Just Riding Along… New Bike!
Some days, it just happens to be your day. Every thing is going smoothly, and things effortlessly fall into place. Today was that day. After randomly searching Craigslist for bikes, which I have not done in a while, I stumbled onto a bike posting that got my attention. After a few emails, I ended the day with this:
This is a first generation Kona Ute cargo bike. You might be thinking, “Didn’t you just sell an Xtracycle cargo bike kit this year?” Yes. I moved the Xtracycle, and regretted it after it was gone. That thought, paired with the idea of a different cargo bike to haul the kiddos around, ended up with this strange twist of fate of finding this bike at complete random. Timing is everything right?
This bike is from 2008 I believe, and it has the newer style Ute cargo bags that are super large, and very heavy duty. Drivetrain is set up as a 2×8, which is surprisingly low geared. After a little tweaking this afternoon, and a small ride around the neighborhood, this bike is going to be in the stable for some time. Or at least a year or so…
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Airborne Sabre build.
After writing about Airborne’s Interbike sale not too long ago (here) a friend of mine decided that she wanted to get back into cycling. What great timing on her part! With the sale price, a bike in a box showed up at her place today for the amazing price of $250! Since I am the resident bike geek in the workplace, I picked up the box on my way home from work to put together the Sabre for her, and thought I would post the build process. I am still not so sure I would call this a build, it was that easy!
The Sabre was packed amazingly well. Every important part was covered, and most if not all of the bike was tied together in one unit. There was a small accessories box that was loose in the larger bike box, that held the manual, reflectors, and two cable ferrules. This box had a small hole that had developed in transit, but nothing seemed to be missing. That would be my only complaint in the shipping category.
Once out of the box, the seat post was installed to place the bike on the rack, and I spent the majority of the build time taking off the packing material. All of the tubes of the bike were wrapped and taped, the fork was bubble-wrapped and taped, the bars were wrapped and taped; do you see a pattern yet? It was packed very well, with nothing really forgotten about. Everything went together as smoothly as possible.
Sabre out of the box.
One non-issue, that potentially could be an issue(Maybe?) is that the stem is installed backwards. This enables the fork to be installed during the shipping process, as the stem in the reverse position makes the bike easier to pack. This only takes an allen wrench to loosen two bolts, but I could see some folks just turning the stem around, while attached, and ending up with a fork in the wrong position. I think it would be very obvious, but some might not. I feel it should be noted though…
After the stem was spun around, I mounted the handlebars, installed the front wheel, and inflated the tires to the proper level. While the bike was still on the stand, I tested out the shifting and braking, and everything was as it should be, so pedals were installed and it was time for a test ride.
The Sabre reminded me of my first “serious” mountain bike, only the Sabre costs around $200 less! Just around 15 minutes speeding around the neighborhood, mostly due to this bike not being my size. Anyway though, in my short time with it, I walked away impressed. The shifting was spot on. The Shimano 7 speed shifters, matched to Shimano derailleurs front and back worked like a charm. I was expecting to spend most of the evening fine tuning the shifting, and I did not even have to adjust it. Flawless! The Tektro Novela disc brakes also surprised me, being a great, easy, virtually set-up free disc brake. The fork did not impress me as much as the other items, but I am used to riding a rigid steel bike, so I would probably not be the best to judge the suspension. Top all of that off with a WTB saddle, and that is a smoking deal for your first mountain bike. Well done Airborne!
If you are on the fence about buying an Airborne due to putting it together yourself, don’t be. This ended up being maybe a 30 minute investment, with most of my time removing packaging. If you are interested in this deal, you need to move fast since it is over on the 23rd. Head over to Airborne’s site here to start your adventure!
Just Riding Along… Salsa Beargrease.
