Inspired Rubber - Colored Bike Tires

Being a non-nonsence person is often at odds with the "artsy" side of my personality. My bikes are a good example. Half of me says don't mess with the minimalistic beauty of this simple machine. The other half loves the space-age look of high end racing bikes (Litespeed Bikes), the vintage style of women's bikes (Beg Bicycles), the funky colors and mismatched wheels of a hipster bike. Often what excites me is that highly functional part: the tire.

Wildly colored bike at republicbike.com

Colored bike tires can make a ride even fun-er if mounted on a kid's bike. And they could give a classic, vintage flare to a boring yard sale 70s bike.

There are many options out there but but I have yet to find one website that lists options for colored tires. Lovely Bicycle, one my usual web-visits, has a page that lists cream colored tires. But the page was built a few years back and could use some updating. And it only lists cream tires, no other colors. So, I am starting my own tire list. I know it will always be in a state of progress as tires will come and go. And I won't list black as we all know, black ain't a color!

Halo Twin Rail
Sizes: 26" x 2.2"
Colors (solid): pink, lime, white
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/gum, black/gray
notes: also have a 26 x 4 fat bike tire in black/white, 700's in white/black and black/gum

Halo Twin Rail II
Sizes: 29" x 2.2"
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/gum

_________

Onza
Canis, Citius, Ibex
Sizes: 26/27.5/29" x 2.25", 27.5" x 2.4"/2.25, 26" x 2.25"
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/gum

_________

Schawalbe
Lugano
Sizes: 700×20, 23, 25
Colors (multi, main/accent): black/red, black/royal blue, black/yellow, black/white, beige/skin

Fat Frank
Sizes: 26/28/29 x 2, 2.35
Colors (solid): gray, cream
Colors (multi, main/accent): brown/white

Big Ben
Sizes: 26 x 2.15, 27.5 x 2.0, 28 x 2.0
Colors (solid): gray, cream, brown

Spicer HS 442
Sizes: 26 x 1.5, 700 x 30/35/40
Colors (solid): graphite, cream, brown

Century HS 458
Sizes: 28 x 1.4, 28 x 2.0
Colors (solid): black/gray, black/cream, British racing green/white

Durano 23-622, 464, & One HS
Sizes: 700×23, 25
Colors (multi, main/accent): white/black, red/black, blue/black, silver/black, red/black, black/blue

Ultremo ZX
Sizes: 700×23, 25
Colors (multi, main/accent): green/black, orange/black, blue/black, yellow/black

Insider Training Tire
Sizes: 26 x .9, 1.35, 650x23, 700x23, 35
Color: blue

Rapid Bob
Sizes: 26 x 2.15
Colors (solid): white stripe

Racing Ralph
Sizes: 26 x 2.25
Colors (solid): white stripe

_________

Fixation
Session 700 ($40-$50 each)
Sizes: 700×23, 28
Colors (solid): white
Colors (multi, main/accent): white/black,
notes: ebay occasionally shows orange, orange/black, green, green/black, pink and pink/black though the Fixation site does not.

Accela ($25 each)
Sizes: 700×23, 28
Colors (solid): white

_________

Vittoria

Zaffiro & Pro ($? each)

Sizes: 700×23, 25, 28

Colors (solid): white

Colors (multi, main/accent): black/red, black/royal blue, black/yellow, black/white

Rubino & Pro ($45-$55 each)

Sizes: 700×23, 25, 28

Colors (multi, main/accent): black/red, black/royal blue, black/yellow, black/white

_________

SOMA

Everwear ($45-$55 each)

Sizes: 700×23, 26, 28, 32

Colors (solid/with black): white, pink, yellow, light blue, red

Grand Randonneur ($80 each)

Sizes: 650b x 42

Colors (duo): black/skin, terra cotta/skin

Grand Randonneur Blue Label ($70 each)

Sizes: 650b x 42

Colors (duo): black/brown

New Xpress ($25-$60 each)

Sizes: 700c, 26, 27, 650

Colors (solid/with black): white, pink, yellow, light blue, red, 

Colors (color/with skinwall): brown, terra cotta, black/teal, black/white, silver

