Snow Ride!!

There I was outside on Wednesday, trying to shovel out the driveway with my 2 girls after another snow storm. I remembered that I needed to go to the store to pick up a couple of things. So I figured since the store was only 5 minutes away, instead of trying to dig the car out, I'll just grab the single speed and ride up to the store. So I hopped on the bike and started riding up there. Let me tell you, with the wind and the amount of snow we got, was even a challenge to ride that day. It took me a little longer to get there but not to bad. I grabbed the stuff I needed and rode back home. After I got home, I said that felt great to get out there and ride. It's been such a long winter, so to get out there and ride for a little bit was wonderful! Hopefully the groundhog won't see his shadow and we will get a early spring. We are all wishing for that after this winter!!

There Here!!!!

We just got in our first shipment of Scott Bikes. At first glance these bikes are very impressive. They built up very well, no issues at all. The frames are hydroformed fluid aluminum. The way they formed these frames are a work of art. Pictures of these bikes don't do them justice! You have to see them in person to justify the craftsmenship of these bikes. We don't have all of the bikes we ordered in yet, but we did get the in Genius 50, the P3 & P5. We are expecting to receive the remaining order of our Scott bikes very soon. So check back with us soon, but in the meantime come on down to see the new bikes we have and witness of work of art.

Vintage Rides

I just got done putting the final touches to my Viscount restoration up here at the men's escape center. I pulled her out of the trash a few years ago and she has been waiting in my barn for someone to restore her to like new condition.
The Lambert/Viscount bicycle company has a rather unique story behind them. They set out in the 70s on a brave quest to manufacture high quality frames and components that were affordable. A grand and noble attempt it was doomed to failure. Some of the cool things found on this bike are the sealed bottom bracket and hubs, one of the first aluminum forks (aka the death fork), and the beautifully polished crankset. We have the bike on display at the Chardon store if anyone would like to come up and take a look at it. In the future we will be posting more vintage bikes for you viewing. Stay tuned:)

Cabin Fever?

The snow and ice are not going to melt anytime soon. Nokian steel studded tires are a great option to keep you from slidding on the ice. We have sold a number of these for people still commuting. One guy road into the store with these last Thursday. I think it was about -3 degrees at the time. Props to him! 240 studs will grip the slippery stuff. These are available in both Hybrid and Mountain sizes. (26x2.1 or 700x37). I have found them a great fit for "fitness bikes" like the Giant FCR or a Kona Dew. We keep a set in stock in the 700x37 or we can order it for you in just a couple days. Sounds like the perfect thing for the Vultures Knob Cyclocross Like Experience!

Giant Dual Fit Indoor Cycle

I just got done assembling a Giant Dual Fit indoor exercise cycle.
The temperature is up to 12F now. I thought I'm not going outside to ride so why not put in a few miles on the Dual Fit. I was very surprised at how smooth and
quiet this unit is! I felt comfortable, turned on the supplied computer and pedaled
away. Well, a few miles turned into 10 miles in no time. I felt I got a good
workout not only in my legs but also in my arms. With this exercise cycle you can
workout your arms and legs together or independently. I look foward to going
home and using the one I bought my wife.

When all else fails to excite..

Threw on the Carharts and stepped outside to do some chores. Replenish the wood suppy for the wood brurner and snowblow the driveway. After a few passes and loads I started looking at the bikes hanging in the garage. What to do? Take down the Griswald style Xmas lights? Head in for a round of PS3? Not going to put on shoes and gear, the ray's bike with the Kona platforms is at the shop. Then I saw the Suntour Toe Clip and Strap pedals on the the Specialized. Why do I need bike gear when I have a full Carhart suit on? I am wearing my Craft beanie. Off I went. Sun was setting, and the snow falling, I was plenty warm. Came back with a smile on my face, thinking about what a story this bike was.

This was my first "real" mountain bike. It took me to my first XC race. A 1991 or 92 Handmade S-Works hardtail, Suntour XC pro parts with grease guard port holes, Future shock and a Dura Ace rear derailluer. We found out short cage Dura Ace worked great with the Suntour, just like Downhillers will run them today. Yet I was young and needed some money so I sold it for, I don't know, $350. Yahh, sell a $3000 USA made bike for a few bucks, real smart. Then about a year ago a customer brings in a bike somebody gave him. The bike had been in a abandoned building. It was the same bike....not the same model, actually MY BIKE. It Had the same silly paint, "El Diablo" on the top tube, that I had so poorly painted. I promptly traded the customer, had KEI repaint the frame, and had John rebuild it for me.

Just like 1992, no bike gear, no clipless pedals, just a great ride.

new brakes...

for my cross bikes. avid redesigned the shorty sixes for thousand nine. upon first inspection, they seem to be more 'stable' than previous years. they are lighter than before.

they are also front and rear specific. this is made apparent by the different pads. the rear is your 'average' cartridge pad that you'd find on a road bike; however i'm sure that there is more to it than that. then the front is your 'average' cross pad set up. i'm sure that there is some science and engineering behind that, but i couldn't find any thing on the net, or on their site.







the interesting thing that they come with is three different length straddle wires. the longer the wire (with a steep angle) they will provide you with a firm feel; however you lose out on leverage. conversely with a shorter wire with a lower angle, you get a softer feel with more leverage. i thought this added feature to be pretty cool, and to add some personalization to the brake itself.

i look forward to using these brakes this season. i've always liked the shorty's, and these improvements ought to be welcomed.

enjoy...

amitabha...

Forget Cyclocross