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Comments - Five Lessons From Training Camp

March 07, 2012

Sorry, but we love our Subaru Outback. And our granola.
- Bill, San Antonio, Texas

March 05, 2012

Your first PRO team win and you don't have the time to be PRO and zip up your jersey for the sponsor's first PRO win? NOT pro.
- Church, fayettevile

March 05, 2012

Didn't see any of you guys at NAHBS this weekend, but you weren't missed either. :-)
- Hans, Sacramento

March 02, 2012

THANKS for coming to my hometown to train!
- Troy, Tucson, AZ

March 02, 2012

I only need a horse and buggy. nothing more environmentally friendly than that, the original hybrid
- Floyd Landis, Ex Menno

March 02, 2012

very nice CT 200h. What about Cadilac CTS Wagon?
- Steven, Hartford CT

March 02, 2012

BMW 535xi Touring 6 spd!
- James, Seattle, WA

March 02, 2012

I've driven both the A3 and the A4 courtesy cars when my A6 was in the shop. NO THANKS!
- Rick , Memphis

March 01, 2012

Congrats on the team, very exciting. So sorry though to see you missed a chance to go Euro Pro with your team car. The Jetta wagon would have been sweet once you decided to pass on the A4. It shares platforms with the Skoda Oktavia and what's more authentically Pro-even if in a low brow kind of way-than that?
- D., New York City

March 01, 2012

I've got to agree with Carl, the A3 is a phenomenal cycling car.
- Patrick, Columbus, OH

March 01, 2012

You want Electrolyte replacement? Try Skratch Labs new sports tonic. Its real and it works. Thanks Allen Lim....
- Mike, Boulder

March 01, 2012

Great call on the cyclist wagon lust. In my opinion, however, the Lexus CT 200h is way down on the list of acceptable team cars - unless you get one from a sponsor. It's a smart looking car and I was prepared to be wowed by one after seeing and reading print ads. My wife and I headed down to our local Lexus dealer to check one out. Imagine my surprise when opening the rear hatch to find over half the storage space taken up by batteries. I'd say you're going to max out that space with two 12pk sized coolers. In addition, the back seat is really only good for sub six footers. I'm 6'2" and I can't imagine sitting back there for a 3+ hour road race. I've been in a Jetta Sportwagen recently - it's much bigger, the diesel version is just as economical as the Lexus, it handles just as well, and costs many thousands less. With the state of cycling sponsorships today I'd say very nice things about any product that is willing to go to bat for cycling. For me, the best "money is no object" cycling car would be the Euro spec BMW M5 Touring Wagon - big and very, very fast.
- Jeff, Denver

March 01, 2012

The humble Honda Element was the greatest vehicle ever made for transporting bikes. The boxy, rubberized interior with the rear seats removed was cavernous, and easily washable. Unfortunately, it is no longer in production, but still has a cult following. I wouldn't part with mine. You can keep your snooty high-end, luxury wannabe Audi's and Lexus. Although I drive a Mercedes ML 550 when I want to be snooty; but for transporting my bike its Element Time!
- Warner, Chestnut Ridge, NY

February 29, 2012

So let me get this straight... you are smoldering over a hybrid, but choking over 950 gram frame weight? This sensationalist gushing and impish puling deserves inspiration far more compelling than a bland handling car with 'pro' graphics, and a sparklingly capable frame so light it should come with a roll of lead tape. We know you have an blog to write, but the profound anecdotes followed immediately by flowery contraction is the most boorish literary feint and parry you could choose. And seriously, a hybrid. Come on.
- Ben, New York, NY

February 29, 2012

A decade of professional cooking and nutrition study tells me that claims of the Pink Salt being better than others is BS. It may be better than iodized grocery store salt but there are many many many salts with minerals that lend color and when undiluted by food or liquid, possibly a perceived different taste. Back in the late '90s some restaurants (The French Laundry among them) were even offering salt tastings as part of a dinner, even offering salt recovered from sunken ships! I can only imagine, "mm, mm, yes I can taste the difference. You can't? Really? Really. Oh, wow, it all tastes so distinct to me..." All that being said, its good to use quality ingredients, salt being a very important one, so if Pink seems better than Black or Sel Gris, or Fleur de Sel, or Maldon... enjoy.
- Brett, Colorado

February 29, 2012

Any chance a replica of the team kit will be for sale?
- jb, seattle, wa

February 29, 2012

I did a quick comparison, the car is no larger than a Ford Focus which costs approximately $10,000 less. I know that they are not in the same category but the size is the same.
- Jeff, Wheaton

February 29, 2012

I have a big ol' van, just change my name to Chester
- Tilly, Kansas

February 29, 2012

Best cycling support vehicle, Acura MDX with Saris Traps Triple rack inside the car. Holds three road bikes Traps and three front wheel Traps secure and out of the weather. You still have room for driver, front seat passenger, one rear seat passenger and everyone gear. Performance driving machine and medium duty off-road ability means it will get you all your off season adventures as well, be it a camping trip up forestry roads or getting you up to the ski hill in the worst of winter weather.
- bimbike, Southbury, CT

