I'm sitting here in my office, really enjoying the view. I'm lucky enough, that my daytime job plants my butt in a chair in an office on the third floor with a view facing Mt. Timpanogos. Today, it is snowing. I can't see the mountains and can hardly see the nearby office buildings. It is beautiful. I could stare for hours at it--though that would get me fired and away from this nice office.
My other office, where I do my work for GearReview, is much nicer, though. This morning, before coming in to this office, I was in that one. I was outside, playing--er, working--in the snow. Last night, I took the time to mount some studded tires (these) to my fully rigid mountain bike/commuter in preparation for some early morning "work". It was incredible. Crisp, clear, and no one out. It was only about 21 degrees, which was about 10 degrees warmer than I thought it would be, so I was in a good mood. And, though heavy, those tires are fun in the snow and ice. I really wish I could go back to my other office right now.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Monday, December 05, 2005
Search Engines
The hardest job in the world is that of the search engine. Every day another lame website (or, more accurately, 1000 more websites and 100000 more blogs) is (are) added to the internet. Not to mention the changing content on a lot of the existing sites. Most of it is junk, spam, or the tired rantings of some weirdo you'd never feel safe meeting without the security of distance and the anonymity of the internet dividing you. And yet, with those obstacles, people (myself included) expect search engines to be the fastest sites. We expect, somehow to find what we are looking for--even though we don't know ourselves, much less are able to articulate what we want by entering in two or three words in a small text box.
Why do we expect so much from these poor, tired search engines? It really is their own fault: they deliver. They started this bad habit of returning good results when the internet was small and it cost more for people to connect. Back then, everything was slow, so there was less pressure. Now, computers are fast, connections are fast and both are much cheaper. Poor search engines. You must be tired.
And yet, people like me don't ever give them a break. Ever.
For some reason, lately www.google.com comes up slowly on my home connection (purportedly 15mb fiber). Also, searches for me or any of my reviews came up blank. What do I do. Like an ungrateful child, I run off to search.msn.com. Lo and behold, it is fast. In addition, and perhaps the most important part, it returns top ten results for most of my reviews and a search for Jon Sharp yields this blog as the first result. While some may read the first paragraph again and argue that MSN must not be doing a good job at qualifying their results if they return a blog as number 1 (and THIS blog, no less), I'm practically converted to MSN permanently.
Poor search engines. So many years of helping me out and I turn my back on Google at the drop of a hat. Believe me, Google, being slow and tired myself, I can sympathize.
Why do we expect so much from these poor, tired search engines? It really is their own fault: they deliver. They started this bad habit of returning good results when the internet was small and it cost more for people to connect. Back then, everything was slow, so there was less pressure. Now, computers are fast, connections are fast and both are much cheaper. Poor search engines. You must be tired.
And yet, people like me don't ever give them a break. Ever.
For some reason, lately www.google.com comes up slowly on my home connection (purportedly 15mb fiber). Also, searches for me or any of my reviews came up blank. What do I do. Like an ungrateful child, I run off to search.msn.com. Lo and behold, it is fast. In addition, and perhaps the most important part, it returns top ten results for most of my reviews and a search for Jon Sharp yields this blog as the first result. While some may read the first paragraph again and argue that MSN must not be doing a good job at qualifying their results if they return a blog as number 1 (and THIS blog, no less), I'm practically converted to MSN permanently.
Poor search engines. So many years of helping me out and I turn my back on Google at the drop of a hat. Believe me, Google, being slow and tired myself, I can sympathize.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Roof racks ... the memories come flooding back
The Fat Cyclist asked for tales of woe regarding car racks. Here's mine:
I was going to BYU, and my brother and friend were living in Oregon. We had this great plan to drive to Mexico to go mountain biking. It was going to be an epic trip. My job was to drive myself and my bike from Utah to California to meet up with them before heading on. I had my bike on top of my car (you all know where this is going) and all my gear packed and I was heading out of the parking lot. Just as I was pulling out, I remembered that in the below-ground parking lot, in my apartment storage facility, I had left my sleeping bag. No problem, I slammed it in reverse and headed down the super steep ramp to the underground parking.
Crunch, scrape...
The car and rack took most of the force. I think I needed a new saddle and seatpost, and my Marzocchi Atom 80 didn't line up at the drop-outs like it used to--but not enough to stop me from using it. All four doors of the car (an 88 Honda Accord) were pried away from the roof, and the roof was dented on the four corners pretty well. It also did a number to my hood on which the mangled tangle of roof rack and bike landed. I was going way too fast to stop when I hit.
Besides the repair costs, we didn't go on the trip. In fact, we never made that trip. I'd like to say I learned my lesson, but when returning to school after a summer break (driving from Oregon to Utah with the bike on top really jogs the memory of a bike out of your mind) I was excited to see one of the coveted under-the-apartment parking spots open (different complex). Again, as was my driving style back in the day, I pulled in so quickly as to knock my bike right off the rack (same bike) before I realized what happened. I remember being embarrassed more than anything (for the bike, it was old hat), so I quickly scooped up the remains before anyone came out to see what the sound of scraping metal and concrete came from. At this point, my rack was loose enough (see previous accident above) that it really didn't damage my bike too much--mostly the bar-ends and, once again, the fork (which now resides on my wife's cob-web-adorned bike).
