New World Order in the Bike Quiver

Lots of changes in the bike stable this year. As we've covered in this blog, I'm a tweaker. Always fine tuning until I get things just right. I started the year with five bikes in the quiver, I'm now down to four. My goal was to have fewer bikes that could do more. Every bike adds maintenance, and if I don't ride it - guilt! So here's a quick run-down on the changes. I'll write more lengthy reviews in coming months.

Seven Evergreen S
I got this sweetheart early this year. After discovering gravel on my Specialized Crux Comp, I quickly lost my interest in doing much road riding. Gravel is just pure joy for me. And I began to lust for disc brakes, a little smoother ride - just a general upgrade. I found it in a demo Seven Evergreen that a friend and local dealer had. As it turns out, this demo was just my size and the dealer was looking to get a newer one (mine had 300 miles and about 4 demos on it!). Deal scored. It helps that this dealer is also my fitter and said, "Geez, that's probably exactly what I'd have ordered for you....". I love it. Smooth. Fast. Handles like a dream. It's everything I wanted and more. Shimano Ultegra gruppo and hydraulic disc brakes. Bombproof Mavic Kysrium Allroad wheels. And, that miraculous Seven titanium ride quality.

As we entered the Summer, I began to feel like I could no longer justify owning my Giant Defy Advanced carbon road bike. I've written a lot on my concerns with significant road riding. This is a lot of bike and not using is it a shame. Sold it quickly and for a fair price online. Then I scored a half-price deal on a second set of Mavic's with road tires. Now I have a gravel bike that does double duty as a road bike (or more likely path bike - I've found that I love riding bike trails around Michigan).

Nine ONE9
You've seen my SE BM Flyer single speed in previous posts. I've had great fun building up that bike, including Profile BMX cranks, and custom wheels with White Industries fantastic ENO rear hub. It's been a blast to ride, but it's really an overgrown BMX bike. Having tasted more high-performance mountain bikes, I've wanted to upgrade it for a while, but it was a low priority. This Spring, I stumbled upon a Niner ONE9 single speed in an online forum. After pondering for a while, I scooped it up at a great price. It's a size medium (I mostly ride larges, but really kind of fall between them). A longer 110mm Thomson X4 stem gave me a little more cockpit room. And, an SQ Labs 611 Race in 140mm got me comfy. Then I swapped the wheels from the SE over. The result is a sweet, simple, fun, nimble ride. I've set Strava PRs on rolling Northern Michigan terrain, and generally had a blast on this great new bike. Sold my SE to a good friend who wanted to try single speeds. One more need met!

Salsa Bucksaw NX01
This unexpected move has proven to be my upgrade of the year. In the early Summer I started to feel like I wanted a more trail-focused full suspension ride. And the idea of 27.5+ wheels really appealed to me. As I do rather like hanging out in bike shops, this gave me the excuse to look around. I test rode a Specialized Comp6 Fattie. Not bad. But not in love. My sister had test ridden a Salsa Pony Rustler and really liked it. I stopped in to visit to Einstein Cycles in Traverse City, MI. Owner Jason was super-helpful. Really listened to what I wanted and  suggested an alternative - the Salsa Bucksaw (technically a fat bike - more on that later) with a second set of 27.5+ wheels.

Yahtzee!!!!

I've also had some issues with my Salsa Beargrease X5 fat bike. I wanted a 1X drivetrain. Having discovered hydraulic disc brakes, I found myself wanting to upgrade the Avid mechanical discs. But this would have been several hundred dollars for a bike I don't ride a ton. So, she got sold to a newbie who was thrilled to have her.

Jason's solution was perfect! If you're not familiar, the Bucksaw is a trail bike in fat bike clothing. A more nimble geometry (it handles more like a Horsethief than a Beargrease) and full suspension make it a very unique fat bike. We settled on a set of carbon wheels build around Industry 9 Torch hubs for the 27.5+ configuration.

From the first ride, I was in love! This bike is fast, handles very smoothly, and the combination of full suspension and fatter tires engenders comfort and confidence. I can comfortably hold lines that I would have new tried before. Boulder problems are no sweat. And, it climbs like a goat due to the added traction. I'm eager to get it out in the snow on the fat wheels. You'll be reading plenty more on this cool bike in coming posts.

Ch-ch-changes...
So the only bike in my garage that was there last year is my XC race mountain bike - a Specialized Stumpjumper World Cup Carbon Expert. It's a great ride, with a carbon frame, crank, and wheelset. Fast, light, and responsive. This one will remain my race bike. It should be perfect for the Fall's Iceman Cometh race.

I couldn't be happier with the results of this little experiment. I now have fewer bikes that do more stuff well. Stay tuned!

Time Away...