Colors (duo): black/whitewall

Colors (duo): black/skin, terra cotta/skin

_________

Kenda

Kaliente Pro ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23

Colors (multi): black/red/black, black/silver/black, black/white/black

notes: road tire

Kadence ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23

Colors (multi): red/black, blue/black, white/black gray/black

notes: road tire

Kountach ($? each)

Sizes: 700 x 25, 23

Colors (solid): royal blue, red, white, lime green

_________

Maxxis

Re Fuse ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23, 25

Colors (solid): red, blue, yellow, orange, white

notes: road training tire

Rouler ($35-$50 each)

Sizes: 700×23

Colors (multi with black): red, blue, yellow, orange, lime, gray, white

notes: road racing tire

Courchevel ($? each)

Sizes: 700x23

Colors (multi with black): orange/gray/black, black/gray/gray

_________

Dia-Compe 

Gran Compe Ene Ciclo

Sizes: 700x28c

Colors: brown/tan

Gran Compe Side Wave

Sizes: 700x28c

Colors: black/white, black/pink, black/gray

Gran Compe 700

Sizes: 700x23c

Colors: white, pink, green, orange,yellow, red, blue, purple, brown

_________

Panaracer 

Fire FR, XC Pro

Sizes: 26 x 2.4, 26 x 2.1

Colors: black/red

Catalyst Sport
Sizes: 700 x 23, 26, 28
Colors: black/red, black/white, black/yellow, black/blue

Closer Plus
Sizes: 700 x 20, 23, 25
Colors: black/red, black/white, black/yellow, black/blue

Stradius Sport
Sizes: 700 x 20, 23, 26
Colors: red, blue

Practice Dual
Sizes: 700 x 22.5
Colors: black/yellow

Practice Dual TG
Sizes: 700 x 22.5
Colors: black/red

T-Serv PT
Sizes: 700 x 25, 28, 32, 35
Colors: yellow, blue, red
Sizes: 26 x 1.2, 1.5, 1.75
Colors: yellow, blue, red

Pasela & TG
Sizes: many 26, 27, 29, 700, 650
Colors: black/gum

_________

Hutchinson

Fusion 5
Sizes: 700 x 23/25
Colors: black/gray, black/red

Nitro 2
Sizes: 700 x 23
Colors: black/red, black/blue, black/yellow, black/green, black/white

Chameleon
Sizes: 26 x 1.95
Colors: black/red

_________

Serfas
Pacer
Sizes: 27 x 1.25
Colors: black/gum

STK Seca
Sizes: 700 x 23, 25, 28, 27 x 1.25, 26 x 1.25
Colors: white, red, blue, pink, gray

STK-RS Seca
Sizes: 700 x 23, 25, 28
Colors: white, red, blue, pink, gray, orange, green, light blue

_________

CST
CZAR C1406
Sizes: 650 x 23, 700 x 23, 25
Colors: black/red, black/blue, black/yellow, black/green, black/white, black/orange, black/gray

Metropolitan Palm Bay 
Sizes: 26 x 2.1, 2.3, 28 x 2, 700 x 40
Colors: caramel, cream, "copper brown wall"

_________

Michelin
Pro 4 Service Course
Sizes: 700 x 23
Colors: black/light blue, black/blue, black/pink, black/green, black/white, black/red

Dynamic Classic
Sizes: 700 x 20, 23, 25, 28
Colors: black/gum
_________

Grand Bois
Hetre
Size: 650b x 42
Colors: black/gum, white/gum, brick/gum

Lierre
Size: 650b x 38
Colors: black/gum,

Cypres
Size: 650b x 32
Colors: black/gum, white/gum

other Grand Bois models in 700c x ? at this link
_________

Continental 
Giro
Size: 28 x 22
Colors: black/gum

RetroRide
Size: 28 x 2.0, 2.2
Size: 26 x 2.0, 2.2
Color: brown, gray, cream
_________

others to be added soon:

