T-6 Brent's Rule Of Single Speeding

Okay, so I like single speed riding. Alot! Many others dig it too. Why? Well, I'm not going there. This isn't about that. This is about gearing, and mental states of riding, and beer. (Well.......not really "beer", but it sounds good in this story. You'll figure it out!)

So here I was last year riding most of the time on my OS Bikes Blackbuck with a gearing set up of 34 X 20. I was spinning well all summer and it worked great for me. I could climb, I could go fast as I thought was fun, and I could limit my off the bike hikes. Good. Well........so I thought.

It was all good until Captain Bob and I had our "Sponsorship Summit" with Twin Six back last November. Ryan and Brent have had me as a "member" of the Team for awhile and it was my time to thank them, ride, and hang out a bit. I was spinning my gear on the Blackbuck when Brent says, "What gear do you have on that thing?" Well, a conversation ensued on the single track of Murphy-Hanrahan park as Brent expounded on the virtues of his "Rule For Single Speed Gearing"

Basically, "The Rule" states that you should not get too comfortable on the single speed with the gear you are running. This leads to stagnation in the performance department, lethargy, and a propensity to drink the cheapest Pilsner you can find. Not good! So what you should do, is put on a gear one to two teeth less in the back than you are running now. Performance will pick up, you will have more energy, and you will drink cool beer, like Pabst Blue Ribbon.

I said that sounded pretty painful, and that would most likely only increase my hiking time. Brent retorted with something like this: "Well, at first it sucks, ya know? You go out a few times at first, your legs are killin' ya man! You say, "This sucks!" Then you go out a few more times. Then you say, "Meh.....This isn't so bad." Then the next thing ya know, you're flying man!" Uh-huh.............riiiight! That's what I thought at first, but Brent took more time with me, ya know he is a Team Leader and all, and technically my Director Sportif, and I listened because of that. I think I finally came away with an understanding, and promised my DS that "next year" would be different!

So, we're into next year and what has happened? Well, I gave the idea a try on the Misfit diSSent. I set it up with a 34 X 18 and went out to ride. Well, it was fast, hard to deal with for awhile, and it made me want to buy imported beers. I decided that Brent must be a genius and that this was possibly going to work out for me. Then a day came that I hate to admit to. Captain Bob had something to do with this one...........

I had the Misfit at the shop, as I used it to commute into work on. Well, we were talking about this single speed gearing rule, and Captain Bob got down on a knee and said, "What have you got on hear for a gear?" (Why is it everyone asks me about "my gears"?) Anyway, he counted the big rings teeth.......36! Wow! I was pushing a 36 X 18? This was almost like doping, and it made me want to run out and buy a premium imported beer for sure! (late edit: Captain Bob says it is a 38 X 18!!!- He has the bike right now)

So, here's a public apology to Brent of T-6 saying that I'm sorry I ever doubted ya man! I hope you can still consider me as part of the Team. Thanks for the "Rule of Single Speed Gearing" I guess the most important part about it is that you just have to be blissfully ignorant of your higher gearing, mash away, and don't buy cheap beer.

T-6 Brent's Rule Of Single Speeding

Okay, so I like single speed riding. Alot! Many others dig it too. Why? Well, I'm not going there. This isn't about that. This is about gearing, and mental states of riding, and beer. (Well.......not really "beer", but it sounds good in this story. You'll figure it out!)

So here I was last year riding most of the time on my OS Bikes Blackbuck with a gearing set up of 34 X 20. I was spinning well all summer and it worked great for me. I could climb, I could go fast as I thought was fun, and I could limit my off the bike hikes. Good. Well........so I thought.

It was all good until Captain Bob and I had our "Sponsorship Summit" with Twin Six back last November. Ryan and Brent have had me as a "member" of the Team for awhile and it was my time to thank them, ride, and hang out a bit. I was spinning my gear on the Blackbuck when Brent says, "What gear do you have on that thing?" Well, a conversation ensued on the single track of Murphy-Hanrahan park as Brent expounded on the virtues of his "Rule For Single Speed Gearing"

Basically, "The Rule" states that you should not get too comfortable on the single speed with the gear you are running. This leads to stagnation in the performance department, lethargy, and a propensity to drink the cheapest Pilsner you can find. Not good! So what you should do, is put on a gear one to two teeth less in the back than you are running now. Performance will pick up, you will have more energy, and you will drink cool beer, like Pabst Blue Ribbon.