The blog and I needed a little break - it's not that I've slowed down on enjoying the outdoors - but I'd kind of lost my inspiration. I find that my best blogging happens when I'm energized. Between the Holidays, the weird Michigan Winter, and the pesky day job, it was time to channel my energies elsewhere. But now I'm back and motivated. Plenty of cool outdoor antics that I'll be writing about, including:

• The addition of a couple of new bikes, First a Seven Evergreen SL gravel bike to fuel my new location's access to exceptional dirt roads. Then just yesterday a big upgrade in the land of singlespeed mountain bikes - a Niner One 9 aluminum singlespeed which moves me to a more race-oriented singlespeed mountain bike. I'm looking forward to tweaking and tuning this one just for me. the Specialized Crux has already left the stable, and the SE BM Flyer will be next.
• A decent Michigan ski season, despite some truly weird weather. 
• My first impressions of my new Shaggy's Bootjack 115 powder skis.
• Another outstanding ski trip to Colorado.
• A new carry gun - Springfield XDS.
• Getting my new (to me) house set-up as base camp for my outdoor antics.
• Some fun hikes both near my home and in NW Michigan.

...and lots more. Stay tuned. Cool stuff coming.

-Sean-

Gravel Therapy

It's been a stressful week of Presidential chaos. I hesitate to say that "my" candidate didn't win because I really didn't like either option. And social media has been blowing up with wailing about how crushed people are at the outcome.

Yesterday I was working from home and making good progress when a 55 degree, sunny November day spoke to me. It was time to finally go ride the gravel near my new house!

This was my first outing, but I'd already been thinking of places I wanted to explore. Since time was limited, I set off toward a known road, rather than meandering. I'll save that for this weekend.

I haven't been able to ride much with the shorter days and a busy schedule. It's been at least a couple of months since I've been on the Crux. But as soon as I was in the saddle, I knew I'd made the right call.

After only a mile or so, I could feel the stress of this week's events melting away. The sun. The sounds. The beautiful countryside in my area. They all combined in this perfect mix of gravel-induced euphoria. 

I'm so happy I discovered the joys of dirt roads. They really are gravel therapy. So much so that I'm considering selling my Giant Defy Advanced road bike and putting the money toward a custom built-for-me Seven Evergreen gravel bike. I'm already plotting the build I'd want, the options I'd add, and all that. Perhaps it's a nice fantasy. Perhaps it will become reality.

At the end of my ride, I'd logged a few miles, and shed a pile of stress. As simple reminder to get out there!

-Sean-

Fattie Fun Follow-Up

"Why didn't I buy one of these a long time ago?"

That's been about the only burning issue with my Salsa Beargrease X5 Aluminum. After a nice local run on urban trails, as well as a long weekend in Northern Michigan, I just love this fat beast!

For the local urban trails, I turned to friend and tour guide, John. I follow John on Strava and I'm always seeing these goofy, loopy routes. It never looks like he gets far from home base and he's practically always in the City limits. Turns our he's found a collection of trails on park lands that link up and lead to a blast of a ride! For these trails, the Beargrease offers some nice flotation through loose gravel or muck. And, it bounces over nearly anything. But the big advantage? GEARS! While I love my single-speed 29er, it only has one gear. Usually the wrong one. Now I can shift to get in the right place and chug up climbs and slither down hills.

But Northern Michigan was where she shined! The trails I rode included a lot of loose sand. On a standard 2"ish tire these would have been a pain. With the 4" 45nrth Husker Du tires you just float through! And hill climbing is no big deal with the gigantic contact patch.

What continues to surprise me is how nimble this big beast is. I would have thought that between the gargantuan wheels and the added weight, she'd ride like a pig. Not so.

Looking forward to many, many more adventures with this special ride!

-Sean-

On the Road Again

View from the cockpit

Took advantage of a wonderful 62 degree day to get in a road ride yesterday. Words can't even express how good it felt to get out and stretch my legs, get my heart rate up, and cleanse both mind and soul. The trainer is a reasonable Winter fitness solution, but it really does rather suck. It's the exercise of cycling, only without any of the richness.

Yesterday, I enjoyed the sunshine, the remnants of a foot of snow from earlier in the week, and just how fucking great it was to be outside, doing something I love. I was talking to a friend about churches over the weekend and observed that by and large, the outdoors is my church. It's where I go to re-connect and re-center.

Well, so much for the deep BS, how was the ride?

Legs were surprisingly strong, as was cardio. I felt like I had a reasonable amount of jump, and even the daunting Delhi Hill wasn't too bad. Wind was up pretty high, but I really didn't notice. So, all things considered, I think my Winter regimen of riding the trainer and skiing has worked. I also haven't gained the weight I normally do. Double-bonus!

The other thing was the addition of the Specialized Crux Comp to my stable is huge and doing exactly what I planned by extending my seasons. My road bike is still set-up on the trainer, so I have that when it snows again (tomorrow...). And, with the road bike being carbon with carbon wheels, it's nice to have a more rugged alternative. She's just too pretty to ride in the slop and debris of late Winter. I also found the November Nimbus Alloy TI wheels really enjoyable on the roads. Those White Industries hubs are SO smooooooooth!