I still have a roof rack. I actually put my garage door opener in the back seat when I leave (and on extended trips, I put something in my garage in the way, preventing me from being able to pull in without getting out of my car and moving said item). I won't tell you how many times or how often moving the garage door opener has saved my bike/car.
I was going to BYU, and my brother and friend were living in Oregon. We had this great plan to drive to Mexico to go mountain biking. It was going to be an epic trip. My job was to drive myself and my bike from Utah to California to meet up with them before heading on. I had my bike on top of my car (you all know where this is going) and all my gear packed and I was heading out of the parking lot. Just as I was pulling out, I remembered that in the below-ground parking lot, in my apartment storage facility, I had left my sleeping bag. No problem, I slammed it in reverse and headed down the super steep ramp to the underground parking.
Crunch, scrape...
The car and rack took most of the force. I think I needed a new saddle and seatpost, and my Marzocchi Atom 80 didn't line up at the drop-outs like it used to--but not enough to stop me from using it. All four doors of the car (an 88 Honda Accord) were pried away from the roof, and the roof was dented on the four corners pretty well. It also did a number to my hood on which the mangled tangle of roof rack and bike landed. I was going way too fast to stop when I hit.
Besides the repair costs, we didn't go on the trip. In fact, we never made that trip. I'd like to say I learned my lesson, but when returning to school after a summer break (driving from Oregon to Utah with the bike on top really jogs the memory of a bike out of your mind) I was excited to see one of the coveted under-the-apartment parking spots open (different complex). Again, as was my driving style back in the day, I pulled in so quickly as to knock my bike right off the rack (same bike) before I realized what happened. I remember being embarrassed more than anything (for the bike, it was old hat), so I quickly scooped up the remains before anyone came out to see what the sound of scraping metal and concrete came from. At this point, my rack was loose enough (see previous accident above) that it really didn't damage my bike too much--mostly the bar-ends and, once again, the fork (which now resides on my wife's cob-web-adorned bike).
I still have a roof rack. I actually put my garage door opener in the back seat when I leave (and on extended trips, I put something in my garage in the way, preventing me from being able to pull in without getting out of my car and moving said item). I won't tell you how many times or how often moving the garage door opener has saved my bike/car.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
HRMs aren't good for me.
The only thing I really use my HRM (Heart Rate Monitor) for is to tell me how many calories I burn during a ride. (Well, occationally, I'll look at my current heart rate to determine if I'm working hard enough, but that's rare.) This morning, my 34 mile ride burned over 2800 kcals, according to my HRM. Good? No. Bad.
Very very bad.
Every year on Halloween, my work has trick-or-treating for the children of all the workers. Naturally, this being the day after, there's a bit of candy lying around here and there. When I walked in to work this morning, I was hungry (I also skipped breakfast) and saw all those "fun size" candy bars here and there in the office with plenty of people trying to get rid of them. I thought, hey, I just burned 2800 calories, I can handle a few tiny candy bars. Yes, a few probably would have been fine. Would 15 be fine?
No, 15 is bad.
I can tell you that without even stepping on a scale.
Ugh... stupid HRM.
Very very bad.
Every year on Halloween, my work has trick-or-treating for the children of all the workers. Naturally, this being the day after, there's a bit of candy lying around here and there. When I walked in to work this morning, I was hungry (I also skipped breakfast) and saw all those "fun size" candy bars here and there in the office with plenty of people trying to get rid of them. I thought, hey, I just burned 2800 calories, I can handle a few tiny candy bars. Yes, a few probably would have been fine. Would 15 be fine?
No, 15 is bad.
I can tell you that without even stepping on a scale.
Ugh... stupid HRM.
Ride Before Dawn
This morning, before 8 am, I went for a 34-mile bike ride. This ride would probably not even be challenging for most, but I'm a wimp, and it was early. However, rather than dwell on how cold it was, and how tired I was (and how tired I'm going to be this afternoon if I don't get some caffeine down me soon), I'd like to list of the top 5 reasons for getting up before dawn and going on a ride. (I was going to do the top ten, but I really couldn't think of that many.)
5. Crisp morning air.
This morning, it was particularly crisp at 35 degrees, but even in the summer, mornings seem clearer. Perhaps this aids in clearing my groggy, early-morning thoughts. There's something about getting your blood pumping and your lungs working that early in the morning. It gives me a better outlook on life.
4. Sets up the day to become a great day.
When I get to work, often things don't go well. Quite often, in fact. On days when I get up early to ride (and I should mention that if I'm going to ride before work, I have to start out in the dark to give me enough time to make it to work), it doesn't matter if work goes poorly because my day has already been great. It has already been a success.
3. Feeling of superiority over those still asleep.
Well, this one really was iffy. I mean, I feel that way sometimes when I ride, and it makes the tough times (cold, wet, tired) easier to bear, but it usually isn't reason enough to get up in the morning. (Those who don't get up usually site sanity as the main counter-point to this one.)
2. Fewer cars on the road.
This doesn't apply so much for off-road, but it is a huge deal for road riding, so I included it at number 2. Accidents on road-bikes generally happen due to cars and bikes trying to share the same space--sometimes the exact same space. Fewer cars = I feel safer and can enjoy the other points mentioned here.
