Custom Build: Specialized Project Blue Tarmac

These days with the ever growing popularity of cycling it's getting harder and harder to individually distinguish yourself and your bike from the rest of the pack. No matter where you turn there is always somebody nearby with a bike that looks very similar to your own pride and joy.

That being said, you can imagine my delight when I came across this customised sky blue Specialized Tarmac while trawling the internet recently (most likely searching for evidence to support my many conspiracy theories).

Racing Through the Dark: The Fall and Rise of David Millar

I'm by no means the biggest fan of David Millar; however I was intrigued by the reformed doper's story and greatly looked forward to reading his autobiography; Racing Through the Dark: The Fall and Rise of David Millar.

Specialized S-Works McLaren Venge at Total Rush

Was in the LBS yesterday getting the finishing touches put on my new S-Works SL4 when something caught my eye. There in all its glory was the first customer delivered S-Works McLaren Venge in Australia.

Specialized Rib Cage Carbon

A new bike deserves new cages and you know what they say... you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink from old bottle cages!

~VL

Rapha Chamois Cream

A bit of a touchy subject (look away now girls); but in the last couple of weeks I had been experiencing a considerable amount of discomfort in the downstairs area as I tried to break in a new pair of knicks.

I've been riding for a number of years and thankfully to date had not previously experienced any rubbing, chaffing or pain from any of my knicks. I'm not sure if I this is because I am (was) super tough or just pretty good at choosing riding gear. Either way; it seemed my luck had run out as I spent more and more time riding the pain train.

Strava iPhone app

I had been waiting on the arrival of a new Garmin Edge 200 GPS for the last couple of months (I ended up with an Edge 500 but more on that later) so I could join all the cool kids on Strava. One day a couple of months ago I stumbled across the Strava iPhone app and decided to give it a go.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 at Total Rush

I was down at the local bike shop earlier this week when this awesome Specialized Tarmac SL4 caught my eye.

In standard guise the SL4 looks as tuff as pair of old boots; adding a pair of lightweights just takes it to a whole new level.

Of late I've been hatching a plan to pick myself up a low end Tarmac as a wet weather trainer; but I have to admit that as I get ready to hand over the old 'hard earned' I am very temped to throw in a few more dollars and get one of these instead.

~VL

Velo Liberte - Missing in Action

Apologies for the disappearance over the last few weeks; I've been travelling on the other side of the world and have been unable to post.

Posting should return to some type of regularity over the next few days as get over the jet lag and re-adjust to everyday life

I hope everybody has been having a great time out on their bikes; I am dreading that first ride back after 3 weeks out of the saddle.

VL

Mark Cavendish - World Champion

Last Sunday Mark Cavendish capped off another stellar year by clinching victory in the men's elite road race at the World Championships held in Copenhagen. This is the first time in 46 years that a British rider has reached the top step of the podium in the men's world championship road race; the last being Tom Simpson in 1965.

S-Works Project Black Venge at Total Rush

Down at Total Rush, Richmond on Saturday for the morning bunch ride to Mordialloc and back when Skinny Luke goes and busts out this awesome S-Works Project Black Venge.

Core Carbon Titanium Skewers

A few months ago I was out riding to Kinglake with some friends when one of them (in between the torture he was dishing out) pointed down to his wheels and shouted in excitement "hey check out my new Core Carbon titanium skewers".

Using what little energy I had available (between heaving breaths) I mustered up the words "yeah.. they look sweet", to which he promptly replied "they are really awesome, 45 grams and only $50... you should get some".

Miniature S-Works SL3

I was playing around with my Canon S95 yesterday testing out a few different settings before an upcoming holiday.

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the tilt shift-esque 'miniature' effect. It makes the SL3 looks like a little toy.

~VL

Bike No. 1 - Torker2 280 Air

Way back in 1987 I was 10 years old. Thanks to the video release of the film 'Rad' I developed an unhealthy obsession with BMXs. This obsession never quite passed and over time has gradually morphed into the road bike version you see some 24 years later.

Assos Campionissiomo G731

I came across this while trawling the internet over the weekend. Seems that Assos has teamed up with Goomah to produce a limited handmade Assos road bike called the Campionissiomo G731.

2012 Audax Alpine Classic - Like a moth to a flame.

Last Saturday morning the Wolf Pack was sitting around post ride chewing the fat when Dr Taka broached the subject of us tackling the 2012 Audax Alpine Classic.

