Team Garmin Trivia For December

“America’s Team”…this once meant 7-Eleven, then US Postal/Discovery but now “our” team truly is Jonathan Vaughters band of merry men complete with argyle! Their approach to clean cycling has especially appealed in this era of tainted (and tarnished and banished) sporting events! Their head mechanic is an Oregonian (Daimeon Shanks) by the way, who built his first two bikes in my basement back in the mid 90’s!

TEAM GARMIN-CHIPOTLE-SLIPSTREAM

Q1: There are TWO key staff members at Team Garmin that still remain from the “original” US Postal Service squad of 1997-98. Name them:

Q2: How many members of the current Garmin formation are past teammates of that oh-so-famous team captain, Lance Armstrong, of the previous incarnation of “America’s Team” US Postal/Discovery Channel. Can you name them?

Q3: Making the podium in a Tour stage is a career-defining moment for any rider. In the 2008 Tour de France, Team Garmin had FOUR different riders make the podium in daily stages, although no wins-a situation they hope to address in 2009. Can you name the four top-three finishers?

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.

Interbike 2008-Kevin Langton's View

September saw Bicyclinghub make it's annual pilgrimage to Interbike 2008 in Vegas. Our owner Doug, now an Interbike vet , took me, the novice, along for my first Interbike experience. As well as checking out new lines we caught up with some of our friends from, to name a few, - Albabici, Giordana, Gore Bikewear , Opsal, Primal Wear, Swobo, Vanderkitten all of whom we don't get to see as often as those who, like us, made the trip from Portland/the NorthWest (Castelli USA, Showers Pass & Sheila Moon who we also stopped in on - it would have been rude not too !)

I've been to other shows in Europe big and small - my first Interbike did not dissappoint and had me running around like the proverbial kid in a candy store that I'm sure all we people who ride bikes become when placed in such an environment. Of course in my mind (and my dreams !) I fitted out my bike with all the very latest in trick gear - not just once I might add - and of course the necessary attire to go with it - for that Pro rider look. Someone said to me at the show - 'it's not about how fast you go - it's about how fast you look'. One of those may require a little less training I think - or training of a different kind at least. Whether you wish to dress fast or slow - there was plenty for everyone on display at Interbike and many of our favorites are included in our store.

From retro wool to the latest technical wear, for raceday, century ride, club ride and the latest in 'lifestyle' wear - clothes you can bike places in and leave on when you get there without getting strange looks. Be it to catch a movie, a beer, hang out with friends - pursuits that I'm sure, along with riding a bike, are popular the world over - not just in Portland. Actually I didn't see any pub theaters in Vegas - there you go - that's what it needs - I knew there was something missing - just couldn't put my finger on it until now !

There was plenty to see at the show - a lot of which I wished I'd had the time to check out more thoroughly. Said Hi to Eddy Merckx and to some of the guys at Rock Racing including, who was kind enough to bring me up to date on how the weather had been in my home town. He was still recovering from a spill taken in the Tour of Britain.

Didn't see Lance but heard the buzz aplenty about his news conference debate with Greg Lemond. He did Cross Vegas also which we didn't get over to see.

Back in PDX now - cross season is upon us. We are also looking forward to the Oregon Handbuilt show this coming weekend ; new premises and more space for the hub ; lots of new inventory for the Fall/Winter season ; and the perfect weather to road test it !

Jens Voigt Interview

Someone sent me this link from YouTube. We love Jens Voigt and his work ethic. Enjoy the enclosed video. Favorite quote "....your lungs are burning, that little taste of blood in your mouth" Other good quotes include "I get paid to hurt other people. I get paid to make other people suffer, how good is that?!"

Moving Forward

If you listen to some you might think the sky is falling. If you are one of those suffering for various reasons you probably would agree the sky is falling and for those suffering in the world we have been there. For BicyclingHub.com in 2008 and 2009 we are looking forward to tremendous growth. Last year growth was good for us and recently we have added several new lines to our offering. Recently, we picked up Swobo, Gore Bike Wear, Shebeest and we have brought back Etxe Ondo for the winter. We are excited about the opportunities this coming year will bring. We are also excited about focusing on our core business as well. It's going to be a great fall winter 2008-2009.

