Dustyn moving a rock at Elena Gallegos at the team’s fall trailwork day.
Today I got to ride the new Carbon (bling) 29′r (bling) from Specialized (BLING) with SRAM XX (Bling) and the RockShox Reba (bling). This bike was spec’d to a T with high-end, ultra smooth looking and working components. It’s the kind of bike that inspires the kind of lust that could make you buy without riding it first. At 20.5lbs and the Roval Control EL wheelset (1750g) the weight penalty of the bigger hoops has been cut down to competitive. The Avid brakes are some of the best I’ve ever squeezed and the 2×10 XX group was great.
Here’s my impression of the bike: it climbed very well, much better than expected. Giving up 225g in the wheelset to my current 26″ XTR hoops had me expecting to notice it right away. The handling was good and the front 29′r wheel sticks really well. The front end was set up too low for my taste; it needed a +5deg rise stem instead of the -5 that is stock and that’s an easy fix. Riser bars would’ve been a good upgrade as well. It’s easy to see why so many riders love the bigger wheels, they roll over the rough stuff smoothly (keep in mind this is a hardtail review), and the contact patch really does make a difference in the front cornering traction. Elena Gallegos has decomposed granite that makes cornering a drift affair and that was cut down on the bigger wheels.
If I were a hardtail rider looking for an upgrade from my 26′r… I’d snatch this bike in a second for the rolling XC courses like those we often see here in NM. I’d also buy this bike if I could have two XC race bikes (a full suspension S-Works Epic and this 29′r).
I wouldn’t recommend this bike for the full suspension riders who love to jump/ramp trail features, and really love full suspension and the smooth ride it gives in the roughest stuff.
The bike is fast and the weight penalty compared to a 26′r has been minimized, making it a serious contender on the smoother rolling courses. The jury is still out on the steeps and the tight stuff…maybe that test ride will happen this spring. Until then I’ll be enjoying the amazing speed of the S-Works Epic with full suspension!
Damian
The generosity of our team sponsors enabled us to sponsor the 2009 BARR with Series Champion jerseys and they are in! Please drop into the Sport Systems bike shop and pick them up.
The 2009 Best All-around Road Racing Series winners are:
Tanya Bettis – Cat 1/2 Women
Mindy Caruso – Cat 3 Women
Stacey Nenninger – Cat 4 Women
Yours truly - Cat 1/2 Men
Mike Warren – Cat 3 Men
Bill Dahl – Cat 4/5 Men
Congrats on your performance throughout the 2009 season and best of luck in 2010!
Cheers,
Damian Calvert
www.mountaintopcycling.com
Team Director
This class Southwest Sports Institute is hosting off-season strength training for endurance athletes. They have a periodized program that will enhance core strength, stability, balance, strength and power for the upcoming season. Last year’s class was a great success and many racers had their best season.
Damian Calvert qouted
NM Road Race/Mountain Bike Series and State Champion Road Race/Mountain Bike Champion
“The benefits of training at SWSI were stronger hips/legs, and dynamic core strength that specifically made me stronger as a cyclist. As a competitive road and mountain cyclist I can very easily gauge my fitness gains by the results. 2009 was my most successful season in a successful 16 year career.”
The classes are on Monday mornings at 6:00 am and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm, they last approximately 55 minutes. The price is 8 classes for $120+tax. If there is enough interest we will add more classes either in the mornings or the evenings. If you have any questions please contact Lawrence Herrera at 505-699-3932 or lawrence@swsinm.com