Canadian Cycling Magazine Issue - With Elby Ad

Reggie Miller From the court to the bike

Training How to find (and keep) your motivation

2021 Buyer’s Guide

The No. 1 Resource for Road, Mountain, Gravel, Ebikes and More

Oh Canada!

Top Rides from Across the Country that You Can Take On

PLUS

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MORE CANADIANS RACING THE WORLDTOUR THAN EVER

$5.95 April & May 2021

GETTING YOUR NEW BIKE READY TO RIDE WHAT’S AHEAD FOR CERVÉLO CO-FOUNDER PHIL WHITE?

CONTENTS

VOL. 12, ISSUE 2

THE SCENE

10 Fastest Trans-Canada Ride Broken world record, healing paramedic 12 Cycling Celebrity Reggie Miller does a full-court press on cycling 14 Canadian Club ManDem Cycling welcomes every type of rider and every type of bike

42 FEATURES

30 Our Magnificent Seven A record number of Canadians are set to ride to new heights in the pro peloton For the 2021 road season, riders from this country, with solid support from their WorldTeams, are hoping to build on all the hard work they’ve put in throughout their careers

by Sean Mackinnon

36 Reshaping Cycling in Canada and Around the World Building what people want, before they know what they want Cervélo co-founder Phil White helped to change the way we view bikes. As he continues to tinker in the industry, more changes could be on the way

by Kevin Mackinnon

42 Top Cycling Challenges for 2021 Prime routes on asphalt, gravel and singletrack that you can ride this year Planning for this season is tough. Here are rides with a certain resilience for changing times

Photo: John Gibson

by Dean Campbell

2 Editor’s Letter 4 Gallery 6 News 8 Vintage Velo 51 Gear 96 Q&A

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

ROAD & GRAVEL

52 Road Dream Machines 54 Road Performance 56 Road Price Point 57 Women’s Road and Gravel 58 Gravel Dream Machines 59 Gravel Performance 60 Gravel Price Point

16 Crankology 10 years of spinning gears

62 E-Road and E-Gravel

18 Notes from the Gruppetto How I found out I had too many bikes

64 Road and Gravel Wheels

20 48 Hours Riding beside the waters surrounding Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula

TRAIL

23 Guest Chef Gwyneth Horscroft’s ginger coconut flapjacks

63 E-Commuter

66 Road and Gravel Tires

68 Mountain Bike Dream Machines 70 Mountain Bike Performance 71 Mountain Bike Extras 72 Mountain Bike Price Point 73 Women’s Mountain Bike

24 Nutrition These powders can make your diet a little more super

74 eMTB

TRAINING

78 Mountain Bike Wheels

26 Training Tips Finding your motivation during this pandemic

79 Mountain Bike Tires

27 Technique How to manage a half-wheeler 28 Maintenance ‘It’s a brand new bike. Why do I have to fix it already?’

DESTINATION

75 Fat Bikes

RAPID FIRE

80 Saddles 82 Road Shoes 84 Mountain Bike Shoes 86 Gravel Shoes 88 Pedals 90 Head Units and Watches

92 Unexpected Tranquility in Southern Thailand Seemingly endless rolling gravel and paved roads to ride, and almost no tourists or traffic

ON THE COVER Our cover bike, the Canyon Aeroad CFR, was photographed right here in Canada.

The German brand has just started shipping its bikes directly to Canucks. The thirdgeneration Aeroad is 7.4 W faster than the second-generation model. The new frame also has better, less-aggressive fit. A medium frame has a stack that’s 9 mm higher and reach that’s 5 mm shorter. For more on the Canyon Aeroad CFR, head to p.52 of the buyer’s guide. You’ll also find information on the Aeroad’s MTB sibling, the Spectral 29 LTD, on p.68.

Photo: Matt Stetson

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EDITOR’S LETTER

The Best, and Weirdest, Time to Get a Bike On buying a new rig this year

Editor Matthew Pioro matthew@cyclingmagazine.ca Senior Editors Dan Dakin, Kevin Mackinnon, Dean Campbell Associate Editor Andre Cheuk Photo Editor Matt Stetson matt.stetson@gripped.com Copy Editors Amy Stupavsky, Rebecca Tucker Art Director Warren Wheeler layout@cyclingmagazine.ca [Roseander Main, roseandermain.com] Production Artist Warren Hardy MTB Web Editor Terry McKall terry@cyclingmagazine.ca Web Editor Lily Hansen-Gillis lily@cyclingmagazine.ca

T

his is the strangest time to be making a buyer’s guide.

Since the spring of 2020, I’ve heard from shops, from brands and from reps that demand for bikes has been...I believe the technical term is bonkers. And not just bikes.

This past winter I was in a local bike shop and did a proverbial spit take when I saw a shipping pallet full of trainers.

“I can’t believe you have trainers,” I said to one of the staff.

“They just arrived. That’s why you’re seeing them,” was the response.

Scarcity aside, this development is great. More people are riding bikes. (If this is your first time reading Canadian Cycling Magazine, welcome!) They are coming to bikes to get fit, enjoy the outdoors and get around. I hope you new riders fall in love with cycling for life as the rest of us have. I’m also hoping that many of the positive changes municipalities across the country made in 2020 to cycling infrastructure continue to grow this year. I hope those temporary changes, such as road closures for bikes, return with the melting snow and budding leaves. Last year, my city of Toronto put up 25 km of temporary bikeways. A study from the University of Toronto, published in Transport Findings earlier this year, shows that the routes boosted access to jobs and grocery stores between 10 to 20 per cent. An increase of 20 per cent meant access to 100,000 jobs. That 25 km of bikeways punched way above its weight, especially compared with the same distance of a subway line.

While those changes were quick and successful, and should return this year, something that won’t be done with rapid success during the next few months is bike

Online Website cyclingmagazine.ca Podcast cyclingmagazine.ca/cycling-magazine-podcast Facebook @CyclingMag + @CanadianMTB Twitter @CanadianCycling + @CanadianMTB Instagram @CanadianCycling + @Canadian.MTB YouTube Canadian Cycling Magazine Plus download previous issues of Canadian Cycling Magazine using our mobile apps and Apple News+.

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

“I felt as if I’d won the lottery.” shopping. At least, the odds of you calling up your local shop and finding exactly what you want are slim. I almost feel guilty telling you that I pulled that off this past January. I found a bike for my daughter and almost did another spit take. (I didn’t.

There was no spitting. We are in the midst of a pandemic after all.) I felt as if I’d won the lottery.

If you plan to get a new rig this year, I recommend you start with our guide. I believe in this buyer’s guide because it will help you plan your purchase. Also read our reviews online. Deliberate. Then uy. Don’t just buy the bike, but also hard-to-find items that you should have on hand, such as the right derailleur hanger.

Then wait with as much patience as you can muster. In a way, this process is a bit old-school, from a time before we could get anything and everything we wanted right away.

I’ve followed the plan I just outlined. After much thought, I bought a cool new frame. Its arrival has been delayed, but I’m told I should have it by the time you’re reading these words. Maybe.

Matthew Pioro Editor

Podcast Producer Adam Killick Web Developer Sean Rasmussen Digital Operations Dmitry Beniaminov Publisher Sam Cohen sam@gripped.com Editorial Director David Smart dave@gripped.com Advertising & Sales Andre Cheuk andre@gripped.com Account Managers Joel Vosburg joel@gripped.com, Lorena Jones lorena@gripped.com Circulation Manager Robyn Milburn robyn@gripped.com Social Media Nikita van Dijk nikita@gripped.com SUBSCRIBE Send $20.95 (1 year) or $38.95 (2 years) to Canadian Cycling Magazine, PO Box 819 Station Main, Markham, ON, Canada L3P 8L3 or call:

1.800.567.0444

SUBMIT Manuscripts, photographs and other correspondence are welcome. Please contact Canadian Cycling Magazine for contributors guidelines, or see them on the web at cyclingmagazine.ca .

Unsolicited material should be accompanied by return mailing address and postage.

Canadian Cycling Magazine Tel 416.927.0774 Fax 416.927.1491 cyclingmagazine.ca Gripped Publishing Inc. 75 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1G4 Copyright 2021 Gripped Publishing Inc. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express consent of the publisher. The views included herein are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher, owners and management of Canadian Cycling Magazine.

We occasionally make our list available to companies of interest to our readers.

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GALLERY Ryan Creary Heiko Krause rides near Revelstoke, B.C.

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

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NEWS Emily Batty’s new bike day, officially

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Siobhan Kelly

A Canadian cyclocross racer flees Europe for home When Siobhan Kelly started Waaslandcross Sint-Niklaas on Feb. 20, the clock was ticking not only for the penultimate cyclocross race of the pro circuit in Belgium, but also for her race to get back home. The London, Ont., privateer, who races under Black Dog Racing, began planning her 2020-21 European campaign just after her previous season ended in January 2020. As the pandemic evolved throughout the past year, Kelly kept tweaking her plans. She arrived in Europe early this past November and raced consistently. She raced even after breaking her nose in late fall. “There was a very large van coming at me that took up the entire road,” she said. “It was either stay on the road and hit the van, or swerve out of the way and hit a sign. My nose broke my fall.”

Emily Batty Kelly’s nose was completely better by February. That month, she got a visit from the police one evening. She had gotten official approval to stay in Belgium, but there was a mixup with her paperwork. The police arrived to make sure she had left the country. She was able to prove she could stay.

Just before the Belgian cops paid Kelly a visit, she was looking into new travel measures that the Canadian government was proposing. Could she race right up until the end of the season by lining up at the event in Oostmalle on Feb. 21? No. If she attended the final race, she would be subject to the new travel rules upon returning home, complete with a stay in a quarantine hotel, said to cost $2,000. Instead, she made Waaslandcross her final race, and then headed home, arriving with hours to spare.

Kelly said the Frankfurt airport, from where she flew to Toronto, was chaotic. Things were more argy-bargy there than at the start of a cyclocross race. “Plus, people were shouting in German,” she said. “It added to my confusion. I only kind of understand Dutch, but not German.”

On the morning of Feb. 22, Kelly was in quarantine at her home in London. She had plans to work on her cyclocross bikes. “I’ll take the headsets apart today, so I can slowly bring them back to 100 per cent,” she said.

Photos: Courtesy, @fellusch

On Jan. 20, Emily Batty could stop hiding. It wasn’t that no one knew where she was. A little less than two weeks before, she, her partner and manager Adam Morka, and their two dogs, Buddy and Bonnie, moved to the Victoria area. In a normal year, they’d be in Arizona or Maui at that time, riding and preparing for the cross country season ahead. With the pandemic making travel difficult, they instead headed west, where they could ride during the remaining winter months. That riding, however, had to be kept on the down-low.

In December, Batty announced that she and Trek, her bike sponsor of more than 12 years, would be parting ways. Up until that day in January, her new relationship with Canyon, which had been in the works for close to a year, was not yet public. But the two-time Olymian and 2021 Olympic hopeful needed to ride. “I picked the hours of that day that I’d go out in public carefully,” Batty said. She avoided the trails on weekends. “With the pandemic, the trails are so busy, which is an amazing thing.”

On that day in January, with the news of the new sponsorship public, Batty and Morka went on a ride. Batty was giddy. “It’s finally out in the open. I don’t have to hide the bike I’m riding anymore, dressed incognito,” she said.

She had been enjoying pushing her new equipment, the Canyon Lux and Exceed, on the technical trails in the area.

Now she could do so openly, getting in training volume for the start of the race season. At that time, she was looking toward the start of the World Cup series in May. The first race would be in Germany, which is also the home of her new bike sponsor.

Photo: Courtesy Astana

Delicately navigating initiation at Astana Premier Tech At the Astana - Premier Tech team training camp this past January, Benjamin Perry got a costume. He described it, as best as he could, as that of a priest or religious figure.

It was part of an initiation. It came, inappropriately, with dark face paint.

“I’m just going to throw this part of the outfit in the garbage,” Perry said to his new team about the blackface makeup, and then added a very Canadian apology. “I’m sorry, but if you are going to make me drink something or jump in the pool, I’m down. I’ll do it. I want to be all-in for the initiation, but I’m not going to put that makeup on.”

Near the end of 2020, Perry, who’s from St. Catharine’s, Ont., and lives in Girona, announced that he was joining Astana - Premier Tech. He only really knew two people on the Kazakhstan-based squad: Hugo Houle and Steve Bauer. Meeting his new teammates was a challenge at the camp in Benidorm, Spain, as

Benjamin Perry

members had to adhere to strict rules to limit contact. Perry had to ride and eat with the same small group throughout the duration of the camp.

Still, the team did what it could to make new members feel welcome.

So Perry wore the costume that evening, sans makeup. At the team

dinner, he got called up by fellow Canadian Houle for another part of the fun. The more senior rider gave Perry a belt with butter knife dangling from it. Perry had to stand on a chair and lower the knife into the mouth of a wine bottle. To do so, Perry had to make some pretty suggestive moves. He got the knife in the hole easily. “I thought, what does this say about me that I’m good at squatting and getting a knife into a wine bottle?” he said.—MP

Spécialités T.A. 130-Tooth Chainwheel

T

here’s a 130-tooth chainring on the wall at the Mariposa Bicycles shop in Toronto. For Michael Barry, it’s a component that’s always been around. During the 1970s and ’80s, Barry’s father, Mike Barry Sr., ran the Bicyclesport shop. He was a big fan of the French component maker Spécialités T.A., which still makes cranksets and bottle cages. Sometime in the early years of the shop,

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Barry Sr. acquired the monstrous chainring. “I think he got the chainwheel in the ’70s because I remember it being on the wall at all the shops that he had over the years,” Michael says.

The 130-tooth ring is a replica of the one used by José Meiffret during his record-setting ride in 1962. The French rider reached a speed of 204.778 km/h while drafting behind a car. When Michael Barry speaks about the component, he uses the British term chainwheel instead of chainring. It seems appropriate.

The chainwheel is almost the same diameter as the front wheel of Meiffret’s bike.

That front hoop was smaller than the rear wheel and the front fork was curved inward so that Meiffret could get as close as possible to the car he was drafting behind. The frame had a high bottom bracket to accommodate the chainwheel, which cleared the ground by little more than the thickness of a finger.

The largest chainring Spécialités T.A. makes currently is a 60-tooth. Michael Barry put one on a customer’s bike not too long ago.—Matthew Pioro

Photo: Walter Lai

VINTAGE VELO

derosanorthamerica.com

THE SCENE

FASTEST TRANSCANADA RIDE

“By the second week, the guys had to do up my zipper on my speedsuit.” left Chris Bruckner (second from the right) with his parents, Peter and Sheila Bruckner (second from left and centre), as well as his support crew, Tyler Pilling (far left) and Justin Attfield (far right)

Broken world record, healing paramedic

by Melanie Chambers

“I

nuvik paramedic may have broken cycling world record on trans-Canada route,” read the CBC headline.

It worried Chris Bruckner for more than a year. He knew he broke the Guinness World Record for cycling across Canada: 13 days, three hours and 49 minutes (beating the previous record by two hours and 24 minutes), but he had another journey ahead of him. “I had never done anything like this before. As soon as I had finished, I was mentally checked out,” he said earlier this year.

Many factors – a hectic work schedule, mental exhaustion and procrastination – meant that he didn’t get around to submitting all the evidence until more than a year later.

“The adjudication process was looming in the back of my head,” he said. Collecting photos, videos and logs took an entire week, eight hours a day. When he remembered the work, he was amazed he finished on time.

A year and a half later, there was a new headline: “N.W.T. man earns Guinness World Record for cycling across Canada.” He had finally received confirmation of the mark.

Bruckner started out at Vancouver City Hall on June 30,

bottom Bruckner celebrates the end of his transCanada ride at Halifax City Hall

2019 and headed toward Halifax, 5,747 km away, on his 2016 Giant TCR Advanced SL. His team of two helped keep him on track. On some days, he rode roughly 500 km in 20 hours. After he passed Winnipeg, his body started to break down.

“There was pain in my hands, and my pelvic region was burning, then stopped,” he said. “By the second week, the guys had to do up my zipper on my speedsuit.”

There was some unexpected emotional trauma. “I was paranoid about cycling in the dark,” he said. “There is something psychologically demoralizing about being in the middle of nowhere. Going through the towns wasn’t so bad.

But riding at night and early morning with no one around, just a black highway, and you’re cold – it really took a toll on me psychologically. I dreaded when the sun went down.”

On the 13th day, Bruckner realized he might have fallen off the pace for the

record. “I remember the most desperate feeling in the world,” he said. “I was hoping a stream of trucks would drive by really slowly so that they could help push me along. I was looking for a miracle.”

To ensure he finished on time, he rode 24 hours straight, through headwinds and rain. He was so soggy that he was worried about trench foot. His phone flooded, too.

The most he’d ever cycled previously was at eight-hour races in his home province of Ontario. When he finished those, he felt elated. This was different.

Nothing prepared him for this kind of mental and physical beating. “I felt dead inside,” he said of his condition at the end of the record-setting ride. He had also fundraised $5,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association. “I felt more relief than anything that it was over. I was really just happy to spend time with my parents and take in the moment, but I was so busted up that I really wanted to do a health check and make sure everything worked properly.” It took four months for him to recover the feeling in his hands and feet.

Through it all, Bruckner’s friends and family were his backbone. It wasn’t anything particular that they said during the ride, but rather the chatter that took his mind off the pain. “It was just so nice to have someone who truly cares about you in your ear while you’re suffering along,” he said.

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Photos: Courtesy Chris Bruckner

“To ensure he finished on time, he rode 24 hours straight, through headwinds and rain.”

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Reggie Miller

Former NBA star does a full-court press on cycling

by Terry McKall

R

eggie Miller is an NBA Hall of Fame inductee, a legend of the sport of basketball and, now, a mountain biker. While his hard-court contemporaries have coasted peacefully into retirement, the 6'7" former Indiana Pacer is hammering up and down the hills of Malibu on his XXL Santa Cruz, between game nights, when he works the NBA’s live broadcast.

Like his career, Miller’s introduction to cycling is extraordinary. Miller had just moved to Malibu, Calif., when a chance encounter with Rage Against the Machine’s bassist Tim Commeford at a restaurant led to an invite to join in a group ride as a welcome to town. On a borrowed, heavy 26" bike, Miller joined Commeford, big wave surfer Laird Hamilton and fitness guru Don Wildman for a ride.

“I was still playing professional basketball at the time for the Indiana Pacers and thought, well, how hard can this be? I’m an athlete. Boy, was I ever wrong! Those three guys killed me, every climb and descent. But what I felt, being lost on my bike on those trails, hooked me,” Miller says.

While Miller’s formidable court skills might not have

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Photo: Erick Gonzalez

THE SCENE

CYCLING CELEBRITY

immediately transferred to trails, his competitive drive did. Miller’s Boombaby kit is seen frequently at Southern California cross country races.

“I could easily just be a weekend warrior rider, but I like pushing the envelope to see what I can get out of my body,” he says. “That’s how I approached my basketball career and now how I approach bike life. The competitive juices I felt being on the hardwood floor have shifted to singletracks and epic climbs.”

Diving into XC racing led to Miller’s first unexpected Canadian connection. “For me, to get better on two wheels, I needed to be a student of the game, just like in my basketball career,” Miller says. After reading an article about Sonya Looney, who now lives in Kelowna, B.C., he reached out on Instagram.

“I was awestruck by how mentally tough she was,” Miller recalls, “so I contacted her via Instagram. To my surprise, she responded quickly.” So Miller kept asking questions about bike setup and how to use a Garmin in training.

While Looney continued responding, it became clear she hadn’t figured out who her new protege was. “I could tell she was a bit hesitant at first, like, ‘Who is this strange guy asking about bike setups and Garmin questions?’ It took her husband, Matt Ewonus, to say, ‘Honey, you do know that’s Reggie Miller you’re corresponding with?’ We laugh about that to this day.”

You might not expect a Hall of Fame athlete to need much help adapting to a new sport, but Miller says it was Looney who gave him the confidence to keep at mountain biking. That support led to a lasting connection between the two. “Sonya was the first person to make me believe I could be a successful cyclist. When I was ready to fold my tent up and call it a day, she pumped me up. That’s why she will forever be my life coach.”

While Miller was fresh to cycling, his wealth of experience in competition helped him to be a mentor to the U.S. elite women’s world champion, Kate Courtney, as she prepared to graduate from the under-23 ranks. “I made my career from reading my opponents’ body language and demeanour, using that against them. I shared with her things to look for, tricks to use,” Miller FAST FACTS says. “I wanted to prepare her for the Reggie Miller mind games she possibly could be Profession NBA broadcaster facing from her competitors.”

That has again led to another Lives Malibu, Calif. lasting friendship between two elite Bikes Santa Cruz Blur (XL), athletes. “I think the reason Kate Santa Cruz Tallboy (XXL), Courtney and I have bonded has been Santa Cruz Stigmata (61 cm), Moots Mooto XZ, the trust and respect factor we have Moots Vamoots Disc RSL for one another,” Miller says. “Kate has always been mentally strong and focused. I’m just here to be a sounding board for anything she misses.”

Miller’s giving back through his new sport in other ways, too. In December, he joined the board of directors of USA Cycling. Sales of his Boombaby team jersey add support to the Dropping Dimes Foundation, a not-for-profit that helps former players of the American Basketball Association and their families. This past September, Castelli partnered with Miller to create the Say Their Names jerseys to support the Equal Justice Initiative. “The response was phenomenal. Never would I have imagined we would have sold more than 1,300 kits,” Miller says. “I’ve always appreciated Castelli’s willingness to help people.”