Fall is an amazing time of year. Leaves start to change, the weather turns a more comfortable temperature, and most bicycle companies start unleashing the hounds of their newest models. This year has been exceptionally good, and if you are in the market for a new ride then you might be a little overwhelmed with the new options. One company that never disappoints this time of year is Salsa, which upped the fat bike ante with this guy:
The Beargrease is the new “racing” fatbike. At a very svelte 28lbs or so, this is one of the (if not the) lightest fatbikes that you can purchase. Basing this model off of their successful Mukluk, they cut all of the fancy braze-ons to save weight, and added quite the impressive parts list to achieve such a light fatty. This bike just screams to be loaded up with a frame and seat bag and head off on a long distance winter race. It also looks like it would be a ton of fun just out and about on your local loop though…
Check out their site here to read more about it.
Just keep spinning…
Photo from Salsa’s site.
New Surly Cross Check…
For all of those not paying attention, this coming model year is going to be stellar for bicycles. Need further proof of that? Check this Cross Check:
Yes, that is a Surly Cross Check. True, not a new model. Here is the kicker; this bike is now offered as a single speed complete, set up with mountain bars! This is the Cross Check that I have always wanted to build. Well done Surly!
Be sure to check out their blog this week, they are planning on dropping new products every day.
Pic from Surly’s site, also check out what looks to be a Krampus with an even fatter front…
Airborne Bicycles Goblin v2.0
Airborne Bicycles, based out of Dayton Ohio, have been turning out quality bicycles for a few years now, and at a very hard to beat price point as well. Last year, their Goblin 29er hardtail won over quite a few cycling magazines with it’s quality construction, smooth ride, amazing component selection, and well under the radar price, so how do you top that? By introducing this:
From the horse’s mouth, the changes from last year:
-Tapered HT with increased rear wheel mud clearance, increased standover clearance on the 16″ frame-size.
-Tapered Reba RL fork with increased 100mm travel
-Larger 180mm rotor up front for increased stopping power and fade resistance
-New 38/24 gearing on the all new SRAM X7 crankset that offers a better gear range for climbing paired to an 11-36 cassette.
-Geax AKA 2.2 tires that roll fast on hardpack and offer outstanding grip on loose and rocky terrain
-New Selle San Marco Ponza Power Saddle
All of those added features, a sweet new paint job, all for only $50 more than last year’s model. Amazing!
Just in case you are still drooling over last year’s version, hurry over to their website here and pick it up at a discounted rate, only until they are all gone. I would suggest that you move fast.
I am loving these product releases this year, for Airborne it is only getting better. One of these days I am going to get my hands on an Airborne! Well done!
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Surly Krampus.
Just in case you don’t read the Surly blog….
Photo pulled from Dirt Rag’s Facebook page.
Well done Surly! Bar raised again…
High Wheeling in S.D.
While out and about yesterday in Ocean Beach, I spotted this beauty chained to a post outside of a local establishment. I love to see bikes like this getting some action. Well done San Diego high wheeler!
Now if only Surly would build one of these!
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Landen Deerfield.
Quick ride tonight at Landen Deerfield park. Small trail, but a pretty solid one nonetheless. It is amazing how much trail that was squeezed into one small area, tucked inside a neighborhood. Definitely not a destination trail, but if you are in the area already, it might be worth your time. Only around 3 miles or so total, so it is a good system to roll some laps.
Here is a video of their tiny rock garden, next time I am there I will try to film the upper area of this section, which is a little tricky. The video makes it looks simple. Thanks to Eric for filming this spot!
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… East Fork fun.
After work today, I decided that it would be a good time to head back to East Fork SP to ride the Lake Trail again. What a fun trail! I am always amazed at how well East Fork drains after a bit of rain, as it rained this morning, just spotty showers, which finished around 8am. Then, in typical Ohio summer fashion, the heat was cranked to 90 with a huge chunk of humidity. While uncomfortable to work in, it makes for great trail drying weather. Just a few mudholes, nothing major. It is mountain biking.
