Resetting Garmin 610

I have had my Garmin 610 since Xmas. In the last 2 weeks it would go completely dead within the first 1/2 mile of a run. It would just shut down. I updated with the latest firmware. It shows 100% (fully charged) before each run. I also did a 'restore defaults'. The issue still persisted. So, I reached out to Garmin via email. I received the following response, and am happy to report it resolved the issue. I’m posting in case you experience a similar issue:

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.
 
I am sorry about this trouble you are having with your Forerunner 610. You mentioned doing a 'restore to defaults', I would suggest trying a master reset. There are a few instances in which a master reset can be performed on the Forerunner 610, 210, or 110, such as:
 

• Not functioning properly
• Needing to be restored to factory default settings
• Not receiving a satellite signal*
• To bring up language selection prompt if incorrect language text is showing
• Unable to pair up accessories, such as the heart rate monitor or foot pod

By doing this reset, all user information, workout history, and satellite data may be erased. Workouts can be backed up to training programs like Garmin Connect. Also, refer to FAQ article "How can I back up my personal settings and profiles on my Forerunner 110 or 210?" if using the Forerunner 210 or 110.
 
To perform the master reset:
 
1. Start with the device powered off
2. Press and hold Start/Stop and Lap/Reset
3. Press and hold Light (three buttons should now be pressed in)
4. After first beep, release Start/Stop
5. After second beep, release Lap/Reset
6. Release Light
 
The reset on the Forerunner is successful if the device finishes powering up and goes to the setup wizard. Try the steps again if the setup wizard does not appear.
 
If the reset fails to correct this the Forerunner would need to be sent to Garmin for exchange.
 
There is a one year warranty on all Garmin products and if you are able to provide a copy of the proof of purchase that shows the unit is within the warranty period there is no charge for the exchange. If the unit is beyond the warranty period the exchange charge for the Forerunner 610 is
$99.00 and the unit would be replaced with a newly overhauled Forerunner 610. We accept credit card or check payment methods and the turnaround time for repairs is 7-10 business days. Please provide a return address if you would like to set up an exchange order.

New Race Flats

Yup, had to go shoe shopping. The Mizuno Wave Universe 3 are great shoes. Very light. 2mm heel drop. But absolutely suck for sockless wearing. The material has a fish net meshy quality to it. As result, I have seven blisters on the feet after wearing in a tri for the first time. Two blisters are very bad and I will have to spend extra seconds in transition this coming weekend to put on socks. Lets look at this shoe again.

Since lighter weight equals faster running times, then the Wave Universe 3 might be considered an unfair advantage. If your are a serious road racer then you must ask yourself if you are serious enough to don the high performance Wave Universe 3. Model Number: 410375.0010. Weight: 3.6 oz (size 9). Stack Height: Heel (18mm), Forefoot (16mm); non-removable insole.

Note - The Universe 3 is no longer made as the Universe 4 is due out in July.

So, I went shopping at Running Warehouse (thanks Mario for the suggestion) and ordered two flats.

Shoe #1: Nike LunaRacer+

I loved-loved-loved my old Luna's. They eventually blew out, literally, and the new generation of LunaRacer had a very narrow toe box and didn't feel good to me. Imagine my delight (insert girlish squeal here) when I read that due to popular demand, Nike brought back the original Lunaracer+ as the update to the Lunaracer+2. The LunaRacer+ delivers more cushioning than should be possible in this light a shoe. This is a great shoe for marathons and tempo days. Model Number: 324909-047. Weight: 6.6 oz (size 9). Stack Height: Heel (27mm), Forefoot (21mm). So a 6mm drop.

Shoe #2: Nike Streak 3

What caught my attention was the shoe was on sale for $67.88 (reg. $85).  Designed and developed by the best marathoners in the world, the Streak 3 is a versatile 5k to marathon road racing shoe. The Cushlon LT midsole and Zoom Air unit in the heel gives ample support and cushioning. Ounce for ounce, the one piece upper reduces significant weight and also allows for rapid water drainage. Model Number: 375386-800. Weight: 6.7 oz (size 9). Stack Height: Heel (28mm), Forefoot (18mm). So a 10mm drop which will give more cushion over the LunaRacers and might be my shoe of choice for half-marathons and over. Like I said, on sale so if nothing else, they will be good tempo day trainers.

