A 29"er Hauler

I have been using a Thule T2 rack on our vehicles for several years now. The fold-up rear hitch mount rack could hold two 29"ers, albeit just barely. Especially if they had big tires. Well, I finally had to replace my rack due to severe rust, (don't leave yer rack on all winter long, ya dufus!), and I went for the T2 rack again. Guess what? It's been updated!

Rack folded up

Rack folded down!

Looks pretty much the same, eh? Well, there are a few details that set this one apart from the older T2. This time Thule recognized that 29"ers are a force to be reckoned with, and allowed for more travel on the ratcheting arm that secures your front wheel. No more grazing the front tire, or pushing down on it to gain clearance.

The next thing they did was to install integrated locking cables to secure the frame on the ends of the ratcheting wheel  holder. You simply pull out the cable from the end of the tube, and it retracts when you unlock it from your bike. (Note: The original place for lock cylinders on the base of the ratcheting wheel holder is still there, but lock cylinders for those are not supplied.) So, you can lock each bike to the rack, and a separate key and lock cylinder now comes with the T2 to lock the hitch pin to the hitch as well. Nice!

Getting Close There!

What's Not So Nice? Well, as with the previous T2 I had, the wheel tray might get into the rear bumper cover of certain vehicles in the folded up position. This is an issue with our 2003 Highlander. I had to trim a significant portion of the tray off to clear the bumper on the old rack. This shows how close it is on my "Truck With No Name". I couldn't put my index finger in between the bumper and the tray without pinching a bit. The other thing I noted was that my fat bike won't fit on this rack either.

Looks like I may have a project making some Snow Dog compatible wheel trays for the T2!

Over all though, the T2 does work great. It folds up out of the way when not in use, and you can drop it down to get access to the back of vehicles with hatch backs, or to lower the end gate on a truck. (My truck's end gate clears like a champ.) You don't have to remove wheels from bikes, so through axles are no issue, and nothing touches your frame, unless you use the locking cables.

The rack doesn't sway around, is stable, and is reasonably weather resistant. (Don't be stupid like me and leave it on all winter though!) You can even get a two bike extension for the T2, increasing capacity to 4 bikes. The T2 holds bikes from 20"ers to 29"ers, and is adjustable for wheel base.

Expect to pay something well north of 4 hundred bucks for one of these. I say it is well worth the dollars if you take seriously long trips with bikes, or just appreciate a nice, secure, easy to use rack.

A 29"er Hauler

I have been using a Thule T2 rack on our vehicles for several years now. The fold-up rear hitch mount rack could hold two 29"ers, albeit just barely. Especially if they had big tires. Well, I finally had to replace my rack due to severe rust, (don't leave yer rack on all winter long, ya dufus!), and I went for the T2 rack again. Guess what? It's been updated!

Rack folded up

Rack folded down!

Looks pretty much the same, eh? Well, there are a few details that set this one apart from the older T2. This time Thule recognized that 29"ers are a force to be reckoned with, and allowed for more travel on the ratcheting arm that secures your front wheel. No more grazing the front tire, or pushing down on it to gain clearance.

The next thing they did was to install integrated locking cables to secure the frame on the ends of the ratcheting wheel  holder. You simply pull out the cable from the end of the tube, and it retracts when you unlock it from your bike. (Note: The original place for lock cylinders on the base of the ratcheting wheel holder is still there, but lock cylinders for those are not supplied.) So, you can lock each bike to the rack, and a separate key and lock cylinder now comes with the T2 to lock the hitch pin to the hitch as well. Nice!

Getting Close There!

What's Not So Nice? Well, as with the previous T2 I had, the wheel tray might get into the rear bumper cover of certain vehicles in the folded up position. This is an issue with our 2003 Highlander. I had to trim a significant portion of the tray off to clear the bumper on the old rack. This shows how close it is on my "Truck With No Name". I couldn't put my index finger in between the bumper and the tray without pinching a bit. The other thing I noted was that my fat bike won't fit on this rack either.

Looks like I may have a project making some Snow Dog compatible wheel trays for the T2!

Over all though, the T2 does work great. It folds up out of the way when not in use, and you can drop it down to get access to the back of vehicles with hatch backs, or to lower the end gate on a truck. (My truck's end gate clears like a champ.) You don't have to remove wheels from bikes, so through axles are no issue, and nothing touches your frame, unless you use the locking cables.

The rack doesn't sway around, is stable, and is reasonably weather resistant. (Don't be stupid like me and leave it on all winter though!) You can even get a two bike extension for the T2, increasing capacity to 4 bikes. The T2 holds bikes from 20"ers to 29"ers, and is adjustable for wheel base.

Expect to pay something well north of 4 hundred bucks for one of these. I say it is well worth the dollars if you take seriously long trips with bikes, or just appreciate a nice, secure, easy to use rack.

Friday News And Views

Fat: It Isn't Just For Snow Anymore: I have been getting very inspired to ride my Mukluk recently, despite the clack, snap, and pop, of the dreaded hub. I have been dreaming of big adventures as I ride my Snow Dog to work and then back home again, trying to hit all the dirt and gravel bits I can along the way.

In Dirt Or On Snow: Awesome!

I first was getting stoked from this thread on mtbr.com called "Iceland Trip Report". The imagery is off the hook cool, and fat bikes are strewn throughout doing what they do best.

Another place I have been getting fat bike stoke is from GNAT on his blog here, and also now on the Salsa Cycles blog here. The recent trip to ride beaches along Alaskan coastline is another jaw droppingly great look at what fat bikes are capable of and where you can ride them.

First off, after you are done being amazed by the scenes in these trip recounts, I would submit to you that fat bikes are not "snow bikes". Sure, that's what they were originally intended to be, but they are capable all terrain bikes in their own right. I gotta say, I wish I had thought about it that way years ago now when I saw my first Pugsley. If you are holding back on getting one of these because you think, "I'll only use it in winter", you should re-think that position. Especially in light of the evidence. Fat bikes can do it all.

Get Yer 5G Commuter Bike (Yeah right!)

The Fastest Commuter Bike In The World (Really!)

Okay folks, rant mode ON!

You know, and I know that commuting by bicycle  is good stuff for people and the planet. I think anyone that buys this (gulp!) $5500.00 bike, and rides the bejeebees out of it, is awesome and should be cheered on.

But.......five plus G for a commuter bike? This isn't going to be a bike that gets "more butts on bikes" (Sorry QBP, but I'm borrowing that phrase for this post, okay?), but it is going to get some folks a bike that is "cool" and maybe will be added to the other rigs in the stable, or decorate some wealthy persons garage.

