As For Your Feet...

Do you find that taking your cycling shoes off after a ride provides a bit of relief to your feet? It could be that your feet swelled during the ride and suddenly, as you loosen the straps to your shoes you can feel the blood circulating better, or your toes suddenly have room to move and the numbness dissipates. Perhaps when you take your socks off you can clearly see an imprint of the tongue of your shoe on the top of your foot? Perhaps you have hotspots during your ride?

I know....you're thinking about how much you actually spent on those super fancy Italian cycling shoes, thinking you were getting the best money could buy. Well, you were...minus one key factor.

I am always stunned at shoe manufacturers. For $200 to $500 you get a beautiful and highly engineered shoe. Well thought out closures, amazing leather uppers and a sleek design. You can even pick your color. The basic premise of the cycling shoe, power transfer, is acheived through either a carbon fiber or hardened plastic sole. But whats between that sole and your foot? Ever pull the insole out that came with the shoe? Theres not much beyond a space for the manufacturer to place their branding stamp. A flimsy piece of thin foam that somewhat appears oddly out of place compared to the quality of shoe you bought.

Have no fear.....cyclists are finally starting to figure out what skiiers have known for years. The shoe, regardless of how nice and pretty and costly, is only as good as the contact it provides with your foot. If you've ever bought a pair of ski boots you know that the first step is to get insoles made. Well.....its the same premise for cycling shoes. Take nothing away from the shoes you bought....they are very high quality and, compared to shoes of yester year, are being made with more and more engineering and thought and are truely an integral piece of equipment to your fit and cycling comfort. To complete the shoe purchase, and make your little footsies feel super comfy, you need the correct insoles. And when I say correct, I mean custom.

The good people at Conformables have come up with a custom cycling insole that I've ridden and raced on for years. I just don't ride without them, minus a cross ride I took out of town and forgot to bring them with.....which is an experience I've yet to repeat. (that is a story for another time) The insoles themselves are 100% custom, with every square millimeter customized to your foot. An extra layer of material in the instep and arch provides extra support and even a nice heel cup is formed to keep your foot snug and stable.

What do they feel like? Well....in the words of most customers "I don't feel anything." Exactly the point. No noticeable hot spots, no pain in the metatarsal area, no lateral pronation, nothing. Just solid, even, continual contact with the sole of the shoe, distributing your weight and force evenly throughout the shoe.

The process takes only a few minutes and is what I call "low tech, high concept". As you stand on two individual silica footbeds an impression of your foot is vacuumed. Underneath the unit your insoles are being cooked up just so, becoming maliable. They're then placed within the impression your feet left and then you stand atop them as they cool to form your insole. Simple but extremely well thought out and highly effective. The insoles can be moved from one shoe to the next provided the sizing is close enough, making them multi-functional.

Scott and I discussed an insole solution during our first meeting, before I was brought on. I explained how integral they were to a fit and my personal fit philosophy of total comfort. He didn't need to be sold on the idea but wanted a system that was second to none. Studio Velo is happy to provide these insoles for our customers. For those whom I've worked with you know I am the softest sell you'll ever find. I'm definately not a "closer" and would be ill advised to work on commission. However, these insoles are something I recommend for everyone who rides a bike. Most everyone I've set up with these insoles agree its the best value for their money they've spent on any bike equipment or schwag. No, they're not sexy shorts or the next uber-eyewear. You can't even see them but you feel them on every pedal stroke.

The cost of the insoles is $150. If you choose to bundle the insole purchase with a bikefit the cost is $125. As an introductory offer to Studio Velo Club Members only you can purchase them for $125 ala carte. The appointments take about 20 minutes.

And yes....I just cooked up a pair for Scott and Chris yesterday and they have already ridden on them and love 'em. Tammy has had a few pairs for years and also gives them an a huge thumbs up.

All the best.

Paul

paul@studiovelomv.com

The Gear: Road Tested -- Cyfac Gothica CS

As previously mentioned, today's post reflects back on some of the incredible gear used and demo'd over in Spain this summer. Whether a Biknd travel case, a set of Fulcrum tubeless wheels, or our very own fleet of Cyfac demo bikes, we were well equipped for a great month of riding in Spain.

Before we review some of this gear, we thought it would be fun to share a client's experience with his very own factory delivered, custom built Cyfac bicycle that awaited him at the estate during the second week.

..................................