Both shoes arrived in the promised 2-day free shipping. Both feel good. The Luna's are the original. Like Classic Coke, not New Coke. The toe box is just fine and the seem to have improved the tongue a bit so it is a tad longer and will be easier to slip on quickly.

The Streak's seem like a very nice shoe as well. A bit roomier, actually, in the box than the Luna's. I'll have to experiment with both and see how they feel when in action. I will provide updates on both shoes as I break them in. I would hazard a guess that the Luna's will be on my feet this coming Sunday at the Waconia Tri.

Two Teeth or: How I Finally Broke Through The Sound Barrier

Captain Kirk - "Scotty, I need more power."
Scotty - "Ya can't change the laws of physics!"
 
Like hell you can't.

All this year I've been out on my time-trial bike wishing I had one more gear. Too often I'd be spinning out on descents..even little ones...while in my big chain ring and my smallest gear (11) on the back. I needed more power. I needed something. I felt like I was five years old again and on my trike and all the big kids were passing me on their big bikes.

What you may not know, I ride on 650mm Zipp wheel set. That means in order to keep up with the 700mm wheel sets, I need to churn more. The chain ring I was using was a 53 tooth. In short for those keeping score at home, a 53 with 700’s is comparable to a 55 with 650’s.

Mulling over my choices and conferring with my closest advisors, we came on two choices.

1. Change the cassette
2. Go to a bigger chain ring

I decided on option two, the bigger chain ring. I would go to a 55 tooth. So, I went to the candy store. I went to Gear West. I had already had some conversation with Curt Wood over this very subject and he agreed I needed to go to a bigger chain ring, especially with my current wheel set.

So, I plunked down a total....you are going to love this....a total of $18. $15 for the part (used), and $3 for labor. I owe the boys at Gear West so much. I felt llike I was robbing them. I'm going to have to do something special for them when the season is over.

The 55 really was not any larger than the ol' 53. Just two extra teeth. Here is how the 55 looks on the bike.

With new chain ring, it was now time to test it out. I decided to first try my 13.5 mile time trial course. I have ridden it enough times to have a set of data worthy of a true comparison. Here are the top five time trial speeds using the old 53 tooth chain ring.

I didn't realize it until I did the time trial but my fastest time was set on August 9, 2009. One year to the date in which I had the new chain ring installed. Coincidence? Certainly uncanny.

So on August 9, 2010 I set out with my 55 tooth chain ring. The temperature was 95 F and the heat index at 100 F. Wind was from the east at 7 MPH. It would be at my back going out and in my face coming back. I knew within a quarter mile, I was on to something.

When it was all over, my time for 13.57 miles was 35:27. That was a bettering of the previous record set exactly a year earlier by 53-seconds. My average speed, 23.0 MPH. I finally am part of the 23 MPH club and it feels damn good. For the record, my official Garmin result can be accessed below.



I am still in test mode with this chain ring. My first race condition test will be Young Life Triathlon in Detroit Lakes on August 21. In 2009, this is the event where I set my fastest bike PR within a triathlon at 22.7 MPH. I look forward to seeing what I might be able to do this time around.

All for a whopping $18. Amazing.

Review: Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS Sport Watch

Earlier this week I wrote that I was going to be getting the highly anticipated Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS Sport Watch direct from REI. It arrived. And it's going back with not so much as a field test.

I had been really excited. On paper, the Timex GPS appeared to be less clunky than the Garmin water resistant model (310XT). Here is a how the Garmin 310XT looks. I believe my son would say, 'that thing is ginormus!"

I have the Garmin 405,  and love it. Really love it. The watch is normal sized and works very well...but can't use it in the water. Which means it is relegated to training, running races, and duathlons.

The Garmin 310XT is water resistant but looks dorky and huge on your wrist. When I saw the Timex, I was all over it. I've worn Timex Ironman watches since their inception. I still use one during my swim workouts.

