The attached presentation covers this procedure but adds the use of business cards as spacers. They are not mandatory, but can be used to solve other problems. Please click on the text just above the window below to "full screen" the window. Enjoy!
Hayes Bicycle Disc Brake Centering Plus
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
2011 SRAM X7 group goes 2 x 10?
Those hubs have a lot of the design features from American Classic/WTB's. Pretty cool. The general recommendation is for use in "XC" situastions on bikes with LESS than 5 inches of travel. If X7 goes 2 x 10, it's reasonable to think that X9 and X0 will also.
Keep in mind that the chain must be narrower, potentially more brittle and may affect durability.
Click on link- SRAM's Web Site
Will we be seeing much of it? We'll have to wait until ????? to find out.
Keep in mind that the chain must be narrower, potentially more brittle and may affect durability.
Click on link- SRAM's Web Site
Will we be seeing much of it? We'll have to wait until ????? to find out.
Friday, March 19, 2010
"Brake lever; whatever?" NO!
In our Master Mechanic classes we teach everything possible, but due to time and payroll constraints some things get less attention. I’d like to take just a moment and show a small but critical difference between two brake levers.
In ~1995 the Dia Compe PC-11 brake lever was available. It’s designed for Cantilever brakes, which have a short caliper arm, so the leverage is “high”. We can see this by looking at the distance between the cable path and the lever pivot, it’s about 0.65 inches.
The Shimano BR-M739 brake lever has a cable path-to-pivot distance of about 1.27 inches, a dramatic difference from the Dia Compe lever. This lever is made for use with V-brakes only, with a little adjustment possible in it’s “low” leverage design.
I’m no engineer, but I can see that the Shimano lever will pull much more cable with lower force than the DiaCompe. I’m not going to calculate that with the angle of the brake lever, but it’ll be “more”. As a mechanic I can tell these levers can’t be swapped from these pictures, and have any quality of function.
Today, bike functions and parts are getting mixed more than ever. “Flat bar Road Bikes”. “Road Bikes with Disc Brakes”. “BMX bikes with V-brakes”. We’re seeing demands for greater braking power on many bikes, and we may get requests with good intent and bad execution. Regardless of the reason, brake parts within a category are made to work together. Mixing low-leverage systems (Modern V-brakes, mechanical disc brakes) and high-leverage systems (Cantilever, basic side-pull, U-brakes and all modern road bike brakes) in any form can only result in compromised performance or loss of safety. There are very few exceptions to this, please contact any Bike Trainer in our company for details if needed.
It can be tempting to dismiss the value of training, but we discuss things similar to this in all of our classes. Whether you've hired a "Pro Racer" or absolute "newb", they need to go through Sport Chalet Bike Dept training.
Be Safe!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Yahoo Cycling Team Is Going To Love This New Google Maps Feature by Techcrunch/MG Siegler on Mar 10, 2010
Feature by Techcrunch/MG Siegler on Mar 10, 2010
Yahoo is backing a cycling team. I don’t know why — but they’re doing it. And today their passion got a little boost: from Google.
Google is announcing tomorrow at the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC that Google Maps will now include biking directions in the U.S. Apparently, this was the most-requested feature for the service, as some 57 million Americans ride bikes.
Thousands of miles of bike trails have been added to the maps. And there is also step-by-step directions, much like you can see for driving or public transportation directions in the maps. There is also a new layer that shows bike trails and bike-friendly areas on roads. Yes, it’s a bike-lover’s dream.
To make this new feature happen, Google partnered with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit group that converts old rail lines into bike trails. The group have given Google information on some 12,000 miles worth of trails in the U.S.
To coincide with the launch, Google also has a cycling contest. To enter, you simply have to tweet with the hashtag #bikewithgoogle. The randomly selected winner will get a voucher for $2,500 to be used at American Cyclery.
I fully expect that hashtag to be dominated by members of Yahoo’s cycling team tomorrow.
This is great news for any cyclist, especially those that commute to work. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
4,500 volunteers needed for Amgen Tour of California!
More Than 4,500 Volunteers Needed for May Event from Velonews.com
LOS ANGELES (January 27, 2010) – Volunteer opportunities for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California are now posted online at the official race Web site, www.amgentourofcalifornia.com . Anyone wishing to volunteer for an opportunity to participate in the fifth-annual cycling race can apply online for positions, including hospitality, volunteer course marshals, security, and media operations, among others.
