Making My Confession

I do not like "96ers"/"69ers"/50-50/Hybrid 26/29 bikes.

There!........................I said it! I recently was quoted on a post on Twenty Nine Inches that Tim Grahl authored on his experiences aboard a Carver Bikes 96er. This has started quite a dust up. Of course, if you've hung out 'round this blog for awhile, you already know that I'm not a fan.

It's funny how people read the words that you write. Some folks out there apparently think I'm a militant anti-96er freak that is foaming at the mouth whenever the mere mention of mixing my beloved 29 inch wheel with another wheelsize is heard. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Then there are those that dismiss my opinion entirely based upon my lack of 50-50 bike riding experiences. To them I have posed this question: "Why would having a 29 inch front wheel change the way a 26 inch rear wheel behaves on a mountain bike?" So far, I've gotten one response, and that was that it doesn't change a thing about the rear wheels behaviour. Apparently, no one is making the leap here, so let me spell it out plainly. 29 inch rear wheels are superior for off road cycling for several reasons, in most cases. There are a few cases where I would grant that a 26 inch rear wheel would be more desireable, but just a few, odd cases. Okay, with that said, since it doesn't really matter if you have a front wheel that's 26 or 29 inches as far as how a rear 26 inch wheel performs, then why should I bother with a 69er?

For most trail riding, I believe a full on 29"er is better. And especially for me. I can base that on eighteen years worth of riding the 26 inch wheels. I raced, I rode in mountains, I rode all over the place. 29"ers are just plain ol' better for me. You? Well, I believe that it'd probably be better for you, but you will have to judge for yourself. In the end, all I will really care about is that you all ride your bikes and ride them often. It's a good thing............

no matter what wheel size you choose!

Ride on!

Making My Confession

I do not like "96ers"/"69ers"/50-50/Hybrid 26/29 bikes.

There!........................I said it! I recently was quoted on a post on Twenty Nine Inches that Tim Grahl authored on his experiences aboard a Carver Bikes 96er. This has started quite a dust up. Of course, if you've hung out 'round this blog for awhile, you already know that I'm not a fan.

It's funny how people read the words that you write. Some folks out there apparently think I'm a militant anti-96er freak that is foaming at the mouth whenever the mere mention of mixing my beloved 29 inch wheel with another wheelsize is heard. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Then there are those that dismiss my opinion entirely based upon my lack of 50-50 bike riding experiences. To them I have posed this question: "Why would having a 29 inch front wheel change the way a 26 inch rear wheel behaves on a mountain bike?" So far, I've gotten one response, and that was that it doesn't change a thing about the rear wheels behaviour. Apparently, no one is making the leap here, so let me spell it out plainly. 29 inch rear wheels are superior for off road cycling for several reasons, in most cases. There are a few cases where I would grant that a 26 inch rear wheel would be more desireable, but just a few, odd cases. Okay, with that said, since it doesn't really matter if you have a front wheel that's 26 or 29 inches as far as how a rear 26 inch wheel performs, then why should I bother with a 69er?

For most trail riding, I believe a full on 29"er is better. And especially for me. I can base that on eighteen years worth of riding the 26 inch wheels. I raced, I rode in mountains, I rode all over the place. 29"ers are just plain ol' better for me. You? Well, I believe that it'd probably be better for you, but you will have to judge for yourself. In the end, all I will really care about is that you all ride your bikes and ride them often. It's a good thing............

no matter what wheel size you choose!

Ride on!

Getting Caffeine-ated: Very Soon!

One of this weeks big events is about to happen at the shop where I work. We are expecting a Caffeine 29"er in Raw to be showing up for a short demo ride any day now. This is Cannondale's first foray into the world of big wheels and is a highly anticipated bike. The setup features a Lefty front shock that is specially modified for 29"er use by Cannondale. The Lefty is a pretty unique front shock, and while I have test ridden one before around the property where the bicycle shop is, it'll be fun to see what it can do out on some real trail. I'm told by my co-workers that it is an awesome set up, as they both have Lefty equipped Cannondale Rush bikes.

In the meantime, check out what some riders of The Iceman Cometh Challenge held in Michigan last weekend have to say about the Caffeine 29"er. Cannondale provided several demo bikes to be ridden in the race and several folks took them up on the offer.

Keep your eyes peeled here and on Twenty Nine Inches for the first photos, weights, and impressions out of the box of the Caffeine 29"er!

Getting Caffeine-ated: Very Soon!

