Saturday is a lazy day at Guitar Ted Labratories. It's the only day of the week that I allow myself to sleep in, well......as much as one can sleep in with two children! (Parents will understand that!) I also allocate Saturday mornings as family time, so not much excitement in the way of cycling around here today. Here's what I've got for you in no particular order.....
"Ted-terview" with Patrick Humenny: I sent in some e-mail questions to Paddy and he's written me back that he will co-operate with me on an interview. Look for that coming up sometime soon! I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to say from his Canadian perspective.
Sea Otter Surprise! I was contacted by a manufacturer popular with the 29"er crowds out there about doing a piece on a new product introduction that they are unveiling at the vendor show at Sea Otter in a couple of weeks. Look for more details coming soon!
More Inbred Build Progress: Last week I posted up the hoops and soon I should have the fork here to install. The brakes are going to be ordered soon along with the handlebar. I should be riding it soon, but maybe not quite by the end of the month, as I had hoped to. Oh well! Look for pictoral documentation to be posted soon!
Speaking Of On One...... Brant, the corporate head honch of On One is cooking up some more madness. They don't even have thier carbon 29"er fork or the new ScandAl frame out yet and they are playing around with something new already. Brant let it slip on mtbr.com today that the company that produces the ScandAl frame is tacking together a carbon and aluminum composite frame for consideration. It sounds like a Six13 kind of a frame, with the top tube, downtube, and seat tube in carbon joined by aluminum bits with an aluminum triangle rear end. Complete madness!
And Speaking Of Complete Madness...... Brant also has indicated that he might make a podcast entry from the U.S.A. available on their U.K. based podcast. Details are sketchy right now, but that might be linked to this site........somehow...........maybe!
Have a great weekend of riding! Spring is springing here!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Saturday Bits and Pieces
Saturday is a lazy day at Guitar Ted Labratories. It's the only day of the week that I allow myself to sleep in, well......as much as one can sleep in with two children! (Parents will understand that!) I also allocate Saturday mornings as family time, so not much excitement in the way of cycling around here today. Here's what I've got for you in no particular order.....
"Ted-terview" with Patrick Humenny: I sent in some e-mail questions to Paddy and he's written me back that he will co-operate with me on an interview. Look for that coming up sometime soon! I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to say from his Canadian perspective.
Sea Otter Surprise! I was contacted by a manufacturer popular with the 29"er crowds out there about doing a piece on a new product introduction that they are unveiling at the vendor show at Sea Otter in a couple of weeks. Look for more details coming soon!
More Inbred Build Progress: Last week I posted up the hoops and soon I should have the fork here to install. The brakes are going to be ordered soon along with the handlebar. I should be riding it soon, but maybe not quite by the end of the month, as I had hoped to. Oh well! Look for pictoral documentation to be posted soon!
Speaking Of On One...... Brant, the corporate head honch of On One is cooking up some more madness. They don't even have thier carbon 29"er fork or the new ScandAl frame out yet and they are playing around with something new already. Brant let it slip on mtbr.com today that the company that produces the ScandAl frame is tacking together a carbon and aluminum composite frame for consideration. It sounds like a Six13 kind of a frame, with the top tube, downtube, and seat tube in carbon joined by aluminum bits with an aluminum triangle rear end. Complete madness!
And Speaking Of Complete Madness...... Brant also has indicated that he might make a podcast entry from the U.S.A. available on their U.K. based podcast. Details are sketchy right now, but that might be linked to this site........somehow...........maybe!
Have a great weekend of riding! Spring is springing here!
"Ted-terview" with Patrick Humenny: I sent in some e-mail questions to Paddy and he's written me back that he will co-operate with me on an interview. Look for that coming up sometime soon! I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to say from his Canadian perspective.
Sea Otter Surprise! I was contacted by a manufacturer popular with the 29"er crowds out there about doing a piece on a new product introduction that they are unveiling at the vendor show at Sea Otter in a couple of weeks. Look for more details coming soon!
More Inbred Build Progress: Last week I posted up the hoops and soon I should have the fork here to install. The brakes are going to be ordered soon along with the handlebar. I should be riding it soon, but maybe not quite by the end of the month, as I had hoped to. Oh well! Look for pictoral documentation to be posted soon!
Speaking Of On One...... Brant, the corporate head honch of On One is cooking up some more madness. They don't even have thier carbon 29"er fork or the new ScandAl frame out yet and they are playing around with something new already. Brant let it slip on mtbr.com today that the company that produces the ScandAl frame is tacking together a carbon and aluminum composite frame for consideration. It sounds like a Six13 kind of a frame, with the top tube, downtube, and seat tube in carbon joined by aluminum bits with an aluminum triangle rear end. Complete madness!
And Speaking Of Complete Madness...... Brant also has indicated that he might make a podcast entry from the U.S.A. available on their U.K. based podcast. Details are sketchy right now, but that might be linked to this site........somehow...........maybe!
Have a great weekend of riding! Spring is springing here!
Friday, March 24, 2006
A Component Makers Reformation?
The leaks about Shimano's new designs for the XTR group are getting bigger. It would appear that the component giant has turned a new leaf philosophically when it comes to choice. It's a bit ironic that Shimano also used XTR back in the nineties to make a statement, albeit a totally different one.
Back then, the cottage industry CNC parts manufacturers were busy replicating every part of the drivetrain imaginable in brilliant annodized colors. This was in contrast to the then top of the line XT parts group which in comparison, looked like a Quaker at a Grateful Dead concert. Sturdy and durable, but not much fun. Lots of business was being lost to the proprietors of these billet aluminium companies. Even though the parts often were no where near as functional as Shimano's mid level groups and were being sold for often times twice the price of XT stuff. In steps Shimano with the elegant, light, durable, and high functioning XTR group. (In my opinion, still the best looking crankset Shimano has ever executed!) Well, the end was near for the CNC parts slingers!
Fast forward to today. Several parts manufacturers again have stepped up to challenge the supremacy of the component giant. The difference being that this time the engineering, research and developement, and manufacturing techniques used are on par with, and in some cases better than Shimanos. This time original equipment spec is being lost by the bucketload to these challengers. Shimano tried to re-invent the shift lever, and other component pieces to a very lukewarm reception by the public. The other companies parts also allowed freedom of choice, where Shimano required a set of parts be used in concert with each other, disregarding rider preferences. Other companies were using the wonder material of the day- carbon fiber- quite liberally. Shimano once again looked boring in comparison.
Now they are promising more options, more choices. Now they are playing catch-up instead of upping the ante, like they did in the nineties. The competition of today is not inept, as it was once. Shimano is making a statement with this new XTR. I'm thinking it's not going to be seen as a very authoritative staement, like the first generation of XTR, but rather more like a conciliatory one. Is this a more humble, more consumer friendly Shimano? Time will tell.
