New Year’s resolutions for cyclists: I resolve to ride a gran fondo
As we count the days to 2014, Canadian Cycling Magazine presents our guide to New Year’s resolutions for cyclists. A gran fondo combines the excitement of a race with the atmosphere of a festival. Whether you want to compete or just enjoy the ride, you should get out to a mass-start event this year. Your bike will thank you.
Gran Fondo Entry
$45 to $500
What’s the best way to make sure you ride a gran fondo in 2014? Sign up. By registering early, you can then plan training and logistics accordingly, avoiding a scramble on the big day. The summer of 2013 seemed to be the year of the gran fondo with many new events appearing and established rides keeping their momentum. Look into the Centurion series, which has rides in Ontario at Horseshoe Valley and Blue Mountain. GranFondo Canada puts on events in Whistler, Banff and Niagara. Don’t forget Gran Fondo Mont-Sainte-Anne, Gran Fondo Mont-Tremblant, Le Gran Fondo Forillon, Gran Fondo Ottawa and Gran Fondo Prince Edward Island. You have many options in 2014.
Assos T.Cento Bib Shorts
$369
For many riders attempting a gran fondo, comfort (not fitness) is the limiting factor between finishing and ending up in the sag wagon. Few shorts offer the long-ride comfort found in the Assos T.Cento bib shorts. Assos uses a plush chamois that’s progressively thinner at the edges for less bulk where it’s not needed. At the back of the chamois, Assos also adds a unique, highly breathable stretch panel that minimizes the risk of the shorts blowing out in this common wear point. The cheekily named “Kuku Penthouse” at the front of the chamois is a cutout for extra comfort. Finally, Assos adjusts the fit to better suit the shape on most riders rather the emaciated physiques of pro level athletes. These may be the ideal shorts for anyone riding a gran fondo or just seeking comfortable shorts for long rides. (assos.com)
Continental Grand Prix 4000S II Tires
$79
Nobody wants to flat during a gran fondo, but nobody wants to ride heavy, deadfeeling puncture-resistant tires either. Continental’s new Grand Prix 4000S II deliver Conti’s renowned puncture protection without feeling slow or heavy. The tires’ Black Chili rubber compound offers a lower rolling resistance, while still providing excellent durability and wet-weather grip. Finally, Conti is offering the Grand Prix 4000S II in three new sizes including a 28-mm wide version that’s perfect for rough road courses. The side walls also come in a range of colours: red, orange, yellow, blue, green, grey and brown. (conti-online.com)
Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Road Disc Brake Wheelset
$3,220
The new Zipp 303 Firescrest Carbon wheelset brings aero advantages to riders who have embraced the road-disc movement. The wheels feature Zipp’s 45-mm deep, dimpled-surface 303 clincher rims that deliver exceptional aero benefits without compromising crosswind stability. Zipp has also optimized the hub shape and spoke-lacing pattern for excellent stiffness when accelerating, cornering and braking. These are an excellent proven wheelset for riders looking to upgrade their stock disc wheels. (zipp.com)
Polar RC3 GPS Heart-Rate Monitor
$380
Riders looking to improve their gran fondo finishing times should consider using the Polar RC3 GPS during their training. This computer gathers heart rate, cadence and GPS data that riders can later download to a computer and analyze to improve training and performance. Unlike some systems, RC3 GPS accomplishes all this with a relatively small and unobtrusive watch. The display does an admirable job of showing information in a easy-to-read layout and the interface is surprisingly simple to use. (polarca.com)
Bikefitting.com Fit
$250 to $500
If you are not set up properly on your bike, your rides can be uncomfortable affairs. At worst, you could be risking injury if you’re not properly positioned. To ensure riders are getting the most out of their machines, Shimano is continuing to build its bike fit program. Almost two years ago, the Japan-based company bought the Dutch Bikefitting.com. Shimano debuted its fit bike in 2012, and has since expanded the supporting infrastructure around it. The crank can analyze power output so you can see the effects of changes in position. Be on the lookout for Bikefitting.com in bike shops in 2014. (bikefitting.com)
