Another Origin8 wheel set. These guys are really coming out with some cool stuff. They're also behind the production fixed gear bike called the UNO which I will be reviewing in the future.

Here they are the new Origin8 Fixed gear wheel set. Drilled out hub sealed bearings, bladed spokes 32 spoke count, 30mm deep dish..........Sweeeett! Available in your local bike shop in December.

Commuting Single speed vs. Fixed

I've been commuting by bike the last month. I have two bikes which I use, one is a single speed the other a track bike. The single speed is a KHS Flight 100 which used to be my fixed gear bike. It was the only bike I had that was set up to take a rear rack. I installed a rack so I could carry panniers on the rear. The bags allow me to carry achange of clothes, lunch, drinks, extra tire and rain gear. With the extra weight on the back and riding in traffic I decided to try it as a single speed with a free wheel. I also opted for platform pedals without clips. A pretty standard single speed set up. The bike works fine as a commuter. The extra weight on the back affects the handling especially in windy conditions. Overall it serves it's purpose. The gearing I think is a 48/16 or 17 which seems to be perfect.

Now the Fixed Gear bike. A classic steel frame track bike. I run a front brake, chopped drop bars and 48/17 gearing. To carry my stuff I have to carry a backpack. The backpack works fine except when I carry my lunch, then it's a tight fit. This set up is definitely a better ride. You don't notice the backpack that much and the bike handles a lot better then with panniers.

Riding the fixed to work is definitely more fun! The bikes faster and handles better!

Be ready to be Blown.....Awayyyyyy...

Well fellow fixed gear fanatics be prepared to be blown away with the new fixed gear stuff coming out! I have the low down and will start filtering some photos and info in the next few days. Be prepared!!!!

Free Saddle Giveaway!

Well I talked to the folks at RIDO about a saddle promotion, they were all for it! So we are going to give away one of their saddles to a lucky reader. Now the more people I can get to hit my site and theirs the better this works, because if I have convincing numbers I can get other manufacturers to donate cool stuff. To register you need to go to the Rido saddle link which is listed in my links below. The clue is: What does PSG stand for? To find the answer Click to their site and look at the side bar for SENSATIONAL NEW R2 click it. The answer is right above the picture of the saddle.
Once you get the answer email it to me at; fetner_robert@yahoo.com your email address will be put in a drawing. You've got nothing to loose!

New Rido Saddle

I had the opportunity to try the new Rido Saddle. Rido is a British made saddle that is popular in the U.K. It looks different from your traditional saddle in that it's almost Y shaped. It looks kinda like a stealth bomber. I decided the best way to try it would be to put it on my daily commuter. I'll have to admit I was a little skeptical at first. I installed it perfectly horizontal, but found I tended to slip off to the front. After communicating with the manufacturer they told me this saddle needs to be installed with a slight upward tilt. This solved the problem. The saddle is quite unique and I found it to be very comfortable! Another thing which is pretty cool is since there is so little contact on the saddle you can relieve any pressure by staying seated and locking one leg out which slightly raises you off the saddle. The design looks like it's well made and will hold up to daily abuse. This saddle makes a great commuter saddle and would probably make a great touring saddle. Any of you out there having trouble finding a comfortable saddle may want to give this a shot. If you would like to learn more about this saddle check them out at
http://www.rido-cyclesaddles.com/product-information-c100063.html