Back then, the cottage industry CNC parts manufacturers were busy replicating every part of the drivetrain imaginable in brilliant annodized colors. This was in contrast to the then top of the line XT parts group which in comparison, looked like a Quaker at a Grateful Dead concert. Sturdy and durable, but not much fun. Lots of business was being lost to the proprietors of these billet aluminium companies. Even though the parts often were no where near as functional as Shimano's mid level groups and were being sold for often times twice the price of XT stuff. In steps Shimano with the elegant, light, durable, and high functioning XTR group. (In my opinion, still the best looking crankset Shimano has ever executed!) Well, the end was near for the CNC parts slingers!
Fast forward to today. Several parts manufacturers again have stepped up to challenge the supremacy of the component giant. The difference being that this time the engineering, research and developement, and manufacturing techniques used are on par with, and in some cases better than Shimanos. This time original equipment spec is being lost by the bucketload to these challengers. Shimano tried to re-invent the shift lever, and other component pieces to a very lukewarm reception by the public. The other companies parts also allowed freedom of choice, where Shimano required a set of parts be used in concert with each other, disregarding rider preferences. Other companies were using the wonder material of the day- carbon fiber- quite liberally. Shimano once again looked boring in comparison.
Now they are promising more options, more choices. Now they are playing catch-up instead of upping the ante, like they did in the nineties. The competition of today is not inept, as it was once. Shimano is making a statement with this new XTR. I'm thinking it's not going to be seen as a very authoritative staement, like the first generation of XTR, but rather more like a conciliatory one. Is this a more humble, more consumer friendly Shimano? Time will tell.
A Component Makers Reformation?
The leaks about Shimano's new designs for the XTR group are getting bigger. It would appear that the component giant has turned a new leaf philosophically when it comes to choice. It's a bit ironic that Shimano also used XTR back in the nineties to make a statement, albeit a totally different one.
Back then, the cottage industry CNC parts manufacturers were busy replicating every part of the drivetrain imaginable in brilliant annodized colors. This was in contrast to the then top of the line XT parts group which in comparison, looked like a Quaker at a Grateful Dead concert. Sturdy and durable, but not much fun. Lots of business was being lost to the proprietors of these billet aluminium companies. Even though the parts often were no where near as functional as Shimano's mid level groups and were being sold for often times twice the price of XT stuff. In steps Shimano with the elegant, light, durable, and high functioning XTR group. (In my opinion, still the best looking crankset Shimano has ever executed!) Well, the end was near for the CNC parts slingers!
Fast forward to today. Several parts manufacturers again have stepped up to challenge the supremacy of the component giant. The difference being that this time the engineering, research and developement, and manufacturing techniques used are on par with, and in some cases better than Shimanos. This time original equipment spec is being lost by the bucketload to these challengers. Shimano tried to re-invent the shift lever, and other component pieces to a very lukewarm reception by the public. The other companies parts also allowed freedom of choice, where Shimano required a set of parts be used in concert with each other, disregarding rider preferences. Other companies were using the wonder material of the day- carbon fiber- quite liberally. Shimano once again looked boring in comparison.
Now they are promising more options, more choices. Now they are playing catch-up instead of upping the ante, like they did in the nineties. The competition of today is not inept, as it was once. Shimano is making a statement with this new XTR. I'm thinking it's not going to be seen as a very authoritative staement, like the first generation of XTR, but rather more like a conciliatory one. Is this a more humble, more consumer friendly Shimano? Time will tell.
Back then, the cottage industry CNC parts manufacturers were busy replicating every part of the drivetrain imaginable in brilliant annodized colors. This was in contrast to the then top of the line XT parts group which in comparison, looked like a Quaker at a Grateful Dead concert. Sturdy and durable, but not much fun. Lots of business was being lost to the proprietors of these billet aluminium companies. Even though the parts often were no where near as functional as Shimano's mid level groups and were being sold for often times twice the price of XT stuff. In steps Shimano with the elegant, light, durable, and high functioning XTR group. (In my opinion, still the best looking crankset Shimano has ever executed!) Well, the end was near for the CNC parts slingers!
Fast forward to today. Several parts manufacturers again have stepped up to challenge the supremacy of the component giant. The difference being that this time the engineering, research and developement, and manufacturing techniques used are on par with, and in some cases better than Shimanos. This time original equipment spec is being lost by the bucketload to these challengers. Shimano tried to re-invent the shift lever, and other component pieces to a very lukewarm reception by the public. The other companies parts also allowed freedom of choice, where Shimano required a set of parts be used in concert with each other, disregarding rider preferences. Other companies were using the wonder material of the day- carbon fiber- quite liberally. Shimano once again looked boring in comparison.
Now they are promising more options, more choices. Now they are playing catch-up instead of upping the ante, like they did in the nineties. The competition of today is not inept, as it was once. Shimano is making a statement with this new XTR. I'm thinking it's not going to be seen as a very authoritative staement, like the first generation of XTR, but rather more like a conciliatory one. Is this a more humble, more consumer friendly Shimano? Time will tell.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
I'm a Cyclist, Not a Marketing Trend!
I may have mentioned this before, but I am a contributor on The Biking Hub, a website dedicated to the mountain biker who is looking for information. Reviews, tech tips, and other types of stories that might interest a mountain biker can be found there. Anyway, you might enjoy poking around there a bit. The point that I wanted to make concerning that was about an article that I just did for them. In the comments section, someone made a slightly sarcastic remark regarding 29"ers as a waste of bandwidth for the site. The thought being that the 29"er was nothing but "cyclings next big thing." I guess he thought that 29"ers would be a passing fad except for the cycling industries efforts to create a new marketable trend. He couldn't be more wrong!
As it has been documented on this blog several times before, you may know that the exact opposite is true. While I'm not going to deny that the cycling industry is looking for the next big thing, they certainly don't have the marketing dollars to create a trend. The cycling industry is quick to jump onboard with a fast developing trend as evidenced by the now fading chopper bike mania. Of course, there was "The Lance Effect", which was certainly exploited. Now Lance is retired and marketing folks just might be looking for the next train to come along. The thing is, these cycling companies can certainly help a trend along, but they do not create them.
Then there is history, which alot of folks seem to forget. Remember free riding? Yeah. That was supposed to be a fad. Now it's not only alive and well,( currently masquerading around the globe as "all-mountain riding"), but it also helped spawn downhilling, and hucking as recreational sports. Take single speeding. Wasn't that supposed to be a fast fading trend? People were supposed to get tired of that and come back to geared bikes once they found out how tough single speeds were to ride off road. Riiiggghhht! Single speeding is alive and well, and not only that, but there is a larger community of fixed gear off roaders growing off that trend as well.
Of course, you are welcome to dismiss any and all of these trends as silly and not worthy of coverage in the media. It doesn't mean that it is not valid to others, though. This is what amazes me the most. Cycling is good. It's good for you physically. It's good for you mentally. It's good for the environment. Why is it that we spend so much time picking on, disrespecting, and out right fighting with other cyclists? If you ride a beat up fixed gear or a multi billion dollar all mountain, drop down, dead sexy sled, the bottom line is.....it's a bike! Have fun on whatever one you choose!
So, let the cycling industry, the media, and the web-trolls go on with their agendas. Bottom line for me is I'm a cyclist. Ride and Smile! (with a nod to Salsa Cycles!) Get out and ride whatever two wheeled contraption that makes you smile today! It'll be good for you and for me!
