Foundry Cycles... Want a free bike?

Have you heard of Foundry Cycles? I hadn't either until this morning. Part of the QBP family of bike brands, they are relatively new to the game sporting only three bike models, all of carbon fiber; which cover dirt, road, and cross disciplines. All three models are very nice on the eyes, with pretty impressive part specs to boot. I would venture to say that these are some folks' "dream bikes." What caught my eye about this company though, apart from their gorgeous bikes, is they are offering up free bicycles to a lucky group of folks who apply. Consider this my application.

Auger cross bike.

So why should I get a free bike? Apart from the obvious (I ride bikes, like bikes, write about bikes, take pictures of bikes, etc.) I am not a fan of carbon fiber. Wait, what was that? Yes, I am not a fan of carbon. I feel that carbon is overpriced, and overrated. I feel that it has too high of a risk of failure. I feel that I would break one very easily. Not that I am a Clydesdale by any means, but I ride hard, and I ride a lot. I just do not trust the material. I guess that even though I am only thirty, I would classify as a retrogrouch. Steel is real baby.

Router dirt bike.

So win me over. Prove me wrong that carbon is not a weak, delicate, overrated material, and I will sing it from the rooftops that these bikes are legit. How do you prove me wrong? Send me a bike and lets dance. Ball is in your court Foundry.

Ratchet road bike.

Check out their site here for more pictures and more information about applying for the job. Better hurry though, deadline is tomorrow at midnight.

All pictures from Foundry.

Just keep spinning...

Just Riding Along... Scouting Trip.

Beautiful, windy day in SW Ohio today. Had around an hour and a half to explore this afternoon on the Troll. I have been in the planning stages of a bikepacking trip, so today I loaded up a few things in the front panniers and hit the road to scout out how long it would possibly take me to reach my destination. I didn't really have enough time to ride the entire route, but riding what I did today gave me an idea on how long it will take to get there. Great day to be out, but the return trip was brutal due to a crazy headwind. Normally, I do not mind them, but with loaded panniers a headwind really sucks the life out of you. Apart from that issue, it was a nice little ride of dirt and tarmac.

Started off on the local trails.

Ended up on some side roads, following the Buckeye Trail. Note the fiberglass sports car body lying in the weeds...

Hanging out in the flowers, which I believe are Dutchman's Breeches.

Total miles for today, around 17. Mixed with dirt, tarmac, and a nasty headwind? I am beat this evening.

Just keep spinning...

Just Riding Along... New shoes...

Since March usually is one of the wettest months out of the year here in Ohio, I have started my search for road tires for the Troll. My plan all along has been to keep this bike versatile, and eventually have a second wheel set to swap in and out for road duty. Until that though, I will be wrestling tires on and off of my Sun Ringle rims. With all of the rain here lately, and the rain in the forecast, what better time than now?

My first choice is this:

Photo from utahtrikes.com

Second choice:

Photo from bikemania.cz

Both are around the same price, the Big Apples measure in at 26x2.35" and the Hookworms at 26x2.5" respectively. Both are huge! And both are heavy, that is to be expected. But, for the time being, I will be putting on my skinny, cheap, Forte (Made by Panaracer) City ST tires, which measure in a 26x1.5. I plan on running these for my road duty until I can finally make up my mind.

And, just because, here is a quick picture from after one ride last week:

Just keep spinning...

Just Riding Along... Surly Troll part 2 cont.

A couple teaser shots from today, just mocking up some things before other work is done...

Maxxis Ardent 26x2.6 fit, just barely, with the axle pushed all the way forward.

Mocked up, no headset installed as of yet. Checking the fit of the Salsa Down Under rack.

I am beyond excited about this build, slowly but surely coming together.

Just keep spinning...

Just Riding Along... Surly Troll part 2.

Just a few pictures from today's Surly action... good times.

Troll in the sand blast cabinet.

Surgery.

Jeff from JC Scoots, aka Dad, doing what he does best.

Surly color "agent orange" meet "Ford blue."

Finite.

Great time today hanging out in the shop with my Dad. Be sure to check out his shop here.

Next up: Headset.

Just keep spinning...

Just Riding Along... Surly Troll ordered!

Finally, after having almost a mental meltdown of what to do cycling wise, I pushed the little red button. Order complete. The Surly Troll is on the way! I am beyond excited to put this bike through the paces, on street and dirt. It will be good to have a mountain bike again, I spent all of 2011 without one. Weird.

