Rides and Races - Toronto Fixed

So at CX Nationals Ted came 6th and my old friend Chris (who I mentioned here a little while back.. AB provincial CX champ, and national 30-39 TT champ) got 2nd (by 1s!) in their respective categories. Strong Ontario showing too..

http://www.pedalmag.com/index.php?module=Section&action=viewdetail&item_id=11919

hey wes, i noticed you went with cantis for your new build - you were talking about going with the short v-brakes for a while...

Those CX picts looks like a lot of fun.

hey wes, i noticed you went with cantis for your new build - you were talking about going with the short v-brakes for a while...

So are you down for tuesday if it's not first thing? Anyone else?

So are you down for tuesday if it's not first thing? Anyone else?

i should be so long as i don't get called into work; i'll let you know tomorrow. keep in mind i'm out of shape.

So you aren't human shaped anymore???!!!

So you aren't human shaped anymore???!!!

still in human shape, just more of me to love, as it were...

Thanks for the pedal tips, guys - I tried some different leverage and it squeaked free with a few belts of the hammer on the end of the wrench. It got me worried there. I cleaned the threads with WD and q-tips/cloth to try and get out the ****e.


i should be so long as i don't get called into work; i'll let you know tomorrow. keep in mind i'm out of shape.

I'm down, if it's an evening ride. Tuesday would work better than Monday for me, too. I'd like to hit up the bluffs hill again, with a bit more vigour this time.

Rode a fixie for the first time today, my buddy got his conversion going. Toe cages aren't my bag, but it was fun. He's got 52/16 on there right now, which hurts, but he'll figure something out. He switched his drivetrain over to the left side of the bike after a bit, too - that was weird - but more importantly, are there any detrimental/bad things that can happen by doing this? (assuming chainline is good, etc.) It seems like everything should be kushty, but I don't know much about dem der fixies yet.

In terms of thread grease, what should I use?

hey wes, i noticed you went with cantis for your new build - you were talking about going with the short v-brakes for a while...

Mini v-brakes weren't available at the time and we were building it up the day before a race. I used what was on-hand at the shop to get the bike ready.

still in human shape, just more of me to love, as it were...

Well there's still quite a bit less of me than before. I have a lot of shoulder muscle-ness to regain still.

He switched his drivetrain over to the left side of the bike after a bit, too - that was weird - but more importantly, are there any detrimental/bad things that can happen by doing this? (assuming chainline is good, etc.) It seems like everything should be kushty, but I don't know much about dem der fixies yet.

In terms of thread grease, what should I use?

yeah there are several detrimental things to building a left-side drive. namely that all the threads on a bike are designed for the chain to be on the right, so when you switch it over the pressure you put in the drivetrain from forward pedalling helps to unscrew everything, namely pedal threads (which would mount backwards) and the rear cog. if you're friend is running 52x16 that cog should spin off in no time. the wright brothers invented a reverse-thread left pedal to solve that very problem 100 years ago.

in terms of grease i find phil's is good for most threads on a bike.

hey wes, i noticed you went with cantis for your new build - you were talking about going with the short v-brakes for a while...

I still am, they haven't shown up yet.

in terms of grease i find phil's is good for most threads on a bike.

The only negative about the phil grease is the nasty green colour. And it has a habit of running out of loose ball stuff in downpours making everything HYPER dirty. It is the best grease though.

yeah there are several detrimental things to building a left-side drive. namely that all the threads on a bike are designed for the chain to be on the right, so when you switch it over the pressure you put in the drivetrain from forward pedalling helps to unscrew everything, namely pedal threads (which would mount backwards) and the rear cog. if you're friend is running 52x16 that cog should spin off in no time. the wright brothers invented a reverse-thread left pedal to solve that very problem 100 years ago.

in terms of grease i find phil's is good for most threads on a bike.

Thanks.