As it has been documented on this blog several times before, you may know that the exact opposite is true. While I'm not going to deny that the cycling industry is looking for the next big thing, they certainly don't have the marketing dollars to create a trend. The cycling industry is quick to jump onboard with a fast developing trend as evidenced by the now fading chopper bike mania. Of course, there was "The Lance Effect", which was certainly exploited. Now Lance is retired and marketing folks just might be looking for the next train to come along. The thing is, these cycling companies can certainly help a trend along, but they do not create them.
Then there is history, which alot of folks seem to forget. Remember free riding? Yeah. That was supposed to be a fad. Now it's not only alive and well,( currently masquerading around the globe as "all-mountain riding"), but it also helped spawn downhilling, and hucking as recreational sports. Take single speeding. Wasn't that supposed to be a fast fading trend? People were supposed to get tired of that and come back to geared bikes once they found out how tough single speeds were to ride off road. Riiiggghhht! Single speeding is alive and well, and not only that, but there is a larger community of fixed gear off roaders growing off that trend as well.
Of course, you are welcome to dismiss any and all of these trends as silly and not worthy of coverage in the media. It doesn't mean that it is not valid to others, though. This is what amazes me the most. Cycling is good. It's good for you physically. It's good for you mentally. It's good for the environment. Why is it that we spend so much time picking on, disrespecting, and out right fighting with other cyclists? If you ride a beat up fixed gear or a multi billion dollar all mountain, drop down, dead sexy sled, the bottom line is.....it's a bike! Have fun on whatever one you choose!
So, let the cycling industry, the media, and the web-trolls go on with their agendas. Bottom line for me is I'm a cyclist. Ride and Smile! (with a nod to Salsa Cycles!) Get out and ride whatever two wheeled contraption that makes you smile today! It'll be good for you and for me!
I'm a Cyclist, Not a Marketing Trend!
I may have mentioned this before, but I am a contributor on The Biking Hub, a website dedicated to the mountain biker who is looking for information. Reviews, tech tips, and other types of stories that might interest a mountain biker can be found there. Anyway, you might enjoy poking around there a bit. The point that I wanted to make concerning that was about an article that I just did for them. In the comments section, someone made a slightly sarcastic remark regarding 29"ers as a waste of bandwidth for the site. The thought being that the 29"er was nothing but "cyclings next big thing." I guess he thought that 29"ers would be a passing fad except for the cycling industries efforts to create a new marketable trend. He couldn't be more wrong!
As it has been documented on this blog several times before, you may know that the exact opposite is true. While I'm not going to deny that the cycling industry is looking for the next big thing, they certainly don't have the marketing dollars to create a trend. The cycling industry is quick to jump onboard with a fast developing trend as evidenced by the now fading chopper bike mania. Of course, there was "The Lance Effect", which was certainly exploited. Now Lance is retired and marketing folks just might be looking for the next train to come along. The thing is, these cycling companies can certainly help a trend along, but they do not create them.
Then there is history, which alot of folks seem to forget. Remember free riding? Yeah. That was supposed to be a fad. Now it's not only alive and well,( currently masquerading around the globe as "all-mountain riding"), but it also helped spawn downhilling, and hucking as recreational sports. Take single speeding. Wasn't that supposed to be a fast fading trend? People were supposed to get tired of that and come back to geared bikes once they found out how tough single speeds were to ride off road. Riiiggghhht! Single speeding is alive and well, and not only that, but there is a larger community of fixed gear off roaders growing off that trend as well.
Of course, you are welcome to dismiss any and all of these trends as silly and not worthy of coverage in the media. It doesn't mean that it is not valid to others, though. This is what amazes me the most. Cycling is good. It's good for you physically. It's good for you mentally. It's good for the environment. Why is it that we spend so much time picking on, disrespecting, and out right fighting with other cyclists? If you ride a beat up fixed gear or a multi billion dollar all mountain, drop down, dead sexy sled, the bottom line is.....it's a bike! Have fun on whatever one you choose!
So, let the cycling industry, the media, and the web-trolls go on with their agendas. Bottom line for me is I'm a cyclist. Ride and Smile! (with a nod to Salsa Cycles!) Get out and ride whatever two wheeled contraption that makes you smile today! It'll be good for you and for me!
As it has been documented on this blog several times before, you may know that the exact opposite is true. While I'm not going to deny that the cycling industry is looking for the next big thing, they certainly don't have the marketing dollars to create a trend. The cycling industry is quick to jump onboard with a fast developing trend as evidenced by the now fading chopper bike mania. Of course, there was "The Lance Effect", which was certainly exploited. Now Lance is retired and marketing folks just might be looking for the next train to come along. The thing is, these cycling companies can certainly help a trend along, but they do not create them.
Then there is history, which alot of folks seem to forget. Remember free riding? Yeah. That was supposed to be a fad. Now it's not only alive and well,( currently masquerading around the globe as "all-mountain riding"), but it also helped spawn downhilling, and hucking as recreational sports. Take single speeding. Wasn't that supposed to be a fast fading trend? People were supposed to get tired of that and come back to geared bikes once they found out how tough single speeds were to ride off road. Riiiggghhht! Single speeding is alive and well, and not only that, but there is a larger community of fixed gear off roaders growing off that trend as well.
Of course, you are welcome to dismiss any and all of these trends as silly and not worthy of coverage in the media. It doesn't mean that it is not valid to others, though. This is what amazes me the most. Cycling is good. It's good for you physically. It's good for you mentally. It's good for the environment. Why is it that we spend so much time picking on, disrespecting, and out right fighting with other cyclists? If you ride a beat up fixed gear or a multi billion dollar all mountain, drop down, dead sexy sled, the bottom line is.....it's a bike! Have fun on whatever one you choose!
So, let the cycling industry, the media, and the web-trolls go on with their agendas. Bottom line for me is I'm a cyclist. Ride and Smile! (with a nod to Salsa Cycles!) Get out and ride whatever two wheeled contraption that makes you smile today! It'll be good for you and for me!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
New Series Forms
100 Mile Races To Join Forces
The report coming from cyclingnews.com this morning might be a surprise for some. I think it's an inevitable result of the rising popularity of ultra-endurance events across this nation, and the world. It is an ambitious endeavor, none the less, with events taking place in the East and in the Rocky Mountains. Competitors that are willing to join in the fray would have to ante up alot of cash and time off to get a chance to be a top placer in the standings. Especially with the format that the promoters are using, which is based on points given for your time behind the winner of your class. Fewer points mean a higher standing in the overall series. Tough to do if you can't make a race or two. Does this mean it's really only for the elite, sponsored, full time ultra endurance athlete? Sounds that way to me.
Australians to run a "solo only" 24hr event.
Australians have their own rules for football, so why not for 24 hour races too? The solo only field idea is pretty cool. Add to that the fact that you must be out on course at the 24 hour mark to be tabulated as a finisher and I think you've got a pretty cool format. Not that you couldn't wait awhile and then run out there for a last lap, but at least the winner wouldn't be sleeping in his tent at the finish! Check it out also on cyclingnews.com- scroll down a bit!
