On A Roll

Well, it's official - I'm jumping to that next level of insanity in cycling. I always thought carbon wheelsets were excessive. Why spend all that money? Are they durable enough for a 200-pounder? Will I need to have them trued every other ride?

After watching my buddy Josh make the move - and seeing how much he enjoyed his - I started to consider this. And, when Josh decided it was time to upgrade to Zipp's, I scored a deal on a lightly used pair of Roval Rapide CLX 60's.

My current wheels are great, but they were built purely for strength with little thought given to weight. Aluminum rims, standard spokes, and Shimano 105 hubs. Not fancy, but functional.

The new hoops are LIGHT. I mean like REALLY light. Hand them to a non-cyclist and they're shocked at how little they weight. Aero spokes cut some more weight and some drag. And the hubs feature Roval shells, with proven, bulletproof DT Swiss internals and sealed ceramic bearings. Yeah, I with they were Chris King's, but they'd have been triple the price I paid to build up new ones with King hubs. One feature I really like? The LOUD clicker. That was one thing that bothered me about my Shimano hubs. Too quiet.

Oh yeah, and they look effing cool...

Review: Springfield Range Officer 1911 9mm

Took my new Springfield Armory 1911 Range Officer 9mm out to shoot at Firing Line on Saturday. As this was its first outing, I was eager to see how it shot.

The Range Officer series is a stroke of genius from Springfield. Take the features competitive shooters want, remove the "bling" and other features they don't and offer great performance at a modest price. Recognizing that most shooters will want to customize it to their preferences (which is one of the things I love about the 1911), this is a great way to get a tack-driver into the hands of the masses.

9mm 1911
Whoever made the first 1911 chambered in 9mm was a freakin' genius. You get the heft, accuracy, and reliability of the 1911 in a lower-cost, softer-shooting round. My only concern was would the lighter load cycle the heavier 1911? Turned out to be no problem - not a single misfeed.

Sights
With aging eyes, I'm finding a good, easy-to-acquire sight picture can make or break a handgun for me. The Range Officer succeeds admirably in this area. The target sights are large, visible, and seem to be dead-on accurate. Adjustment looks pretty simple, but at this point I don't think I'll need to do any tweaks. I do think I will pain the back of the front blade fluorescent orange - like my Kimber - to make it easier to pick up in low light situations.

Operation
The beauty of the 1911 is its intuitive operation. For me, everything is where it should be and works as you would expect. The Range Officer is a perfect interpretation. My only complaint is the slide stop. While it reliably locks open after shooting the last round, when doing it manually, it doesn't always catch without an assist. No matter - I love the Wilson Combat Extended Slide Release and was already planning to swap the stock part out for this much better aftermarket solution.

One Weird Observation
I did notice one odd quirk - nothing bad or detrimental to shooting - just weird. I could definitely feel the slide moving when shooting. I'm not sure if it was the reduced recoil, or perhaps the 9mm cycles more slowly, but I could definitely feel the slide travel throughout the cycle. Again, it didn't affect shootability or accuracy, it was just a funny sensation.

Tear-Down
I learn more about a gun from the first tear-down than any other point in time. The Range Officer proved equally solid on tear-down. Key components like the bushing-barrel or the slide-frame interfaces were tight and smooth. While some parts were a bit more rough, they were in less critical locations where it didn't really matter. As expected, the factory rust preventative gunk was pretty serious. It took a little blast of my go-to cleaner, Remington's RemAction, to get it all off.

Tweaks?
Regular readers know I usually can't leave well enough alone. Surprisingly, this one has relatively few planned or considered tweaks. The include:

• Wilson Combat Extended Slide Release - to simplify and ease slide release and provide a more positive lock-back
• Rubber Magazine Base Pads - I've been planning to do this for both this gun and the Kimber for a while; these should make mags easier to seat
• Full-Length Guide Rod - read online forums and the GI Spec versus Full Length debate is like politics in the Middle east; I like it on the Kimber and will probably consider it here, but I want to shoot this one some more

Summary

The Springfield Range Officer 1911 9mm offers a tremendous value - match-level quality in critical systems, without cost-escalating bells-and-whistles. If you're seeking a target pistol with good competitive potential, this one's worth a closer look.

-Sean-

New Gear: Springfield Range Officer 1911 9mm

I love my Kimber 1911 Stainless Custom II .45. The 1911 platform, in addition to being among the most proven around, just works for me. I love the ergonomics. The balance. The feel. How everything on it seems so perfectly logical. The wide range of aftermarket parts you can get to customize feel, improve accuracy, and just make it "yours".

