Mr. 24: Best In Class!

Congratulations to International Endurance racer, Jeff Kerkove on his recent domination of the Cat Eye sponsored 24 hour endurance event in Japan!

This guy is all over the place! I look here, and there he is! I look here, and there he is again! This guy is nationwide, doode!

Then again, he's not the only one with a cool Blue Collar MTB shirt! Check out the local spread, and the tiny photo! That's me in my fine T-shirt! I may not be International yet, like Mr. 24, but I'm workin' on it! (Muwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!) One thing is for sure. I'm not the ultra trim, fit, 24hr cycling machine that Mr. 24 is! (Workin' on that too!) but he says that I know everything. Well, if that's true, then his words are golden! Great job, Jeff! Now, getcher self home safe! Later!

Mr. 24: Best In Class!

Congratulations to International Endurance racer, Jeff Kerkove on his recent domination of the Cat Eye sponsored 24 hour endurance event in Japan!

This guy is all over the place! I look here, and there he is! I look here, and there he is again! This guy is nationwide, doode!

Then again, he's not the only one with a cool Blue Collar MTB shirt! Check out the local spread, and the tiny photo! That's me in my fine T-shirt! I may not be International yet, like Mr. 24, but I'm workin' on it! (Muwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!) One thing is for sure. I'm not the ultra trim, fit, 24hr cycling machine that Mr. 24 is! (Workin' on that too!) but he says that I know everything. Well, if that's true, then his words are golden! Great job, Jeff! Now, getcher self home safe! Later!

Ultimate Repair Stand: Best In Class!

Today I noticed that cyclingnews.com posted a review of the Ultimate Pro Elite Repair Stand. This is the very repair stand that I own! I was very interested in what they would have to say about it. I have always been of the opinion that the older Ultimate Pro Repair Stand was the very best portable repair stand ever. The new version, the Elite, is even better!

Well, it looks as though that the reviewer at cyclingnews.com seems to think so too. If you have frequented that site, you know that the tech reviews are usually pretty honest, and that they rarely ever give a perfect score. (In fact, I've never seen a perfect score, but I may have missed one or two!) The Elite Pro stand got the perfect score! I agree that it is an improvement on the old one, which I thought was un-improvable!

The review is pretty thorough, and I agree with all points given. I will say; however, that the repair stand could come with better instructions. It's not obvious exactly how the clamp head works, especially to get it into place and make it rotate. Once you discover the secret, it's easy to operate, and works flawlessly. I also will add that while the way the legs slde up and down the main mast is executed with obvious precision by Ultimate, because of the extremely tight tolerances, it is rather difficult to fold or unfold the legs quickly. One needs to have a degree of patience when setting up for repairs! The precision with which the unit is made is appreciated, though. I feel this unit will definitely withstand the test of time. It also is comforting to know that the price you pay for it is returned to you by the way of a finely crafted tool, that is a joy to use. Really!

Speaking of the price, it is a little steep, compared to many other lesser repair stands. However; if you want a no fuss, quality, hard working, reliable, versatile, and good looking repair stand, go no further than the Ultimate Elite Repair Stand. It is the best, hands down, repair stand ever, and it happens to be portable! Check it out, along with some other cool stuff, here! Here is another reason I like Ultimate stuff. They make some of the best musical instrument, and sound reinforcement supports EVER! These guys know there stuff! Guitar Ted says so!

Ultimate Repair Stand: Best In Class!

Today I noticed that cyclingnews.com posted a review of the Ultimate Pro Elite Repair Stand. This is the very repair stand that I own! I was very interested in what they would have to say about it. I have always been of the opinion that the older Ultimate Pro Repair Stand was the very best portable repair stand ever. The new version, the Elite, is even better!

Well, it looks as though that the reviewer at cyclingnews.com seems to think so too. If you have frequented that site, you know that the tech reviews are usually pretty honest, and that they rarely ever give a perfect score. (In fact, I've never seen a perfect score, but I may have missed one or two!) The Elite Pro stand got the perfect score! I agree that it is an improvement on the old one, which I thought was un-improvable!

