Go Clipless

Dear Idiot...

Here's Bike Snob NYC with another episode of "Worst of NYC Craigslist Bike Ads":

Dear Idiot: A 'pedal' is the thing your foot goes on, and 'peddle' is what you're trying to do with your crap.

Just telling it like it is...

Shadow Bike

  shadowbike 
  Originally uploaded by Voetmann

What a great photograph. Poster worthy, even.

First seen on Cycleliciousness (the sister site to Cycle Chic...not the original Cyclelicio.us).

7 seriously great 24-inch kids mountain bikes

If you're a serious rider, you'll likely want your kids to be too. There just is nothing better than being out on the trail watching your son or daughter conquer those obstacles and gain the strength and confidence to one day out do you on the trail. But they won't ever be able to do it on that piece of crap from the big box store you skimped on last year.

Yeah, I'm talking about that bouncy spring laden, bling covered, hideously overweight POS. Go ahead. Pick it up. It's heavier than your bike, right? How will you ever expect your 8 - 12 year old child to have fun on the trail when they constantly end up walking lugging that monstrosity up the hill.

It's time to invest a little in a bike that's worthy of the dirt. One that inspires confidence and will be a joy to ride. One that may even be worth racing in the junior circuit. Yes, I said invest. So back away from that new Chris King headset, shun the DT Swiss spokes, and don't even think about that new Brooks saddle, it's time for you to check your own riding wants at the door while you jump start your child toward a lifetime of mountain biking.

Trek MT 240

Trek is known for it's racing pedigree and this bike is no exception. The MT 240 is well spec'ed for a kids bike and has a fairly aggressive cross-country geometry. It also includes a crank that allows two different pedal positions. In theory this allows you to get more life out of your investment. My son (age 8) is already too tall for the 'short' pedal position, however. My guess is that if the child needs the shorter pedal position they are probably not ready for a 24-inch bike. Component highlights: Shimano Alivio rear dérailleur, tunable 50 mm front suspension fork. MSRP - $430.

Specialized Hotrock A1

The Hotrock is one hot looking bike. It has a fairly aggressive race-style geometry and comes in 2 frame sizes; 11 and 13 inches. For 2008, Specialized has added a lockout on the front fork. While your child will likely want the suspension when not on the trail for bouncing up and down sidewalks, the lockout will work out nicely for long rides on the bike path with the family. A nice touch. Component highlights: Aggressive knobby 1.8 inch tires, front-fork with lockout for 2008. MSRP - $360.

Kona Hula

Kona's takes kids mountain biking seriously, with a full range of bikes in many styles ranging from, freeride, bmx, and road. The Hula is Kona's cross-country racer and is built with the legendary toughness that the company is known for. Unlike most of the other bikes available for kids, this bike comes with Rapidfire shifters in place of the grip shifters. Component highlights: Rapidfire shifters. MSRP - $325.

Gary Fisher Opie 24

Like the Trek MT 240, this Fisher is well spec'ed. It has a better performing rear dérailleur, Shimano Alivio, than most in this round up and is peppered with Bontrager parts throughout. The Opie 24 is new for 2008 and features an oversize aluminum frames and the multiple pedal position crank found on the Trek. Component highlights: Shimano Alivio rear derailleur. MSRP - $420.

Giant STP 225

This bike from Giant is intended to do it all for kids. Street, jumping, and trail riding. It has a mixed component set from a variety of manufacturers, no doubt to keep the price relatively low. If you're kid is not going to be in any races and you want a quality all-round bike for him or her at a reasonable price, this could be the one. Component highlights: Kenda K-rad 2.125 inch tires. MSRP - $350.

Carver Mini

Here's a wild idea. Why not buy a bike with a frame that can accept both 24 and 26 inch tires? The Carver Mini will do just that and claims to be far lighter than other kids bikes out there. The mini can be purchased as a frame only, frame and fork combo, or full build. Prices range from $399 for just the frame to $1399 with a Marzocchi Fondo fork and cross-country disc build.