I said that sounded pretty painful, and that would most likely only increase my hiking time. Brent retorted with something like this: "Well, at first it sucks, ya know? You go out a few times at first, your legs are killin' ya man! You say, "This sucks!" Then you go out a few more times. Then you say, "Meh.....This isn't so bad." Then the next thing ya know, you're flying man!" Uh-huh.............riiiight! That's what I thought at first, but Brent took more time with me, ya know he is a Team Leader and all, and technically my Director Sportif, and I listened because of that. I think I finally came away with an understanding, and promised my DS that "next year" would be different!

So, we're into next year and what has happened? Well, I gave the idea a try on the Misfit diSSent. I set it up with a 34 X 18 and went out to ride. Well, it was fast, hard to deal with for awhile, and it made me want to buy imported beers. I decided that Brent must be a genius and that this was possibly going to work out for me. Then a day came that I hate to admit to. Captain Bob had something to do with this one...........

I had the Misfit at the shop, as I used it to commute into work on. Well, we were talking about this single speed gearing rule, and Captain Bob got down on a knee and said, "What have you got on hear for a gear?" (Why is it everyone asks me about "my gears"?) Anyway, he counted the big rings teeth.......36! Wow! I was pushing a 36 X 18? This was almost like doping, and it made me want to run out and buy a premium imported beer for sure! (late edit: Captain Bob says it is a 38 X 18!!!- He has the bike right now)

So, here's a public apology to Brent of T-6 saying that I'm sorry I ever doubted ya man! I hope you can still consider me as part of the Team. Thanks for the "Rule of Single Speed Gearing" I guess the most important part about it is that you just have to be blissfully ignorant of your higher gearing, mash away, and don't buy cheap beer.

Winter Still Hangs On

<====The Misfit In The Snow

I did a little recon of a couple local (to me) riding spots. First I went out to check on Cedar Bend Park, but the gate was up out at the blacktop and the sign said that the park wouldn't open until May 1st. Fair enough. I didn't want to incur the wrath of any locals or authority figures, so I moved on.

I made my way through Waverly and then on out to Camp Ingawanis. The gravel was pretty soft in spots, but the roads are all clear now.


<====Winter still holds court in the woods.

The South Side was my aim and when I got there it looked like the trail was at least partially clear. It was 50 degrees and the sun was out, so minimal clothing was on for this attempt at riding. It felt great not to have to layer up so much. Probably the least amount of clothing I've worn since The Fargo Ride in Minneapolis last November.




<====The service road was the best bet for riding.

The trail soon disappeared under a blanket of snow. I followed along, and then when I saw it was going to be fruitless to follow the singletrack, I looked for the service road.

The service road loops through the South Side to the creek. I followed along till I reached that area, and then bearing right on foot, followed the stream for a bit until I saw a good place to scale the ridge above the creek and look for the service road back out from the Cope Course.

<===Bobcat tracks going straight up the ridge.

The Camp is home to a wide variety of wildlife. I saw the tracks of many woodland creatures as I traversed the ridge heading eastwards. Turkey, rabbit, bobcat, and the ever present deer were all tracks I saw. At one point, I detected some movement and thinking it was a deer, I swung around to my left to see two Bald Eagles flying swiftly up the line of the creek. I was up high enough that the eagles were right at my eye level. Cool!

I finally reached the service road out and went rolling down the hill towards the car. A great time out in the woods, even though the riding was minimal and slow. It'll be awhile before the trails are rideable.

Even though the snow in my yard is about gone, I'd say there was a good six inches blanketing the floor of the woods yet. That will take awhile to melt away too, as it is dense and packed in. I could walk right up over it for the most part with no post holing at all.

Even if the snow did disappear, the logging that took place last fall has made a mess out of certain places out there and I'm sure a lot of trail work will be necessary before we can rage some South Side single track anytime soon.

