The Vassago Project

The Vassago Project - sounds like some Russian nuclear experiment. Nope, just little ole me putting together my first 29er. I should've taken the hint from Troyzilla (aka BikingWino) this past winter/spring and skipped the Klein 26er.







My choice for a frameset was one of two. Either the Niner M.C.R. or the Vassago Bandersnatch. I chose the Snatch for two reasons, first it was $370 cheaper and second it was in my favorite color, silver. Phantom metallic silver to be exact.



In order to build this beast I had to create some cash fast. Since I'm not a rising star millionaire and I don't have a cigar box of gold coins buried in my back yard somethin' had to give and it was the Klein. It's been stripped and all parts ready to be transferred. The 26" fork and wheels had to be sold to generate cabbage of the printed green kind quick enough to put this thing together so I can ride it before the season ends. I'm movin', I'm movin', I'm movin' I tellz'ya.






Snatch... hee hee.


You know, the more I look at this 'blood red' paint the more I'm liking it.








Here is what type on the Vassago website reads about BanderSnatch:

'The legendary beast that travels the land at incredible speed, devouring everything in it's path. If you didn't pay attention in school, have no fear. It doesn't really matter.
What you really need to know is the BanderSnatch is a gear-specific, 29er, with all the fixins at a price the wife will never even notice.
New for '08, the BanderSnatch has made it through the "Apollo Creed treadmill routine" and is now stronger and fitter than ever before. Every inch has been further refined and optimized to provide an even more laterally stiff frame, while retaining the signature Vassago compliance over the rough stuff.
Thanks to the new "SupaFly" dropouts and refined internal butting, the BanderSnatch boasts an even stiffer rear end and bottom bracket while retaining it's svelte 5lb figure.


More to come soon as the remaining parts come rolling in. Wait, what remaining parts, I thought it was a direct transfer except for the fork and wheels? Well, sort of. The seat tube diameter on Klein is much wider and me gotz no clamp band adapters for the 28.6 mm of the snatch. I had to order them because they weren't included when I bought it. Actually I didn't think I would be parting out that bike this quickly, but, well, ya know, crazy shit happens. I also want a perfect color match with components so I need a new bar too.

Finished Zion Pics

I waited and waited for a front derailleur for this thing and when it finally got here the chinaman who sent it did not include a clamp band adapter. So I had to purchase another since I wasn't waitng for 30 more days to have one shipped over from China. One thing to say about this, lesson learned. These pics feature the '09 Fox Talas which is not on the bike any longer. It contains a Rock Shox Reba Team taken from the Klein.







Funny, this frame cost 1/8th that of the Klein and rides much smoother.








It seems as though this seat post drops little by little during the ride and I suspect that it is the rust proofing material sprayed into the tubes preventing tension friction between the seat post and seat tube.







































Shimano drivetrains shift so effortlessly.












The tires on this bike are Kenda Nevegal's and are the best I've ever ridden. The 2nd ride on this bike I was rained out and endured a heavy duty downpour. I guess it'll test out the rust inhibitor eh?

It Has Been Awhile, But I'm Back

I haven't had a post since March and outdoor activities of spring/summer have really taken time away from being able to keep this blog updated, but I'm back and hope to stay on top of it now.

Here are some photos of the new build. The frame is a Zion 660, 4130 chromoly steel made in Taiwan. The welds look very well done, at least what I would judge as well done and this is my first steel bike since a Schwinn World in the mid to late 80's. Back then I just rode the bike, I didn't look at welds. I would ride 'wheelies' for blocks on that thing!!


Being frugal I opted to outfit this bike with Shimano XT since every component is nearly half the price of XTR. The fork is an '09 Fox 32 Talas RLC 100-140mm. This is my first Fox fork and I've always wanted to give one a try. The 2009 has been updated with new seals and optimized spring curves for each travel setting. The Talas is the Rock Shox Reba counterpart. I haven't ridden this fork yet but the Reba is a little more user friendly.





Of course nothing but a Thomson stem and post, King head-set and Mavic wheels. Another set of I9's would be great but too much cabbage.

















No cassette and no RD or FD but those parts should be arriving soon. I just fitted an old Selle Italia SLR saddle for the picture but I don't think that will be comfortable enough. I put a yellow SLR Gel-flow on the Klein and I like it, perhaps a black one for the 660.










