Mutterings
A round-up of articles published under 'Mutterings'.
Two bikes to watch for 2009
Originally posted by Matt on July 03, 2008
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Up until last year I had been a bit sceptical of the whole long travel, All Mountain phenomenom. At the time, riding a 2003 Marin Rift Zone I couldn't really see how you could build a bike that could cope with the extra travel (the Rift Zone was literally my flexible friend) without incurring a significant weight penalty.
Continue reading 'Two bikes to watch for 2009'.
Pitch (Hill) Perfect
Originally posted by Matt on July 02, 2008
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Summer's here!
And with all these long, warm evenings we've been making a semi-regular pilgrimage over to Pitch Hill, starting from the Peaslake Stores, heading off for some great evening rides and finishing off at the Hurtwood Inn for a sweet pint.
Continue reading 'Pitch (Hill) Perfect'.
Bikely - bike routes on the web
Originally posted by Matt on July 01, 2008
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I came across bikely.com the other day, a website that aims to shares bike routes mapped by other people.
As yet, it's untried in as much that we haven't actually given it a go but it does seem to be quite promising, the routes being shown as an overlay on Google Maps and allowing you to download them to your GPS in .GPX format.
Continue reading 'Bikely - bike routes on the web'.
RaceFace Deus XC Chainset follow up
Originally posted by Matt on June 25, 2008
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Following my disaster at finding my RaceFace bottom bracket shell welded firmly onto the hollow axle of my RaceFace Deus XC cranks I took my bag of bits along to Cycleworks in Leatherhead in the full expectation of needing to go shopping in the not too distant future.
Continue reading 'RaceFace Deus XC Chainset follow up'.
RaceFace Deus XC Chainset failure
Originally posted by Matt on June 24, 2008
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Perhaps the title of this is a bit disingenuous since it's more a bottom bracket issue but I'm calling it this because of the significant collateral damage. As I've documented recently, my Orange Five has become overdue for a heart/lung transplant in the shape of some drivetrain love. Disastrously as it turns out it appears the Orange is more of a love slut than I ever imagined.
Continue reading 'RaceFace Deus XC Chainset failure'.
And another casualty
Originally posted by Colin on June 18, 2008
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Well make that two:
- me
- the bike
Continue reading 'And another casualty'.
Father & son
Originally posted by Matt on June 05, 2008
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We've just returned from our first Center Parcs experience, at the Lac d'Ailette in France. Anyone who's ever wondered at what they're going to do to entertain their kids for a weeks' holiday has probably been sucked into the Center Parcs vortex, which mixes Ikea-on-steroids housing with plenty of kid friendly activities, and a supply of adult only booze.
Continue reading 'Father & son'.
One casualty
Originally posted by Matt on June 03, 2008
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So it seems we didn't entirely escape collateral damage on our recent visit to Afan. My Orange Five succumbed to the First Law of Mountain Biking. After covering 1100 miles in the past year it became apparant during the course of the weekend (OK, more apparant) that key parts of the drivetrain had thrown in the towel.
Continue reading 'One casualty'.
Videos of Afan MTB trails
Originally posted by Matt on May 26, 2008
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Rounding off our series of posts (at least for the time being) about our recent trip to Afan Forest Park in South Wales, here's a link to some of the video Dave shot with his helmet cam last week.
Continue reading 'Videos of Afan MTB trails'.
Afan? It's well tidy it is
Originally posted by Matt on May 19, 2008
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So far there's 6 comment(s) on this post.
Thanks to Colin's shepherding skills we're just back from our first weekend in Afan together. What a weekend! Over the next few days no doubt various Moles will publish their thoughts, pictures and videos but for starters here's my memories from the weekend.
Continue reading 'Afan? It's well tidy it is'.
Take the Kids Too
Originally posted by Colin on May 12, 2008
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Having just got a Trek tag along bike for the kids (which is a complete success) from Head for the Hills in Dorking, riding with the kids is a hot topic for me at the moment as I try to get them into cycling.
Continue reading 'Take the Kids Too'.
Preparation for Afan
Originally posted by Matt on May 08, 2008
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It's now just over a week before we head off on our trip to Afan. Last night on our weekly ride we ended up talking about what to take with us - having the luxury of a big white van gives us a bit of freedom so as well as our bikes and kit we tried to think about what else we'd need.
