Thursday News And Views

<==Loaded up and truckin'!

Here is an image of the Xtracycle'd 80's Schwinn Sierra I recently threw together as a work bike to haul stuff when I need to and the weather allows. Things came together for a maiden voyage yesterday as I had to take a bicycle that had been reviewed on Twenty Nine Inches back to the shop to be picked up by the UPS man, (aka "Brown Santa") The "voyage" went perfectly, I might add.

This bicycle is truly thrown together as well. I literally am almost devoid of anything 26" specific these days, so finding this bicycle, which had been in storage out at Captain Bob's for a long time, and the wheels and tires was not an easy task. In the end it all came together though, and it works reasonably well. Well enough to make a good delivery sled.

No! Say It Ain't So! (Reprise) Well, if you hadn't heard yet, Alberto Contador was caught with his hand in the doping jar back in July at that big race where he ended up wearing this yellow tunic-thing. He says it was from "tainted meat". Uh-huh. Funny thing about that. When I told my wife about it, who has a Bachelor's in Nursing degree, she about spit up! Not a very likely story here folks.

Well, we'll see if the authorities give him a hall pass, but if he gets treated like Floyd Landis was, expect the yellow tunic thing to go back to the store where it came from. And even if it doesn't, once again, you have had the rug pulled out from under you if you are a Tour fan. Remember how they said, "this is the best Tour in years"? (Just like they did when Landis won) Now it all seems like just another farce in a line of farcical July events in France.

Wrapping Up Interbike: Still tapping out stories about last week's Interbike show. Looks like I have about three more posts to go before I get that all wrapped up for another year, then it's back to "bidness as usual" round these parts. Fall riding is calling and I have much to catch up on.

Fortunately I have a great opportunity to do so scheduled for Sunday when I hit up the Rawland Fall Tour. I'll have a full report on the goings on Monday, if all pans out. I am really looking forward to this one!

Thursday News And Views

<==Loaded up and truckin'!

Here is an image of the Xtracycle'd 80's Schwinn Sierra I recently threw together as a work bike to haul stuff when I need to and the weather allows. Things came together for a maiden voyage yesterday as I had to take a bicycle that had been reviewed on Twenty Nine Inches back to the shop to be picked up by the UPS man, (aka "Brown Santa") The "voyage" went perfectly, I might add.

This bicycle is truly thrown together as well. I literally am almost devoid of anything 26" specific these days, so finding this bicycle, which had been in storage out at Captain Bob's for a long time, and the wheels and tires was not an easy task. In the end it all came together though, and it works reasonably well. Well enough to make a good delivery sled.

No! Say It Ain't So! (Reprise) Well, if you hadn't heard yet, Alberto Contador was caught with his hand in the doping jar back in July at that big race where he ended up wearing this yellow tunic-thing. He says it was from "tainted meat". Uh-huh. Funny thing about that. When I told my wife about it, who has a Bachelor's in Nursing degree, she about spit up! Not a very likely story here folks.

Well, we'll see if the authorities give him a hall pass, but if he gets treated like Floyd Landis was, expect the yellow tunic thing to go back to the store where it came from. And even if it doesn't, once again, you have had the rug pulled out from under you if you are a Tour fan. Remember how they said, "this is the best Tour in years"? (Just like they did when Landis won) Now it all seems like just another farce in a line of farcical July events in France.

Wrapping Up Interbike: Still tapping out stories about last week's Interbike show. Looks like I have about three more posts to go before I get that all wrapped up for another year, then it's back to "bidness as usual" round these parts. Fall riding is calling and I have much to catch up on.

Fortunately I have a great opportunity to do so scheduled for Sunday when I hit up the Rawland Fall Tour. I'll have a full report on the goings on Monday, if all pans out. I am really looking forward to this one!

T.I.V7- About That Date.....

Okay, you might be wondering what the heck I am posting these eggs for. But think about this....

Late April....

Holiday.

Trans Iowa dates.

Get the picture?

I only figured it out when one of the honorable "Death Before Dishonor" members of the Elite Duluthian Cycling Guard informed me that I had selected Easter weekend as the dates for Trans Iowa.  Whoops!

Well, the wheels had already been put into motion for the event, so d.p. and I made an executive decision to go down with the ship, if that is how it must go. So, yes. Trans Iowa is still going to be held on the 23rd-24th of April, 2011. Oh yeah, and by the way, not only will our pre-race be on Good Friday, but that date is also Earth Day. Go figure!

Nuggets: Here are some details on Registration and for lodging. First off, as I mentioned earlier, we have 51 past finishers of Trans Iowa. They will be listed on the T.I.V7 site soon. Once the list goes live, finishers can claim spots on the roster. This will probably happen starting Friday. I will run the list until November 1st. Remember, there are 100 spots overall, so this leaves at least 49 open spots. After the Finishers list is closed, any unclaimed spots will be added to the allotment for Vets and Rookies, and that number will be added to the 49 open spots for those two classes from the get go. (51 finishers max, 49 left over = 100) The total, whatever that may be, will then be divided as evenly as possible between Vets and Rookies. Worst case scenario: All 51 finishers claim their spots and Vets get 25 spots and rookies 24. It won't happen like that, but that is an example for ya.

Then I will have those remaining spots for Rookies and Vets be distributed by, (our by now), traditional way- by sending in a post card. You will be required to fill in some specific info, and you will have a date by which you must not have your post cards in before, and a cut off date, if need be, by which cards must be in by. Remember- No early cards. They get summarily tossed in the garbage. (I have done it before, and will again). Cards can be over-nighted, delivered in person, by carrier pigeon, or taped to a homing pig. Whatever. As long as I get them at the specified place within the specified time period, and with the specified info on them in a LEGIBLE manner. I reserve the right to refuse any illegible cards. (And I have done that before, as well)

Finally, you must agree that you are on a group ride of your own volition. You will be required to agree that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN ACTIONS.  Got that? Good.

Now, as for the lodging: It is my current understanding that we have a block of rooms set aside at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Grinnell. (The very same place we used this year) The price we agreed upon is $64.99 a night, and the dates this rate is good for runs through the 22nd-24th. Brian Scheffert is the manager, in case you run into a snag. If there are any issues, e-mail me at the link on the T.I.V7 site.

We also are working on the Grinnell Steakhouse as our meet and great/pre-race meeting site. We will announce confirmation of a pre-race site soon, hopefully.

Anybody up for coloring some Easter Eggs to hide on the course this year?

T.I.V7- About That Date.....

Okay, you might be wondering what the heck I am posting these eggs for. But think about this....

Late April....

Holiday.

Trans Iowa dates.

Get the picture?

I only figured it out when one of the honorable "Death Before Dishonor" members of the Elite Duluthian Cycling Guard informed me that I had selected Easter weekend as the dates for Trans Iowa.  Whoops!

Well, the wheels had already been put into motion for the event, so d.p. and I made an executive decision to go down with the ship, if that is how it must go. So, yes. Trans Iowa is still going to be held on the 23rd-24th of April, 2011. Oh yeah, and by the way, not only will our pre-race be on Good Friday, but that date is also Earth Day. Go figure!

