The Internet of Bikes: Tour of the Catskills 2012

The Tour of the Catskills is a three day stage race held in Hunter, Windham and Tannersville, New York. The race features a 12 mile individual time trial, a 65 mile “Epic” stage that includes the infamous Devil’s Kitchen climb, followed by another mountain stage that features the cryptically named and extremely steep Airport Road climb. Frame and Wheel has family in nearby Germantown, New York and is thus able to justify the long but easy drive to participate in this great event. Frame and Wheel is using the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon for the time trial. It has been running very well and Frame and Wheel is pleased with its performance. The bike is set up with Dura-Ace 7900 components, 3T Brezza bars, Zipp Disc and Zipp 404 front (running Vittoria Corsa EVO 23 mm tubulars) and a SRM power meter. For the road stages, Frame and Wheel is using the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2. The bike is light at 14.6 pounds  and the electronic shifting is easy and quick. The bike is set up with Dura-Ace 7900 components, 3T Rotundo bars, Zipp 202s (running Vittoria Corsa EVO 23 mm tubulars) and a compact crank set for the event. Frame and Wheel enters the Masters 40 plus category along with fifty other riders from around the region and Canada and tracks the rides using Strava for Android.

Frame and Wheel’s start time for the time trial is 11:59. Temperatures are in the low 80s. Frame and Wheel warms up just enough to break a sweat and activate the system, but once this is done, staying cool is the priority. Frame and Wheel sets off on time and in correct order and gets up to speed. The outbound route is mostly downhill, but it is a very mild grade and there is a head wind. Frame and Wheel concentrates on staying aero and on top of the right gear, which turns out to be a 53 x 11 in many sections. Frame and Wheel catches a few 30 second men and is not holding anything back. The turnaround is on a downhill. Frame and Wheel recklessly locks up the rear wheel (to the amusement of the marshals) and negotiates the cone. Inbound there is a tailwind, but it is all uphill. The climbs are gradual but long. Frame and Wheel is able to catch a few more riders, but towards the last mile, there are no more riders in sight and the drool is beginning to flow. Frame and Wheel is very conservative on the last corners and gives up many seconds. Frame and Wheel pushes to the line and finishes with a time of 25:57 which is slower than the previous year (2010: 25:29) but fast enough for fourth place. David Gazsi of Team IFG wins the day (25:10) followed by Ron amos of Ride with Randall (25:45) and Christoffel Prinsloo of CRCA/ FinKraft Cycling (25:56). Frame and Wheel heads for Germantown and a cool bath.

Stage 2 begins in Tannersville. Temperatures are moving into the 80s. The 40 Plus category sets off at 11:30 and right from the start there is a break that includes break away artist Carl Reglar and five other riders. This break soon has 2 minutes on the field and the wheel van has disappeared up the road. The peleton does not seem too concerned as there is a lot of climbing ahead as well as the Devil’s Kitchen. Frame and Wheel is aware that riders can get away and stay away on this course, if there is enough of a gap for the break to ease its way up the Devil’s Kitchen climb. Frame and Wheel’s experience with the Devil’s Kitchen to date has been one that results in complete detonation of body and mind and thus Frame and Wheel hunkers down with peanut butter sandwiches and Gatorade (straight up). 

The field arrives at the Devil’s Kitchen. The wheel van is back with the peleton and although the break is out of sight, it is not far up the road. Frame and Wheel matches the pace of the lead riders. Soon there are only three riders: Erin Korff (CRCA/Axis) and Roger Aspholm (Finkraft Cycling Team) and Frame and Wheel. Aspholm is moving relentlessly up the steep; Frame and Wheel clings to Kroff’s wheel. There are riders from an earlier category walking their bikes up the climb. It is warm. There are spectator shouting encouragement, but Frame and Wheel does not understand what they are saying. Frame and Wheel is pushing a 34 x 28 with maximum effort, which in some sections results in a spontaneous wheelie. Frame and Wheel recovers at the top and is able to chase Aspholm who has now caught Carl Reglar and Bill Shattuck. It takes a maximum effort and perhaps some willingness on the part of the chased for Frame and Wheel to finally close this gap. Kroff is unable to hang on and the break reforms with four tired riders pushing for the line over the last 6 miles. Frame and Wheel is at the front and in yellow as the four bear down on the last section to Main Street. Frame and Wheel opens the sprint and is well aware that there will be some one coming by at any minute. Bill Shattuck (Corner Cycle) comes through in a great show of strength and panache to take the stage win. Frame and Wheel has survived the time warping effects of the Devil’s Kitchen for the first time and is very pleased to be in the yellow jersey. Frame and Wheel heads for home and another cool bath and some real food.

