In The Cool Of The Day

Getting It While The Gettin' Is Good

Yesterday was a test ride day and I didn't waste much time in hitting up the Camp's South Side early in the day. With the recent heat wave, getting out early is the best ticket for getting in a couple good laps.

In fact, I probably waited a bit too long. By the time I was done, it was past 11:00am, and the woods were already sapped of the cooler night air that was still around when I started out riding.

July 31st is the big XC race out here and just about everything looks good to go. There is one good sized tree that snapped off about half way up, and smashed a couple of others, making one part of the single track impassable on your bike. I'm sure that will be addressed come race time.

Otherwise, the trails are fast. Really fast. If it doesn't rain much ahead of the event, I'd expect a super fast paced event. The newer sections added since last year only enhance flow, and thus speed, so be careful! It is easy to overcook a corner that comes up faster than you can see it when going lights out now.

Of course, I'll just be getting back from the GTDRI that day, otherwise I'd be in attendance for this one. If I were coming, I'd choose an efficient FS rig over the hard tail, but that's just me. I think the full suspension opens up a couple of more lines, and smooths out some of the rougher stuff out there that slows you down on the hard tail.  So that's my tip on the course. Whoever lines up for this one will have fun. It is a great course now.

Just hope it isn't quite so hot the day of the races!

In The Cool Of The Day

Getting It While The Gettin' Is Good

Yesterday was a test ride day and I didn't waste much time in hitting up the Camp's South Side early in the day. With the recent heat wave, getting out early is the best ticket for getting in a couple good laps.

In fact, I probably waited a bit too long. By the time I was done, it was past 11:00am, and the woods were already sapped of the cooler night air that was still around when I started out riding.

July 31st is the big XC race out here and just about everything looks good to go. There is one good sized tree that snapped off about half way up, and smashed a couple of others, making one part of the single track impassable on your bike. I'm sure that will be addressed come race time.

Otherwise, the trails are fast. Really fast. If it doesn't rain much ahead of the event, I'd expect a super fast paced event. The newer sections added since last year only enhance flow, and thus speed, so be careful! It is easy to overcook a corner that comes up faster than you can see it when going lights out now.

Of course, I'll just be getting back from the GTDRI that day, otherwise I'd be in attendance for this one. If I were coming, I'd choose an efficient FS rig over the hard tail, but that's just me. I think the full suspension opens up a couple of more lines, and smooths out some of the rougher stuff out there that slows you down on the hard tail.  So that's my tip on the course. Whoever lines up for this one will have fun. It is a great course now.

Just hope it isn't quite so hot the day of the races!

Death Ride Cookies

The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational will be taking off on July 30th from Hickory Hills County Park. As you all know that are interested, this is essentially a "no rider left behind" type, gravel group ride. It will cover approximately 102 miles of mostly Tama County gravel.

A couple of points I wanted to make about the ride; First, it is free, and self-supported. We'll be going through towns at Mile 20 and Mile 60 where you'll be able to supply yourself for the gravelly goodness. No sag. No "bail out" plan provided. You are responsible for yourself.

Secondly, one of the folks that has committed to attending has decided he wants to bring everyone cookies for munching on. I suppose you could call them "Death Ride Cookies"!

Well, in order to help this fella out, can we get a "roll call" of people thinking about attending, so he knows approximately how many cookies to bring. Just hit the comments section for this, and I'll forward on the number to him.

Thanks, and look for more details on the GTDRI coming soon! (Such as cues for the ride: GO HERE)

Death Ride Cookies

The Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational will be taking off on July 30th from Hickory Hills County Park. As you all know that are interested, this is essentially a "no rider left behind" type, gravel group ride. It will cover approximately 102 miles of mostly Tama County gravel.

A couple of points I wanted to make about the ride; First, it is free, and self-supported. We'll be going through towns at Mile 20 and Mile 60 where you'll be able to supply yourself for the gravelly goodness. No sag. No "bail out" plan provided. You are responsible for yourself.

Secondly, one of the folks that has committed to attending has decided he wants to bring everyone cookies for munching on. I suppose you could call them "Death Ride Cookies"!

Well, in order to help this fella out, can we get a "roll call" of people thinking about attending, so he knows approximately how many cookies to bring. Just hit the comments section for this, and I'll forward on the number to him.

Thanks, and look for more details on the GTDRI coming soon! (Such as cues for the ride: GO HERE)

The Smart Money Is On....

Gates Carbon Drive Center Track

Today we'll be playing a little game I'm calling "The Smart Money Is On..." where I will describe two sides to an issue or choice, and give you my opinion on what way is best. Purely my own opinions here. You, as always, should use that "thinkerer" you have to come to your own, well considered choices. Here we go then....

The Belt, or The Chain: I just posted a new write up on Gates Carbon Drive Center Track here, which you can read. In it, I discuss the good, bad, and the ugly about the new version of "The Belt". Short version: I like Center Track. It is all "gee-whiz", cool factor, and high performance wrapped up in a carbon embedded belt that looks like it came off a '72 Chevelle street rod. (In fact, if it whirred like a supercharger, it would be off the charts rad.) The thing is, it costs like a custom part off that '72 Chevelle street rod, and still doesn't have a lot of choices, or a good way for anybody to tension the belt with any certainty.

The Smart Money Is On "The Chain".   nuff said

Foundry Bikes "Router" 29"er carbon rig

 Carbon Fiber Now, Or Later: Look- Everybody with a name on a down tube of a 29"er, (and some that yet don't, but will), are making a carbon fiber 29"er for 2012. Fact. The market will be flooded with carpet fiberous, two wheeled, go-fast, 29"er machines. If.....and this may be the deal breaker....the companies can actually produce these things, the choices will be bewildering. Strangely, many have very similar, if not exactly the same, attributes. Makes ya wonder.....

The Smart Money Is On: Later. Why? Because there may be too many made, and the market may not support that. Plus, who knows about some of these, whether they will ride well, have decent tire clearance, or be single speed-able. (That last one was a joke, kind of.....well, maybe not!) Market forces and availability, decent performance, single speed, or no....too many questions. Get an established brands bike with a few years under their belt? Sure, otherwise, I'd wait and see what happens. Might be advantageous.

Intense Cycles Spider 29

Thru-Axles, Tapered Steer Tubes, Dropper Posts- Yes Or No? You've got some serious choices to make in the coming months and years. Wheels, forks, and even seat posts will be forever changed by what is happening in the technical areas of mountain bikes in general, and 29"ers in particular. Frame compatibility with these parts will force some decisions, and sooner than you think.