Scott Scale JR 24

Weighing in at about 27.5 pounds the Scale is one of the lighter bikes in this group. Scott is known for light high quality racing bikes and the Scale JR 24 is no exception. Similarly spec'ed as the Trek and Gary Fisher bikes you can expect a comparable price, though I found a 2007 on line for only $350 (a steal if you ask me). Component highlights: Shimano Alivio rear dérailleur. MSRP - Approximately $430 for 2008.

What type of pedal system do you use for mountain biking?

Ever notice that pedals and pedal systems are one of the most intensely personal of all bike components. It seems every time the subject of pedals comes up in a bike forum the conversation levels kick up a notch and many people will chime in with their preference. Sometimes the conversation gets heated, which I always find particularly amusing.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to do a little experiment here and run a quick, unscientific poll to see if there are any predominant pedal choices amongst GC readers. I realize not all of you are mountain bikers, but I wanted to keep things simple.

Of course it's not a full on survey, so I won't be asking about your experience level or anything, though it would be interesting to see if there is any kind of correlation based on experience. If you don't mind, leave your comments as to why you chose a particular system, what your experience level is, and if you've switched from another system. Here you go.

Cannondale's rigid Lefty fork

Do we really need a rigid lefty fork? I thought the whole idea of the Lefty was the weight savings, increased torsional stiffness, and reduced stiction. None of those benefits will be seen on a rigid version of the fork. Ok, maybe there will be some weight reduction, but it will probably be negligible, right?

Well, take a look at the Lefty on the full bike. The new Cannondale Bad Boy Street bike. Now you can see the reason. It's clean, sleek, and minimal. Nothing extra on this clutter-free masterpiece.

Now if I only lived in the city and had a real purpose for this thing.

(More Cannodale goodness at Eurobike via BikeMagic)

Masters Cycling is the new magazine for "geezer jocks"

Extra. Extra. Read all about it. Get your old geezer cycling news right here.

Yup. GeezerJocks, LLC. is publishing a new cycling magazine aimed at the gray-haired set. The magazine is called Masters Cycling and will be published five times a year.

In all seriousness, what do you think about this?

On the surface, my first thought was that this is completely ridiculous. Do old people want to read about other old people? I would think they are just like everyone else who enjoys reading magazines and seeing images of people doing unattainable things with unattainable bodies. The whole celebrity culture is built on this very premise.

On the other hand, one of the largest generations of Americans, the baby boomers, is on the verge of retirement. And they are one of the most active generations of old people. These are not people that will wither away into the sunset. No. Many of them will be cycling.

So maybe this is a smart move?

I really don't know. Any baby boomers out there that might shed some light as to whether this is a good idea?

Oh yeah, I just realized that the magazine is really only for older men, what, with the title of Masters Cycling and all. Who's going to cater to the older women? What about Mistress Cycling? Oh, yeah that has a different connotation. Come to think of it Mistress Cycling might be a great idea, but it would have to be one of those sexy calendars, however. You can have the idea, but I get a percentage of the royalties. ;-)

(Via FutureLab)

Chicks on bikes are all the rage

If you've been around the bike blogosphere than you've no doubt seen the already classic blog Cycle Chic Cophenhagen Girls on Bikes. And don't lie and tell me that you don't think that it's the hottest thing going next to porn. Even the straight girls are drooling.

Ahhh, but guess what? It's no longer our little secret here in bike blogo-la-la land. It's been picked up by the mainstream. Celebrities are riding bikes now. Fashion shows are including bikes. And even bike accessory companies are advertising to this new mainstream audience.

Now don't go fretting here, this is a good thing, right? It's what we wanted...everyone to be on bikes. So I don't want to hear anyone complain that bike culture just isn't what it used to be. Yeah, fixies jumped the shark when the stock brokers jumped on board, but you know what, that's what happens when people get a hold of a good thing.

Bike Darlington said it best in reference to the Cycle Chic blog, "this is what cyclists look like when cycling becomes 'normal'".

