Japan is proving easier to crack. I expect we'll have a presence there in a year, two max.

Yeah, its not too complicated. Personally, I like being able to buy nice bikes and gear for super cheap. This is an expensive hobby, and it helps. And, I like the club having a little extra cash on hand to help us pay for things like better forum and web hosting and so on.  

Nueva tigon is rocking a carbon tubular sale. http://www.neuvationcycling.com/product-list/neuvation-wheels-1321/carbon-1266/ Use our kissenateam discount code for $677 for 50mm wide rim tubulars!

eragot said:

Nueva tigon is rocking a carbon tubular sale. http://www.neuvationcycling.com/product-list/neuvation-wheels-1321/carbon-1266/ Use our kissenateam discount code for $677 for 50mm wide rim tubulars!

For those who don't know, "Nueva tigon" is Ragot for "Neuvation"

It's iPad for neuvation!

Quick question re Cycleops sponsorship deal...when I logged onto the site, their Joule GPS was not listed, and yet it's on their general consumer site. Does this mean that the Joule GPS is not eligible for the 25% discount?

Probably. You can try to call and ask.

So, Hotlist, what C-dale did you end up ordering after that vigorous carbon v. aluminum debate? That was a classic way for the club to kick off the new year btw. I think it means seven years of luck (from a laterally rigid but vertically compliant standpoint) or something.

I'm headed out to pick up my EVO red- yes - that's after swearing I'd never buy another carbon bike. I am what I despise.

@Joaquin. Oh, thanks for asking!

It's nice to have so many opinions to bat-around in my head from the such an active and big club with a wide variety of experiences. I've been racing a long time, but I never really made space in my head for the equipment side of things the way folks like JP and other have. It's nice to know we've got expertise out there in a lot of diff't areas.

Anyway, I ended up selecting the more affordable CAAD10 with Ultegra. I'm a carbon lover, but in the back of my head, I want to upgrade my power measuring abilities, and since I'm going to be challenging all kinds of JPs (J. Powers, J. Page, J.P) next year when I turn into a pro cyclocrosser, I'm kind of dreaming of a full-tilt boogie or something too.

Even though I will always spend most of my time on my road bike, and as such, it makes most sense to get the best road bike I could afford, I really feel like cross has become such a great family-rich time, that at some point it would be nice to have a bike that matches my time/effort put into the sport. Although, jankity as I am, I do enjoy my "Franken-bike" of sorts. And seeing how I "J-Powed" the last few weeks of my season, I might not deserve me some full-tilt action...but I want to leave room for the possibility if the legs and bank account are willing and come this fall. And the bank account never would have, if I picked up a $3000 road bike.

So really, it was more of a practical, dollars and "sense" decision. (Plus, I happen to like the black-n-white paint schemes of the CAAD 10 Ultegras better than any of the other looks)

Bertucco

you've joined the Black CAAD 10 Club! welcome to the darkside. Also it will be awesome to see you with 10 speeds.

Yeah I was looking at the black CAAD 10 at RB just now. They do look good; although I don't like the "10" on the top tube.

without pictures...it never happened...

I have used the Cycelops sponsorship to purchase a power cal....power guess-imator.  Hoping I get consistent #'s for longer efforts.  Will compare values against my computrainer when it arrives.  

Is the Lake shoe deal never more?  Shimano shoes in the wide width will not be available till the end of March.....soooo  thinking of trying some Lakes.  yack

Yeah no Lake deal. RB has Lake I think you could at least get that discount.

@Yacks
RB has a limited selection of Lakes given that their US distributor imploded last year. Too bad cause I like their fit.

You may get lucky - cant hurt to call ahead to see what sizes and models RB has. If they don't have what you need you may want to get some from across the pond. Lakes seem to be more easily available in the UK if you want to order via Wiggle.

I have a pair of slightly used Giro Prolight SLX 45 white shoes that I'd probably sell for cheap if someone is interested. Just don't fit me well.

@Patrick & Yacks- I like the fit of Lakes as well They apparently have a new Canadian distributor for N.A..  Colorado Cyclist has the full line again.  A few of the models were on sale recently, but the fanciest ones (cx 401) are crazy expensive.

Jeff, what size are the Giro shoes?

Those Lake shoes are awesome because they make a 4 hole speedplay version so you don't have to put an adapter between the cleat and the sole. It puts you really close to the spindle and makes for a great connection to the pedal.

45 on the giros (US 11).

But they fit closer to my specialized 44.5

Which is like Mavic 45.5

And Sidi 45....

I love standards!

Hey who's our best team contact with Van Dessel? Private message me if you are like best buds with Edwin Bull.

I just called the non toll-free number and asked to talk to Edwin. I think I got lucky that he was in town that day, but we had a good chat. I also approached him at a couple of 'cross races and he is totally approachable. Now that 'cross season is over, he will probably be in town more regularly.

FWIW he did confirm with me recently that they are still offering us 35% off.

Saw him at CX worlds. Asked what derailleur hanger to et for my Gina nd Trombones. He too me in th ebus and gave me two. Nice on his part.

Who is our actual contact at PowerTap? I attempted to use the generic "contact us" info provided on our special website, and I got a non-answer (we don't know about which products they may or may not offer, we just fulfill the orders) from the folks who run that site in a state not known for Cheese and recall elections.

I now also have a question about a sale promotion they are offering on "power packages," that, near as I can tell, give you a free Joule GPS unit with any PT wheelset purchase. Do we get to use our discount off the sale priced packages?

And if yes, how do we order it and/or other products not on the special team site?

Marc, you know about as much as I do. All I know is we can use the discount code on that site. There is no other agreement.

marc...check out Par Grehan's powertap fire sale