I was just thinking a bit more about the single speed 29"er availability versus the geared only frame availability and I realized that I had forgotten something. The geared only bikes are just around the corner. As in, there are a bunch of them coming out in '07.
The following bikes came to mind that will be seen in local bike shops soon: Caffeine 29"er from Cannondale, the Raleigh XXIX+G, the Haro Mary XC ( which should be out already), Jamis' new hardtail, Kona's geared hardtail comes back for a second year, and even a Canadian bike from Norco.
Not to mention the several "boutique" brands such as Titus, Badger Dorothy, and even Salsa's El Mariachi will be available as a complete bike, albeit it does have an eccentric bottom bracket for single speed conversion. As does Fisher's new Ferrous, which should be available sometime soon.
I just wanted to mention this, as I didn't want to give the impression that there weren't any geared hardtails available. That used to be the case, but it should be rectified soon.
Finally, I wanted to address something that was brought up during a discussion the other day. The Karate Monkee. Someone suggested that it be updated, when I think what they really wanted to see was a totally new bike from Surly. Why do I say that? Because most folks don't get it when it comes to the Karate Monkee.
How soon we all forget! Take yourself back to 2002. Now, name all the 29"ers available to the public. Sound rediculous? I bet if you think about it, you could do it, and you wouldn't even use up all of your digits counting. There wasn't much of anything available to the public beyond customs and Fishers. Then the Karate Monkee came. Okay, if you wanted maximum selling potential in 2003, you would be smart to do a "do-it-all" frame. SS, geared, suspended, or not. Commuter, off road, or touring. The Karate Monkee can, and has, done them all.
So, now things are different, why not change it now? Because the Karate Monkee is a standard. It's a benchmark that other 29"ers are still measured by. Also, it still is arguably the best "do-it-all" production 29"er frameset out there.
I know it's probably too soon to nominate for 29"er Hall of Fame bikes, but I vote for the Karate Monkee, which by the way, is still the coolest name for a bicycle ever!
Okay, that's my random thoughts for today. Don't forget! Trans Iowa Registration is open now until December 15th! Get your postcards in before the deadline!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Gears and Classics
I was just thinking a bit more about the single speed 29"er availability versus the geared only frame availability and I realized that I had forgotten something. The geared only bikes are just around the corner. As in, there are a bunch of them coming out in '07.
The following bikes came to mind that will be seen in local bike shops soon: Caffeine 29"er from Cannondale, the Raleigh XXIX+G, the Haro Mary XC ( which should be out already), Jamis' new hardtail, Kona's geared hardtail comes back for a second year, and even a Canadian bike from Norco.
Not to mention the several "boutique" brands such as Titus, Badger Dorothy, and even Salsa's El Mariachi will be available as a complete bike, albeit it does have an eccentric bottom bracket for single speed conversion. As does Fisher's new Ferrous, which should be available sometime soon.
I just wanted to mention this, as I didn't want to give the impression that there weren't any geared hardtails available. That used to be the case, but it should be rectified soon.
Finally, I wanted to address something that was brought up during a discussion the other day. The Karate Monkee. Someone suggested that it be updated, when I think what they really wanted to see was a totally new bike from Surly. Why do I say that? Because most folks don't get it when it comes to the Karate Monkee.
How soon we all forget! Take yourself back to 2002. Now, name all the 29"ers available to the public. Sound rediculous? I bet if you think about it, you could do it, and you wouldn't even use up all of your digits counting. There wasn't much of anything available to the public beyond customs and Fishers. Then the Karate Monkee came. Okay, if you wanted maximum selling potential in 2003, you would be smart to do a "do-it-all" frame. SS, geared, suspended, or not. Commuter, off road, or touring. The Karate Monkee can, and has, done them all.
So, now things are different, why not change it now? Because the Karate Monkee is a standard. It's a benchmark that other 29"ers are still measured by. Also, it still is arguably the best "do-it-all" production 29"er frameset out there.
I know it's probably too soon to nominate for 29"er Hall of Fame bikes, but I vote for the Karate Monkee, which by the way, is still the coolest name for a bicycle ever!
Okay, that's my random thoughts for today. Don't forget! Trans Iowa Registration is open now until December 15th! Get your postcards in before the deadline!
The following bikes came to mind that will be seen in local bike shops soon: Caffeine 29"er from Cannondale, the Raleigh XXIX+G, the Haro Mary XC ( which should be out already), Jamis' new hardtail, Kona's geared hardtail comes back for a second year, and even a Canadian bike from Norco.
Not to mention the several "boutique" brands such as Titus, Badger Dorothy, and even Salsa's El Mariachi will be available as a complete bike, albeit it does have an eccentric bottom bracket for single speed conversion. As does Fisher's new Ferrous, which should be available sometime soon.
I just wanted to mention this, as I didn't want to give the impression that there weren't any geared hardtails available. That used to be the case, but it should be rectified soon.
Finally, I wanted to address something that was brought up during a discussion the other day. The Karate Monkee. Someone suggested that it be updated, when I think what they really wanted to see was a totally new bike from Surly. Why do I say that? Because most folks don't get it when it comes to the Karate Monkee.
How soon we all forget! Take yourself back to 2002. Now, name all the 29"ers available to the public. Sound rediculous? I bet if you think about it, you could do it, and you wouldn't even use up all of your digits counting. There wasn't much of anything available to the public beyond customs and Fishers. Then the Karate Monkee came. Okay, if you wanted maximum selling potential in 2003, you would be smart to do a "do-it-all" frame. SS, geared, suspended, or not. Commuter, off road, or touring. The Karate Monkee can, and has, done them all.
