Riser bars and barends RANT

Think of the last ride you went on. Were you in a group? Did you see anybody out on a mountain bike? Did anyone have a "riser handlebar" (that is, a handlebar that curves upwards a little) with "barends" (the little stubby bar that sits 90 degrees to the handlebar on each end) on?

I bet they did. Why? Well I'm not sure. Let me take you through why I'm not sure.

Firstly, back in "the day", whenever that might have been, lets say a decade ago. Riserbars were few and far between on the cross country (XC) circuit. More associated with down hill riding or otherwise. Flat bars were the norm. Skinny little bars for skinny little people. Makes sense.

Problem: Skinny bars cramp your chest cavity and hinder breathing.

Solution: Barends! Fantastic, now I can climb like a scalded cat, my chest is open therefor my breathing is less restricted, see you at the top you loser.

Now riserbars are in, and fair enough. Extra height suits most people, makes riding more comfortable, more enjoyable and the wider bar gives better steering control, plus it OPENS UP YOUR CHEST. Hence, barends are now obsolete.

So why the hell do you have them on your bike?

That is the question I would like you to ask the next person you see with this hideous arrangement. There is a good chance that the person receiving this question will also have many other items of paraphernalia up in the cock-pit. Cycle computers, GPS, lights, horns, bells, aero-bars, ergonomic grips, steerer tube extenders etc You get the general idea.

It's quite obvious that fashion is not a strong point with this person. Going fast is important, but looking good even more so. After all, isn't that what cycling is all about?

Crocodile Trophy

It's been run, and won. The 2008 Crocodile Trophy again proving a little too tough to make a sizable impact on. The Merida Flightcentre team had lofty ambitions, coming in with their strongest team. It was a 3 pronged attack in the mens with Nick Both, Adrian Jackson and last years 3rd place getter Tim Bennett looking to improve on 07. In the womans category, Jo Bennett (wife of Tim, but she's far more talented than just to be known as "Tim's wife") looked strong enough to win although her stage racing pedigree was yet to be tested to it's full extent.

Right from the get go it was complete domination from the Czech VIG racing team. We were completely unaware these guys were all pros, let alone having 4 former national champions in their ranks. We all did what we could but knew early on that we had been out gunned. Jo on the other hand was racing superbly and secured the leaders jersey for the first stage, wearing it for the next 7 days. At this point the entire team was racing for Jo, having tried our hand at a stage win or two, Adrian coming closest with an excellent 2nd in stage 6, while Nick continued the tradition of flatting while feeling his best in the lead group during stage 7. We fought tooth and nail but in the end were overrun by weight of numbers. Jo finishing on the 2nd step of the podium. It may be an Australian race but this year Flemish was dominant language in the camp. God Verdomme!

The experience is one to be savoured though, this is like no other race. Camping under the stars, swimming with the fresh water crocs, eating 14 times your weight in bulldust each day. There really is nothing like the Crocodile Trophy.

Welcome

Afternoon all!

Welcome to the first edition of "the rolling word." Here you will find all there is to know about the Australian mountain bike scene, the what's and where's, who's and why's. Latest race results and most importantly the progress of the Merida Flightcentre mountain bike team as they travel the globe in search of the greatest races!

Exciting times ahead, stay tuned.