Randomonium

Okay, it's another post of random weirdness.

First off, we have fat bikes, rocks, and tricky maneuvers. That's right folks....fat bike trailsin!

 That's from my buddy John G up in the Twin Cities area. He's quite the trials rider, and he works at QBP, so this is a Surly sponsored gig of sorts. By the way, the rock pile he is working around in the short clip there is the one and the same that I went and checked out last Labor Day weekend with Ben Witt and Curtis the Wrench.

I guess I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for the full version of this fat bike trials clip to come soon.

 Trans Iowa On The Brain: 
Yep. That's the way it goes for me at this time of the year. I think about this maybe more than anything in the final days leading up to this event.

So, here's how things are shaping up. The Pre-Race Meat-Up is almost all figured out. I have to forward the final numbers and menu selections in this weekend and that's that for the preliminary stuff on that end. I've got final cue sheets ready to go to print, but I'm holding off a bit to get a feel for where the roster numbers are going, so I don't print off too many useless sets.

Speaking of that, the numbers are looking to go to a "more traditional level" than I had once thought. Last year there was a record number of starters at 76 riders. This year looked to be going great for numbers, as I had over 90 yet on the roster up until about a month ago. But since then, the attrition has set in, and now we're right at 77 overall, which will definitely sink lower. I always get a few no shows, last year I think it was five. So, you have to figure with a couple weeks to go and with the average number of no-shows thrown in, we'll be down around what we had start back in the T.I.V5 days. Probably in the 60-ish level, I would guess.

More On By-Tor's Skinny Shoes:

I have been riding By-Tor The Titanium Mukluk some more with these Handspun fat bike hubbed, 29"er rimmed wheels. One thing about the wheels I didn't mention previously was how super-laterally stiff they feel.

Those wider flanged, dishless wheels are a major difference in the way this bike rides compared to other 29"ers. Probably only my Enve carbon rimmed wheels can come close.

I had ridden Ben Witt's Potts 29"er with a fat front fork and a wheel made with a Paul WHub laced to a Crest rim, which I would not think would be a good match for a guy my size, but with the dishless front, the Crest was "okay". This Mukluk has a Stan's Flow on it, so it feels rock solid. Even the rear wheel is stable as all get-out.

I know that back in the day, Charlie Cunningham and WTB were really pushing for dishless mtb wheels. Now I know why. I think it makes a ton of sense, and I am glad I have these wheels to thrash on for a while. If you have a fat bike, this is something that maybe you should look into. I was amazed at the difference compared to my other 29"ers.

And there you have my Randomonium for Thursday. Have a good one folks!

Randomonium

Okay, it's another post of random weirdness.

First off, we have fat bikes, rocks, and tricky maneuvers. That's right folks....fat bike trailsin!

 That's from my buddy John G up in the Twin Cities area. He's quite the trials rider, and he works at QBP, so this is a Surly sponsored gig of sorts. By the way, the rock pile he is working around in the short clip there is the one and the same that I went and checked out last Labor Day weekend with Ben Witt and Curtis the Wrench.

I guess I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for the full version of this fat bike trials clip to come soon.

 Trans Iowa On The Brain: 
Yep. That's the way it goes for me at this time of the year. I think about this maybe more than anything in the final days leading up to this event.

So, here's how things are shaping up. The Pre-Race Meat-Up is almost all figured out. I have to forward the final numbers and menu selections in this weekend and that's that for the preliminary stuff on that end. I've got final cue sheets ready to go to print, but I'm holding off a bit to get a feel for where the roster numbers are going, so I don't print off too many useless sets.

Speaking of that, the numbers are looking to go to a "more traditional level" than I had once thought. Last year there was a record number of starters at 76 riders. This year looked to be going great for numbers, as I had over 90 yet on the roster up until about a month ago. But since then, the attrition has set in, and now we're right at 77 overall, which will definitely sink lower. I always get a few no shows, last year I think it was five. So, you have to figure with a couple weeks to go and with the average number of no-shows thrown in, we'll be down around what we had start back in the T.I.V5 days. Probably in the 60-ish level, I would guess.

