Real World Biking

Inspired Rubber - Colored Bike Tires

2018-01-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

Being a non-nonsence person is often at odds with the "artsy" side of my personality. My bikes are a good example. Half of me says don't mess with the minimalistic beauty of this simple machine. The other half loves the space-age look of high end racing bikes (Litespeed Bikes), the vintage style of women's bikes (Beg Bicycles), the funky colors and mismatched wheels of a hipster bike. Often what excites me is that highly functional part: the tire.

Wildly colored bike at republicbike.com

Colored bike tires can make a ride even fun-er if mounted on a kid's bike. And they could give a classic, vintage flare to a boring yard sale 70s bike.

There are many options out there but but I have yet to find one website that lists options for colored tires. Lovely Bicycle, one my usual web-visits, has a page that lists cream colored tires. But the page was built a few years back and could use some updating. And it only lists cream tires, no other colors. So, I am starting my own tire list. I know it will always be in a state of progress as tires will come and go. And I won't list black as we all know, black ain't a color!

Halo Twin Rail
Sizes: 26" x 2.2"
Colors (solid): pink, lime, white
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/gum, black/gray
notes: also have a 26 x 4 fat bike tire in black/white, 700's in white/black and black/gum

Halo Twin Rail II
Sizes: 29" x 2.2"
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/gum

_________

Onza
Canis, Citius, Ibex
Sizes: 26/27.5/29" x 2.25", 27.5" x 2.4"/2.25, 26" x 2.25"
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/gum

_________

Schawalbe
Lugano
Sizes: 700×20, 23, 25
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/red, black/royal blue, black/yellow, black/white, beige/skin

Fat Frank
Sizes: 26/28/29 x 2, 2.35
Colors (solid): gray, cream
Colors (multi, main/accent): brown/white

Big Ben
Sizes: 26 x 2.15, 27.5 x 2.0, 28 x 2.0
Colors (solid): gray, cream, brown

Spicer HS 442
Sizes: 26 x 1.5, 700 x 30/35/40
Colors (solid): graphite, cream, brown

Century HS 458
Sizes: 28 x 1.4, 28 x 2.0
Colors (solid): black/gray, black/cream, British racing green/white

Durano 23-622, 464, & One HS
Sizes: 700×23, 25
Colors (multi, main/accent): white/black, red/black, blue/black, silver/black, red/black, black/blue

Ultremo ZX
Sizes: 700×23, 25
Colors (multi, main/accent): green/black, orange/black, blue/black, yellow/black

Insider Training Tire
Sizes: 26 x .9, 1.35, 650x23, 700x23, 35
Color: blue

Rapid Bob
Sizes: 26 x 2.15
Colors (solid): white stripe

Racing Ralph
Sizes: 26 x 2.25
Colors (solid): white stripe

_________

Fixation
Session 700 ($40-$50 each)
Sizes: 700×23, 28
Colors (solid): white
Colors (multi, main/accent): white/black,
notes: ebay occasionally shows orange, orange/black, green, green/black, pink and pink/black though the Fixation site does not.

Accela ($25 each)
Sizes: 700×23, 28
Colors (solid): white

_________

Vittoria

Zaffiro & Pro ($? each)

Sizes: 700×23, 25, 28

Colors (solid): white

Colors (multi, main/accent): black/red, black/royal blue, black/yellow, black/white

Rubino & Pro ($45-$55 each)

Sizes: 700×23, 25, 28

Colors (multi, main/accent): black/red, black/royal blue, black/yellow, black/white

_________

SOMA

Everwear ($45-$55 each)

Sizes: 700×23, 26, 28, 32

Colors (solid/with black): white, pink, yellow, light blue, red

Grand Randonneur ($80 each)

Sizes: 650b x 42

Colors (duo): black/skin, terra cotta/skin

Grand Randonneur Blue Label ($70 each)

Sizes: 650b x 42

Colors (duo): black/brown

New Xpress ($25-$60 each)

Sizes: 700c, 26, 27, 650

Colors (solid/with black): white, pink, yellow, light blue, red,

Colors (color/with skinwall): brown, terra cotta, black/teal, black/white, silver

Colors (duo): black/whitewall

Colors (duo): black/skin, terra cotta/skin

_________

Kenda

Kaliente Pro ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23

Colors (multi): black/red/black, black/silver/black, black/white/black

notes: road tire

Kadence ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23

Colors (multi): red/black, blue/black, white/black gray/black

notes: road tire

Kountach ($? each)

Sizes: 700 x 25, 23

Colors (solid): royal blue, red, white, lime green

_________

Maxxis

Re Fuse ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23, 25

Colors (solid): red, blue, yellow, orange, white

notes: road training tire

Rouler ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23

Colors (multi with black): red, blue, yellow, orange, lime, gray, white

notes: road racing tire

Courchevel ($? each)

Sizes: 700x23

Colors (multi with black): orange/gray/black, black/gray/gray

_________

Dia-Compe

Gran Compe Ene Ciclo

Sizes: 700x28c

Colors: brown/tan

Gran Compe Side Wave

Sizes: 700x28c

Colors: black/white, black/pink, black/gray

Gran Compe 700

Sizes: 700x23c

Colors: white, pink, green, orange,yellow, red, blue, purple, brown

_________

Panaracer

Fire FR, XC Pro

Sizes: 26 x 2.4, 26 x 2.1

Colors: black/red

Catalyst Sport
Sizes: 700 x 23, 26, 28
Colors: black/red, black/white, black/yellow, black/blue

Closer Plus
Sizes: 700 x 20, 23, 25
Colors: black/red, black/white, black/yellow, black/blue

