Badger Cycles "Dorothy" Update

Thanks to the kindness of Ben Witt and Rob Pennell, I have had the pleasure of putting the Badger Cycles Dorothy proto type through it’s paces for awhile now. I wanted to give you all an update on just what it is that I’m testing here.

First of all, this is a proto type. While it is very close to what will become available, I wanted to make mention of a couple of details that will be different on the “production” Dorothy’s. First of all, the rear drop outs, which are a hooded style are going to be changed to a Paragon Machine Works style drop out. The cable routing will be changed from top of the top tube to the underneath side of the top tube with three anchor points for the hydro lines instead of the two found on the proto. Also, the seat tube binder will be changed to a slotted seat tube and collar set up to allow a bolt type collar or quick release collar. The proto also has a Badger decal on the headtube which will not appear on the final versions. A Dorothy likeness in a real metal head badge will take it’s place. These are minor changes and in no way affected the handling or ride characteristics of the bike.

That said, I wanted to give you all a run down on the parts spec on the proto type. It’s quite a list! Keep in mind that the production models could be kitted out any way you want, but this is a fitting spec for such a high quality fillet brazed steel steed. The drivetrain consists of XTR crankset, and front derailluer working with a SRAM X-O trigger shifter set and rear derailluer. The stoppers are by Hope and the wheelset is a blue spoked pair of Industry 9’s laced to Stan’s rims. Those are shod with a pair of front specific Bontrager XR’s in the 2.25″ width. The Bontrager theme is carried on with the saddle, which is a Race XXX Lite that is perched on top of a Moots seat post. Moots also tigged the stem that is clamped to a Seven Cycles custom bend flat bar capped off with cork grips. The front fork duties are carried out by the White Brothers 80mm travel suspension fork with the IMV system. Finally, the wheels are clamped in by the good old reliable Salsa skewers that are so easy on the hands. One of the more interesting spec choices was the Dura Ace 12-27 cassette, which worked perfectly on the trails that I rode the Dorothy on. Certainly that’s not going to be everybodies first choice for a rear cassette, but this old single speeder never complained a bit!

The parts were very impressive, to say the least, but I had a couple of quibbles with the titanium cockpit parts. So I contacted Ben and discussed the parts in question and decided that it might be a good idea to try an aluminum handle bar and stem for awhile. The problem with the titanium bar and stem is that they are sooo compliant that it masks what I’m trying to feel in the frame. Nice stuff, and no complaints on the super smooth ride that these parts provide, but I’m going to swap out to aluminum bits and give that a try. I’ll report back in a week with a final report.

Until then all I will say is that I have had a silly grin on every time I have ridden this bike that just won’t go away! Stay tuned!

Badger Cycles "Dorothy" Update

Thanks to the kindness of Ben Witt and Rob Pennell, I have had the pleasure of putting the Badger Cycles Dorothy proto type through it’s paces for awhile now. I wanted to give you all an update on just what it is that I’m testing here.

First of all, this is a proto type. While it is very close to what will become available, I wanted to make mention of a couple of details that will be different on the “production” Dorothy’s. First of all, the rear drop outs, which are a hooded style are going to be changed to a Paragon Machine Works style drop out. The cable routing will be changed from top of the top tube to the underneath side of the top tube with three anchor points for the hydro lines instead of the two found on the proto. Also, the seat tube binder will be changed to a slotted seat tube and collar set up to allow a bolt type collar or quick release collar. The proto also has a Badger decal on the headtube which will not appear on the final versions. A Dorothy likeness in a real metal head badge will take it’s place. These are minor changes and in no way affected the handling or ride characteristics of the bike.

That said, I wanted to give you all a run down on the parts spec on the proto type. It’s quite a list! Keep in mind that the production models could be kitted out any way you want, but this is a fitting spec for such a high quality fillet brazed steel steed. The drivetrain consists of XTR crankset, and front derailluer working with a SRAM X-O trigger shifter set and rear derailluer. The stoppers are by Hope and the wheelset is a blue spoked pair of Industry 9’s laced to Stan’s rims. Those are shod with a pair of front specific Bontrager XR’s in the 2.25″ width. The Bontrager theme is carried on with the saddle, which is a Race XXX Lite that is perched on top of a Moots seat post. Moots also tigged the stem that is clamped to a Seven Cycles custom bend flat bar capped off with cork grips. The front fork duties are carried out by the White Brothers 80mm travel suspension fork with the IMV system. Finally, the wheels are clamped in by the good old reliable Salsa skewers that are so easy on the hands. One of the more interesting spec choices was the Dura Ace 12-27 cassette, which worked perfectly on the trails that I rode the Dorothy on. Certainly that’s not going to be everybodies first choice for a rear cassette, but this old single speeder never complained a bit!

The parts were very impressive, to say the least, but I had a couple of quibbles with the titanium cockpit parts. So I contacted Ben and discussed the parts in question and decided that it might be a good idea to try an aluminum handle bar and stem for awhile. The problem with the titanium bar and stem is that they are sooo compliant that it masks what I’m trying to feel in the frame. Nice stuff, and no complaints on the super smooth ride that these parts provide, but I’m going to swap out to aluminum bits and give that a try. I’ll report back in a week with a final report.

