I went out for my first ride yesterday and got a chance to rip through the gears with the new XTR rear and XT front dérailleurs. In comparison to the previous XT/XTR (two generations old) setup I had, the shifting was much crisper and more solid. It didn't matter what gear I needed or if it was on the front or the rear, the shift happened without much fear and nye a problem. This was true for the first 13 miles of a 14 mile ride. During the last mile, I started to hear a bit more noise as if the chain was floating on the rear cassette a little bit with that skipping sound.
I will go over it to find the culprit in the next few days.
Wednesday
Tuesday
Upping the Fuel
I've had a bit of a hiatus from blogging here, but it was more a priority issue than anything. Anyhoot, here is the current lowdown of my cycling equipment and what is on the docket for me to put through this season. I've just finished a swap out on the Trek Fuel. The circa '03 XTR rear dérailleur, '03 XT front dérailleur and original Avid Thingamajig (from the early 90's made of aluminum and milled - not the later cast aluminum or plastic versions) came off quickly and cleanly. In fact, they all seem in near new condition seeing that I put 1 plus a little bit of a season on them and the previous owner all but rode around the block with them - according to him. None-the-less, they are now back-ups for my fleet.
In exchange go on the new wave of Shimano fare. A slightly used "new" XTR rear dérailleur, a brand spankin' new XT front dérailleur and a (unfortunately) plastic Avid Thingamajig - the story on that a little later. The swap out was quite quick. The rear was an almost 1 to 1 swap out. But the stickler for me was the fact that the new XTR rear mechs do not have a cable adjuster like past iterations. I was at a near loss since the old Rollamajigs all needed a treaded portion of the cable adjuster to work. And my goal was not to have to swap out the cable and housing... so I dug up a cast aside plastic Rollamajig. What's the dif? The plastic version doesn't accommodate a barrel adjuster and instead just plugs in and rides on a separate ball. My assumption is a limited life span... but it does allow me to not have to swap out the cable. A simple dialing in of the limiter screws and the b-screw and all was good. Cable adjustments are now handled at the shifter. The front derailleur was a bit more fussy. The actual swap out was quick, but the adjustment was a bit of a beast. I did get it all dialed in eventually, but in the center chainring, the high and low rear cogs forced the chain to tap on the front cage. I just had to settle on equal rub on either end and hope it would slowly wear itself silent. Oddly enough though, when I took it up and down the block for a few test spins... there was no evidence of rubbing. Huh? Yeah, I'm not sure either.
In the end, shifting is quite crisp on both the front and rear. We'll see when it gets messy out. I've had problems with previous XTR rear mechs in muddy and sandy conditions. I hope this fairs better.
On a side note, I decided to weigh the bike again. I noticed the rear was a lot lighter than the old XTR but the new XT was a touch heavier than the previous. The end weight of the Trek Fuel 98 was a flat 25 pounds. This is with the computer mounts and sensors as well as a bottle cage. I've shaved 1/8th of a pound. It amazes me I have a 25 pound full suspension rig. I weighed my single speed as well. It came in at 22.37 pounds. That's only 2-2/3 pounds for double cush....
In exchange go on the new wave of Shimano fare. A slightly used "new" XTR rear dérailleur, a brand spankin' new XT front dérailleur and a (unfortunately) plastic Avid Thingamajig - the story on that a little later. The swap out was quite quick. The rear was an almost 1 to 1 swap out. But the stickler for me was the fact that the new XTR rear mechs do not have a cable adjuster like past iterations. I was at a near loss since the old Rollamajigs all needed a treaded portion of the cable adjuster to work. And my goal was not to have to swap out the cable and housing... so I dug up a cast aside plastic Rollamajig. What's the dif? The plastic version doesn't accommodate a barrel adjuster and instead just plugs in and rides on a separate ball. My assumption is a limited life span... but it does allow me to not have to swap out the cable. A simple dialing in of the limiter screws and the b-screw and all was good. Cable adjustments are now handled at the shifter. The front derailleur was a bit more fussy. The actual swap out was quick, but the adjustment was a bit of a beast. I did get it all dialed in eventually, but in the center chainring, the high and low rear cogs forced the chain to tap on the front cage. I just had to settle on equal rub on either end and hope it would slowly wear itself silent. Oddly enough though, when I took it up and down the block for a few test spins... there was no evidence of rubbing. Huh? Yeah, I'm not sure either.
