Recent content by rrj1170

Anyone had experience with Franco bikes, a direct builder in SOCAL? If so, tell us about it.

I just read that Louisville and USA Cycling had to step in to make for a $250K shortfall because a major sponsor failed to come up with promised $$. More striking is that they have sold only 2500 tickets! Unless that dramatically improves this will be the last World's held in the US. Let's face...

30% off on the team's website. All Vermarc gear.

No, I'm not kidding. Name anyone who has won 6 summit finishes in a single GT since 1950. If there is someone I'd like to know who it is.

30 years. Note that my opinion is somewhat qualified. If he takes the next two stages and the del Mundo, there is no question this rivals anyone's climbing performance in a Grand Tour.

To me, Purito's performance in the Vuelta, to date, is one of the greatest I've witnessed in a Grand Tour. His climbing abilities are unequaled and must rival anyone in the history of the sport. If he is able to sustain this, it will have to go down as one of the greatest displays of pure...

Carbon frameset

Anyone out there ride a Merak? If so, I would appreciate any comments you have about it, i.e. performance, handling, comfort etc. I'm considering a frameset purchase.

To all you cycling historians: Has anyone, pre Boonen, won Harelbeke, GW and De Ronde in the same year? If Boonen takes Roubaix on Sunday, I assume that no one has captured these 4 races in a single year. Is that right?

Merckx Corruption Case According to the Flanders News website, it appears a bid for 48 bikes was let by a local police dept. Allegedly, a member of the department notified Merckx or someone in the company of the bids submitted by rival mfg's. With this knowledge, Merckx allegedly undercut them...

My best guesses: Cav; Thor; Spartacus; Eddy H; and Sagan in that order. Although I'd like Gilbert win it, if the finish is similiar to the U23 today, a true sprinter/ strongman will take the win. Obviously, Gilbert can't beat Cav in a sprint. Even though it's on a bit of an incline, it's not...

De Ronde 2012 To me, the new route looks fantastic especially from a spectator's standpoint. Change is always met with resistance but from what I see this is a positive move. What does everyone think?

Trek Failure Trek makes crap bikes. I had one 28 years ago when the head tube cracked. That was the last one I ever bought. They are nothing but the McDonald's of cycling. Adept at marketing and persuading people they produce quality bikes. Unfortunately, people are sold a bill of goods by the...

Basso's Chances He'll be lucky to finish in the Top 10. Absolutely no chance at the podium.

I voted "Yes". Both Gilbert and the team are riding like no one else. He'll also be reved up by the crowds in his home province. Short of a mechanical, puncture or crash, he will take it.