Until then all I will say is that I have had a silly grin on every time I have ridden this bike that just won’t go away! Stay tuned!

Thoughts On The 24hr "Worlds"

This past weekend saw the 24 Hours of Adrenaline Solo World Championships race at Conyers, Georgia. I've always scratched my head about this event thinking about how alot of endurance athletes have "bought into" the idea that the race with the name, "Worlds", really is the world championship. I wonder how many of these athletes thought this process through. Perhaps it doesn't really matter, but here is what I would consider the recipe, if you will, of a true "world championship" solo 24hour event.

First, you have to have some sort of way to get the majority of the top talent together at the same venue at the same time. This seems to me to be the whole crux of the matter. Exactly how you do that, is another thing all together. The way it works now, you "qualify" for Worlds by winning or being a top placer in selected events. Events selected by the promoter of the Worlds event, and not by any governing body or group. Hmm......that's okay, but perhaps it could be done even better. Even if somebody "qualifies" it doesn't mean that they are coming to the Worlds. What good is that? Where's the incentive to reach for that bar? Perhaps there is a way to get top talent, people who are talented enough to score a 24 hour solo win somewhere, to commit to coming to a world championship. Like free travel to and entry into the event? Extreme example, maybe, but that would perhaps motivate someone to come that ordinarily wouldn't. Maybe make it cheap to come? Hmm.........

Then there is the events that are used to qualify. They must be top notch 24 hour events. Events that take place worldwide. That shouldn't be too hard to figure out. The number of these events should be limited, too. The problem here is that you are going to eliminate good events due to timing in relationship to when Worlds is held. Moab anyone?

Finally, there is the event location itself. Perhaps it could be moved around from year to year to give the Worlds different flavors like the UCI World Road Championships. Perhaps it shouldn't move and it should go back to Whistler, B.C. as it always had been. That way you get a consistency of course difficulty to measure against the athletes. Whatever is chosen, the course should be tough and be able to accomodate a large number of athletes comfortably. That seems obvious, but it also would seem to eliminate some places. Again, Moab comes to mind.

For this year, it would seem that none of this mattered. In the end it came down to two athletes and nobody else really figured into it. Like two embattled warriors going at it with every last ounce of determination within them, they duked it out till the climatic finishing hours. Did it really matter who else was there or not, or even where the event was being held? To me, it didn't seem that it did so much. So maybe none of this really matters.

In the end, it was an epic battle between a relatively unknown and a perrenial champion. Stuff stories are made of. Who cares what the race was called.

Thoughts On The 24hr "Worlds"

This past weekend saw the 24 Hours of Adrenaline Solo World Championships race at Conyers, Georgia. I've always scratched my head about this event thinking about how alot of endurance athletes have "bought into" the idea that the race with the name, "Worlds", really is the world championship. I wonder how many of these athletes thought this process through. Perhaps it doesn't really matter, but here is what I would consider the recipe, if you will, of a true "world championship" solo 24hour event.

First, you have to have some sort of way to get the majority of the top talent together at the same venue at the same time. This seems to me to be the whole crux of the matter. Exactly how you do that, is another thing all together. The way it works now, you "qualify" for Worlds by winning or being a top placer in selected events. Events selected by the promoter of the Worlds event, and not by any governing body or group. Hmm......that's okay, but perhaps it could be done even better. Even if somebody "qualifies" it doesn't mean that they are coming to the Worlds. What good is that? Where's the incentive to reach for that bar? Perhaps there is a way to get top talent, people who are talented enough to score a 24 hour solo win somewhere, to commit to coming to a world championship. Like free travel to and entry into the event? Extreme example, maybe, but that would perhaps motivate someone to come that ordinarily wouldn't. Maybe make it cheap to come? Hmm.........

Then there is the events that are used to qualify. They must be top notch 24 hour events. Events that take place worldwide. That shouldn't be too hard to figure out. The number of these events should be limited, too. The problem here is that you are going to eliminate good events due to timing in relationship to when Worlds is held. Moab anyone?

Finally, there is the event location itself. Perhaps it could be moved around from year to year to give the Worlds different flavors like the UCI World Road Championships. Perhaps it shouldn't move and it should go back to Whistler, B.C. as it always had been. That way you get a consistency of course difficulty to measure against the athletes. Whatever is chosen, the course should be tough and be able to accomodate a large number of athletes comfortably. That seems obvious, but it also would seem to eliminate some places. Again, Moab comes to mind.

For this year, it would seem that none of this mattered. In the end it came down to two athletes and nobody else really figured into it. Like two embattled warriors going at it with every last ounce of determination within them, they duked it out till the climatic finishing hours. Did it really matter who else was there or not, or even where the event was being held? To me, it didn't seem that it did so much. So maybe none of this really matters.

In the end, it was an epic battle between a relatively unknown and a perrenial champion. Stuff stories are made of. Who cares what the race was called.

Monday News and Views

This past weekend was a momentous one around here. Lot's of news affecting me and the guys I work with. I know many of you coming here may not be familiar with my local scene, but some of you are, and this stuff needs telling, so here goes!