Miller notes that the brand’s support came at a time when strong statements on racial injustice were particularly controversial in the U.S. Credit also goes to Miller, who has become a force within his new sport.

by Cheryl MacLachlan

CANADIAN CLUB

ManDem Cycling Club

Every rider and every bike is welcome PROFILE

ManDem Cycling Club Location Toronto Established June 2020 Members “Hundreds,” according to club founder Christopher McGarrell Online instagram.com/mandemcc

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

“I knew it wasn’t about me or my friends anymore and that it was about the community around us.”

inding a bike, staying healthy and connecting with others rank high on the list of things that were tough to do this past year. Christopher McGarrell managed all three – and much more – founding the Toronto-based ManDem Cycling Club, which prides itself on welcoming anyone on two wheels.

McGarrell started looking for a bike in May 2020 amidst the turmoil of the pandemic and protests in the U.S., following the killing of George Floyd. Within a few weeks, he found one and started riding with friends to connect and stay healthy.

The size of that group grew quickly. The ethos, however, stayed the same. “The term ‘man dem’ is used to describe your friends – the guys, the fellas,” McGarrell explains.

“Since the club started with a handful of my boys, that’s the root of the name. Even though it started with seven guys, it’s actually for everyone.”

Asked for current membership numbers, McGarrell’s reply is an imprecise “hundreds.” The club doesn’t offer registered weekly rides or place new members into categories. You can bring your kids, friends or co-workers.

It doesn’t matter to anyone how fast you go. No one’s concerned with what bike you ride.

“One of the main things that separates my club is that we welcome riders of all skill levels as well as any type of bicycle,” McGarrell says, adding that some people who could not buy bikes rented city bikes instead. “Also, we don’t ride for competition or performance; it’s 100 per cent for fun and socializing.”

McGarrell uses social media to send out invitations for rides, the kinds he would be doing regardless of who turns up. With more than 4,500 Instagram followers, the club is heading into its second season with the sustained interest of riders. Given the uncertainty around COVID-related restrictions, McGarrell says ManDem will keep riding for health and well-being but cannot give too many specifics Christopher McGarrell

Photos: Christopher McGarrell, Wayne Lindo, Kirt Richards

THE SCENE

F

Photos: Christopher McGarrell

for 2021. Club merchandise is in the works. Perhaps most important, McGarrell wants to keep bringing the community around the club together, putting his unexpected leadership role to good use. ”I had no plans for ManDem growing exponentially at the rate it did, and I didn’t have any plans to become a leader in my community,” he says, noting he was so intimidated early on that he tried sabotaging things by changing the schedule. Still, growth persisted. McGarrell began to see the power in what he’d created.

“When people sent me messages saying, ‘Your club helped me through some dark times,’ or, ’If it wasn’t for your club, I would’ve had a horrible summer’ – that was enough for me to keep it going,” McGarell says. “I knew it wasn’t about me or my friends anymore and that it was about the community around us.”

So, McGarrell got involved with cycling advocacy groups.

He expanded ManDem’s mission of encouraging as many people as possible to experience cycling’s benefits to include fighting perceptions of cycling as a rarefied activity.

By providing a space for everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, age or cycling expertise to be a part of the sport, ManDem has created something long overdue.

“I still can’t believe the club evolved to what it is now – all because I decided to buy a bike,” McGarrell says. “It’s pretty crazy to think about, but if all of that can happen organically in a couple of months, imagine the accomplishments that can be achieved if we harness the energy from the club and put it to good use.”

Exclusive distributor:

Find a dealer at

damourbicycle.com

10 Years of Spinning Gears With so many revolutions of the sun, there’s still – always – the hope of a return

by James “Cranky” Ramsay

M

y, how fast 10 years goes by. It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in the old Canadian Cycling Magazine offices, my feet up on my desk, trying my best to prevent anyone from doing any meaningful work, when the editorial director appeared beside me. Puffing solemnly on his Brigham pipe, he asked me to accompany him for a talk.

I followed him through the plume of tobacco smoke down the hall to the boardroom. I’d never been inside, but I’d seen (and sometimes overheard) the spirited discussions that happened within. This was the room where the big ideas were hashed out. Would there ever be a Canadian Tour de France champion? What about one from P.E.I.? Do friends let friends ride tandem bikes? And are handlebar streamers ever acceptable in gran fondos?

I didn’t know what was about to happen, but I knew it was no trifling matter.

Was this an impromptu performance review, a lecture about how I need to iron my uniform before coming in to work or was it – as I secretly allowed myself to hope – an invitation to join the stable of Canadian Cycling Magazine contributors? My mouth was dry with anticipation, and my heart beat faster than it did on most Friday afternoons. The editorial director drew close, knitted his learned eyebrows and, in a serious tone of voice, told me he wanted me to write a regular column for this magazine.

I nearly fell off my chair with surprise and delight. This was my moment.

Just as my late Grand-Uncle Rupert had predicted on his deathbed in Vienna: if I waited long enough, someone would notice my literary talents, pluck me from obscurity and give me the opportunity to reach the world with my wit and wisdom. In that spartan room was the birth of Cranky. The moment would

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change my life (and, no doubt, the lives of all 13 of my regular readers).

And now here we are, 10 years later. What’s changed?

What’s remained consistent? And what have I learned since that fateful day?

Well, I’ve changed and, in many ways, not for the better.

Ten years ago, I was pretty fast on the bike. I was riding about 2,000 km a month. I was racing most weekends. I could easily peel off a 160 km ride a couple of times a week and wake up the next day feeling great. These days, all my rides from the past few months don’t add up to 2,000 km. I haven’t been on a starting line in years. I can’t drive 160 km in my car without getting a cramp and throwing up.

Ten years ago, I had a lean physique, a muscular build and a full head of hair. I was flexible, strong and resilient. The harder I pushed myself in training, the faster I got. I was like a coiled spring, poised to claim victory in every sprint.

Now, I have a marbled physique and a slightly rounded silhouette. Some of the hair from the top of my head has vanished and is now growing out of my ears. I groan when I try to get out of bed in the morning. On days that I actually try to push myself physically, I’m likely to injure myself.

Gone is the coiled spring, replaced by something more akin to soggy cardboard.

So how do I keep going, you ask? Why don’t I just give up, give my bikes to the needy and take up Sudoku and needlepoint?

Well, that would be letting my readers down. I know there aren’t that many of you, but you mean a lot to me, and I won’t abandon you. Without me, you’d be left reading serious articles that contain useful information about cycling, and I can’t allow that to happen.

Second, a number of things haven’t changed at all in the past 10 years, and these are the things that keep me at it. I still love to ride my bike, and the feeling of freedom and peace that I get from a good ride is just as powerful as it’s always been. There’s no better way to clear my head and set myself right.

For another, all the challenges and achievements that I’ve written about for the past 10 years are still relevant to me – and, I imagine, to most of my readers. We all struggle with motivation in the winter. We’re all fighting the ravages of time and advancing age. We all want a new bike, even though we know that won’t make us into more capable riders. We all thrill to our victories, whether these are in sanctioned competition or simply prevailing against ourselves and our friends.

But there’s another reason. I can tell you this because I trust you, and because I think you’ll understand. I still believe that one day I will stage a comeback. There won’t be any fanfare, but some Sunday at 8:59 a.m., Cranky 2.0 will roll up to the bike shop. The sun will glint off my wraparound shades and I will flash a wicked grin. No one will see what’s coming. But when the smoke from my tires has cleared, you’ll see me in the distance – a tiny speck, too far away to catch, older, balder, but every bit as powerful as the Cranky of yore.

Image: Russ Tudor

THE SCENE

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year or so?” I asked. He checked around and reported back: no luck. They remembered me picking it up.

I have always subscribed to the n+1 theory of bike ownership. Being very privileged with the space to store bikes, the only restrictions imposed on my acquisitive nature have come from my long-suffering directrice sportive, my wife. In her wisdom, she graciously “capped” me at a set number of bikes. There are, of course, exceptions. The trainer bike at home is arguably not a bike due to lack of wheels. It therefore does not count toward my allotment. The bike stationed in Vancouver where I used to travel frequently for work does not count toward the quota due to lack of geographic proximity.

The n + 1 formula seemed to function wonderfully in my life. Yet, somehow, I had lost track of my precious CX bike.

I had dear memories of the rig. On that very bike, I came 12th at a local learn-to-race-cyclocross clinic. On that very bike, I tried to go on features at the local BMX bike park and shattered the down and top tubes earning a crash replacement. This bike and I – we had history. This was the bike I was saving for the day that my eight year old could start racing ’cross (minimum age required: 12).

Now, like a child you take to the supermarket and

NOTES FROM THE GRUPPETTO

How I Found Out I Had Too Many Bikes

Trying to solve a conundrum that should be mathematically impossible

R

ecall the famous formula: n + 1. Remember, it tells you the right amount of bikes for any rider. That variable, n , represents the number of bikes you have right now. Well, I might have found the point at which this formula breaks down. It might – now brace yourself for this news – it might be possible to have too many bikes.

This past December, I was heading up to my cottage with the family. There, I usually keep my second road bike, my cyclocross bike and my trainer for when the weather isn’t conducive to riding. With snow in the forecast, it was time to switch over to the trainer.

With my road bike in the shop, I planned to use my ’cross bike for a bit of Zwift. I hadn’t ridden the bike in more than a year, but it should have been good to go.

Once I got to the cottage, I realized there was a problem with my CX bike: it wasn’t there. I searched the place – no sign. Now, I hadn’t seen it at home in Toronto. Admittedly, I hadn’t looked, being rather more focused on riding my gravel bike when the roads got dirty. How odd.

Next likely spot: maybe it was at Wheels of Bloor. I seemed to recall getting it serviced at that shop. Maybe I’d just left it there? I called up WOB. “Steven, this may be an odd question, but have you had my Ridley CX bike there for the past

“This may be an odd question, but have you had my bike for the past year or so?”

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

lose track of, the bike was gone. In this case, there was no paging system I could rely on to call for its return.

Chastened, I returned to Toronto that weekend sure the bike must be in the house. No sign. Getting somewhat desperate, I contacted my father-in-law to see if I might have left a bike in his garage. No luck.

So, I realized that if you can lose a bike and not notice its absence for a year, you may have too many bikes. This realization set off a broader reflection. During this time, within our bubble of Canadian bike-racing privilege, we probably all have more than we need. We obsess over new gear: the latest stem, the most aero wheels, the lightest frame. Yet, for many, just having a bike and some kit is a revelation.

For many years, riders from Wheels of Bloor have gone on annual trips to Cuba. They’ve taken old kit and gear with them. Although 2020’s trip was off, there is still a transfer of stuff, with the help of Bikes for Cuba, to people who need it far more than we do. So this spring, if you are upgrading or getting some new kit, consider balancing the equation and sending old stuff to others who may appreciate it. While I wait for my bike to reappear, I’m going to find some old gear to pass along.

Image: Jordan Peterson

by Bart Egnal

FOR ANYONE WHO’S EVER WONDERED WHAT’S JUST OVER THE NEXT RIDGE INTRODUCING THE LIGHTWEIGHT ELECTRIC E-CALIBER Trek’s all-new E-Caliber has appetite for distance, a love of XC speed, and a Fazua drive system that boosts your endurance on epic cross country rides—all at the weight of a traditional mountain bike. If you’ve ever put limits on your riding, start erasing them now.

THE SCENE

48 HOURS

Between the Lake and the Bay

Riding beside the waters surrounding Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula

Y

ou know that sense of perfect balance and flow that happens on some rides, when the delight of the scenery is matched by the pure joy of the physical act of cycling – of body moving through space? It’s more than being in the zone.

It feels like getting away with something, like going through a door no one else can see. I’ve found some version of that feeling in all kinds of settings: riding the Jem Trail in Utah, on a Sunday road ride in the Thousand Islands and pedalling a cranky rental bike around the Danish island of Bornholm. I tapped some of that bliss this past summer on Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula.

Standout moment: I was riding two feet from the turquoise water of Georgian Bay, on the other side of a washout on Cabot Head Road, perfectly, breathlessly alone, with nothing but the sound of tires crunching gravel and the lapping waves. Just breathing the air felt like a privilege.

I hadn’t planned to make the trip up the peninsula this past summer. In fact, had COVID not slammed us, I would’ve been cycling around Japan’s Mount Fuji at that very moment. With those plans off the table, I decided, like many of us did, to spend the summer exploring closer to home. My rules were: no plan, no expectations, just ride. The Bruce Peninsula was at the top of my list.

Summer 2020 was set to bring a heap of cyclists to the Bruce Peninsula: the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure was mapped from Blue Mountain Village northwest to Tobermory and then south to Southampton. The Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo, which launched in 2019, drawing close to 300 cyclists to the area around the town of Lion’s Head, promised to be bigger and better, with a new 115-km gravel route. The pandemic shut it all down.

The events would’ve drawn hundreds of wheels to a region that isn’t sure it wants to be a cycling destination. While Manitoulin Island and the area around Southampton have built up some cycling infrastructure and tourism offerings to match, the Bruce Peninsula hasn’t made the same bet. There’s plenty of infrastructure for mountain bikers – the Lindsay Tract and the Mountain Bike Adventure Park are just two – but attracting cycling tourism hasn’t been a focus.

I spoke to Megan Myles about it. Myles is a councillor in Lion’s Head. She

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

said there’s an active conversation happening in the region about what types of tourism it wants to attract.

The peninsula struggles with a summer influx of day tourists who drive up from the Greater Toronto Area to visit Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Bruce Trail and Tobermory, but spend little money locally, and leave a lot of waste behind. The tourists place a significant burden on the area’s limited resources. Officials want to build up a sustainable tourism industry driven by people who’ll stay awhile, spend money and tread lightly. Cyclists could be part of that plan.

Mike Campbell lives in Lion’s Head and bikes roughly 6,500 km on road and gravel each year. He founded the Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo more than two years ago. When I spoke with him this past summer, he estimated there were six times more cyclists than usual on area roads. “I’d say the community here is still in its infancy,” Campbell said. “There are no clubs per se. It’s pretty well people getting together informally. But we have some pretty spectacular riding here. Other than Highway 6, there’s almost zero traffic. You can really enjoy the cliffs of Georgian Bay and the turquoise water and hillier terrain on one side of the Bruce, and then pedal your bike 20 km and you’re on the flatter Lake Huron side, with sand beaches and islands and sunsets.”

Campbell didn’t mention the wind, which is a factor, gusting so strongly that it sometimes feels as if it’s trying to send you back to where you came from. If you can make your peace with that, start planning your trip. Here are four reasons to give the Bruce Peninsula a try.

Photos: Martin Lortz/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

by Christina Palassio

A Gravel Dream Tobermory Southampton

Lion’s Head Blue Mountain Toronto

“I was riding two feet from the turquoise water with nothing but the sound of tires crunching gravel and the lapping waves.”

I kicked off my explorations with the must-ride 75-km Lighthouse to Lighthouse Gravel Gran Fondo route to the Cabot Head Lighthouse. The route starts in Lion’s Head and heads north up the east side of the peninsula, hugging the coast for a bit, pitching out on dirt and gravel roads through farmland, and featuring a bit of hike-a-bike on the Bruce Trail. I pedalled past the quaint waterfront homes and cottages along Dyers Bay to Cabot Head Road – closed to cars in 2020 – which took me 11 km north to the tip of the peninsula and the lighthouse. Nothing but big-bay energy up here, with those signature turquoise Georgian Bay views. It’s enough to make you kiss your bike.

Lake Huron Hello Did I mention it gets windy up here? Leaving from Lion’s Head, I headed south on County Road 9 to Barrow Bay Road and Little Pike Bay Road, which took me west across the peninsula toward Lake Huron. I fought 35 km/h wind gusts most of the way. No bliss here, but at least there was no one around to hear me swearing. Once on the Huron shores, I followed the Waterfront Trail north through the cottage subdivisions that are expanding here, hunting for swimming spots. I found a few, but the water was so angry that I decided against jumping in. I took Stokes Bay Road north to Black Creek Provincial Park and watched some kids surfing before heading east and then south on busy Highway 6’s cracked and barely rideable shoulder.

The views on this side aren’t as impressive as those on the Bay side, but there are lots of little treasure spots to uncover. The word on the street is that the Ministry of Transportation is paving the shoulder all the way up to Tobermory but I didn’t see any evidence of that on this trip.

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Details When to go July and August are good bets weather-wise, but prepare for lots of tourist traffic. The September shoulder season is quieter, but some businesses shut down after Labour Day. How to get there The only way to get to the peninsula is by car. There’s no train service or shuttles.

Found bliss again on a 60-km loop from Wiarton on Grey County Road 1. The well-paved and wideshouldered road follows the 11,000-year-old Georgian Bay coast, serving up spectacular views of the water and the Niagara Escarpment’s rock formations between the monster cottages that line the shore. My bliss moment wasn’t real estate-driven, though – it was spurred by a breathtaking descent that gave the illusion, just for a moment, that I might plunge right into the Bay. It reminded me of some of the long, stunning descents you get on the Cabot Trail, albeit at far lesser grades. It was one of those moments when you have to stop and take a mental picture so you can commit it to memory forever.

Doing it for the Snacks My final ride was an out-and-back from Sauble Beach, on the southwest side of the peninsula, north to Pike Bay. Someone tipped me off that the general store in Pike Bay makes a mean breakfast sandwich, and that’s as good a reason as I’ve ever heard to ride someplace. I rode along the Lake Huron shore from Sauble Beach’s touristy waterfront to Sunset Drive and into the quaint little town of Pike Bay. The reviews weren’t exaggerated: it was a damn good sandwich. Here I met the most cyclists, including a handful of people riding north from Southampton, where there’s a substantial bike community.

Former pro cyclist, cycling advocate and writer Laura Robinson lives in Saugeen Shores, near Southampton, has spent years cycling the peninsula, and summed up why she loves riding here: “It’s a very rugged part of Ontario. You can really see that the glaciers scraped through here and left a lot of scrub farmland. It makes it really interesting to look at the geology as you’re riding. This area doesn’t necessarily have a bucolic beauty, but that’s why I like it.”

Where to stay Use Lion’s Head as your home base and loop out from there. The Fitz Hostel (thefitzhostel.com) is a cosy and affordable spot run by councillor Megan Myles.There are also plenty of Airbnb options to choose from. If you’d rather camp, Lion’s Head has a small waterfront municipal campground, but the better camping is north at Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Where to eat Lion’s Head doesn’t have the culinary options you might expect from a tourist hot spot. There are lots of small fish-and-chip places on the main drag in Lion’s Head, and the Taste Kitchen (thetastekitchen.ca ) has good sandwiches and other options. The Foodland grocery store often has fresh-caught fish. You’ll find more restaurants in Tobermory, but expect to pay tourist prices during in-season.

Things to do off the bike Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Thorncrest Outfitters (thorncrest outfitters.com) and paddle Georgian Bay or lakes in the area, climb the cliffs around Lion’s Head, hike the Bruce Trail, or explore Tobermory’s grottos and Fathom Five National Marine Park.

Good to know To explore more of the region, bring a gravel bike. Also, there are no bike shops on the Bruce Peninsula. The closest ones are in Owen Sound or Southampton.

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Photos: Martin Lortz/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Call your Bluffs

Ginger Coconut Flapjacks

“She’s based in a city that seems to have more bicycles than households.”

THE SCENE

Gwyneth Horscroft’s

GUEST CHEF

by Annie Gélinas

W

Nutritional hen Gwyneth Horscroft finally launched her Information own travel business in 2019 after nearly 15 years For one serving in the industry, the Ontario native had no idea that the pandemic was about to wreak havoc on her new Calories 206 livelihood. As she watched her bookings get cancelled, Carbs 17.7 g she knew she had two choices: unemployment or Saturated Fat 7.8 g diversification. The keen cyclist chose the latter. This past summer, Horscroft finally embraced her passion Fibre 1.5 g for baking and whipped up a business model with bike Protein 1.9 g delivery as a part of the service.

When she found herself with time on her hands during lockdown, Horscroft kept busy by testing her baking skills with some new recipes, such as French macarons. “I was surprised at how well they turned out,” she says, “so I started thinking about making this into a business.

I looked at the logistics. As I didn’t have a storefront or a car, cycling seemed like a good delivery option.” Currently Horscroft is based in Cambridge, U.K., a city that seems to have more bicycles than households. Without the harsh reality of Canadian winters, the location allows for year-round cycling, which made her business venture a little easier.

Bicycles Bakes offers a weekly menu of sweet and savoury treats, including seasonally flavoured macarons, brownies and cakes. Her job has allowed her to capitalize on the bicycle-friendly infrastructures of Cambridge to get in shape during the lockdown. She now spends her mornings baking at home, and her afternoons whizzing all over town on her Trek, sometimes racking up as much as 50 km per day and delivering freshly baked goods to customers stuck at home and in need of a tasty afternoon tea.

Horscroft’s recipe is a typical English flapjack. Tuck it away in your jersey pocket on your next ride, ready for when you need an energy boost.

Serves 12 Ingredients ⅔ cup butter ⅓ cup brown sugar ¼ cup golden syrup or corn syrup Pinch of salt 2 tsp ground ginger 3 tbsp finely chopped stem ginger in syrup ½ cup rolled oats 2 ½ cups jumbo oats ⅓ cup mixture of seeds ½ cup coconut

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 300 F. 2. Grease a 20-cm square cake pan.