Sunlite

Bontrager R3

Electra Retrorunner, Amsterdam City Tire, Blossom Trail Tire, 

Schwalbe Delta Cruiser

This post was originally published March 2013, updated often, latest 1/9/2018

Department Store Bikes - Great and Terrible (why Bike Shop Bikes are Expensive)

Being bike-crazy I often entertain myself on rainy days or after the kids are in bed by visiting bike forums. One of my favorites, MTBR, has as section I like frequent - Beginner's Corner. The majority of peoples' questions fall into two categories: getting help choosing upgrade parts, or getting help choosing between bike models. Sometimes, the person is pounced on by seasoned bikers chastising them for not choosing "real" bike brands, especially if one came from a department store. The self-proclaimed expert rarely offered reasons why they are so terrible. Then everyone goes away mad, not educated.

Department Store Bikes... the Givens

First, I have to say I don't hate Department store bikes. They do have their purpose - to be someone's first bike. But I do also agree with the "experts'" reasons (that are often poorly articulated) that these bikes are not the highest quality. I believe the main reason the for the chastising is the seasoned guys and the newbees are coming from different places. The seasoned folks eat, sleep, and live bikes 24-7. They often ride many hours a week, often on extreme terrain - rocks, jumps, high speed. The new owner is probably not going to be hitting these next-level trails any time soon (hopefully). Riding a department store bike in these areas can be, well, deadly and the old guys are not afraid to say that. While it is said with the best intentions, it is very deflating to an excited new owner.

So why are these bikes so dangerous? Why so unworthy? Well, they aren't... under the right conditions. These bikes are perfectly fine riding the neighborhood or local greenway. But, department store bikes are build to hit a price point, not difficult trails. Being "entry level" means everything about this bike is a compromise to keep the price low - cheaper materials, designed with less concern about tolerances, minimal R&D, assembled by non-professionals. Other than the last point, these "shortcomings" are not bad, just not right for the kind of riding the majority of MTBR guys do. High-end bikes have years and often millions of dollars of research to allow them able to withstand harsh trail conditions. They often use exotic materials like titanium and carbon fiber making them strong and light.

All these special materials not only mean extra strength but also better fit. The tighter tolerances of the machined parts of a derailleur, compared to one made from cheap stamped-out parts, mean shifting will be crisp, and it will stay tuned longer. Is this worth twice (or 10X) as much money? That debate is for another article.

Other things I have learned (and what MTBR guys should be/are saying):

Let's face it, Mountain biking, heck, any hobby, is expensive, especially if you insist on the highest quality, or you want to make major upgrades. There is almost no way to have high quality at a low price. So, if you expect to do big stunts (safely), expect to pay big bucks.

So, you still want to mountain bike and you don't have a lot of money? Spend as much as you can afford and don't question your decision. Let's face it, if you can only afford $200, that's all you can afford. Ride it and don't take it past its, or your, limits.

And resist thinking you can upgrade a cheap bike. Sure, the small stuff, like pedals and saddle, can be changed, but nothing expensive like the fork. A fork swap is an expensive and much more complex process than it seems, especially on an older bike.

What to do is you only have a few hundred dollars? 

There are a couple options to be able to stretch your bike-budget.

Buy a Used Bike
There are couple ways to find preowned bikes. The biggest place to look is Craigslist. Here you can purchase a couple-year-old bike at much less than new. But keep in mind, bike parts wear out, especially mountain bikes. If you have an experienced bike friend, bring them along to help assess if it is a gem or junk.

If you have a little more money, ask your bike friend if he or any of his friends have a bike for sale. These guys will know bikes and will more than likely maintain their bike... something you likely won't know from a Craigslist purchase.

Buy an "Old" Bike
Next up the price chain is buying a new bike from a bike shop that is last year's model. Bikes, like cars, have trouble selling if they are not the newest model. When the 2018 models are arriving, 2017 or even leftover 2016 models will be discounted. Some shops will even dicker on the sticker price a little.

So, get the best bike you can afford, ride it often, save your change for the next bike, and don't listen to people tell you that "you should have paid $2000." Oh, and be safe!

