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Well, the time’s here. It’s the fourth and final episode in the Specialized AWOL Transcontinental Race documentary. This has been one hell of a journey and I can’t wait to see what the AWOL team has planned next.
As always Ertzui delivered an exceptional web series. It’s so good that I just watched the whole thing over again. See parts one through three below!
Man, this has gotta be my favorite web series of the year. Is anyone else actually considering doing something like this? I miss the open road and these videos truly capture the physical and psychological challenges you encounter along the way.
Go AWOL!
Previously:
Specialized AWOL: Transcontinental Race Part 02
Specialized AWOL: Transcontinental Race Part 01
Here’s the second, gut-wrenching episode of the AWOL project’s coverage from the Transcontinental Race, shot by Ertzui. Watch as the road takes all Erik and Recep have to offer. The Stelvio section looks horrific!
Previously:
Specialized AWOL: Transcontinental Race Part 01
EDIT: Specialized has experienced a bit of foot in mouth since this article was written.
Look, I know this situation with Café Roubaix and Specialized has been on everyone’s social network radars at some point over the weekend. While people have supplied their opinions, I tried to rationalize my take on the whole debacle. You see, I really hate reading about corporate bullies throwing their weight around. How can you even claim that you own the name of a commune in northern France?
I’m banging my head against the wall here. Mostly because I actually respect what some of Specialized does. While it’s not all for me, they’re an American company that has been around for decades, employing people who love to ride bikes and have put out some rather interesting design projects over the years. That said, their corporate assholish attitude really bums me out. Here’s a summary of what they’re doing to Café Roubaix:
“A Canadian veteran of the Afghanistan war who operates a tiny bicycle shop in Cochrane is being forced to change his store’s name after being threatened with a lawsuit by one of the giants of the U.S. bike industry.
Dan Richter, owner of Cafe Roubaix Bicycle Studio, located above the famous Mackay’s Ice Cream in Cochrane, says he received a letter from the lawyers of big bicycle maker Specialized several months ago, demanding he change the store’s name because the company owns the trademark on the word Roubaix, which they use to market a brand of road bike.”
To add insult to injury, this isn’t the first time they’ve done something like this.
So I want to know. What gives, Specialized? Are you like the small-minded bully who walks around beating up nerds? Look, they’re even wearing red.
At any rate, I wanted to address this to not open up a forum on how much Specialized sucks, but to help out Café Roubaix. Check out more on this Indie Go-Go campaign or just buy a shirt!
Here it is! The first part of the AWOL project and the infamously-epic Transcontinental Race!
“London to Istanbul within two weeks, overcoming more than 3100km, 30.000m of altitude gain and crossing 14 european borders. Unsupported, following a route of their choice, day and night, rain or shine, crossing the whole european continent: We went AWOL with Recep Yesil and Erik Nohlin on the mighty Transcontinental Race.
Filmed and directed by e r t z u i ° film
For behind the scenes, check Here
Riders: Recep Yesil and Erik Nohlin“
Bikes: Specialized AWOL Transcontinental
Everything thing you’ve heard of Eurobike is true, including the horribly-spotty wifi. But don’t worry, I’m spending all my time shooting photos and catching up with friends, including Erik from Sweden. He and his wife, Sofia stayed with me two years ago in Austin and since then, he’s toured extensively throughout the USA, relocated to Zurich and is a lead designer at Specialized, where he spearheaded the AWOL project.
The AWOL is a light, sleek and very Euro-styled touring bike. While Erik’s main rig is on display at the Specialized booth, he stripped down one of the first prototypes and brought it along with him to ride around. After a few beers, we went out back and shot some photos of the bike. I’ve gotta admit, it’s one of my favorite touring rigs!
Check out more in the Gallery!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a touring video that has gotten me more pumped than this one. All I gotta say is the full-length is going to be so rad…
Have you been following the AWOL project?
See you tomorrow Erik!
Erik from The Great Escape has started a new blog for Specialized Europe, showcasing their new AWOL “adventure bike”, which is essentially a belt-drive, generator lamp, disc-tourer. Keep on top of the AWOL and Erik as he ventures into the Transcontinental Race.
I can’t wait to see more from this project!
I’m still filing through all of my film photos from the 2013 ATOC but wanted to share with you a few showcasing Garrett Chow and his own FEA-inspired Specialized Venge. Without going too much into what an FEA model is, or Finite Element Analysis, I’ll give you a basic rundown. In a 3D software like Solidworks, an FEA charts the areas of high-stress or load. FEA readouts are essential when prototyping a new frame or component. They allow the designer and the engineer to address areas of high stress.
