It's the last day of the year and it's that time to look at the best of 2010. Well the stuff that stands out that I used this year or events I took part in.
Best Components:
Hope Stainless BB: What can one not say about this bottom bracket. It has stood up to the dust of summer and now is taking on winter. And proof that the masters of riding in mud, filth, and grime know what needs to be done.
Marzocchi Drop Off 4: Not new but was a major upgrade in the fork department. Solid with little flex. And it met the finance committee's cost cutting requirements.
Best Clothing:
Endura Singletrack Shorts: Simple black shorts that are great. Well stitched and comfortable. Pretty adaptable to riding in spring, summer, and fall. One big bonus is that they do dry quickly.
Wool Socks: Keeps you warm even when wet. Doesn't stink the car up like a bag of 6 month old hockey gear. Is cool in the warm of summer and warm in the cool of spring and fall.
Yaktrax Sport: Simply put, I would have spent half of last winter doing head dabs as I ran or walked. Just don't try to walk across a tile floor with them on your shoes.
Events:
Paul's Dirty Enduro: Good local event that supports a good cause. Chili post race with lots of fun singletrack. Laid back race crew.
Dundas Monstercross: Fun non race event. New place to ride as well as meeting new people. Good pumpkin soup and warming beverages for post ride festivities with good people.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Hope Stainless Bottom Bracket
Last June I finally picked up a new external bottom bracket from Hope Components.
What can I say. This BB has impressed me to no end since it was installed. Other then a couple of tightening the crank bolt to remove a little play. This BB has been rock solid since it was installed.
The first thing while installing I noticed was that the plastic piece was simply a cover for the bearings. Unlike Shimano's or Race Face BB's where the cover also acts as a shim between the bearing inner race and the crank axle. Hope went a different route. They went with a bearing that when you install the crank actually is in direct contact with the inner race of the bearing. No plastic shim that can crack or start creaking after a while. It's a good tight fit.
The other change is that tube piece that one installs between the 2 BB cups that one installs in the BB Shell of the frame. Again no plastic here. This comes as a tube made of metal. A much better alternative to the plastic pieces that others use. It is also has O ring seals to help seal the unit even more from the crud and moisture of the world. And Hope offers this piece seperate from the BB. Even in different lengths depending upon you BB being either 68, 73, or 83 in size.
As I mentioned already about the seals. This BB is built to deal with crud, nud, and nasty winter. Should be no surprise as Hope comes from the land of filth riding. And have learned what it will take to increase the longevity of bearings. So far the seals on the Hope have exceeded those on Race Face and Shimano BB's by a huge margin.
As a former mechanic and a coach, I would be installing this BB on anyone's bike who was either doing and adventure race or a off road triathlon. Simply because I know it can take the abuse. Which even in Canada faced with our Canadian muck and grime plus add winter crud. Well, only something good and sealed can fit the bill.
What can I say. This BB has impressed me to no end since it was installed. Other then a couple of tightening the crank bolt to remove a little play. This BB has been rock solid since it was installed.
The first thing while installing I noticed was that the plastic piece was simply a cover for the bearings. Unlike Shimano's or Race Face BB's where the cover also acts as a shim between the bearing inner race and the crank axle. Hope went a different route. They went with a bearing that when you install the crank actually is in direct contact with the inner race of the bearing. No plastic shim that can crack or start creaking after a while. It's a good tight fit.
The other change is that tube piece that one installs between the 2 BB cups that one installs in the BB Shell of the frame. Again no plastic here. This comes as a tube made of metal. A much better alternative to the plastic pieces that others use. It is also has O ring seals to help seal the unit even more from the crud and moisture of the world. And Hope offers this piece seperate from the BB. Even in different lengths depending upon you BB being either 68, 73, or 83 in size.
As I mentioned already about the seals. This BB is built to deal with crud, nud, and nasty winter. Should be no surprise as Hope comes from the land of filth riding. And have learned what it will take to increase the longevity of bearings. So far the seals on the Hope have exceeded those on Race Face and Shimano BB's by a huge margin.
As a former mechanic and a coach, I would be installing this BB on anyone's bike who was either doing and adventure race or a off road triathlon. Simply because I know it can take the abuse. Which even in Canada faced with our Canadian muck and grime plus add winter crud. Well, only something good and sealed can fit the bill.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Duffins Creek Pizza Ride
In the continuing mission to ride new places and explore. Hooked up with my buddy Nick to attend his Duffins Creek Pizza Ride on the last weekend of October. So again on a over cast day headed out to the meeting loction. Both bike and pizza fixngs in tow. At least this drive was short with Pickering nearby.
