Joyride Bikes

We've got that.

2009-06-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

In the same vein and complete ignorance to any alleged 'recession' we present the worlds' most obscene crankset. Come down and check it out in person. Please provide your own bibs for drool.

This crankset will be going on a project Serotta Meivici AE that will showcase some of whats possible with the current state of technology.

Season Under Way

2009-04-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Looks like the sun may finally come out and make an appearance this Spring. Hopefully that means yard work gets put on hold and we start to hit the roads. We're seeing lots of new product roll into the store from our usual favorite suspects: Serotta, Rocky Mountain, Scott, Felt and Bianchi. One of the newest innovations to be available to us is the new electronic Dura Ace from Shimano. I'll go ahead and predict that this is the future of what we'll see on road bikes in the next 5-10 years. Ultegra electronic may be the very next permutation after the coming generation of mechanical. That means that for some of you, you're next road bicycle will be electronic shifting. I'll be building up my Serotta with Di2 in the next month or so. We've had a chance to play with it and ride it and we think it's cool. The following press release from Pinarello is interesting and informative about some of the features of Di2. Check it out:

Pinarello Prince Di2
The Prince Electric

In stock now! Limited quantities available.

Pinarello announces the introduction of the Prince Di2 showcasing the new Shimano Dura Ace Di2 electronic gruppo. Shimano has actually made available several versions of this gruppo; including the one Pinarello has chosen for the Prince Di2 which features internal routing of the actuation cables for the electronic componentry.

This Prince was designed by Pinarello's engineers in conjunction with Shimano to eliminate unsightly wiring and the accompanying fasteners. The cables from the levers follow the brake cables under the MOst Talon bar and enter the downtube a short distance from the headtube. This area has been reinforced and features a sealed cover to keep the elements out of the frame. The battery is located below the water bottle cage on the downtube and is attached at an additional boss below the cage and the lower bottle boss. The actuation cables enter and exit the battery pack through another sealed port in the frame and emerge near both the front and rear derailleurs. This creates a very clean line for the cables while keeping the weight of the battery pack as low as possible without the risk of interference with the drivetrain. Everywhere the wiring enters or exits the frame is sealed against the elements and reinforced internally for additional strength.

The geometry and ride characteristics of the Prince Di2 are identical to the Prince FP framesets designed for traditional componentry. The Shimano Dura Ace Di2 electronic gruppo has been thoroughly tested by Pinarello over the last few months and determined to be of outstanding quality and reliability. Once you have ridden this gruppo, you will be amazed at how quickly it shifts and how much effort it really takes to shift a mechanical system. Shimano has designed the system to be able to compensate for maladjustments with an on-board calibration system. The control box, which is conveniently located, but out of the way, under the handlebars on the brake cable shows battery life left as well as the means to recalibrate the system should the need arise. The range of the system is easily 1000+ miles between charges and, in the unlikely event of the battery running low; you will get plenty of warning (and shifts) as the front derailleur will quit shifting approximately 50 shifts before the rear derailleur. This should easily be enough to conclude nearly any ride without being stuck in the wrong gear. In the event of a crash, the wiring is protected inside the frame to avoid damage.

Pinarello is among the very first manufacturers to take advantage of this OEM Di2 system, which offers the cleanest and safest way to offer this first of the next generation of componentry.
MSRP: $15,900.00

I expect to sell gobs of these so get your deposit in early. Until then, hope fun sunshine.

what's a cross racing bike?

2009-02-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

As little as 10 years ago, a cross racing bike was whatever a racer (usually a shop mechanic with spare parts since almost no one else knew what cyclocross was) threw together on any frame that somewhat resembled the right machine for the job of racing cyclocross and then proceeded to go out and race around in the muck and slop. It was great fun. There were a few specialy cross manufacturers available in the US such as Vitus and Alan. A few custom builders offered frames for the truly committed. Many of us simply put narrow knobbies on our mtn. bikes and removed our bar ends. Remember those?

Years ago I dreamed of a cross bike from a custom shop such as Serotta, Gunnar or Waterford. Reality saw me on a hard tail with 1.5 Continental Cross Country tires and a rigid fork installed. Other racers were on similar bikes.

Currently cross bikes have become a legitimate category of bicycle. Every major manufacturer, even if they have zero cross heritage, offers a cross bike. Some just don't work and even though the price ticks in at up to $8K, they still don't get the component specifications right. Like a 34T small chainring on a pro-caliber race bike.