So, now things are different, why not change it now? Because the Karate Monkee is a standard. It's a benchmark that other 29"ers are still measured by. Also, it still is arguably the best "do-it-all" production 29"er frameset out there.
I know it's probably too soon to nominate for 29"er Hall of Fame bikes, but I vote for the Karate Monkee, which by the way, is still the coolest name for a bicycle ever!
Okay, that's my random thoughts for today. Don't forget! Trans Iowa Registration is open now until December 15th! Get your postcards in before the deadline!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Let the Fun Begin!
Here are the very first post cards to show up at the shop for the Trans Iowa Lottery drawing to take place on December 16th.
I suspect that these will be some of the tamer and more public viewing friendly cards that we will recieve. Thatis, if all the threats we have read on the web are to be believed!
Here's our little Box of Voo Doo that all the entry cards are going to go into.
I also suspect that this box is a bit too small....
I'll have to get to work on the El Grande' Box o Voo Doo I suppose, before it's too late!
So, this is what it's all about for Jeff and I........FUN. If it isn't going to be fun for us, and hopefully for you out there, this Trans Iowa thing will be done in a heartbeat. People wonder why we do things the way we do, and honestly, it's two things. Because we believe it's the best way, and it's FUN. We are not asking anyone to buy into our ideas. We aren't even asking you to buy anything this year! We just want to provise a kick in the junk challenge that is a good time for all. Well, alot of it is up to you and your attitude, but we are doing our best provide something cool.
And speaking of providing something cool.................
Have you checked out the website? We have recieved sponsorship again from the fine folks at Surly, Cannondale, Hammer Gel, and first time sponsor, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey. Whiskey? Yep! T.I. competitor Dave Nice got us hooked up, (Thanks!) and actually had a bit o the stuff with him this past spring. I must say, it's a smooth draw if your into whiskey at all. Much better than alot of stuff out there, in my opinion. Anyway, it's great to have them on board with the other fine sponsors, which always blows me away. I mean, we're just a couple of crazy knuckleheads out here in Iowa putting on an event that gets these guys to sponsor us? I have to pinch myself sometimes. Thanks to all of you companies and the people behind them. You're great!
So, sit back with me now and watch the post cards roll in! It should be fun, and I'll keep ya'all updated from time to time here.
Let the Fun Begin!
Here are the very first post cards to show up at the shop for the Trans Iowa Lottery drawing to take place on December 16th.
I suspect that these will be some of the tamer and more public viewing friendly cards that we will recieve. Thatis, if all the threats we have read on the web are to be believed!
Here's our little Box of Voo Doo that all the entry cards are going to go into.
I also suspect that this box is a bit too small....
I'll have to get to work on the El Grande' Box o Voo Doo I suppose, before it's too late!
So, this is what it's all about for Jeff and I........FUN. If it isn't going to be fun for us, and hopefully for you out there, this Trans Iowa thing will be done in a heartbeat. People wonder why we do things the way we do, and honestly, it's two things. Because we believe it's the best way, and it's FUN. We are not asking anyone to buy into our ideas. We aren't even asking you to buy anything this year! We just want to provise a kick in the junk challenge that is a good time for all. Well, alot of it is up to you and your attitude, but we are doing our best provide something cool.
And speaking of providing something cool.................
Have you checked out the website? We have recieved sponsorship again from the fine folks at Surly, Cannondale, Hammer Gel, and first time sponsor, Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey. Whiskey? Yep! T.I. competitor Dave Nice got us hooked up, (Thanks!) and actually had a bit o the stuff with him this past spring. I must say, it's a smooth draw if your into whiskey at all. Much better than alot of stuff out there, in my opinion. Anyway, it's great to have them on board with the other fine sponsors, which always blows me away. I mean, we're just a couple of crazy knuckleheads out here in Iowa putting on an event that gets these guys to sponsor us? I have to pinch myself sometimes. Thanks to all of you companies and the people behind them. You're great!
So, sit back with me now and watch the post cards roll in! It should be fun, and I'll keep ya'all updated from time to time here.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Separating The Sheep From The Goats
As I get more and more involved in the testing and riding of different 29"ers and some of the proprietary parts that go along with it, I am realizing one thing. Some of this stuff is going to go away. Yep! You won't be seeing some of the bikes and some of the parts that you can lay hands on now in a year. Maybe less.
Alot of this has to do with the sheer economics of things and alot of it has to do with.......well, how can I say this?.........Stupid things. Yes, that's it,........ stupid things.
First, the economics. There are so many single speed/ do-it-all frames and complete bikes out there for '07 that I can not believe that all of them will survive to see '08 or '09 catalogs. The market for 29"ers, while growing, isn't really going in that direction. I mean, how many 26 inch wheeled single speed bikes are flying out the doors of shops? See what I mean? There has to be more 29"er single speed complete bikes available from major bike brands than 26"ers. I just can not seem to remember a time when so many single speed bikes were available.
The market won't support all of these SS 29"ers and it wants geared 29"ers that are mid-priced. And the whole she-bang is quickly going to move in the direction of All Mountain full suspension once the details of designs are worked out for 29"ers. Some bikes, like Niners R.I.P. 9 are already there. The SS 29"er glut will subside, mark my words!
Then there are the stupid things. Stupid like, Hey! Look at our new full suspension 29"er that will blow everybody else out of the water........wha?......Reba forks hit the down tube?.....uh....wait a minute.....(crap!).......Nevermind!" Yeah, stupid stuff like that is really happening out there. Tire clearance issues, fork clearance issues, and geometry that hasn't been well thought out plagues several 29"ers out there. The evolution of the species will weed out these weak examples and they will become endangered species, if not extinct, in short order. Then the engineering side will come into play a little later on. Who did their homework and who didn't? Well, it's hard to say, but the scrap pile won't lie, and it's gonna get higher before it gets figured out. 29"ers put a lot different stresses on things than 26"ers do, so the best designs that are well executed will survive. (I'm betting that the only things that'll survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches and Karate Monkees, but that's just me!)
