Volagi

by | Nov 17, 2011 | Uncategorized

I came across Volagi Bikes the other day, and think they are worth a look. From their disc brake only line up, to the LongBow Flex seatstay design, the bicycles stand out. It stands to reason that with the innovative junction at the seat tube, road vibration should be transferred to the top tube rather than the seat tube, resulting in a smooth ride. This fits well with the Volagi mission to make a bicycle that is comfortable for the long hauls. The cycles are well appointed and come in various builds, from Dura Ace to SRAM Rival. I’d like to take one of these on a long test ride and see if it lives up to its press.



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Cervelo R3 SL

by | Nov 15, 2011 | Uncategorized

Many people have asked for a breakdown of the Cervelo, similar to my earlier post about the Sycip. Here it is.

Cervelo R3 SL Frame 56cm (2010)
3T Funda Team Fork
Cane Creek Headset
3T ARX Team Stem 100mm, 84 degree
Fibre-Lyte Carbon Preload Stem Cap
3T Ergonova Team Handlebar 42cm
SRAM Red Shift/Brake Levers
Lizard Skins DSP 1.8 Handlebar Tape
3T Dorico LTD Seatpost 27.2mm, 350mm
Fizik Antares 00 Braided Carbon Saddle
SRAM Red Crankset 172.5mm 39/53
SRAM GXP/Blackbox Ceramic Bearing Bottom Bracket
Look Keo Blade Carbon Titanium Pedals
SRAM Red Front Derailleur
Woodman Components Carbo Cage AJ
SRAM Red Rear Derailleur
KCNC Ceramic Pulley Wheels
KMC X10SL Gold Chain
EE Cycleworks Brakeset
Yokozuna Reaction Cable and Housing
Stan’s ZTR Alpha 340 Rims
Chris King R45 Hubs (28 hole)
Sapim CX-Ray Spokes
Wheelbuilder 12mm Alloy Nipples
Hutchinson Atom Road Tubeless Tires
KCNC Titanium Road Skewers

Total Weight 13.85lbs



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Icebreaker Boulder Hood

by | Nov 14, 2011 | Uncategorized

Once in a while I am sent something to try that isn’t cycling related, and once in a while I feel it necessary to write about it none the less. One such item is the Icebreaker Boulder Hood. This is an extraordinarily comfortable and stylish jacket. It is made of 84% Merino, 14% Nylon and 2% Lycra. It comes in black or oxide (grey) and in sizes small through XXL. I’ve had the pleasure of wearing the jacket for a month or so, and have been complimented on it on almost every occasion. It is quite something wearing a jacket that garners such rave reviews from friends and strangers alike. My own opinion is that the jacket is very comfortable in both mild and cold temps, making this a perfect fall through spring jacket. The hood works well for the passing rain storm, and the stash pockets are well thought out, with one on the exterior, and another on the interior. The details on the jacket are another stand out, especially the sleeve openings and the trim running alongside the zipper. It is incredibly well made and suitable for outdoor exploring, going to the symphony and everything between. I am impressed with Icebreaker, and am looking forward to their future releases.



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Sycip; Final Version (For Now)

by | Nov 10, 2011 | Made in the USA, Uncategorized

It’s done. Two rides in, and I think it’s brilliant. I’m sure there will be tweaks down the road, but for now, here is the breakdown.

Sycip Single Speed Cross Frame with S&S Couplers
Stella Azzurra Bellagio Fork
Chris King Headset
Thomson Elite X4 Stem 10 degree, 100mm
3T Ergosum Pro Handlebars 42cm.
SRAM S900 Carbon Levers
Lizard Skins DSP 1.8 Race Handlebar Tape
Woodman DX Seatpost 27.2mm, 350mm
Paul Components Road Crank 46T, 170mm
Phil Wood & Co. Stainless Steel Bottom Bracket 110.5 Campy/ISO Taper
Look Quartz Carbon Ti Pedals
Chris King Cog (16T) and Spacer Kit
Genetic Chain Tensioners 10mm with QR Skewer Washers
Izumi Chain
Avid Shorty Ultimate Cantilever Brakes
HED Bastogne Wheelset
HED QR Skewers
Hutchinson Piranha 2 CX Tires 700 x 32C
Selle Italia SLR Saddle

Total Weight 18.40lbs

I would like to thank all the people who have helped make this project a reality. It’s been a long process, and a whole lot of fun. Some people say the fun is researching and collecting all the parts, and I would agree. Then, once you get on the bike and ride it, the real fun begins. Finally, I’d also like to acknowledge Woody at Golden Saddle Cyclery for putting this project together for me. It’s been fun hanging at the shop these last few days.



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Chrome Southside

by | Nov 10, 2011 | Uncategorized

These are my Chrome Southside shoes after two months of constant wear. These are really good shoes. They’ve held up incredibly well for the amount of use they get. And, on top of performing well, I like the way they look. I’ve also been using the Chrome Merino socks, and if I had the means, I’d have a pair for each day of the week. They are comfortable, and have held up well after many washes. They are also left and right specific, which makes for a perfect fit. It makes me a bit sad when I realize they are sitting in the hamper, and I have to wear regular socks.



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Osprey Metron

by | Nov 9, 2011 | Uncategorized


The Osprey Metron has now been in use for about a month on my daily commutes. The bag has held up really well under the stresses of a full load. The load includes a MacBook Pro 15″, a camera, a notebook, bike tools and tubes, an extra pair of shoes, a jacket, and a host of other things. It regularly carries between 20 and 30 pounds, and does so effortlessly. My back is none the wiser about how much I have in the bag. It is super comfortable and incredibly well designed. The compartments make sense and are easy to learn. The computer is completely cushioned, and the helmet strap is brilliant. The attachment point for the blinky light is also well thought out; when riding, it is perfectly visible to the vehicles and other cyclists behind you. The bag market is quite competitive, but I think Osprey is well in the lead with the Metron.



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Swrve Cycling Mid Weight Trousers

by | Nov 7, 2011 | Uncategorized

In an earlier post I mentioned I couldn’t get enough of my Swrve Shorts, and that they were my daily attire. Now, I find myself in unusually cool LA weather, and pants are a must on the morning commute. I picked up a pair of the Swrve Mid Weight Trousers and have completely fallen for them. They are made from a material consisting of 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex which makes them wind and water resistant. The material feels really good against the skin, and the four way stretch is amazing on the bicycle. They work perfectly, and have now taken their spot on my rotation of favorite items to wear. I highly recommend these to anyone looking for a pant that functions well at work, and more importantly, functions well on the bike.



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