3. In a large pan, melt the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup or corn syrup, salt and ground ginger.

4. Remove from the heat and stir in stem ginger, oats, seeds and coconut.

5. Press mixture into the pan with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

6. Bake for 27–30 minutes.

7. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

cyclingmagazine.ca

23

Powder Power

These grinds can make your diet a little more super

by Matthew Kadey

T

THE SCENE

hese days you’ll find superfood powders everywhere – from smoothies to protein bars to your Instagram feed.

They are dubbed superfoods because they are thought to be particularly dense in the nutrients and antioxidants we need for optimal health and sport performance. While superfood is really just a marketing term and less glamorous foods, such as apples and spinach, can certainly be pushed into this category alongside acai and maca, it doesn’t mean that certain plant-based powders can’t serve the purpose of giving your diet a little extra boost.

Since they are powdered, they’re easy to sprinkle into your diet every which way throughout the day. But not all trendy superfood dust is created equal. Here are the power powders to keep on your radar that are worth a spot on your shopping list.

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Turmeric Turmeric’s gotten heaps of health hype lately, mostly due to its superstar bioactive compound called curcumin. Curcumin’s antioxidant properties are linked with reduced risk of certain chronic diseases as well as improved joint health via its strong anti-inflammatory efficacy. Those connections have caught the attention not only of those suffering from arthritis, but also athletes who frequently put their bodies through rigorous efforts. Preliminary research suggests that curcumin may improve exercise performance by reducing the inflammation-induced muscle damage associated with training. We still, however, need more data on how much turmeric needs to be consumed, and for how long, in order to have noticeable benefits for active bodies and disease prevention. In the meantime, make it a habit to add turmeric to soups and curries, whisk it into a pot of simmering grains such as quinoa or rice, blend it into dips and add it to scrambled eggs. You can jump on the golden-milk bandwagon by mixing a nut or dairy milk with turmeric and other spices.

Mushroom You don’t need a degree in mycology to notice that fungi is trending – not so much the mushrooms you order on your pizza, but instead “functional” shrooms such as cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi and chaga. Once they’re dehydrated and ground into powder, they appear to have some medicinal benefits.

Initial research speculates that bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides in the fruiting bodies of the earth may improve brain functioning, deliver anti-tumour powers to slash the risk for certain cancers and help tamp down inflammation in the body. They may boost your fitness game, too. An investigation in the Journal of Dietary Supplements showed that people who consumed 4 g a day of a mushroom blend for a three-week period experienced improvements in fitness metrics, such as VO2 max, during an exercise test.

The caveat is that a lot more quality research is needed before we have a definitive answer regarding the body-benefiting powers of powdered mushrooms.

The taste of these powders can be a tad earthy – not overly appetizing for smoothies or oatmeal. Instead, dissolve a teaspoon with hot water for an afternoon umami tea, blend into dips, stir into soups and sprinkle over pasta dishes or roasted vegetables. You can also steep some with your morning coffee.

Cacao

NUTRITION

Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

If you want a sugar-free way to add chocolatey flavour, you can reach for cacao powder. Derived from the same plant that produces your favourite chocolate bar, cacao powder is made when fermented and dried cacao beans are pulverized into bitter-sweet particles with surprisingly impressive nutrient profiles. The dark delight contains healthy amounts of dietary fibre, essential minerals including magnesium, and flavonoid antioxidants. These antioxidants have been linked to improved heart-health measures including lower blood pressure numbers.

Consuming more antioxidant-dense foods like cacao may also help improve muscle recovery from vigorous workouts. Though some people use the terms “cacao” and “cocoa” interchangeably, cacao generally refers to the raw bean and powder, while cocoa is the powder that has been alkalized to reduce acidity and bitterness, a process that also lays waste to much of the naturally occurring antioxidants. (Cocoa powder is typically darker in colour than cacao powder.) Cacao powder can add chocolate essence to a pot of oatmeal, smoothies, pancakes and homemade energy bars. A tablespoon or two can add a depth of flavour to a pot of chili and a spice-rub mix for chicken, pork or steak.

Matcha The matcha form of green tea has been getting a lot of buzz, for good reason. Since you’re consuming the entire tea leaf, a steamy cup of matcha can deliver higher levels of health-promoting antioxidants than tea made from steeping the more common broken, unground leaves stuffed in a bag. As a result, matcha is akin to the Marvel superhero version of regular green tea as it’s more concentrated in healthful compounds, including the amino acid L-theanine, which has been linked to feelings of improved mental focus, less anxiety and overall Zen. One polyphenol antioxidant that matcha contains in spades called EGCG has been shown in research to perhaps kick metabolism toward higher rates of fat oxidation. It also has higher amounts of caffeine, in case you’re not a coffee fan but still would like a bit of a pre-Zwift perk-up. Plus, matcha’s smooth, sweet-grassy taste is strangely habit-forming. Pro tip: made from the youngest tea leaves, ceremonial is the highest grade of matcha and should be reserved for drinking as a brewed tea. Less pricey culinary matcha can be added to foods like post-ride smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal and even salad dressing.

Beet Perhaps no powder is more directly beneficial to exercise performance than that made by grinding up dehydrated beets. Nitrates, which beets have in high quantities, are converted in the body to nitric oxide, which works to create vasodilation, a widening of your blood vessels. In turn, this process can increase blood flow to your working muscles, allowing them to perform more efficiently as you grind up inclines. Bonus: these same nitrates have been shown to help keep blood pressure numbers within healthy ranges. It’s worth noting that beet powder is likely to deliver a more concentrated source of nitrates and nutrients like immune-boosting vitamin C than you’d get from eating the fresh root vegetable – one tablespoon powder equals the nutrition of about three medium-size beets. Just make note that you’ll have to consume beet powder regularly for it to have a chance to improve exercise performance. Very fit athletes may benefit less than weekend warriors. Simply mix the power with water about 30 minutes before hopping on the saddle. But don’t stop there: add beet powder to smoothies, yogurt and even vinaigrettes.

Distributeur exclusif / Exclusive distributor:

Et autres produits / And other products

damourbicycle.com

cyclingmagazine.ca

25

TRAINING

Finding Your Motivation During this Pandemic

TRAINING TIPS

How to take advantage of your brain’s wiring to train enthusiastically amid uncertainty

by Steve Neal and Andy Ruestow ike many riders, a little more than a year ago, you were probably making plans for your season ahead. You might have had a training camp lined up.

You might have worked out a detailed training plan with your coach that would help you perform at your best at a goal event. Then, that all got thrown out the window as the COVID-19 pandemic grew and grew. Without those traditional goals and plans, your motivation to train and improve likely took a hit. Or, maybe you were able to pivot and find a way to focus on building your abilities as a cyclist. It all depended on who you are and what motivates you.

So what motivates you? Is it a win at a race or Strava KOM? If these things spark your desire to train, you respond to extrinsic motivators. If you train for the sense of satisfaction or accomplishment it provides, you are someone who has an internal or intrinsic motivation.

In cycling, it’s rare for extrinsic motivation alone to carry an athlete. Rewards, and in turn extrinsic motivation, are usually quickly exhausted. It’s more common that we find our motivation from within, to push the boundaries of what we were previously capable of, to prove to ourselves that we can improve.

Positive intrinsic motivation begins with a sense of purpose, knowing why you are doing what you are doing. The training mentality thrives within the intrinsically motivated individual.

The next part of the motivation equation is your personality type: extrovert or introvert. If you get energy from being around people, on group rides or workouts, you’re an extrovert. If you find your energy levels are better when you’re alone or in small groups, you have more introverted tendencies.

The intrinsically motivated introvert has no problem training alone with Zen-like focus. She rarely depends upon the group ride or race to stay on track.

She can measure relative progress toward her goals in isolation, but will lack the direct feedback that competition provides.

The intrinsically motivated extrovert relishes the chance to sprint for a town sign or to chat with friends during the coffee stop. For this athlete, the act of cycling is more than pure competition: it fulfils a social need, which can often come at the detriment of training and performance goals.

Needless to say, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on each of these athlete types. The introvert has lost the valuable experience of direct competition: the increased focus and fervor that comes with pinning on a number. She has lost the experience that typically draws out the full potential of the athlete in a way that training can’t match. The extrovert has lost his social outlet, the camaraderie and the fun. While these losses may actually have a positive effect on the extrovert’s training because he faces fewer diversions that can steer him away from his training focus, it all comes at the expense of fun. And what is cycling without fun?

With all this in mind, we’ve created four pandemic-friendly activities to help

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Inside/Outside Training Activities for Introverts and Extroverts Good-Weather Workout for Introverts Create a route that covers several Strava segments, spaced out with plenty of recovery in-between. Enjoy riding your bike between segments and go full gas for each timed section. You get bonus points if you convince friends and club-mates to ride the same course. You get the excitement and measurable results of racing but in a COVID-friendly way.

Our club has dubbed these events as Strava Fundos.

Bad-Weather Workout for Introverts Compete in a Zwift Race. Sign up, challenge yourself and be prepared to go deep. But most of all, remember to have fun.

Good-Weather Workout for Extroverts Set up a weeklong photo contest with your friends. The prize could be bragging rights, some cash or buying the first round of recovery beverages when its safe to do so. Find the most picturesque route you can. Enjoy being on the bike and snap some photos. Share them with your friends. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Slack, Signal, Facebook or even good old text and email will help rekindle the old repartee.

Bad-Weather Workout Extroverts Hop on Zwift and create a meetup. You can use this feature through the companion app to create group rides with no-drop options to keep everyone together. Bonus points for using voice chat: services like Discord provide a way to talk to your friends while training.

you train and stay motivated, whatever your personality type (and whatever the weather). Be safe, enjoy your bike and, most important, have fun.

Steve Neal and Andy Ruestow are with Steve Neal Performance

Photo: Matt Stetson

L

TRAINING

TECHNIQUE

How to Manage a Half-Wheeler

Keep a ride-ruining behaviour in check

by Andrew Randell

T

here is nothing better than being out on a group ride, riding two by two, enjoying the sun and having a great old time. You take your turn on the front with whomever you are paired up with, jiggle your elbow to show you are pulling off, and then roll to the back of the group, riding in the wheels until it is your turn to pull again. At least this is how it is supposed to work.

The wrench that often gets thrown into this beatific situation? The dreaded half-wheeler. That rider who can’t ride at your pace. Before we get to the half-wheeler though, let’s make sure we understand riding two by two. It’s a typical group-ride formation where the riders are in pairs, one pair drafting behind the other. Typically each pair will take a five- to 10-minute turn on the front; it depends on how strong the wind is. While on the front, the pair will ride next to one another, their front wheels approximately even.

Sometimes, though, the half-wheeler likes to get in the mix. This rider isn’t happy with the pace of the ride, is always worried about how much wattage he is pushing or just wants to show everyone how strong he is. Being paired with the half-wheeler can really ruin your day.

Rather than riding wheel to wheel, the half-wheeler will increase the pace, pushing his wheel out in front of his partner’s. When the partner increases the pace to bring the wheels even, the half-wheeler ups the pace again. And so it goes with the pace going up and up, the half-wheeler likely watching the wattage on his Garmin the whole time.

The problem with the half-wheeler is that he usually isn’t happy with the pace of the ride. Perhaps what the pace of the ride was meant to be wasn’t well-defined. He was expecting something harder. Sometimes he just wants to impose his pace on the group, despite it being a steady ride. Or perhaps he isn’t paired with the right partner in the two-by-two formation. He needs to be with someone who is strong enough to match his effort. Managing the group and switching up partners would be a better solution than riding someone into the ground, which is what will happen if the half-wheeler is paired with someone less fit on the front of the group.

Riding in a group, covering the ground at a nice clip in a two-by-two formation is a wonderful experience. To avoid the half-wheeling situation, the group needs to manage itself based on the abilities of the riders. If it isn’t an easy spin, then it’s best to pair up with a rider of similar abilities. Defining the pace is also important. Ultimately, we all need to understand the social faux pas that halfwheeling really is. If it isn’t a racy type of ride, then respect your fellow riders and enjoy the sun. Tomorrow is always another day when you can put the hammer down during the right ride.

“Perhaps they aren’t paired with the right partner in the two-by-two formation.”

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‘It’s a Brand New Bike.

Why Do I Have to Fix it Already?’

What to look for before you ride, and soon after

TRAINING

by Nick Di Cristofaro

MAINTENANCE

N

ew bike day! You just picked up your new bike at your favourite shop or had it delivered to you. We all feel like a kid at Christmas when we take the plunge and purchase a new bicycle. You get anxious and excited and want to take it out for that first ride. But wait. To avoid future headaches and even possible injury, you need to get your new bike ready to rip.

I often hear: “It’s a brand new bike. Why do I have to fix it already?” Well, I wouldn’t call it “fixing.” It’s more about taking preventive measures. Even if you trust your shop completely, it’s always nice to have peace of mind before you ride.

The complete examination First, check the torque of all the fasteners – the nuts and bolts – on the bike. If you don’t have a torque wrench, I highly recommend that you get one, especially for checking fasteners on carbon components. Examine anything that is threaded and meant to hold things together: derailleur mounting bolts (but not limit or adjustment screws), lever bolts (under hood covers), crank and chainrings, suspension pivots on a mountain bike, brake-rotor mounting bolts, brake-caliper mounting bolts, and mechanical derailleur and brake cable mounting bolts. Whew.

Grease the threads on your pedals before installing them. This step will prevent seizing and make removal much easier in the future.

Make sure the tires have enough air. Next, look at your hubs. Grab each wheel and give it a wiggle. You are looking for any side-to-side movement. If the axles, whether thru or quick-release, are properly tightened, there should be none. Spin the wheels. Are the brakes rubbing? If so, adjust accordingly.

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Give mechanical brakes a few good hard squeezes and re-check your adjustment.

If you had a fitting session on your new bike, the saddle height and setback are dialed. If not, take the measurements from a previous bike of yours. For the saddle height, find the distance from the centre of the bottom bracket along the seat tube to the top of the saddle. To find the setback – the horizontal distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the tip of the saddle – hang a plumb bob from the tip of the saddle while holding the bike level and upright. Measure from the centre of the bottom bracket to the hanging string. (If you don’t have a plumb bob, tie a piece of string to a small, heavy object such as a large nut.)

Make sure there’s carbon paste on the seatpost. Snug up saddle and seatpost clamps.

Head to the headset. See if your stem is aligned with the front wheel. Grab the front brake. Rock the handlebars back and forth. There should be zero movement. Adjust if there is play. Modify the position of the levers and the handlebar rotation to your liking if a fitting wasn’t done. Ensure carbon paste is applied to the handlebar/ stem interface. Make sure all handlebar and stem bolts are secure.

If you’re preparing a mountain bike for the trails, set your suspension sag, pressure and settings according to manufacturer’s instructions. If you have disc brakes, bed them in. Ride up and down a quiet road and gradually but firmly apply the brakes while coming to a pretty hard stop.

Do this process at least 10 times.

Check after a few rides You’ll want to re-examine your bike after you’ve taken it out. Go back over the fasteners: make sure all the bolts are snug. Give the drivetrain, including the chain, a wipe and lube. Check shifting and brakes and adjust if needed.

New cables will stretch, so you’ll probably have to do some fine-tuning. Also, take the time to re-evaluate your fit and decide if you want to adjust saddle height, setback or handlebar height. Check spoke tension and wheel trueness. Wheels also need to break in.

If your bike was custom-built at a reputable shop you trust, then the mechanic would have greased the bottom bracket, headset and, on a mountain bike, the suspension pivots. If the bike came pre-assembled in a box, then this work is usually not done at the factory. Add the grease to prevent future problems and to increase the longevity of the components.

If you want to look pro, get rid of the plastic guard behind your cassette. During this process, check your cassette lockring, too. You can find another use for the reflectors that came with the wheels. It is much safer and better to invest in some quality front and rear lights if you are riding in low-light conditions.

A record number of Canadians are set to ride to new heights in the pro peloton

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Our Magnificent Seven ‫שבעת המופלאים‬ біздің керемет жеті адам Nos magnifiques sept

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

FEATURE

by Sean Mackinnon

T

opposite Woods and Cataford lead the pack during an ISN training camp

wo years ago, Canada had a very modest number of athletes riding in the WorldTour.

There were only three Canucks in cycling’s top division of road cycling during the 2019 season.

That number doubled in 2020. This year, a record number of seven Canadians will compete in the WorldTour.

Veterans Michael Woods, Hugo Houle, Antoine Duchesne and Guillaume Boivin are returning, with Woods poised to continue to build on his successful run in 2020 that featured wins at Tirreno-Adriatico and Vuelta a España.

The remaining three riders – James Piccoli, Alex Cataford, Benjamin Perry – are familiar with the WorldTour, but are still finding their way in the pro peloton. Here’s a look at the riders who could deliver Canadian fans one of the most exciting road seasons to date.

Photos: noa arnon, Getty Images

Hugo Houle

PRO SINCE: 2011 TEAM: ASTANA – PREMIER TECH Hugo Houle has been at the WorldTour level since 2013. He is a world-class time triallist and has shown his prowess in both one-day Classics and undulating, grippy courses. In the 2020 edition of the Tour de France, he took an impressive seventh place on Stage 12 and was able to guide his team leader, Miguel Ángel López, to a sixth-place GC finish by the end of the Grand Tour. The years of experience that Houle brings to any given race day is a huge bonus for his team. While he has proven to be a reliable support rider, watch out when he is given the freedom to pursue his own aspirations or sneak into an early breakaway.

What are some key races you are looking forward to this season?

I will put all my focus around the Tour de France and the Olympics again this year. I want to start the season with strong performances in some of the Cobbled Classics, as well as Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico.

How does it feel entering your ninth WorldTour season? Is the fit right at Astana – Premier Tech?

Over the years, I always find a way to improve my fitness and my level in races, so I want to keep moving in that direction. I feel comfortable at Astana – Premier Tech. The staff strongly believes in supporting me toward my goals, especially now that we are a 50 per cent Canadian team as Premier Tech have stepped up with sponsorship. It’s important to me that I represent them well.

How different is racing during a global pandemic?

I had to spend my entire off-season in Monaco, where I live full time with my girlfriend now. With COVID-19, it was not possible to visit Canada. Now, within the team, we have strong COVID protocols, as we did last year. I hope the season will go ahead as planned, but we will see.

“I hope the season will go ahead as planned, but we will see.”

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PRO SINCE: 2013 TEAM: ISRAEL START-UP NATION Michael Woods had a late start to his cycling career, but his successes have since impressed dedicated cycling fans as well as mainstream sport buffs in this country, especially his bronze medal at the 2018 world championship road race, two Vuelta stage wins and his 2019 victory at Milano-Torino. The former middle-distance runner can go from a long way out or vie for the win out of a group of favourites.

In February, Woods took the second stage of Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var, giving his new team its first win of the year.

How has your move been to the new team?

The move to ISN has gone really well. When I was at team camp in January, my wife called and asked, “How’s the new team?” I had to pause for a moment and remember that this is, in fact, a new team. From the staff to the riders, everybody made me feel super welcome. This had a lot to do with being good friends with the three other Canadians on the team – Guillaume, Alex and James – and with team owner Sylvan Adams and our head of performance Paulo Saldanha. I have also been teammates with several other riders and staff on the team, and even my Canadian soigneur from EF, Jon Adams, has jumped on board, so it was actually shocking how smooth the transition has been.

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Above Alexander Cataford

In January, you had been doing some training with Guillaume Boivin. Are there any other pros you like to ride with?

Yes, Guillaume and I are good buddies. G has known me since I first started racing, back when I rode for GarneauQuebecor in 2013. I do also ride occasionally with Alex Cataford and Ben Perry. However, the rider I have trained most with over this past year has been Mitch Docker.

Mitch and I are the same age, we both have kids, and we both like to ride hard without many people. I am not a fan of showing up to a ride with more than one other person.

I like riding at a good pace, in the wind, all day. Unless I am on a very easy coffee-shop ride (which has become a rarity since becoming a dad) then I prefer to just train with one other person and train hard. Mitch is most often keen to do the same.

Photos: noa arnon, Courtesy, Courtesy

Michael Woods

Above left and right top Woods takes the early season win at Stage 2 of Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var

Photo: Getty Images

Alexander Cataford

PRO SINCE: 2013 TEAM: ISRAEL START-UP NATION Alexander Cataford is entering his second season at the WorldTour level after three years racing on pro continental squads and close to four at the continental level before that.

This year, the versatile 27-year-old rider will look to build on previous performances, such as his podium appearance at the Tour of Taihu Lake in 2018.

What are you looking forward to race-wise in 2021?

For 2021, the team has me set up to be a domestique for our GC leaders. This means I will be doing a lot of weeklong WorldTour stage races, as well as building up toward the Vuelta. I learned a lot last year, my first in the WorldTour.

The biggest take-away for me was the importance of recovery during and in-between races. The demands and loads of racing here are so high that it’s really important to take your time to recover afterward so that you are ready for the next race. As for racing during the pandemic, I think what we all learned was the need to be flexible. With a lot of uncertainty around the races, and the possibilities of riders being forced to sit out due to a positive COVID test, you had to be ready for your schedule to change at any minute and be able to jump into a race.