My new Cyfac - as satisfying as writing about my new Porsche. Not that I have owned one of later recently (but driven many, another story]. On second thought, owning a Cyfac is better, as it costs considerably less than a Porsche while still providing maximum performance in a gorgeous package. Besides you can't spend 10 hours a week pushing your Porsche to the limits.


My first encounter with the Cyfac brand came only 18 months ago, at one of StudioVelo's debut festivities at D'Angelo Restaurant in Mill Valley, where Scott had show and tell, with a number of Cyfac's on display and a speaker, Cycfac owner Eric Sakalowsky, giving the inside story. The bikes were delightfully alluring, more so than any other carbon frame I had laid eyes on before. I was taken with Eric's passion for bikes and for the company he has revived. His Powerpoint on the Cyfac production process revealed the incredible personal interest level at the 'factory' that everyone employed there has - so many bikes being built have a name already attached to it. I thought to myself that night, "that's how I want my next bike". Having owned steel, aluminum, and titanium road bikes and already having a totally custom Paul Taylor I desired something hand-made (laid?) and 100% woven.

I also left that night with a fantasy of taking a European delivery of a bike and riding in France (Cyfac offers factory delivery) not realizing that 16 months later I would do so. I didn't get the factory tour or that ride around the Loire Valley, but what I got instead was even better - 7 days in Spain, with over 30 hours spent aboard my new Cyfac Gothica, racking up 365 miles, 32,000 feet of climbing and burning 12,486 calories of high octane Spanish food.

Muchísimos gracias to Scott, Colin and Chris that upon my arrival at the estate in Fontcoaberta, Catalonia, the Cyfac was dialed in - it was as if pulling on a custom suit, it fit like the proverbial glove. At 16 pounds, six ounces this little girl can climb, without flex, in or out of the pedals she responds, and the kilometers were superb, in spite of a much firmer Selle Italia saddle - I had brought my WTB seat from my Taylor, just in case, but no need, she was comfortable on the longest rides.

aa
Downhill, she goes where pointed, without drama, inspiring only confidence - this was particularly so on the velvet smooth Spanish roads we had the pleasure to ride on. So I've waxed prosaic on the riding qualities of the Cyfac, and rightfully so, as that's the essence of the experience, but the Cyfac is also a looker; svelte, curvaceous, the color and finish so smooth as to invite tactile contact. What a dance partner! I think many of the other StudioVelo riders in Spain left with similar feelings having had a week with an array of Cyfacs SV had available to rent, I know already that we have a new Absolu in our peloton.

The only bummer about my purchase? Having to wait 4 weeks for her to come to Mill Valley, but as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and this past weekend we were reunited - 100 miles later I'm still in love and expect to be for a long time.

By: Chas B

Cooking in Spain: The Food

I thought I would start this 5-part series on our Spanish Adventure with a recap from our Chef on the Food. No doubt more of you are interested in what we ate than anything else we did. The food was by far and away the highlight of our trip. Not every adventure comes with a private chef, but ours did!

By: Chris Dressick

===================================


As I was boarding the plane in Barcelona I walked by a small coffee stand on my way to the gate. As I got about one hundred feet past it I realized that that coffee stand holds my very last Café Cortado. Deep sadness fell upon me at that moment. Well, I walked back and got in line. And even though it was airport coffee, it was still far better than most coffees I have had at so-called “Gourmet” shops domestically. For the next ten hours I had plenty of time to ponder this, as I was unable to sleep a whole lot. So is it the beans that make the difference, the machine or the barista?! Or is it the love!



As I look back on my month long experience in Spain and think of the countless markets I shopped at, the cured meats I tasted and restaurants I was fortunate enough to dine at, the picture becomes clear. One word pretty much sums it all up for me. Love. Love of food. Love of the land. Love of the culture. Love of cooking. I think the respect and appreciation that goes into the growing and producing of foods in Catalunya trickles all the way down to the dishes we ate in the restaurants or the basic ingredients I started with in the Estate kitchen. I was even able to put together a last minute lunch for the Purple Patch crew of the forth week at the base of Vallter. A quick lunch on the road in a town with less inhabitants than the riders themselves.

