Rides and Races - Toronto Fixed

Yo Ryan!
Sprints on for tonight? I'm a little under the weather so I may not race much, and will be horribly slow if I do (look at me, setting up excuses already! talk about a preemptive strike!) but it's so close, I'd have to be on my deathbed not to show up!

I'm gonna go for a ride and head by there methinks.

I may ... I might ... blow past you dorks tonight :lol: *as if*.
Let's see what the wife thinks..... *fingers crossed*

man.. no matter how many times I see this it still kills me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GNB7xT3rNE

Yeah, I love that one.
This one blows my mind too, the "build-up" of such an otherwise boring vid, too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5mxMOGLiRw

hmm the Bianchi distributor just called me back regarding the Italian spec D2 Alum Pista.
I really wanted to know how much ....

http://www.bianchi.it/it/products2008/Road_X8B37.aspx
He said I might be able to get one for March....
I saw a pic of the one for the US market and it was like Navy Blue... eeeeew gross.

cloudy and humid ...doesn;t look like rain ..

Yo Ryan!
Sprints on for tonight? I'm a little under the weather so I may not race much, and will be horribly slow if I do (look at me, setting up excuses already! talk about a preemptive strike!) but it's so close, I'd have to be on my deathbed not to show up!

w00t w00t!!! You know it! Now with "official" measuring wheel and 100% MORE COWBELL!! Fo reals. If anyone needs more cowbell: Active, $6.99. Get 'em while they're hot!

As well, now that I have the measuring wheel I'm going to begin looking for covered parking structures with little to no supervision for us to take over in inclimate weather. That said, if anyone can think of / knows of any in the core they suspect may be around 300m in length - multi-level as I have a theory we can hang if we're above the last leve of used parking - lemme know.

I've already found a couple of choice locales for a future event TBD in a similar attitude to Storm The Gates. Stay tuned for that!

Hope to see you tonight!

Ps. - I hope some of the ladies are thinking of coming out as well. I've had a couple of "is this a guys only thing?" and it is most CERTAINLY not! However be warned their is a high possibility of a mostly naked King Tobra roaming about.

Parking garage at Jarvis-Yonge just south of St. Lawrence market? That's the longest straightest parking garage I know of. NOt many levels though...

Storm the Gates! Storm the Gates!

ot: Also if you haven't Picked up the latest release from Andre Ethier (of Deadly snakes fame) you are missing out!

hmm the Bianchi distributor just called me back regarding the Italian spec D2 Alum Pista.
I really wanted to know how much ....


If I recall correctly, the D2 was more expensive in '07 than the Concept frame. That might have changed though as the D2 was only available in Europe and Asia.

Not to be confused with the D2 Carbon...which is an insane piece of framework, also only track ready via Europe. Americans get a TT version.

Yeah, there was a thread about it awhile ago, comparing it to the Concept and someone said that the D2 is more expensive in Euros than the Concept, which they cannot get there. Now that it is coming to North America, I would guess that the D2 will be slightly more expensive than the Concept was, especially with the US dollar so low. The good news is that used Concepts will probably become cheaper, especially if the new D2 comes in celeste.

I thought I've read that there is no Concept.

The D2 carbon would be a hoot, but insanely expensive. Basically the track version of this... http://www.bianchi.it/it/products2007/Road_Y7B52.aspx

'07 D2 Alum pista http://www.bianchi.it/it/products2007/Road_Y7B54.aspx
'08 D2 Alum pista http://www.bianchi.it/it/products2008/Road_X8B37.aspx I love the little differences in the tubing

BTW wife's not feelin' well, I shan't be partaking in this eve's festivities fun to all'y'all

Yeah, sorry, I wasn't clear....the D2 is replacing the Concept so I figured that on eBay, people will be dumping their now-passe Concepts to get the new D2. The cool kids gotta have the latest thing, y'know?

So the beefing up of the D2's head end is in response to the concepts' tube shapes? makes sense. Well I was speaking with the rep in Canada and he asked why I didn't want the US spec one. I said it was too ugly for words and he saw the Italian one and had to agree it was a much nicer looking bike.

Hey guys, really interesting post on Pedal today that has the potential to positively impact all of us if it gets enough interest. I'll post some snippets, and also the link to the full article. Basically the summary is that the Midweek Cycling Club is holding a public meeting with Parks, Forestry and Recreation to try and get more cycling-related facilities in Centennial Park's new Masterplan. The meeting is taking place at 6:00pm on Thursday, November 1st at the Centennial Park Olympium.

"TCAT has learned that the plans do not currently incorporate the needs of cyclists - a proposed loop for bike races was opposed by staff and there is little to no bike parking. Also, the trail link across Etobicoke Creek into Mississauga is opposed by staff. "

One of the most interesting things to you guys is likely this:
"Track: excluded at this time but may be added in the future after we have proven that these facilities get significant usage to warrant considering taking the financial and usage risk that a track would entail."