The Smart Money Is On: Yes Why? Because (1) Quick Releases for mountain bikes, and particularly 29"ers, are dead. Get wheels that have thru-axle capability front and rear now, or be sorry later. (2) Forks will be mostly tapered steer tube models, especially for 29"ers and longer travel mtb bikes in general. May as well get on that train now. (3) Get a dropper seat post. You don't know you need one, but you do, and the FS frames of the future will all be routed for them. Go ahead. Buy one, use it, and tell me I'm wrong.

Tubeless wheel

 Go Tubeless Now Or Later? Really, is this even a question? If you've not tried a tubeless set up yet, you should. The difference in performance is palatable. Is it better than tubes? (wait for it....)


The Smart Money Is On: Now Why? Because almost every wheel that comes out from here on out will have some sort of proven way to be made tubeless, and the benefits far outweigh the negatives.


Like my old boss at the car repair garage, who was floored back in 1997 when I told him bicycles still used tubes, we should all be just as flabbergasted in the coming years if we meet a mountain biker that still is using tubes in his tires.

Ditch the tubes now folks. There is no debate any longer that tubeless is safe and easy, and the way of the future.

Well, that about does it for this edition of "The Smart Money Is On...."  Stay tuned for future editions of this little game when the fit takes me....

The Smart Money Is On....

Gates Carbon Drive Center Track

Today we'll be playing a little game I'm calling "The Smart Money Is On..." where I will describe two sides to an issue or choice, and give you my opinion on what way is best. Purely my own opinions here. You, as always, should use that "thinkerer" you have to come to your own, well considered choices. Here we go then....

The Belt, or The Chain: I just posted a new write up on Gates Carbon Drive Center Track here, which you can read. In it, I discuss the good, bad, and the ugly about the new version of "The Belt". Short version: I like Center Track. It is all "gee-whiz", cool factor, and high performance wrapped up in a carbon embedded belt that looks like it came off a '72 Chevelle street rod. (In fact, if it whirred like a supercharger, it would be off the charts rad.) The thing is, it costs like a custom part off that '72 Chevelle street rod, and still doesn't have a lot of choices, or a good way for anybody to tension the belt with any certainty.

The Smart Money Is On "The Chain".   nuff said

Foundry Bikes "Router" 29"er carbon rig

 Carbon Fiber Now, Or Later: Look- Everybody with a name on a down tube of a 29"er, (and some that yet don't, but will), are making a carbon fiber 29"er for 2012. Fact. The market will be flooded with carpet fiberous, two wheeled, go-fast, 29"er machines. If.....and this may be the deal breaker....the companies can actually produce these things, the choices will be bewildering. Strangely, many have very similar, if not exactly the same, attributes. Makes ya wonder.....

The Smart Money Is On: Later. Why? Because there may be too many made, and the market may not support that. Plus, who knows about some of these, whether they will ride well, have decent tire clearance, or be single speed-able. (That last one was a joke, kind of.....well, maybe not!) Market forces and availability, decent performance, single speed, or no....too many questions. Get an established brands bike with a few years under their belt? Sure, otherwise, I'd wait and see what happens. Might be advantageous.

Intense Cycles Spider 29

Thru-Axles, Tapered Steer Tubes, Dropper Posts- Yes Or No? You've got some serious choices to make in the coming months and years. Wheels, forks, and even seat posts will be forever changed by what is happening in the technical areas of mountain bikes in general, and 29"ers in particular. Frame compatibility with these parts will force some decisions, and sooner than you think.

The Smart Money Is On: Yes Why? Because (1) Quick Releases for mountain bikes, and particularly 29"ers, are dead. Get wheels that have thru-axle capability front and rear now, or be sorry later. (2) Forks will be mostly tapered steer tube models, especially for 29"ers and longer travel mtb bikes in general. May as well get on that train now. (3) Get a dropper seat post. You don't know you need one, but you do, and the FS frames of the future will all be routed for them. Go ahead. Buy one, use it, and tell me I'm wrong.

Tubeless wheel

 Go Tubeless Now Or Later? Really, is this even a question? If you've not tried a tubeless set up yet, you should. The difference in performance is palatable. Is it better than tubes? (wait for it....)


The Smart Money Is On: Now Why? Because almost every wheel that comes out from here on out will have some sort of proven way to be made tubeless, and the benefits far outweigh the negatives.


Like my old boss at the car repair garage, who was floored back in 1997 when I told him bicycles still used tubes, we should all be just as flabbergasted in the coming years if we meet a mountain biker that still is using tubes in his tires.

Ditch the tubes now folks. There is no debate any longer that tubeless is safe and easy, and the way of the future.

Well, that about does it for this edition of "The Smart Money Is On...."  Stay tuned for future editions of this little game when the fit takes me....

Steamed And Fried

Mistake Made Into Art- (Well, Sort Of!)

Gee, how many times have you heard "Hot e'nuff for ya?" lately? I can't count the times. Just in case you forgot, this was the weather you begged for in the depths of winter when you were covered in snow, shoveling the drive, freezing your bits off.

Remember that?

Yeah, a "real summer" has struck the Mid-West and you'd think folks had just moved here from north of the Arctic Circle. Weird.

Don't get me wrong. It is really hot out there. With the humidity high and the air temperatures in the 90's and touching triple digits in places, you'd better believe it is dangerous to just nonchalantly go about your normal business with no regard to the weather now. But the same goes for winter time as well. No news here.

I work in an air conditioned shop, and with recent developments being what they are, we actually get to use the air conditioning now. So, when I left work after my shift yesterday, I hadn't considered a couple of things about that fact. I went for a ride to Hartman Reserve to try out the Gates Carbon Drive and Maxxis Ikon tires I am checking into. I did a little fast riding, and then stopped to cool down, and snap off a few images with my Panasonic LX-3.

I pop of the lens cover, fire up the thing, and as I do a lot, just pointed the thing at my subject and fired off a shot. You know, I can always just delete it, and you never know if it'll be good or not. I think that is fun. Just like lining up a shot, selecting your parameters, and composing a good shot is fun, only in a different way. I do that too, but I like surprises with photography, so just randomly firing off shots, yeah. I do that. So sue me. I never said I was a photographer, right? Some "serious" photogs are probably shaking their heads in disgust right about now. Frankly, that is their problem. I'm having fun.

Well, I look at the image I get and think, "What the....!!" I turn the camera around and see the condensation. Ha! Oh well. I worked with the image anyway and got what I posted here today. It is just a weird looking image, but I think it portrays the soupy air feeling I had out there today rather well. Your mileage may vary.

