Ergon BioKork Grips

Last weekend at Frostbike in Bloomington, Minnesota, I was visiting with my friend and former co-worker, Jeff Kerkove who gave me these new Ergon Bio-Kork grips to try out. This is all from Ergon's "GreenLab" project, which seeks to be more enviromentally sensitive. Check out the features of this grip to see what I mean, (from Ergon's webpage for the BioKork grip).

The new BioKork version of the GP1 provides ultimate ergonomics for the hand just as the rest of Ergon’s Performance Comfort series do, however the unique qualities of cork means that it is now anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. Cork’s natural damping qualities also make it an ideal grip material, and its now density mean the resulting grip is a lot lighter. The GP1 BioKork uses 40% cork, sourced from sustainable forests in Portugal which is certified for its ecologically sound production. This ecological theme is continued throughout the rest of the grip. The inner core is plastic reinforced using natural fibre, which make up 40% of its mass. In place of mineral oil, the gel in the palm section of the grip is vegetable oil based. The clamp can also be 100% recycled. It is all a result of Ergon’s “GreenLab” project.

The "GreenLab" project also extends to the packaging for all of the Ergon grip line starting in 2010. Everything about the packaging is from recycled products and can be recycled. So no more funky plastic sleeves and what not to deal with. To be fair, all of the previous packaging could be recycled, but now the process is more convenient for the end user. From Ergon's packaging page on their web site:
Although these (The former packaging materials) could all be recycled, sorting them to do so was time consuming. By contrast, the new packaging uses only paper, making up its four components. Recycling is therefore extremely easy.

Back to the BioKork: The "green" theme continues with the inner hard sleeve (as mentioned above) and even the end caps being made from 40% Blowert grass fibers. You can even see it in the end caps.

Although the materials have been changed, the packaging changed, one thing remains the same- That is how the Ergon grip fits the hand. Perfectly comfortable, just like my other GP1 grips are. This is my favorite grip from Ergon, and I will be putting this through its paces through the coming months to see if it holds up to everyday use and especially for mountain biking. I have these mounted to my Gun Kote covered Salsa El Mariachi single speed right now. So, stay tuned for further updates.

Note: These grips were provided at no cost to me for evaluation on this site. I am not being paid or co-erced to give a positive review and I will strive to give my honest opinions throughout the review process.

Ergon BioKork Grips

Last weekend at Frostbike in Bloomington, Minnesota, I was visiting with my friend and former co-worker, Jeff Kerkove who gave me these new Ergon Bio-Kork grips to try out. This is all from Ergon's "GreenLab" project, which seeks to be more enviromentally sensitive. Check out the features of this grip to see what I mean, (from Ergon's webpage for the BioKork grip).

The new BioKork version of the GP1 provides ultimate ergonomics for the hand just as the rest of Ergon’s Performance Comfort series do, however the unique qualities of cork means that it is now anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. Cork’s natural damping qualities also make it an ideal grip material, and its now density mean the resulting grip is a lot lighter. The GP1 BioKork uses 40% cork, sourced from sustainable forests in Portugal which is certified for its ecologically sound production. This ecological theme is continued throughout the rest of the grip. The inner core is plastic reinforced using natural fibre, which make up 40% of its mass. In place of mineral oil, the gel in the palm section of the grip is vegetable oil based. The clamp can also be 100% recycled. It is all a result of Ergon’s “GreenLab” project.

The "GreenLab" project also extends to the packaging for all of the Ergon grip line starting in 2010. Everything about the packaging is from recycled products and can be recycled. So no more funky plastic sleeves and what not to deal with. To be fair, all of the previous packaging could be recycled, but now the process is more convenient for the end user. From Ergon's packaging page on their web site:
Although these (The former packaging materials) could all be recycled, sorting them to do so was time consuming. By contrast, the new packaging uses only paper, making up its four components. Recycling is therefore extremely easy.

Back to the BioKork: The "green" theme continues with the inner hard sleeve (as mentioned above) and even the end caps being made from 40% Blowert grass fibers. You can even see it in the end caps.

Although the materials have been changed, the packaging changed, one thing remains the same- That is how the Ergon grip fits the hand. Perfectly comfortable, just like my other GP1 grips are. This is my favorite grip from Ergon, and I will be putting this through its paces through the coming months to see if it holds up to everyday use and especially for mountain biking. I have these mounted to my Gun Kote covered Salsa El Mariachi single speed right now. So, stay tuned for further updates.

Note: These grips were provided at no cost to me for evaluation on this site. I am not being paid or co-erced to give a positive review and I will strive to give my honest opinions throughout the review process.

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts Part XV

The Renegade Sportsman: Drunken Runners, Bike Polo Superstars, Roller Derby Rebels, Killer Birds and Other Uncommon Thrills on the Wild Frontier of Sports by Zach Dundas.

Back about a month ago, I posted about the book that was coming out that included a bit about Trans Iowa V3 written by Zach Dundas, the fellow that tagged along to research the event that year. Well, here's what the book cover will look like. You can pre-order this from Amazon.com now.

(I have no dog in this race, so I do not benefit from the sales of this tome. I just thought T.I. vets and curiousity seekers might want to take a look.)

Tales Of Gravel Glory: Salsa Cycles sponsored racer, Tim Ek, has an excellent first installment to a recap of his Trans Iowa V5 experience posted on Salsa Cycle's website. I highly recommend the peice as it is very well written. Tim gives you an excellent account of what it took for him to be in the four up break that eventually catapulted him to a second place tie with Dave Pramann, just behind winner Joe Meiser in an amazing 25 hours for 320 plus miles of gravel road grinding. Tim will be back again this time looking for a repeat performance over the hills and dales of Iowa's countryside.

