Art’s Cyclery Blog

The 2012 Garmin-Barracuda Team Jersey.

We can’t wait for the Tour Down Under to start this weekend so we can finally talk about racing again. But until then, we are left to discuss other news, such as Garmin-Cervelo’s new team name and kit.

Garmin-Cervelo will now be known as Garmin-Barracuda and is reverting back to the argyle design that graced the Slipstream jerseys of yesteryear. In case you were wondering, Barracuda Networks is a software company that provides security, networking and storage solutions. It’s too bad Cervelo is no longer a title sponsor, but it’s great that the team could pick up another high-profile sponsor.

Check out the aero dimples.

The new kit is very similar to the special edition Tour de France jersey the team raced in last year with blue argyle on the bottom and white across the mid-section. Castelli improved what is already the most comfortable pair of bib shorts on the planet by adding dimples on the fabric of the thighs to reduce aerodynamic drag. Castelli also claims the Aero Race Jersey will save 10 watts at 40km/h compared to a standard cycling jersey.

We can’t help but take note how many teams will be sporting blue motifs in 2012. One of the best parts about watching cycling on TV is the dazzling rainbow of colors that comprise the mercurial globule that is the Pro Peloton. This year, Garmin-Barracuda, Saxo Bank, Omega Pharma-Quick Step and Team Sky will all ride in kits that feature some shade of blue as the primary color. Can you imagine a four-man breakaway forming with a rider from each of these teams? It’d be more than a little tough to tell them apart.

Another interesting tidbit that came out of this announcement was that mountain bike brake manufacturer Magura has signed on as a Garmin-Barracuda team sponsor. Rumor has it that Magura is launching some new road components this year, possibly hydraulic brakes for road and TT frames. After months of hype, Cervelo will finally unveil the new P5 triathlon/TT bike on January 18th, perhaps outfitted with some fancy new Magura brakes? We’ll soon find out and you can bet we’ll have more information about it here when the news brakes, pun definitely intended.

We’ll leave you with this video of Garmin-Barracuda pro Christophe Le Mevel training in the new kit on a snowy European mountain. If you are the type of rider who hides in the basement spending lonely hours on the trainer, this will hopefully inspire you to get out and ride.

Click on the image to see the video.

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Click on this picture to see my view from inside the Garmin-Cervelo team car.

I tried not to fly out the window of the Garmin-Cervelo Kia Mini-Van as we skipped around corners with the wheels chirping and barely sticking to the pavement in an attempt to keep pace with the rider in front of us. Two thoughts simultaneously entered my head at that moment. 1) I REALLY should put my seatbelt on in case we flip, and 2) this is one of the coolest things I have ever done!

As a cycling fan from California, no other race is more captivating to watch for me than the Amgen Tour of California. There’s just something about watching the world’s best cyclists race in my backyard on the very roads I train on - it makes this particular race resonate with me more than any other.I was lucky enough to attend two stages this year - Stage 5 from Seaside to Paso Robles and the Stage 6 Time Trial in Solvang. My viewing experiences were incredible thanks to some fortuitous turns of fate that landed me backstage in Paso Robles interviewing riders for ESPN radio in addition to sitting shotgun in the Garmin-Cevelo team car at the Solvang time trial.

Thursday morning I raced in the Tour of California Fantasy Ride put on by the city of Paso Robles. This 28-mile ride/race went through the rolling hills of Paso’s renowned wine country and finished at the same spot as the Big Boy’s race. I crossed the line first, although there wasn’t much competition to get there.

After winning the Fantasy Ride, I was interviewed by KCOY.

After the podium ceremony, I met up with Dave Alles and Mike Wozniak of ESPN Radio who were on site to broadcast the conclusion of stage 5 live. I had been asked to do a quick interview on-air to talk about my race and maybe plug Art’s Cyclery a little bit. I thought I would be on air for five minutes, tops.

I ended up spending an hour on air as a “guest expert” on the race. Mike and Dave fired question after question and I kept providing answers, surprising myself with how much I had to say. This was my first time on live radio and I must have done well because they had the confidence to keep asking questions. It was a total trip and a blast to be a part of.