Stradius Sport
Sizes: 700 x 20, 23, 26
Colors: red, blue

Practice Dual
Sizes: 700 x 22.5
Colors: black/yellow

Practice Dual TG
Sizes: 700 x 22.5
Colors: black/red

T-Serv PT
Sizes: 700 x 25, 28, 32, 35
Colors: yellow, blue, red
Sizes: 26 x 1.2, 1.5, 1.75
Colors: yellow, blue, red

Pasela & TG
Sizes: many 26, 27, 29, 700, 650
Colors: black/gum

_________

Hutchinson

Fusion 5
Sizes: 700 x 23/25
Colors: black/gray, black/red

Nitro 2
Sizes: 700 x 23
Colors: black/red, black/blue, black/yellow, black/green, black/white

Chameleon
Sizes: 26 x 1.95
Colors: black/red

_________

Serfas
Pacer
Sizes: 27 x 1.25
Colors: black/gum

STK Seca
Sizes: 700 x 23, 25, 28, 27 x 1.25, 26 x 1.25
Colors: white, red, blue, pink, gray

STK-RS Seca
Sizes: 700 x 23, 25, 28
Colors: white, red, blue, pink, gray, orange, green, light blue

_________

CST
CZAR C1406
Sizes: 650 x 23, 700 x 23, 25
Colors: black/red, black/blue, black/yellow, black/green, black/white, black/orange, black/gray

Metropolitan Palm Bay
Sizes: 26 x 2.1, 2.3, 28 x 2, 700 x 40
Colors: caramel, cream, "copper brown wall"

_________

Michelin
Pro 4 Service Course
Sizes: 700 x 23
Colors: black/light blue, black/blue, black/pink, black/green, black/white, black/red

Dynamic Classic
Sizes: 700 x 20, 23, 25, 28
Colors: black/gum
_________

Grand Bois
Hetre
Size: 650b x 42
Colors: black/gum, white/gum, brick/gum

Lierre
Size: 650b x 38
Colors: black/gum,

Cypres
Size: 650b x 32
Colors: black/gum, white/gum

other Grand Bois models in 700c x ? at this link
_________

Continental
Giro
Size: 28 x 22
Colors: black/gum

RetroRide
Size: 28 x 2.0, 2.2
Size: 26 x 2.0, 2.2
Color: brown, gray, cream
_________

others to be added soon:

Sunlite

Bontrager R3

Electra Retrorunner, Amsterdam City Tire, Blossom Trail Tire,

Schwalbe Delta Cruiser

This post was originally published March 2013, updated often, latest 1/9/2018

Department Store Bikes - Great and Terrible (why Bike Shop Bikes are Expensive)

2017-12-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

Being bike-crazy I often entertain myself on rainy days or after the kids are in bed by visiting bike forums. One of my favorites, MTBR, has as section I like frequent - Beginner's Corner. The majority of peoples' questions fall into two categories: getting help choosing upgrade parts, or getting help choosing between bike models. Sometimes, the person is pounced on by seasoned bikers chastising them for not choosing "real" bike brands, especially if one came from a department store. The self-proclaimed expert rarely offered reasons why they are so terrible. Then everyone goes away mad, not educated.

Department Store Bikes... the Givens

First, I have to say I don't hate Department store bikes. They do have their purpose - to be someone's first bike. But I do also agree with the "experts'" reasons (that are often poorly articulated) that these bikes are not the highest quality. I believe the main reason the for the chastising is the seasoned guys and the newbees are coming from different places. The seasoned folks eat, sleep, and live bikes 24-7. They often ride many hours a week, often on extreme terrain - rocks, jumps, high speed. The new owner is probably not going to be hitting these next-level trails any time soon (hopefully). Riding a department store bike in these areas can be, well, deadly and the old guys are not afraid to say that. While it is said with the best intentions, it is very deflating to an excited new owner.

So why are these bikes so dangerous? Why so unworthy? Well, they aren't... under the right conditions. These bikes are perfectly fine riding the neighborhood or local greenway. But, department store bikes are build to hit a price point, not difficult trails. Being "entry level" means everything about this bike is a compromise to keep the price low - cheaper materials, designed with less concern about tolerances, minimal R&D, assembled by non-professionals. Other than the last point, these "shortcomings" are not bad, just not right for the kind of riding the majority of MTBR guys do. High-end bikes have years and often millions of dollars of research to allow them able to withstand harsh trail conditions. They often use exotic materials like titanium and carbon fiber making them strong and light.

All these special materials not only mean extra strength but also better fit. The tighter tolerances of the machined parts of a derailleur, compared to one made from cheap stamped-out parts, mean shifting will be crisp, and it will stay tuned longer. Is this worth twice (or 10X) as much money? That debate is for another article.

Other things I have learned (and what MTBR guys should be/are saying):

Let's face it, Mountain biking, heck, any hobby, is expensive, especially if you insist on the highest quality, or you want to make major upgrades. There is almost no way to have high quality at a low price. So, if you expect to do big stunts (safely), expect to pay big bucks.

So, you still want to mountain bike and you don't have a lot of money? Spend as much as you can afford and don't question your decision. Let's face it, if you can only afford $200, that's all you can afford. Ride it and don't take it past its, or your, limits.

And resist thinking you can upgrade a cheap bike. Sure, the small stuff, like pedals and saddle, can be changed, but nothing expensive like the fork. A fork swap is an expensive and much more complex process than it seems, especially on an older bike.

What to do is you only have a few hundred dollars?

There are a couple options to be able to stretch your bike-budget.

Buy a Used Bike
There are couple ways to find preowned bikes. The biggest place to look is Craigslist. Here you can purchase a couple-year-old bike at much less than new. But keep in mind, bike parts wear out, especially mountain bikes. If you have an experienced bike friend, bring them along to help assess if it is a gem or junk.