Next month is going to be a bit busy. Next stop, powder-coating...

Frame pic from Surly's site.

Getting antsy... More bike thoughts...

Still have not ordered my new frame yet, but the parts that I have ordered are slowly starting to trickle in. Today welcomed my Chris King headset, hopefully tomorrow the Brooks saddle will arrive so I can start the process of treating the leather.

Photo from Brooks.

If you have ever thought about a Brooks saddle before, you might have read a little about the break in period. Some sources say 250 miles. Others say up to 1000. Some people will tell you to cook the saddle in the oven at low heat for a bit to soften the leather. Sheldon Brown (RIP) preferred to soak leather saddles in some type of oil to soften the leather. Holy crap, lots of options. What is my plan? I am going to go the safe route and follow the directions on the box. Sure, it is probably going to take longer, but it will be done right. As long as the saddle ends up with dimples for my butt cheeks, I am okay with that.

The other thing that I have been obsessing with as of late, is to order or not to order the new frame. The Troll frame comes out of the box with enough rack and fender mounts, etc. to take the bike across the country. The "new" version due in March has even more. So, the question is to wait or not? Do I need the water bottle/anything cages on the fork?

Photo from Welshridething.blogspot.

I like the idea of the anything cages on the fork. The question is: Are they necessary? I am still debating that.

As soon as I can move this, then I can really start the process at full speed. It is weird to think that at this point, I am at any speed but...

Just Riding Along... Day 18.

Quick ride tonight, in between working from home. Sometimes my job requires me to work at home, usually in the evenings. Some people work from home all of the time, for example being stuck behind a computer. (Like I am right now...) My job is a little unusual. My working from home equals bringing a baby bird home and feeding it through the night. Usually just a couple feedings, but interesting nonetheless. Tonight's bird flavor is something that I have never worked with before, and due to the fact that it is only a couple days old, and the zoo has not released it as of yet, I will keep that under wraps. Soon enough I will post some pictures.

Nice ride tonight, very clear sky with a mild temperature. Lots of stars out, with visible constellations such as Orion, Cygnus, Cassiopeia, and Jupiter hanging high in the sky. I need to get out more and appreciate the heavens a little more often. At one time in my life I could name just about everything in the night sky, but due to not using it, I have very little left. Another thing I need to add to the list...

One interesting thing to note from tonight's ride: While riding on the road getting ready to turn into the bike path parking lot, a car honked at me. Clearly, with my hand signal, and waiting for the oncoming traffic, AND being right at the trailhead, this car became upset that it had to wait about 7 seconds. Seriously? Relax people. Don't be in so much of a rush, 7 seconds is not enough time to catastrophically ruin anything. Except a hand grenade.

Just Riding Along... Day 9.

Switching gears for today's ride, started off this afternoon. Temperature in the mid to high 30s, with a slight drizzle. Not enough to dampen the spirit though, just enough to freshen up the face while riding. I am really starting to enjoy riding in the rain, I cannot wait until this spring/summer to really ride in the wet weather and not be so bundled up. Cycling washes away most of your bad thoughts, and the rain adds another element of the cleansing. Enough of that hippie talk, here is the map:



Nice little ride today through the nearby neighborhood of Indian Hill. This is one of my favorite areas to ride, mostly due to the rural setting of the area. It is one of the most expensive areas in the greater Cincinnati region, so the houses are spaced far apart, giving it a country like quality. A few of the main roads are heavily traveled, but off of those major routes are the quiet country roads that everyone on a bicycle seeks out for their personal enjoyment. Add nice climbing to the gorgeous scenery and you have a great bicycle ride.

This ride brought one of my favorite hills, Kugler Mill, and even a little bit of snow. It was nice to see some snow on the ride, hopefully it will continue on through the night and surprise me tomorrow morning. Can't wait...

Just Riding Along... Day 8.

Today's ride was the coldest temperature for this experiment. Somewhere around the mid 20s, halfway through my beard froze to my face. That is definitely a feeling that everyone should experience at least once in their life. Bizarre to say the least.

So I have been looking into after ride "recovery" drinks. Not that I am worn out or sore after each ride, but I thought it would be a good idea to try some of these drinks out. So, today I started with this drink, Gatorade's #3 recovery drink. It reminds me of a drink that I used after mountain biking a few years ago, which I am not sure if they make anymore. I can't even remember the name of that brand. Whatever, I will try out this G3 and see how it works.