As I posted yesterday, Mr. 24 managed to snap his digit Saturday doing trail work. Today he finds out when they are going to put the hardware in his finger to help mend it back together. Let's see, a really good 24 hour racer enhanced with titanium, hmmm........sounds about right! All kidding aside, here's to the hope that he heals up fast and is able to continue riding ASAP!

Then we have Carlos, or "Buchanandale as he likes to be called these days, who had to rush his wife to the hospital this weekend so she could deliver their wonderful new baby girl, Rhea, into the world. Congratulations to them and here's hoping that all that 24 hour race experience comes in handy when little Rhea wakes you up in the middle of the night, like all little ones do. Don't worry! It won't last long, although it might seem like it while you're going through it!

Then we have some bicycle news to pass along. I rode the crap out of the Badger Cycles Dorothy this weekend. I'll be putting up a post soon about that on Twenty Nine Inches, but for now I'll let you all know that it was one smoooth ride! I'll go into greater detail on it in the post for the other site. Look for that very soon! Also, the On One Carbon Super Light fork first impressions will be getting posted up there soon, as well. Probably later this week.

The 24 hour "World Champion"............isn't Chris Eatough! That's probably the big race news of the weekend. No slight to the awesome effort by Craig Gordon, but he's not exactly a well known name here, yet! Knocking off Chris Eatough from his perennial platform is a major accomplishment, and that should help in getting Craig's name on the lips of more people. However; I still have issues with the whole "World Championship" thing. The level of competition was high, for those who showed up. But there were alot of names missing from that solo mens roster. Who, you might ask? Well just take a look at this coming weekends Moab roster for starters. This whole "world championship" 24 hour thing reminds me a bit of college footballs bowl championship set up. It's goofy and wrong, but it's all we have. Can't we do any better?

Okay, that's a wrap for today. If any of you run into Mr. 24 soon, ask him if he's packing his lederhosen for his next trip. Maybe Carlos could lend him his? We'll see!

Monday News and Views

This past weekend was a momentous one around here. Lot's of news affecting me and the guys I work with. I know many of you coming here may not be familiar with my local scene, but some of you are, and this stuff needs telling, so here goes!

As I posted yesterday, Mr. 24 managed to snap his digit Saturday doing trail work. Today he finds out when they are going to put the hardware in his finger to help mend it back together. Let's see, a really good 24 hour racer enhanced with titanium, hmmm........sounds about right! All kidding aside, here's to the hope that he heals up fast and is able to continue riding ASAP!

Then we have Carlos, or "Buchanandale as he likes to be called these days, who had to rush his wife to the hospital this weekend so she could deliver their wonderful new baby girl, Rhea, into the world. Congratulations to them and here's hoping that all that 24 hour race experience comes in handy when little Rhea wakes you up in the middle of the night, like all little ones do. Don't worry! It won't last long, although it might seem like it while you're going through it!

Then we have some bicycle news to pass along. I rode the crap out of the Badger Cycles Dorothy this weekend. I'll be putting up a post soon about that on Twenty Nine Inches, but for now I'll let you all know that it was one smoooth ride! I'll go into greater detail on it in the post for the other site. Look for that very soon! Also, the On One Carbon Super Light fork first impressions will be getting posted up there soon, as well. Probably later this week.

The 24 hour "World Champion"............isn't Chris Eatough! That's probably the big race news of the weekend. No slight to the awesome effort by Craig Gordon, but he's not exactly a well known name here, yet! Knocking off Chris Eatough from his perennial platform is a major accomplishment, and that should help in getting Craig's name on the lips of more people. However; I still have issues with the whole "World Championship" thing. The level of competition was high, for those who showed up. But there were alot of names missing from that solo mens roster. Who, you might ask? Well just take a look at this coming weekends Moab roster for starters. This whole "world championship" 24 hour thing reminds me a bit of college footballs bowl championship set up. It's goofy and wrong, but it's all we have. Can't we do any better?

Okay, that's a wrap for today. If any of you run into Mr. 24 soon, ask him if he's packing his lederhosen for his next trip. Maybe Carlos could lend him his? We'll see!

Sunday Early Edition

Here are a few bits for perusal. No particular order here, just random thoughts floating around my brain today.

Snapped like a twig: Mr 24 took one for the team yesterday while helping to build and maintain trail out at the Camp Ingawanis Trail System yesterday. Snapped his finger, he did. You can click on over to his blog to see the twisted, swollen results, if you want to. I think they need to name that trail the Broken Finger Trail or something similar to honor his sacrifice.

Badger Dorothy: Still getting out for rides on the Dorothy prototype. I won't say much other than this: it's pretty dialed in. I'm going to have it in my hands until next weekend, so no report until at least a week from now. Stay Tuned!

Is this the end of Good Weather? Talking about riding, this may be the end of comfortable conditions for riding. I see snow being talked of for Thursday and highs only in the 30's. (Fahrenheit) So, break out the tights and jackets, it's time to suit up! I think it's going to be a short lived blast, but it won't be long before that weather is here to stay! Well, at least for a few months. Some of you won't care because you're ending "your season", whatever that means. I ride all year long, so I have no concept of that anymore.