If you have a little more money, ask your bike friend if he or any of his friends have a bike for sale. These guys will know bikes and will more than likely maintain their bike... something you likely won't know from a Craigslist purchase.

Buy an "Old" Bike
Next up the price chain is buying a new bike from a bike shop that is last year's model. Bikes, like cars, have trouble selling if they are not the newest model. When the 2018 models are arriving, 2017 or even leftover 2016 models will be discounted. Some shops will even dicker on the sticker price a little.

So, get the best bike you can afford, ride it often, save your change for the next bike, and don't listen to people tell you that "you should have paid $2000." Oh, and be safe!

Beginners' Tips for Using Bicycle Gears

2017-08-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I discussed the concept of how to change bike gears. This post is designed to take the info you learned in that post to the next level.

Only shift while pedaling: On most bikes, the gears will only change WHILE you are pedaling. You can't simply move the shifter. Not only will the gear not change, you can damage the gears.

When you ride, look ahead: This will allow you anticipate any upcoming hills that require shifting. The last thing you want to do is walk up the hill because you did notice it coming.

"Multi gear" shifting: While you will normally want to only shift one gear at a time, there is no rule that says you have to when you come to a large hill. Try jumping a couple gears by twisting/pushing the shifter farther than a single click. This will allow you to catch up on your shifting.

Keep riding: The more you ride, the more you will get the hang of using your gears. It will become second nature making your riding more consistent and fun. If you are having fun, you will be riding more, and that’s a great thing!

How to Change Gears on a Bike - The Secrets People Don't Tell You

2017-06-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

Bicycles have been around for hundreds of years. Apart from refining of the design with high tech materials and state of the art manufacturing processes, bikes essentially have the same ingredients - two wheels, handlebars, a saddle and a drivetrain for forward propulsion.

Photo from an 1868 French bicycle magazine

My 2012 Kona Kahuna

In the 1960s gears became popular on mainstream bicycles making riding hilly areas (like ours) bearable. Today finding a bike with gears is not difficult. They are available on many inexpensive entry-level bikes found at all department stores. This means, if you buy a bicycle, there is a good chance you will need to learn how to change gears on your bike.

The “Secret” Concept of How to Change Gears on a Bike
After teaching both children and adults I have found that people have an "ah ha" moment when told the "secret"about gears. What's the elusive tip you need to know? Simply, gears change the speed of your FEET not your bike. Yes, that's it. When you ride you will want to keep your feet turning at a constant speed… whether you are going up hills or down, riding fast or slow.

But you are probably thinking "Ok, but what speed should they turn?" To learn what rate is right for you, head over to a large flat area, like in a parking lot, and ride at varying speeds until you find a comfortable pace that your feet's rotation feel “right”... not too fast, not too slow. This “right” cadence (to use a cycling term) is the one you will be using your gears to try to match… no matter how fast your are going.

Back to this in a minute…

Your Equipment
Many bikes come with two gear sets – one at the rear wheel and another at the pedals. For this article we will be dealing only with the rear set.

Your bike will more than likely have one of two kinds of shifters – grip shifters or thumb shifters. The grip shifter will make your feet turn faster by pulling the top back and slower by rotated the top toward the front.

grip shifter

indexed thumb shifter

"trigger" thumb shifter

Thumb operated shifters usually make your feet turn faster by pushing your thumb forward. Because there are a couple kinds of thumb shifters, slowing your feet will either require you to pull the lever backward or push a different button.

Oh, and in case you have never been told… you do need to be pedaling when you shift.

Using the Gears
Back to the parking lot. So, you are riding around with your feet turning at a comfortable pace. But the world is not always flat. When you come to a hill and head up it of course it gets “hard.” The reason for this is your feet are not turning fast enough. Switch your gears to speed your feet up to your “right” pace and it will become easy (well, easier).

Eventually you get to the top and head down the other side. The same concept applies going down as up… you will need to change gears in order to keep your feet at the same pace, in this case, keeping them from turning too fast.

With some practice, you will get the hang of it. You will be changing gears without thinking about it, keeping your feet at that optimal pedaling rate.

Now that you understand gearing, check out the post with tips for gearing easier.

Originally published March 2014, updated 6/26/2017

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day 2015 - Wood Property Knoxville

2015-10-31T17:53:00.001-07:00

It was the fifth year that we attended the Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day - one of our must-attend bike events of the year. But this year's get together was unique in many ways. Originally scheduled for October 3, torrential rains pounded the trails for almost a week before. This meant the event that was usually the "first weekend in October" had to be moved two weeks later.

Also new for 2015 was the venue. Usually held at the awesome (but kid challenging) Meads Quarry trails, this year's TAKMB rides were held on the glass-smooth Wood Property beginner trails. Part of a soon-to-be-built park using the $100k Bell Helmets grant prize, the beginner trail was designed for exactly this level of rider. The confidence inspiring 1.5 mile trail is almost completely root and rock free, the corners are wide, the hills short and mild - think greenway "paved" with dirt. And if the "over the river and through the woods" turns out to not be your kid's thing, the parking lot is flanked by a neat little pump track. It's really neat to see adults and fun-sized kids on Strider bikes oscillating around the humps.
(note: the trails at Wood Property have not officially opened yet so you will need to wait until Spring 2016 to try it out.)

The third new aspect for this year was the appearance of my 10 year old daughter. My son has attended for the past four consecutive years, but my girl never has. To be honest, I am not sure how I convinced her but she agreed to try. It was her first attempt at "mountain biking" and she loved it! After her first loop, she suggested going again for a second time. She even gave the pump track a try (though never really felt comfortable on the banked corners.)

If your child ever has the desire to try riding dirt, then this is the perfect event in the perfect location. There are many kids at every age and skill level. And with all the swag like t-shirts and water bottles that IMBA, AMBC, and Bike Zoo hand out, even if they don't get the hang of off-roading, they will have plenty to take home to impress their friends.

