What do the Fastest Crit Racers Use? | NorCal Cycling
Source: NorCal Cycling Youtube Channel: What do the Fastest Crit Racers Use?
Video What do the Fastest Crit Racers Use? with NorCal Cycling
Video What do the Fastest Crit Racers Use? with NorCal Cycling YouTube Channel.
What do the Fastest Crit Racers Use?
NorCal Cycling: The Evolution of Cycling Technology through the Eyes of Champions
Introduction
In the vibrant world of cycling, technology continuously evolves, impacting performance and aesthetics. This evolution is evident in the stories of racers like national champion Lucas Burggoyne, who showcases cutting-edge advancements in bicycle design, components, and gear. This article will explore not only Burggoyne’s custom bike setup but also how similar innovations have shaped cycling culture in Northern California.
The Bike: A Masterpiece of Engineering
2025 Specialized SL8: The Heart of Performance
Lucas Burggoyne’s 2025 Specialized SL8, a custom-built bicycle, epitomizes performance and personalization. This high-end machine isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a finely tuned instrument designed for speed and agility. With a sleek aerodynamic frame and the latest Campagnolo Bora Ultimate 60 wheels, this bike is built for critical racing, making it a worthy contender in high-stakes environments.
Aerodynamics: Every Detail Counts
Burggoyne highlights the importance of aerodynamics in racing. His bike boasts aerodynamic features, including a one-piece bar setup, aerodynamic bottle cages, and an overall design that reduces drag. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that even the smallest component contributes to performance. The integrated design also enhances the bike’s visual appeal, presenting a unified, streamlined aesthetic.
Components That Make a Difference
Group Set: Power Meets Precision
The heart of any racing bike is its group set, and Burggoyne’s bicycle utilizes the new Campagnolo 13-speed drop group set. This system enhances gear precision and shifting speed, providing an edge over competitors during critical moments. The ability to shift seamlessly while maintaining pedal efficiency is crucial, especially in races characterized by sharp turns and sudden acceleration.
Wheels: The Foundation of Speed
Wheels are more than just round pieces that turn; they are crucial for maintaining speed, stability, and control on varying surfaces. The Campagnolo Bora Ultimate 60 wheels on Burggoyne’s bike deliver both speed and responsiveness. Their lightweight construction allows for easier handling, while also offering the durability needed for harsh racing conditions.
The Importance of Tires
Choosing the Right Tires for Racing
Burggoyne’s choice of tires reflects a blend of durability and grip. His use of Continental tires underscores the significance of tire technology in overcoming race-day challenges. Each tire is engineered to perform under demanding conditions, ensuring optimal traction—essential for navigating sharp turns and unpredictable roads.
Customizing Tire Pressure
Burggoyne runs a tire pressure setup of 52 front and 55 rear to balance comfort and speed. The width of 28mm offers additional cushioning, crucial for tackling poorly maintained tracks, which is often the case in crit races. By customizing tire pressure to weather conditions and terrain, racers can optimize their performance, enhancing speed while minimizing the risk of flats.
Custom Aesthetics: More than Just Looks
Personalized Paint Jobs
Beyond performance, the visual identity of a bike can instill a sense of pride and individuality. Burggoyne collaborated with his friend Nick from TWWC Carbon to create a unique paint job that resonates with his racing ethos. The phrase “Why so serious?” emblazoned on the front of the bike adds a personal touch and serves as a reminder to enjoy the sport.
The Role of Communities in Customization
The practice of personalizing bikes fosters a community among cyclists. Local bike shops and racing collectives often share design ideas and innovations, celebrating individuality while pushing the boundaries of cycling performance.
Technology Meets Strategy
Innovative Mounting Techniques
Lucas Burggoyne discusses his use of a 360-degree camera, providing a unique perspective of the action during races. By creatively utilizing electrical tape for mounting, he achieves a stable configuration that remains effective even in tumbles. This not only showcases innovative thinking but also highlights the practicality of keeping distractions away from racing.
The Shift in Race Mentality
Burggoyne emphasizes focusing solely on racing dynamics rather than metrics displayed on cycling computers. This shift towards intuition over data represents a growing trend among competitive cyclists who prefer feeling the race rather than being hindered by numbers. This approach creates a deeper connection with the sport.
Embracing Change: A Look into the Future
The Evolution of Bike Geometry
As cycling technology progresses, bike geometries also transform to enhance performance. Many racers, including those inspired by Burggoyne, are shifting towards wider handlebars and tailored crank sizes to optimize handling and power delivery.
Future Trends: More than Just Gear
With the cycling community’s momentum leaning toward advanced gear technologies, future conversations are shaping around gearing options, with larger chainrings and new gear profiles taking center stage. This trend not only serves competitive racers but also meets the demands of everyday cyclists looking for enhanced efficiency.
Conclusion: Local Legends Shaping the Cycling Scene
Lucas Burggoyne’s narrative is a testament to the vibrant cycling culture that thrives in Northern California. His impressive setup reflects not just personal taste but also the relentless innovation that defines modern cycling. As bicycles continue to evolve, so will the community and the experiences that unite cyclists across the region.
The cycling journey is not only about speed and victory; it is also about camaraderie, creativity, and pushing the limits of technology. Through the lens of champions, the world of cycling remains in constant motion, driven by collective passion and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether one is competing at the highest levels or enjoying a casual ride, the spirit of innovation and community binds all cyclists together in this exhilarating sport.
In summary, NorCal cycling isn’t just about the trails and roads; it’s about the stories, technology, and individuals that make every ride special. Join the ride, explore the innovations, and be a part of the ever-evolving cycling landscape.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel NorCal Cycling and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.