Showing posts with label Best of Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best of Show. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Interbike
Yes, you may have noticed that Fahzure has been MIA lately and Spoke(n) has lagged because of it. Well, while the precise injuries and impediments will eventually be revealed here, suffice it to say that much was missed this summer and fall (so far!). Spoke(n) Interbike coverage is absent, but let's not let that get in the way of a good time:
Monday, March 5, 2012
Bike Swap at the Fairpark
Well, by now, you know two things: 1. Fabian, yet to peak, from a small group at 10K, crushed them, like he crushed rock, in heroic form, on Strade Bianche; 2. The Bike Swap is over. Here's what you might have seen or missed. There were a number of $300ish late seventies/eighties road bikes. This one was the most novel, an Urago mass production:
A welded by Kieth Bontrager for $800.00:
Farari Bianchi's for sale:
Betty Boop did not sell for $265:
This Yeti 303 was interesting, but hella heavy and not that great a deal at $3200:
Sly Folks, Sly Fox, fistfulls of cash:
This is a video of Iltis not buying it at the Bicycle Collective table; which is hilarious, because otherwise he can't stop giving. This manputs out gives a lot to Utah cycling:
Fahzure, always slow, went down to A Putt in electric bike slicktrack oval racing:
Because it had all of the right markings: vintage, mixte, cool paint, I thought this bike was going to be best of show:
But alas this bike, like the Betty Boop, was priced at about $300, lacked much of its original equipment and posted later model add-ons and components of a down-grade quality. On the other hand, here was a $750, nearly stock Kona Stinky with everything in dirty, but working order. Start a DH lifestyle for under $1000 (it'll need a little work) with a dependable, fun bike. Freeride! Best of Show:
So, while there were a few opportunities, the problem with this year's swap lies in the fact that the pickings were particularly thin on the used front and traffic was slow. The people did not come out, especially those looking to get a deal on a new bike. More than a couple of vendors probably didn't cover their booth cost. The Bicycle Collective, who registers bikes for free at the event, only stickered about 45 bikes. Let's hope that weather, the North Temple reconstruction and $5.00/gal gas conspire for a busier swap, next year.
A welded by Kieth Bontrager for $800.00:
Betty Boop did not sell for $265:
This Yeti 303 was interesting, but hella heavy and not that great a deal at $3200:
Sly Folks, Sly Fox, fistfulls of cash:
This is a video of Iltis not buying it at the Bicycle Collective table; which is hilarious, because otherwise he can't stop giving. This man
Fahzure, always slow, went down to A Putt in electric bike slicktrack oval racing:
Because it had all of the right markings: vintage, mixte, cool paint, I thought this bike was going to be best of show:
But alas this bike, like the Betty Boop, was priced at about $300, lacked much of its original equipment and posted later model add-ons and components of a down-grade quality. On the other hand, here was a $750, nearly stock Kona Stinky with everything in dirty, but working order. Start a DH lifestyle for under $1000 (it'll need a little work) with a dependable, fun bike. Freeride! Best of Show:
So, while there were a few opportunities, the problem with this year's swap lies in the fact that the pickings were particularly thin on the used front and traffic was slow. The people did not come out, especially those looking to get a deal on a new bike. More than a couple of vendors probably didn't cover their booth cost. The Bicycle Collective, who registers bikes for free at the event, only stickered about 45 bikes. Let's hope that weather, the North Temple reconstruction and $5.00/gal gas conspire for a busier swap, next year.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Progression
You might have noticed there's been less writing, as of late. On the other hand, there's been more riding.
My friend P-dawg introduced me to the concept of "The Progression." Back when I got to know and love him he was a skater/snowboarder in his early 30's teaching the groms of the Aspen Valley how to pull 3 disaters on the skate in the summer, clean 7's on the board in the winter. He continued his progression by building a belt full of tools that has made him a successful conservationist, educator, parent and partner. Today, he's a school teacher, surfer and product rep. He constantly emphasizes the importance of The Progression.
The Progression is the source of inspiration in BMX (Ryan Guettler, Great Quotes:
"He (Ryan's son) might just want a freecoaster and go backwards everywhere and that's Okay" & "I hope to be ride until I'm 40-45 years old"),
Bob, "The Man" Burnquist is big on The Progression.