One of this weeks big events is about to happen at the shop where I work. We are expecting a Caffeine 29"er in Raw to be showing up for a short demo ride any day now. This is Cannondale's first foray into the world of big wheels and is a highly anticipated bike. The setup features a Lefty front shock that is specially modified for 29"er use by Cannondale. The Lefty is a pretty unique front shock, and while I have test ridden one before around the property where the bicycle shop is, it'll be fun to see what it can do out on some real trail. I'm told by my co-workers that it is an awesome set up, as they both have Lefty equipped Cannondale Rush bikes.

In the meantime, check out what some riders of The Iceman Cometh Challenge held in Michigan last weekend have to say about the Caffeine 29"er. Cannondale provided several demo bikes to be ridden in the race and several folks took them up on the offer.

Keep your eyes peeled here and on Twenty Nine Inches for the first photos, weights, and impressions out of the box of the Caffeine 29"er!

Something About Wisconsin.....

Remember back in the 90's when a Wisconsin based company called Trek began to gobble up cycling companies like a Packer fan eats cheese curds? First it was Fisher Mountain Bikes, then in quick sucession it was Klein, LeMond, and Bontrager. Riders and industry types had their undies in a bunch because they thought Trek was the equivilent of a "New World Empire". Well, now it's another Wisconsin based companies turn.

The company in question is HB Performance Systems, or in mountain biker friendly terms, Hayes Brakes. They recently announced that they would be acquiring Answer Products, the company that is responsible for all those "Manitou boingers" out there. So what, you say? Well consider that HB Performance Systems also recently aquired Sun Metal Products, (Ringle' hubs, Sun rims) and Wheelsmith Fabrications, (Spokes and nipples). Some think the goal of HB is to "...manufacture every part other than the frame". I fully expect that all the dim bulbs out there will start claiming that HB is "the devil", and that they are ruining cycling. (Well, once they get wind of all of this)

So, what's all this marketing, business hoo-ha got to do with 29"ers? Well, consider the fact that Manitou is coming off an Interbike where they showed a sample of a new 29"er fork. Consider that Sun/Ringle' makes some killer rims and complete wheelsets. Think about Hayes Brakes and their capability for turning out high quality product and having all of these companies integrating new product aimed at the growing 29"er sector. Getting a picture now? More marketing power, yes, but also more manufacturing firepower and that could lead to some goodies on my 29"er. I'm looking forward to what this might bring.

Let's hope this Wisconsin company doesn't cheese out on us!

Something About Wisconsin.....

Remember back in the 90's when a Wisconsin based company called Trek began to gobble up cycling companies like a Packer fan eats cheese curds? First it was Fisher Mountain Bikes, then in quick sucession it was Klein, LeMond, and Bontrager. Riders and industry types had their undies in a bunch because they thought Trek was the equivilent of a "New World Empire". Well, now it's another Wisconsin based companies turn.

The company in question is HB Performance Systems, or in mountain biker friendly terms, Hayes Brakes. They recently announced that they would be acquiring Answer Products, the company that is responsible for all those "Manitou boingers" out there. So what, you say? Well consider that HB Performance Systems also recently aquired Sun Metal Products, (Ringle' hubs, Sun rims) and Wheelsmith Fabrications, (Spokes and nipples). Some think the goal of HB is to "...manufacture every part other than the frame". I fully expect that all the dim bulbs out there will start claiming that HB is "the devil", and that they are ruining cycling. (Well, once they get wind of all of this)

So, what's all this marketing, business hoo-ha got to do with 29"ers? Well, consider the fact that Manitou is coming off an Interbike where they showed a sample of a new 29"er fork. Consider that Sun/Ringle' makes some killer rims and complete wheelsets. Think about Hayes Brakes and their capability for turning out high quality product and having all of these companies integrating new product aimed at the growing 29"er sector. Getting a picture now? More marketing power, yes, but also more manufacturing firepower and that could lead to some goodies on my 29"er. I'm looking forward to what this might bring.

Let's hope this Wisconsin company doesn't cheese out on us!

The Week Ahead and Beyond.....

This coming week looks to be an eventful one here at Guitar Ted Labratories. While I can not divulge all the surprises just yet, I will say that they will be interesting for 29"er afficiandos. That all should come to light later in the week and will be reported on here and on Twenty Nine Inches.

Thinking even further ahead, I will be getting all of the Trans Iowa recon done later this month. The loop idea for the course is going to make the recon alot easier than in years past. I won't have a five hour drive just to get to the start of the course, now it's an hour and a half. I'm excited to see the roads and I can't wait to get a feel for how it'll all come together in an event. Look for a report on the recon later in the month. There also will be announcements forthcoming as to when registration will open, and the exact dates of the event.