I don't know, but these exercises in style are okay, but let's get the folks not on bikes on bikes, ya know? The world doesn't need more "cool, uber-expensive commuter bikes". It needs cheap, reliable, long lasting, utilitarian bikes that will turn people on, not make them wave their hands in disgust at how stupidly expensive commuter bikes are.

Nuff said. Rant mode OFF.....

WTB Pure V Saddle

 Now For Something Good....

I know everyone's butt is different, but I gotta say this WTB Pure V saddle is the best perch for my behind I've yet tried. I could sit and ride on this thing all day long. It is ultra-comfy.

I recommend it for all day, cushy comfort that also doesn't get in the way when you mountain bike. The dropped nose doesn't snag, and the up-turned rear end is great for climbing longer grades. Or, you can skooch up on that padded nose for the steeps. Love Channel action takes the pressure off the nether regions for no numbness. I like feeling things.....uh, sorry! Back to saddles!

WTB also makes my second favorite saddle of all time, the classic SST. This is a better choice for mountain biking when you are in a hurry, or out of the saddle a lot, or both. Shorter rides are great with this one, but I've done all-day gravel grinders on one of my SST's, so they will cover a lot of riding.

As long as we're on the saddle kick, my Number 3 best is a Brooks B-17. Now, you could mountain bike with this, and some folks do, but I like mine on my single speed gravel grinder. Wow! Is it ever a comfortable saddle for long, rough road riding.

All Super-Hero Fabric, Crazy Tech For Yer Hands

Ergon HA-2 Gloves:

Okay, a while back I received these Ergon HA-2 Gloves with the HE-2's I looked at here. I gotta say it: These gloves are weird!

In fact, the gloves were so odd looking, with the shiny "Batman" rubber-like black trim and white rubber-like logo that I just decided I was not going to like these. I mean, they just looked like they would be waaay too hot, and I guess I failed to see how all that rubbery stuff was going to stay put on fabric that was going to stretch every which way from Sunday while I wore them on a bike.

In fact, I figured I'd send them off to my friend in California to try, but they were too small for him. Then the other day, my friend in SoCal and I were chatting about the gloves, and I remembered that I should still have them around. I figured, "Oh well! What the heck! I'll try them."

And you know what? They worked out just fine. Ergon says these are best used with the GA series of grips, and that's just what I used them with. Much of what I said about the HE-2's applies here. Tight, snug fit. Stretches a bit after a couple wearings, very tactile feel, and no nose wiper! What was different?

The wrist closure on this model is waaay better. It doesn't hardly come down onto your wrist, first of all, and the opening is biased so that it mates with the angle of your wrist/hand joint. Impressive and, well........ergonomic!

If you don't mind a "second skin" feeling in regards to gloves, hate bunching up, bad seams, or poor interface with your grips, you should check these out. I'll have to wring them out more before I pass final judgement, but these are interesting mittens, for sure. (Although the "super hero" look is not really growing on me!)

Okay folks! That's it for today. Get out and ride!

Friday News And Views

Fat: It Isn't Just For Snow Anymore: I have been getting very inspired to ride my Mukluk recently, despite the clack, snap, and pop, of the dreaded hub. I have been dreaming of big adventures as I ride my Snow Dog to work and then back home again, trying to hit all the dirt and gravel bits I can along the way.

In Dirt Or On Snow: Awesome!

I first was getting stoked from this thread on mtbr.com called "Iceland Trip Report". The imagery is off the hook cool, and fat bikes are strewn throughout doing what they do best.

Another place I have been getting fat bike stoke is from GNAT on his blog here, and also now on the Salsa Cycles blog here. The recent trip to ride beaches along Alaskan coastline is another jaw droppingly great look at what fat bikes are capable of and where you can ride them.

First off, after you are done being amazed by the scenes in these trip recounts, I would submit to you that fat bikes are not "snow bikes". Sure, that's what they were originally intended to be, but they are capable all terrain bikes in their own right. I gotta say, I wish I had thought about it that way years ago now when I saw my first Pugsley. If you are holding back on getting one of these because you think, "I'll only use it in winter", you should re-think that position. Especially in light of the evidence. Fat bikes can do it all.

Get Yer 5G Commuter Bike (Yeah right!)

The Fastest Commuter Bike In The World (Really!)

Okay folks, rant mode ON!

You know, and I know that commuting by bicycle  is good stuff for people and the planet. I think anyone that buys this (gulp!) $5500.00 bike, and rides the bejeebees out of it, is awesome and should be cheered on.

But.......five plus G for a commuter bike? This isn't going to be a bike that gets "more butts on bikes" (Sorry QBP, but I'm borrowing that phrase for this post, okay?), but it is going to get some folks a bike that is "cool" and maybe will be added to the other rigs in the stable, or decorate some wealthy persons garage.

I don't know, but these exercises in style are okay, but let's get the folks not on bikes on bikes, ya know? The world doesn't need more "cool, uber-expensive commuter bikes". It needs cheap, reliable, long lasting, utilitarian bikes that will turn people on, not make them wave their hands in disgust at how stupidly expensive commuter bikes are.

Nuff said. Rant mode OFF.....

WTB Pure V Saddle

 Now For Something Good....

I know everyone's butt is different, but I gotta say this WTB Pure V saddle is the best perch for my behind I've yet tried. I could sit and ride on this thing all day long. It is ultra-comfy.

I recommend it for all day, cushy comfort that also doesn't get in the way when you mountain bike. The dropped nose doesn't snag, and the up-turned rear end is great for climbing longer grades. Or, you can skooch up on that padded nose for the steeps. Love Channel action takes the pressure off the nether regions for no numbness. I like feeling things.....uh, sorry! Back to saddles!

WTB also makes my second favorite saddle of all time, the classic SST. This is a better choice for mountain biking when you are in a hurry, or out of the saddle a lot, or both. Shorter rides are great with this one, but I've done all-day gravel grinders on one of my SST's, so they will cover a lot of riding.

As long as we're on the saddle kick, my Number 3 best is a Brooks B-17. Now, you could mountain bike with this, and some folks do, but I like mine on my single speed gravel grinder. Wow! Is it ever a comfortable saddle for long, rough road riding.

All Super-Hero Fabric, Crazy Tech For Yer Hands

Ergon HA-2 Gloves:

Okay, a while back I received these Ergon HA-2 Gloves with the HE-2's I looked at here. I gotta say it: These gloves are weird!

In fact, the gloves were so odd looking, with the shiny "Batman" rubber-like black trim and white rubber-like logo that I just decided I was not going to like these. I mean, they just looked like they would be waaay too hot, and I guess I failed to see how all that rubbery stuff was going to stay put on fabric that was going to stretch every which way from Sunday while I wore them on a bike.

