I didn’t know Sheldon Brown personally but I still enjoy visiting his Website www.sheldonbrown.com and immersing myself in the details of internal hubs and thread pitch. The cycling community lost Sheldon last year to a heart attack after being diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. If you have a moment, take a quick trip over to his Website and poke around.
The thing about Sheldon, and the thousands of other bike people that have bearing grease soaked skin, chainring scars and bodies of all shapes and sizes that have seen many miles go under their tires is that we are “lifers.” The term “lifer” is usually tied to convicts with no chance of getting out of prison. For us the term is a badge of commitment that we have made a choice and are doing time (joyously) in the world of cycling.
Being a lifer is a wonderful way to go through life. You see and hear everything differently. I was in the locker room at the gym and I heard a ratchet sound from the next aisle. I almost called out “Sidi mountain shoes?” but don’t believe in small talk in locker rooms. Sure enough, the man from the aisle next to mine came walking by with his blue Sidi MTB shoes on his way to spin class. The Sidi ratchet just makes a different noise than the rest.
I remember pulling out my new Wound-Up carbon fork (back in 1996) from the box only hear my boss Chip (another lifer) comment “Your new fork is crooked.” I thought he was full of it and giving me grief because he was a frame builder and loved steel forks. Well we put the fork on the alignment table (damn frame builders) and sure enough the legs were off! He had just eyeballed that sucker for 2 seconds and knew. Chip was the one who hired me after cross threading a BB shell into a new carbon frame. It took us three hours to get the BB out (sawed the cup with a hacksaw blade with a rag for a handle) and he enjoyed the challenge so much he didn’t charge me. The frame survived Chip hired me a month later. I learned almost everything I know working for him.
There’s an old joke about the cycling industry that goes: How do you make a small fortune in the cycling industry? The answer: Start with a large one. No, money doesn’t fall from the sky in the cycling industry. Lifers would rather spend the day counting spokes than dollars. We can tell you the BCD (bolt circle diameter) of a Campy road crank versus a Shimano road cranks and wax philosophically about lugged steel frames but couldn’t explain Keynesian economics to save our lives. A dollar to us is a tire boot after a bad cut in the middle of a ride.
So I’m a Lifer. For the rest of my life cycling will run through my veins and my thoughts will always come back to the simple joy of pedaling. We Lifers find therapy in our shop late at night standing in front of a bike watching the chain snake through the pulleys and glide over the cogs. We enjoy the smell of chain lube and our hands are a testament to the life we have chosen. We are proud of who we are but do not boast. We are problem solvers and life savers (just ask anyone with a derailleur issue moments before a big race). We get as much reward from watching a child get his or her first bike as we do watching the pros win races on bikes we built or tuned. Most of all we have chosen a life (or did it choose us?) that allows us to be around bicycles and ride them, produce them, repair them and enjoy them. Yeah, I’m a Lifer. Would you really want anyone else making bikes for you?
Most consider road bike racing a non-contact sport. Yet check out the YouTube video (see below) of Theo Bos ‘pulling’ Deryl Impey off his bike onto the pavement during the Turkish stage race last Sunday and you may consider otherwise. However, much debate surrounds whether Bos did indeed pull Impey down or whether it was simply an unfortunate cycling accident. The footage certainly suggests that Bos grabbed Impey’s yellow jersey and used NFL tactics to de-seat Impey. However, Bos denies any intentional action. Furthermore, questions circulate the incident. Why would Bos have pulled Impey in front of his own bike? And if he did, what interactions between himself and Impey could have taken place to result in such a dangerous retaliation? In my opinion, however, the most disturbing assumption is that winning has come to mean so much to some people that they will engage in unfair, dangerous behavior. In one poll, one hundred and ten athletes were asked if, in taking illegal performance enhancing drugs (with no chance of being caught) they were guaranteed to win all their competitions for the next five years, but then DIE from the drugs, would they still take the them? Guess what….90 of them said yes! This may not be as surprising as we initially think. When was the last time an athlete received the kind of respect and national recognition that comes with winning from simply ‘trying hard’ or being a generally good person? America especially, but the rest of the world as well, honors the highest scores, the fastest times and the best results. Athletes feel this pressure and respond accordingly. When physical limits prevent meeting the public’s expectations, other measures are taken to circumvent barriers. Furthermore, high paying athletes often get off with little more than a slap on the wrist. As they come to see themselves as above the rules, it is no wonder that further illicit behavior ensues. The real issue is not whether Bos threw Impey to the ground; the real issue is that this is even a possible explanation for what happened during the race.
