Wednesday, June 15, 2011

SA ROAD CHAMPS - A VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES

Like most Port Elizabethans, I was stunned and disgusted by the shocking disorganization of the SA Road Champs held in February 2011. The event was organized by Cycling SA, and in their wisdom, they decided to hold some events on a weekday, in rush hour, along some of Port Elizabeth's main arterial routes. The Thursday and Friday events were an absolute disaster, but, the Saturday event proved one thing. The route has stunning potential and provided a great canvas for the most exciting SA Road Champs ever.

In their wisdom, Cycling SA appointed an Attorney to conduct an inquiry. You can find his conclusions released on 08 June 2011 in Part A and Part B

What the inquiry, which has apparently led to the resignation of CSA CEO Barry Mocke, clearly shows is the complete ineptitude in Cycling SA. While, the inquiry places the blame at the door of all concerned, it is clear that the local organizers were not to blame. Rather, it seems, that Cycling SA was trying to impose its will on how events are run.

Anybody who attended the Saturday racing will attest to the great spirit out on the course and it all conspired to a great event. CSA let us down badly, by insisting on things which were clearly unworkable to anyone who knows the cycling conditions in Port Elizabeth.

However, the Saturday event proved that PE has the best road racing course in the country. Its a place where, when sensibly done, the racing can be taken to the people.

CSA should not bury this report, but, get their house in order and do their job as Cycling Administrators, not prove to us that they are bad Race Organizers.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

SCOTT SPARK 2012 29er


There have been first glimpses of the long awaited 2012 Scott Spark 29er, and Wow - is it a stunner. At first glimpse, it seems to be a Specialized Epic rip-off, with an offset seat tube and swept top tube. However, the big changes are at the rear suspension. Whereas the Specialized shock linkages are on the downtube, the Spark does not drift far from its roots on the top tube.

Scott 29er Linkage

Over the past five years, Specialized have experimented with a whole range of linkages, some working better than other. The June 2011 edition of Mountain Bike Action touts the Specialized Epic as the best mountain bike ever. Judging by these pics, I cant see the throne staying long on the Sinyard head.

Specialized Epic 29er Linkage

Based on the differences between the linkage designs, it seems that the 2012 Spark 29er shifts the linkage with the view to stiffening up the rear end even further. This can be seen in the comparison with the 2011 Spark 26er linkage pictured below.

2011 Spark 26er Linkage


Scott's shock linkage has not drifted far from the roots of its past five years. It seems the Scott approach is based on what works, and in my experience, the 5 year old Spark design has excelled from 2006 to 2011. The only reason Scott would move to a modified design is considerable performance benefits.

Compare that to the way in which the Specialized Epic design has changed over the years. Pictured below is the Epic shock link of 2006. Its radically different from the 2011 Epic design and it appears that over the past five years the Epic design of 2011 has moved considerably closer to the design of the Scott than vice versa.

Specialized Epic 2006 Linkage


2006 Scott Spark linkage



Up front, Scott has moved to the Rock Shox DNA system. As indicated in a previous post, the DT Swiss XC100 is a great XC fork, but, struggles with rides beyond two hours. The move to Rock Shox adds a little weight, but turns the Spark into a more versatile Marathon and XC race machine, while still retaining its sublime XC performance.

Far to many manufacturers boast about bike weight. The Specialized Epic boasts that its under 10kgs. Scott prefers to tell you about frame weight - 1890 grams for the 29er. There's no hiding when you talk frame weight. You can have a light bike with a heavy frame, but, it wont be race ready. A really light bike will never be shy about the weight of its frame, and the Spark is probably a good 400 grams lighter than the Epic.

Here is a list of references where you can find news on the new Scott Spark 29er

Q2 Bikers Online
Bike Rumour
Bike Germany

So where to now - is my 2010 vintage 26er Spark going to be pensioned off? Its a bike that served me brilliantly on the Cape Epic, but, I would certainly love to ride the 29er - just for comparative purposes. I remain unconvinced on the benefits of the 29er format as there will always be a weight penalty. But, based on the carpark 29er rides I have had, there may well be advantages, provided one can keep the weight under control. On the other hand, my 26er Scott Spark is such a great bike, I would find it hard to part with it.

Monday, June 6, 2011

LOERIE RACE REPORT: BIG WHEELS OR BIG BELLY?


The Loerie Mini Marathon was held on Sunday 05 June 2011. Advertized as a non technical event, the reality was very different. The event was run over three laps of 15km and my Garmin log can be seen here. Andrew Briggs established the initial pace, and off the start, I knew I would have problems. The Epic legs have deserted me, and I have picked up a few Kgs from the Winter feast sessions.

The most interesting thing was riding behind the 29" Cannondale Flash of Andrew Briggs. He was dropping me on the downhills and even though I set the fastest lap of the day and held the lead after lap 1, I had burnt all my matches. I spent the rest of the race trying to work out:
1) Was it the Big wheels
2) Was it my Big Belly
3) Was he just the better rider

My conclusion is to marvel at the marketing appeal of the 29" format. First reaction is invariably that the 29er is a better bike for this sort of terrain. But, the reality is - nothing comes easy. Blaming it on the 29er is avoidance, avoidance of the need to train hard and watch my fuels.

From the above graphic, you can see I bonked badly on the third lap. I remain unconvinced on the Big Wheels / Talent combo and more convinced by the handicap of my big belly. In the context, I'll take the third placed that I bonked to.

Mtb racing is not about the competition, but, assessing where you are in relation to your genetic ability. For me its clear - I am still way short of where I could be.