The review is pretty thorough, and I agree with all points given. I will say; however, that the repair stand could come with better instructions. It's not obvious exactly how the clamp head works, especially to get it into place and make it rotate. Once you discover the secret, it's easy to operate, and works flawlessly. I also will add that while the way the legs slde up and down the main mast is executed with obvious precision by Ultimate, because of the extremely tight tolerances, it is rather difficult to fold or unfold the legs quickly. One needs to have a degree of patience when setting up for repairs! The precision with which the unit is made is appreciated, though. I feel this unit will definitely withstand the test of time. It also is comforting to know that the price you pay for it is returned to you by the way of a finely crafted tool, that is a joy to use. Really!

Speaking of the price, it is a little steep, compared to many other lesser repair stands. However; if you want a no fuss, quality, hard working, reliable, versatile, and good looking repair stand, go no further than the Ultimate Elite Repair Stand. It is the best, hands down, repair stand ever, and it happens to be portable! Check it out, along with some other cool stuff, here! Here is another reason I like Ultimate stuff. They make some of the best musical instrument, and sound reinforcement supports EVER! These guys know there stuff! Guitar Ted says so!

Looking Forward

Well, it's been a long weekend off. I am begining to feel better with my back. I am glad about that! I plan on doing some tougher riding at the end of this coming week while I'm doing Trans Iowa recon. Work schedules have been jumbled a bit due to Mr. 24's abscence. (Haven't heard anything yet, but as of this post, his race should be drawing to a close soon!) Tomorrow is probably the best attended "Mondays With Mark" session that I do. Modern Drivetrain Maintenance, or something along those lines. The title gets changed every year! Fortunately, I don't have to do any paper writing, or extra prep, since I've got everything I need in the can already! Carlos is posting all my written material on the Europa website, so check it out!

I was looking for a device to precisely track the amount of miles for the Trans Iowa course. I'm thinking some sort of GPS unit should do, but which one? Any body got any ideas out there? I'm going to need something that isn't stuck to sitting in a car. Some of the recon will demand that I ride a bicycle. So portability is a concern. I've looked at some Garmin units, but I'm open to suggestions. Any tips would be appreciated! (Oh! I don't need it right away! Jeff and I will re-drive the course at a later date!)

Update on the Super Caliber Prototype: Word is that members of the Fisher/ Subaru Mountain Bike Team will be putting the new bike through it's paces in Colorado somewhere next week. (It'll have to be at a lower elevation, because I think they've got snow up top recently) So, if you reside in Colorado, keep your eyes peeled for it! Maybe you can beg a ride!

Looking Forward

Well, it's been a long weekend off. I am begining to feel better with my back. I am glad about that! I plan on doing some tougher riding at the end of this coming week while I'm doing Trans Iowa recon. Work schedules have been jumbled a bit due to Mr. 24's abscence. (Haven't heard anything yet, but as of this post, his race should be drawing to a close soon!) Tomorrow is probably the best attended "Mondays With Mark" session that I do. Modern Drivetrain Maintenance, or something along those lines. The title gets changed every year! Fortunately, I don't have to do any paper writing, or extra prep, since I've got everything I need in the can already! Carlos is posting all my written material on the Europa website, so check it out!

I was looking for a device to precisely track the amount of miles for the Trans Iowa course. I'm thinking some sort of GPS unit should do, but which one? Any body got any ideas out there? I'm going to need something that isn't stuck to sitting in a car. Some of the recon will demand that I ride a bicycle. So portability is a concern. I've looked at some Garmin units, but I'm open to suggestions. Any tips would be appreciated! (Oh! I don't need it right away! Jeff and I will re-drive the course at a later date!)