The package from REI came and I opened it up like a kid on Xmas morning. I removed the box. And I literally said out loud, "you have got to be kidding me." Let me share with you an actual photo of the new watch as it appeared on my wrist. That face, my friends, is a whopping 2 1/4 inches across. Take out your tape measure now....and see how 2 1/4 inches looks on your wrist, or forearm actually!

Seriously, would you wear that behemoth on your wrist for training every day? Would you wear it in a triathlon? Would you even be able to get your wet suit over it! I kept thinking of when the very first cellular phones came out. Remember how those things looked?

For comparison sake, here is the Timex Global GPS compared side-by-side to the Garmin 405. Me thinks I'll be waiting for Garmin to create a water resistant 405 that is no larger than todays model.

Until then, this triathlete is holding out and will continue to make due with just a simple old water resistant sports watch for my water training and triathlons. Thoughts?

Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS Sport Watch

Take a look at this beauty. A water resistant GPS watch that doesn't like some mini-computer on your wrist.

This is the new Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS Sport Watch, only available from REI. I first heard of it through pro triathlete and Team Timex member Erin Kummer. Erin was the '08 XTERRA National Champion just committed to Pipestem XTERRA which I'll be doing later this June, my first ever off road tri.

The Timex GPS appears to be less clunky than the Garmin water resistant model (310XT). I have the Garmin 405, love it...but can't use in the water. The Garmin 310XT is water resistant but looks dorky and huge on your wrist.

I have wanted a watch I could race with and use in the water. I use my Garmin 405 daily for workouts and also in road races and du's and have come to depend on the splits for the run to keep me where I need to be. The Timex looks and sounds like the real deal. I was very intrigued. So I reached out to Erin to learn a bit more about the watch.

Brian said...

That is exciting about the Timex GPS. The Garmin water resistant watch....the Garmin 310XT...looks dorky and huge on your wrist. This looks to be normal sized Timex Ironman watch? Will it read GPS and map from the swim? Will it display bike speed in MPH and run pace in miles/minute automatically so when doing a tri all you have to do is glance or do you need to program for a tri event? Oh, and thanks for coming to the Pipestem Xterra. It will be a blast!

Erin replied...

Hey Brian,


I'm super stoked to be coming out for the Pipestem XTERRA...I can't wait! I'm also really amped that you like the Timex GPS watch. Yes, it will read GPS in the swim and as far as programming, you just need to set the multisport mode and you can view up to 4 displays at once for each discipline. I'll have one at the race in ND for everyone to check out and play around with! See you there.

Well, I'm a simple man. So I ordered (with heart rate monitor) and it will be arriving this coming Wednesday (June 9) in time for me to experiment a bit and use at the Liberty Oly...if I can somehow manage to make it out of the water alive.

I will post follow-up comments and review later in the week.

Again, it is only available from REI. You can order the model sans heart rate monitor ($275) or with heart rate monitor ($325). Some specs and stuff:

The Timex Ironman® Global Trainer® GPS sport watch with heart rate monitor helps you improve training and performance by providing the tools to monitor and analyze your workout.


•Featuring SiRFstarIII™ GPS technology, the watch quickly locks on to satellite signals to measure pace, speed and distance in real time

•Watch measures your location and tracks altitude ascent and descent distances and rates

•Records up to 100 GPS waypoints so you can find your way home or create custom routes; recall up to 50 custom routes so you can track your pace

•Included heart rate chest strap takes continuous readings of your heart rate and sends them to the watch so you can monitor how your body is performing

•Adjustable and flexible elastic strap makes the sensor comfortable to wear; ANT™ technology eliminates cross talk with other heart rate monitors

•Custom heart rate target zones help maximize performance, whether your goal is to burn fat or train for a race; visual and audible alarms alert you when you fall out of a zone

•Watch counts and displays calories burned during a training session

•Customize the display to show up to 4 windows of information so you can monitor pace, distance, split time and heart rate all at the same time

•Chronograph with interval and countdown timers lets you develop personal workouts that will help you improve your performance

•Performance pacer mode helps you meet goals and set personal records

•Watch is water resistant to 50m (165 ft.)