In the end, shifting is quite crisp on both the front and rear. We'll see when it gets messy out. I've had problems with previous XTR rear mechs in muddy and sandy conditions. I hope this fairs better.
On a side note, I decided to weigh the bike again. I noticed the rear was a lot lighter than the old XTR but the new XT was a touch heavier than the previous. The end weight of the Trek Fuel 98 was a flat 25 pounds. This is with the computer mounts and sensors as well as a bottle cage. I've shaved 1/8th of a pound. It amazes me I have a 25 pound full suspension rig. I weighed my single speed as well. It came in at 22.37 pounds. That's only 2-2/3 pounds for double cush....
Continental Tire... Smoothing out the Bumps
Finally, I got in a lengthy sit on the trainer and did some time. It was very interesting this time around using the Continental Hometrainer tire. I started out with the annoying clicking as I revved up the cadence. It remained clicking, but around minute 5 is began to fade and eventually disappeared. Soon the whole experience was a quiet silence with the only noise being the movement of the drivetrain.
Upon completion, I checked the tire. Except for a 2mm wide area on the ridge of the tire, everything was still clean. And even though there was a wear mark on the center ridge, much of the flash from the molding process was still present. Seems like a very durable tire and very well thought out by Continental.
Upon completion, I checked the tire. Except for a 2mm wide area on the ridge of the tire, everything was still clean. And even though there was a wear mark on the center ridge, much of the flash from the molding process was still present. Seems like a very durable tire and very well thought out by Continental.
Friday
More on the Continental Tire
I've been on the Continental Home Trainer tire now for a little bit. As promised, it rolls smoothly and provides a fairly quiet ride while spinning away on the trainer. So far, the only miss I have found is a little clicking noise as I go. But I don't think it is the tire making the noise, but the fluid resistance unit the tire rides on. It is kind of hard to check it while I pedal away. I will check it over more for the next week or so to see if I can fix the problem. I believe if I can stop that noise, I will have little more than a light buzz sound while on the trainer.
Another quick noe is that the material doesn't wear quickly. In fact, the flash on the center of the tire is pretty much still in the crown of the tire.
More as I get more...
Another quick noe is that the material doesn't wear quickly. In fact, the flash on the center of the tire is pretty much still in the crown of the tire.
More as I get more...
Thursday
NCT Epic Ride
Epic North Country Trail Ride
When: Oct 10-12th 2008
Where: Marilla Trail Head (Beers Rd) to Baldwin via the NCT (one dirt/paved road bypass near High Bridge approx 8 miles long). Total distance is 73 miles with a bail out option at the halfway point.
Plan: Meet at the Pere Marquette Lodge in Baldwin on Friday evening. Saturday we rise early for continental breakfast. PM Lodge shuttles us to the Marilla Trail Head and then waits for us at the Freesoil Rd Trailhead (approx half way) with a catered lunch of P&J, snacks, fruit etc. After the trailside lunch the big ride will finish the southern portion of the trip to Bowman Lake Trail Head, then the 8 mile paved road to PM Lodge where a keg of Founders Ale and a gourmet dinner await us. (While this may start as a riders are encouraged to ride at the pace that they desire and therefore eliminate the sensitivity to large groups of cyclists on the NCT). We may have a sweeper rider but that isn't a promise. Riders must carry their own tools and water to get them to the 1/2 way point or the full length. The trail is very well marked but maps will be provided.
Options: Riders may choose to start or finish at Freesoil Rd if desired, eliminating half of the miles. Tip: the section from Beers Road to Freesoil Road is the best section with greater variety of terrain but it is also the hilliest portion. If you prefer flatter terrain and a shorter distance, ride Freesoil South or skip the early shuttle and ride from PM Lodge north to lunch at Freesoil, then return via the shuttle. It would also be possible for someone to go for a hike from the Freesoil Trailhead while others are riding. Perfect for that non-riding spouse.
We have room for 34 people. The room scenarios are all a bit different.