Fork Swapping: The shop is closed today because we are in "winter hours mode", which means I might be able to get over there to do a quickie fork swap. The shop has a really nice crown race remover that I don't have, so this is why I'm thinking of popping in there today. If it happens, the results will be posted ASAP!

I wonder how those big 24 hour races are going? Trek sweep in Georgia? How's the sand in Utah? The results might be predictable, but the stories are always pretty good, we'll see in a few hours. Update: 7:10am: Chris Eatough is down a lap to Aussie Craig Gordon. Is the Eatough reign over? Is this the end of American 24hr race domination, like in XC? Time will tell. Interesting stuff! Check out Ride424.com for updates.

That's it! Go ride yer bikes now, whaddya waitin' for?

Sunday Early Edition

Here are a few bits for perusal. No particular order here, just random thoughts floating around my brain today.

Snapped like a twig: Mr 24 took one for the team yesterday while helping to build and maintain trail out at the Camp Ingawanis Trail System yesterday. Snapped his finger, he did. You can click on over to his blog to see the twisted, swollen results, if you want to. I think they need to name that trail the Broken Finger Trail or something similar to honor his sacrifice.

Badger Dorothy: Still getting out for rides on the Dorothy prototype. I won't say much other than this: it's pretty dialed in. I'm going to have it in my hands until next weekend, so no report until at least a week from now. Stay Tuned!

Is this the end of Good Weather? Talking about riding, this may be the end of comfortable conditions for riding. I see snow being talked of for Thursday and highs only in the 30's. (Fahrenheit) So, break out the tights and jackets, it's time to suit up! I think it's going to be a short lived blast, but it won't be long before that weather is here to stay! Well, at least for a few months. Some of you won't care because you're ending "your season", whatever that means. I ride all year long, so I have no concept of that anymore.

Fork Swapping: The shop is closed today because we are in "winter hours mode", which means I might be able to get over there to do a quickie fork swap. The shop has a really nice crown race remover that I don't have, so this is why I'm thinking of popping in there today. If it happens, the results will be posted ASAP!

I wonder how those big 24 hour races are going? Trek sweep in Georgia? How's the sand in Utah? The results might be predictable, but the stories are always pretty good, we'll see in a few hours. Update: 7:10am: Chris Eatough is down a lap to Aussie Craig Gordon. Is the Eatough reign over? Is this the end of American 24hr race domination, like in XC? Time will tell. Interesting stuff! Check out Ride424.com for updates.

That's it! Go ride yer bikes now, whaddya waitin' for?

Testing! 1, 2, 3!

The weekend and this following week will be one of testing, testing, and more testing. Here is a short rundown of the things I am riding for review and test.

1. Badger Dorothy Prototype: The Dorothy is basically on very short term loan from Ben Witt of Milltown Cycles. I have to get my ya-ya's on it this week before it goes back north.

2. On One Carbon Super Light fork: I'll be mounting this up to my Inbred 29"er single speed this week and getting in some shakedown rides on it. The first impressions and review might be a couple weeks away due to the focus on the Badger.

3. Raleigh XXIX: Continuing evaluation and some parts swapping will be going on here. Look for further updates later in the month.

4. Raleigh XXIX + G: Geared version coming soon! Stay tuned!

5. Haro Mary XC frame and fork: Build project that will probably take place over the winter months once the frame and fork arrive. I will use this as a platform for reviewing parts and for posts dealing with general installation and maintenance.

Of course, that's just what's on the radar! Might be that something else comes in and trumps all of that! You never know!

Look for these and other 29"er related news, views, and rantings on this blog, but especially on Twenty Nine Inches . I will be making an important announcement soon concerning that website and this blog. Stay tuned!

Testing! 1, 2, 3!

The weekend and this following week will be one of testing, testing, and more testing. Here is a short rundown of the things I am riding for review and test.

1. Badger Dorothy Prototype: The Dorothy is basically on very short term loan from Ben Witt of Milltown Cycles. I have to get my ya-ya's on it this week before it goes back north.

2. On One Carbon Super Light fork: I'll be mounting this up to my Inbred 29"er single speed this week and getting in some shakedown rides on it. The first impressions and review might be a couple weeks away due to the focus on the Badger.

3. Raleigh XXIX: Continuing evaluation and some parts swapping will be going on here. Look for further updates later in the month.

4. Raleigh XXIX + G: Geared version coming soon! Stay tuned!

5. Haro Mary XC frame and fork: Build project that will probably take place over the winter months once the frame and fork arrive. I will use this as a platform for reviewing parts and for posts dealing with general installation and maintenance.

Of course, that's just what's on the radar! Might be that something else comes in and trumps all of that! You never know!

Look for these and other 29"er related news, views, and rantings on this blog, but especially on Twenty Nine Inches . I will be making an important announcement soon concerning that website and this blog. Stay tuned!

On One Carbon Super Light Fork On Test

Here is the On One Carbon Super Light Fork that arrived straight from the U.K. yesterday. Thanks to the kindness of Brant at On One Cycles we have the opportunity to see what this carbon beauty can do.