Nuggets: Here are some details on Registration and for lodging. First off, as I mentioned earlier, we have 51 past finishers of Trans Iowa. They will be listed on the T.I.V7 site soon. Once the list goes live, finishers can claim spots on the roster. This will probably happen starting Friday. I will run the list until November 1st. Remember, there are 100 spots overall, so this leaves at least 49 open spots. After the Finishers list is closed, any unclaimed spots will be added to the allotment for Vets and Rookies, and that number will be added to the 49 open spots for those two classes from the get go. (51 finishers max, 49 left over = 100) The total, whatever that may be, will then be divided as evenly as possible between Vets and Rookies. Worst case scenario: All 51 finishers claim their spots and Vets get 25 spots and rookies 24. It won't happen like that, but that is an example for ya.

Then I will have those remaining spots for Rookies and Vets be distributed by, (our by now), traditional way- by sending in a post card. You will be required to fill in some specific info, and you will have a date by which you must not have your post cards in before, and a cut off date, if need be, by which cards must be in by. Remember- No early cards. They get summarily tossed in the garbage. (I have done it before, and will again). Cards can be over-nighted, delivered in person, by carrier pigeon, or taped to a homing pig. Whatever. As long as I get them at the specified place within the specified time period, and with the specified info on them in a LEGIBLE manner. I reserve the right to refuse any illegible cards. (And I have done that before, as well)

Finally, you must agree that you are on a group ride of your own volition. You will be required to agree that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN ACTIONS.  Got that? Good.

Now, as for the lodging: It is my current understanding that we have a block of rooms set aside at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Grinnell. (The very same place we used this year) The price we agreed upon is $64.99 a night, and the dates this rate is good for runs through the 22nd-24th. Brian Scheffert is the manager, in case you run into a snag. If there are any issues, e-mail me at the link on the T.I.V7 site.

We also are working on the Grinnell Steakhouse as our meet and great/pre-race meeting site. We will announce confirmation of a pre-race site soon, hopefully.

Anybody up for coloring some Easter Eggs to hide on the course this year?

Bike Shop Tales: Another Anniversary

Hey all! Bike Shop tales is back after the Interbike hiatus. Here's a story about a recent anniversary...

So I had another anniversary last week while I was gone at Interbike. Those sort of things- anniversarys- are sort of a mixed feelings deal for a lot of us. Sometimes anniversarys can be good, sometimes not so much.

I don't know which way it is for this one, but I do know  it is kind of odd in a few ways.

I started working in a bike shop at an age when most folks either have moved on from being a "shop rat" and have either gone and done something else, gotten further into the industry, or went on to manage or own their own shops. Well, at age 33, I was just getting into it. I guess you could say that I never did anything when you might expect most folks would!

That first gig lasted only a little over three years, and then the shop folded in a bizarre way. I was left scrambling for employment, and ended up working on cars for awhile. Then I was drawn back into my current job, and as of last week, I've been there 8 years doing mechanic work.

8 years isn't a very long time in most vocations. Heck, in some jobs you are just barely getting started 8 years in. However; in a bike shop, 8 years is an eternity. Turnover at a bicycle shop happens at such a fast rate that it makes your head spin. I've seen so many employees go through the shop that I can't really remember them all, and the shop isn't all that big!  

How much longer will I be there? Will I see another anniversary? In a job where longevity is as rare as a Yeti C-26, you have to start wondering things like this when you've been around in one place as long as I have.

Bike Shop Tales: Another Anniversary

Hey all! Bike Shop tales is back after the Interbike hiatus. Here's a story about a recent anniversary...

So I had another anniversary last week while I was gone at Interbike. Those sort of things- anniversarys- are sort of a mixed feelings deal for a lot of us. Sometimes anniversarys can be good, sometimes not so much.

I don't know which way it is for this one, but I do know  it is kind of odd in a few ways.

I started working in a bike shop at an age when most folks either have moved on from being a "shop rat" and have either gone and done something else, gotten further into the industry, or went on to manage or own their own shops. Well, at age 33, I was just getting into it. I guess you could say that I never did anything when you might expect most folks would!

That first gig lasted only a little over three years, and then the shop folded in a bizarre way. I was left scrambling for employment, and ended up working on cars for awhile. Then I was drawn back into my current job, and as of last week, I've been there 8 years doing mechanic work.

8 years isn't a very long time in most vocations. Heck, in some jobs you are just barely getting started 8 years in. However; in a bike shop, 8 years is an eternity. Turnover at a bicycle shop happens at such a fast rate that it makes your head spin. I've seen so many employees go through the shop that I can't really remember them all, and the shop isn't all that big!  

How much longer will I be there? Will I see another anniversary? In a job where longevity is as rare as a Yeti C-26, you have to start wondering things like this when you've been around in one place as long as I have.

Reviving The Animal

<===It lives!  Again!

I didn't have a very productive cycling weekend. Saturday it rained practically all day and Sunday, while nice, was taken up by other activities. Well, that is until evening came around. Then it was time to start wrenching.

It's been awhile since this particular bike has been up and running. I pilfered parts from the original build of it, and it was in a rag-tag state of affairs. Probably still would be if not for another bicycle I have. That bike, a Salsa Cycles Dos Niner, has been through several incarnations since I acquired it a few years back. Thing is, no matter what I did to it, I ended up not liking the end result.

The Dos was just too flexy. It really started bothering me after I started in testing a lot of other bikes and learned that things could be so much better in terms of stiffness and 29"ers. The ol' Dos just couldn't measure up, so I retired it from active duty Sunday.

Knowing I was going to do that with the Dos soon, I started to think about the shifty bits on that Woodchipper and how I liked that. That led to thoughts of reviving this other bike. The more I looked at it and the more I thought about it, I figured why not? So, I tore one down and built the other up.

There still is much to tweak out on it. I have some brake work to do. I have to adjust the handle bar a bit, and probably three other things besides. Who knows. One thing is for sure though, and that is that the ol' animal lives again!

Reviving The Animal

<===It lives!  Again!

I didn't have a very productive cycling weekend. Saturday it rained practically all day and Sunday, while nice, was taken up by other activities. Well, that is until evening came around. Then it was time to start wrenching.

It's been awhile since this particular bike has been up and running. I pilfered parts from the original build of it, and it was in a rag-tag state of affairs. Probably still would be if not for another bicycle I have. That bike, a Salsa Cycles Dos Niner, has been through several incarnations since I acquired it a few years back. Thing is, no matter what I did to it, I ended up not liking the end result.

The Dos was just too flexy. It really started bothering me after I started in testing a lot of other bikes and learned that things could be so much better in terms of stiffness and 29"ers. The ol' Dos just couldn't measure up, so I retired it from active duty Sunday.

Knowing I was going to do that with the Dos soon, I started to think about the shifty bits on that Woodchipper and how I liked that. That led to thoughts of reviving this other bike. The more I looked at it and the more I thought about it, I figured why not? So, I tore one down and built the other up.

There still is much to tweak out on it. I have some brake work to do. I have to adjust the handle bar a bit, and probably three other things besides. Who knows. One thing is for sure though, and that is that the ol' animal lives again!