My media pass got me right next to the riders, so I was chatting it up with Chris Horner, Ben Swift, Tejay Van Garderen and Leigh Howard. We also got an interview out of Bob Roll, who provided additional insights into the race. Going into the day, I thought I would spend five minutes on the radio and be done with it. I wound up talking so much I lost my voice and getting up close and personal with a handful of riders.

Podium time after the Fantasy Ride.

That was all on Thursday. Believe it or not, Friday was even better. Thanks to our connections with Garmin, I scored a VIP pass and a ride in the Garmin-Cervelo team car behind Andrew Talansky, a young American with huge potential who specializes in time trials.

I hopped in the team car about 15 minutes before Talansky’s departure time. Driving the car was his personal coach Todd. We were also joined by Talansky’s girlfriend Kate and a photographer.

The first thing Todd said to me when I sat down was “I drive cars the same way I rode bikes…fast.”

I should have taken him more seriously. Instead, I laughed and pulled out my GoPro camera to film as much of the action as possible. Todd said the goal on the day was a podium finish and to reclaim the white jersey as the best young rider, so the pressure was definitely on.

If Talanksy had any kind of mechanical problem, my job was to hop out of the van and open the door as fast as possible to pull out his spare bike. I was dreading this scenario, but knew that if anything did happen, I was capable of getting that bike to him faster than anyone else in the van.

I was so pumped up with nerves and anticipation I had to remind myself that I wasn’t actually racing, as much as I would have liked to. Once we were out on course, the energy continued to build. I was totally in awe of the speed and power  Talansky rode with. He took the corners on rails, powered over the small rollers and settled in on the flats at 30 mph.

Standing next the the team car after the race, thankful to have my feet back on solid ground.

Todd shouted encouragement if he sensed his rider slowing down even a fraction. Kate shouted “come on babe, you got it” from the back seat. I just tried to hang on as we sped through the corners. It’s a lot like being on a roller coaster because you are petrified with fear but also overcome with euphoria.

Talansky wound up finishing 11th, 1:10 behind winner Dave Zabriskie. It was a successful Tour for Andrew and I’m excited to watch his career unfold over the next few years. I have no doubt he will be a force to be reckoned with.

So that’s my story. I made memories that will last a lifetime and was way more involved with the race than I expected. Next year is going to be tough to beat.

Evan Pleasures of Riding, Races and racing

We here at Art’s Cyclery are exited that the Pro Road season is finally underway. There was a lot of deck-shuffling and surprise moves made over the off-season, and the trash-talking has already begun for the new year—it all means more excitement for us, the race fans. Team HTC-Columbia is back to their old tricks—winning races—with Andre Greipel riding to victory in the Tour Down Under. Looking forward, will Tom Boonen become only the second man in history to win Paris-Roubaix four times? Will Levi and Lance dominate the greatest Tour of California yet? Of course the race we’re all looking forward to is in July. This year’s Tour de France could be one of the best we’ve seen in a long time. Cadel Evans’ move to BMC puts him on a team that can provide real support, and he’s got to be hungry for a Tour win. Will Cavendish go all-out for the Green Jersey that so many people think should be his? How about the Schleck Brothers? Are they for real? We’ll find out soon.

Lance. Contador. Who will win… Last years display of dominance by the Spaniard seems to have left little doubt, but Lance seems to have the stronger, more disciplined team, and even though he’s another year older, he’s had another year to train himself back into race shape—just look at all those FRS advertisements. For Contador, the question is whether or not Vinokurov and Pereiro will truly lay themselves on their swords for their leader. If Contador has their unyielding support, he could be untouchable. And those new yellow pedals he’s got might help him out, too.

July is a long way off, however, and there will be a lot of great racing to watch before then. Let Art’s Cyclery get you all kitted-up by visiting one of our Pro Team stores; Liquigas, Quick Step, and of course, HTC-Columbia, so you’ll be ready to go when your favorite race kicks off this 2010. Until then, keep riding.