Only around 6 miles today, but a very cold 6 miles. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Just Riding Along... Day 7.

Continuing the theme for night rides tonight. Temperature in the low 30s, but luckily no rain. Tonight also brought out the HaroX instead of the T500. I feel very fortunate to be able to switch from bike to bike when ever the feeling hits. Today's ride was filled with lots of thinking about what new bike or frame to buy, but then all the thoughts came to a head with, "Be happy with what you have, that you have options." With that said, here is some bike lust for you:

Jones steel diamond frame and unicrown fork

Thanks to the current issue of Dirt Rag, this is my new bicycle obsession. Jones bicycles, you might have heard of Jeff Jones before? Let's be honest, you probably have not. He is a custom frame builder, building rigid specific frames and forks, that are meant to be ridden hard. His most noticable work would probably be this:

Jones titanium Spaceframe with truss fork

Back to Dirt Rag. In their latest issue, they have a review of the diamond frame, and from the write up, I would love to have one. I will be honest, most of Jones's products are out of my price range, but the steel diamond frame could be built for a decent price. I won't go into too many specifics, but check out Jones's website for more information. If anything, there are some amazing photos and lots to read. And be sure to check out Dirt Rag's website, lots of good stuff going on over there in Pittsburgh.

Anyway, tomorrow brings another day of riding. It has been one week straight, 3 more to go. I am sure it will be another day of thinking while on the ride, and being thankful that I have options. And also thankful that I can spin on two wheels...

If you are on Twitter, I am posting links to the Map My Ride stats @codsow. Check it!

Photos from Jones Bikes.

Ramble on...

Just Riding Along... Day 6.

Yesterday's installment of 30 days of biking was a type of ride that needs to happen more often. I like to call these rides, "Beer rides." This version started here in Milford, and rode up to Loveland via the Little Miami bike path. Once in Loveland, it was time for drinks at Paxton's Grill. A couple friends arrived, and we were off in to the cold, wet night.

Paxtons always has an amazing craft beer selection, and last night was no exception. Unfortunately we missed their winter beer tasting event, but the friendly staff hooked us up with lots of free appetizers and desserts that were left over. Beers that were on our table: Avery Old Jubilation ale, Bell's Two Hearted Ale, and Founder's Red's Rye PA. All three were top notch, which is to be expected from Paxton's selection. These beers also warmed up our spirit from the almost icy temperatures outside. Good strong beers, free appetizers, and a great atmosphere made this ride very enjoyable. So the night went: Bike ride, craft beer, free food, and ride home. Once back in Milford, we capped the night with a Mt. Carmel Stout. These rides need to happen more often, which once 2012 hits, we are planning on making them more regular. Stay tuned...

If you haven't checked it yet, check out Paxton's website, and go spend some time there, you will not be disappointed. Thanks to them for a great time.

The bikes locked up outside of Paxton's.

Cheers!

A couple more bikes to chew on...

So in my search for the end all be all bicycle, here are a couple more that I have found, which seem to be pretty versatile. First up:

Vassago Fisticuff: Self described as "A love child between a 29er and a cross bike." I couldn't agree more. Clearance for wider 700c 'cross tires, or up to 2.0" 650b, with rack and fender mounts. Seems to be pretty versatile. The only downfall for this is it is a frame set only, which unfortunately I do not have a sufficient parts bin to build on up. Nice bike though.

Second on this short list:

Surly Ogre: This bike has it all. Rack mounts, front and back? Check. Fender mounts? Check. Fatties fit fine? Check. Single speed ready? Check. Mounts for a trailer? Check. Looks like the Surly Troll? Check. This bike is like the Troll's big brother. Basically it is just the 29er version. Amazing. I really think there is not a bike that Surly has done that I have not liked. I am a Surly whore without a Surly, something about that is very wrong.

Two more very nice rides to add to my list. I think at this moment, the two bikes in the contention for my next bike are the Salsa Fargo 2 or the Surly Ogre. Thanks for playing!

Photos from Vassago and Surly respectively.

Ramble on...

Cannondale T500...

Earlier this year I picked up an older Cannondale touring bike for my wife, thinking she might want to ride a bit. Normally I do not go out looking for bikes for her, but I ended up getting an amazing deal on this one. This bike has an interesting story though: My friend has had it in her basement for years, holding it for her friend who needed a place to put it while in college. But this bike was not just some recreational toy, it was ridden completely across the country! My friend's friend, bought it only to ride across the nation, and when she came back home, she stashed it in my friend's basement. Wow. Great history on this bike. So what am I going to do with it?