(Great Quotes: "I thought, you know, you could just fall off of bed and be riding vert. " "Flying off the 70 footer is really scary")
And this from mtb trials Zen master Ryan Leech:
This snowboard coach posits that the following are supportive of rider development; The Progression:
1. Develop a training environment where high hopes and expectations are over-shadowed by positivity, support and focus on the activity at hand.
2. A rider should try and make a habit of appreciating goals reached and positive feedback from coaches and peers. On the flip-side, it is important for a rider not to worry to much, and to let go of the external pressures from coaches, parents, peers or others that can create negative feelings and self doubt.
3. Encourage group interaction and group support of each others efforts. A rider can get a lot of positive motivation and internal drive from friendly competition with friends and peers.
4. Identify the riders strengths and weaknesses in terms of skill base. Like which way do they spin easier or do we need to spend more time practicing riding switch before trying 180's or 540's.
5. Routinely practice the skills where the rider is uncomfortable. Set easy goals to build confidence and hopefully emerge from the "that feels weird zone", thereby opening up a new line of progression.
6. When the rider is fired up, feeling confident and having fun, push the progression lines where the rider is comfortable for maximum gains
7. Encourage visualization every step of the way. Practicing tricks in the mind builds confidence on the snow.
Before P-Dawg, I knew a guy named Dave who lived in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver. He was emblematic of the gritty, unpretentious, party-hard Denver (post) punk scene of the late 80's/early 90's. Although Dave was often dealt a poor hand (kicked out of the band, unemployed, loveless), he always had a smile on his face and was quick to encourage whatever gave you hope. I asked Dave how he maintained his hopeful, fun-embracing outlook. He said "Well whenever you get down about a situation, just draw a hotrod":
At the time, I took it a little too literally, drawing was frustrating, autos have always been a love/hate thing for me and, I certainly didn't find them the subject of fantasy. But the essence of the message is now clear: do that creative, joyous thing that puts you in your happy place.
As has been noted, fall is when we ride, as we are healed, fit and ready; low-angle light and cool temperatures create magic. Combining the former "Progression" and "happy place" principals, with a desperate bid to make the season last, we added a few more Commandments in our exploration of the tenets of the Church of the Progression:
8th Commandment: SUPPLY A TWELVE OF YEWTAH PBR FOR EVERY 3 PROGRESSION SEEKERS, WHICH WILL LEAVE THEM SLIGHTLY THIRSTY BUT, UNINJURED.
9th Commandment: BUILD A STEP-UP WITH A SOFT LANDING.
10th Commandment: SEND IT!
This fall, with few opportunities left, Tyson, Mo, Dirty, and Broniel have been an inspiration and motivation. Tyson put in the most time, building the lip while I stacked the 12 strawbales and piled on woodchips.
Tyson and I had a high jump "contest":
Flatness begets height(click to see the bb ser. #):
Tyson and I are different riders in relation to The Progression. For Tyson, it is almost purely a head game, as all the skills and ambition are already present and available. Tyson rarely crashes. It took Tyson 20 incremental attempts to get a tire grab, first, landing 15 big whips, he didn't even move a hand off the bar; just thinkin' about it, then this sick grab three runs later:
Tyson nailed truly fastplants, as the light was fading quickly:
Fahzure, on the other hand, was quick to throw anything (sometimes unsuccessfully); no-footers, crankflips and toboggans came almost as fast as they could be called out:
Nothings (aka no-no; no-hander/no-footer), too:
And, in serious Progression mode, a clean 3, on the last day, after 20+ disastrous attempts:
With the highs expected to be in the 30's or lower for the next two and a half months the Ghetto Foam Pit is done for 2011. Hey Ryan Guettler, I may be over the hill, to you, but, I can't wait for spring, to continue The Progression. Best jump ever.
My friend P-dawg introduced me to the concept of "The Progression." Back when I got to know and love him he was a skater/snowboarder in his early 30's teaching the groms of the Aspen Valley how to pull 3 disaters on the skate in the summer, clean 7's on the board in the winter. He continued his progression by building a belt full of tools that has made him a successful conservationist, educator, parent and partner. Today, he's a school teacher, surfer and product rep. He constantly emphasizes the importance of The Progression.