More On By-Tor's Skinny Shoes:

I have been riding By-Tor The Titanium Mukluk some more with these Handspun fat bike hubbed, 29"er rimmed wheels. One thing about the wheels I didn't mention previously was how super-laterally stiff they feel.

Those wider flanged, dishless wheels are a major difference in the way this bike rides compared to other 29"ers. Probably only my Enve carbon rimmed wheels can come close.

I had ridden Ben Witt's Potts 29"er with a fat front fork and a wheel made with a Paul WHub laced to a Crest rim, which I would not think would be a good match for a guy my size, but with the dishless front, the Crest was "okay". This Mukluk has a Stan's Flow on it, so it feels rock solid. Even the rear wheel is stable as all get-out.

I know that back in the day, Charlie Cunningham and WTB were really pushing for dishless mtb wheels. Now I know why. I think it makes a ton of sense, and I am glad I have these wheels to thrash on for a while. If you have a fat bike, this is something that maybe you should look into. I was amazed at the difference compared to my other 29"ers.

And there you have my Randomonium for Thursday. Have a good one folks!

Origin 8 Gary II Bars: Update

As mentioned last week, I did finally get the Origin 8 Gary II Bar mounted up to the Salsa Cycles Fargo.

The previous bar on this bike was the On One Midge Bar, which is the bar that is closest in shape and flare to the Gary II Bar. The biggest changes from the Midge are the deeper drop, slightly longer reach, and longer extensions. I should also mention that now the Gary II is bar end compatible, where the older Gary Bar was not so. Installation was a breeze, but I did have to use a "pop can" shim to get the clamp tight enough on the Gary Bar II to keep it from spinning downward while riding.

Here are some pertinent features of the Gary II Bar from Origin 8's site:


* 6061-T6 tubular alloy construction
* Accepts bar-end shifters
* Reach: 135mm Drop: 80mm
* Bar flares out at grip area 15 degrees
* EN Mountain safety certified

 In terms of how the drops slope outwards, these are very similar to a Midge Bar, it's just that the drop is deeper. I found that the brake levers set up well, and only slightly canted outwards. With such a slight slope, the tops are a generous width for your seated climbs and cruising. (More on that in a minute.) This also allows for an array of accessories to be mounted, as you can see on my bar here. These bars also come in a silver finish, and you can also choose from a 31.8mm or 25.4mm, (shown), stem clamp diameter.

From the top, you can see more significant differences from a Midge Bar. The reach is longer, and the extensions are longer.

In terms of reach, I found that the Gary II was very much like a traditional road bar, like a Nitto for instance, and with those hoods "out there" you really can get stretched out over the bike. The extensions lend even more road bike bar sensations with the length and the minimal flare. Continuing on with the road theme, the tops blend into the drops in a very familiar way, which folks coming off road bikes should find quite familiar. The "ramps", (the part of the drop bar from the tops to where the brake levers mount), is much like a classic road bar, (read: "Pre-STI/Lance-lever" type bars), and will be familiar territory for those who remember shifting their skinny tired steeds from the down tube.

Here you can see better what I mean about the ramps and how deep the drop really is on the Gary II. Once again, I like longer extensions, but as you can see, one could easily dispense with some of that spare length, if so desired, by wielding a hack saw with care.

Note that like the Woodchipper, the tops/ramps are definitely not parallel with the extensions. Also like the Woodchipper, your extensions will point severely downward if you try to set your levers up with ramps more parallel to the ground. I do not prefer to ride on the ramps off road, so I base my set up off the extensions on all my off-road drop bar bikes.

The Ride: The way the Gary II is shaped and the way it sets up for off-road/gravel bikes greatly affects the way it feels. It is the most road-like of any off-road drop bar I have yet tried. I was reminded by someone of Salsa's Bell Lap Bar and in many ways, the Gary II feels like a Bell Lap Bar. (Thankfully, the Gary II doesn't have that anatomic bend in the extensions!) At any rate, the Gary II rides smoothly and comfortably, as long as you like less sweep and flare in your off-road drop bars.

