Visiting Specialized Bicycles in Morgan Hill, California
December 1st, 2008 by Conrad Stoltz
Checking my flexibility, Scott Holz, bike fit guru at Specialized’s OSBU headquarters in Morgan Hill, CA.
I’m looking to do some 70.3 (road tri) races next season, so I got set up on a Specialized Transition. Here, Scott looks at how my knees are tracking. The right knee dropped in a little so he fixed it with the Specialized’s green foot beds, and a 2.5 degree outward sloping wedge.
Using a clever computer program that Scott help develop, they measured my frontal area in 2 positions: One looking forward, and one looking down at my feet. Then they measured the surface area. (the yellow on the screen) Looking down has slightly less area, but most importantly, your head fills the huge (un-aerodynamic) gap between your arms. Mark Cote (an enthusiastic 23 year old who ran the wind tunnels at MIT) is the Specialized aero guy, and helped with the set up, tips and trying to stress the importance of leaving no stone unturned in the search of free speed. I have had the mentality of : “aero is overrated- just pedal harder.” Apparently not…
Ian Dewar (from Specialized Riders Club) and Scott Holz.
Obviously Scott doctored my mountain bikes’ position as well. My position has changed radically- hopefully it will make winning easier!
Visiting the Specialized office was great. I did a couple of lunch time rides- I think I had more lactic acid in me in the Thursday ride than I had the whole year racing! These rides are legendary- about 20-35 employees would ride, including 60 some year old Mike Sinyard, company founder and owner.
I met with various designers and engineers, we talked about future product development, I gave some feed back, and we planned next summer’s racing and marketing.
I also did a little slide show, a talk and signed some posters for some of the employees, which was fun. 15 years ago talking in front of a group like that would have given me a nervous breakdown.
Shortly after this visit, I returned to South Africa for the summer. (and didnt have internet for a week- hence the slow blogging) Amber is staying and working in the US this winter - the dreaded good bye at the airport was tough, but this is the last time we will spend such a long time apart. We are getting married January 2010, Check the engagement story here. We are currently working on www.StoltzRacing.com - a coaching website, and hope to be up and running in January.
We spent our last day in Monterey. She took me on the almost 100 year old wooden roller coaster- and lets just say- I’m not the bravest coaster rider- I took my 1st breath about halfway through.
I know its called “Ice cream and beer season”, but here is my last farewell corn dog: (South Africa doesnt have corn dogs, just like America doesnt have meat pies.)
5 Responses to “Visiting Specialized Bicycles in Morgan Hill, California”
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December 1st, 2008 at 10:57 am
“I’m looking to do some 70.3 (road tri) races next season”
Excellent news! Looking forward to seeing you kick arse here too
December 1st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
the coaching website sounds cool, but would be way cooler if it was called “conradracing” instead……!!
December 4th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Yeah, I also noticed “I’m looking to do some 70.3 (road tri) races next season” line…
Conrad, is this a warmup for an Ironman?
December 6th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Lekker stories Poepies….geniet SA en stuur groente wanneer jy kan.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Steve Noel Sr….
Your topic Clever Cycles ” Blog Archive ” Got ITchair? was interesting when I found it on Monday searching for triathlon bicycles as I also have articles and information posted on this subject. Thank You… Best Regards Steve Noel Sr….