Considered cycling’s most important and successful road race in the United States, some of America’s most accomplished cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie and George Hincapie have already committed to participating in the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. The fifth edition of the annual race will travel to 16 host cities throughout the state over the course of eight days from May 16-23, including the very first mountaintop finish in race history. The eight-day race will begin in Nevada City and travel by some of the state’s most scenic landmarks, with the overall finish taking place in Thousand Oaks.
“The support of the volunteers in the local communities that the Amgen Tour of California travels through is essential to the success of the race,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, presenter of the race. “Getting involved with the race as a volunteer allows local residents to take part in an event that captures the attention of local communities and the world, in addition to witnessing first-hand in the behind-the-scenes planning involved in an event of this stature.”
More than 4,500 volunteers in communities throughout the state participated in last year’s race, making it seamless and successful from start to finish, and solidifying it as the largest sporting event in the state of California. In each of the start and finish cities, as many as 350 local volunteers were recruited to help staff the race.
The majority of volunteers are needed to serve as volunteer course marshals, providing support for the 75 professional course marshals that travel with the tour and support the local law enforcement authorities in each city. Course marshal volunteers have an opportunity to be on the race route, close to the cyclists, with responsibility for monitoring pedestrian traffic, barricades and road closures.
Volunteer positions for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California include:
Volunteer Course Marshals – Assist with the coordination and safety of the fans and participants in a designated area along the race course
Media – Assist with distribution of media credentials, media hospitality, media operations press room management, media liaisons and press events
Security – Assist Tour security staff with access-control, including on-course, hospitality, awards and special events
Site Decoration/Restoration – Assist with installation and clean up of banners
Lifestyle Festival EXPO – Assist Tour Lifestyle Festival staff with EXPO coordination – guide vendors and exhibitors to their tents for set-up; assist with festival logistics as needed; and assist with marketing activities in EXPO
Sweepstakes Surveyors – Ensure that Festival guests are aware of the Tour Sweepstakes opportunities, as well as all of the amenities of the festival
Volunteer Check-in – Assist LOC volunteer coordinator with set-up, check-in/registration and deployment
Volunteers must be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult. The online sign-up form offers volunteers the opportunity to rank their top-three job preferences, and every attempt is made to match volunteers to their area of interest. Shortly after filling out the online form, volunteers will be contacted by the local organizing committee for further information.
Dates of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California:
Stage 1: Sunday, May 16 – Nevada City to Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 17 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 18 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 19 – San Jose to Modesto
Stage 5: Thursday, May 20 – Visalia to Bakersfield
Stage 6: Friday, May 21 – Pasadena to Big Bear Lake
Stage 7: Saturday, May 22 – Los Angeles (individual time trial)
Stage 8: Sunday, May 23 – Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills
For additional information on volunteering for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, please visit www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer.
LOS ANGELES (January 27, 2010) – Volunteer opportunities for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California are now posted online at the official race Web site, www.amgentourofcalifornia.com . Anyone wishing to volunteer for an opportunity to participate in the fifth-annual cycling race can apply online for positions, including hospitality, volunteer course marshals, security, and media operations, among others.
Considered cycling’s most important and successful road race in the United States, some of America’s most accomplished cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie and George Hincapie have already committed to participating in the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. The fifth edition of the annual race will travel to 16 host cities throughout the state over the course of eight days from May 16-23, including the very first mountaintop finish in race history. The eight-day race will begin in Nevada City and travel by some of the state’s most scenic landmarks, with the overall finish taking place in Thousand Oaks.
“The support of the volunteers in the local communities that the Amgen Tour of California travels through is essential to the success of the race,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, presenter of the race. “Getting involved with the race as a volunteer allows local residents to take part in an event that captures the attention of local communities and the world, in addition to witnessing first-hand in the behind-the-scenes planning involved in an event of this stature.”
More than 4,500 volunteers in communities throughout the state participated in last year’s race, making it seamless and successful from start to finish, and solidifying it as the largest sporting event in the state of California. In each of the start and finish cities, as many as 350 local volunteers were recruited to help staff the race.
The majority of volunteers are needed to serve as volunteer course marshals, providing support for the 75 professional course marshals that travel with the tour and support the local law enforcement authorities in each city. Course marshal volunteers have an opportunity to be on the race route, close to the cyclists, with responsibility for monitoring pedestrian traffic, barricades and road closures.
