Orbea and Crowie Part Ways.

from Slow Twitch 
Orbea Bicycles, along with its sister brand Orca Wetsuits, has announced the dissolution of its endorsement agreement with Craig Alexander, effective immediately, and by mutual agreement.

Alexander began with Orca in 2001, and commenced riding Orbea's bikes in 2005. The Orbea brand in particular had become closely attached to Alexander's rise as a premier long distance athlete. Alexander won the Hawaiian Ironman twice on Orbea's timed race machines, along with a 70.3 world title as well.

“We are saddened and very disappointed that Orbea’s and Orca’s association with Craig has come to an end,” said Tony Karklins of Orbea USA. “Craig was always the consummate professional in every way, and was a valued representative for our brands. We will miss him greatly, both as a friend and spokesperson, and wish him all the best in his quest to win an Ironman World Championship this weekend.”

Bikes and Coffee, They Go Together

Ok, this is just great, what a way to use old lever's. Another I wish I would have though about that.

The Coffee Brake
A sturdy mug for sturdy folk.
Created by a world traveler who dared to ask the question:
"What good is a sturdy metal mug with a flimsy plastic handle?"

Whether you're a hardcore coffee drinker or a dabbler, this 14 oz. double-walled insulated stainless steel mug is what you're after. Non-skid bottom and snug-fitting plastic lid.

Necessity is the mother of addiction...er, invention.

Scallywags

HipLok Bike Lock

The Hiplok is the world's first bicycle lock developed specifically to be worn on the body. It’s a seriously strong piece of kit with a hardened steel chain at its core and a Sold Secure accreditation. All Hiploks are fully adjustable - one size fits all.

Not my bag baby!

As the Hiplok can be carried independently, there is no need to take a bag with you just to carry your lock. Also, by transferring the weight of the lock directly to your hips rather than it being on your back and shoulders, you are more stable as a rider and transmit less strain on your body.

You’re no Houdini....

If you’ve ever worn a chain lock or flexible lock on your body, you’ll know that you have to lock it in place in order for it to stay in position. This is not very safe if you, or somebody helping you, needs to take off the lock in an emergency situation. Due to it’s unique design, Hiplok is never locked into a loop while it is attached to your body, and it remains fully adjustable and quickly removable at all times when being worn.

Be seen, not hurt.

The bottom line is - the more visible you are to other road users, the safer you are. Thats why Hiplok is available with a large 3M reflective logo detail. The Hiplok is the only lock on the market to have reflective detailing to help make you more visible at dusk and at night - which is just another reason to wear it loud and proud.

Wear what you like when you ride.

A small lock in your back pocket is okay if you wear the right jeans everyday, and ride a certain type of bike. But what if you want to wear something else? Or want to ride another style of bike? Hiplok’s design gives you the freedom to wear any clothes and ride any type of bike in comfort. Oh, and did we mention the locking circumference? Your locking options are far greater with a chain compared to a D-lock.

Ride your bike with your style

With Hiplok there’s no need to attach or hang a lock to your bike while you’re riding, meaning you don’t spoil the clean lines of your machine, or scratch your frame. And should you need to carry your bike up a flight of stairs or bunny hop a high curb, the fact that you don’t have your lock on your bike makes it lighter and easier to maneuver also.

Urban Bike Race, Every City Should Have One!

Every major city should have one, this would be great in New York City or even San Fran. What a blast!

Bike Air Case

For those about to bike, we salute you. When you have to pack up your two wheels for a trip before you hit the road, however, Biknd's helium case will keep your prized cycle in mint condition. Its use of ultra-lightweight materials and clever engineering—it opens up completely flat for easy loading and the sides inflate for extra protection—makes it a trustworthy piece of luggage that will put your mind at ease when you're on the go.

Read more: Biknd's

Oh, how sweet it is, Gary Fisher's first Road Bike. Cronus

This is sweet and oh so gorgeous. $2,629.00

Frame
Fisher carbon frame, size- specific layup, E2 integrated headset, BB 90 integrated bottom bracket, asymmetric tube shapes, hidden fender mounts

Wheels
Bontrager Race FCC, wider and taller flanges, 25mm endcaps, outboard J-bend spokes, Bontrager Race Lite tires

Componentry
Shimano 105 front derailleur, Shimano 105 rear derailleur, Shimano 105 10spd shifters, Shimano FC-R600 crank, Promax RC-466A brakes

Fork
Bontrager carbon FCC

KING, Danny McAskill, Doing It Again!

What is left to say, Danny McAskill is a king on the bike. Really makes you want to just ride, smooth and natural. What a talent.

