Go Clipless

Testrider.com while promising, launches prematurely

I get a ton of press releases in my inbox daily. Most of them silly, but a few catch my eye. The other day I received a press release from TestRider.com a new site that will provide video reviews of bikes and accessories from experts and let users rate and decide.

Sounds cool, so I checked it out. The site was featuring a video review of the new 2008 S-Works Transition Time Trial bike. While the review was well produced and the reviewer seemed credible, it felt more like an infomercial than a review. I don't want to be overly harsh here since reviews are difficult to do well and nobody does them perfectly, but I would like to provide a bit of constructive criticism since I'd like to see this site do well in the future.

Why should we care?

Quite simply, it's time the bike review evolves into three dimensions and breaks beyond the 2-d world of the printed page in a magazine, the gratuitous "sneak-peek" bike porn photos found on blogs, and the sometimes hit-or-miss reviews of MTBR.com. Yes. Testrider.com is on to something with their professional quality video reviews and user ratings, but they need to hold back their launch until they do most of the following:

1) Give us all sides in your reviews; pros and cons, not just the pros. Of the four reviews currently on the site, there were no critical words about any of the products. The reviewer seemed to give the new Sram Rival road gruppo a perfect 10. What will the higher-end Sram Force group get, an 11? Give us the con side too and a basis for comparison.

2) Change that proprietary video viewer out for one that's shareable. For one thing, it's too small and there aren't enough user options. But the main thing is that it must be shareable if you want it to become viral. Better yet, post it on YouTube and embed their viewer on your site. People will find your site through YouTube and spread the word for you.

3) Each review should have it's own page with the video embedded and written specifications as well. How about some links to where you can buy it? This could even mean additional revenue to TestRider.com if it uses affiliates.

4) Allow users to submit video reviews as well. It looks like user reviews are planned for the site, but I would recommend that they be more than just user ratings for products you review. Maybe hold contests for users to submit their own video reviews and you'll get more content faster and a more highly engaged user base.

Ok...there you have it. My four-step plan to help TestRider.com take the bike review to the next level. I'm sure a lot of hard work went in to the four reviews that have been completed already, but you need to temper the excitement and take a deep breath. This press release was a bit premature. Maybe implement a few of the suggestions here (and possibly in the comments) and hit the streets strong in a couple of weeks. I think it will be welcome.

Up and coming band, Bat for Lashes, has video with bikes and creepy halloween costumes

I track a bunch of indie music blogs, but lately haven't found much I like for some reason. I would have totally overlooked Bat for Lashes if it weren't for the fact that the lead singer Natasha Khan was riding a bike in the video. It's a little creepy though since the rest of the band is dressed in Halloween costumes doing BMX stunts. Anyway, check out this video and not just because of the bikes, it's actually pretty good music. (Via Fuzznut)

By the way, new Interpol comes out tomorrow...

"There Goes an Asshole"

Iconoclasst posted this hilarious video up on Bikecentric. I love the casual lyrics. It's as though the singer is watching this theft unfold in front of his eyes, yet blames his neighbors. Funny on several levels, and yet tragic at the same time. Asshole.

World Naked Bike Ride in a city near you this weekend

While I'm on the subject of naked cycling, Michael Green of BikeBlog reminds us that the World Naked Bike Ride will take place this weekend. Nearly 70 cities around the world will be taking part in this peaceful ride to "to celebrate cycling and the human body. The ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against oil dependency."

Here's a trailer to the 63 minute video titled "Indecent Exposure to Cars," which documents past World Naked Bike Ride events.

So this is my question. Do you think these types of events achieve their goal? Do they really bring the right kind of attention to help change minds? I'm all for getting together and riding naked around the city (done legally with permit and all), but do it for the fun and frivolity of it all. I have to wonder if these kinds of protests only serve to demonstrate to the wider public that cyclists are just a bunch of crazy anarchists?

Learn how to flow off drops properly with this video tutorial

Although I consider myself to be a cross-country mountain biker it is always good to think cross-functionally in nature and keep up with other mountain bike disciplines. To that end, I sometimes pick up Decline Magazine, which is focused on Downhilling and Freeride.

Decline - in partnership with Fluidride - has a couple of nice technique videos on their website that could prove helpful to any rider looking to push themselves beyond their current limits. Of particular note is the video showing the many techniques to flow off of drops. More advanced riders might also want to take a look at ways to improve their jumping skills.

Shyyyt...I'm still working on my log hopping...next up...wall rides!!!

The great log jumping smackdown

Seems like I'm regularly stealing stuff from Bikecentric...I can't help it...it's just cool shit. This time it's more entertaining than informative. Although, I'm sure you will feel schooled after you see this video from Rickyd and the gang.

It ain't easy hopping over a 29 inch log - not even with a 29 inch wheel.

So check it out...and tell me you don't feel like a sissy for riding around that last fourteen inch log you came across?

The great 29er vs. 26er tire debate, MythBuster style

Seems to me that it's only 26 inch wheel stalwarts that feel the need to test which wheel platform is faster. Those who ride 29ers don't seem to need such tests. They just know that the bigger wheels are better. It's all in the way they feel.

There are some great 26 inch bikes out there and for some applications like freeriding and downhill, still very necessary. But for most cross country riders, it's only a matter of time until they make the switch.

I could go on, but this video is more about the entertainment factor than the actual debate. The one thing that it does highlight is that there has yet to be a test that would actually validate either platform.

What are we testing for again, anyway?

Specialized's nutcracker video - ingenious, or missed opportunity?

This holiday video from Specialized could be a real hit. It's pretty ingenious actually - playing the nutcracker suite using bike parts as instruments and using stop motion filming for effect.

Specialized, put this on YouTube and make it easier for idiots like me to help spread the word (like I just did)!

(Stolen from the DrunkCyclist)

Crazy urban trials riding

Can't get enough of this kind of thing...sick...sick...sick.

Sent to me by an E.M.T. from the London Ambulance Service who asks if this may be another 'customer' of his.

The hottest way to slow drivers down

The Danish Road Safety Council is serious about drivers following the posted speed limit. So serious in fact, that they will stop at nothing to get people to pay attention to speed limit signs.

The Council created this little gem of a video (not suitable for work) that demonstrates their latest techniques.

Gotta love those Europeans!