Continue reading 'Preparation for Afan'.
On my knees
Originally posted by Matt on May 02, 2008
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Perhaps in hindsight, heading off down a new piece of trail consisting of a combination of greasy mud and chalk, sharp flints, rooty ladders and little hops over fallen saplings, stretching out over a mile and a half of ribbon wide, looping singletrack that contoured beautifully down toward Juniper Bottom in the fading light, after a day of heavy rain was not the best idea of last night's ride.
Continue reading 'On my knees'.
Videos of Abba Zabba, Blind Terror and Numbskull
Originally posted by Matt on May 01, 2008
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So, we're into May, but before we start to look ahead to the summer proper (oh the irony), it's time to tidy up some loose ends.
Now that we've decided to load our videos onto Vimeo (basically because it offers better resolution and upload limits versus YouTube), I've gone back and added some of our earlier ones.
They're not the best quality (not as good as Dave's Holmbury Hill videos) but they're here for completeness.
Continue reading 'Videos of Abba Zabba, Blind Terror and Numbskull'.
Holmbury Hill videos
Originally posted by Dave on April 27, 2008
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Jem and I headed over to Holmbury St Mary to ride some of our favourite trails. I've caught three on video for your delight.
To see the originals, head over to the Muddymoles on Vimeo.
First up, Death Star, a tricky run on Pitch Hill. The name shouldn't need any explanation.
Continue reading 'Holmbury Hill videos'.
We're off to Wales (Afan!)
Originally posted by Matt on April 21, 2008
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We've talked about it for ages. And ages. But improbably (thanks to Colin's organisational efforts) we've co-ordinated ourselves sufficiently that we're definitely off to Afan over the weekend of 16-18 May with as close to a blessing from our life partners as we're ever likely to get.
Continue reading 'We're off to Wales (Afan!)'.
Group ride with Diary of a Mountain Biker
Originally posted by Matt on April 14, 2008
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So Sunday as usual at Bockett's Farm? Well, kind of. It wasn't until reasonably late in the day that I realised we were meeting up with a whole bunch of riders from Diary of a Mountain Biker to show them round 'our' stretch of the North Downs.
Continue reading 'Group ride with Diary of a Mountain Biker'.
Thoughts on this weeks night ride
Originally posted by Colin on April 11, 2008
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The Muddymoles night ride last night really seemed to put a line in the sand in many ways.
Continue reading 'Thoughts on this weeks night ride'.
There's one born every minute
Originally posted by Matt on April 01, 2008
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Humour is a rich and wonderful thing, and April Fool's Day (hey it's April already!) is always the perfect chance for aspiring mirth meisters to switch on the snigger machine.
Continue reading 'There's one born every minute'.
Excuse Me While I Offload
Originally posted by Colin on March 28, 2008
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One of my 2008 resolutions was to get out and ride more instead of just thinking about it, and I intend to rack up at least 1000 MTB miles.
The year has started quite well and I'm just under the 300 mark - on target so far.
However...
Continue reading 'Excuse Me While I Offload'.
Ooh SRAM, you tease!
Originally posted by Matt on March 20, 2008
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In a world that's constantly evolving it seems nothing can afford to stand still. So it is with SRAM who have recently announced two separate 'teasers' of their upcoming plans over the next few months.
Continue reading 'Ooh SRAM, you tease!'.
Our passion, in seven steps
Originally posted by Matt on March 19, 2008
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Reading Trent's 'The Simple Dollar' blog, I've stumbled across this article about how to find out what you are passionate about in seven steps.
Continue reading 'Our passion, in seven steps'.
So, what tyre then?
Originally posted by Matt on March 17, 2008
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Modern bikes being what they are, it's not uncommon these days to be faced with many different ways of skinning a cat. Not only in terms of the sheer number of bikes you can use to get the same job done in wildly differing ways (such as my riding an Orange Prestige back to back with an Intense 6.6 over the same Holmbury Hill route recently), but also in the myriad adjustments available to the serial fiddler who wants to tweak his particular bike just so.
Continue reading 'So, what tyre then?'.
Freebies - a wind-up LED light
Originally posted by Jez on March 13, 2008
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Everyone loves a free gift. They generally come in two types, expected and unexpected. Expected freebies are those extras you receive when you complete something, a token present for getting to the end.
