Nipples of Doom

A few weeks ago I was coming back from a ride when a nipple connected to a spoke on my rear wheel exploded and pulled through almost sending me off the bike.

My first thought was that the massive power I was producing must have been too much for the wheels to handle. On remembering that I only produce about 230 watts, and some further investigation it became clearly apparent the issue was something else.

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 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