So, what's the point? It is hot. Yup! Thank you very much, Mr. Obvious. Now, take what you got, be thankful it isn't worse, and have some fun with it already. Before long you all will be freezing, shivering messes with the Fall weather that is coming right around the corner. Get out and ride. Be careful. Get rad!

Steamed And Fried

Mistake Made Into Art- (Well, Sort Of!)

Gee, how many times have you heard "Hot e'nuff for ya?" lately? I can't count the times. Just in case you forgot, this was the weather you begged for in the depths of winter when you were covered in snow, shoveling the drive, freezing your bits off.

Remember that?

Yeah, a "real summer" has struck the Mid-West and you'd think folks had just moved here from north of the Arctic Circle. Weird.

Don't get me wrong. It is really hot out there. With the humidity high and the air temperatures in the 90's and touching triple digits in places, you'd better believe it is dangerous to just nonchalantly go about your normal business with no regard to the weather now. But the same goes for winter time as well. No news here.

I work in an air conditioned shop, and with recent developments being what they are, we actually get to use the air conditioning now. So, when I left work after my shift yesterday, I hadn't considered a couple of things about that fact. I went for a ride to Hartman Reserve to try out the Gates Carbon Drive and Maxxis Ikon tires I am checking into. I did a little fast riding, and then stopped to cool down, and snap off a few images with my Panasonic LX-3.

I pop of the lens cover, fire up the thing, and as I do a lot, just pointed the thing at my subject and fired off a shot. You know, I can always just delete it, and you never know if it'll be good or not. I think that is fun. Just like lining up a shot, selecting your parameters, and composing a good shot is fun, only in a different way. I do that too, but I like surprises with photography, so just randomly firing off shots, yeah. I do that. So sue me. I never said I was a photographer, right? Some "serious" photogs are probably shaking their heads in disgust right about now. Frankly, that is their problem. I'm having fun.

Well, I look at the image I get and think, "What the....!!" I turn the camera around and see the condensation. Ha! Oh well. I worked with the image anyway and got what I posted here today. It is just a weird looking image, but I think it portrays the soupy air feeling I had out there today rather well. Your mileage may vary.

So, what's the point? It is hot. Yup! Thank you very much, Mr. Obvious. Now, take what you got, be thankful it isn't worse, and have some fun with it already. Before long you all will be freezing, shivering messes with the Fall weather that is coming right around the corner. Get out and ride. Be careful. Get rad!

Big Wheels, Little Wheels, It Doesn't Matter- Or Does It?

Recently a new issue of Bicycle Quarterly came out. Now some may not think this quaint looking paper rag has much to offer. Maybe you've taken a peek and thought it was some off shoot of the old "retro-grouch" thing. Maybe you think it is just a denizen of 650B freaks and rando nut jobs. Well, it is, but it is a lot more than this.

The publication is pretty much the "bike geeks geek rag". It doesn't get much more "pointy-headed" and "pocket-protector-like" than "Bicycle Quarterly" for North American bicycle enthusiasts. They do experiments and tests that you'll never see in "Velo Ne....." whoops! I mean, "Velo", or in the glossy pages of "Bicycling", no matter how many times they re-do their formats or change editors. Nope. Not even close.

Why Use A 29" Wheel?

So, I got a peek at the latest issue, anyway, and the newest test was one in which the guys there were determining what wheel size was best. Okay. Got my attention! Inside, the article laid out the testing procedure and basically, what it boils down to is this: "Wheel size has no effect on power output over rough paved surfaces." Zip. Nada. (At least according to "Bicycle Quarterly" who stated that the slight differences they did measure were "statistical noise", or otherwise so small as to be insignificant.)

But you might say, "Well okay, but what about off-road?" They thought about that too. While they did not do any off road testing with 29"er wheels vs. other sizes, they did theorize that the "angle of attack" thing was so statistically small it was probably also insignificant off road.

So, why ride a 29"er wheel at all? Good question, and one I think this test inadvertently supports in the affirmative. You see, part of the testing they did was to fit the bicycle they used with an SRM power measuring crankset. According to their findings, it took basically the same amount of power, (within their standard for accounting for "statistical noise"), for any of the wheel sizes to be powered across their rumble strip test road. This tells me that one of the criticisms of 29 inch wheels isn't all that true, and possibly doesn't matter at all- that is the criticism that 29"er wheels take more energy to move than smaller sizes.

Now, at one time, the weight of a 29 inch wheel was a significant difference, and maybe then it was a detriment, but now 29 inch wheels have weights down into what was never dreamed of just several years ago. Powering up a big wheeled bike is not an issue anymore, on the high performance level, at any rate. (Witness full suspension 29"ers weighing in at sub 22lbs and winning World Cup events recently)

Interestingly, the Editor's post to lead off the latest issue of "Bicycling Quarterly" talks about the "subjective feel" versus the "objective findings" that some testing/reviews feature. In the terms of "subjective feel", I think 29 inch wheels have the advantage, but I also think there is a good reason for that. The testing on wheel size did not account for geometry, and did not account for fat tires at lower pressures. On a 29"er, the rider is in a different relationship to the axles than on a smaller wheeled bike. The testers at "Bicycling Quarterly" actually touch on this subject in terms of handling, but do not reference geometry specifically. The differences in handling play a huge role in why I happen to appreciate 29"ers. Then there is the fat tire thing.

Early on, some 29"er folks did some random testing of tire contact patches versus 26 inch wheeled bikes. Using similar tread patterns, and similar pressures, the contact patches were predictably the same area, but not the same shape. Obviously, it wasn't a huge difference, but in the area of how our tires touch and react to the trail, any differences are big, and I posit, can be felt. Traction and cornering is noticeably different on a 29"er versus smaller wheel sizes, and this is another reason to want to use a 29"er for trail riding. At least I think it works better, and so do others.

It also has to be said that designers of 29"ers are finding that the bigger wheel size demands its own, specific design characteristics. Suspension, tires, and wheels are all things that are or have been re-thought and made better due to the emergence of the 29"er. Not to mention the ever changing geometry of big wheelers, which is still being honed to this day. If wheel size didn't make a difference, then one has to wonder "why bother?" Obviously, something is going on beyond power measurement over rough grounds here.

And that is part of the conclusions reached by the "Bicycle Quarterly" piece. Obviously subjective feel on the part of the rider is an important factor. So, I would encourage you to try a 29"er if you haven't. It isn't for everybody, but it might just work for you.

Big Wheels, Little Wheels, It Doesn't Matter- Or Does It?