In fact, I figured I'd send them off to my friend in California to try, but they were too small for him. Then the other day, my friend in SoCal and I were chatting about the gloves, and I remembered that I should still have them around. I figured, "Oh well! What the heck! I'll try them."

And you know what? They worked out just fine. Ergon says these are best used with the GA series of grips, and that's just what I used them with. Much of what I said about the HE-2's applies here. Tight, snug fit. Stretches a bit after a couple wearings, very tactile feel, and no nose wiper! What was different?

The wrist closure on this model is waaay better. It doesn't hardly come down onto your wrist, first of all, and the opening is biased so that it mates with the angle of your wrist/hand joint. Impressive and, well........ergonomic!

If you don't mind a "second skin" feeling in regards to gloves, hate bunching up, bad seams, or poor interface with your grips, you should check these out. I'll have to wring them out more before I pass final judgement, but these are interesting mittens, for sure. (Although the "super hero" look is not really growing on me!)

Okay folks! That's it for today. Get out and ride!

Surfing With The Arachnids

Wednesday I got out to The Camp for some single track testing on the Geax Gato tires. As always in August, there is a certain little something one has to deal with if they are the first out on the trails that day.

Surfing A Different Kind Of Web

That would be the terror of the Arachnids, the spider web. These webs get laced across the trail where two trees are close enough together, (only needs to be less than ten feet in most cases), that the insect murderers can sling their webs of death across the open trails. Then, when the sun arises, they hope to have unsuspecting flying insects get caught in the sticky network of nearly invisible silk while the spiders wait patiently in the center.

A mountain bike rider doesn't really stand a chance of seeing these fine works of the Arachnids until it is too late. I have taken my past experiences as a warning though. I went quite slowly on my first circuit through the Camp's South side.

Squinting into the shadows, I could barely make out the gleam of the spider's handiwork before I tore through it. Most webs have their makers residing somewhere on them. As I said, usually in the center, right where your body makes contact with the web as you ride along. I saw several within the first 100 yards in. I would stop, pick up a stick, and looking like a mountain biking version of Harry Potter, I would wave my wooden wand and strike down the offending eight legged creature and then mount up and ride away.

A Likely Spot For Them

There were some sections where the trees were too far apart, or there were open areas, where I could ride without fear of hearing that ripping, zipper like sound of a web being stretched to the breaking point across my face. I could surf along the twisting single track with no worries, but only for a stretch. Then the trees would come together again, the webs would re-appear, and I would be waving my arms in front of me to ward off unseen traps.

I suppose I would have looked pretty spastic out there had anyone other than the couple young deer had seen me. Fortunately, no one did. I made one slow circuit, then it was wide open. I ripped through the turns, the hard pack, Geax Gato tires, and Salsa Cycles Big Mama all working in harmony. Well, now that I figured out the air pressure settings this tire likes!

I was running 20psi rear and in the mid teens up front. Those TNT sidewalls were just getting really happy at these pressures and allowing the tire to work the terrain much better than they would at higher pressures. Even in corners covered in an inch of fine sand, I was getting Velcro-like traction while ripping through the corner. Outstanding!

I'll have more to say about the Gato soon on Twenty Nine Inches.

Hopefully, I'll have no more to say about riding through anymore spider webs!

Surfing With The Arachnids

Wednesday I got out to The Camp for some single track testing on the Geax Gato tires. As always in August, there is a certain little something one has to deal with if they are the first out on the trails that day.

Surfing A Different Kind Of Web

That would be the terror of the Arachnids, the spider web. These webs get laced across the trail where two trees are close enough together, (only needs to be less than ten feet in most cases), that the insect murderers can sling their webs of death across the open trails. Then, when the sun arises, they hope to have unsuspecting flying insects get caught in the sticky network of nearly invisible silk while the spiders wait patiently in the center.

A mountain bike rider doesn't really stand a chance of seeing these fine works of the Arachnids until it is too late. I have taken my past experiences as a warning though. I went quite slowly on my first circuit through the Camp's South side.

Squinting into the shadows, I could barely make out the gleam of the spider's handiwork before I tore through it. Most webs have their makers residing somewhere on them. As I said, usually in the center, right where your body makes contact with the web as you ride along. I saw several within the first 100 yards in. I would stop, pick up a stick, and looking like a mountain biking version of Harry Potter, I would wave my wooden wand and strike down the offending eight legged creature and then mount up and ride away.

A Likely Spot For Them

There were some sections where the trees were too far apart, or there were open areas, where I could ride without fear of hearing that ripping, zipper like sound of a web being stretched to the breaking point across my face. I could surf along the twisting single track with no worries, but only for a stretch. Then the trees would come together again, the webs would re-appear, and I would be waving my arms in front of me to ward off unseen traps.

I suppose I would have looked pretty spastic out there had anyone other than the couple young deer had seen me. Fortunately, no one did. I made one slow circuit, then it was wide open. I ripped through the turns, the hard pack, Geax Gato tires, and Salsa Cycles Big Mama all working in harmony. Well, now that I figured out the air pressure settings this tire likes!

I was running 20psi rear and in the mid teens up front. Those TNT sidewalls were just getting really happy at these pressures and allowing the tire to work the terrain much better than they would at higher pressures. Even in corners covered in an inch of fine sand, I was getting Velcro-like traction while ripping through the corner. Outstanding!

I'll have more to say about the Gato soon on Twenty Nine Inches.

Hopefully, I'll have no more to say about riding through anymore spider webs!

Wheel Building Shall Commence!

I have said several times that I was ready to move on from the debacle with that Phil Wood & Co rear hub for the Snow Dog. Well, the first, really big hurdle was getting my wheel back, which happened a while ago. The next big hurdle was waiting for the matched pairs of Salsa hubs to become available. Guess what......

New Hubs for the Snow Dog

Here they are! I just got these Tuesday, so now I need to score some spokes, and then a wheel building session will take place. Can't wait!

There are several reasons I am excited. Obviously, this rear hub will be much better than the old, crunching, popping, snapping one.

The Snow Dog will be right, for once! And.......I get to build some wheels. I take a good bit of pleasure in that fact. It will be fun to get this together. Building wheels is very enjoyable for me, but maybe I am an oddball that way. (No wait! Don't comment on that! Ha!)

The old hub will be taken care of, one way or the other. I tell ya, I think it is possessed. I was riding it to work Tuesday, and it was doing its normal "snap-pop" deal after every coast, when it suddenly started in to popping on every pedal stroke. Weird! I coasted, started pedaling again, and.......silencio!