Yes, that’s right the “Estate kitchen”. It has an almost magical sound to it. Almost as magical as the Estate and countryside were themselves. Having the opportunity to go to markets and shop for fabulously local grown produce that is in season and ripe was awesome. Here in the U.S. I take for granted that we can buy whatever we want year round. Doesn’t always taste good but we can buy it. In Catalunya, not so much. The markets had what was fresh, in season, and just picked. Let me be the first to say that the taste was amazing! It was like tasting an orange or tomato again for the very first time! You just don’t get to experience that sort of thing very often in life.

Let’s talk meat!!! Jamon Iberico! Oh yeah!!! This was possibly my favorite part. Tasting our way through several different kinds of ham (i.e. Spanish style prosciutto). There are dozens of varieties but they are especially tasty when the “Iberico” is attached to the title. So we had Jamon Serrano Iberico, Jamon Iberico, Jamon Pata Negra Iberico. All were from pigs that dined on acorns! The taste was unreal! Between the Jamons, fresh crunchy bread, local goat cheeses
and wine, who needs anything else? Ok, coffee maybe.

Let us not forget the countless other types of sausages we ate. Fresh, Semi-Cured, Extra Hard Cured, the varieties were endless and all delicious. The Chorizo Iberico was out of this world! Mexican Chorizo move over and take a lesson from a Catalunyan sausage maker! We had sausage for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I personally just couldn’t get enough. So many varieties and all so different and tasty.





Other meats I prepared like the farm fresh chicken and local rabbits and beef were all very unique in their taste and tenderness. Why? Diet perhaps?! Stress level of the animal?! I don’t have the answer but I can tell you that the flavor of everything I consumed was delicious. Maybe it’s back to the love. Food is grown and raised locally, and consumed locally. Know your farmer!

Who said the Mediterranean was dirty?!?! All I know is that some of the most flavorful seafood on the planet comes from that beautiful body of water! Clams, mussels, Langoustine, Shrimp, Sepia, Ponga, whitefish it was all a tasty treat!


What can I say, I could talk all day about how great and delicious the food was, and to work with these ingredients and prepare a massive spread nightly was about as fun as it gets. Using great ingredients, cooking tasty meals for a group of ravenous cyclists, popping corks and having a great time. It doesn’t get any better! Oh wait, it does. I was privileged enough to drive SAG each week for our awesome guests! How can that be fun you ask?! I ask you, Have you every driven over one thousand miles in the Spanish countryside? It was gorgeous!!! Hills, castles, valleys, walled cities, beaches, monasteries, restaurants, THE Pyrenees!!!


And, in each area the group rode through I tried to find local food produce there. Be it cheese, sausages, mushrooms, wine, etc. What a cool experience. Now that is cooking locally. I drank coffee out on the road every day for thirty days. In that time, including my last Cortado at the airport, I had one bad coffee. One folks, one. To me it shows a culture steeped in history that is proud of who they are and what they do. From the produce farmers, to the butchers I talked to and the ladies at the supermarkets working the meat and fish counters. It doesn’t matter what the job at hand is, it will be done as best as is possible. In Catalunya food is a way of life, it is consumed everyday just as it is here but it is that love and pride for what they do that adds to the finished product. Speaking of love, let’s not forget the killer Spanish wines! Oh yeah! Tinto de verano is my new love. I am going to start making T-shirts that read: Got Cassera?

Well, on a finishing note of my rant of how awesome my job was for one month, thank you. Thank you to all the guests that enjoyed my food as much as I enjoyed preparing it. I am so happy I got to meet each and every one of you. After all, it’s all about the love! Bon Dia !!! Chris a.k.a. Ritchie Dressick

Studio Velo’s Girona Adventure – A reflection

It's hard to believe it has been over 3 weeks since my return from Studio Velo's Girona riding adventure. 4 weeks, 4 great riding groups, world class food and accommodations bring back such fine memories of our time aboard.

Back in the shop reminiscing with many a client who came to Spain, I thought it would be fun to reflect on the month’s happenings and to share with the rest of the Studio Velo community our stories from Spain (well, not all of them, right? What happens in Spain…).

Over the next 5 days, I will be posting a 5-part series about our Girona Adventure. Too busy to blog while on the trip, I wanted to recap some of the trips' highlights. After all, I think everyone should have a taste of what our Studio Velo Adventures have to offer.

This report will include:

The Gear:
- Cyfac Bicycles. For the course of the month, we were provided six (6) Cyfac demo bikes for our clients to test and demo. In addition, a few special clients purchased Cyfac bikes that were delivered direct from the French factory to our estate. In addition to a report on the Cyfac brand, I will review a few key bike parts/accessories that made our riding lives in Spain so seamless and fun. More about Fulcrum tubeless wheels, Capo & Rapha clothing, and a very special IF 953.






