BioWheels is excited to feature Cervelo as our premier road bicycle vendor! They have been leading their class in the road & time trial markets based on lightweight, strong and aerodynamic design that is backed by the world’s #1 ranked road race team (Team CSC) and the winningest triathlon brand in Ironman hisory (over 30 wins).

Cervelo was founded in 1995 by two engineers who continue to own & manage the company today. Cervelo is a group of people who love cycling while having a commitment to engineering that is unmatched in the cycling industry. Quite simply, Cervelo is building the best bicycles on the planet. This is evident not only in their commitment to product testing and engineering but in the fact that Cervelo extends a lifetime warranty on every one of their frames!

If you’re looking for the ultimate road bike, you need to consider the Cervelo Soloist Carbon or the Cervelo R3. New for 2008 is the Cervelo RS. This bike is designed with the same performance of the R3 with a taller headtube for a more upright riding position. For value-oriented performance, you should see what Bicycling Magazine calls “The best $2000 complete road bike” - the Cervelo Soloist Team.

If you want to shave minutes off your time trial or bike split, then you should know that no other bike model is more tested or proven aerodynamically than the Cervelo P3 Carbon. Cervelo is by far the most-raced TT bike in the world and the benchmark by which all other manufacturers are rated.

BioWheels is the only shop in Western NC that Cervelo deems worthy of their reputation. The complete Cervelo line is represented in our Asheville, NC store. Come in to look at one for yourself!

Now as an employee of BioWheels I have a vast selection of bikes to choose from and once I waved a sad goodbye to my ‘cross bike I had the funds to pull the trigger on a true road bike. As you might guess I spent a lot of time researching what bike would be best for me and my budget. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a Cannondale Synapse was well within my grasp and after weeks of deliberation I finally decided on a Synapse 3. I have owned 4 Cannondale mountain bikes so having a bit of brand familiarity was nice when venturing into virtually unknown waters.

The appearance of this bike is stealthy, a “raw carbon” finish with some grey and silver highlights makes for a sexy looking bicycle, it’s also worth noting that the bike comes in a vivid red as well. Looks aside after the first ride on this bike I knew I had made the right decision. The Synapse 3 is a full carbon road bike and the vibration dampening properties of said carbon became apparent instantly on my first descent down Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, a route known for it’s chattering effects on speedy cyclists. Power transfer is not an issue and within the first few pedal strokes it almost felt like I was cheating. Coming from an aluminum frame to a full carbon frame is certainly going to feel a lot differently for anyone but even compared to other all carbon rides I test rode the Synapse still feels snappy and a little more forgiving than the average racer’s carbon choice.

I won’t get into the Cannondale specific mumbo jumbo too much, their SAVE (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination) technology is certainly a marketing term to be certain, but I can say this much, IT WORKS! One quick point of interest is that their SAVE chain stays are taken almost directly from their off road counterpart, the Scalpel.

While I’m still honing in my on-road skills I certainly feel a lot more comfortable on this bike than my old aluminum ride. With a slightly longer than average wheel base descending on the steep stuff is confidence inspiring. While the Synapse is not marketed as a race bike, it could easily be set up as one as climbing and sprinting is of course a non-issue on this machine. I removed a large headset spacer that comes stock on the bike to create a more aggressive position and after doing so it’s easy to see why a Synapse could be set up for riders of varying styles.

While a great frame is the foundation to a great ride, components play a vital role in the overall ride quality. So what do you get for your money here? Well after seeing what came spec’d on this bike I was sold. Mavic Aksium wheels take up the rolling duty. The drive train is composed of Ultegra dérailleurs, Ultegra STI shifting and braking, and a Shimano non-series compact crank set takes the job of attaching your pedal choice to the bike. There is a triple crank set option for this particular model as well. While the rest of the build is made up with Cannondale branded parts, (which I might add are just fine), Cannondale did a wonderful job with spec’ing this bike and I’ve only felt the need to change the saddle and add a slightly different stem. The bottom line is that you’re getting a full carbon frame and a full Ultegra / Mavic kit for just over $2000. Not a bad deal at all.

Another huge selling point is Cannondale’s lifetime frame warantee, and for a full carbon frame this is considered to go above and beyond what most other manufacturers offer. Perhaps you’re already a dedicated roadie who’s looking for that perfect century bike, an enthusiast who’s ready for a carbon ride without breaking the bank, or just like me, a mountain biker with a need for superb ride quality and efficiency for your on-road training adventures. In either case look no further, the Cannondale Synapse line is for you. For more information on all 2008 Cannondale products please visit the cannondale website or better yet just stop in and talk to one of our knowledgeable sales staff. We still have a couple of left over 2007 models on sale looking for that perfect new home. -Ian B

Randonneurs USA, or RUSA, defines randonneuring as “long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. When riders participate in randonneuring events, they are part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring.”

These types of rides are called brevets and range from 100K to 1200K in length. These rides are not races. Results are sorted by name and the first finisher gets the same prize as the last - pride in completing a personal challenge to the best of your ability!

The core of randonneuring lies in the self-sufficiency of the participants. Fueling properly, being prepared for all types of weather, and riding a comfortable, well-fitting bike are keys to completing the long distances. BioWheels employees collectively have completed many brevets, toured across this great county & Europe, and completed many 24-hour mtb races. We know how to ‘go long’. Come chat with us any time!

BioWheels’ Front End Manager, Kris Kjellquist, is currently working to become a regional brevet administrator for Asheville, NC. RUSA sanctioned 200K & 300K ride routes are being scouted for the summer of 2007. There are also several brevet series a short drive from Western NC. Check the RUSA web site, www.rusa.org, for rides in Spartanburg, SC, Raleigh, and Highpoint, NC. Don’t forget the biggest brevet in the world - the 1200K Paris-Brest-Paris is happening in 2007 and won’t happen again until 2011. Some BioWheels customers have already booked thier hotel rooms!!!

So you’re interested, and now you are thinking, “what should I do next?” The MOST important thing you can do is check out RUSA’s web site and become a member. Read everything you can about randonneuring and brevets, and stay in shape over the winter. Come in to BioWheels and talk to Kris or email krisk@biowheels.com and let him know you’re interested.