Whatever happens, it'll be interesting to see how it all shakes out. However, I just don't see alot of these "bigwheeled goats" making the cut. That's my take.
Alot of this has to do with the sheer economics of things and alot of it has to do with.......well, how can I say this?.........Stupid things. Yes, that's it,........ stupid things.
First, the economics. There are so many single speed/ do-it-all frames and complete bikes out there for '07 that I can not believe that all of them will survive to see '08 or '09 catalogs. The market for 29"ers, while growing, isn't really going in that direction. I mean, how many 26 inch wheeled single speed bikes are flying out the doors of shops? See what I mean? There has to be more 29"er single speed complete bikes available from major bike brands than 26"ers. I just can not seem to remember a time when so many single speed bikes were available.
The market won't support all of these SS 29"ers and it wants geared 29"ers that are mid-priced. And the whole she-bang is quickly going to move in the direction of All Mountain full suspension once the details of designs are worked out for 29"ers. Some bikes, like Niners R.I.P. 9 are already there. The SS 29"er glut will subside, mark my words!
Then there are the stupid things. Stupid like, Hey! Look at our new full suspension 29"er that will blow everybody else out of the water........wha?......Reba forks hit the down tube?.....uh....wait a minute.....(crap!).......Nevermind!" Yeah, stupid stuff like that is really happening out there. Tire clearance issues, fork clearance issues, and geometry that hasn't been well thought out plagues several 29"ers out there. The evolution of the species will weed out these weak examples and they will become endangered species, if not extinct, in short order. Then the engineering side will come into play a little later on. Who did their homework and who didn't? Well, it's hard to say, but the scrap pile won't lie, and it's gonna get higher before it gets figured out. 29"ers put a lot different stresses on things than 26"ers do, so the best designs that are well executed will survive. (I'm betting that the only things that'll survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches and Karate Monkees, but that's just me!)
Whatever happens, it'll be interesting to see how it all shakes out. However, I just don't see alot of these "bigwheeled goats" making the cut. That's my take.
Separating The Sheep From The Goats
As I get more and more involved in the testing and riding of different 29"ers and some of the proprietary parts that go along with it, I am realizing one thing. Some of this stuff is going to go away. Yep! You won't be seeing some of the bikes and some of the parts that you can lay hands on now in a year. Maybe less.
Alot of this has to do with the sheer economics of things and alot of it has to do with.......well, how can I say this?.........Stupid things. Yes, that's it,........ stupid things.
First, the economics. There are so many single speed/ do-it-all frames and complete bikes out there for '07 that I can not believe that all of them will survive to see '08 or '09 catalogs. The market for 29"ers, while growing, isn't really going in that direction. I mean, how many 26 inch wheeled single speed bikes are flying out the doors of shops? See what I mean? There has to be more 29"er single speed complete bikes available from major bike brands than 26"ers. I just can not seem to remember a time when so many single speed bikes were available.
The market won't support all of these SS 29"ers and it wants geared 29"ers that are mid-priced. And the whole she-bang is quickly going to move in the direction of All Mountain full suspension once the details of designs are worked out for 29"ers. Some bikes, like Niners R.I.P. 9 are already there. The SS 29"er glut will subside, mark my words!
Then there are the stupid things. Stupid like, Hey! Look at our new full suspension 29"er that will blow everybody else out of the water........wha?......Reba forks hit the down tube?.....uh....wait a minute.....(crap!).......Nevermind!" Yeah, stupid stuff like that is really happening out there. Tire clearance issues, fork clearance issues, and geometry that hasn't been well thought out plagues several 29"ers out there. The evolution of the species will weed out these weak examples and they will become endangered species, if not extinct, in short order. Then the engineering side will come into play a little later on. Who did their homework and who didn't? Well, it's hard to say, but the scrap pile won't lie, and it's gonna get higher before it gets figured out. 29"ers put a lot different stresses on things than 26"ers do, so the best designs that are well executed will survive. (I'm betting that the only things that'll survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches and Karate Monkees, but that's just me!)
Whatever happens, it'll be interesting to see how it all shakes out. However, I just don't see alot of these "bigwheeled goats" making the cut. That's my take.
Alot of this has to do with the sheer economics of things and alot of it has to do with.......well, how can I say this?.........Stupid things. Yes, that's it,........ stupid things.
First, the economics. There are so many single speed/ do-it-all frames and complete bikes out there for '07 that I can not believe that all of them will survive to see '08 or '09 catalogs. The market for 29"ers, while growing, isn't really going in that direction. I mean, how many 26 inch wheeled single speed bikes are flying out the doors of shops? See what I mean? There has to be more 29"er single speed complete bikes available from major bike brands than 26"ers. I just can not seem to remember a time when so many single speed bikes were available.
The market won't support all of these SS 29"ers and it wants geared 29"ers that are mid-priced. And the whole she-bang is quickly going to move in the direction of All Mountain full suspension once the details of designs are worked out for 29"ers. Some bikes, like Niners R.I.P. 9 are already there. The SS 29"er glut will subside, mark my words!