The Food:
- The highlight of the trip. Day and night, we ate like kings and queens. There is nothing like having a private chef on site for just about every meal. When we didn’t eat at the estate, we had very memorable meals at rural, local restaurants where if you didn’t know Catalan or at the very least Spanish, it was like shooting in the dark at order time. Many photos and a recipe or two from our Chef himself.






The Rides:
- Epic. Don’t you hate that word? Well, when the day is 200kms and well over 12k feet of climbing and it’s only one of your 7 days in Spain, I think the word has its place. We rode each and every day over and through some of Spain’s finest roads. The climb to Vallter, the ride to France and back in a day, the coastal TdF stage from Girona to Tossa de mar, and the epic day up Mare de Deu del Mont, are to name a few of our favorite rides. We will share a few great stories and routes that even to this day make me dream of Spain as I ride up our favorite local routes around Tam.






The Estate & Surrounding Areas:
- The countryside of Catalunya, in particular the parts north of Girona, is unforgettable. And when your estate is smack in the middle of some of Europe’s finest roads, life is good. I will share some of our great photos of the roads, climbs, beaches and countryside restaurants.






The People:
- Riding with a group of highly motivated riders is a terrific experience. I cherish some very memorable moments on the road. Chris, Colin, myself and Matt Dixon during our forth week, had a chance to witness some terrific riding. As part of the entire experience, it is worth recapping some the great personal accomplishments along w/ the ride details themselves.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Grand Opening of Studio Velo – Women, a Women-Specific Cycling Store, Is set for July 23


MILL VALLEY, CA - July 23, 2010. - - Today, Northern California’s premier cycling retailer, Studio Velo, announced that the Grand Opening of Studio Velo – Women (SVW), the Bay Area’s first women’s specific cycling boutique, is set for Friday, July 23, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. All in the community are invited to the Grand Opening (see address below), and women are invited to a women’s only group ride on Saturday, July 24th departing at 8:00 am from Studio Velo.

Studio Velo – Women, a separate store from Studio Velo, offers a full array of cycling-specific apparel, bicycles, nutrition and accessories for women of all ages and abilities. Founded on the principles of supporting the local community and female cyclists with weekly group rides, clinics and cycling trips, SVW brings a new level of professionalism, personality and fun to women’s cycling.

“I’ve been riding for a couple of years and noticed a void in the industry for female cyclists from the start,” said Tammy Scott, SVW’s Retail & Program Manager. Studio Velo – Women fills that void by providing a fun, safe and non-intimidating environment where women cyclists can get all their needs met and questions answered and be a part of a larger cycling community.”

“Only by opening a shop dedicated to women can we – as cycling retailers -- reach, understand, and enrich a women’s cycling experience,” added Studio Velo’ s founder, Scott Penzarella. “We have created an environment in the shop where existing and new women clients can work with Tammy, a retail professional and accomplished cyclist, to receive the same level of professionalism and creativity as in the men’s store.”

Both Studio Velo and Studio Velo – Women are located at 247 Shoreline Highway in Mill Valley, CA. Studio Velo, formally Bike Rx, has been serving the cycling community since 2003. Business hours are Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sundays 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. For information call 415-407-8960 or online at www.studiovelomv.com.

The Holy Trinity: Cyclist – Studio Velo – Guru

Any cyclist can walk into any bike shop and be sold a bike that fits them okay. They may ride this bike for years and think that it’s pretty good, but it will always fit “just okay”. Stems, saddles, bars, bar tape, forks, wheels, seatposts can all be swapped out to arrive at a more comfortable riding position, but with Guru, we achieve your perfect position from the outset. This is why selling custom bicycles requires a different retail perspective. When the exact size and color of a frame isn’t on the sales floor, it takes a unique bunch of passionate cyclists to present all the benefits and fine details of each frame to a potential buyer. Studio Velo understands that just okay is never good enough and for this reason Studio Velo has made Guru a key part of their product mix. A factor that has made the Studio Velo/Guru relationship so successful this year is… me. Just kidding, it’s Bicycling Magazine’s pick for Dream bike of the Year, the Guru Photon.