Look for full specs and a first impression soon on Twenty Nine Inches

Right now I can tell you that the fork is very good looking with it's very noticeable carbon weave and polished forged crown. The drop outs are chunky bits that look to be CNC'ed out of aluminum. Forward facing drop outs = good for discy-disc use without jettisoning the front wheel during extreme braking.

The fork feels quite light for a mountain bike fork and especially for a 29"er fork, which this is. Rake on this carbon legged beauty is 47mm, which should lend a snappy feeling, quick steering performance to the On One Inbred 29"er that it will be mounted to.

Again: full specs, backround information, and first riding impressions to come very soon. I have an important date with a furious blue bicycle named after a sharp clawed animal to complete before it heads back north up the "yellow brick road".

Stay tuned!

On One Carbon Super Light Fork On Test

Here is the On One Carbon Super Light Fork that arrived straight from the U.K. yesterday. Thanks to the kindness of Brant at On One Cycles we have the opportunity to see what this carbon beauty can do.

Look for full specs and a first impression soon on Twenty Nine Inches

Right now I can tell you that the fork is very good looking with it's very noticeable carbon weave and polished forged crown. The drop outs are chunky bits that look to be CNC'ed out of aluminum. Forward facing drop outs = good for discy-disc use without jettisoning the front wheel during extreme braking.

The fork feels quite light for a mountain bike fork and especially for a 29"er fork, which this is. Rake on this carbon legged beauty is 47mm, which should lend a snappy feeling, quick steering performance to the On One Inbred 29"er that it will be mounted to.

Again: full specs, backround information, and first riding impressions to come very soon. I have an important date with a furious blue bicycle named after a sharp clawed animal to complete before it heads back north up the "yellow brick road".

Stay tuned!

Caption Contest!

Okay every body! Let's step it up a notch and give me your best caption for this photograph.

Hint- (There will be a review of the bike later)

Caption Contest!

Okay every body! Let's step it up a notch and give me your best caption for this photograph.

Hint- (There will be a review of the bike later)

Interbike Product Highlights

Over the next few days I want to focus in on a few new products that caught my (camera) eye at the Interbike trade show. Alot of these won't be 29"er related because I'll be covering those items over on Twenty Nine Inches. Do check that site for my take on some of the new sleds fit for big wheels.

That said, here is one rig I have to mention here!
The Salsa "Mamasita" Scandium/ carbon frame. It got my "Best of Show" designation for the 29"er category at Interbike. Here's why: First off, it's a great looking bike! Salsa has some really good graphic design on all of their bikes and the Mamsita was no exception. Secondly, this is a very smartly designed hardtail utilizing some high zoot materials in a very logical way. Take for instance the carbon seat stays. Sure, there were other carbon rear ended 29"ers at the show, but you could tell that the Mamasita had a purpose for using the material other than the bling factor. I'm not saying the others didn't have a purpose for using carbon fiber, it's just that it wasn't obvious that it had a purpose. The Mamasita's purpose for it was readily evident. Vertical compliance and strength. There's more, the Scandium down tube that was clearanced for suspension fork control knobs, (Reba) and integrated cable stops in the left seat stay for brake lines. This design was well thought out. Plus, it wasn't some goofy "I can be single speed-I can be geared" hardtail. It's purpose is clear. Geared racing XC machine. Period. I like that! Commitment........it's a word too oft not applicable to 29"er designs these days.

So, Mamasita got "Best of Show" for those reasons and more. Check out the Mamasita yourself come Spring '08 for sub $850.00 for the frame. Available at any independant bike shop with a QBP account.




Next up we have this! It's a carbon fiber suspension seat post! This is a prototype post that Ergon, yes.....ERGON the grip people, are developing. I saw this post in action and all I could say was "Wow!" It has two parallel carbon "fork blades" that blend into a round cylinder shape for the seatpost part. The two "blades" are then attached to an aluminum head that has two pivots and the seat rail clamp on top. When a rider sits on the saddle, the post remains stationary. But when the rider bounced on the saddle, the posts "blades" flexed and the saddle moved rearwards. The pivots on the head kept the saddle parallel with the ground. It works to absorb smaller trail impacts and to take the edge off of sharper impacts. The rider moves slightly rearwards during bump absorbstion, much like you would on another companies popular suspension seat post. (Cane Creek)

Anyway, I thought this post was amazing and it shows you another of the thousands of amazing uses for carbon fiber. By the way, there was no price or availability date set for release of this post. I'll keep you all up to date on any further developements on this product.

Look for more Product Highlights tomorrow!

Interbike Product Highlights

Over the next few days I want to focus in on a few new products that caught my (camera) eye at the Interbike trade show. Alot of these won't be 29"er related because I'll be covering those items over on Twenty Nine Inches. Do check that site for my take on some of the new sleds fit for big wheels.

