Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Skull Express

I got this bike so dialed in it's like a part of me! I recently changed the rear wheel cog and chain. I'm running a Wienmann DP18 rim a formula hub 36 spoke rear wheel. In case you don't know the Wienmann is another alternative to the Velocity rims. The Weinmanns a little heavier, but cheaper. You can see the wheel in the track stand video. I'm using an Origin8 18t cog. Really nice drilled out with a satin nickel finish. This is my main ride and my daily commuter. The frame is an unknown classic British track frame that I had powder coated. I've got the hook up in Miami for powder coating so anyone looking for a powder coater drop me an email.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Learning to Trackstand

There's a lot of new riders out there trying to figure out how to trackstand. So here's Trackstand 101. First of all for you riders that don't know what I'm talking about a trackstand is balancing your bike from a stationary position without putting your feet down. This is easy to do on a fixed gear bike with a little practice. It's a nice skill to have because it allows you to stay strapped into your pedals when you come to a traffic light or stop sign.

What you are doing is applying pressure back and forth on the pedals, rocking the pedals. Starting out slowly ride your bike coming almost to a stop when your forward foot (with most people the right foot) is pointed straight ahead in the 3:oo position. Turn your wheel to the side of your forward foot and rock back and forth on the pedals to keep your balance. If you start to loose it just pedal forward and try again. When your first learning don't strap into you pedals so you can put a foot down if you need to. Watch the video and you'll get the idea. All it is, is practice! Good luck!

The Question of Flats

What is it with the idiots that throw bottles out on the street. If they only new the damage and potential danger they cause! A cyclist trying to avoid broken glass may inadvertently swerve wide then get tagged by a passing car. People walking their pets take a chance that their pet gets severely cut. The damage it does to cars and bicycle tires is obvious! All this because someone's to lazy to toss it in a trash can! Lately my ride into work has been a maze to avoid broken glass. Changing a tube is not the only problem , but also the risk of arriving late to work. So I've decided to experiment. I'm going to try some different tires and sealants. I will keep everyone posted on my finds.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Fibre Flare


Now how cool is this! A flexible fiber light that you can put on your bike. It has a flashing mode or constant mode. You can mount it to the frame, seat tubes just about anywhere and YES YOU WILL BE SEEN! Want to read more http://fibreflare.com/
This light will be available in the U.S.A in March. I am testing one now. So if you see a red flash go by in the Kendall/Hammocks area don't worry, that's just me and the Fibre Flare!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Banjo Brothers Bag

I got tired of my messenger bag shifting and swinging around, besides being annoying it was dangerous. So searching the web the best deal I found for a quality cycle pack was Banjo Brothers. All the write ups and everything I could find about them was real positive, so I decided to give them a shot. Now if you commute, besides your bike the bags the most important piece of equipment you need. In that bag I carry a spare tire, rain gear, jacket, arm warmers,leg warmers, pump, change of clothes for work, lunch, 2 drinks, cell phone, wallet and 2 glasses in their carrying case. I need a big bag. I ordered the large back pack. I was real happy when the bag came in! I could have probably even used their smaller bag because there is plenty of room. The bag is top quality with a well thought out design. Reflective striping, Low sitting position so it doesen't interfere with your head, low center of balance, comfortable straps, a holster on the strap for your cell phone, outside zipper pouch for your wallet and pocket on the side for your water bottle. The perfect bag for me! Riding with it just enforced my opinion that much more. It felt so secure it was like it was a part of me. It is definitely the way to go! Check out these guys web site they make some great stuff and back it with some great service!

http://banjobrothers.com/

Monday, December 15, 2008

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Riding Nirvana

Well all you riders that have been bitching there's nowhere to ride in Miami....I found the place...Coral Gables. On the weekend the traffic is light. Speed limit is enforced at 30 miles an hour.
You have all kinds of places to explore. If you want something to eat or drink you have Starbucks and a host of other cafes and restaurants. Go north on ponce de leon head west on Alhambra this will eventually turn into a bike path. Once your on the path if you turn on one of the streets heading south you should run into a Golf course that has a nice road that winds around it. A good place to practice some sprints. Then you can explore all the back street through the neighborhoods virtually traffic free. Once you're done you can head south on Ponce till it ends at U.S1
here you can catch the bike path under the metro going North or South or you can take the Metro Rail. I rode here Sunday and had a blast.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

UNO


Origin8 UNO

Looking for a great value in a production fixed gear? Check out the Origin8 UNO. Origin8 is a fairly new brand 2 1/2 years old, but they've been really stepping things up in the fixed gear market. They're bringing in deep rim wheels with sealead bearings, colored saddles, colored cranks and handlebars. They make a real cool pedal that will take a traditional toe clip. Rubber track bar grips in colors and a host of other cool stuff, but back to the Bike! The UNO is a Tig-Welded Chromoly frame painted in Charcol Grey. The bike comes with Bull horn handlebars, front and rear brake for those who want to run it as a single speed. Three pice alloy crank 46x18. Alloy wheels with sealed bearing Formula Track Hubs 32 spoke and a nice leather seat. Right now from the production bikes I've seen and ridden out there this bike gives you the most bang for your buck. This bike sells for somewhere between $500 and $600. So if your looking for a first fixie and want something already built the UNO would be a good choice!

Thursday, December 4, 2008