Well, another Tour is under way. Looks like the Satan-A team is going to suffocate it though (thanks GK). Felt sorry for poor old Cadel - being told to get out of his own break no less! I suspect that High Road didn't want a hard chase to ensue as it might have meant Cav missing the time cut, but couldn't understand Saxo's logic - providing it was Astana doing all the chasing - surely a good thing for all the other GC hopefuls. Boo to such negative racing - and get rid of those bloody radios. Had to fork out for a digital receiver to watch le Tour on SBS 2 - another notch in my being dragged into the future. All I need now is the high def TV to go with it. Anyway. To more important matters. Looks like the Cellnago is no longer. After only ~15000 kms (and no park benches or other altercations) it has developed some cracks on the seat tube near the bottom bracket and on the drive-side chain-stay. A bit disconcerting to say the least. Have just returned it to the shop, who had no hesitation in saying that the warranty (5 years) would cover it (thank you Giant factory!). So fingers crossed this goes smoothly. Hopefully will be riding a new (and lighter!) frame next week. It seems frames cost nothing these days. I enquired about the option of paying the difference on a totally built up machine (equivalent new groupo), but was assured it wouldn't save me much. So I'll persist with the 07 group for the time being. With any luck similar fractures will appear at the same spot on the next frame (my awesome power, you see), and every year and a half I'll simply upgrade to a new one - Jonesy style (I think Jeff went through quite a handful of GTs over the years). The only caveat, of course is that I'm stuck with the same bottom of the ladder brand - which hurts a little if you are a hardened bike snob like me.
cracks aplenty on the seat tube and chain stay
the cellnago's last harrah
Completely unrelated, but recently scrub turkeys have been visiting my place most mornings, expected to be fed. Showing absolutely no fear, it's a wonder they make it to adult-hood as the chicks, once hatched, are left completely to their own devices. This one wanted into my kitchen!
Hi Dave,
ReplyDeleteGreat news on the new frame, Hopefully you will get it sooner rather than later.
I'm really impressed to see these regular updates because they're like so much hard work, that's why I've been unable to ... just another hopeless excuse. Good to see the new name for a certain team showing viral dimensions!
ReplyDeleteHi DAVE, shame about the frame, just lucky you caught in time and didn't have to find out the hard way with in breaking mid-ride. Honouring a warranty, that's a nice thing, hopefully the new frame comes through quickly and you can get back on the road. Did the shop strip the bike down or was this a Langles effort which will be need to be reversed with the new frame?
ReplyDeleteWhat are you cooking to attract the young chicks into your castle?? How do they go on the BBQ?? (just kiddin')
Look forward to seeing a pic of the new machine when it's built up. Keep pumping the awesome power Dave and see how the new one goes.
Cheers.
Ham, shop did the swapover - badly. See the next entry. BTW, its not just me attracting the chicks. Article in the SMH recently. They are in plaque numbers in Sydney. We see dead ones on the valley rides now. Turkeys used to be abundant in the Sydney region until the great depression, when most eventaully ended up on dinner tables! A bit stringy, apparently.
ReplyDelete