I asked him what his thoughts were on stripping the cog off, he said "usually that happens under braking, now it'll happen under load and tighten up under braking again" - not sure how sound of mind that is, though ;) Pedals are a good call too, as he swapped the crank arms over - they might well unwind.

I'll tell him I have concerns :)

Those CX picts looks like a lot of fun.

It IS fun! All you people contemplating buying road bikes should just buy 'cross bikes instead! They're so multi-purpose.

Also, all the local cross races will let you race on MTBs as well, if anyone owns one (Fuzzz) and wants to give it a try. The only exception might be the races at Centennial Park as they're done under UCI rules methinks.

ps: who here is racing on Friday @ Toby's race?

Now I wanna ask about slappin road wheels on your cross. A worthwhile double duty or merely fooling one's self? I know we'd all love 10 bikes each....but realistically, is the cross' geometry forgiving of taking it to the road? How many local cross races are happening? I'm a gonna have to git my SS MTB from Cavern and get that tensioner fixed so I'm not dropping chain on every bump.

It IS fun! All you people contemplating buying road bikes should just buy 'cross bikes instead! They're so multi-purpose.

Also, all the local cross races will let you race on MTBs as well, if anyone owns one (Fuzzz) and wants to give it a try. The only exception might be the races at Centennial Park as they're done under UCI rules methinks.

ps: who here is racing on Friday @ Toby's race?

I am racing in full costume.

As for bike rules....I don't think you would be prevented from riding an MTB in anything except Senior 1/2 or Masters 1 but I could be wrong.

Now I wanna ask about slappin road wheels on your cross. A worthwhile double duty or merely fooling one's self? I know we'd all love 10 bikes each....but realistically, is the cross' geometry forgiving of taking it to the road? How many local cross races are happening? I'm a gonna have to git my SS MTB from Cavern and get that tensioner fixed so I'm not dropping chain on every bump.

Throw some 23's on a cross and it will do just fine on the road. I wouldn't plan on trying to be competitive in a serious road race but other than that it's all good.
There are 2 races in Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Those are the only 2 left that are "local".

Now I wanna ask about slappin road wheels on your cross. A worthwhile double duty or merely fooling one's self? I know we'd all love 10 bikes each....but realistically, is the cross' geometry forgiving of taking it to the road? How many local cross races are happening? I'm a gonna have to git my SS MTB from Cavern and get that tensioner fixed so I'm not dropping chain on every bump.

Speaking as someone who rode his cx bike to Montreal, I can tell you they're absolutely fine on the road. In fact, they're generally pretty comfortable due to the relaxed angles and longer wheelbase. Depending on the rear spacing (130/135) you can just slap on whatever road wheelset you feel like and have at it. Otherwise, a set of XTs on Open Pros is an easy solution. Blah blah keep an eye on chain length, 9sp/10sp compatibility, but ya ... totally doable.

Hell, Devinci is selling a cx bike next year that comes w/ two sets of tires - slick and knobby - just because cx bikes are that "do almost everything" bike for so many people.

Yes, I really like my cross bike. :)

Okay, time to borrow the Jamis ss 29er and go ride in the Don. Wee!

Now I wanna ask about slappin road wheels on your cross. A worthwhile double duty or merely fooling one's self? I know we'd all love 10 bikes each....but realistically, is the cross' geometry forgiving of taking it to the road? How many local cross races are happening? I'm a gonna have to git my SS MTB from Cavern and get that tensioner fixed so I'm not dropping chain on every bump.

Yeah, what Mike/Keith said. :)

PS. My plan of having a rigid fork on the Niner was smashed when I heard about their exclusive w/ Rock Shox for next year. Reba Race 29er w/ U-Turn (70-100mm).

There are 2 races in Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Those are the only 2 left that are "local".

If I were to entertain the possibility of this.... what's required? Should I run out and 2:1 my SS MTB gearing? I'm at 44:18 44:16 currently and Keith had suggested a 22 for the MTB riding in SS mode.