So back to the question of what is a 'cross bike? Currently I'm racing on three Bianchi cross bikes. Two geared and a single speed. They are by far the nicest cross bikes I've ever owned. They aren't ridiculous in price. I passed a couple of $8K Colnagos and Times on the race course and was also passed by a couple of mountain bikes over the race season, the bikes certainly didn't hold me back.

For those truly curious about this fun and far-out faction of cycling on the semi-fringe... a cross bike is whatever you bring to ride and race with us. I've seen regular road bikes on the race course and I think that's awesome. I've seen plenty of mountain bikes out at the races and lot's of cobbled-together franken bikes. Anything is a cross bike.

Be warned: 'cross is the 'crack of cycling' and right now I'm feeling a bit of withdrawl. Trying 'cross hopefully has the same effect on everyone else. At least it's only eight months till 'cross season! See you out there.

Am I slow?

2009-02-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

Why yes, I am slow. Do I race? Yes, I do race. Is that ok? Absolutely.

Regardless of whether we ride for fun or trying to have fun and trying to be faster than someone, anyone-it doesn't matter how fast we are. I'm slow. I'm faster than some of you and slower than many of you.

Speed is relative. Even speed on a bike. Graeme Obree is fast. Brent Carpenter that got to carry the Olympic flame isn't fast on that scale but sure has fun. On the continuum of speed there are stops all along the way. The most fun for me is to see where I have moved on that continuum relative to other times and other circumstances. In my younger years, if faster was further to the right, I'm convinced I was much faster than I am now. I rode more, had more time for play and took advantage of it. I'm now further to the left but it's still fun to race and see where I am now relative to the positions that others have stopped at on that same continuum. Whether they are now training and going much faster and I've trained less, or the opposite, it's great to see other progress and hopefully go with them.

Setting goals and realizing that; yes, I did hang onto that group longer than last week is a great reward in itself. For those of us going for a spot on the podium to those simply trying to finish before anyone, racing is good. So yes, slow is a stop I've frequently hovered around but that certainly won't keep me from pinning on a number and getting out and testing myself on the race course. Slow shouldn't stop you either.

New Product Info

2009-02-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

Much is going on that is exciting in the product offerings of both road and mountain bikes. This year continues to innovate with many of the current technologies being ridden by the top cyclists in the Tour de France. Sram RED is firmly established as one of the premier road groups. We're developing a good reference base with the new Sram and expect to see even more bike offerings featuring the innovation of this American company.

The road front also forecasts change with Shimano Dura Ace receiving major changes-the first in seven years. Shimano usually sets the benchmark for the industry in terms of performance and availability so expect to see the striking two-tone finish of Dura Ace on the top offerings from the serious road companies. Campagnolo is launching their 75^th anniversary with an amazing 11 cogs fit into the rear cluster. The Super Record name is resurrected to top Record in the Campy offerings. More carbon fiber, new Ergo lever shape, and ceramic bearings push this group to new levels of sophistication and yes, expense.

The mountain side of the sport is developing more travel at less weight. Scott will have an offering with 6” of travel at twenty two pounds. Unbelievable, what was once XC race day only weight ranges will become the new norm for comfortable and capable-all day on any trail. We just received the new Shimano XT 29er wheels. Full UST compatibility, center-lock rotors along with Shimano bearing quality point to one of the best 29er wheelsets available at any price.

In just a few short weeks we'll be getting our hands on all of these new goodies first hand. Until then, this means great things for this years offerings. Our major suppliers are warning of 10-20% cost increases across the board for new products. The weaker dollar, fuel charges, and increased manufacturing costs are some of the reasons for this. The $5000.00 bike you've been saving for may be $6000.00 next year! Though availability is fairly slim, remaining '08 bicycles, wheel upgrades, and parts may be a much better option to waiting.

Get ready. The riding is coming soon.

2009 Dura Ace Goodies

2008-11-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

If anyone feels the desire to put their fingers on the new, redesigned 2009 Dura Ace; come down to Joyride Bikes and see it in person. It is as nice as it looks. The 7900 series offers gorgeous finish along with unbelievable weight that likely re-establishes Shimano as the king of road-bike componentry.

