BikeTechReview

Words and Images by:  Kirk Willett 

“Base” is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as a fundamental principle or underlying concept of a system or theory.  Cycling performance does indeed have such a base, though its popular definition in cycling circles has blurred the concept by focusing on large volumes of lower powered riding.  The performance-rooted cycling definition of base is simply power at “threshold”.  Power at “threshold” has many definitions, but I define it as 20 minute mean maximal power or 20MP.

1080 vs TriSpoke

Stage six of the 2009 Tour of California in Solvang saw Levi Leipheimer snag victory from David Zabriskie by a scant 8 seconds during the violent 30 minute effort. During this time trial stage, Leipheimer chose the time-proven three spoke for his front wheel, while Zabriskie chose the new offering from Zipp: the 1080. Did Zabriskie’s wheel choice cost him the stage victory? Or did Leipheimer win despite his front wheel selection?