Winter Still Hangs On

<====The Misfit In The Snow

I did a little recon of a couple local (to me) riding spots. First I went out to check on Cedar Bend Park, but the gate was up out at the blacktop and the sign said that the park wouldn't open until May 1st. Fair enough. I didn't want to incur the wrath of any locals or authority figures, so I moved on.

I made my way through Waverly and then on out to Camp Ingawanis. The gravel was pretty soft in spots, but the roads are all clear now.


<====Winter still holds court in the woods.

The South Side was my aim and when I got there it looked like the trail was at least partially clear. It was 50 degrees and the sun was out, so minimal clothing was on for this attempt at riding. It felt great not to have to layer up so much. Probably the least amount of clothing I've worn since The Fargo Ride in Minneapolis last November.




<====The service road was the best bet for riding.

The trail soon disappeared under a blanket of snow. I followed along, and then when I saw it was going to be fruitless to follow the singletrack, I looked for the service road.

The service road loops through the South Side to the creek. I followed along till I reached that area, and then bearing right on foot, followed the stream for a bit until I saw a good place to scale the ridge above the creek and look for the service road back out from the Cope Course.

<===Bobcat tracks going straight up the ridge.

The Camp is home to a wide variety of wildlife. I saw the tracks of many woodland creatures as I traversed the ridge heading eastwards. Turkey, rabbit, bobcat, and the ever present deer were all tracks I saw. At one point, I detected some movement and thinking it was a deer, I swung around to my left to see two Bald Eagles flying swiftly up the line of the creek. I was up high enough that the eagles were right at my eye level. Cool!

I finally reached the service road out and went rolling down the hill towards the car. A great time out in the woods, even though the riding was minimal and slow. It'll be awhile before the trails are rideable.

Even though the snow in my yard is about gone, I'd say there was a good six inches blanketing the floor of the woods yet. That will take awhile to melt away too, as it is dense and packed in. I could walk right up over it for the most part with no post holing at all.

Even if the snow did disappear, the logging that took place last fall has made a mess out of certain places out there and I'm sure a lot of trail work will be necessary before we can rage some South Side single track anytime soon.

Thursday News And Views

<===I call it "Vitamin R"

The single speed Rainier cyclo crosser is complete, (minus pedals). I got my Salsa Cycles Crossing Guard Wednesday and finished up the build. Those are 42mm IRC tires on there! I'll probably run something lighter and less wide when it comes time to throw down next fall. But for now, this will do.

The build consists of the following: Raleigh Rainier SS frame, size 59cm, Easton EC-90 carbon fiber fork, Sante' crank on a UN-54 square taper bottom bracket, ACS Claws 17T freewheel, 38T Origin 8 chain ring, SRAM PC-830 chain, (to be changed out for a different chain soon), Origin 8 single speed flip flop hub with a 16T cog and lock ring, KORE white cantilever brakes, de-badged Weinman DP-18 rims in "lager gold", Wheelsmith spokes and alloy nipples, IRC Mythos 42mm tires, Bontrager saddle, seat post, and stem, Midge Bars, Sante' levers, Bontrager tape in red, and a Salsa Cycles Crossing Guard chain ring guard.

First ride after I get me some pedals!



<===What happens when you are nice to people.

I had an old Sony turntable given to me. Turntable? Yes.....one of those thingies folks used to play "records" on so they could hear music. Well I had big plans to start playing the 500 LP's I have laying in a box somewhere, but of course, never got around to it and the record player sat under my bench at work for over a year.

Well, apparently vinyl records are making a comeback, and Brian, a co-worker I know at work knew about this turntable, so he asked me if I would sell it to him. I figured that since I didn't pay anything for it, why should he? Well, Brian gifted me this beer in return. I love it when everybody is happy!



<===I'm baaack! I'm back for more! (Hair band reference)

So I click on Salsa Cycles website yesterday and what do I see? Wool! Right on!

The old red and black Salsa "Classico" jersey had been discontinued for a few year, so this came as a complete surprise. Nice, and in short or long sleeves. Yeah, the price is big time, but this is made by EWR and they are top notch jersey makers. Nice ribbed collars, nice weight Merino wool fabric, and all tailored very well. I have lusted for an EWR jersey for a long time, but now that there is this Salsa Cycles version, I will definitely be getting one. Nice job Salsa Crew!