Are You Ready? Well, from the time of this posting there are approximately 55 days left before I honk the horn on the Truck With No Name and lead out Trans Iowa V6. There will be a lot of road work going on with you folks out there, I am sure, but also with d.p. and I. Roads need to be checked. Alternate lines need to be explored. Exact directions and mileages need to be dialed in. We'll all be busy!

During this time I ask that if things are not looking good for you to show up at Trans Iowa in April, that you let me know as soon as you can. I need to have numbers dialed for cue sheets and for our Pre-Race Meat-Up at the Grinnell Steakhouse. You can assure that we will not be going to extra expense and work if you are going to back out by just sending me a simple e-mail.

Sponsor's Corner: This week I wanted to highlight a special Trans Iowa sponsor. This company sponsored the very first edition of Trans Iowa. They introduced co-founder Jeff Kerkove to the product he would eventually end up representing today- namely Ergon. I just confirmed with Jeff what the products would be that Ergon would sponsor us with, and I think the lucky recipients will be pleased.

I always chuckle when I see how far and wide the Ergon grip has penetrated into the cycling scene. When Jeff and I stuffed those first race bags in 2005, nobody had heard of these wacky, paddle shaped grips with the exorbitant price of $35.00 each. "Who in the world would ever buy these things?", is something we heard a lot of back then.  Yup! Pretty funny when I think about that. I can't help but feel Trans Iowa kind of helped get that big green Ergon "ball" a rolling back then.

Please take the time to check out the Ergon grips and their excellent back packs. And if you see Jeff roaming around the nation as he does, tell him hello from me, and thank him for Trans Iowa too!

Till next week...................

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts Part XV

The Renegade Sportsman: Drunken Runners, Bike Polo Superstars, Roller Derby Rebels, Killer Birds and Other Uncommon Thrills on the Wild Frontier of Sports by Zach Dundas.

Back about a month ago, I posted about the book that was coming out that included a bit about Trans Iowa V3 written by Zach Dundas, the fellow that tagged along to research the event that year. Well, here's what the book cover will look like. You can pre-order this from Amazon.com now.

(I have no dog in this race, so I do not benefit from the sales of this tome. I just thought T.I. vets and curiousity seekers might want to take a look.)

Tales Of Gravel Glory: Salsa Cycles sponsored racer, Tim Ek, has an excellent first installment to a recap of his Trans Iowa V5 experience posted on Salsa Cycle's website. I highly recommend the peice as it is very well written. Tim gives you an excellent account of what it took for him to be in the four up break that eventually catapulted him to a second place tie with Dave Pramann, just behind winner Joe Meiser in an amazing 25 hours for 320 plus miles of gravel road grinding. Tim will be back again this time looking for a repeat performance over the hills and dales of Iowa's countryside.

Are You Ready? Well, from the time of this posting there are approximately 55 days left before I honk the horn on the Truck With No Name and lead out Trans Iowa V6. There will be a lot of road work going on with you folks out there, I am sure, but also with d.p. and I. Roads need to be checked. Alternate lines need to be explored. Exact directions and mileages need to be dialed in. We'll all be busy!

During this time I ask that if things are not looking good for you to show up at Trans Iowa in April, that you let me know as soon as you can. I need to have numbers dialed for cue sheets and for our Pre-Race Meat-Up at the Grinnell Steakhouse. You can assure that we will not be going to extra expense and work if you are going to back out by just sending me a simple e-mail.

Sponsor's Corner: This week I wanted to highlight a special Trans Iowa sponsor. This company sponsored the very first edition of Trans Iowa. They introduced co-founder Jeff Kerkove to the product he would eventually end up representing today- namely Ergon. I just confirmed with Jeff what the products would be that Ergon would sponsor us with, and I think the lucky recipients will be pleased.

I always chuckle when I see how far and wide the Ergon grip has penetrated into the cycling scene. When Jeff and I stuffed those first race bags in 2005, nobody had heard of these wacky, paddle shaped grips with the exorbitant price of $35.00 each. "Who in the world would ever buy these things?", is something we heard a lot of back then.  Yup! Pretty funny when I think about that. I can't help but feel Trans Iowa kind of helped get that big green Ergon "ball" a rolling back then.

Please take the time to check out the Ergon grips and their excellent back packs. And if you see Jeff roaming around the nation as he does, tell him hello from me, and thank him for Trans Iowa too!

Till next week...................

In Preparation For The Ensuing Mess

Well, it won't be long now. The angle of the sun gives it away. Yes folks, this snow is headed for the nearest gully, ditch, ravine, culvert, creek, stream, and river. Whether it will be a slow process or fast, no one really knows yet, but in the recent years that I am aware of most clearly, by the third week of  March, this is usually all gone.

That's only three weeks away folks!

So, we're looking at some fine, peanut buttery gravel and mud for the next few weeks. Then the frost will come out of the ground, and who knows what havoc that'll cause this time. Will it be like the spring of 2008? Maybe. The frost heaves were so big that cars couldn't get down some roads!

So with all of that in mind, I am busting out the fenders folks! Yup. I plan on putting in some long, muddy, single speedy miles before Trans Iowa and I am sure it will be all a mucky mess, or at least most of that time will be.