Interbike 2010 Thoughts And Comments

Now that the show in Vegas is over, presumably for the last time, here are some thoughts, impressions, and comments about the event.

 <===There was a noticeable lack of attendance at the furnace-like Bootleg Canyon Outdoor Demo in 2010.


Something Needed To Be Done: The "big" news going into the show this year wasn't about a big introduction, it wasn't about a cycling "star" that might show up, and it didn't feature anything product-wise that was set to be "the next big thing". Nope, it was about Interbike moving to Anaheim and changing its date.

That should tell you something. Added to that, the press release said something about the show's "relevance". This should also tell you something. Now consider that attendance was noticeably down again for the third year, (despite whatever spin the Neilsen Group wants to put on the numbers), and that there were far fewer vendors showing, and I think it is fair to say that the writing was on the wall.

Interbike and Las Vegas had grown to become a flash point with vendors who didn't like the exorbitant convention center fees and with the attendees that didn't like the darkness and slimy nature of Las Vegas and what it stands for. But make no mistake, this move had nothing to do with the latter. Interbike was losing money due to poor vendor turn out and poor attendance by the bicycle dealers.

Is This The Solution? Moving the date to the second week of August and to the new location of Anaheim, California is probably being done for two distinct reasons. #1: To make Interbike relevant to dealers, manufacturers, and ultimately consumers. The thing is that as of now, Eurobike and dealer camps have effectively gutted Interbike's impact in the industry. If it wasn't for the networking opportunities, Interbike would already have moved, or done something different.  Interbike moving to an earlier date is thought to be a move to regain its former position as the prominent show on the schedule for the industry. #2: Anaheim Convention Center will (hopefully) be cheaper for the bicycle industry to operate in.

Sounds good on the surface, but I am hearing some grumblings from dealers and other sources. One dealer said to me that Las Vegas, although not a paragon of cycling culture and morality, is the cheapest flight and the cheapest stay for dealers. Anaheim will be more expensive, pricing some dealers out of coming at all. Secondly, the earlier date was pointed to as a reason that some dealers I spoke with were considering not showing up. Many are still in the meat of the selling season in August and thinning the staff at that time to send someone to Interbike is not an option.

Will It Even Matter? The biggest question still out there is "Will moving Interbike and its date even matter?" I would have to say that without the bigger companies commitment to coming to Interbike, and instead, having their own private "dealer camps", Interbike will be ineffectual as a place for the independent bicycle dealer to come to for an overview of what to expect in the coming year. The other thing is that with Sea Otter in the spring, and Eurobike located where it is, I don't see Interbike gaining back much, if any, relevance in as far as introductions of new products and innovations that would draw dealers and the media alike.

In the end, at least for now, we'll show up in Anaheim next year and find out what, if anything, really changes.

From A Big Wheeled Perspective: Interbike wasn't very noteworthy, unless you consider Salsa Cycles saving all their introductions for Interbike. (Someone at the Interbike home office should send Salsa Cycles a big fat "thank you check" for doing that for them.) Had Salsa leaked or outright introduced all they had to offer at Eurobike, (and they could have), there would have been nearly nothing to report on from my viewpoint at Interbike.

Certainly, the North American continent will always attract some attention from 29"er companies with introductions and innovations, but if Europeans start buying up 29"ers, like I think they will in 2011, you can bet that 29"er manufacturers will be lavishing attention on that market firstly, since there is a big potential for growth in that market right now. Eurobike 2011 could be very, very interesting from that standpoint.

Maybe the big wheeled party will be in Germany next year. Who'da thunk it!

Interbike 2010 Thoughts And Comments

Now that the show in Vegas is over, presumably for the last time, here are some thoughts, impressions, and comments about the event.

 <===There was a noticeable lack of attendance at the furnace-like Bootleg Canyon Outdoor Demo in 2010.


Something Needed To Be Done: The "big" news going into the show this year wasn't about a big introduction, it wasn't about a cycling "star" that might show up, and it didn't feature anything product-wise that was set to be "the next big thing". Nope, it was about Interbike moving to Anaheim and changing its date.

That should tell you something. Added to that, the press release said something about the show's "relevance". This should also tell you something. Now consider that attendance was noticeably down again for the third year, (despite whatever spin the Neilsen Group wants to put on the numbers), and that there were far fewer vendors showing, and I think it is fair to say that the writing was on the wall.

Interbike and Las Vegas had grown to become a flash point with vendors who didn't like the exorbitant convention center fees and with the attendees that didn't like the darkness and slimy nature of Las Vegas and what it stands for. But make no mistake, this move had nothing to do with the latter. Interbike was losing money due to poor vendor turn out and poor attendance by the bicycle dealers.

Is This The Solution? Moving the date to the second week of August and to the new location of Anaheim, California is probably being done for two distinct reasons. #1: To make Interbike relevant to dealers, manufacturers, and ultimately consumers. The thing is that as of now, Eurobike and dealer camps have effectively gutted Interbike's impact in the industry. If it wasn't for the networking opportunities, Interbike would already have moved, or done something different.  Interbike moving to an earlier date is thought to be a move to regain its former position as the prominent show on the schedule for the industry. #2: Anaheim Convention Center will (hopefully) be cheaper for the bicycle industry to operate in.

Sounds good on the surface, but I am hearing some grumblings from dealers and other sources. One dealer said to me that Las Vegas, although not a paragon of cycling culture and morality, is the cheapest flight and the cheapest stay for dealers. Anaheim will be more expensive, pricing some dealers out of coming at all. Secondly, the earlier date was pointed to as a reason that some dealers I spoke with were considering not showing up. Many are still in the meat of the selling season in August and thinning the staff at that time to send someone to Interbike is not an option.

Will It Even Matter? The biggest question still out there is "Will moving Interbike and its date even matter?" I would have to say that without the bigger companies commitment to coming to Interbike, and instead, having their own private "dealer camps", Interbike will be ineffectual as a place for the independent bicycle dealer to come to for an overview of what to expect in the coming year. The other thing is that with Sea Otter in the spring, and Eurobike located where it is, I don't see Interbike gaining back much, if any, relevance in as far as introductions of new products and innovations that would draw dealers and the media alike.

In the end, at least for now, we'll show up in Anaheim next year and find out what, if anything, really changes.

From A Big Wheeled Perspective: Interbike wasn't very noteworthy, unless you consider Salsa Cycles saving all their introductions for Interbike. (Someone at the Interbike home office should send Salsa Cycles a big fat "thank you check" for doing that for them.) Had Salsa leaked or outright introduced all they had to offer at Eurobike, (and they could have), there would have been nearly nothing to report on from my viewpoint at Interbike.

Certainly, the North American continent will always attract some attention from 29"er companies with introductions and innovations, but if Europeans start buying up 29"ers, like I think they will in 2011, you can bet that 29"er manufacturers will be lavishing attention on that market firstly, since there is a big potential for growth in that market right now. Eurobike 2011 could be very, very interesting from that standpoint.

Maybe the big wheeled party will be in Germany next year. Who'da thunk it!