•Download your workout and route data and analyze it using online training software

•Customize and manage watch settings using the included desktop software

•Recharge the internal lithium-ion battery by connecting the watch to your computer with the included USB cable or plug it into the wall with the included AC adapter

•Compatible with Timex bike sensors (sold separately) that use ANT+™ wireless technology; also compatible with third-party bike power sensors using ANT+

Old School - Cycling Eyewear

Lance was crowing about going with a very dated pair of cycling glasses this past Sunday via his Twitter account.

Alright. Bustin' out the ol' school @oakley Factory Pilots today. Channeling my inner Phil Anderson.

Lance ol' buddy. I've got you beat. Back in the late 80's, I had the most in-demand cycling glasses money could buy. Bollé Performance Eyewear was all the rage. And they looked like this:

The glasses even had a high-tech foam "sweat band" running across your forehead. Dead sexy. I do not think sideburns were included. You had to grow your own.

What pair of cycling glasses would you never be seen in again? Share your story!

New Shoe Smell

Open the box. Peel back the tissue paper. Behold those pristine shoes. Then lift the box to your face and breathe deeply. Mmmmmmm. Smells like potential. And possibly toxins. But mostly potential.

Brand: Newton
Model: Motion Trainer
Cost: Don't Tell My Wife
First Run: 10K at 7:29 pace

The Bitchin' Camaro

BITCHIN CAMARO, BITCHIN CAMARO
I ran over my neighbors
BITCHIN CAMARAO, BITCHIN CAMARO
Now it's in all the papers.
My folks bought me a BITCHIN CAMARO with no insurance to match;
So if you happen to run me down, please don't leave a scratch.
I ran over some old lady one night at the county fair;
And I didn't get arrested, because my dad's the mayor.
BITCHIN CAMARO, BITCHIN CAMARO
Doughnuts on your lawn
BITCHIN CAMARO, BITCHIN CAMARO
Tony Orlando and Dawn
When I drive past the kids, they all spit and cuss,
Because I've got a BITCHIN CAMARO and they have to ride the bus.
So you'd better get out of my way, when I run through your yard;
Because I've got a BITCHIN CAMARO;
And an Exxon credit card.
BITCHIN CAMARO, BITCHIN CAMARO
Hey, man where ya headed?
BITCHIN CAMARO, BITCHIN CAMARO
I drive on unleaded.

by The Dead Milkmen

The first new car I ever bought with my hard earned cash was a 1984 bitchin' Z28 Camaro with glass T-tops. I had dreamt about that car from the time I first strapped on a helmet at age four and sat in my Dad's sprint car (see photo below). He was the North Dakota Class sprint car champion at the time. You might say I was born into speed.



So, why am I writing about a Z28 Camaro? Last week I spoke with Gear West Triathlon's Curt Wood to inquire if he had any road bike in stock in the 51cm size range. He did some searching and had a model he suggested for me. One day later I was in the store, sat on the bike....you know that feeling when you try something on and you know IMMEDIATELY it is perfect...about five seconds was all it took to know this would be the fourth bike in my stable.



The bike is the Felt Racing Z25. Now you see the Z-connection. This bike will be known as the Bitchin' Camaro.

On one hand you want relaxed comfort, on the other you want blazing speed. Put your hands together for Felt's phenomenal Z25. This swift steed boasts a feathery ultra-high-modulus carbon frame and fork built with forgiving angles that deliver a more upright riding position for excellent comfort. Plus, the top-notch specs include Mavic Ksyrium wheels for easy-rolling speed, a compact crankset for flattening the hills as well as SRAM's innovative Red components for premium shifting and braking.

So, why a road bike? Let me explain. The current stable:

Bike One: a 1984 Specialized mountain bike. Weight, about 198-lbs. Uses - cycling to the video-game store with The Boy®. Currently on loan to Niece Number Two at local college.