Testing has been getting squeezed in where I can get it. I have been working specifically on the carbon fork test and the XXIX ride testing. I should be posting an update on both of these subjects later in the month, as well. For now I will say that the forks are wonderful if they get on the right bikes and the XXIX is a much more complex nut to crack than I was thinking at first.

I just checked out our winter forecast for the outlook on riding conditions. It looks as though it might be okay through December. Then it's supposed to turn really cold in January. This means that if I'm lucky, testing might be able to continue on through Christmas, but I'll probably have to shut it down for a bit once we get any significant snow. We'll see. I'm usually relegated to gravel roads once it snows! Besides, if it gets really cold I can hardly ride well due to the clothing I have to wear to stay warm, so even if it doesn't snow, I could be riding minimally soon.

Either way, it's usually hit and miss for about three months before regular trail riding can commence again. That's in the future. This week should be fun! Stay tuned for some good stuff later this week!

The Week Ahead and Beyond.....

This coming week looks to be an eventful one here at Guitar Ted Labratories. While I can not divulge all the surprises just yet, I will say that they will be interesting for 29"er afficiandos. That all should come to light later in the week and will be reported on here and on Twenty Nine Inches.

Thinking even further ahead, I will be getting all of the Trans Iowa recon done later this month. The loop idea for the course is going to make the recon alot easier than in years past. I won't have a five hour drive just to get to the start of the course, now it's an hour and a half. I'm excited to see the roads and I can't wait to get a feel for how it'll all come together in an event. Look for a report on the recon later in the month. There also will be announcements forthcoming as to when registration will open, and the exact dates of the event.

Testing has been getting squeezed in where I can get it. I have been working specifically on the carbon fork test and the XXIX ride testing. I should be posting an update on both of these subjects later in the month, as well. For now I will say that the forks are wonderful if they get on the right bikes and the XXIX is a much more complex nut to crack than I was thinking at first.

I just checked out our winter forecast for the outlook on riding conditions. It looks as though it might be okay through December. Then it's supposed to turn really cold in January. This means that if I'm lucky, testing might be able to continue on through Christmas, but I'll probably have to shut it down for a bit once we get any significant snow. We'll see. I'm usually relegated to gravel roads once it snows! Besides, if it gets really cold I can hardly ride well due to the clothing I have to wear to stay warm, so even if it doesn't snow, I could be riding minimally soon.

Either way, it's usually hit and miss for about three months before regular trail riding can commence again. That's in the future. This week should be fun! Stay tuned for some good stuff later this week!

Keep Yer Hands Off!

Well, it looks like the "sanctioning" of the endurance racing scene is a distinct possibility. There is an online artical that explains it. However; the jist of this whole thing can be summed up in this paragraph from the article....

"All events added to the calendar must meet pro prize purse requirements specific to each calendar tier set by either the UCI or USA Cycling. The endurance calendar will be broken down into four separate tiers based on the amount of prize money and/or UCI points available at each event. Gravity events will fall into one of two tiers, while Ultra-endurance events will all be classified the same. "

So, the whole thing is going to hinge upon money. Money that promoters need to pony up a purse for the event winners. Money that promoters will need to pony up for NORBA to comply with thier rules and regulations. Money that is over and beyond what the already need to put on their events. And you know where that money is coming from?

You, the endurance racer. That is, if you can afford it. If you can't, then maybe some professional sponsored racers can, (admittedly, this doesn't really exist........yet!) Then you will see a whole different set of circumstances at the endurance races. Higher entry fees, lower classes having to clear the course for the pro classes, maybe running the event on different days, or on separate portions of the course that are more "media friendly" to accomodate sponsors and audiences.

Wait a minute..........................doesn't this all sound familiar?

Yeah, just go check out the next NORBA National XC event for your preview of how things could be.

I'm betting it won't go that way, but I could be wrong. What do you think?

Sound off!

Keep Yer Hands Off!

Well, it looks like the "sanctioning" of the endurance racing scene is a distinct possibility. There is an online artical that explains it. However; the jist of this whole thing can be summed up in this paragraph from the article....

"All events added to the calendar must meet pro prize purse requirements specific to each calendar tier set by either the UCI or USA Cycling. The endurance calendar will be broken down into four separate tiers based on the amount of prize money and/or UCI points available at each event. Gravity events will fall into one of two tiers, while Ultra-endurance events will all be classified the same. "

So, the whole thing is going to hinge upon money. Money that promoters need to pony up a purse for the event winners. Money that promoters will need to pony up for NORBA to comply with thier rules and regulations. Money that is over and beyond what the already need to put on their events. And you know where that money is coming from?