Raging Fire Near BicyclingHub.com

Fire rages near headquarters of BicyclingHub.com. On September 8th, 2008 a fire engulfed the Empire Rubber building next to our office. It was a gentle reminder that insurance is a good thing and one should cover the full value of one's inventory. Luckily, there wasn't any smoke damage to the building or any of our clothing. In the enclosed picture, BicyclingHub.com is the building to the left of the building on fire.

http://www.kgw.com/video/video-index.html?nvid=280654&shu=1

Team Type 1 And 2007 RAAM

This weekend BicyclingHub.com was in Colorado for the Tour de Cure and met some inspiring and amazing athletes. Living and exercising with diabetes is hard but racing and winning the Race Across America is hard under any circumstances. Please check out the inspiring story of Team Type 1 and their victory in the Team Competition at the 2007 Race Across America.

Labor Day Sale- Save 10 to 15%

This is one of our most popular sales. Save 10 to 15% off everything in our store. Go to BicyclingHub.com for more details. Offer ends September 1st, 2008. Save on Castelli, Primal Wear and much more.

Primal Wear Sale

Over 15 different Primal Wear jerseys are on sale on our website. Did you know that BicyclingHub.com is the largest Internet Primal Wear dealer in the United States? We have a large selection and many of our regular priced jerseys come with free socks.

Tour de Cure

On July 26th BicyclingHub.com owner Doug Duguay rode the Tour de Cure in Oregon. For those who don't know about it, the Tour de Cure is a series of fund-raising cycling events held in 40 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association.

Last year, more than 32,000 cyclists in 78 Tour events raised nearly $13 million to support the mission of the ADA: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Portland Oregon Residents Trade Your Shorts For Bibs and Save 15%

Are bibs more comfortable than shorts? Many riders
prefer the feel and comfort of bibs to regular cycling
shorts. Pro and serious riders tend to prefer bibbed
shorts over non-bibbed shorts, due to the discomfort
that often occurs with an elastic waistband, such as
tightness (digging into skin) and chafing. Bibs help
both the pad and the waist stay in place.

To tempt you in to trying bibs BicyclingHub.com is
offering a special promotion in which you can trade in
your old cycling shorts for 15% off a brand new pair
of bibs. Currently, we stock 33 different types bibs
including 5 different pairs of bibs for women. (See
the enclosed link for a listing of all of the brands
we stock http://www.bicyclinghub.com/bibshorts.html)

To take advantage of this offer bring your old shorts
to the store and we will give you credit for purchase
of a new pair of bibs. BicyclingHub.com is located at
1028 SE Water Ave, Portland OR 97214.


Don't forget, BicyclingHub.com features a new service
area for bicycles. Nathan Roll, a UBI trained
mechanic, has over 6 years experience as a mechanic.
If you're in a hurry to get your bike tuned up for
summer current wait time is less than 48 hours.

Opsal Sport Jersey and Brian Opsal Art Show In Portland

On Friday, June 27th, Bicycling Hub proudly presents an evening of Opsal's original mixed-media artworks based on his heroes of the sport, riders like Bernard Hinault, Eddie Merckx, Fausto Coppi and more. Join us for an evening celebration of food, fun, drinks and art.

In 2004, artist Brian Opsal produced his first cycling art print, creating an image based on the European cycling classic Paris-Roubaix. From this first piece, titled "The Hell of the North", Opsal went on to produce a series of prints inspired by the famous bicycle races from around the globe.

From there, Opsal combined his graphic passion into wearable clothing designs.Transcending the boundaries of traditional sports apparel, Brian then created OPSAL SPORT as a design-driven, sports lifestyle brand inspired by art and fashion. BicyclingHub.com has recently added four of Opsal's jersey designs to our large selection of unique cycling apparel.
Visit our selection of Opsal jerseys. http://www.bicyclinghub.com/artbyopsal.html

Bib Shorts In Retail Store In Portland

From $59.99 to $229.99 we have more bib shorts in stock in Portland, Oregon than anyone else. Come see our new expanded bib short section in our store. On the rack we have Adidas, Giordana, Castelli, Nalini, Santini and many more brands.

Mt Hood Cycling Classic 2008

We haven't talked much about this week because we've been so busy. Tuesday we were at the Prologue in downtown Portland and Wednesday we were at the Mt Tabor stage of the Mt Hood Cycling Classic. We were a little star-struck at the quality of the field in our town. Rock Racing, Toyota United, one rider from Slipstream and even Jeanie Longo! Don't ever claim that you're too old to race. At 49, Jeanie Longo was at the front of the women's field the entire race on Wednesday. She tore the field up on a very tough course.