And in their immediate "needs":
"A 250m, 333m or 500m inside diameter 5m to 7m wide paved surface with slightly raised banks circle for both track-cycling training and interval training"

"This facility would enable a group like Midweek to host Friday night races under the lights from May until Labour Day like is done in major cities around the world."

"Midweek currently host International Ranked Cyclo-cross races within the facility each November; the goal is to move these up to World Cup status within 5 years."

I think I'm going to ride out to the meeting after work... the more the merrier says I.

That's stuff all sounds good!

My bike is back from Germany! WOO! Maybe I can actually ride the damn thing on our roadie ride. Hell yeah! :)

I'm trying to replace my bottom bracket, and I have successfully taken off the drive side cranks, but the left crank doesn't seem to want to come off. I put in the tool, and it just isn't pushing the crank off the bike like it did on the drive side (it gets 'stuck' so that I can't turn it anymore). Any suggestions?

Ok spoke with my lovely , she's just heading off to bed afterwards so I will zip out for a couple sprints. Wet WILL make me run for home though.

I'm trying to replace my bottom bracket, and I have successfully taken off the drive side cranks, but the left crank doesn't seem to want to come off. I put in the tool, and it just isn't pushing the crank off the bike like it did on the drive side (it gets 'stuck' so that I can't turn it anymore). Any suggestions?

Make sure there isn't a washer left in the crankarm before threading the extractor in. If all is good there then give er' newf!

If all is good there then give er' newf!

What'd I do?! :P

A washer was the problem! Thanks!

Next issue: I've gotten the cranks off, and I have the ISIS bottom bracket tool, but it won't fit in. There seems to be something similar to a washer between where the crank would attach and the frame. The Park Tool site talks about Fixed Flanges and Removeable rings. One ring (which I said was a washer above) has writing on it, and the other does not. Making me think the writing is the fixed one.

But I can't seem to get anything off. Ideas?

1. Cycle Therapy is moving (downstairs). Basically, $5300/month + utilities is too much and we're consolidating the shop to one floor. The storefront will remain the same, but starting in December go down the stairs instead of up.

2. November the 17th ... mark your calendars. We're having an auction of everything and anything: bikes, apparel, accessories, tools, etc. We're going to have much less space downstairs so there's a lot to clear out before we make our move.

More details will be on the way soon. Spread the word!

ok this isn't exactly fixie stuff but who doesn't love bike videos for free. Looks like the Rip.tv dudes are making their latest season of Dropin free to download in ipod and HD. http://www.rip.tv/events/downloads

It looks great on my ipod. Not quite ROAM but still entertaining.

Nice T/U

5300 Hun OUCH!

Is anyone looking to get ride of a trainer for cheap cheap cheap? GF has signed up to do the ironman in muskoka next summer, and all of a sudden has to train on a bike.

Sorry I missed the sprints tonight. Was planning on heading over but after a half hour of intensive eyeball photography and examinations at the eye specialist this afternoon it took all night for my vision to come back to normal. Blind bike riding is not as much fun as it sounds. Hope everyone had fun.

Sprints were fun, good crowd. I lost miserably (in my only run), but that can only be motivation to improve :)

Nice to see Dan out on a bike, woo (congrats on getting yours back from .de, too) :)

Wanted to be there - went to see The Darjeeling Ltd.... amazing - a must see (I think).

Nice to see Dan out on a bike, woo (congrats on getting yours back from .de, too) :)

LoL ".de"

Wanted to be there - went to see The Darjeeling Ltd.... amazing - a must see (I think).

saw that last night, really good, but wes anderson could film jason schwartzman taking a dump and i'd probably rave about it

did you go to the wes anderson/jason schwartzman screening tonight? they were doing a q/a at the 6 something screening

Richey logic 1" threaded head sets. low stack height 33mm. Yay or nay?

Richey logic 1" threaded head sets. low stack height 33mm. Yay or nay?

i see nothing wrong with ritchey headsets; especially logic...

can't you add a spacer if the stack height is a little low?

I've got a Pro headset in my Devinci ... no problems so far. I've also had good experience w/ FSA Orbit X headsets.

</$0.02>

PS. Sprint pics, post 'em.

Thanks to everyone for the sprints last night! The roads dried up just in time and the turnout was fantastic! I'm going to try to track down a 13t cog for next week... I won't be able to stop but I should be able to make 'er go pretty well. ;)

Next issue: I've gotten the cranks off, and I have the ISIS bottom bracket tool, but it won't fit in. There seems to be something similar to a washer between where the crank would attach and the frame. The Park Tool site talks about Fixed Flanges and Removeable rings. One ring (which I said was a washer above) has writing on it, and the other does not. Making me think the writing is the fixed one.