In two weeks, I head to Colorado for a Spring ski trip. I'm sure I will return satiated by Winter and eager for Spring! Yesterday was proof.

-Sean-

A Body in Motion

It's an old saw "A body in motion stays in motion...". Over the past month, I've learned that the corollary is equally applicable. Got to have some relatively serious surgery last month (carotid angiogram with stent placement - big fun). While this is a minimally invasive procedure as compared to the external carotid endarterectomy version, it's still got a significant impact on activity.

Recovery was basically a hospital overnight (in the neuro ICU - yet more big fun), followed by a few days taking it easy at home. In reality, it slowed me down for the better part of a couple of weeks. I got a bit too good at watching TV and taking naps. Given that it was December, that's not terrible. 

The more unexpected impact was the healing process for my mobility and activity. Basically, they start in your femoral artery in the groin and then run some gear up in you. This takes a decent sized poke to gain access. My first few days were spent celebrating small victories - like putting on my own socks, or wearing real pants. After that my mobility returned quickly. 

What did not were two things - endurance and motivation. I suppose the two are interlinked. If I know I can't go very far or very hard, I'm not that eager to try. The problem is that this quickly settles in to a bit too much couch time and a few added pounds.

So now I find myself trying to turn the corner. I got out and skied the local bump for a couple of hours - that went well enough. This weekend I may push for a half day. And it's time to get my lazy ass back on the trainer before cycling season returns. Peel off a few Holiday pounds, get my cardio solid again, and get my legs back.

It's funny how motivators work though. Recently I've started to think about a trip West for a few days skiing. And I realize that in order to do that, I'm going to need to get back on it. So we'll see if we can't go from a "body at rest" to a "body in motion" once again! I have a whole ski season in front of me, then cycling will beckon, and before I know it I should be back on my game. Wish me luck!

Pain Cave and Winter Fitness

The Winter fitness season is upon us. You know the one where you realize you're not exercising, and then you step on the scale for that "uh-oh" moment? Where the Holidays loom large, as does your waistline. I seldom make that transition well. And this year's proving to be no exception.

In 2013, I put on a bunch more weight and burned any fitness I'd built over the Summer. I tried joining a gym. But it just didn't work. Crowded at peak times. Boring as hell. Just not my bag. Last Winter I did a bit better. Decided a combo of skiing (thank you to Vail for picking up local Mt. Brighton) and indoor cycling was my best bet. Picked up a CycleOps Fluid2 trainer. Mounted my bike up and I'm ready to go!

Only problem. Riding a trainer is boring as hell. The only place I think time passes more slowly is waiting at the Secretary of State to renew your driver's license. Even with a custom playlist on the iPod, a half hour feels like a month. But, it works. I kept the Winter Weight off, and by the time I arrived on Colorado to ski I was running the slopes from top to bottom without a stop to catch my breath. Awesome. My road cycling season starts off very strong. All good.

As my goal is to continually improve, this year I vowed to make the Pain Cave a more pleasant place. My first thought is to press a TV into service. Throw on some Family Guy or Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and I'm good for an hour. Fortunately, due to upsizing a TV elsewhere in the house, a 32" is looking for a home. This past week a little re-org of the basement results in a nice little home exercise spot! It's not the prettiest, but it's comfy, has a fan to keep cool a high-def TV with a gazillion channels, and a DVD player. 

Will it be the solution? We'll see, but I must admit I'm looking forward to finding out! Pain Cave 2.0 look out!

-Sean-

Black is the New Black

Several years back as Jon Ray and I were trying to find the right hoodie to offer from Mangled Fly, he taught me a valuable lesson. Black absorbs and sunlight to keep you warmer. Seems pretty obvious, but I'd really never considered it before. Since then, black is the new black for me!

Yesterday was a perfect example. Wanted to take a ride, but it was a touch chilly. Of course it wasn't quite cold enough to warrant a thermal jersey. As I'm choosing my kit I remember Jon's words. Ordinarily, I tend to select brighter jerseys for visibility, but I decided it was time to break out the SWEET BikeWorks jersey I picked up in Kona last year.

This shop was pretty amazing - when you're in a place with a lot of disposable income like Kona, you can stock things like a Specialized S-Works Venge (at $10K) or or a Giant Defy Advanced 0 that you might never see in other shops.

Threw on a pair of bibs, this jersey, and arm warmers and headed out for a perfect ride. I was very comfortable the whole time and even able to remove the arm warmers on the route home. The little extra boost warmth from black on a sunny cool day was just right.

A simple reminder of a great outdoor trick - black is the new black!

-Sean-

Product Review: SQ Labs 611 Race Saddle

Ahh, the saddle. Perhaps the most overlooked - yet critical - bike component around. Your saddle is the most critical human-bike interface. On my recent Century, I spent over 6-1/2 hours in the saddle. As I commented to one of my riding companions, after that long, even a La-Z-Boy gets uncomfortable. Enter the SQ Labs 611 Race saddle.

