Monday Musette - SBC/AC Follow-up, Merckx, Molly, & Christmas Shopping

For some of us, today presents the beginning of a short week, regardless, there's much to talk about:

1. My post Friday certainly generated a lot of feedback! First I want to thank everyone who shared an opinion. I'm excited to see the Pavé community growing into a place where opinions are shared and discussed by everyone--not just me.

That said, a follow-up to Friday's rant: despite how my thoughts came across, I am well aware that the sponsorship of a professional cycling team is a business decision made for the sake of what all parties involved consider to be their best interests. In Specialized's case, the chance to sponsor such as Alberto Contador is something most companies would welcome. I'm not so naive as to think that Specialized would refuse such an opportunity simply on principle.

However, my opinion is indeed one of principle, and--perhaps more than that--personal preference as my tastes are drawn to the Classics more than the Grand Tours. I believe just about anyone can build a bike able to succeed in a 3-week stage race; however, building a bike that is technologically advanced while still able to withstand the rigors of the cobbled classics is something much more difficult. With both Quick Step and Saxo Bank, I think Specialized had their bases covered--and I liked that.

So in short, while I understand the business implications of the decision, I wish they wouldn't have done it, simply because I would have preferred them to remain with Quick Step. And more so, I think Astana deserves--at some point--to be held accountable for its ramshackle decision-making and poor PR. As long as the Contador's and the Specialized's of the world enable/reward these teams by signing deals with them, the message will never get through that running a professional cycling team means a lot more than just paying your riders to race.

Okay, I'm off my soap box--for now.

2. If you recall, last week I asked for recommendations as to where I could get my Merckx bicycles fix. Tears for Gears seems to be the place. Great photos, clear scans of vintage catalogs (not just from Eddy Merckx), and some quality research make it a terrific read for anyone feeling a bit nostalgic. Dig around a little (seriously, it's the best way to fully experience all that's there) and find the database of Merckx serial numbers--if you're an owner, you might want to send your info!

3. Molly Cameron's been a web-pal of mine for a little while now, and while we've never had the pleasure of meeting face to face, I have been enjoying her exploits from afar. Two weeks ago, Molly went to head-to-head with the other contenders for the series title in Portland's Cross Crusade finalé, only to narrowly miss-out due to an untimely "chute". You can read Molly's account at her website and even watch a video, but I think this photo speaks louder than words.

4. Last, but not least: lately I've been spending way too much time perusing photostreams on Flickr. Ira Ryan and Signal Cycles were two of my favorites this past weekend. My wife asked me yesterday what I wanted for Christmas; I wanted to say, "a deposit on a Signal cyclocross frame, please." Instead I opted for: "The real question is, what do you want for Christmas, honey?"

And I'll leave you with that for today. Any more thoughts on Specialized and Contador? Which do you think is harder: building a bike for the Tour or a bike for the cobbled classics? And last but not least, what should I want for Christmas?

Enjoy your day! Thanks for reading!

Monday Musette - Farrar, Hampsten, and Mueslix

1. Congratulations to Tyler Farrar for breaking through with a big win in yesterday's Vattenfall Cyclassics. It's a result we've been expecting from Farrar, and it followed a solid effort from his Garmin team. With Tom Danielson on form as well, it could be an interesting fall for the boys in blue and orange argyle. And remember folks, I know it seems like Farrar's been around for years (well, he has), but the guy's still only 25. Big things beckon for the young American! I see a contract with a Belgian team in his future.

2. Lately there's been a lot of praise for the website Cycling Quotient, most recently in a recent Boulder Report post. A treasure trove of information for data-lovers, I can't believe I haven't stumbled upon it sooner. CQ's Head 2 Head feature is one of its most interesting, allowing you to select two riders and (duh) compare their head-to-head results. The site's also a terrific source for the most up-to-date transfer rumors and news. They're not all accurate--they're rumors after all--but it's a great way to get yourself caught-up on what's been floating around.

3. Not sure if you've ever taken a trip over to Hampsten Cycles, but if you haven't, you should. Andy and his brother Steve make some of the nicest looking and most thoughtfully designed bikes I've ever seen. A lot of the work is done in-house and some is outsourced to such frame building luminaries such as Moots and IF.

I have my eye on two of them. First, there's the Classic, which they describe as their "tribute to 1970’s racing icons such as Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck, bushy sideburns included". Classic geometry, room for wider tires, and a tasteful simplicity evoke the era and region that the bike's inspiration.

The second and perhaps most tempting to me is the Strada Bianca, named for the white dirt roads of Tuscany, home to L'Eroica. The Strada Bianca is Hampsten's "60's era" road bike, one built for even wider tires than it's Classic brother. The bike pictured is shod with Rivendell's 33.3mm Jack Brown's. Beautiful indeed.

4. And speaking of Rivendell, have you ever spent some time at their site? For some, I'm sure Rivendell's a household name, but if it isn't, take a few moments to get aquainted with who they are and what they do. As autumn approaches and your thoughts turn to falling leaves and rougher roads, Rivendell could be a great source for your wide-tire needs. I've already ordered a set of the aformentioned Jack Brown's; look for a review in the future.

5. Last but not least, Here Come the Belgians has a nice post on mueslix. I remember the mueslix our Swiss soigneur used to make at Mercury. When done right, it's a wonderful slurry of oats, fruit, and yogurt--perfect for a long day in the saddle (or team car).

That's it for today. What's on your mind?

Share your comments below.