C-PsiX Wheel Review

Last Sunday I was given a chance to ride a set of C-PsiX carbon wheels for a cross race. The wheels are one set of a few that you can choose from Rob Curtis at Psimet.com. They are hand built 50mm carbon rims using DT Competition black spokes. They look sharp and ride better. At first I was skeptical of what the ride would be like. They are not a brand name nor are they high $$$. I was kind of hesitant about riding them, I already run a set of Easton EA70X wheels now, and I am not one of the smallest riders in the pelaton. So I was worried about the way they would handle. Well let me tell you that they are solid as a rock and silky smooth. If you are looking into getting a set stop by his site Psimet.com, and take a look around. He even has a set up now that you can demo at a race for a small fee, If you ride in the Chicago Cross Cup. He told me if you do buy a set he will show the rental fee as part of the price. When I asked him how much the set would run with the tires, he told me $699.00 for the rims and $150.00 for the tires. Basically you can get a complete set up for less than a $900.00.

Rubber for the road

Why is it that we complain when spending $700 on car tiers, but we jump at the chance to buy a set of good carbon rims, or a disk for a grand. Or a good set of tiers for $120 to put on the carbon rims.

Dekalb 4B Race

Just came back from the Chicago Cyclocross race #2 put on by North Central Cyclery and Half Acre. The course was open and fast, with no real snags. Unless you have a brain fart, like I did. Most of the turns were wide and could be taken at full speed without touching the brakes. Trust me, my bike skills are not the best. As a matter of fact, they are not good at all. So, if I could fly around the corners, I could imagine that the good riders were rockin’.

Now to my Race. I had a good starting spot on the front line, and I was able to get to the first turn in the top 5. I was passed by 3 riders just before the hill, and I was happy with where I was in the field. I just had to get into a group and not make any mistakes. That’s when I made the first of 3 major mistakes that coast me 10 places.

Mistake number 1, on hill I came around the last turn in the big chain ring and lost all momentum. I didn’t go down, but I had to really drive up the hill. I know someone was yelling at me from behind, “Let’s GO”!!! That was in the first lap.

Mistake number 2, that same dam hill. My front wheel washed out going down the middle of the S turn section. I was leading a group of 7-8 riders. After I jumped back on the bike, I road hard to get back onto the group, but couldn’t seem to get the last guys wheel.

Mistake number 3, on the last lap. I hit the second barrier next to the hill with my foot and back wheel. I didn’t fall all the way, and I thought I had made a good recovery, but I had dropped my chain. That’s when I was passed by 3 more riders. The last guy to pass me was just in front of me, so I tried as hard as I could to catch him, but he crossed the line just in front of me. I still took 24th so I’m not going to complain.

Ok, now I’m going to rant for a sec. If you can ride in the 4A race and take a top 10, then ride in the 4B race to take a top 10. CAT UP. You have no business riding in the 4B race. I think the comment that burns my chops the most was. “Why cat up, I can’t win there.” I actually like the guy that said it. But please, that is so cheesey. So, can I ride in the Jr’s race? No, But I might win. All I am saying is if you’re strong enough to ride 60 min and place high, move up so others can ride. They only have room for 75 riders in the 4 races. They do have room for 100 in the 3 race.

Pics & video to come.

Jackson Park

This is a video that my wife took. So as you can imagine it's of me. Go figure. I would tell you about the race. But you should already know. Whistle then GO! GO! GO!, smash, run, jump and pain. Things going threw my mind in the race are. Dam this hurts. I have to lose some weight. I did register for 4B race, didn't I? Sure doesn’t seam like it?