Bike Two: Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra. The work-horse. Don't let this bike fool you. It's fast. Cycling out at Baker Park I often get road bikies attention passing them whilst riding the Bad Boy. Has been my daily training bike. Future now holds upgrading the tires to Fats in prep for upcoming XTERRA race. Special note - wondering what a XTERRA course looks like? Click here.



Bike Three: Cervélo P3. Pornography for the soul.



You know how men try to justify why they need a certain new toy to their wives? Well, when I explained this one to the Well Kept Wife™ my reasoning was one that I actually believed in as well. Look at the frame shape of the Cannondale...the straight flatbar. Look at the frame shape of the Cervélo and the aerobar.

During a typical training week I would use the Cannondale for the majority of the miles. I simply did not want to take the Cervélo out on the local roads with their potholes, rail road tracks, limestone paths, and other things Mother Nature can and will throw in your way. I would take the Cervélo out once or twice to the open roads of Baker Park and do my speed workouts but my body, especially hips and calves, would struggle with the different body position due to the change in frame.

With a road bike, I figure that transition will be more fluid. Less severe. Easier on the old body. I do think it makes sense. We'll see how the spring goes when I finally get out there to start pounding away on the pedals.

And besides, it is a Z. How can I go wrong with that?

What's the Catch?

Last week I was still suffering from a head cold so I dropped The Boy® off at swim team and headed to the steam room. Before doing that I had a few minutes to speak with Coach Suzanne, the headmistress of the Plymouth Swim Team. I was admiring a young (20ish) swimmer in the pool who was easily...even lazily...turning 50-yd laps at probably under 30-secs. The conversation went like this:

Brian: Look at how easily he is turning laps. It is like he is not even trying. Just effortless. Its fun just to watch him.
CS: He's a champion swimmer and has been swimming for decades.
Brian: Yeah, but look at his stroke. He has one stroke for my every three.
CS: Yep, your catch sucks.
Brian: My what now?
CS: I've watched you. You need to work on your catch.
Brian: What do I need?

The rest, as they say, is history. Within 24-hours...like all Type-A triathletes...I had gone and purchased the necessary equipment that would soon have me not only swimming like Michael Phelps but have the worlds attention as the next up-and-coming challenge to the Big Boys at Kona. In fact, you can probably compare most triathletes to those nervous little dogs...who know the ones.



I headed to the best swim shop this side of the Mississippi river, Pure Blue Swim. The store is exactly 1.74 miles from the Maas Mansion. Four minute drive. I've spent more money here this year than at any other store save Gear West Triathlon.

I walked out with two new toys.

TYR Mentor Paddle - $20.99

TYR's Mentor Paddles is perfect for swimmers of all levels, from fitness swimmers to triathletes. This evolutionary, technical paddle is designed to build strength without losing feel and catches water quicker on entry phase of the stroke that traditional paddles. Constructed of lightweight PVC foam for added flex. "Alluvial wing" design of the TYR Mentor Paddle helps reduce shoulder stress. Convex palm dome fits natural swimming hand position. Wrist strap placement aids in proper stroke recovery. Multi-hole strap design for custom centering on hand. Extra strap tubing included.

The sizes are colored coded. I got the red which is for older high school males, Sr. National females, mid-level masters, and triathletes.

Finis Forearm Fulcrum - $19.99

Improve your stroke efficiency and technique. The Forearm Fulcrum holds the hand, wrist and elbow to position the forearm optimally. Comprised of two closed section, the process of placing the hand through the sections creates an ideal elbow-wrist angle. This positioning of the forearm creates the most efficient application of propulsive force. Can be used by swimmers of all levels to improve stroke technique and has applications for all four competitive strokes.

Despite the head cold, I was in the water the next night. I did a 500-yd warm up with the paddles. Felt weird, but I could immediately start to feel the position of my stroke to optimize the most catch. I then did another 500-yds using the fulcrum in conjunction with a pull float. Again, it felt weird but this tool was helping me realize the importance of catching the water not only with the hand but the whole forearm. I was also learning how to position the elbow and finish the stroke by the hip.