At least I hope we're done with the sub-zero madness! I wouldn't mind a mucky, dirty ride about right now!

Get out and ride if you can this weekend! Good luck to all the CIRREM racers this weekend too!

In Preparation For The Ensuing Mess

Well, it won't be long now. The angle of the sun gives it away. Yes folks, this snow is headed for the nearest gully, ditch, ravine, culvert, creek, stream, and river. Whether it will be a slow process or fast, no one really knows yet, but in the recent years that I am aware of most clearly, by the third week of  March, this is usually all gone.

That's only three weeks away folks!

So, we're looking at some fine, peanut buttery gravel and mud for the next few weeks. Then the frost will come out of the ground, and who knows what havoc that'll cause this time. Will it be like the spring of 2008? Maybe. The frost heaves were so big that cars couldn't get down some roads!

So with all of that in mind, I am busting out the fenders folks! Yup. I plan on putting in some long, muddy, single speedy miles before Trans Iowa and I am sure it will be all a mucky mess, or at least most of that time will be.

At least I hope we're done with the sub-zero madness! I wouldn't mind a mucky, dirty ride about right now!

Get out and ride if you can this weekend! Good luck to all the CIRREM racers this weekend too!

Klunker Update & Some Vintage Stuff

Klunker Update: I have the '52 DX stripped now and I am having the seat stays re-brazed to the seat tube. Once that is done I will make a few modifications and then have the frame painted.

Ideally I will have to do some minor fillet brazing and knock off that kickstand mount. I may take a piece of steel tubing from an old frame in the back and fashion a chain stay bridge which will fit where the kickstand mount is now.

Here is an inspirational build from Mike's Bikes in Northfield. Notice the drum brake hubs which are modern Sturmey Archer units. If I go this route it will make my life a lot easier!

With drum brakes I can do a righteous five speed freewheel build on a SunTour Perfect or Winner free wheel that we have example of around the shop. We also have N.O.S. cogs to build up my own ratio with, so that would be cool. I've already got a SunTour Honor rear derailluer that is period correct, (but not the coveted Cyclone GT model!)

(UPDATE: I found a GT SunTour derailluer and a Cyclone front derailluer in my shop last night!)

Mike's had a lot of klunker material sitting around, so getting some inspiration and ideas was no problem. I am hoping to peck away at this while I have time on rainy days and what not, so this won't be a pressing project. However; it should turn out pretty cool.

The color has been decided upon already too. The frame shows signs of being a dark, brick red color originally. So I am going after that with a cream dart front end in the traditional manner. The wheels will be the gold Ukai rims on the Sturmey Archer drum brake hubs. Of course, I'll have to get a Brooks saddle for it sometime!

Well, that's it for now. Look for further Klunker Updates in the future.

Klunker Update & Some Vintage Stuff

Klunker Update: I have the '52 DX stripped now and I am having the seat stays re-brazed to the seat tube. Once that is done I will make a few modifications and then have the frame painted.

Ideally I will have to do some minor fillet brazing and knock off that kickstand mount. I may take a piece of steel tubing from an old frame in the back and fashion a chain stay bridge which will fit where the kickstand mount is now.

Here is an inspirational build from Mike's Bikes in Northfield. Notice the drum brake hubs which are modern Sturmey Archer units. If I go this route it will make my life a lot easier!

With drum brakes I can do a righteous five speed freewheel build on a SunTour Perfect or Winner free wheel that we have example of around the shop. We also have N.O.S. cogs to build up my own ratio with, so that would be cool. I've already got a SunTour Honor rear derailluer that is period correct, (but not the coveted Cyclone GT model!)

(UPDATE: I found a GT SunTour derailluer and a Cyclone front derailluer in my shop last night!)

Mike's had a lot of klunker material sitting around, so getting some inspiration and ideas was no problem. I am hoping to peck away at this while I have time on rainy days and what not, so this won't be a pressing project. However; it should turn out pretty cool.

The color has been decided upon already too. The frame shows signs of being a dark, brick red color originally. So I am going after that with a cream dart front end in the traditional manner. The wheels will be the gold Ukai rims on the Sturmey Archer drum brake hubs. Of course, I'll have to get a Brooks saddle for it sometime!

Well, that's it for now. Look for further Klunker Updates in the future.

Ben's Sled

Ben Witt of Milltown Cycles had a custom Steve Potts drop bar single speed made recently and whoo boy! It's a honey!

For those of you that don't know, Steve Potts has been making killer mountain bike frames for as about as long as the modern mountain bike has been around. He was a principal in WTB's earlier days, and was one of the first to design and build a modern day 29"er back in 1999. To say that Steve Potts knows something about welding some thin walled tubes together is a mild understatement!

Ben got the titanium frame and a sweet Type II steel fork. It even has his name on the top tube! My favorite detail though is the head tube badge. Too bad I didn't get a shot of that! (I saw this when I was at his shop Friday).

Potts' work is incredibly clean and well executed. Look at this drop out. It is awesome! Beautiful in simplicity and purpose.

The finish is flawless. Amazingly so. The details like the brass jamb nut on the tensioner are nice touches to a simple, purposeful build.

There really isn't anything unnecessary here. Everything has a reason for being. I like that in a single speed.

Check out these welds too. Incredible!

There isn't anyone doing this any better, at least as far as looks go. And if the frames out there are any indication, Potts frames are pretty bomber too.

