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All Pave Leads to Roubaix

on March 29, 2012

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The Winter Cycling Cap

Phil Anderson, 1984 Het Volk... A soggy, cold, miserably wet day here in Vancouver spurred your author to stay indoors and think about winter cycling caps. I'm trying to find out the origin of the humble winter cycling cap. And as far as I can determine, through my research, is that it's probably from wind swept Belgium. It more than makes sense from the land of wet, rain harshness as an important way for a cyclist to stay warm in inclement conditions. Covering the head is important since 40-45% of body heat is loss from the head. Belgian cyclists can't be wrong. Galstudio's handmade Presta Winter Cycling Cap ... It started with the basic wool brimless cap. Just put on a tuque and ride. And, most likely proceeded with a brim to guard against freezing rain and the cutting wind. Add ear flaps as a perfect, practical way to keep the back of the neck warm. My first winter cycling cap is from the early eighties. In bright red with the bold, COLNAGO in wh

Selle Italia Flite 1990 - Road Test

Take Flite photos Cycling Art I came to the conclusion (during the holidays) that after 27 years of loyal service my cracking and peeling San Marco Rolls was due for a change. So, with careful consideration, I went for the Selle Italia Flite 1990. I received my Flite, promptly from one of my favorite online shops, last week and today finally put it to use. The weather was warm (10C) - perfect conditions for a test ride. The Selle Italia Flite 1990, is a throwback to... well the 1990s. It's very svelte, the lightest saddle I've owned (230g), wrapped in genuine leather, and has hollow titanium rails. Its distinctive nose is cut deep to avoid chafing, wide rear slightly raise section that is quite comfortable. I understand that plenty of riders love this saddle, over the years, pushing it to iconic status. This saddle started the lightweight saddle revolution in 1990. On to my 40km ride - I threw in a few hills, downhills and long fast flat sections to use

Steve Bauer's Stealth Bike.

At the 1993 Paris-Roubaix, Steve Bauer unveiled his secret weapon …the stealth bike. He actually created this odd looking bike to battle the pave of Roubaix. It was made of steel and had an unusual seat tube angle. It made Bauer look like he was fighting to stay on the bike. I did some research and found that a special seat had to be constructed with a high back to prevent him from slipping back. The bike looks awkward with a very long chain to a very long wheelbase. Bauer’s odd bike garnered surprised looks and giggles from the peloton & press. I’m reading an entertaining book, Le Tour De Foglia by journalist Pierre Foglia. At the 1993 Tour, after the first ITT stage Bauer looked like he found his form. He was 29 th , 33 seconds behind Miguel Indurain. A good spot for the veteran Bauer to be in. Journalists were expecting to see Bauer with his new stealth bike. But he rode well with a normal bike at the ITT. “Where’s your funny bike, Steve?” asked the press. “I abandon

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