The product reviews here at Cyclocosm aim to be a bit different than on other sites. We tell you as much as possible, as quickly as possible. The testers decide what traits of a product are important to that product’s not sucking, then rate those traits 1-5, with 3 being the industry standard. No overall score is given, as different people will want different things from each product.
Hosted by Bob Roll, Featuring Lance, Jan, many other riders, Color, 104min, MSRP $24.95.
Originality 4. Nothing new about a bike racing compilation. All crashes, though, is a new development.
Acting: 3. A very hungover (or stoned?) Bob Roll gives insight but little flare to the narration. The flighty, post-race interviews with Lance are ok, and the commentary of Phil and Paul carry the production, but the Oscar has to go to Alex Zulle, for acting like he really meant to ride his TT bike straight into a wall during the ’98 Giro d’Italia.
Watchability: 4. Basically, this category is how easy/fun it is to watch. If you’ve got a 30 pack of High Life and a bunch of guys over, it’s a good time (especially with frame-by-frame playback.) Can’t say I’m motivated to watch it over and over again.
Monotony: 3. It does get old toward the end. The Eddy Merckx section is interesting, but the guitar-riffing-over-crash-footage at the end is just weird.
Final Thoughts: A novelty, albeit an entertaining one. Borrow from a friend or get it free with your Year-Long subscription to Cycle Sport.