Volunteer positions for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California include:
Volunteer Course Marshals – Assist with the coordination and safety of the fans and participants in a designated area along the race course
Media – Assist with distribution of media credentials, media hospitality, media operations press room management, media liaisons and press events
Security – Assist Tour security staff with access-control, including on-course, hospitality, awards and special events
Site Decoration/Restoration – Assist with installation and clean up of banners
Lifestyle Festival EXPO – Assist Tour Lifestyle Festival staff with EXPO coordination – guide vendors and exhibitors to their tents for set-up; assist with festival logistics as needed; and assist with marketing activities in EXPO
Sweepstakes Surveyors – Ensure that Festival guests are aware of the Tour Sweepstakes opportunities, as well as all of the amenities of the festival
Volunteer Check-in – Assist LOC volunteer coordinator with set-up, check-in/registration and deployment
Volunteers must be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult. The online sign-up form offers volunteers the opportunity to rank their top-three job preferences, and every attempt is made to match volunteers to their area of interest. Shortly after filling out the online form, volunteers will be contacted by the local organizing committee for further information.
Dates of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California:
Stage 1: Sunday, May 16 – Nevada City to Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 17 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 18 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 19 – San Jose to Modesto
Stage 5: Thursday, May 20 – Visalia to Bakersfield
Stage 6: Friday, May 21 – Pasadena to Big Bear Lake
Stage 7: Saturday, May 22 – Los Angeles (individual time trial)
Stage 8: Sunday, May 23 – Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills
For additional information on volunteering for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, please visit www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Comments Needed for L.A. City Bike Plan
(As posted from SHARE 2010/01/03)
The draft Los Angeles City Bike Plan was recently released and mountain bicyclists should be concerned with the direction it has taken. We need comments not only from L.A.-based riders, but from anyone who has positive stories about relationships with equestrians and other trail users on California trails.
Public comments can be submitted online or via postal mail, and are due before Jan. 8, 2010.
Here are some suggested talking points:
1. Somewhere in L.A. City Parks there should be opportunities for mountain bicyclists -- it's bad public policy that all dirt roads and trails are closed to bikes.
2. Bicycling is a positive, safe, health-promoting activity for people of all ages and should be encouraged with both natural-surface and paved riding opportunities.
3. The 2009 plan should incorporate the 1996 bicycle plan language that called for pilot projects and a gradual increase in mountain bike opportunities in the parks.
4. Bicyclists safely share trails with other trail users, including equestrians, all around the globe.
5. Mountain biking is a sustainable, manageable and appropriate activity for L.A. parks -- it works in dozens of other cities so why not ours?
Additional Information
For several years, anti-bike groups have mobilized to perpetuate the bicycle ban in LA City Parks. An older 1996 bike plan proposed a gradual increase in mountain bike opportunities, but they were never enacted. The new plan abandons those proposals and focuses instead on studies and research.
An analysis of the plan (PDF) published by the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA), is available online.
At public meetings related to the plan, anti-bike equestrians have testified that bikes and horses simply don't mix and that even separate trails for bikes and horses won't work because bicyclists won't follow rules. Most of the opposition has been from equestrians who ride in Griffith Park, many from the nearby cities of Glendale and Burbank. Griffith would be a great place to bike, especially for locals, but bicycle advocates have not asked for Griffith specifically. We've asked for some trails somewhere, but the anti-bike groups' response has essentially been, "No, nowhere, never."
You can submit comments online via the link at the top of this page, or by mail on or before Jan. 8, 2010.
City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning
Attn:Jordann Turner
200 N. Spring Street, Room 721
Los Angeles CA 90012
jordann.turner@lacity.org
For further information, contact Jim Hasenauer at imbajim@aol.com
WIIFM? The city and county of Los Angeles is backing away from their support of mountain biking, and are relenting to pressure from equestrian groups that horses and bikes "don't mix". Your voice has effect in this issue, please respond to the links below.It's easy to feel unaffected by this, but as access is lost in one area others fall easier.
The draft Los Angeles City Bike Plan was recently released and mountain bicyclists should be concerned with the direction it has taken. We need comments not only from L.A.-based riders, but from anyone who has positive stories about relationships with equestrians and other trail users on California trails.
Public comments can be submitted online or via postal mail, and are due before Jan. 8, 2010.
Here are some suggested talking points:
1. Somewhere in L.A. City Parks there should be opportunities for mountain bicyclists -- it's bad public policy that all dirt roads and trails are closed to bikes.