The Local Scene: The Kickstand

I live in an area that is a unique one with a pretty strong cycling culture. I figured that I would start a series of posts under the moniker, "The Local Scene", in which I could talk about some things we have going on here in regards to cycling and its related activities. 

I'd like to kick that off with a visit I made to a new local establishment that has tied its fortunes to the local trail scene, The Kickstand. It's a coffee shop and more....

I live in an area where there are a lot of paved bicycle paths. The oldest and most well known of these, (an image of which is shown here), runs through a State Park, but we have close to, if not over, 100 miles of paved bike paths that are really nice.

As you can imagine, these are quite a draw. In fact, we have tourism based on these paths as a destination for cyclists from around the country. Since that is the case, a local couple decided to open a coffee shop near the trail system in hopes of garnering some business from trail users and make some new friends along the way. The place is called "The Kickstand", fittingly enough.

The Kickstand is located a stones throw off the trail on 12th Street just before you cross Dry Run Creek going south away from Cedar Falls. The bike path runs about 50 yards from The Kickstand's front door, which is located on the patio behind the owner's home. It's pretty nice and intimate, and on a nice day, you can sit around at tables provided outside, or step in to the cozy confines of the coffee shop itself.

<===The Kickstand is located behind the home of Heidi and Steve Aldrich, which is located at 317 East 14th Street just off 12th, shown here. (That's their home in the image)

I decided to stop in on Friday and have a look-see. It was a beautiful early fall day and the weather was great. Heidi Aldrich, one of the proprietors, was  behind the counter and greeted me with a warm smile. I ordered up a "pour through" coffee. Yeah.....I had never heard of that before, so I had to try it out.

 <===A "pour through" happening right before my very eyes!

Well, it wasn't long before I had chosen a dark roast from about four types of coffee available for a pour through and watched as Heidi "poured through" some hot water on the grounds and then the coffee came dripping out into an awaiting cup. Cool!

And it tasted fantastic as well.

But that isn't all The Kickstand does....oh no! They had pies with your choice of whipped cream or ice cream toppings, and the pie could be heated up. They had some other pastries and sodas to wash it down with if coffee isn't your thing. Heidi also showed me some cold pressed coffee which tasted very good! I think they even had a few souvenir trinkets and what nots to sell as well.

<===The Kickstand has a cozy, warm, inviting atmosphere.

As I sat and consumed my delicious coffee, Heidi explained to me that she and Steve want to start bringing in some entertainment and grow the business as a place to go for all trail users and even those that come by car!

I figured I'd even use The Kickstand as an excuse to roll my upcoming Salsa Cycles Mukluk out for a December cruise and warm up inside with a hot, steamy cuppa-joe, then return to Waterloo afterward. (That's right, I am buying a snow bike!) 

The business is still being fine tuned, but it is well worth a stop and the coffee is black and really good! I give it a hearty recommendo. Check out The Kickstand soon, ya'all!

The Local Scene: The Kickstand

I live in an area that is a unique one with a pretty strong cycling culture. I figured that I would start a series of posts under the moniker, "The Local Scene", in which I could talk about some things we have going on here in regards to cycling and its related activities. 

I'd like to kick that off with a visit I made to a new local establishment that has tied its fortunes to the local trail scene, The Kickstand. It's a coffee shop and more....

I live in an area where there are a lot of paved bicycle paths. The oldest and most well known of these, (an image of which is shown here), runs through a State Park, but we have close to, if not over, 100 miles of paved bike paths that are really nice.

As you can imagine, these are quite a draw. In fact, we have tourism based on these paths as a destination for cyclists from around the country. Since that is the case, a local couple decided to open a coffee shop near the trail system in hopes of garnering some business from trail users and make some new friends along the way. The place is called "The Kickstand", fittingly enough.

The Kickstand is located a stones throw off the trail on 12th Street just before you cross Dry Run Creek going south away from Cedar Falls. The bike path runs about 50 yards from The Kickstand's front door, which is located on the patio behind the owner's home. It's pretty nice and intimate, and on a nice day, you can sit around at tables provided outside, or step in to the cozy confines of the coffee shop itself.

<===The Kickstand is located behind the home of Heidi and Steve Aldrich, which is located at 317 East 14th Street just off 12th, shown here. (That's their home in the image)

I decided to stop in on Friday and have a look-see. It was a beautiful early fall day and the weather was great. Heidi Aldrich, one of the proprietors, was  behind the counter and greeted me with a warm smile. I ordered up a "pour through" coffee. Yeah.....I had never heard of that before, so I had to try it out.

 <===A "pour through" happening right before my very eyes!

Well, it wasn't long before I had chosen a dark roast from about four types of coffee available for a pour through and watched as Heidi "poured through" some hot water on the grounds and then the coffee came dripping out into an awaiting cup. Cool!

And it tasted fantastic as well.

But that isn't all The Kickstand does....oh no! They had pies with your choice of whipped cream or ice cream toppings, and the pie could be heated up. They had some other pastries and sodas to wash it down with if coffee isn't your thing. Heidi also showed me some cold pressed coffee which tasted very good! I think they even had a few souvenir trinkets and what nots to sell as well.

<===The Kickstand has a cozy, warm, inviting atmosphere.

As I sat and consumed my delicious coffee, Heidi explained to me that she and Steve want to start bringing in some entertainment and grow the business as a place to go for all trail users and even those that come by car!

I figured I'd even use The Kickstand as an excuse to roll my upcoming Salsa Cycles Mukluk out for a December cruise and warm up inside with a hot, steamy cuppa-joe, then return to Waterloo afterward. (That's right, I am buying a snow bike!) 

The business is still being fine tuned, but it is well worth a stop and the coffee is black and really good! I give it a hearty recommendo. Check out The Kickstand soon, ya'all!

So, What Did You See That Was "Hot"? At Interbike?

Ahhhh! The question most on people's lips when I say I was at Interbike. Even vendors ask you this. I have a theory that it is a default pleasantry that seems better than saying, "how are ya doin'?", or the standard, "Boy, the weather sure is nice/bad!"

Be that as it may, here is your answer.............

The Salsa Cycles Spearfish is a value packed sub-6lb FS frame that should be on any privateers racers radar for 2011.

You're going to see a lot of these at events in the coming years.

The Breezer carbon (and aluminum, which are similar),  models should be a very different feel from standard fare in the crowded 29"er hard tail market for 2011.

Tight wheel base, innovations in the details, and according to Grannygear, a sweet, supple ride, should make this stand out and according to Joe Breeze, be perfect for the mid-west's "tight twisties".

I think Twenty Nine Inches is getting one to test, so we may find out soon enough.

Old news if you have attended NAHBS, but this Renovo is entirely hand crafted from laminated wood, and it is said to be a light and lively bicycle.

Reminds me of a Chris Craft boat!

Yes, even the fork is wood with wood inserts on the head set cups. Probably the most intricately designed bike at the show. 

Greg Matyas of Speedway Cycles showed this steel "Fatback" snow bike. What a sweet looking snow rig!


Note the polished rims with reflective rim tape peeking out from the drilled out windows in the rim.