I'm no swimmer. I'm self taught. I would rank myself 50th percentile in my age group but can often surprise myself such as in 2008 when I was 9th out of the water at the Bismarck Sprint Triathlon and again in 2009 when I was second out of the pool at at the Dickinson Triathlon. The later setting my 500-yd PR at 7:36.

But when I go hard, I would be drained. So I already knew my stroke was not efficient. Maybe improving the catch won't necessarily make me faster but if it can make me more efficient, and thus save energy, it will make me stronger for the bike and the run.

So back to the pool. After the two 500-yd trials using the equipment I decide to do a hard 100-yds. When I turn hard 100-yds at practice my time is usually in the low 1:30's. And I'm breathing hard. On this night, I concentrated on what the tools had taught me just minutes before. I imagined myself placing my arms over the top of a big ol' beach ball and grabbing that water.

I turned a 1:36. And it was laughingly easy. I wasn't even winded. Incredible to have that result after one session. Now I'm stoked to work those drills even more and see what it can bring me over an entire 500-yds and 1000-yds. Should be fun to see the progress.

I explained this to Coach Suzanne after she asked me how it went...feeling like I should also be writing her a check at the same time....and was told to next start counting my strokes.

Coaches are never satisfied, are they?

Magnetic Field Update

Back in July, I did a report on the Trion:Z Ionic/Magnetic bracelet. Trion:Z bracelets are not metallic but are made from a special material that is infused with negative ion-producing minerals called "STAYERS" actually woven directly into the fabric. They are double-looped to enhance their healing properties. As it clearly states on the package, the "unique, patented Alternating North South Polarity Orientation (ASPO) increases Magnetic Field Flow to maximize the power of the magnets".



During the first few weeks, I could feel some extra energy. At the time I thought it could certainly be the product. Or it could be my mind wanting it to be the product. I first purchased a silicone model especially for triathletes who swim, bike, run and generally sweat twenty-three hours a day. I then followed that up with a two loops model, alternating current, more power. I even bought one for the Well Kept Wife™.



As August started I began to reel off some great times, doing very well in a number of events. Was it the bracelet? Was it my new training regimen of working hard for two weeks followed by an easy third week? Was I just peaking at the end of the season? Or was it a combination of all three?

8/2/2009: Waseca Triathlon
4th overall (134). 1st in 45-49 (6)

8/15/2009: Young Life Triathlon
5th overall (215 total). 3rd in 40-49 AG (27 total)

8/30/2009: Minneapolis Duathlon
35th overall (813 total); 1st in 45-49 AG (44 total)

9/12/2009: West River Triathlon
3rd overall (44 total); 1st 40-49 (5 total); fastest overall bike split

9/26/2009: Plymouth Firefighters 5K
3rd overall (297 total)

While I can endorse the product, I cannot say with certainty that my recent successes can be attributed to the bracelet. I can say this, I wear it 24/7. And I will continue to do so.

You can pick one (or several) of these nifty Trion:Z ionic bracelets for a song (I paid $26.95 including shipping) compared to other magnetic lifestyle technology.

If you have used a Trion:Z and have an opinion, please leave a comment. I'd like to hear what others think.

Saturday Ramblings

Wow, I am having a great July as far as workout totals. I fact, if I keep on my plan for the weekend I will break my monthly bike total record this weekend. With twelve days left in the month I will be over 320 miles on the bike. And that will be a new monthly record since I started my triathlon comeback two years ago. Could I get to 400 miles for the month?

Of course, it hasn't been pain free. On Thursday evening, I had a windy 40 miler on the bike. Then I picked up some road rash in my friggin' driveway when I couldn't click out of my pedals and just fell over. Laugh a minute I am.

My fav rider (thus far) at this year's tour is Franco Pellizotti. Yours?



And am I the only guy who doesn't really like Mark Cavendish? Can't put a finger on why. I've never met the man. Never will. But I just bristle when I see him.



Me and a copper got into it the other day. It was captured on tape.



How can I get a yellow Specialized S-Works? Seriously. More on this bike here.



