Cycling News (CN) recently put the Trek’s Madone SSL 6.5 through its paces - not surprisingly, the 6.5 met just about all their expectations. But what did surprise CN was that the 6.5 performed about as well as it far pricier sibling…the Madone 6.9. At just 893 grams, the frame was light…just 220g over the UCI minimum, and as would be expected, it performed well while climbing. About the only thing CN could find to complain about was some road vibration which they chalked up to a combination of 150psi tires, and low spoke-count wheels. Overall it sound like the 6.5 is worth a look, especially when you consider that its about $2,500 less than the 6.9, and really does not sacrifice much according to CN.

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Posted by David at 9:51 AM | Permalink

The UCI today launched a new anti-doping initiative called “100% Against Doping.” Self described as the “best anti-doping program” in the world, the UCI debuted the new program in Paris with many of the sports key figures - including the Vice-President of the WADA, and members of T-Mobile, and Caisse d’Epargne squads - in attendance. The new program is expected to cover 100% of the ProTour riders this year. While we would of course love bring you details of the program, the UCI’s link to the program appendix is not working – stay tuned and we’ll have all the details.

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Posted by David at 8:50 PM | Permalink

As expected, a Spanish magistrate shelved the Operation Puerto yesterday. The move might lead one to believe the case was over, and all riders were in the clear – but that may not be the case just yet. Pat McQuaid, head of the UCI, told reporters that he hopes the case prosecutor files an appeal to the courts decision within the required three days time period. The move may allow the UCI to study some evidence in the case and decide whether or not any riders have violated any doping laws.

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Posted by David at 8:32 PM | Permalink

Titanium’s (Ti) strength to weight ratio makes it an obvious choice for frame builders. But getting a Ti frame to stand out in the crowd has always been a challenge since a) Ti is a pretty drab color, and b) most buyers aren’t willing to cover up their uber expensive frames with paint. Thankfully Spectrum Power Works was on hand at the ’07 NAHBS to show off the results of a process that can etch almost any design directly onto a Ti frame. The process involves laying out a custom crafted sticker - which is made using a plotter - and then etching any exposed areas using a process sort of like sand blasting, but on a smaller/gentler scale. Once complete, the stickers are removed, and the frame is sealed. Mark Brandt of Spectrum told us they can use any of three different abrasive materials in the etching process to produces slightly different textures and colors. The technique can even be used to spruce up the look of older Ti frames. The cost for etching a frame starts somewhere in the range of $300, though more elaborate designs could run a bit more.

Product Link: Spectrum Powder Works

Posted by David at 5:33 PM | Permalink

Tour de Georgia race director, Chris Aronhal, told the associated press that the 2007 race is facing “a rather sizable financial gap” after title sponsor Ford - who is dealing with its own financial woes - declined to renew its six-figure sponsorship commitment. The race is currently seeking new sponsorship, but with only about six weeks to the start of the Tour, time is tight.

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Posted by David at 1:31 PM | Permalink