Titanium seat post, specially designed crank set for Fatback by The Hive, and a Larry front/Endomorph rear tire round out this capable snow bike design.

How can you not like a 36"er?

Check it out- Belt driven, custom titanium strut fork and handle bars all by Black Sheep Cycles.

Greg Herbold's vintage time machine 1993 Miyata FS rig. He actually raced this "back in the day".

Anodized heaven!

Can you imagine what else H-Ball has in his garage?

Santa Cruz came to the Outdoor Demo in this sweet vintage bus painted in Union Pacific Railroad livery.

Definitely one of those, "Whoa! Will ya look at that!" moments.

Have a great weekend! Ride your bikes folks!

More Interbike ramblings are coming soon..........

So, What Did You See That Was "Hot"? At Interbike?

Ahhhh! The question most on people's lips when I say I was at Interbike. Even vendors ask you this. I have a theory that it is a default pleasantry that seems better than saying, "how are ya doin'?", or the standard, "Boy, the weather sure is nice/bad!"

Be that as it may, here is your answer.............

The Salsa Cycles Spearfish is a value packed sub-6lb FS frame that should be on any privateers racers radar for 2011.

You're going to see a lot of these at events in the coming years.

The Breezer carbon (and aluminum, which are similar),  models should be a very different feel from standard fare in the crowded 29"er hard tail market for 2011.

Tight wheel base, innovations in the details, and according to Grannygear, a sweet, supple ride, should make this stand out and according to Joe Breeze, be perfect for the mid-west's "tight twisties".

I think Twenty Nine Inches is getting one to test, so we may find out soon enough.

Old news if you have attended NAHBS, but this Renovo is entirely hand crafted from laminated wood, and it is said to be a light and lively bicycle.

Reminds me of a Chris Craft boat!

Yes, even the fork is wood with wood inserts on the head set cups. Probably the most intricately designed bike at the show. 

Greg Matyas of Speedway Cycles showed this steel "Fatback" snow bike. What a sweet looking snow rig!


Note the polished rims with reflective rim tape peeking out from the drilled out windows in the rim.

Titanium seat post, specially designed crank set for Fatback by The Hive, and a Larry front/Endomorph rear tire round out this capable snow bike design.

How can you not like a 36"er?

Check it out- Belt driven, custom titanium strut fork and handle bars all by Black Sheep Cycles.

Greg Herbold's vintage time machine 1993 Miyata FS rig. He actually raced this "back in the day".

Anodized heaven!

Can you imagine what else H-Ball has in his garage?

Santa Cruz came to the Outdoor Demo in this sweet vintage bus painted in Union Pacific Railroad livery.

Definitely one of those, "Whoa! Will ya look at that!" moments.

Have a great weekend! Ride your bikes folks!

More Interbike ramblings are coming soon..........

The Road Home

<===A deserted DFW airport at 5:16am, Thursday, September 23rd...

A spooky full moon rose up in an orange haze over eastern Las Vegas, Nevada Wednesday evening as Grannygear and I sat down to a delicious Del Taco meal on a seedy stretch of Tropicana Boulevard. It would be our last hour together and the last time ever, (maybe), that we would both ever be in Las Vegas for that Interbike madness. 

Someone at the show must have read my earlier blog post because they exclaimed that I must not like Vegas all that much since I was having such a terrible time at Outdoor Demo. Well, there was a fair bit of hyperbole and sarcasm in that post, folks, so take it all with a grain-o-salt and move along. I'm just having some fun here. (That said, it was hot!)

We sauntered over to McCarran International a short way back towards The Strip after eating where Grannygear dropped me off and I went into my annual McCarran International sabbatical/endurance writing mode. Grannygear made the long trek back over the mesas, valleys, desert, and mountains back to his abode, while I prepared to bang the ends of a couple of my digits on spring loaded plastic buttons, otherwise known as a keyboard.

Endurance writing, you say? Yes, I do say. If you are quick on the uptake, you'll note that I said, "..I prepared to bang the ends of a couple of my digits...". That's right, I am whatcha call a "henpecker typist". It takes me five times as long to type anything as your Grandma can. What's that you say? Grandma is dead and buried these 20 years now? Trust me....

She types faster than I do!

So taking the time I have to wait at McCarran to write up stuff for Twenty Nine Inches is no big deal, but writing up and editing even one article can take me.......well, I'd rather not say. Somebody might decide to send over a forensic unit to see if I am decaying!

That said, I was banging away when I realized that the loud speakers in the waiting area at my gate were playing "Funky Town" and specifically the chorus, over and over and over and over, and........well, you get the idea. It must have been a dance mix because every so often a husky male voice would chime in, "He's so funky people!" Okay. It's cool for 30 seconds, then..........after two straight hours? Yeah. Two hours! I think it was a mind control thing.

Anyway.

 I got productive, typed and banged away for well over two straight hours, and then settled back for a 2.5 hour moonlit night ride in a germ tube to DFW. When I got there, I was met by perhaps the most sarcastic gate agent ever. A younger lady was telling people which gates their connections could be boarded at. The guy in front of me got the following:

"That's Gate number B-29 sir. You take a path to your right. There you go now. Gee, if you move any slower you'll miss the connection" 

I was pretty tired, and wasn't up to giving her a snappy intro, so I just blurted out "Des Moines" when it was my turn. She stopped, looked me in the eye, and sad, "Good morning sir." (Pause for effect)

I didn't let her jump back in, because I could see the door opening for her, and I took it back and closed it by staring her right back in the eyes and saying, "Good Morning. How are you?" (Insert slightly irritated, sarcastic tone here) She exchanged the pleasantry, and then tried to give me some witty directions as a come back, to which she received a dead pan stare into the eyes.  I shuffled off in the general direction she had indicated, only to discover two hours later that the gate assignment had changed and I had 20 minutes to get over there. No problem. I made it.

The rest was fairly uneventful, and I am back, ensconced in the Guitar Ted Laboratories once more. Oh yeah.......did I say I was "Endurance Writing"? Well, I still am, right at this very moment as I type this out, I have been up for 39.75 hours so far.

Sleep. It's what's for dinner!

The Road Home

<===A deserted DFW airport at 5:16am, Thursday, September 23rd...

A spooky full moon rose up in an orange haze over eastern Las Vegas, Nevada Wednesday evening as Grannygear and I sat down to a delicious Del Taco meal on a seedy stretch of Tropicana Boulevard. It would be our last hour together and the last time ever, (maybe), that we would both ever be in Las Vegas for that Interbike madness. 

Someone at the show must have read my earlier blog post because they exclaimed that I must not like Vegas all that much since I was having such a terrible time at Outdoor Demo. Well, there was a fair bit of hyperbole and sarcasm in that post, folks, so take it all with a grain-o-salt and move along. I'm just having some fun here. (That said, it was hot!)

We sauntered over to McCarran International a short way back towards The Strip after eating where Grannygear dropped me off and I went into my annual McCarran International sabbatical/endurance writing mode. Grannygear made the long trek back over the mesas, valleys, desert, and mountains back to his abode, while I prepared to bang the ends of a couple of my digits on spring loaded plastic buttons, otherwise known as a keyboard.