The worst thing about this frame is that it fits me perfectly! Ben's bikes usually do. It is uncanny, but he and I like the same set ups. 
Chapeau! Ben! You have a sweet rig there and I hope you enjoy it for years to come!

Ben's Sled

Ben Witt of Milltown Cycles had a custom Steve Potts drop bar single speed made recently and whoo boy! It's a honey!

For those of you that don't know, Steve Potts has been making killer mountain bike frames for as about as long as the modern mountain bike has been around. He was a principal in WTB's earlier days, and was one of the first to design and build a modern day 29"er back in 1999. To say that Steve Potts knows something about welding some thin walled tubes together is a mild understatement!

Ben got the titanium frame and a sweet Type II steel fork. It even has his name on the top tube! My favorite detail though is the head tube badge. Too bad I didn't get a shot of that! (I saw this when I was at his shop Friday).

Potts' work is incredibly clean and well executed. Look at this drop out. It is awesome! Beautiful in simplicity and purpose.

The finish is flawless. Amazingly so. The details like the brass jamb nut on the tensioner are nice touches to a simple, purposeful build.

There really isn't anything unnecessary here. Everything has a reason for being. I like that in a single speed.

Check out these welds too. Incredible!

There isn't anyone doing this any better, at least as far as looks go. And if the frames out there are any indication, Potts frames are pretty bomber too.

The worst thing about this frame is that it fits me perfectly! Ben's bikes usually do. It is uncanny, but he and I like the same set ups. 
Chapeau! Ben! You have a sweet rig there and I hope you enjoy it for years to come!

Welcome To The New Look

Well, by now you've noticed something is different.

I decided due to a failure in my old blog template to upgrade to a new template that supports the newer updates and formats that Blogger now offers. This has forced me to redo all of my links as well, which was long overdue, I suppose, after five years of piling up there on the right margin.

There will be linkage added, but it will take some time, so please bear with me as I rebuild a few things here. This may or may not be a permanent change as well. I am toying with some ideas which may affect the blog layout and look.

What will not change is the basic tone and content of Guitar Ted Productions. If you have ideas, please let me know in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Welcome To The New Look

Well, by now you've noticed something is different.

I decided due to a failure in my old blog template to upgrade to a new template that supports the newer updates and formats that Blogger now offers. This has forced me to redo all of my links as well, which was long overdue, I suppose, after five years of piling up there on the right margin.

There will be linkage added, but it will take some time, so please bear with me as I rebuild a few things here. This may or may not be a permanent change as well. I am toying with some ideas which may affect the blog layout and look.

What will not change is the basic tone and content of Guitar Ted Productions. If you have ideas, please let me know in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Bike Shop Tales: Cutter's Ball, 2010

We take a break from history for a story from the present.................

Saturday evening, a new bicycle shop called the "Angry Catfish" was throwing a party in conjunction with a few local custom builders and Twin Six, the apparel company that puts duds on my back from time to time. (Thanks guys!)

Anyway, I went there with Jason B, Marty, and Ben. We hung around from the early part of the evening till about 11pm. I took the opportunity to snap off a few black and whites with my Fuji Finepix Z-1 point and shoot. Nothing spectacular, but it gets some cool images sometimes.

I like the first one here. It reminds me of when bars were all smoke ridden pits due to the foggy nature of the front window. (Of course, no one was smoking inside.) I was outside when I took that one. I like the shadowed, ghostly human forms and the highlights of the bicycle. 

The band was a unique outfit called 4 On The Floor where each band member could kick his own bass drum. The minimal equipment otherwise hearkens  back to the days of early rock and roll. I thought it was pretty cool.


We got there pretty early, so the place was wide open. Lots of conversations could be had, since the band wasn't playing. When they did, you could hardly hear yourself think.

Pretty amazing party since food, drink, and entertainment were all free. How often does that happen anymore?

By the time we left there was a big contingent of folks on bicycles milling around out front. Fixies and single speeds were the order of the evening. Kind of funny how nowadays there are mini-gatherings outside of bars so people can get their smoke on. Back when I was young, being outside was a lonely proposition.

Not anymore, it seems!

That's a wrap on the Cutter's Ball at The Angry Catfish bicycle shop/coffee bar. More Bike Shop Tales next week!

Bike Shop Tales: Cutter's Ball, 2010

We take a break from history for a story from the present.................

Saturday evening, a new bicycle shop called the "Angry Catfish" was throwing a party in conjunction with a few local custom builders and Twin Six, the apparel company that puts duds on my back from time to time. (Thanks guys!)

Anyway, I went there with Jason B, Marty, and Ben. We hung around from the early part of the evening till about 11pm. I took the opportunity to snap off a few black and whites with my Fuji Finepix Z-1 point and shoot. Nothing spectacular, but it gets some cool images sometimes.

I like the first one here. It reminds me of when bars were all smoke ridden pits due to the foggy nature of the front window. (Of course, no one was smoking inside.) I was outside when I took that one. I like the shadowed, ghostly human forms and the highlights of the bicycle. 

The band was a unique outfit called 4 On The Floor where each band member could kick his own bass drum. The minimal equipment otherwise hearkens  back to the days of early rock and roll. I thought it was pretty cool.


We got there pretty early, so the place was wide open. Lots of conversations could be had, since the band wasn't playing. When they did, you could hardly hear yourself think.

Pretty amazing party since food, drink, and entertainment were all free. How often does that happen anymore?

