor in so it will fit. So first thing was to release this demon from the the heart of our carbon goddess so a lovely Si SL chainset can be slipped in a velvety smooth way into the frame but to do this, and i would like to point out we do this properly with a press and the frame supported correctly, anyone who does or attempts to do this with a mallet etc should have their eyes removed as there Muppet's. Sorry so to do this we first must remove the magical wires of electric transference from the area in question, its at this point i realise that the photos i have taken are far from useful but ill continue, basically you have the following,
1. Rear mech wire running through chainstay
2. Front mech wire running through seat tube
3. battery wire in bottom of downtube
4. Shifter wires in downtube
Sat between these is a 4 point harness linking them all up and sealed perfectly with heat shrink to keep out moisture and the connections themselves are very good ones not cheap and nasty stuff.
So in photographic order once std BB cups are removed you pull all wire out of BB shell, cut the clear heatshrink off and pull apart the connections, 4 in total and all marked with colour tags so you cant get it wrong.
Now you can remove the junction and push all 4 ends into the tubing leaving the BB tunnel clear from obstruction as the wires do run through this section. Now with the correct tools you can push out the adaptor (silver tube with holes in it) to expose a BB30 size hole.
Now before fitting chainset you must reconnect all wires and e shrink and seal them which when we do this next week ill continue with but until then ill find something else for you and if your fast asleep now goodnight.
As for photos the lack of and fact there not in order i apolagise but its the computers fault not mine so blame your PC, it wouldnt happen if i could afford a MAC, stupid electric laptop stuff.