Tour Down Under 2008
The UCI Pro tour will kick off today with the opening round which is heal in Adelaide, South Australia. As this is now a UCI event pro teams from Europe are required to send in their teams. I was down at this event in 2006 and had a blast riding around the Adelaide hills and following the race. For full updates and news on the Tour Down Under 2008 follow the link provided. If you ever get the opportunity to get onto a tour group and follow the TDU I’d advise you book well in advance. The numbers of interstate and international visitors are increasing every year.
The Big Switch
It’s been labelled as “The Big Switch” due to the last build I did on the CAAD7 that took way too long due to lack of tools, personal time and my limited mechanical experience. The term limited is a huge overstatement to actual mechanical skills I poses.
The switch basically comes down to having an addiction to bikes in general, I’m currently the proud owner of two running Road Bike and a total of four frames – this is a long story which starts as a newbie to the cycling scene and a purchase or two which didn’t quite work. Primary factors are being tall and not understanding a bike fit until feeling the pain of riding and under sized frame or incorrect seat position.
The Big Switch comprises of shifting a number of Group Sets off older frames are as follows. The 2000 purchase of a Giant TCR two which currently has Record/Chorus groups set will now be installed on the CAAD7. The CAAD7 that currently is running a 4 month old Campagnolo Carbon Record Group Set that will now be moved to the pride and joy. “The System Six”. All will be completed by this Thursday.
The Project part II
The Deda Newton bars and tape have arrived from the UK. The Stem has arrived in from the U.S. I’ve lined up the bike shop to do “The Big Switch” over on the 23/11. I’ll post details on the switch once all the components are in and the 3 frames are packed off to the shop.
The anticipation of looking at the System6 frame leaning up against the Carbon Mountain bike while I’m waiting on the final part to arrive is slowly breaking me. There is nothing worse than looking at this great new frame but not been able to ride it! The Bottom Bracket Adaptor has been installed in preperation for the Campagnolo Recorf to be installed.
The Project
Time to announce the new purchase. After my Cannondale Warranty post I’ve decided to stay with my beloved Cannondale but not to purchase a through a “Cannondale recommended retailer” as the warranty is a maze of words and broken promises. I turned to the trusty eBay. Yes it’s a one month old System Six in the “Team Health Net presented by Maxxis” US based team colours. At a mere 40% of the Australian asking price I figured it’s about what they are worth for a frame with no warranty. The frame pictured below has arrived in from the US in and outstanding time frame of 8 days and will now be united with Campagnolo she deserves. It’s a pity about the one sticker on the rear that references to and American based component manufacturer but this will be covered with a Campag Sticker.
I’m currently waiting on the last two components to come in the UK and US before the build will begin (Deda bars and Stem). The BB adaptor required to run a 68mm bottom bracket has been installed in preparation for the build.
The Weather
BrisbaneFriday, 29 August, 2008, 1:23 pm 
Partly sunny
current temperature: 21°Csunrise: 6:04
sunset: 17:34
Forecast Saturday, 30 August, 2008 day Partly sunny
20°CForecast Sunday, 31 August, 2008 day Partly sunny
21°C