Then there are the stupid things. Stupid like, Hey! Look at our new full suspension 29"er that will blow everybody else out of the water........wha?......Reba forks hit the down tube?.....uh....wait a minute.....(crap!).......Nevermind!" Yeah, stupid stuff like that is really happening out there. Tire clearance issues, fork clearance issues, and geometry that hasn't been well thought out plagues several 29"ers out there. The evolution of the species will weed out these weak examples and they will become endangered species, if not extinct, in short order. Then the engineering side will come into play a little later on. Who did their homework and who didn't? Well, it's hard to say, but the scrap pile won't lie, and it's gonna get higher before it gets figured out. 29"ers put a lot different stresses on things than 26"ers do, so the best designs that are well executed will survive. (I'm betting that the only things that'll survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches and Karate Monkees, but that's just me!)
Whatever happens, it'll be interesting to see how it all shakes out. However, I just don't see alot of these "bigwheeled goats" making the cut. That's my take.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Back At It!
Well, that was fun while it lasted! Those big holday weekends are always a time that trips me up. I guess I am a routine kind of guy. I kind of get lost in an unstructured period of time like we just experienced over the past four days. It was good from the standpoint of getting some much needed rest though, I will say that much!
For the next couple of weeks I'll be posting a reminder that Trans Iowa registration is open. If you go to the website, you will be directed as to how to get your chance to enter the event. I'll also post any new announcements here as well. Remember, the registration post cards must be recieved no later than December 15th!
I'm getting busy with that Trans Iowa stuff again and also another event which I will be announcing as soon as some final details are hashed out. Keep your eyes peeled here and on Twenty Nine Inches for that announcement soon!
So, lets see......what else is up? Well, the Caffiene 29"er update is due soon in which I will lay out some numbers and further impressions about the bike. I will have an update on the carbon 29"er forks soon, and possibly a new introduction soon for a bike. Of course the ongoing Haro project which will be detailed when there is any action on that.
Other than that, it's just work as usual!
For the next couple of weeks I'll be posting a reminder that Trans Iowa registration is open. If you go to the website, you will be directed as to how to get your chance to enter the event. I'll also post any new announcements here as well. Remember, the registration post cards must be recieved no later than December 15th!
I'm getting busy with that Trans Iowa stuff again and also another event which I will be announcing as soon as some final details are hashed out. Keep your eyes peeled here and on Twenty Nine Inches for that announcement soon!
So, lets see......what else is up? Well, the Caffiene 29"er update is due soon in which I will lay out some numbers and further impressions about the bike. I will have an update on the carbon 29"er forks soon, and possibly a new introduction soon for a bike. Of course the ongoing Haro project which will be detailed when there is any action on that.
Other than that, it's just work as usual!
Back At It!
Well, that was fun while it lasted! Those big holday weekends are always a time that trips me up. I guess I am a routine kind of guy. I kind of get lost in an unstructured period of time like we just experienced over the past four days. It was good from the standpoint of getting some much needed rest though, I will say that much!
For the next couple of weeks I'll be posting a reminder that Trans Iowa registration is open. If you go to the website, you will be directed as to how to get your chance to enter the event. I'll also post any new announcements here as well. Remember, the registration post cards must be recieved no later than December 15th!
I'm getting busy with that Trans Iowa stuff again and also another event which I will be announcing as soon as some final details are hashed out. Keep your eyes peeled here and on Twenty Nine Inches for that announcement soon!
So, lets see......what else is up? Well, the Caffiene 29"er update is due soon in which I will lay out some numbers and further impressions about the bike. I will have an update on the carbon 29"er forks soon, and possibly a new introduction soon for a bike. Of course the ongoing Haro project which will be detailed when there is any action on that.
Other than that, it's just work as usual!
For the next couple of weeks I'll be posting a reminder that Trans Iowa registration is open. If you go to the website, you will be directed as to how to get your chance to enter the event. I'll also post any new announcements here as well. Remember, the registration post cards must be recieved no later than December 15th!
I'm getting busy with that Trans Iowa stuff again and also another event which I will be announcing as soon as some final details are hashed out. Keep your eyes peeled here and on Twenty Nine Inches for that announcement soon!
So, lets see......what else is up? Well, the Caffiene 29"er update is due soon in which I will lay out some numbers and further impressions about the bike. I will have an update on the carbon 29"er forks soon, and possibly a new introduction soon for a bike. Of course the ongoing Haro project which will be detailed when there is any action on that.
Other than that, it's just work as usual!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Trans Iowa V3 Announcement!
The details for the third running of Trans Iowa are starting to become more clear. Here's the latest scoop for those of you that are thinking about this. Be sure to check out my post below this one for a few teaser photos of the course.
Trans Iowa has been set for the weekend of April 28th-29th, 2007. The Friday before (27th) will be some sort of socializing, meet and greet sort of thing with a place and time to be announced later.
Trans Iowa will be run in a loop starting from Decorah, Iowa in the wee hours of Saturday morning, the 28th. It will be run in a clockwise direction through eleven of Iowa's counties. The riders that overcome the challenge should reach Decorah again somtime during the mid day or afternoon of Sunday, April 29th. An awards ceremony at T-Bocks Bar and Grill will follow up the event.
Registration is NOW OPEN!! Please see the Trans Iowa V3 site for further details on how to enter this event.
Trans Iowa has been set for the weekend of April 28th-29th, 2007. The Friday before (27th) will be some sort of socializing, meet and greet sort of thing with a place and time to be announced later.
Trans Iowa will be run in a loop starting from Decorah, Iowa in the wee hours of Saturday morning, the 28th. It will be run in a clockwise direction through eleven of Iowa's counties. The riders that overcome the challenge should reach Decorah again somtime during the mid day or afternoon of Sunday, April 29th. An awards ceremony at T-Bocks Bar and Grill will follow up the event.
