The Lure of New Trail

Saturday, the weather was amazing. I had some errands to do in the morning, so it wasn't until late afternoon that I was able to break free and ride. I've recently overhauled my mountain bike, so that was the steed of choice.

I picked up T. at 5pm and off we went. Quick note here about tires. I'm running the Barro TNT's in tubeless form -- inflated to about 29psi -- and T. is running a MotoRaptor up front and a Nokian NBX out back. Having failed to even look at the bike in months, his tires were very, very low -- about 12psi. And we carried no pump.

Back to the tale.

We drove a short distance -- drove to save time -- and started out riding a gravel road to some single track that we had ridden before. It goes up. It goes up in an unrelenting manner. So, up we went. I won't bore you with the details, but there were log crossings, a stream crossing and quite a bit of hover-on-the-nose-of-your-saddle-and-hope-for-traction climbing. The trail was a little damp, not bad, but damp. My tires packed up. Badly. Now, you'd think, as I did, that a tire named Barro -- mud in Spanish -- would be a good mud tire. It isn't. At least, not this kind of mud. So I was left spinning my wheels watching T. ride away.

After enough of this type of climbing -- I thought my lungs and/or legs were going to explode at times, it was steep -- we popped out onto a gravel road. Presumably this is the same gravel road we started on, but we're not sure. We've never actually climbed or descended the road. Why would we? There is that single track to ride instead.

We were now in a clearing. An artificial clearing. This is Weyerhauser land and they have removed the trees. Not that I mind, you understand, I do live in a wooden house and have no delusions about where that wood comes from, but it makes navigating a little tricky. Here is why: The best roads around a newly logged area are the ones that are put in to get the timber out. They don't go anywhere. You, of course, don't know that they don't go anywhere, you just see a very nice gravel road and who in their right mind would put in such a nice gravel road if it didn't go anywhere? We, however, knew that they didn't go anywhere since we live in timber country.

However, there were bicycle tracks on one of the roads leading through the clear cut. And, because of modern directional treads, we knew that the bicycles that left these tracks were headed downhill not up, like we were. Hmmmmm... Time to explore a bit.

Off we went and once over a rise we see the remnants of a forgotten trail. The tracks came from there. So, once again, we head up. The trail shows signs of recent use and it is easy to follow. It is also drier, so traction wasn't as big of an issue. The Barro tires do fine in the dry, just not in the mud. This new trail soon hits another road. We cross the road and pick up the trail again, on the other side. We continue along this trail for some time, eventually it arrives at the top of the ridge. Now, we need to make a decision. My time is about up. I left the wife with the kids and lately the 2 year old has been acting like a... well... like a 2 year old. I knew that she'd be at her wits end and I try and keep her happy so I can do rides like this. So, we turned around. We still don't know where the trail eventually leads. We were within 200 ft of the highest peak in the area, so it either heads down, or it heads to that peak.

We reversed our course and in short order were down the mountain and back to the car. We don't know where the trail ends up. That will be the task for another day. The trail calls and we will answer, how can we not?


Gear used: Geax Barro TNT tires, BBB disc brake pads, BBB Winner glasses (orange lens), ventureDESIGNworks Gel-Bot.

ventureDESIGNworks

Last time, while editorializing about gear and making it better, I wrote about the Gel-Bot and mentioned that I received an updated version. I also received a couple of new items from Gel-Bot's maker, ventureDESIGNworks.

The first is a brush-and-sponge on a stick made to clean out bottles, called BottleBrush -- I don't think ventureDESIGNworks likes spaces. The brush on a stick approach isn't new, but theirs is a bit longer in the stick component than what you'll find at the local grocery store. This should make cleaning out the residue from energy drinks a little easier -- that stuff will get all fuzzy and will grow enough stuff to make a biologist smile for hours, so clean those bottles.