How have you settled into your team as you head into your third season with ISN? The vibe we have here on ISN is really one of the best, I think. It’s a super international team – I think 18 nationalities – so it’s really a big mixing pot. It has a really down-to-earth family vibe here: everyone gets along super well and works together for the best performances of the team. For sure, it is nice to have the Canadian influence on the team, not only with the other Canadian riders, but there is also a strong Canadian presence in the staff and management. It’s a cool feeling, being on this team with guys like Mike, G and James, all of whom I have known since I started racing. Mike and I are actually both from Ottawa, and kind of started in the sport around the same time with the Garneau amateur team out of Quebec.

So, to come full circle with him and to be racing at the highest level now is something special.

When you aren’t racing and training, where can you be found?

My fiancée and I are based here in Girona. We have settled in nicely, gotten used to the European way of life and are really soaking it all in.

Of course, it is always tough at first: you have a bit of culture shock and language barriers. But once you start to figure out how life works here, you really appreciate the opportunity you have to live in a different country.

I will use my time off the bike to mostly just hang out. Some hobbies include cooking and checking out some of the local hiking trails.

Benjamin Perry

PRO SINCE: 2015 TEAM: ASTANA – PREMIER TECH Benjamin Perry will be making his debut season at the WorldTour level in 2021 with Astana - Premier Tech. The St. Catharines, Ont., native is no stranger to top-level racing, having spent three years at the pro continental level and a few years in the competitive amateur European cycling scene.

How is the new team?

It has been amazing. At January’s two-week camp, we did lots of testing, bike fitting, physio and osteo, along with nutrition seminars. I have never learned so much and taken so much out of such a short window of time. Everything is incredibly well-organized and everyone is very respectful and caring. The team is a step ahead of our needs on all fronts and that makes working hard to be at your best a lot easier. It was harder than usual, I guess: we sat at meals at three-person tables with the groups we rode with. I had a roommate who was in my riding group, and remained socially distanced, so I didn’t get to sit and talk with 60 per cent of the team.

This setup, coupled with the fact that there was no December camp, which has a generally a more relaxed atmosphere, has made things different in terms of bonding. There were 80 new people to meet, so it was really overwhelming.

When you can’t take off your mask or shake hands, it’s just different, but I guess we all have to get used to it.

The team has some Canadian representation with partner sponsor Premier Tech, fellow rider Hugo Houle and sport director Steve Bauer. I’m sure you appreciate some familiar faces.

Jean Bélanger from Premier Tech has stepped up the company’s stake to become a 50/50 partner. They have been involved since 2017 and now it is great they are co-owners. I have crossed paths with Steve and Hugo a few times, but we haven’t worked extensively together. Steve and I are both from St.Catharines, but he wasn’t around too much. He’s known me since I first got on a road bike and did club rides with his riders from team Planet Energy.

When you aren’t racing throughout Europe or training around Girona, where would we find you?

Hanging with friends, reading, chipping away at the longest business degree of all time, running, watching hockey highlights and managing my fantasy team.

“I have never learned so much and taken so much out of such a short window of time.” cyclingmagazine.ca

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Antoine Duchesne

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“There is still some big work to be done, but it’s definitely on the right track.”

Photo: N.Götz/Groupama-FDJ

PRO SINCE: 2012 TEAM: GROUPAMA - FDJ Antoine Duchesne has been in the pro cycling scene since he was an under-23 rider, starting his career with Axel Merckx’s legendary development squad. Since 2014, the Saguenay, Que., has raced on professional teams based in France.

You had some setbacks last year with illness. How was your buildup for the 2021 season?

This year, I’m starting slow, to give me the chance to really build back up some good fitness after a long three months off the bike. After that, I will maybe look to some Classics, Tour of Catalogne, Tour des Alpes and the Giro d’Italia. All of that could change, but that’s the direction I should have. So, for sure the goal would be the Giro, to be able to get there with the best fitness with Thibaut Pinot. So far, so good. The time off was really hard. I wasn’t expecting to be put down so bad with mononucleosis. So far, I’ve been taking it really step by step to make sure to not overdo it. In January, I started to look like a pro cyclist, so I’m happy with that. There is still some big work to be done, but it’s definitely on the right track.

How have you enjoyed your time with Groupama - FDJ? It’s really a great team. I really get along in this French-based squad. It is not just a bunch of guys who come and go chasing a bit more money. Here, you really feel like it’s a family and I like that.

COVID-19 has thrown a curveball at life. How is being a professional cyclist during all of this?

With COVID, everything becomes more complicated. It’s harder to plan, harder to travel. We have to do tests all the time, and we never really know if everything’s going to shut down. But, well, I’m just trying to not look too far ahead and control what I can control. We are still the lucky ones because we are able to race and train.

James Piccoli

Guillaume Boivin

PRO SINCE: 2010 TEAM: ISRAEL START-UP NATION Tell me a bit about your upcoming season.

With some races cancelled or postponed, the start of the season became a bit of a puzzle for most teams. It looks like I will have a big focus on the Classics. I’m hoping to show my strengths in order to get on the Giro team later in the year.

What has it been like racing through the pandemic?

The past year has been very challenging on many different fronts. We were extremely lucky and grateful that the team kept paying us even if the racing stopped.

The first part of the forced break wasn’t easy to deal with as far as training and motivation goes. It was difficult to find a purpose to any training we were doing. Once we got a calendar at the end of May, it all kind of felt a bit more normal.

How do you like to keep busy off the bike?

I love to go hiking, skiing and just enjoy the outdoors with my friends and family when I’m back home in Montreal. I missed playing hockey this past year due to COVID-19.

Photos: Courtesy, Courtesy

PRO SINCE: 2014 TEAM: ISRAEL START-UP NATION You got through your first Grand Tour at the Vuelta a España in 2020.

How was that?

The Vuelta was a great experience. I’d always dreamed of doing a Grand Tour, so to be able to check the first one off was great. We also had a really nice group at the race and had lots of laughs and good times with the riders and staff. All in all, a great experience, although I would have loved to have the traditional crowds up the Angliru and maybe a little push or two.

How are you settling into the WorldTour team?

The atmosphere on the team is amazing. We’re all serious about our jobs but somehow still it feels like a family vibe and not just business. It’s also really nice to have so many Canadians on the team as it feels a little like home away from home.

You started your professional career in North America. How has the move been across the pond to Europe? Are you settled into the cycling mecca of Girona?

I really like Girona and I feel like I’m adjusting really well. What’s made it really easy is the community of English-speaking pros who live here and have been able to share their experiences over the years. An added bonus is that my girlfriend really enjoys life here as well, so she’s happy, too. It’s the place with the most respectful drivers I’ve ever seen. There are so many nice roads for training. It really is a great place to live as a bike rider.

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FEATURE

Reshaping Cycling

in Canada and Around the World Cervélo co-founder Phil White helped to change the way we view bikes.

As he continues to tinker in the industry, more changes could be on the way

by Kevin Mackinnon

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Photo: Courtesy Cervélo

Believe it or not, there was a time when no one wanted an aero road or triathlon bike. OK, let me rephrase that – riders didn’t know they wanted an aero bike. Nigel Gray remembers those days all too well. He was the first employee Cervélo bicycles ever had. “I was probably the world’s worst bicycle salesman,” Gray says of his stint with the company, which began shortly after he’d come seventh at Ironman Canada in 1997. “I was crap at the job. It’s surprising Cervélo survived.”

A pro triathlete looking to help make ends meet, Gray would roll into the house owned by Phil White and White’s wife, Anna Dopico, on Beresford Avenue in Toronto’s west end – usually after he’d completed his training at about 11 a.m. Most mornings he’d get there, and White, who grew up in Toronto, would still be in his bathrobe. Gerard Vroomen, the other founder of Cervélo, was living in a house in Toronto’s east end (more precisely, he was living with Enduro Sport bike store owner Dan Rishworth’s parents, who were letting him stay for free) and would spend an hour on public transit every day to get to the house, which served

as Cervélo’s headquarters. More often than not, when Gray arrived, Vroomen would be in the basement of the house, banging his head on the low ceiling.

Gray also remembers making the cold calls to distributors and bike shops throughout North America.

“It’s aluminum. Do they make it in steel?” was a typical response.

“If they made it in steel, they wouldn’t be able to make it in that aerodynamic shape,” Gray would say.

“Well, I’d get it if it was steel.”

Yes, I understand what might be your reluctance to believe all of this. I am talking about Cervélo, the Canadian bike company that has dominated the Ironman world championship bike count for more than a decade, earned its first Tour de France title in 2008 and had its own pro continental cycling team in 2009. It’s the company that continues to make those frames that cyclists drool over. But in 1997, there was a bit of chaos within the small company.

At the centre of that swirling energy was White and Vroomen. If you wanted to chart the influence that White has had on the Canadian cycling scene, you have to start with the pair. It’s impossible not to mention Vroomen, too. Talk to White and he constantly refers to “we,” while a conversation with Dopico about that time inevitably includes a lot of references to “they.”

White and Vroomen had met at McGill University in Montreal as graduate engineering students working on a project to build the world’s fastest time trial bike. Eventually they decided to start their own company. In 1996, they cyclingmagazine.ca

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incorporated Cervélo. The journey to becoming a cycling powerhouse began. It was not easy, though.

“When we started, we couldn’t get a nickel of investment,” White remembers.

“A road bike from Toronto? Are you from Mars?”

It wasn’t just that Toronto isn’t considered a bike-building mecca. It didn’t help that White and Vroomen were trying to start a company that actually made something you could see and touch during a time when investors were flocking to tech startups that, well, didn’t make anything solid. Despite the challenges, Cervélo made money right from the start, but White and Vroomen didn’t see any of it. “We didn’t pay ourselves anything,” White says.

Living on a shoestring budget, though, forced the two to look at what was important for the company. “When you don’t have a lot of resources, you have a laser focus on what really matters,” Dopico says. In 2018, she wrote the book To Make Riders Faster that documents the Cervélo story. “Phil and Gerard learned to do a lot with very little,” she says.

That laser focus, though, went beyond simply being frugal with resources.

White and Vroomen were determined to make fast bikes. For years, they’d been heading down to a wind tunnel in North Carolina between Christmas and New Years (cheap time), testing frames and meeting with pioneers in the aero bike industry, such as Steve Hed and Dan Empfield. They’d meet fellow aero geeks at night for dinner at Applebees, comparing notes on what had worked and what hadn’t.

Despite all that aerodynamic work, though, one of the keys to their success was that they didn’t have any sort of background in the bike industry. “We didn’t care at all about what bikes were ‘supposed to look like,’” Vroomen says.

“We just engineered what we thought was the best possible bike and hoped (correctly as it turned out) that enough people would agree and that over time, a certain purposeful esthetic would appeal.”

Gray could see that process during his time working with Cervélo. “I knew they had a great product and were doing something new and different and needed a break to take it to the next level,” he says. “They were always interested in making a better product.”

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For Dopico, who saw the entire process unfold firsthand, there was more than just making a better product.

The goal was to build something that people wanted, even though they didn’t know it at the time.

“What makes them different is they are designers,” she says. “They love design. They love architecture.

Their way of thinking is different from your typical entrepreneur. ‘What are the needs and wants of people who are going to buy my bikes? What are their aspirations?’ They tap into that kind of thinking, then design bikes that filled the wants and needs and desires of their consumers,” she says.

That love of design was tempered by their background as engineers, though. “Both of them are a bit contrarian.

They don’t like the status quo,” Dopico continues. “They want to probe. They like being different. They’re both engineers, so they’re always asking if the data supports an idea?”

Designing hot products requires as much time and energy as you can imagine. “We worked really, really hard,” White remembers. “I did not have a good work/life balance. I always put the company first. I could never do that again.”

Another part of White and Vroomen’s success was that they didn’t always get along. “We fought like cats and dogs,” White remembers.

“The fact that they survived working together was almost a bigger surprise than the success of the company,” Gray says. “At the same time, it was a good combination.”

“We always worked through issues,” White says. “That tension between us was part of the success factor. When Gerard moved to Switzerland, to support the European

Photo: Kevin Mackinnon

“The goal was to build something that people wanted, even though they didn’t know it at the time.”

A rudimentary jig holds the Baracchi bike that White and Vroomen built while at McGill University in 1995

Photos: Phil White, James Ramsay

market for the company, we didn’t have that anymore. It did hurt, but it was the logical step for us.”

Despite the late ’90s being a brutal time to search for investors for a Canadian bike company, White feels that they started Cervélo at an opportune time: just as cycling and triathlon “got hot.” Lance Armstrong would take his first Tour title in 1999. Triathlon started an era of huge growth with the dramatic expansion of Ironman races around the world. Also, just as the world was beginning to go online, Cervélo was one of the first bike companies to embrace the Internet.

“We quickly generated a solid base in North America from the triathlon

crowd,” White says. “When we started, we were one of the first companies that had a website. The net was unbelievable. People in the triathlon community were active online in newsgroups like rec.sport.triathlon – it was the start of social media. We were able to build from that position of strength.”

By 2003, Cervélo had garnered enough attention with the cycling community that Bjarne Riis took a shot and signed the company as the official bike sponsor of UCI ProTeam CSC. Suddenly the sales guys stopped getting asked who Cervélo was and started fielding calls from interested bike stores and distributors. The move put the company on the map, but it also almost killed it.

“Everything went wrong that year,” White remembers. “We always tried to do too much. That year we started making aluminum frames in Taiwan.

That went wrong. Carbon forks – those didn’t work. And through all that we had a ProTeam team that we were supposed to be supporting.”

The company survived and would continue to enjoy success and growth during the next five years. Then, in 2009, amidst a brutal recession, Cervélo took on the financial burden of supporting its own pro continental team, Cervélo TestTeam. Within a The innovations few years, the company found itself brought results struggling to stay afloat, which cyclingmagazine.ca

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“The fact that they survived working together was almost a bigger surprise than the success of the company.”

Wind tunnel tests of the P3C with a cast of David Zabriskie

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Photos: Phil White, Courtesy Cervélo

left Vroomen and White build the Baracchi frame in their Montreal basement

eventually forced White and Vroomen to sell the company to Pon Holdings, a Dutch company. The deal was announced in early 2012.

White stayed on with Pon until 2017 as the chief innovation officer, helping the other Pon brands to incorporate the same kind of innovative thinking that had made Cervélo such a success. It was a smart move because, even after White and Vroomen had left the day-to-day operations of Cervélo, the company continues to make high-performance bikes that cyclists and triathletes are attracted to.

In spring 2018, during a book signing for To Make Riders Faster, one of the engineers still working at Cervélo approached Dopico and White. “You realize that the bikes themselves weren’t your greatest achievement,” the engineer said to White. “You left the engineering DNA with us. That’s allowed us to carry on the Cervélo brand.”

When White looks back at his time with the company, it is words like that and the number of former Cervélo employees who have become big players in the cycling world that make White proud of what he and Vroomen achieved at Cervélo. “Gerard and I, we built a culture there that was unique,” White says.

“That’s more important than any bike. Building the culture of performance, that’s what I’m proud of.”

Neither Vroomen nor White has been able to relax and take a break from all that hard work. Vroomen lives in Amsterdam and runs Open Cycles and 3T. White became the acting president of Cochrane, Alta.-based 4iiii Innovations in 2020.

Dopico envisioned that after White’s time with Cervélo, she’d get to spend more time with her husband, pursuing things such as their love of race cars.

There’s a 1971 Porsche 911 sitting in their garage that White is determined to reduce from 3,000 lb. to 2,000. Before he took on the challenge of starting up Cervélo, White had worked with a Formula Ford and Formula Atlantic racing team. Rather than stay in the auto-racing world, he turned his passion for

Photos: James Ramsay

The Cervélo head office in Toronto, 2013

speed to bikes. In the post-Cervélo phase of White’s life, he and Dopico have not had much of a chance to delve into the four-wheel fast machines.

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to affect businesses around the world, many companies were turning to their boards for advice to help keep things going. 4iiii found itself in an interesting position: sales were down initially, and then suddenly went up. While other companies were running out of stock, 4iiii worked hard to make sure that customers could always get the company’s power meter, heart-rate monitor or trainer.

White had joined the 4iiii board in 2017. Suddenly, he found himself in the position of being just the person to help the company with operations. He says, however, that he didn’t take the job as acting president with the intention of it being a long-term position.

When I spoke with White this past winter, he was deep into his latest project.

“These guys are well-organized,” he said of the 4iiii team. “Where do we go next? How do we make things better? How do we rethink from a sustainability standpoint? How can we make the economics work to manufacture things closer to our customers? Things with COVID have really accelerated this last question – there’s real value in being closer to your customer.”

Then there’s a project he’s working on with a budding entrepreneur in Ontario. “It could revolutionize the wheel market,” White said. The two have spent a lot of time working with the Canadian paracycling team, modifying bicycle parts for the athletes to enhance their performance.

Even though the interview took place over the phone, I could feel White’s excitement as he spoke about these new endeavours. It was the same excitement I used to feel when I’d see him at an expo or a bike launch as he described the latest Cervélo bike.

“You have to think of doing things differently,” White said. “If you do that, the clouds part.”

Remember those days when no one wanted an aero bike because they were just too different? Phil White helped change all that. Now we just need to wait to see what clouds will part next.

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C y p c o lin T

Planning for this season is tough.

Here are rides on asphalt, gravel and singletrack with a certain resilience for changing times

or 2021 sf

l l e a ng h C e g

The cycling boom of 2020 has shown no sign of letting up, which means that more than ever, people will be out looking for places to ride this summer. Here are some great routes from across Canada that you can experience in your own way, whether that’s after a new fastest known time, on a photo ramble or as an easy pedal in search of swimming holes on a hot summer’s day.

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Photo: Chris Monette

by Dean Campbell

Toronto Bicycling Network’s Hairshirt Route, Southern Ontario

FEATURE

I

n the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, June 23, 2019, Boris Dyakov and his partner, Lily Hansen-Gillis, were doing final checks before departing on a ride from their home in downtown Toronto to meet friends near the Square One shopping centre, to the west in Mississauga, Ont., to attempt the Toronto Bicycling Network’s Hairshirt.

“I’d heard about it in road cycling circles, and it sounded cool,” said Dyakov, who is a Cat. 3 racer and PhD student at the University of Toronto. “I wanted to do it as a fun challenge.”

There are a few things worth knowing about the Hairshirt before you decide to commit to the venture. Perhaps most important, the route is a double century measuring 322 km in length. There’s no official timing. Riders submit their results online after the ride with the expectation that they’ll adhere to the honour system. Finally, the name itself gives you an idea of just what kind of ride this is: a hairshirt was a garment made to cause suffering, commonly associated with medieval monks who wore them as penance.

“Our Hairshirt ride pits the lonely rider and their bicycle against the road and the elements, and for this reason the organizers provide no support other than a map and encouragement,” reads the TBN website.

“It was a bit chaotic for us at the start,” Dyakov says. “One of my friends had a mechanical on his way to the start and had to scramble to fix his bike. Two other friends took off after a group looking to set a new record time. Lily and I departed together and rode as a pair for the first few hours until we caught up to our friends, who had dropped off from the fast group.”

Riding the route using his Garmin, Dyakov and friends still managed to get off course a couple of times. The midpoint of the ride passes beside Niagara Falls before heading through to Niagara-on-the-Lake, then turning west toward Hamilton, passing by vineyards along the Niagara Escarpment.

The Campden General Store is a notable stop. During the Hairshirt, Dyakov fuelled on an assortment of cured sausages, some of which came along for the ride in his snack stash.

Arriving back at the finish, the group split, with a few holding down part of the sidewalk, while the rest got in line to order boxes of Timbits and Iced Capps.

“I’d like to get a really big group together someday to do it, or try to set a new record,” Dyakov says. In 2021, he’s planning to have another go, though COVID restrictions will likely affect when and with whom he rides. (tbn.ca/hairshirt)

Photos: Chris Monette, Courtesy MS Bike

MS Bike After the pandemic upended largescale supported cycling events in 2020, MS Bike changed course and developed virtual riding challenges.

The organization will build on that experience for 2021, hosting a virtual event on Sept. 18 for a day of cycling fun connecting Canadians across the country. There will also be challenges all summer long coming through social media.

“We saw last year how much people loved connecting with other Canadians online, and showcasing their home communities,” says Becky Mitts, senior director with MS Bike.

“We’ve chosen to make our online events free and the response has been strong so far.” (mssociety.ca)

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ave a conversation with Andrew L’Esperance of Norco Factory Racing, and he’ll pretty quickly be talking about his home province of Nova Scotia and how to best see it from the saddle of a bike. He’ll rattle off route names and list corresponding cafés and lookouts and explain that, across the province the people will be the kindest, most welcoming folks you’ll ever meet.

It’s with all of that in mind that he describes the way he’d like to ride the Cabot Trail his next time around. “I did it when I was 23. At the time, I wanted it to be a mission and to go fast,” the World Cup racer says from his new home in Victoria. He completed the route in a little more than 10 hours. “Now I really want to do it with time to explore and enjoy good coffee and food.”

Prior to moving west at the start of 2021, L’Esperance and his partner and Norco teammate Haley Smith were trying to squeeze in the route to help close out a year that went wildly off-plan. COVID cancelled much of the race season,

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shifting the goals that both riders had set. They got married in three small, separate services to ensure that family and friends could help celebrate while respecting restrictions on travel and gatherings.

