Since it’s been at least 10 years since I rode at night, I couldn’t really remember what it was like. It’s fun. Light technology has come so far it’s a totally different experience. Back then I had to watch the clock both when charging the light and riding.

When I won the light at Fools Gold my first thought was to sell it on eBay, but I’m really glad I kept it.

Here’s a short video going up the brick hill at Overstreet. Funny at the end when Tim says, “Go ahead, I’m hanging back my bike’s coming apart”.

The 09 is a major design change. Shock is in the front triangle now. Only one bottle cage. I guess they were the last of the big box manufacturers that had 2 bottle cages on a dual suspension after the Scalpel changed this year. Orbea still uses the old Scalpel design but are they big box? I liked the old Scalpel design. I would like a 22lb dual suspension bike.

EDIT: Here are some nice pics of Sauser’s Epic.

SHAZBOT!!! It figures that as soon as I make a huge investment into Powertaps for the mtb and road/cross bike(s) powertap decides to support the open ANT+ wireless format. That means you’ll be able to get PT data into your Garmin.

Yeah, I got one for the MTB. I’m addicted to the data!

In constant woot off mode. Check it out.

George Hincapie was riding an aluminum steerer in the 06 Paris-Roubaix when there was a catastrophic failure. After seeing this video I definitely don’t want carbon.

My cranium is an important part of my body. As frugal as I am, I try not to skimp in the helmet department. That said, $225 for a bike helmet is pretty dang pricey.

What makes a helmet worth $225? It’s not an issue of protection since all of the stylish helmets these days meet CPSC standards. Some helmets meet the SNELL standard, which provides more protection, but usually less stylish and since looking good on the bike is of utmost importance the SNELL standard is out.

$225 get’s you ventilation? Giro seems to be selling the Ionos on it’s ventilation qualities. It’s got $35 worth of (or 15% more) ventilation over Giro’s own Atmos. Currently I’m wearing a Trek Sonic, which retails for around $80, and it’s got some nice big air channels flowing over my head. Besides, a short haircut would do a lot more for ventilation. Just look at the Wrecking Ball, you can barely see his helmet through all that hair coming through the vents, his cranial temperature consistently runs 101F… or maybe it’s because he’s Irish.

$225 get’s you comfort? This could be, but I wouldn’t know since I’ve never had a $225 helmet on my head. I would probably spend $225 on a helmet if it felt like I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I wore it. Really light and snug without pressure points. That’s worth it.

$225 get’s you big style points? Bingo! Let’s be honest, you’re wearing a $225 helmet because that’s what the Pro Tour riders are wearing and you’ve got $225 burning a hole in your pocket. You want to look as good as George Hincapie. I’ll admit he’s awful pretty, but the odds of looking as good as George are slim. Even with a sexy helmet.

Personally, if I’m gonna spend $225 on an Ionos I want some gold leaf and some jewels. Something like this but more gold and more diamonds.