2. Bicycling is a positive, safe, health-promoting activity for people of all ages and should be encouraged with both natural-surface and paved riding opportunities.
3. The 2009 plan should incorporate the 1996 bicycle plan language that called for pilot projects and a gradual increase in mountain bike opportunities in the parks.
4. Bicyclists safely share trails with other trail users, including equestrians, all around the globe.
5. Mountain biking is a sustainable, manageable and appropriate activity for L.A. parks -- it works in dozens of other cities so why not ours?
Additional Information
For several years, anti-bike groups have mobilized to perpetuate the bicycle ban in LA City Parks. An older 1996 bike plan proposed a gradual increase in mountain bike opportunities, but they were never enacted. The new plan abandons those proposals and focuses instead on studies and research.
An analysis of the plan (PDF) published by the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA), is available online.
At public meetings related to the plan, anti-bike equestrians have testified that bikes and horses simply don't mix and that even separate trails for bikes and horses won't work because bicyclists won't follow rules. Most of the opposition has been from equestrians who ride in Griffith Park, many from the nearby cities of Glendale and Burbank. Griffith would be a great place to bike, especially for locals, but bicycle advocates have not asked for Griffith specifically. We've asked for some trails somewhere, but the anti-bike groups' response has essentially been, "No, nowhere, never."
You can submit comments online via the link at the top of this page, or by mail on or before Jan. 8, 2010.
City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning
Attn:Jordann Turner
200 N. Spring Street, Room 721
Los Angeles CA 90012
jordann.turner@lacity.org
For further information, contact Jim Hasenauer at imbajim@aol.com
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sell the complete experience, please!
In this holiday season things may get rushed with the flood of business. It's a normal part of the holiday retail experience, but please take an extra moment and let the customer know of the "other" things they may need. A helmet, a jacket, or an awesome set of gloves can change their day from horrible to exceptional. Go "All In" for our customers!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tour of California Dates/Cities Announced
(From Bicycle Retailer's website 2009 Oct 23)
Beginning with a road stage, a first for the race, the 2010 Amgen Tour of California will visit 16 host cities for official stage starts and finishes, while other cities along the route also will have the opportunity to witness the excitement of elite professional cycling. Stages for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California include:
Stage 1: Sunday, May 16 – Nevada City to Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 17 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 18 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 19 – San Jose to Modesto
Stage 5: Thursday, May 20 – Visalia to Bakersfield
Stage 6: Friday, May 21 – Pasadena to Big Bear Lake
Stage 7: Saturday, May 22 – Los Angeles (individual time trial)
Stage 8: Sunday, May 23 – Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong’s announcement of his intent to compete in the fifth-annual race was met with enthusiasm from race organizers and fans. After mounting an incredible comeback to professional cycling in 2009, competing in the Amgen Tour of California and other top races around the world, including finishing third in the 2009 Tour de France, Armstrong will start the 2010 season on his newly formed Team RadioShack. Returning to the Amgen Tour of California for the second consecutive year, Armstrong is expected to be a top competitor in the race.
We have stores in many of these cities, and there are some opportunities for us here. The smallest of those would be scheduling a day off to see the world's greatest riders roll through your city. A big one for Sport Chalet would be some level of sponsorship. If you fit in the middle, volunteering is an option: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer.html
Main info page on the race: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com
Beginning with a road stage, a first for the race, the 2010 Amgen Tour of California will visit 16 host cities for official stage starts and finishes, while other cities along the route also will have the opportunity to witness the excitement of elite professional cycling. Stages for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California include:
Stage 1: Sunday, May 16 – Nevada City to Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 17 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 18 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 19 – San Jose to Modesto
Stage 5: Thursday, May 20 – Visalia to Bakersfield
Stage 6: Friday, May 21 – Pasadena to Big Bear Lake
Stage 7: Saturday, May 22 – Los Angeles (individual time trial)
Stage 8: Sunday, May 23 – Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong’s announcement of his intent to compete in the fifth-annual race was met with enthusiasm from race organizers and fans. After mounting an incredible comeback to professional cycling in 2009, competing in the Amgen Tour of California and other top races around the world, including finishing third in the 2009 Tour de France, Armstrong will start the 2010 season on his newly formed Team RadioShack. Returning to the Amgen Tour of California for the second consecutive year, Armstrong is expected to be a top competitor in the race.