That said, here is one rig I have to mention here!
The Salsa "Mamasita" Scandium/ carbon frame. It got my "Best of Show" designation for the 29"er category at Interbike. Here's why: First off, it's a great looking bike! Salsa has some really good graphic design on all of their bikes and the Mamsita was no exception. Secondly, this is a very smartly designed hardtail utilizing some high zoot materials in a very logical way. Take for instance the carbon seat stays. Sure, there were other carbon rear ended 29"ers at the show, but you could tell that the Mamasita had a purpose for using the material other than the bling factor. I'm not saying the others didn't have a purpose for using carbon fiber, it's just that it wasn't obvious that it had a purpose. The Mamasita's purpose for it was readily evident. Vertical compliance and strength. There's more, the Scandium down tube that was clearanced for suspension fork control knobs, (Reba) and integrated cable stops in the left seat stay for brake lines. This design was well thought out. Plus, it wasn't some goofy "I can be single speed-I can be geared" hardtail. It's purpose is clear. Geared racing XC machine. Period. I like that! Commitment........it's a word too oft not applicable to 29"er designs these days.

So, Mamasita got "Best of Show" for those reasons and more. Check out the Mamasita yourself come Spring '08 for sub $850.00 for the frame. Available at any independant bike shop with a QBP account.




Next up we have this! It's a carbon fiber suspension seat post! This is a prototype post that Ergon, yes.....ERGON the grip people, are developing. I saw this post in action and all I could say was "Wow!" It has two parallel carbon "fork blades" that blend into a round cylinder shape for the seatpost part. The two "blades" are then attached to an aluminum head that has two pivots and the seat rail clamp on top. When a rider sits on the saddle, the post remains stationary. But when the rider bounced on the saddle, the posts "blades" flexed and the saddle moved rearwards. The pivots on the head kept the saddle parallel with the ground. It works to absorb smaller trail impacts and to take the edge off of sharper impacts. The rider moves slightly rearwards during bump absorbstion, much like you would on another companies popular suspension seat post. (Cane Creek)

Anyway, I thought this post was amazing and it shows you another of the thousands of amazing uses for carbon fiber. By the way, there was no price or availability date set for release of this post. I'll keep you all up to date on any further developements on this product.

Look for more Product Highlights tomorrow!

Thieves and Rumors

First, I have to say that bike thieves are pretty high on my list of low down bottom feeders. With that said, read this excerpt from the most recent Salsa blog entry.....

"I'd also like to know why people take things that do not belong to them. You see, coming back from Interbike, one of our Dirt Demo trucks was stolen and we lost a crap load of new 2007 frames, bikes and products. Dealers and Salsa fans, if you see any of our new Orange Dos Niner or Red or Brown Ala Carte frames for sale or being ridden, it is probably hot since these are not available to the public. Please keep us posted. It was a huge loss for us."

You know, it happens every year at Interbike and usually right at the show. I hate that it happened to the Salsa Crew. These guys are folks that I know and that's what really makes it hit closer to home. I also would like to add that while lots of folks have cycling passion in spades, these Salsa folks have really got it! Again, it sucks and I hate that it had to happen, especially to them. If anyone can help out, I know it'd be appreciated!

Okay, with that said, let's move on to something a little more fun! That would be rumors! Gotta love the rumors that you read on the forums these days. Rumors of tires and rumors of bikes coming out. Here are some of the hottest topics for disscussion around your 29 inch diameter water cooler today.

Specialized, who have publicly poo-poo'd the idea of 29"ers on several occaisions are said to be preparing themselves a very large Humble Pie. Supposedly, they have been "secretly" developing a couple of 29"ers for an '08 introduction. Now, with about everybody on board the 29"er kool aid wagon but Trek, Giant, and Specialized, the Big Red S has apparently decided to move up it's intro to the end of the month. It wouldn't surprise me, quite frankly, and it makes sense, especially when considering the fact that they now have two tires in the size 29 and no bikes to fit them! ( A fact that I find totally hilarious)

Also, I have heard that Trek is now considering entering a line of 29"ers soon as well. Apparently looking at what has been happening down the hall at Fisher has some brows furrowed up in Waterloo. I'll keep my ears pricked for any more juicy rumors from the Cheese State in the future.

And finally.........Tires! Yes the things that the whole enchilada rolls down the trail on. Several new models are coming out and have been confirmed, but the truly fat, bulbous, high volume tread that several of you out there seem to be lusting after hasn't materialized yet. It seems that this is due in part to a restriction imposed by the currently employed tire making equipment. It seems that 29"er tires have the machines maxed out and a larger volume casing with tread suitable for off roading is just not possible at this point. Hopefully with the trend towards more 29"ers being manufactured and hopefully sold, we will see a manufacturer invest in a machine capable of making that larger volume 29"er tire. Until then, the rumor is that Kenda has in fact made that investment, so we'll see about that. All I know is that as soon as the Smallblock 8 tread hits the shelves I'm going to have a pair! That tire is hawt doode!

Thieves and Rumors

First, I have to say that bike thieves are pretty high on my list of low down bottom feeders. With that said, read this excerpt from the most recent Salsa blog entry.....

"I'd also like to know why people take things that do not belong to them. You see, coming back from Interbike, one of our Dirt Demo trucks was stolen and we lost a crap load of new 2007 frames, bikes and products. Dealers and Salsa fans, if you see any of our new Orange Dos Niner or Red or Brown Ala Carte frames for sale or being ridden, it is probably hot since these are not available to the public. Please keep us posted. It was a huge loss for us."