You, the endurance racer. That is, if you can afford it. If you can't, then maybe some professional sponsored racers can, (admittedly, this doesn't really exist........yet!) Then you will see a whole different set of circumstances at the endurance races. Higher entry fees, lower classes having to clear the course for the pro classes, maybe running the event on different days, or on separate portions of the course that are more "media friendly" to accomodate sponsors and audiences.

Wait a minute..........................doesn't this all sound familiar?

Yeah, just go check out the next NORBA National XC event for your preview of how things could be.

I'm betting it won't go that way, but I could be wrong. What do you think?

Sound off!

Knocked Out.......Cold!

Wow! It's Friday already. Here's another weekend coming and now we're getting into that time of year where the weekend isn't so much about riding your bike as it is about other stuff. Cold temperatures and little sunlight, ( in the Northern Hemisphere......Aussies are rejoicing right now!) keep cycling activities to a minimum since it becomes much more difficult to get outside now. Then when you do, it takes more of a toll on your body. As an example, I rode out in the local singletrack, testing the XXIX again, and this left me with about a 2.5 mile ride out in the open to make it to work. I had decided to do all of this testing and tie it in with getting to work, you see. Anyway, I had that 2.5 mile ride in gusty head winds and up 3 good sized hills on the single speed. I suppose the windchill index was at or below zero, so it was brutal. Didn't think much about it then............

Well, after work, I had a conference with the daughters school teacher, so I dashed home on the bike, grabbed a bite to eat, and jogged four blocks down to the school. After that, I walked home and ate the evening meal. Then I crashed! Hard! That cold weather, head wind, and running around took it's toll. I'm telling you, if it had been nicer outside, I doubt I'd have been nearly as tired.

So, all of this to say, watch yourself out in the cold. If you are doing any outdoors activities this weekend, just keep in mind that your body has to work a little harder to stay warm, so that energy has to come from somewhere.

Don't get knocked out by the cold!

Have fun this weekend and ride your bikes people!

Knocked Out.......Cold!

Wow! It's Friday already. Here's another weekend coming and now we're getting into that time of year where the weekend isn't so much about riding your bike as it is about other stuff. Cold temperatures and little sunlight, ( in the Northern Hemisphere......Aussies are rejoicing right now!) keep cycling activities to a minimum since it becomes much more difficult to get outside now. Then when you do, it takes more of a toll on your body. As an example, I rode out in the local singletrack, testing the XXIX again, and this left me with about a 2.5 mile ride out in the open to make it to work. I had decided to do all of this testing and tie it in with getting to work, you see. Anyway, I had that 2.5 mile ride in gusty head winds and up 3 good sized hills on the single speed. I suppose the windchill index was at or below zero, so it was brutal. Didn't think much about it then............

Well, after work, I had a conference with the daughters school teacher, so I dashed home on the bike, grabbed a bite to eat, and jogged four blocks down to the school. After that, I walked home and ate the evening meal. Then I crashed! Hard! That cold weather, head wind, and running around took it's toll. I'm telling you, if it had been nicer outside, I doubt I'd have been nearly as tired.

So, all of this to say, watch yourself out in the cold. If you are doing any outdoors activities this weekend, just keep in mind that your body has to work a little harder to stay warm, so that energy has to come from somewhere.

Don't get knocked out by the cold!

Have fun this weekend and ride your bikes people!

An Open Invitation

There has been a lot of discussion and the rumors have been flying for at least a couple of years now about Specialized coming into the 29"er market. (Well......with more than just tires, anyway!) It seems as though that someone is feeding that frenzied line of thinking over at Morgan Hill by whispering sweet nothings into certain peoples ears and having them spread it across "net-space" in it's hyper-speed viral fashion. I guess it's their idea of keeping a toe hold in the marketplace.

Meanwhile, the other "big" companies, Trek and Giant, are not saying a thing, but I'm going to lump them in here anyway since they have huge chunks of the marketplace and no 29"ers in their line ups. (Fisher being exempted here as being owned by Trek but having it's dealers independant of Trek, for the most part)

So, here's the deal! These three companies are hold outs for whatever reasons. Alot of folks would laugh, point fingers, deride, and simply dismiss these companies as clowns that do not get it. Maybe they are right, but I say, "C'mon in! The water is fine!" Want to know why? Because these companies have clout with fork manufacturers, tire makers, and wheel manufacturers. Heck, some of these three make their own stuff! If these three start making 29"ers, the tire, fork, and wheel choices are going to explode! Not to mention that these companies just might make a cool 29"er or two!

The danger here for these three companies is that the train is leaving the station........now! By the time that Specialized, as an example, gets a 29"er to market ( if the rumors are to be believed) by '08 or '09(!!!) then the other companies that have invested in the format already will be on their second, third, and maybe even fourth generation of designs. Refinements that can only be obtained through having had product on the market in "real conditions" for extended periods of time.