February 29, 2012

I know you're going to say it's too small, but I don't care. The A3 is the greatest wagon ever made. Oooh, I love that car.
- Carl, Downers Grove

February 29, 2012

Here in Montana we still like the covered wagon yep Levi also carry's a six shooter.
- Robert, Flathead Valley,Mt

February 29, 2012

Whacha you talking bout willis? You cant use a van for a team car because the UCI has height limitations for caravan vehicles. That is why the wagon is king. Oh yeah, its a mini van. Trade in your man card for a soccer mom t-shirt.
- Betterasksomebody, PROTOWNUSA

February 29, 2012

After all the work to shave micro milometers off the bikes profile to reduce wind resistance, it seems all-for-not to have ones jersey flappy in the breeze at speed. I realize over-heating is not an option, and maybe once he broke away, he didn't want to take the time to zip up. He did win the stage, so good on him!
- Scott, Palm Springs, Ca.

February 29, 2012

How about the ability (with the front wheel and seat post off) to stand up two bikes and still have room for gear! I'm talking about the Mercedes Benz ML350. Check it out - the 06 to the present all have this capacity.
- Mike Crosby, Brentwood, CA

February 29, 2012

That Lexus is not a wagon, it's a hatch back. I agree that a CTS V wagon would have been awesome, but the real deal is not yet available. When the new BMW 3 series wagon comes out late summer, there will be no question about the best "team car". Read the reviews of the new F30 3 series sedan, especially the 328i with the turbo 4 (245hp, 36 mpg!) then imagine that in wagon form. Win win.
- BunnV, Sherman Oaks CA

February 29, 2012

"And despite the smug vibe of hybrids as a whole, we can probably counteract some of that fuel economy and environmental goodness with lots of hard acceleration and braking." I find the slam on "smug vibe of hybrids" ironic, given the occasionally navel-gazing tone found in these pages. Just know that "hard acceleration and braking" actually play into hybrids' strengths in comparison to conventionally-powered cars, given their electric motors and regenerative braking.
- Paul, St. Paul

February 29, 2012

this explains why I love my Audi A6 Avant (2001). A great cyclist's vehicle as noted. Also a great work vehicle. I just never made the cyclist-wagon lust thing before.
- Michael, Sacramento

February 29, 2012

Two Words. HONDA. ELEMENT. Race on.
- wheelsuck, fresno

February 29, 2012

Dan Neil rules!!! Cancelled my LATiimes subscription aftee he left. Glad to hear him get a shout out!
- Dave, SD, CA

February 29, 2012

Why must it be a wagon? My vote is a Honda Odyssey. Larger for more gear, more riders, more decals and more bikes on the roof. Sliding rear doors make it it easier for in motion repairs and lightning fast ingress / egress for mechanics to address roadside issues. The stock 240 bhp / 240 lbs/ft torque makes it quick and nimble. Superior stock sound system and optional Sat Nav as well.
- Willis, Winnetka, CA

February 29, 2012

Haven't been late to a race start in my Mazdaspeed 3. 5 doors and the totally san-o roof mounted Thule system with 265 ponies to boot.
- Johhny Mac, PC

February 29, 2012

Jeez, can't believe that you missed out on the Cadillac CTS (or CTS-V) wagon. While I'm an Audi fan at heart (and wallet - my UrQ was a money pit), the CTS gives you size that is just below the A6, but bigger than the A4. The CT 200h? REALLY? Total meh. And don't think I'm some US-flag waving Toyota H8R. I write about cars for a living.
- Jon, Glastonbury, CT

February 29, 2012

Snap. I see that the PRO thing has been done already. And what happens if I answer the "How many Tours did Lance win" with how many he'd have won without paying off the UCI? Hmm, says "0" is incorrect. Oh well.
- Vandit Kalia, Isla Tropicana

February 29, 2012

For a team I can see needing a wagon (and I do want to get one) but I sure do love my GTI on race day.
- vectorbug, san francisco

February 29, 2012

The team car is incomplete without a PRO sticker on it.
- Vandit Kalia, Isla Tropicana

February 29, 2012

Great column, as usual. My sled of choice is a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT (5-speed). Great mix of Outback practicality and capacity, and WRX drivetrain (250 bhp) with Subaru's all-wheel-drive and LSD's front and rear. Carries 4 riders and their bikes, accelerates like an S4 or faster, and corners on rails. And it's SO great to see the new CC team - you guys are really stepping it up big time - validates your position at the top of the heap in the US bike industry. And keep up the What's New - some of the best writing out there now...
- Rich, Mill Valley, CA

February 29, 2012

Yay- no PRO, but professional level writing. BTW- dont forget the uber-wagon, the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon. 550+ horse Corvette-engined full size wagon--- yes please!!
- tt crashes are kind of funny, little rock ak

