AM I GETTING A COMMISSION FOR THIS?

In my core group of cycling buddies, we have some pretty nice (and admittedly pricey) Zipp wheels but my Flashpoints have always received a lot of attention. People ask me lots of questions about them and I enjoy talking about them.

Back in February, Carlos picked up a pair of Flashpoint FP-60s before we did our Palm Springs Century. Then Steve picked up a set in preparation for Ironman Brazil. And just last week, Gabe got his FP-60s, also for Brazil. Greg, who does not have Flashpoints (yet?) refers to them as our "cheating wheels" because whenever somebody gets a pair, he has trouble keeping up with them.

I confess, I have mixed feelings about this. I'm certainly glad that my friends are enjoying their new wheels. But I am a petty person, and as more people get the Flashpoints I'm no longer the cool kid. THEY'RE the ones being asked questions. And as more people upgrade, I'm losing the advantage that I had. What happens if everybody on my Tri Team gets Flashpoints? If everyone has the advantage, then nobody has the advantage. It will be anarchy! It's the saga of the Star-Bellied Sneetches. (And if you're too young to know that reference, I don't want to know about it.)

I'm mostly joking of course. The more the merrier. But I need to get myself a pair of the new FP-80s so I can be King of the Road again. Or at least Duke of the Avenue.