A second set of wheels sounds like a wonderful solution...yea,no dreams of competitive roadie riding.

I dunno, you're fast as hell but having a comfortably low gear is normally the issue I've found. You can't get back up to speed quickly w/ too big a gear (oh look, you just got dropped) and grinding for 40 minutes = suffering. Maybe try a practice run at Bickford part or wherever and see how you hold up w/ an 18/20/22 ...

Yeah, I'd go ride around in the grass someplace and see how comfortable you feel. I think the most important thing, gearing wise, is that you're comfortable riding around on a flat area for an extended period. Any terrain that's too steep to climb will probably have many other folks off the bike and running as well, and there doesn't tend to be any really extended climbs in cx racing to my knowledge. I'd try out the 44x18 and see how that feels, but you might wind up with something slightly easier.

ps: who here is racing on Friday @ Toby's race?

Maybe...

ps: who here is racing on Friday @ Toby's race?

Hmmmm.. :) I'm entertaining the idea.

any info on the Friday race? Can't wait til you guys see the bike with Halloween embellishments. = death ride

Keith any recommends as to tires on the MTB for cx courses.... re: thin .. not like those big 2" ones I need to pay you for this week.

Pre-registration? On site.. pay to play.? Licensing?

Hmmmm.. :) I'm entertaining the idea.

Do you have a fixie? It's fixed/track only.

well no death bike on friday then.... SS on track drops? I guess not...heehee

*edit* Ok Urbane says... Shimmy SS cogs to 18....an 18 I gots already. Surly cogs will fit Shimmy cassette spines and go up to 22 teeth but alas on order...and 40 buckos a piece. Another suggestions as to rear cog retailers?

Do you have a fixie? It's fixed/track only.

consarnit!!

:mad:

Do you have a fixie? It's fixed/track only.

Ah balls - I should've thought about it more having seen the poster. Doh. Short of converting the Gardin or Bianchi this week (and I'm sorely tempted, just to start learning), I'm stuck I guess.

Oh well.

[QUOTE=somnambulant; ps: who here is racing on Friday @ Toby's race?[/QUOTE]

Nah... I am going to save my legs for Nadir's $2g 3hr race. JK.

I plan to! I am seriously fearing costume interaction with the crank... and no I am not wearing a Cinderella (tm) ball gown.

what's this 3 hour race? I remember Toby announcing something at the sprints but I honestly missed most of it.


from
http://www.ontariocycling.org/web_pages/sch_cyclo_cross.php

1. Provincial Championships
Master and Cadet riders are permitted to use any MTB, road or cyclo-cross bicycle.

All categories except Master and Cadet categories shall adhere to the CCA rules regarding bicycle equipment regulations. Of particular mention are the following:

a) CCA rule 1.3.012 states: A bicycle shall not measure more than 185 cm in length and 50 cm in width overall.

b) CCA rule 1.3.018 states: For the cyclo-cross bicycle the width of the tire shall not exceed 35 mm and it may not incorporate any form of spike or stud.
Note that most MTB bicycles do not meet either of these criteria due to the handlebar width and the tire width. Please refer to the CCA rule book for the complete set of equipment rules.
Click to view Rulebook

Junior, Espoir and Elite Men and Women must use a cyclo-cross bicycle.

2. National Championships
All categories are must adhere to the CCA rule book regulations on equipment.

3. All other cyclo-cross races in Ontario
All categories are permitted to use any MTB, road or cyclo-cross bicycle except the Aurora Cross. Due to its UCI sanction, Junior, Espoir and Senior Men and Women must use a cyclo-cross bicycle.