For those that don't know, the Alpine Classic is a 200 kilometre one day ride which takes in the Victorian Alpine climbs of Tawonga Gap, Mt Beauty, Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo. Oh yeah; and it is held at the end of January at the height of summer... fair to say it's a bit of a ride.

Tim Krabbe - The Rider

Now I'm not going to be a pioneer here, I'll just add my voice to the chorus of many cycling related bloggers that have gone before me and declared that in order to consider yourself a serious cyclist; you must read Tim Krabbe’s ‘The Rider’.

Cadence Collection Cycling Cap

Let's face it, we all love presents; and I was chuffed to bits when one of my mates presented me with this Cadence Collection cycling cap as part of my birthday present.

In addition to the stylish look, the cap is great quality and has a sweat band on the inside... a nice touch and a very welcome addition. It's also great to see a 'Made in the USA' label instead of the usual 'Made in China' you find on most garmets.

Cadence Collection make some really great pieces. The range of clothing can be found at a limited number of local stockists and online at www.cadencecollection.com

~VL

Rapha Espresso Machine

Hey, you know what I love… a good coffee. You know what else I am quite fond of… Rapha. Do I need it all in one… not so sure about that?

I came across this earlier today, it seems Rapha has teamed up with Rocket Espresso Milano to produce a limited edition Rapha Giotta espresso machine.

Why Ride? - by Todd

The following is a great piece just received from a very good friend of mine, Todd ~ VL

I keep getting asked, "Why am I not riding in the Tour de France...?"

For those of you who don't know, I'm actually an average cyclist. I have never been in the points in my clubs road racing, let alone an open race or an international event...

Your chance to own Cadel Evans’ BMC SLR01 Team Machine

Finally you have the opportunity to get your hands on a Cadel Evans bike, it is the BMC SLR01 that he rode in Geelong as defending World Champion and in the 2010 Giro di Lombardia.

You might remember that Cadel recently auctioned this bike off for the Manasarovar Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal. The winning bidder of that auction decided that this should be the bike that just keeps giving so will be raffling 1,500 tickets for your chance to own it. Proceeds will go to the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre Equipment & Teaching Aids Fund.

The bike will be on display over the next few months at Café Racer, Rockit Barber Shop or Total Rush– for dates and details visit this blog or follow me on twitter @tupfield for updates.

There are 1,500 tickets only at $50.00 each. You can purchase your tickets at any of the venues above or thanks to Wade Wallace online at Cycling Tips.

Victorian Minor Gaming Permit Number … 10397/11

Closing date … Monday August 22, 2011

Drawn on … Thursday August 25th at 1.00pm 2011 at Total Rush, 345 Punt Road Richmond, Victoria.

Winner notified by registered mail and email. Results published in the Australian Newspaper on Wednesday August 31st 2011

Cadel’s BMC SLR01 Specifications

• 50cm BMC SLR01 Red
• 140mm Easton EA90 Stem
• 42cm EC90 Carbon Equipe Pro Bars
• Campagnolo Super Record 2010
• 11-27 Cassette
• 172.5mm Cranks
• Record front derailleur
• Easton EC90 Tubular Wheels w/ Continental Competition Pro Ltd Tires
• Speedplay Zero Ti Pedals (white)
• Selle Italia Elite TT team edition saddle (white)
• FSA Ceramic Headset
• Swissstop Yellow Carbon Brake Pads

Lily and Cadel

 Ruby, Cadel, Lily and Troy

~VL

Specialized S-Works McLaren Venge

Hey, remember when the Specialized S-Works McLaren Venge bounced on to the scene with a sonic boom back in March!

The Venge hit the ground running in a pretty big way when Matt Goss won Milan San Remo on the Venge's first professional outing; and Mark Cavendish has (at the time of writing) taken 4 stage wins aboard the Venge at this year's Tour de France in his pursuit of the overall green jersey.

It kind of seems to me that after all of the initial hoo-haa on its release, the hype surrounding the Specialized McLaren Venge is dying down a bit and the impact of this ridiculously awesome bike is fading away into the background... probably overshadowed somewhat by Specialized's release of the S-Works SL4.

Why don't you take a couple moments out of your busy day and cast your eyes (and heart) back over the McLaren Venge... you can't tell me you don't think this thing is awesome!

I'm hanging to see one of these bad boys in the flesh... hopefully somebody will be kind enough to let throw a leg over one!

~VL

Photos courtesy of Specialized Bicycle Components and bicycledesign.net

Specialized Tarmac SL4 Frameset

Not quite the S-Works... but I think I just fell in love!

