Name: Karl Hardy
Lives: St Kilda
Club: No club at present
Years Riding: 36 years of riding. I used to race state level BMX, it was great and I loved it
Your Toy: My toy is a Canyon Ultimate CF Slx Team Edition
Component group: Dura-Ace Di2 – its the best isn’t it? I like the best!
What training / racing wheels do you use: Schnell Stelvio 46 and Schnell Focus
How did you end up with this bike: My Trek Madone cracked after 400km and I was telling this to a Lotto mechanic. He was raving about the Canyon and then gave me a ride and I fell in love. I had to have one. So I bought Maarten Neyens bike on the spot..! Canyons are hard to find.
How’s the ride: This is a very serious bike! It’s strong, stiff and very responsive. These frames are amazingly light for the stiffness and level of performance. It amazes me every time I go out for a ride. It’s a great bike to climb on as well. I’m not the best climber but this bike feels great and really comes alive!
Is there an upgrade or piece of kit that you’d really like: I’m looking at the tubular wide Schnell wheels being released soon. (They look ‘fully sick’ ), maybe a seat as the team TT seat is causing numbness.
Have you ever had a bike fitting: Bike fit with Matt Appleton – Prahran Sports Medicine and Jason Nichols – IOS in Brighton. I’ve still got a right knee niggle! Any advice on that? Anyone?
What are your:
a) short-term cycling aspirations: to increase my distances and core strength.
b) long-term cycling aspirations: possibly enter some longer distance rides around 100-150km fitness permitting
What do you love about riding: I love the freedom, you always feel like a kid on your bike. That and catching up with friends, athletes for a ride. I used to love jumping when on BMX / mountain bike.
Describe an average cycling week: I ride about 45km 3 times a week. Usually an early morning ride along Beach Road and sometimes the Dandenongs on the weekend.
How does cycling fit in with your work/life balance: I am a better person when I ride – you always feel better for it! I love the cycling culture. There are a lot of great people in the cycling and the industry. People should embrace it more. Shut up and Ride..!
