Be Cool (or Get Shorty)

Puns aside, I've entered a new period in my cycling career. With a bigger focus on traditional cycling in my sights, (that is, less time on the TT bike) and a growing ominous feeling that in short (>10mi) technical, hilly tri's I would be better (in this case, better = faster) on my road bike, I've decided to purchase my first pair of "Shorty" ITU aerobars.

I admit, it was a tough step for me. The Triathlete in me Wants and Loves to be on my TT/Tri bike. The roadie in me hates to mar the sleek sexy lines of my road machine with aerobars... and yet, here I am. With an aerobar fitted Cannondale sitting beside me, fully intending to complete the transformation for my first sprint (adding the disc, deep front and *Gasp* Aero Lid to the mix)

It won't technically be the first time, I rode my CR-1 last year with a disc (only drop bars) and deep front due to some technical problems with my TT bikes (that should read as... they were disassembled in my living room floor.) but this will be my first true foray into a true "half" TT setup. I'll be honest, I'm pretty excited. They look pretty awesome (I mean, for what they are) and they fit great.

I went with these.

Not the Sexiest, the lightest, or the most adjustable. But I like them.

The Vision Mini Clip TT's.

First, the things I really like.

- The Elbow pads are extremely low profile. Now included in the box are risers if you don't want quite so deep a drop, but for those of us that do, many aerobar companies start out pretty high. Not these. They are low hugging the bars, and for that they get big points in my book.

- The "Bridge" really pulls everything together. Besides being handy for guys and gals who like to "Zabriskie" their hands, it makes lining up the distance between them fairly fool proof. That said, they are made to be rode fairly narrow, so it may not be for everybody, although I suppose the same could be said for basically anything when we're talking position.

Captain America riding with one hand on top of the other.

- The installation is idiot proof. 10 bolts (2 in each bracket, 2 in each arm rest, 2 in the bridge ends) with only the most minimal danger of over-tightening (and then realistically only if you are riding carbon drop bars) makes an "instructionless" installation a breeze. This is also a boon if, like me, you intend to be removing them fairly often.

- Finally, these guys are priced pretty competitively at $130ish new if you buy from your LBS, and hovering right under $100 if you are more inclined to take the internet/ebay route.

What's not to like? Well, considering you understand what you are buying, not a lot.

- No fore/aft adjustment is pretty common with vision bars, and these are no exception, so don't expect to dial in your pads.

- Being made to work under restrictions (ITU racing mainly) means they come in one length, 170mm. That's pretty short even for the smallest rider. If you don't intend to ride on top of the bridge (^above) then you may find your hands out in space. While this wasn't a deal breaker for me, a lot of triathletes may want something longer (and possibly with a deeper bend) to find optimal comfort.

So, how do they look? Glad you asked.

As you can see, they really earn the term "Mini-TT" bars. Just a tad shorter than the end of the brifters.

A good picture of the bridge... and of my dirty pain cave.

Obviously there are plenty of options when it comes to clip-on's, and I doubt you can go to far wrong with any of them. Some of the Profile (Design) bars have some neat options like the "flip up" arm pads (using the theory that when they pop up you aren't limiting your hand position, although in most tri's I don't think I would suggest you spend much of your time riding on top of the bar towards the stem... but whatever) and a bit more adjustability, but really, this is a solution to get you a low "aero" position on a road bike, not to make you the king of comfort.

I think I've linked to this page about a million times, but here it is once again, Bikeradar's "How Aero is Aero" to give some idea (and numbers) to what kind of improvements you could reasonably expect from adding some bars like this to your roadie.

Today is the first day of spring! Sadly our forecast is snow showers! :( So it's not quite time to move most of my riding outdoors yet. Fortunately, this has given me some time to work on my indoor roller skills!

Look mom, no hands! And I'm using a camera :)

I know, years later, I'm still too big of a wuss to move my rollers out of a doorway. Maybe someday.

Until next time, thanks for reading!

-Christopher Morelock

An Updated Microshift White Groupset review

In November I gave my original impressions on the Microshift White Groupset. (Link here) Despite having ridden it enough to give my opinion on it at the time, I felt like a follow up after a good amount of miles would be helpful.