Recommended to me by Master Fitter Jessica Bratus, of FitMI! after a failed attempt with another saddle, I've found home. My goal was a saddle that didn't cause pain, numbness or other issues - particularly on rides over 50 miles. And the 611 delivers on this. Even after over a hundred miles, I was feeling surprisingly good.

One of the main factors in male saddle design is relieving soft tissue pressure. That is, not sitting on your junk. Research has consistently proven that prolonged saddle time is a clear factor in unpleasantries like ED. So, if you'd like to hold off on the need for Viagra, best to pay attention. Most companies address this issue with cutouts or relief channels. SQ takes a unique approach to ensuring you're sitting on sit bones, not a more sensitive body part. The rear 1/3 of the saddle is elevated, and combined with a subtle channel down the center.

From the moment I got on the seat, I knew I was headed to the right place. Sure, it needed break-in (or maybe my ass did...), but the basics were THERE. After a couple of 50+ mile rides everything was groovy.

The aesthetics are really pretty cool. It's a unique looking saddle, without the Toucan Sam wildness of the SMP models (perhaps the fugliest saddle I've ever seen...). It looks sleek, elegant, and fast.

The other aspect that's really solid about these saddles is that each model is available in several widths - to fit your sit bone distance. While in the past saddle makers created one-size-fits-all models in only one width, folks like SQ and SMP are recognizing that not everyone needs the same width to be properly aligned on the sit bones. For me the medium-large 14cm model was just right.

Build quality is excellent, especially considering the price point. This is clearly a well-made saddle. And the lack of a cut-out means the shell can be a stronger structural component which should lead to long-term durability. It's also surprisingly light weight at only 235 grams. I think the TiTube alloy rails are a definite contributor to that.

The biggest proof of my satisfaction? When we got to the cyclocross bike fitting, Jessica simply said, "So, the SQ 611 seems to be working for you - let's just do that...". And that's been the right decision from Day One. As an interesting aside, I have noticed there is a bit of break-in for this saddle. I'd ridden so many miles on the road bike with the 611, that it became second nature. When I hopped in the saddle for the first ride on the 'cross bike my ass reminded me that this saddle wasn't broken in yet!

Jessica only recently began offering this line of saddles after discovering that some of the top ultra distance riders were on this unique, seldom-seen German brand. Evidently distribution is a little challenging as the company is pretty new to the U.S. Need a new saddle? Check these guys out, you won't be disappointed!

-Sean-

Simple Pleasures

The new-to-me Specialized Crux has helped me re-discover the simple pleasures of an earlier time. Of riding dirt roads just for the sheer thrill of riding. Of not seeing a car for an hour. Of the feeling that there's no place I have to be now. I'm not riding to hit a pace, or complete a road loop and beat a particular time. In short, it's like being a kid on Summer Break all over again.

I picked up a copy of Dirt Road Washtenaw over the Winter. This excellent book has lots of good advice about bikes, gear, techniques, etc. But most importantly it has an AWESOME collection of routes that really take advantage of the prettiest parts of the area. I've ridden the Liberty Loop a couple of times now and just enjoyed myself silly. Now I've got a bunch of others to explore - including the forboding Dirt Hammer route...

Thus far, I'm loving the Crux - it was a great first gravel bike. Sure, I love the idea of a Seven Cycles Evergreen built just for me, but until I hit the lottery, it ain't happening. The Crux is stable, handles great, and is very efficient. It took me a little bit to make the mental transition for the world of Shimano shifters to the SRAM Double Tap system, but I've got it now.

Yesterday I rode most of this route, though cut short by a mechanical failure that forced me to limp back to the truck (more on that in an upcoming post). I just couldn't keep the stupid grin off my face. Dirt roads are pure, simple pleasures. The scenery of Western Washtenaw is really quite stunning. And for some reason, I look up and around more when I'm on gravel -- maybe because I'm not constantly on the lookout for distracted drivers and potential road rage.

As we transition into Fall, I'm really looking forward to moving from more time on the road to more gravel. Who knows, might become a year 'round obsession!

-Sean-

First Century - Lessons Learned

The day before my first Century, I found myself turning to Google searches for "Tips for a First Century". I found a few ideas and pointers, but thought I'd share my reflections for others. So, here's my top ten, in no order of importance.