For six blocks or so, it was perfect, but then, "snap-pop" came back again, and it even freewheeled a half revolution today, which it hadn't done yet since I got it back. I tell ya. Ya just gotta laugh at this point. It is sooooo ridiculous.

Heck, I won't hardly know what to think if I get a rear wheel that belongs to me in this thing that actually works as it should!

Wheel Building Shall Commence!

I have said several times that I was ready to move on from the debacle with that Phil Wood & Co rear hub for the Snow Dog. Well, the first, really big hurdle was getting my wheel back, which happened a while ago. The next big hurdle was waiting for the matched pairs of Salsa hubs to become available. Guess what......

New Hubs for the Snow Dog

Here they are! I just got these Tuesday, so now I need to score some spokes, and then a wheel building session will take place. Can't wait!

There are several reasons I am excited. Obviously, this rear hub will be much better than the old, crunching, popping, snapping one.

The Snow Dog will be right, for once! And.......I get to build some wheels. I take a good bit of pleasure in that fact. It will be fun to get this together. Building wheels is very enjoyable for me, but maybe I am an oddball that way. (No wait! Don't comment on that! Ha!)

The old hub will be taken care of, one way or the other. I tell ya, I think it is possessed. I was riding it to work Tuesday, and it was doing its normal "snap-pop" deal after every coast, when it suddenly started in to popping on every pedal stroke. Weird! I coasted, started pedaling again, and.......silencio!

For six blocks or so, it was perfect, but then, "snap-pop" came back again, and it even freewheeled a half revolution today, which it hadn't done yet since I got it back. I tell ya. Ya just gotta laugh at this point. It is sooooo ridiculous.

Heck, I won't hardly know what to think if I get a rear wheel that belongs to me in this thing that actually works as it should!

Big News For The Shop

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may have caught on that I wrench at Europa Cycle and Ski. I have worked there nearly 9 years now, and was a wrench at a former Cedar Falls shop before this. Well, the shop just made a change yesterday that I think is going to be awesome.

Salsa Cycles Is Coming!

I've been a big fan of Salsa Cycles for a long time. Their recent change to being "adventure focused" follows on my view that "adventuring" will be/is the next big trend in cycling in the U.S. If recent happenings at Salsa are any indication, I think I am right, and they are on to something.

So, a bit of a disclaimer is in order. The shop where I work has been pursuing becoming a Salsa Cycles dealer for the last six months. I suppose I have influenced that to some degree, but I do not own, nor manage the shop where I work. I am "just a mechanic". Okay? Of course, I am thrilled that Europa is a Salsa dealer now, but it wasn't my decision to pull the trigger on this.

Now, when I speak of Salsa Cycles products, I will be reminding you all that now I work at a Salsa Cycles dealership. Just so you know, it doesn't matter from the standpoint of these digital pages whether we are or are not a dealer where I work, but I think being up front about that is what I should do. I will still be giving you my honest opinion on the brand's products.

What It Means For The Shop And Locals: Soon, and I don't know exactly when, Europa will have a nice, entry level selection of Salsa Cycles bicycles. You'll be able to check out Fargo's, a Vaya or two, an El Mariachi, a Mukluk, and a Casseroll.

I think the customers of the shop will really be well served by these models. They offer a lot of things the other lines the shop carries don't, and Salsa's designs work very well.

I'm stoked about this, because I really like my Fargo and my Mukluk. My old '07 El Mariachi is one of my favorite rigs as well. Salsa has other bikes like the upcoming Horsethief full suspension rig, the Spearfish full suspension rigs, the Chile Con Crosso cross bike, and the Mamasita as well which the shop is not bringing in, but I assume we can order these. Oh yeah, did I mention that there are titanium versions of several of these models? Yup, there are, and those titanium bikes are made in the U.S.A. as well.

So, there ya go. Just thought I should let everyone know what's up.

Big News For The Shop

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may have caught on that I wrench at Europa Cycle and Ski. I have worked there nearly 9 years now, and was a wrench at a former Cedar Falls shop before this. Well, the shop just made a change yesterday that I think is going to be awesome.

Salsa Cycles Is Coming!

I've been a big fan of Salsa Cycles for a long time. Their recent change to being "adventure focused" follows on my view that "adventuring" will be/is the next big trend in cycling in the U.S. If recent happenings at Salsa are any indication, I think I am right, and they are on to something.

So, a bit of a disclaimer is in order. The shop where I work has been pursuing becoming a Salsa Cycles dealer for the last six months. I suppose I have influenced that to some degree, but I do not own, nor manage the shop where I work. I am "just a mechanic". Okay? Of course, I am thrilled that Europa is a Salsa dealer now, but it wasn't my decision to pull the trigger on this.

Now, when I speak of Salsa Cycles products, I will be reminding you all that now I work at a Salsa Cycles dealership. Just so you know, it doesn't matter from the standpoint of these digital pages whether we are or are not a dealer where I work, but I think being up front about that is what I should do. I will still be giving you my honest opinion on the brand's products.

What It Means For The Shop And Locals: Soon, and I don't know exactly when, Europa will have a nice, entry level selection of Salsa Cycles bicycles. You'll be able to check out Fargo's, a Vaya or two, an El Mariachi, a Mukluk, and a Casseroll.

I think the customers of the shop will really be well served by these models. They offer a lot of things the other lines the shop carries don't, and Salsa's designs work very well.

I'm stoked about this, because I really like my Fargo and my Mukluk. My old '07 El Mariachi is one of my favorite rigs as well. Salsa has other bikes like the upcoming Horsethief full suspension rig, the Spearfish full suspension rigs, the Chile Con Crosso cross bike, and the Mamasita as well which the shop is not bringing in, but I assume we can order these. Oh yeah, did I mention that there are titanium versions of several of these models? Yup, there are, and those titanium bikes are made in the U.S.A. as well.

So, there ya go. Just thought I should let everyone know what's up.

Drop Bars: Catching Up With The Testing

I've been doing some drop bar research over the course of the year in between all the other stuff I do around here. I thought it was high time I get a round up together of where I am at so far with regards to checking out all the various choices I have been able to get around to. (What a problem to have, by the way! Four years ago, there was the Midge and Gary I bar, and that was it!)

So, here is a bit of a snap shot as to where I am at so far with an eye towards maybe getting some of this wrapped up soon so I can move on to some other bars....

Origin 8 Gary II Bar

The Gary Bar, Take Two: 

I've been using the Gary Bar, version II since early in the year. This one is about done as far as testing is concerned.

Essentially, this is a rendition of a deep drop road bar with minimal flare. It is so radically different from the original Gary Bar as to be something that really deserves its own name.

