I was just looking at my new kit, bib shorts and jersey, that I ordered from of all places Hong Kong. The one I ordered is the black on white Cervelo test team and it's awesome. Ok it's not the same quality as the $250 Italian made kit but in my eyes it will be worn out in 6 months and what ever part is still intact will be used with something else. It's just economics. No worries mate!
When I cycled in the 80's I had to have all the best the first time, this meant saving a long time and only getting a part of the kit here or there.Then when the unimaginable happened, like going down in a race or on a ride, I was minus that piece and couldn't afford to replace it...that was a pain.. So now better to have three full sets and if there is a problem, no problem. Plus the factor of having the wear and tear spread around in three kits rather than just one kit.
Which in a strange way brings me to my next topic and that is the fact that I really like several pro and continental teams not just one. As I have mentioned I bought a Cervelo kit because I like those who want to excel and they did a good job working together this last season and supported different programs in Europe and in the US. Good on 'em as they say in England. Of course I will route for LA and the Shack team with their very strong roster. And then there is Columbia and the Garmin team and BMC...well lets just say if they all are in it to win it this season should be very good from the fans point of view. Of course the Rock Racing, Kelly Financial and Sutter Homes teams look good here in the states. So whats a guy to do, pick sides? Not a chance.
I ran across this article on the shape of the Astana finances. As you know last year they had a problem about not paying their teams salaries. This makes the whole scene of the Grand Tours fall apart before they even get going. So this year the UCI has demanded some some collateral and it's all here in this article: Astana Team and guaranteed funds for the year: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iHBihy_JQ_F9OZqR3-YR5C27vMZwD9C388IO1So all in all it's going to be a great season and like the teams lets hope we are just as focused on our goals and work together to achieve them. Just look at the Team motto on the leg of the Cervelo kit written in such a way that the riders can read it when their heads are down and need inspiration...good motto!
As usual if I pass you on the road stop at Peets, because your buying.
So you like the Cervelo team, and as a thank-you, you buy a kit from some factory in HongKong that put nothing into the team and just bottom-feeds off of the investments made by others with their rip-offs? Nice.
ReplyDeleteDear anonymous, I stated that the sheer economics of buying bib shorts for $150 and a team jersey for $110 is out of my economic price range. I do support the teams but as you know all pro teams from Baseball, foot ball, NBA and now cycling have pro-line clothing that is priced 300% or more to make all the licensing holders and anyone else who touched that product money, alot of money.
ReplyDeleteI don't live in fantasy land and have no delusions about the Hong Kong connection but do you buy anything from china, shop at your local hardware store maybe?
Trek has a plant in china is that ok? Not really to me but once again how much would it cost to keep manufacturing here?
Until the shear greed of the owners, manufactures and the players, in their short careers, can cut back I suppose then I will do my part to support the teams I choose with what little I have and hope that everyone can get the big picture, read some earlier blogs.
Happy Holidays Anonymous.