Posts Tagged ‘Specialized Fast Trak’
The perfect XTERRA bike. Specialized Epic S-works.
Photo by RichCruse.com.
My Specialized Epic S-works worked like a dream, and this course on Maui is infamously tough on equipment. A lot of work has gone into the preparation of the bike for this race in particular.
Here are a few highlights:
Specialized tires
Specialized has been amazingly helpful in helping me find a tire that is truly Caveman proof. Over the past year we have had 2 extensive tire testing camps. We tried numerous prototypes and found a casing that works exceptionally well. It weighs roughly 630g, rolls well at low pressures, the casing is cleverly assembled to make it supple, but most importantly it is very, very strong. In 8 months of testing I have had 2 flats: One at XTERRA Idaho where a 5 inch nail went through both sides and once when I rode over a broken bottle bottom. The tire will be called the GRID and will come in Fast Track LK, The Captain and some of the free ride tire tread patterns. Importantly, the GRID will also be available in 29″…
Because these sidewalls are so strong, you have to run really low pressure to provide a good, comfey ride. I rolled 23.5psi in the front and 27.5psi in the rear. (on “normal” courses I would go 23 and 26.5psi)
Disaster at XTERRA Richmond 08
photo by Nils Nilsen, see Xterra gallery for more
With 2 XTERRA USA Series victories so far, I was eager to beat the rush and wrap up the USA points series early. (best 3 out of 4 Series race to count towards Series. Plus compulsory Tahoe Nationals)
Training Africa style…
I’m still on my parents farm near Lydenburg, South Africa, where I spent most of the Southern Hemisphere summer.
Real training started last Monday. My coach Libby Burrell (libbyburrell.blogspot.com) emailed a training program, now there is structure, and less play. Heart rate files are being recorded and emailed with my Suunto t6, logs filled in, I had my 1st massage since XTERRA Worlds in October. Any eating wise, “I’m back on the wagon” like they say in the US.
Here is a peek into “Conrad Stoltz ‘s average training day on the farm”:
After 4 hours in the saddle and home just around the corner, that last sand trap is almost a welcome sight.
XTERRA Alabama 2007
Photos by Rich Cruse
‘T was a hot and sweaty midsummers’ day in Pelham Alabama.
XTERRA folks from all over toed the line at the Oak Mountain State Park, whether for XTERRA Series points, glory, or just fun and games.
This course is well known for it technical (fun) bike course, hilly run route, and of course- the infamous ‘Bama heat and humidity.