February 29, 2012

Best bike wagon: mid-'90s Mercedes e320.
- Picchio, Oakland, ca

February 29, 2012

best team vehicle? Escalade, hands down
- Tyler Hamilton, Mr Podium

February 29, 2012

I'm a pro and salt is not pro. Every pro knows drinking urine from black panthers is more effective and pro.
- Joe Pro, Hollywood

February 29, 2012

I don't understand the vitriol...those of you who are so critical likely have self-esteem issues. Keep writing BQ. Excellent work.
- PW, LR,AR

February 29, 2012

The commentary and soundtrack on that video clip is priceless.
- adam, Hamilton

February 28, 2012

I drive a 2003 Audi S6 Avant and it may be the greatest all-around car of all time, IMO. Practical and a sleeper with tons of surprise power to the uneducated. The distinctive high-pitched whine of that V8 can be heard blocks away. Even cooler cornering at high speeds with bikes on the roof and tons o'gear in the back. I plan to drive it for 300k miles +
- Erik, Raleigh

February 28, 2012

is there a weight problem with this team or is is just the photos?
- Neil, Washington, DC

February 28, 2012

The new Allroad is built on the latest A4 Avant platform and it won't have the air suspension of the original Allroad which was built on the A6 Avant. The newer A4s are as large or larger than the olde A6s so there's no real space loss. The air suspension, while totally cool and, well, let's just say it -- PRO -- was also the Allroad's Achilles heel: they either needed about $4k of maintenance or they'd just had $4K of maintenance.
- daniel, chicago

February 28, 2012

Is just me, or is Mike Olheiser the personification of Groundskeeper Willie?
- Tom, Columbus, OH

February 28, 2012

They aren't new, but pick up a VW passat wagon. 80% an audi, and can be had for a steal. Got a 07 last year, and will drive it till it dies.
- Matt, Tampa

February 28, 2012

To me an A6 would seem just too big for caravan work. The 4 size much more appropriate. Currently I drive an A (manual). But the dream of dreams, leaps right past the S and to the RS. Maybe one day.
- Erv Gopwr, San Diego

February 28, 2012

Hey, did I read this right - a post about the professional team with no use of "PRO" - good for you. We train to reach new levels and you, friend, have done just. I have been eyeing that Lexus - sweet gas millage. Nothing on the volvo XC70 AKA Cross Country. That is one sweet car, but my colnago or merckx on it and it looks totally cool.
- Tom, DC

February 28, 2012

The Audi S4 Avant is/was the greatest cycling wagon ever. Hincapie and Bruyneel both owned it. That's why I bought the last one imported to the US. Lucky Europeans still get them, they can be found iwith regularity n the parking lots outside of Sidi, Pinarello and Battaglin in Vicenza.
- Cal, Chicago

February 28, 2012

I own an outback but having test drove the Lexus, its a sweet car. I heard reports that the team averaged over 40 mph for the entire team camp and I have seen Gord drive, dude could race rally cars. Excited for the team this year, you guys look classy, have a great group of guys and I am really excited to see what Beyer and the neopros can do this year.
- Jan Jittery Joes fan, ATL

February 28, 2012

The Audi All Road is coming back to the US. The greatest cycling wagon ever!
- Matt, Napa, CA

February 28, 2012

I have to say, this is one of the best blogs I've read. I don't always agree, but the diversity of the topics--sea salt to frames to team camps--and the involved media speak to your love of cycling, the effort involved, and to our entire lives. For every person who takes a simple and extreme position, here's one in opposition: keep writing.
- Jake, San Francisco, CA

February 28, 2012

The car either works or it doesn't, so your perception of it doesn't matter; neither do others'. Yes Subaru Outbacks may have been widely adopted by the "Granola" set in recent years, but they were the sponsor of not 1, but 2 pro road teams when they launched the thing, as well as numerous professional races. Loyalty is a 2 way street.
- Touriste-Routier, Bucks County, PA

February 28, 2012

As a proud Outback owner, I think you may have missed an opportunity. There's a metric F-ton of room, especially in the back seat, making it an ideal perch for mechanical work on the road.
- Chris, Little Rock

February 28, 2012

Volvo XC70 Sportwagon <3 I cry every time volvo makes their cars less wagony. I feel, being a poor grad student that an Outback will have to be my car of choice after my 1992 Dodge Caravan dies. (soon) It works, AWD for West Virginia winters, and they're abundant around here. The only thing is that every other cyclist in the area has one. Not trying to be a hipster, but I don't want to fall into the status quo.
- WV Cycling, Buckhannon

February 28, 2012

BQ, The Audi All Raod has made it's return to the states. I believe it's built around the A6 Avant. Sad for Olhieser, bet he was on his way to another win when he crashed. Feb. is early and he'll be back.
- Rick V. , Memphis