Registration is NOW OPEN!! Please see the Trans Iowa V3 site for further details on how to enter this event.
Trans Iowa V3 Announcement!
The details for the third running of Trans Iowa are starting to become more clear. Here's the latest scoop for those of you that are thinking about this. Be sure to check out my post below this one for a few teaser photos of the course.
Trans Iowa has been set for the weekend of April 28th-29th, 2007. The Friday before (27th) will be some sort of socializing, meet and greet sort of thing with a place and time to be announced later.
Trans Iowa will be run in a loop starting from Decorah, Iowa in the wee hours of Saturday morning, the 28th. It will be run in a clockwise direction through eleven of Iowa's counties. The riders that overcome the challenge should reach Decorah again somtime during the mid day or afternoon of Sunday, April 29th. An awards ceremony at T-Bocks Bar and Grill will follow up the event.
Registration is NOW OPEN!! Please see the Trans Iowa V3 site for further details on how to enter this event.
Trans Iowa has been set for the weekend of April 28th-29th, 2007. The Friday before (27th) will be some sort of socializing, meet and greet sort of thing with a place and time to be announced later.
Trans Iowa will be run in a loop starting from Decorah, Iowa in the wee hours of Saturday morning, the 28th. It will be run in a clockwise direction through eleven of Iowa's counties. The riders that overcome the challenge should reach Decorah again somtime during the mid day or afternoon of Sunday, April 29th. An awards ceremony at T-Bocks Bar and Grill will follow up the event.
Registration is NOW OPEN!! Please see the Trans Iowa V3 site for further details on how to enter this event.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
V3 Recon
"Who disturbs our quiet repose?!!"
A view from the side of the road somewhere in Northeast Iowa.
It was almost foggy, and definitely overcast earlier in the day. Look closely, though, and you can see the road I'm on winding away in the distance.
Another view of some of the winding gravel roads.
I had to for go another round of single track riding at the camp for some long over due Trans Iowa recon. I was pleased with the roads I was able to check out today. It was a gray, overcast day, but dry. The roads were pretty full of gravel right now, but that might change by spring.
The one thing that surprised me was the lack of wildlife sightings, but I guess I did see alot of hunters out and the deer are pretty much nocturnal at this time of year.
Anyway, about half the course is accounted for, another bit is known to exist, but I haven't been on it yet. The rest needs to be driven. Hopefully December will be kind and allow for a day of driving!
I'll have more pictures then.........
V3 Recon
"Who disturbs our quiet repose?!!"
A view from the side of the road somewhere in Northeast Iowa.
It was almost foggy, and definitely overcast earlier in the day. Look closely, though, and you can see the road I'm on winding away in the distance.
Another view of some of the winding gravel roads.
I had to for go another round of single track riding at the camp for some long over due Trans Iowa recon. I was pleased with the roads I was able to check out today. It was a gray, overcast day, but dry. The roads were pretty full of gravel right now, but that might change by spring.
The one thing that surprised me was the lack of wildlife sightings, but I guess I did see alot of hunters out and the deer are pretty much nocturnal at this time of year.
Anyway, about half the course is accounted for, another bit is known to exist, but I haven't been on it yet. The rest needs to be driven. Hopefully December will be kind and allow for a day of driving!
I'll have more pictures then.........
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Tyranny of (Gear) Choice
Here's a bit of a ramble. Blame it on massive Thanksgiving calories that have jump started my brain into action. Possibly turning some gears up there that haven't been turned in awhile. Whatever it is, this is the result!
I was having an e-mail conversation with a Trans Iowa veteran who brought up the concept of "tyranny of choice". In short form it describes how having too many choices can cause depression, nuerosis, and all sorts of psychological mayhem.
For instance I have this problem when I go into a place that sells music. (On-line now, but they used to be a brick and mortar place you actually walked into called a record store. I know, I know.......you don't know what I'm talkin' about, that's okay) Anyway, I peruse all the selections until I'm numb, confused, and depressed. I usually left with nothing, well, when I went in a music store......now it's just on-line stuff. Anywho.........Tyranny of Choice, too much choice and you can't deal with it, ya know?
So, I have been riding a singlespeed for about three and a half years exclusively and all of a sudden these geared 29"ers start showing up. I have a choice! Gears! I discovered it when I was grinding up the street on my way home from work on my inaugral ride on the Dorothy. It was pretty cool.
Then for awhile it was fun. Let's see what gear works here. How about over there! Then something started to happen that wasn't so fun. I found my self trying to figure out my gearing choice more and paying less attention to what the trail was doing up ahead. I started to not get up some things as well or as fast as I did on the single speed. I started to get into the redline more from spinning too low a gear. I started to have less fun. Maybe it's just me, but all of this gear choice was starting to become a liability at times. Then throw in the occaisional hiccup in the system, ( cable stretch, chain not interfacing with leaf covered cassette, and dry chain) and it was getting on my nerves more and more.
Then it came to me. I had too many choices! So, I eliminated the granny gear from the menu and stuck with the middle ring more and more. When the Salsa boys were in town, they had a bike with them set up as a 1 X 9. It made alot of sense to me. Less choices to futz over, more time to concentrate on fun. Not to mention, it was lighter and less complicated than a full 27 gear set up.
So, at least for me, too many gears are a drag. You could say it's a "Tyranny of Gear Choice". It screws with your head, your bikes functionality, and your pocketbook when it comes to maintenance time. Less is more. You know, I wouldn't mind going back to 21 speeds of goodness. Thicker cogs, thicker chains, better shifting for a longer duration of time. Less apt to get screwed up by the conditions at hand. But that's a whole 'nuther story.
I guess that's enough rambling for one evening. Especially seeing as how the food buzz is starting to wear off!