And in the world of 29"ers........
Trans Iowa V2 sponsor Badger Cycles owner Rob Pennel has a pretty cool "sketch" for a different frame going on. The discussion can be found here on mtbr.com. Check it out! If you are the lucky winner of a custom Badger Cycles frame at Trans Iowa this year you might be able to persuade Rob to tackle one of these for you, with a couple extra bucks thrown in! That sort of frame will definitely cost you more, even if you win a free frame, since the prize is for one of Badger Cycles standard frame designs, but hey! You could always ask! Heh heh!
The report coming from cyclingnews.com this morning might be a surprise for some. I think it's an inevitable result of the rising popularity of ultra-endurance events across this nation, and the world. It is an ambitious endeavor, none the less, with events taking place in the East and in the Rocky Mountains. Competitors that are willing to join in the fray would have to ante up alot of cash and time off to get a chance to be a top placer in the standings. Especially with the format that the promoters are using, which is based on points given for your time behind the winner of your class. Fewer points mean a higher standing in the overall series. Tough to do if you can't make a race or two. Does this mean it's really only for the elite, sponsored, full time ultra endurance athlete? Sounds that way to me.
Australians to run a "solo only" 24hr event.
Australians have their own rules for football, so why not for 24 hour races too? The solo only field idea is pretty cool. Add to that the fact that you must be out on course at the 24 hour mark to be tabulated as a finisher and I think you've got a pretty cool format. Not that you couldn't wait awhile and then run out there for a last lap, but at least the winner wouldn't be sleeping in his tent at the finish! Check it out also on cyclingnews.com- scroll down a bit!
And in the world of 29"ers........
Trans Iowa V2 sponsor Badger Cycles owner Rob Pennel has a pretty cool "sketch" for a different frame going on. The discussion can be found here on mtbr.com. Check it out! If you are the lucky winner of a custom Badger Cycles frame at Trans Iowa this year you might be able to persuade Rob to tackle one of these for you, with a couple extra bucks thrown in! That sort of frame will definitely cost you more, even if you win a free frame, since the prize is for one of Badger Cycles standard frame designs, but hey! You could always ask! Heh heh!
New Series Forms
100 Mile Races To Join Forces
The report coming from cyclingnews.com this morning might be a surprise for some. I think it's an inevitable result of the rising popularity of ultra-endurance events across this nation, and the world. It is an ambitious endeavor, none the less, with events taking place in the East and in the Rocky Mountains. Competitors that are willing to join in the fray would have to ante up alot of cash and time off to get a chance to be a top placer in the standings. Especially with the format that the promoters are using, which is based on points given for your time behind the winner of your class. Fewer points mean a higher standing in the overall series. Tough to do if you can't make a race or two. Does this mean it's really only for the elite, sponsored, full time ultra endurance athlete? Sounds that way to me.
Australians to run a "solo only" 24hr event.
Australians have their own rules for football, so why not for 24 hour races too? The solo only field idea is pretty cool. Add to that the fact that you must be out on course at the 24 hour mark to be tabulated as a finisher and I think you've got a pretty cool format. Not that you couldn't wait awhile and then run out there for a last lap, but at least the winner wouldn't be sleeping in his tent at the finish! Check it out also on cyclingnews.com- scroll down a bit!
And in the world of 29"ers........
Trans Iowa V2 sponsor Badger Cycles owner Rob Pennel has a pretty cool "sketch" for a different frame going on. The discussion can be found here on mtbr.com. Check it out! If you are the lucky winner of a custom Badger Cycles frame at Trans Iowa this year you might be able to persuade Rob to tackle one of these for you, with a couple extra bucks thrown in! That sort of frame will definitely cost you more, even if you win a free frame, since the prize is for one of Badger Cycles standard frame designs, but hey! You could always ask! Heh heh!
The report coming from cyclingnews.com this morning might be a surprise for some. I think it's an inevitable result of the rising popularity of ultra-endurance events across this nation, and the world. It is an ambitious endeavor, none the less, with events taking place in the East and in the Rocky Mountains. Competitors that are willing to join in the fray would have to ante up alot of cash and time off to get a chance to be a top placer in the standings. Especially with the format that the promoters are using, which is based on points given for your time behind the winner of your class. Fewer points mean a higher standing in the overall series. Tough to do if you can't make a race or two. Does this mean it's really only for the elite, sponsored, full time ultra endurance athlete? Sounds that way to me.
Australians to run a "solo only" 24hr event.
Australians have their own rules for football, so why not for 24 hour races too? The solo only field idea is pretty cool. Add to that the fact that you must be out on course at the 24 hour mark to be tabulated as a finisher and I think you've got a pretty cool format. Not that you couldn't wait awhile and then run out there for a last lap, but at least the winner wouldn't be sleeping in his tent at the finish! Check it out also on cyclingnews.com- scroll down a bit!
And in the world of 29"ers........
Trans Iowa V2 sponsor Badger Cycles owner Rob Pennel has a pretty cool "sketch" for a different frame going on. The discussion can be found here on mtbr.com. Check it out! If you are the lucky winner of a custom Badger Cycles frame at Trans Iowa this year you might be able to persuade Rob to tackle one of these for you, with a couple extra bucks thrown in! That sort of frame will definitely cost you more, even if you win a free frame, since the prize is for one of Badger Cycles standard frame designs, but hey! You could always ask! Heh heh!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
29"er Racing News
JHK To Race a 29"er?
It appears that a 29"er may get raced by a top NORBA pro this year. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski of the Subaru/ Gary Fisher mountain bike team is playing around with a hardtail 29"er. It appears that he is trying to determine which courses that he and the 29"er format will be best suited for. As it stands now, it sounds as if it will actually be ridden at some venues this season. The team has also been testing the 26 inch version of the Race Day bike. The 29"er version of the "RD" (As it's being called these days) has yet to be delivered to JHK and the team. Reading the reports, it sounds as if they have high expectations for the 29" version.
This is good to see, and frankly, long overdue for the Fisher squad. Being that they have had a 29"er program for several years now, I find it a bit odd that it took so long for them to get someone on the team onboard with the concept. As far as JHK's take on the big wheels, it follows right along with what I've always said. Horses for courses. Some venues are going to favor 29"ers and some not. Well, at least for racing purposes!
Mike Curiak Drops Out of T.I.V2
I was checking the endurance forum on mtbr.com and I saw the post. Bummer! I was really looking forward to seeing Mike again. Not because of anything that he could "do for our event", but just because I respect him and I find him to be a very interesting and likeable guy. I'm not aware of the reason that he is not going to make our humble little event, but I hope everything is okay. I'm sure he is completely innundated with things that need his attention what with putting on the Kokopelli Trail Race, the Grand Loop, and whatever else is going on with his business, private life, etc.... I know that he wrestled with the decision to even enter this years T.I.V2 due to it's proximity to the KTR. Good Luck Mike, in whatever you do!
That's my news and views today for you all. Still trying to track down another good interview. Keep it tuned here for your 29"er and endurance news, plus whatever other itches I've gotta scratch!
