what's a cross racing bike?

As little as 10 years ago, a cross racing bike was whatever a racer (usually a shop mechanic with spare parts since almost no one else knew what cyclocross was) threw together on any frame that somewhat resembled the right machine for the job of racing cyclocross and then proceeded to go out and race around in the muck and slop. It was great fun. There were a few specialy cross manufacturers available in the US such as Vitus and Alan. A few custom builders offered frames for the truly committed. Many of us simply put narrow knobbies on our mtn. bikes and removed our bar ends. Remember those?

Years ago I dreamed of a cross bike from a custom shop such as Serotta, Gunnar or Waterford. Reality saw me on a hard tail with 1.5 Continental Cross Country tires and a rigid fork installed. Other racers were on similar bikes.

Currently cross bikes have become a legitimate category of bicycle. Every major manufacturer, even if they have zero cross heritage, offers a cross bike. Some just don't work and even though the price ticks in at up to $8K, they still don't get the component specifications right. Like a 34T small chainring on a pro-caliber race bike.

So back to the question of what is a 'cross bike? Currently I'm racing on three Bianchi cross bikes. Two geared and a single speed. They are by far the nicest cross bikes I've ever owned. They aren't ridiculous in price. I passed a couple of $8K Colnagos and Times on the race course and was also passed by a couple of mountain bikes over the race season, the bikes certainly didn't hold me back.

For those truly curious about this fun and far-out faction of cycling on the semi-fringe... a cross bike is whatever you bring to ride and race with us. I've seen regular road bikes on the race course and I think that's awesome. I've seen plenty of mountain bikes out at the races and lot's of cobbled-together franken bikes. Anything is a cross bike.

Be warned: 'cross is the 'crack of cycling' and right now I'm feeling a bit of withdrawl. Trying 'cross hopefully has the same effect on everyone else. At least it's only eight months till 'cross season! See you out there.

Am I slow?

Why yes, I am slow. Do I race? Yes, I do race. Is that ok? Absolutely.

Regardless of whether we ride for fun or trying to have fun and trying to be faster than someone, anyone-it doesn't matter how fast we are. I'm slow. I'm faster than some of you and slower than many of you.

Speed is relative. Even speed on a bike. Graeme Obree is fast. Brent Carpenter that got to carry the Olympic flame isn't fast on that scale but sure has fun. On the continuum of speed there are stops all along the way. The most fun for me is to see where I have moved on that continuum relative to other times and other circumstances. In my younger years, if faster was further to the right, I'm convinced I was much faster than I am now. I rode more, had more time for play and took advantage of it. I'm now further to the left but it's still fun to race and see where I am now relative to the positions that others have stopped at on that same continuum. Whether they are now training and going much faster and I've trained less, or the opposite, it's great to see other progress and hopefully go with them.

Setting goals and realizing that; yes, I did hang onto that group longer than last week is a great reward in itself. For those of us going for a spot on the podium to those simply trying to finish before anyone, racing is good. So yes, slow is a stop I've frequently hovered around but that certainly won't keep me from pinning on a number and getting out and testing myself on the race course. Slow shouldn't stop you either.

New Product Info

Much is going on that is exciting in the product offerings of both road and mountain bikes. This year continues to innovate with many of the current technologies being ridden by the top cyclists in the Tour de France. Sram RED is firmly established as one of the premier road groups. We're developing a good reference base with the new Sram and expect to see even more bike offerings featuring the innovation of this American company.

The road front also forecasts change with Shimano Dura Ace receiving major changes-the first in seven years. Shimano usually sets the benchmark for the industry in terms of performance and availability so expect to see the striking two-tone finish of Dura Ace on the top offerings from the serious road companies. Campagnolo is launching their 75^th anniversary with an amazing 11 cogs fit into the rear cluster. The Super Record name is resurrected to top Record in the Campy offerings. More carbon fiber, new Ergo lever shape, and ceramic bearings push this group to new levels of sophistication and yes, expense.

The mountain side of the sport is developing more travel at less weight. Scott will have an offering with 6” of travel at twenty two pounds. Unbelievable, what was once XC race day only weight ranges will become the new norm for comfortable and capable-all day on any trail. We just received the new Shimano XT 29er wheels. Full UST compatibility, center-lock rotors along with Shimano bearing quality point to one of the best 29er wheelsets available at any price.

In just a few short weeks we'll be getting our hands on all of these new goodies first hand. Until then, this means great things for this years offerings. Our major suppliers are warning of 10-20% cost increases across the board for new products. The weaker dollar, fuel charges, and increased manufacturing costs are some of the reasons for this. The $5000.00 bike you've been saving for may be $6000.00 next year! Though availability is fairly slim, remaining '08 bicycles, wheel upgrades, and parts may be a much better option to waiting.

Get ready. The riding is coming soon.