Gore Bike Wear Sale This Weekend

Now until November 23rd up to 40% on BicyclingHub.com's selection of Gore Bike Wear. Choose from Jackets, Shorts, Tights and Jerseys. Go to http://www.bicyclinghub.com/gorebikewear.html to view our selection of Gore Bike Wear.

More Road Race Trivia From Dave Campbell

The final Grand Tour of the season is nearly upon us! The Tour of Spain was once a nearly All-Spanish affair set often in quite challenging spring weather in April and early May, the Vuelta was revitalized by its move to the autumn in the mid 90’s. Now it is a key preparation race for riders planning to tackle the Worlds and the Fall Classics.

THE VUELTA

Q1: Who holds the records for most Vueltas started and finished?

Q2: Who was the first NON-EUROPEAN Vuelta winner?

Q3: Three different Americans have finished the Vuelta in the first ten…can you name them?

US Army: eVent Fabric Twice As Breathable In Tests

"The US Army’s Natick tests of waterproof-breathable laminates reported that eVENT fabric proved to be the most breathable of all materials tested, averaging twice the breathability of its closest competitor."


What differentiates eVENT fabric technology from other ePTFE-based waterproof-breathable laminates?

Lately, we have had a number of questions about the breathability of Showers Pass Elite 2.0 Jackets and eVent Pants. Here to follow in this blog is a summary of eVent vs other polyurethane breathable fabrics. Check out our Showers Pass selection here

Open-pored ePTFE membranes have been used in waterproof apparel applications for over 25 years. But they have been used in a “bi-component” fashion that covered the open pores with a layer of polyurethane (PU). This PU layer reduced inherent breathability by inhibiting the free escape of perspiration vapor. The eVENT fabric approach is different and avoids the use of that polyurethane layer. Explains Vishal Bansal, Director of Product Development for eVENT fabrics: “Rather than take an open-pore membrane and turn it into a closed-pore laminate, our patented process lets us retain the natural venting ability of all those microscopic pores.”

The US Army’s Natick tests of waterproof-breathable laminates reported that eVENT fabric, a patented ePTFE-based membrane produced and marketed by BHA Technologies, Inc. proved to be the most breathable of all materials tested, averaging twice the breathability of its closest competitor. Testing included the likes of Gore-Tex XCR®, Sympatex®, and various other waterproof-breathable fabrics. “As a premium, technical brand, ground sought to utilize today’s top technologies to create our high-end apparel line,” stated ground’s CEO, Tucker Hacking. “After reviewing the government’s Natick testing we were sold on using eVENT fabric to achieve the technical pinnacle in our soft shell, hard shell and down product categories.”

October Road Race Trivia By Dave Campbell

What a way to end the season…”The Race of the Falling Leaves”…beautiful autumn scenery along Lake Como in Tuscany, the heart of Italian Cycling! The major climb even goes up to “The Church of Cycling” at Madonna del Ghisallo. Test your knowledge of the only truly “mountainous classic”…

THE TOUR OF LOMBARDY

Q1: Italian, , Damiano Cunego (Lampre) joined an elite club (Italians Constante Giradengo, and Gino Bartali and Irishman Sean Kelly) by winning Lombardy for his third time last month. Three, however, is NOT the record! Who holds it and how many?

Q2: Lombardy is one of several Classics that has NEVER been won by a Spaniard. Now, in Roubaix or Flanders this is not surprising, but LOMBARDY is mountainous! Name the Iberian who has come the closest to victory here.

Q3: American Tom Danielson (Garmin-Chiptole), the “great white hope” for pretty much his entire year came in with great expectations, although Chris Horner (Astana) rode fabulous to finish 7th. What is the best ever American finish here?

Answers in December

2009 Tour de France Route Announced

CyclingNews.com has a great article about the 2009 Tour de France. Last night in Paris the organization unveiled the route for the 2009 Tour. As a fan, it's fun to start thinking about the Tour de France in October when there isn't much cycling news except for Cyclocross races.

It's an interesting race this year because it looks like it goes to the Pyrénées quickly. Monaco for the start and then to Barcelona, Spain, the Tour starts in the Southern part of Europe for the first time since 1992. I have been watching the Tour de France since 1985 and this Tour de France is unusual just from the first look at it. Other highlights include a trip to the Alps after riding in the middle of France for a few days. As has become custom, the race will finish on the Champs Elysees in Paris on the last day.

I read that someone stated that this race favors Alberto Contrador. I'm not sure who it favors but as is always the case with the Tour, the strongest rider with great team support will win the race. If Lance or Alberto are even in the race look for them to put on a great show. They may not even get invited to the race so don't pin your hopes on them just yet.

Metropolis Cycle Repair Is Moving

At the end of October we will be pulling up stakes and moving into our
own space in North Portland. Expect to see more complete bikes, more
frames and wheels, and an expanded selection of parts and accessories,
as well as the great service and repair you have come to expect. Our new
location is at 2249 N Williams Avenue, right on one of the busiest
bike routes in Portland. Williams runs from the Rose Quarter Transit
Center, across NE Broadway and almost all the way to the Columbia River.
Hundreds of cyclists use it everyday to connect from downtown and
Southeast Portland into the North and Northeast quadrants. It is also being
rapidly redeveloped with new businesses including cafes, boutiques and
restaurants. Come visit us in November for special deals on service and
winter commuting essentials. For more information call Nathan at 503-287-7116.

Metropolis Cycle Repair
2249 N Williams Ave
Portland OR 97217
503-287-7116
info@metropoliscycles.com

Portland Oregon Bicycle Tours

Pedal Bike Tours is a new door-to-door bicycle rental and tour business located in Portland. Pedal owner Todd Roll explains it this way, "Pedal specializes in giving visitors to Portland who may not be from a place where bicycling is as accepted as here the opportunity to experience the city the way a local does. We bring bicycles to their hotel or wherever they're staying, provide them with maps and let them explore the city on two wheels.

We're also happy to give them a guided tour and show them why Portland is such a great city to ride a bike in. Since Portland has become increasingly well known as a tourist destination and is so bike friendly, it seems natural to put those two things together."

Pedal has 4 basic tours covering the neighborhoods within a few miles of downtown. One, the Coffee Crawl takes visitors to local coffee roasters in which riders will see the roasting process, talk with the roaster and taste the result. "That tour is guaranteed to leave you energized!" says Roll.

Tours are geared toward the casual cyclist, emphasizing enjoying the ride and seeing the sights. Tours go along bike paths or quiet residential streets and make frequent stops to see houses, views and local shops; riders are encouraged to come dressed as they would for a walking tour. The bikes are 27 speed hybrid bikes with riser bars allowing riders to sit comfortably upright. Helmets, locks, a map of the city's bike routes and a handlebar bag for finds are all included in rental and tour prices.

Tours can be arranged any day of the week during daylight hours.

Rental prices are: 1-2 hrs.- $9/hr.; 3 hrs.- $24; 4 hrs.- $29; 8hrs.-
$39;
24hrs.- $44. An extra day is $20. Weekly rates are $100 per week.

Guided tours cost $49 per person and are led by a knowledgeable local
cyclist.

Check out Pedal at their website pedalbiketours.com or call
503.916.9704.