Northern California - Ok, what did you buy???

A new spoke nipple!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/DiabloScottsBikeBlog/SEIn8Egc6CI/AAAAAAAAC1o/P1JyP8LTfVw/s800/P5310061.JPG


And a new tire
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/img/product/200/v/vttfasb9009.jpg


Usually I like Michelins but Encina only had Continentals and Specialized. Sports Basement had Pro2Race for $46. Never used this one before but it wasn't much more ($54) and looks so much like a sew-up I had to try it. I really like a little file tread pattern to help judge wear. Old front to rear, new tire on front, old rear to garbage.

I took the wheel to Encina to fix and used the opportunity to do a complete overhaul (not yet done).
I put on the new handlebars and JagWire cables I bought over a year ago. Somehow managed to fook up my Flight Deck gear indicator at the shifter (says I'm in the 12t all the time now... that ever happen to anybody here? oh well).

http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.Drugstore.com/prodimg/39751/300.jpg
Got this from SportsBasement in Sunnyvale on Saturday. Got the Vanilla flavor, though.

Giving up on my koobi saddle.



http://i4.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/f1/e4/d667_1.JPG

Giving up on my koobi saddle.



http://i4.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/f1/e4/d667_1.JPG

Which Koobi do you have?

I have two of them.

The Au Enduro on my commuter is a great saddle. I ride it in jeans all the time. :eek: And it is always comfy.

The PRS Alpha on my tandem required me to change the swappable elastomer thingies for a softer set. Now it works good.

I have the AU enduro, tried it for 200 miles. But the enduro is even less comfortable than the stock seat that came on the bike.

I have the AU enduro, tried it for 200 miles. But the enduro is even less comfortable than the stock seat that came on the bike.

Mine took a few weeks to break in, just FYI.... But then again, it might not be right for you. One man's throne is another man's ass hatchet ;)

Ordered these from PBK the Sunday before Memorial Day. Arrived the same Friday.
I've always bought the cheapest medium quality tires but I keep reading how good
the Open Corsa Evo CX and Pro2/3 Race tires were so I decided to give them a try.

http://blastradius.home.mindspring.com/tires-vittoria-open-corsa-evo-cx.jpg

http://blastradius.home.mindspring.com/tires-michelin-pro2-race.jpg

BR, I've been looking at both the Open Corsa Evo CX and Rubino Pro Slick. Let me know what you think of the Corsas and how they hold up to punctures.

I will probably try the Rubino as my next tire.

http://agouracycles.com/merchant/550/images/features/squalo-silver-wht-blue.jpg
Payed 50 bucks. :)

I seldom buy anything to upgrade but decided that I'd buy another set of wheels. The story behind these is that I put out an ad on CL and a guy from Alaska offered this package of Brand New Campy Nucleon wheelset w/record skewers, Wheel bags, Brand New Michelin Axial Pro tires w/tubes, Record Ti/Steel 12-25 10 speed cassette for $575 shipped. I sold the cassette and the tires and bought my Campy 9-speed 13-29 cassette and the Rubino Pro tires which are the only tires I ride. Take look:

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/mixtemike/EBAY/IMG_2850.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/mixtemike/EBAY/IMG_2849.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/mixtemike/EBAY/IMG_2851.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/mixtemike/EBAY/IMG_2852.jpg

Going to use these for my cenutires starting with the Canyon Classic.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2547564208_d7c231095d.jpg
Tricia didn't ride the Sequoia Century with me. I was going to get a Sequoia jersey, but I didn't love them. Plus, there was a stand selling Sheila Moon stuff, so I got this for Tricia. After all, someone should get a jersey out of this, right?
And, she is trying to catch up with Taxi777 on jerseys.

:thumb: Sheila Moon has really cool women specific stuff and some men stuff too. She's also a really cool lady, big cyclo-cross supporter and racer.

I got Rubinos a season ago from PBK because they were ridiculously cheap compared to the Michelin PR2 and Conti 3P 4000. I really, really like them.

I went with the new Contis this year because I got a team discount for the race bike, but I think I'd like to try the Open Corsas. Let us know how you like them.

Specialized Tarmac SL2 :)

BR, I've been looking at both the Open Corsa Evo CX and Rubino Pro Slick. Let me know what you think of the Corsas and how they hold up to punctures.

I will probably try the Rubino as my next tire.

I ride the Pro Race 2 (now 3) almost exclusively. A little over a year ago, I decided to try the Rubino Pro Slicks because they were so cheap. After about 200 miles, I went back to the Michelin's - the Rubino's were noticeably poorer riding tires. I'm slow enough already - I don't need a tire with more rolling resistance to make things worse. :) As far as punctures are concerned - I didn't have any issues while riding them, and my daughter still rides them with good longevity so far. Of course, she's only 12 and pretty light.

