Thursday 30 November 2017

Giro d'Italia 2018

The route of the 101 Giro d'Italia has been revealed and it's really interesting.
The exotic start is a fantastic idea to expand the cycling culture outside Europe. Nevertheless Israel and its silly controversy about "west Jerusalem" prove that maybe the organizers have chosen the wrong country. They are not ready to be part of a melting pot event.
Despite Israeli officials, I think that the TT in Jersualem will be a fantastic scenario for the start of the Giro.
The route continues with interesting stages, that will amuse the spectators and the fans since the first week.
The diamond of the race is the terrible Zoncolan that is something unique in the World Tour.
That stage will worth a Classic and the winner will remain in the history of cycling.
The Colle delle Finestre will be another great climb but it has been positioned too far from the end of the stage.
I have just two critics to move to this great Giro:
1) the arrival in Rome. The capital is a wonderful city but it is not a cycling one.
Milano is the Italian capital of cycling and the final TT in the city should become like the Champs Elysées for the Tour de France. Last year it has been something memorable with the leader jersey changing in the last stage, after a battle lasted 21 days.
2) The Dolomites and the Tuscany have been a bit sacrificed.
Nevertheless I really look forward this Giro, enriched by the participation of the best riders in the world and by Froome too, attempting a historic triple.

Monday 20 November 2017

Aventon Cordoba 2018

This is my first fixed-gear bicycle and I've to admit that I've discovered a new form of meditation.
On Saturday I tried the new Aventon Cordoba. Cycling in the velodrome, helped by the fixed-gear that gave me also a sort of continuity and regularity in my training, made me feel like I had found my own Nirvana.
Talking about the technical aspects, the frame is really nice and the carbon fork assure more stiffness and lightness.
The bike is not too nervous but it still allows the rider to make rapid direction changes, which is a crucial aspect in a velodrome or on the winding streets of a Criterium.
The riding position, compared to a common track bike, is more comfortable. This feature allows the rider to enjoy a more comfortable ride without any loss in terms of performance.
I would definitely suggest this bike to start a fixed-gear adventure.

Specifications:

• Frame: Aventon Cordoba Double-Butted 6061 Aluminum Alloy
• Fork: Aventon Carbon Fork w/alloy steerer
• Headset: 28.6*41.8*30mm Sealed Bearing
• Stem: Aventon Push 3D Forged Alloy, 4-bolt, +/- 7º
• Handlebar: Aventon Push Drop Bars 31.8mm*40cm 
• Tape: Velo Microfiber Leather Tape
• Bottom Bracket: VP Sealed Bearing 68*103mm
• Crankset: Aventon Push Forged Alloy 48T*165mm PCD 144mm
• Hubs: Flip-Flop Sealed Bearing w/16T Freewheel
• 30mm Deep V High Polished Anodized Rims
• Tyres: Kenda Kriterium 25C
• Aventon Push Aero Race Saddle
• Seatpost: Aventon Push 27.2mm*300mm 3D Forged Alloy
• Gear ratio: 48/15T Fixed, 48/16T Free Wheel
• Weight: 18.5 lbs - 8.4 Kg (55cm)