Recently a new issue of Bicycle Quarterly came out. Now some may not think this quaint looking paper rag has much to offer. Maybe you've taken a peek and thought it was some off shoot of the old "retro-grouch" thing. Maybe you think it is just a denizen of 650B freaks and rando nut jobs. Well, it is, but it is a lot more than this.

The publication is pretty much the "bike geeks geek rag". It doesn't get much more "pointy-headed" and "pocket-protector-like" than "Bicycle Quarterly" for North American bicycle enthusiasts. They do experiments and tests that you'll never see in "Velo Ne....." whoops! I mean, "Velo", or in the glossy pages of "Bicycling", no matter how many times they re-do their formats or change editors. Nope. Not even close.

Why Use A 29" Wheel?

So, I got a peek at the latest issue, anyway, and the newest test was one in which the guys there were determining what wheel size was best. Okay. Got my attention! Inside, the article laid out the testing procedure and basically, what it boils down to is this: "Wheel size has no effect on power output over rough paved surfaces." Zip. Nada. (At least according to "Bicycle Quarterly" who stated that the slight differences they did measure were "statistical noise", or otherwise so small as to be insignificant.)

But you might say, "Well okay, but what about off-road?" They thought about that too. While they did not do any off road testing with 29"er wheels vs. other sizes, they did theorize that the "angle of attack" thing was so statistically small it was probably also insignificant off road.

So, why ride a 29"er wheel at all? Good question, and one I think this test inadvertently supports in the affirmative. You see, part of the testing they did was to fit the bicycle they used with an SRM power measuring crankset. According to their findings, it took basically the same amount of power, (within their standard for accounting for "statistical noise"), for any of the wheel sizes to be powered across their rumble strip test road. This tells me that one of the criticisms of 29 inch wheels isn't all that true, and possibly doesn't matter at all- that is the criticism that 29"er wheels take more energy to move than smaller sizes.

Now, at one time, the weight of a 29 inch wheel was a significant difference, and maybe then it was a detriment, but now 29 inch wheels have weights down into what was never dreamed of just several years ago. Powering up a big wheeled bike is not an issue anymore, on the high performance level, at any rate. (Witness full suspension 29"ers weighing in at sub 22lbs and winning World Cup events recently)

Interestingly, the Editor's post to lead off the latest issue of "Bicycling Quarterly" talks about the "subjective feel" versus the "objective findings" that some testing/reviews feature. In the terms of "subjective feel", I think 29 inch wheels have the advantage, but I also think there is a good reason for that. The testing on wheel size did not account for geometry, and did not account for fat tires at lower pressures. On a 29"er, the rider is in a different relationship to the axles than on a smaller wheeled bike. The testers at "Bicycling Quarterly" actually touch on this subject in terms of handling, but do not reference geometry specifically. The differences in handling play a huge role in why I happen to appreciate 29"ers. Then there is the fat tire thing.

Early on, some 29"er folks did some random testing of tire contact patches versus 26 inch wheeled bikes. Using similar tread patterns, and similar pressures, the contact patches were predictably the same area, but not the same shape. Obviously, it wasn't a huge difference, but in the area of how our tires touch and react to the trail, any differences are big, and I posit, can be felt. Traction and cornering is noticeably different on a 29"er versus smaller wheel sizes, and this is another reason to want to use a 29"er for trail riding. At least I think it works better, and so do others.

It also has to be said that designers of 29"ers are finding that the bigger wheel size demands its own, specific design characteristics. Suspension, tires, and wheels are all things that are or have been re-thought and made better due to the emergence of the 29"er. Not to mention the ever changing geometry of big wheelers, which is still being honed to this day. If wheel size didn't make a difference, then one has to wonder "why bother?" Obviously, something is going on beyond power measurement over rough grounds here.

And that is part of the conclusions reached by the "Bicycle Quarterly" piece. Obviously subjective feel on the part of the rider is an important factor. So, I would encourage you to try a 29"er if you haven't. It isn't for everybody, but it might just work for you.

Ergon PC2-L Pedals: First Impressions

Okay, I slapped the Ergon PC2-L's on the Xtracycle and on Saturday I spent several hours pedaling around on them. Here's my take. If you want to read up on the techy stuff, see my introduction to these peds here and here.

These pedals are big!

The first thing you notice is how big these pedals are. I mentioned that on the blog here last time I posted on these, but I must say, I still haven't quite gotten over the size of them. (Maybe it is due to my nearly total "SPD-like" ped usage.)

When you ride the bicycle though, that size is a big bonus. As I also stated in my earlier post, I used Vans shoes when first riding on these and I did so again on Saturday. Canvas Vans slip ons, to be exact. Not what you would call a stiff platform for cycling. A recipe for sore feet on any other pedals, the Vans and the Ergon PC2's got along famously.  This means, at least to my mind, that most any non-cycling shoe you need to commute in should feel just peachy with the PC2's. (Well, I can not speak to wearing heels. I just ain't that kinda guy, ya know!)

Well, with pedaling the Xtracycle with and without a load, the shoes and pedals never felt bad in any way. Plus, I looked stylish off the bike. (Ha! Maybe you wouldn't think so....) Well, it was pretty fun just to not have to wear a cycling specific shoe, and still have an efficient, comfortable connection with the bicycle all day. Ergon claims other benefits, like less complaints of knee pain, and better power transfer. Can't say as I can refute those claims. I definitely felt as though I was getting the power laid down just fine. Knee pain? None here, just tired after all that pedaling around. As it should be.

My only question at this point is "How long will these last?", and I'll tell ya why that is. The PC2-L's sell for between $70.00-ish to $85.00 dollars, depending on where you look. These are not "cheap" pedals. There are two ways to look at this though.....

First, if you are a commuter, or if you have a utility bike sitting around, you can ditch the cycling shoes with the PC2's. Really. You won't miss them. You'll use the bike more if you can just hop on and go, instead of swapping shoes out before and after you ride. Secondly, for folks just getting into commuting, or utility cycling, this means that instead of spending money for pedals and shoes for cycling, they now can save money, and just use the shoes they have already. The real bonus is that either way, you will still have an efficient, good fitting, and comfortable shoe/pedal interface. It should also be noted that the PC2 makes a smarter upgrade from clips and straps, (or whatever cheesy stock pedals came with your bicycle), for the same reasons.

But that niggling question about long term use is still hanging out there. These are far too new to the market to say one way or the other, but I will continue to put the PC2's through their paces in the coming months to find out.

Ergon PC2-L Pedals: First Impressions

Okay, I slapped the Ergon PC2-L's on the Xtracycle and on Saturday I spent several hours pedaling around on them. Here's my take. If you want to read up on the techy stuff, see my introduction to these peds here and here.

