In a message dated 2/3/02 2:37:45 PM, swampmtn@siscom.net writes:
<< In Cincinnati a group of racers told me they wouldn't train with mudguards because they created too much wind drag and slowed them down too much. But I wonder - who needs to go fast on a cold winter's day? Wouldn't mud guards give you a better workout, and without as much windchill >>
Think about a 55 degree day in, say , February here in the Northeast, with a one foot pack of melting snow turning all the salty sand on the road into ice water gritty muck. Now think about trying to ride in a paceline with a group of fenderless riders all spraying this mess in big roostertails. No thanks. As a matter of fact, I'd like to have not only fenders but "spats" for conditions like this. Also maybe a close ratio hub gear and a light fiberglass full chaincase. The wind drag argument makes my head spin! Do early season training rides really need to be re-enactments of Paris-Roubiax?
Best Regards,
Wes Gadd
A very dry winter, no snow pack
Unionville, CT