Update on the Super Caliber Prototype: Word is that members of the Fisher/ Subaru Mountain Bike Team will be putting the new bike through it's paces in Colorado somewhere next week. (It'll have to be at a lower elevation, because I think they've got snow up top recently) So, if you reside in Colorado, keep your eyes peeled for it! Maybe you can beg a ride!

Update On Fisher Super Caliber!

Well, that didn't take long! The Fisher boys have already logged some trail time on the prototype for the Super Caliber Race Day bike that I posted about a couple days ago. Thanks go out to Ryan Atkinson, Fisher Brand Manager, for posting the pics on mtbr.com .

Needless to say, this is looking more and more like a major hit for Fisher, and 29"ers in general. The initial ride comments by Atkinson were positive. (But, of course!) So, an independant evaluation is in order.



Might I suggest Guitar Ted Labratories? (Ha ha! I won't be holding my breath on that one!)

Keep up the good work, Fisher, and we'll be seeing one of those in my stable soon! (Appologies to the Inbred 29"er, which now has fallen from favor!......sigh!)

Update On Fisher Super Caliber!

Well, that didn't take long! The Fisher boys have already logged some trail time on the prototype for the Super Caliber Race Day bike that I posted about a couple days ago. Thanks go out to Ryan Atkinson, Fisher Brand Manager, for posting the pics on mtbr.com .

Needless to say, this is looking more and more like a major hit for Fisher, and 29"ers in general. The initial ride comments by Atkinson were positive. (But, of course!) So, an independant evaluation is in order.



Might I suggest Guitar Ted Labratories? (Ha ha! I won't be holding my breath on that one!)

Keep up the good work, Fisher, and we'll be seeing one of those in my stable soon! (Appologies to the Inbred 29"er, which now has fallen from favor!......sigh!)

News of Mr. 24!

Well, he made it! Not without some close calls, though! At least the race isn't until Sunday/Monday, and he should have some time to rest up and get his head together! Go Jeff!

My back is feelin' a bit better, but still sore and stiff! Going into work at noon, and riding the bike in. It's the only time my back actually feels good!

More updates as I recieve info!

News of Mr. 24!

Well, he made it! Not without some close calls, though! At least the race isn't until Sunday/Monday, and he should have some time to rest up and get his head together! Go Jeff!

My back is feelin' a bit better, but still sore and stiff! Going into work at noon, and riding the bike in. It's the only time my back actually feels good!

More updates as I recieve info!

Fisher Proto 29"er Super Caliber

Note: Credit for this pic goes to Timothy Grahl's secret contact within the inner workings of Trek's factory in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Thanks Tim! Okay, what we have here is not failure to communicate! That's because the members of the Fisher/ Subaru off road team provided Fisher with direct input into this new 29 inch wheeled bike. These are the first pics of the prototype for the final production model, due out this Spring. See more pictures here!

O.K.? Here are the salient features of this frame. It's purpose is to be a lightweight, XC race platform. Efficiancy is a top priority. To that end, it is a single pivot design. With this type of design, it is less likely that the frame will lose much to unwanted flex. A platform shock should dial out most of the pedal induced bob that isn't already cancelled out by the basic design itself. Also, a single pivot design is going to be lighter than multiple pivots, easier to maintenance, and be more reliable. Plans are for it to have three inches of "race" type suspension, which means it won't ride like a sofa! In all likelyhood, this will be a Rock Shox front/ rear bike, as Fisher has spec'ed all it's other 29 inchers with these components. I'm also betting on a bunch of SRAM controls, and drivetrain gear, as that is also prevalent in Fisher's other 29"er spec. Top it off with Bontrager bars, stem, seatpost, and Race Lite Disc Wheel System, and this should be one killer off road weapon! (Hint: Introduce the Bontrager Tubeless Wheel System simultaneously for an orgasmic effect amongst the 29"er afficionados!)

I'm very stoked that I was wrong in reporting back in August that this project was dead! Thanks to whomever got the project fast-forwarded to this stage! I will be saving my ducats for one of these, so look for one to hit the Guitar Ted Labratories soon! (Well, as soon as Fisher makes it available!)

