sarals 

I'm avoiding going to the 33 to post this. Too much "all ready discussed".

I'll try not to be a spoiler. Todays TdF stage was somethin' else! I was really pulling for Tee Jay. Fitting finish, though. I am not thrilled with Contrador, I've never been a fan, and I was sadistically pleased to see him suffer. Froome is showing a little kink in his armor, but how could he not with the severity of today's stage? Quintana is an animal!

Racer Ex 

Contador is a bike racer first and an athlete second, unlike Froome and Schleck where it's the other way around. You aren't going to hear him complain about going downhill. Find me another rider 4m down and sitting in 2nd who is taking risks to win the race instead of protecting his podium spot.

He suffered today because he was willing to go all in. Sometimes that works (like in last year's Vuelta) and sometimes it doesn't. I'm not a "fan" of anybody but I respect the heck out of the guy as a racer.

sarals 

I can't argue with that, Ex. He is a terrific bike racer, there is no question. I don't know why I don't care for him, but I don't, and that sort of taints my view and opinion of him.

shovelhd

It was a great stage. I was screaming at the tv for Teejay.

I crushed the interview today. Was supposed to be 2 hours but went 4.5. Now the want me to meet the CEO right before I leave for Cleveland. Lets get this done.

Racer Ex 

It's worse being so close. If you get blown out it's "oh well". Getting second you're going to do a lot of mulling. He seems to be pretty grounded though. Reminds me a bit of Hamsten.

Great news on the job front!

revchuck 

I was hoping TJ could hold it to the line, but it wasn't to be. It's a shame he didn't have someone to go back to the team car for some gels. If he hadn't dropped his chain, it might've worked. Awesome gumption on his part.

Great news on the job front! Hopefully it won't be quite the pay cut you were expecting.

AzTallRider

I didn't pick Alberto for my fantasy team, but it wasn't because I don't admire his riding. I just felt it was Froome's year and I didn't have the points for both. Froome's accelerations are very 'Contadoresque', though he doesn't look as elegant, and Alberto doesn't have the same ability he did not long ago. Pretty clear why. But he has sure had Chris worried (and whining!) about having to race downhill. Put on your big-boy-bibs and race your bike...

valygrl

Am I going to have to unsubscribe from this thread for a few days? I'm DVR'ing the stages and watching them after work.

valygrl

NIce going, shovelhd.

valygrl

Is this way lighter than the new(?) stock internal battery system they are selling now?

I'm getting some quotes from ExcelSports, it's so cool they are local to me. Now I'm thinking about going 9070 except for the rear der so I can keep 10 speeds so my two bikes are the same. Looks like this year's big bike splurge is staring me in the face.

AzTallRider

I could be wrong, but I think you can program 9070 for either 10 or 11.

AzTallRider

Way to go, Hope it pans out and is what you want.

Allegheny Jet

A PSA for the guys. When your wife has been planning, working on projects, coordinating and getting a thousand things in order to host our son's fiancé's bridal shower scheduled this Sunday. It is not a good idea to suggest "I cant believe your baking now, you need a break from all your hard work, how about I go to the local bakery and buy some really nice cookies". Who would have thought that was a bad thing to suggest.

valygrl

So, which one was it:
1) "really nice" cookies should have been phrased "inferior" cookies.
2) "why didn't you say that before I spent $200 on cookie ingredients"

sarals 

Allegheny Jet

I have been enlightened. I was under the false impression that bakery cookies are superior. I got my assigned jobs completed and have been assigned to "..., and go ride your stupid bike".

sarals 

Shovel, wonderful news! Git 'er done indeed!

I'm sorry, Contrador is a great rider, but I still don't like him.

I really feel for TeJay - saw his interview this morning, he's clearly upset (no wonder) and was obviously really fried. Jensie had some words of wisdom about TeJay's effort after yesterdays stage that were right to the point.

sarals 

I know who's the boss in your house!

chasm54

I sympathise. Come on folks, there's a thread dedicated to spoilers in the 33.

Cleave

Really. I don't get to watch the stage until after my evening training rides (or other activities). Just a few more stages at any rate. BTW, I only saw the last post in this thread (chasm54 with valygrl quote).

shovelhd

If you said that to Mrs. Shovel, you would have a baking sheet sticking out of your head. Count yourself lucky.

Allegheny Jet

shovelhd

The Shimano internal battery is E-Tube, so it won't work out of the box with 7970. I'm sure it could be hacked, but $199 for a battery that cost me $15 to make isn't in my wheelhouse. I can only compare weight to the external 7970 battery and mount, which is significantly heavier and has less capacity.

I am 90% sure that 9070 can be converted to 10 speed via the E-Tube programmer.

shovelhd

Thanks everyone. It's not done yet.

I could make a lot more money as a hired gun doing a job I enjoy less. Everything in life is a tradeoff.

AzTallRider

Indeed.