I think I might be interested in the Thule "Radid Aero" cross load bars. They are 53 inches instead of 58 so they don't stick out much further than the body. They also sit a little lower than other base systems. It looks like the BMW one sits a little higher. Thats nice to hear that you are using it for your mtn bikes. I would be using it for my 29ers as well. Do you find it pretty easy to throw the bikes up there? I am excited about the roof rack because I will be able to multi purpose it and use it for the snowboards during winter time!! Thanks for the complements on the bike. I tell you, I am just in awe at how awesome that bike is and all the complements make it even better:)

I put a compact crank on my Cervelo R3 Sl, I also added a 7900 Dura Ace cassette and like it. It is addiction and I keep working at improving,

Cervelo has posted a video overview of their presentation at the Eurobike show, on www.cervelo.com. Big news is the California project coming to production, now called an R5 CA. There is also an R5, both with lots of changes from the R3SL. Asymmetric chain stays, bottom bracket, and seat tube; tapered head tube; and a sub 700 gram frame that is stiffer than the R3SL. I might have to change my dream bike definition when they come out in the next month or so. Add to this the Garmin-Transitions team moving to Cervelo bikes, and it should be a big year for Cervelo.

I have done a lot of research on the California project. That sounds like a fun bike for a little under $10,000 just for the frame!!! Another new bike toy I am looking forward to is the new Garmin Edge 800 bike GPS. I currently use the Edge 500 and love it. I didn't really need the maps (always have my iphone) and I liked the format of the 500 over the 705. But the new 800 looks like it is going to be absolutely awesome!!

The R3 SL (2010) with DA 7900 is advertised at $11,800 here at a LBS.

For 2011 they appear to have put the significant design features of the California project into the new R3, the R5, and the R5 CA (which has the flat black paint). The R3 SL has been discontinued. So, if I go with an R3 I get a lighter bike than last year's R3 SL, for a very similar price to last year's R3. Looks like the R5 CA is so light that racers are forced to carry more weight in ballast (just to be legal) than the frame itself weighs. So, I think an R3 will be light enough, lol. Decisions, decisions.

Yeah, it sounds like the california project is probably the winner :) haha!!! Just playing with you. The CA project isn't really intended to be a pro race bike (because of its weight or lack of it). It was basically a testing toy for the engineers to play with new ideas that would trickle down to their production bikes. It does sound like the 2011 R3 would be a winner for you. You get the latest in technology and like you said it comes in lighter than the current R3sl. I think it would be so fun to have one of the R5 CA's. They just look so awesome all stealth flat black. And you would basically have the coolest bike out there. I think it is so funny how much we spend on our bikes and that our bike addiction costs more than many peoples cars.

I have been looking into "Rotors Q-rings". Have any of you ridden on them or know anything about them. I like the idea but haven't heard much feedback on them.Heres their website:
Rotor Bike Components

I havenever used them. I looked into the Shimano oval rings years ago, but never switched to them (they were pulled from the market).

While I haven't gone to oval chain rings, I have used my Computrainer virtual trainer and ergometer to analyze my pedal stroke. It measures applied power on my Trek for each 15 degree arc of the crank, and plots it in real time on the monitor, while you vary cadences and power levels. By watching the graphs, you get immediate feedback on your pedalling style, and can work to improve power output by ankling, etc. You build muscle memory (if that is the right term) so that your improved pedal motion carries over to road cycling. I understand that it is a training tool used by a lot of the Ironman competitors, to the point that they have put all the Ironman courses on their machine videos.

JCL: You use the Thule 450 Crossroad square bars, correct? I am thinking that this is one of the best options for me. And then use the echelon tray for mounting the bike to the roof rack. Are you using the 58 inch bar? I am wondering if the 50 inch will work or if it is just to short. The 58 is what thule recommends. Took a nice 35 mile ride on the R3sl this morning. The new freehub is installed and I think the previous one was never right. The bike rolls much smoother and faster. I have heard that sometimes the freehubs come to tight from the shimano factory because they are machine tightened. Its gonna be time for new brake pads soon. I am going to replace with Swissstop Flash Pro Brake Pads GHP II,

Dont know if this helps since I am running a Yak rack but I am running a 50in bar. I didnt want too much over hang and it still looks stealthy

Good luck