Endurance writing, you say? Yes, I do say. If you are quick on the uptake, you'll note that I said, "..I prepared to bang the ends of a couple of my digits...". That's right, I am whatcha call a "henpecker typist". It takes me five times as long to type anything as your Grandma can. What's that you say? Grandma is dead and buried these 20 years now? Trust me....

She types faster than I do!

So taking the time I have to wait at McCarran to write up stuff for Twenty Nine Inches is no big deal, but writing up and editing even one article can take me.......well, I'd rather not say. Somebody might decide to send over a forensic unit to see if I am decaying!

That said, I was banging away when I realized that the loud speakers in the waiting area at my gate were playing "Funky Town" and specifically the chorus, over and over and over and over, and........well, you get the idea. It must have been a dance mix because every so often a husky male voice would chime in, "He's so funky people!" Okay. It's cool for 30 seconds, then..........after two straight hours? Yeah. Two hours! I think it was a mind control thing.

Anyway.

 I got productive, typed and banged away for well over two straight hours, and then settled back for a 2.5 hour moonlit night ride in a germ tube to DFW. When I got there, I was met by perhaps the most sarcastic gate agent ever. A younger lady was telling people which gates their connections could be boarded at. The guy in front of me got the following:

"That's Gate number B-29 sir. You take a path to your right. There you go now. Gee, if you move any slower you'll miss the connection" 

I was pretty tired, and wasn't up to giving her a snappy intro, so I just blurted out "Des Moines" when it was my turn. She stopped, looked me in the eye, and sad, "Good morning sir." (Pause for effect)

I didn't let her jump back in, because I could see the door opening for her, and I took it back and closed it by staring her right back in the eyes and saying, "Good Morning. How are you?" (Insert slightly irritated, sarcastic tone here) She exchanged the pleasantry, and then tried to give me some witty directions as a come back, to which she received a dead pan stare into the eyes.  I shuffled off in the general direction she had indicated, only to discover two hours later that the gate assignment had changed and I had 20 minutes to get over there. No problem. I made it.

The rest was fairly uneventful, and I am back, ensconced in the Guitar Ted Laboratories once more. Oh yeah.......did I say I was "Endurance Writing"? Well, I still am, right at this very moment as I type this out, I have been up for 39.75 hours so far.

Sleep. It's what's for dinner!

It's The People Ya'all

Ya know, when I go to these cycling related gatherings, (Interbike, Sea Otter, and Trans Iowa come to mind immediately), I always lament that I don't get to sit down and spend more time with the people. 

Every business has great people, but I am willing to bet that the ratio of "super cool folks" is higher in cycling than any other sport. Really. I'd almost bet the farm on that.

It really is a shame when you see someone, exchange smiles and pleasantries, and say, "Whelp, I gotta get to......." Yeah.......That sucks. In one way though, it probably wouldn't happen as often at these gatherings if people weren't going to and fro like chickens with their heads cut off. (If you had lived on a farm in the Mid-West, that last phrase would totally make sense to you. If not, well.....it's kinda gruesome!)

Anyway, that's the part I don't like and totally relish, all at the same time. Maybe I'm a softie, I don't know, but this wouldn't be near as fun, or even worthwhile without the folks I meet, however briefly it may be for.

So, as I sit here in the airport, looking forward to getting home to see my wife and family, I will also add that I am really happy I came to Interbike, just to see the people.

I'll miss you all........till next time.

It's The People Ya'all

Ya know, when I go to these cycling related gatherings, (Interbike, Sea Otter, and Trans Iowa come to mind immediately), I always lament that I don't get to sit down and spend more time with the people. 

Every business has great people, but I am willing to bet that the ratio of "super cool folks" is higher in cycling than any other sport. Really. I'd almost bet the farm on that.

It really is a shame when you see someone, exchange smiles and pleasantries, and say, "Whelp, I gotta get to......." Yeah.......That sucks. In one way though, it probably wouldn't happen as often at these gatherings if people weren't going to and fro like chickens with their heads cut off. (If you had lived on a farm in the Mid-West, that last phrase would totally make sense to you. If not, well.....it's kinda gruesome!)

Anyway, that's the part I don't like and totally relish, all at the same time. Maybe I'm a softie, I don't know, but this wouldn't be near as fun, or even worthwhile without the folks I meet, however briefly it may be for.

So, as I sit here in the airport, looking forward to getting home to see my wife and family, I will also add that I am really happy I came to Interbike, just to see the people.

I'll miss you all........till next time.

Goodbye Bootleg Canyon

<===="Shiggy" and "Francious" from mtbr.com fame.

Well, today was the last day of riding for me at Bootleg Canyon. I can't imagine I'll ever come up to ride here again. I think the trails are awesome, don't get me wrong, but the dust and heat are not appealing to me. Well.......maybe in February. Yeah.....probably then it would be nice!

But, this place is on the way to nowhere else I would ever go to around here, so I just don't see it happening.

To mark the occaision, I collected some genuine Bootleg Canyon dust for my Dirt Museum. Expect a new bag to be hung up at the shop, Bootleg Canyon Dirt-in-a-Bag, soon.

<=====Affordable, light, and efficient, what's not to like?

The Spearfish is going to be a popular bike, I'm thinking. Mix a low price of $999.00 for a sub six pound frame with an efficient suspension platform tailor made for Mid-West single track and you've got a recipe for some big sales. But one must know a few things going in.

To be perfectly clear, to my mind, this isn't a "plush", "comfy", or "smooth" suspension bike. It works best when you are feeling some small degree of small trail chatter. Medium to bigger hits? Okay. The suspension works much like a Big Mama at that point. But this bike, which is a racer's rig for long rides and endurance events, is definitely tuned for efficiancy and covering ground at a rapid pace.

So, there wil be more coming on the Spearfish soon, but now, it's time to say goodbye to Bootleg Canyon and hello to the Sands Convention Center.

Goodbye Bootleg Canyon

<===="Shiggy" and "Francious" from mtbr.com fame.

Well, today was the last day of riding for me at Bootleg Canyon. I can't imagine I'll ever come up to ride here again. I think the trails are awesome, don't get me wrong, but the dust and heat are not appealing to me. Well.......maybe in February. Yeah.....probably then it would be nice!

But, this place is on the way to nowhere else I would ever go to around here, so I just don't see it happening.

To mark the occaision, I collected some genuine Bootleg Canyon dust for my Dirt Museum. Expect a new bag to be hung up at the shop, Bootleg Canyon Dirt-in-a-Bag, soon.

<=====Affordable, light, and efficient, what's not to like?

The Spearfish is going to be a popular bike, I'm thinking. Mix a low price of $999.00 for a sub six pound frame with an efficient suspension platform tailor made for Mid-West single track and you've got a recipe for some big sales. But one must know a few things going in.

To be perfectly clear, to my mind, this isn't a "plush", "comfy", or "smooth" suspension bike. It works best when you are feeling some small degree of small trail chatter. Medium to bigger hits? Okay. The suspension works much like a Big Mama at that point. But this bike, which is a racer's rig for long rides and endurance events, is definitely tuned for efficiancy and covering ground at a rapid pace.