Stage 3 begins at Windham Mountain Ski resort. Temperatures are warm, but there are clouds on the horizon and rain in the forecast. The field starts off at 11:00 am. FinKraft Cycling Team moves to the front and drives the pace up Route 23. There is some respite on the two mile descent. FinKraft puts the pressure on again on Route 145. The field is stretched out; the pace remains high on to the Potter Road climb. Frame and Wheel gets to the front where on this section where there is more room. The KOM contenders are at the front and in the final meters, there is a surge for the line. Soon after the KOM, it begins to rain very hard. It becomes very dark; water is flowing off the roads in sheets. It is very hard to see. The lead elements of the KOM have a gap and are riding fast down the descent through the pouring rain. Frame and Wheel struggles to get to the front of the chase group; everyone is surely struggling with visibility and confidence about the road surface. The rain eases and the two groups come back together, except for Roger Aspholm who is up the rain soaked road. The field eventually catches Aspholm and makes it way towards Prattsville.  

There are a series of attacks here from FinKraft Cycling and Verge Cycling. Frame and Wheel is nervous about hanging on to the yellow jersey  and does not like the idea of a break getting away and gaining minutes on the field. Frame and Wheel covers the attacks. The field passes through Plattesvillle and heads up Airport Road. John Van Funk (Verge Cycling) and Ralk Warmuth (FinKraft Cycling Team) are up the road.  Airport Road is very steep and wet too; some riders are spinning out on the climb. Frame and Wheel is pushing a 34 x 28 and gaining time; without a compact Frame and Wheel would be in trouble on this climb. The field fragments a bit but as the climb eases the field comes together again and catches Funk and Warmuth. The field navigates that last few descents and climbs and arrives at the base of Windham Mountain for the up hill finish. There is a strong cross wind and there is a fence flapping across the final 100 meters. This does not stop Monte Frank (Verge Sport) from surging for the line and winning the day, followed by a very strong Mark Miller (Favatas Trt Bicycle) and John van Funk. Frame and Wheel creeps over the line in sixth place which is good enough to stay in yellow in the general classification (6:17:19). Roger Aspholm wins the King of the Mountain competition and finishes second in the general classification (6:18:04) followed by Bill Shattuck in third place (6:18:18). Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result and grateful to be able to compete in a category that is characterized by such great competitors. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a fine race. A very fine weekend of racing and the peak of the 2012 season for Frame and Wheel.

Austro-Daimler tt and road

Aspholm, Thomas, Shattuck on the podium

Sunday's rain clouds

Germantown

The Internet of Bikes: 2012 Lake Auburn Road Race

The Lake Auburn Road Race is a regular feature on the calendar and this year it was characterized by rainy weather. Frame and Wheel raced the 123 race which must have had some 50 starters. The race was shortened because of the wet weather. The main feature of this race was the break that got away in the last ten miles. The break had riders from all the teams present so the field did not chase. A field sprint of sorts and a shorter drive home. The amusing thing about this race is that it actually goes around Taylor Lake, not Lake Auburn. 

The Internet of Bikes: 2012 Killington Stage Race

The Killington Stage Race is a three day stage race held in Killington, Vermont. The event features a 72 mile circuit race, an 11 mile time trial and a 63 mile mountain stage. Frame and Wheel entered the Category 2 race this as there are no team mates in the 40 plus category. The Category 2 race features a longer circuit race and a much younger and larger field. Temperatures were in 70s and conditions were dry and calm. This is the first stage race on the Ausrto-Daimler Superleicht Di2 Carbon. The bike has been running very well. It has a new Cane Creek 110 Series head set and it is set up with sample FOS carbon tubulars. Frame and Wheel tracks the event on Strava.