Innovations like the newly improved hood shape which allows for a flatter transition from the handlebar to brake hood, hidden-shift cable routing, carbon fiber brake blades and the two tone finish truly set the bar-very high. These improvements along with setting the established benchmark in braking power and control are going to be really fun to ride and race next season.

So, even though pictures and ad copy are ok-come down and put your hands on the new goodness from our friends at Shimano.

Sales, Great Deals and Other Goings Ons:

2008-11-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

Though the snow is notably tardy it has slowed down here at Joyride Bikes. Cyclocross season is winding down with the state championships this Saturday. Soon it will be time to go for the most-vertical-feet-descended-in-a-winter-while-standing-sideways goal.

For now though we are still open six-days a week and have some great deals. All remaining longboards from Loaded and Arbor are on sale. 15-20% off of the most technically advanced and artistically vibrant brands on the market.

Cruisers and kids bikes are on sale at 10% off in time for Christmas. Beat the '09 price increases on bikes which remain largely unchanged other than cosmetics.

We have a few remaining road and mountain bikes such as the Scott Contessa Speedsters on sale from $1029.99, an Intense 5.5 EVP built with a SRAM X7 kit for $2499.99. Check with us for other great deals from Bianchi, Felt, and Foes Racing.

For the roadies on your Christmas list we have wheelsets remaining from Zipp - including 404s and Flashpoints, as well as Mavic, Reynolds and Shimano. The hottest new wheelset from Mavic, the R-SYS is on sale for $1049.99 while they last.

On to other news: Curious about Shimano D2 electronic Dura Ace? Plan to see it here this spring. SRAM Red? Had it first last Winter(and have it on sale now). Campy Record 11-speed? Check it out on the Colnago CX-1 pictured above when it arrives:

That's all for now. In January we should have the anticipated Felt AR series of road bikes here. Check them out while you can or wait and try to catch one taking the fast track to finish lines next year.

Cyclocross. The crack of cycling??

2008-10-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

I was recently trying to convince a customer of Joyride Bikes to come out and give cyclocross a try. He replied that he had heard 'cross was the 'crack of cycling'. By that he meant extremely addictive. Well, he is probably right.

The history and rise in popularity of cyclocross can be found with our friend google or with Simon Burney's excellent book: Cyclocross, Third Edition. I've been fascinated for years. I've mountain biked. I'm a competent bike handler in sloppy conditions. I've road biked. Cross blends the elements of road strategy, bike handling, equipment selection, and dumb luck into a race format that is distilled and condensed into 45 minutes of hedonistic fun.

It's great for those with short attention spans. It's great for those lacking in fitness (it's only 45 minutes). It takes the crucial strategy of a road race and eliminates the unnecessary miles between the key events. It's great for obsessive-compulsives because equipment selection is vital: what tires? what pressure? what gearing? It allows innovation in thinking whereas most road-race bikes fit nicely into molds of what works and what doesn't. It's great for tacticians because there is usually a right place that can make or break a race. One mistake can take you out of the running. It's great as a social venue because we're not road snobs. It almost feels like mountain bike racing did 15+ years ago.

Cross is easy to get into. That old hardtail that sits in the garage? Some minor work and it's an ideal entry-level 'cross steed. The hybrid you thought you'd commute on? Just about perfect. I've even seen people cross racing on regular road bikes. Run what you brung. Also, if you need another excuse: 'cross bikes are the perfect, versatile do-most-everything bike you can have in your stable. Keep the carbon fiber wonder bike inside when't it's rotten. Ride the 'cross! Need a commuter? Ride the 'cross! Want to connect roads via dirt roads? Ride the 'cross! Want to improve your technical abilities on a mtn. bike? Ride the 'cross! Want to try a crit where you're 99% sure some category 5 guy wants to take you out? Ride the 'cross!

Opportunities to ride cross are abounding. Excuses are few. There's your invitation. Come out and cross with us this fall and find out what the addiction is about - at least most of what you'll see at a cyclocross race is legal.

Titus Demo Days!

2008-05-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

The scheduled demo day for Titus Cycles has been moved from Thursday, May 22nd to tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20th due to prediction of bad weather on Thursday.

This is a great opportunity to take advantage of Titus' hospitality and shred your local trails on some of the finest machines to put a tire to trail.