Stopped at my favorite tree in the whole trail system, this Oak is huge. I can only imagine the stories it could tell…
I am really happy with my tire setup finally. I have settled on running a Maxxis Ardent 2.6″ in the front, and a Maxxis Crossmark 2.1″ in the rear. The Ardent in the front has great traction, especially when cornering, and it’s large size gives me the ability to run a little lower air pressure to give the false feeling of suspension on a rigid frame. As for the Crossmark on the rear, it is a fast tire, but it does have it’s limits. I am feeling it wash out a tiny bit on higher speed corners, but it is nothing unbearable. It is a great combo, and way lighter than running two 2.6″ Ardents. That will be my winter setup however.
Some awesome trail time lately, quite a bit more to come this week, then it is vacation time!
Just keep spinning…
Airborne Bicycles HobGoblin…
Fresh from the rumor mill and out into reality, Airborne Bicycles has unleashed one of their newest models with this sneak peak:
The HobGoblin is their first foray into the world of dual suspension 29ers, and what a way to lose their 29er dually virginity! Aluminum frame, tapered headtube, pressfit GXP bottom bracket, SRAM X7 components in 2×10 mode, and Rockshox lending the cush, all for around $1700. There will also be an option for another, more expensive model which will include a 15mm Maxle and SRAM XO components. If you want to start from scratch, the frame will be available for purchase as well. Damn.
Maybe its because they are based out of Ohio and I like to show state loyalty, or maybe it’s because they pump out great products at more than reasonable prices, but I think Airborne is doing something right. Supposedly there are a few more models to come out this year, I feel that it is going to be hard to top the HobGoblin.
Just keep spinning…
Photo from Airborne’s site.
Just Riding Along… Picture ride.
Lately, I have been trying to hone my photography skills, and what better way to do it than by a bicycle? Last night brought on a quick ride through the local nature preserve at dusk.
Singletrack through the river bottom.
Watching the sun go down.
Take some time to slow down your riding, and just enjoy the scenery. You will be glad that you did…
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Troll thoughts…
Lately, I have been spending a lot of time on the Troll, mostly on the road due to SW Ohio being underwater this past month. While out and about on the road, it frees up your mind to wander a bit, and figure out all of life’s problems. Or just what to do next when it comes to bicycles. Even though I just recently finished the Troll, I am bouncing ideas around as to what my next bike move will be. Here are a few things that I have been contemplating:
A new wheel-set keeps popping up on these rides. It would be nice to have a second wheel-set for the Troll so I do not have to wrestle tires on and off my Sun Ringle wheels. A second wheel-set, like the Mavics above, would be WAY cheaper than another bicycle and it would make the Troll even more versatile. One set with MTB tires, the other with my road tires. Makes sense right?
On the topic of a second wheelset, I have started to think of something like this:
A more specialized wheel-set, specifically a fat bike wheel-set, like the Surly Large Marge rims. This would enable me to have a larger footprint for off road excursions, with the rim being 65mm wide. That would stretch out my Maxxis Ardent 2.6s out quite a bit. This would essentially make the Troll a lite version of a fat bike. If I went this route, I would no doubt end up with a Surly fat front fork, giving me the option of running the much larger Surly Larry 26×3.8 front tire. But, why go through all of that trouble, when you can just get one of these:
A true fat bike. I have wanted one of these since the first moment I saw one. If I would go this route, which model would I go with? Of course the Surly would be on that list, but another company that is on my short list is 9 Zero 7. Look at this beauty from the great white north:
There are a few other ideas that keep bouncing around in my head, but to keep this somewhat focused I will save those for a later date. At this moment though, a fat bike is what I am shooting for in the near future.
Now I need to figure out how I can sell this idea to my wife…
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Milford to Ault Park.
Just some pictures from today…
View from Ault park, overlooking the Little Miami River valley.
Playing with the sunlight.
View of Ault park.Just keep spinning…
Gear Me… 661 Expert shoes.
