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. 

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.

====

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.

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/6841.html

Source: addtoany.com

Well I guess it is official now. Cool.

Hanging at the #giro. #euroadventure
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Hanging at the #giro. #euroadventure

While in Pistoia we stopped by for a tour of Viner bikes.  #euroadventure Viner is a Italian frame manufacturer that started after world war 2 in 1947.  They make some great quality bikes in Italy.  Just wandering around the factory you can feel the bike industrial history here.  The brand is owned and operated by the great great grandkids of the original owner Viviano Nerozzi.  You could just sense the pride as they walked us through and gave a tour.   
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While in Pistoia we stopped by for a tour of Viner bikes.  #euroadventure

Viner is a Italian frame manufacturer that started after world war 2 in 1947.  They make some great quality bikes in Italy.  Just wandering around the factory you can feel the bike industrial history here.  The brand is owned and operated by the great great grandkids of the original owner Viviano Nerozzi.  You could just sense the pride as they walked us through and gave a tour. 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S18pmDkdFs0/T7NeS_Xi-hI/AAAAAAAAHkA/Bh5lOkXnhvg/s611/IMG_0498.JPG 

“QUIT going on about the F**KING WALLS!” #euroadventure @shedfire’s best response as I ask or point out something uniquely interesting about the small stone walls in and around the fields of Hebden Bridge. The country side is lined and split up via stone walls made with stone from the area. It gives the UK character I think. Something to see when you visit Jeremy
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“QUIT going on about the F**KING WALLS!” #euroadventure

@shedfire’s best response as I ask or point out something uniquely interesting about the small stone walls in and around the fields of Hebden Bridge.

The country side is lined and split up via stone walls made with stone from the area. It gives the UK character I think.

Something to see when you visit

Jeremy

“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

Experimenting with different options for hauling kids.  
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Experimenting with different options for hauling kids.  

Mommy grocery getter/kid hauler complete. I am a little jealous, but I get to ride with my daughter instead.
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Mommy grocery getter/kid hauler complete. I am a little jealous, but I get to ride with my daughter instead.

An interesting job post here: Forensic Engineer for Bicycle “accidents”

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