I have no experience with the Open Corsa's, but I can tell you that the Continental GP 4000's are very nice riding tires. I like them about as much as the Michelins.

All the tests show Open Corsa EVO CXs have the lowest rolling resistance followed closely by Pro2/3 Race. GP3000s test pretty badly but I haven't seen anything for the GP4000. I must say the Ultra 2000/Ultra Race tires don't seem _bad_ but they definitely feel better once I started inflating them to 100/90psi rr/fr instead of 120/110.

I'll report back on how the Open Corsas feel with 100/90psi.

My latest schwag.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2557405658_cc95337a1e.jpg

Specialized Tarmac SL2 :)

That's VERY nice. My buddy has one and he says it makes him feel 1-2mph faster. Great bike.

My latest schwag.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2557405658_cc95337a1e.jpg

I ordered the "Roadie" book. Should arrive Monday.:thumb:

:)
that's exactly how I felt during test ride :).
I went up Page Mill and I thought I was flying up the hill. the bike itself is only 14.5 lbs (that includes pedals, but does not include computer and bottle cages). the weight will increase a bit as I move my Ergomo from other bike.

New commuter
http://bp1.blogger.com/_tSP-m6DKhqI/SFmx5l1stAI/AAAAAAAAAMk/wphidKl-shU/s320/5015785028_ORIG.jpeg

bunch of stuff for track bike: new crankset (DA, 50-teeth), bottom bracket (DA), rear sprocket (DA, 15-teeth).

I let a newbie friend borrow my commuting helmet for his first ride at Arastradero OSP. It got kinda funky so I figure with it being 5 years old, it's time to replace it anyway.

My new white/silver Giro Transfer. It's not too bad for a $30 helmet.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2591595623_92ed60e6f5.jpg

Coincidentally, I just picked up a new helmet too. Bell Sweep R:

http://www.all3sports.com/imageserver/images_big/BLL7SWP.jpg

New cranks for my Pinarello.
I wasn't happy with the noisy chainrings on the Ritchey Pro Compact and wanted to give 165mm arm a try.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2596120332_8dc6b6369d_o.jpg

I seem to be spending plenty just on replacing the wear items on my bike. Death Ride in 3 weeks, so today I replaced:

tires (2 - rear was pretty cut-up, front still had some life on it - I'll keep it around just in case) - Conti GP4000
brake pads - Kool Stop
chain (stretched nicely)
cassette (knew I should have replaced that chain earlier.....)
cleats (the Keo cleats really do wear down fast)

JB

On the way home from work tonight I picked up a new Pearl Izumi Slice Jersey. With summer upon us (and the hot weather to prove it), all the fashion mavens say its the season to wear white.

I hope it helps keep me cool tomorrow, along with the Cool Citrus flavored Cytomax I also grabbed.

http://gallery.mac.com/markkaufmann/100123/PI-20Slice-20Jersey/web.jpg

Chain, cassette, and both sets of shifter cables and housing.

i ordered a roller. should be here this week. i can't wait

Specialized Tarmac SL2 :)

Pics? I haven't drooled in a couple of days... :thumb:

Thinking about getting this Stationary Cycle Trainer. Looks pretty high-tech:

Super-Zoot Trainer (http://www.zaftig.net/content/my-new-stationary-cycle-trainer)

Garmin Edge 705 GPS Navigator with Heart Rate Monitor, Speed/Cadence Sensor and Data Card with Street Maps. Can't wait to get it. I am new to San Fran and tired of getting lost. It should be here this weekend.
:thumb:

Thinking about getting this Stationary Cycle Trainer. Looks pretty high-tech:

Super-Zoot Trainer (http://www.zaftig.net/content/my-new-stationary-cycle-trainer)

LOL - opposite of high-centered!

JB

I bought a Specialized Hot Rock for my son. Early birthday present. We promptly went out for a ride and did nearly 20 miles. Pretty good for a 6yo!

I bought a Specialized Hot Rock for my son. Early birthday present. We promptly went out for a ride and did nearly 20 miles. Pretty good for a 6yo!

20" wheel version? I'm looking for a 20" bike with gears for my daughter who is seven.

20" wheel version? I'm looking for a 20" bike with gears for my daughter who is seven.And odd suggestion, perhaps: You might look at a folding bike. Some of them seem like they'd be just as at home with a four-foot rider as with one who is six-foot, so the bike could actually "grow" with her.

Ooooh. Good Suggestion. That would totally be doable. Thanks.

Ooooh. Good Suggestion. That would totally be doable. Thanks.

It is a great suggestion. I have recommended the Downtube Mini to other friends with kids:

Looks great.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/Mini.sm.jpg

travels well.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/packedmini.jpg

It's my everyday folder. I've had 6 yr olds on it and it works well. Marco is taking it up Alp d'Huez next week. That's what I call versatile...