With a history going back almost 17 years, Titus has been at the forefront in nearly all areas of full suspension performance. Like most good things, from the floundering attempts at full-suspension design, the acceptance and view of what the ideal trail bike is has been evolutionary and not revolutionary. The celebrated 4-bar or Horst link design has performance advantages that still leave other companies and designers scratching their heads on how to compete. Though Titus didn't develop this design-they have brought it close to perfection. Laterally stiff, optimized pivot placements, and trail manners that never get ruffled whether seated, standing, on the brakes or off-one of the ideal compromises in off-road bicycle performance.

See everyone there! Please bring a photo ID, credit card and a guardian if you are under 18. We'll start ~3:00 and go to ~8:00pm. The trail at Green Canyon is in great condition and should have all the ingredients for a great time!

GT Demo Tour Coming to Logan

2008-05-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Kind of late notice but we're lucky to have the GT Demo tour coming to Logan, UT tomorrow, May 8th! The bikes should be at the shop throughout the day and then at Green Canyon from about 3:30-7:30 PM. Louis who is in charge of the program will have a great selection of bikes available for all to come demo. New full-suspension designs will be featured on the Force, Sanction and Marathon bikes.

Come and try them out on trails you are familiar with! I rode Green Canyon last night and there is snow shortly past the second gate but the lower single track is in super condition. Nice and fast-not loose and dusty.

We hope to see many people there!

http://www.experiencegt.com/index.html

USU Bike Swap

2008-03-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

The USU Cycling Team asked that we post this. It's a great fund raiser supporting local collegiate racing.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 5 and spread the word! The USU Cycling Club is hosting our annual BIKE SWAP. Looking to buy a new ride? Need parts, clothing, or other cycling gear? Want to sell stuff? Want an alternate transportation method to escape $4 per gallon gas prices anticipated this summer?

Expect to see anything from entry level to high end gear for:

- road, mountain, cyclocross, commuter, bmx, single speed, fixed gear, cruizer, kids bikes

- clothing, parts, gadgets, tools, rack systems, wheels, etc...

Details

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Merlin Olsen Park (300 East and Center)

Sellers Drop Off Times: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

SWAP STARTS!! 11 AM and goes til 4 PM

More details, contact Eric at 801-660-9173 or Ira at 435-757-2709 or see www.usu.edu/cycling

Though it is a bike swap, items sold are not limited to bicycling only. If you have a tent, a backpack, or other outdoor equipment you'd like to sell, feel free to bring it by.

Proceeds support the USU Cycling Team to compete intercollegiately in Fall MTB, Winter Cyclo-cross, and Spring Road race seasons. Donations are welcome and very much appreciated!

Race Team Shaping Up Nicely.

2008-03-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a race report and a congratulations to Joyride Bikes/EK Ekcessories racer Eric Gardiner. We're having a great response to the team so far and look forward to getting out on the roads/trails with you. We're not just about results as much as the experience of having fun but we have some talented riders who are bringing strong finishes to the team. Here's Eric's report on our first 1st place finish of the season:

RMR Crit – March 8, 2008

Awakening to snow on the ground did not help me to prep for the crit race that was planned at the RMR speedway this last Saturday. I had the same feeling that comes on every raced day. You know…. that feeling of the unknown. I wasn't sure how I would do but was excited to see how I could fair against other racers.

Upon arriving to the track I got changed quick and started warming up a bit while I waited for the U-man to finish suiting up. It was fun to be on my bike on the road rather than on a trainer inside. Once U-man was ready we took off to the registration booth. There I registered for the C flite. Coach had told me that I should try for the B's but the race officials said no to that one. I was content to race in whatever category. I just wanted to get back into the adrenaline riding that I hadn't had since the cross season.

After Registration I started to really warm up. The race this Saturday was on the oval at the RMR. I guess they normally race on the outside of the oval on a slightly larger track. I decided to follow a few of the guys that were warming up on that so I could scout the track for the next race there.

After doing a few laps I wanted to see a race so I went to the top of the bowl to watch what the A and B flites were doing in the races. I noticed a few things that I decided I would try during my race.

Finally it was time for me to race. I jumped to the front of the line so I cold get a good start position. The man explained a few things and then let us loose. Being that the racing I had done has only been cyclocross I was use to the fast sprints in the beginning of the race. To my surprise no one thought that a quick early sprint was good so I decided to slow down so I could get into a group.