The mandate when designing this bike was simple. Build the world’s lightest production frame. Not only did we succeed in this, but we have also built a frame that sacrifices no ride quality in doing so. Often super light frames can feel like a noodle and do not inspire confidence when descending or throwing the bike into a fast corner. When you combine light weight, custom geometry and a stiff chassis (aided by the Edge 1.0 stock fork) you get a bike that does everything and sacrifices nothing. An achievement in and of itself for Guru was hearing that with the pick of any brand they carry, three key members of the Studio Velo staff purchased Guru Photons for themselves!

I had the chance to speak with a SV customer a week ago as he had some questions on the Photon he was buying. “I need Guru to build me a frame that will take me from an extreme enthusiast to a threat in the local race scene.” Studio Velo and I spoke at length about this customer and his bike geometry; the final result will prove to be exactly what he asked for. What is important for all Studio Velo customers to know is that this back and forth between Studio Velo and Guru is the case for every Guru they sell. I speak with Chris, Colin, Ian, or Scott at least once a day and more often it’s several times a day and I am constantly amazed with the commitment they have to perfection for each and every customer. From start to finish, each frameset that they help deliver has been scrutinized, discussed, troubleshot, double checked and babied as they are passionate about delivering the perfect frame each time. As such, I thought I would shed some light on the process at Guru that goes into creating your frame.

Once the initial consultation and fitting has been conducted, Studio Velo sends us a synopsis of the customer’s body measurements, current bicycle information, likes and dislikes for their current ride, and what their cycling goals may be, or other unique information regarding flexibility, riding ability, terrain most commonly ridden, and anything else that could affect the proposed geometry.

From here, we generate an initial drawing that reflects the parameters that have been provided. Guru takes into consideration the unique riding characteristics, rider ability levels, rider flexibility, any injuries, the general terrain and intended uses of the bike. We then send two drawings to Studio Velo; one that indicates the frame’s geometry (seat angle, head angle, top tube length, seat tube length, slope, head tube height, bb drop, the front center measurement, and wheelbase.) and a second that represents the rider’s position on the frame. This is followed up by a conversation with Studio Velo to identify any areas that need to be changed prior to the customer returning to the shop to confirm the position.



Once Guru and Studio Velo are on the same page with how to proceed with the frame, the customer returns to Studio Velo and the proposed bicycle is replicated on the fit bike. The customer then mounts the fit bike to confirm the fit. At this time some minor changes may be made, paint selection is confirmed and the order is submitted and Guru builds a custom world-class frameset in 4-6 weeks.

I feel honored that Studio Velo allows me to get as invested as they do in each and every Guru frameset that they deliver. I look forward to all the other fits, stories, challenges, and frames to come.

Best Regards,
Josh Novis
Guru Cycles

"Fish" out of Water

" Fish out of Water" you ask? Isn't it " A Fish out of Water?"

A long-time, very loyal and super cool client came to us recently for a new road bike. His 10+year old steel frame has served him well but being one of the cool kids on the block, Tom was ready to buy a modern "racing machine" like some of his friends. Of course he wanted a carbon bike. Doesn't everyone?

At 6,6" and built like a solid stone, Tom is a strong and a tremendously gifted athlete. He wanted a performance-oriented bike, a bike that would climb well yet be stable on the descents and fast on the corners of Tam. Though he only for a moment wanted a carbon bike, it was clear he wanted a new version of his old bike: steel, solid, smooth and well fit. We suggested Independent Fabrications' SSR, the relatively new lightweight stainless steel frame that has been a common bike out of SV's doors these days. Fully custom, rock solid but plenty smooth, the SSR is one of the world's best steel frames.

Tom agreed to pursue a modern steel bike but had no idea how far into the 21st century did he come. Equipped with Shimano's Di2, a pair of sexy, bullet-proof Fulcrum Racing 1s (Tubeless of course) wheels, a carbon Time bar, Ritchey carbon stem and post, this SSR was like no other we have built. Light, smooth and big. Over 60cm TT, but well under 20lbs, this is a traditional man's return to glory on the open roads (rough roads that is) of Marin.



Tom and I road his maiden voyage this morning over to Muir Woods. We met at 7:30 and Tom was as anxious as a little boy on Christmas morning, waiting for me as if I was late ( I was not...:). He quickly got the formalities of the am out of the way and then practically attacked me up to 4 Corners. He asked" Is it easier to climb in the hoods w/ this new Time bar or on the top of the bar?" As I reached for a deep breath, I showed him how I like to climb and away we went.