Anyone have some data about those two remaining Centennial Park races? Will I have to spring the 40$ for the permit?
a) OCA Citizen Permit
This permit is available to any unlicensed adult rider for $40 ($30 with proof of OCA club membership), for $35 ($25 with proof of OCA club membership) to Junior riders (17-18) and $30 to Youth riders (under the age of 17 as of December 31, 2007). It can be purchased through the OCA or at any cyclo-cross event in Ontario and is valid for all Ontario permitted races until December 31, 2007. This permit is only valid in Ontario. For more information on Citizen Permits please click here.Peter Morse at the 2003 Prov Cyclo-Cross Championships at Albion Hills

Note that One-Event Racing Permits will not be available at any Cyclo-cross race in Ontario unless specified.

http://www.makergo.com/shutup/images/10_15_2007/trackortreatfinal.jpg

toby's race

Saw the awesome-est sight on my ride into work this morning. Just as I was passing City Hall I caught a glimpse of the guy who rides the surf board bike. Not only was he on the surf board bike, but he was riding it in full on business suit. Good sight to start the week :D

So is there "another" Hallowe'en alleycat or is Toby's the only game in town? I'm trying to keep rodny apprised of said events.

Wes, Sara and I are down for working a checkpoint w/ you on Friday.

Sorry, Dan I can't do a ride tomorrow; i have to work after all...

Just went for a fun nighttime ride in the Don. whee! I still can't believe I'm out riding in shorts and a t-shirt on Oct 22nd! Oh well, back to reality tomorrow!

(back to life, back to reality)

A couple of photos from today's ride. It was ... how you say, fun.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/1698884139_6054970be7.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/1699567906_2dd394fecc.jpg

it looks like i took the last warm ride of the season today.

well no death bike on friday then.... SS on track drops? I guess not...heehee

*edit* Ok Urbane says... Shimmy SS cogs to 18....an 18 I gots already. Surly cogs will fit Shimmy cassette spines and go up to 22 teeth but alas on order...and 40 buckos a piece. Another suggestions as to rear cog retailers?

what about getting your hands on a cog from a disassembled cassette? There's bound to be something of that size in a toolbox somewhere...

no-dis-a-semble! johnny five alive!

any info on the Friday race? Can't wait til you guys see the bike with Halloween embellishments. = death ride

Keith any recommends as to tires on the MTB for cx courses.... re: thin .. not like those big 2" ones I need to pay you for this week.

Pre-registration? On site.. pay to play.? Licensing?

http://schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/off_road/more_knobs/cx_pro_details

Cross tires for 26". Where to get in T.O. I'm not sure, I think Curbside might have/order them, but don't quote me.

I should have a spare cassette you can break apart to get a 22t cog if you need one. Let me know.

Holy, I got a close call on a right hook on College near the fire station. I passed a few moving cars in the bike lane and my next thought was, "oh a cop car, nope a parking ticket cop, oh it is turning into me right now!... the guy was talking on a cell phone of course. Is that complaint worthy? I should have got the details...

Holy, I got a close call on a right hook on College near the fire station. I passed a few moving cars in the bike lane and my next thought was, "oh a cop car, nope a parking ticket cop, oh it is turning into me right now!... the guy was talking on a cell phone of course. Is that complaint worthy? I should have got the details...

U-lock to the face 4tw

It's 10:45 wtf

P.S what would chauncey say

I got the fever.....

Good call, Cam. I should bring the cowbell to the checkpoint on Friday.

Sometimes I think that's a photo of you and it terrifies me.

Sorry, Dan I can't do a ride tomorrow; i have to work after all...

http://www.danchimviet.com/php/images/122005/broken-heart.gif

I'll probably be doing a ride tomorrow with Paul and whoever wants to go. Not totally sure of the route yet, but I've got my road bike in near full capacity so I want to rip! Woo. Just pm me/drop me a line if you want to go. ROCK AND ROLL

http://www.danchimviet.com/php/images/122005/broken-heart.gif

I'll probably be doing a ride tomorrow with Paul and whoever wants to go. Not totally sure of the route yet, but I've got my road bike in near full capacity so I want to rip! Woo. Just pm me/drop me a line if you want to go. ROCK AND ROLL

Forecast is rain till the afternoon. + tempeature drop to 9 deg.