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. 
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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

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yI5N1QUet_Q/T8hQ-r3afFI/AAAAAAAAIlc/mlsqBDrJU90/s573/100_4463.JPG

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. 

The only Titus Carbon Rockstar 29er in existence. For now. #mtb #prototype (Taken with instagram)
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The only Titus Carbon Rockstar 29er in existence. For now. #mtb #prototype (Taken with instagram)

Well I guess it is official now. Cool.

I was able to ride this bike for a bit in the UK and yes it is really nice.  I’m looking forward to getting it back over here and riding Sandy Ridge with it. Head over to Titus bikes web for a couple more pics.
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I was able to ride this bike for a bit in the UK and yes it is really nice.  I’m looking forward to getting it back over here and riding Sandy Ridge with it.

Head over to Titus bikes web for a couple more pics.

Source: titusti.com

@tituscycles El Guapo 29 Prototype in RASTA colors #mtb #euroadventure (Taken with instagram)
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@tituscycles El Guapo 29 Prototype in RASTA colors #mtb #euroadventure (Taken with instagram)

On-one carbon whippet in green is HOT! #euroadventure #mtb (Taken with instagram)
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On-one carbon whippet in green is HOT! #euroadventure #mtb (Taken with instagram)

@tituscycles El Guapo 29er spotted. #mtb #euroadventure (Taken with instagram)
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@tituscycles El Guapo 29er spotted. #mtb #euroadventure (Taken with instagram)

“Did you know Hebden Bridge is known as the lesbian capital of the UK” #euroadventure

My first day in the UK was set in the quite peaceful little town of Hebden Bridge, and as I adventure outwards to other cities in the UK and run into Brits they always respond with the question above in EXACT wording. It is the funniest thing:

Brit: “Right, where didja stay lad?”

Me: Hebden Bridge.

Brit: “Did you know Hebden Bridge is known as the lesbian capital of the UK.”

LOL. Every time! The town is small and has beautiful mountain biking, quaint small shops, and awesome stone walls around the area. But, it is known for the lesbian population. I get a kick out of that.

Here is a link to a BBC article about it

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16962898

A funny side note related to this is the Titus On-One Planet X super frame designer lives there. So if you ride one of their bikes it was most likely “Designed in the lesbian capital of the UK”.

I like that, it makes me smile.

Jeremy

Enjoying some post ride beers at the Stubbing Wharf.  After some serious technical northern English trail riding on a Fatty bike, a Rockstar, and an unnamed prototype hardtail 29er Brant, Matt, and myself settled in for some local beers (Copper Dragon, Golden Pippin). 
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Enjoying some post ride beers at the Stubbing Wharf.  After some serious technical northern English trail riding on a Fatty bike, a Rockstar, and an unnamed prototype hardtail 29er Brant, Matt, and myself settled in for some local beers (Copper Dragon, Golden Pippin). 

beer

I rode out at Wilson River Trail this weekend. I usually just go to Brown’s Camp or Gales, but figured what the heck and drive the extra mileage to Elk Creek and do the WRT.I’ve never ridden it and have to say even though it was uphill my whole ride (it was getting dark so I turned around) it is a really nice trail. It needs some tree cleaning from the storms, but the tread is really nice.Typical oregon Snow?the bike likes the viewthe view
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I rode out at Wilson River Trail this weekend. I usually just go to Brown’s Camp or Gales, but figured what the heck and drive the extra mileage to Elk Creek and do the WRT.

I’ve never ridden it and have to say even though it was uphill my whole ride (it was getting dark so I turned around) it is a really nice trail. It needs some tree cleaning from the storms, but the tread is really nice.


Typical oregon 


Snow?


the bike likes the view


the view

bikemech: Good thing he has a fullface on! This is going to end well.
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bikemech:

Good thing he has a fullface on!

This is going to end well.

Source: bikesonly

Word in from Titus Cycles that the new El Guapo is almost ready.  First words from my mouth were “Whoa. What a great looking frame.”  The image hyperlink takes you to more pictures. 
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Word in from Titus Cycles that the new El Guapo is almost ready.  First words from my mouth were “Whoa. What a great looking frame.” 

The image hyperlink takes you to more pictures. 

This is pretty fast. 

GoPro HD: Aaron Gwin Downhill Race Run - Sea Otter Classic 2012

Travel Oregon - Mountain biking Bend, Oregon with Cog Wild.