On a bicycle, these areas tend to be in the bottom bracket, seat mast or seat tube extension and the end of the forks. Garrett used the FEA diagram to become a literal paint sceme on his bike. Some areas have clear lines of demarcation, while others are almost faded into each other. It’s a truly incredible paintjob and the whole time we were walking around the San Jose stage of the ATOC, people were literally picking their jaws up off the ground.
I shot a few portrait-style photos with Garrett on his bike and maybe one day I’ll end up shooting it in more depth, but for now, check out a few more below.
Tools of the trade:
Mamiya 7ii / 80mm
Kodak Portra 400
So… that’s how Garrett Chow can go so fast on that thing.
Tools of the trade:
Yashica t4
Fuji Pro 400H
I have a problem. I can’t seem to turn down a pair of road shoes. Especially the 74 road from Specialized. These shoes have all the bells and whistles of a modern road shoe but are clad in a supple kangaroo leather. Complete with Specialized’s Boa technology, the only thing that’s throwback about the 74s is their material.
Right off the bat though, you’ll notice that the silhouette is lower than other shoes. By comparison, the heel is a centimeter lower than others I own. I thought it would be an issue with rubbing but all it took was putting the shoes on, tightening the two Boa lace systems and immediately, you can feel how different these shoes are.
It doesn’t end there. The Full Body Geometry system features in the outsole and High Performance Footbed change your alignment while pedaling, while reducing hot spots. Without going too far into this fit theory, it essentially straightens your legs as you pedal. Basically it feels like your cleats are wedged towards the outside of your shoe. A sensation that disappeared after a few miles.
The Boa system is easy to adjust on the fly, after you’ve done 30 miles or so (my feet swell during riding). While some have complained about the heel cup and ankle rub, I will say that like a good work boot, fit is essential. You’ve really got to nail down your size, so buy from a local dealer, or be prepared to send a pair back if you ordered online. At $400 a pop, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper fit. A shoe that’s properly fit will not rub.
For instance, I normally wear a 47 but ended up sticking with a 46. They’re were a bit tight on the sides of the shoe but have already begun to form around my foot. There is no fore and aft movement when I pedal: they’re snug but comfortable. Since I have only ridden these a few times, I’ll have to leave this Initial Reaction where it stands, with a follow up to come. Until then, check out some more photos in the Gallery.
Since I can’t make it out to every rad event that takes place in SF, It’s nice to have Mike Martin of Mash to offer up some choice photos from the The Bicycle Art & Design of Garrett Chow: All Chips on the Table gallery show and Cutty Cross race. This show looked amazing and these photos will serve the purpose of introducing you to Garrett’s work if you’re unfamiliar.
Also, don’t miss out on a few shots of Garrett’s Specialized Concept Venge road bike after the show photos.
Mike Martin is a very busy guy. When he’s not at the Mash SF storefront, he’s planning an event, working on his clothing line Martin or out shooting video. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for his other passion: photography. It’s not everyday that you see photos from Mike, so when he showcases inspirational photos like these, I had to reach out to him.
Garrett Chow’s work that comes out of his studio in the Specialized facilities is always far from ordinary and his new Custom Specialized Carbon Crux CX is a perfect example of his craftsmanship. Many thanks to Mike for the high res photos. Check them out below!
Click on the above photo to launch the gallery, or here to open in a new tab.
Every time I post a photo of these on Instagram, people always ask what they are, thinking they’re some expensive luxury cycling item. The truth is, the Specialized 74 gloves are some of the best gloves I’ve owned and they don’t even scratch the bank account. They’ve held up to daily use, haven’t stretched or loosened up at all and look damn classy. Check out more below.
I met Matt and the rest of the Wheel Talk guys at Interbike two years ago, right before they announced they had been working with Specialized on their P-Fix 26″ fixed freestyle completes. In those two years, fixed freestyle has grown and grown and grown. Hats off to Matt for hustling hard and matching his riding with his positive attitude.
As Garrett and Walton were packing their car up to head back to SF from the Golden Saddle Cyclery Champagne Brunch, I grabbed his Specialized S-Works road bike and took a few photos of it. I don’t think you can get anymore balleur than this. Slammed, drop stem, murdered out paint and coming in around 13lbs, this bike is a beast!
Click on the above photo to launch the gallery, or here to open in a new tab.
Where is Tom LaMarche? He’s still ripping FGFS in the Northeast for Specialized. Tony showed me some of this while he was in town. All of which was filmed in about two days. Damn. That statue garden drop is serious. Glad to see my boy’s still got it.
A little color goes a long way, or a lot of color can make an otherwise drab-looking bike pop. Case in point is Matt’s P-Fix. A few cans of spraypaint and voilà. See more at Wheel Talk Fixed.