1. Beautiful alpenglow/sunrise.
Honestly, when I am out alone, with no cars around and the sun starts to rise above the mountains (and just before that, when the sky is getting light and the mountains are silhouetted against it) makes any cold air or tired muscles disappear. Today in particular, was incredible. Over the weekend, Mt. Timpanogos has been dusted with snow down to about 8000'. As the sun was rising and caught that snow, highlighting it orange and pink, it was amazing. Though tired at the end of the ride, I would have done it all over again if I could have seen that sunrise over Mt. Timp. again.
5. Crisp morning air.
This morning, it was particularly crisp at 35 degrees, but even in the summer, mornings seem clearer. Perhaps this aids in clearing my groggy, early-morning thoughts. There's something about getting your blood pumping and your lungs working that early in the morning. It gives me a better outlook on life.
4. Sets up the day to become a great day.
When I get to work, often things don't go well. Quite often, in fact. On days when I get up early to ride (and I should mention that if I'm going to ride before work, I have to start out in the dark to give me enough time to make it to work), it doesn't matter if work goes poorly because my day has already been great. It has already been a success.
3. Feeling of superiority over those still asleep.
Well, this one really was iffy. I mean, I feel that way sometimes when I ride, and it makes the tough times (cold, wet, tired) easier to bear, but it usually isn't reason enough to get up in the morning. (Those who don't get up usually site sanity as the main counter-point to this one.)
2. Fewer cars on the road.
This doesn't apply so much for off-road, but it is a huge deal for road riding, so I included it at number 2. Accidents on road-bikes generally happen due to cars and bikes trying to share the same space--sometimes the exact same space. Fewer cars = I feel safer and can enjoy the other points mentioned here.
1. Beautiful alpenglow/sunrise.
Honestly, when I am out alone, with no cars around and the sun starts to rise above the mountains (and just before that, when the sky is getting light and the mountains are silhouetted against it) makes any cold air or tired muscles disappear. Today in particular, was incredible. Over the weekend, Mt. Timpanogos has been dusted with snow down to about 8000'. As the sun was rising and caught that snow, highlighting it orange and pink, it was amazing. Though tired at the end of the ride, I would have done it all over again if I could have seen that sunrise over Mt. Timp. again.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
"Painting != Cycling" or "The Cleansing Power of Cycling"
On a normal Thursday, I'd wake up before the crack of dawn (until the time change on Sunday) and go for a ride. Lately, I've been riding up the canyon--part of which is on a very nice path. This path is nice because a) cars don't drive on it, b) silky smooth pavement, and c) at this time of day, there are no people on it either. Because it has been so dark lately, it has been really quite an experience. There are trees over-shadowing the path. Combine that with the small tunnel of light from my handlebar-mounted Cabeza-Logic and I really feel like I'm flying along through a tunnel with leaves fluttering all around. It is quite fun.
Today, however, I got up and painted. This is reminiscent of the last few days of life-outside-of-work, where I've been spending a good portion of my time painting. Painting isn't really that bad--unless compared against any other activity in the world!
Okay, perhaps it isn't even as bad as all that, but to contrast it against my normal activity of cycling, it sucks.
It is on days like this that I realize that cycling really is a stabilizer in my life. My stresses and projects vary from day-to-day and week-to-week, but no matter what is happening with the rest of my life, cycling is there to wipe the day clean. When I start out the day without a ride, I feel like I still have yesterday's worries like so much soap scum built up on me. Only the power of cycling (*now with extra whitening!*) can clean me off and prepare me for my day.
Which reminds me, yesterday the Fat Cyclist wimped out and drove to work instead of riding. He felt like a schmuck, and asked readers to insult him accordingly. As I've thought about an appropriate insult, I realized that nothing I could say would have a more profound impact on him than the act of actually skipping a ride. He'll remember the day when he was all out-of-sorts and needed the cleansing power of cycling. He'll be unlikely to make that mistake again.
Today, however, I got up and painted. This is reminiscent of the last few days of life-outside-of-work, where I've been spending a good portion of my time painting. Painting isn't really that bad--unless compared against any other activity in the world!
Okay, perhaps it isn't even as bad as all that, but to contrast it against my normal activity of cycling, it sucks.
It is on days like this that I realize that cycling really is a stabilizer in my life. My stresses and projects vary from day-to-day and week-to-week, but no matter what is happening with the rest of my life, cycling is there to wipe the day clean. When I start out the day without a ride, I feel like I still have yesterday's worries like so much soap scum built up on me. Only the power of cycling (*now with extra whitening!*) can clean me off and prepare me for my day.
Which reminds me, yesterday the Fat Cyclist wimped out and drove to work instead of riding. He felt like a schmuck, and asked readers to insult him accordingly. As I've thought about an appropriate insult, I realized that nothing I could say would have a more profound impact on him than the act of actually skipping a ride. He'll remember the day when he was all out-of-sorts and needed the cleansing power of cycling. He'll be unlikely to make that mistake again.
Monday, October 10, 2005
"Don't get cocky!"
I was reminded of a line from Star Wars this weekend. You know the one, Han and Luke are in the little gunner areas in the Millenium Falcon. Luke takes out a ship and starts to celebrate and Han says something like this: "Great shot, kid. Don't get cocky!"