First, the good news. I am still very pleased with my purchase for the money spent. It has held up flawlessly, shifting as good today as it did day 1. Besides that, the white group (in white) looks stunning. Not many rides go by that I'm not asked about my kit... sure that's not a performance edge, but let's be honest, we all like to look good.

I still feel like this is a "workhorse" group. It doesn't do anything very flashily (other than look good) but it does work consistently every time. That in itself has spoken volumes to me. I don't worry as to whether it's going to work, I am as confident in it as I am in my Dura Ace.

All that said... if I was just going to say all the same stuff, this post would be fairly useless.

First, a picture of the bike in the pain cave.

You remember my project. Well she's still doing work, even when it's cold outside.

So... the bad news.

I had expressed doubts about the shift lever for the front chainring. (The throw to shift up is exceptionally long) After doing as much tinkering as I could and having some mechanic friends see what they thought... I can say with certainty that this is just a design problem.

It's tough to see, but this is how far the lever must be thrown to shift into the big ring.

That's the big complaint I've come up with. Shifting up requires some serious forethought. It's certainly no dealbreaker, but if there isn't an option to adjust it, it would seem that making it shorter would work for a wider variety of people. Ladies (and girly handed fellas like myself) will have a tough time thoughtlessly upshifting like is common on the big 3.

As awkward as this is normally, it's made worse when trying to take a picture of it

The second problem I've found (again with the shifters) is with the control for the rear derailleur. The "button" shift (upshift) is placed in a fantastic place... IF you are on the hoods. Unfortunately, even in my shallow drop bars it is very difficult to find the button in the drops, and actually impossible from a true "sprinting" position. Obviously, this gripe ranges from an almost non-existent issue (to the more recreational) to extremely annoying. ("racer" types who spend a lot of time down in the drops) This one is a bit tougher on me, as I like to do a lot of my riding down low.

Those are my two complaints after some more serious mileage. Beyond that everything is looking (and working) quite smoothly.

Here are a couple of quick snaps of how the front and rear derailleurs look. I'm obviously biased (I mean, it is my bike) but I think the whole setup looks pretty stunning. Black and white... the way it should be :)

I know, my chain is absolutely filthy. But the Derailleur looks nice!

The rear always looks plastic-like in the pictures... it's much better looking in person.

So, from my original review, I think the only change is that the brifters are probably closer to a 6 - 6.5 /10.

To echo myself a million times however, all these gripes and  moans should be taken with a grain of salt. You are paying a couple of hundred dollars for a kit I'm complaining isn't quite as nice as multiple thousand dollar Record/Dura Ace setup. Of course it isn't. It's like with cars when they compare a $50k Corvette to a $200k Ferrari... sure, the Ferrari is going to win the comparison, but the fact that they are even compared is a huge statement for the Vette.

Again, if you are looking for great performance (just not perfect) for the price, I don't think you can go wrong with the Microshift components. As long as they keep a similar price point, they will almost certainly be my go-to from now on for all but my most "pimp" projects.

Thanks for Reading!

-Christopher Morelock

Race Schedule for 2013 season!

I've been working out my season the last few days and suppose that means that it's time to share. Of course things have already had issues, with planning my races around vacation(s) and so forth, not to mention keeping healthy throughout the season.

This year my goal is to broaden my horizons. For the last 3 years I've had the basic recipe of "couple of shorter races early in the season, longer A race at the end." Not that I've got any big complaints about that setup, but I am interested in trying out some other things as well.

So although this is surely going to have edits (I expect I'll end up adding at least 4-5 more races, possibly more) here's the current look of things.


April 7th - Knoxville (1/2) Marathon
 
April 14th - Trideltathon *Depends on how I feel a week from the 1/2

April 20-27 - Vacation

May 5th - Rev3 Olympic OR TN State TT Championship

May 12th - Berry Peddler Road Race / TT

May 25-27 - USAC Pro Road & TT Championships in Chattanooga (spectating)

June 23rd - Tellico Summer Solstice (was Amica) Tri

July 6th - West Side Y tri

July 28th - XTERRA Panther Creek tri

August 3rd - Springbrook Sprint

August 18th - Fall Creek Falls Olympic*





August 24th - Storm the Fort Olympic* (will probably do one of the two olympics)



September 22nd - Anchor Splash Sprint

September 28th -  Possibly Atomic Man 1/2 Iron distance

Also starting April 3rd is a Knoxville Crit (training) series that I may end up doing.