Beginners' Tips for Using Bicycle Gears

In my last post, I discussed the concept of how to change bike gears. This post is designed to take the info you learned in that post to the next level.

Only shift while pedaling: On most bikes, the gears will only change WHILE you are pedaling. You can't simply move the shifter. Not only will the gear not change, you can damage the gears.

When you ride, look ahead: This will allow you anticipate any upcoming hills that require shifting. The last thing you want to do is walk up the hill because you did notice it coming.

"Multi gear" shifting: While you will normally want to only shift one gear at a time, there is no rule that says you have to when you come to a large hill. Try jumping a couple gears by twisting/pushing the shifter farther than a single click. This will allow you to catch up on your shifting.

Keep riding: The more you ride, the more you will get the hang of using your gears. It will become second nature making your riding more consistent and fun. If you are having fun, you will be riding more, and that’s a great thing!

How to Change Gears on a Bike - The Secrets People Don't Tell You

Bicycles have been around for hundreds of years. Apart from refining of the design with high tech materials and state of the art manufacturing processes, bikes essentially have the same ingredients - two wheels, handlebars, a saddle and a drivetrain for forward propulsion.

Photo from an 1868 French bicycle magazine

My 2012 Kona Kahuna

In the 1960s gears became popular on mainstream bicycles making riding hilly areas (like ours) bearable. Today finding a bike with gears is not difficult. They are available on many inexpensive entry-level bikes found at all department stores. This means, if you buy a bicycle, there is a good chance you will need to learn how to change gears on your bike.

The “Secret” Concept of How to Change Gears on a Bike
After teaching both children and adults I have found that people have an "ah ha" moment when told the "secret"about gears. What's the elusive tip you need to know? Simply, gears change the speed of your FEET not your bike. Yes, that's it. When you ride you will want to keep your feet turning at a constant speed… whether you are going up hills or down, riding fast or slow.

But you are probably thinking "Ok, but what speed should they turn?" To learn what rate is right for you, head over to a large flat area, like in a parking lot, and ride at varying speeds until you find a comfortable pace that your feet's rotation feel “right”... not too fast, not too slow. This “right” cadence (to use a cycling term) is the one you will be using your gears to try to match… no matter how fast your are going.

Back to this in a minute…

Your Equipment 
Many bikes come with two gear sets – one at the rear wheel and another at the pedals. For this article we will be dealing only with the rear set.

Your bike will more than likely have one of two kinds of shifters – grip shifters or thumb shifters. The grip shifter will make your feet turn faster by pulling the top back and slower by rotated the top toward the front.

grip shifter 

indexed thumb shifter

"trigger" thumb shifter

Thumb operated shifters usually make your feet turn faster by pushing your thumb forward. Because there are a couple kinds of thumb shifters, slowing your feet will either require you to pull the lever backward or push a different button.

Oh, and in case you have never been told… you do need to be pedaling when you shift.

Using the Gears 
Back to the parking lot. So, you are riding around with your feet turning at a comfortable pace. But the world is not always flat. When you come to a hill and head up it of course it gets “hard.” The reason for this is your feet are not turning fast enough. Switch your gears to speed your feet up to your “right” pace and it will become easy (well, easier).

Eventually you get to the top and head down the other side. The same concept applies going down as up… you will need to change gears in order to keep your feet at the same pace, in this case, keeping them from turning too fast.

With some practice, you will get the hang of it. You will be changing gears without thinking about it, keeping your feet at that optimal pedaling rate.

Now that you understand gearing, check out the post with tips for gearing easier.

Originally published March 2014, updated 6/26/2017

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day 2015 - Wood Property Knoxville

It was the fifth year that we attended the Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day - one of our must-attend bike events of the year. But this year's get together was unique in many ways. Originally scheduled for October 3, torrential rains pounded the trails for almost a week before. This meant the event that was usually the "first weekend in October" had to be moved two weeks later.

