The Mailbag is a regular department on VeloNews.com. Write to webletters@insideinc.com. Please include your full name, hometown and state or nation. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Writers are encouraged to limit their submissions to one letter per month. The letters published should not be viewed as reflecting the opinions, policies or positions of VeloNews.com, VeloNews magazine or our parent company.

Bikes for cobbles... or for ads?
Dear Velo,
Although I like reading about the special bikes manufacturers cobble together for Paris-Roubaix, I am beginning to think of it all as a bit of a waste.

Now that the race is over, what are Felt, Giant and the others going to do with these freakish bikes that are conceived each year for a single race?

It turned out that Hincapie stayed away from the Frankenbike Giant put together. How many of the others by special Felt, Specialized and Cannondale actually turned a wheel in anger in Sunday?

What happens to them now? It appeared as if Boonen’s winning machine was special only in gearing and wheel/tire choice. The closest I've seen a special bike make it to the final selection was the Rock Shox Ruby equipped bike that nearly won about 10 years ago.

Is all the time and expense merely to get marketing attention?
John Rees
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Actually, John, Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle won Paris-Roubaix on RockShox forks both in 1992 and ’93. We might agree that some companies come up with some pretty outlandish designs, but Paris-Roubaix is more than just a demanding event; it's an engineer’s dream test track. Whether the designs are subtle - as they were with Boonen's special Roubaix frame - or more noticeable, most riders take on the cobbles with specialty rigs not likely to be used for a ride up l'Alpe d'Huez. While the results aren’t always welcomed by riders – who still get to pick their gear – we're geeky enough to applaud the efforts. – Editor

Oh... Canada
Dear VeloNews,
In regards to Neal Rogers' article titled, "Saunier Duval won't be in Georgia, Rock will" he mentions that with the withdrawal of Saunier Duval from the Tour de Georgia, it leaves only four international teams left, Astana, CSC, Gerolsteiner, and GE Marco Polo Trek.

The last I read and heard, Symmetrics was invited to the Tour de Georgia, and, as I am from the team’s home base, I know they are a Canadian team. I am sure that this was just an oversight, and that Neal Rogers knows that a Canadian team, not being American, makes it international by definition, hence meeting the international teams requirement, right?

Historically Canadians have not had much glory in pro cycling outside of Bauer and Steida, but with Symmetrics cleaning up last year’s UCI Americas Tour including the U.S. Championship of Cycling, and great rides this year already by Canadian Dominique Rollin, I think Canadian cyclists and Symmetrics deserve a little more recognition. Keep your eye on Svein Tuft. We are moving up in pro cycling.
Thanks for listening.
Robert Thompson
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Of course, you're right. We made a mistake and have corrected the offending paragraph. We extend our apologies to you, to Symmetrics and to the entire nation of Canada. - Editor

Things that make you go...
Editors,
Hmmmm... it seems like Michael Ball had just bought his team an entry into the Tour de Georgia.
Jhonny Ringo
San Diego, California

Rock deserves credit
Editors,
Rock Racing has been showcasing how spectator sports and entertainment are intertwined and have effectively combined these elements to become cycling’s marketing innovator.

Rock Racing stands out as the overwhelming attraction at the events it participates and in its brief existence, the organization has made substantial contributions to cycling’s increasing popularity in the U.S.

In fact, Rock Racing is becoming too professional cycling what the Lakers' "showtime" became to professional basketball.

Innovators face plenty of resistance and instead of being credited with having made the Tour of California rainproof, Rock Racing has been naively criticized and unfairly treated. It’s time to give credit where credit is due!
Nelson Bautista

Returning to the sport
Dear VeloNews.com,
I just recently got back into cycling after 12 years away from the sport, a fellow rider put me onto your web magazine. What a great magazine it is, with everything for the bike rider. Being a photographer I really like the images of Graham Watson (he is really a great photographer ), and being able to check news each day.

Having in my younger years raced against Henk Vogels, and trained in a group with Cadel Evans, the teams section etc is so good.
Regards,
Tony Reddrop.
Australia

Welcome back, Tony. We hope we can continue to keep you interested. We'll keep trying. We'll even post a new Watson gallery for you today. - Editor