As aways we can't thank The Bike Zoo, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and IMBA enough for their constant support. Anybody that inspires more and more kids to love this sport, is alright with me!

See more photos on the TAKMB Facebook event page.

Craigslist Craziness (#4)

2015-09-01T19:48:00.002-07:00

The interesting thing about this bike (other than the astronomical price) is fact that the owner wanted that monster basket more than he wanted to stop. In order to get it to fit - he moved the brake levers to the BACK of the handlebars.

Good thing there is plenty of room on that seat for your poop-filled bike shorts when you realize you aren't stopping at that first intersection.

p.s.
Oh, and if you are observant, you might notice the new name for these things. I though this section would be better titled "Craigslist Craziness"

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day 2014 - Meads Quarry

2014-10-12T18:54:00.003-07:00

The talk at past Take A Kid Mountain Biking days was either the weather or bugs. Before this year's event it was no different. In the past few years it had been warm and sunny. But the week leading up to the big event it had rained for almost every day. And though the rain stopped the day before so did the warm temps. Saturday morning started in the lower 40s. No bug spray this year but we did need heavier clothing.

Even though this year had more kids, the difference in age was not that great - most 3rd to 6th grade. This meant we did not need to split up. The more aggressive ones did leave the less confident behind to the first quarry at the end of Flow.

After a quick trip into the Ross Marble Quarry and some small-talk (most about how amazed everyone was at how much work the AMBC had done to the trail), we all decided it was best to head back to the parking lot - some by the gravel road, the rest by Flow.

After getting a few snacks and awesome Specialized swag some headed out, others headed back into the trails. But both had a great time again this year. As aways a huge thank you needs to go out to The Bike Zoo, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and IMBA.

More photos can be found on The Bike Zoo's Facebook page.

Craigslist Quotes (#3)

2014-10-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Well, not really a quote but funny none the less:

What is the saying? A picture is worth a thousand words?

Hit and Run - My Experience Getting Hit by a Car on My Bike

2014-08-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

So, it is official. I am now a member of a bike club. Unfortunately a member of a club I never wanted to be… bike riders that have been hit by cars.

I was out cruising the neighborhood the other night. About 10 minutes into the ride I came to the main road that runs adjacent to our subdivision. Noticing a car coming toward me I stopped beside the curb far from that main road. It was dark after all and being an avid mountain biker I am always overly cautious when on the road. As he turned into my road the driver came across the road to clip the apex of the turn, almost exactly where I was waiting.

It was surreal. It wasn't like it was happening in slow motion as many often describe. It was more like someone lifted the needle on my life dropping it a few grooves in time later. The car was coming at me, then it was down the road.

As I lay in the road a thousand thoughts ran through my head starting with "did that guy just hit me? Really? He just hit me!"

No brake lights. "Did he even know he hit me?" It was dark. "Maybe he thought he clipped the curb. Surely he looked in his rear view mirror when he heard that he hit something. Doesn't everyone with a nice car look back when they hit something?"

Sitting on the curb I wondered if I was "asking for it" riding after dark. As I limped home with "Old Faithful" (my GT mountain bike) on my shoulder I was amazed at how really lucky I had been. If I had been any closer to the corner, the car would have hit me rather than folding my front wheel squashing it on top of me.

The next day amazement turned into anger. Sure, it was dark and accidents happen, but driving on the wrong side of the road? Not good. Then not stopping after hitting someone/something? Inexcusable! Our neighborhood often has older couples out walking or kids riding all sorts of wheeled devices. This driver might just kill someone in the near future…maybe even one of my children.

I felt a little better after filing a police report but everything seemed so pointless. Knowing they would probably not find the driver, not much would change.

I think part of the problem is that we all feel like things like this only happen to others. I have to admit I was one of those that felt that way. I was always overly careful when riding my bike on the road (something I rarely do). Those other bikers that defiantly ride in the road would be hit, not me. Being a dad constantly looking to use even the scariest moments to teach my kids, I of course used this as a prime example of how you can never think "it can't happen to you."

In a few weeks the bruises will be gone, the wheel replaced, and life will be back to normal. But what could I do that will remind both the rider and driver how quickly your life can change? I have a couple ideas. I will have the details in an upcoming post. Check back soon!

Budget Bike Mod with Spotty Results

2014-06-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Craigslist bike: $10
Hole punch: $10
Scrap sign vinyl: free
The fun of a father/daughter project: PRICELESS!

We lucked out finding this Craigslist bike: it was my daughter's favorite color, like most used girls' bikes, it was cheap and in great shape. For this project, we were also lucky because all the bike's logos and art were simply decals. Pealing them off was easy. We did however leave a few decals (the fork, head tube, and under seat) to help it look a little intentional and less home-made.

Next we used the hole punch on the scrap vinyl to create the "dots"... another fun father/daughter project-within-the-project.

After a thorough wipe-down with alcohol to remove oil and leftover decal glue, we stuck the dots on every paint chip or scratch. Then we filled in the open areas with more dots.

The final result is cute and made riding required… how else can she show off our handiwork?

Saris Bones Bike Rack Mod for Ford Focus - Making It Fit

2014-05-27T20:31:00.001-07:00

It has been years since a new car sat in our driveway. But now a 2014 Ford Focus lives at our house. I love the look, the handling, and the mileage. There is something about a new car that makes you want take a road trip. One of the first trips I wanted to make was a trek to a local bike park, and this time, any park in the area, no matter how far away.

But as I was loading the bikes up I realized my faithful Saris Bones bike rack wasn't going to work… the two top straps pulled down against the spoiler and no amount of adjusting was going to change that. Was I going to have to spend three hundred dollars on a new hitch-mounted rack? With a new car payment, I had to at least try to come up with a work-around solution.