I thought of trying out the Ergon grips since they look comfortable but the reviews were not favorable to handling, so I have a set of ODI's for now.

Cervelo - Soloist to get sister Dual

Well, I tried to set the Soloist up as a dual, no pun intended, function bike but plain and simple as it is the clip-on bars are just not wide enough to accommodate my shoulder width. Road bars are thicker and reinforced at the clamp section and then taper down. It is this tapering down which prevents the aero clip-ons from being mounted further outwards from the stem. It took but a few short minutes on my ride yesterday to determine that I wasn't going to be able to make it work, at least the way I wanted it to. Sure, I could ride in this position, but what for? I plan to ride longer distances in this position and I must be comfy, cozy and like I'm right at home in the Lazy boy recliner. I was feeling major discomfort in the first ten minutes of my ride. All I could really think of was the comfort afforded by the P3, how it felt underneath me, how it cut so quietly through the air while that carbon frame easily glided over pavement muting even the most porous of road surfaces. What a bike it was!! So, during the ride I started thinking on what to do. Questions popped up, should I convert this bike to an aero only bike? But then, what about the ever-so-crisp Dura Ace shifters sitting in the parts bin collecting dust? That thought alone didn't sit well. Well how about looking for an aero frameset and building it from scratch? Initially this was my plan before I even ended my ride. So as soon as I shed the Assos winter clothing and juiced some fresh vegetables I headed for the mighty Dimension E521 to see what was out there in terms of affordable, non-carbon fiber and non-Chinese made frames.


From all the reviews I had read in researching the P3 in '05 I knew that Cervelo was in the top 3 with all their aero frames. They don't make 'filler' frames or bikes, every model has a specific application and/or target rider. I started reading the reviews again and after the first two decided on Cervelo. Not too hard eh? But my first look was for the P2 SL, not the Dual seen here. The two are almost identical except for the rear triangle, the P2 SL is smaller with a rear wheel cut-out into the seat tube to increase aerodynamics. The Dual has a rear triangle of a regular road bike. I looked on eBay to see if anyone was selling a frame new but no luck, only used and I'm not a fan of buying used unless I know the person, just too much risk. So I did a Google search and looked at other websites who are Cervelo dealers looking for a P2 SL. They were running around $1700 for the complete bike. I also found the frameset available for $1100. Sheesh, that was more than I wanted to spend on a frame until I came across the '07 Dual closeouts! Cervelo discontinued production of the Dual last year and with everyone jumping on the "I want carbon dam it" bandwagon, these complete bike kits were leftover leaving a great deal for someone in the market for an aluminum aero frame, like me. Now get this, the '08 P2 SL aluminum frameset is $1100, and the closeout '07 Dual COMPLETE BIKE like you see in these pictures, is $1195! You tell me which one you would choose! The only difference is the front and rear derailleur are Shimano Ultegra, not Dura Ace and the wheel set is Shimano R550's not Easton. Ultegra and no DA? Yes, that sucks, I know, but it doesn't take much to upgrade a few components. In fact, I'm upgrading the cranks to Dura Ace and will probably follow suit w/derailleurs. The rims are being swapped out with Mavic Cosmos and those will be handed down to the Cannondale CAAD 4... poor Cannondale gets the cheapest wheelset. That sounds like something Mark Keinath would say. I see it this way, if you're going to spend a good amount of time riding and it's something you thoroughly enjoy doing, it should be outfitted the way you want, no compromises, within reason of course. I don't feel a $4500 set of Carbonsport Lightweight wheels could ever be justified... well... unless you won the lotto.


The Vision Tech aerobars which come on this bike are foreign to me. I have no experience with them and am hoping that they fit, otherwise they come off. If this happens to be the case I already have a replacement in order which is the Oval Concepts A701 Laminar, the alloy version of the A900 Laminar Carbon which I used, cherished and loved on the P3. This aero bar has 1,209,600 adjustment options.






A feature I like about the Dual which the Chinese made P3 doesn't have is the replaceable derailleur hanger. This little piece of metal, aluminum usually, doesn't get much attention or respect until it gets broken off. Can you guess what happens to a $3300 P3 frame if the hanger brakes off? If you think it gets trashed you're wrong because even though I wouldn't be able to use the frame I certainly am not throwing it in the garbage, it would be mounted on the wall like a picture for that kinda moolah.


