This should be a watershed mark as far as the 29'er bike is concerned. A mass produced 29 inch wheeled FS XC race bike that will be( presumably) raced by the pro team. It's a matter of fact, what's raced on Sunday, sells on Monday in the XC bike world. What with the big wheels giving a ride that feels like an inch more travel than you've got, suspension-wise, I do not think having only three inches of travel out back will be a liability. I think this should be a home run for Fisher, but that is all left to the product design team now. They have it in their hands now to either step it up, and deliver, or fall on their face. I'm hoping for the home run!

Fisher Proto 29"er Super Caliber

Note: Credit for this pic goes to Timothy Grahl's secret contact within the inner workings of Trek's factory in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Thanks Tim! Okay, what we have here is not failure to communicate! That's because the members of the Fisher/ Subaru off road team provided Fisher with direct input into this new 29 inch wheeled bike. These are the first pics of the prototype for the final production model, due out this Spring. See more pictures here!

O.K.? Here are the salient features of this frame. It's purpose is to be a lightweight, XC race platform. Efficiancy is a top priority. To that end, it is a single pivot design. With this type of design, it is less likely that the frame will lose much to unwanted flex. A platform shock should dial out most of the pedal induced bob that isn't already cancelled out by the basic design itself. Also, a single pivot design is going to be lighter than multiple pivots, easier to maintenance, and be more reliable. Plans are for it to have three inches of "race" type suspension, which means it won't ride like a sofa! In all likelyhood, this will be a Rock Shox front/ rear bike, as Fisher has spec'ed all it's other 29 inchers with these components. I'm also betting on a bunch of SRAM controls, and drivetrain gear, as that is also prevalent in Fisher's other 29"er spec. Top it off with Bontrager bars, stem, seatpost, and Race Lite Disc Wheel System, and this should be one killer off road weapon! (Hint: Introduce the Bontrager Tubeless Wheel System simultaneously for an orgasmic effect amongst the 29"er afficionados!)

I'm very stoked that I was wrong in reporting back in August that this project was dead! Thanks to whomever got the project fast-forwarded to this stage! I will be saving my ducats for one of these, so look for one to hit the Guitar Ted Labratories soon! (Well, as soon as Fisher makes it available!)

This should be a watershed mark as far as the 29'er bike is concerned. A mass produced 29 inch wheeled FS XC race bike that will be( presumably) raced by the pro team. It's a matter of fact, what's raced on Sunday, sells on Monday in the XC bike world. What with the big wheels giving a ride that feels like an inch more travel than you've got, suspension-wise, I do not think having only three inches of travel out back will be a liability. I think this should be a home run for Fisher, but that is all left to the product design team now. They have it in their hands now to either step it up, and deliver, or fall on their face. I'm hoping for the home run!

Ahh! My Back!!

That stuck seat post on Jeff's NRS is exacting it's revenge on me! I must have tweaked a muscle or two in my back, because I can hardly bend over today. It really started up yesterday, and it hasn't gotten any worse, but I'm taking the day off of work, just in case. In the meantime, let's reach back into the Guitar Ted Archives for something, shall we?...........

Ahh, yes! I remember this one! If you look carefully at the picture, you will notice a "dimple" just above the spoke on the left. That is the impression left from a bolt that pierced a tire, happened to find it's way through the spoke hole in the rim bed, and nearly punctured the rim, where you see the dimple! It was an eigth inch, hex head bolt about an inch and a half long. Must have hit it just right.............or wrong! Anyway, that was one of the Tales of the Bizarre from the past summer.

Hope you enjoyed that, and now I'm going off to rest up my back! Hope to be back at it tomorrow! ...............No word yet from Mr.24, so I take it that he got a plane, and is gone! I'll post if I hear anything!

Ahh! My Back!!