20" wheel version? I'm looking for a 20" bike with gears for my daughter who is seven.

The 24" wheel version. My son can barely get on it by himself, but once on, he's riding very well. The bike is just a little too big for him. He'll grow into it pretty quickly I expect. He really wants a road bike, but he just isn't big enough for any of the offerings available (and I can't afford a custom build).

Marco is taking it up Alpe d'Huez next week. That's what I call versatile...

Yep, I had no luck finding rental bikes to get us from Grenoble to the Alpe. So Ruth and I decided to take folders. Alan graciously lent me his.

I am going to ride that Downtube Mini up Alpe d'Huez the morning of the TdF stage, summit, and go down a little less than 1k to watch the race. :)

I am a little worried about the descent, but unlike usual.. I will be taking it slow, stopping to take pictures, etc...

You can expect a full report on how this little guy does in the big mountains.

Stopped by the LBS on the way home last night to pick up these:

http://media.rei.com/media/685743Lrg.jpg

(For my daughter's bike, not mine.)

Yep, I had no luck finding rental bikes to get us from Grenoble to the Alpe. So Ruth and I decided to take folders. Alan graciously lent me his.

I am going to ride that Downtube Mini up Alpe d'Huez the morning of the TdF stage, summit, and go down a little less than 1k to watch the race. :)

I am a little worried about the descent, but unlike usual.. I will be taking it slow, stopping to take pictures, etc...

You can expect a full report on how this little guy does in the big mountains.

That is quite some climb to do on a folder. It should raise a smile from the thousands of CF exotica being ridden up there. Have you done Diablo as a practise climb ? I reckon it isnt worth riding past the sign after the barriers start and if you dont get up there really early they might not let you do the last 1k anyways. I have ridden Alpe d'Huez many times but the last time was 12 years ago so my information could be horribly out of date. The descent after the race has passed through is usually pretty insane and on some years the tour riders themselves ride back down the road. I am so jealous !

That is quite some climb to do on a folder. It should raise a smile from the thousands of CF exotica being ridden up there. Have you done Diablo as a practise climb ? I reckon it isnt worth riding past the sign after the barriers start and if you dont get up there really early they might not let you do the last 1k anyways. I have ridden Alpe d'Huez many times but the last time was 12 years ago so my information could be horribly out of date. The descent after the race has passed through is usually pretty insane and on some years the tour riders themselves ride back down the road. I am so jealous !

I have ridden Tam, Hamilton, Quimby + Hamilton, etc, etc. I guess for logistical reasons I haven't done Diablo yet. However I have piloted a tandem up Tam, Hamilton, the Sequoia Century (with Mt. Charlie), and recently the Giro di Peninsula. It's probably just as hard to climb on the tandem as on the folder.

Re: watching and leaving

I am going to try and leave down an alternate route before the end of the stage.

My watching post will be located close to the turn-off.

See here (reverse of #3) the purple route: http://www.cycling-challenge.com/alpe-dhuez-five-different-rides/

I will continue from Rochetaillee to Grenoble.

Oh yeah... if some reporter can do it.... then so can we .... ;) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/02/AR2005070201153.html

And odd suggestion, perhaps: You might look at a folding bike. Some of them seem like they'd be just as at home with a four-foot rider as with one who is six-foot, so the bike could actually "grow" with her.

Aren't the cranks too long for a kid? I had to buy crank shorteners for my 8-yr old on the Bike Friday tandem.

Aren't the cranks too long for a kid? I had to buy crank shorteners for my 8-yr old on the Bike Friday tandem.

Yeah, they are a little long, but he's having a blast and not complaining of knee pain or anything. He's having so much fun that he had me put it on the stationary trainer and he's pedaling away.

i got this today

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/250/40-1400-NCL-TOP.jpg

Aren't the cranks too long for a kid? I had to buy crank shorteners for my 8-yr old on the Bike Friday tandem.Could be a concern. I seem to remember seeing cranks with multiple places to attach pedals. At the worst, though, you could just put some short little cranks (BMX, maybe?) on there until the regular-sized cranks are workable.

Well here's my treat to myself. I wanted better shoes and found these Specialized Pro Carbon shoes from an online shop in Louisville, Kentucky. They were the last pair and I snatched them up for $125 including shipping. Found them around here for $220. I love the Internet!:D

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/mixtemike/EBAY/CarbonPro001.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/mixtemike/EBAY/CarbonPro003.jpg

Great find Mike. That's a steal.

Subtle Berry and Mild Melon HEED. I bought the big standard jar of each so it's a commitment to liking the taste. Pearl Izumi Pro gloves with the red gel inserts. The PI Slice gloves were quickly destroyed on the palms from riding the fixed gear bike and standing for long periods. I also added some Fizik bargel to the bull horn bars. Defeet thin baselayer and a Castelli net looking base layer.