By the time we left there was a big contingent of folks on bicycles milling around out front. Fixies and single speeds were the order of the evening. Kind of funny how nowadays there are mini-gatherings outside of bars so people can get their smoke on. Back when I was young, being outside was a lonely proposition.

Not anymore, it seems!

That's a wrap on the Cutter's Ball at The Angry Catfish bicycle shop/coffee bar. More Bike Shop Tales next week!

Frostbike 2010: Weekend Report

Frostbike is a dealer only open house held by Quality Bicycle Products every winter. That's what the short story is, but it doesn't really tell the story. It's more of a "family reunion". An excuse to get together with a whole bunch of bike freaks and misfits. It is a much needed infusion of bicycle culture in the midst of a long cold winter. A two wheeled version of caffeine for the bike persons soul. Good stuff!

I couldn't possibly begin to tell the whole story of the weekend's adventure, nor post the 78 photos of stuff that happened outside of QBP's walls during the weekend. I can not even begin to hit all the highlights in one post. So, here is a very tiny view of what was going on in my world over the past weekend. It was a good thing for the soul!

First off, I found out my two hand made drawings, one of MG and the other one my entry into Gravel Worlds, at left, made it safely to their destinations, which I was a bit releived to know. So, with that knowledge in my mind, I was set to head up north to see Ben Witt at Milltown Cycles. I got there plenty early, so I had some time to wheel around on one of his Drakkar bikes and chat with Ben at my leisure. When Ben was ready, we headed to Northfield, Minnesota.

That's where Ben grew up and used to work at another bicycle shop called Mike's Bikes. Mike's is the place where we went last year and the same folks were there again this time to share in some good times drinking a few beers, eating Greek style pizza, and zooming around the shop on all sorts of wacky rigs.

We were joined by Ben's fellow co-worker Curtis and another fellow whose name escapes me now. (Lots of beer will do that to a guy!) Anyway, we would chat awhile, and then the next thing you know a few guys would be zooming around the shop on anything from a 29"er, to a Pugsley, to a 20" Mongoose Moosegoose prototype. Fun was had, and lots of stories were told.

Mike's Bikes is one of those "lil bits o bike shop heaven" for gear freaks and cycling fans. In every corner, you just never know what you might turn up. Early 80's fillet brazed Fisher Montare? Yep! How about a 30's era Schwinn Excelsior frame? Or a few of them? Yep! How about the odd Superfly carbon frame hanging from the wall in the corner? Yep! Or, how about a NOS Kos Cruiser with rasta Bullseye hubs? Yep again.

After the evening was over, I spent the night in Northfield at Ben's parents house, (mucho gracias!), and the next day I went to the expo at QBP. Spent the day there re-connecting with friends and pretty much was pinned down at the Salsa Cycles booth all day. In the evening, Ben, Jason B, Marty, and I all went out for some Thai grub and a visit to Minneapolis' newest bike/coffee bar called the Angy Catfish where they were having a party called The Cutter's Ball.

We arrived early and the place was wide open. They had a musical outfit playing some really loud tunes called "4 On The Floor" which featured a drummer, bassist, and two electric guitar players each set up with their own kick drum which they lined up in a row in front of the "stage". Pretty unique to say the least!

Later on it got pretty packed, and memories of 20 years ago were coming back when I used to crash live music bars all the time. Well, we are all a bit older and wiser these days,(plus we all were going back to QBP the next day), so we bagged it about 11:30pm and headed to the shed.

The next day I went back and hit up some folks I missed the previous day, picked up a frame and fork for testing on Twenty Nine Inches, (TBA later), and hit the road for home. All in all a great time and fun was had by all.

I leave you with this final image from an undisclosed restroom in the bowels of QBP. The two coffees belonged to myself and a friend. The beer? Well, let's just say this pic is from Sunday morning and "The Borg" would not be pleased.

Thanks to the Witt Family, Ben Witt, Marty Larson, Mike, Stuart, Jason Boucher, The Salsa Crew, The Boucher Family, Jeff Kerkove, QBP, and The Angry Catfish, Twin Six, and all who played a part in making this Frostbike quite enjoyable and memorable. If I have forgotten your name, I apologize. I'm still a bit fuzzy!

Frostbike 2010: Weekend Report

Frostbike is a dealer only open house held by Quality Bicycle Products every winter. That's what the short story is, but it doesn't really tell the story. It's more of a "family reunion". An excuse to get together with a whole bunch of bike freaks and misfits. It is a much needed infusion of bicycle culture in the midst of a long cold winter. A two wheeled version of caffeine for the bike persons soul. Good stuff!

I couldn't possibly begin to tell the whole story of the weekend's adventure, nor post the 78 photos of stuff that happened outside of QBP's walls during the weekend. I can not even begin to hit all the highlights in one post. So, here is a very tiny view of what was going on in my world over the past weekend. It was a good thing for the soul!

First off, I found out my two hand made drawings, one of MG and the other one my entry into Gravel Worlds, at left, made it safely to their destinations, which I was a bit releived to know. So, with that knowledge in my mind, I was set to head up north to see Ben Witt at Milltown Cycles. I got there plenty early, so I had some time to wheel around on one of his Drakkar bikes and chat with Ben at my leisure. When Ben was ready, we headed to Northfield, Minnesota.

That's where Ben grew up and used to work at another bicycle shop called Mike's Bikes. Mike's is the place where we went last year and the same folks were there again this time to share in some good times drinking a few beers, eating Greek style pizza, and zooming around the shop on all sorts of wacky rigs.