1. Share the load - I quickly found a couple of guys about my age and fitness level. We all got along well, enjoyed chatting, and shared the workload in rough stretches. Made the miles fly by. This is really key.
2. Hydrate and fuel - you're burning calories, and sweating off fluids. Drink often. If Gatorade is available to you, take advantage of it, especially on a hot day. And even if you're not hungry, eat something every hour or so.
3. Fit is it - I had a professional fitting done by Jess Bratus of FitMI. Over the first 50 miles, I might have never noticed it. But for the last 50 it was CRITICAL.
4. Log the miles - Training was key for me. I needed regular, increasing miles. By mid-Summer, my standard training loop was around 45 miles. General wisdom is that you can complete 2-3x what you train. I found that to be true.
5. Beat the heat - riding a Century in August means it could be hot. And we had a generally cool Spring and early Summer here in Michigan. When the first really hot weather hit, I made sure to get in a few solid rides. This really paid off on the big day as I was more acclimated to the heat. My first hot training ride was a shit show...
6. Move around - when you're spending over 6-1/2 hours in the saddle, making some effort to change positions, stretch, etc. really pays off. Climb some hills out of the saddle. Ride in the drops. Ride on the bar tops. At mile 80, you'll wish you did.
7. Enjoy the view - most organized rides are set-up to maximize rider enjoyment. Don't just pedal along and suffer. Take in the scenery!
8. Smooth is good - one thing I learned watching others, a smooth pedal stroke is efficient, and easier on your body. When you hit mile 90, you'll be glad. I've always had a pretty good pedal stroke (my fitter even complimented me on it). But, working on it on a trainer or while climbing really helps.
9. Shit happens - on arrival I found I'd grabbed a pair of mis-matched gloves. And, of course, one was from a pair I don't really like very much. I started to get fired up about it, but then realized it didn't really matter. And, it didn't. Relax - things will go wrong. As long as you didn't forget your bike, you're good.
10. You CAN do it - if you did #1-9 above, you can easily ride a Century. If there's one thing I've learned about cycling it's that confidence is king. Knocking off every ten mile increment always gives you confidence that enables the next one. So get your ass out there!

-Sean-

1.  

First Century!

On Saturday, 1 August, I achieved a personal goal I set three years ago - my first Century ride! When I re-committed to road riding seriously three years ago I got this idea in my head to complete a Century before I turned 50. Well, I'm 49 this year, so the pressure was on...

For the past three years, I've ridden and fundraised for the Susan G. Komen "Ride for the Cure". I do this to honor a good friend who lost her battle with this disease in 2011. You can read more on my effort here. The ride is the first Saturday in August, so it's been good timing for goal-setting and training. My first year, I rode a Metric Century (100km/62.5 miles) and was a top-five fundraiser. Last year some health issues sidelined my training, so I did a shorter 30 mile ride (but still raised more money than the previous year). This year was the big one - I increased my target to the full Century ride, and bumped my fundraising goal up a pretty good notch.

Training went well -- I had broken the 40 mile mark multiple times by the end of April and even had a Metric Century in by the end of May. Prior to ride day, my longest ride was 74 miles and the weekend previous I'd done 55-, and 65-miles on concurrent days. So, I had the miles under my legs.

Ride day start - feeling good!

Ride day weather was looking perfect, if a bit windy. That morning was a touch cool, but the wind was down for our 7 a.m. start. Definitely had some pre-ride jitters, but generally felt pretty confident. With about 25 riders for the Century we had a manageable group to tour the farmlands south of Lansing.

This crew included a wide range of cyclists - including a fit looking guy a few years older than me who planned to ride the Century on a FAT BIKE! Rock on! We stayed largely together until the first rest stop, though I'd started to ride and chat with a guy who turned out to live in the neighborhood across the street from mine! I was surprised by how quickly we got to that first stop at 25 miles. Everybody was laughing and having fun - some of us even got our photos taken in grass skirts and coconut bras (no, I don't have a photo yet...).

By the lunchtime stop at around 60 miles our group had split up a bit, with me riding with neighbor John, and gravel-grinder Nat (on a Specialized Crux 'cross bike much like mine!). For the most part we cruised comfortably at a 15-17 mph pace. When the ride turned west into the mounting wind, we formed a pace line and took turns pulling on the front without losing too much speed. I was really fortunate -- found two really good guys to ride with who were comfortable at about exactly the pace I wanted to ride.

Riding companion John - with me on the chase!

At the 77 mile rest stop, all three of us were eager to get off the bikes for a stretch, re-hydrate, fuel up, and have a little break. But it wasn't long before we set off again. The ride was set through some pretty gently rolling country. An area I would definitely return to for riding. By this time, the wind was definitely coming up, but we had some pretty good cover on the tree-lined stretches. Though heading east and south were definitely preferable. Each turn north (groan) or west (GROAN!!!) was a little less cheerful.

The last ten miles were - predictably - the Sufferfest. Not as brutal as I'd expected, but not easy. The three of us definitely took turns pulling each other along. Though the last 3 miles were BRUTAL as the wind peaked and we headed into a strong headwind for much of it. We all finished feeling happy and pretty strong - though not ready to knock off another 20!

A new favorite jersey!

So, I did it - rode my first Century at age 49! I was proud, tired, and happy. I also raised over $2,600 making me the #3 fundraiser - a nice bonus! Funny thing though, on the drive home I was thinking, "Now what?" and sure enough several friends have asked me the same thing. My guess is more Centuries are in my future, and hopefully at a faster pace (we did 103 miles in 6:40) but, stay tuned!

