Calfee Tandem

Shotgun back seat.

Contafail

Contador got Antione Dodson'd. They don found you. You are so dumb, you are really dumb - for real. Maybe he wasn't hiding, but he got caught using a banned substance.

Cliffnotes:

"The Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) has decided to impose a one-year ban on 2010 Tour de France winner Alberto Contador for his Clenbuterol positive,El Pais reported today."

"Contador stands to be stripped of his title in the Tour, his third victory in the race and fifth Grand Tour win."

Never liked dude anyway. He always seemed cocky and never a team player. So much for a threepeat. I would've liked to see the Schleck bros lay the hurt on Contador though. Especially Andy, after that stupid mechanical problem (DURA-ACE FOR LIFE).

Image and read the whole article here.

Gunshow

Via Big Rang

Blang blang. Cipo's showing the peloton who's boss.

Lance a Crackhead?

"Who rides bikes errrwhere? Crackheads."

The History of Oakley

History of Oakley from Defgrip on Vimeo.

Via Defgrip.

Brush up on that history.

Photos

See more from this set here.

Both photos via Tracko.

Armstrong Comeback Lackluster

Image from here.

The gist of the article.

""I thought I'd win another Tour, I really did," Armstrong said at a press conference in Adelaide, according to the Associated Press news agency. "It was different than I expected — that's just the reality, I'm not going to make any excuses. I did everything I could. ... No regrets though, none at all.""

I'm not going to front. I had high expectations for Armstrong when he came out of retirement and placed 3rd at the TDF in his comeback year. But, the game has changed. There is so much young talent in the peleton now, and no matter what kind of shape you're in youth will always trump age especially in endurance sports.

It was like when Michael Jordan came back from retirement. So many people, me included, wanted that vintage MJ. That 1998 game 6 Bulls versus Jazz Jordan over Russel to secure his 6th NBA title Jordan. Instead, all we got was a a player who was past his prime which was made evident when the Black Mamba entered the mix. I don't want to get into an argument on who's the GOAT.

Anyway, read the entire Armstrong article here.

REP THAT LA

Sean Martin - I Am Los Angeles from Joris Debeij on Vimeo.

Via TOLA.

LA TILL I DIE!

Tokyo to Osaka - Full Length

TOKYO TO OSAKA from Nic Hill on Vimeo.

I present to you the full length.

USA!! USA!!

Via Tracko.

Reppin that stars and stripes.

Tokyo to Osaka

Tokyo to Osaka Teaser from John Murillo on Vimeo.

Via Prolly.

EPIC!!!!!! I mean its no SF to LA, but epic nonetheless. BTW, AIDS/Lifecycle 10 is happening this June. Get involved. Volunteer, ride, or donate.

More info on the Tokyo to Osaka tour here.

New Team New Kits

Team Leopard-Trek

Team Garmin-Cervelo.

Team Leopard-Trek and Team Cervelo-Garmin are both brand new teams formed for the 2011 Pro Tour season. I like the simplicity of the Team Leopard-Trek kit. But the real winner is Team Cervelo-Garmin, rocking no orange and less argyle. Look how cleaner and gangster the new kit is. I have to say though, that Team Cervelo-Garmin kit is kind of Skyish.

Excite for the new season to start soon.

Images via Cyclingnews.

Independent Fabrication x Rapha

Because my words would ruin the description.

"Each bespoke frameset is built with a blend of Carbon Fibre and Titanium, delivering a refined feel for the road. With an elegant white pearl paint on the laser cut lugs, and the Rapha ‘R’ etched into the lug at the top tube, this XS will also feature a unique ‘inside story’ painted inside the fork, inspired by the stories inside all Rapha products."

This frame set is starting at $6,795 + shipping. Then you have to stunt and rock Shimano Di2. So another $2-3000 depending on your hook up. This definitely isn't for babies, nor is any high end complete bike really.

Words and read more at Rapha, and cop hurrr.

MASH SF x Cinelli Stem

Via MASH SF Tumbeezy.

HO HO HO HOOLLLLDDD UP!!! This stem is looking very Thomson-esque instead of that traditional Cinelli look. Anyway, I'm excited to see what else the MASH SF team has in store for us.

Outlier - The California Pivot Sleeve Shirt

Done up in a sun -washed Brazilian chambray. Not exactly moisture wicking technology in a chambray, but definitely stunt worthy for those short jaunts.

Cop hurrr.

Dromarti Cycling Shoes

Via Prolly.

Classy on the top. All business on the bottom. Those UK folk know a thing or two about quality goods.

Cop hurrr.

T______E

Via Tracko.

_ESTICL_.

See more here.

Independent Fabrication - XCR TIG Stainless Welds

Beautiful.

Images via Indy Fab's blog.

Pegoretti

Frame building is an art. Visit Pegoretti's site here.

Images via LAFixed's LYCRA MAFIA thread.

PRO Quirks and Superstitions

Quirks
1. Many PROs will get their chamois changed over to Assos as soon as they get their kit.

2. PROs will wear Oakley sunglasses while training regardless of who their eyewear sponsor is.

3. PRO helmets are often custom made so that they look smaller and have an individual fit.

4. PRO shoes are often made with a custom fit.

Superstitions
1. PROs will often wear their undershirt the way it comes out of the wash. It doesn’t matter if it’s inside out or not. That’s the way it’s meant to be worn if the washing machine says so.

2. If you get #13 in a race, you are to wear it upside down. There is no telling what will happen if it is worn rightside up.

Interesting to find out some customs not really heard off.

Image, words, and more goodness at Cyclingtips.

'I don't think it would be a good thing...'

'I don' t think it would be a good thing if I suddenly stopped and sat around all day'

- Jens Voigt

Me neither Jens.

Quote via ifeellikealittlekid.

LB CRUISIN

Long Beach Cruisin. from The Fly on Vimeo.

Via Tracko.

This is definitely the vibe when you ride in Southern California.