Thursday, September 24, 2009

day 2 report







First up.. Moots. Amazing new RSL frame. 3/2 front triangle fully butted with reynolds TI coupled with 6/4 in the back. Super stiff, ubber light. Press fit BB and a new head tube. Looking at a booth full of Moots is never a bad thing.



So I ask my self....What is this years theme of the show?? Colored and anodized parts? ( yes it is 1990 all over), 2 x 10 or D12 electronic drive trains? when did bikes start needing diagnostic machines? While I live for new technology and it keeps us busy, I found The Nantucket Basket Company and NutCase helmets very refreshing from all the hype.
The new Scott's look great and have killer spec. Felt ...full carbon from 1699. However bikes are not the big theme ( most of the big guys: Giant, Trek, ect. have already shown their bikes at dealer meetings) so it is about accessories and accoutrements. Hey, thats what all of you buy after and for the bike anyway, so it is good to find the best out there.
After a day of scouring the hall, happy hour arrives. Sometimes you stand in line at Sram for 45 minutes to get a Fat Tire....or sometimes Dirt Rag will have a full bar, the red rocker( jeff), and Gary fisher. It is never a bad time to open your day looking at Moots and finish it doing shots with Gary.
For a few more pics





Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Interbike part one







Yesterday I headed out to the tent city in the desert known as The Dirt Demo. Every want to have your choice of hundreds of bikes to ride; Road, Mountain, Cross, City, electric assist, anything you can think of... After a couple meetings it was riding time. First up the Scott Genius with dual lock out and travel control for both the front and rear suspension. Full locked, 4" rear-full 6" front, or full 6". Carbon frame. This bike glided over everything. I found my self using the lock outs instead of changing gears in the front. If you want a cross country bike that has all mountain capabilities this is a great way to go.


Next up was the new Kona Cadabra. Great technology that changes Head tube and Seat tube Angles then firms or softens the suspension depending on pedaling forces. On the down hills and rolling ups this bike screamed and felt right at home. If you want an all mountain bike that can go up this is a great way to go. 2 bikes, same travel, one more XC and one more AM, both very capable.


Then it was on to some new technology that Spot developed last year. The Belt Drive. A number or companies including Spot, Trek, and Raleigh are coming out with bikes with the Belt drive this year and the rumor is Felt, Giant and Kona are in the works. Stronger than a chain and a better lifespan a number or bikes will be using this in the future. From the first pedal stroke all I could think was SMOOTH and QUIET. No chain noise and a feeling of immediate engagement. I think we may have to bring one in soon.
Now its off to a day of meetings, catching up with suppliers, free beer, and general bicycle madness that is interbike.




Wednesday, September 16, 2009

bike racks part deux


After yesterdays post I found myself trying to load the Moots into the 66 jeep this morning. They apparently did not consider bike transporting in their design process. Realizing it would not fit in the back I opted for the passengers seat. The whole way to work I found myself doing the parental hand across the passenger at every stop. I then had to laugh at my self criticizing someone else's rack choice!

But what could be better than a ride in the jeep with your moots. Thanks taking a bike for a ride.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Something is not right here...

This is not how a Saris Bones rack should be used...........
Although the Thule Spare Tire rack was a little to tight on the MRC FJ, so maybe they're on to something. Remember all rack companies have fit guilds on their web site to let you know what will work. Stop in our stores and our helpfull staff will let you know the best rack for your car and even show you how to use/install it! That brings me top my next point. Of late we have seen quite a few customers and friends ( yes you know who you are!) "forget" about the bikes on top of the car. At least 7 I can think of. Stay away from the drive throughs, garages, overhangs people! :)
PS. I have only done that 3 times in my life......thats good right??