These pedals are big!

The first thing you notice is how big these pedals are. I mentioned that on the blog here last time I posted on these, but I must say, I still haven't quite gotten over the size of them. (Maybe it is due to my nearly total "SPD-like" ped usage.)

When you ride the bicycle though, that size is a big bonus. As I also stated in my earlier post, I used Vans shoes when first riding on these and I did so again on Saturday. Canvas Vans slip ons, to be exact. Not what you would call a stiff platform for cycling. A recipe for sore feet on any other pedals, the Vans and the Ergon PC2's got along famously.  This means, at least to my mind, that most any non-cycling shoe you need to commute in should feel just peachy with the PC2's. (Well, I can not speak to wearing heels. I just ain't that kinda guy, ya know!)

Well, with pedaling the Xtracycle with and without a load, the shoes and pedals never felt bad in any way. Plus, I looked stylish off the bike. (Ha! Maybe you wouldn't think so....) Well, it was pretty fun just to not have to wear a cycling specific shoe, and still have an efficient, comfortable connection with the bicycle all day. Ergon claims other benefits, like less complaints of knee pain, and better power transfer. Can't say as I can refute those claims. I definitely felt as though I was getting the power laid down just fine. Knee pain? None here, just tired after all that pedaling around. As it should be.

My only question at this point is "How long will these last?", and I'll tell ya why that is. The PC2-L's sell for between $70.00-ish to $85.00 dollars, depending on where you look. These are not "cheap" pedals. There are two ways to look at this though.....

First, if you are a commuter, or if you have a utility bike sitting around, you can ditch the cycling shoes with the PC2's. Really. You won't miss them. You'll use the bike more if you can just hop on and go, instead of swapping shoes out before and after you ride. Secondly, for folks just getting into commuting, or utility cycling, this means that instead of spending money for pedals and shoes for cycling, they now can save money, and just use the shoes they have already. The real bonus is that either way, you will still have an efficient, good fitting, and comfortable shoe/pedal interface. It should also be noted that the PC2 makes a smarter upgrade from clips and straps, (or whatever cheesy stock pedals came with your bicycle), for the same reasons.

But that niggling question about long term use is still hanging out there. These are far too new to the market to say one way or the other, but I will continue to put the PC2's through their paces in the coming months to find out.

A Couple More Things, By The Way....

I couldn't squeeze it all into one post on Friday, so here are a couple more things that I wanted to mention as the weekend kicks off...

I Spy With My Spy Optics Covered Eyes....

Spy Optics Performance Eyewear: Here ya go, another eyewear test! This time, it's from a company maybe better known for their goggles than glasses. (Jeremy McGrath is a part owner in Spy Optics, for example) That said, Spy Optics wants to branch out into the performance sector again, and if you go to their site, you'll find a mostly "lifestyle" type look and feel that isn't necessarily what we cyclists would find all that welcoming.....let's just say it that way, for looking at what we want in eyewear.

Well, Spy Optics can figure out the marketing, but as far as eyewear goes, they have the technology and performance down pat. You can read my detailed review on The Cyclistsite here. I will say here that these glasses are super comfortable, super high performance, and are on par with the high end name brands in cycling we are familiar with. Very much on par, maybe better.

Cyclists will dig the full coverage, semi-frame construction, and the anti-fogging design. My samples were polarized too, which cuts way down on glare on hot, sunlit days. There are several frame colors and lens choices too.  They have anti-scratch and anti-moisture treatments on the lenses as well. Fully optimized lens technology for vision here. No distortion and on par with the best in the business as far as that goes. Worth wading through the culture there to find these, if you want something different than the mainstream brands in cycling, for sure. I give these my recommendo.

Disclaimer: The Spy Optics eyewear was submitted to us at The Cyclist at no charge for review. I was not bribed or paid to write this post. I strive to give my honest opinions throughout. 

A Little Birdy Told me....

Say It Ain't So!: Possibly great news reached me Friday via e-mail. I heard from Phil Wood & Co. (GASP!), and they told me that the hub had been replaced! (Not repaired, but replaced)

I told them to do that straight away last time it went back, by the way. Appears that their "Head Engineer" agreed....... finally. Good. Now assuming the wheel is built, and correctly, I should be getting The Snow Dog back together again by next weekend.

Now let's assume everything comes along as planned so far. I will then mount the wheel back into the Snow Dog and proceed to stomp it hard for several off-road rides. If it survives, then I'm good. Well, as far as the wheel is concerned. There still is the issue of five months of holding up my Snow Dog riding to be considered, but I really just hope this cures it and ends this saga. Stay tuned........

A Couple More Things, By The Way....

I couldn't squeeze it all into one post on Friday, so here are a couple more things that I wanted to mention as the weekend kicks off...

I Spy With My Spy Optics Covered Eyes....

Spy Optics Performance Eyewear: Here ya go, another eyewear test! This time, it's from a company maybe better known for their goggles than glasses. (Jeremy McGrath is a part owner in Spy Optics, for example) That said, Spy Optics wants to branch out into the performance sector again, and if you go to their site, you'll find a mostly "lifestyle" type look and feel that isn't necessarily what we cyclists would find all that welcoming.....let's just say it that way, for looking at what we want in eyewear.

Well, Spy Optics can figure out the marketing, but as far as eyewear goes, they have the technology and performance down pat. You can read my detailed review on The Cyclistsite here. I will say here that these glasses are super comfortable, super high performance, and are on par with the high end name brands in cycling we are familiar with. Very much on par, maybe better.

Cyclists will dig the full coverage, semi-frame construction, and the anti-fogging design. My samples were polarized too, which cuts way down on glare on hot, sunlit days. There are several frame colors and lens choices too.  They have anti-scratch and anti-moisture treatments on the lenses as well. Fully optimized lens technology for vision here. No distortion and on par with the best in the business as far as that goes. Worth wading through the culture there to find these, if you want something different than the mainstream brands in cycling, for sure. I give these my recommendo.

Disclaimer: The Spy Optics eyewear was submitted to us at The Cyclist at no charge for review. I was not bribed or paid to write this post. I strive to give my honest opinions throughout. 

A Little Birdy Told me....

Say It Ain't So!: Possibly great news reached me Friday via e-mail. I heard from Phil Wood & Co. (GASP!), and they told me that the hub had been replaced! (Not repaired, but replaced)

I told them to do that straight away last time it went back, by the way. Appears that their "Head Engineer" agreed....... finally. Good. Now assuming the wheel is built, and correctly, I should be getting The Snow Dog back together again by next weekend.