From there the pace was fast and fun. A group of about 7 or 8 became what I guess was the break away. I tried to stay in the top 5 the entire time. It was fun to experience the teamwork that emerged in the front of the race. Once the official called 3 laps left I was trying to think of what I was going to do to finish this race off. From what I had seen in the others it was obvious to me that who ever had the best sprint would win. So my strategy was to lay down a long hard sprint to surprise everyone. Luckily it worked and I finished ahead of the rest with a bit of room to spare.

The race was a lot of fun. I felt good to win and I am excited to try and see what I can do in the B flite.

Eric R381

A Great Little Lift...

2008-03-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Josh found this great little video. Kind of mesmerizes me and makes me think of how much fun riding a bicycle really is. Take a 6 minute 40 second break from work and enjoy.

For Those That Want to Help...

2008-03-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

What makes it possible for you to be out there riding your bike? Besides the fact that, yes we are legally entitled to be on the road as a motor vehicle? For those of us who ride road or commute; who is working for the betterment of cyclists rights right here?

Recently there has been an increase in dialog regarding the role of bicycle commuters and their rights to our roadways. Here, as in other areas of the country, the discussion has gotten vigorous and occasionally emotional. There is in our community a small contingent of individuals who appear to be taking a face-to-face, challenging and occasionally adversarial position with those with whom we share the road, as evidenced by a recent Herald Journal article relating obscenities exchanged between a motorist and a cyclist. A 'critical mass' style event ala San Francisco and New York City has even been formed. My first response to this is that we (fortunately) don't live in either of those places.

I've witnessed first-hand a truck swerve to avoid hitting the cyclists in this group, honk, yell, and then offer the obligatory universal sign involving the middle digit. The frustration of the motorist was reciprocated with several 'salutes' from those in the 'critical mass' group.

Hmmm. I've lived here for a long time. I've seen and been a part of all sorts of interactions with other motorists while riding my bike. I've been driving a car and observed those on bicycle commit illegal acts. I've also seen the quality of cyclists image with the Valley residents wax and wane. I wonder how effective an attempt to force this issue will be with motorists in the long term? Will that frustration experienced by a motorist now be released toward me when I am on a ride this summer? Will it be directed at someone I care about?

Fortunately, there is another group working to advocate cycling and bicycle use to improve our cities infrastructure and traffic patterns. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has been working relentlessly to the benefit of anyone who rides a bicycle in Cache Valley. They are dedicated and hard-working, organized, connected, and willing to go through the proper channels to help protect and promote cycling interests in Cache Valley. They meet monthly and have an open vision of what the Valley can be like long-term. I won't name these individuals but I should. They should be thanked and recognized. They are school counselors, business owners, and other professionals and they are doing something great.

So while we are out riding our bikes, we can do so because of the courtesy extended by people on the roadways and the letter of the law which protects our rights and so on. But really, we can be out there thanks to those whose work is driving the interests of bicyclists in a way that is tremendous, attainable, and durable. Can our bicycle culture ever approach that of Boulder, Colorado. Probably not, but it sure is cool to think about.

Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia. -- H.G. Wells

Congrats to Joyride/EK Ekcessories Racers!

2008-03-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Joyride/EK racers John Burton and Jedd Cox placed 2nd and 4th in the first XC mountain bike race of the season in St. George, UT. Not bad for a couple of snowbound junior racers from Logan!

Love helping people and biking?

2008-02-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Our needs are growing. We've gotten to the point that we are welcoming great personalities to apply to be a part of our team. So here's the job description:

Joyride Bikes; Logan's premiere full-service bicycle shop is seeking quality individuals for mechanic/sales positions to join our staff for the 2008 season and beyond. Experience with current technologies: suspension, carbon fiber frames and components, high-end wheels, etc. required. The qualified candidate will be comfortable working with all aspects of road and mountain bicycles but also have a strong drive to learn and improve continually. Openness to ideas and a highly-driven work ethic are required as well as recognizing and addressing details. The ideal addition to our team will be able to demonstrate established habits of EXCELLENCE. Concern for customer needs and the ability to communicate in an effective/friendly manner.

Joyride Bikes has served the communities of Cache Valley for over 8 years. We provide top-notch service, expertise delivered in a friendly manner, pro bike fit, and product from the industries' leading manufacturers.