When it comes to cycling shoes, there is a wide variety on the market today. Everything is covered, from SPD sandals to the more exotic Italian leather $400 race shoes. Normally, I believe that you get what you pay for with cycling gear. Fortunately for us frugal folks, when it comes to shoes though, that is not the case.
Mainly in the protective gear buisness, 661 offers a wide variety of products for cycling and motorcross enthusiasts. Out of all of their products, their Expert shoe stands above the rest of the crowd, especially in terms of price and durability.
For starters, I bought these shoes for $50 in 2008. Yes, the shoes above are from 2008. I mentioned durability above, remember? These shoes have been everywhere, west coast to east coast, and places in between. I cannot even begin to think of how many miles are on them. Everything feels like it should with this shoe: Light enough for serious cyclists; a solid, mud shedding tread pattern; options for different cleats and pedals. For $50, this is one of the best deals that I have ever encountered.
A few things that I have found in my four years with them:
First, they are marketed as a SPD style shoe. This is correct, but with a small fault. The tread pattern needs to be shaved away to give proper clearance with the pedal. Nothing that a sharp object and 10 minutes can’t fix, but it does need to be mentioned. Another thing that I found myself wanting was a ratchet strap across the top to tighten up the fit. Again, nothing major, the two straps on my model hold the shoe to my foot quite nicely, and I have never slipped out of the shoe on a ride. It appears that 661 has added another strap, to give the shoe three on the newer model, probably tightening that issue just a bit. Those are my only gripes though. Not bad for a $50 shoe!
Sure, it is not the flashiest shoe on the market and also an entry level shoe, but for $50 it is definitely worth the price. Check them out at the links above, I dare you to find a better deal! I am still wearing mine after four years!
Just Riding Along… Get Lost.
Spent time getting lost on the Troll today, only to find my way back. Today’s ride was just what I needed.
Over the Little Miami River.
Taking a H2O break in Indian Hill.
Vintage Rollfast off of the trail in Camp Dennison.
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Troll ready for an overnight.
Switched out my dirt tires for the more road worthy Schwalbe Big Apples today, and also re installed my Salsa Down Under front rack. This will be my road overnight camping set up. The Banjo Brothers Minehaha bag paired with my cheap Craigslist score front panniers will carry enough gear for a night or two, maybe more. The Minehaha bag is bigger than it looks, all that is inside it in the picture is two tubes, a tool kit, and my lock. Room for days in that bag. The plan for my tent, if I use one, is to just strap it to the top tube. We shall see, starting the planning process for an overnight trip next month.
Just keep spinning…
616 Bicycle Fabrications…
At some point in my life, I plan on buying a frame from a custom builder. There is just something cool about having a frame/bicycle that you don’t see everyday. Something almost like bicycle street cred. Anyway, while surfing the cycling related web as I usually do, I stumbled upon 616.
616 Bicycle Fabrications, based proudly out of Michigan, is pumping out some quality, head turning rides, at a decent price for a smaller frame builder. One feature that stands out is their paint process. Since they do not believe in decals, every logo is painted on, using the process of reverse masking. Another nice touch is custom metal ID badge with the bike’s information. Add those touches to a hand crafted steel frame, and that is well worth the price of admission.
Only a few spectacular models are available at the moment, including a 29er and 650b hardtails, and also a fatbike. According to their website a cross bike is coming soon:
Even though they are relatively new, I feel that 616 is going to stick around for awhile, especially with such great looking bikes. They will definitely be on my short list when the time finally comes for a custom frame. Also, as with many other bike companies these days, 616 is always looking for pro level racers to throw some swag to, check them out if that is your thing. Now if only I could find a company looking to sponsor a beer drinking, non racing, everyday rider…
Maybe I am really pumped for my vacation in northern Michigan this summer, but the last few topics have been about brands based out of there. There might be more to the state up north than cherries, lakes, and the upper peninsula.