That stuck seat post on Jeff's NRS is exacting it's revenge on me! I must have tweaked a muscle or two in my back, because I can hardly bend over today. It really started up yesterday, and it hasn't gotten any worse, but I'm taking the day off of work, just in case. In the meantime, let's reach back into the Guitar Ted Archives for something, shall we?...........

Ahh, yes! I remember this one! If you look carefully at the picture, you will notice a "dimple" just above the spoke on the left. That is the impression left from a bolt that pierced a tire, happened to find it's way through the spoke hole in the rim bed, and nearly punctured the rim, where you see the dimple! It was an eigth inch, hex head bolt about an inch and a half long. Must have hit it just right.............or wrong! Anyway, that was one of the Tales of the Bizarre from the past summer.

Hope you enjoyed that, and now I'm going off to rest up my back! Hope to be back at it tomorrow! ...............No word yet from Mr.24, so I take it that he got a plane, and is gone! I'll post if I hear anything!

A Rush And An Update

We get some field reps in from time to time at the shop. Today, it was the Raliegh rep, and he brought a treat! (How fitting! It is the month of Haloween, afterall!)

Today, he wheeled in a Raliegh Rush Hour. This is the single speed/ fixed gear track bike for the '06 model year. It's pretty cool! You've got the polished, high flange hubs, as seen in the photo with Carlos' foot in it.



You've got the front and rear brakes, which are removable, if you go full trackie! There are no braze-ons! Just like a real track bike shouldn't have! As a matter of fact, it is a real track bike, right down to the geometry. Higher bottom bracket, so you can pedal right through a corner, because you can't coast in fixie mode, ya know! Less fork rake, and steeper head angle for razor sharp steering. Finally, it is steel! Yeah, like an old skool track bike should be.





It also comes stock with a freewheel, and a fixed cog, for flip-flop duties. That's when you get in over your head running fixed, or too tired, or just need a different ratio, you can flip the wheel around and presto! You can coast! You'll need to bring along a 15mm wrench, though, as this bike has nutted axles, (you guessed it!) just like a real track bike! Get your fix on fer under $600.00!
Just check out the shop website for more details!




Now for the update! We got a call today at the shop from an automated messaging machine that said Jeff's itenerary had been changed! Long story short, they were trying to tell him that his international flight was changed to be leaving on Thursday, instead of today! This call came an hour after Jeff's connecting flight to O'Hare had left! He was probably standing there when we got the call. Weird!! I haven't heard a thing since, so hopefully, he is on his way! If I hear anything, I'll post it!

A Rush And An Update

We get some field reps in from time to time at the shop. Today, it was the Raliegh rep, and he brought a treat! (How fitting! It is the month of Haloween, afterall!)

Today, he wheeled in a Raliegh Rush Hour. This is the single speed/ fixed gear track bike for the '06 model year. It's pretty cool! You've got the polished, high flange hubs, as seen in the photo with Carlos' foot in it.



You've got the front and rear brakes, which are removable, if you go full trackie! There are no braze-ons! Just like a real track bike shouldn't have! As a matter of fact, it is a real track bike, right down to the geometry. Higher bottom bracket, so you can pedal right through a corner, because you can't coast in fixie mode, ya know! Less fork rake, and steeper head angle for razor sharp steering. Finally, it is steel! Yeah, like an old skool track bike should be.





It also comes stock with a freewheel, and a fixed cog, for flip-flop duties. That's when you get in over your head running fixed, or too tired, or just need a different ratio, you can flip the wheel around and presto! You can coast! You'll need to bring along a 15mm wrench, though, as this bike has nutted axles, (you guessed it!) just like a real track bike! Get your fix on fer under $600.00!
Just check out the shop website for more details!




Now for the update! We got a call today at the shop from an automated messaging machine that said Jeff's itenerary had been changed! Long story short, they were trying to tell him that his international flight was changed to be leaving on Thursday, instead of today! This call came an hour after Jeff's connecting flight to O'Hare had left! He was probably standing there when we got the call. Weird!! I haven't heard a thing since, so hopefully, he is on his way! If I hear anything, I'll post it!

