Top Shelf Product Reviews

Ian Tuttle (2007 Top Shelf Fitzgerald’s Racer) just submitted some year end reviews I thought you might like to read. Pretty interesting stuff from someone who has logged enough miles to know what he’s talking about! So here he is…

The Ergomo Power Meter: sucks. Mine crapped out about two months ago. It turned out
to NOT be water tight and the seals leaked. Also, I was getting extremely
variable power readings. To top it all, the US rep company has just severed
their contract with the german manufacturer, mainly b/c the germans weren’t
sending replacement parts and customer relations were going down the tubes.
This is in line with my own experience, as the US rep could not get me a
replacement. I just got an SRM and it is dynamite. Spendy, yes, but
accurate and reliable, with a decade of experience.

Fizik Arione: Awesome saddle. But I finally wore mine out. This was after
about 6,000 miles, and the top foam has compressed and created a dip that is
uncomfortable for my parts! Bottom line, great saddle, but expect it to
break down after a serious season. I switched to the San Marco ASPide,
which is VERY firm, and probably not to most riders’ liking, but after about
two weeks it my hind end has adapted to it nicely and it offers better
support. Still, the Arione is a favorite of mine, and I would recommend it.

Compact Cranks: I LOVE THEM! I just put some on with the new SRM. Holy
crap, I was worried that I’d spin them out, but that is not the case. It’s
true that the longest gear is not quite as big as a traditional 53 front
ring, but the difference is minor, and the benefits while climbing far
outweigh that drawback. Not only is climbing more efficient (with a higher
cadence), but rolling and flats are better with a tighter cluster of gears
to choose from. I would recommend a compact to ANYONE.

Chorus chains: I always thought Record was the only way to go. I’ve
started using chorus chains and saving $25 every month, with no noticeable
difference. The only change is weight, but it’s negligable, and its grimy
training season anyway.

Icebreaker wool long johns: you already know the benefits of wool, but this
piece is phenomenal. A base layer that is good in wind, rain, chill,
whatever. It is soft and WAY better than synthetics for warmth, esp when
wet. I use it as an undershirt on many many rides.

What’s your favorite piece of gear?

Little TK - Cross Champion!

Here’s the short story in Tim’s own words. Look for a more complete report coming soon to the “Team Locker Room” in the Forum.

Colorado State Championships:
12 degrees out. 12″ of new snow. Nervous all week. Pretty good start.
Settled into 3rd position. Moved to 2nd. Made a fast run through the
barriers, as this was the smart passing moment on such a slick track
and into the lead mid race…..turned up the effort from hurting to
misery..and just kept it there. Mantra to self for the 4+ laps off the front
“stay in the present” uttered repeatedly as every lapse of focus led to
drifting off the foot wide packed snow singletrack and into the
unconsolidated snow, mixed with a few “no pain” motivational
reminders…picked up recent viewing of Rocky IV, and cheers from various
friends who I couldn’t see as I both was blurry eyed from cold and efforts
and unable to look away from my front tire. The clincher was when I
listened to the announcers debate whether I was eligible for the State
Title, (listening intently off the front of the race at full throttle)and
heard Dave Towle say, Oh- Tim Kelley of Fitzgerald’s Bicycles has been
racing consistently all fall, and moved here long ago…..he’ll get the
title if he can hold onto this lead. Done deal..trophy and State Champ
jacket on the line…and there was a podium today…an actual podium…the
only one I’d ever been on was The Tour podium in Paris (prologue 2003, but
clearly snuck onto it the day before the race).

Shocking…but I’m the Colorado State Champion 35+ IV.

I am now, IN LOVE, with Cyclocross. Beer, Barriers, Crowds…Cowbells. I’m
strongly considering mt. bike racing!!
>
> Undefeated in the snow this year ;-

Check out more photos HERE