Just keep spinning…
All photos from 616′s site, go check it!
Just Riding Along… Banjo Brothers.
While waiting for a certain rear rack to come back into stock, I turned my consumer attention towards saddlebags for my Brooks B17. Saddlebags seem to be a great option for commuting, and they also seem pretty handy for bike camping. Unfortunately, not too many companies throw out a decent, large quality bag without breaking the bank. That was my thought, until I stumbled onto Banjo Brothers.
Banjo Brothers carries quite a variety of bicycle related bags, including their Minehaha line, which focuses on the older style, canvas bag. This is their “medium” model, which holds 650 cubic in. or 10L if you prefer the metric system. Large enough for a couple spares, my camera, some tools, and some spare clothes. With room for more. I feel that this bag with my small, front panniers on a rack will give the Troll a great bike packing setup for some overnight trips this summer. Now if only I can figure out what to do with my tent…
What sets Banjo Brothers apart from other companies in my opinion though, is their customer service. After receiving my bag in just a couple days, I realized that I was missing the seatpost strap. After a quick “tweet” letting them know the issue, I had my missing link practically the next day. Super fast! You normally don’t get service like that very often.
If you are in the market for a canvas bag, check them out. Quite a bit cheaper in price, but way above and beyond in customer service and quality. They definitely have my business in the future!
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Waxing philosophical…
Lately, I have been mapping, saving, and logging all of my miles during cycling excursions and also while running. Part of me is really into statistics, and it is nice to see your progress on a chart. Many different apps and programs are available to the masses, I have been using Map My Ride. It is a great program, easy to use, and I highly recommend it. That said, I am completely abandoning my stat recording habit. Here is why:I have become obsessed with logging miles. So much so, that all of my rides and runs are only mileage focused, and not enjoying the process of riding or running. Lets be honest though, is running really enjoyable? Anyway, I have found myself not enjoying the opportunities that arise, for example, stopping for a great photo, taking a road I have never been on, stopping on a run just to breath in nature, all because I do not want to ruin my average speed. That is lame. Also, I have been reading quite a bit off of Rivendell Bicycle Works‘s website. Not only do they sell quality bicycles, parts, clothing, and lots of other goodies, there is a ton of great information on cycling in general. In our house with a new baby, I am spending a good chunk of time sitting with our baby boy and just reading about cycling from their perspective. It is really starting to soak in and make sense.Check out their site, tons of information, and lots of pretty pictures of bicycles, like this for example:
Photo from Rivendell’s site.Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Return to Caesar Creek.
Finally made the return trip up to Caesar Creek state park yesterday, this time with my brother in law. I have been to this park a few times, each time getting a little lost. This time however, we set out with the plan to figure out this trail system. So, after meeting up at the Harveysburg Rd. trail head, we were off to get lost.The trail overall is nice and smooth for the most part. There are lost of roots to make this trail a bit bumpy, especially on a fully rigid steel bike. Not unbearable, just rattling. The most surprising feature of this trail is the amount of climbing. Driving to the trail head through farmlands, and a relatively flat surrounding area, you would not picture much climbing action when on the trail. However, this trail was designed to put you in and out of every single little ravine in the vicinity. None of the climbs are of epic leg breaking length, but all are steep. And when I say steep, I mean you are hiking for some. It is quite the surprise.
Our route started at the Harveysburg Rd. trail head, which put us on the more techinical “Red” trail. After that section, we ended up on the “Blue” section, and from what I gather from looking at the map we rode the “Black” and some of the “Yellow.” We ended up not really sure where we were, but after consulting Google Maps on my phone, we realized that we were on our way to the campground. Not in our cards unfortunately. We doubled back at that point and figured our way back to our trucks.This is a great trail system, that from the looks of it gets lots of traffic. My only complaint is that there is no real signage. Many times we were just taking a trail at a junction to see where it ended up. But, that was the point of this ride, to figure out the system. Smooth single track and adventure just outside of Cincinnati? I will take that. Just keep spinning…
1st ride with the tire combo of the Maxxis Ardent 2.6″ paired with a Maxxis Crossmark 2.1″ in the rear.