FYI, I'll also be following this up with a lessons learned entry for other first-timers!

-Sean-

Rules of the Road

I read an article a couple of months back in Outside magazine about the significant increase in the number of cyclists being injured in motor vehicle collisions. The article has definitely been food for thought in recent weeks. It does seem clear that we all (cyclists and drivers) need to learn to follow the rules of the road. I've been much more observant of behaviors among both groups and we have a long way to go before the roads get safer for cyclists.

CYCLISTS
Since reading the article, I'm amazed at the number of stupid things I see cyclists do on the road that makes us deserve some of the driver's wrath. For example:

• Riding the wrong way on one-way streets. WTF? Cars can't do it -why are you?
• Ignoring stop signs. OK, we all slow-roll some in lightly trafficked areas. I'm talking about brazenly blasting through, often without looking.
• Riding on the sidewalk. Most non-cyclists are amazed when I tell them that in a significant number of municipalities that bicycles are illegal on the sidewalk. If you're biking on a sidewalk, you run the risk of injuring pedestrians, but you're also virtually impossible to see for drivers turning at intersections. Stay on the road.
• Not owning the lane. We expect to be treated like other vehicles on the road, yet many of us don't behave like one. Don't make a left turn from the right lane, put on your Big Girl Panties and jump in the left turn lane like a boss!
• Helmets. Wear one. And, if you do, buckle the stupid strap. In addition to making you look like an asshat, this pretty much removes any benefit the helmet might deliver.
• Riding two (or more) abreast. Unlike the previous items, which are mostly on less serious cyclists, the hardcores tend to be the issue here. Yeah, it's legal to ride two abreast. It's also stupid. And when a heard of you just takes over a lane, blind to vehicles around you, it just pisses drivers off. Particularly if you're all wearing some matching team kit...

DRIVERS

I am truly amazed at the stupidity and anger I encounter on the road. Curiously it's been better this year - maybe more bikes on the road increase awareness? But it's still there.

• If you wouldn't pass a car, don't pass me. You wouldn't pass a Buick on that twisty, hilly road. What makes you think you can somehow magically slip past me and not cross the center line? And when you do encounter that oncoming car, are you going to hit it or take me out? Yeah, we both know the answer on that one.
• Stop honking the fucking horn. Yes, I dropped the F Bomb there. For a reason. I get this all the time. I'm riding a virtually silent vehicle, and you're rolling along in 4,000 pounds powered by internal combustion. I know you didn't see me, but I heard you a LONG time ago. There's no need to "let me know you're there" with the horn. I'm quite aware. If you startle me and I fall or swerve in front of you, both of our days are ruined (oh, and I'm dead...).
• Put down the smartphone. I'm constantly scanning road looking for signs of driver distraction. You'd be surprised how many of you I see peering into tiny screens.
• Give me a little room. When you pass properly, without oncoming traffic, there's plenty of room for you to pass. Take it.
• Slow down. Many times I see that way-too-close-way-too-tight pass from people who are just driving far too fast for the road and were surprised by me. That extra 10 mph on a 10 mile drive isn't going to get you there any faster.

So, there you go - we all need some improvement with following the rules of the road. Hope these reminders are helpful, no matter which group you fall into.

-Sean-  

Roll On - Roval Rapide CLX 60 Wheels

Got the new wheels out for a first ride last weekend. Josh had a 40+ miler all planned out for me. Despite some pretty serious wind, we headed out in the afternoon.

I'd read a lot about aero profile wheels and the wind. A number of online mentions expressed concern over 60mm profiles like my Roval Rapide CLX 60's. More profile = more exposure to crosswinds, etc. So, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

What I found was that while you could definitely feel the impact of the wind, it really wasn't that big of a deal. Not bad per se, just different. Cross-wind gusts were noticeable, primarily with the front wheel, but not completely scary.

One thing I will say is that my bike looks BAD ASS with these wheels. As Josh commented, "It's like a completely new ride." And, he's right. Just looks tough.

Giant Defy Advanced with new Specialized Roval Rapide CLX 60's

As to the performance and handling of the wheels and their impact on my ride, it's really hard to say. Between ripping winds, and the fact that I haven't got a lot of road miles in yet this season (Winter hasn't really wanted to give up in Michigan) I don't think it was an optimum situation to evaluate. By the end of almost 45 miles, I was pretty much cooked. But, I survived those miles, and I think the new wheels made that easier.

More to follow as I get in more miles. Early impressions are that I like 'em.

-Sean-

Product Review: CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer

This Winter I vowed not to spend the snowy season getting fat. Or at least not fatTER. I hate gyms. My knees won't take running. So, I had to come up with a solution.