I could find anything in Google addressing this problem. My first thought was to lift the rack up with some sort of blocks so the straps didn't hit. But then It dawned on me, why not lift the straps, not the rack:

Adding a bar across the top will hold the straps high enough for them to sit right above the spoiler. And in order to keep the bar held tightly in place, I used two bungees pulling it tight under the straps.

So far my "system" is working well. Today I really gave it a hard test drive to the doctor's office (sick child). Thankfully both rack and son did well.

2014 Scott Spark 740 27.5 Review

2014-03-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

It was time for the first tune up and brake bleed on my year old Kona. So off to Tennessee Valley Bikes I went.

While giving the bike their thorough top to bottom lube/adjust/clean, the staff felt my rear derailleur was just not up to spec and suggested a new one (a warranted replacement.) Unfortunately they did not have one in stock so another would need to be ordered.

Since I was going to need to wait a week, I was offered a demo bike to ride while mine was out of commission. They had a many options: full suspension, hard tail, rigid… I had my pick of some awesome bikes. But since I had originally considered buying a 27.5, I was really interested in that wheel size. The only 27.5 bike that was in my size was a new Scott Spark 740.

The bike also had another aspect that I was interested in: the tires. I had always heard great things about Schwable Rocket Rons, and many people in our area run them. But at the prices these things go for, I could not risk buying them on a whim.

I really didn't want a full suspension but my son encouraged (hounded) me. I had heard that once I had ridden a squish bike I would never want to go back to a hard tail. What the heck... I took the Scott home.

After what seemed like forever, the winter weather finally cooperated. I was off to Concord Park. Right away I noticed that fork. I gotta say the Fox Float 32 was noticeably smoother than anything I have yet ridden. It featured two settings for dampening: "Trail" and "Descent”, their terms for soft and softer. Of course, it also has a lockout, they call "Climb". The fork was so nice, I simply kept it on Decent. The remote lockout locked both the fork and rear shock.

After riding for about an hour I started analyzing the ride feel. No doubt, it is a great bike, so soft and forgiving. A good fit for bike for an old man like myself. I could ride this bike all day and not feel beaten up.

Strangely I do have to admit I felt my 29er Kona felt faster but the Scott felt as if it held speed better. Why? In the hilly sections of Concord the Kona would race down and crawl up, where the Scott would keep a more consistent speed. And the change in speed of the Kona added a sensation that was not as pronounced on the Scott. I believe this was due to the Fox suspension soaking up the rough stuff so well. I am no expert but believe the forward energy was not wasted transferring the forward inertia through the bike giving the feeling of a "bump." The energy required to move a fork is much less than moving a whole bike. Many of the rooty areas of the park were no longer a challenge. The bike simply smoothed them out.

Tire design has always interested me. The ideal rubber compounds, lug quantity and design are for some reason intriguing. But so many online "reviews" tend to have generic statements like "they are terrible" or "the best tire I have ever ridden." Hardly analytical statements one can feel confident spending $100 on. When picking tires, my practice have been to ask people's opinions of tires that ride the trails that I ride. Around here Rocket Rons can be seen often. Assuming they were the go-to tire, I was excited to feel them for myself.

Sadly, on the damp, rooty trails of Concord, I was not crazy about them. The Maxxis Ignitors that came on the Kona grip much better, especially in the rear. The Rocket Rons felt loose causing the back end to hang out. It was always minor, never scary or unpredictable, just loose. And when going slow the Ignitors pulled right over the slick roots where the Rons would occasionally spin off. Before counting them out completely I really need to try them on the smoother trails of Meads or in the dry.

After the ride I realized I had soaked up many more miles than I normally would have done. The Scott/Fox is a beautiful combination, and worth the money. The 27.5" wheel did feel slightly more nimble compared to the 29" but would probably have been more evident if comparing rigid to rigid.

During the drive home thinking about what I would say about this bike my brain kept getting sidetracked about stepping-up to better bikes in general. Does the removal of trail challenges remove the fun? Areas of the trail I found challenging on the Kona were not a thought on the Scott. What if I owned the Scott and tested my next lust-worthy bike: a Niner Air 9 RDO? Would Concord Park be boring? If anyone would like to help me out with this test, I would love to find out!

They Will Be Getting a Bike This Christmas!

2013-12-17T19:07:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a work day for the Knoxville area Angel Tree, and had a great time for a great cause.

Spent 4.5 hours adjusting derailleurs, making sure brakes work and tightening every nut and bolt… and making sure underprivileged kids are able to get a shiny new bike (and other toys) this Christmas. As some of us bike enthusiasts in my son's Boy Scout troop helped assemble the 120 bikes (my estimate), I kept remembering my own childhood and the indescribable excitement of my first bike, starting a lifetime of bike-passion.

Don't get me wrong. The point of this is not to "toot my own horn" but to publicly thank the hundreds of people sorting, bagging, and assembling the thousands of toys. And if there is anything like this in you town, please share your bike passion by donating your time assembling a few. You won't regret it!

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2013

2013-10-14T18:30:00.002-07:00

Saturday October 5 was also a perfect day for Mountain Biking, warm and sunny. But that was not the major reason. It was one of those days we wait for a year for: Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.

Many of the ten+ kids that were there regulars to the event. We had seen some at this event four years in a row. There was a lot more girls this year... and they of course did great! I ended up riding with them at times and it was neat how they encouraged each other across obstacles.

A huge thanks to The Bike Zoo and IMBA again for putting on the event. We are already counting the days until the next!

Darn Auto Correct!

2013-09-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

Which is more embarrassing, that auto correct's poor choices or lack of proofing?

