Testing the Titus Carbon Rockstar 29er.
I took our carbon version of the Rockstar out in Forest Park last night to get a training ride in and to test the build. I built it from parts around the warehouse and from the FTM I had been on the last couple months. The primary purpose was to get the feel of the bike in.
I rode the Portland made Aluminum version while in the UK and really liked it. The new geometry is a bit slacked and made the bike feel more comfortable to ride over long distances. Perfect for those all-day in the seat type rides. The aluminum version also felt very stable at speed which is confidence boosting.
I was expecting something close to that type of ride in this version. I was satisfied with the outcome for this bike. Granted it is a demo of our future frame coming soon and I had to tweak some things, but I think our design team really did a nice job on this frame. I can’t wait for the end result to show up.
This bike rode like the Aluminum version, except it seemed like I was able to keep it rolling faster. That could be the reduced frame weight, or the fact that my training is working. The aluminum version was also setup with a front thru axle Rockshox fork and the difference is noticeable between the two. I would love to pair the production version of this carbon frame with the Maxle type front end.
A couple interesting notes are the internally routed cabling and the direct mount front derailleur. The internal routing makes for a nice frame look and also having full length cable housing makes for cleaner longer lasting cables. Both of which are a great idea. The direct mount setup for the front derailleur is one of those smack-me-in-the-head great ideas that may come close to making me rescinding my hatred of the front mechanicals. Setup is as easy as bolt it on and adjust the swing. Cool. Every bike with a clamp should have this option instead*.
More to come as I beat on this frame…
J
You may notice the extended steer tube. This fork is like the village girlfriend and gets passed around. I did not cut it as the next bike it goes on may need a longer steer tube.
* yes, I understand that some suspension designs need a clamp or E-type FD, but in general this type of connection seems better.
Adding the TurboSpoke to the 2013 wish list.
How a Bicycle is Made. An old film from the British Film Council.
SRAM teases new 11x1 mountain bike group
Another link to the XX1 kit from SRAM. I am really looking forward to this. Maybe I’ll build up an On-One Lurcher with it.
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CHICAGO, IL (BRAIN) Friday May 25 2012 9:40 AM MT—SRAM is releasing a few photos and details of an upcoming 11x1 mountain bike drivetrain, which the company said it will unveil more thoroughly in July.
The SRAM XX1 family is designed for enduro and cross-country use and will be available with a trigger or GripShift shifter.
SRAM said the group will include “innovative chain management technology, including Type 2.” Type 2 is a clutch feature SRAM added to some of its rear derailleurs earlier this spring. The clutch reduces chain slap and improves chain retention on bumpy terrain.
SRAM also said the group would include the “widest range cassette available,” although the company did not specify the cassette’s size. The company also didn’t mention that the cassette is 11-speed, but included a photo where 11 cogs can be counted.
BikeRadar.com is reporting the cassette’s teeth range from 10-42.
SRAM said it would reveal more detail at the Crankworx Les 2 Alpes event in France, July 9-15.
Source: addtoany.com
Indoor mountain bike park Lumberyard opens
Congratulations to Lumberyard. I look forward to riding it.
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PORTLAND, OR (BRAIN) Tuesday May 29 2012 8:56 AM MT—The Lumberyard, the first indoor mountain bike park west of the Mississippi, has opened for business. A launch party with pro riders and a vendor expo is planned for 3-9 p.m. June 9.
“This has been a long time coming, and it’s amazing to see it finally become a reality,” said Lumberyard co-founder Michael Whitesel.
Source: addtoany.com
Dang Italians, ruining me for other coffees.
Try a recipe before doubling. Pancakes all day! (Taken with instagram)
My new cookbook. @SkratchLabs the feed zone. Excited to eat!! (Taken with instagram)
At Moonstruck for shakes. (Taken with instagram)
After some finagling and cussing my daughters cabinet is done. #ikea (Taken with instagram)
Somehow I’ll figure this Ikea thing out. (Taken with instagram)
Wearing my ‘I love #giro’ while streaming it. (Taken with instagram)
Training notes for today.
Just some thoughts, maybe they will make sense later.
- thank sprockets I married a woman that understands my crazy dreams and helps me realize them
- don’t do a half ass packing job on the night before a long ride. You will be scrambling in the morning to get out the door.
- if you ride the night before a long ride. Eat more food before bed time. The yoghurt and apple did not replenish the food stores.
- team sky’s nutritionist was right. Just eat real food.
- I need to fit a bottle on the bike with a juice or sports drink. Water was ok, just wanted something more after awhile.
- not a fan of the camelback on my back for that long, but was glad to have it for carrying the food
- short stem, flat bar works well on the FTM.
- the chromed stem reflects the sun in my eye. Doh.
- brakes work better with new pads.
- still looking for a front tire that won’t wash out on me.
Really don’t think this would be a good deal. Not really good #beer (Taken with instagram)
Just because: Loverboy working for the weekend
Bike Geek, Cancer Survivor, and geeky dad. Writes about cycling, two wheeled culture, and the bicycle industry.