Also new for 2015 was the venue. Usually held at the awesome (but kid challenging) Meads Quarry trails, this year's TAKMB rides were held on the glass-smooth Wood Property beginner trails. Part of a soon-to-be-built park using the $100k Bell Helmets grant prize, the beginner trail was designed for exactly this level of rider. The confidence inspiring 1.5 mile trail is almost completely root and rock free, the corners are wide, the hills short and mild - think greenway "paved" with dirt. And if the "over the river and through the woods" turns out to not be your kid's thing, the parking lot is flanked by a neat little pump track. It's really neat to see adults and fun-sized kids on Strider bikes oscillating around the humps.
(note: the trails at Wood Property have not officially opened yet so you will need to wait until Spring 2016 to try it out.)

The third new aspect for this year was the appearance of my 10 year old daughter. My son has attended for the past four consecutive years, but my girl never has. To be honest, I am not sure how I convinced her but she agreed to try. It was her first attempt at "mountain biking" and she loved it! After her first loop, she suggested going again for a second time. She even gave the pump track a try (though never really felt comfortable on the banked corners.)

 

If your child ever has the desire to try riding dirt, then this is the perfect event in the perfect location. There are many kids at every age and skill level. And with all the swag like t-shirts and water bottles that IMBA, AMBC, and Bike Zoo hand out, even if they don't get the hang of off-roading, they will have plenty to take home to impress their friends.

As aways we can't thank The Bike Zoo, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and IMBA enough for their constant support. Anybody that inspires more and more kids to love this sport, is alright with me!

See more photos on the TAKMB Facebook event page.

Craigslist Craziness (#4)

The interesting thing about this bike (other than the astronomical price) is fact that the owner wanted that monster basket more than he wanted to stop. In order to get it to fit - he moved the brake levers to the BACK of the handlebars.

Good thing there is plenty of room on that seat for your poop-filled bike shorts when you realize you aren't stopping at that first intersection.

p.s.
Oh, and if you are observant, you might notice the new name for these things. I though this section would be better titled "Craigslist Craziness"

Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day 2014 - Meads Quarry

The talk at past Take A Kid Mountain Biking days was either the weather or bugs. Before this year's event it was no different. In the past few years it had been warm and sunny. But the week leading up to the big event it had rained for almost every day. And though the rain stopped the day before so did the warm temps. Saturday morning started in the lower 40s. No bug spray this year but we did need heavier clothing.

Even though this year had more kids, the difference in age was not that great - most 3rd to 6th grade. This meant we did not need to split up. The more aggressive ones did leave the less confident behind to the first quarry at the end of Flow. 

After a quick trip into the Ross Marble Quarry and some small-talk (most about how amazed everyone was at how much work the AMBC had done to the trail), we all decided it was best to head back to the parking lot - some by the gravel road, the rest by Flow. 

After getting a few snacks and awesome Specialized swag some headed out, others headed back into the trails. But both had a great time again this year. As aways a huge thank you needs to go out to The Bike Zoo, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and IMBA.

More photos can be found on The Bike Zoo's Facebook page.

Craigslist Quotes (#3)

Well, not really a quote but funny none the less:

What is the saying? A picture is worth a thousand words?

Hit and Run - My Experience Getting Hit by a Car on My Bike

So, it is official. I am now a member of a bike club. Unfortunately a member of a club I never wanted to be… bike riders that have been hit by cars.

I was out cruising the neighborhood the other night. About 10 minutes into the ride I came to the main road that runs adjacent to our subdivision. Noticing a car coming toward me I stopped beside the curb far from that main road. It was dark after all and being an avid mountain biker I am always overly cautious when on the road. As he turned into my road the driver came across the road to clip the apex of the turn, almost exactly where I was waiting.

It was surreal. It wasn't like it was happening in slow motion as many often describe. It was more like someone lifted the needle on my life dropping it a few grooves in time later. The car was coming at me, then it was down the road.

As I lay in the road a thousand thoughts ran through my head starting with "did that guy just hit me? Really? He just hit me!"

No brake lights. "Did he even know he hit me?" It was dark. "Maybe he thought he clipped the curb. Surely he looked in his rear view mirror when he heard that he hit something. Doesn't everyone with a nice car look back when they hit something?"

