Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Since You Asked
I got a follow up question to my sidewall post a while back. (I know, I was shocked too. Some people actually read this stuff, and one of them even took the time out of their life to write me with a question.)
The sidewalls in question are from a pair of Nokian Freddies Revenz 2.3" studded tires I picked up this winter.
Allman just bought a pair for his new Big Dummy and confirmed that his have the same thing stamped into the side.
Looks like we're going to have to confine our Big Dummy riding to 'designated DH courses only.'
Should be fun
The sidewalls in question are from a pair of Nokian Freddies Revenz 2.3" studded tires I picked up this winter.
Allman just bought a pair for his new Big Dummy and confirmed that his have the same thing stamped into the side.
Looks like we're going to have to confine our Big Dummy riding to 'designated DH courses only.'
Should be fun
Monday, February 13, 2012
This Evening
There was more snow for tonight's ride home than I had been anticipating.
Last weather report I saw called for accumulation of < 1inch
Oh well, I'm not complaining about first tracks.
Last weather report I saw called for accumulation of < 1inch
Oh well, I'm not complaining about first tracks.
Big, Fat, Wet Flakes
School bus was stuck and abandoned.
Flat ground, with chains on, still got stuck
Flat ground, with chains on, still got stuck
This Afternoon
My mother-in law is in town.
I decided to ride trails to school this afternoon.
I'm not saying those two things are related.
I'm not saying they aren't.
Winter shoes
It's sled dog season.
Cool to see them out running on my commutes.
Cool to see them out running on my commutes.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sometimes
Sometimes you bite the bullet and pay too much at the LBS (local bike shop).
I needed a new kickstand. The nice double legged stand I've been using has been on loan from Allman. He bought himself a Big Dummy, so now he's got a use for the kickstand.
I figured I'd throw a cheap kickstand on for the time being and see if it was adequate. I'd seen made in the U.S.A. Greenfield kickstands at Ace Hardware before for about $5 and figured no big deal, I'll go snag one from the LBS.
I appreciate my LBS, I want to support my LBS. I knew it might cost me a couple bucks more there, but not a big deal on such a small purchase.
I walked in with little wrider, told them what I needed and they hooked me up. Only thing is it cost three times what I'd seen at the hardware store.
At this price I could be well on my way to a fancy two-legged stand from Velo Orange, but I'm in the shop, I told them what I needed and they had it for me. So I bought it.
Like I said I want to support my LBS, I know it costs more to get stuff up to Alaska, I don't want to buy from the bigger chain store, and I'm willing to pay a bit more for that. But 200-300% more is a tough pill to swallow.
But I know that down the road the folks in there are going to take care of me, either with a quick repair on the cheap as I'm on my out of town for a week or riding, or a backdoor bargain that might not be available to the general public. Maybe it will just be consistent, friendly service for years to come, but I know that ultimately the extra price of that kickstand will be well worth it.
Although I'd rather have paid less and brought a 6-pack in for the shop, oh well.
I needed a new kickstand. The nice double legged stand I've been using has been on loan from Allman. He bought himself a Big Dummy, so now he's got a use for the kickstand.
I figured I'd throw a cheap kickstand on for the time being and see if it was adequate. I'd seen made in the U.S.A. Greenfield kickstands at Ace Hardware before for about $5 and figured no big deal, I'll go snag one from the LBS.
I appreciate my LBS, I want to support my LBS. I knew it might cost me a couple bucks more there, but not a big deal on such a small purchase.
I walked in with little wrider, told them what I needed and they hooked me up. Only thing is it cost three times what I'd seen at the hardware store.
At this price I could be well on my way to a fancy two-legged stand from Velo Orange, but I'm in the shop, I told them what I needed and they had it for me. So I bought it.
Like I said I want to support my LBS, I know it costs more to get stuff up to Alaska, I don't want to buy from the bigger chain store, and I'm willing to pay a bit more for that. But 200-300% more is a tough pill to swallow.
But I know that down the road the folks in there are going to take care of me, either with a quick repair on the cheap as I'm on my out of town for a week or riding, or a backdoor bargain that might not be available to the general public. Maybe it will just be consistent, friendly service for years to come, but I know that ultimately the extra price of that kickstand will be well worth it.
Although I'd rather have paid less and brought a 6-pack in for the shop, oh well.
Friday, January 27, 2012
I'm That Kind of Guy . . .
. . . . the kind of guy who reads the sidewalls of his tires. Also known as "A Loser".
But that's okay, because I find the sidewalls of bike tires interesting, especially when they say stuff like this:
But that's okay, because I find the sidewalls of bike tires interesting, especially when they say stuff like this:
Inflate to 2.0-4.5bar (29-65psi)
Safety warning: For race use on designated DH courses only
Always wear protective gear. Please prevent ass munch and
do not ride over other riders.
Got that?
Okay, good.
Enjoy the day
Safety warning: For race use on designated DH courses only
Always wear protective gear. Please prevent ass munch and
do not ride over other riders.
Got that?
Okay, good.
Enjoy the day
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I Can't Believe I Forgot to Post These
It is true folks. You can now get a loaf of bread, some eggs and a new "fixed gear" freestyle bike in one quick stop (and I'm not even talking about Walmart.)
Obviously the term fixed gear freestyle needs to be used loosely here considering the bike had a freewheel, but that is obviously the hipster (wannabe) demographic the bike was inspired by/for.
I spotted this slick ride at the local grocery store awhile back.
It's got it all:
Matching white tires, rims, grips and chain.
Antifreeze green hubs, bar, stem, and seat post collar
Burly reinforced handlebar
A chainguard!
And best of all it even has clearance for barspins!
Sadly this is a poor take on what I would actually like to see more of in department/grocery store bikes. Simple. Solid. Singlespeed.
All those 21 speed, full suspension NEXTs are not ideal for anyone. The demographic that puts those bikes through their paces would generally be much better suited with a bike that is designed to be as simple, reliable and durable as possible. Unfortunately practicality isn't what companies are inclined to offer.
Obviously the term fixed gear freestyle needs to be used loosely here considering the bike had a freewheel, but that is obviously the hipster (wannabe) demographic the bike was inspired by/for.
I spotted this slick ride at the local grocery store awhile back.
It's got it all:
Matching white tires, rims, grips and chain.
Antifreeze green hubs, bar, stem, and seat post collar
Burly reinforced handlebar
A chainguard!
And best of all it even has clearance for barspins!
Sadly this is a poor take on what I would actually like to see more of in department/grocery store bikes. Simple. Solid. Singlespeed.
All those 21 speed, full suspension NEXTs are not ideal for anyone. The demographic that puts those bikes through their paces would generally be much better suited with a bike that is designed to be as simple, reliable and durable as possible. Unfortunately practicality isn't what companies are inclined to offer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
