As a cycling enthusiast I’m always excited to see the pro team introductions each winter. Even more exciting is seeing what each team kit will look like, and what bikes they’ll be riding. 2010 looks to be a big year with quite a few new teams as well as big players changing squads—most notably Lance Armstrong moving to the new Radio Shack Cycling Team. But while Lance is undeniably the big story in American cycling there are many other names and teams making news. Here are a few teams that I’ve been watching as a sportsman and a designer:

Team Sky
This brand new British cycling team has snapped-up real contenders, including Brad Wiggins (4th in the 2009 Tour de France) and – along with help from sponsors Adidas and Pinarello – are looking like poster children for classic minimalist design.
(Photo by Scott Sunderland/via)

Astana
Led by reigning Tour winner Alberto Contador and completely made-over since 2009, Astana will be looking to repeat the success it’s had over the last couple years. They’ve moved away from the navy blue in their kits… a little too pastel for me, now.

BMC
Swiss team BMC looks to be a real force in 2010. This fall the team signed current US Pro, George Hincapie, Cadel Evans and former World Champion Alessandro Ballan. I’m pulling for Hincapie to finally win Parix Roubaix (the Hell of the North), this April. BMC is from Switzerland… what else do you need to say in terms of design?

Rock Racing
Created by Michael Ball of Rock and Republic, Rock Racing is considered a “black sheep” due to their roster including past doping offenders. While these past troubles continue to follow the team, their accolades on the road have begun to stack up— achieving great success from former Grand Tour riders Francisco Mancebo and Oscar Sevilla. As far as design goes, the team has recently launched their own bike line, and, although a fan of their past aesthetic, I’m not completely on board with new new look.
(Photo by Ken Conley/via)

There are many arguments, pro and con, about music downloads these days. Sound quality and legal arguments aside, the reason I prefer to own hard copies of music (be it vinyl or CD) is for the tactile experience. There’s something special about picking up a well-designed package and appreciating it as much as the music playing through your stereo or headphones. That sensory pleasure is something that just doesn’t translate with the click of a “download” button—even if there is digital booklet available. Ink on paper, people! Nothing like it.

I also like the idea that an artist has thought just as much about the visual as the aural storytelling.

Here are a few great packages that come to mind:

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Radiohead: Amnesiac
The Beatles: Magical Mystery Tour
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Zwan: Mary Star of the Sea
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Editor’s note: If you love CD/vinyl cover art, be sure to check out the Hardformat

blog. It’s great. – bb

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Photography has to be one of the professions most affected by the explosion of the digital world. The web allows brands to update their personality, products and services at will—which means photography often needs to change at a moments notice. Unfortunately, like drive-thru restaurants, fast delivery doesn’t necessarily mean getting a great product. The Hitcher II: Ive Been Waiting movie Scanners movie

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One of the brands I still look to for both up-to-the-minute evolution and stunning photography, is Patagonia

. Inspiring images by photographers who understand the importance of a singular moment. (Click images for more detail.)

In a world where craftsmanship is often replaced by commodity, it’s more clear than ever that you get what you pay for.

Visit Patagonia’s site

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Rapha has long been one of my favorite active apparel companies…the perfect combination of cycling and design. Every time I visit their site I’m reminded of two things:

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1.  There aren’t enough outdoor apparel companies focused on making highly-detailed and functional products for men.

2.  Wearing a favorite article of clothing can really motivate you to get out there and feel the burn. Isolation trailer

The Comebacks film Visit the Rapha Performance Roadwear site.

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I’m a big fan of cool shoes. (I define “cool” as my taste.) Here’s something that caught my eye on The Cool Hunter. I really like the idea of taking something old and making it new again. All of these shoes are pretty cool… But my favorites have to be low tops inspired by 1960’s comic book drawings. Who doesn’t want Lichtenstein feet? The language may be tricky for you to read, but the photos are just right. Check out all the shoes photos here at Kenlu.net.