Now let's assume everything comes along as planned so far. I will then mount the wheel back into the Snow Dog and proceed to stomp it hard for several off-road rides. If it survives, then I'm good. Well, as far as the wheel is concerned. There still is the issue of five months of holding up my Snow Dog riding to be considered, but I really just hope this cures it and ends this saga. Stay tuned........

Friday News And Views

Just down a wee bit and to the right!

Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational: As per my post yesterday, you will note that I did recon some of the upcoming GTDRI route.

I am excited about a couple of the roads. One in particular is just past the corner where I shot the image here looking down to the north. I sure hope it doesn't rain, because it is a B Maintenance road that, while not as gnarly as the one on T.I.V7, is pretty dang rad. It is mostly clay, highly crowned, and has a steep drop down to a gentler downhill. It looked wet when I rode it Wednesday, and knowing how slippery-snotty clay can get, I eased into the down hill with trepidation and great caution, lest I fall and slide off into a 20 foot deep ditch to the outside of the bench cut roadway. Well, it was just tacky, but, ya never know!

If it gets wet, we'll have to take a work-a-round, but hopefully the weather will be good for that weekend. Some of the storm damage I encountered on the roadway should be cleared by that time, as well. More details to come.......

So, How About That There Belt-thingy?: I did get a brief ride on the Gates Carbon Drive Center Track system Wednesday too. Readers might recall that tensioning the system requires getting the belt to produce a tone in the 70-85Hz range. That turns out to be approximately a D# on the bass clef. Who knew?

Well, I had it pretty tight already, (tuned to approximately an A), so I rode it anyway. After a while out at The Camp, I felt pretty confident in mashing up steeps on it, and it held up well. The best part? The tension I used allowed the cranks to spin approximately as easily as a chain. The bad part? I didn't get the spacers right on the freehub! (jingle-jangle) Oh well..... More to come, but this looks to be more promising from a purely performance standpoint than the older system.

The only bummers about it, and likely to remain so, are the availability of combinations that would yield a desired "virtual chainstay length", and costs.

Ergon PC2-L pedal. Cooler Than U Think

I Wasn't Expecting Much: Ergon has been working on some things for a while, one of which was some pedals. That much I knew about some time ago. I figured they would be mountain biking pedals of some sort, and figured they would be some time in coming. However; I wasn't ready for the news that these would be commuter pedals. I also wasn't expecting too much. I mean, flat pedals have been done to death. These would have to be something pretty cool to raise my eyebrows at all.

Well, Topeak-Ergon man, Jeff Kerkove invited me to try a pair out recently. So they hit the door yesterday and looky here! They are different than I thought they could be. Very different.

My first impression is that they are large. Really, they are pretty big pedals. A bit larger than most free ride flats even. They are also contoured to fit the curvature of the bottom of a shoe/foot combination. For instance, my Vans sit in these like they were custom made for them. The rough surface is a material from 3M, and is grippy on the soles of my Vans too.

There are no aggressive pins, teeth, or other protuberances on these pedals to scar you. The contours are smooth and friendly. Good stuff for those times when you nick a pedal while walking your bike, or are moving it about. (Especially so if you slip a foot off while riding, although I seriously doubt that will happen with that 3M material there and with the way these are contoured.) These also have the most mondo reflectors I've yet seen on any pedal, and they are integrated into the design.

By the way, please do not ask if they are toe-strap compatible. Just. Don't. Ask. Toe straps are eee-ville! Eee-ville I say!

First Impressions: I slapped these pedals on the Schwinn Xtracycle rig, and went down to get a case of soda for my lady, and a bottle of Fat Tire Ale for myself. I noticed right off that my feet hit the Ergon PC2's just right. No positioning, then re-positioning needed to find a "sweet spot" The whole pedal just feels the way it should. The concave contouring works. Then again, we've seen some of this concave contouring on higher end mtb flats, haven't we? The PC2 does it one better for commuters.

I felt like I could do anything I wanted with these within the realms of flat pedals, even without having any pins. The big ol' platform cradled my feet and spread out the load put on them by pedaling. I think these are going to be good. We'll see about that later...... For now, I am well impressed, and I didn't think I would be all that much.

Okay, hope you all have a great weekend. Get out and ride!

Friday News And Views

Just down a wee bit and to the right!

Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational: As per my post yesterday, you will note that I did recon some of the upcoming GTDRI route.

I am excited about a couple of the roads. One in particular is just past the corner where I shot the image here looking down to the north. I sure hope it doesn't rain, because it is a B Maintenance road that, while not as gnarly as the one on T.I.V7, is pretty dang rad. It is mostly clay, highly crowned, and has a steep drop down to a gentler downhill. It looked wet when I rode it Wednesday, and knowing how slippery-snotty clay can get, I eased into the down hill with trepidation and great caution, lest I fall and slide off into a 20 foot deep ditch to the outside of the bench cut roadway. Well, it was just tacky, but, ya never know!

If it gets wet, we'll have to take a work-a-round, but hopefully the weather will be good for that weekend. Some of the storm damage I encountered on the roadway should be cleared by that time, as well. More details to come.......

So, How About That There Belt-thingy?: I did get a brief ride on the Gates Carbon Drive Center Track system Wednesday too. Readers might recall that tensioning the system requires getting the belt to produce a tone in the 70-85Hz range. That turns out to be approximately a D# on the bass clef. Who knew?

Well, I had it pretty tight already, (tuned to approximately an A), so I rode it anyway. After a while out at The Camp, I felt pretty confident in mashing up steeps on it, and it held up well. The best part? The tension I used allowed the cranks to spin approximately as easily as a chain. The bad part? I didn't get the spacers right on the freehub! (jingle-jangle) Oh well..... More to come, but this looks to be more promising from a purely performance standpoint than the older system.

The only bummers about it, and likely to remain so, are the availability of combinations that would yield a desired "virtual chainstay length", and costs.

Ergon PC2-L pedal. Cooler Than U Think

I Wasn't Expecting Much: Ergon has been working on some things for a while, one of which was some pedals. That much I knew about some time ago. I figured they would be mountain biking pedals of some sort, and figured they would be some time in coming. However; I wasn't ready for the news that these would be commuter pedals. I also wasn't expecting too much. I mean, flat pedals have been done to death. These would have to be something pretty cool to raise my eyebrows at all.

Well, Topeak-Ergon man, Jeff Kerkove invited me to try a pair out recently. So they hit the door yesterday and looky here! They are different than I thought they could be. Very different.