It is comfortable enough, sure, and I've put down some long miles with it. This bar reminds me of the older touring bars with deep drops we used to use 15-20 years ago. I don't particularly care for it off road though. The drops are just too deep, and the sweep and flare is too minimal for my liking.

The Ragley Luxy Bar

And Now For Something Completely Different: 

The Ragley Luxy Bar is so far to the other extreme from the Gary II that I can't imagine how a drop bar meant for off road could be anymore different. Shallow, really flared, and really swept, this bar is either a "like it or hate it" proposition.

I've tried it with gears, (STI shifters, to be exact), but my favorite way to use these is with a single speed set up. The Luxy is so wide and swept that it just lends itself to single speeding. I think it offers more leverage out of the saddle. However; the width can be an issue in tighter trees and in fast single track where clipping those swept ends is a definite possibility.

The Cowbell 2

Ding! Dong! Is This One A Winner?

The Salsa Cycles Cowbell 2 came along this summer and I have put hundreds of gravel road miles on it so far.

I wouldn't really like it for off roading though, because much like the Gary II Bar above, the Cowbell just doesn't flare or sweep quite enough for my tastes. If it did, it would probably be my "go to" off road bar, since it is tantalizingly close to what I would want in a single trackin' off road drop bar.

However; for gravel travel, or rough roads, or heck......just plain road ridin', the Cowbell is the best handle bar I can imagine for use with today's "brifters". (Soon we'll all be just pushin' buttons and none of this will matter. In fact, I bet someone will figure out pretty soon that Shimano's levers are unnecessary for Di2 to work, and will run whatever old, lighter aero levers they are used to.) Anyway, these are to die for if you need a slightly swept, variable radius drop bar. I just wish Salsa would come out with silver ones!

Salsa Cycles Woodchipper Bar

Old Reliable:

I continue to use a Salsa Cycles Woodchipper as well. It does seem to cut a good middle ground between bars like the Luxy and Gary I Bars and the bars like the Gary II Bars and the Cowbell.

It works great with STI levers and it works great with a single speed set up. It seems to be pretty decent off road too.

The only issue is like with the Luxy Bar- The sweep may cause you to clip a tree now and again, so this may not work best for tighter, woodsy trails.

I really like the Woodchipper though, and it has a great balance of comfort and ergonomics. I don't like the bend coming off the drops to the extensions though- or I should say, the radius of that bend, which I feel isn't tight enough, but it isn't terrible.

Other Bars: I've ridden Midge Bars a ton, and have two sitting around here still. I also still occasionally use the Gary I bars, and have two sets of those yet. (No wait! Three!)

I would still like to get a WTB drop bar, and that Nitto bar I mentioned a while back, but those will have to wait until fall.

Once I get rides on all of these, look for a detailed ride report on one page. Stay tuned!

Drop Bars: Catching Up With The Testing

I've been doing some drop bar research over the course of the year in between all the other stuff I do around here. I thought it was high time I get a round up together of where I am at so far with regards to checking out all the various choices I have been able to get around to. (What a problem to have, by the way! Four years ago, there was the Midge and Gary I bar, and that was it!)

So, here is a bit of a snap shot as to where I am at so far with an eye towards maybe getting some of this wrapped up soon so I can move on to some other bars....

Origin 8 Gary II Bar

The Gary Bar, Take Two: 

I've been using the Gary Bar, version II since early in the year. This one is about done as far as testing is concerned.

Essentially, this is a rendition of a deep drop road bar with minimal flare. It is so radically different from the original Gary Bar as to be something that really deserves its own name.

It is comfortable enough, sure, and I've put down some long miles with it. This bar reminds me of the older touring bars with deep drops we used to use 15-20 years ago. I don't particularly care for it off road though. The drops are just too deep, and the sweep and flare is too minimal for my liking.

The Ragley Luxy Bar

And Now For Something Completely Different: 

The Ragley Luxy Bar is so far to the other extreme from the Gary II that I can't imagine how a drop bar meant for off road could be anymore different. Shallow, really flared, and really swept, this bar is either a "like it or hate it" proposition.

I've tried it with gears, (STI shifters, to be exact), but my favorite way to use these is with a single speed set up. The Luxy is so wide and swept that it just lends itself to single speeding. I think it offers more leverage out of the saddle. However; the width can be an issue in tighter trees and in fast single track where clipping those swept ends is a definite possibility.

The Cowbell 2

Ding! Dong! Is This One A Winner?

The Salsa Cycles Cowbell 2 came along this summer and I have put hundreds of gravel road miles on it so far.

I wouldn't really like it for off roading though, because much like the Gary II Bar above, the Cowbell just doesn't flare or sweep quite enough for my tastes. If it did, it would probably be my "go to" off road bar, since it is tantalizingly close to what I would want in a single trackin' off road drop bar.

However; for gravel travel, or rough roads, or heck......just plain road ridin', the Cowbell is the best handle bar I can imagine for use with today's "brifters". (Soon we'll all be just pushin' buttons and none of this will matter. In fact, I bet someone will figure out pretty soon that Shimano's levers are unnecessary for Di2 to work, and will run whatever old, lighter aero levers they are used to.) Anyway, these are to die for if you need a slightly swept, variable radius drop bar. I just wish Salsa would come out with silver ones!

Salsa Cycles Woodchipper Bar

Old Reliable:

I continue to use a Salsa Cycles Woodchipper as well. It does seem to cut a good middle ground between bars like the Luxy and Gary I Bars and the bars like the Gary II Bars and the Cowbell.

It works great with STI levers and it works great with a single speed set up. It seems to be pretty decent off road too.

The only issue is like with the Luxy Bar- The sweep may cause you to clip a tree now and again, so this may not work best for tighter, woodsy trails.

I really like the Woodchipper though, and it has a great balance of comfort and ergonomics. I don't like the bend coming off the drops to the extensions though- or I should say, the radius of that bend, which I feel isn't tight enough, but it isn't terrible.

Other Bars: I've ridden Midge Bars a ton, and have two sitting around here still. I also still occasionally use the Gary I bars, and have two sets of those yet. (No wait! Three!)

I would still like to get a WTB drop bar, and that Nitto bar I mentioned a while back, but those will have to wait until fall.

Once I get rides on all of these, look for a detailed ride report on one page. Stay tuned!

Whelp! I Guess I Guessed Right?

Rebecca Rusch (Image courtesy of Specialized)

Friday evening I put up a post on Twenty Nine Inches that was based off a press release from Specialized that featured two of its sponsored riders, Todd Wells and Rebecca Rusch. I named the post:"Leadville 2011: Could 29″ers Take The Top Spots?".