I did do some riding yesterday. It wasn't too bad in the morning. Not much wind and the temperatures above freezing. It sure was muddy though! I rode the Misfit Dissent back to back with the steel Milwaukee Bicycle Company 29"er. Definitely a difference between the two bikes. The Dissent, being aluminum is nice, not super stiff. The fork, also aluminum, is amazing. Very smooth! The bike is agile, playful almost. I do know it has a shorter wheel base than the MBC 29"er. Then I rode the steel rig next. Wow! Steel be good when it is made out of the pipes that the MBC is. Smooooth! Of course, this rig has a Cadillac ride and a '75 Eldorado wheelbase to go with it. She's a long legged gal, but sweet and super forgiving. I like the ride and it is a mellow, laid back feeling rig compared to the Dissent.

Man! Bicycles are just too much fun!

Thursday News And Views

<===I call it "Vitamin R"

The single speed Rainier cyclo crosser is complete, (minus pedals). I got my Salsa Cycles Crossing Guard Wednesday and finished up the build. Those are 42mm IRC tires on there! I'll probably run something lighter and less wide when it comes time to throw down next fall. But for now, this will do.

The build consists of the following: Raleigh Rainier SS frame, size 59cm, Easton EC-90 carbon fiber fork, Sante' crank on a UN-54 square taper bottom bracket, ACS Claws 17T freewheel, 38T Origin 8 chain ring, SRAM PC-830 chain, (to be changed out for a different chain soon), Origin 8 single speed flip flop hub with a 16T cog and lock ring, KORE white cantilever brakes, de-badged Weinman DP-18 rims in "lager gold", Wheelsmith spokes and alloy nipples, IRC Mythos 42mm tires, Bontrager saddle, seat post, and stem, Midge Bars, Sante' levers, Bontrager tape in red, and a Salsa Cycles Crossing Guard chain ring guard.

First ride after I get me some pedals!



<===What happens when you are nice to people.

I had an old Sony turntable given to me. Turntable? Yes.....one of those thingies folks used to play "records" on so they could hear music. Well I had big plans to start playing the 500 LP's I have laying in a box somewhere, but of course, never got around to it and the record player sat under my bench at work for over a year.

Well, apparently vinyl records are making a comeback, and Brian, a co-worker I know at work knew about this turntable, so he asked me if I would sell it to him. I figured that since I didn't pay anything for it, why should he? Well, Brian gifted me this beer in return. I love it when everybody is happy!



<===I'm baaack! I'm back for more! (Hair band reference)

So I click on Salsa Cycles website yesterday and what do I see? Wool! Right on!

The old red and black Salsa "Classico" jersey had been discontinued for a few year, so this came as a complete surprise. Nice, and in short or long sleeves. Yeah, the price is big time, but this is made by EWR and they are top notch jersey makers. Nice ribbed collars, nice weight Merino wool fabric, and all tailored very well. I have lusted for an EWR jersey for a long time, but now that there is this Salsa Cycles version, I will definitely be getting one. Nice job Salsa Crew!

I did do some riding yesterday. It wasn't too bad in the morning. Not much wind and the temperatures above freezing. It sure was muddy though! I rode the Misfit Dissent back to back with the steel Milwaukee Bicycle Company 29"er. Definitely a difference between the two bikes. The Dissent, being aluminum is nice, not super stiff. The fork, also aluminum, is amazing. Very smooth! The bike is agile, playful almost. I do know it has a shorter wheel base than the MBC 29"er. Then I rode the steel rig next. Wow! Steel be good when it is made out of the pipes that the MBC is. Smooooth! Of course, this rig has a Cadillac ride and a '75 Eldorado wheelbase to go with it. She's a long legged gal, but sweet and super forgiving. I like the ride and it is a mellow, laid back feeling rig compared to the Dissent.

Man! Bicycles are just too much fun!

Random Friday-ness

<===The ice jam on the Blackhawk before it washed out on Thursday.

Well, even though the temperatures have decreased a bunch here, the after effects of the melt over the past weekend are still being felt. The Black Hawk and the Cedar were way up and flooding low lying areas around the area.