Garbage In.....Garbage Out!

Recently we got this bike in the shop to box up for shipment. Nothing really unusual about that, other than the fact that the customer will spend at least a half to three quarters of the value of the bike on shipping and handling!










The unusual part of this bike was this warning sticker. "...ONLY USE WHILE WEARING FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR-..........." Why? Maybe because throngs of snobbish bike nazis might tackle you, while you're riding, and belittle you for riding such a stupid machine? ( I hope not!!!) Maybe they are trying to protect you from being accosted by angry motorists in fat SUV's? (Perhaps that should be fat motorists in angry SUV's!) No-..........no, I think I know why!




It's because they know that this so-called bicycle will fold, break, or implode upon itself at any given moment! Best have that rider bundled up against the inevitable. Saves the product liability lawyer fees from piling up! It doesn't help matters any that this rig looks like it could be hucked from a 6 foot flat to flat. The only thing this should be hucked from is your hands.......straight into the garbage can! Well, maybe after a few gentle spins around the block, first. THEN...........straight into the garbage can! HA!

Garbage In.....Garbage Out!

Recently we got this bike in the shop to box up for shipment. Nothing really unusual about that, other than the fact that the customer will spend at least a half to three quarters of the value of the bike on shipping and handling!










The unusual part of this bike was this warning sticker. "...ONLY USE WHILE WEARING FULL PROTECTIVE GEAR-..........." Why? Maybe because throngs of snobbish bike nazis might tackle you, while you're riding, and belittle you for riding such a stupid machine? ( I hope not!!!) Maybe they are trying to protect you from being accosted by angry motorists in fat SUV's? (Perhaps that should be fat motorists in angry SUV's!) No-..........no, I think I know why!




It's because they know that this so-called bicycle will fold, break, or implode upon itself at any given moment! Best have that rider bundled up against the inevitable. Saves the product liability lawyer fees from piling up! It doesn't help matters any that this rig looks like it could be hucked from a 6 foot flat to flat. The only thing this should be hucked from is your hands.......straight into the garbage can! Well, maybe after a few gentle spins around the block, first. THEN...........straight into the garbage can! HA!

Rushing Around!

Mr. 24 is in a hurry! He's got to be ready to go by this afternoon to jet out to The Land of the Rising Sun! Uno el problema! Seat post stuck in one of the NRS's!!! We'll have to see if we can't un-stick it by this afternoon, or he'll have to hi-jack his old rig from Carlos as a back up bike, or go with one. We'll see.

Here we see the NEW Blue Collar MTB t-shirt, aptly modeled by the svelt, and trim Mr. 24 himself. Thanks go out to Chris and Tim for the t-shirts he gave to me and Jeff! We will wear them with pride!

Well, it's off to work now, but I wanted to encourage everyone reading this to stop by and leave Jeff a comment, and wish him well on his trip and race in Japan. It's an awesome opportunity for him and we are all excited about it down at the shop! Go Jeff!

Rushing Around!

Mr. 24 is in a hurry! He's got to be ready to go by this afternoon to jet out to The Land of the Rising Sun! Uno el problema! Seat post stuck in one of the NRS's!!! We'll have to see if we can't un-stick it by this afternoon, or he'll have to hi-jack his old rig from Carlos as a back up bike, or go with one. We'll see.

Here we see the NEW Blue Collar MTB t-shirt, aptly modeled by the svelt, and trim Mr. 24 himself. Thanks go out to Chris and Tim for the t-shirts he gave to me and Jeff! We will wear them with pride!

Well, it's off to work now, but I wanted to encourage everyone reading this to stop by and leave Jeff a comment, and wish him well on his trip and race in Japan. It's an awesome opportunity for him and we are all excited about it down at the shop! Go Jeff!