So, there wil be more coming on the Spearfish soon, but now, it's time to say goodbye to Bootleg Canyon and hello to the Sands Convention Center.

Interbike Outdoor Demo or Dante's Inferno?

<==="The Masses" prepare to invade Hell

Well, it's the last Interbike to be held in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future. Like a spurned lover, Las Vegas is not letting go easily. In fact, it is down right nasty!

On the way out, I heard that the temperatures were into the low 100's in the Vegas area. Okay, no big, right? I mean, it's a dry heat!

Yeah............right! Dry like the air coming out of a hair dryer. In fact, if you want to know what it's like to be at Bootleg Canyon, just grab a hair dryer, put it on high, blow it at your head while tossing dust all over yourself. Yep, that's it. That's exactly it!

<===Demo Ken rockin' the Trek tent. (Here he's tellin' the "roadie" to get some "real pedals".

Okay, so on every trip, you forget something, right? Hopefully, it isn't anything significant, or necessary. In my case, I did the unthinkable. I forgot my pedals. This is as bad as forgetting clean underwear, for those that are not understanding. Fortunately, "Demo Ken" from the Trek Tent saved my bacon and set me up with a pair to use both days.

I don't care what Jon Burke says, Demo Ken rules! (Thanks man!) So, I was able to actually demo a few bikes. However; the air, if you can call it that, was making my throat so raspy I was almost losing my voice at times. Like John Mellencamp, but I wasn't singing "Pink Houses". I was sucking hot air, by the liters!

<===Vance McCaw wins the Best Footwear Award at Interferno's Outdoor Demon....er Demo!

The heat was crazy. Las Vegas was hating on us to the tune of triple digits and winds gusting to at least 30mph at times that whipped the dust into a frenzy. I don't think we can get out of this place soon enough.

Vendor count was way down, the folks there were low in numbers, and it was miserable in the desert this time. Talk about brutal! I sure hope that it's nicer for Day Two. But you know, spurned lovers like Las Vegas, with no compunctions morally, well......I ain't expectin' the heat to get turned down anytime soon!

 

Interbike Outdoor Demo or Dante's Inferno?

<==="The Masses" prepare to invade Hell

Well, it's the last Interbike to be held in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future. Like a spurned lover, Las Vegas is not letting go easily. In fact, it is down right nasty!

On the way out, I heard that the temperatures were into the low 100's in the Vegas area. Okay, no big, right? I mean, it's a dry heat!

Yeah............right! Dry like the air coming out of a hair dryer. In fact, if you want to know what it's like to be at Bootleg Canyon, just grab a hair dryer, put it on high, blow it at your head while tossing dust all over yourself. Yep, that's it. That's exactly it!

<===Demo Ken rockin' the Trek tent. (Here he's tellin' the "roadie" to get some "real pedals".

Okay, so on every trip, you forget something, right? Hopefully, it isn't anything significant, or necessary. In my case, I did the unthinkable. I forgot my pedals. This is as bad as forgetting clean underwear, for those that are not understanding. Fortunately, "Demo Ken" from the Trek Tent saved my bacon and set me up with a pair to use both days.

I don't care what Jon Burke says, Demo Ken rules! (Thanks man!) So, I was able to actually demo a few bikes. However; the air, if you can call it that, was making my throat so raspy I was almost losing my voice at times. Like John Mellencamp, but I wasn't singing "Pink Houses". I was sucking hot air, by the liters!

<===Vance McCaw wins the Best Footwear Award at Interferno's Outdoor Demon....er Demo!

The heat was crazy. Las Vegas was hating on us to the tune of triple digits and winds gusting to at least 30mph at times that whipped the dust into a frenzy. I don't think we can get out of this place soon enough.

Vendor count was way down, the folks there were low in numbers, and it was miserable in the desert this time. Talk about brutal! I sure hope that it's nicer for Day Two. But you know, spurned lovers like Las Vegas, with no compunctions morally, well......I ain't expectin' the heat to get turned down anytime soon!

 

Just A Few Words Before We Begin....

With Interbike on the doorstep, I wanted to give my thoughts on where I think big wheeled bikes stand going in. Of course, I may have a totally different viewpoint coming out the other side of this, but I really don't think so. Here's what I see going on from where I sit.

First things first: Anybody who doesn't think this European blast of 29"ers isn't going to amount to anything better reconsider that position. Here's a couple of reasons why. The first comes from my earlier post this month on my thoughts about Eurobike where I described the effects of World Cup racing on 29"ers and the manufacturers getting behind the wheel size in big numbers:

"It all added up to what may be a perfect storm of sorts for fans of big wheelers. Not only were the people interested and curious about 29"ers, there was plenty of product to satisfy that curiosity there at the show. (Eurobike) This will now be an interesting thing to watch: That being how the European cycling community reacts to what they have now seen and tried at the show. If the dealers sell through the hard tails they are testing the waters with for 2011, I think it will bode very well for 29'er aficionados all over the world. More components, more bicycles, and more designs will be produced. Already we are seeing several new tire designs being promised at Eurobike 2010. " 

I really believe that component choices and tire choices will proliferate due to this happening. Secondly, my contributor from Europe to Twenty Nine Inches, "c_g", recently e-mailed me his thoughts on what is happening "on the ground" there in Europe and all signs point to 29"ers not only sticking around there, but becoming a "big deal" of sorts.  The mindset of the press, the manufacturers, and even the riders has become one of encouraging and support towards the wheel size, which is a huge change from the apathy noted as recently as last spring.

So, the bottom line there is: Europe will heavily influence the 29"er scene in the coming months and years.

Next we have a burgeoning long travel/AM/DH niche that is showing stronger signs of catching some legs and growing beyond just being a curiosity. Down hill pros are starting to take a serious look at 29 inch wheels and with a few more component and tire developments, I believe we will start to see some serious usage of big wheeled DH bikes in some big events that have courses suited to 29"ers.

I'll admit two things about those thoughts up front. #1: I didn't seriously believe it would happen as recently as the beginning of this year, and #2: It will be awhile in coming. Unless we get blown away at Interbike by some new Rock Shox Boxxer 29"er or a Fox DH 29"er fork, some serious 2 ply DH tires, and a few more rim choices beyond the excellent Sun Ringle' MTX-33's, then I just think the pros will sit and wait. I don't think there is any doubt that some of the better riders are looking at 29"ers and thinking seriously about the prospects. In fact, I've read quotes to that effect already. So, it's coming, but maybe not just quite yet.

Who'da thunk it!

Then there is the already established long travel 29"er scene, which is where I believe the growth will be in big wheels as far as bikes, components, and tires in the coming year. There are a lot of rumors floating out there about single crown and dual crown forks in the 140 plus travel range that are being tested and once they hit, there are designs already in the can from the major manufacturers waiting to use them. Tires will be there, rims will follow, and long travel 29"ers with 5 + inches front and rear will soon be as commonplace as 26"er models.

Another thing "they" said "would never happen" in 2005 is coming true right before our eyes. 