The Progression is the source of inspiration in BMX (Ryan Guettler, Great Quotes:
"He (Ryan's son) might just want a freecoaster and go backwards everywhere and that's Okay" & "I hope to be ride until I'm 40-45 years old"),
Bob, "The Man" Burnquist is big on The Progression.
(Great Quotes: "I thought, you know, you could just fall off of bed and be riding vert. " "Flying off the 70 footer is really scary")
And this from mtb trials Zen master Ryan Leech:
This snowboard coach posits that the following are supportive of rider development; The Progression:
1. Develop a training environment where high hopes and expectations are over-shadowed by positivity, support and focus on the activity at hand.
2. A rider should try and make a habit of appreciating goals reached and positive feedback from coaches and peers. On the flip-side, it is important for a rider not to worry to much, and to let go of the external pressures from coaches, parents, peers or others that can create negative feelings and self doubt.
3. Encourage group interaction and group support of each others efforts. A rider can get a lot of positive motivation and internal drive from friendly competition with friends and peers.
4. Identify the riders strengths and weaknesses in terms of skill base. Like which way do they spin easier or do we need to spend more time practicing riding switch before trying 180's or 540's.
5. Routinely practice the skills where the rider is uncomfortable. Set easy goals to build confidence and hopefully emerge from the "that feels weird zone", thereby opening up a new line of progression.
6. When the rider is fired up, feeling confident and having fun, push the progression lines where the rider is comfortable for maximum gains
7. Encourage visualization every step of the way. Practicing tricks in the mind builds confidence on the snow.
Before P-Dawg, I knew a guy named Dave who lived in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver. He was emblematic of the gritty, unpretentious, party-hard Denver (post) punk scene of the late 80's/early 90's. Although Dave was often dealt a poor hand (kicked out of the band, unemployed, loveless), he always had a smile on his face and was quick to encourage whatever gave you hope. I asked Dave how he maintained his hopeful, fun-embracing outlook. He said "Well whenever you get down about a situation, just draw a hotrod":
As has been noted, fall is when we ride, as we are healed, fit and ready; low-angle light and cool temperatures create magic. Combining the former "Progression" and "happy place" principals, with a desperate bid to make the season last, we added a few more Commandments in our exploration of the tenets of the Church of the Progression:
8th Commandment: SUPPLY A TWELVE OF YEWTAH PBR FOR EVERY 3 PROGRESSION SEEKERS, WHICH WILL LEAVE THEM SLIGHTLY THIRSTY BUT, UNINJURED.
9th Commandment: BUILD A STEP-UP WITH A SOFT LANDING.
10th Commandment: SEND IT!
This fall, with few opportunities left, Tyson, Mo, Dirty, and Broniel have been an inspiration and motivation. Tyson put in the most time, building the lip while I stacked the 12 strawbales and piled on woodchips.
Tyson and I had a high jump "contest":
Flatness begets height(click to see the bb ser. #):
Tyson and I are different riders in relation to The Progression. For Tyson, it is almost purely a head game, as all the skills and ambition are already present and available. Tyson rarely crashes. It took Tyson 20 incremental attempts to get a tire grab, first, landing 15 big whips, he didn't even move a hand off the bar; just thinkin' about it, then this sick grab three runs later:
Tyson nailed truly fastplants, as the light was fading quickly:
Fahzure, on the other hand, was quick to throw anything (sometimes unsuccessfully); no-footers, crankflips and toboggans came almost as fast as they could be called out:
Nothings (aka no-no; no-hander/no-footer), too:
And, in serious Progression mode, a clean 3, on the last day, after 20+ disastrous attempts:
With the highs expected to be in the 30's or lower for the next two and a half months the Ghetto Foam Pit is done for 2011. Hey Ryan Guettler, I may be over the hill, to you, but, I can't wait for spring, to continue The Progression. Best jump ever.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Interbike Indoor 2-Some Really (really) Cool Stuff
While Fahzure does appreciate all of the novelty acts in Vegas (the Revvy and I did try to see Bridget the Midget...Revvy, you have got to get your stuff straight otherwise its a nonstop goose chase...Strider!), there are some real gems at the show. Here are a few:
Moulton stainless steel space frame dually:
Moulton stainless steel NOT space frame dually:
Copenhagen Parts Handlebasket:
Bonelocker super secure hitch mount bike rack:
Fahzure used to have a pair of Pitbulls, which work way better than studs, but these Slipnot chains come in 26" and 29" sizes and are width adjustable via a turnbuckle, which also means you don't have to remove the tire for installation:
A rubber chicken is always good for a laugh, in this case, a well placed one by the Revvy gets you a t-shirt, as well:
These sweet little Ti toeclips from Ron Andrews at King Cage were Best of Show material, so little material and so strong and so light. Almost makes me want to ride clips, again. No word on an XL model:
Ron also makes chainguards in Ti, stainless and galvy (for the truly HVAC look):
Moulton stainless steel space frame dually:
Fahzure used to have a pair of Pitbulls, which work way better than studs, but these Slipnot chains come in 26" and 29" sizes and are width adjustable via a turnbuckle, which also means you don't have to remove the tire for installation:
A rubber chicken is always good for a laugh, in this case, a well placed one by the Revvy gets you a t-shirt, as well:
These sweet little Ti toeclips from Ron Andrews at King Cage were Best of Show material, so little material and so strong and so light. Almost makes me want to ride clips, again. No word on an XL model:
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Interbike Indoors 1
There are many Interweb sources out there where you can find info on the latest carbon, TT or electronic gizmo found at Interbike. Fahzure won't bother you with a rehashed product literature feature; at Spoke(n) we'll focus on the truly new and the the dreamers. Nowadays, the upstairs at Interbike is reserved, for the most part, for those renewing their presence at the show. There will be an occasional newbie upstairs, usually making a big push to enter the U.S. and, sometimes, someone falls through the cracks, like these folks:
That's right RRG-Road Rash Guard-is place-able protection for the lycra (criterium?) crowd. You might have seen this technology applied to guy mounts for your tent or tarp (yes, I'm speaking to the homeless Spoke(n) readers). Two plastic parts sandwich fabric to create an external skid plate. The Rev and I were interested in the upcoming dermal patch enhanced model. 4 for $28.95.
Continuing the trend of poorly and obviously named products, the Axle Release (arrgh) converts solid axles to QR by simply threading a QR dangle on both ends of the axle:
Apparently "Quick Nuts" is already taken, so lets go get a squirrel:
Words can be tricky. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the Taiwan sector, now pitching high tech manufacturing with 3rd grade English (click to enlarge, read carefully):
Or maybe you need a lower tech solution to carry all your junk, like this (formerly) Great Gatsby goes India model:
At least they remembered to put brakes on both front wheels:
For around $1000 you can get the ultimate training device, the aptly named Slowwheel (1-800-GET-SLOW) adds resistance to your hub at three different levels:
The rep kept saying something about "riding with your wife" which didn't help matters much:
Not slow enough? Get the Powerwheel with 7 levels of resistance and professional (slower?) quality bearings. I want one for each of my friends along with a bluetooth controller that I will keep. Apparently, the all-time unemployment levels have hit mechanical engineers hard.
While some engineers are working to make your bike slower, others are working to make any bike faster. Quite possibly the Best of Show, the RideKick (again with the names) is a powered trailer turning any bike quickly into a sport ute.
That's right, motor battery and room for an 18 pack make it a party saver. Can I get one with a mini fridge for Moab trips? How about a fleet, to be used as shuttle vehicles? When this thing goes Bluetooth/ANT I'll be first in line.
More from Interbike, soon.
Continuing the trend of poorly and obviously named products, the Axle Release (arrgh) converts solid axles to QR by simply threading a QR dangle on both ends of the axle:
For around $1000 you can get the ultimate training device, the aptly named Slowwheel (1-800-GET-SLOW) adds resistance to your hub at three different levels:
Friday, July 29, 2011
Dealer Camp New Products Report 5- Yeti SB66, XT brakes: Revelations of the Show
So many people are interested in the new Yeti SB66. At first look, Fahzure was unimpressed by the seeming complexity, weight and lack of necessity. Who needs an arcing swingarm pivot? This is different from the aforementioned arcing shock driver, though maybe these folks should get together.
Well, my preconceived notions were dead wrong. Not only Fahzure, but Flo and several others remarked about the total neutrality of the suspension with respect to pedal forces. Almost unbelievable.