It appears that a 29"er may get raced by a top NORBA pro this year. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski of the Subaru/ Gary Fisher mountain bike team is playing around with a hardtail 29"er. It appears that he is trying to determine which courses that he and the 29"er format will be best suited for. As it stands now, it sounds as if it will actually be ridden at some venues this season. The team has also been testing the 26 inch version of the Race Day bike. The 29"er version of the "RD" (As it's being called these days) has yet to be delivered to JHK and the team. Reading the reports, it sounds as if they have high expectations for the 29" version.
This is good to see, and frankly, long overdue for the Fisher squad. Being that they have had a 29"er program for several years now, I find it a bit odd that it took so long for them to get someone on the team onboard with the concept. As far as JHK's take on the big wheels, it follows right along with what I've always said. Horses for courses. Some venues are going to favor 29"ers and some not. Well, at least for racing purposes!
Mike Curiak Drops Out of T.I.V2
I was checking the endurance forum on mtbr.com and I saw the post. Bummer! I was really looking forward to seeing Mike again. Not because of anything that he could "do for our event", but just because I respect him and I find him to be a very interesting and likeable guy. I'm not aware of the reason that he is not going to make our humble little event, but I hope everything is okay. I'm sure he is completely innundated with things that need his attention what with putting on the Kokopelli Trail Race, the Grand Loop, and whatever else is going on with his business, private life, etc.... I know that he wrestled with the decision to even enter this years T.I.V2 due to it's proximity to the KTR. Good Luck Mike, in whatever you do!
That's my news and views today for you all. Still trying to track down another good interview. Keep it tuned here for your 29"er and endurance news, plus whatever other itches I've gotta scratch!
29"er Racing News
JHK To Race a 29"er?
It appears that a 29"er may get raced by a top NORBA pro this year. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski of the Subaru/ Gary Fisher mountain bike team is playing around with a hardtail 29"er. It appears that he is trying to determine which courses that he and the 29"er format will be best suited for. As it stands now, it sounds as if it will actually be ridden at some venues this season. The team has also been testing the 26 inch version of the Race Day bike. The 29"er version of the "RD" (As it's being called these days) has yet to be delivered to JHK and the team. Reading the reports, it sounds as if they have high expectations for the 29" version.
This is good to see, and frankly, long overdue for the Fisher squad. Being that they have had a 29"er program for several years now, I find it a bit odd that it took so long for them to get someone on the team onboard with the concept. As far as JHK's take on the big wheels, it follows right along with what I've always said. Horses for courses. Some venues are going to favor 29"ers and some not. Well, at least for racing purposes!
Mike Curiak Drops Out of T.I.V2
I was checking the endurance forum on mtbr.com and I saw the post. Bummer! I was really looking forward to seeing Mike again. Not because of anything that he could "do for our event", but just because I respect him and I find him to be a very interesting and likeable guy. I'm not aware of the reason that he is not going to make our humble little event, but I hope everything is okay. I'm sure he is completely innundated with things that need his attention what with putting on the Kokopelli Trail Race, the Grand Loop, and whatever else is going on with his business, private life, etc.... I know that he wrestled with the decision to even enter this years T.I.V2 due to it's proximity to the KTR. Good Luck Mike, in whatever you do!
That's my news and views today for you all. Still trying to track down another good interview. Keep it tuned here for your 29"er and endurance news, plus whatever other itches I've gotta scratch!
It appears that a 29"er may get raced by a top NORBA pro this year. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski of the Subaru/ Gary Fisher mountain bike team is playing around with a hardtail 29"er. It appears that he is trying to determine which courses that he and the 29"er format will be best suited for. As it stands now, it sounds as if it will actually be ridden at some venues this season. The team has also been testing the 26 inch version of the Race Day bike. The 29"er version of the "RD" (As it's being called these days) has yet to be delivered to JHK and the team. Reading the reports, it sounds as if they have high expectations for the 29" version.
This is good to see, and frankly, long overdue for the Fisher squad. Being that they have had a 29"er program for several years now, I find it a bit odd that it took so long for them to get someone on the team onboard with the concept. As far as JHK's take on the big wheels, it follows right along with what I've always said. Horses for courses. Some venues are going to favor 29"ers and some not. Well, at least for racing purposes!
Mike Curiak Drops Out of T.I.V2
I was checking the endurance forum on mtbr.com and I saw the post. Bummer! I was really looking forward to seeing Mike again. Not because of anything that he could "do for our event", but just because I respect him and I find him to be a very interesting and likeable guy. I'm not aware of the reason that he is not going to make our humble little event, but I hope everything is okay. I'm sure he is completely innundated with things that need his attention what with putting on the Kokopelli Trail Race, the Grand Loop, and whatever else is going on with his business, private life, etc.... I know that he wrestled with the decision to even enter this years T.I.V2 due to it's proximity to the KTR. Good Luck Mike, in whatever you do!
That's my news and views today for you all. Still trying to track down another good interview. Keep it tuned here for your 29"er and endurance news, plus whatever other itches I've gotta scratch!
Monday, March 20, 2006
It's Official
Today is the day. Spring starts here at around 12:30pm CST. Whoopee! It sure doesn't seem to be in a hurry to come in reality. The hundreds of springtime robins are standing around seeming to be waiting for spring to get started. Cold, windy, wet, and generally unpleasant conditions abound with a few sunny days thrown in for good measure. And the snow! South and west of us they are getting pummeled! Especially Kansas and Nebraska. I guess it could be worse here. O.K..........shutting up now!
It's also officially bike season in Iowa. This means that my hours at the shop will increase. Yippee! It also means that I will start getting questions about RAGBRAI again. I had a look at the route this weekend. One word........hilly! If it's a typically hot and humid summer, this ride is going to hurt people! They were trumpeting the fact that for the second year in a row there would be no gravel sections. That's okay, we got ya covered there, buddy! Last week, I attended a funeral for a very cool guy. He was a cyclist. A really good one too. Anyway.......the pastor mentioned this in his sermon and said that ,"...he really enjoyed going on that RAGBRAI race every year"! Crazy! A race! Riiiigggghhht! Unfortunately, lots of folks actually believe that.
Speaking of racing, it's officially that season in Iowa now too. Lots of events coming up. The one that Mr.24 is concerned about now isn't in this state, but down south o here a bit. Looks to be a challenging task! For me, all I'm concerned about is this one, although I might get into something shorter as a tune up. Hmm........it's all dependant upon the time available. We'll see!
Now, this post is officially over! Get offa this screen and back to work, ya lazy!
It's also officially bike season in Iowa. This means that my hours at the shop will increase. Yippee! It also means that I will start getting questions about RAGBRAI again. I had a look at the route this weekend. One word........hilly! If it's a typically hot and humid summer, this ride is going to hurt people! They were trumpeting the fact that for the second year in a row there would be no gravel sections. That's okay, we got ya covered there, buddy! Last week, I attended a funeral for a very cool guy. He was a cyclist. A really good one too. Anyway.......the pastor mentioned this in his sermon and said that ,"...he really enjoyed going on that RAGBRAI race every year"! Crazy! A race! Riiiigggghhht! Unfortunately, lots of folks actually believe that.