We were joined by Ben's fellow co-worker Curtis and another fellow whose name escapes me now. (Lots of beer will do that to a guy!) Anyway, we would chat awhile, and then the next thing you know a few guys would be zooming around the shop on anything from a 29"er, to a Pugsley, to a 20" Mongoose Moosegoose prototype. Fun was had, and lots of stories were told.

Mike's Bikes is one of those "lil bits o bike shop heaven" for gear freaks and cycling fans. In every corner, you just never know what you might turn up. Early 80's fillet brazed Fisher Montare? Yep! How about a 30's era Schwinn Excelsior frame? Or a few of them? Yep! How about the odd Superfly carbon frame hanging from the wall in the corner? Yep! Or, how about a NOS Kos Cruiser with rasta Bullseye hubs? Yep again.

After the evening was over, I spent the night in Northfield at Ben's parents house, (mucho gracias!), and the next day I went to the expo at QBP. Spent the day there re-connecting with friends and pretty much was pinned down at the Salsa Cycles booth all day. In the evening, Ben, Jason B, Marty, and I all went out for some Thai grub and a visit to Minneapolis' newest bike/coffee bar called the Angy Catfish where they were having a party called The Cutter's Ball.

We arrived early and the place was wide open. They had a musical outfit playing some really loud tunes called "4 On The Floor" which featured a drummer, bassist, and two electric guitar players each set up with their own kick drum which they lined up in a row in front of the "stage". Pretty unique to say the least!

Later on it got pretty packed, and memories of 20 years ago were coming back when I used to crash live music bars all the time. Well, we are all a bit older and wiser these days,(plus we all were going back to QBP the next day), so we bagged it about 11:30pm and headed to the shed.

The next day I went back and hit up some folks I missed the previous day, picked up a frame and fork for testing on Twenty Nine Inches, (TBA later), and hit the road for home. All in all a great time and fun was had by all.

I leave you with this final image from an undisclosed restroom in the bowels of QBP. The two coffees belonged to myself and a friend. The beer? Well, let's just say this pic is from Sunday morning and "The Borg" would not be pleased.

Thanks to the Witt Family, Ben Witt, Marty Larson, Mike, Stuart, Jason Boucher, The Salsa Crew, The Boucher Family, Jeff Kerkove, QBP, and The Angry Catfish, Twin Six, and all who played a part in making this Frostbike quite enjoyable and memorable. If I have forgotten your name, I apologize. I'm still a bit fuzzy!

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts Part XIV

More Sponsor Love: First up we have some new sponsors of T.I.V6 to share.

I was thinking back to when certain past riders were feeling badly about loosing certain items when they rattled off their bikes in Trans Iowas gone by. I thought, what if they had a strap- a strap that was more than awesome- a Simple Strap!

So when ByeKyle got ahold of me recently and asked to partner with me to sponsor Trans Iowa racers with his Simple Strap, how could I refuse? I mean, at least I won't feel like I stood by and did nothing to prevent you- the Trans Iowa racer- from loosing something special off your bike while you are out there riding the route.


By the way, the Simple Straps you will be getting will be a Safety Orange one. (Other colors shown in the image to the left.)

I know- it is not normal for an event promoter to help sponsor his/her own event, but I ain't normal. Just ask anybody that knows me!

You will get your Simple Strap in your race packet at the Pre-Race Meat-Up, so don't miss that. (Or you won't be racing!)

Next up I was contacted by T.I.V5 vet, A-Lo from Velocity U.S.A. They know you need something to hold your water bottles with. So they are going to put a Bottle Trap into each racer bag for you to pick up, (once again), at the mandatory Pre-Race Meat-Up.

I've actually used these cages and they grip your bottle with authority! I highly doubt you will lose a bottle on a rough gravel road using one of these composite/plastic cages. (They remind me a bit of Cat-Eye cages, if you are familiar at all with those)

So, please make sure to check these sponsors out and thank them if at all possible.

In Other Goings On: I should be meeting soon with Oakley Super-rep, Rob V about the plans for his Gravel Grinder, (Official name to be determined), and some other sponsor-like stuff in terms of prizing. Activity schedules and logistics for the "Oakley O-Down At The Barn" will be hopefully nailed down. (Beer Sponsor??)

The City Of Grinnell will hopefully bless our start and roll out soon. A letter from the Chamber Of Commerce went out on Trans Iowa's behalf today letting them know what our plan was. That should wrap up any details necessary for T.I.V6 to roll off on April 24th.

Now we just need to get rid of this stinkin' snow!

Note: You got the Trans Iowa Thoughts post a day early since tonight and tomorrow and into Sunday I'll be in Minneapolis for Frostbike. Look for a special report on the show next week. Until then, do whatever you can outside in the snow, or ride your trainers, or something! Have a great weekend and I'll be back Monday with a new post.

Trans Iowa V6: Thoughts Part XIV

More Sponsor Love: First up we have some new sponsors of T.I.V6 to share.

I was thinking back to when certain past riders were feeling badly about loosing certain items when they rattled off their bikes in Trans Iowas gone by. I thought, what if they had a strap- a strap that was more than awesome- a Simple Strap!

So when ByeKyle got ahold of me recently and asked to partner with me to sponsor Trans Iowa racers with his Simple Strap, how could I refuse? I mean, at least I won't feel like I stood by and did nothing to prevent you- the Trans Iowa racer- from loosing something special off your bike while you are out there riding the route.


By the way, the Simple Straps you will be getting will be a Safety Orange one. (Other colors shown in the image to the left.)

