Specialized S-Works Toupé

by | Oct 21, 2011 | Uncategorized

Here is another item I came across that is interesting. A super light saddle with two different sizes available. I’ve been told by many that Specialized makes a comfortable saddle, but they’ve always been a bit heavier than I like. The Specialized S-Works Toupé solves that problem and comes in at 113 grams for the 130mm size, and 115 grams for the 143mm size. Saddles are a difficult purchase as it’s impossible to know whether it will work until you’ve done a long ride, eighty miles plus. This is probably why I have such a stock of old saddles. Maybe this will be the one.



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Look Quartz Carbon Ti

by | Oct 21, 2011 | Uncategorized

These Look Quartz Carbon Ti pedals look really amazing. I need pedals for the cross bike, but want to try something other than Crank Brothers. The platform on these look really stable, which is something I’m used to from my Look road pedals. These might be the ones.



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Feats Per Minute

by | Oct 21, 2011 | Uncategorized

I’ve always thought it would be cool to have a soundtrack while riding, but I really don’t like headphones. This may be the solution. Wow! Please take a look at Feats Per Minute if you want more.



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Osprey Metron 35

by | Oct 17, 2011 | Uncategorized

I’ve been commuting with the Osprey Metron 35 for about a week now, so I thought I would pass along initial impressions. The first thing my wife said was that it looked a bit like a technical backpack. This may be true when compared to the offerings of Chrome or Mission Workshop, but I find it to be subtle and streamlined looking for a pack with extreme functionality. This is where the backpack excels. I carry quite a bit to work on a daily basis. First and foremost is a 15″ MacBook Pro . The computer alone weighs 5.6 lbs., and in the Osprey, it rides in a padded sleeve that keeps it firmly in the middle of the backpack. The sleeve does not allow the computer to drop down to the bottom of the bag, which in turn avoids damage to the computer when you put the backpack down. I really like this setup and feel confident the MacBook will survive commuting. The other highlights of the backpack are its incredible amount of storage, very comfortable back padding, great straps with built in cell phone and key holders, plenty of individual pockets for maximum organization, and a very slick helmet attachment. It is a rubber buckle on an elastic strap that when threaded through the helmet, cinches it up to the backpack. No more floppy helmet hitting every door frame as you are trying to get in and out of your workspace or home. It seems like a small thing, but it really makes a difference. The other feature I really like is the attachment points for commuter lights. There are two of them, and they are ideally placed, one low for when you are in the drops, and one a bit higher for a more relaxed position. Osprey has produced a well thought out bag, and I will write more once it’s been broken in.



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Cafe du Cycliste

by | Oct 14, 2011 | Uncategorized

I came across Cafe du Cycliste this morning, and liked the look of these two jerseys. They are a bit retro, but not overly so. They are based in the Cote d’Azure, and they currently have about eight clothing items for sale on their website. The clothing segment of the cycling industry is growing at an incredible pace. It’s beginning to look a bit like the surfing industry, where clothing accounts for more in sales than surfboards. I don’t think cycling is there yet, but maybe in the future.



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Sycip Part 2; Woodman Components

by | Oct 12, 2011 | Uncategorized

Woodman Components make beautiful things. I was very impressed with their showing at Interbike, especially these two items. The seatpost looks amazing, and should work well on the Sycip. It’s got the setback I need and comes in at a very respectable weight. Strength is key on the Sycip, but I still like lightweight when possible. The bottle cage is crazy light, and really pretty to look at. The aluminum rail is available in different colors with matching bolts. Woodman’s website is worth a look as there are many different products to look at.



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Sycip

by | Oct 12, 2011 | Made in the USA, Uncategorized

Here it is. The beginning of the cyclocross project. A Sycip with S & S couplers. It was purchased from a good friend who has impeccable taste in bicycles. The parts are rolling in, and I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.



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Sycip Part 1; Endless Bike Company

by | Oct 10, 2011 | Uncategorized

I am getting close to putting together the Sycip single speed cross bike I’ve mentioned in the past. There are still a few decisions to be made, but I’m nearly there. The first part I’ll mention is by the Endless Bike Company. They are based in Western North Carolina, and the Kick Ass Cog is made on the premises. It is made of high strength 7075-T6 alloy, and is a quarter inch wide at the splines. The width at the splines prevents the free hub body from getting damaged by the cog. I will also be using their Fibonacci Spacer kit which allows for perfect chain line. I’ve received both products, and they look to be very high quality. The ultimate test will be when I am able to test ride it. Soon, very soon.



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Vespa

by | Oct 10, 2011 | Uncategorized

This old Vespa was in an exhibit in Barcelona in a design store called Vincon. Very cool store with very cool things. Some bike related stuff as well, though I have no photographs. So, instead, I took many photos of this Vespa.



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