The reach to the brake levers is excellent, and the longer extensions can be used as an alternative grip position, if you choose to keep the length. The drop is greater than any other off-road drop, save maybe the WTB Drop Bar, so be prepared for either a lower position, or to get a taller stem. I used the exact same stem and spacer set up as with the Midge and it resulted in about a 25mm drop in hand position from the previous set up. The reach is also greater, so using this as a bar to convert a mountain bike frame to drops may become problematic due to the reach figure the Gary II has.

Finally, I found that transitioning from the drops to the tops for climbs or cruising was not as nice as I would have wished for. The tops are so far from the drops that the dramatic position change may put you in a "sit-up-and-beg" position if you have set you drops as the primary grip position. If you use these as a bar where your primary position is the hoods, the drops may be too deep for you. This coupled with the longer reach may prove to be unsatisfactory for some mountain bike-centric drop bar set ups.

So far, I am okay with this bar. It is narrower than my 46cm Woodchippers and my Luxy Bar set ups, but for gravel grinding, this may be an advantage. I also could see cyclo-cross bikes with this bar, since it is "road-like with some tweaks".  I'll have more on this bar after some miles have been logged.

Bonus Post: Ibis Trial Comp:

Last week I also mentioned my Ibis Trials Comp and that I would  share some images. Well, here they are.

Again, this bike has a history around here and many older local mtb dudes might recall seeing this one being thrashed over pic-nic tables, rocks, and what not in the fall and winter.

This would have been an '88-'89 Japanese made Ibis frame and fork. Some Trials Comps had 24" front/ 20" rear wheels, but this one is a 20/20 model from the factory.

 
It is hard to say with any accuracy what is original equipment on this bike or not, but I believe the front brake and tires are about all that "doesn't belong" here.

The crank is a shaved Shimano one, the rear brake is a period correct XT U-II-Brake, and the bike sports the original magnesium skid plate.

This old girl has been beaten and battered, but is still in good working order. The tires are good, with the rear looking to be a brand new Pirelli M-14 trials tire. (The front matches, but shows some wear.)

If I can find a good home for this, I will be sending it on down the line. (I have two guys in mind for this). I just do not find myself being drawn to this bike, and it is too cool to be gathering dust in the Guitar Ted Laboratories.

Origin 8 Gary II Bars: Update

As mentioned last week, I did finally get the Origin 8 Gary II Bar mounted up to the Salsa Cycles Fargo.

The previous bar on this bike was the On One Midge Bar, which is the bar that is closest in shape and flare to the Gary II Bar. The biggest changes from the Midge are the deeper drop, slightly longer reach, and longer extensions. I should also mention that now the Gary II is bar end compatible, where the older Gary Bar was not so. Installation was a breeze, but I did have to use a "pop can" shim to get the clamp tight enough on the Gary Bar II to keep it from spinning downward while riding.

Here are some pertinent features of the Gary II Bar from Origin 8's site:


* 6061-T6 tubular alloy construction
* Accepts bar-end shifters
* Reach: 135mm Drop: 80mm
* Bar flares out at grip area 15 degrees
* EN Mountain safety certified

 In terms of how the drops slope outwards, these are very similar to a Midge Bar, it's just that the drop is deeper. I found that the brake levers set up well, and only slightly canted outwards. With such a slight slope, the tops are a generous width for your seated climbs and cruising. (More on that in a minute.) This also allows for an array of accessories to be mounted, as you can see on my bar here. These bars also come in a silver finish, and you can also choose from a 31.8mm or 25.4mm, (shown), stem clamp diameter.

From the top, you can see more significant differences from a Midge Bar. The reach is longer, and the extensions are longer.

In terms of reach, I found that the Gary II was very much like a traditional road bar, like a Nitto for instance, and with those hoods "out there" you really can get stretched out over the bike. The extensions lend even more road bike bar sensations with the length and the minimal flare. Continuing on with the road theme, the tops blend into the drops in a very familiar way, which folks coming off road bikes should find quite familiar. The "ramps", (the part of the drop bar from the tops to where the brake levers mount), is much like a classic road bar, (read: "Pre-STI/Lance-lever" type bars), and will be familiar territory for those who remember shifting their skinny tired steeds from the down tube.