My first impression is that they are large. Really, they are pretty big pedals. A bit larger than most free ride flats even. They are also contoured to fit the curvature of the bottom of a shoe/foot combination. For instance, my Vans sit in these like they were custom made for them. The rough surface is a material from 3M, and is grippy on the soles of my Vans too.

There are no aggressive pins, teeth, or other protuberances on these pedals to scar you. The contours are smooth and friendly. Good stuff for those times when you nick a pedal while walking your bike, or are moving it about. (Especially so if you slip a foot off while riding, although I seriously doubt that will happen with that 3M material there and with the way these are contoured.) These also have the most mondo reflectors I've yet seen on any pedal, and they are integrated into the design.

By the way, please do not ask if they are toe-strap compatible. Just. Don't. Ask. Toe straps are eee-ville! Eee-ville I say!

First Impressions: I slapped these pedals on the Schwinn Xtracycle rig, and went down to get a case of soda for my lady, and a bottle of Fat Tire Ale for myself. I noticed right off that my feet hit the Ergon PC2's just right. No positioning, then re-positioning needed to find a "sweet spot" The whole pedal just feels the way it should. The concave contouring works. Then again, we've seen some of this concave contouring on higher end mtb flats, haven't we? The PC2 does it one better for commuters.

I felt like I could do anything I wanted with these within the realms of flat pedals, even without having any pins. The big ol' platform cradled my feet and spread out the load put on them by pedaling. I think these are going to be good. We'll see about that later...... For now, I am well impressed, and I didn't think I would be all that much.

Okay, hope you all have a great weekend. Get out and ride!

Heart Wrenched

Well, I would have a lot to share with you all today. Things like the new Chris King Ceramic Bottom Bracket, the route details I discovered yesterday for the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational, my experiences using the Gates Carbon Drive Center Track, and more, but I have to share with you what happened Monday night, and how it impacted me on my ride yesterday. The rest can wait.

Toppled Utility Poles And Wires On The Road

I was reconning the upcoming GTDRI event, and decided to drive down to Traer, Iowa to start from there. I went south on P Avenue, and headed for that old, familiar stretch of B Maintenance road I have ridden several times, has been used in past GTDRI's, and that has been on two Trans Iowa courses. Yes, I know the road well.

I saw a couple of trees snapped off and some folks fixing some utility wires on a farm, but thought nothing of it. I approached the section of B Road, and looked off up the road. Oddly, something didn't seem quite right. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was though. It had been well over a year since I had been down here though, so, who knows?

Well, I got to the lowest part of the road, where it used to cross over a stream, and I saw that a new, low water crossing had been laid out. Okay, that's what it is then. But I still couldn't shake the feeling that it was something else. Something here didn't line up with my memories of this spot.

New Low Water Crossing, And A New Horizon

It dawned on me when I crossed the new low water crossing what was wrong. The farm up on the hill ahead to the right of the road was mostly gone! 

Where there used to be the profiles of several  outbuildings, there was something misshapen. I had a queer feeling arise in the pit of my gut.

As I rode up the hill, a large evergreen tree that used to stand alongside the road blocked my further passage. Machinery could be heard from the other side. As I dismounted to work my way through the ditch, and around the fallen tree, which was so massive it obscured my view of the farm, I could see broken bits of wood, sheet metal torn and twisted, and bits of insulation on the damp ground. As I rounded the corner, I saw the devastation. The farm was mostly destroyed, and the roof of the house had a blue tarp stretched over it, which was bulging upwards in the wind like some twisted version of Jiffy-Pop popcorn. Only ugly, and distasteful, and sickening.

I thought, "tornado", and rode on, only to find more devastation on almost every farm I saw. For miles. This was not the work of a tornado. It was worse. I didn't know what had happened. I hadn't heard a whit about this event down here. I rode on in shock and felt terrible about being a guy having a good day on a bike while so many peoples lives lay twisted and torn in heaps and piles all throughout this part of Tama County.

The feelings didn't go away as I rode through Clutier, a town on my planned route, which had all roads closed going into it, and looked as if a bomb had been dropped on it. In the town, lots of folks were busy working to clear up the mess. In the distance smoke from fires could be seen, evidence of folks burning debris from the weather event's damage.

As I turned back northward to Traer, I saw miles and miles of downed power lines, and even had to dodge several low hanging poles over the roadway. In some cases, the poles and wires had been blown halfway into the fields lining the road.

When I got home, I looked up what had happened. Surprisingly, little has been said or written about this. Apparently, Garrison, Iowa, the little town on T.I.V7 received very intense wind damage. Some fields I saw were pretty battered, with corn beaten up to the point I think it may not yeild anything, but some fields apparently were flattened to the ground. What did this?

It was a "Derecho", which is an event connected to severe thunderstorms that produces high speed straight line winds. In Benton County, the estimates were that the winds were 100-130mph.

Yeah, that'd do what I saw. Now I know. I've never seen anything like it in Iowa on such a widespread scale. I hope I never do again.

Some rides are just heart wrenching, I guess. This was a good example of one. I hope to never repeat that.....

Heart Wrenched

Well, I would have a lot to share with you all today. Things like the new Chris King Ceramic Bottom Bracket, the route details I discovered yesterday for the Guitar Ted Death Ride Invitational, my experiences using the Gates Carbon Drive Center Track, and more, but I have to share with you what happened Monday night, and how it impacted me on my ride yesterday. The rest can wait.

Toppled Utility Poles And Wires On The Road

I was reconning the upcoming GTDRI event, and decided to drive down to Traer, Iowa to start from there. I went south on P Avenue, and headed for that old, familiar stretch of B Maintenance road I have ridden several times, has been used in past GTDRI's, and that has been on two Trans Iowa courses. Yes, I know the road well.

I saw a couple of trees snapped off and some folks fixing some utility wires on a farm, but thought nothing of it. I approached the section of B Road, and looked off up the road. Oddly, something didn't seem quite right. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was though. It had been well over a year since I had been down here though, so, who knows?

Well, I got to the lowest part of the road, where it used to cross over a stream, and I saw that a new, low water crossing had been laid out. Okay, that's what it is then. But I still couldn't shake the feeling that it was something else. Something here didn't line up with my memories of this spot.

New Low Water Crossing, And A New Horizon

It dawned on me when I crossed the new low water crossing what was wrong. The farm up on the hill ahead to the right of the road was mostly gone! 

Where there used to be the profiles of several  outbuildings, there was something misshapen. I had a queer feeling arise in the pit of my gut.

