By now many of you endurance freaks have seen the long awaited announcement of "Worlds". The 24hrs of Adrenaline has for years run a "world championship" solo compitition at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Now, the announcement says that it will be held at the former location for the Olympic mountain bike race at Conyers, Georgia. Not only that, but it will fall within a week of one of the most popular 24 hour events, the 24hrs of Moab.
Besides the obvious conflict, besides the unfortunate circumstances, and putting aside the constant bickerings between the two organizations that put on "Worlds" and the 24hrs of Moab, what's in a name anyway? I mean........worlds? C'mon! Are you kidding me? Chris Eatough has won a spectacularly tough 24hr race in Canada for several years in a row now, but is he a World Champion? Is he recognized as such by his peers? Hmm.........I think that in the "world" of British Columbia in the fall the answer is yes.
To say that anyone that wins a single race that is not supported by a world wide recognized and respected sanctioning body (there's that word again!) is a "world champion" is just empty and devoid of meaning. At least in the traditional sense of world championship events. To say that somebody won a really tough and demanding 24hr race that is highly popular amongst their peers.........a "feather in their cap" so to speak: I'll buy that. But it's certainly not a crown.
Then add to the mix this years scenario where you probably will not have a representative field of the very best that 24hr solo racing has to offer because some of them will be at Worlds West and some of them will be at Worlds East. Well.........there you go! You could have the winner of each square off at another event for a knock down, drag out, World Championship, 24hr match race! How cool would that be! Then, instead of the winner getting a tatoo like they do at the Single Speed World Championship, the winner could tatoo the loser! Ha!
Sound preposterous? No more so than some promoter calling his event a "World Championship"!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
What's In A Name?
By now many of you endurance freaks have seen the long awaited announcement of "Worlds". The 24hrs of Adrenaline has for years run a "world championship" solo compitition at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Now, the announcement says that it will be held at the former location for the Olympic mountain bike race at Conyers, Georgia. Not only that, but it will fall within a week of one of the most popular 24 hour events, the 24hrs of Moab.
Besides the obvious conflict, besides the unfortunate circumstances, and putting aside the constant bickerings between the two organizations that put on "Worlds" and the 24hrs of Moab, what's in a name anyway? I mean........worlds? C'mon! Are you kidding me? Chris Eatough has won a spectacularly tough 24hr race in Canada for several years in a row now, but is he a World Champion? Is he recognized as such by his peers? Hmm.........I think that in the "world" of British Columbia in the fall the answer is yes.
To say that anyone that wins a single race that is not supported by a world wide recognized and respected sanctioning body (there's that word again!) is a "world champion" is just empty and devoid of meaning. At least in the traditional sense of world championship events. To say that somebody won a really tough and demanding 24hr race that is highly popular amongst their peers.........a "feather in their cap" so to speak: I'll buy that. But it's certainly not a crown.
Then add to the mix this years scenario where you probably will not have a representative field of the very best that 24hr solo racing has to offer because some of them will be at Worlds West and some of them will be at Worlds East. Well.........there you go! You could have the winner of each square off at another event for a knock down, drag out, World Championship, 24hr match race! How cool would that be! Then, instead of the winner getting a tatoo like they do at the Single Speed World Championship, the winner could tatoo the loser! Ha!
Sound preposterous? No more so than some promoter calling his event a "World Championship"!
Besides the obvious conflict, besides the unfortunate circumstances, and putting aside the constant bickerings between the two organizations that put on "Worlds" and the 24hrs of Moab, what's in a name anyway? I mean........worlds? C'mon! Are you kidding me? Chris Eatough has won a spectacularly tough 24hr race in Canada for several years in a row now, but is he a World Champion? Is he recognized as such by his peers? Hmm.........I think that in the "world" of British Columbia in the fall the answer is yes.
To say that anyone that wins a single race that is not supported by a world wide recognized and respected sanctioning body (there's that word again!) is a "world champion" is just empty and devoid of meaning. At least in the traditional sense of world championship events. To say that somebody won a really tough and demanding 24hr race that is highly popular amongst their peers.........a "feather in their cap" so to speak: I'll buy that. But it's certainly not a crown.
Then add to the mix this years scenario where you probably will not have a representative field of the very best that 24hr solo racing has to offer because some of them will be at Worlds West and some of them will be at Worlds East. Well.........there you go! You could have the winner of each square off at another event for a knock down, drag out, World Championship, 24hr match race! How cool would that be! Then, instead of the winner getting a tatoo like they do at the Single Speed World Championship, the winner could tatoo the loser! Ha!
Sound preposterous? No more so than some promoter calling his event a "World Championship"!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Cycling Goes Electric?
In the never ending battle to have the next great thing, I am sure you are aware by now that Shimano is teasing it's electric road gruppo. Specifically the brifters, front and rear derailluers, and the battery pack that runs it all. The recently run Paris-Nice race featured the parts being used by a Gerolstiener rider by the name of Ronny Scholz. Apparently, he was rather pleased with it's performance over a multi day Pro Tour stage race. Well, I can't say that I'm as pleased as Ronny. Maybe I am out on a limb here, but I do not like the idea. Nope! Not at all.
While you are castigating me as a retro-grouch, tech-hater of the worst kind, let me say that I believe that this shift by wire technology is pretty facinating. I mean, look at all the engineering obstacles to deal with in getting something like this to work. The gear head in me sees this as pretty cool. It's the spirit of cycling side of this in me that's in mourning.
I remember when I used to be really into fishing. I was getting into the rods, reels, tackle, and all the knowledge of how to use this stuff. Then I found out about fish finders. They were crude, unreliable units back then. Now, they practically do everything but put the fish on the hook for you. Then there were those fishing shows. Yeah, you know.......the ones where they caught a fish every time? Yeah.....scuba divers! Yep! They scout out the area with scuba divers to ensure that they get a fish every time. Took the passion for fishing right out of me.
Sooooo.......what's this got to do with cycling, you ask? Well, I'm afraid that this electronic revolution in shifting is going to take the life out of cycling, too. Mr. Scholz was heard to say that he liked the electronic shifting because he never missed a shift due to pilot error. When you are tired, and fatigued, the system takes that human factor out of the equation. Hmmm.......do you see what I don't like? Where does it end? Couldn't the derailluers be controlled by reading information from a riders heart rate and power output? Couldn't the system then shift to the best gear for that particular riders cadence, power output, and desired speed without the rider initiating anything? Adding to this the virtual coaching that every pro rider is getting in his ear via radio and what do we have? Who is winning the race? The rider or technology?