So, when I started out my ride on Saturday (road), my legs were a little stiff, but I felt pretty good. As I turned from a side-road on to a main street, I noticed that there was another cyclist ahead of me. I set out to catch him, thinking there wasn't any way I'd be able to. Before long, I was passing him. I felt pretty good, pretty confident. Then I came to an intersection and had to stop. He caught up to me and started to talk. As we both moved off the line together, he started telling me about the rides he's been on, including the LOTOJA 5 years in a row. He then told me, conversationally, about a really hard ride (for me), that he'd done "half a dozen times this year." He said none of this in arrogance, or showing off, just making conversation. Before we part ways, I found out that he was on his way home from a long ride, with a bunch left to go. Did I mention how much older than me he was? Suddenly, I didn't feel so hot anymore.
Don't get cocky, kid.
So, when I started out my ride on Saturday (road), my legs were a little stiff, but I felt pretty good. As I turned from a side-road on to a main street, I noticed that there was another cyclist ahead of me. I set out to catch him, thinking there wasn't any way I'd be able to. Before long, I was passing him. I felt pretty good, pretty confident. Then I came to an intersection and had to stop. He caught up to me and started to talk. As we both moved off the line together, he started telling me about the rides he's been on, including the LOTOJA 5 years in a row. He then told me, conversationally, about a really hard ride (for me), that he'd done "half a dozen times this year." He said none of this in arrogance, or showing off, just making conversation. Before we part ways, I found out that he was on his way home from a long ride, with a bunch left to go. Did I mention how much older than me he was? Suddenly, I didn't feel so hot anymore.
Don't get cocky, kid.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Part II: Shimano Dual Control--please don't break on me [though you probably will].
Remember my friend who broke his new dual-control XT shift/brake levers? Well, they broke again. This time while his bike was sitting in the back of a pickup truck with a few other bikes. Wow. I am speechless about this. As it turns out, however, two times is enough to convince him to pony up around $250 to by XT rapid-fire shifters and XT hydraulic brake levers.
Interestingly enough, most of the bikes I rode at the Outdoor Demo at Interbike (the mountain bikes, anyway) were running SRAM X.O shifters. I think the ratio of SRAM to Shimano Dual-Control was something like 5-1 for the bikes I rode. How did I like the new X.0? Well, this isn't a review, but I loved them. Hopefully, you'll see a review on GearReview.com soon.
Interestingly enough, most of the bikes I rode at the Outdoor Demo at Interbike (the mountain bikes, anyway) were running SRAM X.O shifters. I think the ratio of SRAM to Shimano Dual-Control was something like 5-1 for the bikes I rode. How did I like the new X.0? Well, this isn't a review, but I loved them. Hopefully, you'll see a review on GearReview.com soon.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Calfee Dragonfly-Pro
While at Interbike last week, I got the chance to ride a lot of exotic bicycles--as well as some down-to-earth ones. I'll try and post some highlights of the whole show in the upcoming days. Go here for James' blog where you can see lots of cool pictures that have already been posted.
One of the most fantastic bikes I rode was the Calfee Dragonfly-Pro. This particular model was built with Topolino wheels (carbon tubulars) and Campagnolo Record Carbon, a custom Calfee bar-stem combo and various other expensive and beautiful parts. The finished product was a bike that came in under 14lbs complete (without my Eggbeaters which, of course, I added for the ride).
I can't give this bike a full review, as I only rode it on the short road course at the Outdoor Demo (which was new pavement), but I can say that it was a bike that stuck out from the crowd of expensive road bikes I tried that day. Besides having a light and stiff frame, the VERY light Topolino wheels contributed to the feel. It was so quick, and accelerated with so little effort, I spent the whole ride slowing down just so I could stand up and mash the pedals for another burst of speed. Another ultra-light part spec was the all-carbon saddle. Was it comfortable? Not really. I mean, I had to find the right spot to sit to be able to relax on the saddle. On the other hand, I've been on heavier padded seats that were less comfortable.
Overall, I hope to see more of the Dragonfly-Pro... at least in my dreams.
One of the most fantastic bikes I rode was the Calfee Dragonfly-Pro. This particular model was built with Topolino wheels (carbon tubulars) and Campagnolo Record Carbon, a custom Calfee bar-stem combo and various other expensive and beautiful parts. The finished product was a bike that came in under 14lbs complete (without my Eggbeaters which, of course, I added for the ride).I can't give this bike a full review, as I only rode it on the short road course at the Outdoor Demo (which was new pavement), but I can say that it was a bike that stuck out from the crowd of expensive road bikes I tried that day. Besides having a light and stiff frame, the VERY light Topolino wheels contributed to the feel. It was so quick, and accelerated with so little effort, I spent the whole ride slowing down just so I could stand up and mash the pedals for another burst of speed. Another ultra-light part spec was the all-carbon saddle. Was it comfortable? Not really. I mean, I had to find the right spot to sit to be able to relax on the saddle. On the other hand, I've been on heavier padded seats that were less comfortable.
Overall, I hope to see more of the Dragonfly-Pro... at least in my dreams.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Custom Hydrapak
I just recently finished my review of the AS-Team, a custom Hydrapak hydration pack. This is such a fantastic pack. I honestly look forward to wearing it on my back, that's how nice it feels. We at GearReview have considered ordering more to sell on the site. Would anyone be interested in a GearReview custom Hydrapak?