10 Tips for Selling Your Bike Easily on Craigslist

2013-08-19T20:46:00.003-07:00

I have been a Craigslist junkie for about three years now. Ever since I started biking again as an adult I have visiting the bike section daily looking for bargains. Occasionally one will come up and I will be the lucky winner. But not every prize will fit my family or myself so it will soon go back up for sale. I don't see myself as a flipper, just someone who gets unwanted bikes to their new owners (for a small finder's fee).

When I resale a bike I never have a problem getting it gone. Part of the reason is the kind of bike I like to purchase. I like lower end, name-brand mountain bikes... never bmx, never department store bikes, never expensive bikes, and almost never women's bikes.

I like to resell these bikes that target adults that are often getting back into biking. They are looking for a bike that is:
a. cheaper than buying a new bike (just in case they don't or can't stick with biking)
b. designed to be comfortable
c. a bike shop bike (they know they are better than department store bikes but don't really know why)
d. and don't know a lot about bikes in general

Here is my list of common sense tips for selling bikes on Craigslist:

1. Price it right
Used bikes are just that, used. Don't expect to get a lot for a bike, especially if it is not a high end brand. Department store bikes, even if almost new, won't fetch any more than half what you paid. Sad but it's reality.

2. Mention about the quality of a bike-shop bike vs "Walmart bike"

Many of the people I tend to sell to suspect that bike-shop bikes are better than Department store bikes but don't know why. Tell them. Bike-store bikes have better components. This means these bikes stay tuned longer, and their parts last longer before needing replacing...better reliability and less hassle. You can even go as far as to say that the resale will stay higher, easing their worries if they fear that they might not sticking with biking.

3. Price it at a pricepoint
People like to pick round numbers for what they pay. $50, $100, $150, If you price your bike just over a price point people will automatically want to knock it down. If you want $110, people will always say "I will give you a hundred." I prefer to start at $100 and not haggle. But that is just me.

4. Price it compared to others on Craigslist
If there are ten Treks at $250, yours will be lost among the others if priced the same. I like to put mine at a little less, like $225. Yes, in theory I lost $25 but I guaranteed a quicker sale.

5. Clean it up
There is no reason to try to sell a nasty bike when it takes only a few minutes to wipe off the dust. Some surface scratches can be rubbed out with Magic Eraser followed by a quick polish with car wax. And PUMP UP THE TIRES! I see hundreds of ads saying the bike needs new tires (a turn off to a potential buyer because it is an added expense) when in reality they simply need air.

6. Tune it up
If the bike just doesn't work, it will be hard to sell. Consider taking it to a bike shop or friend that is into biking. Often a few adjustments will get it running great again.

7. Size the bike in real terms
Most new-to-biking people have no idea what size bike will fit them, not to mention that many frames' sizes are somewhat arbitrary. I like to list two measurements: the standover height (the distance from the ground to the top of the tube between the handlebars and seat) and a minimum and maximum inseam measurement (from the pedal at the lowest and the top of the seat at its lowest and highest). Most people will understand a bike sized to fit someone with pants inseam from 29-35".

8. Have good photos
Would you go to the trouble to drive across town to meet a stranger based on a couple vague words? I wouldn't. Neither will most people. One way to instill confidence is to show photos.

Even if you don't know much about bikes, photos can do the talking for you. Pick a fully lit, CLEAN location to take photos. I show pix of the full bike from both sides, a view from the "driver's seat", gears, all stickers and one or two problem areas. I feel that showing any issue, people know up front what they are getting. And they will trust that I am not hiding anything.

9. Post it close to the weekend
This is just a hunch but I believe most people will search for a bike over the weekend. So I post on a Thursday or Friday so that the listing will be on the front page throughout the weekend.

10. Think safe
Call me paranoid but I don't know the person I am selling to. I alway to meet at a very visible location such as the parking lot of a fast food restaurant. You should do that too, and mention this in the ad. People will appreciate that you are also looking out for their safety.

Again call me paranoid, but I prefer to let potential buyers use the built in email in Craigslist rather than posting my phone number or email address. Only after I have talked to someone a few times and know they are serious do I give them my cell. And usually only do that to make meeting them easier "text me if you are going to be late".

I am not saying an expert about this stuff but these tips have worked wonders for my bike (and other Craigslist) sales.

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Cades Cove Bike Ride

2013-08-18T19:35:00.002-07:00

The alarm clock rang very early Saturday morning: 5:30. The goal was to be at the Cades Cove parking lot before 8am, and we were. You see, they open the loop early to bikes and runners. We wanted to be finishing up our ride of 15+ miles before they open it up to cars at 10:00.

Roughly twenty scouts and parents headed out into the mist. A few need requirements of finding evidence of ten different animals. Some evidence was easier to find than others.

We noticed there were places where leaves covered the road under berry trees. Rangers explained that these were made by bears high in the trees. They would camp out eating the berries dropping whatever they did not eat to the road. One area proved the Rangers correct. A momma bear with two cubs were perched in a high tree having an early breakfast. We admired from a safe distance.

A bear ignored the many riders as she fed her two babies berries.

Seventeen miles later we pulled back into the parking lot comparing stories of what we had seen and laughing at the lady who chastised us for our noise hampering her "petting a bear."

The ride was great practice for the Silver Comet that the Troop will be taking soon for our 50 mile ride.

Contrasts

2013-08-06T19:31:00.004-07:00

My kids and their very different riding styles:

him (planning the jumps he wants to hit on the trail), her (observing the world around the trail)

A Flat Tire in the Same Place? What are the Odds?

2013-07-04T08:36:00.002-07:00

While unloading my bike after the last ride I noticed my rear tire had gone down on the way home. There was a chunk of orange mulch still lodged in the tire. At least it was easy to find.

After pulling the tube out I realized the new puncture was in the same place as the last one! One centimeter from the hole I received two months ago.