My plan from the beginning was to turn in into more of an "errands" bike. Sure I have my cargo bike, but sometimes it is just too much. This bike would fill that gap. Also I figured that my wife would like a road bike in this setup, but maybe later in life, as for the moment, no. Luckily, my wife and I share similar size bikes!

Road bars are gone, in their place is an old set of mountain riser bars. Since it was an older bike, it came equipped with a threaded fork. A stem adapter was installed to enable me to use the mountain bars and stem. New Avid FR5 brake levers, and an old Shimano friction shifter round out the bars. The friction shifter will move the Deore rear derailleur across the 8 cogs on the rear wheel. Hopefully this setup works, I do like a single chainring up front. Still more to do, so here are only teaser photos:

Surly droppin' bombs...

Clilck here to have your mind blown.

Yeah, that sums it up. Check the Surly blog. It has good stuff. Now this has me pondering some bicycle options. I am planning on getting a new bike. At first I thought a fat bike would do. Then maybe a Cross Check. Now, I have no idea what to do. The logical answer in a perfect world would be to buy one of each. Back to reality. Do I go the fat bike route, and have two wheelsets since Surly has a slick fat tire? Or do I go with the Cross Check since a more road oriented bike would probably be the best option for me? Or what about the new Ogre, 29er do all bike? Or the complete Troll, 26er do it all bike? Holy crap, this is going to take some time to soak all in... Thanks Surly!

Gears...finally!

Here is the latest version of the Haro V3. Looks like the xtracycle conversion will have to wait, but for now, this will be the commuter set up. Here are the parts:

-2003 Haro V3 frame
-Sram X9 rear derailleur
-Shimano LX front derailleur
-Sram X7 shifters
-Avid BB7 brakes
-Avid SD7 brake levers
-Easton EA50 handlebars
-Bontrager stem
-Salsa rigid fork (From an Ala Carte)
-Sun Ringle Singletrack wheelset
-Truvativ Fire X mountain crankset with GXP BB.
-Original Haro seatpost
-Shimano clip/platform pedals
-Maxxis Crossmark 26x2.1 tires

I still need to fine tune the shifting a little, but for the most part it is ready for commuting duty. After the shifting is all set, the next thing to order will be some Schwalbe Big Apples! Here's a few pictures:

Snow Biking...

Yesterday the opportunity presented itself for me to take a bike ride. Normally, this is no big deal. This day, however, was different. The day before, five inches of snow was dumped here in SW Ohio. Instead of spending some time on the indoor trainer, the cold weather gear was put on, and the Gary Fisher Rig was thrown into the elements.

Riding a bike in the snow is a whole new ball game. For the most part, traction is very limited. To combat this, first you need to drop your air pressure just a little. If you have studded tires, that is a moot point. Since I don't have any studded tires (Yet) I dropped my pressure, and started to spin off. The best way to keep moving is to stay out of other peoples tracks. This may seem weird at first, but once you start moving, the deep snow will keep your front wheel tracking straight. After that, just keep your momentum and speed up, and things will go great.

Another way to enjoy winter weather riding, would be to buy a fat bike. Fat bikes are relatively new, but more and more companies and private builders are starting to take notice to the new trend. One of the first mass produced fat bikes was the Surly Pugsley. Surly, (www.surlybikes.com) which is based out of Minneapolis MN, knows a thing or two about snow. This bike, which is a frame only, has the ability to handle 3.7" tires. There is a lot of float going on with tires that wide. After riding in the snow yesterday, I can see why these bikes are so popular.

Probably the best way though, to enjoy snow biking is to dress for the weather. I could not say this enough. Make sure you have a good base layer, good insulating layer, and of course a great outer shell. My shell of choice for the day was my Mountain Hardwear softshell, which was designed for ice climbing. It kept me warm, and at times a little too toasty.

So after I rode to my goal for the day, which was the Little Miami river, I decided to turn around, ride into the wind, and go home for a tasty brew. All in all, I ended up riding 7.5 miles, which felt three times that. This was much better than spending time on the indoor trainer. A good formula to keep in mind: A singlespeed mountain bike + 5" of snow + A good layering system of clothing = An epic workout.

My motto on the ride back home was written in graffiti:
"Skeet Skeet Mofo."
Words to live by.