Favorite thing #5: Ergon Grips
New to the world of singlespeed mountain biking, I admit my novice – and avid interest – in the various technology associated. New geometry specs, all kinds of pretty machined dropouts, tensioners, and crankarms. Out of the box, my Kona Unit (rigid 29er) needed little to be changed other than a shorter stem (came with 120mm swapped for 90) and a WTB devo saddle to be adequately comfortable. I made some other mechanical changes, which look addressed in the 2011 model – but those don’t affect comfort.
In my astute research on group singlespeed rides, I noticed singlespeed veterans all had Ergon grips on their bars, and I was thinking – didn’t they get the memo that bar ends are SO yesterday?? But, as I watched these riders drop me on the climbs, as they all eventually did, I realized they were using them differently, even standing up to torque power out of the barends to leverage up the hill. So, I bought a pair. Instantly, my comfort level on the bike notched up a spot, and so did my power. I consider that it would not be as effective on a full-suspension bike, nor a geared bike that one could spin on; but I like it like this.
Ergon GC2 - Small/Women's
On a later date, I hope to disclose an algorithm that helps riders find the single speed gear ratio best suited to their body, fitness, and terrain. Stay tuned for that one, it might be a big flop.
Favorite thing #4: Polar Bottle
My first winter below 40 degrees proved challenging, and quite humbling. I didn’t know about air-activated toe warmers, much less think there was benefit to full-fledged shoe covers or face masks. My winter in Pittsburgh happened to coincide with their biggest snowstorm in something like 30 years, and it wasn’t the snow I minded, just the cold. My hands, feet and ears were of concern – and if there was a piece of skin was exposed between my sunglasses (or snowboard goggles sometimes) and my scarf; it would give me that ice cream headache feeling. And then there was the issue of hydration, because I like long rides. Even a 2 hour ride in single digit temperatures requires a lot of time to prepare for, and I found that an insulated tube hydration pak would be enough some of the time on trails, but I still needed electrolytes and to stay hydrated on my commutes.
Polar Bottle
The Polar Bottle ended up being a wise investment, that improved the overall quality of my winter riding. I even saw people using it on the Albuquerque Century, to my surprise. It kept water cool in 100 degree temperatures, too! And that made all the difference in regulating body temperature (poured down shirt). Long story short, the Polar Bottle has helped me to live through some of the hardest rides I’ve been on, to date.
Having a penchant for all things hand-made, I was impressed to find so many talented artists in my new city, Pittsburgh. One of them was clever enough to combine his local target audience with a great magazine concept and his handiwork with ceramics, and cater to custom requests. I’m not sure if there’s any limit, but I’m pretty sure if you can think it up, he’ll make it happen.
During the holidays, I bought a few sturdy pieces for gifts (one for myself, too) and started planning what I might like to request. Certainly, something having to do with Campagnolo bicycle parts – the mechanical craft which a lot of people never get the chance to experience and appreciate. I can be such a snob sometimes. But, at least I drink my coffee in style!
Jeff Guerroro Ceramins: Campagnolo Mugs
Sometimes, brand identity is so genuine; that it’s even obvious through the interwebs. While I was busy talking myself out of the Downieville Classic this year, I was introduced to a potential substitute racer, Kris Simons. Since I believe every person one is connected with, has an influence on one’s life – I wondered about this one. I’m in Pittsburgh, he’s in Denver, and the race is in California. What is the connection?
Apparently, a set of values and respect for hard work. In the spirit of “Free Will”, Enterprenuer Simons made a pact to create fair working conditions in Peru for a handful of coffee bean farmers, while pursueing some of his own dreams. After maxing out a credit card, the business was started with a couple of colleagues also interested in fair-trade and bicycle racing. Now established, they are looking to embark on bigger projects, while maintaining those altruist set of values.
