Quote:
Originally Posted by dd74
Thanks for the offer with the wheels, Jeff. I'm taking them to Bicycle John's. Don built the bike, so he knows the components. Plus who knows what's involved with them - they're hand-built and weigh 1400 grams as a pair. I may unload them as I flex the rims on sprints and steep climbs which does me no good. Maybe I need heavier/stronger rims. I can take the penalty as the bike weighs about 18 to 19 lbs.
Rose Bowl -- yeah, I've been dabbling. Damn Cat 1s keep showing up and setting pace, which is just fuvcked for all others. I'm lucky if I can stay on for two laps. The trick is to start with those guys and not lose the peloton. If you can suck wheel and lessen energy loss by not getting into the wind, you're good. Downside is you don't get a workout by any means by drafting for seven to ten laps. If you want to work, just pedal on your own, or get in a small two-three man pace line.
Montrose - everyone's been telling me to check it out. My climbing's improving. I owe part of that to the 42-23 I've been working out with.  |
cat 1 riders are national riders. Is it still that way in the USCF rule book? Cat 1 allows you to ride national races. If you are not too strong, the Bowl ride will make you strong just sucking wheels. hang on for two laps and latch back on the next time around. Keep on doing it and get some long miles in on the weekend and you should see inprovment in 2 months.
I had built many of "race wheels" over the years, by hand. I really like a mid weight set for general riding and training. 3X straight guage wheel is great for training. I like to take guys over rough roads and shake em' up a little if they want to follow my wheel and not have worry about screwing up my race set. Not I just ride ksyrium. strong set of wheels. I really like them.
For the Montrose ride, you need a 52or 53ring for the climb. Its all power climb. a 42 ring will spit you the back so fast you wouldn't know what hit you. They are not really climbs like Trash Truck Hill, but a bunch of hills around neighborhoods. The killer is the last climb up to Sierra Marde. No little ring there, but by then, you are really beat after 40 miles of hard riding. BTW, there's ling loop and the short loop. You are doing these hills with a 53x17 gear. You will not need a 23 or 21 tooth gear on that ride. On the flats,you are spinning 53x 15s. Maybe we can get in better shape and go do the Montrose ride. I really need to ride.