The circuit race features a long gradual climb, a very fast half kilometer down hill and a gradual descent.  The race begins mid day. Right after the first lap four riders get away and build up a three minute lead. It is windy and the field is very big; the four man break has a long way to go and the field has a lot of momentum on the descents. Frame and Wheel sits in and concentrates on conserving energy. Soon enough the pace picks up on the climbs; the field is interested in closing the gap. This happens on the 3rd lap when the entire race is neutralized because of a crash in a previous category. Everyone pulls over and takes the opportunity to use the woods and even freshen up bottles. Once the race is restarted, the break is down to only 50 seconds. The break is caught at the KOM. The field plunges down the fast descent a final time; riders throw commons sense out the window and use the left lane to try and gain some kind of advantage. This does not work out for at least two riders who plunge into the ditch at 40 miles an hour. The EMT car passes the field for a second time in a single day. A lone rider finished the race 30 seconds ahead of the field. Frame and Wheel finishes with the group, unscathed and very rested. 

All done with the circuit race

The time trial features a gradual uphill, followed by a flat straight section and concluded by a winding and rolling section. The race starts early afternoon. The wind has picked up and become a head wind. Temperatures are in the 70s. This is the fourth time trial on the Austro-Daimler tt Carbon. The bike is running very well and it feels very comfortable. Frame and Wheel concentrates on staying on top of good gear and staying aerodynamic. The climb section goes by quite quickly and almost feels flat; Frame and Wheel makes good time here. The flat section seems to go on for ever. Frame and Wheel pushes hard over the short sharp hill at the one kilometer mark and tries hard to keep up the intensity to the line. The drool is begining to advance. Frame and Wheel hits the line with a time of 24:13 (2011: 23:33) which is fast enough for third place. Michael Reidenbach of the Hydromax Cycling Team is in second place (23:58) and Steve Perezhula of BikeRay USA is in first (23:35). Frame and Wheel gets some podium time for the effort and cannot help but observing that the combined age of the first and second place finishers is less than the age of Frame and Wheel. 

Going up Route 4 on Austro-Daimler tt Carbon

KSR Stage 2 ITT  Podium (Cat 2) 

The mountain stage features a long descent, some tough climbs mid way through the race, dirt roads and the final three mile climb up Eastern Mountain Road to the Killington Ski Resort. The race starts early morning. The weather continues to be fine. The Austro-Daimler Superleicht is holding up well and so are the Pellegrinos. These wheels have great acceleration and the braking is fantastic. Unfortunately, Frame and Wheel forgets to activate the GPS so that the race can be tracked on Strava (a minor iTronski). There is a break up the road but the field does not seem worried. Frame and Wheel sits in and conserves. The pace accelerates sharply on the climbs at the mid way point, but the field does not break up. After some dirt roads and a long grind up Route 4, the field comes charging into the base of Eastern Mountain Road and the second part of the race begins. Frame and Wheel moves up and is soon with ten riders laboring up the first steep. There are two riders up the road; they are soon out of sight. The chase group pushes on to the KOM and soon after two more riders get away. Frame and Wheel is not in a position to chase. The group enters the molasses zone, where time and space become slow and sticky. Frame and Wheel tries to move up a bit in the last 500 meters but no real progress is made. Frame and Wheel finishes in tenth place, which is good enough to secure fifth place in the General Classification. Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result. Frame and Wheel thanks the organizers for putting on a well run race and congratulates OA / Cyclemania riders in the other categories on their results. 

The last 500 meters of Eastern Mountain Road

Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 with FOS tubulars

Heading home

The Internet of Bikes: LL Bean Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #3)

The LL Bean Time Trial is the third race in the Maine Time Trial Series. The race is held in Freeport. The course is an 18 mile loop that features straight rolling sections, narrow roads and short steep climbs. Temperatures were in the 50s and conditions were dry for the first time in recent memory. About 80 riders start the race. This is the third race for Frame and Wheel on an Austro-Daimler tt Carbon. Frame and Wheel sets off at 8:10 am. Route 1 is rough in sections, but traffic is light so there is room to avoid the obstacles. False flats are the feature here. Frame and Wheel concentrates on gearing, position and maintaing speed on the uphills and through the corners. The road is resurfaced on the back stretch. This makes a huge difference as in previous years this section of road is capable of shaking loose handlebars. Frame and Wheel loses speed on the last turn on to the very rough and uphill section into the finish line. The drool is flying and the legs protest but the finish is just up the road. The race is over. Frame and Wheel’s time of 40:03 (2011: 40:12) is fast enough to win the day, but well off of the sub forty times routinely posted by Tim Mitchell (CB Racing ) and Dean Philips (Fit Werx). Regardless, Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result. Frame and Wheel  congratulates everyone who turned up to race and thanks LL Bean and the organizers for putting on a great time trial.