As I rode up the hill, a large evergreen tree that used to stand alongside the road blocked my further passage. Machinery could be heard from the other side. As I dismounted to work my way through the ditch, and around the fallen tree, which was so massive it obscured my view of the farm, I could see broken bits of wood, sheet metal torn and twisted, and bits of insulation on the damp ground. As I rounded the corner, I saw the devastation. The farm was mostly destroyed, and the roof of the house had a blue tarp stretched over it, which was bulging upwards in the wind like some twisted version of Jiffy-Pop popcorn. Only ugly, and distasteful, and sickening.

I thought, "tornado", and rode on, only to find more devastation on almost every farm I saw. For miles. This was not the work of a tornado. It was worse. I didn't know what had happened. I hadn't heard a whit about this event down here. I rode on in shock and felt terrible about being a guy having a good day on a bike while so many peoples lives lay twisted and torn in heaps and piles all throughout this part of Tama County.

The feelings didn't go away as I rode through Clutier, a town on my planned route, which had all roads closed going into it, and looked as if a bomb had been dropped on it. In the town, lots of folks were busy working to clear up the mess. In the distance smoke from fires could be seen, evidence of folks burning debris from the weather event's damage.

As I turned back northward to Traer, I saw miles and miles of downed power lines, and even had to dodge several low hanging poles over the roadway. In some cases, the poles and wires had been blown halfway into the fields lining the road.

When I got home, I looked up what had happened. Surprisingly, little has been said or written about this. Apparently, Garrison, Iowa, the little town on T.I.V7 received very intense wind damage. Some fields I saw were pretty battered, with corn beaten up to the point I think it may not yeild anything, but some fields apparently were flattened to the ground. What did this?

It was a "Derecho", which is an event connected to severe thunderstorms that produces high speed straight line winds. In Benton County, the estimates were that the winds were 100-130mph.

Yeah, that'd do what I saw. Now I know. I've never seen anything like it in Iowa on such a widespread scale. I hope I never do again.

Some rides are just heart wrenching, I guess. This was a good example of one. I hope to never repeat that.....

Gates Carbon Drive Center Track Ready To Go

Okay, after some waiting, I have finally procured the belt that will work with the length of the chain stay, the cog, and the front ring that are on the Sawyer. The Center Track system is alive!

Carbon Drive Center Track on the Sawyer

As I posted before, The Belt has issues when it comes to combinations that will fit existing bikes. Had I wanted to go with the shortest chain stay setting on the Sawyer, I would have needed to "massage" the drop outs with a Dremmel tool a bit to get the shorter belt to work. To avoid that, I went with the next longer belt, which slammed me back almost as far as the wheel will go. So much for short chain stays! Not that I am worried too much about these sorts of things, but it does point out that Gates has a long way to go before they can cover the combinations possible with The Chain. They claim at some point that they will. (It would be good to start with some more Center Track compatible cogs, for instance)

My issues with getting a belt to fit also pointed out some other irregularities that may plague some designs out there. The sliders on the Sawyer, which have a ton of "throw", arc throughout their travel. Okay, now stop and think about that for a minute: Those sliders have to travel in the exact same arc on either side, or you will notice "oddities" with regard to your rear wheel placement within the frame.

This manifested itself to me when I tried fitting the first, too short, belt. The sliders were off enough from side to side in terms of the arc they traveled in that the wheel was almost slammed over to the non-drive side in the front, near the bottom bracket. At the seat stays, it was barely noticeable. As the sliders traveled backward, the arcs traveled by the sliders matched more closely, then at the end of the throw, were only slightly off to where the adjuster for the non-driveside is out more than the driveside  adjuster, which is nearly buried into the drop out.

Notice the adjusters? One is out further.

I'm okay with it. I got the wheel centered, but with sliders, I've noticed these sorts of issues before. They don't have to have arced slots  to be off either. I've seen out of plane sliders on several bikes. Custom ones even.

But I digress.....

This is about Center Track. I think t's going to be good, or at least better than the older design, in terms of tension on the system. My contact at Gates said that Center Track isn't so much about "less tension" than it is about not having to use "excessive tension" to make it work. He recommended that I use the iPhone app that is made for tensioning the Center Track belt, which should resonate at between 70-80Hz. Okay......what if you do not own an iPhone?  Not a problem......if you are a musician!

Looks like I'll be busting out the chromatic tuner and going for approximately a D#. We'll see how that goes, and then test it out on the trails with a report to come later.

Gates Carbon Drive Center Track Ready To Go

Okay, after some waiting, I have finally procured the belt that will work with the length of the chain stay, the cog, and the front ring that are on the Sawyer. The Center Track system is alive!

Carbon Drive Center Track on the Sawyer

As I posted before, The Belt has issues when it comes to combinations that will fit existing bikes. Had I wanted to go with the shortest chain stay setting on the Sawyer, I would have needed to "massage" the drop outs with a Dremmel tool a bit to get the shorter belt to work. To avoid that, I went with the next longer belt, which slammed me back almost as far as the wheel will go. So much for short chain stays! Not that I am worried too much about these sorts of things, but it does point out that Gates has a long way to go before they can cover the combinations possible with The Chain. They claim at some point that they will. (It would be good to start with some more Center Track compatible cogs, for instance)

My issues with getting a belt to fit also pointed out some other irregularities that may plague some designs out there. The sliders on the Sawyer, which have a ton of "throw", arc throughout their travel. Okay, now stop and think about that for a minute: Those sliders have to travel in the exact same arc on either side, or you will notice "oddities" with regard to your rear wheel placement within the frame.

This manifested itself to me when I tried fitting the first, too short, belt. The sliders were off enough from side to side in terms of the arc they traveled in that the wheel was almost slammed over to the non-drive side in the front, near the bottom bracket. At the seat stays, it was barely noticeable. As the sliders traveled backward, the arcs traveled by the sliders matched more closely, then at the end of the throw, were only slightly off to where the adjuster for the non-driveside is out more than the driveside  adjuster, which is nearly buried into the drop out.

Notice the adjusters? One is out further.

I'm okay with it. I got the wheel centered, but with sliders, I've noticed these sorts of issues before. They don't have to have arced slots  to be off either. I've seen out of plane sliders on several bikes. Custom ones even.

But I digress.....

This is about Center Track. I think t's going to be good, or at least better than the older design, in terms of tension on the system. My contact at Gates said that Center Track isn't so much about "less tension" than it is about not having to use "excessive tension" to make it work. He recommended that I use the iPhone app that is made for tensioning the Center Track belt, which should resonate at between 70-80Hz. Okay......what if you do not own an iPhone?  Not a problem......if you are a musician!

Looks like I'll be busting out the chromatic tuner and going for approximately a D#. We'll see how that goes, and then test it out on the trails with a report to come later.