Tom's smile and experience this morning was priceless to me. While he somewhat seemed out of his element with his new toy, he in reality seemed right at home. So, Fish out of Water, not really. But his name is Tom Fischer, sometimes known just as good old Fish around here. And to me, seeing a fully grown man so utterly happy today, was like a Fish out of Water, put back in...



Scott


Passion - Precision - Performance

2010 Rapha Gentleman's Race Contest

Are you made for the team?

Chris H thinks he is ready. Are you?

See his hilarious blog post below:

http://hobbanero.blogspot.com/2010/07/top-10-reasons-i-should-make-rapha.html

Lazer Tardiz TT Helmet

For those who do enough "race of truths" to warrant a true time trial lid but don't want to break the bank Lazer offers what may be the perfect solution. Studio Velo began stocking these not long ago and they have created quite the buzz among our customers. Below is a review of the helmet from VeloNews.


The Clothesline – Lazer Tardiz time trial helmet – $180
by Zack Vestal
June 23, 2010
Comments

*The Clothes Line is an occasional column about clothing, shoes, helmets, and other accessories we’ve encountered. Clothing is possibly the most personal of all gear choices: two riders can try the same jersey and come back with completely different opinions. This is not meant as an extensive review (as in, worn until threadbare), but we simply hope to ride these products for as long as possible and report back on the basic fit and features. We hope you find it helpful.


Dimples on the short tail are meant to minimize aerodynamic drag.


After a few months of uncertainty as to whether or not the promoters would continue to run it this season, the local time trial series is off to a good start. Of course the races are always hard, but it’s a fun, inexpensive mid-week TT effort on the same course every Wednesday. Comparing war stories and finish times every week against friends, start times, and weather conditions never fails to entertain.

The other fun aspect of the TT series is busting out all kinds of sweet, slippery toys and spooling them up to whatever race pace the legs allow. I’ve been fooling around with SRAM’s R2C shifters, Zipp VukaShift extensions, and Hed Stinger 9 wheels, among other things. Look for a Wrenched and Ridden on the shifters in the next few weeks and a comprehensive review of six pairs of deep section wheels in the September issue of VeloNews.

Lazer’s Tardiz time trial helmet turned my head last June at a media event. It sports uniquely angular ear covers that give a look that would make Bugs Bunny’s occasional antagonist, Marvin the Martian, proud. I got one in February and have since spent enough time tucked in on my TT bike to report that it’s a darn good time trial lid.

Lazer built the Tardiz to be versatile for both road time trial and triathlon use. As such, it doesn’t have the super long and sleek tail of a pure TT helmet. It’s streamlined in a typical time trial position, but the shorter, dimpled tail is also meant to minimize drag with the rider’s head dropped down or turned to the side. For example, Iron-distance triathletes rarely manage to maintain perfect TT form for the entire 112 miles, and the Tardiz is designed for minimal aerodynamic penalty even if the rider’s position isn’t perfect.


Also with long, hot events in mind, Lazer paid extra attention to temperature regulation. There are three small vents at the front, but larger exhaust ports at the rear help draw air through.

There’s also a ventilation hole in the shell at the very top called “Aquavent.” It’s got a cover that stays in place for maximum aerodynamics but can be removed for hot events. Triathletes like to dump water over their heads to stay cool, and this port is built to allow both water and air into the helmet. Inside, the padding is perforated and channeled to help distribute water over the head.

Finally, Lazer’s signature Rollsys retention system helps keep the helmet in place, along with the typical chin straps.

It comes in two sizes (XXS-M, and L-XL) and four color options. My XXS-M tester weighs 390 grams.

I got to know Rollsys with Lazer’s Genesis helmet (VeloNews May 2010), and I wasn’t totally convinced. But it’s the best feature on the Tardiz, and I dig it. Time trial helmets weigh more than standard road helmets and the tail sometimes causes them to shift around. Not so on the Tardiz, which can be dialed in to stay put right where you want it. It’s extra beneficial because I tend to want my TT lid tipped back on my head so the tail runs flat to my back, and the Rollsys makes it easy.

I also like the ventilation. No problems with overheating on a couple of toasty, 90-degree late afternoons. The perforated pads across the front of the Rollsys band help a lot, and for that matter, all the X-Static padding is very comfortable

Finally, I like the straps. I’ve had problems in the past with Lazer straps not lying flat for feeling comfortable against my face. But for whatever reason, the strap anchor points, geometry and angles seem to work much better on this helmet.