We have stores in many of these cities, and there are some opportunities for us here. The smallest of those would be scheduling a day off to see the world's greatest riders roll through your city. A big one for Sport Chalet would be some level of sponsorship. If you fit in the middle, volunteering is an option: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer.html
Main info page on the race: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Bike University 2009!
Bike U is on, at the same place as 2008. It's a one day event, so no demo rides are planned, and it'll be a very full day. Oct 27, 2009, starting at 07:45 and concluding at 18:30. Sign up thru the Endzone training calendar. 2 paid per store, voluntary attendance "possible" with pre-registration.
We need a logo, and PDQ. Not just a symbol, not just text and simpler than what's above. Please let me know if you can throw something together, it may get used! Deadline? Sunday PM.
Can't afford Hope? Try Alligator!
This has nothing to do with Obama, so ease up there. This entry refers to me mentioning Hope Gothic rotors for years, and how nice they look. (Well, to a bike goon like me, they look cool!) I had held off from getting a set as they were kinda expensive at a minimum of $50 each. A friend of mine was changing from this set to another, and made an offer I couldn't resist. Once burnished in, these run silent thru the pads and have about the same power as Hayes V6's. Since these have less surface area they are likely to wear faster than Hayes, but for the price it's reasonable.
Let me know what you think and maybe we could stock these!
Let me know what you think and maybe we could stock these!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Thule vs. Yakima- True Competitors
We will be going through a rack vendor transition this month, and the road may seem bumpy in this decision. I’d like to suggest that you look forward to this. If you’ll think through all the roof rack customers that you have ever worked with, how many of them have bought more than one base rack system from you? Not too many, right? How many have bought more than two? Almost none, right?
Buying a base rack system can be compared to buying a house. Once you have a house, you then buy the things that make it a home. In your house there are a number of accessories. Refrigerator, TV, sound system of some sort, and on and on. It’s not a “home” until you have it fixed up just the way you like it.
Over the last four years we have really focused on selling base rack systems. Selling “houses” and less of selling “homes”. I’m not backing away from that philosophy, but it lacked vision. Instead of telling the customer about how to get the base rack we should be talking about how to use it. And digging a little to find another way they could use it. We should be selling the experience of being outdoors, not selling hardware! Here’s an example; Cargo boxes. If someone had only told me years ago how useful cargo boxes were I’d have bought one sooner. Don’t tell me the price. Don’t tell me what it weighs. Don’t even tell me if it’s in stock! JUST TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO WITH IT!
“Sir, the space inside your car is for PEOPLE. If you had a cargo box your camping gear could go in it. If you’re going skiing/boardin’ all of that could up there. If you’re hauling the kids to the soccer field, the bag of practice cones and balls goes up there. Think of all the dirty gear that goes in your car now, and how easily it’ll go in there…”
Had I only known. The company we are partnering with has the easiest to load hitch bike carrier, the T2. They offer the best consumer truck rack, the Xsporter. They make more cargo boxes than the other company by a factor of twelve. They offer the easiest to load kayak carrier, the Hull-a-vator. For a traveling fisherman, see the Cast-a-way. How about a ski/snowboard carrier that doesn’t make you monkey-climb all over your ride in boots after a full day? (PullTop) Open up their catalog and you’ll easily find this info.
The difference in accessories is only one of the reasons we are changing. Yakima is a great company and makes great products, but the time has come for a change. You may hear me say we sell and install base systems in classes, but on the sales floor we’ll be selling an experience and the accessories that’ll make it happen.
Buying a base rack system can be compared to buying a house. Once you have a house, you then buy the things that make it a home. In your house there are a number of accessories. Refrigerator, TV, sound system of some sort, and on and on. It’s not a “home” until you have it fixed up just the way you like it.
Over the last four years we have really focused on selling base rack systems. Selling “houses” and less of selling “homes”. I’m not backing away from that philosophy, but it lacked vision. Instead of telling the customer about how to get the base rack we should be talking about how to use it. And digging a little to find another way they could use it. We should be selling the experience of being outdoors, not selling hardware! Here’s an example; Cargo boxes. If someone had only told me years ago how useful cargo boxes were I’d have bought one sooner. Don’t tell me the price. Don’t tell me what it weighs. Don’t even tell me if it’s in stock! JUST TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO WITH IT!