This year, I decided to try combining some time on the trainer with more regular local skiing at Mt. Brighton, courtesy of my Epic Pass. I figured that between these I'd get some regular, aerobic activity and burn some calories in the process.

First things first, though -- I needed to get a trainer. Several seasons back I had a house-brand unit from one of the larger bike retailers. It was LOUD, didn't really have much of the feel of the road, and generally loathesome. I hated being on it, even with a TV to watch.

On the advice of a friend, I looked into CycleOps products. He was pleased with the ride of his and found that even living in a townhouse with shared walls he had no issue with noise. After some online research and a shop visit, I purchased a CycleOps Fluid2 trainer. The sales guy and the reviews both said that the fluid model was well-worth the extra money for quietness and a progressive resistance that would simulate real-world riding. And, the sales guy added that the CycleOps was really the "forever" trainer.

Right out of the box, the unit makes a good impression. A sturdy frame and a heavy, rugged cast resistance unit should make for durability and help keep things stable and quiet. Set-up is simple and straightforward with excellent directions. Off to a good start.

From the first pedal stroke, I notice something - the absence of noise. And in fact at higher RPMs the volume level really doesn't increase very much. This will enable me to ride whenever I want without fear of the ruckus.

But the best part is the resistance. Unlike the old trainer, it's silky smooth. And as you pick up cadence and/or increase load it responds by gradually increasing resistance. In short, it acts like riding a real bike on a real road.

And I'm finding that while it's nothing like the reward of a real outdoor ride, I'm actually enjoying the trainer. I like that it's MY bike, not just some spin machine at a health club. And I'm using the heartbeat and cadence sensing capabilities of my Garmin Edge 810 to manage my rides for maximum benefit. I've got the unit set up in my shop, so I have a good stereo connected to the iPod. I actually find that music helps pass the time (for me) better than TV did.

As an aside, I have found that some music motivates and passes the time better than other music. I've built a couple of training-specific playlists on my iPod just for rides. So far Bob Mould/Sugar/Husker Du and Black Flag seem to be some of my leading choices. But even seemingly mellow stuff like Band of Horses also works.

But I digress...

Great job CycleOps - the Fluid2 Trainer is an excellent product. Highly recommended!

-Sean-

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...

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-

Product Review: Louis Garneau Enduro 3 Cycling Bib Knickers

In my quest to extend the outdoor riding season, I recently add the Louis Garneau Enduro 3 cycling bib knickers to my cold(er) weather arsenal. In the past couple of seasons I've really become a convert to bibs. I've found them much more comfortable, supportive, and generally functional than conventional shorts and tights.

I already have a set of Pearl Izumi thermal tights, but a recent ride on a 65 degree day in them (well, I thought it was colder...) had me thinking I needed something in between the tights and shorts.

I've now gotten in two solid rides in these and they've already become a favorite. A few reasons:

Fit
Sizing for cycling clothing is bizarre at best. This is especially true of the European brands. I'm a straight-up XL top in nearly shirt or jacket. Yet I own Euro jerseys ranging from L to XXL. These Canadians (Garneau) get it. In Garneau I wear an XL jersey and L shorts/tights. Period. Every time. this is beginning to make Garneau my go-to. These bibs are no exception. They fit perfectly.

Support
Technology really has come to sports garments. By using compression, and strategically placed panels of differing materials you can now get a garment that's comfortable and improves performance. Louis Garneau has done this perfectly in these bibs. My occasionally tweaky right knee gets some extra love in these - especially appreciated in cold weather.

Chamois
Tights with chamois? Or no chamois? Long time debate that I've finally settled. On your lower half, more layers equals more opportunities for chaos. And chaos equals chafing. Not good. So a tight with a chamois is a must. And Garneau's are the industry-standard for me. Even at lower price points, they're consistently excellent. If you doubt that importance of this on a 40-miler, try something with a poor or weird chamois. I have a pair of Castelli shorts that DO NOT get along well with my tender parts. Enough said. Garneau gets it right.

Style
It's really easy to look like an overstuffed sausage in lycra. For me, that's the sign of bad fit, or someone who doesn't belong in lycra. But well-styled garments can make even the less svelte among us look better. In these bib knickers I look like the streamlined, chiseled cyclist I like to think of myself as. And thought I originally thought knickers were a little goofy, I've gotten over it quickly. these just look cool.

Value
Man, some cycling clothing is spendy. And I just can't see why. A $250 pair of Assos shorts? Seriously? Louis Garneau clothing is in the upper-mid range. I think they're products are consistently better than other similarly priced gear. The bibs are no exception. I think I paid $105. Not bad at all for a thermal bib tight with a first rate chamois.

In short...
If you need something to keep your legs warm and happy, this is the ticket. My rides thus far would suggest that they're comfortable 40-55 degrees or so. Wind is a factor, but even though they don't have a true windproof layer, they seem to do a pretty good job cutting wind.

-Sean-

On the Road Again!

