01.29.06 - the goat speaks out

had a few questions sent to me the last few days, and one that was asked a few months back..
now - the sologoat speaks out..

QUESTION 1 - I am wondering if you can explain to me your experience going pro as an endurance cyclist. Benefits, taxes, etc.

it has been good - speedgoat has helped me a ton in this area - and i would probably highly recommend anybody wanting to go pro get somehow affilated with a shop for your everyday minor spare parts, repairs, etc.

most of my support has come in the form of product and that is pretty much the standard type of sponsorship. but - you have to be prepared to send them feedback, results, pictures, etc. i take my relationship with my sponsors seriously, and i help them with promoting their products as well as providing feedback to help improve upon their existing product line. as with any relationship in life, you have to maintain the relationship - you just can't get your stuff and forget about them until the end of the year, or you probably won't have them as a sponsor the next season.

taxes - i am not a tax consultant, but any money i get is through the form of 1099. any other questions, i would suggest reading up on the IRS website in regards to miscellaneous income.

QUESTION 2 - is that 26 front 29 rear?!?

no, it is a straight up 29er front and rear. the only company that i know is currently doing something like that is castellano and the frame was designed for the feel of a 29er, but the quickness of a 26er. their design uses a 26 inch rear wheel and a 29 inch front. the builder used to work with IBIS and designed some of their nicer frame designs including the silk ti frame. very cool rear triangle on it.

QUESTION 3 - What have you personally seen change in your riding style with the 29er? And are you digging the Reba?

i can tell you without a doubt, my riding has vastly improved. before the asylums, i started out with a surly karate monkey. i jumped on the monkey and loved it, but felt that it was a little slow. chris at the shop suggested i try out the asylum after the end of my 2004 season, and in early 2005, i got my first real racing 29ers.

at whistler, the courses up in new york, the snowshoe marathon, i was preriding and would say to myself, "OK, now where is that section where i was having problems with last year" - and the next thing i knew i was through it and saying to myself, "i can't believe i just cleared that when it gave me so much trouble last year on my 26er".... single track with small roots, short steep little climbs -- the 29er just comes alive and eats that stuff up. and the downhills - the asylum is the first bike i have ever owned when going downhill i am pedaling looking for more speed, when before i was on the brakes and tentative.

the reba - i am way diggin' it, but i wish it was a little bit lighter. i would highly recommend getting the lockout as i like to climb a lot out of the saddle and throw my entire body into my pedaling - and with it locked out, the fork is not dampening and absorbing all that effort. guess it just depends on your riding style.

sologoat out.