The other item included in the box with the Gel-Bot is a bit more unique. It's called freeHAND and it's a pocket, of sorts. The idea is that if you are riding, running, walking, etc. you might not have a nicely accessible pocket in which to store your wallet, iPod, cell phone and the like. So, strap this to the back of your hand and use it to store things that you'd like right at hand, so to speak.
As you can see, the mesh backing will stretch to fit a phone as large as a Treo 650 -- I have that phone and tried it and it does fit, but it's tight -- but the newer Treo 680 is a better fit. It'll fit iPods easily and give you access to your controls, not that I endorse the use of a music player while riding, you understand. I do not. But, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out this most obvious benefit.

Making Gear Better

The best part about reviewing bicycle gear is the fact that I get to try out a ton of gear for an extended period of time on my local trails and roads. This really enables me to get a feel for the strengths and weaknesses of the gear that I couldn't get by going around the block on a loaner from the local bike shop. It also helps me to get through the marketing tripe and get to the meat of a product. The worst part is having to tell a manufacturer that the product that they've worked so hard to make -- all the money spent on design, tooling, prototyping, etc -- just isn't up to snuff. Fortunately, I don't have to do that very often. Most of the gear on the market today is really pretty good. There are minor flaws here and there, but for the most part, gear today does what it claims it does.

The second best part of reviewing gear is when there is a problem -- be it design or otherwise -- and the manufacturer fixes it based on my (and others) feedback.

Case in point: the Gel-Bot. It was an interesting idea to begin with -- have one bottle to carry both your beverage and your gel -- and I really liked using it on medium length rides. However, we had some issues; from the review: "Unfortunately, the execution of the idea left something to be desired. Don’t get me wrong, the Gel-Bot works, most of the time. I found that after a while, the plunger didn’t seal as well as it should and some of my gel ended up in my drink. One of our testers had the plunger fall out completely, dumping all of the gel into the liquid."

Venture Design Works was listening. Last week I received an updated version of the Gel-Bot along with some other products that I'll blog about later this week. The new version has an extra component to prevent the plunger from falling out. It is supposed to seal better, too.

I have not had a chance to try it out -- I was sick all weekend -- but as soon as I do, I'll let you know how well it works.

Knog... Again

As promised, our review of the Knog Frog and Toad is up and running! Check it out HERE.


These are great little backup lights. Go get one -- or both -- and rest assured that you'll have spare light, should the need arise. Or, if you are one of those who eschew batteries and power your lights via a dynohub, get a Frog for use as a standlight. That way cars will see you even when you are stopped.

A Test

There is little need for lights lately. The sun is mostly up by the time I leave the house, and I'd have to work very late -- rare, though not unheard of -- to need lights in the evening. I've even had to use sunglasses more than once! That being said, Oregon isn't really known for it's sunny disposition and lately, we've seen more gray than blue -- last weekend excepted -- and the forecast of for more of the same dull sky.

Not that I mind. I actually love living in Oregon. I can't think of any where I'd rather live, were I to relocate. But, back to the tale.

So this overcast sky, with the occasional liquid, leads to some interesting lighting. It's flat. Nothing stands out. It can even be bright at times, but there the ambient lighting is still flat. This means that more cars have their lights on than off -- good for them -- and I began thinking, if I can see them better with their lights on -- and I can -- then they should see me better with my lights on.

So, the test. How do drivers behave if I have my lights on, as opposed to if I have them off. For the experiment I rode the same route I normally do, but alternating lights on and lights off. For the test I used the DiNotte tail light -- it's very visible in the daylight -- and up front I ran the 400L using only the amber light on flashing mode.

My findings? I seemed to get cut off less. I still got cut off and cars still came uncomfortably close, mind you, it just didn't seem to happen as often. There are some people that won't see you regardless of how much light you throw their way... they are too busy or harried be bothered with a mere cyclist. But the rest, those who might not notice you because you blend in, having lights will make you stand out and then you'll be noticed.

Yes, I felt like a dork at times running the lights when I obviously had enough sunlight to see by, but then, commuting on a bicycle is not the epitome of cool... though it should be.



Other gear used on the commute: BBB Winner glasses (mirrored clear lens), BBB derailleur pulleys, Black Bottoms Vest.

