Spoke101

Just thought I'd do a comparison. Nove Mesto: James: 7 laps 28km's: 10th, Time 1:20:10, +4:05 off the winner. Avg Lap: 11:27 Phillip: 8 laps 32km's: 39th, Time 1:35:07, +6:34 off the winner. Avg Lap: 11:53 Albstadt: James: 7 laps 28km's: 26th, Time 1:26:36, +5:57 off the winner. Avg lap: 10:56 Phillip: 8 laps 32km's: 71st, Time -2 laps, for the purpose of this I used the last time: 51st position: 1:39:45 +10:21 Avg lap: 12:28 So in Nove Mesto James and Phil are pretty close and if James had raced Elite the he probably would have maybe just beaten Phil taking in to account the extra lap. But in Albstadt Phil had a shocker "which happens" and was way off the pace. Just shows how big the time gaps are in U23 and how close it is in Elite.

How the heck did I forget about those 2.

Not to take anything away from the track guy's and maybe I'm wrong but I would think that with the likes of the AUS and ENG track teams we don't really stand a chance? and that depending on the course our top road riders might do better. As for the MTB I think Phil is the best SA's performing rider over the last year, but lately since Epic he hasn't been anywhere near where he used to be and even though he has a good ranking and start after the first km he drops like a stone and then works his way back up but you just end up with to much traffic. Look at his last 2 WC XCO results 39th and more recently 71st. James has been racing U23 so not sure where he would be in the Elite's but at the moment I think James has a better chance. You also know when Anton Cooper says WTF to James not making the team something is wrong. As for the selection criteria I think there should only be one, the strongest rider at time is chosen and that's it. Maybe the top riders should put down the handbags and choose amongst them selves who should go.

http://www.festka.com/uploads/image/configurationSetGallery/1/16.jpg

You will need to replace the axle end caps with a QR version. As for the 142/135 width the new end caps will reduce the width.

http://www.cyclingsa.com/App_Resources/Uploads/FILE00003740.pdf

Me to. I can literally throw a stone onto the course from my house.

bump

Sounds about the right distance. That course could end you properly if you weren't paying attention.

The only downside were the water points. We were told there would be 9 and each one would have water, coke and powerade. There were only about 5 and there was no coke at any any some only had water.

Was that coming down through the rocks to the water works?

I was "unlucky" enough ride the 95km and oh my!!! Toughest day on a bike ever. No time to warm up, big climbs, rough terrain, no recovery, portages and some proper technical sections that after +5hrs become a bit sketchy. But that's how it should be. As for the XC guys 3 in the top 4 positions and if I remember correctly James had a 10min gap to 2nd.

What's up with the Hanna's and collar bones.

I wouldn't know but will give you a "Bump".

Stan's 3.30 Ti hubs with Race Gold rims.

I think it also largely depends on the type of bike you are riding. ie. A ridged Hardtail vs a 160mm Trail bike.

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb9806172/p4pb9806172.jpg

Then the German ladies take the cake. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhmIDBiI3os&feature=player_detailpage Hey does anyone have a spare Track bike I can use and I need someone to hold my beer.

And then there is the German level. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qznkZAnaK4&feature=player_detailpage

Thought I would share the bicycle equivalent of synchronized swimming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48C_KHwt53c

I'm sorta in the same boat 188cm tall 93cm inseam. Have ridden a 60cm but cuz I got long legs and short torso found it a bit of a stretch, so I rather have 200-300mm of seatpost out the frame and ride a 56-58cm with a 100-110mm stem and 44cm bars.

Where did you manage to find one of these?

You are probably on the right size bike, but a lot more than just height comes in to play. I am 188cm and ride a 58cm frame and have also ridden a 56cm so it is definitely no to small.

That interesting. I think I will have to do some digging.