Crank Brothers is at it again, going to give Chris King a run for the money

I'll tell you what. Crank Brothers is fast becoming the premier high-end bike component manufacturer out there. Give them a few more years and I think you'll find every major bike part or accessory has been reinvented by this crew of design mavens.

For 2008 they've announced several new products, including wheels, headsets, a new single speed crank, and a seat post.

While none of the new designs are as game-changing as their pedals were when first introduced, they are aesthetically beautiful. Only time will tell if they can hold up to day to day abuse.

Headsets

About time someone give Chris King a run for the money. I've never understood the fascination with headsets, but here you go Chris, some genuine design competition.

Single Speed Cranks

Now these are downright gorgeous. Clean looking and very minimalist modern. Kind of like my Ikea kitchen, but with more fit and finish. Would go nicely on my Monocog 29er, but cost almost as much as the bike at approximately $300.

Wheels

Now I've seen this hub and spoke design done before, but it sure does look clean, doesn't it? The only trouble for me is that there are just two colors, Cobalt Blue and Opium Red. I prefer a more subdued wheel and let my riding do the talking (yeah right), but that's just me.

Seat Post

It's not clear to me if Crank Brothers bought the Speedball seat post line from Maverick or simply licensed the design, but they do plan to continue development of this innovative seat post that let's you lower and raise the post depending on the terrain. Shrewd move on Crank Brothers part, after all there are only so many innovations that can come to the seat post.

So let's see...the Crank Brothers lineup now consists of the following; pedals, cranks, bottom brackets, wheels, headsets, and seat post, not to mention accessories like pumps, hand tools, and cleats. So what's next? Skewers and hubs sold separately, handlebars (maybe buy the design of one of those crazy Mary, H, or Jones bars)...what am I missing?

(Via Cyclelicious)

Tour de Brew Mountain Bike Race - 2 out of 3 ain't bad

That's what I'm talking about! A race that brings two of the three major components to sustain a happy life. All that's missing is the sex. That's right I'm talking about bikes and beer.

Sure you've been to fat tire festivals and hauled your coolers of frosty cold ones out to the 24-hour race campsite, but have you ever raced through a brew pub? I didn't think so.

Now you can, ladies and gentleman...at the Tour de Brew in Allentown, PA (via Smithers). Which, by the way, is part of the Lehigh Valley and is quietly becoming a mecca of all things cycling.

But I digress.

Why didn't anyone think of this before? It's absolute genius. Why not bring your mountain bike race right through a brew pub or bar? Maybe even grab a pint on the way through. It would be great for us also-rans that end up in the bottom third of the field. Our new excuse..."yeah I would have podiumed, but they just broke the seal on a new keg of IPA, I just had to give it a try."

DNF would be a badge of honor.

Representative Patrick McHenry uses the mamby-pamby, luddite argument to get dumb people to agree with him

What an ass. Take a listen to this clown and come on back and read this.

Look. I'm what you call issue oriented. An independent sort of guy. I've voted Democrat and I've voted Republican. Some may call this flip-flopping. I call it smart. But whatever, I do think that lately Republicans have deployed a strategy of "appeal to the dumb people."

You often here arguments like this one where one point is taken out of an entire proposal and ridiculed to the point of absurdity.

I don't know about you, but I haven't heard any serious politician propose that the bicycle is the sole answer to the U.S.'s energy problems. Maybe an answer as part of a comprehensive proposal that includes all kinds of solutions, but not the sole answer. In fact, the Democrats tend to propose multi-faceted solutions that include new sources of energy from the most modern technologies such as solar and hydrogen-powered vehicles, while also suggesting that more energy use is not necessarily better.

Imagine if there were a Democrat that put forth arguments like McHenry. What might he or she say? Something like..."The Republicans will have you believe that more is the answer to all of our problems. Buy more. Be proud of you big bloated automobiles. Eat whatever you want whenever you want. Waste like it's going out of style."

I think it's possible for anyone to be elected to the House of Representatives. Thank goodness there are 435 of them to balance each other out. Jeeesh.

(Via The Piton via Bike Satan)