Frame and Wheel races an Austro-Daimler tt Carbon

Frame and Wheel is shown here racing an Austro-Daimler tt Carbon at the Portland Velo Club / Cyclemania Time Trial in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The bicycle features Shimano 7900 drive train (mechanical), TRP brakes and brake levers, 3T Brezza II base bar with straight carbon extensions, 3T ARX alloy stem, Adamo saddle, Zipp Disc 900 tubular rear wheel and Zipp 404 tubular front wheel. Fit Werx 2 in Peabody, Massachusetts did the fit and the build; Don McEwan took the picture. More information about the frame set and availability can be found at the Frame and Wheel website. 

The Internet of Bikes: Cyclemania / Portland Velo Club Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #2)

The Cyclemania Portland Velo Club Time Trialis the second race of the Maine Time Trial series. The race is held in Cape Elizabeth. The course is a 13 mile double loop that features long straight sections, long gradual climbs and winding sections. Temperatures are in the 50s and conditions are dry and calm. About 50 riders start the race. The main feature of this race is navigation. The course has a shorter loop within a larger longer loop. It is very easy to become confused or to forget to make the turn onto the inside loop, even though it is clearly marked. The course is in Frame and Wheel’s back yard, and it is still difficult to remember navigation details. The other feature of this course is the long straight sections on Route 77 that riders must complete twice. This is the second race for Frame and Wheel on an Austro-Daimler tt Carbon. Frame and Wheel sets off at 7:30. Traffic is light and there is little wind. Frame and Wheel makes the first right turn successfully onto Fowler Road. The section is rough in places and very flat. The second time down Route 77 seems to go on forever. Frame and Wheel makes the second right turn onto Spurwink Road successfully. The two steep climbs here bring out the drool and the rough road makes it hard to concentrate on maintaing speed. The last hill into the center of town has the legs burning. Frame and Wheel makes the sharp right turn into the school and goes for the line cautiously as there is another right turn that follows soon after. The race is over. Frame and Wheel completes the course in 29:43 (2011: 30:05) which is fast enough to win the day (One rider has a time of 25 minutes, but it later becomes clear that he missed the first turn and completed just the outside loop). Frame and Wheel congratulates all riders on their results and thanks the organizers and volunteers for putting on a great time trial.

The Internet of Bikes: Penn Bay YMCA Time Trial (Maine Time Trial Series Race #1)

The Penn Bay YMCA Time Trial is the first race of the Maine Time Trial series. The course is a 16 mile out an back that features gradual climbs, fast descents, long, open straight sections and strong winds. About 50 riders turn up for this race. This is the first race for Frame and Wheel on an Austro-Daimler tt Carbon. Frame and Wheel sets out soon after 9 am. There is a tail wind on the out bound section, but it is hard to notice. Frame and Wheel concentrates on the road, position and gearing. The road is rough in sections. The climb up to the turn around is as challenging as in previous years. A strong head wind greets all riders after the turnaround. The climb at mile ten brings out the drool and the following wind swept straights torture the mind. The Reduced Speed Ahead sign means that the finish line is 500 meters up the road at the end of a gradual climb. The race is over. Frame and Wheel’s time is 33:21 (2011: 33:45) and fast enough to win the day. Frame and Wheel congratulates everyone on their results and thanks the organizers for putting on what is a classic time trial race.

Frame and Wheel joins Doug Chaisson, Nate Smith and Nate Davis for a post race ride around Searsmont, Lincolnville and Hope. A great route that features some impressive vistas and the climb up the suitably named Hatchett Mountain.

The Internet of Bikes: Quabbin Reservoir Classic Road Race 2012

Frame and Wheel joins Eric Larrson and Eric Weinrich of the OA / Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team for the Quabbin Reservoir Classic Road Race in Ware, Massachusetts. The race is a popular and legendary race that features 4,000 feet of climbing, fast downhills and extraordinary vistas of the Quabbin Reservoir. Temperatures are in the upper 30s at the start and conditions are dry and clear (a wild improvement over 2011). About 80 riders line up for the 62 mile route in the forty plus category (Frame and Wheel almost misses the start to this event due to a Bike Talk-induced navigational Tronski that added an extra one hour to the drive).