Fork: Cervelo Wolf TT Carbon Fiber

Aerobar: Vision Tech Alloy Clip-On

Base Bar: Vision Tech Alloy Wing

Bottom Bracket: FSA Mega Exo Cartridge Sealed

Brake Calipers: Cervelo Mach 2

Brake Levers: Dia Compe 188 Alloy Reverse Levers

Cassette: Shimano Ultegra-10 11/23

Chains: Shimano Ultegra-10

Cranks: FSA Gossamer Mega Exo Crankset 53/39

Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Braze-on

Handlebar Tape: Cinelli Cork Black

Headset: Cane Creek S2 1-1/8"

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra-10

Saddle: Cervelo TT Special

Seatpost: Cervelo Aero Alloy Two Position

Shift Levers: Shimano Dura Ace-10 Bar End

Stem: Vision Tech Sizemore

Pre-Built Wheels : Shimano R-550

Rimstrips : Velox Fond de Jante 17mm

Tires : Vittoria Diamante Pro Lite Black

Tubes: Vittoria Butyl 700x19-25 Presta 51mm valve

Rock Shox Reba Team U-Turn

For some reason my photos are just too dark and don't provide the necessary lighting to examine the item being photographed. I suppose I'll have to look at my camera and figure out which one of the 250 different adjustments needs tweaking. That'll probably take me all of a day! Anywho, this is a Rock Shox Reba Team U-Turn fork stripped of its stickers left with just a stealthy black skin. It's kinda neat in that you can adjust travel 30mm from 85-115mm via a crown-mounted adjuster.

Team

Travel / 85/100/115mm (AM)
Travel Adjust / All-Travel,U-Turn (AM)
Weight* / 1583g (3.49 lbs),1841g(4.06 lbs) (AM)
Spring / Dual Air, Air U-Turn
Spring Adjust / Air pressure via dual Schrader Valves
Damping / Motion Control
Damping Adjust / External rebound, low speed compression to 'Lock', external Floodgate
Lowers / Magnesium, IS disc mount
Lower options / Boss or disc specific
Crown / Forged, 7050 T-7 aluminum
Steerer Tube / Aluminum 1 1/8
Upper Tubes / 32mm, 7000 series straight wall aluminum, low friction anodized
Standard Colors / Diffusion Silver, Black (AM), Diffusion Black (AM)
Options / Remote
Suggested Rear Shox / Monarch
Upgrade Over Race: Lighter 7050 crown
Max. Recommended Rotor Size / 210mm
Notes / *Weight based on 265mm 1 1/8 steerer

I9's arrived

Here are some photos of the I-9's and I must say these are some really nice wheels, the sweetest looking mountain wheels I've ever seen! They're laced to DT Swiss 4.2 Disc rims, mounted to Kenda 26 x 2.1" Small Block Eight DTC (Dual Tread Compound) tires and skewered with Salsa flip-lock skewers. This is my first set of Salsa skewers and the highest quality I've seen.

I have the 180 mm discs but I don't have the mounting bolts. I ordered a kit and they were supposed to be inlcuded but weren't so I had to contact Alfred E. Bike to have them added.

Shimano XTR FD-M970

A fresh front derailleur design compliments the new crankset and continues to provide the most confident front shifting available.

Features

Wide Link design for best shifting performance

New adjust screws position for easier reach for different frame designs

Multi-clamp/Multi-pull design

Specifications

Model Number / FD-M970
Series / XTR
Swing Action / TOP-SWING
Cassette Compatibility / 9-speed
Maximum Capacity / 22T
Top-middle Minimum Capacity / 12T
Top Gear Teeth / 44T
Cable Routing / dual-pull type
Chain Line / 50mm
Chain Stay Angle / 66-69
Multi-Clamp (28.6/31.8/34.9mm) / yes
Seat Tube Band Mount / 28.6/31.8/34.9mm
Band Material / aluminum/anodized
BB Mounting Plate / Plate Material
Outer Link / steel/painted
Inner Link / aluminum/painted
Link Bushing / inner
Chain Guide / aluminum/nickel plated
Average Weight / 125g

Chris King Precision Components was one of the first bicycle component manufacturers to offer a threadless headset. The modular design of the headset Chris developed in 1976 served as a platform for him to transform the concept of threadless into one of the most iconic pieces in the cycling universe. The Chris King NoThreadSet™ is simple yet without limitation. It is equally appropriate on road or mountain bikes. It has been ridden to mountain bike world titles in both endurance and gravity disciplines and has crossed the finish line under yellow at the Tour de France.
The NoThreadSet™ features aluminum cups, bearing cap, and stemcap built around our renowned stainless steel sealed bearings. Each NoThreadSet™ includes a stainless steel baseplate and our custom starnut with bolt. Nine colors are available in all three standard sizes (1", 1-1/8" and 1-1/4"). A conversion kit is available to convert any Chris King headset into a NoThreadSet™.