I think it's fair to say that the much maligned UCI had it right when they put a lid on cycling technology in the late nineties. Why? Especially now, because it is rapidly becoming like F-1 racing in that who ever has the most money for the best research and developement will have the best team. Who is going to be able to afford to purchase this new, shiny techno-gear? Hey....wait a minute! Maybe that's the answer! It'll be sooo expensive, and sooo exclusive that only a small handfull of people will really care and the rest of us can be fast, dumb, and happy with our shift by cable derailluers. Heck, I don't know!
I just know that something smells fishy here!
While you are castigating me as a retro-grouch, tech-hater of the worst kind, let me say that I believe that this shift by wire technology is pretty facinating. I mean, look at all the engineering obstacles to deal with in getting something like this to work. The gear head in me sees this as pretty cool. It's the spirit of cycling side of this in me that's in mourning.
I remember when I used to be really into fishing. I was getting into the rods, reels, tackle, and all the knowledge of how to use this stuff. Then I found out about fish finders. They were crude, unreliable units back then. Now, they practically do everything but put the fish on the hook for you. Then there were those fishing shows. Yeah, you know.......the ones where they caught a fish every time? Yeah.....scuba divers! Yep! They scout out the area with scuba divers to ensure that they get a fish every time. Took the passion for fishing right out of me.
Sooooo.......what's this got to do with cycling, you ask? Well, I'm afraid that this electronic revolution in shifting is going to take the life out of cycling, too. Mr. Scholz was heard to say that he liked the electronic shifting because he never missed a shift due to pilot error. When you are tired, and fatigued, the system takes that human factor out of the equation. Hmmm.......do you see what I don't like? Where does it end? Couldn't the derailluers be controlled by reading information from a riders heart rate and power output? Couldn't the system then shift to the best gear for that particular riders cadence, power output, and desired speed without the rider initiating anything? Adding to this the virtual coaching that every pro rider is getting in his ear via radio and what do we have? Who is winning the race? The rider or technology?
I think it's fair to say that the much maligned UCI had it right when they put a lid on cycling technology in the late nineties. Why? Especially now, because it is rapidly becoming like F-1 racing in that who ever has the most money for the best research and developement will have the best team. Who is going to be able to afford to purchase this new, shiny techno-gear? Hey....wait a minute! Maybe that's the answer! It'll be sooo expensive, and sooo exclusive that only a small handfull of people will really care and the rest of us can be fast, dumb, and happy with our shift by cable derailluers. Heck, I don't know!
I just know that something smells fishy here!
Cycling Goes Electric?
In the never ending battle to have the next great thing, I am sure you are aware by now that Shimano is teasing it's electric road gruppo. Specifically the brifters, front and rear derailluers, and the battery pack that runs it all. The recently run Paris-Nice race featured the parts being used by a Gerolstiener rider by the name of Ronny Scholz. Apparently, he was rather pleased with it's performance over a multi day Pro Tour stage race. Well, I can't say that I'm as pleased as Ronny. Maybe I am out on a limb here, but I do not like the idea. Nope! Not at all.
While you are castigating me as a retro-grouch, tech-hater of the worst kind, let me say that I believe that this shift by wire technology is pretty facinating. I mean, look at all the engineering obstacles to deal with in getting something like this to work. The gear head in me sees this as pretty cool. It's the spirit of cycling side of this in me that's in mourning.
I remember when I used to be really into fishing. I was getting into the rods, reels, tackle, and all the knowledge of how to use this stuff. Then I found out about fish finders. They were crude, unreliable units back then. Now, they practically do everything but put the fish on the hook for you. Then there were those fishing shows. Yeah, you know.......the ones where they caught a fish every time? Yeah.....scuba divers! Yep! They scout out the area with scuba divers to ensure that they get a fish every time. Took the passion for fishing right out of me.
Sooooo.......what's this got to do with cycling, you ask? Well, I'm afraid that this electronic revolution in shifting is going to take the life out of cycling, too. Mr. Scholz was heard to say that he liked the electronic shifting because he never missed a shift due to pilot error. When you are tired, and fatigued, the system takes that human factor out of the equation. Hmmm.......do you see what I don't like? Where does it end? Couldn't the derailluers be controlled by reading information from a riders heart rate and power output? Couldn't the system then shift to the best gear for that particular riders cadence, power output, and desired speed without the rider initiating anything? Adding to this the virtual coaching that every pro rider is getting in his ear via radio and what do we have? Who is winning the race? The rider or technology?
I think it's fair to say that the much maligned UCI had it right when they put a lid on cycling technology in the late nineties. Why? Especially now, because it is rapidly becoming like F-1 racing in that who ever has the most money for the best research and developement will have the best team. Who is going to be able to afford to purchase this new, shiny techno-gear? Hey....wait a minute! Maybe that's the answer! It'll be sooo expensive, and sooo exclusive that only a small handfull of people will really care and the rest of us can be fast, dumb, and happy with our shift by cable derailluers. Heck, I don't know!
I just know that something smells fishy here!
While you are castigating me as a retro-grouch, tech-hater of the worst kind, let me say that I believe that this shift by wire technology is pretty facinating. I mean, look at all the engineering obstacles to deal with in getting something like this to work. The gear head in me sees this as pretty cool. It's the spirit of cycling side of this in me that's in mourning.
I remember when I used to be really into fishing. I was getting into the rods, reels, tackle, and all the knowledge of how to use this stuff. Then I found out about fish finders. They were crude, unreliable units back then. Now, they practically do everything but put the fish on the hook for you. Then there were those fishing shows. Yeah, you know.......the ones where they caught a fish every time? Yeah.....scuba divers! Yep! They scout out the area with scuba divers to ensure that they get a fish every time. Took the passion for fishing right out of me.
Sooooo.......what's this got to do with cycling, you ask? Well, I'm afraid that this electronic revolution in shifting is going to take the life out of cycling, too. Mr. Scholz was heard to say that he liked the electronic shifting because he never missed a shift due to pilot error. When you are tired, and fatigued, the system takes that human factor out of the equation. Hmmm.......do you see what I don't like? Where does it end? Couldn't the derailluers be controlled by reading information from a riders heart rate and power output? Couldn't the system then shift to the best gear for that particular riders cadence, power output, and desired speed without the rider initiating anything? Adding to this the virtual coaching that every pro rider is getting in his ear via radio and what do we have? Who is winning the race? The rider or technology?