Trail-side Repairs
After reading this post, I'm really bothered by what seems like a trend. Complicated components. As once you were able to tweak with disc brake rotors carrying only a T-25 torx, now you might need a cassette lockring tool and wrench. Here's another example. We just finished reviewing three high-end cranksets. In that review, you'll read that the FSA crankset uses torx bolts for the chainrings. Overall, I think this is a great idea. However, when I got out my T-25 (that I carry for my disc brake rotors), I found it wasn't the right size. As it states in the review, FSA uses a T-30. My old mult-tool doesn't have a T-25, and I'm certain that most, if not all, new multi-tools (that have a T-25), don't have a T-30. So, there's another wrench to carry.
Now, I know that most trail-side repairs can be avoided by checking your bike BEFORE a ride--and I highly recommend it--but, that won't always prevent trail-side problems. It might be nice, when you're 15 miles from the trailhead, to be able to fix your bike, rather than drag it out.
Now, I know that most trail-side repairs can be avoided by checking your bike BEFORE a ride--and I highly recommend it--but, that won't always prevent trail-side problems. It might be nice, when you're 15 miles from the trailhead, to be able to fix your bike, rather than drag it out.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Sharing the Joy
I love bikes.
Really.
As such, you can imagine my joy when a friend approached me who just bought a road bike and told me with enthusiasm how fun it is. He told me about the speed of his road bike compared to an old mountain bike he used to own, and how well it cornered. He then proceeded to tell me how he wants to hook up with the local club and ride even more. That is the cycling bug: Once it bites, it turns into an addiction.
Really.
As such, you can imagine my joy when a friend approached me who just bought a road bike and told me with enthusiasm how fun it is. He told me about the speed of his road bike compared to an old mountain bike he used to own, and how well it cornered. He then proceeded to tell me how he wants to hook up with the local club and ride even more. That is the cycling bug: Once it bites, it turns into an addiction.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Cannondale Mania!
That's right, folks, Cannondale Mania has hit Slow and Tired. I have just posted my review of the Synapse. This is truly a fantastic ride. In fact, it was such a fun bike to ride, I rarely felt either slow or tired on it.Don't worry, my next bike review will most likely not be a Cannondale. In the meanwhile, I am thinking of starting a petition to have Cannondale let me keep the Synapse. Anyone willing to sign? How about this: A free 20-minute ride on the Synapse to those willing to sign the petition (and who live within a 30-mile radius of my house).
Friday, August 12, 2005
Cannondale Links to My Review
Cannondale, evidently, really liked my review of the Prophet. They even posted a link (Title: The Prophet 1000 Gets Two Thumbs UP) back to GearReview. Here's a direct link to their summary. If you haven't read the review, go read it. Then go test ride a Prophet.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Clear sunglasses?
That might not make sense... unless you own a pair. Shields would be a better term. Basically, they are like sunglasses (usually non-prescription) with clear lenses. In the mountain biking world, I've often found them very useful. I've used them most on night rides in mud. If you've ever caught a glob of mud in the eye on a fast singletrack descent, you'll know just how useful they can be. Other obstacles that can ruin a ride include, but are not limited to: branches, dirt, dust, and bugs.
Ah bugs. It is of this that I want to particularly make mention of today. This morning, the ride was on the road (another great ride on the Synapse). The ride started out early--about 15 minutes before the sun came out. Wisely, I decided to grab a pair of clear shields (Rudy Project Maskerynas) on my way out the door. As we left my neighborhood, we headed west down to the lake to follow a road around its shores. It was beautiful. The sun was just beginning to light up the sky above the mountains to the east when it happened.
Bugs. BUGS! Tiny bugs, impossible to see in the early light of dawn, swarming around us. I could hear them hitting my helmet and glasses. I could feel them pelting my arms and face. I could--shudder--taste them. Then I glanced over at my friend riding next to me, trying to contort his face in such a way as to keep the bugs out of his eyes, while still being able to watch where he was going. A slow, bug strewn smile worked its way across my face. Yes, clear shields are important to road cycling as well. I don't think I'll ever ride at dawn or dusk without them.
Ah bugs. It is of this that I want to particularly make mention of today. This morning, the ride was on the road (another great ride on the Synapse). The ride started out early--about 15 minutes before the sun came out. Wisely, I decided to grab a pair of clear shields (Rudy Project Maskerynas) on my way out the door. As we left my neighborhood, we headed west down to the lake to follow a road around its shores. It was beautiful. The sun was just beginning to light up the sky above the mountains to the east when it happened.
Bugs. BUGS! Tiny bugs, impossible to see in the early light of dawn, swarming around us. I could hear them hitting my helmet and glasses. I could feel them pelting my arms and face. I could--shudder--taste them. Then I glanced over at my friend riding next to me, trying to contort his face in such a way as to keep the bugs out of his eyes, while still being able to watch where he was going. A slow, bug strewn smile worked its way across my face. Yes, clear shields are important to road cycling as well. I don't think I'll ever ride at dawn or dusk without them.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Cannondale Prophet
Just finished up my review of Cannondale's Prophet. My test bike was a modified 1000. I say modified because it didn't have the SPV Lefty, but a standard Lefty Max 140mm. This is a very fun bike (as all-mountain bikes should be). It climbs well and descends even better. It soaks up everything without wearing you out. Read the complete review here.Monday, July 25, 2005
Shimano Dual Control--please don't break on me.