-
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August 25th 2014 - Ironman Louisville* (Tentative)

I am not sure how all this will turn out. I haven't really looked at any running races or mountain bike races yet, both of which I'm interested in. I would also like to enter some more road races and possibly work on my Category (Cat5 yay) but we'll just have to see.

Now, just to stay injury free long enough to enjoy these races :)

Next week I'll hopefully be giving some updated thoughts on my Microshift groupset after some miles.

Thanks for reading,

Christopher Morelock

Sooner than later... race season is coming

New name for my bike saddle... the Iron Throne.

Back from a crazy week of traveling. Some for work and some for fun, although neither really turned out all that profitably. Nonetheless, I did actually make it back, so I would have to call it a success. (I know, high standards)

February on the training front has been, at best, a wash, and at worst, a disaster for me. Being injured and basically unable to train for half a month has certainly not done anything for my fitness, or possibly more importantly, my morale. Fortunately, I've been able to ride and run (and of course swim) the last week, so hopefully things will be back to normal from here on out.

I've been trying to use my injury time to get the rest of my "life" in order. Fixing up my house has taken the majority of our time (some new art on the walls and curtains! OooOooh! Fancy!) but I've also made some time to work on my own paintings and of course to re-introduce myself to the Game of Thrones HBO series. It's been a little over a year since I finished the last book, and man I can't wait to see how this turns out!

Another "hobby" of mine is cooking. When I say hobby, I mean that I cook 99% of my meals at home, and, as opposed to eating TV dinner's every night, I took the time (and a class) on the culinary arts. Last week I added a new "tool" to my arsenal. The Cast Iron Skillet!

I had a joke about adding iron to your diet, but as it turns out... it actually does. Awkward.

This thing is Awesome! Well, maybe awesome is a bit of an overstatement... it's kind of a PITA to keep in grade A shape, but man, this thing is fun to play with. Not to mention I feel that if someone were to break into my house whilst I was in the middle of some Gluten Free hot skillet cooking session, I would be able to go Jackie Chan on them! Actually I'd probably just burn the crap out of myself (that handle gets hot...) and then be robbed. : / We can dream though.

In media land, I heard Puscifer's cover of  Bohemian Rhapsody over the weekend, and it has affirmed two things in my mind
1.) I love Queen
2.) Maynard (James Keenan... of Tool/APC/Puscifer) as talented as he is (and as good of a cover as this is) just can't hold a candle to the range Freddie Mercury had.

Fred Perry... Freddie Mercury... Where's Wiggo?

Nonetheless, go listen to this cover, it's pretty awesome. Different while still staying true to the original.

Last on my list of to-do's is to finish sanding down the CR-1. I've been way too lax on my work towards getting it back up and running... partly because it became a bit more daunting than I had imagined, and partly because the CAAD just rides so well! Nonetheless, that is absolutely no excuse not to have it back in riding condition by April. So, hold me to it... updates soon to come!


As always, thanks for reading my totally scattered thoughts!

- Christopher Morelock

Apologies!

I'm traveling this week, and despite my love for everyone, I am unwilling to do this on an iPhone. Especially considering it's not my iPhone!

Back and better than ever next week!

Thanks for reading and understanding!

- Christopher Morelock

And in my spare time...

Well, I'm slowly working my way back into training. It feels kind of weird saying that since it's only been 2 weeks since I injured myself. Not that I'm complaining, I'm excited that I can get back to it so fast.

I managed to get a good swim in last night, which was what had me "most" worried. Even though Swimming is a low impact sport, there is a LOT of motion that goes into it. When you're not 100% sure what the problem is (only a general area that hurts) those are the kinds of things that can end up being more trouble than a "beat you up" activity like running. That said, I'm doing my first "run" tonight, so wish me luck that all goes well.

As far as cycling goes, I've been doing quite a bit of spinning. I am still a bit afraid of doing hard intervals, so to keep my sanity (and since my actual trainer is sitting at the LBS for the classes) I've done the unthinkable.
...
....

I have dug the rollers out of the Closet!