Photo courtesy of bikeradar.com

~VL

I think my Knog Frog lights might be cursed?

It seems that somewhere along life's journey I have picked up a curse. This curse has taken the form of a debilitating affliction that attacks the life of any battery that I put in my Knog Frog lights.

No matter how hard I try I just can't seem to get reasonable life out of the CR2032 coin batteries required to power these mini strobes.

Rouleur Magazine

About a year ago McShiney and I were out for a coffee chewing the fat on all things cycling when the discussion turned to Rouleur Magazine. McShiney recounted some of the stories he had been reading and the overall quality of the magazine. On his recommendation and some subtle urging, I took a leap of faith and ordered a subscription without ever setting eyes on an issue.

Specialized Shiv at the 2011 Tour de France

I have never thrown a leg over a time trial bike, yet somehow I instinctively know that I would be absolutely rubbish (more so than I normally am) if I ever tried to give one a go.

McShiney's Corner: 47-60 Make sure you're sitting on the inside

I got home tonight to find that McShiney had sent me an email with one of his rants. I thought it was worth a post. Enjoy ~VL

I just want to start off by saying that that I'm accepting of all walks of life.

To elaborate, I'm not bothered by female track riders that happen to be built like ship mechanics - I actually dig that if you are (call me), nor do I care if you're from the south of Europe, seriously, I'm cool with that.

A tribute to the Micropump

I have a confession to make, despite my best attempts to look like one, I am not a pro cyclist (clearly)!! If I was I would have a Skoda estate following me around and on the bike in case I need a quick wheel change and a push up the road whenever I get a flat.

Unfortunately like most mere cycling mortals I have to change my own tyres and when the need arises I still carry an old fashioned hand pump with me on every ride. I know that in order to be getting one tiny step closer to ‘pro’ I should be carrying some fancy gas canisters so I can quickly change the tube, pop a canister and get back on the bike within two minutes, but something within me resists the urge to change, I just can’t make the switch. Perhaps I am trying to maintain a link with the days of yonder... a kick back to a simpler time?

I think I need a winter bike?

So this morning I was out for another ride with the boys and as is now becoming the Melbourne winter custom, I arrive home sopping wet with a filthy bike.

Wife greet's me with the usual "blah blah lots of money spent on the bike.... blah blah Sram Red is not made for this type of abuse... blah blah Tommy Voeckler will go for a breakway stage win at the tour (what?)".

McShiney's Corner: The Bike

The son of Lebanese immigrants, I grew up in the then working class suburb of Preston. Between 1985 & 2006, I only ever owned second hand bikes. I guess by now your wondering, so what happened pre-1985, to which I’d respond, how would I know, I was five idiot?

Taffy's on Looker

A couple of months ago I was out for a ride with a few mates when I overheard them talking about a little known café in Montmorency that provides an awesome breakfast and great coffee... enter Taffy’s on Looker.

Queens Birthday Kinglake and Yarra Glen Sufferfest

Let me start off by saying that as I sit here on the couch writing this I am shattered. Today's ride really hit me hard. I am sure tomorrow I will look back on this ride with much fondness and will talk it up at the next coffee catch up... but right now I am a broken shell of my former self.

We started talking about this ride a couple of week's ago. The Wolfpack thought it would be a good idea to celebrate the combined Ethan's / Queen's Birthday long weekend by heading out for a longer trundle through the hills to Yarra Glen.

Velo Liberte Man Purse

Recently I have noticed a new trend amongst a number of my cycling chums; the ever increasing presence of the Rapha Essentials Case. This uber cool leather purse like storage pocket seems (at the moment) to be the coolest item you can throw down on a coffee table in front of your cycling buddies post ride.

The craftsmanship and style of the Rapha Essentials Case is undeniable, but with dimensions of 15cm x 9cm, and a price tag of $55 it doesn’t provide today’s post GFC budget conscious cyclist with the best bang for his buck.

A Dog in a Hat - Joe Parkin

When I'm not smashing kilometres on the bike or hanging on the internet, I like to spend my downtime reading. I actually read quite a lot and I'm not too ashamed to admit that most of what I read revolves around cycling (that, design and the NASA space programmes of the 60s and 70s).

One book that I keep going back to (and probably now my all time favourite) is A Dog in a Hat by Joe Parkin.

Saturday Morning: 1in20 and The Wall

An afternoon on the sauce is probably not the best preparation for a morning in the hills.