Luke General, Racing and Races, Road

Just in case anyone is keeping score, San Luis Obispo’s own Team Columbia-HTC is off to a fast start at this years Vuelta A España, continuing their flat-stage dominance established during the 2009 Tour de France. Two of the first three stages contested by sprint were won by our boys. Gear up in official gear at the Art’s Cyclery Team Columbia-HTC store and show your support for the “World’s Best Cycling Team!”

Luke Races and racing

Where are the water bottles?Astute observers of this years individual time trial stage might have noticed the lack of water bottles on many of the riders aerodynamic bikes. Are these guys so fit that they don’t need to drink on a 40K stage? No, they’ve just found an easier, faster way to do it. If you looked closely, you may have noticed a little blue tube peeking out from under their jersey collars. That tube is connected to a reservoir that lies flat on the riders back under their skinsuit. The reservoir fits into a moisture-wicking base-layer which also helps keep the rider cool. The whole contraption is made by Camelbak and is known as the Racebak, and you can get it at Art’s Cyclery, right now. The Racebak eliminates the need to place a water bottle on your time trial bike and disrupt the carefully thought-out curves and bulges that help it slice through the wind, and lets you carry more water as well—that’s a win-win if there ever was one!

Helmets of the future! You also might have noticed some of the riders wearing helmets you haven’t seen before. The 2010 Giro ProLight rested on the domes of riders on teams Astana, Garmin-Slipstream, Caisse d’Epargne, and Rabobank during the climbing stages. The ProLight is the lightest certified helmet made, tipping the scales at a mere 200 grams, 25 grams lighter than the next-closest competitor. If you were looking really closely, you probably saw the extra little wedge on the trailing edge of the 2010 Giro Advantage time trial helmets. The wedge decreases wind resistance by filling the gap between the helmet and the riders back, and comes in different thicknesses to match your particular contours. By the way, the Bell helmets worn by Team Saxo-Bank were actually re-branded Giro Advantages. Art’s Cyclery will have both the 2010 Giro Advantage and the Giro ProLight as soon as they are available, if not before. Look for them this Fall.

Luke Gear, Racing and Races, Road

Has any one noticed all the sweet gear in the Tour? If you’re anything like me, then you watch for the bike close-ups as much as the actual race. Though few of us can afford them, the tour race bikes are our objects of lust. We glue ourselves to the TV just to get a glimpse of Carlos Sastre’s Zipp 303s, or Andy Schleck’s Specialized SL3 Tarmac. Almost everything the tour guys are riding can be purchased through Arts Cyclery. Let’s start with Astarloza’s Orbea Orca. This exact bike can be purchased through us, and it’s only 15.3 lbs in stock form. Add the PRO handlebar, stem and seat post and this bike would easily be UCI illegal (sub-15 pounds). Or how about Contador’s gear; SIDI Genius 6.6s, and Giro Havik shades. How about Polka Dot jersey wearer Franco Pelizotti’s Cannondale SuperSix Team. His exact bike - including his Cosmic Carbon wheels, Super Record gruppo, and FSA Handlebar, stem and seat post, is available through us. Thor Hushovd is back in the Green jersey, and his Cervelo S3 can be custom built up for you without any fuss. Andy Schleck is in the White jersey and his Tarmac SL3 will be available shortly.

The New Specialized Tarmac SL3

Call for details on S-Works SL2s, as we have some left at killer prices. Lastly, don’t forget that Arts has almost everything you need to get yourself looking like a pro. With full kits from Garmin-Slipstream, Cervelo Test Team, Columbia-HTC, Saxo Bank, and Liquigas, not only can you ride the Pro’s bikes, you can look like one too.

Hammer On

Bradstone Gear, Races and racing

We love cycling here at Artscyclery.com.  Here’s a recent race report from Evan, our clothing buyer. Enjoy.