In mountain bike circles this is epitomised by the free t-shirt or free water bottle. Of course they often aren't technically free as your entrance fee pays for it and this puts more expectation on the quality of your freebie. People demand a certain standard of t-shirt to show off their commitment to the brotherhood.
Continue reading 'Freebies - a wind-up LED light'.
Road awareness
Originally posted by Matt on March 11, 2008
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Following on from the recent tragedy in Cupertino, where two prospective Olympic athletes have been run down and killed by a County Sheriff, it seems worth highlighting this amazing video from Transport for London.
Continue reading 'Road awareness'.
Cycleworks Demo Day - review
Originally posted by Matt on March 10, 2008
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So Sunday saw the annual tribe meet at Holmbury St. Mary for a few laps of the hill at the Cycleworks Demo Day.
Looking at today's weather, how lucky were they - and us? Hearing about the impending 80mph winds before the event had me thinking 'OK, a bit of weather, no problem. That'll make it more fun'. Now I'm just glad the storm arrived Monday instead of 24 hours earlier.
Continue reading 'Cycleworks Demo Day - review'.
Matt's birthday wish list
Originally posted by Matt on March 08, 2008
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In just under a month's time it's my birthday. Not a big one (that's next year) but another year notched up nonetheless. I'm trying to think about what I would like from my ever reliable gift givers and as usual they will have to resign themselves to supplying mountain bike related presents.
Continue reading 'Matt's birthday wish list'.
Cycleworks Demo Day 2008 this weekend
Originally posted by Matt on March 07, 2008
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This weekend we're heading over to Holmbury St. Mary for the annual Cycleworks Demo Day. I can't wait, I've booked myself three rides and plan on hanging around a bit after too.
Continue reading 'Cycleworks Demo Day 2008 this weekend'.
Three laws of Mountain Biking
Originally posted by Matt on March 05, 2008
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Sooner or later it seems all members of the mountain bike tribe inevitably come to face the Three Laws of Mountain Biking which are as follows:
Continue reading 'Three laws of Mountain Biking'.
Blind Terror and Rooty Woods on helmet cam
Originally posted by Dave on February 25, 2008
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As promised yesterday here is some helmet cam footage.
Taken on an Oregon ATC2K camera (watch out, there's music on that site!) it demonstrates I really need to do my helmet up tighter and mount the camera more securely!!
Continue reading 'Blind Terror and Rooty Woods on helmet cam'.
Blind Terror and Rooty Woods on video
Originally posted by Dave on February 24, 2008
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So it's about time we added some more media to our portfolio.
Sunday's ride headed back over to Abba Zabba and Blind Terror area then across the road to an area I don't actually have a name for. Until I find out what it's popular name is I'm calling it Rooty Wood and the first film I'm uploading is of four of us messing around on the final section, a rooty section ending up with a small trunk to negotiate.
Continue reading 'Blind Terror and Rooty Woods on video'.
Five tips for buying a useless mountain bike
Originally posted by Matt on February 21, 2008
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Mountain Biking is a broad church. We at the Muddymoles and mountain bikers in general are only too happy to welcome beginners to our sport. But we've all seen how easy it is to get caught out. For the unwary who fancy the idea of 'getting in' to MTB-ing, here's some advice about what not to do.
Continue reading 'Five tips for buying a useless mountain bike'.
Blind terror on the North Downs
Originally posted by Matt on February 18, 2008
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What great weather we're currently enjoying for mountain biking. It's almost enough to make up for the terrible summer we had last year, with firm dry ground, clear skies and sparkling, frosted surroundings still covered in last autumn's fallen leaf cover.
Continue reading 'Blind terror on the North Downs'.
Shimano SLX - moving the goal posts
Originally posted by Matt on February 14, 2008
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Shimano have announced changes to their overlooked LX groupset, introducing the SLX as a beefed up replacement and suggesting the LX will transform into more of a town/hybrid groupset.
Continue reading 'Shimano SLX - moving the goal posts'.
MTB ride calendar
Originally posted by Matt on February 12, 2008
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The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed a couple of extra links on this site.