Here's my suggestions to these three giants from a humble but bold 29"er advocate. First, get Fox forks on your new 29"ers. (Rumor has it that they already are testing the format) Fox is a high demand, well known product that 29"er afficiandos are licking their chops for. Not to mention a name that all mountain bikers respect and know. Get them onboard your 29"er and you have some serious attention! Second, do a high end, lightweight racer boy XC hardtail and a serious all mountain rig. Use carbon fiber liberally in the frame design. Make the XC hardtail a razor sharp, lightweight weapon and the all mountain rig a 5X5 inch travel, burly, reasonably lightweight trail monster. The tires already exist for it, ( or manufacture your own if you are Trek or Specialized) and get ready to sell some bikes! Third, get Mavic to build a UST 29"er wheelset, ( again rumor has it that this is already in the works) Convince Hutchinson, Michelin, and your own tire departments to work with them to bring true UST performance to the 29"er marketplace. You will have 29"er freaks salivating in advance of this. 26"er converts will be easier to persuade.

Do these three suggestions, do them well, and do them in a hurry! Don't be the last one in, or you might be a rotten egg! The invitation is there. We'd all be pleased to see you jump in. Whatta ya waitin' fer?

An Open Invitation

There has been a lot of discussion and the rumors have been flying for at least a couple of years now about Specialized coming into the 29"er market. (Well......with more than just tires, anyway!) It seems as though that someone is feeding that frenzied line of thinking over at Morgan Hill by whispering sweet nothings into certain peoples ears and having them spread it across "net-space" in it's hyper-speed viral fashion. I guess it's their idea of keeping a toe hold in the marketplace.

Meanwhile, the other "big" companies, Trek and Giant, are not saying a thing, but I'm going to lump them in here anyway since they have huge chunks of the marketplace and no 29"ers in their line ups. (Fisher being exempted here as being owned by Trek but having it's dealers independant of Trek, for the most part)

So, here's the deal! These three companies are hold outs for whatever reasons. Alot of folks would laugh, point fingers, deride, and simply dismiss these companies as clowns that do not get it. Maybe they are right, but I say, "C'mon in! The water is fine!" Want to know why? Because these companies have clout with fork manufacturers, tire makers, and wheel manufacturers. Heck, some of these three make their own stuff! If these three start making 29"ers, the tire, fork, and wheel choices are going to explode! Not to mention that these companies just might make a cool 29"er or two!

The danger here for these three companies is that the train is leaving the station........now! By the time that Specialized, as an example, gets a 29"er to market ( if the rumors are to be believed) by '08 or '09(!!!) then the other companies that have invested in the format already will be on their second, third, and maybe even fourth generation of designs. Refinements that can only be obtained through having had product on the market in "real conditions" for extended periods of time.

Here's my suggestions to these three giants from a humble but bold 29"er advocate. First, get Fox forks on your new 29"ers. (Rumor has it that they already are testing the format) Fox is a high demand, well known product that 29"er afficiandos are licking their chops for. Not to mention a name that all mountain bikers respect and know. Get them onboard your 29"er and you have some serious attention! Second, do a high end, lightweight racer boy XC hardtail and a serious all mountain rig. Use carbon fiber liberally in the frame design. Make the XC hardtail a razor sharp, lightweight weapon and the all mountain rig a 5X5 inch travel, burly, reasonably lightweight trail monster. The tires already exist for it, ( or manufacture your own if you are Trek or Specialized) and get ready to sell some bikes! Third, get Mavic to build a UST 29"er wheelset, ( again rumor has it that this is already in the works) Convince Hutchinson, Michelin, and your own tire departments to work with them to bring true UST performance to the 29"er marketplace. You will have 29"er freaks salivating in advance of this. 26"er converts will be easier to persuade.

Do these three suggestions, do them well, and do them in a hurry! Don't be the last one in, or you might be a rotten egg! The invitation is there. We'd all be pleased to see you jump in. Whatta ya waitin' fer?

Bar Time: Again....Part Two

Yesterdays post on riser bars didn't bring any defenders of the faith like I though it might. In fact, some of you said that I might even be making some sense! I scare myself sometimes!

Well, I thought that I might make a few more suggestions to those of you out there that might be influential in the making and designing of products, I know you're out there! Anyway, without further adieu...............