My only real negative comment is that I’d like to see more shell sizes. As a guy with a small head, I’m not a fan of using adjustable retention to take up big gaps in the fit. I like the shell size to more closely match my head.

Is it fast? I can’t pretend tell the difference between one aero lid and the next in terms of wind drag. But it feels good, fits great, stays put, and gets the job done.

Case Study One - DId I really do this fit?

A bike fit is not permanent, it’s simply a snapshot of a point in time. Like your bike or your gear, your fit evolves and needs to be refreshed. A general rule of thumb I have used is barring any trauma resulting in injury, or radical improvement or decrease in fitness, have your fit re-assessed every two to three years. I’ve refit literally hundreds of riders and can’t think of one who did not feel the process wasn’t completely worth the time and investment. The scope of the changes vary from rider to rider, sometimes adjustments only in millimeters, but the feedback I receive from these clients is always positive. They can noticeably feel the change during and after their rides.
I recently had a client stop by the shop to get a new pair of cleats set. Simple enough and it takes just a few minutes. I ask clients to bring their bikes and kit to these adjustments so I can validate the cleat set while they are pedaling, allowing me to ensure the cleat rotation and placement is just right. As he got on the bike and began pedaling his fit looked different....a bit off...wrong even. The reach to his bars was egregiously long and it appeared to be a stretch for him to reach the bottom of his pedal stroke. Frankly, it didn’t look like a fit I would do. Well, in fact it was....sort of.
The last time I had fit him was roughly two years ago. We had just met and at the time he was just starting an indoor cycling training program. An avid cyclist and bicycle enthusiast in the highest order, he had a passion for riding and was seeking to improve his cycling and fitness. He was sequencing things correctly by getting his bike fit first.
Over the course of the appointment and through our discussion we made significant changes to his fit, all of which he understood and appreciated. His fundamental positioning and center of balance was changed. We’d set him up for comfort, power and success. After the fit we worked on his pedal stroke with the aid of spinscan, a computer guided stroke application that graphically shows the client how and when they are applying power to the pedals. His stroke needed work but after a few minutes of coaching and visual feedback he completely smoothed out his stroke and stabilized himself in the saddle.
So what changed between his first fit and today? In a nutshell he’d changed. I could see that he had slimmed down, significantly improved his strength and radically smoothed his pedal stroke. All of these changes, a result of hours and hours of time and focus had resulted in him sitting much further back in the saddle. This is not to say that all cyclists who get stronger and more experienced move rearward in the saddle. Every rider is different. This simply illustrates that for cyclists, over time, things change. He had used the fit we’d set him up with but it was now time for an update.
As we were getting his cleats set and he was on the bike I could clearly see what was needed. “Look, you need to be re-fit.” “Really?” he replied. “Can we just move my seat a bit?” It’s not good business to sell someone a service they don’t need. Neither party wins so I don’t go there but if there is no doubt that a client needs to be refit I strongly recommend it. He needed more than a quarter hour consult. A little hesitant he agreed and we arranged a time.
Sure enough, as with the first appointment, he completely understood what I was doing and the value of having his fit checked and adjusted. A bike is a series of angles. Change one thing and you’ve just changed two others at the same time. We made changes to a number of his coordinates, even ended up putting on new handlebars to adjust his reach to his drops. We also shortened his reach and placed him more firmly over his pedals. Balancing a rider on the bike takes advantage of how the bike was engineered and where the frame designer assumes the riders center of balance will be. If a rider is positioned incorrectly the bike will not respond as it’s designed to. Too far forward and the bike feels twitchy. Too far back and the front might feel sluggish. Centralizing the weight of the rider over the bottom bracket and viola! I took one final look from all aspects, asking him to move his hands from one position to the next on the bars and pedal under different loads, running through various gears, and deemed the fit complete.
As with his first fit we finished by working on his pedal stroke. That was the icing on the cake. With the exception of a small hitch at the top of the stroke he had managed to completely reengineer his entire pedaling style, becoming smoother and more fluid, driving the pedals throughout the entire circle. He now sits more firmly in the saddle and has a gentle hold on the bars with his shoulders relaxed. I’m happy to take a little credit. I’m sure it helped but he was the one who did all the work. Well done!
I’ll see you on the road. -Paul Kundrat