I know- it is not normal for an event promoter to help sponsor his/her own event, but I ain't normal. Just ask anybody that knows me!

You will get your Simple Strap in your race packet at the Pre-Race Meat-Up, so don't miss that. (Or you won't be racing!)

Next up I was contacted by T.I.V5 vet, A-Lo from Velocity U.S.A. They know you need something to hold your water bottles with. So they are going to put a Bottle Trap into each racer bag for you to pick up, (once again), at the mandatory Pre-Race Meat-Up.

I've actually used these cages and they grip your bottle with authority! I highly doubt you will lose a bottle on a rough gravel road using one of these composite/plastic cages. (They remind me a bit of Cat-Eye cages, if you are familiar at all with those)

So, please make sure to check these sponsors out and thank them if at all possible.

In Other Goings On: I should be meeting soon with Oakley Super-rep, Rob V about the plans for his Gravel Grinder, (Official name to be determined), and some other sponsor-like stuff in terms of prizing. Activity schedules and logistics for the "Oakley O-Down At The Barn" will be hopefully nailed down. (Beer Sponsor??)

The City Of Grinnell will hopefully bless our start and roll out soon. A letter from the Chamber Of Commerce went out on Trans Iowa's behalf today letting them know what our plan was. That should wrap up any details necessary for T.I.V6 to roll off on April 24th.

Now we just need to get rid of this stinkin' snow!

Note: You got the Trans Iowa Thoughts post a day early since tonight and tomorrow and into Sunday I'll be in Minneapolis for Frostbike. Look for a special report on the show next week. Until then, do whatever you can outside in the snow, or ride your trainers, or something! Have a great weekend and I'll be back Monday with a new post.

What's This "Dirt" You Speak Of?

Yeah.......more snow riding. Yay me! I'm getting to the point now where it is like, "Hmmm.......I bet I could ride through there if I walked through with my snowshoes a time or three."

Desperate?

Maybe. Getting old? Definitely.

So here are a few observations from my outdoor exploits yesterday.............

Those Ardent 2.4"ers are plumping up! Like a Dubuque HotDog, they are pretty swollen from their original size. I'd guess they are actually approaching the 2.4 inch status. Amazingly enough! The best part is the ride though. I have them set up tubeless and they are really rolling nice and smoothly! Very supple and the traction seems decent, so far. I mean, it is only snow and ice, afterall!

The Dillinger Gen III frame is riding just great as well. The frame swallows the fat Ardent with about three millimeters to spare. One thought kept leaping into my mind as I rode through the snowy cemetery roads at warp speed, and that was "stable". I could get all squirrely in the ice and still keep it upright. Cool! The frame squirts forward with instant acceleration too. Nice and responsive. The fat tires masked anything I might be able to feel from the frame as far as ride quality goes though. I'll have to put the XC set up under it later and figure out that part.

Finally, the Velocity P-35 rims/hubs are performing really well too. I'll tell you what- if there was any flex in that rear wheel the tire would hit the frame. Nothing of the sort has happened yet. I will have to touch up the front wheel though. It seems to sit in the Reba Team fork off center a hair. I'll re-check the dish here soon.

Then after all of that I went snow shoeing. Man! That works the legs, that's for sure. It was good and I tramped all over the Green Belt. It's funny to find boot tracks crossing the woods out there in the middle of nowhere! You know that post holing they are doing is really giving them a workout!

So, any idea when this "dirt" thing will show its face again round these parts? I've forgotten what it looks like!

What's This "Dirt" You Speak Of?

Yeah.......more snow riding. Yay me! I'm getting to the point now where it is like, "Hmmm.......I bet I could ride through there if I walked through with my snowshoes a time or three."

Desperate?

Maybe. Getting old? Definitely.

So here are a few observations from my outdoor exploits yesterday.............

Those Ardent 2.4"ers are plumping up! Like a Dubuque HotDog, they are pretty swollen from their original size. I'd guess they are actually approaching the 2.4 inch status. Amazingly enough! The best part is the ride though. I have them set up tubeless and they are really rolling nice and smoothly! Very supple and the traction seems decent, so far. I mean, it is only snow and ice, afterall!

The Dillinger Gen III frame is riding just great as well. The frame swallows the fat Ardent with about three millimeters to spare. One thought kept leaping into my mind as I rode through the snowy cemetery roads at warp speed, and that was "stable". I could get all squirrely in the ice and still keep it upright. Cool! The frame squirts forward with instant acceleration too. Nice and responsive. The fat tires masked anything I might be able to feel from the frame as far as ride quality goes though. I'll have to put the XC set up under it later and figure out that part.

Finally, the Velocity P-35 rims/hubs are performing really well too. I'll tell you what- if there was any flex in that rear wheel the tire would hit the frame. Nothing of the sort has happened yet. I will have to touch up the front wheel though. It seems to sit in the Reba Team fork off center a hair. I'll re-check the dish here soon.

Then after all of that I went snow shoeing. Man! That works the legs, that's for sure. It was good and I tramped all over the Green Belt. It's funny to find boot tracks crossing the woods out there in the middle of nowhere! You know that post holing they are doing is really giving them a workout!

So, any idea when this "dirt" thing will show its face again round these parts? I've forgotten what it looks like!