And what about 650B? A well known mainstream cycling media writer recently Tweeted that he thought 650B was a "flash in the pan". Brutal? Maybe.....but that is looking to be accurate. For what ever reasons you want to bandy about, 650B just doesn't seem to be doing anything beyond the "niche of a niche" predictions I had for it going in back in 2007. (When the wheel size was heralded as the next thing in big wheeled mountain biking) Pundits proclaimed that 650B would be where 29"ers were in 2007 by 2010. Then the economy went south, and so seemingly did any hopes for the 650B wheel to take root. Again, you can tie this lackluster enthusiasm for the "B Wheels" to anything you like. But when Pro mountain bikers from the Woman's ranks go to 29"ers, and when long travel bikes with 29 inch wheels actually do work without compromising much- if anything, and when the whole of the European continent summarily disregards 650B, (the birthplace of the wheel size, for cryin' out loud), then one has to wonder if the standard really isn't just a "flash in the pan".

Interbike may breathe some life back into the 650B wheel, but unless there is some big component news, a few new 650B models shown, or a new tire or two, I will have to say that the wheel size is slipping into the shadows at a rapid pace. Sure, it will be around, but the reality seems to be that it will not be something very noteworthy in the years to come. And I want this to be clear: My thoughts are in regards to 650B mountain bikes specifically. The road side of 650B actually shows more signs of life, ironically.

Finally- will there be a belt drive 29"er that makes sense? Interbike is going to be the show where a "new development" in belt drive single speeding is set to debut that promises to fix some of the short comings of the much ballyhooed Gates Carbon Belt Drive. I am going to be looking at this very carefully, because #1: I am a skeptic when it comes to replacing anything on a bicycle with well over 100 years of successful use. (ie: The Chain). #2: I am very skeptical when something new makes claims about the "shortcomings of _____" when those alleged "shortcomings" are not at all a problem. So it will be with a very careful eye that I will look upon this "new development" and you can bet that if it does work, I'll say so. Look for my take after Interbike.

Okay, that's enough of my ramblings. I've got to finish packing! I will be in Vegas in less than 24 hours............

Just A Few Words Before We Begin....

With Interbike on the doorstep, I wanted to give my thoughts on where I think big wheeled bikes stand going in. Of course, I may have a totally different viewpoint coming out the other side of this, but I really don't think so. Here's what I see going on from where I sit.

First things first: Anybody who doesn't think this European blast of 29"ers isn't going to amount to anything better reconsider that position. Here's a couple of reasons why. The first comes from my earlier post this month on my thoughts about Eurobike where I described the effects of World Cup racing on 29"ers and the manufacturers getting behind the wheel size in big numbers:

"It all added up to what may be a perfect storm of sorts for fans of big wheelers. Not only were the people interested and curious about 29"ers, there was plenty of product to satisfy that curiosity there at the show. (Eurobike) This will now be an interesting thing to watch: That being how the European cycling community reacts to what they have now seen and tried at the show. If the dealers sell through the hard tails they are testing the waters with for 2011, I think it will bode very well for 29'er aficionados all over the world. More components, more bicycles, and more designs will be produced. Already we are seeing several new tire designs being promised at Eurobike 2010. " 

I really believe that component choices and tire choices will proliferate due to this happening. Secondly, my contributor from Europe to Twenty Nine Inches, "c_g", recently e-mailed me his thoughts on what is happening "on the ground" there in Europe and all signs point to 29"ers not only sticking around there, but becoming a "big deal" of sorts.  The mindset of the press, the manufacturers, and even the riders has become one of encouraging and support towards the wheel size, which is a huge change from the apathy noted as recently as last spring.

So, the bottom line there is: Europe will heavily influence the 29"er scene in the coming months and years.

Next we have a burgeoning long travel/AM/DH niche that is showing stronger signs of catching some legs and growing beyond just being a curiosity. Down hill pros are starting to take a serious look at 29 inch wheels and with a few more component and tire developments, I believe we will start to see some serious usage of big wheeled DH bikes in some big events that have courses suited to 29"ers.

I'll admit two things about those thoughts up front. #1: I didn't seriously believe it would happen as recently as the beginning of this year, and #2: It will be awhile in coming. Unless we get blown away at Interbike by some new Rock Shox Boxxer 29"er or a Fox DH 29"er fork, some serious 2 ply DH tires, and a few more rim choices beyond the excellent Sun Ringle' MTX-33's, then I just think the pros will sit and wait. I don't think there is any doubt that some of the better riders are looking at 29"ers and thinking seriously about the prospects. In fact, I've read quotes to that effect already. So, it's coming, but maybe not just quite yet.

Who'da thunk it!

Then there is the already established long travel 29"er scene, which is where I believe the growth will be in big wheels as far as bikes, components, and tires in the coming year. There are a lot of rumors floating out there about single crown and dual crown forks in the 140 plus travel range that are being tested and once they hit, there are designs already in the can from the major manufacturers waiting to use them. Tires will be there, rims will follow, and long travel 29"ers with 5 + inches front and rear will soon be as commonplace as 26"er models.

Another thing "they" said "would never happen" in 2005 is coming true right before our eyes. 

And what about 650B? A well known mainstream cycling media writer recently Tweeted that he thought 650B was a "flash in the pan". Brutal? Maybe.....but that is looking to be accurate. For what ever reasons you want to bandy about, 650B just doesn't seem to be doing anything beyond the "niche of a niche" predictions I had for it going in back in 2007. (When the wheel size was heralded as the next thing in big wheeled mountain biking) Pundits proclaimed that 650B would be where 29"ers were in 2007 by 2010. Then the economy went south, and so seemingly did any hopes for the 650B wheel to take root. Again, you can tie this lackluster enthusiasm for the "B Wheels" to anything you like. But when Pro mountain bikers from the Woman's ranks go to 29"ers, and when long travel bikes with 29 inch wheels actually do work without compromising much- if anything, and when the whole of the European continent summarily disregards 650B, (the birthplace of the wheel size, for cryin' out loud), then one has to wonder if the standard really isn't just a "flash in the pan".

Interbike may breathe some life back into the 650B wheel, but unless there is some big component news, a few new 650B models shown, or a new tire or two, I will have to say that the wheel size is slipping into the shadows at a rapid pace. Sure, it will be around, but the reality seems to be that it will not be something very noteworthy in the years to come. And I want this to be clear: My thoughts are in regards to 650B mountain bikes specifically. The road side of 650B actually shows more signs of life, ironically.

Finally- will there be a belt drive 29"er that makes sense? Interbike is going to be the show where a "new development" in belt drive single speeding is set to debut that promises to fix some of the short comings of the much ballyhooed Gates Carbon Belt Drive. I am going to be looking at this very carefully, because #1: I am a skeptic when it comes to replacing anything on a bicycle with well over 100 years of successful use. (ie: The Chain). #2: I am very skeptical when something new makes claims about the "shortcomings of _____" when those alleged "shortcomings" are not at all a problem. So it will be with a very careful eye that I will look upon this "new development" and you can bet that if it does work, I'll say so. Look for my take after Interbike.

Okay, that's enough of my ramblings. I've got to finish packing! I will be in Vegas in less than 24 hours............