Of course, everyone wants to ride what Lance is riding. Which is a Trek Madone 6.9 If you want to play around, you can build your own Madone 6.9 to your own custom specs. Here are three that I created. Amazing that just under $9000, ahem, gets you a custom bike. The third is my favorite. I've been wearing orange when racing, so why not a orange bike? And this actually comes in at $8609.99.







I leave you with a short video of my whippets.

If I Were a Rich Man

If the economy weren't so tanked and I wasn't stuffing money into my mattress like a depression era bumpkin, I would be looking at getting a nice road bike. One can never have too many bikes.

I save the Cervelo P3 for races. I take it out into the country at least once a week for 'carbon day' where I basically just make the quads quake. One thing I despise is seeing all these yahoos tucked into a aero-position on their time-trial bikes roaring on the bikes paths, hardly paying heed to pedestrians and little toddlers. They are just asking for trouble. Is it too much to ask to take your TT bike out on the road where it belongs?

So I'm relugated to my Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra city bike for the most part. It does the job. I love the bike. But call it Road Bike Fever now that I've been watching the Tour. And two bikes have caught my eye.

WILIER CENTO UNO

Starts around $4300



Wilier bikes are almost unheard of in the Tundra. And fewer know that it has a history more than 100 years old, twice as long as Pinarello and five times as Cervelo.

Wilier Triestina was founded in 1906 when Pietro Dal Molin, a trader from Bassano del Grappa, had the idea of building his own bicycles. His forge of "steel horses" began as a small workshop along the banks of the river Brenta, and was originally called Ciclomeccanica Dal Molin. As the demand for bicycles increased, it became more and more successful. He even supplied bicycles to the Italian army during WWI.

The name Wilier was a patriotic acronym. In Italian, the letter W is not used. W is usually used as an abbreviation for the word Viva! The acronym goes like so:
W Italia LIbera E Redenta, which means "Long Live Italy, Liberated and Redeemed." Triestina was meant as a tribute to the city of Trieste, which at the time was not yet regained by Italy after the war.

Modern era landmark victories and achievements include:

1985-Claudio Corti Wins Italian National Road Race Championship
1997-Marco Pantani Wins 2 Tour de France stages and places 3rd on GC
2000-Sergei Gonchar Wins TT World Championship
2004-Wilier Triestina Expands Factory
2004-Davide Rebellin Wins Historic Triple of Amstel Gold, Fleche Wallone, and Liege Bastogne Liege
2005-Giro d'Italia passes Wilier Triestina factory
2008-Ballan wins the World Championship

The top of the line Wilier bike is the Centro Uno, which means 101 in Italian. Designed in collaboration with Mitsubishi, taking advantage of their very highest grade of carbon fiber. This "46 Ton" carbon fiber can withstand 46 tons of force per square mm.

The asymmetric chainstays and integrated seatmast are two additional details designed to deliver stiffness. Pedaling forces put different loads on the driveside chainstay vs. the non-driveside chainstay. It also has an integrated seatmast as a true extension of the seat tube, but can be cut to accommodate a regular seat post.

The squared headtube mates the a squared fork crown, with the goal of providing outstanding steerability. Last but not least, the oversized BB and integrated rear triangle.



The people I've talked to have rave remarks for the stiffness and ability to just torque it out on the gears. For more info, read here.

CANNONDALE SUPER SIX

Starts around $8500



Maybe you saw Stage 9 of the Tour on Sunday (7/12). Franco Pellizotti, third-place finisher at the Giro d'Italia, spent almost the entire day off the front of Sunday's Tour de France stage. Along with breakaway companion Pierrick Fedrigo, Pellizotti attacked just five kilometers into the stage and against the odds, the duo stayed away until the finish.

Pellizotti took maximum mountain points on the day, crossing both the Col d'Aspin and the feared Col du Tourmalet in first position. The points total puts him in third in the fight for the polka dot jersey of the Tour's best climber, a competition the Venetian has his sights on winning. Riding for Team Liquigas he races aboard the Cannondale Super Six featuring System Integration.

I think I could be happy with either! What about you? If money weren't an object, which road bike would you most like to have in your garage?