Speaking of racing, it's officially that season in Iowa now too. Lots of events coming up. The one that Mr.24 is concerned about now isn't in this state, but down south o here a bit. Looks to be a challenging task! For me, all I'm concerned about is this one, although I might get into something shorter as a tune up. Hmm........it's all dependant upon the time available. We'll see!
Now, this post is officially over! Get offa this screen and back to work, ya lazy!
It's Official
Today is the day. Spring starts here at around 12:30pm CST. Whoopee! It sure doesn't seem to be in a hurry to come in reality. The hundreds of springtime robins are standing around seeming to be waiting for spring to get started. Cold, windy, wet, and generally unpleasant conditions abound with a few sunny days thrown in for good measure. And the snow! South and west of us they are getting pummeled! Especially Kansas and Nebraska. I guess it could be worse here. O.K..........shutting up now!
It's also officially bike season in Iowa. This means that my hours at the shop will increase. Yippee! It also means that I will start getting questions about RAGBRAI again. I had a look at the route this weekend. One word........hilly! If it's a typically hot and humid summer, this ride is going to hurt people! They were trumpeting the fact that for the second year in a row there would be no gravel sections. That's okay, we got ya covered there, buddy! Last week, I attended a funeral for a very cool guy. He was a cyclist. A really good one too. Anyway.......the pastor mentioned this in his sermon and said that ,"...he really enjoyed going on that RAGBRAI race every year"! Crazy! A race! Riiiigggghhht! Unfortunately, lots of folks actually believe that.
Speaking of racing, it's officially that season in Iowa now too. Lots of events coming up. The one that Mr.24 is concerned about now isn't in this state, but down south o here a bit. Looks to be a challenging task! For me, all I'm concerned about is this one, although I might get into something shorter as a tune up. Hmm........it's all dependant upon the time available. We'll see!
Now, this post is officially over! Get offa this screen and back to work, ya lazy!
It's also officially bike season in Iowa. This means that my hours at the shop will increase. Yippee! It also means that I will start getting questions about RAGBRAI again. I had a look at the route this weekend. One word........hilly! If it's a typically hot and humid summer, this ride is going to hurt people! They were trumpeting the fact that for the second year in a row there would be no gravel sections. That's okay, we got ya covered there, buddy! Last week, I attended a funeral for a very cool guy. He was a cyclist. A really good one too. Anyway.......the pastor mentioned this in his sermon and said that ,"...he really enjoyed going on that RAGBRAI race every year"! Crazy! A race! Riiiigggghhht! Unfortunately, lots of folks actually believe that.
Speaking of racing, it's officially that season in Iowa now too. Lots of events coming up. The one that Mr.24 is concerned about now isn't in this state, but down south o here a bit. Looks to be a challenging task! For me, all I'm concerned about is this one, although I might get into something shorter as a tune up. Hmm........it's all dependant upon the time available. We'll see!
Now, this post is officially over! Get offa this screen and back to work, ya lazy!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Wheel Bling For The Inbred
Here is a sneak peak at the wheels that I built that are going on the Inbred 29"er. Purple Surly hubs, green Salsa skewers, purple, green, and gold alloy nipples, and Salsa Delgado Disc rims. Yummy!
Here is a close up of the rim and some of the alloy nips.I should be getting some sort of fork for this build in a couple weeks. I'm still up in the air right now as to what it's going to be. I can get a Karate Momnkey fork any day for this, but I'm holding out for the Inbred steel or carbon fork. We'll see!
Did some hill repeats and sprints on the Karate Monkey single speed yesterday. I about got sick! Light headed and nauseous. Ouch! Must have been close to seeing the pink elephants again. You know you've gone hard when you see those guys!
Have a great weekend, ya'all!
Wheel Bling For The Inbred
Here is a sneak peak at the wheels that I built that are going on the Inbred 29"er. Purple Surly hubs, green Salsa skewers, purple, green, and gold alloy nipples, and Salsa Delgado Disc rims. Yummy!Here is a close up of the rim and some of the alloy nips.I should be getting some sort of fork for this build in a couple weeks. I'm still up in the air right now as to what it's going to be. I can get a Karate Momnkey fork any day for this, but I'm holding out for the Inbred steel or carbon fork. We'll see!
Did some hill repeats and sprints on the Karate Monkey single speed yesterday. I about got sick! Light headed and nauseous. Ouch! Must have been close to seeing the pink elephants again. You know you've gone hard when you see those guys!
Have a great weekend, ya'all!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Mr. 24's New Fashion Tip....For the Bike
It's fun to see new bikes going together at the shop! Here's a before and after of Jeff"s new Rush after he modified the reflective stickers.
Pretty cool, huh? I think it's a simple but very effective way to get the Cat Eye Team bikes differentiated from the masses. Problem is, Jeff has probably started a trend here! I look for this to become a new fad amongst not only Rush owners, but endurance freaks worldwide.
Besides, what says "I'm a Redneck" more than reflective tape and a mesh truckers cap? Now all Mr.24 and Buchanandale need are mesh trucker caps that say "Feel it!" on them! Awesome!
Mr. 24's New Fashion Tip....For the Bike
It's fun to see new bikes going together at the shop! Here's a before and after of Jeff"s new Rush after he modified the reflective stickers.
Pretty cool, huh? I think it's a simple but very effective way to get the Cat Eye Team bikes differentiated from the masses. Problem is, Jeff has probably started a trend here! I look for this to become a new fad amongst not only Rush owners, but endurance freaks worldwide.
Besides, what says "I'm a Redneck" more than reflective tape and a mesh truckers cap? Now all Mr.24 and Buchanandale need are mesh trucker caps that say "Feel it!" on them! Awesome!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Friday News and Views: St. Patricks Day
Yesterdays post, Picking at Scabs, has drawn quite a few comments. I suspect that this is going to be a hot button subject for awhile to come. (No thanks in part to cyclingnews.com !) At any rate, there are other things to talk about and, ( believe it or not) rides to be done!
29" tire promises. Pipedreams? It seems that about every month I hear a rumor about some new 29" tire coming down the pipeline. Then months go by............hmmm....... No tires! So, forgive me if I seem a bit cynical. The latest rumors have it that Maxxis is coming out with two new treads. One based on the Advantage tread, and the other on the Cross Mark tread design. Panaracer is said to be in developement of a 2.3 inch wide "Rampage" treaded tire, which is supposed to be an all new, aggressive tire for both 26 and 29 inch tires. Kenda is said to be coming out with a Nevegal in a 29 inch size, although it's now reported that it will not be in the previously rumored size of 2.3, but something skinnier. (Dumb idea!) Time of delivery? Riiiggghhhtt! We'll let that go for now. When they are actually in shops for sale, I'll be excited then!