XTR parts 03.16.08

Top-Normal return for precision up shifting and emergency downshifting. Preferred by traditional and gravity riders: Best matched with RAPIDFIRE Plus. The low-profile SHADOW design is intended for more aggressive riding, offering more clearance with no chain stay contact.
Features

Shimano shadow RD

Low profile design

No chainstay contact

Direct cable routing

Stronger return springs

Top-Normal return spring (conventional)

Specifications

Model Number / RD-M972-SGS
Series / XTR
Shifting / Action Top Normal
Mount Type / Drop-out
Maximum Sprocket / 34T
Minimum Sprocket / 11T
Front Difference / 22T maximum
Total Capacity / 45T
Guide Pulley / sealed bearing
Tension Pulley / sealed bearing
Pulley Bolts / stainless steel
Pulley Bolts / Retainer yes
Bracket Body / cold forged aluminum/color anodized
Bracket Pivot Seal / double O-rings
Plate Body / cold forged aluminum/color anodized
Plate Pivot Bolt / aluminum
Plate Pivot Seal / single O-ring
Outer Link / cold forged aluminum/anodized
Inner Link / cold forged aluminum/anodized
Link Pin Bushings / fluorine coated (4)
Outer Plate / carbon
Inner Plate / carbon
Average Weight / 182g

_________________________________
A three piece aluminum carrier and 4 titanium cogs make the new CS-M970 Shimano's lightest 9-speed mountain bike cassette ever at 224g.


Features

New 3-piece alloy carrier for super stiff, more precise & faster shifts

Re-profiled, stiffer, titanium sprockets for super lightweight

Hyperglide system for best shifting performance
Gearing options: 11-32T, 11-34T, 12-34T

Weight: 224g (11-32T)


Specifications

Model Number / CS-M970
Series / XTR
Alloy Sprocket Carrier / yes
Number of Sprockets / 9-speed HG
Sprocket Material / steel/titanium
Sprocket Finish / Nickel/Titanium
Chain Compatibility / Super Narrow HG
Average Weight / 224g (11-32T)
Cassette Options / 3
Option 1 / 11-32T (ba-group)
Sprocket Sizes / 11-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32
Titanium Sprockets / 21-24-28-32
Option 2 / 11-34T (be-group)
Sprocket Sizes / 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34
Titanium Sprockets / 23-26-30-34
Option 3 / 12-34T (bd-group)
Sprocket Sizes / 12-14-16-18-20-23-26-30-34
Titanium Sprockets / 23-26-30-34

_________________________________

Incorporating the benefit of rigidity with minimal weight of the HollowtechII combined bottom bracket and crankset system, the new FC-M970 manages to drop even more weight while increasing shifting performance and durability. >>Hyperdrive front drive system / Enhanced durability / More precise bearing adjustment / Lighter wight and more versatile

Features

New composite chainring design for improved durability

Titanium/Carbon composite chainring

Optimized lightweight design for reduced weight while maintaining rigidity

Hyperdrive technology for best front shifting

New easier installation for left crank with better bearing adjustment

Gearing options: 44-32-22T, 44-32-24T


Specifications

Model Number / FC-M970
Series / XTR
Crank Construction / HOLLOWTECH II
Cassette Compatibility / 9-speed
Chain Compatibility / Super Narrow HG for 9-speed
4-Arm Chainrings / yes
Chainring Sizes / 44-32-22T/44-32-24T
Bolt Circle Diameter / 104/64mm
Crank Arm Length / 165/167.5/170/172.5/175/177.5/180mm
Crank Arms / forged ultra duraluminum / hollow type
Outer Chainring / aluminum
Middle Chainring / Ti/CFRP
Inner Chainring / aluminum
Chainring Bolts & Nuts / aluminum
Chain Guard / no
Chaincase Compatible / no
Bottom Bracket / included
E-type FD Compatible / yes
Chain Line / 50mm
BB Shell Width / 68/73mm
Average Weight / 770g including BB
_________________________________
A click of the upper lever release cable, same as it always has. Now it releases immediately when the lever is depressed making shifting that much faster.