Free Wheel Coffee Organic Peru Blend
The coffee is some of the best I’ve had, too. I use a french press or a moka pot for my morning fix, so I don’t miss any flavor – and I drink it black. I tried both types of the coffee available, and later learned that the House Blend had such a successful run, that it ran out of production until cyclocross season starts! Promising delivery from Peru within 32 hours, the Peru blend carries an almost liquor-like aroma when you open the bag. This was perfect for gifting my own colleagues in the bicycle industry, whom I knew would appreciate it. To inspire. In this era of economic transition, it is a wise choice to surround oneself with shared values. I look forward to seeing more about this company in the bicycle world.
I’m pretty sure I blushed a little when I first saw this short at one of Sheila Moon’s warehouse sales. And yet, I was intrigued. I suddenly remembered: I’m a woman.
Even in the twenty10 decade, far too many bicycle clothes remain simply hideous, buried in functionality. Aside from numerous spandex training kits, I’d been collecting a host of only slightly technical casual wear that would also double as bicycle commuting attire as my commutes grew longer (up to 30 miles each way), but not found a suitable liner that I could ride for hours in. When I saw this racy-lacy liner in its unassuming plastic bag; I did not think it was going to be a solution but something fun, which would bring a new fashion element to my wardrobe. Familiar with the American lady sizing (8-10 is a medium), I bought one and flew back across the country before trying it on.
Holy comfort batman, was this a winner! Hands down, this is one of the most naturally fitting, winningest chamois pad and flat-seam short combinations. In addition, the width of the lace bands offers more even compression and breathability underneath layers. And it certainly gets attention underneath short mtb shorts – I personally like the contrast between lace and mud.
BikeFest 2010 Recap
- Dirt Rag and Velomuse Ladies’ MTB 101
We had a turnout of about 10 women to the 3rd Annual Ladies’ MTB 101 ride that Dirt Rag has been hosting. Like last year, Velomuse helped get the word out about the opportunity and we’re continuing to collaborate with local ambassador Michelle Johnson to bring a new, weekly Monday Ladies’ ride together.
Velomuse Youth Bike Rodeo
The Velomuse Youth Bike Rodeo was something special at Frick Park for a few reasons. The idea was received by the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works well, and we had our permit application for a bike event approved. This might be the first time that a bike event has been approved, and its a benchmark for continuing building professional relationships between bicyclists and administration in a pro-active manner. We also were proud to have the support and co-promotion from Free Ride, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Bike Pittsburgh. Indeed, all signs point towards the concept that we embrace: “Creating Lifelong Cyclists.”
While it was indeed hot and humid, the youth that came out still rode a bunch of obstacles, practicing for hours on end. Removing training wheels, learning new levels of balance, bouncing back up when they fell, and winning prizes. The mtb ride was short and sweet, with ample obstacle practice as a highlight. Even some adults practiced their skills on the obstacles. Can I say how sweet the obstacles are? Thanks again to Seth and Chris for help building them.
Thick Bikes CX Adventure Epic
Last but not least, the Thick Bike Cyclocross Adventure Epic (a long enough name to measure the challenge of the ride) proved humbling. Starting out in Frick Park, riders climbed on paved roads into suburbia and over to Boyce Park at a good clip. Upon arriving an hour ealier than planned, we rode a handful of twisty slippy trails before meeting up with the PTAG/PORC MTB fest finale and following “Machete Mike” around for the slow, intermediate ride focusing on more obstacles. Super fun times. After 5 hours of riding, we hung out for refreshments for about an hour, and then headed back through suburbia inquiring to the validity of connectivity along some ATV trails for another 2 hours. It turns out that an abandoned railroad and quarry were up for a Rails to Trails conversion some time ago, but funding fell through. I see potential for a 3-tiered dirt park that accomodates both ATV and mountain/DJ bikes. and maybe cyclocross bikes, too!
Velomuse Youth Bike Rodeo
Alley Kitty Scavenger Hunt and Youth Mountain Bike Ride in Frick Park, this Saturday!