At first, I assumed that it was an I-drive ripoff. While similar in mechanics and action, rather than rotating the bottom bracket to compensate for increasing effective chain growth, under compression, as does an I-drive, the SB66 (Switch Bike 26 in Wheel, 6 inch travel) Switch Technology arcs the main pivot to change the axle path and control chain growth. Through the initial phase, to about the sag point, the axle moves slightly rearward and up, followed by an upward and froward arc in the later two thirds or so of it's travel. A very robust rear end keeps torsional and lateral loads in check.
Yeti will next be working on a "59" or is it "95?"; a 29er with 5 inches of travel. Recognize that short-mid travel platforms are probably optimal, as this mechanism would grow in size as suspension travel increases. While not impossible to overcome, the mechanism is near the BB clusterf**k, creating space limitations, and other travel options might require different bearings and dimensions, as well .
Yeti Joe is always hanging with the finest folk.
At first, I assumed that it was an I-drive ripoff. While similar in mechanics and action, rather than rotating the bottom bracket to compensate for increasing effective chain growth, under compression, as does an I-drive, the SB66 (Switch Bike 26 in Wheel, 6 inch travel) Switch Technology arcs the main pivot to change the axle path and control chain growth. Through the initial phase, to about the sag point, the axle moves slightly rearward and up, followed by an upward and froward arc in the later two thirds or so of it's travel. A very robust rear end keeps torsional and lateral loads in check.
Yeti will next be working on a "59" or is it "95?"; a 29er with 5 inches of travel. Recognize that short-mid travel platforms are probably optimal, as this mechanism would grow in size as suspension travel increases. While not impossible to overcome, the mechanism is near the BB clusterf**k, creating space limitations, and other travel options might require different bearings and dimensions, as well .
Yeti Joe is always hanging with the finest folk.
Many bikes, like this Intense, featured the new XT brakes:
Now you can go ahead and poo-poo the brake 'cause of its cheesy Deore-esque blackness, but then you'd be poo-pooing blackness. What really matters is they way they work especially when combined with larger rotors (Fahzure has ridden XTR's, but always with pah, pah, pinner rotors). The braking performance is nothing short of phenomenal. 1 finger levers and a massive increase in power meant a total retuning of finger modulation. With $45 pads cooling fin pads, ICE rotors, and a redesigned master cylinder, who needs 4 pot calipers? A very worthy upgrade.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Dealer Camp New Products Report 2- Giro, Blackburn, Felt
Giro has diversified its product line, recently adding shoes. Fahzure doesn't find SPD shoes all that interesting and the Freeride shoes are not yet available (2012). Giro did have some new offerings in helmets and gloves, first up the Feature, $90. Can you say Trans Alp, brah...this would look good on Van Dine.
The citified Reverb comes with a removable demi-visor and quick-fit, auto-adjust occipital lobe retention, $60:
Giro gloves now have a pad that wraps from the outer palm to the back of the hand, good for Kung Fu fighting:
Waterproof pannier (he said it "pan-yeah"...when did the Tour end?), $80 ea:
New lights, the Scorch 2.0 with 230 lumens ($95) and the Super Flea ($45) w/ aluminum heat sink and double the lumens of the Flea:
These Blackburn racks aint your daddy's Blackburn (MTN-1) rack...disk compatible, super duty, seatpost mount (w/ pump holder):
Blackburn U-locks have a hexagonal shackle that will not twist open when cut, cable are Kevlar sheathed:
The citified Reverb comes with a removable demi-visor and quick-fit, auto-adjust occipital lobe retention, $60:
Giro gloves now have a pad that wraps from the outer palm to the back of the hand, good for Kung Fu fighting:
Best of Show =this Sweet single speed crosser was the most inspired bike at Dealer Camp, found at the Blackburn booth (note rack w/ integrated lock holder):
Waterproof pannier (he said it "pan-yeah"...when did the Tour end?), $80 ea:
New lights, the Scorch 2.0 with 230 lumens ($95) and the Super Flea ($45) w/ aluminum heat sink and double the lumens of the Flea:
These Blackburn racks aint your daddy's Blackburn (MTN-1) rack...disk compatible, super duty, seatpost mount (w/ pump holder):
Blackburn U-locks have a hexagonal shackle that will not twist open when cut, cable are Kevlar sheathed:
Also, Best of Show this purple suede saddle on the Felt BMXer (click to covet):
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