Sitting on the curb I wondered if I was "asking for it" riding after dark. As I limped home with "Old Faithful" (my GT mountain bike) on my shoulder I was amazed at how really lucky I had been. If I had been any closer to the corner, the car would have hit me rather than folding my front wheel squashing it on top of me.

The next day amazement turned into anger. Sure, it was dark and accidents happen, but driving on the wrong side of the road? Not good. Then not stopping after hitting someone/something? Inexcusable! Our neighborhood often has older couples out walking or kids riding all sorts of wheeled devices. This driver might just kill someone in the near future…maybe even one of my children.

I felt a little better after filing a police report but everything seemed so pointless. Knowing they would probably not find the driver, not much would change.

I think part of the problem is that we all feel like things like this only happen to others. I have to admit I was one of those that felt that way. I was always overly careful when riding my bike on the road (something I rarely do). Those other bikers that defiantly ride in the road would be hit, not me. Being a dad constantly looking to use even the scariest moments to teach my kids, I of course used this as a prime example of how you can never think "it can't happen to you."

In a few weeks the bruises will be gone, the wheel replaced, and life will be back to normal. But what could I do that will remind both the rider and driver how quickly your life can change? I have a couple ideas. I will have the details in an upcoming post. Check back soon!

Budget Bike Mod with Spotty Results

Craigslist bike: $10
Hole punch: $10
Scrap sign vinyl: free
The fun of a father/daughter project: PRICELESS!

We lucked out finding this Craigslist bike: it was my daughter's favorite color, like most used girls' bikes, it was cheap and in great shape. For this project, we were also lucky because all the bike's logos and art were simply decals. Pealing them off was easy. We did however leave a few decals (the fork, head tube, and under seat) to help it look a little intentional and less home-made.

Next we used the hole punch on the scrap vinyl to create the "dots"... another fun father/daughter project-within-the-project.

After a thorough wipe-down with alcohol to remove oil and leftover decal glue, we stuck the dots on every paint chip or scratch. Then we filled in the open areas with more dots.

The final result is cute and made riding required… how else can she show off our handiwork?

Saris Bones Bike Rack Mod for Ford Focus - Making It Fit

It has been years since a new car sat in our driveway. But now a 2014 Ford Focus lives at our house. I love the look, the handling, and the mileage. There is something about a new car that makes you want take a road trip. One of the first trips I wanted to make was a trek to a local bike park, and this time, any park in the area, no matter how far away.

But as I was loading the bikes up I realized my faithful Saris Bones bike rack wasn't going to work… the two top straps pulled down against the spoiler and no amount of adjusting was going to change that. Was I going to have to spend three hundred dollars on a new hitch-mounted rack? With a new car payment, I had to at least try to come up with a work-around solution.

I could find anything in Google addressing this problem. My first thought was to lift the rack up with some sort of blocks so the straps didn't hit. But then It dawned on me, why not lift the straps, not the rack:

Adding a bar across the top will hold the straps high enough for them to sit right above the spoiler. And in order to keep the bar held tightly in place, I used two bungees pulling it tight under the straps.

So far my "system" is working well. Today I really gave it a hard test drive to the doctor's office (sick child). Thankfully both rack and son did well.

2014 Scott Spark 740 27.5 Review

It was time for the first tune up and brake bleed on my year old Kona. So off to Tennessee Valley Bikes I went.

While giving the bike their thorough top to bottom lube/adjust/clean, the staff felt my rear derailleur was just not up to spec and suggested a new one (a warranted replacement.) Unfortunately they did not have one in stock so another would need to be ordered.

Since I was going to need to wait a week, I was offered a demo bike to ride while mine was out of commission. They had a many options: full suspension, hard tail, rigid… I had my pick of some awesome bikes. But since I had originally considered buying a 27.5, I was really interested in that wheel size. The only 27.5 bike that was in my size was a new Scott Spark 740.

The bike also had another aspect that I was interested in: the tires. I had always heard great things about Schwable Rocket Rons, and many people in our area run them. But at the prices these things go for, I could not risk buying them on a whim.