The Foundation Of "The Ride" : Salsa Cycles Fargo

A lot of folks may be wondering why I picked the Salsa Cycles Fargo as my number one 29"er product of 2009. (Or maybe not! At any rate.......) I was reminded why I did just yesterday while reading the Gnat Likes... blog where Jason, the blog author and head of Salsa Cycles, was opining about riding his Fargo and how it allowed him more enjoyment from cycling, and gave him an opportunity to clear his mind. Readers of the blog responded in the comments section in a like manner. Things like, "I've never ridden this much in winter" were written. Amazing stuff, really.

And that's just it. That is what the Fargo has done, (and more), for its owners. It has given them the means to do things that they would not have done otherwise. Could another bicycle have sufficed? Yes, absolutely. However; one must remember that the Fargo is a bike aimed squarely at something other bikes miss, or have only hinted at. That is our spirit of adventure.

The Fargo, when it was launched, was "foundational". What I mean by that is twofold. First, and most obviously, the bike could be interpreted in several ways by the end user. Mountain tourer? Yes. Urban commuter? Definitely. Gravel grinder? For sure. Long distance, ultra marathon machine? Just ask Joe Meiser! (Joe rode the entire Tour Divide route on a Fargo in 2009) The point is that while some folks just didn't get the Fargo, and still don't, others immediately saw possibilities for the bicycle they really wanted. They saw a "foundation" to build off of.

While that is amazing in itself, what I believe is the Fargo's most important feature and most impactful is that it can be a "foundation" for "the ride". What is "the ride", you might ask? Well, it is that ride, that route, that adventure that the Fargo becomes the perfect bicycle for. Take our situation right now. Winter, and a bad one at that. Yet folks that own Fargos are not sitting around wondering when the snow is going away. Nope! They are riding their Fargos all over, wherever one can ride this winter. When the trails open up, they will go there. When the gravel roads get clear of ice and snow, they will go farther there.

All this isn't because the Fargo is any better at snow riding, or cold weather riding than any other bike. No, it has something to do with how people's imaginations for what is possible have been encouraged by their perception of the Fargo. It has become their "foundation", if you will, for whatever "ride" lights their fancy. Something- for whatever reasons- other bikes have failed to do on such a wide scale across so many different users.

How could I not pick the Fargo as my top 2009 29"er product? Well, I knew these things were true for me about the Fargo, and I assumed by the numbers of web stats pointed at the Fargo that a lot of other folks were feeling similarly. However; when I read stuff like I did yesterday, I know I was right about it.

Still, a lot of folks won't "get" the Fargo. They will never understand what it is that folks find so cool about that ungainly looking frame and drop bars, and low bottom brackets, and all those goofy braze ons. But that is okay, becausefor the ones that did "get" it, and for the ones that will, the Fargo will be the foundation of a lot of sweet rides in 2010 and beyond.

The Foundation Of "The Ride" : Salsa Cycles Fargo

A lot of folks may be wondering why I picked the Salsa Cycles Fargo as my number one 29"er product of 2009. (Or maybe not! At any rate.......) I was reminded why I did just yesterday while reading the Gnat Likes... blog where Jason, the blog author and head of Salsa Cycles, was opining about riding his Fargo and how it allowed him more enjoyment from cycling, and gave him an opportunity to clear his mind. Readers of the blog responded in the comments section in a like manner. Things like, "I've never ridden this much in winter" were written. Amazing stuff, really.

And that's just it. That is what the Fargo has done, (and more), for its owners. It has given them the means to do things that they would not have done otherwise. Could another bicycle have sufficed? Yes, absolutely. However; one must remember that the Fargo is a bike aimed squarely at something other bikes miss, or have only hinted at. That is our spirit of adventure.

The Fargo, when it was launched, was "foundational". What I mean by that is twofold. First, and most obviously, the bike could be interpreted in several ways by the end user. Mountain tourer? Yes. Urban commuter? Definitely. Gravel grinder? For sure. Long distance, ultra marathon machine? Just ask Joe Meiser! (Joe rode the entire Tour Divide route on a Fargo in 2009) The point is that while some folks just didn't get the Fargo, and still don't, others immediately saw possibilities for the bicycle they really wanted. They saw a "foundation" to build off of.

While that is amazing in itself, what I believe is the Fargo's most important feature and most impactful is that it can be a "foundation" for "the ride". What is "the ride", you might ask? Well, it is that ride, that route, that adventure that the Fargo becomes the perfect bicycle for. Take our situation right now. Winter, and a bad one at that. Yet folks that own Fargos are not sitting around wondering when the snow is going away. Nope! They are riding their Fargos all over, wherever one can ride this winter. When the trails open up, they will go there. When the gravel roads get clear of ice and snow, they will go farther there.

All this isn't because the Fargo is any better at snow riding, or cold weather riding than any other bike. No, it has something to do with how people's imaginations for what is possible have been encouraged by their perception of the Fargo. It has become their "foundation", if you will, for whatever "ride" lights their fancy. Something- for whatever reasons- other bikes have failed to do on such a wide scale across so many different users.

How could I not pick the Fargo as my top 2009 29"er product? Well, I knew these things were true for me about the Fargo, and I assumed by the numbers of web stats pointed at the Fargo that a lot of other folks were feeling similarly. However; when I read stuff like I did yesterday, I know I was right about it.

Still, a lot of folks won't "get" the Fargo. They will never understand what it is that folks find so cool about that ungainly looking frame and drop bars, and low bottom brackets, and all those goofy braze ons. But that is okay, becausefor the ones that did "get" it, and for the ones that will, the Fargo will be the foundation of a lot of sweet rides in 2010 and beyond.