Biking on Ice, You Know You Want To!

Can't wait for it to freeze, it is getting close. Oh what fun you can have.

Armstrong's Bikes Raise $1.2 million!

Lance Armstrong is what brought cycling back to America. He leaves and goes away from the sport for 2 years and the response was felt by all, bike companies to cable TV. The guy is amazing he auctions his 7 Tour bikes and raises a whopping $1.2 million to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s cancer research, awareness, and advocacy programs.

The auction represented the culmination of STAGES, a global art exhibition designed to raise both funds and awareness for cancer research, treatment, and prevention. Over 20 renowned artists devoted their expertise and created unique artwork to be showcased and ultimately auctioned off to benefit Armstrong’s cancer‐fighting foundation, LiveStrong.

As part of STAGES, Trek, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Nike and some of the most recognized and influential contemporary artists teamed up to create a unique collection of bicycles that "blur the lines separating art, culture, and technology." Armstrong raced the eye‐catching Trek Madone, TTX and Speed Concept bikes throughout his 2009 return to professional cycling.

Armstrong's Custom Bikes

Every major events brings out the best in people and products, so this should not be a surprise that Lance would be an exception. The time trial showed us a new bike, the opening of the Tour gave us another, but what is to happen when he gets the yellow. We have seen many bike changes and color schemes from Lance, from glasses to gear, the major release it yet to come. Just go to trek Bikes to see some of the latest. Already released is the Cancellara’s Specialized Tarmac SL3 yellow bike, you know that Lance will not be outdone. So in short Lance get the jersey already the suspense is killing us.

iBikePak

One device and one holder, iBikePak hss made the one device mantra a possibility.

The pack is great, and has storage like a Bento Box. Price $24.95, beats buying a new watch.

The iBikePak is an innovative way to interact with your iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry, and most other cell phones while you are literally riding your bike. We have heard and feel for you, and therefore, we dedicated our time and passion to bring you what you have been waiting for. Created by a true cyclist, we are proud to bring you the new 2009 iBikePak.

Solid Engineering / Solid Design

The iBikePak allows you, the user, to enjoy your cycling experience to the next level; while you take control of everything your mobile device has to offer you at the touch of your fingertips. The iBikePak allows you to take full advantage of your personal media of choice or apps, as well as your personal items, such as your keys, energy bars, wallet etc.

Mercedes Benz Road Bike

Here we go again first thanks for Carbon Fiber Gear for breaking this story and show ing the image.
So why do bike companies feel the need to build bikes, they barley can hang on with selling cars. MB USA tried this once before and not sure how well it did, this time a loaded SRAM red component set. If you have the money and can beat the 99 other people hoping in line to purchase a $9,000 MB bike have fun, it might help their bottom line.

A bill that creates fines for motorists who mistreat cyclists

So it seems that a bill was signed in Colorado that protects the rights of cyclist.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Gov. Bill Ritter plans to sign a bill here today aimed at protecting the rights of cyclists.
The measure (Senate Bill 148) requires that drivers give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing or risk a $110 ticket.
Anyone who throws an object at a cyclist could be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor. That carries a fine of between $250 and $1,000 and a possible sentence of three to 12 months in jail.
The bill was sponsored by a bipartisan pair of avid cyclists - Republican Sen. Greg Brophy and Democratic Rep. Mike Merrifield. It will take effect Aug. 5.

Now lets start to crack down on the cars that buzz cyclist.

Golden GT Bike, a great concept

Every sport should steal this concept, have a totally tricked out bike and the person who wins the race gets to use it at the next event, professionally set up and components replace. This would be great for the sport of Triathlons, since the bikes get quite expensive. Here is GT Bikes idea in a nut shell.

"Meet the GT Golden Bike. It’s light. It’s fast. It’s got the best frame and components anywhere. Oh, and did we mention it’s completely gold? Starting on April 19th, the Golden Bike will be up for grabs at races around the country. Win the race, win the bike. It’s that easy. But there’s a catch. Winning the Golden Bike means you have to defend it at the next Golden race. Don't worry, we'll cover your race fee, put you up in a hotel and fly you and a friend there. We'll also give you a GT Golden Race jersey and a $250 Sugoi gift certificate. But you’d better win or you’ll surrender the Golden Bike and all its glory to whoever does. With all that said, good luck winning the Golden Bike. You’ll need it."

So imagine a triathlon series like this, first you get a wetsuit or speed suit (golden of course) then a tricked out tri bike followed up with a sweet pair of running shoes and some price money of course. What a following you could get.