Here you can see better what I mean about the ramps and how deep the drop really is on the Gary II. Once again, I like longer extensions, but as you can see, one could easily dispense with some of that spare length, if so desired, by wielding a hack saw with care.

Note that like the Woodchipper, the tops/ramps are definitely not parallel with the extensions. Also like the Woodchipper, your extensions will point severely downward if you try to set your levers up with ramps more parallel to the ground. I do not prefer to ride on the ramps off road, so I base my set up off the extensions on all my off-road drop bar bikes.

The Ride: The way the Gary II is shaped and the way it sets up for off-road/gravel bikes greatly affects the way it feels. It is the most road-like of any off-road drop bar I have yet tried. I was reminded by someone of Salsa's Bell Lap Bar and in many ways, the Gary II feels like a Bell Lap Bar. (Thankfully, the Gary II doesn't have that anatomic bend in the extensions!) At any rate, the Gary II rides smoothly and comfortably, as long as you like less sweep and flare in your off-road drop bars.

The reach to the brake levers is excellent, and the longer extensions can be used as an alternative grip position, if you choose to keep the length. The drop is greater than any other off-road drop, save maybe the WTB Drop Bar, so be prepared for either a lower position, or to get a taller stem. I used the exact same stem and spacer set up as with the Midge and it resulted in about a 25mm drop in hand position from the previous set up. The reach is also greater, so using this as a bar to convert a mountain bike frame to drops may become problematic due to the reach figure the Gary II has.

Finally, I found that transitioning from the drops to the tops for climbs or cruising was not as nice as I would have wished for. The tops are so far from the drops that the dramatic position change may put you in a "sit-up-and-beg" position if you have set you drops as the primary grip position. If you use these as a bar where your primary position is the hoods, the drops may be too deep for you. This coupled with the longer reach may prove to be unsatisfactory for some mountain bike-centric drop bar set ups.

So far, I am okay with this bar. It is narrower than my 46cm Woodchippers and my Luxy Bar set ups, but for gravel grinding, this may be an advantage. I also could see cyclo-cross bikes with this bar, since it is "road-like with some tweaks".  I'll have more on this bar after some miles have been logged.

Bonus Post: Ibis Trial Comp:

Last week I also mentioned my Ibis Trials Comp and that I would  share some images. Well, here they are.

Again, this bike has a history around here and many older local mtb dudes might recall seeing this one being thrashed over pic-nic tables, rocks, and what not in the fall and winter.

This would have been an '88-'89 Japanese made Ibis frame and fork. Some Trials Comps had 24" front/ 20" rear wheels, but this one is a 20/20 model from the factory.

 
It is hard to say with any accuracy what is original equipment on this bike or not, but I believe the front brake and tires are about all that "doesn't belong" here.

The crank is a shaved Shimano one, the rear brake is a period correct XT U-II-Brake, and the bike sports the original magnesium skid plate.

This old girl has been beaten and battered, but is still in good working order. The tires are good, with the rear looking to be a brand new Pirelli M-14 trials tire. (The front matches, but shows some wear.)

If I can find a good home for this, I will be sending it on down the line. (I have two guys in mind for this). I just do not find myself being drawn to this bike, and it is too cool to be gathering dust in the Guitar Ted Laboratories.

Friday News And Views

Ibis Cycles 30th Anniversary: It's an iconic mountain bike companie's 30th anniversary, and to celebrate, they are counting down some of their biggest milestones and points of interest from the past. One of those things that is somewhat ironic is that their first employee, Wes Williams, went on to help foster the modern 29"er, and gave the wheel size its name. Oddly enough, Ibis has yet to introduce a 29"er, (but it is coming, as you can see by the image at left).

One other personal note: I happen to have in my possession one Ibis Trials Comp from the late 80's. What is that?, you might ask? Well, hit this link to find out more.

My Ibis Trial Comp has a history here locally. The "big" mountain bikers of this area in the early 90's would gather in back yards and thrash this thing over picnic tables, stumps, or whatever they could find to hop on, up, and over. Since it likely was one of very few trials bikes in the area, it was well known back in the day, around these parts. I'll dust it off for a pic later, so stay tuned!

