Monday, September 29th, 2008
The new Electronic Shimano Dura-Ace is one of the most impressive pieces of product developed for 2009. This is going to be one of the most important developments in cycling that will take equipment to a whole new world. After the long drive back home the Outsideallday group has decided we absolutely need the new Electronic Dura-Ace.
However, we were not the only people excited or obsessive about the new Dura-Ace as there were hordes of people around the sample bike all day waiting for their turn to ride, photograph, and drool over this shifting progression.
The best way to explain to people the feeling of the new Dura-Ace electronic shifting is by comparing it to the electronic hand towel dispensers in public restrooms, as you place your fingers in front of the shifters and start to apply pressure (very minimal amounts) the shifters begin to work. They just shift up or down as you please and their is no finessing the chain into a gear. This system is going to take some great mechanic skills otherwise it will shift as asked whether that is into a gear or between two gears.
Regardless, this is amazing new gear for cycling.
-DSheek
Welcome to the future!
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
Product for Review:
Pivot, Mach 4
Size: Medium
Geometry: (100MM Fork)
Seat tube: 18.5″
Top Tube (effective): 23.25″
Head Tube: 4.5″
Head Angle: 70.8
Seat Tube Angle: 73
Chainstay: 16.75″
Bottom Bracket Height: 12.8
Stand Over Height: 29.5
Product Strengths:
Aesthetically (Its Looks): Amazing and the anodized finish is great on a mountain bike so one does not have to worry about paint chipping and little nicks that are always happening.
Rear suspension design- This bike has the stiffest rear suspension that I have felt in a four inch travel bike. I loved Chris Cocalis’ original creations, the Titus Racer-X and Moto Lite, but this bike is on a new level in comparison. This beefy rear suspension system allows a rider to really rail the bike in corners and ride much more aggressively than one would normally do on a four inch bike.
The rear suspension system used also allows the bike to stretch out/grip or grab the ground better from its dual pivot controls. This was the one of the best features that was noticed in comparison to the Titus, Racer-X. One can really climb and descend on this machine.
Direct Mount Front Deraileur- The Front derailleur mount used for this bike is also a plus as it creates one of the fastest and definitely the strongest shifting experiences on a mountain bike. The mount allows the derailleur a lot of backbone so that it gets its maximum potential because of the stiffness provided from the frame.
Integrated Bottom Bracket- The bottom bracket is stiff. It allows the bike to put out the most power possible with each pedal stroke and again help provide a nice solid base to the frame when turning and pushing down on the outward pedal.
Product Weaknesses:
Weight- If you are a weight weenie sorry but it’s on the heavy side. If the bike is being built for racing one might get frustrated with a bike that is 23-24lbs. This is about the average wight of our builds composed of Shimano XTR and Sram XO components, Stan’s No Tubes Wheelsets, and a lot of other expensive carbon/weight weenie junk.
However, if you think about the frame and how it comes with a front derailer, bottom bracket cups, and headset 6.14 lbs is not too heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Racer-x (4″ travel)
Titus Motolite (5″ travel)
Pivot Mach 5 (5″ travel)
Pivot Mach 429
The Bottom Line:
The bike rips! It’s a 4inch bike on steroids… It can be ridden like a trail bike with its slack angles and fantastic suspension system.
Rating: 1-5
For more information go to: www.pivotcycles.com
-DSheek
This bike makes me love riding!
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
This is one of those toys you want to keep forever!
The bike is set up with all my favorite components and tires. I have weighed it in at 23.2lbs. This is without making the tires tubeless and with my enormous computer plus all of its extra parts.
Click to get the full story:
Niner, Air 9 Product Review
-DSheek
It’s a keeper!
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
The Southern California XC and SD race series is heating up.
Read the report, check the results, and team standings…
-DSheek
Send us your reports!
Friday, May 23rd, 2008
The Carbon Bike
I think I have found my new bike for cross season… But, price will tell. I have rolled around on the BH G4 Road bike, which this frame was obviously designed around, and it rides awesome. It was responsive and a comfortable fit, something I hardly say. If the carbon version is too much they also have their aluminum version.