As November rolled in, so too did harsh weather from the Atlantic Ocean. The plan to complete the 300-km route in two days fell apart as daylight hours dwindled. “The raw and natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands is spectacular,” says L’Esperance, whose route comprises more than 4,300 m of climbing. “Some of the bigger climbs on the route start at the seaside and climb for 400 m. The views from the top are spectacular. Beyond the main loop, there are small gravel roads to explore, too.”

Accommodations along the route range from camping to a luxury golf course. L’Esperance points out that the selection of quaint bed and breakfasts along the Cabot Trail are a great way to meet the locals. COVID has also complicated plans to do the ride in 2021, though L’Esperance and Smith are keen to head east and take on the challenge when circumstances permit.

To plan your own ride of the Cabot Trail, plenty of resources are available to help. The route is a popular loop for tourists, making mid-week riding plans a smart choice to avoid the heaviest traffic. (cabottrail.travel )

Photos: Tourism Nova Scotia

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo

Photos: Courtesy KRGF, Courtesy KRGF, Courtesy Reggie Ramble, Courtesy Reggie Ramble

Just 500 riders will be able to take part in the 2021 Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo this Sept. 11, near Cranbrook, B.C. Developed as a fundraising ride by the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club, the event has built a reputation as one of the best rides in the west. Volunteers and organizers earn high praise each year. Distances include 152, 102 and 58 km.

Proceeds from the fondo go to many local charitable projects, including the North Star Rails to Trails Society, which creates more outdoor recreation opportunities within the region. (krgf.ca)

Reggie Ramble The Reggie Ramble is back for the summer of 2021, offering up a gravel-grinding experience near Ontario’s Prince Edward County. Riders start and finish in Warkworth. Three routes – 65, 130 and 200 km – explore the best gravel roads and forest trails in the region on Sept. 25. A new format for the event has been devised to respect everyone’s well-being and local health guidelines.

Reggie is all about having fun riding bikes. This event grabs that concept by the bars and shares it with anyone willing to join. (reggieramble.com)

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Ride a Populaire or Brevet andonneur cycling events emerged in the early days of the sport. None other than Tour de France founder Henri Desgrange encouraged cyclists to take on long distances not in the spirit of competition, but for the physical benefits and the fun of it. Pro road cyclists got involved, too. The early decades of randonneuring featured race divisions, although over time, the format has shifted away from a strictly competitive format.

Rather than race, randonneurs follow cue sheets to navigate a course, riding at a more relaxed pace.

Checkpoints along the route confirm participants don’t short-cut the course. With the use of GPS tracking apps and photo-based checkpoints, randonneuring is perhaps the perfect COVID-safe cycling activity. Brevet routes typically measure 200, 300, 400, 600 and 1,200 km in length.

Anything shorter is considered a populaire, though they typically are 60 km and longer.

“The Sharbot Lake 200 is one of my favourites,” says Guy Quesnel, Randonneurs Ontario vice-president, Ottawa chapter. “You ride through the Frontenac Highlands, which really is lake country. The roads are quite intimate, too.

“The Ottawa chapter also has three routes that stop off at a sugar bush at about two-thirds of the way through the

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Photos: Dave Thompson

R

ride. That makes for a great rest stop.”

Quesnel has been in the sport since the mid-2000s, and found the community incredibly supportive and welcoming. One of his mentors, Vytas Janusauskas, started randonneuring in the early 1990s, and continues to participate to this day.

“These rides really help me get an escape from the world,” Janusauskas says. “You enjoy wonderful sights, and enjoy the people you meet along the way.”

Riders need to be self-sufficient. Practical considerations include appropriate tools, food and water, and a few other safety items. Prior to a ride, participants may be asked to show they have the required gear, so be sure to check the rules ahead of time.

Though each ride is slated for a particular day, enterprising riders can easily download cue sheets and venture out on their own schedule to explore a set ride known as a permanent. The randonneur organizations in B.C., Alberta and Ontario have permanents established. A classic permanent, the 1,200 km Montreal-Boston-Montreal, is likely not accessible this year. After you do your ride, generally, you then submit your GPS track to confirm your result. (randonneurscanada.org) opposite The Granite Anvil Brevet

“These rides really help me get an escape from the world.”

Photos: John Gibson

TransRockies Gravel Royale The minds behind the legendary TransRockies mountain bike stage race have created the new TransRockies Gravel Royale, a four-day gravel stage race set to run Aug. 23 to 26. While shorter options are available, the full event focuses on teams of two or more completing the full 375 km and 7,000 m of climbing. At least 84 per cent of the route is on gravel roads.

While the event is challenging, riders will be well-supported. You’ll have to camp, especially near Stage 3, but there are lodging options at the start. You’ll have to book something at the finish in Fernie, B.C. The event is filling up fast, so plan your entry now. (transrockiesgravelroyale.com)

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IMBA Seven Summits in Rossland, B.C. lpine trails have it all – the views, the descents, the sense of accomplishment you feel after riding them. And for all this goodness, there’s also the price you have to pay: the climbs.

Few alpine trails give as excellent a return on investment as the Seven Summits in Rossland, B.C. The trail was completed in 2004 and is one of a few IMBA Epic rides in Canada. It’s a little less than 30 km with almost 1,400 m of climbing, so you’ll want to be well-rested and well-prepared before tackling it.

“I’ve ridden the route twice: once fast and once where I took more time to look around and savour the experience,” says AJ Strawson, executive director of IMBA Canada. “There are each of the seven summits, and the six saddles between them. When you are down among the trees, the forest is

mostly conifer trees and you can see past the trees to the valley below.”

The Seven Summits exacts the price of admission right from the start: even using a shuttle only gets you part of the way out of the valley. Many hard-core locals skip the shuttle altogether. Once you’re on the trail, it winds up to the first peak, also the highest. If you thought you’d make things a bit easier for yourself with an ebike, you should know that, at least for now, the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society is keeping this trail analog-only.

“The trail is all old-school singletrack,” Strawson says.

“It’s very natural with almost no berms. As you climb up to the first peak, you may begin to doubt you’ll have enough in the tank to do six more summits, but once you’re at the top of the first, you get to descend into the saddle between each of the peaks so there’s a bit of recovery. Every mountaintop also makes for a good spot to snack and take photos.”

By the time you’ve reached the final peak, you’ll be at Red Mountain Resort, with a view of the long descent ahead. It’s worth taking a break here to be ready to get everything you’ve paid for on your way back down to the valley.

Because of the alpine nature of the trail, the season for riding the Seven Summits is a short one. The trail is usually open from July to September, so be sure to plan accordingly. (kcts. ca/trails/rossland-range)

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Photos: Dave Silver

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Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan The 10th edition of the Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan offers up three distance options (55, 92 and 160 km) for riders on Sept. 19, all starting and finishing in Penticton, B.C. Organizers have built the event to respect anticipated COVID restrictions while still aiming to preserve the sense of community participants have enjoyed in the past. Rider package pickup will be electronic. The starts will be in waves. Aid stations, and the start and finish areas, will be modified to ensure participant and volunteer safety.

While some elements may be different, riders can expect the same supportive environment, beautiful lakeside and mountain roads that characterize the event. (granfondoaxelmerckx.com)

Crow Wing Trail, Manitoba

Photos: Courtesy Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan, Gregory McNeill

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he Crow Wing Trail connects Emerson, Man., which

sits on the Canada/U.S. border, to Winnipeg. Made up of gravel roads, trails and road allowances, the Crow Wing Trail is the result of collaboration of volunteers in communities along the 193-km route dedicated to reviving the Red River ox-cart trail from the mid-1800s. Today, Crow Wing is part of The Great Trail.

“Emerson is one of the oldest towns in Manitoba, and was an important trading town at one point,” says Pete McAdams, who lives on the trail, and rides the route regularly. “There’s not much traffic, and the southern section can be especially remote.”

McAdams especially enjoys the stretch of trail between St-Pierre-Jolys and the Senkiw suspension footbridge, across the Roseau River. The Roseau meanders in a tight series of oxbows, making for beautiful photos. Explore the trail on a dry day in September to enjoy fall foliage – probably the best time to ride the Crow Wing Trail.

While the gravel roads make for beautiful riding in the dry, they are notoriously challenging when wet. In fact, for many champions of the Crow Wing Trail, this

Ride the Crow Wing Trail any time of year!

route is best served cold. Mid-February in Manitoba is a remarkable time of year both for the frigid weather, and for the way in which Manitobans embrace the cold. On the Louis Riel weekend, a race known as the Actif Epica aims to celebrate human resilience. Participants can contest a choice of 60-, 115- or 200-km courses on foot or by bike. All routes finish at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in Winnipeg, where Indigenous communities have been gathering for more than 6,000 years. The spot is now known as the Forks, which continues to be a meeting place shaping the culture of the region.

A new trail passport program has been created to encourage more users to experience the Crow Wing Trail. Rather than taking on large sections of the trail all at once, the route is split into 11 segments, the shortest measuring 7 km.

These can be completed any time of the year. Once you’ve collected stamps from all the segments of the trail, you can get a Crow Wing Trail certificate of completion. (crowwingtrail.ca) cyclingmagazine.ca

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GEAR

Road & Gravel Road Dream Machines p.52 Road Performance p.54 Road Price Point p.56 Women’s Road and Gravel p.57 Gravel Dream Machines p.58 Gravel Performance p.59 Gravel Price Point p.60 E-Road and E-Gravel p.62 E-Commuter p.63 Wheels p.64 Tires p.66

Trail Dream Machines p.68 Performance Bikes p.70 Mountain Bike Extras p.71 Price Point Bikes p.72 Women’s MTB p.73 eMTB p.74 Fat Bikes p.75 Wheels p.78 Tires p.79

Rapid Fire Saddles p.80 Road Shoes p.82 MTB Shoes p.84 Gravel Shoes p.86 Pedals p.88 Head Units and Watches p.90

Photo: Matt Stetson

2021

BUYER’S GUIDE cyclingmagazine.ca

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GEAR

Canyon Aeroad CFR $12,149

ROAD DREAM MACHINES

With German bike maker Canyon now shipping to Canada, you can get the company’s top-of-the-line aero road bike sent right to your door. The third-generation Aeroad made its debut this past October. The frame is 14 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, as well as 7.4 W faster when cutting through the wind. Also, you don’t have to be as flexible as a pro to enjoy all the bike’s pro features: the new Aeroad frames have a higher stack and shorter reach so they’ll fit a wider range of riders more easily. The saddle clamp that comes with the bike is for 7-mm round rails. If you want to run a saddle with oval carbon rails, you’ll need to get an adapter from the company. Plan ahead so that when the big box with your bike arrives, you’ll have everything you’ll need. If you are comfortable putting wheels on a bike and tightening some bolts with a torque wrench, which Canyon provides, putting the rig together will be a breeze. (canyon.com/en-ca)

No. 22 Aurora $7,200 (frameset) No. 22’s Aurora won best-in-show at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show back in 2019, and it’s not hard to see why. Canada-based titanium-specialists No. 22 say the Aurora is the company’s smoothest-riding road offering, while still feeling crisp through the corners. The frameset clears a 32c tire and features a T47 threaded bottom bracket.

Visually, the Aurora stands out with its one-piece carbon seatmast and abundance of anodized finishing options. It is made-to-order as a frameset. The one pictured was designed around the Campagnolo EPS groupset. You can even add No. 22’s elegant coupler system, making your Aurora easier to travel with. (22bicycles.com)

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De Rosa Corum $10,900 For almost 70 years, Italian outfit De Rosa has handmade road-racing frames.

During that time, the company has used carbon, titanium and, most notably, steel. The Corum is De Rosa’s latest TIG-welded racer, offered in 15 stock sizes with custom geometry available.

While pro squad Cofidis will be riding De Rosa’s carbon Merak at this year’s Tour de France, the Corum is a modern nod to the steel bikes that gained prominence with the powerhouse Faema team in the 1960s. The Corum is outfitted with a colour-matched stem and carbon fork. It rolls on FSA Metron 40 wheels. The build is rounded out with a Shimano Dura-Ace mechanical groupset. (derosanorthamerica.com)

Factor Ostro VAM $11,151 Released just before the 2020 Tour de France, the Ostro VAM is Factor’s answer to a quiver-killing race bike.

Started in 2007 as an engineering firm working with brands such as Ferrari and Aston Martin, Factor has risen to WorldTour prestige with Israel Start-Up Nation. The race bike introduces a new carbon layup, along with a T47 threaded bottom bracket, resulting in a 780 g frame (in size 54cm). The fork’s wide stance, along with the integrated cockpit, allows for better aerodynamics.

Chris Froome may be ambivalent about the disc brakes on this bike, but you’ll find them a boon. Thin seatstays and 32-mm tire clearance ensure a comfortable ride. (factorbikes.com)

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL 7 $15,899 The Specialized Tarmac has spent almost 20 years in the pro peloton. This iteration picks up on that tradition and runs with it. The U.S. brand aims to end the compromises between climbing and aero bikes, spelling an end to its aero-specific Venge model. The latest Tarmac frame has improved aerodynamics through further integration, all while tipping the scales at roughly 800 g. The S-Works spec does not disappoint, a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain, rolling on Roval Rapide CLX wheels. The stock Turbo cotton tires are 26c, but the new Tarmac will fit 32c tires just fine. (specialized.com/ca) —Jake Williams cyclingmagazine.ca

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

ROAD PERFORMANCE

Felt AR Advanced $6,599 Felt’s AR road bikes are well-known as wind-cheating carbon options that deliver superior ride quality. The 2021 AR (as in “aero road”) Advanced Ultegra is a value-packed way to get into the lineup. The Shimano Ultegra version pairs a load of reliable components with Felt’s AeroRoad 3.0 UHC Advanced carbon disc frame. It uses the Ultegra R8020 mechanical drivetrain including hydraulic disc brakes stopping Reynolds AR58 DB Custom wheels. The cockpit features the Devox DBar.CO Aero bar setup. The beefy stem not only channels cables and hoses into the frame, it comes off the steering tube fairly easily. Felt designed an excellent bit of usability that you don’t see in other aero cockpits that can be a challenge when you are packing up your bike for trip. The AR Advanced is also available in frame-only, 105 or Ultegra Di2 options. (can-en.feltbicycles.com)

Cervélo Caledonia $3,900 Cervélo says it designed the Caledonia after trying to stuff wide tires into the R5 while also trying to make the gravelfocused Áspero less so. The result is the Caledonia frame, which fits that niche in between the other two models and delivers a do-it-all bike at a great value. The second-tier carbon frame is lightweight, durable and uses standard round stem, bars and seat posts. But it also comes equipped with integrated accessory mounts and hidden fender mounts. The 105 version uses Shimano’s durable mid-range drivetrain with Alexrims Boondocks wheels with 30c Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires. Not big enough for you? You can squeeze 34c tires into the frame should your local routes call for them. Available in six sizes from 48 to 61 and in Ultegra and Ultegra Di2 builds. (cervelo.com)

Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc $5,299 The latest generation of Giant’s proven TCR architecture, which was released in 2020, is an impressive all-around performer featuring new aero-focused tube shaping. The carbon frame and fork have been updated to allow for tires as wide as 32c, improving the versatility of the platform even more. The Advanced Pro 1 model comes in six sizes and is equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra drivetrain including the crankset with a built-in Giant PowerPro power meter.

Getting all those features for $5,299 is amazing value. This TCR rolls on Giant’s SLR-1 42 Carbon Disc wheels with Gavia Course 1 tubeless tires. The cockpit setup is Giant Contact SL with a composite Giant Variant seatpost and Fleet SL saddle. (giant-bicycles.com/ca)—Dan Dakin

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PERFORMANCE INNOVATION SINCE 1888

GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

ROAD PRICE POINT

Argon 18 Krypton CS $2,800 If you are keen on a fast road bike, but might not have the flexibility – yet – to get low in the drops, the Krypton CS is your machine. The Montreal-based brand put its innovative 3D+ system on the headset. It lets you raise your bars up as much as 60 mm, while still keeping the steering precise. Don’t need that much stack? Great. You’ll enjoy the bike’s lively handling as you ride low and pro. The endurance frame does an excellent job of dampening road vibrations, which can be energy draining. With the Krypton, you can push yourself to ride farther and farther. For 2021, Argon is spec’ing a SRAM Rival drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes. It rolls on Vision Team 30 wheels. (argon18.com)

Cube Attain GTC SL $3,599 The Cube Attain GTC SL was designed in Waldershof, Germany, with an eye to mile-after-mile comfort. Its carbon-fibre frame puts you in a good position for long rides. The bike’s spec is a quality mix of Shimano components, with the Ultegra 50/34-tooth crankset and derailleur on the higher-end of the parts range and 105-level brakes in the middle. The seatpost, stem and handlebar are by another German brand: Newmen.

Fulcrum Racing wheels round out the package. If you are a hardy rider, take advantage of the bike’s fender compatibility and head out in sloppy weather. (cube-bikes.ca)

Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc $3,850 Trek relaunched its climber’s bike, the Émonda, just before summer 2020. One of its new features is its aerodynamic tube shapes. While the SL models of the Émonda use a slightly heavier carbon-fibre formula than the premium SLR frames, all Émondas have the same wind-cheating tubes. The SL 5 comes with Shimano’s rock-solid 105 gruppo. House-brand Bontrager provides the alloy bars, stem and seat mast. The Bontrager Verse Comp is a versatile saddle that will keep you comfortable on your long rides, whether you’re going uphill or down. (trekbikes.com)—Matthew Pioro

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GEAR

Liv Devote Advanced Pro $6,499 Each year sees the gravel category expanding. In 2020, Liv stepped into the ring with its first entry. The lightweight chameleon-blue frame and fork feature three water bottle mounts, as well as mounts for racks and bags, if you’re aiming for bikepacking adventures. If unloaded, long hours in the Liv Alacra SL saddle are a goal, the D-Fuse seatpost will absorb vibrations, while the D-Fuse handlebar does the same at your hands. The Devote is also quite capable and smooth on rolling singletrack. A SRAM Force groupset rounds out the package, as well as a Giant CXR-2 Carbon Disc wheelset with 700 x 40c tubeless-ready Maxxis Velocita tires. The frame and fork offer clearance for 45c treads. (liv-cycling.com/ca)

WOMEN’S ROAD AND GRAVEL

Scott Contessa Addict Gravel 15 $4,000 Scott has moulded its HMF carbon-fibre technology into this lightweight frame that’s built for adventure. The bike’s wheels, RP2.0 Disc, are by Scott’s component line, Syncros.

The durable alloy rims come with Schwalbe’s gravel G-One Allround tires (700 x 35c). There’s plenty of stiffness in the frame, provided in part by the tapered head tube and large bottom bracket, making for great handling and pedalling efficiency. Shimano’s GRX gravel-specific components – shifters, crankset, front and rear derailleurs – can propel you across rough surfaces. Shimano RX400 hydraulic disc brakes will bring you to a stop when it’s time to enjoy the view. (micasport.com)

Cube Axial WS Pro $1,499 The vibrant, Axial WS Pro from Cube is a race-ready aluminum rig that is also built for comfort during long days in the saddle. The German company has spec’d the frame with many house-brand parts – fork, stem, handlebar and seatpost. The T-shaped saddle, the women-specific Natural Fit Venec Lite (also a product by Cube), features what is referred to as an ergo-relief channel for comfort when you’re in the drops. A 2 x 9 Shimano Sora R3000 crankset provides a wide range of gears. Continental Ultra Sport 3 tires and TRP Spyre disc brakes provide the requisite grip and control. (cube-bikes.ca)—Tara Nolan cyclingmagazine.ca

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GRAVEL DREAM MACHINES

Pinarello Grevil $4,500 (frame) The Grevil is unmistakably Pinarello at its core, and yet unique in the Italian brand’s lineup. Swap out wheels and the Grevil changes personality – from a comfortable road performer on 28c tires to a gravel master on 42c right up to a singletrack slayer on 650b wheels with 2.1"-wide treads. Available as a frameset or in Shimano GRX or Ultegra builds, the all-carbon Grevil and its asymmetric design optimize power transfer, while the Flexstays offer the right compliance for comfort. The frame has internal routing for either electronic or mechanical groupsets and impressive little details like an extra bottle cage on the underside of the down tube for those extra long days in the saddle. (unoimports.com)

T-Lab X3 $7,450 Straight out of Montreal, T-Lab takes its made-to-order titanium technology and offers it in a high-performing adventure bike. The X3 disc frame uses uniquely shaped Grade 9 titanium tubes and offers loads of clearance in the rear triangle to accommodate tires as large as 700 x 45c or 650b x 51c.