I woke up on Wednesday to grey skies instead of the beautiful baby blue, cloudless skies of the past week, which I had gotten used to. The first thought that flashed through my mind was, “Maybe I should just drive to work today.” I like to think of myself as a bike commuter, preferring two wheels and man (or woman, I should say) power to four wheels and horse power (if I actually had a horse this might be different). Yet that day I found myself craving a comfortable seat and a heating system. In the end, due to guilt, I hopped on my bike and pedaled to work, instantly feeling better. This mornings debate got me thinking; the vast majority of us don’t even consider using alternative transportation. I’ve watched a friend hop in his car to drive to a park about two blocks away to play some basketball. I’ve seen shoppers circle the rows in the Safeway parking lot, waiting for one of the first five spots because spot six would be too far away. And all the while, we wonder why obesity, air pollution, global warming and a myriad of other problems continue to rise!
Every gallon of gas burned produces twenty pounds of carbon dioxide. Asthma rates have increased drastically due to air pollution; most air pollution having been shown to come from vehicles. Not to mention the habitats we have claimed with our roads and highways, viewing road kill as a smelly inconvenience rather than a consequence of our continuous global take over. How would you like a gofer to tunnel three or four exits up through your living room floor? Seeing as pest control companies seem to be doing fine, I would guess most people wouldn’t be big fans. As if the future of the only world we have is not enough, let’s examine a problem that people seem more concerned with: obesity. America spends ridiculous amounts of money on diet books and pills. Everyone is looking for a ‘quick fix’ to lose weight. Well, that quick fix is sitting in your garage collecting dust (and I certainly don’t mean your new SUV). Why do we only concern ourselves with the intake half of the energy balance equation? Why not consider the output factor? Then, at least, you can still enjoy a cookie once in a while. Plus, you save the gas money, which you can always put towards diet pills if you’re still not convinced about the benefits of exercise. So next time you grab your keys, think about using the one belonging to your bike lock rather than the one belonging to your Bentley.
OK…it is a busy Monday but I had to stop and comment on this insanity. Keep in mind it is from a design competition so there is room for the imagination. It is called the “Bike Remora.” It is based off of the Remora Fish that hitches rides off of other fish. By the way, please note that this fish is also called the “Suckerfish.” Because as a society we all love the freeloaders and this fish and this invention are no exception.
The Bike Remora uses “a silicone coated magnet to secure itself to the automobile.” Of course safety is an issue and the Bike Remora has a safety leash that “wraps around the wrist of the cyclist and when pulled upon, the magnet recesses in to the shell of the Bike Remora’s body, thus becoming unattached to any surface." Funny, I don’t see any mention of a bullet-proof remora shield to protect the cyclist from the 9mm artillery blowing through the rear window of the vehicle that they decided to “hitch” a free ride from. The mindset of this invention is based on a day when “respect falls onto the pedestrian or cyclist.” [Insert more rambling text here] “Because of the car’s impact on the environment, it will be in debt to the common cyclist, and will happily take on a couple “remoras.”
I started a new paragraph because I wanted to give you time to laugh aloud or run to the bathroom due to this interesting take on relationship between cars and cyclists. I would have to say: Make like Aerosmith and “Dream On.” It seems like in the future (of crazy people that is) that Catholic Guilt and global warming will be the reason that cars will want a bunch of cyclist freaks hitching a ride uptown. Yeah, I said freaks…come on; anyone with a detachable magnet in their hand trying to suck onto a car is…well… a freak. Here’s an idea…why don’t we just pedal our own bikes and not use cars as the “escalators” of the open road. Maybe we will all be better off keeping our hands and “remoras” to ourselves. A word to the “suckerfishes” out there: Last time I grabbed onto the trailer of a landscaping truck, from my bike at a red light, I almost got a lawnmower thrown on me.
Picture the San Francisco Bay laid out below you, salty wind whistling through your helmet, the cry of seagulls filling your ears as they circle above head. Hundreds of people restlessly surround you, dressed in that familiar get up- biking jersey, helmet, a pair of Look Road Cleats. It’s a modern day cycling army similar to that of the Spartans in 300, and you have positioned yourself at the forefront of the charge, riding in cat one. Although the sky is grey, you’re thankful for the cool fog as you anticipate the 108.1 miles of hills that await you. And then, before you’ve done much more than mount your Kuota Kharma Carbon Fiber road bike, the race is on! Well done, you’ve just begun the T-Mobile San Francisco Grand Prix.
It’s been four years since I’ve been in San Francisco for this international circuit, but the atmosphere is incredible. While most city commuters will lay on their horn if they have to slow down to 40 mph to let someone into their lane, not a trace of complaint is present when the city shuts down miles of its streets to accommodate the race. Spectators line the course shouting encouragement, even to those cyclists they have never met; and especially to those cyclists who seem to need that extra push as they climb their umpteenth hill. Many spectators are simply tourists with the original intent to cross the Golden Gate or take the ferry over to Alcatraz. Perhaps they wished to eat fresh crab on Pier 39 or see Lombard St., the curviest street in the world. But the energy emanating from hundreds of spandex clad, calf-enhanced cyclists is just too much. It is a sight not to be missed. And for those who get impatient sitting on the sidewalk, an event not to let pass by!