Small Lights

We've been using the Knog Frog and Toad for a while now. The review is just about done -- it's written, it only needs final editing and formating -- so I thought I'd give you a little peak before we post it.


The Frog has become a staple on my commutes. I leave it on my helmet and can't feel that it's up there. It is bright enough to work on my bike and be seen by cars. The flashing mode -- mounted to my head as it is -- is noticeable.

In the review -- that will be up very soon -- I say this about it: "The light is so small, and its weight is so insignificant that there is no reason to not carry one, or two. They come in packs of one or packs of two -- one red and one white -- and that is the way I'd buy them. You never know when a mechanical or poor planning will result in being out at dusk or later. Why not take some insurance?" Indeed.

Jon has been using the Toad on his road bike.


He really likes the fact that the stretchy silicon body allows the light to be used with odd bars, like his K-Wing. He goes on to say this: "Because the body of the Toad--the silicone rubber part--is translucent white, it is illuminated when the LEDs are lit. This provides a much wider viewing angle for motorists to see you by." This is true of both the Frog and the Toad. Very nice.

Be sure to check out the full review when it goes live -- I'll let you know -- on GearReview.com.

WIWTBT Vol. 4

Ah spring is here. I can tell because it's in the 30s again outside (though it was in the 70s a few weeks ago). What this means to me is that I can't pack up the rollers just yet. I never know when I'll be on them again.

Though I've mentioned before that I want a second set of wheels so I can ride my bike on the rollers without destroying my normal tires (right now: these), I actually have a 2nd bike that I end up using. Though old (~ 18 years old), it is fine for the monotony of the rollers.

However:
Last year, I bought this saddle to be more, ahem, anatomic, if you will. This isn't the saddle on my rollers. It turns out that when riding in one position (which is all I get to do while riding on rollers--to preserve my life), the saddle makes even more of a difference.

Which brings me to:
Buying another saddle like this is cheaper than getting new wheels.

Selle Italia SLK Saddle

Outside or In?

Weather this last weekend went from very good to not good over night. Friday was sunny and 70, while Saturday was rainy, overcast and 60. I had planned on joining an early off road ride (on the 'cross bike, since the mountain bike is currently out of commission) but I woke up to the sound of rain thundering on my roof, so I bailed. Don't get me wrong, it rains in Oregon, I know this, and I ride in the rain often. The whole reason I run disc brakes on my 'cross bike is because of this rain that we get in such abundance. That being said, about this time every year, I cannot bring myself to ride -- for recreation -- in the rain. I just get tired of it. I still commute in it; I still get my fair share of soakings, but on the weekends, when I get to choose my route and my timing, I try and stay dry -- at least from above.

So here was my dilemma, do I ride outside running the risk of getting rained -- and not a sprinkling, either -- or do I ride the trainer. Not riding wasn't an option you see. I debated and debated all morning long. Then, I ran some errands, and debated some more. Finally, late in the afternoon, I made my decision: I'd ride outside, off road.

So, I did. The thing is, I hate the trainer. The weather had to be truly awful, not just not good, in order for me to ride inside. A mediocre day outside beats a very good day inside, always. You can quote me on that.

I didn't even get rained on.


Gear: Black Bottoms vest, DiNotte 400L

New Shimano

I've been running tubeless mountain bike wheels for about 4 years now -- wow... has it really been that long? -- and I can remember only one flat in all that time. It happened in Moab. I was in Utah after the Interbike show and we had just ridden the Amasa Back trail. We returned to the car and as we were loading up I noticed a nice long thorn sticking out of the rear tire (Geax Sturdy UST) so I plucked it out. Only then did the tire go flat. (Note to self, leave the thorns in the tire.) I used some Stan's sealant when I got back to Oregon and still use the tire from time to time without it leaking air. Needless to say, I love tubeless tires. Love them.

When I heard that they -- "they" being Shimano, Hutchinson and other manufacturers -- were working on tubeless for the road, I said "bring it on!" If I can get the same durability on the road side as I've seen on the mountain side, I'll be one happy puppy.