At least the moat in front of my house has moved on downstream! I don't have to wade out to the car anymore when I need to drive it.





<===Misfit Dissent out getting dirty.

I was able to find a few places where I could get in some testing on the Dissent. Not really single track mind you, but dirt and climbing were found. I just had to be creative!

The dikes on the Black Hawk make for great climbing hills, and some double track inspection road alongside the dike, along with some dirt roads in the cemetary worked to get rubber on dirt.




<===Trans Iowa will never be the same.

Garmin stepped up to support Trans iowa with the donation of this Garmin 605 unit. It's bicycle compatible, and they even sent some mapping software with it so we can plot the course and get accurate turns and most importantly mileage.

Besides this, they are also supporting he event with two more GPS units as prizing. Awesome! Now to get out there and see if I can get the whole course mapped and locked in. Should be some fun times ahead.

I hope ya'all can get some riding in this weekend. Spring is just around the corner!

Random Friday-ness

<===The ice jam on the Blackhawk before it washed out on Thursday.

Well, even though the temperatures have decreased a bunch here, the after effects of the melt over the past weekend are still being felt. The Black Hawk and the Cedar were way up and flooding low lying areas around the area.

At least the moat in front of my house has moved on downstream! I don't have to wade out to the car anymore when I need to drive it.





<===Misfit Dissent out getting dirty.

I was able to find a few places where I could get in some testing on the Dissent. Not really single track mind you, but dirt and climbing were found. I just had to be creative!

The dikes on the Black Hawk make for great climbing hills, and some double track inspection road alongside the dike, along with some dirt roads in the cemetary worked to get rubber on dirt.




<===Trans Iowa will never be the same.

Garmin stepped up to support Trans iowa with the donation of this Garmin 605 unit. It's bicycle compatible, and they even sent some mapping software with it so we can plot the course and get accurate turns and most importantly mileage.

Besides this, they are also supporting he event with two more GPS units as prizing. Awesome! Now to get out there and see if I can get the whole course mapped and locked in. Should be some fun times ahead.

I hope ya'all can get some riding in this weekend. Spring is just around the corner!

Thursday News And Views

Raleigh CX SS Update: The Rainier is getting worked on now again that I have most of my parts gathered. I started building up the wheels late yesterday, the bottom bracket and cranks are on the frame, the seat post, stem, and front chain ring is in and ready to be installed. I gt some brakes, some levers, and a handle bar. Still have to decide on tires and bar wrap along with some minor details. I hope to have this up and running by the weekend.

The Misfit : The Misfit Psycles Dissent is done and that will get ridden now that our temps are getting live able again. I know that there have been "windows" of warmer (If you can call slightly above zero "warmer) weather and some folks are riding gravels, but my timing for getting out at those particular times has been off. It looks as though it will all come together Saturday morning though, so that is my aim for now.

Public Service Announcement: If you haven't noticed, there was an individual that decided to pump up my comment count to an all time high yesterday. My advice is to not leave any comments here until I can get that cleared up. I also wouldn't bother looking at the comment section for yesterday or probably today. (There won't be anything worth reading there) I won't be checking the comments until I have regained control of the function. (Lesson: Write down your passwords for little used computer functions) After that is cleared up, I'll give the high sign here that comments will be moderated. Too bad that it has to be that way, but there it is........

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Have a great Thursday folks and ride a bike if you can. (Of whatever wheel size!)

Thursday News And Views

Raleigh CX SS Update: The Rainier is getting worked on now again that I have most of my parts gathered. I started building up the wheels late yesterday, the bottom bracket and cranks are on the frame, the seat post, stem, and front chain ring is in and ready to be installed. I gt some brakes, some levers, and a handle bar. Still have to decide on tires and bar wrap along with some minor details. I hope to have this up and running by the weekend.

The Misfit : The Misfit Psycles Dissent is done and that will get ridden now that our temps are getting live able again. I know that there have been "windows" of warmer (If you can call slightly above zero "warmer) weather and some folks are riding gravels, but my timing for getting out at those particular times has been off. It looks as though it will all come together Saturday morning though, so that is my aim for now.