Talk about false alarms! I guess summer is going to hold out on us a little longer. No worries though; rain, wet snow and dirt trails combine to create one of nature’s most entertaining elements…MUD! As Sunday’s sun warmed up the foot or so of snow that dropped on us on Thursday, I jumped on the chance to get some quality mud trekking in. Paths had cleared enough to make my way into the backcountry, but remained wet enough to make my hike challenging and bring me back to the good old days of puddle jumping. Plugging along with a few friends, our hike soon turned into a mud fight after one particular puddle jump resulted in a mud facial for my friend. While I thought this was considerate of me (these facials usually cost a lot of money!) she thought a strategically aimed handful of mud was more appropriate than a thank you. After some slipping, some sliding and a lot of laughs we called a mud-caked truce. Forget overpriced mud baths. All you need to feel young again is a good slushy day in the mud. And although we want to be young, there are certain adult additions that make the ride home more bearable, such as Patagonia’s rain shadow pants and jacket. Their lightweight, waterproof fabric makes them easy to pack during questionable weather, as well as providing unrestrictive protection when the elements take a turn for the….more exciting. Keeping a spare towel or two in the trunk may not be a bad idea either. And for the mud-fight loser, there’s always the option of a good hose down before getting into the car.
As sad as it is to acknowledge the impending end of the ski season, who can complain about the early arrival of spring weather. Nothing beats being outdoors on a late May day, except maybe having that day come in March. Fifty degree weather means one thing...break out the camping supplies! My plans for the weekend as we enter spring break? Forget Mexico and sloppy college freshman, I'm throwing the Sierra Designs ASP 2 Tent on my back, packing up some S'More fixings and heading up Left Hand! Spring temperatures are good for two things; growing Tulips on Pearl Street and camping. It gets cool enough at night that the camp fire is warm and comforting, and stays cool enough in the morning that your tent doesn't become comparable to a country club sauna room filled with half-naked hairy men.
With the ASP 2 only weighing in at 5 pounds, I can hike in (the proper way to camp) rather than pitching a tent in the shadow of some gas-guzzling beast, right next to three other camping groups. I can find a great clearing, surrounded by wildlife rather than wild students. I'll take sleeping under the stars over being cooped up inside any day. As often as we seem to forget it, we humans were made to be outside. Sixty hour work weeks have become 'natural' while nature has become foreign. So consider me an advocate for the return to the truly natural. And if a sixty hour work week cannot be avoided, I at least, choose to spend my weekends enjoying the beauty of the outdoors rather than planting myself mindlessly in front of the latest reality TV show. Plus, while I carry the two-person lightweight ASP 2 tent (weighing less than most brief cases or book bags), my camping buddy can easily handle a couple Sierra Designs Echo 20 sleeping bags and some granola for the morning. That's right, we are "Granola's" and we love it. So on behalf of all the Granolas out there I say "Welcome Spring"!
I remember a hot West Virginia day in 1994 preparing for a time trial in the 21 event West Virginia Race Series. The whole series was amazing and there were some tough teams to deal with on a weekly basis. I love to time trial so I was excited to do well. There was cash to be had and I needed some points to work my way from second to first overall in the series. I knew the course and half way through the 18-mile trip I knew I was flying. The sun was out and the weather was perfect. I was coming up on a tricky right hand turn that dropped down into a quick decent. I knew the course volunteers at this corner as they were the wives of my boss and a co-worker. As I slowed to make the tricky corner I looked at the two women volunteers and said “Hello Ladies!” and cleared the corner.
I blasted the rest of the course and hit the line as hard as I could. I rolled a half mile with my head low and my lungs heaving. I drained that sucker and knew it! I turned the pedals easy as I made my way back to the start/finish area and looked at the timer with a devilish smile. She looked at me and gave a quick “no” motion with her head. Results were not posted yet but she let me know I had come up short. I was stunned! Ten minutes later I learned I lost by one second. One second!
I thought I had given my all that day. I risked it in the corners, hammered the straights and demolished the climbs…how did I miss? Then it hit me, I said “hello” to the ladies going around the tricky corner. Even though I didn’t stop for pleasantries, I did take my mind off the goal. I let myself slip and paid the price. Even though I lost to a very strong rider and good friend it hurt no less, I should have won. I had not given it my all. I had given it 99% and came up short. I learned an important lesson that day: Race to the finish line and save the gossip for the awards ceremony.
The following year I kept my mouth shut and won the time trial. Second place that day was 2 minutes down. Lesson learned!