BH released this about the new bike:
Next month, BH will present its new frame: the Cross Carbon, designed specifically for cyclo-cross.
This cutting-edge monocoque carbon frame weighs as little as 1.250 kg, and together with its Full Carbon fork, will revolutionize the field of cyclo-cross.
Following the positive results obtained last season with the BH Titan frame, and after almost a full year of testing different prototypes, improvements have been made to the frame’s geometry, strength and weight. Proof of this is professional cyclist and Ag2r team member John Gadret’s 8th place position in the last World Championship in Livigno.
Laboratory tests have also shown that these improvements are a big step forward, by optimizing performance without sacrificing reliability, which is essential for competition.
The frame will be available in four sizes (51, 54, 57, and 59) and in the Ag2r colors, as well as in aluminum.
The frame will be used by some of the best cyclo-cross racers such as Unai Yus, Isaac Suárez, John Gadret, Jerome Chevalier and the women cyclists Rocío Gamonal and Ruth Moll, among others.
The Aluminum frame with Carbon Fork
For more information go to:
www.bhbikes-us.com
-DSheek
Mountain Bikes are beating me up… I need cross season!
Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
After a conversation with Matt Smart (contributor) where I explained to him the difference of Mountain bike wheels, in reference to surfing terms. He suggested I share my explanation of Mountain Bike wheel sizes and how each rides, as the market seems to be more and more flooded with 29 inch wheels on bikes.
The best way I can briefly explain a 29er is by comparing a long board to a short board… You can create the shape on a long board to surf pretty snappy and quick but it will never respond as fast as a short board. The 29er rides like that of a long board, it’s the soul riders bike. They peddle a little smoother over rocks and can climb better in most areas but they do not accelerate as quickly or pop out of turns as fast as your standard 26 inch wheeled bike. However, because of the bigger tires the 29er bikes do hold a line better while cornering.
You can see each type of bike has its own benefits and the rider has to decide which of the two they like with all the riding aspects that fit their style and weight factors which may apply with a 29er too. This weight is all due to the larger wheels which is also consistent with larger or a little more elongated geometry on 29er bikes which 29ers use to make up for the larger wheels.
The more I think of my experience with 29ers the more I want my Pivot Mach 429. The new 29 inch full suspension beast from pivot cycles.
Check one out: www.pivotcycles.com
-DSheek
Hang Loose Bike Geeks!
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008
At the Sea Otter this past weekend a lot of companies unveiled mid season releases of new product or they released the prototypes of some 2009 product. As one could imagine for a bike geek like myself, it was heaven, especially when my favorite bike, the 2008 Pivot Mach 4, turned into a 29″ wheeled monster. 29er wheels ride amazing and I had a chance to ride it around this weekend.
My initial thoughts:
Like the Mach 4 this bike has the stiffest rear end of any full suspension in its class. It climbs amazing and better than its 26″ brother, the Mach 4. The Geometry feels amazingly good for 29″ bike, which I know Cocalis (the owner/designer of Pivot Cycles and one of the nicest guys I have met) spent hours on perfecting because 29″ bikes tend to have wacky geometries and can ride weird… I am in love with the 429!
Here are some current shred sled photos from the Sea Otter this weekend:
And the new bike (Watch the whole video):
The Pivot 429 will be ready by June and available at your nearest dealer.
-DSheek
I wish it was June already!
www.pivotcycles.com
Tuesday, January 29th, 2008
The whole story is on Pantagonia’s, The Cleanest Line website:
I love the convenience of the toll roads but we can’t destroy the best surf spot in Southern, CA.
Read it all:
http://www.cleanestline.com/2008/01/help-save-trest.html#more
DSheek
So Sad…
Sunday, January 13th, 2008
The new 2008 Alan, Max. Can you say full carbon love!
I usually ride my tires at lower pressures to get a better feel out of my bikes but the rear-end on this bike allows a higher tire pressure while still feeling compliant. The best rear end I have felt and it climbs like a goat (that is good).
Until we update our product review page you can get more info by
clicking the Alan ad to the right.
