Hope n Pauls

Today went out to Collins bay for a bit of a ride and trail work. Though it was mostly trail work, cleaning blowdown off the new trail. And the new trail is ready for the season to begin.

Alcohol Fueled





The guy's at Chromag Bikes have got some seat collars and wheel QR's now. Those will be on the Mistress upgrade list.

The other parts I'm looking at over the next year will be a selection of goodies from Hope and Paul's components. I would like to have full Hope brakes and hubs within the year. Hopefully on both bikes. And of course have a winter set of non hope hubs for winter and as back up. Add to that headset and BB from Hope as well. Guess I'm a bit of a snob in that area.

Stems Stems

Went to work at the shop today. Placed on order the stem for the Chromag, it's a Truvativ XR. Should be here by Friday. Then the big bonus was finding out the derrailler we had in the shop will work for the future build. It's an old Suntour top pull but who cares as it is cheap and will do the job. So for about $25 got a stem and a derrialleur.

Not much else today as it was a long day of work at the shop then at the base gym.

Chromag Slumber Disturbed

Today had some change occur fast. Barely got out the door and had to come back as my front wheel on the 29er blew a spoke. Had to wake up the Mistress from her hibernation.

It seemed like it was meant to be. As by forcing me to rider it made the ride towards work harder. Though didn't have time to do the mandatory hill climb. Though there where other benefits. It made be dig out the DMR BB and cranks to take to work for Monday to install. Plus it will mean the wheels will finally get trued. And the disc's finally replaced.



Though I have realized I need to replace the stem as the one on it puts me to far forward.

Parts Quest

After I posted my build wish list for the OWB29 I have been finding some deals on parts. Specifically older stock stuff from various sources. Looking at a front derrailleur right now. Just need to check the clamp size and it may be an option. Plus when it comes to tires may have a cheaper option with the Serfas Krest 9'r tires. I recall looking at the distributers catalogue and seeing them for around $20 a tire.

Today when went for my ride was a bit disappointed as the trails are still a skating rink. I have to wait till the weekend unfortunately. So I still have to ride road for a few more days. Tomorrow will be a bit of hill work.

Dirtbag Gear Tip

With warmer weather approaching our thoughts turn to gear and warm weather riding. And with the economy not doing well and obviously cost cutting measures for most are in effect.nI'll share a cost cutter I have been doing.

When it comes to our cycling jersey's they usually come in less then a half zip. Yet for most a full zip would be better. No need to remove helmets and such. Plus in the cooler times of the year Spring and Fall it's so much easier to take off and put on layers as needed.

The down side to buying new jersey's is the cost. Yet if one goes through their closet of bike gear they have lots of jerseys. The solution is simple, find a sewing shop that specializes in outdoor gear. And have them install a full zip. It costs me abot 420 a jersey to do this. Think of many jersey's can be revitalized for the cost of a $140 jersey.

Below is my old Insport jersey I did last fall.

Frozen Chimps

From what I have learned via the world wide web, Team Dicky in Charlotte NC is feeling bit of winter nastiness and he's feeling picked on by Mother Nature. Guess he's lacking a wee bit on the testicular fortitude. I suggest the proper application of 10lbs of weights to the bike will cure him of this affliction.

On the parts front, I may have a cheaper solution for my front derrailleur. But need to take some measurements on Saturday. Hopefully it will all work out. If it does then I will save $40. Which of course will be a benefit to the frame fund.

The weather forecast for the weekend claims it will be warming up and wet. Which I doubt as the weather around in winter tends to be on the screwy side. Though with it being warm it will hopefully mean that I can get onto the local trails finally. With the melt then freeze a few weeks ago the trails are really not fun.

Plus it will hopefully mean trail work can start up again.

Freezing Count

Had to cancel the planned training day as had to rush home to deal with something. Funnily enough was reacting to someone else's failure to plan.

Tomorrow will have to ride to work hard and fast then home hard and fast to get a little bit of training. Though Joely has admited tonight that I have been taken advantage of in the last few days with all this running around.

While at the shop doing inventory have placed the order for the chain rings and the Exiwolf tires I will be needing. That way they are ordered and things are taken care of in that area. Now it just comes down to getting the fork dealt with and o the bike sooner then later.