As many of you now know, I got it right. Well, I think if you consider the details leading up to the event, it wasn't all that hard to guess correctly. Let's consider the following:

-Lance Armstrong, although he qualified to race, wasn't toeing the line this year. Had he thrown his hat into the ring, he would have been a top pick to win it.

-Six time  Leadville champ, Dave Wiens wasn't racing either. Again, you'd have to slot him in as a number one pick had he been in the race.

-Many pro roadies were already racing in the Tour of Utah, or were going to be at the Tour of Colorado. Roadies? Yup! The LT 100 suits roadies quite well, and this year they graded out rougher sections of the course, making them "B Road" smooth. Levi Leipheimer has won the event before, in record time, just last year.

-Many top mountain bike riders were overseas contesting the World Cup. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, who came in second last year, wasn't there either. This narrowed down my choices quite a bit.

-Todd Wells is in top condition right now. He just won the National XC Championship jersey, and Todd is always a top contender at any XC race he enters. Why didn't he go overseas to contest the World Cup? I can not say for sure, but Specialized has a top flite XC racer this year in Jaroslav Kulhavy who is making history every time he wins on his Epic 29"er. Keeping Todd in the US for another shot at making history might have been too good to pass up.

-Rebecca Rusch: Nuff said. Until she stops focusing on the LT 100, or starts to wane in her abilities, she will continue to be a threat to win the women's race at Leadville. This year? She lopped off even more time from her previous record at Leadville. Amazing! There was no way I would have bet against her at Leadville.

So, when you think about those things, and if there were no flat tires, mechanicals, or other mayhem for the two Specialized riders, (like there was for their competition, by the way), it was likely these two riders would contend for wins. They did, and they did. But, as I mention, it wasn't without a little "help" on the men's side, at least. Alban Lakata of Topeak-Ergon made a great race of it, coming in second on a flat tire. Had he not flatted? Well, who knows?

So, it was a lucky, somewhat educated guess, and no big deal in the end. It isn't like I could have picked the correct lottery numbers or anything magical like that!

Whelp! I Guess I Guessed Right?

Rebecca Rusch (Image courtesy of Specialized)

Friday evening I put up a post on Twenty Nine Inches that was based off a press release from Specialized that featured two of its sponsored riders, Todd Wells and Rebecca Rusch. I named the post:"Leadville 2011: Could 29″ers Take The Top Spots?".

As many of you now know, I got it right. Well, I think if you consider the details leading up to the event, it wasn't all that hard to guess correctly. Let's consider the following:

-Lance Armstrong, although he qualified to race, wasn't toeing the line this year. Had he thrown his hat into the ring, he would have been a top pick to win it.

-Six time  Leadville champ, Dave Wiens wasn't racing either. Again, you'd have to slot him in as a number one pick had he been in the race.

-Many pro roadies were already racing in the Tour of Utah, or were going to be at the Tour of Colorado. Roadies? Yup! The LT 100 suits roadies quite well, and this year they graded out rougher sections of the course, making them "B Road" smooth. Levi Leipheimer has won the event before, in record time, just last year.

-Many top mountain bike riders were overseas contesting the World Cup. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, who came in second last year, wasn't there either. This narrowed down my choices quite a bit.

-Todd Wells is in top condition right now. He just won the National XC Championship jersey, and Todd is always a top contender at any XC race he enters. Why didn't he go overseas to contest the World Cup? I can not say for sure, but Specialized has a top flite XC racer this year in Jaroslav Kulhavy who is making history every time he wins on his Epic 29"er. Keeping Todd in the US for another shot at making history might have been too good to pass up.

-Rebecca Rusch: Nuff said. Until she stops focusing on the LT 100, or starts to wane in her abilities, she will continue to be a threat to win the women's race at Leadville. This year? She lopped off even more time from her previous record at Leadville. Amazing! There was no way I would have bet against her at Leadville.

So, when you think about those things, and if there were no flat tires, mechanicals, or other mayhem for the two Specialized riders, (like there was for their competition, by the way), it was likely these two riders would contend for wins. They did, and they did. But, as I mention, it wasn't without a little "help" on the men's side, at least. Alban Lakata of Topeak-Ergon made a great race of it, coming in second on a flat tire. Had he not flatted? Well, who knows?

So, it was a lucky, somewhat educated guess, and no big deal in the end. It isn't like I could have picked the correct lottery numbers or anything magical like that!

Announcing Another Incredibly Dumb Decision!

After seven of these events that are incredibly tough and draining emotionally to put on, you'd think I'd know better. After losing my co-director after the last one, (who showed more smarts than me in cutting his losses), you'd think I'd have a clue. But.........I guess I ain't very smart!

Let it be known that as of today a Trans Iowa V8 is officially in the works. 

Why? Well, I have my reasons. I am not going to divulge them publicly, but I am determined to put on at least one more of these adventures.  I don't have much for details other than that I am going to run the event on the 28th-29th of April, 2012.

I won't have a lot for other details for a while yet. That could always change quickly, so pay attention to the site for finer details as I get them figured out. I will say that I have a very loose idea of what I want to do, and I will be consulting with a few individuals as to fine tuning these ideas into a course, a place to have the event, and all of that. Right now, everything is on the table for discussion, but several dominoes could fall that will make the outline much clearer in a hurry.

Stay tuned. Gravel will be traveled.

Announcing Another Incredibly Dumb Decision!

After seven of these events that are incredibly tough and draining emotionally to put on, you'd think I'd know better. After losing my co-director after the last one, (who showed more smarts than me in cutting his losses), you'd think I'd have a clue. But.........I guess I ain't very smart!

Let it be known that as of today a Trans Iowa V8 is officially in the works. 

Why? Well, I have my reasons. I am not going to divulge them publicly, but I am determined to put on at least one more of these adventures.  I don't have much for details other than that I am going to run the event on the 28th-29th of April, 2012.

I won't have a lot for other details for a while yet. That could always change quickly, so pay attention to the site for finer details as I get them figured out. I will say that I have a very loose idea of what I want to do, and I will be consulting with a few individuals as to fine tuning these ideas into a course, a place to have the event, and all of that. Right now, everything is on the table for discussion, but several dominoes could fall that will make the outline much clearer in a hurry.

Stay tuned. Gravel will be traveled.

Friday News And Views

Fat Bike News: I like "fat bikes". These are the "snow bikes" that you may have seen like the Pugsley from Surly Bikes. I have a Salsa Cycles Mukluk here already, and love to ride it around. Now there are going to be even more of these bikes available than ever before. I reported on the as yet unseen Moonlander from Surly, and now, here is another contender. This from the unlikeliest of sources, but perhaps not, On One:

Just A Prototype....for now!