A friend of mine recently had a minor crash. It was so minor, he barely had to unclip. Unfortunately, this crash involved his Shimano Dual Control Shift/Brake lever hitting the ground. This shouldn't come as any surprise. There have been many times that I've hit the dirt and have had to re-adjust my brake lever to get it back to the right position. My friend, however, had to replace the whole shift/brake assembly. Because it is one integrated (read: Shimano) unit, this isn't a cheap proposition. Shimano LX Dual Control levers for hydraulic brakes cost around $215. That's LX, folks. I shudder to think of the cost of XTR. Makes me long for the days of good ol' forged aluminum thumb shifters. I mean, if we are putting burly chain guards on our heavy-duty freeride bikes, why not make the shift/brake levers a little more durable?
The good and bad news of this story is that it broke after only 6-months of use. Because my friend bought the bike at a local bike shop, they replaced it for free. Better luck next time, eh?
The good and bad news of this story is that it broke after only 6-months of use. Because my friend bought the bike at a local bike shop, they replaced it for free. Better luck next time, eh?
Friday, July 22, 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
The Alpine Loop
I am currently reviewing a Cannondale Synapse. This is Cannondale's performance-comfort all-carbon road bike. Watch GearReview.com for my upcoming review. This is a very comfortable bike. One thing I really like about it is the compact double crankset (two chainrings, but they're smaller than a standard road crankset--which leads to lower gearing) it came with. Most of my riding involves hills, but I never wanted to switch to a triple, so I was excited to ride a compact double. One ride I always wanted to try, but was scared of is the Alpine Loop. This is a 45-mile loop from my house that goes to the top of American Fork canyon and over the summit and down into Provo Canyon (by Sundance Ski Resort).
I'd like to say the time was right for me to go on the ride, because of the Synapse, but the day I went, the time wasn't right. I had some things to do outside on Saturday, so I didn't get on my bike until 1:00 in the afternoon. That put the temperature right around 100 degrees. Though I started out with two large water bottles, I knew there were plenty of water stops up American Fork canyon.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a computer, gps, or altimeter with me, so I had to drive it later and get some estimates.
Elevation:
my house = 4725'
mile 10.6 (base of American Fork canyon) = 5013'
mile 21.8 (top of the canyon) = 7730'
mile 30.8 (base of Sundance/North Fork canyon) = 5160'
mile 45 back at my house.
Okay, those numbers can't convey how hard this ride is. I am relieved that the only other rider up there had a triple crankset. I think I must have started the day a little dehydrated (from my working around the house outside), because I ended up downing about 6-7 water bottles full (4 of which had Elete). It hurt so bad. In truth, I never thought I'd make it to the top, but I think delirium and sun-stroke set in so I just kept going. I actually felt really good on the way back, though the last two miles I totally bonked (again).
According to my HRM, I burned 3167 calories. I should have brought more energy gels with me, for sure.
Will I ride it again? Maybe not with a compact double--though, now that the pain has worn off some, it doesn't sound so bad. One thing I can say is that Cycling is really addictive.
I'd like to say the time was right for me to go on the ride, because of the Synapse, but the day I went, the time wasn't right. I had some things to do outside on Saturday, so I didn't get on my bike until 1:00 in the afternoon. That put the temperature right around 100 degrees. Though I started out with two large water bottles, I knew there were plenty of water stops up American Fork canyon.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a computer, gps, or altimeter with me, so I had to drive it later and get some estimates.
Elevation:
my house = 4725'
mile 10.6 (base of American Fork canyon) = 5013'
mile 21.8 (top of the canyon) = 7730'
mile 30.8 (base of Sundance/North Fork canyon) = 5160'
mile 45 back at my house.
Okay, those numbers can't convey how hard this ride is. I am relieved that the only other rider up there had a triple crankset. I think I must have started the day a little dehydrated (from my working around the house outside), because I ended up downing about 6-7 water bottles full (4 of which had Elete). It hurt so bad. In truth, I never thought I'd make it to the top, but I think delirium and sun-stroke set in so I just kept going. I actually felt really good on the way back, though the last two miles I totally bonked (again).
According to my HRM, I burned 3167 calories. I should have brought more energy gels with me, for sure.
Will I ride it again? Maybe not with a compact double--though, now that the pain has worn off some, it doesn't sound so bad. One thing I can say is that Cycling is really addictive.
Cycling and the Tour
Here we are, most of the way through the Tour de France, and Lance is on his way to a historic 7th victory. Most people I am friends with don't understand my obsession with the Tour, or with cycling in general. For the most part, they don't complain much, though. My wife, though not a cyclist, whether truthful or just good at acting, loves to follow the tour with me, and has been extremely supportive about my obsession (as long as I keep the gear purchases down as best I can).
While reading about the Tour, and perusing some of my favorite cycling web sites, I stumbled across this article. Reminds me of how my wife must feel.
While reading about the Tour, and perusing some of my favorite cycling web sites, I stumbled across this article. Reminds me of how my wife must feel.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Are you sure you threaded that pedal on right?