First, under the Elsewhere heading there's a link to our MTB ride calendar, plus there's an extra RSS feed for the calendar for the more sophisticated readers out there. Thanks to the power of Google Calendar, we've set up a page that lists our upcoming rides to help our regulars plan their activities.
Continue reading 'MTB ride calendar'.
Cycleworks Demo Day 2008
Originally posted by Matt on February 11, 2008
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In case anyone hasn't noticed, this year the 2008 demo day from Cycleworks is taking place on Sunday March 9 at Holmbury Hill. Following their tried and tested formula it consists of a 40-50 minute route that lets you try several bikes over the course of the day under the same conditions.
Continue reading 'Cycleworks Demo Day 2008'.
Nightriding - you just can't beat it
Originally posted by Colin on February 06, 2008
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Since hooking up with the 'Moles in November, regular mid-week night rides have become de-rigeur in addition to the traditional weekend warrior missions.
Continue reading 'Nightriding - you just can't beat it'.
Sheldon Brown
Originally posted by Dave on February 05, 2008
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I guess for some of you won't know who Sheldon Brown is but for many his web site contained an encyclopaedic wealth of knowledge for all things pedal power related.
It is with a deep sense of sadness that I read today that he has passed away. Not only was he a source of knowledge but his web site gave an insight to his life and he was an early adopter of a blog style way before the blog phrase came into use. I hope his web site is preserved; I worry that much of our knowledge and memories exist in an electronic form that is both easily accessible but also transient and easily lost.
If you want to find out more have a look at the Wikipedia page and follow the links from there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheldon_Brown_(bicycle_mechanic)
Frozen hub
Originally posted by Matt on January 29, 2008
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I've suffered a frozen freehub just once, on my old Diatech-hubbed Marin Muirwoods during a particularly cold snap.
It's the strangest sensation. You're happily riding along when suddenly, after a bit of downhill freewheeling you go to pedal and... nothing. Pedalling like a loon squares badly with the fact that you are slowing down and going nowhere fast. And then it sinks in - just how are you going to get home now?
Continue reading 'Frozen hub'.
Time to roll
Originally posted by Matt on January 21, 2008
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Little did I know at the start of the year how long my 'unwellness' (if that's a word) would continue through January.
Continue reading 'Time to roll'.
LH Thomson
Originally posted by Matt on January 19, 2008
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As with many of the respected brands in the world of bike building, the LH Thomson company, manufacturer of simply the best seatposts and stems available bears the name of the man who founded the company.
Continue reading 'LH Thomson'.
Advert Orange
Originally posted by Matt on January 07, 2008
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Amongst the Christmas hiatus things got a bit buried. One of which was the fact that the Muddymoles managed to get two of their photos published in the end of year back page advert in Singletrack magazine.
Continue reading 'Advert Orange'.
2008 - should you upgrade?
Originally posted by Matt on January 03, 2008
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Paraphrasing - and yes, in a way blatantly reducing the Bike Snob's witty article to a three point list, you should upgrade to 2008 because:
Continue reading '2008 - should you upgrade?'.
Happy Flu Year
Originally posted by Matt on January 02, 2008
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What a way to end a year and start a new one. 2007 is definitely the winner in the 'Top 100 worst Christmases ever' award - you can catch it on telly sometime soon.
After struggling with a virus for most of December that left me feeling below par and a cough that was beginning to feel it was part of my personality, I thought I'd finally shaken it with an 18 mile ride on the Sunday just before Christmas. At least it wasn't stopping me doing anything right? Oh that things could be that simple.
Continue reading 'Happy Flu Year'.
Think Pink
Originally posted by Matt on December 13, 2007
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A few days back I was rustling through my Newsgator feeds and came across a posting from Lisa at the Sussex Muddy@rse website about her new pink Hope disc brakes and how pleased she was with the look.
It got me thinking. If you were so inclined to pimp your bike with pink components how far could you take it while still keeping in the realms of tasteful. First I reckon you'd need a nice white frame to start, teamed with some white Fox forks.
Continue reading 'Think Pink'.
Pads for Bike Helmets
Originally posted by Matt on December 10, 2007
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Despite much to be thankful for physically, there's one area where I could do with a bit more girth. I'm referring, of course to my head which is unfortunately modelled on a pin and regretably not compensated for by a luxurious mane of hair either.