I think it's fair to say that the much maligned UCI had it right when they put a lid on cycling technology in the late nineties. Why? Especially now, because it is rapidly becoming like F-1 racing in that who ever has the most money for the best research and developement will have the best team. Who is going to be able to afford to purchase this new, shiny techno-gear? Hey....wait a minute! Maybe that's the answer! It'll be sooo expensive, and sooo exclusive that only a small handfull of people will really care and the rest of us can be fast, dumb, and happy with our shift by cable derailluers. Heck, I don't know!
I just know that something smells fishy here!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Better With Age
Like a fine wine, it gets better with age, right? That's the way alot of endurance racers I've spoken with seem to think. It seems to be correct, especially when you take a look at someone like Tinker Jaurez, who seems to keep going on and on like the Energizer Bunny.
If this really is the case, for whatever reason, should there be age classes at solo endurance events? I've seen this question come up from time to time. Actually, alot of questions regarding the solo field are starting to crop up. There is the money question. You know.......should solo racers pay less and get more because they do it solo? That's a thorny question that has alot of debate going on, as well. For today, let's stick to the age issue!
My take is this: If there were to be age classes in solo endurance events, what would constitute a viable field? You know, alot of these events draw smaller amounts of solo racers, and most of them are going to be in the 25-35 year old age group. That's going to cause all sorts of weirdness in regards to competition. I mean, what if Tinker shows up? Who is likely to be in his age group? You start to see where there would have to be a pro group and an amatuer group, so you would get the sort of competition at an event that would draw interest, from a promoters standpoint. Then there is the money issue, which is going to suffer because of the amount of places a promoter would have to pay out would triple, at least. Then you open the door for a sanctioning body to oversee it all and.........well, the end would be near!
I think that you either leave it free and open to all age groups, or you lead yourself down a path of confusing rules and complicated situations all in an effort to be fair. Obviously, I would leave things as they are. What say you? Age groups, or no? It's a question that needs answering. The shape of endurance sports is still being formed, and with it's burgeoning popularity, it's getting formed faster than ever.
If this really is the case, for whatever reason, should there be age classes at solo endurance events? I've seen this question come up from time to time. Actually, alot of questions regarding the solo field are starting to crop up. There is the money question. You know.......should solo racers pay less and get more because they do it solo? That's a thorny question that has alot of debate going on, as well. For today, let's stick to the age issue!
My take is this: If there were to be age classes in solo endurance events, what would constitute a viable field? You know, alot of these events draw smaller amounts of solo racers, and most of them are going to be in the 25-35 year old age group. That's going to cause all sorts of weirdness in regards to competition. I mean, what if Tinker shows up? Who is likely to be in his age group? You start to see where there would have to be a pro group and an amatuer group, so you would get the sort of competition at an event that would draw interest, from a promoters standpoint. Then there is the money issue, which is going to suffer because of the amount of places a promoter would have to pay out would triple, at least. Then you open the door for a sanctioning body to oversee it all and.........well, the end would be near!
I think that you either leave it free and open to all age groups, or you lead yourself down a path of confusing rules and complicated situations all in an effort to be fair. Obviously, I would leave things as they are. What say you? Age groups, or no? It's a question that needs answering. The shape of endurance sports is still being formed, and with it's burgeoning popularity, it's getting formed faster than ever.
Better With Age
Like a fine wine, it gets better with age, right? That's the way alot of endurance racers I've spoken with seem to think. It seems to be correct, especially when you take a look at someone like Tinker Jaurez, who seems to keep going on and on like the Energizer Bunny.
If this really is the case, for whatever reason, should there be age classes at solo endurance events? I've seen this question come up from time to time. Actually, alot of questions regarding the solo field are starting to crop up. There is the money question. You know.......should solo racers pay less and get more because they do it solo? That's a thorny question that has alot of debate going on, as well. For today, let's stick to the age issue!
My take is this: If there were to be age classes in solo endurance events, what would constitute a viable field? You know, alot of these events draw smaller amounts of solo racers, and most of them are going to be in the 25-35 year old age group. That's going to cause all sorts of weirdness in regards to competition. I mean, what if Tinker shows up? Who is likely to be in his age group? You start to see where there would have to be a pro group and an amatuer group, so you would get the sort of competition at an event that would draw interest, from a promoters standpoint. Then there is the money issue, which is going to suffer because of the amount of places a promoter would have to pay out would triple, at least. Then you open the door for a sanctioning body to oversee it all and.........well, the end would be near!
I think that you either leave it free and open to all age groups, or you lead yourself down a path of confusing rules and complicated situations all in an effort to be fair. Obviously, I would leave things as they are. What say you? Age groups, or no? It's a question that needs answering. The shape of endurance sports is still being formed, and with it's burgeoning popularity, it's getting formed faster than ever.
If this really is the case, for whatever reason, should there be age classes at solo endurance events? I've seen this question come up from time to time. Actually, alot of questions regarding the solo field are starting to crop up. There is the money question. You know.......should solo racers pay less and get more because they do it solo? That's a thorny question that has alot of debate going on, as well. For today, let's stick to the age issue!
My take is this: If there were to be age classes in solo endurance events, what would constitute a viable field? You know, alot of these events draw smaller amounts of solo racers, and most of them are going to be in the 25-35 year old age group. That's going to cause all sorts of weirdness in regards to competition. I mean, what if Tinker shows up? Who is likely to be in his age group? You start to see where there would have to be a pro group and an amatuer group, so you would get the sort of competition at an event that would draw interest, from a promoters standpoint. Then there is the money issue, which is going to suffer because of the amount of places a promoter would have to pay out would triple, at least. Then you open the door for a sanctioning body to oversee it all and.........well, the end would be near!
I think that you either leave it free and open to all age groups, or you lead yourself down a path of confusing rules and complicated situations all in an effort to be fair. Obviously, I would leave things as they are. What say you? Age groups, or no? It's a question that needs answering. The shape of endurance sports is still being formed, and with it's burgeoning popularity, it's getting formed faster than ever.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
It's Coming Together......Finally!
Some of the regulars that stop by here might remember something about an Inbred 29"er that I was building.......or not! Well, tax returns......you know, money? Well, they came in, so I can now proceed to get the finishing parts for the build. My frame did not come with the fork, so I was going to wait for a carbon Bontrager Switch Blade. Apparently, they are on a delayed schedule, so I found an Inbred fork online and got it coming. It ended up being cheaper by about $50.00, too! I saw on Friday that my wheel components arrived to lace up the Salsa Delgado Disc rims to my purple Surly disc hubs, so hopefully I'll have some photos to share with you all later in the week. The only major components that are still up in the air are the brakes, saddle, handle bar, and possibly the stem, depending on handle bar choice. I hope to be riding this bike before the end of the month. If it all goes well, I'll be using it at Dirty Kanza, but we'll see.