7 double rooms with two double beds in each room equals 28 people. 3 single rooms with one double bed equals 6 people. The Lodge is within walking distance to the Pere Marquette River, and sleeps a maximum of 34 people in 10 rooms. All rooms have air conditioning and whirlpool tubs with a shower. A double room features two double beds and a kitchenette, which feature a small refrigerator, a two-burner stovetop, and sink and dishes. A single room features a double bed with a whirlpool tub next to it. Cable TV and wireless Internet is available in all rooms and in the large central living room area. Room #15 is handicap accessible. The attached dining room is a great place to gather and enjoy the dinner provided. A grill and campfire area is located behind the lodge as well. We will all convene in the main lodge or at a bonfire each night.
Please check this closely. My hopes are that everyone will choose the four to a double room or 2 to a single room so that we can accommodate all 34 of us that wish to go. In other words, if everyone were to book two in a double and one in a single we would only have a group of 17 people. I think we have enough interest to use all 34 spots. We encourage friends to bunk together, 2 couples to share a room.
Each person gets lodging Fri and Sat night Oct 10th and 11th 2008, continental breakfast, the shuttle, route map, trailside lunch, a very nice dinner (request vegetarian with Frank when making reservations if desired) and Founders beer for the recovery party Saturday night. We cannot split these amenities up. It is all or nothing. No camping option, no shuttle elimination etc.
- 4 people per large room= $114 each for the weekend
- 2 people per large room= $152 each for the weekend
- 2 people per small room= $144 each for the weekend
- 1 person per small room= $211 for the weekend
Excluding 6% sales tax.
Pere Marquette Lodge supports the MMBA and therefore has already discounted these rates by 15% for MMBA members. Please sign up for a MMBA membership if you are not a member. A MMBA membership is tax deductible.
All reservations need to be made with Frank or Josh at the Pere Marquette Lodge (231-745-3972) by March 1st 2008. First come first served. Please mention Western MMBA event.
Cancellation Policy
- All cancellations must be in writing to PM Lodge
- Reservations canceled within 14 days of reservation date will be charged in full
- Reservations canceled within 30 days of reservation date will result in lost deposit
Friday
Noggin Blocker
I was thinking today about the up coming riding season. About all of the equipment and if I had everything I needed and if it was all ready to go. I'm sure it is all about the Winter Blues nipping at me and prodding me in the side. There is nothing I can really do right now to service any of my MTBs. They are all out in the garage... freezing. I did notice that on my Fuel, the rear tire is dead flat. It is a UST tire, so I'll deal with that either in the Spring or if I can sneak it into the basement to my shop and fix 'er up. But, I sidetrack from what I originally started this post for... I picked up a new helmet late in 2006. It was a grey Giro E2 to replace my battered white E2 (it developed a structural crack... no severe crashes, just about 3 years of use). This grey one will be my third... or is it fourth E2? No matter, these helmets fit my head like a glove. What I have been contemplating is that I took several spills during the 2007 season. The last one really damaging me physically as well as mentally. But I also hit a low branch hard enough to put a good "pock mark" into the top of the helmet. Anyway, I am considering another one for the upcoming season.
But I now have a choice. I really like the E2 helmets, but at $125 a pop, they are not cheap. They go on sale for $99, $79 and even $61 at JensonUSA (I think) for their "special colors". Still, I'd like the helmet to be a decent color, so I am saddled at the $99+ range. Looking around, I noticed the Giro Hex. A more angular little brother to the Giro Xen. The Hex, I feel is a much nicer looking helmet than it's higher-priced sibling, the Xen. I have found the Hex for as little as $49.95 with a fair amount of color choice. The Giro Animas also plays at this price point, being a little brother to the E2 in appearance. But the color schemes for the Animas are not appealing to me.
If anyone out there has any thoughts or comments on these helmets, please comment. I still need to venture out and try on a Hex to see if its fit is as sure as the E2.
But I now have a choice. I really like the E2 helmets, but at $125 a pop, they are not cheap. They go on sale for $99, $79 and even $61 at JensonUSA (I think) for their "special colors". Still, I'd like the helmet to be a decent color, so I am saddled at the $99+ range. Looking around, I noticed the Giro Hex. A more angular little brother to the Giro Xen. The Hex, I feel is a much nicer looking helmet than it's higher-priced sibling, the Xen. I have found the Hex for as little as $49.95 with a fair amount of color choice. The Giro Animas also plays at this price point, being a little brother to the E2 in appearance. But the color schemes for the Animas are not appealing to me.