As a consequence, I find buying bike helmets a bit of an effort as most of them seem to be made for more manly bonces than my own. I currently have a 2004 Giro Animas which has never really fitted me even with their RocLoc 4 system. I end up with the helmet gripped firmly front to back but with free play at the sides which means I have to choose my accidents carefully.
Continue reading 'Pads for Bike Helmets'.
Thunder Horn
Originally posted by Matt on December 07, 2007
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So, as an interested party in the 'bike versus all other road users' battle, what steps can you take to protect yourself out there?
There's a few obvious ones, such as better road awareness, high viz clothing and so on. And then there's the not so obvious ones too. But what you really want is something to let people know you're there the instant you sense their concentration wandering.
Something versatile enough to work not only in the urban landscape but also to settle once and for all the common complaint of the country rambler about the lack of a bell on your bike, as you surprise them on a blind singletrack corner at 20mph.
Continue reading 'Thunder Horn'.
Bicygnals Wirefree Bicycle Indicators
Originally posted by Matt on December 05, 2007
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Now I don't know about you but have you ever thought to yourself how useful it would be to have indicator lights on your bike to let traffic know of your directional intentions?
No?
Neither have I, which may suggest a certain lack of imagination on my part. Thankfully I've found the perfect product for people who have more than enough creative capability to understand how flashing repeater lights front and rear on their push bike can help in their daily battle with the forces of good and evil. As an added benefit, the company that makes them (amusingly called Bicygnals) claims they will also aid cool and confidant cycling.
Continue reading 'Bicygnals Wirefree Bicycle Indicators'.
Orange belt drive progress
Originally posted by Matt on November 29, 2007
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More mutterings about Orange's work with belt drive technology.
During our visit to the 2007 London Cycle Show at Earl's Court we chanced upon the Singletrack stand which was creating quite a bit of fuss by having on show the P7 belt drive prototype they've been hacking around the country.
Continue reading 'Orange belt drive progress'.
When to Brake
Originally posted by Dave on November 25, 2007
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I realise the title implies that I might know something about this pastime, but it's more a case of process of elimination.
Matt and I were out on Sunday, pounding the trails on what now seems to be our 22 mile regular ride, when we tackled a short descent that we'd not done for maybe a couple of years. It's a chalky, stoney, steep little descent that had a 90° right hander just at the steepest bit, with the added fun of a rather large gully.
This is something that had kept us entertained one summer with notable efforts from our dear friend Simon who has been responsible for taking out a few saplings during a dismount on the way down.
Continue reading 'When to Brake'.
Mountain Bike transport
Originally posted by Matt on November 22, 2007
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In an age where frivolous road use is becoming ever more frowned upon (that's people driving, not road bikes before anyone starts!) the bike is often seen as an antidote to unnecessary car journeys, especially in a city environment.
A bike's eco credentials are manifest, so it's not surprising that green campaigners the world over champion cycling, putting aside the humbuggers who claim that bikes create more CO2 per mile travelled than practically anything else (due to the manufacturing). Those of us who are involved with cycling as a hobby (OK, lifestyle) have always been able to bask in this reflected glory.
Continue reading 'Mountain Bike transport'.
NY Bike Snob product review
Originally posted by Matt on November 15, 2007
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Very much in the vein of 'If Carlsberg did product reviews...', the Bike Snob has just published his take on the Cinelli Neo Morphe handlebars.
It's fair to say he's enthusiastic about them. Yes, I know it's about a product for a road bike (of all things) but I just wish I could write as entertainly as he can about my favourite subject. The review is hysterical and includes such gems as:
As soon as I picked up the Cinelli Neo Morphe I started running around the house in my underwear, pretending to pilot the Millennium Falcon and making laser noises before I even knew what I was doing.
Continue reading 'NY Bike Snob product review'.
Reflections on the Trail
Originally posted by Dave on November 01, 2007
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So for once I've managed to keep my leg over on a regular basis while others around me have fallen or refused at the first hurdle!
The trails are heading towards wintery and for me it can't happen soon enough. I hate this thin layer of mud that is currently sitting over the still hard base layer of soil or chalk. The leaves don't make it easy either, covering a multitude of hazards.
Continue reading 'Reflections on the Trail'.