You know, it happens every year at Interbike and usually right at the show. I hate that it happened to the Salsa Crew. These guys are folks that I know and that's what really makes it hit closer to home. I also would like to add that while lots of folks have cycling passion in spades, these Salsa folks have really got it! Again, it sucks and I hate that it had to happen, especially to them. If anyone can help out, I know it'd be appreciated!

Okay, with that said, let's move on to something a little more fun! That would be rumors! Gotta love the rumors that you read on the forums these days. Rumors of tires and rumors of bikes coming out. Here are some of the hottest topics for disscussion around your 29 inch diameter water cooler today.

Specialized, who have publicly poo-poo'd the idea of 29"ers on several occaisions are said to be preparing themselves a very large Humble Pie. Supposedly, they have been "secretly" developing a couple of 29"ers for an '08 introduction. Now, with about everybody on board the 29"er kool aid wagon but Trek, Giant, and Specialized, the Big Red S has apparently decided to move up it's intro to the end of the month. It wouldn't surprise me, quite frankly, and it makes sense, especially when considering the fact that they now have two tires in the size 29 and no bikes to fit them! ( A fact that I find totally hilarious)

Also, I have heard that Trek is now considering entering a line of 29"ers soon as well. Apparently looking at what has been happening down the hall at Fisher has some brows furrowed up in Waterloo. I'll keep my ears pricked for any more juicy rumors from the Cheese State in the future.

And finally.........Tires! Yes the things that the whole enchilada rolls down the trail on. Several new models are coming out and have been confirmed, but the truly fat, bulbous, high volume tread that several of you out there seem to be lusting after hasn't materialized yet. It seems that this is due in part to a restriction imposed by the currently employed tire making equipment. It seems that 29"er tires have the machines maxed out and a larger volume casing with tread suitable for off roading is just not possible at this point. Hopefully with the trend towards more 29"ers being manufactured and hopefully sold, we will see a manufacturer invest in a machine capable of making that larger volume 29"er tire. Until then, the rumor is that Kenda has in fact made that investment, so we'll see about that. All I know is that as soon as the Smallblock 8 tread hits the shelves I'm going to have a pair! That tire is hawt doode!

Bontrager Switch Blade Race X Lite Fork: First Impression

I have gotten to mount up the Switchblade Race X Lite ACC Carbon fork and I have gotten a few rides on it. Here are my first impressions of it.

The fork installation was a breeze. Nothing out of the ordinary. I managed to save some weight by installing this fork over the previously installed Inbred 29″er steel fork. The Inbred fork with an eight inch long steer tube and star nut installed weighed 1225 grams. The Switchblade Race X Lite weighed 950 grams for the same length steer tube and star nut installed. After getting the head set adjusted, it was time to start riding it.

The first few shakedown cruises were commutes back and forth to work to get a handle on what I might expect out on the trail. The first thing I noticed was that road feel was damped out and smaller vibrations were not there that I had felt with the Inbred steel fork. Steering was a bit different too. More on that in a bit. When I slammed the front disc brake, I noticed that the fork really wasn’t flexing a whole lot at or near the crown, like alot of forks do. Instead, it was flexing backwards more and more as I looked closer to the drop outs. Almost in the same manner that a fishing rod might flex. Hmm……different!

The flex was backwards about a half to three quarters of an inch at the drop out. This was in almost nose pick mode, mind you. Normal braking didn’t see that amount of flex. Once I was satisfied that there were no funky handling quirks on road, it was time to delve into the singletrack.

The previously mentioned damped feel on road was also noticed off road. Vibrations that might “buzz” my hands with the steel fork simply were gone. Not a really big deal. I suppose my hands could still get numb after a bit, it’s just going to take longer with the Switchblade on the bike. More importantly, I noticed a big difference in handling around corners.
The Inbred fork has more offset, the Switchblade has less offset. This manifests itself in how the bike handled turns. With the Inbred fork up front, the turns required less input and body english. The corners were negotiated with a more solid, carving type of feel. With the Switchblade, the feel was one of a need for more rider input. I had to “set” the bike up for the corner and it seemed the steering was more from the hips. It liked to snap the back end loose more and had a “flat tracker” kind of feel with the Switchblade. Counter steering seemed more intuitive with the Switchblade. It also seemed that the bike steered better with more lean into the corners. All in all a very different feel.

This is because of the offset more than anything, I think. The offset of the Switchblade gave the bike more trail, and thus a bit “slower” handling. That’s not necessarily a bad trait, it just might not be your cup of tea, that’s all. A “slower” handling bike could also be said to be “less twitchy”, so it’s a matter of degrees in handling. the differences not being so great that it was unrideable either way. But it sure gave my Inbred a different personality!

That’s about it for this installment. I have to wring out this fork some more on some different trails for awhile before I post some final observations. Look for another update in a few weeks. Also, look for another carbon legged beauty to show up for testing on Twenty Nine Inches in the near future! Stay tuned! (Note: previous text first posted on Twenty Nine Inches)




Here is a picture of the trail conditions out at the Green Belt where I rode Sunday. As you can see, there were plenty of walnuts and sticks! This was the norm and the whole ride Sunday was a tooth rattler. The worst thing is going into a corner with all of these golf ball sized nuts lying about. It made for some rather interesting riding!

