The Virtual Musette: A Road Cycling Blog

The Virtual Musette may one day accept advertising, and I don’t want to later be accused of “selling out” and endorsing some of my favorite things simply because companies may be paying for space on this site. So, for the record, these are the initial recipients of the TVM Seal of Approval, otherwise known as The Team Chef's favorite stuff (in no particular order):

Speed Play Zero Pedals

These took some getting used to as compared to the Look/Time style of pedals, which I had been using since making the switch from toe clips and straps. I wasn’t entirely sure I was going to stick with them at first, but seven years later I’m still using the same pair of Speedplays, and would never go back. Getting in and out of pedals is much quicker than ever before, thanks to the dual sided entry. I wish I’d had these back in my racing days; I might even of had one less DNF (there were plenty).

Selle Italia SLK Saddle

Saddles are a very personal thing. Just because one works for me, doesn’t mean it will work for you, but this is my absolute favorite perch of all time. Perennial numbness is a thing of the past due to the cut-out, split channel design.

Rudy Project Kerosene Shades

These may not be the lightest glasses available. No, I'm not a weight weenie, but you will notice these resting on your nose at first.  This minor flaw is offeset by the following:  exchangeable lenses for different riding conditions; a return policy for scratched lenses (for a $20 handling/postage charge); temples and nose pieces that are bendable and coated with a non-slip material; and they do an exceptional job of keeping the sun, bugs, and other road crap out of my eyes. Yes, they are a little expensive ($160), and only come with one set of lenses, but are worth every penny.

Continental Grand Prix 4000 (formerly 3000) Tires

Every time I switch to a different tire, I regret the decision, and go back to these Contis. Yes, there are lighter, faster, better gripping, or more durable tires available, but I’ve yet to find ones with a better balance of all these traits. My only complaint is that every now and then it can be a real bitch to get the bead over the rim. No, I don’t want to start a tubular vs. clincher argument, so please start a thread in one of the bike forums, if that itch must be scratched.

Bontrager Race X Light Wheels

I’m using the 2003 incarnation. They weigh in around 1500 grams, and I’ve only had to true them once in over five years. Enough said.

Clif Shot Electrolyte Drink

For years I was plagued with horrible cramps, which would usually strike sometime after the third hour of riding. Convinced the condition was due to sodium loss, I proceeded to experiment with different hydration/energy drinks and salt tablets, but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t until discovering that other electrolyte losses might be the culprit that my search finally led to Clif Shot and its blend of sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. This stuff was a godsend and debilitating cramps are finally a thing of the past. Caffeine lovers should try the Crisp Apple flavor.

Castelli Jerseys

Since my racing days are but a distant memory, I no longer need to stroke my ego by riding around in a team kit. Don’t get me wrong, I would rather be shot dead than caught in one of those horrendous Primal Wear jerseys (sorry if I just offended 90% of my readers). My happy compromise has been the jerseys made by Castelli, Pearl Izumi, and Descente - the Euro look minus the billboard effect. Castelli is my favorite brand, as they have plenty of room in the back pockets and certain models are cut to better accommodate those who have lost their 20 something physiques, like me. I also look for short sleeve jerseys that don’t have that annoying elastic in the arm-band which in turn causes the sleeves to creep up into my pits.

Velo Vie Vitesse 100 Frameset

I bought the Vitesse 100 model about six months ago, and couldn’t be happier. Hands down, the best frame I’ve ever owned. I’ll devote a separate post with a more extensive review sometime later in the year. If anyone wants my input before then, just contact me at theteamchef@yahoo.com .

Honorable mentions: Sidi Genius Shoes, Specialized Speed Zone Pro Computer (no longer made), and Slocum Super Mag 2 Stationary Trainer.

Coming soon…The inaugural TVM Hall of Shame inductees.