That's right... I went there.

 Me and the ole' Kreitlers (Dyno-Myte's if you must know. The "tougher" ones.) have had a long on and off relationship. Every year I get them out of the garage, set them up in the hallway (doorway) with the excited anticipation of getting my bike handling skills down. Twenty minutes later I'm panting, sliding around like I'm on ice skates (not something you'll ever see me doing again.) cursing at whatever paragon first created these torture devices. Then a ride or two later I'll be comfortable again, riding with one (even no) hand, reaching for my bottle, doing single leg drills... happy as all is right with the world. That's about the time I unceremoniously fly off the side of the rollers and land somewhere in my wall / floor. A multitude of curses escape me and then we start the cycle all over again

More fun than it looks. Right?

Nonetheless, I've had a lot more "time" on my hands the last few weeks. Fortunately I'm not exactly the kind of guy to take these kinds of setbacks lying down, so I've managed to stay busy.
First, my house was a complete wreck. I've had a shower curtain (that's awesome) sitting on my table for almost 4 months. So, first order of business, install shower curtain.

Release the Kraken!

Shower curtain installation, successful. (mostly) Now any time somebody wants to borrow my shower, they'll have to be careful of lurking sea beasts ready to devour them with bad@ssery.

Then of course, there's my painting. Acrylics have always been my first love, since I was a child. That said, I'm a pretty unfaithful lover. I will get excited about a new piece, pour 8-10 hours into it, get about 1/4 of the way done, and then let it sit for about 6 months without touching a brush. I have just now been re-bitten by the painting bug, so it's time to get (re) started on this little piece.

Forbidden Fruit is the best Fruit!

I'm afraid I haven't done much more than lay down the base colors, so to say there's still a little work to be done is a massive understatement. I suspect we'll end up with around 20 hours in this one, and right now I think I've logged 45 minutes :) That's ok, when It comes together It should be acceptable as a hallway piece. (You know, a picture of temptation leading towards the bedroom... or kitchen depending on which one is your favorite sin)

One day I hope to be a painter that's worthy of attempting a masterpiece like this

Take your time, envy this piece all you want. I understand.

Ok, that's what I've got. Off to go try to get my run in. Hopefully it's back to normal... or as normal as my life ever is :)

Thanks for Reading!

-Christopher Morelock

A Painful Reminder (and, possibly growing as an athlete)

I used to be an adventurer like you...

Well, it's that time again. It seems like my annual "get hurt" holiday has come around. Last Saturday on my long run I was getting a little over-zealous (and it was still a little icy out) and somehow managed to strain/pull/mess up my groin/inner thigh.

Fortunately I don't believe I've done any considerable damage to myself. I was sore stretching on Sunday/Monday, felt better on Tuesday and feel no pain (although still some tightness) when stretching this morning. I'll probably still take today off and most likely only do some very light jogging/spinning until at least the end of the week.

Despite not being a good thing, (of course) I feel like this is actually a big step for me as a "complete" athlete. My knee-jerk go to reaction on Saturday afternoon was to brush it off and continue my training... I mean, I'm going for 200mile/months of running after all, I ain't got time for none of that being injured! After a little "moment of clarity" time though, I realized that I was not only putting *ever* getting to a 200mi/month in jeopardy, but also putting my entire (soon to be upon us) race season on a razor's edge. Yes, I'll lose a little of my building by taking some time, but being set back a few days (or even weeks) is a minor thing compared to being set back for months because of being a bull-headed idiot.

Me two years ago would most certainly NOT have taken any amount of time off, despite knowing that I should. I'd like to think it has something to do with getting a bit smarter (that is...older) and realizing that there isn't any award for being the "toughest" or the best at training... just for being at the finish line fastest. Taking time off puts that goal in the forefront, and makes it (at least to me) seem like I'm doing something proactive. Perception is everything you know.

Alright stop, collaborate and listen... Ice that leg with a frozen invention

So, for me, it's another day or so off, and a couple days easy until I can get back at it without chancing a big injury.  Hopefully everyone reading is staying healthy and keeping up the good fight. Alright, back to the ice pack...

...But let me just tell you, this is the least pleasant place to ice ever.

Thanks for reading

-Christopher Morelock