There is an early and dangerous break that quickly gains one minute and the wheel van. Frame and Wheel is in no position to chase and rationalizes that there is a lot of climbing to be done and the wind is strong. Additionally, the field has many strong riders and it picks up a lot of speed on the big downhills. Frame and Wheel sits in. The race at times begins to feel like the Portland Velo Club Saturday morning ride: relaxed but brisk, unofficial but serious. Frame and Wheel is well-hydrated and well fed. 

The break is in view on the straight sections outside of Ware. The pace is high on Route  Nine; the break is out of sight but not far up the road. The field enters the park road and riders jostle for position. Finally, there is a genuine attack that strings out the field. Frame and Wheel joins in and gets to the front. The break is now in view and it looks tired. Frame and Wheel bridges over and gets to the break at 200 meters and from there goes for the finish. A glance under the arm reveals that there is a gap. There is a shout of encouragement from a single by stander. The line finally arrives and the race is over. Frame and Wheel makes brief salute, hoping that there is Graham Watson apostle covering this event who will immortalize Frame and Wheel’s first victory on an Austro-Daimler Superleicht in twenty-eight years (no such luck).Frame and Wheel congratulates team members and competitors on their performances and thanks the race organizers for putting on a great race.

Frame and Wheel races an Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 at 2012 Tour of the Battenkill

Frame and Wheel joins Ron Bourgoin, Neil Fitch and Eric Weinrich of the OA / Cyclemania Masters Cycling Team in the 40 plus category at the 2012 Tour of the Battenkill otherwise known as “The Hell of the North”. Temperatures are in the mid 50s at the start and conditions are dry. One hundred and twenty one riders line up for the 62 mile route that features steep climbs, dirt roads and the bucolic scenery of upstate New York.

This year the peleton stays together over the climbs on Perry Hill Road, Juniper Swamp Road and Cemetery Road. The dirt sections on Cheese Factory Road and Wright Road become the features of the race. The sand is deep in places, the rocks are big and the dust at times obscures the lead car and portions of the field. The crack of rocks ricocheting off of carbon and expletives penetrate the roar of shaking bicycles and their riders. Frame and Wheel switches religions at least three times and struggles to get to and stay at the front of the field. Riders are fishtailing in sections; some riders lose momentum completely and come to an abrupt stop. Remarkably, there are no bad crashes. Frame and Wheel follows the advice of cyclocross guru John Grenier: keep the RPMs low and stay seated. 

Somewhere towards the end of Wright Road, a break of five riders suddenly forms including Thomas Francis, (Wheelwroks Racing), Jacob Hacker, Ted Michaels (Evolution Cycling Club), Dan Staffo (Handlebars Cycling Company) and Frame and Wheel. There is a 30 second gap and the five work together to maintain it through to Stage Road. Thomas Francis and Frame and Wheel struggle to keep up on the this final climb and lose time. On the final flat section, however, the two work together and close to within meters on the three other riders who are absorbed in the traditional game of cat and mouse.  At the 1K mark that game ends abruptly when the three see that they are about to be joined by two more riders; the three keep their gap. Jacob Hacker wins the day, followed by Ted Michaels and Dan Staffo. Frame and Wheel crosses the line in fourth place with Thomas Francis seconds behind.

The race is much more challenging for Frame and Wheel this year. In previous years, Frame and Wheel has the luxury of being in small and early breakaways, primarily the result of Joe Bean Road. This year Frame and Wheel must endure riding in a large pack, frequent accelerations and the stress and trauma of riding blindly over very rough dirt roads. Thus, Frame and Wheel is very pleased with the result and congratulates Ron, Neil and Eric on their results. Most importantly, team mates and competitors have come through relatively unscathed; the Austro-Daimler Superleicht has also survived its first race. Frame and Wheel purchases a bottle of Battenkill Valley Creamery Chocolate Milk and heads for home.

Customer comments for Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2

Frame and Wheel posts eBay feedback and comments from owners of the Austro-Daimler Superleicht carbon Di2 below. 

Chris - United Kingdom

eBay feedback

One word. Awesome!