Parts fall of bikes. This shouldn't happen, but often does because most of us don't take the time to check bolts before every ride--or even every month. Pedals, however, shouldn't come off. Whenever the founding fathers of cycling got together to make pedals, they made some wise decisions: "Thus let us counter-thread one of the pedals. Therefore, whilst pedaling, thy pedal will tighten and won't have measure to loosen with the motion of rotation." Very wise indeed. That's why pedals have a definite left and right side--they are designed with a tendency to tighten while pedaling. In fact, most people complain that pedals are a bear to remove and suggest greasing the threads first.
For my part, however, there is a strange magnetic field surrounding me which actually has the ability to reverse the threads while I'm riding. At least, that's my theory. How else can you explain that, although I've never met anyone who has lost a pedal before, I have had it happen twice. I know what you're thinking: "This guy put the left pedal on the right side and the right pedal on the left side." Wrong. Not only are you wrong because I verified the pedal after it came off, but you are also wrong because you can't thread a counter-threaded bolt through a normal nut (or, in this case, the crank arm) without destroying the threads of one or both.
So, strange as it may sound, after installing some new cranks for a review (really nice cranks, watch for the review here), and tightening them nice and snug, my pedal came off while pedaling. Strange? Well, unfortunately not for me.
For my part, however, there is a strange magnetic field surrounding me which actually has the ability to reverse the threads while I'm riding. At least, that's my theory. How else can you explain that, although I've never met anyone who has lost a pedal before, I have had it happen twice. I know what you're thinking: "This guy put the left pedal on the right side and the right pedal on the left side." Wrong. Not only are you wrong because I verified the pedal after it came off, but you are also wrong because you can't thread a counter-threaded bolt through a normal nut (or, in this case, the crank arm) without destroying the threads of one or both.
So, strange as it may sound, after installing some new cranks for a review (really nice cranks, watch for the review here), and tightening them nice and snug, my pedal came off while pedaling. Strange? Well, unfortunately not for me.
31.8
I have never broken a handlebar, though I know someone who has. This person was particularly hard on bikes, and, in an era when everything was light-weight aluminum, his bars just couldn't take it. I remember him bending the aluminum and then--I still shudder when I think of it--turn them upside-down so that next time it would bend them back to the normal position. Perhaps this made him an early pioneer of riser bars--but only temporarily.
It should come as no surprise that after a few of these bending-turning over-bending back episodes, his bars failed and broke right near the stem clamp.
Well since that time, I've not heard of a failure (not even with him). Handlebars these days are very strong. If you're really tough on bikes (freeride or downhillers), then you can even get chromoly bars. In fact, you can pretty much pick your bar material and weight these days--all with the assurance that they are tested better, and are much stronger than yesteryear.
Why 31.8?
Well, undoubtedly, a bar with 31.8 mm diameter at the stem is going to be stronger than 25.4 (mountain bars) or 26.0 (road bars). Unfortunately, I can't put my computer, GPS, or any of my bike lights on that size of bar. And guess what (this may come as no surprise): I don't feel like my cockpit is any more stable with the larger bars. I'm sure the bars are stiffer, but I never had a problem with my bars before. In fact, I prefer to use carbon bars because they damp out vibration and make for a more comfortable ride--something large-diameter aluminum just doesn't do. Another problem I have with the size is that it is significantly larger than the normal grip diameter, so the bar has to taper radically which, again, leaves an area of the bar which doesn't work well with accessories (computers, lights, etc.).
There is, however, one good thing that has come of this change. As I stated above, road and mountain bars have different diameters--that is, until now. At least now, we are moving toward a standard size. This should make things cheaper for manufacturers and give people more options. (Like Moustache bars on a mountain bike.)
Like it or not, these industry-wide decisions are generally made without consulting me, so I'm certain 31.8 will continue to gain in popularity. Perhaps soon the computer and light manufacturers will catch on and come up with better mounting options soon. Let's hope.
It should come as no surprise that after a few of these bending-turning over-bending back episodes, his bars failed and broke right near the stem clamp.
Well since that time, I've not heard of a failure (not even with him). Handlebars these days are very strong. If you're really tough on bikes (freeride or downhillers), then you can even get chromoly bars. In fact, you can pretty much pick your bar material and weight these days--all with the assurance that they are tested better, and are much stronger than yesteryear.
Why 31.8?
Well, undoubtedly, a bar with 31.8 mm diameter at the stem is going to be stronger than 25.4 (mountain bars) or 26.0 (road bars). Unfortunately, I can't put my computer, GPS, or any of my bike lights on that size of bar. And guess what (this may come as no surprise): I don't feel like my cockpit is any more stable with the larger bars. I'm sure the bars are stiffer, but I never had a problem with my bars before. In fact, I prefer to use carbon bars because they damp out vibration and make for a more comfortable ride--something large-diameter aluminum just doesn't do. Another problem I have with the size is that it is significantly larger than the normal grip diameter, so the bar has to taper radically which, again, leaves an area of the bar which doesn't work well with accessories (computers, lights, etc.).
There is, however, one good thing that has come of this change. As I stated above, road and mountain bars have different diameters--that is, until now. At least now, we are moving toward a standard size. This should make things cheaper for manufacturers and give people more options. (Like Moustache bars on a mountain bike.)
Like it or not, these industry-wide decisions are generally made without consulting me, so I'm certain 31.8 will continue to gain in popularity. Perhaps soon the computer and light manufacturers will catch on and come up with better mounting options soon. Let's hope.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Desert? I think not.