But I can't seem to get anything off. Ideas?

What type /brand of crankset/bottom bracket is it? Is it an external cup type or are the cups enveloped by the b.b. shell? If it is an internal type a Shimano tool should fit. If it is external cup then the wrench should go on the outside diameter of the cup. It sounds like you have the wrong tool for yer B.B.

Anyone have an opinion on the Surly Fixxer?

Confession: whenever I'm looking for my spandex duds lately I get a tune stuck in my head (to the tune of Biff Naked's "Space Man"). Of course since I'm a total crackhead I find myself muttering along ... "Space gitch, oh space gitch ... come rescue me, 'cause I'm chaffing and clinging ..."

Someone put a bullet in me and save me from myself.

Thanks to everyone for the sprints last night! The roads dried up just in time and the turnout was fantastic! I'm going to try to track down a 13t cog for next week... I won't be able to stop but I should be able to make 'er go pretty well. ;)

That was a super fun night. Excellent turnout. I like running East as opposed to West and the lack of buses last night was a bonus as well. Glad I put on my 49t ring or else Ernesto would have crushed me...good times. Nothing like laying a beating on Nadir as well....long time rivalry there and I was happy to keep up the status quo. I can see this being good practice for Nadir's sprints on the 17th....$500! Nice.

Anyone have an opinion on the Surly Fixxer?

I havnt had much experience with em but I have heard of interface problems with em. Kind of like the Miche cog system where the carrier develops play with the cog except with the Fixxer it develops play between the carrier and hub. If you have to set-up yer Cosmics fixed it is a decent solution. Otherwise I would recommend a proper fixed hub.

I havnt had much experience with em but I have heard of interface problems with em. Kind of like the Miche cog system where the carrier develops play with the cog except with the Fixxer it develops play between the carrier and hub. If you have to set-up yer Cosmics fixed it is a decent solution. Otherwise I would recommend a proper fixed hub.

Gotcha. I'll avoid'em then.

saw that last night, really good, but wes anderson could film jason schwartzman taking a dump and i'd probably rave about it

did you go to the wes anderson/jason schwartzman screening tonight? they were doing a q/a at the 6 something screening

I hit the 9:10pm at Cumberland 4 - no q/a for me.

I agree. Do you know when the dump movie is coming out?

Keith, I might have the wrong tool. If I bring the bike in, along with the bb, can you swap it out relatively quickly (ie. while I wait / walk around the Eaton Centre)?

Keith, I might have the wrong tool. If I bring the bike in, along with the bb, can you swap it out relatively quickly (ie. while I wait / walk around the Eaton Centre)?

I can prolly do it while you wait....shouldn't be a big deal.

Thanks to everyone who came out lastnight! A lot of new faces which was nice to see and I think we counted about 50 people in total! And how can you beat the Orbea TT vs. BMX vs. Chopper Bike challenge. Or the Keith vs. Nadir grudge match. Amazing!

I have to concur about Darjeeling as well... incredible! I'd be interested to see what Mr. Pyze thinks - good to see you out last night too big daddy! Amber and I are going to India for as long as possible when she graduates and now we're frothing at the mouth to go.

Wired has a crazy article on bike hackers (http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/multimedia/2007/10/gallery_bike_hacks) today.

And finally, pending any drama, I'm down for the MTL race. Time to get some intercity fun started!

Thanks to everyone for the sprints last night! The roads dried up just in time and the turnout was fantastic! I'm going to try to track down a 13t cog for next week... I won't be able to stop but I should be able to make 'er go pretty well. ;)

We better stop at Active Surplus and requisition us a big net or Wyl-E-Coyote strength rubber band to assist with the stopping :D

We better stop at Active Surplus and requisition us a big net or Wyl-E-Coyote strength rubber band to assist with the stopping :D

haha... I strongly encourage the use of parachutes for stopping.

This is what we need: http://www.rockthebike.com/soundsystems

Winter project anyone?

Ps. Andre and I were talking this morn about the fall colours ride. Was there a consensus / final on exactly when - this Sat or next - and a meet / start point?

This is what we need: http://www.rockthebike.com/soundsystems

Winter project anyone?

promise we'll add a karaoke machine to it and you've got yourself a deal!

"...she's just an up town girl....da-da-da...living in a lo-nely world!...."

This is what we need: http://www.rockthebike.com/soundsystems

Winter project anyone?

I am very tempted to build something like this for my fixie cruiser. $375 for instructions sounds steep to me. I can handle the enclosures but the electronics details are prolly outside of my capabilities. I-bRAD...interested in perhaps assisting with the electronics end?

Hooking up speakers and amps is pretty straightforward... Power supply would be the biggest hurdle I think.