Public Service Announcement: If you haven't noticed, there was an individual that decided to pump up my comment count to an all time high yesterday. My advice is to not leave any comments here until I can get that cleared up. I also wouldn't bother looking at the comment section for yesterday or probably today. (There won't be anything worth reading there) I won't be checking the comments until I have regained control of the function. (Lesson: Write down your passwords for little used computer functions) After that is cleared up, I'll give the high sign here that comments will be moderated. Too bad that it has to be that way, but there it is........

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Have a great Thursday folks and ride a bike if you can. (Of whatever wheel size!)

Bike Building......And Riding!

Well, it has been a pretty productive weekend at Guitar Ted Laboratories. I even got to ride my bicycle! Woo Hoo! With temperatures over the freezing mark, finally.....I actually rode outside for a bit. I did take it pretty easy though, since I haven't ridden in a few weeks and I needed to start out with a slow, steady pace to get back into putting some base miles in.

I rode the Milwaukee Bicycle Company single speeder yesterday. I just cruised around town this time. It was a perfect rig for the day and great for this sort of weather. Long, lowish, and stable is good for icy, wet, slushy streets. I still got off to walk a few places though. Just too sketchy to trust.

In bike building I nearly finished off the Dissent. It just needs a new chain. I'll get one at work today and probably get that installed tonight. Then it's time to ride it! It's looking pretty cool, so I'll have to throw up some pics of it when I finish it.

The next project hit the stand tonight. The Raleigh Rainier single speed cross bike got its BB prepared,a cartridge installed, (square taper) and I mocked up the rear brake. The brakes are these really cool KORE cantilevers in powder coat white. I've got some other white bits to install too like the old Sante' cranks, brake levers, a Bontrager stem, and white Jagwire housing for the brakes. I got some gold ano Weinman DP-18 rims that look like Pilsner, so that befits a bike named "Rainier" I think. They'll get laced up to some flip flop fixed/free Origin 8 hubs.

I'll have both a fixed cog and free wheel on it for some stupid fixed gear antics. I figure I may as well use this rig for training and commuting this summer. Get used to it before I try to cross race it somewhere this coming fall. Sounds like a plan, eh?

So, that's my weekend. I've got some things to do yet, but I made a lot of progress I think. Hopefully we'll have some more good weather coming up, because I kind of liked that riding a bike thing I did yesterday. I think I'd like to do that some more!

Bike Building......And Riding!

Well, it has been a pretty productive weekend at Guitar Ted Laboratories. I even got to ride my bicycle! Woo Hoo! With temperatures over the freezing mark, finally.....I actually rode outside for a bit. I did take it pretty easy though, since I haven't ridden in a few weeks and I needed to start out with a slow, steady pace to get back into putting some base miles in.

I rode the Milwaukee Bicycle Company single speeder yesterday. I just cruised around town this time. It was a perfect rig for the day and great for this sort of weather. Long, lowish, and stable is good for icy, wet, slushy streets. I still got off to walk a few places though. Just too sketchy to trust.

In bike building I nearly finished off the Dissent. It just needs a new chain. I'll get one at work today and probably get that installed tonight. Then it's time to ride it! It's looking pretty cool, so I'll have to throw up some pics of it when I finish it.

The next project hit the stand tonight. The Raleigh Rainier single speed cross bike got its BB prepared,a cartridge installed, (square taper) and I mocked up the rear brake. The brakes are these really cool KORE cantilevers in powder coat white. I've got some other white bits to install too like the old Sante' cranks, brake levers, a Bontrager stem, and white Jagwire housing for the brakes. I got some gold ano Weinman DP-18 rims that look like Pilsner, so that befits a bike named "Rainier" I think. They'll get laced up to some flip flop fixed/free Origin 8 hubs.

I'll have both a fixed cog and free wheel on it for some stupid fixed gear antics. I figure I may as well use this rig for training and commuting this summer. Get used to it before I try to cross race it somewhere this coming fall. Sounds like a plan, eh?

So, that's my weekend. I've got some things to do yet, but I made a lot of progress I think. Hopefully we'll have some more good weather coming up, because I kind of liked that riding a bike thing I did yesterday. I think I'd like to do that some more!

Tinkering Time

<====Tap, tap....face.....tap, tap!