What I don't love is the cost of .45 ammunition. Ouch.

I'm a big fan of Springfield Armory products. I own both a full-size and subcompact XD models. And the 1911's I've shot were always solid. They make a great product, with good features, at a very fair price. With their new Range Officer 1911 in 9mm they're definitely showing that they listen to customers.

The Range Officer is a relatively new offering that's geared for competitive target shooting. They've given you everything you need, and nothing you don't. A gun that's supposed to be a tack-driver right out of the box, but that leaves you room (and cash) to customize. For a very reasonable price you get a match-grade barrel and bushing, extended beavertail grip safety, and adjustable target sights.

And now, you can get it in a 9mm. I had the opportunity to shoot a Smith & Wesson Custom Shop 1911 9mm a few years back. I came away extremely impressed. The ergonomics of a 1911, combined with the low cost and recoil of 9mm. Well, now Springfield has done it with the 9mm Range Officer.

So, I put one on order (takes a while -- turns out customers really wanted these). Today I picked it up. Although I haven't shot it yet, I can see this will become a favorite. Feels like a well-built 1911 in-hand. Fit and finish are nice and tight. Grips are both elegant and hand-grabbing.

More to follow after I shoot it and give it a thorough clean and lube.

-Sean-

A Body in Motion

Wow, is this Winter an improvement over last year. As most of the nation discovered not only what Polar Vortex meant, but how it felt, I specialized in one thing - getting fat. I watched way too much TV, moved way too little, and stopped doing the outdoor things I love. When I could find time to ski, the 3 degree high, coupled with 25mph winds kept me at home on the couch. Many days even my black lab/mutt, Lilly didn't want to go for much of a walk.

But this Winter not only is the weather a bit milder, I also went into the season with a plan. My plan was simple - diversity. Last year the gym was really all I had. This presents two problems - first, I hate gyms. And second, once the New Year's Resolution crowds showed up and the parking lot got choked with snow getting access was all but impossible.

New Blizzard Bonafides

Specialized Crux 'Cross Bike

This year the Epic Pass has allowed me to do some weekly outings to Mt. Brighton. My purchase of a CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer has me riding 3-4 times per week. I've managed to get my Specialized Crux Comp 'cross bike out a couple of times. And, I've been skiing at Caberfae (given our dry December, I had to wait a bit).

All of this has reminded me - a body in motion tends to stay in motion. And a body at rest will remain there. I'm happy to have found a groove and put my body in motion. So far, despite a December markedly bad eating and drinking choices, my weight is "reasonable".

The Road to Nowhere

Yesterday I crossed the next milestone - making a commitment to complete my first-ever Century ride. For the third year, I will be participating in the Susan G. Komen Ride for the Cure in August. Unlike past years where I signed up for a shorter distance and then had a stretch goal of the longer one, this year I will settle for no less than a full Century. I'm riding in memorial of a friend whose life was cut short too soon by this disease. As a side note, I also increased my fundraising goal. So, if you feel compelled to donate to support my effort, you can see my online page and make donations here.

The net result? I'm enjoying this Winter a whole bunch more enjoyable than last.

Initial Review: Blizzard Bonafide Skis

Short Review: Blizzard Bonafides are the best skis I've ever ridden.

If you're getting the idea that this is going to be a positive review, you're dead on. Picked these up at Sun & Snow Sports at the end of the season last year. This really started after how much I love my Volkl RTM 84 rockered skis. I've tended to have one mid-fat (84mm or so) ski and then one larger ski (100mm+) for fresh snow. I was quite happy with my prior Line Prophet 100's. I was generally pretty happy with these skis, though they were clearly primarily a powder ski. Really didn't handle Midwest hardpack all that well, and chattered insanely at speed on the hockey rinks of Michigan, plus turn initation wasn't especially great. My new Bonafides are 2013/2014 models, but the only difference are updated graphics (I prefer mine over this year's).

After a lot of debate, I settled on the Blizzard Bonafides in the 187cm length. I had some concern these would be too long, but also read that most rockered skis tend to ski shorter than their length would suggest. Also, my Volkls are 171's and I really wanted something longer for more stability at speed and in crud. As it turns out, my concerns were unwarranted. Turn initiation is easy and powerful - these are easier to turn than my 181cm Line's. Thank you rocker!

My main impression of these skis after a day at Caberfae Peaks on Saturday is that they're FAST. It's super-easy and comfortable to get up to warp speed on these beasts. And it's not that they're an uber-stiff speed ski, they just seem to encourage you to go fast because they're so smooth and strong. They feel rock solid at speed and cutting through crud. I'm really eager to get them out on some big terrain out West. Not to mention some deep pow!!!