Speaking of that event, it reminds me that I have some proof reading of Trans Iowa cue sheets to do! Yesterdays wind reminded me a whole bunch of last years T.I. I can see why so many bailed out. Not only does the constant blast make you feel like you're going uphill all the time, but it dehydrates you pretty seriously. I was getting into a depleted state myself. Working so hard makes you sweat more, and then the wind is sucking you dry, as well. Major adjustments to the hydration schedule will have to be made if it's windy at Dirty Kanza. And how could it not be! They aren't real big on trees down there!
Well, the hamstrings are sore today, but other than that, I'm just tired. I spun out the legs for about 40 minutes today before the wind, cold and rain set in. It's weird to hear thunder when it's in the 30's outside! Oh well! It looks as though the blustery weather is here to stay for awhile, too. Makes me think of Belgium!
Speaking of that event, it reminds me that I have some proof reading of Trans Iowa cue sheets to do! Yesterdays wind reminded me a whole bunch of last years T.I. I can see why so many bailed out. Not only does the constant blast make you feel like you're going uphill all the time, but it dehydrates you pretty seriously. I was getting into a depleted state myself. Working so hard makes you sweat more, and then the wind is sucking you dry, as well. Major adjustments to the hydration schedule will have to be made if it's windy at Dirty Kanza. And how could it not be! They aren't real big on trees down there!
Well, the hamstrings are sore today, but other than that, I'm just tired. I spun out the legs for about 40 minutes today before the wind, cold and rain set in. It's weird to hear thunder when it's in the 30's outside! Oh well! It looks as though the blustery weather is here to stay for awhile, too. Makes me think of Belgium!
It's Coming Together......Finally!
Some of the regulars that stop by here might remember something about an Inbred 29"er that I was building.......or not! Well, tax returns......you know, money? Well, they came in, so I can now proceed to get the finishing parts for the build. My frame did not come with the fork, so I was going to wait for a carbon Bontrager Switch Blade. Apparently, they are on a delayed schedule, so I found an Inbred fork online and got it coming. It ended up being cheaper by about $50.00, too! I saw on Friday that my wheel components arrived to lace up the Salsa Delgado Disc rims to my purple Surly disc hubs, so hopefully I'll have some photos to share with you all later in the week. The only major components that are still up in the air are the brakes, saddle, handle bar, and possibly the stem, depending on handle bar choice. I hope to be riding this bike before the end of the month. If it all goes well, I'll be using it at Dirty Kanza, but we'll see.
Speaking of that event, it reminds me that I have some proof reading of Trans Iowa cue sheets to do! Yesterdays wind reminded me a whole bunch of last years T.I. I can see why so many bailed out. Not only does the constant blast make you feel like you're going uphill all the time, but it dehydrates you pretty seriously. I was getting into a depleted state myself. Working so hard makes you sweat more, and then the wind is sucking you dry, as well. Major adjustments to the hydration schedule will have to be made if it's windy at Dirty Kanza. And how could it not be! They aren't real big on trees down there!
Well, the hamstrings are sore today, but other than that, I'm just tired. I spun out the legs for about 40 minutes today before the wind, cold and rain set in. It's weird to hear thunder when it's in the 30's outside! Oh well! It looks as though the blustery weather is here to stay for awhile, too. Makes me think of Belgium!
Speaking of that event, it reminds me that I have some proof reading of Trans Iowa cue sheets to do! Yesterdays wind reminded me a whole bunch of last years T.I. I can see why so many bailed out. Not only does the constant blast make you feel like you're going uphill all the time, but it dehydrates you pretty seriously. I was getting into a depleted state myself. Working so hard makes you sweat more, and then the wind is sucking you dry, as well. Major adjustments to the hydration schedule will have to be made if it's windy at Dirty Kanza. And how could it not be! They aren't real big on trees down there!
Well, the hamstrings are sore today, but other than that, I'm just tired. I spun out the legs for about 40 minutes today before the wind, cold and rain set in. It's weird to hear thunder when it's in the 30's outside! Oh well! It looks as though the blustery weather is here to stay for awhile, too. Makes me think of Belgium!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Wind + Hills = "It Burns!"
While it was a beautiful spring-like day in Iowa, it was a bit decieving. March in Iowa means wind. Powerful wind.
Here we have a couple of shots from the ride. Nothing spectacular. One showing that we have got enough rain lately to cause lots of run-off in the fields. The gravel was soft in alot of places.
The other shot is showing one of the several one-third to half mile long climbs that come one after another on this south of town route. Kerkove says these hills are nothing. Well, add in a nearly constant 25mph wind right in your face, and I'd say that they are plenty steep! You know the wind is blowing hard when you have to pedal to maintain 12mph. on the downhill side of these grades!
Nothing really spectacular to report other than my legs are fried. Major burning! I went straight into this wind until I couldn't climb anymore above 8mph near the end. That was it! Kaput! I thought about resting a little, but I did have to pedal home yet. I also didn't want to do any damage to my body, just because I wanted to go on, so around I went. I got to actually coast for the first time in an hour and a half of riding! Now there's an idea! I did try some of that Recover-Ease stuff Jeff gave me as a sample. So far, no pain, but the legs are like lead right now.
Well, here's hoping your ride was enjoyable. Maybe I'll spin around tomorrow to loosen up the legs a little. Have a great weekend!
Wind + Hills = "It Burns!"
While it was a beautiful spring-like day in Iowa, it was a bit decieving. March in Iowa means wind. Powerful wind.
Here we have a couple of shots from the ride. Nothing spectacular. One showing that we have got enough rain lately to cause lots of run-off in the fields. The gravel was soft in alot of places.
The other shot is showing one of the several one-third to half mile long climbs that come one after another on this south of town route. Kerkove says these hills are nothing. Well, add in a nearly constant 25mph wind right in your face, and I'd say that they are plenty steep! You know the wind is blowing hard when you have to pedal to maintain 12mph. on the downhill side of these grades!