The $7,450 GRX Di2 build includes Shimano’s RX815 electronic gravel-focused drivetrain with Mavic Allroad UST Disc CL wheels. It’s a refined machine that is simply a blast barreling along gravel roads. The X3 is available in five standard sizes or, if you’re looking to personalize your X3 even more, you can also order custom geometry. You can add on a third water bottle, and rack or fender mounts, too. (t-lab-bikes.com)

Allied Allroad $14,495 When the folks behind Allied want to check on the manufacturing process of their carbon-fibre bike frames, their trip to the factory isn’t a daylong airplane ride away: it’s literally in the next room of their building in Rogers, Ark. The Allroad is designed to take on any surface you care to throw at it. While it’s available in a wide array of builds, one of the best features the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset. The complete bike is built up in Canada by Mariposa Bicycles. The company rounds out the machine with Enve 3.4 AR Disc wheels, as well as an Enve bar, stem and seatpost. Available in six sizes, from 49 to 61 cm. (mariposabicycles.ca)—DD

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GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GRAVEL PERFORMANCE

Cannondale Topstone Carbon Lefty 3 $5,300 The new Lefty Oliver fork gives the Topstone 30 mm of front suspension, adding to the leaf-spring-like 30 mm of rear suspension thanks to Cannondale’s Kingpin pivot in the frame’s seat tube. With a mixture of Shimano GRX 800 and 600 components (and GRX 400 brakes), the full-suspension gravel bike keeps traction with 650 x 47c WTB tires. The Topstone is offered with 700c wheels, but doesn’t feature the more off-road capable Oliver fork. Along with hidden fender mounts and routing for a dropper post, the Topstone is designed for comfortable road riding as much as it is built for singletrack. (cannondale.com)

Tommasini Fire Gravel Disc $6,790 The Fire Gravel is the latest bike from the long-established Italian brand. Irio Tommasini started his framebuilding business shortly after the Second World War, in the Tuscan city of Grosseto. All frames, including the new Fire Gravel bike, continue to be made by hand in the same facility. This TIG-welded frame features a lugged seat tube, and custom geometry by request. The classic steel frame is paired with a modern gravel groupset, Shimano’s GRX 600, along with Vision Team 30 Disc wheels. (tommasini.ca)

3T Exploro Max $5,900 The new 3T Exploro Max is an aero gravel bike with big clearance and versatility. The frameset, officially called the Exploro RaceMax, is available in both Race spec (700c wheels) or Max spec (650b wheels). Additionally, the brand has taken a holistic approach on clearance, using the term WAM (width as measured) to take into account tire widths on different rims.

As with the previous Exploro, the frame maintains its rearwheel cutout, adds double-dropped chainstays for more stiffness and shortens the fork crown for less drag and better handling. The Max spec will clear a whopping 61-mm WAM tire with the Shimano GRX 1-by drivetrain and WTB Serra wheels. ( 3t.bike)—JW cyclingmagazine.ca

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Felt Breed 30 $2,399

GRAVEL PRICE POINT

Gravel bikes are super hot these days.

They let you get away from city traffic on routes that are easier to ride than mountain bike trails. The Felt Breed 30 is a well-spec’d aluminum gravel rig that features Shimano’s 11-speed mechanical GRX gravel-specific drivetrain, GRX hydraulic disc brakes and 700 x 38c Vittoria Terreno Dry tubelessready tires, which will allow you to carve up any dirt road. The Breed can also run 650b (read: mountain bike) wheels and 2.1" wide tires if you want even more rubber beneath you. There are six frame sizes available to accommodate riders as tall as 6'5". Added bonus: the unique satin glow green colour. (can-en. feltbicycles.com)

Cube Nuroad C:62 Pro $3,749 German brand Cube is tapping into the gravel market with its Nuroad series. The C:62 Pro boasts a carbon-fibre frameand-fork combo to take the sting out of rougher roads, and comes with a mix of Shimano’s gravel-specific GRX group. GRX provides you with a better grip on the hoods and a clutch on the rear derailleur to keep the chain under better tension on rough terrain. Twin 160-mm rotors for the hydraulic disc brakes are good to see. Internal cable routing is another nice touch. A Fulcrum wheelset with 40-mm Schwalbe G-One Allround tires rounds out this appealing package. (cube-bikes.ca)

Garneau Garibaldi G4 $1,099 The Garibaldi G4 is Garneau’s pricepoint gravel bike, which will allow riders who don’t have deep pockets to explore country roads on a new bike. The parts aren’t super fancy, but they’re solid where it counts. Shimano Claris shifters, front and rear derailleurs, and brake levers are respectable and should last several seasons. Larger riders would, however, be wise to upgrade the ProMax brakes for better stopping power. The aluminum frame, fork and wheels are a great platform to build on. Upgrade other parts as they wear out, and you’ll be able to ride this bike for years to come. (garneau.com)— Stuart Kernaghan

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

E-ROAD AND E-GRAVEL

Argon 18 Subito E-Gravel $5,400 Argon 18’s Subito e-gravel is the bike for those looking for an extra punch off-road. The Subito’s carbon-fibre frame features a comfortable endurance geometry paired with Argon’s familiar 3D+ headset for added front-end stiffness and more stack adjustment. The Ebikemotion X35 delivers 40 Nm of torque through its 250-W rear hub motor, topping out assistance at 32 km/h when pedalling the SRAM Rival drivetrain. For an all-day adventure, you can boost the battery life with an optional range extender. Vision Afterburner wheels are wrapped with Challenge Gravel Grinder tires in size 650 x 46c. (argon18.com)

Giant Road E+ 1 Pro $5,699 The Road E+ 1 Pro packs a lot of power and knows when to distribute it. The alloy all-road ebike features Giant’s SyncDrive Pro motor resulting in 80 Nm of torque at the cranks. When you’re riding in Smart Assist mode, the motor knows when you’re on a climb and hands out assistance accordingly. The battery is capable of 145 km on a single charge in optimal conditions according to Giant, thanks to the 500-Wh capacity. Expect even more distance with the optional range extender. Shifting and braking are handled by the Shimano Ultegra groupset. The wheels and tires are tubeless-ready. (giant-bicycles.com/ca)

Moustache Dimanche 29.5 Gravel $6,899 The relatively small French brand Moustache has been producing ebikes exclusively for almost a decade. The Dimanche 29.5 is Moustache’s dedicated drop-bar dirt bike and is powered by Bosch’s Performance line with a maximum output of 65 Nm. The alloy frame and in-house carbon fork allow for 700 x 50c tire clearance. Shimano’s 11-speed GRX groupset takes care of shifting and braking with a Moustache crank and 80-mm travel dropper post included. The brand also produces its own wheels. The Dimanche comes in four sizes. (moustachebikes.com)—JW

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The e-Omnia is Bianchi’s new line of electric bikes, with the T Type designed for fitness, commuting or fun rides around the neighbourhood. There are gender-specific versions of the T Type aluminum frame: the Lady and the Gent.

Both models come with integrated lights, fenders and a rear rack to carry your groceries or picnic. Pedal assistance comes via Bosch’s Performance CX Gen 4 motor that’s fuelled by a 625-Wh battery. The unit can give you as much as 85 Nm of torque to help you up a steep climb. The Canadian version of the T Type comes with Shimano’s ultra-reliable 12-speed XT group. (bianchicanada.com)

Magnum Cosmopolitan $2,200

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GEAR

Bianchi e-Omnia T Type $7,250

E-COMMUTER

The Magnum Cosmopolitan might be one of the best deals for an ebike these days. The motor and battery life aren’t as heavy as those on an eMTB, but Magnum says that you’ll get a respectable 55 km of distance out of the 360-Wh battery. The stepthrough aluminium frame offers a very upright position, which will be more comfortable for casual riders.

A Zoom suspension fork will take the sting out of small bumps, while the sixspeed drivetrain will keep you moving along whatever level of pedal-assist you choose. The rear rack is great for grocery runs in the neighbourhood. (magnumbikes.com)

Elby S1 $3,599 An Elby ebike has a distinct look with its step-through frame, which makes getting on the bike easy, even in formal office attire. The nine-speed S1 model offers up a solid list of features for considerably less money than most other class-comparable bikes. It boasts a range of 125 km thanks to a 500-W rear hub motor powered by a 555-Wh battery. When you’re not using pedal assist, you’ll be powering the nine-speed SRAM X5 drivetrain with your own horsepower. The Elby comes in one-size-fits-most, with saddle height adjustable from 34" to 41". (elbymobility.com)—SK cyclingmagazine.ca

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Cadex 65 Disc Tubeless $4,200

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Featuring 65-mm-deep carbon rims, the Cadex 65 Disc Tubeless wheelset delivers noticeable aero gains, particularly on flatland courses. While some similarly deep-profile wheels struggle in the weight department, Cadex 65s are laced with aero carbon spokes that minimize the wheels’ overall weight (1,501 g per pair). Each Cadex 65’s performance is further boosted with the use of a low-friction hub that ensures precious watts are not wasted. For even greater aero gains, each wheel’s hookless rim design provides a smooth transition from the tire sidewall to the rim. (cadex-cycling.com)

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

ROAD AND GRAVEL WHEELS Shimano GRX $620

Designed specifically for gravel riding, the GRX wheelset provides durability and performance at a very accessible price. For each wheel, Shimano specs 24 stainless-steel spokes, centre-lock disc compatible hubs and 21.6-mm internal-width aluminum rims that can easily accommodate large-volume tires. The rear wheel features an asymmetric profile for even spoke tension, which improves the wheel’s stiffness and strength. These wheels are E-Thru axle compatible and are available in 650b (1,657 g per pair) and 700c sizes (1,720 g per pair). (bike.shimano.com)

Reserve 50 $3,200

Created with input from the aero wizards at Cervélo and the wheel builders at Santa Cruz, the Reserve 50 wheelset is ideal for competitive road riding. The 50-mm-deep carbon rims deliver the perfect blend of wind-cheating speed and stability, making them an excellent all-arounder for riders who don’t want a quiver of wheels. The rims are laced with 24 spokes to DT’s highly regarded 240 hubs, which further confirms the wheels’ no-nonsense performance focus. Reserve should also be praised for building these tubeless-ready rims with a traditional bead hook – a feature that allows riders a much broader choice of tire setups. Look for these hoops in late summer. (reservewheels.com)

As cycling becomes more and more specialized, it’s refreshing to see some companies are still producing durable, relatively affordable and truly versatile components. Campy’s new Shamal Carbon Disc Brake wheelset exemplifies these qualities. Campy starts with carbon rims (35-mm deep at the front and 40-mm deep at the rear) that feature a 21-mm internal channel. This construction assures the rims are compatible with a variety of tires, starting from 25-mm road-specific slicks and going all the way to 65-mm gravel tires. For hubs, Campy specs its smooth-running traditional cup-and-cone units and adds the new N3W freehub. This freehub is compatible with 11-speed, 12-speed and 13-speed cassettes and can accommodate 9-, 10- and 11-tooth starting sprockets.

While these features are impressive, the new hub design will also accommodate older 9- and 10-speed cassettes.

This level of compatibility is a significant achievement in the quest to avoid unnecessary component obsolescence. (campagnolo.com)

Hunt 42 Limitless Gravel Disc $2,239

The new 42 Limitless Gravel Disc wheelset brings aerodynamic gains to the competitive gravel rider. Starting with the rims, Hunt employs a unique 42-mm deep profile that hits a sweet spot between aero performance and crosswind stability. Each rim’s 25-mm internal channel and 36-mm external width ensure compatibility with tires ranging from 38c to 42c (optimal size for aero benefits) all the way up to 54c. These hoops are laced with Pillar Wing aero spokes to Hunt’s smooth-rolling hubs that feature CeramicSpeed’s low-friction bearings. Everything weighs in at 1,548 g. (huntbikewheels.cc)

Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 $1,600

Road riders looking to upgrade their wheels without dipping into their retirement savings should check out the Aeolus Pro 37. This capable value-oriented wheelset features a 37-mm deep carbon rim that does an excellent job of balancing aero performance, low weight (1,505 g per pair) and durability. Bontrager laces these rims with DT Aerolite spokes to DT Swiss 350 thru-axle disc hubs. These are versatile wheels that deliver exceptional performance for the money. (trekbikes.com)—Gus Alexandropoulos

Photos: tktk

Campagnolo Shamal Carbon Disc Brake $1,975

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Bontrager AW3 $80 GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

ROAD AND GRAVEL TIRES

In springtime, roads are at their cruelest. They are clear of snow, but as it melted, it left behind lots of stuff that’s out to slice your tires. The new Bontrager AW3 tires arrived at the right time, debuting a few weeks after Groundhog Day. The 32c Hard-Case Lite model (335 g) features a nylon and aramid layer of protection beneath the tread. Bontrager says that Hard-Case Lite works 78 per cent better than its previous iteration. The AW3 is your tire for spring, and maybe summer and fall, too. It’s not like good flat-protection goes out of season. (trekbikes.com) Giant Gavia Course 1 $65 The Giant Gavia Course 1 is a high-value tire for taking your road bike to high speeds. Giant paid particular attention to the tire’s cornering abilities in the way it set out its RR-S compound onto the 60 t.p.i. casing. The carbon/kevlar composite beads will hold fast to the rim of your wheel.

The 25c model of the Gavia Course 1 weighs roughly 375 g. (giant-bicycles.com/ca) Veloflex Corsa 25 SPS $69 The “SPS” in this tire’s name stands for “sidewall protection system,” the puncture-resistant layer set under the compound. It should keep you rolling fast whether you’re racing or simply riding hard for the fun of it. The Corsa 25 SPS boasts a whopping 320 t.p.i., its casing made of polyester threads wrapped in cotton. The tire will only add 220 g to the weight of your wheel. (logica.ca) Maxxis High Road $100 The second-generation of Maxxis’s racing tire, the High Road, came out in early February. The new tire’s thread count is up from 120 t.p.i. to 170 t.p.i. compared with the previous High Road. That change means the tire has a better (lower) rolling resistance and is lighter, too. The 28c tubeless-ready model is 315 g. The High Road’s puncture protection comes from Maxxis’s new ZK liquid-crystal polymer fibre. The company says ZK improves puncture resistance by seven per cent. (maxxis.com)

You remember that RR-S compound on the Gavia Course 1 tire above? Well, CADEX – the premium components division of Giant – took that compound and gave it some more grip without compromising speed. The RR-S AR compound sits on a single-layer 170 t.p.i. casing. Since CADEX got all those treads on one layer, as opposed to multiple layers as many brands do, the company was able to keep the weight of the tire down. The 28c tire is 315 g. The Classics Tubeless has Race Shield+ puncture protection. Of course, when you run this tire with a full tubeless setup, the sealant will work to close any cuts that do happen. The Classics Tubeless is the tire you want for really rough roads. (cadex-cycling.com)

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Photos: Hiep Vu

Cadex Classics Tubeless $130

Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Hard Terrain $95

If you are planning to really boot it on hard, packed gravel, the Cinturato Gravel will serve you well. Pirelli not only designs its tires around each cycling discipline, but also the types of surfaces riders find themselves on, especially once they’ve left paved roads. With the company’s gravel treads, you choose between mixed and hard terrain. The 40c hard-terrain gravel tire (480 g) has short knobs so everything rolls quickly. The SpeedGrip compound will provide excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions. (hlc.bike)

Continental Terra Speed $75

While Conti is well known for its road tires, especially those running its BlackChili compound, the rubber has also hit the off-road with the Terra Speed. The 35c model, with its three-ply casing adding up to 180 t.p.i., weighs 360 g. Its oval knobs, some with sipes for increased grip in wet conditions, provide excellent traction on rough surfaces. The Terra Speed is even rated for ebikes to a speed of at least 25 km/h. (continental-tires.com/bicycle)—MP

Distributeur exclusif / Exclusive distributor:

E-SCORPION H1 / H2 Et autres produits / And other products

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

MTB DREAM MACHINES

Knolly Chilcotin 167 DP $7,000 The Chilcotin 167 DP is Knolly’s version of the modern enduro race bike. The aluminum frame returns the Chilcotin name to the B.C. brand’s lineup completely redesigned for its new purpose, with 29" wheels and geometry meant for speed.

As always, you get Knolly’s proprietary Fourby4 suspension. The DP build kit is what you’d expect for a race-focused bike: a RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 fork with 170 mm of travel; Spank bar, stem, saddle and wheels; SRAM Code R brakes; a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post; and a largely SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. Every Knolly comes stock with high-end bearings and titanium fasteners for long life. (knollybikes.com)

Canyon Spectral 29 LTD $8,149 Canyon is landing in Canada on a high note with the Spectral 29 LTD. The top-end LTD comes with a wish-list build of Shimano XTR drivetrain and brakes, Fox Factory suspension and DT Swiss’s 29" XMC 1200 Spline carbon-fibre wheelset.

With a parts kit balancing between lightweight and allmountain toughness, and a supportive pedalling platform, the Spectral LTD climbs like a seasoned alpinist: fast and efficient. Feathery parts are always going to feel better going up, sure, but they also match the Spectral’s descending characteristics particularly well. With progressive suspension, the bike is quick to change directions and accelerate out of corners. Backed up by a smooth 160-mm Fox Factory 36 fork and 150-mm Fox Factory DPX2 shock, the Spectral isn’t just playful: it has you covered when the going gets rough, too. (canyon.com/en-ca)

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Photos: tktk

Structure SCW1 Janus Series $6,995 Structure has eschewed the traditional double-diamond frame shape in favour of an integrated linkage full-carbon frame. The Calgary-based brand says this design matches leverage ratios and progressiveness between the front and rear ends, delivers significantly less friction than a telescoping fork and provides a consistent head-tube angle.

Parts spec is creative for a 150-mm-travel, 27.5" trail bike at this price point: largely SRAM Eagle GX drivetrain parts; Magura brakes; a OneUp dropper post, bar and stem; and twin DVO Topaz T3Air shocks. There’s a limited production run for 2021, so order early if you want a SCW1. (structure.bike)

Pivot Switchblade Pro $9,800 The latest iteration of the Pivot Switchblade gets a number of tweaks: 7 mm more rear travel, a seat-tube angle that’s steeper by 1 degree (75.5 degrees) and a head-tube angle that’s 1.25 degrees slacker (66 degrees). The DW-link and rear shock have been reconfigured as well, the latter now running vertically. This model comes with SRAM X01 Eagle shifter, rear derailleur and crankset; a Fox Factory 36 fork with 160 mm of travel; a Fox Factory Float DPX2 rear shock; and a Fox Factory Transfer dropper post.

The only real carry-over is the ability to run either 29" or 27.5" wheels. (ontheedge.ca)

Norco Revolver FS 120 $12,499 The Revolver FS 120 is Norco’s spareno-expense cross country race weapon. The full-carbon frame and 120-mm RockShox SID Ultimate fork are a given. What sets this bike apart is the SRAM Eagle AXS wireless shifter and rear derailleur. The rest of the drivetrain is equally posh: XX1 Eagle crankset, an XG-1299 Eagle rainbow cassette, and XX1 rainbow chain. Brakes are SRAM G2 RSC with 180-mm front rotor and a 160-mm at the back, mounted on 29" DT Swiss XRC 1501 Spline carbon wheels. The last piece of bling is the RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post. Absolute decadence, for sure, but a very nice add-on. (norco.com)

Photos: tktk

Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO $14,999 The Stumpjumper name may be 40 years old, but the S-Works Stumpjumper EVO is a totally modern piece of bicycle engineering. You can adjust the bottom bracket height by 10 mm and head-tube angle by two degrees – independently. You can also run a 29"/27.5" wheel combo on the new Stumpy. Specialized has boosted the in-frame storage capacity, so there’s now room for a SWAT Bladder with 650 ml of water storage. If you’re not already sold, this premium bike comes with a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain, Reverb dropper post and Roval Traverse SL carbon wheels. (specialized.com/ca)—SK cyclingmagazine.ca

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Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2 $5,599

MTB PERFORMANCE

When it comes to a value-packed trail bike designed to handle rugged enduro rides and technical singletrack, the Trance X Advance Pro by Giant is tough to beat. Under the eye-catching chameleon paint job is a composite carbon monocoque frame with two-setting adjustable geometry to dial the bike in for exactly what you’re riding. Its 135 mm of RockShox-based rear and 150 mm front travel, paired with the big 29" Giant TRX-2 29 Carbon hoops will help you up and over the most challenging terrain. The 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain includes the 11-50 tooth cassette for maximum versatility. Stopping power comes from four-piston Shimano MT520 hydraulic brakes. The Advanced Pro has Maxxis Minion tires and Giant cockpit parts, including a dropper seatpost. (giant-bicycles.com/ca)

Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 30 $5,949 The Canadian brand Rocky Mountain has taken the best of two successful model lines – the 27.5" Thunderbolt and 29" Instinct – and combined them into a single trail-shredding platform. The 2021 Instinct offers 27.5" wheels for extra-small and small frames, while small can also take 29" hoops, as can medium, large and extra-large. The extra-small and small options aren’t merely shrunk versions of larger frames: they have a slightly different shape to their carbon frames and smaller shocks. All Carbon 30 frames offer 140 mm of rear and 150 mm of front travel via the RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock and RockShox Pike Select RC fork, respectively. You’ll also get Rocky’s Ride-9 adjustable geometry and 10 mm of chainstay adjustment, along with internal cable routing and plenty of frame protection. The Carbon 30 build has a Shimano Deore drivetrain with four-piston MT4120 brakes and 180-mm rotors. It rolls on WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 tubeless wheels and Maxxis Minion tires. Rocky Mountain supplies its own cockpit parts, along with its Toonie Drop dropper seatpost. (bikes.com)

Intense Primer 29 Expert $5,299 With Intense Primer’s big hoops and plenty of travel, it is ready to take on any trail you put in front of it. The frame is carbon front to back and uses all titanium hardware. It also features internal cable routing, ISCG-05 mounts for chain guides and frame protection on the down tube. With a quick switch of the frame’s flip-chip, the geometry changes to a more descent-focused head-tube angle, dropping the bottom-bracket height by 7 mm and the reach by 6 mm (on a large frame). The Primer offers 140 mm of rear travel from a Fox Performance Float DPX2 shock and 150 mm up front with the matching Fox Performance Float 36 fork. In Expert trim, the Primer has a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with Shimano four-piston M6120 hydraulic brakes with 180-mm rotors. E-thirteen rims with Intense hubs and Maxxis Minion tires, along with Intense cockpit parts and a WTB saddle finish off the build. (intensecycles.com)

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YT Capra Shred $4,999

MTB Extras

The Capra Shred is an aggressive trail bike that will have you looking for obstacles to master and jumps to launch from. With its 180 mm of front and rear travel by way of the Fox 38 Performance fork and DHX2 Performance Elite Coil shock, the Shred is an aluminum-frame, 27.5"wheel beast. This Capra features a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with SRAM Code R brakes with 200-mm rotors at both ends. Those bring the e-thirteen LG1 wheels and Maxxis Assegai (front) Minion DHR II (rear) tires to a stop in a hurry. E-thirteen also supplies the stem, handlebar and chain guide, while the saddle is an SDG Radar MTN. (ca.yt-industries.com)

Here are three items that will make any mountain biking outing just a little bit better, both out on the singletrack and at the trailhead.