They'll also throw down short radius turns surprisingly well. I got on them pretty hard in some tighter stuff on Saturday and they rocked it out. Easy turn initiation and reasonably tight radius. They're not mogul skis, but I'm no longer a mogul skier.

In reading some online reviews I've most frequently heard them compared to the Volkl Mantra. Most reviews mentioned the Mantra's stiffer tail as better for finishing turns on hardpack. I really didn't find this to be an issue for the Bonafides. Even when I really got on the tails at the exit of a turn there was no sign of wash-out. Perhaps it's just my skiing style, but it really wasn't even noticeable.

In the 30+ years of skiing, these are hands-down the best all-around boards I've been on. I've owned some legends over the years, but nothing that compares to the Blizzard Bonafide. I hesitate to use the term "one ski quiver" but these might just qualify.

-Sean-  

Light it Up

I read an article in Bicycling magazine (which I curiously can't find right now) that showed the main ways in which cyclists are hit by cars. I wish I could find it, but one number really stuck out at me - over 60% of the time they are hit from the rear. I can't recall the other numbers, but do remember that this was over double any other direction.

This really struck me (bad pun, I know...). I have a rear light, but until I read this article, I was a bit too casual about turning it on. Mostly I'd use it on late rides at dusk. Not now. Every. Freakin'. Time. Cyclists are hard enough to see from the side or three-quarters perspective, but from the rear -- we practically disappear.

I'm a big fan of Lezyne products. They're beautifully engineered and manufactured. And they WORK. My Classic Floor Drive pump is the best pump I've ever owned. Today on Facebook I see a post on their newest rear light - the Zecto Auto. I'm getting one. Now. It's tempting to order one each for the road and cross bikes, but they're a bit spendy. So, this cool light has technology that senses motion and turns on. And after three minutes stopped, it shuts off. Presto! No more forgetting to turn the blinker light on. Beyond awesome! I like when I can easily build in safety to my rides.

-Sean-

Play Dirty! Specialized Crux Comp Initial Impressions

Been looking for ways to extend my cycling season and increase the opportunities for rides as part of an overall fitness program. So when riding buddy Josh decided to upgrade his cyclocross bike, the idea popped into my head that this might be a good addition to my quiver. He who dies with the most bikes wins, right? Plus, the chance to play dirty was just too good to pass up!

For those unfamiliar cyclocross is a style of racing that mixes beefed up road bikes with mountain bike style courses and obstacles requiring the rider to dismount and clamber over with the bike. Obviously my racing days are long since past, but these heavy-duty road bikes with wider tires and more aggressive treads, as well as more relaxed geometry, are ideal for riding on less-than-ideal roads.

Near my home a numerous dirt roads - all with less traffic and beautiful scenery. Plus the 'cross bike makes slushy conditions doable as well. 

So, I scored a 2011 Specialized Crux Comp, with a few nice upgrades, including a Fizik saddle, and Avid Shorty Ultimate brake calipers and pads. Due to all of my crazy travels in December, as well as family and Holiday commitments, I hadn't been able to ride it until last Friday.

This was my first ride on a 'cross bike, so I really didn't know what to expect. At first the ride was "interesting". I'm used to my Giant Defy Advanced 1 road bike which is sleek and smooth, but handles crisply. By contrast the Crux clearly had different geometry. It didn't feel sluggish, per se, but just felt different. Some of that is the difference between the 23mm tires on the road bike and the 35mm tires on the 'crosser. On the pavement, it was a noticeable difference. But I didn't buy this bike for the pavement...

We'd had quite a bit of rain in the days before I got out. The loop I'd chosen included a few miles on some very scenic dirt roads that featured classic Ann Arbor clay - notoriously squishy and slick. The was no way the Defy would have handled this, but on the Crux it felt super comfortable. 

I was a bit concerned about the SRAM Double Tap shifting - as I'm used to standard Shimano Ultegra. With Double Tap a single paddle controls shifting. A short throw downshifts and a longer throw upshifts. Curiously, I figured it out right away and had no issues at all.

By the end of a short ten mile ride, I felt quite at home on the Crux. I've got a couple of fit adjustments I want to make, but overall it's 95% there. 

Once challenge I did face are the Crank Brothers Egg Beater 2 pedals. These are highly recommended in online forums due to their resistance to mud clogging, durable construction, and high value. Once I got clipped in they were just fine. Nice float, easy to release - but oh man finding the engagement point to clip in was a pain in the arse. I'm sure I'll get it all figured out in time. 

First impression? Money well spent and a tremendous value. 

-Sean-