Other comments

Just got the frame! Wow.  We are very happy. It is beautiful. Can't wait for us to get it going. Just to let you know this is not only my best ever eBay purchase experience, but a great retail experience as well. Thanks again!

Hanspeter - Austria

eBay feedback

Great seller, excellent product, ultra fast shipment, AAA+++

Other comments

The frame set arrived and I´m very happy. Hopefully I will find time tomorrow afternoon to visit RIH and discuss the built-up of the bike. I´ll keep you informed.

Bryan - United States

eBay feedback

Outstanding service and great bicycle frame excellent company AAA++++

Other comments

What a beautiful artfully crafted light frame! Everything arrived in excellent condition. I'm researching the equipment I want to use on the build and will let you know which bike shop I choose. I'll be returning the box empty. When I settle on the shop completing the build I'll let you know.

Mark - United Kingdom

eBay feedback

As described and quick postage. Thanks! Looking forward to getting out on it!

Frame and Wheel reviews the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 road bike

Frame and Wheel reviews Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 

The Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 road bike is a modern day version of the Austro-Daimler Superleicht racing bike used by amateur and professional cyclists in the 1980s. It is wildly different from its ancestor in terms of technology and materials, but the spirit and beauty of the bicycle is unchanged. Frame and Wheel has been riding this Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 for six months now and provides some thoughts about it below.

Designed for Di2

The frame is designed expressly for Shimano’s Di2 electronic drive train. Cable stops are absent and there is an opening on the bottom bracket and the down tube to accommodate wires and junctions. Frame and Wheel’s view on electronic shifting is that it is like air conditioning: once you start using it, you never go back. The practical benefits include a very easy shift from small chain ring into big chain ring and quick and easy rear derailleur adjustment. Frame and Wheel notes that when your hands are numb with cold, electronic shifting is very useful. It is also useful for master’s category hands that have been weakened by a life time of keyboard work. There also seems to be less chain slap when riding over rough road. A single charge lasts a long time and the the battery charges up very quickly. It is very easy to forget to charge the battery and even easier to forget to bring the charger to training camps or stage races. These are iTronskis (for more about iTronskis, please read this post) that the user will commit only once. Frame and Wheel’s 50 cm frame set is built up with Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 Di2, 3T stem and 3T Rotundo bars and Zipp 303 tubular wheels. The weight for the bike as shown is 14.8 pounds.

Think powerful luxury sedan

The Superleicht’s geometry is slack (71.5 head tube angle and 74 degrees seat tube angle) and the wheel base is long (98.4 cm) and thus the bicycle tracks very well and feels stable on the descents and in the corners. Frame and Wheel likens the ride to a powerful, luxury sedan: smooth, silent and very comfortable for long rides. The chain stays, down tube and seat tube are oversized and explain the bike’s wonderful stiffness and acceleration. Other features of the frame set include tapered head tube, asymmetrical top tube, a full carbon Austro-Daimler 37SL front fork, full carbon Austro-Daimler 31.6 mm seat post, full internal cabling, front and rear carbon drop outs, English thread bottom bracket (68 mm), replaceable rear derailleur hanger, braze-on front derailleur hanger and pearl white paint finish. 

Frame and Wheel rides an Austro-Daimler Superleicht in 1986.

Frame and Wheel rides an Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 in 2011.

The voice

Every bicycle has a voice that speaks directly to its rider. For Frame and Wheel, the Austro-Daimler Superleicht Carbon Di2 speaks sentimentally of the days of racing in New England, Colorado and France in the 80s and 90s and youthful but unrequited dreams of glory. For others, the Superleicht will perhaps speak invitingly of electronic shifting, 1980s styling and comfortable geometry. For some, no voice will be heard. Frame and Wheel’s view is that the bicycle is a great pleasure to ride and looks forward to racing it in 2012. 