Features

• Instant release for Quicker shifts
  
• Multi-release allows Two-gear shifts

2-way release for Different riding styles or shifting from various riding positions

Horizontally adjustable clamp bracket allows Inboard/Outboard positioning for different riding styles

SIS-SP41 cable casing system & coated stainless steel cable

Specifications

Model Number / SL-M970
Series / XTR
Shift Lever Type / Rapidfire Plus
Cassette Compatibility / 9-speed
Front Shifting / triple
Instant Release / yes
Multi Release / yes
2-way Release / yes
Optical Gear Display / no
Shift Cable Casing / sealed SIS-SP41
Shift Cable / stainless steel
Average Weight / 215g

_________________________________

SOLD!!!... To I9 Quality & "made in USA" 03.05.08

What did I just do? I just ordered a set of 'da bomb' wheelsets from Industry Nine! I9 incorporates everything, and I mean everything, into producing one of the most rigid, stout, functionally efficient and aesthetically pleasing wheels in the Industry (no pun intended). But writers of reviews out there do a great job at explaining it and hey, that's what they're paid for. So I'll let them take it from here...


"Industry Nine debuted at Interbike '05 with its unique new wheel design featuring an integrated spoke-and-nipple design machined from a solid rod of 7075 T-6 aluminum. The spokes thread directly into Industry Nine's proprietary hub and can be used with any 32-hole rim. Wheels can be trued with conventional spoke wrenches courtesy of machined-in wrench flats on the nipple ends.




The bottom line for the rider is fewer parts and—because it's all aluminum—a lower rotational mass than even some top competitors. In layman's terms, that means you accelerate faster.The process of milling each spoke from a solid bar of extruded aluminum takes about two minutes per spoke on a quarter-million dollar lathe.
Industry Nine product manager John Kiffmeyer said that using 32 spokes, laced to your choice of rim in a tried-and-true two-cross pattern, makes the company's wheels stronger than comparably priced wheels that use forged aluminum spokes with a low-spoke-count, direct-pull lacing pattern. The company offers stock price-point wheelsets built with DT Swiss hoops in All-Mountain, Enduro, FR/DH, 29er and Single Speed variations in three standard colors: anodized black, sliver or red. Road and BMX wheels are in the works.



But don't feel hampered by the stock offerings—at Industry Nine customization is king. Spoke gauge, length and spoke and hub color all can be made to order. Industry Nine's patent-pending spoke design is just part of the new company's story. The company is also waiting on a patent for a new freehub body drive mechanism that it designed from the ground up. (Kiffmeyer said the company isn't posting pictures of the internals until the patent clears, so to see how one in action you have to buy a rear hub and crack it open.)The drive mechanism uses three or six pawls, depending on preference, for engagement every six or three degrees of rotation, respectively.





Whether the hub is set up with the three- or six-pawl option, it is designed to only have three pawls engaged at any given point. In addition to the hub's quicker-than- average engagement, each pawl has three engagement ridges, so there are always nine simultaneous points of engagement. To ensure that all those tiny engagement points stand up to even the angriest pedal mashers, the pawls and engagement ring are cut from A-2 tool-grade steel with a process called Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), an electrical erosion process that precision cuts already-hardened steel to a tolerances within .0001 of an inch.Industry Nine hubs have hardened stainless steel endcaps and 7075 aluminum hub shells and axles. Freehub bodies are made from 7068 aluminum, an alloy with tensile strength 25 percent greater than 7075. Wheelsets come with quick release or thru-axle options, and the company now offers hub options for Cannondale Lefty and Maverick fork users.



The only components the company doesn't fabricate on its own are rims and Japanese-made cartridge bearings—front hubs get two, rear hubs get four.All that precision machining will set you back about $850 per wheelset—a price point comparable to other aluminum-spoked wheelsets but well worth it in terms of performance and the ever-important “bling” factor.“We're very aware of how important look is, and we went for a modern,clean and graphically appealing product to bring some color and excitement back into the wheel market,” said Kiffmeyer. “I want the customer to say, ‘I know it's strong, I know it's fast, but damn it looks good.'”Since its Interbike debut Industry Nine has been steadily ramping up production and distribution. Along with road and BMX wheels, the company is working on a new line of stems and seatposts.