Osprey Seral 4 $110

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Carry a few essentials and a 1.5-l reservoir of water with the Osprey Seral 4. Compression straps and the hip belt ensure that the lumbar pack stays stable and close to your body. The durable fabrics are bluesign-approved, which means they’re manufactured in more sustainable environments. The water-repellant coating is free from fluorochemicals. (osprey.com)

Chromag Rootdown $4,450 The Rootdown is the most popular frame in Chromag’s impressive lineup.

Offering 29" and 27.5"-plus compatibility, the chromoly hardtail frame is available in five sizes. The Whistler, B.C.-based brand built its reputation on accessories; the Rootdown comes dressed in Chromag’s own bar, stem, grips and saddle. In the G2 build spec, the Rootdown runs a 160-mm RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork and rolls on Chromag’s Phase30 rims with R4 hubs and Maxxis Minion tires.

Shifting is handled by the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, while SRAM G2 RSC brakes with 180-mm rotors control the bike’s speed. A RockShox Reverb dropper post rounds out the build. (chromagbikes.com)—DD

Chaco Chillo Slides $80

B

After shredding, let your toes get some air. Kick off your mountain bike shoes and slip on the Chaco Chillo slides. You can adjust the fit with the webbing and buckle. The name of the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole – Luvseat – tells you about its comfort. You’ll be padding around the trailhead in plushness. (chacos.com) Helinox Chair One $150

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During a post-ride tailgate session, take a load off in the Helinox Chair One. It can support even the biggest riders with its 145-kg capacity. All bundled up, the chair weighs a little less than 1 kg and occupies 12 cm x 35 cm x 10 cm in the trunk. This chair is very comfortable. The tie-dye version is for sure far-out. (insport.ca)—MP C

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2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

MTB PRICE POINT

Trek Procaliber 9.5 $2,900 The Procaliber 9.5 represents the entry model for the Wisconsin-based brand’s carbon XC hardtail. Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupler, part of the Domane since 2012, is on the Procaliber to maximize vertical compliance without reducing efficiency. The Deore drivetrain has a the 12-speed range with a 10-51 tooth cassette. The Rockshox Judy SL fork with its Solo Air spring allows riders to fine-tune the 100 mm of suspension.

The 29" Boost wheels and Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tires come stock with tubeless rim strips and valves installed – just add sealant and it’s ready to shred. (trekbikes.com)

Specialized Rockhopper Comp 27.5 2x $1,119 The Rockhopper Comp 27.5 2x ensures riders select the best wheel size for their adventure, with the smaller 27.5" wheels available on sizes XS through M. The frame runs cables internally, and is compatible with dropper posts. The 2-by drivetrain offers off-road capabilities with a 9-speed 11-36 tooth cassette, and Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic brakes.

Like the wheels, the Suntour XCM front fork is also size specific. The quick-release fork sports 80, 90 or 100 mm of travel, depending on the bike’s size. (specialized.com/ca)

Norco Fluid HT 1 $1,799 All of Norco’s bikes are influenced by the West Coast’s North Shore; the Fluid HT 1 is no exception. The trail hardtail boasts a slack head tube and long wheelbase for technical riding.

The 120-mm X-Fusion RS32 Air suspension fork keeps riders rolling on either 29" or 27.5" wheels, depending on frame size. A 130-mm Tranz-X dropper-post is included (and routed internally) for tackling descents. Shimano’s 12-speed Deore drivetrain and 2.4"-wide Maxxis Ardent tires round out the build. (norco.com)—JW

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The Scalpel advances Cannondale’s signature model with this lavender, World Cup-worthy machine, built for fast and flowy XC and marathon rides. The company relies on its FlexPivot suspension combined with a RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ shock and a RockShox SID Select fork up front to deliver 120 mm of travel and a lightweight ride with a focus on speed and grip.

Other improvements include a relaxed, 67-degree head-tube angle and shorter stem. SRAM SX and NX Eagle parts take care of shifting. The Carbon Women’s SE also comes with the 100-mm Cannondale DownLow dropper post. (cannondale. com/en-ca)

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GEAR

Cannondale Scalpel Carbon Women’s SE $5,500

WOMEN’S MTB

Scott Contessa Genius 910 $5,200 Falling into the trail and even the enduro category with 150 mm of travel, the Scott Contessa Genius 910 is made for comfort and ease while climbing and zipping down rough descents. You can activate the TwinLoc Suspension System via a handlebar remote for an easy transition between three modes – Descend, Traction Control and Lockout. Also controlled at the handlebar is a Syncros dropper post. A 12-speed SRAM Eagle drivetrain made of a mix of NX, SX and X1, rounds out the features on the frame’s Genius Carbon HMF front triangle with alloy swingarm. (scott-sports.com/ca)

Juliana Roubion $8,049 Named after a leg of the Trans-Provence race, the Juliana Roubion is a sturdy, all-mountain/enduro bike. The company’s Carbon C frame with its sweet maritime grey and mint paint is built to handle gnarly terrain and conditions. It rolls on 27.5" Race Face AR Offset 30 rims laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs shod with Maxxis Minion tires. A RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock gives the Rubion 150 mm of rear wheel travel, matched with a 160-mm Fox 36 Float Performance Elite fork.

Santa Cruz’s lower-link VPP suspension adds stability over rough trails. A RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper lets you get your saddle out of the way before you take on some tricky terrain. For braking and shifting, Shimano’s XT parts are on the job. ( julianabicycles.com) —TN cyclingmagazine.ca

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Trek E-Caliber 9.9 $15,150

EMTB

Trek Bicycle believes that somewhere between a wicked-fast cross country bike and a heavy electric-assist mountain bike is a spot waiting to be filled. To cover that niche, the company released the new E-Caliber, a full-carbon, dual-suspension electric cross country bike based off the Supercaliber platform this past February. The frame itself uses the same IsoStrut technology off of its XC sibling and offers the same 60 mm of rear travel. But the E-Caliber offers a slightly slacker head-tube angle and more reach compared with the Supercaliber, as well as 120 mm of fork travel. And of course, the biggest difference is the Fazua Evation electricassist drive system, which has the new Black Pepper tune for improved performance across three riding modes with various levels of assist. It has a 250-Wh battery, which can be removed from the frame when desired. The 9.9 XTR build spec rivals the top XC race platforms with a Fox Factory 34 fork, Bontrager Kovee XXX 30 tubeless carbon wheels and Bontrager XR3 Team Issue tires. This 9.9 variant has the race-proven Shimano XTR 1 x 12 drivetrain with an e-thirteen e-spec Race Carbon crankset and four-piston XTR brakes.

The cockpit, saddle and seatpost components all come from Bontrager’s bag of top-end carbon goodies. (trekbikes.com)

Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 70 $8,569 Using the Altitude as a platform gave Rocky Mountain a perfect starting point to create a trend-setting electric assist trail bike. For 2021, the proven Altitude Powerplay alloy frame is pairing with the latest Dyname 3.0 Class 1 eMTB drive that delivers an impressive 108 Nm of torque and uses a 672-Wh battery with tons of juice. Available in four sizes, the Powerplay Alloy 70 has 150 mm of rear travel from the RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock and 160 mm up front from the RockShox Lyrik Select fork. The drivetrain is all Shimano XT and stopping all that available power are the Shimano XT Trail brakes. The bike rolls on 27.5" WTB wheels with Maxxis Minion tires. You’ll also get a Race Face Aeffect R Dropper seatpost, Rocky Mountain’s trail-focused cockpit parts and a WTB Volt Race saddle. As a bonus, Rocky Mountain has increased the warranty on all electrical components from two to three years, and that’s retroactive on all Powerplay models. (bikes.com)

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail $3,929 When you want electric assist in a hardtail mountain bike, but you don’t want it to break the bank, the Specialized Turbo Levo is a fantastic option. With an M5 premium aluminum 29er frame as a base, Specialized adds its 1.2 E motor with 250 W of power delivered from a 400-Wh battery. Suspension at the front end comes from an SR Suntour XCM32 fork with 100 mm of travel. The drivetrain features Shimano’s Acera nine-speed derailleur and Alivio shifter. BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes scrub your speed. You’ll get Specialized Stout XC 29er wheels with 29 x 2.3 Ground Control tubeless-ready tires. To that a suite of Specialized alloy cockpit parts, add a Body Geometry Myth or Henge saddle depending on the frame size, and you have a trail-ready eMTB platform for a low price. (specialized.com/ca) —DD

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GEAR

Norco Bigfoot 1 Suspension $3,499

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

FAT BIKES

The Bigfoot 1 Suspension is capable of hitting the full range of trails in winter, not just groomed cat tracks. The 100-mm Manitou Mastodon Pro EXT fork can absorb the hits that tires at 6 p.s.i. can’t manage. An X-Fusion Manic dropper post lets you get behind your saddle on steeps, while a 12-speed Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain powers the Bigfoot. The bike rolls on 27.5" Sun Ringlé Mulefut SL rims and 4.5"-wide Vee Snow Avalanche tubeless-ready, studdable tires. Switch to tubeless right away, but don’t bother with studs unless you’re going to be riding on ice regularly. (norco.com)

Trek Farley 5 $2,260 The Farley 5 is Trek’s entry-level, fully-rigid fat bike. Trek spec’d a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain with a 28-tooth chainring on the Race Face Ride crankset and an 11-46 tooth cassette, which will make for a good workout in deeper snow.

Stopping duties are handled by SRAM Level disc brakes with 160-mm rotors. The 130-mm TranzX dropper post (for the extra-large bike) sounds short, but should be all right for most winter riding conditions. Sun Ringlé Mulefut 80 SL rims will give the 4.5"-wide Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue tubeless-ready tires – 3.8" on the rear for small and medium frames – a nice, wide profile. (trekbikes.com)

Garneau Gros Louis 2 $1,900 Riders get a fair bit of bike with the Garneau Gros Louis 2.

This fully rigid fat bike comes with SRAM SX Eagle shifters and 12-speed rear derailleur, SRAM Level brakes and a TranzX dropper post. Front and rear hubs, handlebar and stem are from Caribou. Garneau decided to go with 26" wheels on the Gros Louis, but what the wheels lack in diameter, the tires make up for in width: Sun Ringlé Mulefut 80 SL rims are shod with 26 x 4.8 Schwalbe Jumbo Jim tires. That extra width will come in handy on softer trails. (garneau.com)—SK cyclingmagazine.ca

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Sponsored

All You Need to Know About Buying a Canyon Bike The smooth, streamlined process with get your new rig right to your door

A

fter years of anticipation, Canyon has finally arrived in Canada. The German bike maker sells a wide variety of rides: Canadians will soon be able to get their hands on Canyon’s road, mountain, gravity, hybrid and gravel bikes.

Founded in 2002, Canyon does things quite differently from other major bike brands. With the company’s direct-to-consumer model, you simply order a bike from the website. The machine will be delivered directly to your door. The different approach can seem a bit intimidating with a big purchase, but Canyon has perfected the end-to-end process with years of experience within the global market. From deciding on a bike to building and getting out on your first ride, here’s how the whole Canyon purchasing process works.

Find the right bike in the right size When local events start up again in Canada, Canyon plans to be present with a fleet of demonstration bikes. The company has also started arranging some physical locations throughout the country where riders will be able to test bikes in the near future. For now, the physically distanced option is to pick your bike from the comfort of your home.

Canyon’s offerings in Canada will be growing as it establishes a presence in the country. Start by signing up for the Canyon newsletter and flipping through the catalogue of bikes on Canyon.com/en-ca . Make sure you’re on the Canadian website, not the U.S. one, as the inventory will be different between the two.

Switching through three browser tabs to figure out which bike is best can get annoying. Canyon lets you do a side-by-side comparison for as many as three models – a useful feature when you’re trying to determine the subtle differences between two models of the same bike.

While browsing through Canyon’s bikes, you’ll see a small box that says “Find your size.” Canyon doesn’t size bikes like some other brands, so it’s important to follow the instructions closely.

You’ll only need two measurements: your height and your inseam. Canyon’s Perfect Positioning System (PPS) was developed using bike fit data from thousands of riders and matches body geometry to frame size. Input your two data points and the PPS will find your ideal frame size based on your body’s measurements.

Geometries differ between bikes, so be sure to select the model in order to find the right frame size. If you find you might be between sizes, keep in mind that the smaller bike will be more agile, while the larger one will be a little more relaxed.

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Canyon Canada canyon.com/en-ca

Sponsored

Order your bike Canyon accepts credit cards, bank transfers and also offers a zero per cent interest financing option hosted by Splitit.

Once you choose your bike, it’s worth taking the time to look through Canyon’s gear offerings and picking up some spare parts for your bike to save on shipping costs.

Your bike will ship directly from Germany. While the price listed on the website is what you pay to Canyon, you will also get a bill from UPS upon delivery of the bike.

The bike will be sent via express air freight. Because of Canyon’s direct-to-consumer business model, the lead time for shipping is only three to seven business days between Koblenz, Germany and Canada, so you won’t have to spend too long sitting on your porch waiting with excitement for the delivery van.

The unboxing Your new Canyon will arrive at your home in the Bike Guard, Canyon’s specially designed bike box. Before the bike is packed, it gets fully assembled and adjusted at the company’s factory. There’s a bit of disassembly to get the new bike in the Bike Guard, and then off to you. You will have just a few finishing touches to take care of. Step-by-step instructions and tools for attaching the wheels, seatpost, pedals and handlebars are included in the box, such as a torque wrench and shock pump if you’re unboxing a new mountain bike.

The assembly is straightforward. There are great online videos to help you out, too. But, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, Canyon has partnered with Velofix, a chain of mobile bike shops with mechanics that come to your home. A Velofix employee can put together your bike for you and send you off on your first ride.

New bike day Once you’ve dialed in your optimal saddle position, you’ll be ready to ride. The bike has a two-year warranty. Contact Canyon’s Global Service Centre if you need support. Repairs covered under the warranty will be performed by Velofix.

The mobile bike repair company’s many technicians will also handle maintenance and other support services with coverage throughout the majority of Canada. They offer a physical touchpoint for Canyon customers (or, currently, more of a distanced handoff).

If a bike needs to be sent back for any reason (Canyon offers 30-day free returns), the company will arrange a UPS pickup. Be sure to keep the Bike Guard for the first month in case you need to return the bike. Some cyclists prefer to have someone else deal with bike builds and packing up – for a fee Velofix will box up your ride for shipping to Germany.

Canyon prides itself on its direct line from manufacturer to consumer. The Canyon Global Service Centre in Koblenz will arrange everything for you in a short period of time – from shipping parts to scheduling service appointments.

You can speak directly to folks at Canyon – in English or French – or communicate via chat or email. Despite the trans-Atlantic distance, one of the company’s biggest priorities is ensuring that they can help you with your questions.—Lily Hansen-Gillis

Canyon Canada canyon.com/en-ca

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Race Face Aeffect R $805

Shimano’s Deore XT Trail wheelset tips the scales at a modest 2,002 g for 29" hoops.

(The 27.5 are 1,891 g a pair.)The 30-mm internal rim width is designed for slightly wider tires, 2.25" to 2.6" to be exact, a trend that favours increased traction off-road.

The hubs feature 12-speed Shimano’s Micro Spline freehub body, and are designed for centre-lock rotors. The XT Trail wheels opt for more traditional J-bend spokes, with 28 double-butted spokes laced to the offset tubeless rim. (bike.shimano.com)

Race Face’s Aeffect R wheelset is an ideal all-mountain option.

The alloy rims are offset for balanced spoke tension, and feature a 30-mm inner width. The Trace hubs have 10-degree engagement, cartridge bearings and plenty of freehub body configurations. The tubeless-ready set is offered in both 29" (2,000 g) and 27.5" (1,920 g). Each is notably built with robust brass nipples. Race Face also includes five extra spokes with the rear wheel, at no additional cost. (raceface.ca)

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

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GEAR

Shimano Deore XT Trail $590

MTB WHEELS

DT Swiss EX 1700 Spline $1,250

Roval Control 29 Carbon 148 $1,700

The EX 1700 Spline is DT Swiss’s go-to enduro wheelset weighing in at 1,878 g for 27.5" rims. The company’s 350 hub has been recently redesigned to feature DT’s Ratchet SL technology, which translates to 10-degree engagement, maximizing power and control when riding technical terrain. Straightpull double-butted spokes are laced to the EX 511 rim, which is welded and showcases a 30-mm internal width.

The wheelset is offered in a number of options in 29" and 27.5" along with all major freehub configurations. (ogc.ca)

Specialized’s wheel department, Roval, has positioned the Control 29 Carbon 148 at the entry-level of their composite offerings. The carbon hoops are tubeless, and feature a 25-mm internal width for modern XC tires. Underneath the Roval branding, riders will be pleased to see DT Swiss 350 hubs in Boost sizing. The classic version of the hub is used, taking 28 J-bend spokes per wheel for a serviceable setup.

The wheelset weight is 1,610 g, and comes stock with SRAM’s XD freehub. (specialized.com/ca) —JW

Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

We Are One Faction $1,599 We Are One are relatively new to the wheel scene, and are based out of Kamloops, B.C. The company’s focus lies in its carbon rims, which are laid up and moulded in-house. The Faction is We Are One’s trail offering, and measures 27-mm internally.

Available as 29" only, each 425-g rim is laced exclusively to Industry Nine hubs. The base price pairs Sapim Race spokes and Industry Nine’s 1/1 hubs and builds to an impressive 1,740 g.

Upgrade to Hydra hubs and CX-Ray spokes and the set drops to 1,665 g at a price of $2,055. (weareonecomposites.com)

Photos: Hiep Vu

GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

MTB TIRES

Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.40WT $107

Designed with feedback from Aussie DH racer Troy Brosnan, the Dissector excels on fast hardpack and loose, dry trails. The tire’s widely spaced knobs are well-supported, providing excellent traction and predictable cornering when pushing the tire’s grip limit. Maxxis has spec’d its all-around MaxxTerra rubber compound for increased tread life and decreased rolling resistance. The Dissector is versatile enough to be used as a front or rear tire and is a solid choice for fast dry conditions. (maxxis.com)

Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29 x 2.35 $120

The classic Nobby Nic tire has recently received an updated tread design and casing construction, cementing its position as an excellent all-around tire for a variety of conditions. Starting with the tread pattern, the Nobby Nic now features improved shoulder blocks for greater cornering stability, a new centre block pattern for better braking and traction, and larger spacing between the knobs for increased mud shedding. The tire’s new Super Trail casing, launched this past summer, is reasonably light and provides increased sidewall stability for aggressive cornering. It also offers more puncture and cut protection. The Nobby Nic is available in two rubber compounds – Addix Speedgrip for less rolling resistance and Addix Soft (pictured) for maximum traction. (schwalbetires.com)

Specialized Butcher Grid Trail 2Bliss Ready T9 29 x 2.3 $95

With its updated tread pattern, the Butcher Grid Trail is a top choice for aggressive trail riding. Specialized has also added a new Grid Trail casing, which increases the tire’s sidewall thickness. The beefed-up sidewalls improve handling at low speeds and also significantly increase pinch flat and puncture protection.

Finally, the Butcher showcases Specialized’s new super sticky T9 rubber compound. This rubber delivers exceptional grip and high-dampening, ensuring consistent traction in the most extreme conditions. (specialized.com/ca)

Kenda Regolith Pro 29 x 2.4 $90

The Regolith Pro delivers versatile and predictable performance in a variety of trail conditions. Kenda employs a dual-compound tread pattern that features firmer and faster-rolling rubber in the middle and softer, grippier rubber on the sides. Kenda also adds an additional sheet along each sidewall (SCT – Sidewall Casing Technology) that improves the tire’s durability and tear-resistance. The Regolith Pro is an excellent all-around trail tire that bridges the performance gap between more specialized XC tires and burlier DH-specific treads. (kendatire.com)—GA cyclingmagazine.ca

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GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

SADDLES

Giant Romero SL $110

Fizik Terra Argo X3 $205

With PRO Stealth Sport’s massive pressure-relieving cut-outs and snub-nosed shape, the saddle clearly targets riders who prefer an aggressive aerodynamic forward position. PRO specs a carbon base to keep the weight down, while chromoly rails strike the perfect balance between low weight and long-term durability. Like many other PRO saddles, the Stealth Sport is compatible with various PRO saddle accessories, such as a tool bracket, fender, camera mount and racenumber plate. ( pro-bikegear.com)

The Romero, Giant’s high-performance saddle for trail and enduro riding, packs several features that will appeal to riders of these disciplines. It uses Giant’s Side-Flex technology, which allows movement that minimizes abrasion and reduces impact on the inner thighs during fast, technical descents.