Specifications:

Brand: Austro-Daimler

Model: Superleicht Carbon Di2

Material: Unidirectional high modulus carbon fiber

Frame design: compact geometry road

Front fork: Austro-Daimler 37SL

Seat post: Austro-Daimler carbon

Front and rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 Di2

Dual control levers: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 Di2

Cassette, bottom bracket, chain: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Crank set: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 170 mm 53T/39T

Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 SL Carbon

Bar and stem: 3T Rotundo carbon classic and 3T ARX Team alloy stem

Seat: Fizik Aliante Ti

Wheel set: Zipp 303 carbon tubular

Tires: Vittoria Corsa EVO CX 21-28

Total weight  as shown: 14 pounds 12 ounces (6.7 kg) size 50 cm as shown

The frame sets are available through no-reserve auction at the at the Frame and Wheel eBay Store. Please sign up for the news letter to learn of upcoming auctions. For more information about Frame and Wheel and the frame set, please visit the website.

Frame and Wheel Puerto Rico winter training camp

Puerto Rico is fine destination for a winter training camp. The climate is warm, terrain is challenging and there are plenty of things to do when the riding is done (the beach, Old San Juan, great restaurants). Additionally, there are numerous direct flights from the east coast, there are good bike shops and there is a local cycling scene. Isle Verde is a good area to stay. There is a super market nearby, it is near the city and it provides for convenient access to the rides around El Yunque National Park. There are many apartments for rent in Puerto Rico, but you have to book in advance as Christmas and New Years is peak time for Puerto Rico. Renting a car also requires booking in advance. The traffic is not too bad outside of San Juan, and it is very light on the back roads in the mountains. Drivers are respectful of cyclists for the most part, but caution is required. Frame and Wheel notes that there is no yellow line on the roads in the mountains so staying under control and well to the right is essential (many drivers coming uphill swing well over the yellow line). "Oyo" means pot hole and is an important word when riding in a group. "Ola" is an informal greeting and an effective warning for others.  The temperatures are in the 80s during the day. In the early morning there can be light rain. In the mountains, temperatures are cooler and the roads can be wet and slick. There is no cell phone coverage in El Yunque national park, but coverage is fine everywhere else.

Route 187 leads from Isla Verde to Loiza, Suarez and Rio Grande and is the primary thorough fare for getting to the rides in the hills east and south of the city. It is straight and flat and requires 100 percent vigilance for cars passing in the other direction. In the afternoon, there also iguanas to look out for. There are deep and large potholes on all the roads and they can appear out of nowhere on otherwise smooth pavement. In the mountains and in El Yunque national park, the roads can be rough, especially in the corners of the switchbacks. Clinchers with some tough tires are a must. There are dogs too. Most are confined to their owners compounds, but some escape and give chase (Frame and Wheel was pursued twice by the same Rotweiller). A good rule of thumb is to not to build up too much speed on the downhills so that there is extra reaction time for those hazards and the more typical ones: cars backing out of driveways, pedestrians, drainage grates).

The rides are productive and can be viewed at Frame and Wheel on Strava Cycling. Frame and Wheel recommends repeats on the El Yunque park road from the welcome center to the top. The traffic gets busy with tourists, but then it calms down. It allows for a good ride without having to venture too far out and away from home base. A harder ride is to go south on Route 956 to the peak and then down the back side on Route 957, turn around and head back up Route 957 and down Route 956. There are some very steep sections here. Route 185 after Benitiez is quite busy and not worth the stress. Route 3 is rideable, but it is a busy big road that is more effective as a means for getting to the smaller roads in the hills. Frame and Wheel just scratched the surface of the potential rides in Puerto Rico. Renting a car and heading an hour out of town will open up some great terrain.

Roland Marrero is a great guide and mechanic from The Bike Stop. Jose at B.Bikes runs a nice shop and is in the Isla Verde area. It is worth calling these shops in advance to find out about local rides. The fortress at Old San Juan is a great visit, but do not drive into town. Traffic is terrible. 

A note on flying: Frame and Wheel used JetBlue. The flight was on time and comfortable. If you can get your bike into the standard size travel case (around 60 x 40 x 10 inches) and it weighs less than 50 pounds, it will count as your checked in bag and thus will not incur an oversize or overweight fee. IF you have another checked in bag, you will have to pay $30.00 for that one. Be sure you know the rules as the agents checking you in do not always know how it works.

Route 956

The blue pave of of Old San Juan

The fort at Old San Juan

Flats along Route 187

Drainage grating in Loiza

Clinchers and Paves

Top of El Yunque park road

Back road climbs

Route 181 above Gurabo

Route 9966 into El Yunque National Park

Water falls in El Yunque National Park

El Yunque Park roads

View from Route 956

View from Route 956