........now where was that last slice o pie!
I was having an e-mail conversation with a Trans Iowa veteran who brought up the concept of "tyranny of choice". In short form it describes how having too many choices can cause depression, nuerosis, and all sorts of psychological mayhem.
For instance I have this problem when I go into a place that sells music. (On-line now, but they used to be a brick and mortar place you actually walked into called a record store. I know, I know.......you don't know what I'm talkin' about, that's okay) Anyway, I peruse all the selections until I'm numb, confused, and depressed. I usually left with nothing, well, when I went in a music store......now it's just on-line stuff. Anywho.........Tyranny of Choice, too much choice and you can't deal with it, ya know?
So, I have been riding a singlespeed for about three and a half years exclusively and all of a sudden these geared 29"ers start showing up. I have a choice! Gears! I discovered it when I was grinding up the street on my way home from work on my inaugral ride on the Dorothy. It was pretty cool.
Then for awhile it was fun. Let's see what gear works here. How about over there! Then something started to happen that wasn't so fun. I found my self trying to figure out my gearing choice more and paying less attention to what the trail was doing up ahead. I started to not get up some things as well or as fast as I did on the single speed. I started to get into the redline more from spinning too low a gear. I started to have less fun. Maybe it's just me, but all of this gear choice was starting to become a liability at times. Then throw in the occaisional hiccup in the system, ( cable stretch, chain not interfacing with leaf covered cassette, and dry chain) and it was getting on my nerves more and more.
Then it came to me. I had too many choices! So, I eliminated the granny gear from the menu and stuck with the middle ring more and more. When the Salsa boys were in town, they had a bike with them set up as a 1 X 9. It made alot of sense to me. Less choices to futz over, more time to concentrate on fun. Not to mention, it was lighter and less complicated than a full 27 gear set up.
So, at least for me, too many gears are a drag. You could say it's a "Tyranny of Gear Choice". It screws with your head, your bikes functionality, and your pocketbook when it comes to maintenance time. Less is more. You know, I wouldn't mind going back to 21 speeds of goodness. Thicker cogs, thicker chains, better shifting for a longer duration of time. Less apt to get screwed up by the conditions at hand. But that's a whole 'nuther story.
I guess that's enough rambling for one evening. Especially seeing as how the food buzz is starting to wear off!
........now where was that last slice o pie!
Tyranny of (Gear) Choice
Here's a bit of a ramble. Blame it on massive Thanksgiving calories that have jump started my brain into action. Possibly turning some gears up there that haven't been turned in awhile. Whatever it is, this is the result!
I was having an e-mail conversation with a Trans Iowa veteran who brought up the concept of "tyranny of choice". In short form it describes how having too many choices can cause depression, nuerosis, and all sorts of psychological mayhem.
For instance I have this problem when I go into a place that sells music. (On-line now, but they used to be a brick and mortar place you actually walked into called a record store. I know, I know.......you don't know what I'm talkin' about, that's okay) Anyway, I peruse all the selections until I'm numb, confused, and depressed. I usually left with nothing, well, when I went in a music store......now it's just on-line stuff. Anywho.........Tyranny of Choice, too much choice and you can't deal with it, ya know?
So, I have been riding a singlespeed for about three and a half years exclusively and all of a sudden these geared 29"ers start showing up. I have a choice! Gears! I discovered it when I was grinding up the street on my way home from work on my inaugral ride on the Dorothy. It was pretty cool.
Then for awhile it was fun. Let's see what gear works here. How about over there! Then something started to happen that wasn't so fun. I found my self trying to figure out my gearing choice more and paying less attention to what the trail was doing up ahead. I started to not get up some things as well or as fast as I did on the single speed. I started to get into the redline more from spinning too low a gear. I started to have less fun. Maybe it's just me, but all of this gear choice was starting to become a liability at times. Then throw in the occaisional hiccup in the system, ( cable stretch, chain not interfacing with leaf covered cassette, and dry chain) and it was getting on my nerves more and more.
Then it came to me. I had too many choices! So, I eliminated the granny gear from the menu and stuck with the middle ring more and more. When the Salsa boys were in town, they had a bike with them set up as a 1 X 9. It made alot of sense to me. Less choices to futz over, more time to concentrate on fun. Not to mention, it was lighter and less complicated than a full 27 gear set up.
So, at least for me, too many gears are a drag. You could say it's a "Tyranny of Gear Choice". It screws with your head, your bikes functionality, and your pocketbook when it comes to maintenance time. Less is more. You know, I wouldn't mind going back to 21 speeds of goodness. Thicker cogs, thicker chains, better shifting for a longer duration of time. Less apt to get screwed up by the conditions at hand. But that's a whole 'nuther story.
I guess that's enough rambling for one evening. Especially seeing as how the food buzz is starting to wear off!
........now where was that last slice o pie!
I was having an e-mail conversation with a Trans Iowa veteran who brought up the concept of "tyranny of choice". In short form it describes how having too many choices can cause depression, nuerosis, and all sorts of psychological mayhem.
For instance I have this problem when I go into a place that sells music. (On-line now, but they used to be a brick and mortar place you actually walked into called a record store. I know, I know.......you don't know what I'm talkin' about, that's okay) Anyway, I peruse all the selections until I'm numb, confused, and depressed. I usually left with nothing, well, when I went in a music store......now it's just on-line stuff. Anywho.........Tyranny of Choice, too much choice and you can't deal with it, ya know?
So, I have been riding a singlespeed for about three and a half years exclusively and all of a sudden these geared 29"ers start showing up. I have a choice! Gears! I discovered it when I was grinding up the street on my way home from work on my inaugral ride on the Dorothy. It was pretty cool.