Bar ends: With my suggestion that we throw the riser bars into the fiery pit and get ourselves on some nice swept flat bars and riser stems, I'd like to address bar ends. With a swept back bar, your bar end choices become rather limited. The sweep puts most bar ends into a posistion that might cause concern with hooking objects like trees or small children, ya know? So a redesign of bar ends is necessary. How about an adjustable angle bar end? (I know....it's been done before, but I'd like to see a modernized update)

Funky Bars: There are alot of strange little companies making sketchy products to satisfy the needs of folks that can't get on with the traditional handle bars for off roading. ( This does not include On One, who do a very fine job with their bars) There needs to be a company that has the cajones to step into this market and put the necessary engineering into a "funky bar" style that actually will be safe and well done. (By the way, Titec.......when is that H-Bar coming out? Sheesh!)

Grips: I love what Ergon has done with their grip line up, but isn't there anyone else watching this? There's got to be some sort of answer from some of the other grip companies out there. Look.........round grips are stupid! Last time I checked, my palms didn't form a perfect I.D. when I curled up my hands around a beer bottle, much less a bicycle handle bar. ( Hey! Now there's an idea.......Ergonomic beer containers!)

Glove/Grip combos: This has been attempted before, but it hasn't been done right yet. Just like shoes and pedal interfaces have developed over the past 15 years, handle bar/ glove interfaces need to be better thought out. Heck, gloves ought to come with grips that work with them. Makes sense to me............

Anymore brainstorming out there? Let it be told here! Give me a comment. I'll point this out to some folks that should know.

Bar Time: Again....Part Two

Yesterdays post on riser bars didn't bring any defenders of the faith like I though it might. In fact, some of you said that I might even be making some sense! I scare myself sometimes!

Well, I thought that I might make a few more suggestions to those of you out there that might be influential in the making and designing of products, I know you're out there! Anyway, without further adieu...............

Bar ends: With my suggestion that we throw the riser bars into the fiery pit and get ourselves on some nice swept flat bars and riser stems, I'd like to address bar ends. With a swept back bar, your bar end choices become rather limited. The sweep puts most bar ends into a posistion that might cause concern with hooking objects like trees or small children, ya know? So a redesign of bar ends is necessary. How about an adjustable angle bar end? (I know....it's been done before, but I'd like to see a modernized update)

Funky Bars: There are alot of strange little companies making sketchy products to satisfy the needs of folks that can't get on with the traditional handle bars for off roading. ( This does not include On One, who do a very fine job with their bars) There needs to be a company that has the cajones to step into this market and put the necessary engineering into a "funky bar" style that actually will be safe and well done. (By the way, Titec.......when is that H-Bar coming out? Sheesh!)

Grips: I love what Ergon has done with their grip line up, but isn't there anyone else watching this? There's got to be some sort of answer from some of the other grip companies out there. Look.........round grips are stupid! Last time I checked, my palms didn't form a perfect I.D. when I curled up my hands around a beer bottle, much less a bicycle handle bar. ( Hey! Now there's an idea.......Ergonomic beer containers!)

Glove/Grip combos: This has been attempted before, but it hasn't been done right yet. Just like shoes and pedal interfaces have developed over the past 15 years, handle bar/ glove interfaces need to be better thought out. Heck, gloves ought to come with grips that work with them. Makes sense to me............

Anymore brainstorming out there? Let it be told here! Give me a comment. I'll point this out to some folks that should know.

Bar Time: Again....

I have written on handle bars before and I have to say that I still think they are the least technologically advanced part of a bike from an ergonomic standpoint. That's pretty sad, really. However; I have another problem with handlebars, specifically risers.

I was looking at my riser bars on my XXIX the other day and thinking, "Wouldn't connecting all these points with straight lines be lighter?" I mean, keep the sweep, yes. I love bars with sweep. But you just do not need a bar with "rise". That's the stems job.

You see, we seem to be hoodwinked into thinking that we need bars with rise, especially for technical off roading. Why? Somebody explain how a stem with the proper rise,( to get the bars height where you want it to be) and a flat bar with the preferred sweep can't do the same job and be lighter. Risers are unnecessary and a waste of material, in my opinion, that just makes your bike heavier. Okay, somebody out there convince me that I'm wrong about that. I'm listening.

And while you're at it, try defending 31.8mm stems and bars too. That's another goofy thing we don't really need.

More bar rants to come........stay tuned!

Bar Time: Again....

I have written on handle bars before and I have to say that I still think they are the least technologically advanced part of a bike from an ergonomic standpoint. That's pretty sad, really. However; I have another problem with handlebars, specifically risers.

I was looking at my riser bars on my XXIX the other day and thinking, "Wouldn't connecting all these points with straight lines be lighter?" I mean, keep the sweep, yes. I love bars with sweep. But you just do not need a bar with "rise". That's the stems job.

