WHAT'S NEW
Brief notes from early February
- Dueling derny videos. I don't know which one I love more. Belgium or Texas.
- The real race season has arrived. Kneewarmers. Mud-splatter. Overcast skies. Something about February racing in France warms the soul. How many days 'til the Ronde?
- The podium at the Tour of Qatar is an awfully tantalizing place.
- More proof that no such thing as real cycling journalism exists, did you see cyclingnews.com regurgitate the Andy-Pruitt-as-messiah story that appeared on velonews.com two weeks previously? In every element -- the photos, the storyline, the servile flattery to the Genius Of Specialized Body Geometry -- they're identical. And while that shows a lack of editorial awareness on the part of cyclingnews (an all-too-common flaw we've seen since the exit of editor Gerard Knapp), more annoying is the incredulous fantasy presented to the reader. Could you imagine a story in Golf Digest that would purport to have Tiger Woods walk into a hotel conference room, take some swings in a netted astroturf indoor driving cage, then eagerly go mentally spread-eagle to have a guru re-build his swing all in the span of 30 minutes? My friends, the Marriott conference room is not reality. These articles are scripted by, written by, and appeal to people all of whom share one thing: They don't ride. For people who've lived and died on their bikes, they know how little can be accomplished vis-à-vis training and racing and suffering on a laptop in a conference room. It's magical realism. It's cookery at Benihana. It's lousy theatre and as a sizeable advertiser and a formerly enthusiastic reader I wish cyclingnews and velonews would stop presenting infomercials as news.
- Think the nosediving economy won't ever catch up to pro cycling? It's already hit the English Premiership. Now it's broaching Major League Baseball. Methinks it's not a matter of if, but of when.
- Is Lance still wearing Rocket 7's? Are these Rocket 7's, not Nikes? If they're real-deal Nikes, will Lance actually ride in them, or will he stick with the Nike-badged Rocket 7's he's been wearing for his whole comeback so far?
- Some cheesy music here, but this video is a stupendous display of manhood. How can you watch this and leave determined to dedicate the remainder of your life to racing cyclocross?
- Small bit of tech for you. In case you're getting ready to install your first-ever Campagnolo 11spd chain, here's a great step-by-step how-to guide.
February 10, 2009
VeloNews and CyclingNews regurgitate drivel from it's sponsor interviews (yes, sponsors since they place ads on the site). This site in its product descriptions regurgitate drivel from it's vendors. I think this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black?
- Jorge, San Jose
February 09, 2009
Interesting thread on Pruitt, cycling;s (lack of) journalistic integrity and Peter/Sydney's mention of Steve Hogg. I had problems, saw Pruitt and accomplice, total waste of time and a sizeable chunk of cash. Job took me to Australia, saw Steve Hogg, not cheap either but hey presto, no more problems and big performance boost. Hogg knows his stuff and makes Pruitt look like a floundering beginner. Pruitt THINKS he knows his stuff and after several complaints from me in the weeks following, the accomplice (biomechanist) told me that my expectations were too high! .Hogg is the real deal. Pruitt thought I was a tough case. Hogg said I was easy. A very professional, very accomplished, decent human being. Adam / UK, you're right. Pruitt and accomplice spent most of their time looking at stick figure represeantions of me, the subject while almost ignoring me in the flesh. Hogg had me worked out at a glance, I was initially skeptical but the last 7 or 8 months have shown he was on the money.
Get Hogg a green card. Pruitt continuing fantasy fits just show how much we need Hogg or someone like him
- John, New York
February 07, 2009
Real cycling journalism does exist....Albeit only in the blogosphere. BkW for example.
- Doug, Atlanta GA
February 07, 2009
Regarding 'Doctor' Andy Pruitt, the so-called messiah of Bike Fit: his PhD is in Secondary Education, further evidence that he is little more than a snake-oil salesman.
- Jeffe, Boulder, CO
February 07, 2009
And the consequence of this messianic biomechanics...tendonitis for young Schleck. He has a slightly unusual style, but if it isnt broken, dont fix it.
- Adam, UK
February 06, 2009
So Now Colnago is no longer using a distributor instead, dealing directly with retailers, does this mean you will start carrying them again? (presuming you can thrash out a deal)
- Andy, Washington
February 06, 2009
Your deconstruction of the puerile Andy Pruitt advertorials is well on the mark. It could be said that Andy is just channelling Steve Hogg (of Cyclefit fame) and badging it as his own. If you are part of cycling's mafia you can get away with anything. Another timely question is who really nobbled L'Equipe on doping I really doubt the owner Marie-Odile Amaury is behind it.
- peter, sydney
February 05, 2009
Just made my first order with you guys and wanted to say thanks for exceptionally easy service.
- Todd, Los Angeles
February 05, 2009
I had Rocket 7s and any pics I have seen had shown plain black Rockets in the beginning and then in Oz a yellow swoosh appeared. I don't think Nike is going to get back into cycling if Lance doesn't win again. It sounded like Trek had the same attitude with the disc wheels. They canned the Bontrager disc and outsourced with Lightweight.
- Robin, NY
February 05, 2009
Belgium or Texas? Texas for sure. Those road look great compared to the ice box of the North East going on right now. And in Texas you can get a decent cheeseburger with out having to worry if it is horse meat.
- Frenchy, NYC