The Road ID

Over 20-years ago as I was training on my bike in Texas I was hit by a pick-up truck that was making a left turn as I passed through an intersection. I was knocked out for a few ticks of the clock. I lost my four front upper teeth and much of my upper gum tissue...which also left an indent on my handlebars so hard was the impact. My face and legs were cut-up pretty bad from the impact with the road.

I had nightmares for weeks. To this day, I still jump if a car comes up from behind me and honks its horn...friendly or not.

I'm not sure what would have happened if I had remained unconscious. I had just moved to the Bryan-College Station area. I knew hardly anyone and lived alone. Luckily, I had a high-school friend in the area that I was able to call and pick me up from the hospital after they had checked me out.

But what if I had been knocked for a real loop...with no ID and no way to contact anyone?

I just ordered a Road ID wrist bracelet as seen below. I had been meaning to do this for years. Watching the Tour this week, the lads on Versus were promoting them which prompted me to order one.



I suggest you do the same if you haven't already. Yeah, it makes you feel a bit like a old-fuddy-duddy..."Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!". But you never know when something like my Texas story will occur. Be safe, not sorry. And I'm going to make it easy for you and save you a buck.

When I ordered, they gave me a coupon that I could pass along to my friends. Here's the coupon number:

Coupon Number: ThanksBrian506936

The coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order placed by 08/07/2009. To order, simply go to RoadID.com. This coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order. It can be used up to 20 times in the next 30 days.

Frozen Garmin 405 Fix

Earlier this year I purchased a Garmin Forerunner 405 with heart rate monitor. I love it and probably couldn't train without it. I only wish they would make this model to be water resistant. Yes, they have the Forerunner 310XT, but that thing looks just too bulky. Hopefully Garmin will introduce a water resistant 4-series in the new future. And I'd love one that would automatically recognize if you are doing a swim, bike or run without having to change the Sport Mode.

On Monday I grabbed my Garmin only to find it frozen on the date and time. A quick search on the good ol' 'Net yielded two remedies.

One: You can let the battery drain down. Not a good option if you are in need of the Garmin at that very moment.

Two: Push in both buttons and hold for about 30 seconds. The screen will go blank at which point you can release the buttons. A quick screen reset will display and you are back in business.

And going back to my DNF at Lake Waconia this past Sunday where I experienced some 'issues' navigating the large waves due to high winds...maybe I wasn't so stupid after all. Two swimmers died in similar conditions at another lake.

New Shades

I study nuclear science
I love my classes
I got a crazy teacher, he wears dark glasses
Things are going great, and they're only getting better
I'm doing all right, getting good grades
The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades,
I gotta wear shades

Song: "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades"
Recorded by: "Timbuk 3"

This past weekend after I had picked up my race packet at Gear West Triathlon for the Lake Waconia tri, I popped next door at the Gear West run store. I needed to pick up a new soccer ball for the Boy®. I stopped by the shade case and started to browse. I don't know what it is about shades, it's like you never have enough pairs.

Gear West had always carried Rudy Project so I was surprised to see they had discontinued carrying that line and were now carrying Giro. None other than owner Jan Guenther herself talked me through the new collection. She decided to switch to Giro after trying a pair and was impressed with their durability and the lenses.

I settled on a pair of white shades from their Filter™ line. These are at the top of the Giro’s range, the new Filter™ sunglass is a ‘half-entrapped’ sport style featuring Giro’s revolutionary, patented Pop Top™ lens interchange technology. With Pop Top, you can change lenses in seconds without the usual stress, uncertainty and potential for damaging the lenses that is common to other interchangeable glasses. And they are easy to switch out.

The key to the Pop Top system is a clever locking cam mechanism that is seamlessly integrated into the frame, which releases the lens for easy removal and then secures the new lens in the frame when you’re done. The Filter features removable 8-base polycarbonate ZEISS™ lenses with True Sight™ technology for 100% filtering of harmful UV rays and incredibly clear, accurate vision. As Jan said, the lenses are 'so easy on the eyes'. They are great lenses.

Steal of the Week

Asics GEL-Kinsei



Regular price - $164.99
Sale price - $79.99
Savings - $85
Location - Sports Authority