Subject: Tommaso Carbon Fiber Hard tail Mountain Bike Prototype
Tommaso has done it again! After years of providing consumers with quality road machines, Tommaso has made the plunge into the Mountain Bike market with quite a splash. Though only a prototype, I’m excited to see what else Tommaso has up its sleeve for 2009.
Being in Colorado in February you might think mountain bikes are in storage for the winter, but that’s probably because you have never spent a winter in Boulder. Sure we get some cold days when the temp hovers around zero and then we get days like today. Not a cloud in the sky and 62 degrees. That’s right, early February and prime mountain biking conditions.
Hall Ranch in Lyons, Colorado is about 15 min from our shop in Boulder and is one of the true gems tucked in the frontrange. A prefect testing ground providing a mix of technical rock gardens, smooth single track and a rolling loop at the top.
To give you some perspective I normally ride this trail on my Iron Horse MKIII Elite boasting 5 inches of travel. The MKIII, featuring the patented DW-Link Rear Suspension has no trouble making the 5 mile ascent to the top and of course it’s big smiles all the way down to the parking lot. So dropping 6 Lbs to a carbon fiber hardtail is a noticeable difference right out of the gate. The Tommaso is light and stiff which is immediately realized when you start to ascend. The full carbon frame was responsive to each pedal stroke and I was really enjoying the weight loss throughout the climb.
At 5”9 with an 22” top tube the geometry felt comfortable but still aggressive enough to maintain accurate control of the bicycle. Going into the ride I was fairly confident this carbon hardtail would glide uphill and I was not let down in any form. The downhill was my concern, especially coming from a 5” travel horse. Specifically, my reservations were vibration, stability and control. Somehow the product managers at Tommaso created a carbon fiber hard tail that I felt comfortable pushing hard downhill. The vibration encountered due to the lack of rear suspension is quickly dampened by the carbon fiber frame material. The ironic combination of stiffness and ride comfort make this Tommaso standout. Even over the rocky and bump sections the bike tracked well without jostling the pilot.
I’m sold, ready to buy. Hopefully we will see a limited production of the Tommaso Carbon Fiber hard tail sometime in 2009.
COMPLETE SPECS
Frame: Tommaso Full Carbon Fiber 12k Carbon Weave (1170 grams)
Rear Shock: Not on this beast
Fork: Fox 100R
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Shifters: Shimano Deore XT Rapid Fire
Brakes: Avid Juicy 7
Chain: SRAM PC-951
Crankset: Race Face Evolve XC 44/32/22T Alloy
Cassette: SRAM PG-970, 11/34T
Pedals: Crank Brothers Eggbeater Ti
Bottom Bracket: Race Face X-Type
Headset: 1 1/8" Cane Creek Zero-Stack ZS-2
Saddle: WTB Silverado Race Black
Seat Post: Thomson Elite 27.2mm
Handlebar: Ritchey Rizer Comp 31.8mm,
Grips: WTB TECHNICAL TRAIL GRIP
Stem: Ritchey Pro 100mm
Tires: WTB ExiWolf 1.95"
Wheelset: DT/SWISS X 1800
Weight: 23.8 Lbs for the complete bike (with some component upgrades we are looking at just over 20 LBS)
[Product Manager's Note: The specs on the production bikes are going to blow your mind! Check back often for the production models going on sale. The limited run in going to disappear fast!]
If you think you are fast in this town give it five minutes. This is Boulder and there is speed to be found trickling out of garden hoses in the middle of the night. This is a fast town. This town deserves the indoor track just for the insanity of it all. Ridiculously banked corners made of plywood that roar underneath like a heard of mustangs on a 10-second path of bending tires and twitching grey matter.
You can’t buy a banana in this town without walking though the air-stream of another Boulder hammer. You better not have hot dogs and Twinkies in that cart sucker. This town is tough. You can’t even get a bag for your milk. Recycle or die! You can take that plastic bag hording, trans-fat soaking, beer and a cigarette habit back to Long Island! NASCAR and Golf? Not in this town, not if you want a prayer of seeing the front of a pack. Hell, this guy sits at the desk next to me! This town is full of talent, speed and power.
Bikes are different in this town. They don’t sissy around ribbons of paved ebony glass. In this town you might want to start getting used to Vittoria Open Corsa EVO 700x25’s for the roads that turn into dirt at the top. As if the descents weren’t enough to send folks from the Mid-West packing, try them after winter when a good measure of sand and gravel has been dumped in the corners…for traction of all things!
I’m blessed to be here and I will be cursed, and will curse, if I ever have to leave. As for those of you that haven’t made it here yet: Don’t come here! We’ve got enough pros, tri-gods, wannabes, never was, and never wills here. There is sure to be plenty of room in Fort Collins or Denver. Your five minutes are up…do you still think you are fast?
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