“Sir, the space inside your car is for PEOPLE. If you had a cargo box your camping gear could go in it. If you’re going skiing/boardin’ all of that could up there. If you’re hauling the kids to the soccer field, the bag of practice cones and balls goes up there. Think of all the dirty gear that goes in your car now, and how easily it’ll go in there…”
Had I only known. The company we are partnering with has the easiest to load hitch bike carrier, the T2. They offer the best consumer truck rack, the Xsporter. They make more cargo boxes than the other company by a factor of twelve. They offer the easiest to load kayak carrier, the Hull-a-vator. For a traveling fisherman, see the Cast-a-way. How about a ski/snowboard carrier that doesn’t make you monkey-climb all over your ride in boots after a full day? (PullTop) Open up their catalog and you’ll easily find this info.
The difference in accessories is only one of the reasons we are changing. Yakima is a great company and makes great products, but the time has come for a change. You may hear me say we sell and install base systems in classes, but on the sales floor we’ll be selling an experience and the accessories that’ll make it happen.
Thule vs. Yakima Training
With the change in vendors, many have asked if we'll be recertifying all our Rack Installers. That answer is 100% no. The two companies have slightly different execution of similar concepts, once one is understood the other one is also. For the last 18 months we've been teaching all of Yakima's details and many of Thule's, we will just be all Thule from this point on.
Think of another "system". An elbow is an elbow. It's the hinge between the wrist and the shoulder. There are differences between mine and yours, but I understand how those you own work.
No retraining is planned, suggested or required, it all installs by the directions that are included. But come to the new clinic for more details on Thule products if you'd like!
Think of another "system". An elbow is an elbow. It's the hinge between the wrist and the shoulder. There are differences between mine and yours, but I understand how those you own work.
No retraining is planned, suggested or required, it all installs by the directions that are included. But come to the new clinic for more details on Thule products if you'd like!
Sunday, August 02, 2009
How do I refill this grease thing?
Please see the video for how to refill and troubleshoot most grease gun issues. It runs less than eleven minutes long...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Should Diamondback make a Singlespeed?
They're one of the few companies that doesn't, and maybe that's because all the distinctive elements of design have been played out. It's probably a "if you can't be different why do it" thing.
However, this example weighs 25lbs on the ultra-accurate hyper-calibrated scale in the Lab. (It measures to 2 decimal points, OK this is 25.18lbs. Easy man, decaf.) I know it's an oddity, I mean who runs bar ends since 1995? But they help to add more power to the pedals under max efforts.
I like it, and it's climbs/handles great. Let THEM know if you think it's a good idea.
However, this example weighs 25lbs on the ultra-accurate hyper-calibrated scale in the Lab. (It measures to 2 decimal points, OK this is 25.18lbs. Easy man, decaf.) I know it's an oddity, I mean who runs bar ends since 1995? But they help to add more power to the pedals under max efforts.
I like it, and it's climbs/handles great. Let THEM know if you think it's a good idea.
 |
| From Response SS |
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Is bigger “better”?
In riding this Solo-One I am stunned by some impressions of the wheel size. If we just do some basic math it makes facts easier to see. A 29” wheel is 3” larger than a 26”. Easy math, but so what? The circumference of the 29” wheel is a little over 10% greater. This affects how the wheel feels and the gear ratio that moves it.
Feel- This bike has absolutely phenomenal traction. I am used to getting a little wheel spin on uphill sprints; not on this bike. With the tire pressure taken down to 30psi front and 34psi rear it was amazing. Please keep in mind that this bike has no suspension travel so I was not hitting corners as aggressively, but still 80% of normal. Still fast enough to get “snow globed” from the bumps. (That’s when you get shaken up enough that your vision blurs, like shaking a snow globe and watching the flakes float around.) The diameter of the wheel reduces the impact of trail bumps so trails you know feel smoother. The larger wheel has it’s axle higher off the ground but the crank assembly is at the normal altitude. This means that you ride this bike with a lower center of gravity. You’ll feel it, definitely. I’ve been riding MTB’s since... well..the early 80’s and it’s an effect that’s very attractive. It makes the bike have a longboard feel, and it carves smooth radius turns like poetry. If you are 5’ 10” or taller you should definitely try a 29’er. The difference is dramatic.
If you’ve attended classes with me you’ll be ready for the other side of the coin, that every choice has an up and down side. By using a larger wheel your rolling assembly will weigh more. How much more is determined by you, but it’ll weigh more. Added weight makes ascending harder. That added weight will also make your brakes less effective, so don’t use cheap brakes on your 29’er. Since the wheel has greater momentum the steering response is slower but there’s easy ways to deal with that, use shorter width handlebars.