Nothing really spectacular to report other than my legs are fried. Major burning! I went straight into this wind until I couldn't climb anymore above 8mph near the end. That was it! Kaput! I thought about resting a little, but I did have to pedal home yet. I also didn't want to do any damage to my body, just because I wanted to go on, so around I went. I got to actually coast for the first time in an hour and a half of riding! Now there's an idea! I did try some of that Recover-Ease stuff Jeff gave me as a sample. So far, no pain, but the legs are like lead right now.
Well, here's hoping your ride was enjoyable. Maybe I'll spin around tomorrow to loosen up the legs a little. Have a great weekend!
A Good Day
Here's hoping that it's a good day for you to catch a ride today. Training? Riding just for fun? Full suspension, hardtail rigid fork, 26"er, 29"er...........tricycle? Whatever yer flava, get yerself a ride, have some fun, and enjoy the feeling that only a bike can impart. Afterall, if it wasn't all that fun, then why would you do it?
Me? I'll be pushin' the pedals on my drop barred, singled out, camp stove green, Surly Karate Monkey. I'm planning on it being fun! I hope your ride is too!
Me? I'll be pushin' the pedals on my drop barred, singled out, camp stove green, Surly Karate Monkey. I'm planning on it being fun! I hope your ride is too!
A Good Day
Here's hoping that it's a good day for you to catch a ride today. Training? Riding just for fun? Full suspension, hardtail rigid fork, 26"er, 29"er...........tricycle? Whatever yer flava, get yerself a ride, have some fun, and enjoy the feeling that only a bike can impart. Afterall, if it wasn't all that fun, then why would you do it?
Me? I'll be pushin' the pedals on my drop barred, singled out, camp stove green, Surly Karate Monkey. I'm planning on it being fun! I hope your ride is too!
Me? I'll be pushin' the pedals on my drop barred, singled out, camp stove green, Surly Karate Monkey. I'm planning on it being fun! I hope your ride is too!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Don't Get Too Excited!
There is alot of back and forth discussions about whether or not 29"ers are all that and a bag of chips. We all know that they are not........right? Well, I guess some of the folks not committed to 29"ers seem to think the people who are committed to the wheel size do think that way. I mean that 29"er riders know that for them there is no going back to 26 inch wheels. The key here being the phrase,"for them". The folks that would debate the advantages of 29 inch wheels seem to gloss over that sentiment. It's a statement that I read over and over again in posts from new 29"er riders. "I know that for me there is no going back." You see, no one is bending your arm here, trying to make you say uncle, and ride 29"ers. Yet, I see this statement all the time too. Check this one out. This is a quote from Mike Ferrentino, in a Mouth Trap column, written and posted on Bike Magazines webpage.
"After playing around on the things for six years now, I’m still not convinced that they will make me more of a man, or cure cancer..."
He's referencing the so called "zealotry" that 29"er riders exude.......allegedly. Mr. Ferrentino also likens the 29"er crowd to the singlespeeder afficiando by saying......
"Swear to God, they are making single speeders seem almost rational and even-tempered."
Nothing like fomenting dissent between groups of cyclists, huh? Of course, I have to remember that Mr. Ferrentino is paid to entertain, and that writing that, "29"er folks are really passionate about their riding experiences", probably wouldn't sell as well as creating and encouraging more controversy. To be fair, Mr. Ferrentino brings up the Dave Harris experiments, which I will admit, have ruffled more than a few feathers. Also, Mr. Ferrentino says that he feels that 29"ers are suited more to some courses than others. Okay, good. Why did he feel compelled to say the other, well........crap!
That's the thing that lots of the non-committed 29"er folks say. That the folks that love 29"ers, that are passionate about our bikes and the way they ride say things that are irrational. First of all, as if miracles do not happen,(a whole 'nother issue!) and secondly as if we should just calm down, and go away. Look, I cannot speak for every 29"er rider, but I never claimed that it was a "miracle" for you. I don't think 29"ers are for everybody. However, I do know that I ride better than I ever did on a 26 inch wheel bike, and scientific study? I don't need no stinkin' scientific study too tell me that. ( appologies to Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and Dave Harris!) I am passionate about the 29"er. I hope that you are passionate about the type of bikes that you ride. If you are, then great! I promise you that I won't feel that you are making claims of miracle cures or enhancements of manhood, or whatever!
Choose your bike based on what works for you. Based on what is fun! Choose your bike for it's color! Whatever. Get passionate about your bike and riding it. Whatever that bike is, don't let anybody put a damper on that passion. Keep on ridin' and smilin'!
"After playing around on the things for six years now, I’m still not convinced that they will make me more of a man, or cure cancer..."
He's referencing the so called "zealotry" that 29"er riders exude.......allegedly. Mr. Ferrentino also likens the 29"er crowd to the singlespeeder afficiando by saying......
"Swear to God, they are making single speeders seem almost rational and even-tempered."
Nothing like fomenting dissent between groups of cyclists, huh? Of course, I have to remember that Mr. Ferrentino is paid to entertain, and that writing that, "29"er folks are really passionate about their riding experiences", probably wouldn't sell as well as creating and encouraging more controversy. To be fair, Mr. Ferrentino brings up the Dave Harris experiments, which I will admit, have ruffled more than a few feathers. Also, Mr. Ferrentino says that he feels that 29"ers are suited more to some courses than others. Okay, good. Why did he feel compelled to say the other, well........crap!
That's the thing that lots of the non-committed 29"er folks say. That the folks that love 29"ers, that are passionate about our bikes and the way they ride say things that are irrational. First of all, as if miracles do not happen,(a whole 'nother issue!) and secondly as if we should just calm down, and go away. Look, I cannot speak for every 29"er rider, but I never claimed that it was a "miracle" for you. I don't think 29"ers are for everybody. However, I do know that I ride better than I ever did on a 26 inch wheel bike, and scientific study? I don't need no stinkin' scientific study too tell me that. ( appologies to Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and Dave Harris!) I am passionate about the 29"er. I hope that you are passionate about the type of bikes that you ride. If you are, then great! I promise you that I won't feel that you are making claims of miracle cures or enhancements of manhood, or whatever!
Choose your bike based on what works for you. Based on what is fun! Choose your bike for it's color! Whatever. Get passionate about your bike and riding it. Whatever that bike is, don't let anybody put a damper on that passion. Keep on ridin' and smilin'!
Don't Get Too Excited!
