Blog Archives
Origin-8 BB30 Adapter Kit
Origin-8 BB30 Adapter kit
Brand new from Origin-8, a BB30 bottom bracket adapter that allows you to run a non-BB30 crank with a BB30 frame. With this adaptation system you reap all the benefits of having a BB30 bottom bracket without having to buy a super expensive crank. Most standard outboard/integrated crank and bottom bracket systems on the market today have a spindle O.D. (outside diameter) of 24mm. A BB30 bearing will not accommodate this, but with their new BB30 adapters you can run any GXP or HT2 spindle on a frame that is designed for the BB30 bearing system for a fraction of the cost. The adapter is complete with the C-clips, sealed cartridge bearings and cones for a fluid and finished look.
- Machined alloy adaptors
- Sealed Cartridge bearings (6806)
- Shims and C Clips included
- Adapters allow the use of 24mm OD spindle cranks in BB30 frames
Take a look at the options HERE.
Cyclocross Everywhere at Sea Otter
It’s only April and the cyclocross bug has already bit. And it’s the fault of the Sea Otter Classic and the great coverage by Cyclocross Magazine.
The big thing was disc brake equipped ‘cross bikes. Disc equipped 2012 and 2013 model year cyclocross bikes from Redline, Raleigh, Diamond Back, Felt, Cannondale, Look, Norco and Colnago, along with many others were on display.
And then there were tires. A lot of new ’cross tires on the market. New cyclocross tires were unveiled by Continental, Ritchey, Hutchinson and Vee Rubber. I’m most interested in the Vee Rubber tires. As you may know, Vee Rubber USA bicycle division in now headed up by Jim Wannamaker, formerly known as Jim from Kenda.
Along with bikes and tires, there was a lot of other cyclocross on display too. Cyclocross Magazine has great coverage of all thing cyclocross from the 2012 edition of the Sea Otter Classic. Click the link HEREand you can read all about it.
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Endless Bike Company’s Kick-Ass-Cogs
If you’re a singlespeed rider, and you’re like me, you are often looking for a lower gear for those climbs. I would rather have a lower gear for climbing, than a higher gear to avoid spinning on the flats. I currently use a 22T on my Redline MonoCog 29er. I would love to have a 23T or 25T. I could never find more than a 22T…that is until now.
Introducing Endless Bike Company’s Kick-Ass-Cogs. According to Endless Bike Company, at a full quarter inch wide (6.35mm) at the splines, Kick-Ass-Cogs simply will not damage your free hub body the way a narrower cog can. Made of high strength 7075-T6 alloy (Stronger and harder than most common steels), Kick-Ass-Cogs are precision machined insuring perfect axial and radial alignment that compliments the superior chain lines that cassette style hubs allow.
The specially engineered tooth profile on Kick-Ass-Cogs improves both cog and chain life while minimizing drive train friction. With a Kick-Ass-Cog on your bike, you can expect a smooth, quiet drivetrain for miles to come.
Like all EndlessBikeCo. Products, Kick-Ass-Cogs are made in the USA, in Western North Carolina; not in some faceless factory on the other side of the planet.
Cog sizes range from 14T-25T in single tooth increments. You can buy Kick-Ass-Cogs and all their products direct from Endless Bike Company’s website.
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Mavic debuts 29er wheelsets
Mavic finally has three brand new 29er wheelsets, the first full line of 29er wheels for Mavic. The Crossmax SLR, Crossmax ST, and Crossride wheelsets all offer Mavic’s signature system-engineered approach to wheels, as well as competitive weights and a good pricing.
The debut of these wheels comes almost a year after Mavic’s original intended release date. A number of design challenges, particularly with the lightweight SLR set held off the introduction until now.
The Crossmax SLR 29 should be available in mid June, while the Crossmax ST and Crossride won’t be available until August.
Crossmax SLR – Weight: 1629 grams, Price: $1000
Crossmax ST – Weight: 1710 grams, Price: $825
Crossride – Weight: 2020 grams, Price $300
For an in depth technical review of Mavic’s new 29er wheels, check out the article from BikeRumor.com.
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Specialized Body Geometry Riva Saddle: My best bike upgrade to date
Back in the fall I purchased a Specialized Phenom Body Geometry saddle from my local bike shop, Plaine and Son. I put it on my mountain bike to see if the Body Geometry saddles do what Specialized claims. After using it through the fall and into the winter, I can say YES, the Body Geometry saddle does exactly what Specialized claims it will do for you. I have since put this saddle on my road bike and purchased two Specialized Riva saddles for my mountain bikes. The Riva saddle has the same Body Geometry technology, Cro-Mo rails and has a bit more padding than the Phenom.
But what are the claims of the Body Geometry saddle? The Body Geometry saddles relieve pressure on the internal pudendal arteries, vastly improving blood flow in males. The saddle design also provides cushioning for the pelvis and relief for surrounding soft tissue. To put it simply, the Body Geometry saddles make a world of difference in comfort and performance.
My experience with these saddles is that I have never been more comfortable after two or three hours of being on the bike. The numbness that I have often experienced in the past is gone. Even in competition, the Specialized Riva saddle is the best saddle that I have ever used.
Features of the Specialized Riva saddle:
- Patented Body Geometry design is lab tested to assure blood flow to sensitive arteries
- Supportive tuned PP base provides all day comfort
- Medium density tuned foam for comfort and efficiency
- Light and super durable Cr-Mo rails
- Tough, light and water resistant Micromatrix cover
- Tough, anti-scratch side panels for protection in rough conditions
- Size 143mm/ Weight 275g
And, one of the best features of the saddle is the price. The Riva retails for only $30.00. The price alone is worth giving it a try. 
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Review: Manitou Tower Pro 29” Suspension Fork
With a history that dates back twenty years, Manitou’s Tower Pro marks a welcome return to form from one of the oldest brands in mountain biking.
Headlining the companies 29er cross country fork line the Tower range replaces the older Minute line.
There are two forks – the Tower Pro and the cheaper Expert – the main difference being in the spring system. The Expert gets the ACT Air system while the Pro gets the superior MARS Air system along with a lighter crown and butted legs that result in a lighter fork. On test here is the Tower Pro.
Read the full review at: Review: Manitou Tower Pro 29” Suspension Fork.