Gearing- If you’re going to singlespeed this wheelset plan on owning a few extra rear cogs. The Solo-One comes equipped with a 32:20 gear ratio. Depending on your personal fitness level and the steepness of your trails you may want to have an easier gear. If you look closely at some affordable cassettes you may be able to disassemble them and have 2 or 3 usable choices for a pretty low cost. 32:20 equals a ratio of 1:1.6. 32:21 = 1:1.52, 32:23 = 1:1.39, and any lower you can calculate on your own. A common mountain bike has a range of ratios from 0.65 to 4, so keep in mind that if you have ONE gear don’t go too low. Or toddlers on tricycles will look like Lance Armstrong as they pass you.
Also- consider bar ends! They can really help you to power up some hills.
Feel- This bike has absolutely phenomenal traction. I am used to getting a little wheel spin on uphill sprints; not on this bike. With the tire pressure taken down to 30psi front and 34psi rear it was amazing. Please keep in mind that this bike has no suspension travel so I was not hitting corners as aggressively, but still 80% of normal. Still fast enough to get “snow globed” from the bumps. (That’s when you get shaken up enough that your vision blurs, like shaking a snow globe and watching the flakes float around.) The diameter of the wheel reduces the impact of trail bumps so trails you know feel smoother. The larger wheel has it’s axle higher off the ground but the crank assembly is at the normal altitude. This means that you ride this bike with a lower center of gravity. You’ll feel it, definitely. I’ve been riding MTB’s since... well..the early 80’s and it’s an effect that’s very attractive. It makes the bike have a longboard feel, and it carves smooth radius turns like poetry. If you are 5’ 10” or taller you should definitely try a 29’er. The difference is dramatic.
If you’ve attended classes with me you’ll be ready for the other side of the coin, that every choice has an up and down side. By using a larger wheel your rolling assembly will weigh more. How much more is determined by you, but it’ll weigh more. Added weight makes ascending harder. That added weight will also make your brakes less effective, so don’t use cheap brakes on your 29’er. Since the wheel has greater momentum the steering response is slower but there’s easy ways to deal with that, use shorter width handlebars.
Gearing- If you’re going to singlespeed this wheelset plan on owning a few extra rear cogs. The Solo-One comes equipped with a 32:20 gear ratio. Depending on your personal fitness level and the steepness of your trails you may want to have an easier gear. If you look closely at some affordable cassettes you may be able to disassemble them and have 2 or 3 usable choices for a pretty low cost. 32:20 equals a ratio of 1:1.6. 32:21 = 1:1.52, 32:23 = 1:1.39, and any lower you can calculate on your own. A common mountain bike has a range of ratios from 0.65 to 4, so keep in mind that if you have ONE gear don’t go too low. Or toddlers on tricycles will look like Lance Armstrong as they pass you.
Also- consider bar ends! They can really help you to power up some hills.
Monday, May 04, 2009
An Expert should try new things...
I was thinking about the title of this entry, and realized I was missing some basic biking experiences. It’s been 2 years since I’d ridden a 29’er. I’ve never ridden a single speed MTB in XC mode. And it’s been a long time since I had gone “full rigid” off road. (The opposite of full suspension, thank you.) I called a friend @ KHS, and did all three things at once. My plan was to ride a local loop for the test period and note the changes.
May 1- I picked up a KHS Solo-One demo bike from KHS and took it to the Lab for a full tuning. The full MSRP on it is $679 including disc brakes and an aluminum frame. I was very grateful to note the huge 2.3” Kenda Nevegal tires for traction and a softer ride. The fork may look “long”, but it’s made to have extra height to allow for the owner to add a suspension fork and not mess up the geometry. There’s no way around it, this thing is burly at 28.85lbs with the stock platform pedals. Balance that against the huge tires and durable 29” wheels, and it begins to make sense. I took one short lap and realized that “some” suspension would be a help. The seatpost in picture five is a Cane Creek Thudbuster LT, and it works perfect on this type of bike. The 3” of travel makes a world of difference.
I’m 5’9”, and this is a medium size. On the Solo One I’d advise you to get a larger size if you are 1/4” of an inch taller than me. If you wear pants with an inseam longer than 28”, immediately install a longer seatpost. Beyond that it just works. This bike will be ridden in a way totally different from your other bikes, so avoid big changes until you’ve tried it.