This got me thinking about the odds. Rather than waste brain cells doing the math of the surface area of tire and getting an actual number, I ponded on ways that these odds could have happened.

I know what you are thinking "you did not get the splinter out from the last flat!" I thought of that. But here is the evidence, you decide:

1. If I had left the mulch in from the last flat chances are that I would have had another flat soon... I've been riding for over two months since my last flat. I suppose it is possible.

2. the mulch was the strange oranged color of the mulch on the side of the greenway I rode last. I received the first flat on a trail with no mulch.

3. I have a ritual for changing flats. I remove the original obstruction from the outside of the tire (if it is still there), then visually inspect both the outside and inside of the tire for others. Then I run my fingers around the inside of the tire hoping to feel anything my eyes didn't catch.

I can think of only two ways this happened:

Dumb luck (you are right... I did not get the mulch out.) And it was in the tread in a way that it was pushed in (only when coming in contact with a rock) but rebounded back out when not being pushed it in. I wouldn't have seen or felt it inside. AND dumb luck that I had not hit anything that pushed it in for over two months.

OR dumb luck... another simple flat.

Either way, dumb luck played a big part in getting these two flats so close together. Gosh, I can think of better outcomes for being this "lucky!"

Flat Enlightenment

2013-05-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

This past Monday I took an hour for a ride at Concord Park. About 15 minutes in I had my first flat of the season. In fact my first flat in probably a year. Murphy's Law... my pump was back at the car.

As I was walking back to the car it dawned on me, being on the trail with a flat was much better than laying on the couch.

It is official, I am bike crazy!

Chain "Stretch" - Part 3 (diagrams)

2013-04-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

After talking to a few friends trying to explain "chain stretch" I have decided a picture is worth a thousand words... so I built a few illustrations showing chain wear.

The pin, showing in black, wears away by rubbing the (orange) housing. This creates a looseness that increases its length.

When the chain is longer it rides up on the teeth of the gear reducing the contact, allowing it to "skip" under hard pedaling. It will also wear the tooth away when it rides the incorrect location of the tooth, effectively eating it away.

So keep your chain clean and lubricated. And replace it when it gets "stretched."

Part 1: Measuring Chain Stretch
Part 2: Free Wheel Removal
Part 3 (this post): Chain Stretch Diagrams

2012 Kona Kahuna 29er Review

2013-04-15T19:52:00.001-07:00

I have always loved Kona bicycles. Their brochure was one of the first that I picked up when my I started my love of bikes as an adult…it has been read so many times (by both myself and my son) that it is literally falling apart. So, when I had the opportunity to purchase a new bike, Kona was at the top of my list of bikes to research.

Other than being "my first," Kona is a smaller company compared to the brands often see on the local trails. I always try to help out the little guy if possible. But I was not going to discount the other brands just yet. There are other dream brands on my list too.

Here in Knoxville we are blessed with many bike shops with most major brands. So Saturday morning the son and I headed out. We checked out the Specialized Hardrock. Very nice looking paint scheme but the fork was not great. The Treks' paint was downright tacky. So much so that I didn't even pull one down as sit on it. Next was the Giant Revel 0. The paint scheme was nice (though it was that hard-to-clean flat black.) The small frame size fit me very well. But the brakes were mechanical and the fork only fair. Raleighs seemed much more expensive for the same components.

The last shop we could hit for the day was Tennessee Valley Bikes, home for Kona Bicycles in Knoxville. I did not get my hopes up as the Konas I liked were outside my price range. Their 2013 beginner line had similar components compared as the brands I had already found. But the paint scheme looked well, cheap. So I guess it was time to head back to order the Giant.

Then I saw a black-ish blue bike on the end of the rack. It was a 2012 Kahuna. Beautiful, subtle, good fork, hydraulic disk brakes, and it was in my size! After a small financial discussion with the shop worker I became the owner of a Kona!

And it rides as good as it looks!

The step up to 29 was one that I never thought I would do. How does it feel compared to my 26 wheeled Fuji? Apples to oranges. The 26" wheels are on a larger 17" frame, the 29s are connected to a 16" frame. The Fuji is somewhat lighter than the Kona. The fork of the Kahuna is light years ahead of the Suntour fork on the Nevada. Overall, the Fuji is quick "side to side", the Kona fast... forward. The only way I can describe its feel is - pulling. It was hard to tell if I was going a lot faster, or the added weight of the wheels built up inertia making it reluctant to make turns, or both.

The pros of the Kona: that awesome (to me) fork. The Rock Shox XC/32/TK has none of the slop found in the Suntour. The Sram X5 gear set: having 30 options it seemed I was always in the right gear, awesome! The shifters are going to take a little getting used to for me… the triggers on the Fuji used the forefingers for downshifting, the Kona uses the thumbs. Retraining my brain should take care of this one.

The "yet-to-be-determined" aspects: the handlebars are much wider than I am used to. It meant my hands are constantly bumping the gear levers. Going to do some testing by moving the brakes and shifters a half inch inward before getting out the hack saw. The Avid Elixr 1 brakes: I was really worried about this as they seem to lock up way to easily. But after remembering discussions on bike forums mentioning "one finger braking" I tried it. Really helped modulate better.

The graphics. I believe the art is shared with the King Kahuna that has a lighter colored carbon frame. But the base paint color is so dark that the logo and words were almost invisible. Some like it, others hate it. I lean toward the "like it" side but it could be a little less subtle.

The cons: #1: the price. Of course the Kona was much more expensive than the Fuji. But that was to be expected. #2: the pedals - unbelievably terrible! My feet slipped many times during the first ride. The $15 replacement pedals I threw on held my feet so much better. Just a guess but I think most people change the stock pedals out with clipless pedals as soon as they get the bike home, so Kona put on the cheapest things that can be considered petals.

