The 29er debate continues, this time vs the 650B

Posted on April 30, 2012 by aa

I’ve been riding a 29er for a little more than a year now. I’ve written about the comparisons of a 29 vs 26 inch wheeled mountain bike, and I’m still committed to the 29er. And, if you look around, so are a large number of the Pro’s. Let’s face it, if  pro riders have committed to the 29er, it’s for good reason. It’s not marketing, it’s winning.

Ok, so some of you might still say that a smaller wheel is quicker in the tight singletrack, and that the 650B is better than a 29er for the same reasons as a 26. Ok,  I’ll agree that a 650B is better, more efficient, than a 26, but I have to say that a 29er is still going to be faster. For the same reasons that a 29er is faster, more efficient, than a 26. So now that bicycle makers are starting to go wild with the 650B wheel size, the controversy still isn’t going to go away, it is just going to shift from 29er vs 26 to a 29er vs 650B debate.

At the top of my world

At the top of my world with my Motobecane Fantom 29

I have never been on a 650B bike, so I really have no direct knowledge of a comparison. But the science is the same. It’s not as dramatic as 29er vs 26, but the science is the same. When I have the opportunity to test ride a 650B wheeled bike, I will. Until then, I stand by my 29er.

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2012 NYS Cyclocross Championships Announced!

Posted on April 28, 2012 by aa
Satratoga Spa:Cyclocross

Running the barriers at Satratoga Spa:Cyclocross

The 2012 NYS Cyclocross Championships will be contested at the Spa Cross Cyclocross in Saratoga Springs, New York, on October 21, 2012.

The challenging course is located on the eastern section of the Saratoga Race Course property, behind the Oklahoma training track. A grassy hillside provides elevation changes, including descents with off-camber turns and a run-up enforced by wooden steps. The hill also provides a panoramic view of the course for spectators. The course also makes use of existing sand roads and dirt piles as natural obstacles. The Start/Finish area includes a paved road that allows for a start grid and starting and finishing stretches.

Medals will be awarded for all NYS Championship Cyclocross categories, with cash prizes for elite races and swag for all other categories.  A non-sanctioned race will be scheduled for children younger than ten (10), and a dedicated children’s course will be open for use throughout the day.

A race expo will feature food vendors as well as items of interest to the cycling community.

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NICA Expands to Accommodate Growth in High School Mountain Biking

Posted on April 24, 2012 by aa

Founder and Executive Director, Matt Fritzinger, to transition and focus on building new leagues

Contact: Paul Skilbeck paul@nationalmtb.org 415.516.1444

BERKELEY, Calif. (Press Release) – The strong growth of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) continues with applications from Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia to join the organization’s Project League program,. Project Leagues have access to select NICA services, providing them the needed public awareness, support, funding and momentum to become fully fledged chapter leagues.

As many as three will be chosen for 2013 induction, and the total number of NICA leagues – now seven – will rise to as many as 10. This will bring the organization three steps closer to its goal of providing mountain biking opportunities to high school students coast to coast by 2020.

Supporting this expansion requires a considerable depth of technical advisory experience leading up to the initial racing season. NICA’s Executive Director, Matt Fritzinger, who founded NICA, and the pioneering NorCal League before that, is uniquely qualified for this job and will transition from his current role to focus on key tasks such as new league technical development and fundraising.

Fritzinger said, “NICA is a jet plane we have built together, and it has been a great thrill to be centrally involved in building it. This aircraft is ready to be handed over to a seasoned pilot, rather than someone who specializes in the creative work. I’m very excited about building new leagues where I can draw on a decade of operations experience. I also look forward to building relationships with new supporters who want to join this movement.’”

NICA leagues existing and prospective (click to enlarge)

Fritzinger will remain in post as Executive Director to participate in the transition. NICA is presently engaged in the search for a replacement and interviews are being handled by NICA President,Rick Spittler.

Spittler said, “The idea of Matt transitioning from Executive Director to special projects was a joint decision by Matt and the NICA Board. Since Matt is continuing in his role until a new Executive Director is found, there will be no disruption in any races or day-to-day activities. Matt is simply refocusing to accommodate NICA’s incredible growth. He has built the organization from one league in Northern California to something that will be nationwide in the next decade, and now he’s going to focus solely on that goal.”

For a job description and application instructions go to http://www.nationalmtb.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/Microsoft-Word-Executive-Director-Job-Description.doc.pdf

About the National Interscholastic Cycling Association

Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike.

NICA exists by virtue of generous donors and sponsors, including the founding national sponsor, Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as Easton Foundations, JEEP, SRAM, Trek Bicycles, Clif Bar & Company, Primal Wear, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, adidas Eyewear, CamelBak, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Mountain Bike Action, QBP, Ritchey Designs, Sidi America and WTB. For more information on NICA visit www.nationalmtb.org or call 510.524.5464.

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Cyclocross Everywhere at Sea Otter

Posted on April 22, 2012 by aa

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.

2012 Sea Otter

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

Posted on April 21, 2012 by aa

Endless Bike Company Kick-Ass-CogsIf 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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Albany Bicycle Coalition: 2012 Bike EXPO

Posted on April 21, 2012 by aa

Albany Bicycle Coalition (ABC) is proud to announce the Second Annual Bike EXPO to kick off National Bike Month and promote cycling across the Capital Region. The community event will take place on May 6th, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Washington Park Lakehouse in the heart of Albany.