Then for awhile it was fun. Let's see what gear works here. How about over there! Then something started to happen that wasn't so fun. I found my self trying to figure out my gearing choice more and paying less attention to what the trail was doing up ahead. I started to not get up some things as well or as fast as I did on the single speed. I started to get into the redline more from spinning too low a gear. I started to have less fun. Maybe it's just me, but all of this gear choice was starting to become a liability at times. Then throw in the occaisional hiccup in the system, ( cable stretch, chain not interfacing with leaf covered cassette, and dry chain) and it was getting on my nerves more and more.
Then it came to me. I had too many choices! So, I eliminated the granny gear from the menu and stuck with the middle ring more and more. When the Salsa boys were in town, they had a bike with them set up as a 1 X 9. It made alot of sense to me. Less choices to futz over, more time to concentrate on fun. Not to mention, it was lighter and less complicated than a full 27 gear set up.
So, at least for me, too many gears are a drag. You could say it's a "Tyranny of Gear Choice". It screws with your head, your bikes functionality, and your pocketbook when it comes to maintenance time. Less is more. You know, I wouldn't mind going back to 21 speeds of goodness. Thicker cogs, thicker chains, better shifting for a longer duration of time. Less apt to get screwed up by the conditions at hand. But that's a whole 'nuther story.
I guess that's enough rambling for one evening. Especially seeing as how the food buzz is starting to wear off!
........now where was that last slice o pie!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Mary Comes For A Visit....
It all started like this. A box from the "Brown Santa".........
What should I find inside but a neatly wrapped and packaged frameset!
Once I got the warppings of her, I could say hello to Mary! (The XC version, that is)
Double butted chrome molybdenum goodness!
Some sexy looking chainstays on this here Mary!
Maybe she'll be a compliant ride because of this. We'll see!
I'm looking forward to getting this bike built up in the next weeks, (months!) depending upon when I can afford parts aquisitions! As I mentioned, this is the XC version of Haro's Mary 29"er series and it is geared only. I'll have to decide exactly how I'm going to go about it, but the plan is to do a 2 X 9 drivetrain on it. I'll also be keeping it rigid with the Bontrager Switchblade Race X Lite fork and a Salsa Shaft seat post, which I'll have to order in the 410mm X 31.6mm size to accomodate my long legs. Other decisions yet to be made, but I'll keep ya'all up to date on the progress!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, (to all who celebrate that holiday) and instead of pumpkin pie, how's about riding that bike!
Mary Comes For A Visit....
It all started like this. A box from the "Brown Santa".........
What should I find inside but a neatly wrapped and packaged frameset!
Once I got the warppings of her, I could say hello to Mary! (The XC version, that is)
Double butted chrome molybdenum goodness!
Some sexy looking chainstays on this here Mary!
Maybe she'll be a compliant ride because of this. We'll see!
I'm looking forward to getting this bike built up in the next weeks, (months!) depending upon when I can afford parts aquisitions! As I mentioned, this is the XC version of Haro's Mary 29"er series and it is geared only. I'll have to decide exactly how I'm going to go about it, but the plan is to do a 2 X 9 drivetrain on it. I'll also be keeping it rigid with the Bontrager Switchblade Race X Lite fork and a Salsa Shaft seat post, which I'll have to order in the 410mm X 31.6mm size to accomodate my long legs. Other decisions yet to be made, but I'll keep ya'all up to date on the progress!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, (to all who celebrate that holiday) and instead of pumpkin pie, how's about riding that bike!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Ultimate Gravel Grinders
Just got word in today that the Dirty Kanza route has been pre-ridden. It looks to be a great route this year, (it's supposedly a totally different route from last years). You can check out some route photos here: http://www.ridehighgear.com/pages/framepages/news.html
(Blogger is goofy this morning, or I'd have hyper-linked that for you!)
The Dirty Kanza 200 is going to take place starting in Emporia Kansas on May 19th. More info will be posted here as it becomes available. It should be another really fun time on the sharp flint gravel of Kansas. I can not wait!
Another gravel grinder that I just happen to have something to do with is Trans Iowa, (www.transiowa.blogspot.com) It will be taking place at the end of April, but we haven't decided which of two weekends that we will be using yet. Our course should be around 330- 350 miles long and will be one big loop, just like Dirty Kanza's course. We are featuring some tougher hills this year and this could quite possibly be the toughest Trans Iowa, (barring the weather) yet. Of course, any and all updates will be found here.
Finally, the last gravel event that I want to mention is my namesake event, The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational, which I plan on riding in July, probably mid-month as of right now. More info on this past summers event can be found at www.gtdri.blogspot.com or any future announcements can also be found here.
Gravel.....just what is it about this stuff anyway? Look for more thoughts on that to come!
(Blogger is goofy this morning, or I'd have hyper-linked that for you!)
The Dirty Kanza 200 is going to take place starting in Emporia Kansas on May 19th. More info will be posted here as it becomes available. It should be another really fun time on the sharp flint gravel of Kansas. I can not wait!
Another gravel grinder that I just happen to have something to do with is Trans Iowa, (www.transiowa.blogspot.com) It will be taking place at the end of April, but we haven't decided which of two weekends that we will be using yet. Our course should be around 330- 350 miles long and will be one big loop, just like Dirty Kanza's course. We are featuring some tougher hills this year and this could quite possibly be the toughest Trans Iowa, (barring the weather) yet. Of course, any and all updates will be found here.
Finally, the last gravel event that I want to mention is my namesake event, The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational, which I plan on riding in July, probably mid-month as of right now. More info on this past summers event can be found at www.gtdri.blogspot.com or any future announcements can also be found here.