On One has brought in some new and old blood which has re-energized the company and I look for more good things than just this fat bike. This is an idea broached by Shiggy, he of mtbtires.com fame. Shiggy got ahold of me several months ago and was asking a lot of questions about my fat bike. So.....I figured something was up. Then Brant Richards, (he was one of the originals of On One, left for a bit, and now has come back), posted this on his "Shedfire" blog yesterday.

Anywho....this is still a design in flux. It features a 44mm head tube, which is huge, but would accommodate a tapered steer tube fork. Also, and maybe more importantly, it would accommodate an angle set head set. Brant says this may get a slacker head tube angle than it has. Shiggy is calling it a "rock crawler". I like all of it!

Does the world need another fat bike? Look at this thread from mtbr.com and tell me you wouldn't want to do something like this. (Warning! You might be late for something because of all the awesome imagery in the linked thread!)

Look for more details on the On One frame coming this winter. I hear it may not become available until later winter or spring at the soonest.

With this, the new Moonlander, a Mukluk 2, (a better spec'ed aluminum framed Muk), and a titanium frame only Mukluk coming soon, the fat bike availability will be skyrocketing in the coming year. Will folks bite? You should think really hard about it, because it is more fun than you can imagine!

The Quick Release Is Dead! I've written before about how the "QR" is going the way of the Dodo Bird. But have you thought about whether or not we need through axles? Some companies are not convinced.

An Example of a 142mm X 12mm Through Axle Rear.

Specialized is one such company that does have through axle equipped bikes, but also does an oversized axle end cap design which they have said is stiffer than a 15QR front axle in their testing.

So, could we have such a device for the rear of our bikes and get through axle stiffness? I mean, take a look at what the actual interface is on the inside of a quick release and the frame. Not much contact area there, is there?

Quick release designs have pretty much been unchanged since the days of steel road bike frames from the 30's when Tulio Campagnolo designed the first one. He had no idea that there would be 6 inch travel mountain bikes. See what I mean?

Now, here you can stop and think about the Maxle, a SRAM/Rock Shox product, or maybe look at White Brothers Loop fork's 15 QR axle, and see some very familiar "qr-like" features. While they do not work entirely like a regular quick release, it doesn't take much imagination to see how "oversized quick releases" based on the same idea as a regular 9mm quick release could be done.

DT Swiss does another take on the traditional "QR" with is RWS type "ratcheting" skewers. These are really nice as well. I would combine the features of an oversized axle with a RWS-like function for a modern take on the regular "QR" that would basically render the "thru-axle", (threading into another bit on a fork or frame), unnecessary.

All we would really need then is bigger drop outs. Hey- If BMX-icans can do it, so can we. It's high time road bikes got in on this deal, by the way.

Yes: You Need To Add Air

The Air Commandments: Lately we have had a rash of "issues" at the shop where I work concerning folks that didn't realize that bicycle tubes and tires need to have the air topped off occasionally for proper performance and safety.

Yes- really!

So, as odd as it may seem to many of us, I can not assume that all my readers are aware that you have responsibilities as a cyclist to your tires and their care and feeding. Without the proper tire husbandry, your tires and tubes will wither and die, leaving you bereft of the innumerable joys of cycling. To aid in your understanding of your immense responsibilities towards your helpless tires and tubes, I offer these "Air Commandments". (Of course, much like the Israelites from biblical times, you will not follow these commandments and will anger the "air god" who will punish you with ultra-high roling resistance and permanently flat tires due to pinching.)

Thou Shalt Check Air Pressure Before Every Ride: To maintain your ride characteristics that bring ultimate nirvana, you must check your air pressure before each and every ride, or suffer accordingly.

Thou Shalt Own A Pump And A Gauge, And Know How To Use Them: Presta or Schrader, "Bar" or "psi", every rider should know the ins and outs of their tubes and tires, which are the most important thing on your bicycle besides yourself. Without properly functioning rubber, you ain't gettin' nowhere! Get to know a floor pump with a good gauge. You won't ever be sorry you did.

Thou Shalt Know How To Repair A Flat Tire: Duh! This one is a "no-brainer". (Or would you rather walk five miles because you don't want to get your hands dirty?)

Okay- do these and be happy. I say again- Rejoice! You will always be prepared and have tires that roll everlasting. The End!

Okay folks! Have a great weekend. Ride your bicycles. Have fun!

Friday News And Views

Fat Bike News: I like "fat bikes". These are the "snow bikes" that you may have seen like the Pugsley from Surly Bikes. I have a Salsa Cycles Mukluk here already, and love to ride it around. Now there are going to be even more of these bikes available than ever before. I reported on the as yet unseen Moonlander from Surly, and now, here is another contender. This from the unlikeliest of sources, but perhaps not, On One:

Just A Prototype....for now!

On One has brought in some new and old blood which has re-energized the company and I look for more good things than just this fat bike. This is an idea broached by Shiggy, he of mtbtires.com fame. Shiggy got ahold of me several months ago and was asking a lot of questions about my fat bike. So.....I figured something was up. Then Brant Richards, (he was one of the originals of On One, left for a bit, and now has come back), posted this on his "Shedfire" blog yesterday.

Anywho....this is still a design in flux. It features a 44mm head tube, which is huge, but would accommodate a tapered steer tube fork. Also, and maybe more importantly, it would accommodate an angle set head set. Brant says this may get a slacker head tube angle than it has. Shiggy is calling it a "rock crawler". I like all of it!

Does the world need another fat bike? Look at this thread from mtbr.com and tell me you wouldn't want to do something like this. (Warning! You might be late for something because of all the awesome imagery in the linked thread!)

Look for more details on the On One frame coming this winter. I hear it may not become available until later winter or spring at the soonest.

With this, the new Moonlander, a Mukluk 2, (a better spec'ed aluminum framed Muk), and a titanium frame only Mukluk coming soon, the fat bike availability will be skyrocketing in the coming year. Will folks bite? You should think really hard about it, because it is more fun than you can imagine!

The Quick Release Is Dead! I've written before about how the "QR" is going the way of the Dodo Bird. But have you thought about whether or not we need through axles? Some companies are not convinced.

An Example of a 142mm X 12mm Through Axle Rear.

Specialized is one such company that does have through axle equipped bikes, but also does an oversized axle end cap design which they have said is stiffer than a 15QR front axle in their testing.

So, could we have such a device for the rear of our bikes and get through axle stiffness? I mean, take a look at what the actual interface is on the inside of a quick release and the frame. Not much contact area there, is there?

Quick release designs have pretty much been unchanged since the days of steel road bike frames from the 30's when Tulio Campagnolo designed the first one. He had no idea that there would be 6 inch travel mountain bikes. See what I mean?