Map of the area thanks to CORA.
Foundry Cycles… Want a free bike?
Have you heard of Foundry Cycles? I hadn’t either until this morning. Part of the QBP family of bike brands, they are relatively new to the game sporting only three bike models, all of carbon fiber; which cover dirt, road, and cross disciplines. All three models are very nice on the eyes, with pretty impressive part specs to boot. I would venture to say that these are some folks’ “dream bikes.” What caught my eye about this company though, apart from their gorgeous bikes, is they are offering up free bicycles to a lucky group of folks who apply. Consider this my application.
Auger cross bike.
So why should I get a free bike? Apart from the obvious (I ride bikes, like bikes, write about bikes, take pictures of bikes, etc.) I am not a fan of carbon fiber. Wait, what was that? Yes, I am not a fan of carbon. I feel that carbon is overpriced, and overrated. I feel that it has too high of a risk of failure. I feel that I would break one very easily. Not that I am a Clydesdale by any means, but I ride hard, and I ride a lot. I just do not trust the material. I guess that even though I am only thirty, I would classify as a retrogrouch. Steel is real baby.
Router dirt bike.
So win me over. Prove me wrong that carbon is not a weak, delicate, overrated material, and I will sing it from the rooftops that these bikes are legit. How do you prove me wrong? Send me a bike and lets dance. Ball is in your court Foundry.
Ratchet road bike.
Check out their site here for more pictures and more information about applying for the job. Better hurry though, deadline is tomorrow at midnight.
All pictures from Foundry.
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Scouting Trip.
Beautiful, windy day in SW Ohio today. Had around an hour and a half to explore this afternoon on the Troll. I have been in the planning stages of a bikepacking trip, so today I loaded up a few things in the front panniers and hit the road to scout out how long it would possibly take me to reach my destination. I didn’t really have enough time to ride the entire route, but riding what I did today gave me an idea on how long it will take to get there. Great day to be out, but the return trip was brutal due to a crazy headwind. Normally, I do not mind them, but with loaded panniers a headwind really sucks the life out of you. Apart from that issue, it was a nice little ride of dirt and tarmac.
Started off on the local trails.
Ended up on some side roads, following the Buckeye Trail. Note the fiberglass sports car body lying in the weeds…
Hanging out in the flowers, which I believe are Dutchman’s Breeches.
Total miles for today, around 17. Mixed with dirt, tarmac, and a nasty headwind? I am beat this evening.
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… New shoes…
Since March usually is one of the wettest months out of the year here in Ohio, I have started my search for road tires for the Troll. My plan all along has been to keep this bike versatile, and eventually have a second wheel set to swap in and out for road duty. Until that though, I will be wrestling tires on and off of my Sun Ringle rims. With all of the rain here lately, and the rain in the forecast, what better time than now?
My first choice is this:
Photo from utahtrikes.com
Second choice:
Photo from bikemania.cz
Both are around the same price, the Big Apples measure in at 26×2.35″ and the Hookworms at 26×2.5″ respectively. Both are huge! And both are heavy, that is to be expected. But, for the time being, I will be putting on my skinny, cheap, Forte (Made by Panaracer) City ST tires, which measure in a 26×1.5. I plan on running these for my road duty until I can finally make up my mind.
And, just because, here is a quick picture from after one ride last week:
Just keep spinning…
Just Riding Along… Surly Troll part 2 cont.
A couple teaser shots from today, just mocking up some things before other work is done…
Maxxis Ardent 26×2.6 fit, just barely, with the axle pushed all the way forward.
Mocked up, no headset installed as of yet. Checking the fit of the Salsa Down Under rack.
I am beyond excited about this build, slowly but surely coming together.
Just keep spinning…
