UCI changes pro cycling equipment regulations
In an effort to raise the visibilty of cycling and make it more relevent to the common person, the Union Cycliste International (UCI) has changed the requirements for bicycles beginning with the 2012 cycling season.
"To increase our media exposure and include a wider demographic we are moving to a bicycle more of the general public can relate to. Today's carbon fibre frames and components made of exotic materials are out of reach for most people. We want our professional cyclists to ride machines similar to those used by the everyday rider.
"We searched the field and we've chosen the Eddie Bauer Commuter X10 as the perfect example of this bicycle. Built of rugged steel, with an eight-speed internal hub and optional disk brakes, it's the kind of bike that most people around the world are familiar with. When they see a professional rider climbing the Alps they'll have an idea of just what sort of effort is required!"
Professional rider comments were "mixed" at best although those over six feet tall and of strong frame were generally more interested in the idea than the shorter men. "It's about time the skinny little buggers got theirs," said one rider of Scandinavian heritage. "Now it's our turn."
Eddie Bauer, for its part, reports that there has been strong interest from various high-end bicycle manufacturers to offer special custom verions of the X10. All eight-thousand bikes on hand have already been sold, reports an Eddie Bauer spokesperson.
Rival L L Bean of Freeport, ME has announced it will sue to have a chance with it's cruiser models. Sears could not be reached for comment.