There is alot of back and forth discussions about whether or not 29"ers are all that and a bag of chips. We all know that they are not........right? Well, I guess some of the folks not committed to 29"ers seem to think the people who are committed to the wheel size do think that way. I mean that 29"er riders know that for them there is no going back to 26 inch wheels. The key here being the phrase,"for them". The folks that would debate the advantages of 29 inch wheels seem to gloss over that sentiment. It's a statement that I read over and over again in posts from new 29"er riders. "I know that for me there is no going back." You see, no one is bending your arm here, trying to make you say uncle, and ride 29"ers. Yet, I see this statement all the time too. Check this one out. This is a quote from Mike Ferrentino, in a Mouth Trap column, written and posted on Bike Magazines webpage.
"After playing around on the things for six years now, I’m still not convinced that they will make me more of a man, or cure cancer..."
He's referencing the so called "zealotry" that 29"er riders exude.......allegedly. Mr. Ferrentino also likens the 29"er crowd to the singlespeeder afficiando by saying......
"Swear to God, they are making single speeders seem almost rational and even-tempered."
Nothing like fomenting dissent between groups of cyclists, huh? Of course, I have to remember that Mr. Ferrentino is paid to entertain, and that writing that, "29"er folks are really passionate about their riding experiences", probably wouldn't sell as well as creating and encouraging more controversy. To be fair, Mr. Ferrentino brings up the Dave Harris experiments, which I will admit, have ruffled more than a few feathers. Also, Mr. Ferrentino says that he feels that 29"ers are suited more to some courses than others. Okay, good. Why did he feel compelled to say the other, well........crap!
That's the thing that lots of the non-committed 29"er folks say. That the folks that love 29"ers, that are passionate about our bikes and the way they ride say things that are irrational. First of all, as if miracles do not happen,(a whole 'nother issue!) and secondly as if we should just calm down, and go away. Look, I cannot speak for every 29"er rider, but I never claimed that it was a "miracle" for you. I don't think 29"ers are for everybody. However, I do know that I ride better than I ever did on a 26 inch wheel bike, and scientific study? I don't need no stinkin' scientific study too tell me that. ( appologies to Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and Dave Harris!) I am passionate about the 29"er. I hope that you are passionate about the type of bikes that you ride. If you are, then great! I promise you that I won't feel that you are making claims of miracle cures or enhancements of manhood, or whatever!
Choose your bike based on what works for you. Based on what is fun! Choose your bike for it's color! Whatever. Get passionate about your bike and riding it. Whatever that bike is, don't let anybody put a damper on that passion. Keep on ridin' and smilin'!
"After playing around on the things for six years now, I’m still not convinced that they will make me more of a man, or cure cancer..."
He's referencing the so called "zealotry" that 29"er riders exude.......allegedly. Mr. Ferrentino also likens the 29"er crowd to the singlespeeder afficiando by saying......
"Swear to God, they are making single speeders seem almost rational and even-tempered."
Nothing like fomenting dissent between groups of cyclists, huh? Of course, I have to remember that Mr. Ferrentino is paid to entertain, and that writing that, "29"er folks are really passionate about their riding experiences", probably wouldn't sell as well as creating and encouraging more controversy. To be fair, Mr. Ferrentino brings up the Dave Harris experiments, which I will admit, have ruffled more than a few feathers. Also, Mr. Ferrentino says that he feels that 29"ers are suited more to some courses than others. Okay, good. Why did he feel compelled to say the other, well........crap!
That's the thing that lots of the non-committed 29"er folks say. That the folks that love 29"ers, that are passionate about our bikes and the way they ride say things that are irrational. First of all, as if miracles do not happen,(a whole 'nother issue!) and secondly as if we should just calm down, and go away. Look, I cannot speak for every 29"er rider, but I never claimed that it was a "miracle" for you. I don't think 29"ers are for everybody. However, I do know that I ride better than I ever did on a 26 inch wheel bike, and scientific study? I don't need no stinkin' scientific study too tell me that. ( appologies to Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and Dave Harris!) I am passionate about the 29"er. I hope that you are passionate about the type of bikes that you ride. If you are, then great! I promise you that I won't feel that you are making claims of miracle cures or enhancements of manhood, or whatever!
Choose your bike based on what works for you. Based on what is fun! Choose your bike for it's color! Whatever. Get passionate about your bike and riding it. Whatever that bike is, don't let anybody put a damper on that passion. Keep on ridin' and smilin'!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
They Are Watching!
Due to a response to the "Company Man" comments I made yesterday, I feel compelled to delve a little deeper into this subject today. It is apparent to me that several employees of different cycling related companies are viewing this blog from time to time. I am not going to name names here. I just want you, (whomever the you may be) the cycling industry employee, to know that there are several of you watching these posts and that a few of you have bent my ear either by e-mail, or personally. Sometimes there is some sort of irritation involved, but I would regard my efforts as worthless if there wasn't some of that! Most of the time; however, it's all been rather pleasant, and I enjoy making contact with all of you.
This really goes to show you the impact that blogging is having on today's business world. The doors to information are many and wide so that you will find little ol' rustic bloggers like me in Iowa talking about stuff that you may be surprised to find here. My suggestion is to get involved in the conversation. It will only help you in the current state of marketing affairs. For more on this subject and a good example of what blogging can do for a brand, check out the hyperlinks.
Now: For something completely different and potentially flammable! I have to shake my head everytime I check into what Mike Curiak is up to. Just when you think he's settled down into marriage, and running a business, he pulls out this strange contraption. Maybe it's got gadgets. You know......like James Bond or something. Rockets and flamethrowers come to mind! Check it out and enjoy!
This really goes to show you the impact that blogging is having on today's business world. The doors to information are many and wide so that you will find little ol' rustic bloggers like me in Iowa talking about stuff that you may be surprised to find here. My suggestion is to get involved in the conversation. It will only help you in the current state of marketing affairs. For more on this subject and a good example of what blogging can do for a brand, check out the hyperlinks.
Now: For something completely different and potentially flammable! I have to shake my head everytime I check into what Mike Curiak is up to. Just when you think he's settled down into marriage, and running a business, he pulls out this strange contraption. Maybe it's got gadgets. You know......like James Bond or something. Rockets and flamethrowers come to mind! Check it out and enjoy!
They Are Watching!
Due to a response to the "Company Man" comments I made yesterday, I feel compelled to delve a little deeper into this subject today. It is apparent to me that several employees of different cycling related companies are viewing this blog from time to time. I am not going to name names here. I just want you, (whomever the you may be) the cycling industry employee, to know that there are several of you watching these posts and that a few of you have bent my ear either by e-mail, or personally. Sometimes there is some sort of irritation involved, but I would regard my efforts as worthless if there wasn't some of that! Most of the time; however, it's all been rather pleasant, and I enjoy making contact with all of you.
