"B" is for "Bikes & sponsors: (5) Recon Cassettes"

Recon Cassettes are a Taiwan-based company specialising in the design and manufacture of the highest quality and lightest cassettes for all drivetrains: Shimano; SRAM; and Campagnolo.

Recon cassettes are often CNC machined from a single piece of alloy. This increases the strength of the cassette compared with the more usual riveted type or mixed metal options that are available.

I have used Recon cassettes for a number of years and I am still impressed by their quality and their sheer beauty.  Thanks to Recon's CEO, Harry Fang, I am honoured and privileged to be able to ride using this not-yet-released high quality steel cassette with specialised treatment - lighter than Shimano Dura Ace, yet even more hard wearing, and the blingiest, especially when combined with a gold Titanium Nitride chain!  Check out the bling!

Bling!

"B" is for "Bikes & sponsors: (4) Tripeak Bearings"

I am excited to announce that bottom brackets and carbon rear derailleur cages with oversize 15 tooth pulleys, equipped with super-smooth ceramic bearings, have been provided by Tripeak!

These are indeed so smooth, and a wonder to behold, that the mechanics at Mitchell's Cycles enjoyed playing with the bearings by giving the pulleys a tiny push, and wondering when they would stop spinning, so long did they keep going!

Tripeak design and manufacture the highest quality bearing components and tools.  Thanks to Pony Ma, the CEO, and Tripeak Bearings for their generous sponsorship - check out the Tripeak website to stay up-to-date with the latest additions!

Happy smooooth racing from Tripeak!

"B" is for "Bikes & sponsors: (3) Mitchell's Cycles / TMC"

Having been a loyal customer for many years and grown to know and value all the staff at Mitchell's Cycles, I am extremely proud to become a member of Team Mitchell Cycles ("TMC").

A traditional bike shop with an eye on the future, I very much enjoy the atmosphere of Mitchell's Cycles, with its great banter, and I greatly appreciate all the skilled mechanical support and servicing provided to me, especially by Dave Webb throughout all my ultra races in 2016, special advice by Steve Mitchell, and the generous sponsorship by the owner, Andy Mitchell.

I look forward to representing TMC in ultra races, helping to promote Mitchell's Cycles as my Local Bike Shop of choice, and continuing to strengthen our very special relationship.

The Head Mechanic, Dave Webb (left), and myself, outside Mitchell's Cycles.  The Velocite Syn was assembled and tuned by Dave himself.

"B" is for "Bikes & sponsors: (2) Venn Wheels"

Venn Wheels will be providing fast, aero, and strong carbon wheels, as well as other finishing kit such as handlebars, stems, seatposts, and disc brake rotors.

I am lucky that the already super-fast Velocite Syn will be equipped with Venn's cutting-edge Rev 35 TCD 35mm-deep carbon wheels, the disc brake specific model, shod with tubeless tyres.  Previously, Venn have sponsored and provided wheels to the UCI Continental team, Team3M.

The name "Rev" is short for "Revolutionary", as it is manufactured by an accurate, computer-controlled, automated filament-winding process (not by sub-minimum wage human labour) making it much higher quality and stronger, not prone to sudden failures caused by human error.

Currently available in 35mm depth, a 50mm deep Rev 50 wheelset will be available soon - I look forward to trying these!

The Revs are so strong that they are also used offroad as 29er wheels with great success, and I look forward to demonstrating both their speed and strength in all ultra races this year!

"B" is for "Bikes & sponsors: (1) Velocite Bikes"

Velocite Bikes: Ride Velocite, Feel Invincible

I am proud to be sponsored by Velocite Bikes and riding the Velocite Syn (pronounced "Sine") for 2017, the latest design in a long line of beautifully elegant, strong and innovative bikes.  Introduced in 2015 (its patented design features have been copied by other manufacturers), it is the most aerodynamic bike currently in the market, but is also stiff, comfortable, and equipped with disc brakes - it ticked all the boxes for me, which is why I pursued the CEO, Victor Major, for sponsorship.

Velocite's mission is: to make you feel invincible through high performance, high quality, and high value.  The Syn is indeed the fastest bike I've ever ridden and does make me feel invincible with its strong handling and stiff responsiveness.

Established in 2008, Velocite BVBA is based in Flanders, Belgium, and is an active member of the Flanders Bike Valley (which I've had the fortune to visit and see its modern offices and massive wind tunnel).  It has the highest level of in-house expertise in aerodynamic and structural engineering and analysis, a service also provided to many other big industry brands.

Velocite has won many industry awards including: Eurobike Winner; the Taipei Cycle Show; and the Golden Pin Design award.  These awards were justly won and they are proven through the speed, stiffness, strength and comfort of Velocite's framesets.

"B" is for "Bikes & sponsors announcement"

I am delighted to announce the first group of generous sponsors and briefly introduce them: 

Introducing...

Velocite Bikes: providing Fast, Stiff & Comfortable Aero Framesets

Venn Wheels: providing Strong, Aero & Fast Deep Section Carbon Wheels

Mitchell's Cycles / TMC: providing Excellent Servicing, Mechanical Repairs, Bike & Wheel Builds

Tripeak Bearings: providing Super-Smooth Ceramic Bearing Bottom Brackets & Carbon Rear Derailleur cages

Recon Cassettes: providing Super-Light, Beautiful & Durable Cassettes

Torq Fitness: providing Advanced, Scientifically-Driven, Pure, Organic or Fairtrade Nutrition

With support from:

Dash Cycles: uniquely-shaped, comfortable & light saddles.

Thank you to all these sponsors who generously provided equipment to race firstly in the Race Across Italy, then Hard Cro, and the Transcontinental Race.  Further details will follow of what equipment I'll be using!

I am still keen to hear from people who are enthusiastic about cycling, the world of ultra, or simply pushing the limits, and would like to provide support, either in equipment or coverage for race expenses.  If you would like to provide support, I would love to hear from you -  please contact me via Facebook or email: ian.to2k9@googlemail.com.

"B" is for "Bikes & sponsors"

Sneak preview - what is this frameset?

The first round of sponsors will be announced this Sunday!  So far, I have been generously provided with the following bike parts and kit, for ultra racing, which I've been testing for the last week:

1. Aero framesets - Fast, stiff & comfortable
2. Carbon deep section wheels - Strong, aero & fast
3. Ceramic bearing bottom brackets & rear derailleur cages - Super-smooth
4. Cassettes - Superlight & durable
5. Off the bike clothing - Comfortable compression & leisure wear.

Watch this space!

Photography credit & thanks to the super-talented Mr Rich Griffiths A.K.A "r3dfive"