Got out the big guns of the repair tool arsenal in The Lab the other day to get started on a couple of builds. First to go was the Dissent. I tapped and faced the bottom bracket, even though it was pretty clean anyway. Heck, with Shimano's near perfection cartridge bottom brackets of yore, this step is fairly needless anyway. (Everything is aligned within the cartridge, and doesn't rely on the BB shell faces to be parallel.) But since I have the tools, I must use them, or lose them! And who knows? Maybe someday I'll put a two piece crank on this frame, and then the facing will make a difference!



<===Look deep within for a subliminal message! (click pic to make hugeriffic!)

The next step was to slam in the UN-54 BB with Loc-Tite and tighten that ol' dog up. Then I procured a few "necessities" from the Thin Man and those will be installed on this rig and the Raleigh Rainier, which is the next rig to get the BB faced and chased. Wheels need to be built and brakes mounted. Lots of stuff to assemble now. Hopefully a couple of complete rigs will emerge from the basement Lab soon.

And then there is always the riding part, which I plan to partake in tomorrow. Hey! We're above freezing again. Almost feels good enough to go without a coat!

Well........almost!

Tinkering Time

<====Tap, tap....face.....tap, tap!

Got out the big guns of the repair tool arsenal in The Lab the other day to get started on a couple of builds. First to go was the Dissent. I tapped and faced the bottom bracket, even though it was pretty clean anyway. Heck, with Shimano's near perfection cartridge bottom brackets of yore, this step is fairly needless anyway. (Everything is aligned within the cartridge, and doesn't rely on the BB shell faces to be parallel.) But since I have the tools, I must use them, or lose them! And who knows? Maybe someday I'll put a two piece crank on this frame, and then the facing will make a difference!



<===Look deep within for a subliminal message! (click pic to make hugeriffic!)

The next step was to slam in the UN-54 BB with Loc-Tite and tighten that ol' dog up. Then I procured a few "necessities" from the Thin Man and those will be installed on this rig and the Raleigh Rainier, which is the next rig to get the BB faced and chased. Wheels need to be built and brakes mounted. Lots of stuff to assemble now. Hopefully a couple of complete rigs will emerge from the basement Lab soon.

And then there is always the riding part, which I plan to partake in tomorrow. Hey! We're above freezing again. Almost feels good enough to go without a coat!

Well........almost!

Misfit Psycles Dissent: Flat Black Goodness!

The Misfit Psycles Dissent frame and fork have landed at Guitar Ted Laboratories. The frame and fork combination are both constructed from 6061 Aluminum, which is a bit of a different deal in comparison to the large amounts of steel single speeds available out there for 29 inch wheels. The frame and fork can be had for under $500.00 so that puts it squarely in the budget priced/decent frame sets out there. Let's take a quick look at what we have here. A more complete run down can be found at Twenty Nine Inches later on today.

The Dissent, a I mentioned, is a single speed frame that uses these massive sliders to tension the chain with. The disc mount on the disc only frame is also integral with the non-drive side drop out, so futzing with the caliper in terms of wheel changing and cog swaps shouldn't be an issue. The drop outs have that huge slot for the axle so that they are compatible with a Rohloff internal gear hub. A nice touch I think. If you do want to go geared, a drive side sliding drop out is available with an integral derailleur hangar. Note: There are no cable stops for geared use on this frame, a touch I happen to like. Running single speed with extra cable stop braze ons hanging out just waiting to rip something apart- nope- not my cup-o-tea! Looks cleaner too. By the way, the rear brake routes underneath the top tube for an even more stealthy appearance.

I'll be building this frame and fork up as a "budget" project to touch on what I think is a trend for 2009: Builds that will feature some nice parts selections, but maybe at a lower price level. I think a lot of guys will still be building new rigs out in 2009, but maybe the overall price points on them will reflect a more conservative take on 29"ers than we have seen before. Then again.....maybe not! You never know! That said, that is how I will be approaching this rig. look for more thoughts in the days to come. One thing is for sure. I'll be spending a heck of a lot more time in the Lab in February than I have this month! Woo Hoo! Let the fun begin!

Misfit Psycles Dissent: Flat Black Goodness!