The Bike EXPO will feature a family-friendly ride on car-free park roadways, a guided tour of Albany’s bicycle amenities, exhibitions, free tech advice, refreshments, raffles and prizes. Vendors and tables will include bike shops, bicycle clubs, and advocacy organizations. The event is free and open to the public.

“We are trying to bring together cyclists regardless of their individual riding skills or their motivation for riding. We are using bicycles as a central focus for sustainable and healthy living in the Capital District. Our secondary goal is to highlight the many cycling improvements in the city – shared lanes, hundreds of bicycle racks, bicycle signage, and bicycle lanes,” states John Vendetti, event coordinator.

This event is sponsored in part by the New York Bicycling Coalition, the Albany Bicycle Rescue, the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association, the Delaware Area Neighborhood Association, and the Council of Albany Neighborhood Association.

The Albany Bicycle Coalition is made up of a group of dedicated cyclists whose goal is to promote bicycling as a viable means of both transportation and recreation in the Capital Region.

Albany Bicycle Coalition Bike Expo 2012

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Mavic debuts 29er wheelsets

Posted on April 21, 2012 by aa

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.

Mavic 29er Wheels

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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Broken Bike campaign supports MS

Posted on April 18, 2012 by aa

Broken Bike CampaignNEW YORK — The Broken Bike campaign has kicked off in Albany, as well as other regions upstate. It’s part of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Upstate New York’s effort to raise awareness and support for the deadly disease.

These broken orange bikes are being placed at 15 upstate locations to promote three bike events the society is hosting. The project will help raise funds for the Capital Region’s Hudson River Ramble.

It also helps fund Rochester’s Finger Lake Challenge and Buffalo’s Head for the Hills event.

Event organizers said everyone is welcome to participate.

“The course themselves are rolling hills, it’s not just for the experienced rider, there’s definitely opportunities for the novice rider who wants to enjoy a beautiful ride,” said campaign manager Alyssa Shoup.

The Capital Region’s Hudson River Ramble will take place on September 22nd in Schodack.

The MS Society hopes to raise more than $65,000 at the bike events. The organization said that in Albany County alone, there are more than 580 people living with MS.

via Broken Bike campaign supports MS – YNN, Your News Now.

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3 Reasons You Should Sleep More

Posted on April 18, 2012 by aa

Get enough zzz’s and you’ll…

Avoid the aches

A full night’s rest can end those I’m-too-sore gripes that make you skip Spin class. “Sleep is the most important part of physical recovery,” says Peter Walters, Ph.D., professor of applied health science at Wheaton College, who has studied sleep patterns in athletes. One reason: While you snooze, your body releases 80 percent of its total production of human growth hormone, the fuel created in your brain’s pituitary gland that repairs and strengthens muscles. Fewer aches mean you’ll enjoy exercise more and want to do it more often.

Get speedy

If you’re sleep-deprived, a 30-minute power nap in the afternoon can help you sprint faster during a subsequent workout, researchers at Liverpool John Moores University say. (Woo-hoo, higher calorie burn!) For optimal results, shake off any siesta grogginess by leaving a one-hour window between waking and exercising, the study’s authors recommend.

Sharpen your focus

Clocking two extra hours a night for six weeks helped basketball players up their shooting percentage by 9 percent, the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory reports. “No time!” you say? Even 30 minutes more each night may improve skills during activities that take focus and determination, scientists say. That translates to better performance, in a boot camp class or at the office.

Not a morning person?

Try a P.M. workout. If you are done two hours before bed, it may not disturb your sleep, a Finnish study suggests.

via 3 Reasons You Should Sleep More | Active.com.

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Training for my first dualthons, it’s now “crunch time”

Posted on April 17, 2012 by aa

With less than two weeks left before my first duathlon race, it’s now “crunch time” for training. I’ve always been athletic, but as far as running goes, it’s been several years since I had run for fitness. So, when cyclocross season ended for me in December, I started a run training program. The 9 weeks to a 5k training program is a great program for anyone. And, it was great for me too. It’s not designed to make me a top 5k runner, but it is great for training my muscles for a consistent run to compliment my cycling. My goal was to run the occasional 5k and to race the occasional duathlon.

Biking through the winter off season, running the treadmill a couple times a week and everything going great with my training, I suddenly encountered a mysterious knee injury. With a significant amount of pain in the outside of my knee, all workout activity was immediately put on hold. If I could have put walking on hold too, I would have. Thinking that maybe I was just over doing a bit, I iced my knee often and waited a few days to see what would happen and how it would feel. No change. I finally went to see my doctor. X-rays were negative, meaning no sign of a stress fracture. That’s a relief. However, it was more than likely a strained LCL. I still had stability in my knee so it didn’t appear to be severed. That’s good news. But only an MRI would verfy any damage to the LCL. Most activity had to be completely put on hold for a few weeks.

So with about 3 week of pretty intense PT and rehab using moist heat, electro-stimulation, massage and easy pedaling, my knee was virtually pain free. And now it feels better than before the injury.

With feeling no effect from the injury while cycling, I have raced one mountain bike race and one road time trial race. But I haven’t run until yesterday. I felt good, but the run was definitely much slower than I thought it would be. I was actually surprised how quickly my muscles change away from running.

Now it’s time to get back to running and prepare for three weekends of short duathlon races. The three races are 1.5 mile run/8 mile bike/1.5 mile run. So, even with this setback, I’m pretty sure I can handle the runs.

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