I know racing isn’t all about the bike. But after my fastest 40k split in an Olympic distance triathlon last weekend, I’ve got to give the majority of the credit to my new ride, a 2009 Cervelo P3C with a Zipp 1080 rear wheel and an 808 front. I clocked my split at 57:40, which is an average speed over 25 mph. The course is inherently fast, but slight undulations and some cross winds make the route deceptively challenging. I had raced here many times before and never gone under an hour on the bike leg. I was shocked when I checked my Garmin after the race to confirm my time. I ended up second overall on the day, finishing in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 37 seconds, finishing about three minutes behind a pro who beat me here once before. Being the bride’s maid is not what I envisioned as an ideal finish, but I was still stoked with my performance, as it was a PR for the course and only the third time I’ve gone under 2 hours.

I love racing on a bike that is virtually identical to the machines the professional riders of the Cervelo Test Team used. I suppose I could upgrade my bike with a Zipp Sub-9 disc, but I prefer my setup as it is more versatile for different terrain and windy conditions. With the exception of the guy on the P4, I think I had the best setup at the race.

I feel a heightened confidence knowing my bike is a wind-cheating marvel of engineering and perfectly dialed for my riding position. It is as if the bike brings out the best in me, allowing me to reach new levels of performance I didn’t think were previously possible. Every time I toe the line before the race, I feel like I have an advantage over the guy next to me because I have a secret weapon waiting for me in transition. There is no under-estimating the power of feeling confident and comfortable with your bike.

There you have it. Cervelos make you faster. I guess that’s old news now, but seriously, check them out here. Let us know about your cycling experiences and post a comment if you like.

Hammer On

Bradstone Races and racing, Road Cervelo, P3C, Road Biking

Team Columbia-High Road has had an incredible 2009 Giro d’Italia, with wins on Stage 1 (team time trial), Stage  7 (Edvald Boasson), Stage 8 (Kanstantsin Siutsou), Stage 9 (Mark Cavendish), and Stage 11 (Mark Cavendish). A few second place finishes and one third place finish round out their remarkable run so far. Who wouldn’t want to associate themselves with such a dominating team, and what better way to show your support than with a limited edition Team Columbia-High Road Giro jersey . Put your order in now with us at artscyclery.com.

If the Giro is any indication, this years Tour de France should be an incredible race!

Luke Races and racing, Road

Team Art’s Cyclery does it again.  Not only did Tom Boonen win his second of back-to-back Paris-Roubaix’s this year, but teammate Stijn Devolder won his second straight Tour of Flanders as well. O.K. O.K., no one from the store was actually in Europe this April, and no one here has even talked to Tom or Stijn, let alone help pull them to a victory, but you know, we were big on support. Spiritual support that is, just like you, the dedicated cycling fan.

Tom and Stijn claimed their landmark victories while wearing their official Team Quick Step Kit, the same one you can get at the Art’s Quick Step Store. So support your favorite team and get a piece of history with a new Team Quick Step kit from Art’s. Don’t forget, you can also purchase official Team Liquigas kits from artscyclery.com, and we are the official on-line distributor of Team Columbia-High Road gear as well.

Luke Racing and Races, Road

Well, Tom Boonen actually did all the hard work, but come on… There’s got to be some credit that goes to Art’s and our Team Quick Step team store, where you can purchase official Team Quick Step gear online. The coincidences seem to be piling up; last week we talked about Team Columbia-High Road’s rise to dominance since artscyclery.com has become the official online distributor of Team Columbia-High Road gear, and after Tom Boonen’s win at the 2009 Paris-Roubaix this weekend, what more proof of the relationship between Art’s, professional cycling teams, and winning do you need? Check out our Team Stores, where you can order official team kits from Team Liquigas, Team Columbia-High Road, and Team Quick Step, plus outfit your bike with all the components that your favorite pro team uses.

If you are short on motivation to get on your bike and hammer, look no further than Boonen’s dominant ride through the Arenberg forest, over the cobbles, and power lap around the Roubaix Velodrome, and what better way is there to get into Tom’s frame of mind than by getting into his clothes. OK, poor choice of words, but go ahead and order up some nice, fresh kit and get out and ride. Even if you can’t put in 161 miles in 6 hours, you’ll still look like you can.

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