I've returned to my road bike over the past couple of weeks, after a little health incident had me off the ride for about seven weeks. Since my return, I've already broken the 35 mile barrier. Some observations from my ride:

1. Damn it's nice to be back out. From the first pedal stroke, the feeling of freedom returned. Ahhhh.
2. I love my Giant Defy Advanced. It's prime season, so all the bike porn has been showing up in my mailbox. While there are some pretty rides in there, I am utterly and completely satisfied with my bike in its current configuration.
3. Dammit - the Bont cleat squeak is back despite replacing the bolt. F@&$!!!!
4. I live in a great place for riding. So much easy access to so many great routes. I love Huron River Drive.
5. Did I mention how happy I am to be back out?
6. I'm excited to be able to ride the Susan G. Komen Ride for the Cure in honor of my late friend Pam Prentice. I made my fundraising goal easily this year. Sadly, due to the lost training time and the fact that I'm not 100% greenlighted (is that a word?) by my doc, I won't be doing the Century this year. I just have to remember that one point it looked like I might not be able to ride it AT ALL.
7. There is no shame in the small front cog. 
8. Good cycling clothing makes a world of difference.
9. The Garmin 810 is just cool. I harness the power of data every day at work, why not on the road?
10. People on bikes are nice. They usually wave or smile. If you're stopped they ask if you need any help.

Off to the Upper Peninsula tomorrow for some fishing adventures with my Dad. I'm sure more will follow on that trip.

Have a good one. Remember to make the most of every day.

-Sean-

Creaky

As a guy who grew up wrenching on bikes in shops, at races, and in my own garage, I hate extraneous noises. Creaks. Squeaks. Squeals. Rattles. All of them are a sign of one thing - something isn't working correctly. Engineers don't design products to make noises they're not supposed to.

But chasing down a squawk or a ping can be tough. Bicycles are interconnected systems. A noise you think is emanating from one place could be someplace completely different. It's sort of like a water leak in your house. Where you see the puddle could be a LONG way from the source.

I've been wrestling one on my road bike for a little while. Like many, it started quietly and infrequently. And then grew louder. And louder. And louder. Kinda' like in Edgar Allan Poe's "Telltale Heart". OK, maybe it wasn't that loud. But in my head it was.

This one's from the drivetrain side, somewhere in the lower regions. After decades of listening to bikes, I can usually pretty quickly discern what type of issue I have. Carbon sounds different from aluminum. Aluminum sounds different from stainless steel. And so on. My creak is carbon-related. It's just got that pitch and cadence.

Carbon creaks are generally not good. Especially when you ride a carbon frame, like my Giant Defy Advanced Composite. But sometimes they're a minor issue - like a seatpost that needs a cleaning and a little carbon paste. Other times, they're an indicator of an impending failure. I've learned from fly rods that all it takes is minor weakening of structural integrity and chaos ensues.

But this one is weird. I know it's in the lower end, on the drivetrain side. It only happens when I come out of the saddle and hammer on the pedals. And it's very clearly only on one side. Oddly, somehow it feels outboard of the bottom bracket and it doesn't seem to travel up the frame.

Ah-HA! Cleats.

Cleats on cycling shoes are a lifelong pain in the ass. In the olden days, I remember nailing the cleats onto my Sidi shoes. Yep, you read that right - NAILING. Modern clipless systems have moved things forward tremendously, but still the cleat-shoe interface remains a trouble spot. This area takes a lot of stress, forces in all directions, and more. Three bolts (typically) connect the power of your legs to the bike's drivetrain. And, my Bont A-Three's have carbon soles. So, I re-tighten my bolts. Creak is still there.

Dammit!

On returning home from my first weeknight ride on Monday, I decided to investigate as the continued creak now has me thinking my frame is self-destructing. I also see plagues and locusts on the horizon.

One trick I've learned with cleats is the power of blue Loctite. If you don't keep some of this around the house, buy some. Today. Keeps problematic things with threads where they're supposed to be. So I figure time to tear down the right shoe and re-do the Loctite. First screw comes out easy, drop or two of thread sealant, re-torque and good to go. But the second one loosens, but then won't come free. Finally with some upward pressure from a screwdriver while twisting the Allen wrench it pops out. But wait - where's the threaded insert? I don't see it anymore.

Crap. Bonts are made in Australia. And while they make great shoes, they're in Australia. Just shipping something back to them takes weeks and costs at least $25. They're starting to get some US dealers, but I didn't buy mine from a dealer, so they'd have to go back to the Land Down Under. Then I notice something rolling around in the shoe. It's a regular old T-nut. And it's just popped out of the hole. After closer inspection the "teeth" that bite into the sole seem squashed.

Later that night, I find the Bont sells replacements for these (via Colorado Cyclist). Hmmmmm. This tells me this is not an isolated problem. So, I have some extras on order.

In the meantime, I have a backup pair. I'll be riding those tonight to see if my creak is still there or not. A report will follow.

-Sean-