May 2- The introduction is over, it’s time to crank this thing! The Fullerton Loop is a very popular trail in my region, which courses through city parks and open spaces between houses. It ain’t epic, but it’s local and fun. Normally I burn off 700 to 800 calories doing it on a full suspension bike. I used 1559 calories today. Let me start by saying that riding a single speed bike is fun. Like out-running an alligator type of fun.(I realize my idea of fun may be a little twisted, but I think you’d like one too. Bike, not alligator.) For me the KHS Solo-One has three modes.
Mode A is when you are spinning “on top” of the gear or coasting. Since there’s ONE GEAR you don’t get to shift if you go faster than you can pedal that gear, you spin it at 180+ rpm/coast/spin/coast until the terrain changes.
Mode B is when the gear and terrain demands an effort from you that you can manage. Easy climbs, short mellow hills, that’s OK. “Nice”.
Mode C occurs on a short steep hill. A hill that beginners see and immediately get off and walk up. This is the core moment of single-speediness for me. You’re tensed against the pedals, clipped in, putting 100% of your available strength into the cranks. You are pulling on the handlebars, leaning into the climb, to keep the bike balanced side-to-side, You are also keeping “just” enough weight on the rear tire so you don’t roost away your momentum. Maybe you add your own soundtrack, groaning/grunting or warrior-wailing your way to the apex of the hill. There is a “zen” to that moment of energy and balance that completely resonates with me.
Aw nuts, I’m becoming a single speeder. It hasn't killed me yet, I must be getting stronger. I’ll do more on the wheel size in the next installment.
 |
| From KHS Solo One 1 |
 |
| From KHS Solo One 1 |
 |
| From KHS Solo One 1 |
May 1- I picked up a KHS Solo-One demo bike from KHS and took it to the Lab for a full tuning. The full MSRP on it is $679 including disc brakes and an aluminum frame. I was very grateful to note the huge 2.3” Kenda Nevegal tires for traction and a softer ride. The fork may look “long”, but it’s made to have extra height to allow for the owner to add a suspension fork and not mess up the geometry. There’s no way around it, this thing is burly at 28.85lbs with the stock platform pedals. Balance that against the huge tires and durable 29” wheels, and it begins to make sense. I took one short lap and realized that “some” suspension would be a help. The seatpost in picture five is a Cane Creek Thudbuster LT, and it works perfect on this type of bike. The 3” of travel makes a world of difference.
 |
| From KHS Solo One 1 |
I’m 5’9”, and this is a medium size. On the Solo One I’d advise you to get a larger size if you are 1/4” of an inch taller than me. If you wear pants with an inseam longer than 28”, immediately install a longer seatpost. Beyond that it just works. This bike will be ridden in a way totally different from your other bikes, so avoid big changes until you’ve tried it.
May 2- The introduction is over, it’s time to crank this thing! The Fullerton Loop is a very popular trail in my region, which courses through city parks and open spaces between houses. It ain’t epic, but it’s local and fun. Normally I burn off 700 to 800 calories doing it on a full suspension bike. I used 1559 calories today. Let me start by saying that riding a single speed bike is fun. Like out-running an alligator type of fun.(I realize my idea of fun may be a little twisted, but I think you’d like one too. Bike, not alligator.) For me the KHS Solo-One has three modes.
Mode A is when you are spinning “on top” of the gear or coasting. Since there’s ONE GEAR you don’t get to shift if you go faster than you can pedal that gear, you spin it at 180+ rpm/coast/spin/coast until the terrain changes.
Mode B is when the gear and terrain demands an effort from you that you can manage. Easy climbs, short mellow hills, that’s OK. “Nice”.
Mode C occurs on a short steep hill. A hill that beginners see and immediately get off and walk up. This is the core moment of single-speediness for me. You’re tensed against the pedals, clipped in, putting 100% of your available strength into the cranks. You are pulling on the handlebars, leaning into the climb, to keep the bike balanced side-to-side, You are also keeping “just” enough weight on the rear tire so you don’t roost away your momentum. Maybe you add your own soundtrack, groaning/grunting or warrior-wailing your way to the apex of the hill. There is a “zen” to that moment of energy and balance that completely resonates with me.
Aw nuts, I’m becoming a single speeder. It hasn't killed me yet, I must be getting stronger. I’ll do more on the wheel size in the next installment.
 |
| From KHS Solo One 1 |
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
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