As for the sticks: well, in the past I would have been cursing them as I rode my geared bike due to the fact that these little wooden demons like to reach up and snag your derailluer. However, with the single speed mode that I seem to be in, this isn't a problem anymore! One really cool thing about disc brakes: rotors cut right through the smaller, dry twigs. Snap! It's pretty cool. Almost like a chipper!

I did get a little nervous when one larger stick got crossways in the front wheel. The stick smacked the fork blade with that plasticky thwack that only carbon fiber can eminate. I stopped fearing the worst, but not even a scratch was to be noticed! Pretty relieving to know that the fork legs can take such abuse and not be damaged. One less thing to have rolling around in the back of my head as I ride down the trail.

Speaking of rolling down the trail: Look for new sleds to be showing up in the coming month here at Guitar Ted Productions and on Twenty Nine Inches. Some big surprises are in store and even some news regarding responsibilities for me that will affect this blog a bit.

Don't worry, it's gonna be a good thing!

More in the coming weeks!

Stay tuned!

Bontrager Switch Blade Race X Lite Fork: First Impression

I have gotten to mount up the Switchblade Race X Lite ACC Carbon fork and I have gotten a few rides on it. Here are my first impressions of it.

The fork installation was a breeze. Nothing out of the ordinary. I managed to save some weight by installing this fork over the previously installed Inbred 29″er steel fork. The Inbred fork with an eight inch long steer tube and star nut installed weighed 1225 grams. The Switchblade Race X Lite weighed 950 grams for the same length steer tube and star nut installed. After getting the head set adjusted, it was time to start riding it.

The first few shakedown cruises were commutes back and forth to work to get a handle on what I might expect out on the trail. The first thing I noticed was that road feel was damped out and smaller vibrations were not there that I had felt with the Inbred steel fork. Steering was a bit different too. More on that in a bit. When I slammed the front disc brake, I noticed that the fork really wasn’t flexing a whole lot at or near the crown, like alot of forks do. Instead, it was flexing backwards more and more as I looked closer to the drop outs. Almost in the same manner that a fishing rod might flex. Hmm……different!

The flex was backwards about a half to three quarters of an inch at the drop out. This was in almost nose pick mode, mind you. Normal braking didn’t see that amount of flex. Once I was satisfied that there were no funky handling quirks on road, it was time to delve into the singletrack.

The previously mentioned damped feel on road was also noticed off road. Vibrations that might “buzz” my hands with the steel fork simply were gone. Not a really big deal. I suppose my hands could still get numb after a bit, it’s just going to take longer with the Switchblade on the bike. More importantly, I noticed a big difference in handling around corners.
The Inbred fork has more offset, the Switchblade has less offset. This manifests itself in how the bike handled turns. With the Inbred fork up front, the turns required less input and body english. The corners were negotiated with a more solid, carving type of feel. With the Switchblade, the feel was one of a need for more rider input. I had to “set” the bike up for the corner and it seemed the steering was more from the hips. It liked to snap the back end loose more and had a “flat tracker” kind of feel with the Switchblade. Counter steering seemed more intuitive with the Switchblade. It also seemed that the bike steered better with more lean into the corners. All in all a very different feel.

This is because of the offset more than anything, I think. The offset of the Switchblade gave the bike more trail, and thus a bit “slower” handling. That’s not necessarily a bad trait, it just might not be your cup of tea, that’s all. A “slower” handling bike could also be said to be “less twitchy”, so it’s a matter of degrees in handling. the differences not being so great that it was unrideable either way. But it sure gave my Inbred a different personality!

That’s about it for this installment. I have to wring out this fork some more on some different trails for awhile before I post some final observations. Look for another update in a few weeks. Also, look for another carbon legged beauty to show up for testing on Twenty Nine Inches in the near future! Stay tuned! (Note: previous text first posted on Twenty Nine Inches)




Here is a picture of the trail conditions out at the Green Belt where I rode Sunday. As you can see, there were plenty of walnuts and sticks! This was the norm and the whole ride Sunday was a tooth rattler. The worst thing is going into a corner with all of these golf ball sized nuts lying about. It made for some rather interesting riding!

As for the sticks: well, in the past I would have been cursing them as I rode my geared bike due to the fact that these little wooden demons like to reach up and snag your derailluer. However, with the single speed mode that I seem to be in, this isn't a problem anymore! One really cool thing about disc brakes: rotors cut right through the smaller, dry twigs. Snap! It's pretty cool. Almost like a chipper!

I did get a little nervous when one larger stick got crossways in the front wheel. The stick smacked the fork blade with that plasticky thwack that only carbon fiber can eminate. I stopped fearing the worst, but not even a scratch was to be noticed! Pretty relieving to know that the fork legs can take such abuse and not be damaged. One less thing to have rolling around in the back of my head as I ride down the trail.

Speaking of rolling down the trail: Look for new sleds to be showing up in the coming month here at Guitar Ted Productions and on Twenty Nine Inches. Some big surprises are in store and even some news regarding responsibilities for me that will affect this blog a bit.

Don't worry, it's gonna be a good thing!

More in the coming weeks!

Stay tuned!