This really goes to show you the impact that blogging is having on today's business world. The doors to information are many and wide so that you will find little ol' rustic bloggers like me in Iowa talking about stuff that you may be surprised to find here. My suggestion is to get involved in the conversation. It will only help you in the current state of marketing affairs. For more on this subject and a good example of what blogging can do for a brand, check out the hyperlinks.
Now: For something completely different and potentially flammable! I have to shake my head everytime I check into what Mike Curiak is up to. Just when you think he's settled down into marriage, and running a business, he pulls out this strange contraption. Maybe it's got gadgets. You know......like James Bond or something. Rockets and flamethrowers come to mind! Check it out and enjoy!
This really goes to show you the impact that blogging is having on today's business world. The doors to information are many and wide so that you will find little ol' rustic bloggers like me in Iowa talking about stuff that you may be surprised to find here. My suggestion is to get involved in the conversation. It will only help you in the current state of marketing affairs. For more on this subject and a good example of what blogging can do for a brand, check out the hyperlinks.
Now: For something completely different and potentially flammable! I have to shake my head everytime I check into what Mike Curiak is up to. Just when you think he's settled down into marriage, and running a business, he pulls out this strange contraption. Maybe it's got gadgets. You know......like James Bond or something. Rockets and flamethrowers come to mind! Check it out and enjoy!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Changes
It's that time of year for changes. You know, spring cleaning, longer days, and getting ready for that first event of the year. I've noticed several changes recently. Here are a few of them.
1. 29"ers debated and covered in the media more than ever. I read an excellent article from What Mountain Bike, a U.K. mag, that compared two identically equipped Inbred single speeds. One in a 29" flavor, the other in 26". The mtbr.com 29"er forum has been filled with nutty, derisive, entertaining, and mundane threads on 29"ers virtues, or lack there of. Several posts from first time riders of the big wheels as well. What does it all mean? People are starting to get ahold of the concept a little better now. I think that we are seeing the whole 29"er movement going mainstream now. Over the next year or so, look for a shift in power, from the underground, tinkerer, small builder, cultish and zealot-like 29"er world to that of, for lack of a better term, single speed-like mainstream acceptance/ tolerance. No longer will the 29"er elicit the, "Twenty nine what?" response. People still might not get it, or even want to, but at least they will be aware of it's existence.
2. Blogging cyclists getting "caught in the middle". It used to be that you had to be close friends with someone "in the company", or have industry contacts in high places to be a person that knew of "cyclings secrets". You know......those bits that are not supposed to be revealed to the general public, but are offered to those "in the know" people as a token of how deep your relationship is with company folks, or whatever! That whole social dis-function kinda freaks me out! Anyway, with todays much faster flowing, freer flowing information network, these bits get spread around a bit more, well freely! So, your local cycling blogger, or internet chatroom freak can get hold of tidbits in all sorts of new ways. Let me tell you. The Company Man is watching! ( Hello, Company Man! Hope you are enjoying todays post! Feel free to comment, by the way.) Anyway, The Company Man doesn't always appreciate his info being distributed at times and places not of his choosing. I know this because Company Man has had a word or two with me about this very thing. Believe me folks. We bloggers are kind of caught between wanting to be free with our information, but Company Man doesn't always want us to be so free. Consequently, things have changed ever so slightly. We'll see how it all shakes out in the end.
3. Team changes, new bikes, new season. Pretty self explanatory here. Cat Eye Enduro squadra gets on Cannondale mounts. Pro riders debuting in their new team kits, and the first racing of the season is underway. Hold on! Here we go on another whirlwind summer!
1. 29"ers debated and covered in the media more than ever. I read an excellent article from What Mountain Bike, a U.K. mag, that compared two identically equipped Inbred single speeds. One in a 29" flavor, the other in 26". The mtbr.com 29"er forum has been filled with nutty, derisive, entertaining, and mundane threads on 29"ers virtues, or lack there of. Several posts from first time riders of the big wheels as well. What does it all mean? People are starting to get ahold of the concept a little better now. I think that we are seeing the whole 29"er movement going mainstream now. Over the next year or so, look for a shift in power, from the underground, tinkerer, small builder, cultish and zealot-like 29"er world to that of, for lack of a better term, single speed-like mainstream acceptance/ tolerance. No longer will the 29"er elicit the, "Twenty nine what?" response. People still might not get it, or even want to, but at least they will be aware of it's existence.
2. Blogging cyclists getting "caught in the middle". It used to be that you had to be close friends with someone "in the company", or have industry contacts in high places to be a person that knew of "cyclings secrets". You know......those bits that are not supposed to be revealed to the general public, but are offered to those "in the know" people as a token of how deep your relationship is with company folks, or whatever! That whole social dis-function kinda freaks me out! Anyway, with todays much faster flowing, freer flowing information network, these bits get spread around a bit more, well freely! So, your local cycling blogger, or internet chatroom freak can get hold of tidbits in all sorts of new ways. Let me tell you. The Company Man is watching! ( Hello, Company Man! Hope you are enjoying todays post! Feel free to comment, by the way.) Anyway, The Company Man doesn't always appreciate his info being distributed at times and places not of his choosing. I know this because Company Man has had a word or two with me about this very thing. Believe me folks. We bloggers are kind of caught between wanting to be free with our information, but Company Man doesn't always want us to be so free. Consequently, things have changed ever so slightly. We'll see how it all shakes out in the end.
3. Team changes, new bikes, new season. Pretty self explanatory here. Cat Eye Enduro squadra gets on Cannondale mounts. Pro riders debuting in their new team kits, and the first racing of the season is underway. Hold on! Here we go on another whirlwind summer!
Changes
It's that time of year for changes. You know, spring cleaning, longer days, and getting ready for that first event of the year. I've noticed several changes recently. Here are a few of them.
1. 29"ers debated and covered in the media more than ever. I read an excellent article from What Mountain Bike, a U.K. mag, that compared two identically equipped Inbred single speeds. One in a 29" flavor, the other in 26". The mtbr.com 29"er forum has been filled with nutty, derisive, entertaining, and mundane threads on 29"ers virtues, or lack there of. Several posts from first time riders of the big wheels as well. What does it all mean? People are starting to get ahold of the concept a little better now. I think that we are seeing the whole 29"er movement going mainstream now. Over the next year or so, look for a shift in power, from the underground, tinkerer, small builder, cultish and zealot-like 29"er world to that of, for lack of a better term, single speed-like mainstream acceptance/ tolerance. No longer will the 29"er elicit the, "Twenty nine what?" response. People still might not get it, or even want to, but at least they will be aware of it's existence.