You see, we seem to be hoodwinked into thinking that we need bars with rise, especially for technical off roading. Why? Somebody explain how a stem with the proper rise,( to get the bars height where you want it to be) and a flat bar with the preferred sweep can't do the same job and be lighter. Risers are unnecessary and a waste of material, in my opinion, that just makes your bike heavier. Okay, somebody out there convince me that I'm wrong about that. I'm listening.

And while you're at it, try defending 31.8mm stems and bars too. That's another goofy thing we don't really need.

More bar rants to come........stay tuned!

Badger Cycles "Dorothy" Final Review

The Badger Cycles Dorothy test period is now complete and it’s time for my final verdict on this “custom stock” frame from Kansas. If you haven’t done so already, please check out the “First Impressions” (http://twentynineinches.com/2006/10/10/badger-dorothy-update/) that I posted on the bike, which details some of the specifics on the build and what will be changed from the proto type that I rode.

The test period was three weeks in which the bike was ridden in several different areas that varied widely. From pavement, single track, tight twisty trails, and wide open downhill service road runs, I tried to put the Dorothy through as many different situations as I could in three weeks of riding time. Trail surface conditions ranged from buff dirt, to rooty, rocky trails, to muddy tracks, and everything in between. Through out the test, I kept the basic set up unchanged with the exception of swapping out the Moots stem for a steel Salsa CroMoto stem that tightened up the front end tremendously. There were some tire pressure changes and shock setting changes made to help evaluate performance that I will mention along the way.

Without further adieu, I will let you all know that this is quite possibly the best mountain bike I have ever ridden. That’s a grandiose statement, I know, but I shall explain. I have ridden hundreds of different mountain bikes since I started riding eighteen years ago. I have a certain criteria that I like to employ when I evaluate a part or bicycle. It’s pretty simple, really. It must not make itself apparent while riding. In other words, if I can ride and not give any thought to the part or bicycle, then that’s a very good thing. My bottom line is fun. Yours might be going fast, or winning races. Any of these things are achievable on the Dorothy, if you can bring the goods. The best thing is, the Dorothy won’t get in your way while you’re doing it.

The Dorothy is the most transparent frame I have ridden in terms of handling. It is completely neutral. There is no hint of pushing in the front end or swapping ends from the rear. It really prefers a light touch on the controls. It seems to take a line in a curve and hold on to it tenaciously, or as long as your tires can hold out. Rob Pennell, head torchmiester of Badger Cycles, says that was the plan all along. Normally a custom frame builder that tweaks designs to fit personal riding styles and preferences, Rob had to take a more “neutral” approach to the design of the Dorothy. It had to work for a broader range of riding styles. “It really doesn’t come alive until you get it above 10 miles per hour, that’s where I designed it to perform its best at.” He also explained that the rider doesn’t have to put a lot of body English into the bike to get it to turn, climb, or descend. “There is a three inch area centered at the saddle that the rider can do almost all of his work from.” Rob thought that this would be a better approach, conserving precious rider energy, especially in longer rides and events. I would have to agree. The Dorothy definitely handled a whole lot better with a “quiet” rider on board. Trying to manhandle the Dorothy wasn’t a good thing.

That said, I was quite pleased with the way that the Dorothy’s balance worked in techy, twisty single track. It was easy to loft the front end, even though some of the geometry numbers wouldn’t indicate it, the bike climbed short steeps really well. Mashing the pedals single speed style revealed very little flex in the frame. The frame clearance for mud was exceptional, by the way. The bike was well mannered at several air pressure and shock settings. Almost any preference in these two areas should be accommodated by the Dorothy.

High speed handling was uneventful. In fact, the Dorothy felt as if it would go even faster than I dared to and it wouldn’t have gotten upset. Long fire road type descents were stable. Fast single track riding was where the Dorothy really came alive, though. It was on this type of trail where I felt the Dorothy outshined about every other trail bike I’ve ever ridden. I never once gave a thought to the bike, handling quirks, or anything. Just ride and smile.

The Dorothy is at once a throwback, (steel fillet brazed hard tail) and a thoroughly modern trail bike. (29”er, computer aided design, current geometry and butting profiles) It’s an artistic tour de force, what with the perfectly radiused fillets making the frame tubing look completely liquid and flowing. The bottom line is that it’s a fantastic handling, high performance, state of the art 29”er. Ben Witt, of Milltown Cycles, the shop that the Dorothy is exclusively available through, told me that Rob’s custom work is even better. I find that hard to believe that a bike could ride better than the Dorothy does for its intended purposes. The Dorothy isn’t a “cheap” frame, but it is a great value for what you get. By the way, the Dorothy can be had with a rigid Badger Cycles unicrown fork painted to match, if your tastes run that way.