The Misfit Psycles Dissent frame and fork have landed at Guitar Ted Laboratories. The frame and fork combination are both constructed from 6061 Aluminum, which is a bit of a different deal in comparison to the large amounts of steel single speeds available out there for 29 inch wheels. The frame and fork can be had for under $500.00 so that puts it squarely in the budget priced/decent frame sets out there. Let's take a quick look at what we have here. A more complete run down can be found at Twenty Nine Inches later on today.

The Dissent, a I mentioned, is a single speed frame that uses these massive sliders to tension the chain with. The disc mount on the disc only frame is also integral with the non-drive side drop out, so futzing with the caliper in terms of wheel changing and cog swaps shouldn't be an issue. The drop outs have that huge slot for the axle so that they are compatible with a Rohloff internal gear hub. A nice touch I think. If you do want to go geared, a drive side sliding drop out is available with an integral derailleur hangar. Note: There are no cable stops for geared use on this frame, a touch I happen to like. Running single speed with extra cable stop braze ons hanging out just waiting to rip something apart- nope- not my cup-o-tea! Looks cleaner too. By the way, the rear brake routes underneath the top tube for an even more stealthy appearance.

I'll be building this frame and fork up as a "budget" project to touch on what I think is a trend for 2009: Builds that will feature some nice parts selections, but maybe at a lower price level. I think a lot of guys will still be building new rigs out in 2009, but maybe the overall price points on them will reflect a more conservative take on 29"ers than we have seen before. Then again.....maybe not! You never know! That said, that is how I will be approaching this rig. look for more thoughts in the days to come. One thing is for sure. I'll be spending a heck of a lot more time in the Lab in February than I have this month! Woo Hoo! Let the fun begin!

New Changes and Things To Come

<===The Lynskey "Ridgeline" 29"er that is set to retail for sub 1300 clams!

It appears that the Lynskey Ridgeline 29"er will be making a limited engagement appearance on Iowa soil soon. If all pans out, a size Large will be prowling the woods in these parts, so keep yer eyes peeled for that this spring.

If you can't wait for that, Lynskey is taking orders now, so you can have your own gray metallic wonder bike. Cool!

In other bike news, that "north of the border" company is confirmed to have sent out a flat black hot rod frame and fork which should be showing up for a full on Twenty Nine Inches thrashing next week. Of course, there will be pics and news of the build up with ride details coming here as well. Look for a handle bar review on The Bike Lab to be included as well. Bonus! There will be other goodies and surprises coming with this project too, so stay tuned!

Finally, there is a newsy bit that features me! Guitar Ted is now the head cheese of the Crooked Cog Network. My spewing of screed has gotten me this far, so I figure I'll press onward through the fog to horizons unknown. Wahoo! Seriously though, I'll be the head writer of words now there and doing all of the other sundry tasks. It means that you won't see much, if any changes here, so no worries about this ol' blog.

Speaking of which, maybe its time to freshen up around here. Whatta ya think?

New Changes and Things To Come

<===The Lynskey "Ridgeline" 29"er that is set to retail for sub 1300 clams!

It appears that the Lynskey Ridgeline 29"er will be making a limited engagement appearance on Iowa soil soon. If all pans out, a size Large will be prowling the woods in these parts, so keep yer eyes peeled for that this spring.

If you can't wait for that, Lynskey is taking orders now, so you can have your own gray metallic wonder bike. Cool!

In other bike news, that "north of the border" company is confirmed to have sent out a flat black hot rod frame and fork which should be showing up for a full on Twenty Nine Inches thrashing next week. Of course, there will be pics and news of the build up with ride details coming here as well. Look for a handle bar review on The Bike Lab to be included as well. Bonus! There will be other goodies and surprises coming with this project too, so stay tuned!

Finally, there is a newsy bit that features me! Guitar Ted is now the head cheese of the Crooked Cog Network. My spewing of screed has gotten me this far, so I figure I'll press onward through the fog to horizons unknown. Wahoo! Seriously though, I'll be the head writer of words now there and doing all of the other sundry tasks. It means that you won't see much, if any changes here, so no worries about this ol' blog.

Speaking of which, maybe its time to freshen up around here. Whatta ya think?