If you feel you can contribute to Joyride Bikes please email a resume to Kory@joyridebikes.com or drop it off at:

Joyride Bikes

65 S. Main

Logan, UT 84321

In return you will be rewarded with challenge, good pay, discounts on product as well as a chance to work at a job that you love because it is FUN!

Tool time.

2008-02-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

I just read a note on a forum saying that you should ask oneself wether or not you are a 'tool-snob'. This seemed to me like a very important question so I thought, 'well I probably am a tool snob'. I know the differences between numerous brands. Take screwdrivers: Klein, Wiha, Craftsman, SK, Proto, Snap-On, Matco, & PB Swiss-among others. Holy smokes that's just screwdrivers! There are LOTS more brands. I mostly prefer the Wihas for screwdrivers. See, I'm already showing tool snobbishness. Then there are bike specific tool companies: Park, Pedros, Cyclus, JA Stein and the venerable Campagnolo. All have numerous advantages and disadvantages.

I have preferences definitely. Campagnolo finish quality sets the bar-very high. With that level comes a corresponding but not commensurate increase in cost. The equivalent to a Park bottom bracket tap is two-and-a-half times more money! That puts a park at ~$250.00 and the Campy at close to $675.00! And a fully equipped pro-bicycle shop should have three of them! That's just to cover the bottom-bracket threads. Add an additional $450.00 to handle the facing tasks of the bottom bracket shell.

So I bought a set of Cyclus tools for the job. I own a Campy but just the dies are more than the entire Park or Cyclus tool. The Cyclus tool works great. Not as easy to start as the Campy but nice clean cutting surfaces on the taps. The design is actually a bit better (longer cutting surfaces) for extended chasing of difficult threads. It does a great job.

The forum thread then diverged into talk about having the right tool for the job. I agree whole heartedly. I've heard of a bike shop using a rubber mallet to insert headset cups! It could work if we were in a Mad-Maxesque-post-holocaust situation where that was the only option available. But we, thankfully, are not. So your headset should not be installed with a rubber mallet - ever. I've also read comments that a tool for such a simple task should not cost upwards of $400.00. I do agree with this as well. But I also know I can consistently do a much better job of cleanly pressing in a headset with my Efficient Velo Tools press than anyone else can with a home-made bolt, washer and nut apparatus or a bench vise and 2 x 4's. I can also cleanly press cups into an extremely wide range of frame sizes-possibly as large as 70 cm. Bring on Shaquille's bike! A very good tool by Park for pressing headset cups would have cost me $230.00. I bought the EVT headset press for close to $400.00.

So I don't think that every recreational rider needs a set of Wiha screwdrivers for $150.00 when the $19.99 set of Craftsmans will work fine and the reality is probably closer to a $2.00 Stanley. Heck, I bought the Cyclus stuff rather than the Campy tools. The ultimate result of those tools is the quality of the product that results from the tools available.

I could build a lot of things and they would look cobbly and chunky by comparison to a true craftsman at that given set of skills-regardless of what was available to me while building it. For me and the work I do on bicycles, tools are not only fun but a vital extension of how the idea I have visualized can be transformed into the desired outcome. The result has to be consistent, repeatable, and timely. Which is a bicycle that is aesthetically and functionally at the peak of it's mechanical potential. So if I'm sporting a rainbow-colored set of PB Swiss hexes that emptied my pockets to the tune of $80.00 you can feel free to go ahead and call me out-as the tool geek that I am.

What race?

2008-02-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

The first race of the season is just four weeks away. Way too little time for those of us that are sorely lacking fitness but plan to go out and flounder anyway. It's the Red Rock Rampage in St. George, UT. People from the warmer climes have been riding and will out in force to remind us that we should have stayed in our cold-northern hibernation.

Fully aware of the likely outcome, we'll be toeing the start line anyway. Casualties may occur. We'll probably come back licking our wounds but hopefully be better as we start to get some weather that cooperates with our training efforts.

Right now, the intentions are to be in racing shape for most of the season. That is said before the 60 hour work weeks hit us and we have little time for anything other than keeping bikes running for folks. And it is said as another snow flurry is coming down. At least the cold might numb some of our fitness shortcomings.

Winter has created too much time for my mind to roam.

2008-02-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Do bikes have a soul? I don’t think so. This is an old argument and I’ve heard numerous philosophical positions on this topic but lately nobody seems to care. Some say that any bike coming from a mass-produced factory in the Orient can’t possibly have a soul. They argue that only a bike crafted by an artisan in ways secret and sacred can be infused with a soul from the builders’ hands.