Notice the beautiful SDG saddle too. This is a prototype of the new 2008 line. You will have to wait for the full reviews!
DSheek
-Bike Nerds Rule
Saturday, December 8th, 2007
The JAMIS, XENITH is a road bike from Jamis Bikes that I was able to get my hands on for some rides thanks to Sand Canyon Cyclery in Irvine, CA. I have so much to say about this beauty and will once I finally update the product review section. However, it rides great but there are a few things that need to mentioned along with its greatness.
Look for the full review, price, and company information soon in the product review section.
DSheek
-Get a bike
Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
Those who know me understand that my caffeine addiction is the downfall to my exercise (I don’t like calling it training- it take the fun out). I would rather drink coffee (warm, hot, cold, it doesn’t matter) all day rather than anything else.
I found my new favorite coffee:
If you love me, are feeling nice, want to thank Andy and I for doing this site for free so that you are not bored out of your mind at work all day, or if you have someone in mind that you need to get that little something for the holidays, then go to their site (click the picture above butt-head)!
Kinetic Koffee has a nice little gift sampler, good brewing tips and Organic Coffee:) The two-samples I have tried are great (breakfast buzz rules)!
-DSheek
BZZZZZZZZZ!
Friday, September 7th, 2007
Check out the products from our supporter Bonk Breakers energy bars. These little peanut butter and jelly bars are delightful.
If you need any other convincing that they’re good look on the cover of this months Triathlete Magazine. And a little heads up for the future they have a new peanut butter and chocolate-chip bar that is perfectly sweet. The bar is so good that when I see one, I feel like a cast member on Survivor that has not eaten in three days and I must do whatever it takes to eat the bar!
-DSheek
Eat One!
Wednesday, September 5th, 2007
Zappos.com has all types of shoes and since I am addicted to finding the perfect pair, for every type of event, day, or night. I spend a little time each month searching for new pairs.
Since it is so damn hot this month I decided to go with something simple that I could be worn with shorts and preferably no socks so they get a little stinky.
Converse - Chuck Taylor All Star Plaid Slip-On (Grey/Plaid) - Men’s
This pair is gray but they come in other colors too. Check out the Chucks or just check out Zappos.
-DSheek
Shoe Addict
Wednesday, September 5th, 2007
After 24 Hours of racing I wouldn’t even talk to people because I would be so drained or almost dead. However, the coolest mountain biker I have ever met, Tinker Juarez, took the time this past weekend to say hello. The most astonishing part to Tinker saying hello, was not just his politeness after racing for 24 hours, but he stopped an interview to look up and wave as I asked to take the picture of the race winner and then he thanked me for stopping by his teams pit area to get the picture.
Tinker Juarez is the greatest! He proved it this weekend as he became the 24 Hours of Adrenalin World Champion.
Look for more on the 24 Hours of Adrenalin Worlds soon on the event coverage page!
-DSheek
Great Event
Tuesday, August 28th, 2007
I broke out my free-riding skills as I was hit from the side with a powerful gust that launched me off the trail into a steep field of loose pumice rock. I recovered my position on the trail safely and enjoyed 18 miles of downhill and easy pedaling pleasure. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is one of the greatest resorts I’ve visited. In the past few years, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of Mammoth’s year-round playground. This month I spent three days in Mammoth Lakes, CA to check out the new Mountain Bike Trails and experienced a lot of high altitude fun.
PREPARATION
I left Orange County in the wee hours of the morning only to sit in two hours of traffic. I took a side trip on the 14 Freeway in Los Angeles to check in with a friend, Jason, owner of Bonk Breaker energy bars. I was supposed to play an important role in a sales presentation but I was foiled by freeways. Jason kindly refueled my supply of Bonk Breaker bars for my trip north. Restocked with peanut butter and jelly bars, I was prepared to bear the further trials on the road. Despite the heat of driving across the Southern California desert in the middle of the afternoon, the rest of the drive was smooth and traffic-free.
I arrived in Mammoth later that evening to set up my home base and power up my computer to investigate local weather and trails. Hours later, I woke up in a pool of drool (thankfully my own) having only learned Mammoth Lakes’ expected temperatures. I decided to give up, closed my computer and turned in for the night hoping that the keyboard imprints on my face would disappear by morning.