If you are looking for a high performance geared only or single speed steel frame that’s top of the heap in terms of handling and looks, check out www.ridedorothy.com for further information

Badger Cycles "Dorothy" Final Review

The Badger Cycles Dorothy test period is now complete and it’s time for my final verdict on this “custom stock” frame from Kansas. If you haven’t done so already, please check out the “First Impressions” (http://twentynineinches.com/2006/10/10/badger-dorothy-update/) that I posted on the bike, which details some of the specifics on the build and what will be changed from the proto type that I rode.

The test period was three weeks in which the bike was ridden in several different areas that varied widely. From pavement, single track, tight twisty trails, and wide open downhill service road runs, I tried to put the Dorothy through as many different situations as I could in three weeks of riding time. Trail surface conditions ranged from buff dirt, to rooty, rocky trails, to muddy tracks, and everything in between. Through out the test, I kept the basic set up unchanged with the exception of swapping out the Moots stem for a steel Salsa CroMoto stem that tightened up the front end tremendously. There were some tire pressure changes and shock setting changes made to help evaluate performance that I will mention along the way.

Without further adieu, I will let you all know that this is quite possibly the best mountain bike I have ever ridden. That’s a grandiose statement, I know, but I shall explain. I have ridden hundreds of different mountain bikes since I started riding eighteen years ago. I have a certain criteria that I like to employ when I evaluate a part or bicycle. It’s pretty simple, really. It must not make itself apparent while riding. In other words, if I can ride and not give any thought to the part or bicycle, then that’s a very good thing. My bottom line is fun. Yours might be going fast, or winning races. Any of these things are achievable on the Dorothy, if you can bring the goods. The best thing is, the Dorothy won’t get in your way while you’re doing it.

The Dorothy is the most transparent frame I have ridden in terms of handling. It is completely neutral. There is no hint of pushing in the front end or swapping ends from the rear. It really prefers a light touch on the controls. It seems to take a line in a curve and hold on to it tenaciously, or as long as your tires can hold out. Rob Pennell, head torchmiester of Badger Cycles, says that was the plan all along. Normally a custom frame builder that tweaks designs to fit personal riding styles and preferences, Rob had to take a more “neutral” approach to the design of the Dorothy. It had to work for a broader range of riding styles. “It really doesn’t come alive until you get it above 10 miles per hour, that’s where I designed it to perform its best at.” He also explained that the rider doesn’t have to put a lot of body English into the bike to get it to turn, climb, or descend. “There is a three inch area centered at the saddle that the rider can do almost all of his work from.” Rob thought that this would be a better approach, conserving precious rider energy, especially in longer rides and events. I would have to agree. The Dorothy definitely handled a whole lot better with a “quiet” rider on board. Trying to manhandle the Dorothy wasn’t a good thing.

That said, I was quite pleased with the way that the Dorothy’s balance worked in techy, twisty single track. It was easy to loft the front end, even though some of the geometry numbers wouldn’t indicate it, the bike climbed short steeps really well. Mashing the pedals single speed style revealed very little flex in the frame. The frame clearance for mud was exceptional, by the way. The bike was well mannered at several air pressure and shock settings. Almost any preference in these two areas should be accommodated by the Dorothy.

High speed handling was uneventful. In fact, the Dorothy felt as if it would go even faster than I dared to and it wouldn’t have gotten upset. Long fire road type descents were stable. Fast single track riding was where the Dorothy really came alive, though. It was on this type of trail where I felt the Dorothy outshined about every other trail bike I’ve ever ridden. I never once gave a thought to the bike, handling quirks, or anything. Just ride and smile.

The Dorothy is at once a throwback, (steel fillet brazed hard tail) and a thoroughly modern trail bike. (29”er, computer aided design, current geometry and butting profiles) It’s an artistic tour de force, what with the perfectly radiused fillets making the frame tubing look completely liquid and flowing. The bottom line is that it’s a fantastic handling, high performance, state of the art 29”er. Ben Witt, of Milltown Cycles, the shop that the Dorothy is exclusively available through, told me that Rob’s custom work is even better. I find that hard to believe that a bike could ride better than the Dorothy does for its intended purposes. The Dorothy isn’t a “cheap” frame, but it is a great value for what you get. By the way, the Dorothy can be had with a rigid Badger Cycles unicrown fork painted to match, if your tastes run that way.

If you are looking for a high performance geared only or single speed steel frame that’s top of the heap in terms of handling and looks, check out www.ridedorothy.com for further information