We gathered at Nick's place and like any group ride it took the usual extra time to get ready. Add the usual attempt to figure out what gear to wear. Nothing like a fall day to make gear selection fun. Part of the problem being it was forecasted to rain. Plus waiting for Ilan and Wayne to get there as they where a little late due to the GO Train being delayed. Then it was off.
Nick led us down a couple of streets then into his local trails. Which like the Dundas ride I still have no clue where we went. Lot's of rocky hill climbs and some fun descents. Though sadly I had to walk some of the descents as my front brake decided to take a vacation- no power at all. But after a bit of tinkering was able to ride some DH. Though did figure out that hydaulic brake seals in the cold tend to leak.
At one point while moving at speed watched Wayne do the front wheel mud slide to ricochet into the brush. Proving again, that easier sections lead to lack of trail focus which leads to crashes. I say that as it occured while riding 4x4 track towards more singletrack.
During the ride back to Nick's place he showed us his little downhill run he built. Nothing big just a simple little line. Some of the best times can be had on the simplest of lines. The we continued back to Nick's place. Which after 20 minutes of riding we returned to his place. After 3 hours of in the woods riding it started raining.
Then it was time to crank up the oven, crack open a beer, and make pizza. And for the record Nick makes a good pizza dough.
We gathered at Nick's place and like any group ride it took the usual extra time to get ready. Add the usual attempt to figure out what gear to wear. Nothing like a fall day to make gear selection fun. Part of the problem being it was forecasted to rain. Plus waiting for Ilan and Wayne to get there as they where a little late due to the GO Train being delayed. Then it was off.
Nick led us down a couple of streets then into his local trails. Which like the Dundas ride I still have no clue where we went. Lot's of rocky hill climbs and some fun descents. Though sadly I had to walk some of the descents as my front brake decided to take a vacation- no power at all. But after a bit of tinkering was able to ride some DH. Though did figure out that hydaulic brake seals in the cold tend to leak.
At one point while moving at speed watched Wayne do the front wheel mud slide to ricochet into the brush. Proving again, that easier sections lead to lack of trail focus which leads to crashes. I say that as it occured while riding 4x4 track towards more singletrack.
During the ride back to Nick's place he showed us his little downhill run he built. Nothing big just a simple little line. Some of the best times can be had on the simplest of lines. The we continued back to Nick's place. Which after 20 minutes of riding we returned to his place. After 3 hours of in the woods riding it started raining.
Then it was time to crank up the oven, crack open a beer, and make pizza. And for the record Nick makes a good pizza dough.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Anti Shopsmas Ride
Headed out to ride CB for a bit today. Ground was nicely frozen and it was a balmy minus 6
This section of new trail is a marsh in the fall and spring. Yet ridable in winter.
Clan approved anti freeze.
This section of new trail is a marsh in the fall and spring. Yet ridable in winter.
Clan approved anti freeze.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Handlebar Booties
Last February I got my hands on these Handlebar Booties courtesy of my buddy Andrew at Cycle Solutions. He let me know of these winter lovelies that are a wicked solution to the problem of winter riding.
Since I have been out here I have had to make do with various combinations of bulky gloves. And since I tend to run warm things get sweaty in some of the other systems I have tried. Plus the problem other issue with bulky winter gloves is that one start to lose feel, meaning you not only have a harder time gripping the bar but also as the glove thickness increases you start to lose that feel of what the bike is doing.
Similar to what you see riders use in Iditabike, but without all the extras like pockets. Enough room though if you want to stick a small camera for short periods.
The day these pictures where taken was -24 on the way to work and I wore just a standard pair of full fingers and no issue. Which for me is a good thing as Goretex gloves turn into a sweat sauna when I use them.
These are only usable on bikes with flat or riser bars. So that means road and cross bikes are out of luck. But this is about keeping the mountain biking in the fun of minus 20 Ontario winter.
http://www.myspace.com/handlebarbooties
Since I have been out here I have had to make do with various combinations of bulky gloves. And since I tend to run warm things get sweaty in some of the other systems I have tried. Plus the problem other issue with bulky winter gloves is that one start to lose feel, meaning you not only have a harder time gripping the bar but also as the glove thickness increases you start to lose that feel of what the bike is doing.
Similar to what you see riders use in Iditabike, but without all the extras like pockets. Enough room though if you want to stick a small camera for short periods.
