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Popularity: 3% [?]
Originally myself, Moe and Lance were going to head out to Santiago Oaks to check out the demo bikes from Pivot Cycles. But it didn’t work out since Lance and I had to be somewhere by a certain time. So Moe and I decided to ride our favorite trail, the Fullerton Loop. We were both on our single speed bikes and fully prepared for hurling. I even ate a bit of food right before the ride so I don’t disappoint people just in case RALPH came calling.
First thing we saw on the trail was Priscilla’s nemesis…this sheep charged at her last summer…He’s lucky I wasn’t there, or things would have gotten really Baaaaad between us! Get it Baaaad…aye…nevermind that was weak…
Fullerton is a great place to ride a single speed bike due to the slow rolling hills and quick steep climbs. What’s interesting is, Moe had asked me to see if I can clear a certain climb on our ride. I can normally get to the top without a problem with my SS, but Moe has had some difficulty with his SS on this particular hill. Sure enough we traded and keep in mind my SS is a 26er and his is a 29er. What was weird was, I couldn’t make it up the hill with his 29er at all! Dunno if it had something to do with the bigger wheels or what, but it was tough!
Since it was spring and stuff, I decided to wear my Velotees, Single Speed Shirt just so I could match the mustard plants on the trail.
Here’s Moe showing the world his new Rudy Project sunglasses.
As we were making our way through the last part of the trail a few things caught our attention. I saw this ladder sitting right next to the trail. I wanted to try it but the thing wasn’t secure.
So then we ran into this big ramp! Now that is something I couldn’t resist…
3,2,1 lift off!
Once I got in the air, the landing came up VERY quickly! I managed to hit the transition just fine…
But quickly ate it due to the loose dirt.
Overall Moe and I had a great time at the Loop. We were hoping to run into our buddy Vince Rodarte of KHS Bicycles at the trail when we got back since he said he was riding with his buddy. But the dude never showed, unless he was late. So after the ride, Moe and I capped off the morning with some breakfast at Roadside Cafe. I got me a breakfast burrito and Moe got a breakfast burrito, french toast, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon and coffee…dang for a guy that’s “watching” his figure, he sure can eat a lot!
Oh by the way, that big jump was totally staged…but it looked real, eh?!
Popularity: 6% [?]
This past weekend, as you may have read in Moe’s pictorial ride report that we rode Aliso Woods. On our way down to a place called Dripping Cave, we stopped to rest and wait for the remainder of our group to catch up. As we were waiting this guy on a green single speed muscles his way up one of the hills. So in my normal social way, I started talking to the guy about single speeding and how I was at this same trail a few days ago with my SS and even commented on how hard it was.
He began telling us that he has been single speeding for nearly 5 years and that SS bikes are better because there’s less maintenance involved with them. It wasn’t until recently that he actually broke something on his bike, the chain. Joe Solancho asked him about the shirt he was wearing, Warrior Society…one of OC’s premiere mountain biking club/teams that are always hosting some crazy race. This fella tells us that he recently broke a new course record on his rigid SS at the Counting Coup race…Before I go on, just picture this guy to be super buff and veins are popping out everywhere. I’ve always have heard about SS riders are buffer because they are constantly grinding through everything. At the same time they’re are pushing and pulling on the bars which in return they get an upper body workout…
After we said our goodbyes, this guy, I think his name is Eric Hunner, I looked up the race results…left a pretty big impression on me. I was motivated to start riding my single speed more than I do my geared bikes. Mind you, this Saturday was the first time I had been on my geared bike since I’ve built up my SS…almost 3 months.
Anyway, because of this stranger I have this new found need to make sure that I master my single speed riding. I know it will be tough and I’m sure I’ll puke a few times, but having to put your body through that kind of harsh work is going to just make me a better rider as a whole.
I do feel kinda wrong talking about how a passing stranger made some sort of impact on me…it almost sounds Smurf encounter. But who cares, I’m pretty glad I did run into that fella, I’m sure its going to help me in the long run.
Popularity: 5% [?]
Ernesto sent us some Soy Bean Based bike lube to test and review. They claim that this is the only lube that you find to fry up some eggs and chicken with and use it on your chain…
Here’s some of the benefits of using a Soy Bean Lube.
* Made from renewable USA-grown crop-based vegetable oils
* Biodegradable – Friendly to the environment
* Non-staining formula
* Better adhesion-reduces amount of product required
* No need to apply excessive amounts unless you want an oily mess
* Out-performs conventional petroleum-based oils
* smells good…for good application
* Contains no toxic chlorine or sulfur or regulated chemicals
* Vegetable oil base reduces dermatitis
* Petroleum is dirty and harmful for the environment
* Easy clean-up (Soap & Water)
Ernesto Lube doesn’t have heevie-jeevies….I like that, cuz’ the world doesn’t need anymore heevie-jeevies, especially on your bike!
I’ve already started using this lube. In fact Priscilla probably didn’t realize, but I secretly switched her usual chain lube with the Ernesto Lube for yesterday’s Team Big Bear Race.
I’ll be testing this lube s’more with other bikes such as my single speed and tandem to see how well it hold up. Check back for a review.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Being the O.G. that I am…oh for the gueros out there, click here to find out what it means. I’ve ridden with hydraulic, mechanical and V-brakes in various bikes that I’ve owned. But none of disc brakes systems have really wowed me. I’ve always loved V-brakes
For one, its cheaper to replace the pads. Cost of some decent pads are no more than $10. Disc pads can cost as much as $20 for a set. No risk of having brake failure due to air bubbles in the lines. Plus, you can buy a whole set of front and back Vbrakes with levers and cables for the cost of one hydraulic caliper/lever. It also weighs far less and last but not least, its not the norm.
That’s right, not everyone runs v-brakes anymore. Some have graduated to the hydros or mechs, and that’s totally fine with me. There’s nothing wrong with being a bit different in how you roll.
When I built up the Sette Reken, I had a choice between mech disc brakes or v-brakes. I went with simplicity and one of my goals for the bike was to make sure that it weighed in at a decent poundage. So the V’s gave me great stopping power as well as style and lightweight hardware.
What do you think? Are you OG like me and dig the V’s or do you like Disc Brakes?
Popularity: 9% [?]
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