Gary Fisher once commented that the ‘soul’ is not in the bike but in the experiences relating to that specific bike. That seems to gel with me but it avoids the argument altogether and diverges into making the bicycle a vehicle for an experience rather than an inanimate object seeming to posses life.

So while I don’t think a bike has a soul, there are a few among the 50 or so nice bicycles that I have owned that I really miss. One of those was my Serotta Ti-Max. It was just all-around bicycle goodness. It was titanium when titanium was the new wonder stuff that Zeus’ staff must have been made from. Waay lighter than any steel. But, noticeably more compliant than any aluminum bike (all mountain bikes were hard tails at this time). A co-worker bought and pimped out a custom Independent Fabrications Deluxe. Shimano XTR brand new Crossmax wheels, Syncros crome-moly crank, etc. It was a beautiful bike and one of the first crafted from Reynolds 853 steel. We rode the same pedals and swapped bikes one ride. We kept our observations to ourselves until the end and then compared notes. We both thought my bike was noticeably stiffer and quicker.

Those that think titanium is whippy have not ridden all titanium. I’ve ridden ti that is as stiff as the numerous Kleins I’ve owned. The Ti-Max was not uber stiff but just right. Fast, lively and solid. Straight-gauge tubing manipulated by Serotta into Colorado Concept shapes. I had great rides on that bike and was probably at the peak of my strength as far as being a go-fast rider. It’s green and plum colored. A weird color combination yes, it was done as a one-off paint to be a show bike.

It is now happily being ridden about by an intrepid local cyclist. Let’s call him ‘Jim’. If you see it out there take note, it’s a great example of how alive a bike can be.

Cool new goodies to have fun with.

2008-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

So we have a couple of new additions to the shop in the way of product offerings. We are happy to offer Rocky Mountain Bicycles as well as Pinarello Italian road bicycles.

Rocky Mountain has been at this bike stuff for a long time. I have a Rocky Mountain mug I picked up at Interbike that says ‘Total Commitment for 15 years’. That was in 1996. Handmade frames from Canada using designs that have been refined and improved to create a great ride.

Pinarello almost needs no introduction. Pure Italian speed machines. History and lore-all of it is there. The Pinarello Prince was my pick as the run-away sexiest bike at the Interbike trade show. As much as I love it all when it comes to bikes: handmade steel from the artisan shops to cutting edge carbon; the Prince simply left me speechless. For those of you that know me that is an accomplishment when it comes to bikes. Our Pinarello representative was talking about the technical merits of the bike and his voice just kind of faded into the Charlie Brown adult voice of ‘wawaawaawaa’. I just stared, no sounds registered in my brain. The lines, the finish and color palette were done like only the Italians can. Think Ducati. Think Moto Guzzi. Or some cool shoes if I knew the brands. It’s not the lightest or any of those other technical adjectives ending in ‘est’. But it was just ‘right’. It was really fun for me because I haven’t had a bike actually speak to me like that in a long, long time.

Good times and 60 degrees in Phoenix.

2008-02-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

I got to spend nine days in sunny Phoenix, AZ after Christmas. I made it through the Holidays and couldn’t wait to get away to where I could actually ride some bikes. I was able to remember that I really like my Bianchi Rita 29er single speed, road biking is really fun, and my Scott Ransom rules.

I also bumped into the crew from BH/Pivot bikes. I rendezvoused with Jeff Baugh of Al’s Cyclery fame and glory and we went out and tackled South Mountain. The Pivot crew saw me and I said 'hi' and I knew would be roped into a ride with them. So a couple of days later I went out with Chris Cocalis of Titus/Pivot fame and Kenny-national sales manager for DT Swiss. Chris Cocalis goes down hill really fast. On bikes that are more XC with only 4” of travel and 2.35” tires, I definitely had no chance-no prayer of staying with him. Granted, his trails, his bikes but he is a smooth, skilled rider. At least I would have been faster on any climbs if there were any.

Rode the Pivot Cycles Mach 4. This is a 4” XC DW Link bike. Rides great. I had a chance to ride one at Interbike as well. The second ride told me I wasn’t totally in tune with the bike but a few more rides and I think I would have been as comfortable as I am on anything.