Now, here you can stop and think about the Maxle, a SRAM/Rock Shox product, or maybe look at White Brothers Loop fork's 15 QR axle, and see some very familiar "qr-like" features. While they do not work entirely like a regular quick release, it doesn't take much imagination to see how "oversized quick releases" based on the same idea as a regular 9mm quick release could be done.

DT Swiss does another take on the traditional "QR" with is RWS type "ratcheting" skewers. These are really nice as well. I would combine the features of an oversized axle with a RWS-like function for a modern take on the regular "QR" that would basically render the "thru-axle", (threading into another bit on a fork or frame), unnecessary.

All we would really need then is bigger drop outs. Hey- If BMX-icans can do it, so can we. It's high time road bikes got in on this deal, by the way.

Yes: You Need To Add Air

The Air Commandments: Lately we have had a rash of "issues" at the shop where I work concerning folks that didn't realize that bicycle tubes and tires need to have the air topped off occasionally for proper performance and safety.

Yes- really!

So, as odd as it may seem to many of us, I can not assume that all my readers are aware that you have responsibilities as a cyclist to your tires and their care and feeding. Without the proper tire husbandry, your tires and tubes will wither and die, leaving you bereft of the innumerable joys of cycling. To aid in your understanding of your immense responsibilities towards your helpless tires and tubes, I offer these "Air Commandments". (Of course, much like the Israelites from biblical times, you will not follow these commandments and will anger the "air god" who will punish you with ultra-high roling resistance and permanently flat tires due to pinching.)

Thou Shalt Check Air Pressure Before Every Ride: To maintain your ride characteristics that bring ultimate nirvana, you must check your air pressure before each and every ride, or suffer accordingly.

Thou Shalt Own A Pump And A Gauge, And Know How To Use Them: Presta or Schrader, "Bar" or "psi", every rider should know the ins and outs of their tubes and tires, which are the most important thing on your bicycle besides yourself. Without properly functioning rubber, you ain't gettin' nowhere! Get to know a floor pump with a good gauge. You won't ever be sorry you did.

Thou Shalt Know How To Repair A Flat Tire: Duh! This one is a "no-brainer". (Or would you rather walk five miles because you don't want to get your hands dirty?)

Okay- do these and be happy. I say again- Rejoice! You will always be prepared and have tires that roll everlasting. The End!

Okay folks! Have a great weekend. Ride your bicycles. Have fun!

Gates Carbon Drive Center Track: Conclusions

I have been riding the Gates Carbon Center Track on the Fisher Collection Sawyer for a while now and here are my thoughts on the system. I think Gates has come a long, long way in regard to the functionality, but.....(.there's always a "but"), there are other concerns surrounding the system that give me pause. Some are surmountable, some perhaps not so much.

"What's The Ratio, Kenneth?"

First off, the system works. I'll be perfectly clear. Gates has finally made a belt drive that you can use just like your chain system- no binding, and freer spin on the cranks, almost as good as a very worn in chain drive. The belt stays on the cogs, and there are no noises that don't belong. (Meaning no noise at all.)

Let's face it, the Sawyer is steel, and we all know that frame is twisting and flexing some. Not a lot, but the previous Carbon Drive belt I used, on an arguably much stouter steel frame, was not quiet, and did pop and squeal some times. It never ratcheted, but it wasn't dead quiet, and I had to have that belt "banjo string tight" to keep it tracking. Not so with the Center Track.

Had the Sawyer been equipped with the older belt, I don't think I would have given it a passing grade at all. Not with that frame, at any rate. That was a silly thing to my mind anyway. Why run a belt if it meant you had to have a very stiff, rough riding, over built frame so it wouldn't ratchet or derail? It just seemed stupid, really. Now Center Track seems to have relaxed those requirements to the point that if the frame did flex enough to give you issues, it probably would mean the frame is a poor choice for single speeding.

The new cogs are great. No more tearing up the bases of rear cogs and no goofy flanges to start making noise when things get wet/dirty. The stainless steel rear cog is a thing of CNC beauty, and the front ring, while rather bland looking, does its job perfectly.

That little fin in the middle is the magic to these. It keeps the belt from derailing, and allows for slight out of alignment conditions like when the frame twists slightly as you torque the pedals hard going up a climb. The belt itself is pretty amazing. Wider at 12mm, it is the widest belt Gates has offered for a bicycle, and it just works. I had a bit of tooth interfacing noise right out of the box, but it literally went away within the span of a couple of rides. Since then, I just periodically check the tension by pushing down on the belt, (admittedly, a no-tech way to do that!), but theoretically, the belt should never stretch, or need much of anything beyond a washing with water and a visual inspection from time to time.

Not A Lot Of Choice

So, it works. Then it is good to go, right? Not quite. There are a few things which are stumbling blocks that Gates may or may not get squared away with the Center Track. If they do, it could be the premier single speed drive train choice. It could, but.......

Cog Selection Is Too Narrow: Gates says they will offer a wide array of ratio choices at some point, but as of now, only the ratio I have is available. It was too tall to get me up some of the steeper inclines we have here, and it is way too stout of a gear for extended mountain climbing. At least on a 29"er it is. Admittedly, given time, this should get better. Just don't expect much for choice yet.

The system is very expensive. Even the previous incarnation of belt drive was/is expensive, and you can get two complete chain driven drive trains for the price of one Gates set up. Add in the fact that you will likely need a different belt and cog for different ratios, and it could get ugly on the pocketbook. Of course, the components are said to out last chains and traditional cogs/chain rings by a huge amount, but the upfront costs of getting into a Gates set up with multiple ratios would be staggering.

Tensioning is still a problem. Not everyone carries their iPhone on rides, or wants to. Then again, not all cyclists have iPhones. So that ap for "tuning" the belt tension, while clever, will not be of much use to many people. Folks that have bikes requiring re-tensioning every time they remove the rear wheel, or change ratios are going to have a hard time. Gates needs to come up with a repeatable, easy, mechanically measured means to tension their belts properly that can be carried easily on the bike. Engineers at Gates, "Go!" Let's see this get done and soon. 

And You Still Need A Special Frame. After all, not all frames can be, or should be Gates compatible. So your favorite geometry, or brand may not be compatible. Chains can be fitted to any bicycle, Gates equipped or no.

Then you have to also consider the myriad ways that a chain can accommodate making almost any ratio work on any given bicycle, and even can make bicycles not meant to be single speeds into single speeds. Derailleurs? Yeah. One choice there!

With that said, I am still excited about a Gates Center Track set up. Why? Because of winter, more than anything. I would love to see a snow bike in my stable with an internally geared hub driven by a Gates Center Track belt. To me, that would be the ultimate winter set up for around here.