The day these pictures where taken was -24 on the way to work and I wore just a standard pair of full fingers and no issue. Which for me is a good thing as Goretex gloves turn into a sweat sauna when I use them.
These are only usable on bikes with flat or riser bars. So that means road and cross bikes are out of luck. But this is about keeping the mountain biking in the fun of minus 20 Ontario winter.
http://www.myspace.com/handlebarbooties
Dundas Monstercross
On October 2nd was the social event of the fall Cyclocross season, the Dundas Monstercross in Hamilton.
So after some thought the decision was made. Departed Toronto at the wonderful time of 7am and headed out on the 401. Smooth sailing till near Hamilton when had the fun of getting around all the highway repaving. But no worries as all in attendance where still getting gear sorted and dressed when I arrived. Sadly I have never been good remembering names but it was great to meet Linda, Tom, and Marc the organizer of this ride as well as his wife Nerdgirl.. Which turned out to be to celebrate his birthday.
So after the usual talking, changing, checking of tires , and posturing with bikes. We were off. Mark led us on an interesting route that combined a bit of road connectors, rail trail, double track, and a wee bit of singletrack. Really I have no real clue where Marc led us but does it really matter? It's all about getting out with people and having fun. Had a mix of bikes which in order of majority- 29ers, Cross bikes, and one lone token 26 inch wheel mountain bike.
Having never ridden at all in 8 years of moving to Ontario in the Dundas/Hamilton area. It was nice to sample some new trails. Though I have no clue really what the route was as I mentioned earlier. Though I think the Deer head on the trail discovery was the weird find of the ride. And Tom riding his SS Steelwool worked on his rut magnet skills was entertaining. especially when you consider Marc was on a skinny tired cross bike. But it is nice not at times not having to make these difficult route choices and just ride. Plus the evil rain held off till near the end so we avoided getting the wet gear march to Garage Monster's Lair.
After 3 plus hours we returned to the Lair and thus began the pumpkin soup phase of this Monstercross Duathlon. Nothing like warming up after a chilly misty fall ride with warm soup. And the Garage Monster makes good pumpkin soup. Of course chased with a bit of alcohol. And a gathering of cyclists can't be completed without talking about cycling, impersonating race officials, and such other cycling topics.
After a good feed thus began the drive home along the brake light freeway oops, I mean the QEW towards Toronto. Sadly the plan to ride a bit more as the rain came down and thwarted my plan for checking out the Waterdown trails and simply had to start the long drive home.
So after some thought the decision was made. Departed Toronto at the wonderful time of 7am and headed out on the 401. Smooth sailing till near Hamilton when had the fun of getting around all the highway repaving. But no worries as all in attendance where still getting gear sorted and dressed when I arrived. Sadly I have never been good remembering names but it was great to meet Linda, Tom, and Marc the organizer of this ride as well as his wife Nerdgirl.. Which turned out to be to celebrate his birthday.
So after the usual talking, changing, checking of tires , and posturing with bikes. We were off. Mark led us on an interesting route that combined a bit of road connectors, rail trail, double track, and a wee bit of singletrack. Really I have no real clue where Marc led us but does it really matter? It's all about getting out with people and having fun. Had a mix of bikes which in order of majority- 29ers, Cross bikes, and one lone token 26 inch wheel mountain bike.
Having never ridden at all in 8 years of moving to Ontario in the Dundas/Hamilton area. It was nice to sample some new trails. Though I have no clue really what the route was as I mentioned earlier. Though I think the Deer head on the trail discovery was the weird find of the ride. And Tom riding his SS Steelwool worked on his rut magnet skills was entertaining. especially when you consider Marc was on a skinny tired cross bike. But it is nice not at times not having to make these difficult route choices and just ride. Plus the evil rain held off till near the end so we avoided getting the wet gear march to Garage Monster's Lair.
After 3 plus hours we returned to the Lair and thus began the pumpkin soup phase of this Monstercross Duathlon. Nothing like warming up after a chilly misty fall ride with warm soup. And the Garage Monster makes good pumpkin soup. Of course chased with a bit of alcohol. And a gathering of cyclists can't be completed without talking about cycling, impersonating race officials, and such other cycling topics.
After a good feed thus began the drive home along the brake light freeway oops, I mean the QEW towards Toronto. Sadly the plan to ride a bit more as the rain came down and thwarted my plan for checking out the Waterdown trails and simply had to start the long drive home.
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