For comfort, Giant employs its unique Particle Flow construction. It consists of free-flowing, high-elastic particles.

These particles conform and adapt to the rider’s body for superior cushioning and comfort. Supporting all this tech is a nylon/glass fibre shell that adds enough flex for all-day riding comfort. (giant-bicycles.com/ca)

With the popularity of gravel bikes, it’s not surprising that Fizik has designed the Terra Argo X3 specifically for that market. Fizik starts with a short saddle platform that allows riders to sit farther forward without increasing pressure on sensitive tissue. A centre channel also reduces pressure and ensures greater comfort on longer rides. Throw in a flexible shell that minimizes the transmission of trail impacts, and it’s clear that the Terra Argo X3 is ideal for epic gravel rides. Since gravel riding goes hand in hand with sloppy, wet conditions, Fizik adds a unique mud flap and drain in the centre channel.

This simple design tweak allows you to stay drier and more comfortable. (fizik.com)—GA

Photos: Hiep Vu

PRO Stealth Sport $180

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UnoImports.com

Clothing that allows you to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Zephyr Jacket, NX-G Jersey & Bib Short Photo: @johnsonstudios.co

GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

ROAD SHOES

Specialized S-Works Ares $585 The new S-Works Ares shoes, launched in January, were created to deliver maximum power output without compromising the comfort required during long rides. To achieve these properties, Specialized employs a new closure system (with Boa dials) that locks the foot in place securely without creating the pressure commonly experienced with more conventional systems. For maximum power transfer, Specialized specs its stiffest and lightest carbon outsole.

Finally, a metatarsal button helps to keep hot spots at bay by protecting the right nerves and arteries in the foot. It all adds up to stability and the locked-in fit required during full-out sprints. (specialized.com/ca)

Shimano S-Phyre RC902 $600 The S-Phyre RC902, Shimano’s top-of-the-line road racing shoe, is understandably packed with leading-edge materials and construction details. Starting with a seamless one-piece upper, Shimano strategically adds overlays for increased protection, durability and power transfer without compromising a foot-hugging fit. The company has made a few changes: if you found the previous version of the S-Phyre put a little too much of a squeeze on your toes, you’ll notice more room at the front of the new shoe. The S-Phyre RC902 gets a rigid and responsive carbon-fibre midsole that offers excellent power transfer during long rides. It’s this combination of features (as well as too many others to list in this short review) and performance that makes the S-Phyre RC902 a top choice for riders seeking a no-compromise road racing shoe. (bike.shimano.com) Garneau Chrome II $135

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Giro Regime W $350 The Giro Regime W’s upper is made from Synchwire, which feels quite space-age, while giving you timeless comfort and durability. Also, on the wiry theme, the Boa system uses strong steel laces that run through soft lace guides to dial in the fit. The shoes are well-ventilated, which you’ll appreciate during long, spirited rides in the summer. When you have to up the pace, the carbon-composite plate that’s part of the sole will direct your power to the pedals completely. A pair in size 39 weighs 250 g. (ogc.ca)—GA

Photos: Matt Stetson

With a highly accessible price point, the Chrome II road shoes are ideal for new riders seeking improved performance. But even with the shoes’ low cost, they still hold a surprising number of features usually reserved for more expensive offerings. For example, the Chrome II shoes come with Garneau’s X-Comfort zone technology. This feature allows the shoe’s upper to yield at the shoe’s edges, reducing numbness during long rides. Throw in a supportive injection-moulded nylon/fibreglass outsole and a secure three hook-and-loop closure system, and it’s hard to overlook the value offered by these shoes. (garneau.com)

biemmeamerica.com

GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

MTB SHOES

Pearl Izumi Women’s X-Alp Flow Pop $175 The X-Alp Flow Pop shoes are built with a grippy rubber outsole that features Pearl Izumi’s chevron-shaped PinLoc tread pattern, so you’ll have solid pedal grip and excellent walkability. A Boa closure system allows for a secure fit and easy adjustment on or off the bike. The combination of grip, walkability and understated esthetics (no, “Hey, look at me!

These are bike shoes!”) makes these an excellent choice for less competitive riding. ( pearlizumi.com)

Giro Sector $350 The Sector shoes will serve all your rips on trails, whether along familiar routes or out into the unknown. The carbon composite plate will help to make your pedal strokes strong.

Should you need to put your feet on the ground, the treads provide great traction. The upper, made with the Synchwire material, is breathable and can take what the trail dishes out.

You secure each Sector with two Boa dials. They offer 1-mm adjustments and a full release for when it’s time to kick off these shoes after a big ride. (ogc.ca)

Giant Charge Elite $340

Photos: Matt Stetson

Designed as a performance mountain bike shoe, the Charge Elite is packed with features and offers a buildquality generally found on more expensive shoes. Giant starts with a new thermoset carbon/glass fibre composite sole unit that delivers the required stiffness for efficient power transfer. The upper consists of a durable and water-resistant synthetic that shrugs off trail abuse. It’s also flexible enough to contour to your foot. Fit is further improved thanks to the combination of a Boa dial closure and a forefoot hook-and-loop strap. This is an exceptional mountain bike shoe that can easily transition to gravel riding. (giant-bicycles.com/ca)—GA

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GRAVEL SHOES

Q36.5 Unique Adventure $594

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Rapha Explore PowerWeave $485

Pearl Izumi Gravel X $350

Designed as a premium gravel riding

Created specifically for gravel and

Pearl Izumi’s premium gravel shoe,

shoe, the Unique Adventure features innovative construction details that deliver exceptional performance and fit. For the upper, Q36.5 specs a lightweight and subtly perforated microfibre material that conforms to the foot and provides adequate ventilation when riding in warm conditions.

Two Boa closures combine with a Power Wrap Support strap (located at the middle of the shoe inside the upper) to deliver a locked-in fit when climbing and sprinting. Q36.5 employs its unique carbon-fibre outsole for optimal stiffness and efficient power. The outsole also features sufficient rebound, which helps reduce fatigue on long rides. (roadkit.com)

cross country riding, the new Explore PowerWeave shoes offer many of the innovations originally found in Rapha’s Pro Team road shoes, as well as features specifically geared for gravel and dirt. The upper showcases Rapha’s TPU Yarn reinforced PowerWeave woven upper that’s durable, waterrepellent and provides a comfortable almost seam-free fit. Closure duties are looked after with micro-adjustable Boa dials – a solid choice that’s become the standard on high-end cycling footwear. The innovation continues in the sole with a replaceable titanium cleat plate, a tuned carbon-fibre midsole for efficient power transfer and easy walking, and an aggressive outsole for solid traction in muddy conditions. (rapha.cc/ca)

the Gravel X, delivers performance and features worthy of its title. Pearl Izumi starts by spec’ing a full carbon sole for maximum stiffness and efficient power transfer. The upper consists of a durable 3D knit textile that’s highly breathable, dries quickly and easily conforms to the shape of your foot. The addition of a Boa dial ensures a locked-in fit and allows for easy on-the-fly adjustments. Finally, Pearl Izumi wraps the shoe’s perimeter with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overlay for additional protection and increased durability. This is a great shoe for serious gravel riding. ( pearlizumi.com)—GA

Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Photos: Matt Stetson

GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

O ELI

HELIOS SPHERICAL HELMET

PEDALS

Garmin Vector 3 Dual $1,300

Favero Electronics Assioma Duo $1,000

With two power sensors (one in each pedal), the Vector 3 Dual allows road riders to monitor each leg’s power output. You can also measure total power, cadence and other cycling data, such as time seated versus time standing. All this information (accurate within a one per cent range) can later be analyzed in a Garmin Edge cycling computer or the Garmin Connect Mobile app. The pedals are compatible with Look Keo and Exustar PR3 cleats, are robustly constructed and have a low stack height. They are ideal if you are serious about maximizing your training and race-day performance. (garmin.com)

While many power meter systems base their measurements on the average angular velocity per pedal rotation, the Assioma Duo pedals employ technology that measures the instantaneous angular velocity. This subtle difference ensures that the Assioma Duo pedals deliver data that is more accurate than more conventional power meter systems. This accuracy is maintained even when riding with oval chainrings.

The Assioma are also the lightest and most compact in this category. These Look Keo-cleat compatible pedals also capture other essential cycling data, including left- and right-leg balance, torque efficiency and pedal smoothness. (cycling.favero.com)

The X-Power Dual is the first power meter pedal system designed specifically for gravel, cyclocross and mountain bike riding. The X-Power Dual offers you the ability to monitor each leg’s power output, is compatible with various ANT+ and Bluetooth devices, as well as the SRM app. Unlike roadoriented power metres, the X-Power Dual is significantly more durable and capable of withstanding the abuse encountered during epic off-road and gravel rides. The X-Power Dual uses the off-road standard SPD cleat system and offers double-sided entry – critical features for rides away from the paved roads. (ridesrm.com) Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Chromag Radar $125 With the release of the Radar pedals, Chromag is addressing the growing need for components designed specifically for young mountain bike riders. The Radar pedals feature a more appropriately sized platform for children’s smaller feet (four to 10 years old), but the pedals’ guts and build-quality are borrowed from Chromag’s adult Contact and Scarab models.

This design ensures that the platforms are lightweight, durable and serviceable. These are wins for riders of any age. (nrgenterprises.com)—GA

Photos: Matt Stetson

SRM X-Power Dual $1,650

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GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

GEAR

2021 BUYER’S GUIDE

HEAD UNITS AND WATCHES

Garmin Edge 130 Plus $290

Apple Watch Series 6 $529

The 130 Plus may be one of Garmin’s smallest head units, but it shares a ton of features with the bigger computers.

It covers the basics, displaying real-time ride data, such as speed, heart rate and power. On the trail, it can record Garmin’s mountain bike metrics: grit, flow and jump. You can connect Garmin’s Varia rear-radar for added safety during your rides. The battery can last as long as 12 hours, which is a good run-time for a computer or a rider. (garmin.com)

If you are just getting started with fitness metrics and training, and would like a versatile device, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a great option. The watch can help you monitor your blood oxygen and even your heart rhythm with the ECG app. Out on the ride, you can keep track of your speed and distance travelled, and even get help with navigation. Of course, it’s a top-notch communication device, too. (apple.com) Polar Vantage V2 $690

The Wahoo Elemnt Roam can get you where you want to go, and back. Sending routes from your smartphone to the Roam is quite a smooth process via the Wahoo app. On your ride, the information displayed on the 2.7" colour screen will keep you on track. The device comes loaded with maps of North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America. You can download any additional maps via WiFi. The usability and navigation on the Roam is smooth, which will let you focus on enjoying the ride itself. (wahoofitness.com)

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For a cyclist, the advantage that a watch presents over a head unit is the former’s portability. Since you mount that watch on your wrist, you don’t have to worry about mounting hardware when switching from your road bike to commuter or your mountain bike. The Polar Vantage V2 can keep track of all your activities. Connect your power meter, via Bluetooth, and then take the watch’s cycling performance test so you can set your FTP. On the back of the watch, there’s an optical heart-rate monitor, so you can forgo the chest strap. (ogc.ca)—MP

Photos: Matt Stetson

Wahoo Elemnt Roam $500

Cycling Avenue Might Be the Perfect One-Stop Shop for Bike Buyers

Sponsored

Whether you’re buying, selling or doing both, the site could be your best bet in 2021

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic continues, one thing is certain: it’s never been harder to buy a new (or used) bike. With global supply chain problems and shortages, most bike shops are left telling customers that the delivery date for their new bike is months away. But if you need that bike right now – or you’re sitting on an old bike that’s still in decent condition that you keep meaning to sell – Cycling Avenue might just be your new favourite place on the Internet.

We know that buying second-hand can be better for the environment as well as your wallet when it comes to clothing, and bikes are no different. Cycling Avenue buys used bikes and refurbishes them, stripping them down completely and giving them a thorough clean and tune-up. Then, the bikes are certified as Ready-to-Ride before going up for sale on the website, and come with a 30-day trial period after purchase.

While similar brands have been operating in the U.S., Cycling Avenue is the first Canadian company of its kind, which means buying a bike through it won’t cost a fortune in shipping or in taxes and customs fees.

“There really wasn’t anybody in this space offering certified refurbished bikes,” says Alain Bovet, Cycling Avenue’s general manager. “People are used to buying online, sure. But the idea of refurbishing, certifying and tuning up a bike before it’s resold, that’s what you can’t find on eBay or Kijiji.”

If you’re a “new year, new gear” person, you can actually drop off your old bike at one of the shops that works with Cycling Avenue – there are 60 in Canada now and the number grows each month – and put the credit from the old bike toward a new model from the shop floor. For example, you could drop off a 2018 Trek to your local Specialized retailer,

Buy a Bike on a Budget If you’re simply looking to buy a used bike, you likely have noticed that they’re not too easy to come by these days. Bovet notes that he’s seeing bikes on Kijiji that are three years old selling for more than their original retail price. Because of that situation, Cycling Avenue is a great spot to look when bike shopping. In addition to the guarantee that comes with the bike, plus the tune-up and detailing, you can actually see photos of the bike that’s “on the lot,” rather than a stock image when you’re shopping online. Think of it as buying a certified pre-owned car from a dealership rather than buying a used car off of some guy’s front lawn. The brand recently added an in-house expert who’s available for video consults about picking the best bike for your needs (and helping choose the right size).

Perfect for the n+1 Guy Who Needs to Get Back to n We all know that the perfect number of bikes to own is one more than you already have. But for those with tiny garages or tight budgets, that’s not always realistic.

So, sell and buy at the same time. “We remove the obstacle of, ‘Hey, I want a new bike, but I have a bike already so what do I do with it?’” Bovet says. “Then we can make that bike available to somebody that doesn’t want to buy a new bike, who maybe doesn’t have $5,000 for a 2021 bike, but now, can afford the 2018 used model that’s in great condition.”

and leave with a 2021 model, with the credit from the sale of your old bike going toward the purchase of the new one. Not only do you avoid a bike pileup in the garage, you’re using your old bike to fund your shiny new rig.

Could you make more selling your bike on Kijiji? Potentially, yes. But you also have to deal with answering questions (“Would you take $20 for this $2,000 bike?”), meet people to complete the transaction and potentially have the buyer come back to you if he decides he doesn’t want the bike after all, or notices a problem. Send it to Cycling Avenue, and your job is done – and you’re off the hook for any followups.

The site is expanding every month, with new bikes and also with new offerings. Currently, Cycling Avenue offers frames, wheels and bike parts in addition to full bikes, plus a small range of accessories, such as GPS mounts, cages and bottles.

The brand is growing rapidly: expect to see shoes, kits, accessories, pumps, seat bags, and even (new) helmets available soon.—Molly Hurford

cyclingavenue.com

91

DESTINATION

THAILAND

Unexpected Tranquility

Seemingly endless rolling gravel and paved roads to ride, and almost no tourists or traffic

by Steve Thomas t first, I figured that three days in the Khanom area of southeast Thailand

would be just about my limit. From there, I’d run to the inland hills, and maybe even continue on over to the tourist-focused west coast.

Six weeks after arriving in Khanom, I was still there. Somehow I had managed to find new roads and trails every single day of riding. I really could not believe how I’d struck it so lucky. I’ve been back several times since.

There’s not much going on here. I guess that you could even see it as slightly boring from an entertainment slant. This is the real Thailand, much as I’d always wanted it to be. It was something that I thought was long since lost, if it ever even existed. Tranquil, genuine, local, crisp, clean and friendly – the perfect place to spend time soaking up what 99.9 per cent of visitors to the country never even get a scent of.

Throughout long, leisurely periods of time, I’ve now ridden just about every one of these roads and trails. By linking them all together, you can ride for hours at a time without so much as seeing anything with a motor, let alone any other cyclists.

These ride options go on for miles in all three of the possible directions. You can take on really flexible and long traffic-free routes without ever having to be too far from a small shop selling supplies, or from the option of taking a shortcut home should you wish.

The riding here is not excessively hilly; it’s mostly flat to rolling, although

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

Bangkok

Khanom Kuala Lumpur

Singapore

Photos: Steve Thomas

A

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“No matter how far from the sea you are, there seems to always be a slight breeze.”

there are a couple of super steep and tough out-and-back climbs should you feel like spicing up your ride. As many of the roads pass through wooded areas, you can find yourself in merciful shade for much of the time. No matter how far from the sea you are, there seems to always be a slight breeze. The breeze really helps to keep you comparatively cool, and also greatly reduces the humidity in the air.

This is an area that doesn’t jump out and yell, “Why hello!” It’s just not in its mild and charming manner to do so. Perhaps this is also why it’s hard to find out much about Khanom.

If you ever have the chance to visit, keep your eyes and ears peeled. You may well find me along the way, dodging the coconut trees and buffalo on these awesome backwater gravel roads, grinning like a slightly demented and contented madman on his aluminum horse.

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

MARKETPLACE British Columbia Bike Barn 300 Westminster Ave. W. Penticton, BC 250.492.4140 info@bikebarn.ca bikebarn.ca

Photos: Photos: Steve Thomas

Details Where to ride The most important thing in Khanom is to avoid the main roads. There’s a long and flat coastal strip and a paved road south to Sichon, making for a stunning and hilly coastal ride. It’s about 30 km with numerous add-on options.

There are miles of great dirt trails and small village roads all around the fringes of the beaches and towns.

Cross the main 4014 road west. You will find superb and traffic-free paved and dirt roads. From there, you can also link to the north and loop around the northern coastline, where there are several fishing villages, as well as trips to see the famous pink dolphins of the area.

Continue south, crossing the busy 401 road. Then, you’ll find the sweet, hilly roads of Namtok Si Khit National Park, which will feel completely deserted.

How to get here The closest airport is Surat Thani International. Another option is Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport via Bangkok.

From either airport, take a taxi or rent a car. It will be about a one and a half hour drive to Khanom.

Where to stay There are several accommodation options dotted all along the 10-km beach strip, ranging from inexpensive huts to luxury resorts and long-term house rentals. Few of these places are actually on the booking sites, so the best idea is to book a room online and then look around.

Where to eat The food here is great, especially if you like fresh seafood.

The old port end of town has a bustling fish market each afternoon, and the prices are cheap.

When to visit The south of Thailand has a great dry climate during the western winter months. It can be hot, but here the sea breeze does really cool things down, especially when you are on the bike.

The rainy season runs from June to September, although the coastal area is pretty well-sheltered, so it doesn’t tend to get the lashing rain often found on the west coast. The rainy season is actually a really nice time to ride here.

You do, however, have to look out for washouts on the dirt trails.

What to bring There are no bike shops in the area, so be prepared with spares.

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95

Q&A

Kasper Woolley

From ski slopes to enduro podiums

STATS Lives Squamish, B.C. Age 22 Team OneUp Components Bike Yeti SB150

by Terry McKall

L

ooking at Kasper Woolley’s results, you’d assume he’d been racing mountain bikes his whole life. But, until 2018, he was fully committed to a ski-racing career.

The years racing on snow, and occasional enduros for fun in the summer, translated to quick success, though.

An Enduro World Series second-place finish at Zermatt, Switzerland, in under-21 and two other podiums in 2019 were followed by Woolley’s first pro win in 2020.

Up until 2018, you were still ski racing full-time.

What led to the switch to bikes?

A couple big things. A hamstring injury was making it difficult to ski. Then I developed a brain tumor – a noncancerous prolactinoma that slowed my growth down.

So I was really small, which made ski racing difficult.

Whereas in mountain biking, size is less of an issue.

Is that ongoing?

Yeah. I’m not past it, but it’s not affecting me. I’m just sort of behind. Like, I’m still growing.

And, to add to that, growing up in Squamish, I’ve always been doing a bit of mountain biking. I’d raced a few enduros for fun. In 2017, I tried an EWS and I could see I was able to be really competitive. With skiing going backwards, even though I was putting all my energy into it, I thought, OK, if I focus on riding, I can actually be where I want to be.

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Canadian Cycling April & May 2021

“I thought, OK, if I focus on riding, I can actually be where I want to be.”

Summer of 2020 saw you racing the three-week Crankworx Summer Series, where you were on the podium several times beside Finn Iles. But that wasn’t the first time you’ve raced each other.

Yeah, we’ve raced all kinds of things. A bit of BMX, but mostly ski racing. It was nice; we hadn’t raced each other in a while. I’ve ridden with Finn, though, and he’s on another level. I’m striving to get to that speed, so I just tried to see if I could get close to him or maybe get him a couple times if I had a really good run.

Who had the upper hand when you were ski racing?

We’d go in waves where he’d win most of the time, then a wave where I’d win more races. That happens when you go to events where you race for three or four days straight. But I’d say we were pretty even.

From Crankworx, you went to the Big Mountain Enduro. In Colorado, you landed your first pro win. It was over former EWS overall winner Richie Rude, no less.

How did that play out?

The previous three enduros I’d done, I’d have really good stages then a crash or a little mechanical. Something would take me out of contention for the win.

Going into Winter Park, I really wanted to have a full, clean day. So I was super happy to get the win there. It didn’t really feel like I was the fastest person on the day. I got a bit lucky when Richie ended up having a crash. Instead of it all not going my way, that time it went my way. You kind of have to take those sometimes.

I can’t do this.

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