Gravel.....just what is it about this stuff anyway? Look for more thoughts on that to come!
The Ultimate Gravel Grinders
Just got word in today that the Dirty Kanza route has been pre-ridden. It looks to be a great route this year, (it's supposedly a totally different route from last years). You can check out some route photos here: http://www.ridehighgear.com/pages/framepages/news.html
(Blogger is goofy this morning, or I'd have hyper-linked that for you!)
The Dirty Kanza 200 is going to take place starting in Emporia Kansas on May 19th. More info will be posted here as it becomes available. It should be another really fun time on the sharp flint gravel of Kansas. I can not wait!
Another gravel grinder that I just happen to have something to do with is Trans Iowa, (www.transiowa.blogspot.com) It will be taking place at the end of April, but we haven't decided which of two weekends that we will be using yet. Our course should be around 330- 350 miles long and will be one big loop, just like Dirty Kanza's course. We are featuring some tougher hills this year and this could quite possibly be the toughest Trans Iowa, (barring the weather) yet. Of course, any and all updates will be found here.
Finally, the last gravel event that I want to mention is my namesake event, The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational, which I plan on riding in July, probably mid-month as of right now. More info on this past summers event can be found at www.gtdri.blogspot.com or any future announcements can also be found here.
Gravel.....just what is it about this stuff anyway? Look for more thoughts on that to come!
(Blogger is goofy this morning, or I'd have hyper-linked that for you!)
The Dirty Kanza 200 is going to take place starting in Emporia Kansas on May 19th. More info will be posted here as it becomes available. It should be another really fun time on the sharp flint gravel of Kansas. I can not wait!
Another gravel grinder that I just happen to have something to do with is Trans Iowa, (www.transiowa.blogspot.com) It will be taking place at the end of April, but we haven't decided which of two weekends that we will be using yet. Our course should be around 330- 350 miles long and will be one big loop, just like Dirty Kanza's course. We are featuring some tougher hills this year and this could quite possibly be the toughest Trans Iowa, (barring the weather) yet. Of course, any and all updates will be found here.
Finally, the last gravel event that I want to mention is my namesake event, The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational, which I plan on riding in July, probably mid-month as of right now. More info on this past summers event can be found at www.gtdri.blogspot.com or any future announcements can also be found here.
Gravel.....just what is it about this stuff anyway? Look for more thoughts on that to come!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Pass The Fork, Please.
Note: This post also appeared on Twenty Nine Inches. Check out the comments section for more dialogue on this issue.
There are several sources telling me that Fox is in the process of designing and testing a new platform for a 29 inch wheeled specific front fork. This would probably be an ‘08 release at the soonest. The details of such a fork are still a mystery other than to say that it has been indicated to us that it will have a “29″er specific crown”, which we take it to mean that the offset will be greater than the typical 38mm found on 26″er forks.
This will be a highly anticipated fork for 29″er afficiandos and should have a wider appeal to those thinking about trying out a 29″er for the first time. Fox is a highly respected fork in the 26″er ranks and would be a welcome addition for those looking for a high quality front fork on a 29″er.
Along with Manitou’s expected release of a 29″er front fork, the ‘08 model year could be the “Year of the Fork” for 29″er freaks everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates as I recieve them.
There are several sources telling me that Fox is in the process of designing and testing a new platform for a 29 inch wheeled specific front fork. This would probably be an ‘08 release at the soonest. The details of such a fork are still a mystery other than to say that it has been indicated to us that it will have a “29″er specific crown”, which we take it to mean that the offset will be greater than the typical 38mm found on 26″er forks.
This will be a highly anticipated fork for 29″er afficiandos and should have a wider appeal to those thinking about trying out a 29″er for the first time. Fox is a highly respected fork in the 26″er ranks and would be a welcome addition for those looking for a high quality front fork on a 29″er.
Along with Manitou’s expected release of a 29″er front fork, the ‘08 model year could be the “Year of the Fork” for 29″er freaks everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates as I recieve them.
Pass The Fork, Please.
Note: This post also appeared on Twenty Nine Inches. Check out the comments section for more dialogue on this issue.
There are several sources telling me that Fox is in the process of designing and testing a new platform for a 29 inch wheeled specific front fork. This would probably be an ‘08 release at the soonest. The details of such a fork are still a mystery other than to say that it has been indicated to us that it will have a “29″er specific crown”, which we take it to mean that the offset will be greater than the typical 38mm found on 26″er forks.
This will be a highly anticipated fork for 29″er afficiandos and should have a wider appeal to those thinking about trying out a 29″er for the first time. Fox is a highly respected fork in the 26″er ranks and would be a welcome addition for those looking for a high quality front fork on a 29″er.
Along with Manitou’s expected release of a 29″er front fork, the ‘08 model year could be the “Year of the Fork” for 29″er freaks everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates as I recieve them.
There are several sources telling me that Fox is in the process of designing and testing a new platform for a 29 inch wheeled specific front fork. This would probably be an ‘08 release at the soonest. The details of such a fork are still a mystery other than to say that it has been indicated to us that it will have a “29″er specific crown”, which we take it to mean that the offset will be greater than the typical 38mm found on 26″er forks.
This will be a highly anticipated fork for 29″er afficiandos and should have a wider appeal to those thinking about trying out a 29″er for the first time. Fox is a highly respected fork in the 26″er ranks and would be a welcome addition for those looking for a high quality front fork on a 29″er.
Along with Manitou’s expected release of a 29″er front fork, the ‘08 model year could be the “Year of the Fork” for 29″er freaks everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates as I recieve them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)