Of all the things occupying my mind today, it is the weather. It all began the moment I looked out my bedroom window after rolling out of bed late this morning. Snow. On the ground. At my house. It wasn't much snow, but the damage was done.
To be fair and honest, it didn't really start today. It really started when the weather started to get bad last week. Only, I kept expecting it to get better. Today, I realized it wouldn't.
Essentially, my beautiful desert mountain biking world has been snatched from me, and replaced by a nasty, cold, rainy bog.
Call me when Utah gets back from visiting the Northwest.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Mother Nature, you won this one...
After riding home from work the other day in the pouring rain... in street clothes, I decided that I ought to be more prepared. So, I dug out an old pair of clear vinyl rain pants and have been packing them in my bag for emergencies.
Yesterday, as I was planning to leave work, it wasn't raining, but it looked like it would so I put on these dorky pants just in case. I was soaked by the time I got home, but it didn't rain at all. I can't believe how hot those suckers are.
This morning, just as I was getting ready to leave, a few snow flurries started trickling down fromt the sky. "No bother," I thought, "that little snow won't really get me wet, but I know those vinyl rain pants will." Unfortunately, by the time I was about half-way there, I was riding into an 18 mph head-wind with snow coming down so fast I had very little visibility. By the time I got to work, my face was numb and I had about 1/2" of snow packed on the front of my jeans. I'm soaked.
One of these days, I'll get it right. For now, I'll have to keep my legs under my desk until my jeans dry.... which isn't going very quickly. Stupid jeans.
Yesterday, as I was planning to leave work, it wasn't raining, but it looked like it would so I put on these dorky pants just in case. I was soaked by the time I got home, but it didn't rain at all. I can't believe how hot those suckers are.
This morning, just as I was getting ready to leave, a few snow flurries started trickling down fromt the sky. "No bother," I thought, "that little snow won't really get me wet, but I know those vinyl rain pants will." Unfortunately, by the time I was about half-way there, I was riding into an 18 mph head-wind with snow coming down so fast I had very little visibility. By the time I got to work, my face was numb and I had about 1/2" of snow packed on the front of my jeans. I'm soaked.
One of these days, I'll get it right. For now, I'll have to keep my legs under my desk until my jeans dry.... which isn't going very quickly. Stupid jeans.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Trendy me.
Some may call it suicidal, others might classify it as overly ambitious. We're committed, though. Committed to a 2.5 week vacation on the road. A vacation with our three small children. A vacation that will lead us (in a car) over most of the United States. Needless to say, I'm scared. Well, that's not quite right. I was scared. I've accepted it now and I'm just stupidly optimistic about having the best family vacation ever.
"If I'm going to be on the road, behind the wheel that long," I reasoned with my wife, "I'm going to need a lot of music and audiobooks. Do you have any idea how much room all those CDs will take up in the car?" Thus began my light-hearted appeal for an iPod. It wouldn't be my first appeal--certainly, after so many, I had to laugh even as I presented the argument to my wife--but it ended up being my last.
I always told myself that I wouldn't get an iPod. "Surely their over-priced and just a bit trendy for me." Well, after shopping around a bit, here I am, listening to mp3s off my iPod. Initially, I was going to go for a new 6gb Mini, but my wife--yes, my frugal wife--that suggested $50 more for 14gb more capacity would be the better choice. Trendy I may be, but happy I am with my new 20gb iPod.
Surely, with my iPod packed with songs and books, the trip can't go wrong, can it?
"If I'm going to be on the road, behind the wheel that long," I reasoned with my wife, "I'm going to need a lot of music and audiobooks. Do you have any idea how much room all those CDs will take up in the car?" Thus began my light-hearted appeal for an iPod. It wouldn't be my first appeal--certainly, after so many, I had to laugh even as I presented the argument to my wife--but it ended up being my last.
I always told myself that I wouldn't get an iPod. "Surely their over-priced and just a bit trendy for me." Well, after shopping around a bit, here I am, listening to mp3s off my iPod. Initially, I was going to go for a new 6gb Mini, but my wife--yes, my frugal wife--that suggested $50 more for 14gb more capacity would be the better choice. Trendy I may be, but happy I am with my new 20gb iPod.
Surely, with my iPod packed with songs and books, the trip can't go wrong, can it?
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Finally, Commuter Pics
Here's the commuter with fenders. I had to swap out the front tire, as it didn't fit with the fender and that puny fork.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
More FireFox Tips...
Thanks, Ben, for letting me know about these.
1) Here's a shortcut for opening a new tab and entering a new url in said tab. Type the url in the current tab and hit Alt-Enter. That will take your url and open it in a new tab, leaving your current tab intact.
2) Alt-D puts the focus in the address bar so you can go to a new url or what-not. Hitting F6 works sometimes for this, also, and actually toggles between the main window and the address bar. This is nice if you want the focus on the web page itself for scrolling with the arrow keys.
1) Here's a shortcut for opening a new tab and entering a new url in said tab. Type the url in the current tab and hit Alt-Enter. That will take your url and open it in a new tab, leaving your current tab intact.
2) Alt-D puts the focus in the address bar so you can go to a new url or what-not. Hitting F6 works sometimes for this, also, and actually toggles between the main window and the address bar. This is nice if you want the focus on the web page itself for scrolling with the arrow keys.
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