The Perfect Xmas Gift for Cyclists from Prendas Ciclismo

Les mémoires du peloton 2012 Calendar

If you are still looking for that perfect gift for xmas, then look no further than the ‘Les memoires du peloton 2012 calendar‘ brought to you from the wonderful team Prendas Ciclismo.

It is a fabulous retro-inspired calendar with photographs spanning over 40 years. It features twelve former in black/white and full colour including Eddy Merckx, Joop Zoetemelk, Tom Simpson, Felice Gimondi, Johan Museeuw, Paolo Bettini, Mario Cipollini, Graeme Obree, Tom Boonen, Giuseppe Saronni, Jaan Raas and Mark Cavendish.

According to the team at Prendas, the 2012 edition was conceived around the time of Mark Cavendish’s victory at the UCI Road World Champs, hence the rainbow bands added to the theme.

So point your browser towards Prendas right now to ensure you get your copy for 2012. Not that you need any more enticement but here are some of the awesome images you will be able to have hang from your wall:

Saddleback Man catches people unaware at Cycle Show 2009

I’ve taken some time out of clearing my study to go through my computer and clear out any old files that I have. While doing so, I came across this video that I took while at Cycle Show in London this year.

It’s of the man that Saddleback Ltd – importers of Felt, SRAM, ZIPP, Castelli, etc – use to ‘gain’ people’s attention at the show and bring them onto their stand. Not sure if he get’s them onto the stand, but he does manage to get their attention.

Anyway, it tickled me to watch people get caught unaware by this guy so thought I’d film it and get it up here.  As they say, better late than never. Enjoy!

Oh, more importantly, Merry Xmas everyone!!

Basso at Cycle Show

Basso Diamante

As promised in my last posting about the Wilier’s on display at the Cycle Show, here is the next installment about the awesome Italian racing machine, Basso. There are quite a few versions, which have recently become available to the UK market, thanks to the team at Moore Large.

Basso Diamante

Above is the Diamante which is Basso’s only unique hand-made frameset built in limited quantity. So pretty much means an expensive buy either way you look at it. But if you want that something special made just for you, then this is the way to go.

Basso Astra

Now this is one beautiful racing machine. I used to own a steel version (Columbus EL OS for all you old school folk) of this now carbon monocoque only frame, and used to love riding on it everyday. Seeing this frame at Cycle Show brought back so many memories for me, the training, the racing and the winning. The day will come when I will purchase one, even if it is just for the sake of nostalgia.

According to the company website, the following is said about the Astra – the company’s flagship frame:

A new star is born in the Basso R&D department. It is dedicated to the most demanding riders. It has a full monocoque T700 3K carbon fibre frame and its front and rear triangle tubes have visible longitudinal lines that remind us of a four-leafed clover shape. The new Astra has a maximum flexion of 0,21 mm on the BB shell and a maximum torsion of 2,3 mm on the head tube; on both tests we apply a weight of 50 kgs at 40 cm distance from the fulcrum. It can be driven in long distance races in a very smooth and comfortable way, but it is very reactive and precise in fast accelerations or very winding roads. 7 colour combinations will let you choose your personalized look.

I have to confess though, when I purchase one of these, it will have to be kitted with Campagnolo. An Italian frame deserves to be ridden with complimentary Italian equipment.

Basso Astra

Basso Astra (with Campag)

Basso Astra

Basso Astra

Basso  Laguna

Now the remainder of the range in the form of the Laguna, the Reef and the Devil.

Basso Laguna

Basso Reef

Basso Reef

Basso Devil

Basso Devil

Basso Konos

Last but not least from Basso is the Konos, the company’s time-trial frame. I’ll be honest when I say that I’ve seen beter looking time trial frame’s but at least this is something to build and improve upon.

Basso Konos

I know this is going to sound like I’m working for Basso (or Moore Large), but if you have time this weekend, get yourself down to your local bike store and make some enquiries about these bikes. Xmas is just around the corner and this would make a great present, either for yourself or your partner.

And to my darling wife, if you are trying to find the perfect gift for me this xmas, then may I suggest the Blue Astra (pictured above). It would be the perfect gift :-).

Then again, if I can’t get it as a gift, I wonder if the guys at Moore Large will let me review an Astra for a few weeks (or months)?

[UPDATE] I am now selling my Basso Astra – if you want to get details and see more pictures of it, then check this post out.

Ride with style

Wheeltags 53x11 Coffee

It’s been a few days since I’ve actively been on twitter. Especially as yesterday was my last day in the office for this year – thank goodness! So, I decided to check out my Twitter contacts, 1) to see what the world of Twitter is up to, and 2) to see who’s who.  While there I came across a few cool names but one that really caught my eyes was Wheeltags. I clicked on their profile and decided to check out their website.

Now Wheeltags are ‘stylized wheel signatures’ that allow you to express your own personality with bold colours and some wickedly cool designs. According to the site “Wheeltags allow you to challenge the nameless rim masses and breakaway from the pack. Tag your ride with the ultimate statement of individuality and roll with style.”

Now this is quite a novel concept and one I could see myself getting hooked into. Basically, as you can see from the picture above (and below), you get these large stickers (or tags as they are referred to) in a large can (or two or four – depending on your needs) and you then stick them onto your rims. Thus allowing you to differentiate yourself amongst your friends and peers.

My favourite design - Skullz

For all you time trial freeks, no need to worry! Wheeltags have developed some tags for disc wheels too so you won’t feel left out.

Wheeltags size chart, including tags for disc wheels

Come to think of it, here’s one for you Lance: Since you are keen to promote your Livestrong brand to the world, why not get yourself a custom set of tags for your training bike? It makes so much sense!

Or if anyone from the Rock Racing management team is reading this, I suggest you get in touch with the guys at  Wheeltags and get some custom tags made for your team. You’ve got the collest looking clothing range on the pro circuit, now you just need the wheels to match.

For more pics on these cool wheel tags and the bikes they’ve been used on, click here.

Not a bad idea for a xmas pressie either?