THE FIRST RIDE
The first day of riding was awesome. It’s been a dry year so the dirt was a extra soft but not as bad as the trails I’ve been on recently at home. The mountain has three different types of terrain: off the top of the mountain it’s wide-open with loose pumice rock mixed with fine powdery silt, in the lower elevations, there are trees that supply loose dirt and small pebbles, and the lowest sections of the mountain produces tight tree lined trails with usually harder-packed dirt where one could spend days flowing on the single-track trails immersed in the thick forest.
What did I prefer? I chose to ride it all…. By taking the Mammoth Mountain gondola to the top, one can experience almost eighteen miles of downhill on moderate terrain riding back into the Mammoth Mountain Village. And during the descent, take in multiple views in varying weather conditions that can literally send chills through your spine. It’s a good idea to pack an extra layer, regardless of the time of year, as the top of the mountain has a much lower temperature and winds that can make you want to call in a rescue team. The winds are strong off the top of the mountain, hence me getting blown off the trail, but once you descend a mile, you leave the winds behind and the trails become the central focus in this large open playground.
The trails are all well maintained and most would be surprised at the vast amounts of open space that goes unused on the mountain. From the top the trails and views are there to suit almost all needs. There are fast descending downhills, such as the Kamikazee Downhill, or slower cruising trails with many different types of rollers and bumps for all levels of riders to play on, with the Trail Home. Whatever suits a rider’s needs, this mountain has it. The mountain has an excellent staff that has created one of the greatest freestyle snow parks in the world and now they have taken these same skills and used them in the mountain biking world, creating some of the scariest looking trails I’ve ever ridden.
The Mammoth website highlights the opening of a few new mountain biking trails, like Techno-Rock featuring large drops and technical sections which spawned my initial interest to head north. Now after having spent a few days in town, I can say I’m happy I don’t own a downhill bike. Young kids on these bikes are crazy. I enjoyed my days spent riding single-track through the mountain over and under the tree line and coming across deer is always amazing. The town is attractive all year.
The following list and pictures should whet your appetite for all the fun you’re missing in Mammoth.
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
City: A small mountain town, located in the Eastern Sierra Mountains at a 10,000 ‘ elevation, centered in the middle of a few stunning mountain ranges and great year round vacation resort/outdoor playground.
Activities: Snow sports, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Climbing, Fishing, Camping, Taking in the outdoors and the list goes on…
Hot Spots:
Food, there are good places to eat but the city is know for its small Mom and Pop restaurants, such as Base Camp Cafe.
Evenings, I recommend the Village as it serves up a lot of live entertainment and bars, where I only go to people watch.
Outdoors retailers, the best shop in town for most outdoors needs is Footloose Sports.
Places to stay, I recommend a tent but if you must look online for rates, Mammoth can be expensive!
-DSheek
Take a trip!
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007
My favorite shoe of the day is the Asics Cypress:
They always make a comfortable shoe and look at the Good price from Zappos.com
ASICS - Cypress (Grey/Clover) - Men’s
-DSheek
Run Forest!
Monday, July 16th, 2007
The new Oakley Radar is RAD! I never thought that I would be saying I love wearing large funky shaped glasses such as these but for sport specific activities they are amazing. I have been riding my Radar’s about two months now and continue to be amazed. The hydrophobic lenses really help with shedding water and sweat which are key for me when riding. There is nothing worse then glasses that fog, spot, and collect moisture which then turns into mud from dust and dirt on trails.
Hydrophobic™
Oakley Hydrophobic™ is a permanent lens coating that prevents water from leaving streaks and sheens, which can compromise vision. Whether it’s rain, sweat or splashing runoff, H2O can’t get a foothold. And that’s just half the story.
They pretty much make me faster!
-Sergeant Sheek
However, we were not the only people excited or obsessive about the new Dura-Ace as there were hordes of people around the sample bike all day waiting for their turn to ride, photograph, and drool over this shifting progression.