So, if spending $100 more than I wanted and $15 for new pedals is the only negative things about the Kona, I can live if that!

6 month update -
After riding the Kahuna a few months now I can say this bike has really grown on me. It is much faster than the Fuji. Much like a race car that is difficult to drive in city traffic, when you get going fast, the Kona really comes alive. When riding the Fuji I was probably had it at 9/10s of its skill level. The Kona I feel like it is more like 7/10 meaning I can improve a lot on this bike.

And after the first tune up the brakes pads were moved out a little giving a lot more ability to modulate. Much better! However, the rear brake did get "spongy" requiring a bleed to get it back to normal. And sometimes they would over-pressurize when hot if left on the rack in the hot sun (the fluid would expand with the heat and rear wheel would not turn.) I had this happen a couple times but TVB assured me that it it is due to the fluid absorbing moisture and "overfilling" the system. A simple fluid flush/replace on a consistent basis will keep this from happening.

Early Spring Ride

2013-03-31T19:52:00.002-07:00

We have watching and waiting for a while now. The weather app on my phone goes into overdrive about this time of year looking for warm and dry on a weekend. This Saturday was a little of both, meaning time to load up the bikes for the first Spring ride.

This time we picked an old familiar favorite: The Third Creek Greenway, a great one to take for kids and new-to-biking friends. And we had both. The chilly, damp morning was full of landmarks like the tunnel, a couple bridges, and even early spring flowers made the trip a good one for groups that stop and rest often, which we did.

As usual, the boys left us.

Our Beatle's Abbey Road album cover photo

Trilliums about to bloom

I have always heard this being called dogtooth violet, but Google says it is a Trout Lily

Mid-ride lunch at Subway

Two hours and six miles later, we finished where we started. Before heading home we noticed a new bike shop in the shopping complex. Bearden Bike & Trail opened that very morning and we had to see. A very nice store and staff with a real finger on the needs of the people using the greenway. They have racks out front, offer water for riders, and will even have remote repair services soon. If your bike breaks out on the greenway, they will come fix it for you! Cool! Though we were in a bit of hurry that morning, we will spend much more time checking out all the shiny bikes at the end of our next greenway trip.

Who Knew Bikes Were for Pavement Too? (Trek 1000SL)

2013-03-24T19:36:00.002-07:00

Last year around Thanksgiving my son announced he "needed" a racing bike. After years of mountain biking, I knew better. Hours of nothing but cranking the pedals has never appealed to me, and I believe he is the same. He loves the thrill of jumping, skidding, and playing. Rather than tell him he is wrong, I suggest that he try a road bike before we commit the money involved. If one came up for sale at the right price (cheap of course), I might get it knowing I could resell it as soon as he realizes it was not for him.

Recently a small adult racing bike showed up on Craigslist at a surprisingly low price. The ad's photo showed a small framed UT orange Trek 1000SL that "desperately needed a tune up and has flat tires." Being Craigslist fanatic, I knew there is two main reasons for a price like this: an owner that has no idea what to sell the bike for and guessed at a price, or a bike so trashed that the owner is looking for an alternative to throwing it away. Guessing the latter, I woundn't be out much if I was lucky enough to be the one to get it.

I contacted the owner explaining that I thought the bike might actually fit my son and that we would like to take a look at it.

Hours passed with no answer. Oh well, it must have sold. It wouldn't be the first time I missed a cheap Craigslist bike.

Later that day thought I would email the person again. (My hope was that the first person in line saw the bike and changed his mind.) Soon after I received an email back. The owner explained that she was surprised the I actually wanted the bike to ride, not just resale it for a profit... and she wanted us to have it.

The next day we met at a local McDonald's for the exchange. Julie explained to me that she had used the bike for exercise a few years back. But she was now simplifying her life and was getting rid of everything that did not have great importance in her life, the bike included. She said she knew that the bike was worth more than she was selling it for but she wanted it go to someone that would receive enjoyment and exercise from it.

After getting it home we realized I was wrong about the bike, neither ignorant owner or trashed. About 21 pounds, the bike had almost no deep scratches, something that we never find on the used mountain bikes we buy. It has a carbon fork and seat post. Sure it needed a tune up but all it really needed was air for the tires and a good cleaning.

Before his first test ride I made him ride his mountain bike first for reference. I wanted him to understand that the two bikes have VERY different jobs. No hopping curbs on this thing. If he wants to do that, grab the other bike. But if he wants to ride fast this bike should be the choice. And this thing is scary fast. After he got the hang of the "brifters" I had real trouble keeping up with him on our short ride. I regularly had to use the highest gears of my bike, him smiling and making race car sounds as he easily left me behind.

Only time will tell if he will stick to this kind of riding. But if he continues having as much fun as he did on his first ride, he will be passing many more riders than just his dad soon.

Project Underdog - Junk Bike Refurb

2013-03-17T06:21:00.003-07:00

Whether good or bad, I have always been the kind of person that roots for underdog. When watching any sporting event and a team starts doing badly, something in the back of my brain takes over and pushes me to cheer them on, sometimes even when they are competing against "my" team. Don't know why, it just happens.

I find that I do the same for bicycles. When I see an unloved bike I just can't stand to leave it by the road sending it to its grave. This bike, that I picked up on Craigslist is a prime example. A 20" Magna. Yes, I know...

Yes, crummy brand. There is a lot of (surface) rust, yes the cables all need replacing, yes the fork is seized up. But it is solid, the wheels are straight, and I figure by throwing on a few old cables, a 1/2 hour with steel wool, some black spray paint on the handlebars/cranks, and I will have a bike that we can use to teach the neighborhood kids how to use gears. And I won't be too upset if it is treated the way kids typically treat bikes...badly.

Stay tuned to see the "after" photos to this "before."