Durring the race we gave the field $200 in primes. I cannot tell you how proud I was to see America's best go after our money.

On Sunday, the final Criterium is in downtown Hood River, Oregon. It should be a great event and we look forward to being there.

Good job Chad Sperry. We look forward to being a part of Mt Hood again both as a sponsor and spectators of this great race.

Riccardo Riccò Looking Good In The Giro d' Italia

Team Saunier Duval's Riccardo Riccò scored a spectacular win in yesterday´s second stage of the 91st Giro d´Italia
(Cefalù-Agrigento, 207 kilometres) adding the 8th triumph in his career and with SAUNIER
DUVAL, the team in which he made his debut as a pro three years ago.
Riccardo Riccò scored a spectacular win in yesterday´s second stage of the 91st Giro d´Italia
(Cefalù-Agrigento, 207 kilometres) adding the 8th triumph in his career and with SAUNIER
DUVAL, the team in which he made his debut as a pro three years ago.

Riccardo Riccò: “After so much bad luck, I can have my victory at last. I want to thank my
teammates, who´ve been wonderful, especially Leonardo Piepoli, who´s helped a lot in the final
stretch. I took off with 200 metres remaining and to be honest, I was surprised at my strength.
This is the sign I´ve been waiting for, telling me I´m OK”

Story Courtesy of Castelli USA

Toyota United Loves Their Ice Cream

Toyota United was spoted this evening at the local Cold Stone Ice Cream parlor on Hawthorne Blvd in SE Portland. BicyclingHub.com had a chance to speak with the lads as they enjoyed their desert. I told them of the epic that awaits them on Saturday during the Mt Hood Cycling Classic. They didn't seem all that impressed with the 11,000 feet of climbing the organization planned for them. We also talked about how they liked their new Giordana kits better than their old XYZ kits from last year. BicyclingHub is such a clothing geek. When he talks to pro cyclists he asks how they like their clothing.

For all of you who like Ice Cream after a ride, feel comforted that the pros like to indulge in the fatty goodness of Ice Cream too.

BicyclingHub.com is proud to be a minor sponsor of the Mt Hood Cycling Classic. It's great to have the best cyclists in the United States in our little bike town. For more information about the Mt Hood Classic go to http://www.mthoodcyclingclassic.com/. If you live in Portland be sure and come out for this great event.

PS. Ivan Domingez wasn't eating Ice Cream nor was he at the Cold Stone Ice Cream parlor. He is a Myspace friend of BicyclingHub.com however.

CVV In Pink At The Giro!

Christian Vande Velde took the Pink jersey in the Giro d' Italia today. Team Slipstream won the Team Trial and is now in the lead.

David Miller said it best "Christian was the strongest today,” he said. “In the last five kilometers, I couldn’t stay on his wheel. He’s an American and this is an American team, Christian deserves to be in the pink jersey.”

Congratulations Christian. Have a great Giro!

Summer Weight Long Sleeve Jerseys

An interesting product for those with sun sensitive skin, Castelli's Prologo Long Sleeve jersey features a summer weight long jersey fabric.  The fabric is cool and very breathable but at the same time it protects the skin from UV rays.  

In conversations with Castelli they haven't tested the fabric to test the UV protection but any amount of cover on the skin protects against UVs.  It makes a good option for cyclists who have fair skin  

Bike Shop Bullies

On April 11th 2008, I received a visit from the co-owner of one of the largest single store bike shops in the United States.  Within two weeks I received word from my suppliers that someone in the local area wasn't happy that we were selling the same products as them at our retail store.  In total, I believe three vendors were contacted.  One vendor has asked me to remove their products from my retail store so that stores in the area were happy.   We sell everything at MSRP and we represent the products well in the marketplace.  

Competition gives incentive for self improvement.  If two stores are selling the same product at the same price then the store that gives the best service will get the sale most of the time.  Not only does this benefit the store that does the best job, it   We strive to do this in our market place.  If I loose sales to a competitor I'm not going to go crying to someone that shouldn't be allowed to sell the same products as me.  I'm going to figure out why they're outselling me and the replicate what they're doing better.  

Consumers in Portland, Oregon, as well as the rest of the country, deserve the best service and selection possible.  They don't deserve to have their choices limited because one store views natural competition as unfair.   

New Women's Cycling Jerseys and Tops for 2008.