Just a thought way to go GT.

New Bike Racks, Make you think twice.

There are a lot of car bike rack companies, Thule, Rocky Mounts, Yakima, all work very well and have been in business a long time. Then one emerges as a little different and take what is good about those racks and rethinks it, Kuat Innovations has done that, making light (11 pounds), sturdy, quick, easy to fold up, and has functions built in (bike lock, hitch lock) that other don't. One of the best features is the ability to adjust based on the frame size and to clamp against the frame allowing a more sturdy carrying position.
hey bikes get updated yearly, maybe its time for your rack to get the same treatment.

Campaign for Bike Lockers

So as the weather warms and all are getting out more the big thing that is missing and keeping most of us from using our "high" end bikes more is safety. More places need bike lockers.

How many would pay a dollar to make sure their bike is really protected? Many.

Train station, parking garages, corporations, bus stations all need to be doing more to change the way we think. Make it a no-brainer to have to bike to work, the train, or store. Even being able to bring your bike on the train during peak hours needs to be considered.

So get on with it, demand your work install better bike lockers, write congress and have all train station install more lockers. get moving the warm weather is right around the corner.

Bike to Work Guide

Many things have change this year, the market has crashed, housing sucks but the best part of all is that more people are biking. With that more are biking to work, you should get familiar with they type of equipment you should have.
Biking to work can save someone loads of money and lots of calories - all the while, the earth, too. But bike-commuting isn't always easy - there are many things a rider needs to know to get to work on time, safely, and happily. Expert bikers Roni Sarig and Paul Dorn teach potential bikers the tips and tricks to traveling to and from work. From buying the right bike, to fueling the body, to road safety, this all-inclusive primer will get bikers on the road in no time. Whether someone is buying a first bike or is a bicycle enthusiast, this book will teach how to: buy the right equipment; pick a route; weather-proof the ride; maintain the bike; follow traffic laws and ride safely; and enjoy the experience! Like a roadmap for the future, this guide teaches bikers how to make a difference in their bodies, wallets, and communities - and get to work - today.

Cyclocross, off season fun and training!

THE MOST FUN YOU WILL HAVE OUTSIDE OF RIDDING YOUR TRI BIKE. Cyclocross is amazing, getting the best of both worlds, road biking with the ability to go anywhere. Mountain bike trails, fire trails, roads it is fun. If most of you hate when the season comes to the end, extend the season and get a Cyclocross bike. Races seems to start in August and run into the new year depending on your region. Means you are not stuck inside on a trainer. Here is the racing calendar and the Mercer Cup a US Grad Prix is sure to be great.

"The second weekend of the USGP of Cyclocross returns to Mercer County Park on November 16th and 17th where the racers are sure to face windy, challenging conditions and deep fields from the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic cross scene.

Once again Clif Bar will present it's Kids' Cross Clinic featuring the Clif Bar athletes at the race venue. We follow that up with a Race Number Presentation taking place at Knapp's Cyclery from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. It's a great chance to meet your favorite Pro and check out some great gear at the same time!"

If you are looking for a second training bike or even a third bike the use that a cyclocross bike will give you will extend many years. Even if you buy a second set of wheels and turn your training bike into a CX bike in the off season you will not be disappointed.

Wheeltags, simply brilliant!

What a way to break the seriousness of training and racing. Wheeltags is a great concept simple yet functional. Wheeltags, are stickers that affix to your black deep dish rims, series one for the spring consists of 13 different tags, plus you can choose custom, where the sky is the limit.

Weekend warriors and pro-teams alike deserve the right to speak their own rim-minds.
Change colors, add corporate logos, drop in text or get your monogram on, the rims are the only limit to your ideas, dreams and marketing needs.
Whatever your motivation may be, the wheeltags custom process is easy, painless and most rewarding.

"Wheeltags are stylized wheel signatures for your cycling personae. Celebrating the power of self-expression with bold colors and vibrant designs, 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."
Great...

What it Takes, Film

This is a old film but one that will get you inspired to go train. It really show how and what it really take, what a elite Triahlete gives up. This year 2007 was a break out year for triahtlons, money was being made, USA Traithlon indicated their best year yet. So looking back 2006 really showed how far the sport has come in the last couple years.

What It Takes" follows 4 world-class triathletes around for a year, as they prepare for the world championships in October, 2005.

"At the very top end of the sport, there's a large pool of very good athletes. The physical differences between those athletes are minimal. The people that win are different due to character. That's the #1 thing I look for."
- Murphy Reinschreiber, Agent, PCH Sports

Now get it and get inspired.