If anyone out there has any thoughts or comments on these helmets, please comment. I still need to venture out and try on a Hex to see if its fit is as sure as the E2.
Wednesday
Fast Tire
Wowsers! ModernBike.com rocks! I ordered up a tire on Monday and now on Wednesday... I could sniff the fine German rubber in my hands. One of the fastest "standard shipping" times I've ever experienced.
I'll mount up the tire when the hammer of work stops mashing my head and zapping my soul and forthwith throw my legs over my trusty road bike and blow out the cobwebs and stress.
On a side note... I'm getting a little tired of the cold....
I'll mount up the tire when the hammer of work stops mashing my head and zapping my soul and forthwith throw my legs over my trusty road bike and blow out the cobwebs and stress.
On a side note... I'm getting a little tired of the cold....
Sunday
Continental Tire Part 2
Wow. I found the Continental Training tire I mentioned a couple of posts ago for way below MSRP. I found it for $32.99 from most of the places I could find it. But I visited a vendor I don't always go to and BAM! They have it. They normally have it for $32.99 but had it on there as a Price Match for $24.99. That's $10 off! Where?
Modern Bike has them for that.
They don't have everything under the sun, but for this, they had the right item at the right time at the right price. Now if they deliver... that's two thumbs up... er,wheels or sprockets or cranks or whatever a good cycling symbol for reviews there is out there. Personally, I'd just as soon use the "beers" in my MMBA.org profile.
How's that?
Modern Bike has them for that.
They don't have everything under the sun, but for this, they had the right item at the right time at the right price. Now if they deliver... that's two thumbs up... er,wheels or sprockets or cranks or whatever a good cycling symbol for reviews there is out there. Personally, I'd just as soon use the "beers" in my MMBA.org profile.
How's that?
Friday
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New athletes will receive: The RS200sd and CS200cad The RS400sd upon completion of two training clinics |
Click here for more information and to apply today! Don't delay, recruitment ends January 15, 2008. |
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.
Thursday
Still Wrenching the Site...
Well, I'm in the middle of wrenching the site and I've added a few things that seem to be kinda cool. Foremost is the ebay searching thingie over to the right. I have it set at searching "MTB" but I found you can search anything on the bottom. Kinda cool... I found a few goodies on there but... no bids for me until I get a few things done that are a bit more pressing.
I plan on reviewing the following:
Continental Ultra Sport Hometrainer
With a modern roller and the UltraSport Hometrainer in the house, winter can set in when it wants to. Thanks to its special cold-running compound, the UltraSport Hometrainer won't experience the heat buildup of a road tire, nor does it suffer the tread separation that the road tire is prone to under the special loads occurring when cycling and braking on the revolving drums of the roller. The UltraSport Hometrainer has been designed explicitly for trainers and rollers and is not suitable for on road use. All Conti yellow (orange). Size 700x23. 120psi max. Weight 240g.
Should be a fun time on the trainer. I've found them for between $30 and $40 at a few online vendors - Nashbar and either JensonUSA or Cambria. I have not spotted any in my usual local bike shops... or I would have just snagged one off their shelf. Should be in a few weeks though. Still need a few more of you to play with the sponsor links... but that is all up to you, the readers.
I plan on reviewing the following:
Continental Ultra Sport Hometrainer
With a modern roller and the UltraSport Hometrainer in the house, winter can set in when it wants to. Thanks to its special cold-running compound, the UltraSport Hometrainer won't experience the heat buildup of a road tire, nor does it suffer the tread separation that the road tire is prone to under the special loads occurring when cycling and braking on the revolving drums of the roller. The UltraSport Hometrainer has been designed explicitly for trainers and rollers and is not suitable for on road use. All Conti yellow (orange). Size 700x23. 120psi max. Weight 240g.
Should be a fun time on the trainer. I've found them for between $30 and $40 at a few online vendors - Nashbar and either JensonUSA or Cambria. I have not spotted any in my usual local bike shops... or I would have just snagged one off their shelf. Should be in a few weeks though. Still need a few more of you to play with the sponsor links... but that is all up to you, the readers.
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