With all the talk of disc brakes coming to road bikes in the near future, Colnago released their concept C59 Disc a couple weeks back. Based on the (truly) handmade in Italy C59 platform, this model eschews regular calipers in favor of Formula produced (Colnago branded) hydraulic discs paired with what appears to be 140mm rotors. A few other surprises are noted as well as more photos after the jump.
Recently work and life has taken me on a move from the Hudson Valley to northern New Jersey. Throughout the month long frenzy of real estate agents, closings, packing, driving, more packing and moving, there was little of substance to lean on. Little, except for the one singular constant that has defined my free time and my life for the past half dozen years. Even with the weather being damp and unforgiving, a ride on the trainer was like an hour long escape from reality. Somehow, the simplicity of losing oneself within a bike ride is the perfect escape from reality.
Hot on the heels of some released Dura Ace 9000 information, photos have been appearing on the web of a one Alex Dowsett's Pinarello Dogma 2 kitted out in prototype Dura Ace 9000 mechanical parts. Apparently Nieuwsblad was the perfect testing ground for such new parts, as they were also spied on Carlos Barredo's spare Giant on the team car. Interestingly, they were the only two bikes to be seen with the new 11 speed variant, which is surprising given the supposed Fall 2012 release date and the number of pros riding Shimano transmissions for the early classics. The spy shots show levers, brakes and rear cluster/derailleur, all relatively unmarked/branded/finished, which is typical for prototype parts, so speculation remains as to the finish and aesthetics. Anyway, enough posturing, let's get a look at the photos.
Looking at the shifters, they certainly look to be mimicking the current Campy line and (new) SRAM Red shifters:
Two more photos after the break.
If you missed part 1 of this article, which details some simplified physiology of breathing and exercise, I suggest you take a few minutes to get familiar with it now, as it will help you put into practice what will be discussed below. Ready? Cool, let's rock.
Now that we understand the fundamental differences between deep belly (diaphragmatic) breathing and chest (thoracic) breathing, we can begin to work technique into the mix.
First off, we need to consider that our work load is largely going to determine our breathing and pick our battles appropriately. If we're in an all out anaerobic sprint, there's little you can do to relax and breathe properly. If you're slogging up a long climb, you may be able to eke out a few extra watts or keep your heart rate a few BPM lower with good technique. The same could hold true for taking pulls on the front of a paceline during a fast group ride; proper breathing will keep you out of the red and pulling longer.
Those of you who regularly challenge yourselves in hilly terrain will know that a lot of thinking can be done while you're in the hurt locker. Anything to keep your mind off the pain in your legs is a welcome distraction, and I'm really no different. That why on a recent ride, one of the main things I began to ponder about was something that I rarely (if ever) think about. I'd wager you probably don't think about it much either, until it is taken from you for some reason.
No, I'm not talking about freedom, money or your car, but the simple act of breathing. Nothing is more ignored on a daily basis but becomes the focus of our attention when we can't suck in enough oxygen. Climbing is, of course, the perfect time to consider this necessary vital function, since it really comes into the spotlight. Let's take a look at breathing and what it means to a cyclist.