Last week, I received the first half of the equation from Shimano. The Dura Ace wheelset (WH-7801-SL) that is tubeless compatible. These wheels weigh in at 1560g for the set (claimed) and use a Scandium alloy for the rims. The spokes are butted and bladed and are of the straight pull variety. The front is radial laced, while the rear is two cross on the non-drive side, radial on the drive side. The rear rim is offset for more even spoke tension.

Front Wheel:

Rear Wheel:

I only have about 120 miles on them so far, so I cannot attest to the durability... yet. I also do not yet have the other half of the tubeless equation: the tires. Those were back ordered, so I won't have them for a few weeks still. I can say that the wheels run true and round out of the box, the brake track is very smooth as well -- I am not experiencing any brake pulsing. All good things on a wheel set of this caliber. The wheels also come with the spoke wrenches, skewers, magnet for a computer and no rim strips. None are needed, obviously. Valve stems for use with the tubeless tires are also included.

MiNewt Helmet Mount

I recently received a pre-production helmet mount from NiteRider for the MiNewt. They really did their homework on this small item. At first glance, it looks like the one available from DiNotte, but it's not. It's a little heavier, but with good reason.

Here you can see that the mount is a little bulkier than the similar DiNotte mount.

But that extra bulk is what enables this:

The part of the mount that the light head attaches to comes of easily and quickly.


I have no word on pricing, or when it will be available. Hopefully soon. The MiNewt's beam pattern make for a nice helmet light, if you don't mind the fact that the power switch is on the battery.

Full Speed Ahead

Recently, I got some goodies from Full Speed Ahead. A whole cockpit-full. As I am much better at riding than taking pictures, none of them turned out well, so I'm just going to stick with the shots off their site. When I'm done with the review, I'll include some pictures of my own.

First off, the Energy T handlebar. Shocking! An aluminum bar? Heathen! Infidel! Well, it is true, the bar is aluminum. However, by doing some fancy butting, this aluminum bar weighs a scant 215g--lighter even than a few carbon bars. The "T" stands for traditional bend--something quite out of the norm these days.

Next, we have the light-weight OS-115 stem. Through some fancy milling, and a nice carbon head-plate, the claimed weight is brought to a low 138g.

And finally, a two-bolt 25mm offset carbon seatpost: K-Force Light SB25. Though the clamping mechanism is aluminum, the rest of the head--the cradle for the clamp--is all carbon. Though it appears otherwise at first glance, this is a two-bolt seatpost with an infinite-adjust head. Weight on this item is claimed to be 200g.

The Lunch Ride

Few things are more satisfying than the feeling that you are getting away with something. You've all done it... maybe sneaked some candy/soda into a theater to avoid paying the crazy prices they charge, maybe called in sick -- though this one uses sick/vacation days -- when you weren't, skipped out on a class because the weather was just too nice to sit inside and listen to a lecture... the list is a long one, but you get my point.

I assert that one of the easiest ways to get that "getting away with something" feeling is by riding at lunch. I am fortunate enough to have good riding nearby for both road and mountain bikes. If I do an off road lunch ride, I have to drive in. If, however, I ride the road bike, I just commute in on that. It's the road lunch ride, that is the best.

Here's the scenario: Work is bogging me down, I look out my office window and see the large hills of the Oregon Coast Range begging me to come out and hurt myself on their slopes. The sun is shining, the streets are dry -- I won't even need the leg warmers!

So, I suit up, and head out. I've only got an hour, so what I lack in duration I try and make up in intensity. This means hills, there is no time for cruising the flats. After a quick spin to the hillier parts of town -- some call this a warm up -- I attach the first short steep climb, then move on to the next, and the next. By the time I make it back to work, I've earned my lunch; which is taken at my desk.

Does my employer know? Sure he does. Does he care? I'm not sure. I doubt it. But the feeling I get while I am riding my bicycle during "normal working hours" is priceless.


Gear used: BBB Winner Sunglasses, Black Bottoms Vest and eLoad Sports Drink.