Gary Bar II: Mounted! 

I have finally gotten around to mounting the Gary Bar II and I put it on my Salsa Cycles Gen I Fargo. That's a pretty significant move for me, because the previous Midge Bar set up was so spot on, I swore I'd never change it.

Well, "never say never", right! Oddly enough, the Gary II and Midge share more in common than you might think. The differences are that the Gary II has longer extensions, (yay!), and has deeper drop, with a bit more reach. It is the most "road-like" of the off-road drop bars I have tried. So, if you can't stand the thought of all the sweep that say, a Woodchipper or Luxy Bar has, or can't live without a "regular drop" from the tops, than this could be a good bar for you.

I'll have more with images later, so stay tuned!

<===Aren't ya glad it isn't winter anymore? 

Fixin' Ta Fix The Badger:

I rode the ol' Badger quite a bit this winter after getting it back up and running again. So, the brakes have some un-godly warble/howl that appeared at CIRREM and won't go away. I have to get that looked at this weekend and start riding this bike some more again.

It's kind of funny, but this bike is very much like the Fargo II. So much so, that I can not justify the purchase of one. The Badger was built about the same time the first Fargo was being prototyped, so it is sort of funny that way. Of course, the Badger doesn't have all those fancy braze ons, but it does out-do the current Fargo in one way: My Badger is suspension corrected for a 100mm fork, while the current Fargo is only set up for an 80mm fork.

Weird! I guess it was really ahead of its time, huh? Who knew?

Well, this weekend looks to be wet. Hope we all get in some bicycle time none the less!

Snow Dog Down: 44 Days and counting......

Friday News And Views

Ibis Cycles 30th Anniversary: It's an iconic mountain bike companie's 30th anniversary, and to celebrate, they are counting down some of their biggest milestones and points of interest from the past. One of those things that is somewhat ironic is that their first employee, Wes Williams, went on to help foster the modern 29"er, and gave the wheel size its name. Oddly enough, Ibis has yet to introduce a 29"er, (but it is coming, as you can see by the image at left).

One other personal note: I happen to have in my possession one Ibis Trials Comp from the late 80's. What is that?, you might ask? Well, hit this link to find out more.

My Ibis Trial Comp has a history here locally. The "big" mountain bikers of this area in the early 90's would gather in back yards and thrash this thing over picnic tables, stumps, or whatever they could find to hop on, up, and over. Since it likely was one of very few trials bikes in the area, it was well known back in the day, around these parts. I'll dust it off for a pic later, so stay tuned!

Gary Bar II: Mounted! 

I have finally gotten around to mounting the Gary Bar II and I put it on my Salsa Cycles Gen I Fargo. That's a pretty significant move for me, because the previous Midge Bar set up was so spot on, I swore I'd never change it.

Well, "never say never", right! Oddly enough, the Gary II and Midge share more in common than you might think. The differences are that the Gary II has longer extensions, (yay!), and has deeper drop, with a bit more reach. It is the most "road-like" of the off-road drop bars I have tried. So, if you can't stand the thought of all the sweep that say, a Woodchipper or Luxy Bar has, or can't live without a "regular drop" from the tops, than this could be a good bar for you.

I'll have more with images later, so stay tuned!

<===Aren't ya glad it isn't winter anymore? 

Fixin' Ta Fix The Badger:

I rode the ol' Badger quite a bit this winter after getting it back up and running again. So, the brakes have some un-godly warble/howl that appeared at CIRREM and won't go away. I have to get that looked at this weekend and start riding this bike some more again.

It's kind of funny, but this bike is very much like the Fargo II. So much so, that I can not justify the purchase of one. The Badger was built about the same time the first Fargo was being prototyped, so it is sort of funny that way. Of course, the Badger doesn't have all those fancy braze ons, but it does out-do the current Fargo in one way: My Badger is suspension corrected for a 100mm fork, while the current Fargo is only set up for an 80mm fork.

Weird! I guess it was really ahead of its time, huh? Who knew?

Well, this weekend looks to be wet. Hope we all get in some bicycle time none the less!

Snow Dog Down: 44 Days and counting......