With warm weather finally upon us, a lot of are looking forward to the feel of summer's warm breath on our shoulders as we cruise down the country roads and bike trails.  

Bicyclinghub.com is proud to lend a hand in making our summer riding experience stylish and comfortable with an exciting new line of chic, feminine, and functional women's jerseys.   In our women's line we currently feature a large selection from Primal Wear, Castelli and Pearl Izumi.

Please check out our selection, which we believe has a little something for every woman from flowers to powers.  

 

BicyclingHub.com Service Area

BicyclingHub.com is proud to announce the addition of a bicycle service area to complement our retail space, which is located on the corner of Taylor and Water Ave in SE Portland.

Bicyclinghub.com has become an established provider of cycle clothing worldwide via the World Wide Web over the last 7 years. In October of 2007 we opened our retail store, offering probably the largest selection of Cycling Apparel for men and women in the Northwest.

We are very happy to welcome native Oregonian, Nathan Roll, and together look forward to providing the same high level of customer service, for all your bicycle maintenance needs, as that which you have enjoyed when purchasing cycling clothing from us.

Nathan is a United Bicycle Institute Trained Mechanic and brings over 5 years of bicycle shop experience, including managing Bay Area Cycles, Oakland CA - also 3 years with Bike and Hike here in Portland.

BicyclingHub's service area will be able to service all types of bicycles. From difficult 1970’s vintage French friction shifting levers, to the latest SRAM 10 drive trains we will be able to cover almost all of your needs. For questions or directions to the store call 503-234-9898 or email Sales@BicyclingHub.com

Sea Otter Classic

Sea Otter bike races are often remembered by their extreme weather and this year was no exception. 2007 was the year of rains of biblical legend (whatever this means.) 2008 Sea Otter goers were lucky there wasn't any rain to speak of but the wind was so strong it kicked up a mighty dust cloud. Many tired quickly of dust and sand blowing in their eyes and mouth. Still other were appreciative of the exfoliation that the scrub the blowing debris provided.

BicyclingHub.com attended the Sea Otter because it's a chance to catch up with many of their vendors and attend the Bicycling Magazine party. For about 5 years BicyclingHub.com has crashed this party without invite.  At the show we learned of the Bicycling Magazine editors choice awards. Products stocked by BicyclingHub.com won 2 awards. We are sworn to secrecy on the winners. 

Like the Tour de France, Sea Otter Classic is one of those events every fan of cycling should see once.  The races are well organized, the whole family can attend, fans can see the latest bike gear and they can also pick up some sweet deals on clothing and other goods.  Hopefully the year you go the weather will be sunny and you can really enjoy America's greatest festival for the bike.  

To everyone we met at race it was nice seeing you. Hopefully we will see you at events this year!

8 Panel Cycling Shorts

In the April 2008 Bicycling Magazine 2008 Buyers Guide the writer of the article made the following statement "The best [cycling] shorts are constructed with multiple panels-look for eight or more-for a more conforming fit" 

The author of the article didn't offer any proof nor did they give their reasoning for this statement.  The fact is, panel construction doesn't matter.  Seems are what most buyers of cycling shorts find irritating not the lycra.  The more panels on the body-the more irritation to the skin. 

20 years ago Lycra didn't stretch as much as it does now.  More than ever, a quality 6 panel short is as comfortable as an 8 panel short.  

 

First Warm Weekend Of The Spring

Folks in Portland, Oregon get an early taste of spring every year in or around the first part of April.  For cyclists this means baring skin that hasn't seen the sun in at least 7 months.   I did notice a few folks that were sporting new giant patches of bright pink skin.  

Yesterday, I worked in the retail space and it was very fun because most of our customers were happy and the seemed to be enjoying the weather.  We met some new customers in the BicyclingHub.com Bike Shop.  All very exciting things for a small business owner.

The following day Krazze Kevin and I led a 30 mile ride to Vancouver.  While it wasn't as warm as yesterday, we both braved the 60+ Degree Elements in short sleeves and short pant.   We both felt like we were plenty warm.  It's good to get a longer ride out of the way before summer events like Pole, Pedal, Paddle in Bend and the Reach the Beach. 

Portland, Oregon is one of the greatest place to ride a bike in during the summer (Bicycling Magazine ranks us as their top North American cycling city.)  It's a great combination of urban riding (Portland Farmers Market on the Park Blocks.)  If you travel 20 minutes North, South, East, or West you will soon find open spaces with plenty of shoulders that safely allow for cycling.