SweetskinZ reflective tyres
Originally posted by Matt on October 08, 2007
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Over on BikeRadar they have a short piece about the SweetskinZ bike tyres. If you can get past the stupid company name these actually look pretty interesting, especially for commuting. By day, an 'extrovert' coloured tyre, by night a traffic hypnotising kaleidoscope.
Continue reading 'SweetskinZ reflective tyres'.
A guide for biking divas
Originally posted by Matt on October 05, 2007
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Admittedly, this isn't a problem I suffer often, but you never know when you might find yourself having to defend your modesty while riding a bike in a skirt.
Heaven knows I'd be mortified if I hadn't read Lisa's advice on the subject in her article Diva's Guide to Biking. As a savvy New Yorker who's thought about this subject far more than I have (OK, maybe in a different way to what I have), there's some useful advice for the unwary.
Hopefully our female readers will see the value here but let's not rule anything out. As I've said before, us moles are a broad church.
Easy come, easy go
Originally posted by Matt on October 04, 2007
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It's happened again.
I've been ambushed by the trail pixies who in the past have managed to separate me from my bike lights, last week caused me to unclip spectacularly painfully on the Land Rover descent and now have run off with my cycling glasses.
Continue reading 'Easy come, easy go'.
And now the end is near…
Originally posted by Mark on October 03, 2007
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Since buying my new On One frame I have planned to make my old 1999 Marin Nail Trail out for one last Valkarian ride, and then take it out behind the barn and quietly shoot it. Like most 'last things' this turned out to be more difficult than planned and as disappointing as these things always turn out to be (like the last doughnut before going on your diet, or the last shag with your girlfriend before she becomes your wife).
Continue reading 'And now the end is near…'.
Camelbak phobia
Originally posted by Matt on September 28, 2007
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I don't know what it is. Some people go to great lengths to avoid using Camelbaks or any other kind of hydration system on their back, citing spurious excuses like:
- I don't want to get a sweaty back
- I think it looks stupid
- It's unhygenic going round with a bag of water on your shoulders
I've heard all of these, none of which class as a rational excuse in my book.
Continue reading 'Camelbak phobia'.
Another belt drive bike
Originally posted by Matt on September 26, 2007
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OK, I promise I won't post again on this subject for a while but couldn't resist when I heard news of yet another belt drive bike being readied for launch. This time, the Bicycle Design blog has alerted me to the development of the Momo Design City bike.
Continue reading 'Another belt drive bike'.
Crank Brothers wheels
Originally posted by Matt on September 25, 2007
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Interbike is currently in full swing in Vegas. I won't pretend to have any authority on what's appearing there, after all I'm 3,000 miles away on the other side of the Atlantic, worse luck. But from what I can see, the industry seems to be going from strength to strength judging by the plethora of quality products coming onto the market in the near future.
Continue reading 'Crank Brothers wheels'.
More developments on belt drive bikes
Originally posted by Matt on September 24, 2007
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Some time back I mentioned a posting on Singletrack about the fact that Orange were trialing belt drive as a replacement for the traditional bike chain. Clearly it offers great advantages, particularly as a singlespeed and this initial reaction was backed up by a more in depth article in the September issue of the mag.
Continue reading 'More developments on belt drive bikes'.
Autumn perfection
Originally posted by Matt on September 17, 2007
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Occassionally, everything comes together to make a cycle ride greater than you could have ever hoped.
Sunday was just such an experience. After weeks (months) of depression grey skies, Sunday was bright, crisp and blue and followed on from a couple of weeks of rain-free weather. The result just goes to show what we have missed out on all summer, tinder dry, dusty trails and an extra shot of enthusiasm from the riders.
Continue reading 'Autumn perfection'.
What's in store this Autumn?
Originally posted by Matt on September 10, 2007
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Contrary to popular opinion, I do actually have to work sometimes. Which is exactly what I been doing over the past few days, unfortunately delaying me from publishing a few articles I have lined up.
Continue reading 'What's in store this Autumn?'.
Voodoo Wanga and On-One Inbred go head to head
Originally posted by Dave on September 02, 2007
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A beautiful day in early September gives Jem and I an opportunity to ride from Fetcham to Newlands Corner on our singlespeeds. It's Jem's first ride on his New Voodoo Wanga.
Continue reading 'Voodoo Wanga and On-One Inbred go head to head'.