I also got a cooks' tour of the Pivot Cycles facility. It’s new, clean and tidy. Pivot is prototyping a big-hit bike as well as a full-sus 29er. You heard it here first! Should have some cool stuff by next fall. BH bikes looks good as well. The new G4 will be under a Pro-Tour squad this year. Kenny showed us a new DT Swiss full-carbon xc race wheel: holy smokes.

So my take of the vacation: getting to take some time off at Christmas-well worth it; nine days in 50-70 weather-very nice, riding with industry influencers because they all want me as their customer? Priceless.

Fun year round.

2008-02-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

We’re all cut from the same cloth. Think about it, all of us that bike often like other similar activities. We ski or snowboard. We love the backcountry. We love looking at the world from a summit. A mountain biker is equally at home going sideways down the mountain through the powder. A committed road racer is likely to be skate skiing the groomed in the off season. I’m not sure about where tele people come from.

Many mountain bikers also motorcycle. Some may hide it, but all those with 5+ inches of full-suspension travel secretly have combustion envy. I mean 70 horsepower in a light, flickable two-wheel package is just cool joy. 65 mph on my road bike feels way cooler but sometimes a motorcycle will do.

Is it the process of taking a journey? Is it the competitive itch? Does the sensation of a mini-exodus fulfill our inner wanderlust? Are we all just geeks that find that biking pushes all of our buttons so we love the two-wheeled experience?

And what is it with dogs? How many dogs do you see at a trailhead or bike area? Big dogs, fast dogs, slow dogs, nervous dogs, but mostly just bright-eyed, happy dogs in their element running behind us. Are the dogs on to something? It has to have something to do with the dogs doesn't it?

NAHMBS.

2008-01-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

North American Handmade Bike Show, Portland, OR, Feb. 8-10, 2008

I want to go so bad. I’ve wanted to go ever since I saw pictures of it when it was in San Jose, CA. I want to see the stuff Richard Sachs is crazy enough to sweat and labor over and then go race it in the mud and sweat of cyclocross. I want to see the emerald paint of Keith Anderson’s work. I want to see the new-school spit-polish of Sacha White. I want to talk with the personalities like Jeff Jones and John Castellano. I want to see the insight of designers like David Kirk and Tom Kellog. When you are talking with Steve Potts you are talking to one of the founders of the mountain bike sport! From new to tradition, anyone who loves the beauty and feeling of stillness one of these bikes evokes should make the trip.

I had planned to go this year. A friend’s (Cookie) uncle has a place in Portland where we were going to crash. Dreams of deep and luminous paint. Ornate stainless steel lugs cradling Reynolds 953 tubing. Organic and invisible fillet-brazed joints.

They moved the show up by a month this year. I won't be going. So if you love these things, that is the place to be next month. Just be sure to bring me back a show guide.

Maintenance Class

2008-01-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

The annual Joyride Bikes maintenance course will be starting soon. This class will be offered on a first-come basis. The cost will be $175.00 and will include five nights of bicycle study (approximately 12 hours). We will take a bike of your choice and essentially have it stripped down to a bare frame. We will instruct and then assist you in performing a full overhaul on your ride. Bearings will be repacked, wheels will be trued and wheel theory discussed, frames and components will be inspected, cables replaced and adjusted – all by you with the assistance of mechanics with over 20 years of experience.

A syllabus will be provided and there will be plenty of time for questions and individual direction. I’ve done this before as an instructor for the University cycling course for several years and it’s always a good time. Tools will be available for purchase at a discount if desired. See you there!

One year down.

2008-01-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

So it's official; it has been one year and a few weeks that the new crew have been at it at Joyride Bikes. It has been an interesting year with the struggles to balance time, customer needs, trying to establish the standards we strive for in this new business, and balancing personal needs. There is never a shortage of work to do and people to help.

It’s not like it is all new to us though. I’ve been in the industry for 12 years now. I’ve had the chance to develop and hone skills as a mechanic, bike fitter, and as a salesperson who truly tries to listen to customers. I’ve been exposed to about every bike out there and have been a major factor in the success of numerous bike shops. I have also been able to work with and learn from some great individuals.

The advice and questions from many of you have been informative and encouraging – thanks for the contributions! We look forward to this year with many new and FUN plans in the works. So check back often and get out there – Spring is coming!