Two Wheel Blogs

Big news in the TT world today. USACycling's decided not to outlaw the Specialized Shiv for Masters level competitions. Juniors and Elites weren't so lucky. The younger ones don't get to take advantage of bike technology so hot not even the pros can use it.

OK, that's not exactly accurate. USACycling's announcement didn't address the Shiv directly. They announced where the would and where they would not enforce the UCI rule that outlaws the Shiv. The Masters got the Shiv. The rest got the shaft.

I've decided I'm not happy with their decision. It seems to me USACycling caved to bike manufacturers and a fear of losing members from one of their most important demographics: rich old guys. See, it's only the old guys with money who can buy these ultra zoot bikes. U23s would have to talk mom and dad or a sponsor into footing the bill for one. Elites can barely afford gas money for races. ROGs have all the right ingredients: money and a fear of getting old and slowing down.

If they'd decided not to let the ROGs have their Shivs things might have gotten ugly. Maybe ugly isn't the right word, but a world where the bike manufacturers love you is a lot prettier than a world where they don't if you're a bike racing organization. And think about the possibilities. A lot of ROGs also do Triathlons. Big money there. It's good to be on good terms with friends who have lots of money.

If I had a Shiv in the house maybe I'd be happy with this decision. I don't. And I don't plan to get one. So it's conceivable that I might lose a race to a slower ROG and his uber-bike. Maybe I'll race with the Elites this year.