Small companies "weeding up" the market place: I find just about as many small start up 29" frame builders or sellers as I do tire rumors! Volcano, Mr. Bigg, and several from the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. It's crazy! Mountain Goat Route 29's are just days away from being out on the trail. Niner is still pumping out new models, with their "Zen" full suspension model on the way. The thing that this reminds me of is the late 80's/ early nineties "cottage industry" mtb companies. Remember all those old bikes? Will the same thing happen all over again with 29"ers? Could be. Once some of the other major companies like Specialized, or Giant decide to jump on this, it just might be deja vu for all of us! Hmm.......still missing all the purple anno!
New bikes, more training rides! I work at a shop where everyone is a Cannondale freak......except me. Not that I do not like them, I do! I just can't get my freak on for a company that doesn't do 29"ers. Maybe some day........? Anyway, the new rigs hitting the door at the shop for Kerkove and Buchanandale are pretty sweet. Of course that means that training rides and events are imminent. We are all itching to start logging miles on our new bikes!
Speaking of training...... If you are thinking, "I'd like to try a solo ultra endurance or 24hr race", then you need to check out Dave Harris' blogsite. He's got some great tips on what to do to prepare for your first event. What to expect from your training, all the way to the LeMans run, and what to do if you start seeing pink elephants! (I made that last part up!) Anyway, check it out, the info is found in a clickable heading in a sidebar on the left side of his blogpage under "Post Categories"
That's it for now! Have a great weekend, and get out and ride! (yes, that means you paddy and Dallas!)
29" tire promises. Pipedreams? It seems that about every month I hear a rumor about some new 29" tire coming down the pipeline. Then months go by............hmmm....... No tires! So, forgive me if I seem a bit cynical. The latest rumors have it that Maxxis is coming out with two new treads. One based on the Advantage tread, and the other on the Cross Mark tread design. Panaracer is said to be in developement of a 2.3 inch wide "Rampage" treaded tire, which is supposed to be an all new, aggressive tire for both 26 and 29 inch tires. Kenda is said to be coming out with a Nevegal in a 29 inch size, although it's now reported that it will not be in the previously rumored size of 2.3, but something skinnier. (Dumb idea!) Time of delivery? Riiiggghhhtt! We'll let that go for now. When they are actually in shops for sale, I'll be excited then!
Small companies "weeding up" the market place: I find just about as many small start up 29" frame builders or sellers as I do tire rumors! Volcano, Mr. Bigg, and several from the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. It's crazy! Mountain Goat Route 29's are just days away from being out on the trail. Niner is still pumping out new models, with their "Zen" full suspension model on the way. The thing that this reminds me of is the late 80's/ early nineties "cottage industry" mtb companies. Remember all those old bikes? Will the same thing happen all over again with 29"ers? Could be. Once some of the other major companies like Specialized, or Giant decide to jump on this, it just might be deja vu for all of us! Hmm.......still missing all the purple anno!
New bikes, more training rides! I work at a shop where everyone is a Cannondale freak......except me. Not that I do not like them, I do! I just can't get my freak on for a company that doesn't do 29"ers. Maybe some day........? Anyway, the new rigs hitting the door at the shop for Kerkove and Buchanandale are pretty sweet. Of course that means that training rides and events are imminent. We are all itching to start logging miles on our new bikes!
Speaking of training...... If you are thinking, "I'd like to try a solo ultra endurance or 24hr race", then you need to check out Dave Harris' blogsite. He's got some great tips on what to do to prepare for your first event. What to expect from your training, all the way to the LeMans run, and what to do if you start seeing pink elephants! (I made that last part up!) Anyway, check it out, the info is found in a clickable heading in a sidebar on the left side of his blogpage under "Post Categories"
That's it for now! Have a great weekend, and get out and ride! (yes, that means you paddy and Dallas!)
Friday News and Views: St. Patricks Day
Yesterdays post, Picking at Scabs, has drawn quite a few comments. I suspect that this is going to be a hot button subject for awhile to come. (No thanks in part to cyclingnews.com !) At any rate, there are other things to talk about and, ( believe it or not) rides to be done!
29" tire promises. Pipedreams? It seems that about every month I hear a rumor about some new 29" tire coming down the pipeline. Then months go by............hmmm....... No tires! So, forgive me if I seem a bit cynical. The latest rumors have it that Maxxis is coming out with two new treads. One based on the Advantage tread, and the other on the Cross Mark tread design. Panaracer is said to be in developement of a 2.3 inch wide "Rampage" treaded tire, which is supposed to be an all new, aggressive tire for both 26 and 29 inch tires. Kenda is said to be coming out with a Nevegal in a 29 inch size, although it's now reported that it will not be in the previously rumored size of 2.3, but something skinnier. (Dumb idea!) Time of delivery? Riiiggghhhtt! We'll let that go for now. When they are actually in shops for sale, I'll be excited then!
Small companies "weeding up" the market place: I find just about as many small start up 29" frame builders or sellers as I do tire rumors! Volcano, Mr. Bigg, and several from the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. It's crazy! Mountain Goat Route 29's are just days away from being out on the trail. Niner is still pumping out new models, with their "Zen" full suspension model on the way. The thing that this reminds me of is the late 80's/ early nineties "cottage industry" mtb companies. Remember all those old bikes? Will the same thing happen all over again with 29"ers? Could be. Once some of the other major companies like Specialized, or Giant decide to jump on this, it just might be deja vu for all of us! Hmm.......still missing all the purple anno!
New bikes, more training rides! I work at a shop where everyone is a Cannondale freak......except me. Not that I do not like them, I do! I just can't get my freak on for a company that doesn't do 29"ers. Maybe some day........? Anyway, the new rigs hitting the door at the shop for Kerkove and Buchanandale are pretty sweet. Of course that means that training rides and events are imminent. We are all itching to start logging miles on our new bikes!
Speaking of training...... If you are thinking, "I'd like to try a solo ultra endurance or 24hr race", then you need to check out Dave Harris' blogsite. He's got some great tips on what to do to prepare for your first event. What to expect from your training, all the way to the LeMans run, and what to do if you start seeing pink elephants! (I made that last part up!) Anyway, check it out, the info is found in a clickable heading in a sidebar on the left side of his blogpage under "Post Categories"
That's it for now! Have a great weekend, and get out and ride! (yes, that means you paddy and Dallas!)
29" tire promises. Pipedreams? It seems that about every month I hear a rumor about some new 29" tire coming down the pipeline. Then months go by............hmmm....... No tires! So, forgive me if I seem a bit cynical. The latest rumors have it that Maxxis is coming out with two new treads. One based on the Advantage tread, and the other on the Cross Mark tread design. Panaracer is said to be in developement of a 2.3 inch wide "Rampage" treaded tire, which is supposed to be an all new, aggressive tire for both 26 and 29 inch tires. Kenda is said to be coming out with a Nevegal in a 29 inch size, although it's now reported that it will not be in the previously rumored size of 2.3, but something skinnier. (Dumb idea!) Time of delivery? Riiiggghhhtt! We'll let that go for now. When they are actually in shops for sale, I'll be excited then!