I really didn't want a full suspension but my son encouraged (hounded) me. I had heard that once I had ridden a squish bike I would never want to go back to a hard tail. What the heck... I took the Scott home.

After what seemed like forever, the winter weather finally cooperated. I was off to Concord Park. Right away I noticed that fork. I gotta say the Fox Float 32 was noticeably smoother than anything I have yet ridden. It featured two settings for dampening: "Trail" and "Descent”, their terms for soft and softer. Of course, it also has a lockout, they call "Climb". The fork was so nice, I simply kept it on Decent. The remote lockout locked both the fork and rear shock.

After riding for about an hour I started analyzing the ride feel. No doubt, it is a great bike, so soft and forgiving. A good fit for bike for an old man like myself. I could ride this bike all day and not feel beaten up.

Strangely I do have to admit I felt my 29er Kona felt faster but the Scott felt as if it held speed better. Why? In the hilly sections of Concord the Kona would race down and crawl up, where the Scott would keep a more consistent speed. And the change in speed of the Kona added a sensation that was not as pronounced on the Scott. I believe this was due to the Fox suspension soaking up the rough stuff so well. I am no expert but believe the forward energy was not wasted transferring the forward inertia through the bike giving the feeling of a "bump." The energy required to move a fork is much less than moving a whole bike. Many of the rooty areas of the park were no longer a challenge. The bike simply smoothed them out.

Tire design has always interested me. The ideal rubber compounds, lug quantity and design are for some reason intriguing. But so many online "reviews" tend to have generic statements like "they are terrible" or "the best tire I have ever ridden." Hardly analytical statements one can feel confident spending $100 on. When picking tires, my practice have been to ask people's opinions of tires that ride the trails that I ride. Around here Rocket Rons can be seen often. Assuming they were the go-to tire, I was excited to feel them for myself.

Sadly, on the damp, rooty trails of Concord, I was not crazy about them. The Maxxis Ignitors that came on the Kona grip much better, especially in the rear. The Rocket Rons felt loose causing the back end to hang out. It was always minor, never scary or unpredictable, just loose. And when going slow the Ignitors pulled right over the slick roots where the Rons would occasionally spin off. Before counting them out completely I really need to try them on the smoother trails of Meads or in the dry.

After the ride I realized I had soaked up many more miles than I normally would have done. The Scott/Fox is a beautiful combination, and worth the money. The 27.5" wheel did feel slightly more nimble compared to the 29" but would probably have been more evident if comparing rigid to rigid.

During the drive home thinking about what I would say about this bike my brain kept getting sidetracked about stepping-up to better bikes in general. Does the removal of trail challenges remove the fun? Areas of the trail I found challenging on the Kona were not a thought on the Scott. What if I owned the Scott and tested my next lust-worthy bike: a Niner Air 9 RDO? Would Concord Park be boring? If anyone would like to help me out with this test, I would love to find out!

They Will Be Getting a Bike This Christmas!

Just got back from a work day for the Knoxville area Angel Tree, and had a great time for a great cause.

Spent 4.5 hours adjusting derailleurs, making sure brakes work and tightening every nut and bolt… and making sure underprivileged kids are able to get a shiny new bike (and other toys) this Christmas. As some of us bike enthusiasts in my son's Boy Scout troop helped assemble the 120 bikes (my estimate), I kept remembering my own childhood and the indescribable excitement of my first bike, starting a lifetime of bike-passion.

Don't get me wrong. The point of this is not to "toot my own horn" but to publicly thank the hundreds of people sorting, bagging, and assembling the thousands of toys. And if there is anything like this in you town, please share your bike passion by donating your time assembling a few. You won't regret it!

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 2013

Saturday October 5 was also a perfect day for Mountain Biking, warm and sunny. But that was not the major reason. It was one of those days we wait for a year for: Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.

Many of the ten+ kids that were there regulars to the event. We had seen some at this event four years in a row. There was a lot more girls this year... and they of course did great! I ended up riding with them at times and it was neat how they encouraged each other across obstacles.

A huge thanks to The Bike Zoo and IMBA again for putting on the event. We are already counting the days until the next!