OCD MTB (and BMX too)

I'll admit it, I’ve got some quirks.

Most of my friends know at least of them, for example, my bike’s tires have to match. This is non-negotiable. I can NOT have, for example, a Kenda front tire and a Maxxis rear tire. Not only do the brands need to match, but the models must match too. I couldn't have a Kenda Nevegal and a Slant Six on the same bike. Although, I will make an exception if a specific tire is designed as a front or rear (think of the Panaracer Smoke & Dart). But, again, they MUST be paired, and I couldn't willy-nilly choose a front and rear tire, even if they're the same brand. I KNOW it doesn't make sense, but I CAN NOT do it. Also, if one tire needs to be replaced prematurely (torn sidewall or something), I need to replace both. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I can't help it. But there's more...

Fat Bike FakeNews

I’m not going to lie, I’m not a fan of fat bikes.

I had one but I just couldn't drink the Kool-Aid...

Read just about any fat bike propaganda and you’ll see statements like, "and you can ride them everywhere” or “any trail, any time of year.”

You’ll also read that the wider tires “float on surfaces where other tires would sink.”

Bicycling Magazine (which is pure drivel), even boasted that "staying fit in the winter is hard, but fat bikes make outdoor exercise possible."

Multiple Multi-Tools

I remember being a care-free kid spending long days on my bike in the woods, miles from home. It's kind of interesting to think about what I and my friends used to do through today's perspective of helicopter parents and the fact that kids rarely venture out into the world on their own.

My friends and I would be out in the woods, again, miles from home; no cell phones, no spare tubes, no bike tools, no helmets, and our parents really had no idea where we were.

I'm pretty sure that sort of thing is gone forever.

Cannondale Bad Habit 1 Video Review

RockyMounts TomaHawk Roof Rack Review

I have bikes and I like to go places. I like to take my bikes when I go places so I need to safe and secure way to bring them with me. I’ve been a Thule guy for a LONG time. I’ve had Thule racks on the roofs or the backs of my cars and trucks for almost 20 years. Right now I still have 8 bikes worth of Thule Racks for my truck and my wife’s car. But alas, Thule hasn’t kept up my needs, which currently include the need to carry a plus bike on my roof.

Gravel Knowledge

So, you're thinking about participating in a gravel ride, or, as the kids call 'em, a "Gravel Grinder."

Maybe you're wondering, "how do I prepare?"
Or, "what are the best tires?"
Perhaps, "do I need a gravel bike?"
Well, read on to become enlightened...

My Bad Habit

Cannondale hasn’t been a stranger around my house, but for the most part, it’s been my wife who’s been the fan-girl. I’ve owned one C'dale, an F500 which was ultimately used primarily for cyclocross racing and some off-road duathlons. And while I’ve had that one, my wife has had (or still has) a Scalpel, Rush, Habit, R1000, 1FG, and SL 2...

Anyway, I’ve been looking to fill a gap in my quiver and I’ve been intrigued by the whole 27.5+ segment since renting one in Santa Cruz last year. With that in mind, the Bad Habit has been on my radar ever since my friend Glen sent me one of those “check this out,” text messages.

WTB Valcon Saddle Review

Don't ya hate it when there's a product you like but then a company discontinues it?

I've been a fan of WTB products since SST saddles and Velociraptor tires (1999?), so I wasn't surprised the be happy with the fit and feel of the Valcon.

The Pro version is 135mm wide which makes it super easy to negotiate when getting back behind the saddle. No, I don't have a dropper post, and no, my frame's 27.2 seat tube won't accommodate one.

The Quest for the Elusive Cassette

Had QUITE the journey to convert my wife's bike to a 1x10 with one of e13's extended range cogs and a Race Face wide/narrow chainring. I've done this on a few bikes already and the process only takes about an hour total...

I had done my research and ordered a 40t cog compatible with the Shimano cassette which was already on the bike. Upon the cog's arrival, I found that a special tool was required to remove the crank arms. D'oh! I have two huge Craftsman rolling tool chests full of bike tools, but I love needing one more special tool that only does one thing on one bike. Argh.

I headed up to Riverside Cycles, a local Cannondale dealer about 45 min away. They had the tool and had me on my way in only a couple of minutes, but that still took almost 2hrs. I did ask them to order one of the tools for me also. There's always room for more in my workshop. Read more...

Dirt Rag Magazine

I've written many print articles in my time, but one of my favorite magazines to read, and to write for, is Dirt Rag. (Read more)

46 and Flatland (47 soon)

Well, it's already May, so a good portion of 2016 is in the bag. Damn, time flies. I haven't been on my BMX bike as much as I would have liked, both from lack of time and on some days, lack of motivation. I've got the itch again though... here are some clips from the few times I've ridden so far this year. Nothing I probably haven't posted before, but it's good for me to keep up with some of the old stuff. I hope to have some better clips coming soon!

Niner ROS 9+ Bike Review

My review of the Niner ROS 9+, 29'er plus with 3 inch tires. After about 150 miles on the bike, I've got some thoughts to share...
http://www.ninerbikes.com/ros9plus
https://youtu.be/tRYbr_qLF2g