Small companies "weeding up" the market place: I find just about as many small start up 29" frame builders or sellers as I do tire rumors! Volcano, Mr. Bigg, and several from the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. It's crazy! Mountain Goat Route 29's are just days away from being out on the trail. Niner is still pumping out new models, with their "Zen" full suspension model on the way. The thing that this reminds me of is the late 80's/ early nineties "cottage industry" mtb companies. Remember all those old bikes? Will the same thing happen all over again with 29"ers? Could be. Once some of the other major companies like Specialized, or Giant decide to jump on this, it just might be deja vu for all of us! Hmm.......still missing all the purple anno!
New bikes, more training rides! I work at a shop where everyone is a Cannondale freak......except me. Not that I do not like them, I do! I just can't get my freak on for a company that doesn't do 29"ers. Maybe some day........? Anyway, the new rigs hitting the door at the shop for Kerkove and Buchanandale are pretty sweet. Of course that means that training rides and events are imminent. We are all itching to start logging miles on our new bikes!
Speaking of training...... If you are thinking, "I'd like to try a solo ultra endurance or 24hr race", then you need to check out Dave Harris' blogsite. He's got some great tips on what to do to prepare for your first event. What to expect from your training, all the way to the LeMans run, and what to do if you start seeing pink elephants! (I made that last part up!) Anyway, check it out, the info is found in a clickable heading in a sidebar on the left side of his blogpage under "Post Categories"
That's it for now! Have a great weekend, and get out and ride! (yes, that means you paddy and Dallas!)
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Picking At Scabs
Well, they are at it again! Just when you think it's going to die down and go away, up it pops again! The debate on wheelsize just won't go away. I say it's a fruitless pursuit. I've listed my reasonings before, but here they are again. I'll try to be brief!
1. Testing procedures will require a high degree of accuracy to be acceptable. Can you say "money"? People seem to desire that this question be resolved by scientific method. How is it that journalists can be regarded as scientists, or trusted to be impartial. We are talking about cycling journos here. Cyclists have to be some of the most passionate people I know!
2. It fails to be realized that it's more than just 29" wheels. It's a specific geometry. It's a standard for suspension forks that hasn't even been worked out yet. It's about a different skill set required to ride 29"er bikes. These things have to be factored in to get good results.
3. The Human Factor. There are going to be as many possible results as there are humans for any particular set of test bikes. Think about it. Is someone going to win the Tour de France because they are riding a Trek Madone this year? How do you get a human pool of 29"er test pilots large enough to obtain a representative sample?
4. Do I even need a scientific study? I already know how 26 inch wheels work for me. I've ridden them for fouteen years off road exclusively. I have ridden 29 inch wheels for three years exclusively. I can already say without reservation that the 29"er does so many things better with me onboard that I don't want to go back to 26 inch wheels. Is a scientific study going to negate that? Not!
There are some things that readily come to mind, but there are more. Let's just leave it at that. In conclusion, I say let them test away! It'll be fine entertainment, even if it is inconclusive, which it's bound to be.
Meanwhile, I'll be out riding my 29"er if ya need me. Ride what makes you smile!
1. Testing procedures will require a high degree of accuracy to be acceptable. Can you say "money"? People seem to desire that this question be resolved by scientific method. How is it that journalists can be regarded as scientists, or trusted to be impartial. We are talking about cycling journos here. Cyclists have to be some of the most passionate people I know!
2. It fails to be realized that it's more than just 29" wheels. It's a specific geometry. It's a standard for suspension forks that hasn't even been worked out yet. It's about a different skill set required to ride 29"er bikes. These things have to be factored in to get good results.
3. The Human Factor. There are going to be as many possible results as there are humans for any particular set of test bikes. Think about it. Is someone going to win the Tour de France because they are riding a Trek Madone this year? How do you get a human pool of 29"er test pilots large enough to obtain a representative sample?
4. Do I even need a scientific study? I already know how 26 inch wheels work for me. I've ridden them for fouteen years off road exclusively. I have ridden 29 inch wheels for three years exclusively. I can already say without reservation that the 29"er does so many things better with me onboard that I don't want to go back to 26 inch wheels. Is a scientific study going to negate that? Not!
There are some things that readily come to mind, but there are more. Let's just leave it at that. In conclusion, I say let them test away! It'll be fine entertainment, even if it is inconclusive, which it's bound to be.
Meanwhile, I'll be out riding my 29"er if ya need me. Ride what makes you smile!
Picking At Scabs
Well, they are at it again! Just when you think it's going to die down and go away, up it pops again! The debate on wheelsize just won't go away. I say it's a fruitless pursuit. I've listed my reasonings before, but here they are again. I'll try to be brief!
1. Testing procedures will require a high degree of accuracy to be acceptable. Can you say "money"? People seem to desire that this question be resolved by scientific method. How is it that journalists can be regarded as scientists, or trusted to be impartial. We are talking about cycling journos here. Cyclists have to be some of the most passionate people I know!
2. It fails to be realized that it's more than just 29" wheels. It's a specific geometry. It's a standard for suspension forks that hasn't even been worked out yet. It's about a different skill set required to ride 29"er bikes. These things have to be factored in to get good results.
3. The Human Factor. There are going to be as many possible results as there are humans for any particular set of test bikes. Think about it. Is someone going to win the Tour de France because they are riding a Trek Madone this year? How do you get a human pool of 29"er test pilots large enough to obtain a representative sample?
4. Do I even need a scientific study? I already know how 26 inch wheels work for me. I've ridden them for fouteen years off road exclusively. I have ridden 29 inch wheels for three years exclusively. I can already say without reservation that the 29"er does so many things better with me onboard that I don't want to go back to 26 inch wheels. Is a scientific study going to negate that? Not!
There are some things that readily come to mind, but there are more. Let's just leave it at that. In conclusion, I say let them test away! It'll be fine entertainment, even if it is inconclusive, which it's bound to be.
Meanwhile, I'll be out riding my 29"er if ya need me. Ride what makes you smile!
1. Testing procedures will require a high degree of accuracy to be acceptable. Can you say "money"? People seem to desire that this question be resolved by scientific method. How is it that journalists can be regarded as scientists, or trusted to be impartial. We are talking about cycling journos here. Cyclists have to be some of the most passionate people I know!
2. It fails to be realized that it's more than just 29" wheels. It's a specific geometry. It's a standard for suspension forks that hasn't even been worked out yet. It's about a different skill set required to ride 29"er bikes. These things have to be factored in to get good results.
3. The Human Factor. There are going to be as many possible results as there are humans for any particular set of test bikes. Think about it. Is someone going to win the Tour de France because they are riding a Trek Madone this year? How do you get a human pool of 29"er test pilots large enough to obtain a representative sample?
4. Do I even need a scientific study? I already know how 26 inch wheels work for me. I've ridden them for fouteen years off road exclusively. I have ridden 29 inch wheels for three years exclusively. I can already say without reservation that the 29"er does so many things better with me onboard that I don't want to go back to 26 inch wheels. Is a scientific study going to negate that? Not!
There are some things that readily come to mind, but there are more. Let's just leave it at that. In conclusion, I say let them test away! It'll be fine entertainment, even if it is inconclusive, which it's bound to be.
Meanwhile, I'll be out riding my 29"er if ya need me. Ride what makes you smile!
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