2. Blogging cyclists getting "caught in the middle". It used to be that you had to be close friends with someone "in the company", or have industry contacts in high places to be a person that knew of "cyclings secrets". You know......those bits that are not supposed to be revealed to the general public, but are offered to those "in the know" people as a token of how deep your relationship is with company folks, or whatever! That whole social dis-function kinda freaks me out! Anyway, with todays much faster flowing, freer flowing information network, these bits get spread around a bit more, well freely! So, your local cycling blogger, or internet chatroom freak can get hold of tidbits in all sorts of new ways. Let me tell you. The Company Man is watching! ( Hello, Company Man! Hope you are enjoying todays post! Feel free to comment, by the way.) Anyway, The Company Man doesn't always appreciate his info being distributed at times and places not of his choosing. I know this because Company Man has had a word or two with me about this very thing. Believe me folks. We bloggers are kind of caught between wanting to be free with our information, but Company Man doesn't always want us to be so free. Consequently, things have changed ever so slightly. We'll see how it all shakes out in the end.
3. Team changes, new bikes, new season. Pretty self explanatory here. Cat Eye Enduro squadra gets on Cannondale mounts. Pro riders debuting in their new team kits, and the first racing of the season is underway. Hold on! Here we go on another whirlwind summer!
1. 29"ers debated and covered in the media more than ever. I read an excellent article from What Mountain Bike, a U.K. mag, that compared two identically equipped Inbred single speeds. One in a 29" flavor, the other in 26". The mtbr.com 29"er forum has been filled with nutty, derisive, entertaining, and mundane threads on 29"ers virtues, or lack there of. Several posts from first time riders of the big wheels as well. What does it all mean? People are starting to get ahold of the concept a little better now. I think that we are seeing the whole 29"er movement going mainstream now. Over the next year or so, look for a shift in power, from the underground, tinkerer, small builder, cultish and zealot-like 29"er world to that of, for lack of a better term, single speed-like mainstream acceptance/ tolerance. No longer will the 29"er elicit the, "Twenty nine what?" response. People still might not get it, or even want to, but at least they will be aware of it's existence.
2. Blogging cyclists getting "caught in the middle". It used to be that you had to be close friends with someone "in the company", or have industry contacts in high places to be a person that knew of "cyclings secrets". You know......those bits that are not supposed to be revealed to the general public, but are offered to those "in the know" people as a token of how deep your relationship is with company folks, or whatever! That whole social dis-function kinda freaks me out! Anyway, with todays much faster flowing, freer flowing information network, these bits get spread around a bit more, well freely! So, your local cycling blogger, or internet chatroom freak can get hold of tidbits in all sorts of new ways. Let me tell you. The Company Man is watching! ( Hello, Company Man! Hope you are enjoying todays post! Feel free to comment, by the way.) Anyway, The Company Man doesn't always appreciate his info being distributed at times and places not of his choosing. I know this because Company Man has had a word or two with me about this very thing. Believe me folks. We bloggers are kind of caught between wanting to be free with our information, but Company Man doesn't always want us to be so free. Consequently, things have changed ever so slightly. We'll see how it all shakes out in the end.
3. Team changes, new bikes, new season. Pretty self explanatory here. Cat Eye Enduro squadra gets on Cannondale mounts. Pro riders debuting in their new team kits, and the first racing of the season is underway. Hold on! Here we go on another whirlwind summer!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
More News and Views
On One Scand-Al: Could On One Cycles be the British equivalant to Niner Bikes? It's looking like the company might be headed in that direction. Take a look at the photo of the aluminum frameset. These are not just any old aluminum frames;no, they are Scandium aluminum frames! That is a stronger alloy of aluminum that can be drawn into tubes that make a lighter, somewhat more forgiving frame than your standard aluminum frame. What's better is that this new "Scand-Al" frame, (That's right, On One is going to call it the Scand-Al!), is a 29"er! Geared with replaceable dropouts, that I assume will also be available in single speed mode. It appears that the photo shows an eccentric bottom bracket but I'm not sure on this! The projected price on this frame is approximately $700.00 and might be available this summer.
The other photo is of a CAD drawing of a carbon fiber fork with an aluminum crown that On One is working on. The as yet un named fork will have the same offset as the steel version of the Inbred fork. No word on availability, or price. My guess is that this fork is destined to be mated up with the Scand-Al frame- but that's only my guess! If they do this, then it surely would be one of the lightest frame and fork combos out there for 29"ers.
For more on the fork and a cool report on a direct comparison between a 26" and 29" Inbred check out this report from Twenty Nine Inches . Thanks to them for the fork image! The image of the frame comes to you from the 29"er forum at mtbr.com
And Finally..... I'd like to invite you all to take a gander at the article that I wrote for The Biking Hub, and for you to take a stroll through there website. Lots of good info here to check out! Enjoy!
More News and Views
On One Scand-Al: Could On One Cycles be the British equivalant to Niner Bikes? It's looking like the company might be headed in that direction. Take a look at the photo of the aluminum frameset. These are not just any old aluminum frames;no, they are Scandium aluminum frames! That is a stronger alloy of aluminum that can be drawn into tubes that make a lighter, somewhat more forgiving frame than your standard aluminum frame. What's better is that this new "Scand-Al" frame, (That's right, On One is going to call it the Scand-Al!), is a 29"er! Geared with replaceable dropouts, that I assume will also be available in single speed mode. It appears that the photo shows an eccentric bottom bracket but I'm not sure on this! The projected price on this frame is approximately $700.00 and might be available this summer.
The other photo is of a CAD drawing of a carbon fiber fork with an aluminum crown that On One is working on. The as yet un named fork will have the same offset as the steel version of the Inbred fork. No word on availability, or price. My guess is that this fork is destined to be mated up with the Scand-Al frame- but that's only my guess! If they do this, then it surely would be one of the lightest frame and fork combos out there for 29"ers.
For more on the fork and a cool report on a direct comparison between a 26" and 29" Inbred check out this report from Twenty Nine Inches . Thanks to them for the fork image! The image of the frame comes to you from the 29"er forum at mtbr.com
And Finally..... I'd like to invite you all to take a gander at the article that I wrote for The Biking Hub, and for you to take a stroll through there website. Lots of good info here to check out! Enjoy!
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