“We're thrilled with how well it's been received,” said Clint Spiegel, the company's co-designer and vice president of its 120-employee parent company Turnamics, an Ashville, North Carolina, based design and manufacturing shop. Industry Nine shares some resources with the parent outfit but now has four full-time employees of its own.Spiegel said he has worked with high-end golf products, tactical knives, robotics and industrial packaging machinery and has never met with such a positive initial reception. “The buzz and excitement level in the industry”—bicycles are his ninth—“have been great.”To find out more about the company visit its Web site at http://www.industrynine.net/ (flash required) or call them at (800) 404-1775.

Onza Barends! 03.04.08

Here is a set of Onza Stoggie Barends which date back to the late 90's. These are 'OOP' or out-of-production. It seems that most riders don't use barends anymore but then again perhaps it is just a matter of preference. I, however, tried to ride w/o them and feel like I have no place to anchor my hands and therefore transmit full body motion into the pedal stroke. I feel this necessary for both comfort and efficient power transfer.

I have a set of Onza's on my GT which came stock when I purchased it back in '98. Now their design is almost identical to the Stoggies but have a 45 degree bend added to the end so I'm hoping that I can get similar ergonomics from these. My fingers are also crossed that the yellow matches the frame paint seein's how I ordered 'em from Europe. The darn shipping was more than the barends!! Oh wo is me.

31.6 x 410mm 03.03.08

Here is what the boys at LH Thomson Co. have to say about this work of art...

"Over 40% stronger on ultimate strength test than the strongest production seatposts on the market.
Over double the fatigue life of any other production models we tested. The tube and head of the Thomson seatpost are integral-machined from one single piece of high strength 7000 series aluminum. The head is not pressed or bonded in. This allows for superior strength and minimum weight, allowing higher strength at low weights.
Lightweight - approximately 188 grams (250 length) for road bikes and 228 grams (330 length) for mountain bikes. Natural ellipse bore inside tube for optimum strength to weight ratio.
We have a long 1.614 inch (41 mm) seat rail grip length. This helps prevent seat rail bending from impact loads. Most brand-x seatposts have grip lengths of .500 inch or more shorter than our grip length.
The Thomson seatpost design incorporates a bending fuse to prevent catastrophic failure. All brand-x seatposts we tested - every one of them - failed in catastrophic failure with the seat and clamp components - and sometimes pieces of the tube and head - flying off in all directions. This type of failure would dump the rider.
The Thomson seatpost has a clamp, head, and upper tube strong enough to withstand 350 foot-lbs of torque. The tube will start to yield and bend at the seat tube clamp at about 250 foot-lbs of torque. Remember all brand-x posts we tested flew apart at less than 150 foot-lbs of torque. Under severe impact the Thomson seatpost would bend slightly and allows the rider to come to a safe stop or finish the ride. The ride could continue.
Every component of the Thomson seatpost is 100 percent American made. This includes all fasteners and forgings.
The Thomson seatpost has all parts captive and can easily be attached to a seat without disassembly.
Infinite tilt adjustment minus 5° and plus 29°.
Very low profile clamps - no seat interference - swivel nuts are down between the seat rails.
The designs and materials have passed extensive life and ultimate strength tests.
Every production lot of seatposts will have ultimate strength and fatigue tests performed. Our on going testing program insures that every production lot of seatposts meets Thomson standards.
Impact absorbing clamps - clamps, head, and assembly will spread and flex on impact to protect seat, rails, seatpost and rider.
Adjustments can be made to the tilt of the seat without moving the seat forwards or backwards.
Easy on seats - allows seat to survive heavy impact loads without bending rails."

Rims, Bar & Stem 02.27.08

Something about the machining and craftmanship of Thomson just sets them worlds apart from any other manufacturer. They produce only stems and posts but I sure wish they expand operations into handlebars. The L.H. Thomson Company, Inc. is located out of Macon, GA. Another "made in USA" product which exudes quality.





For now hoops are Mavic Crossland UST 26". Maybe some Crossmax SLR's in the future, we'll see. I remove all stickers from wheels since they're going to peel at one point down the road anyway. I figure I'll 'beat it to the punch,' plus I like the look of pure stealthy black. Hubs are centerlock which will need an adaptor to mate with standard 6-bolt rotors. These rims are capable of using a UST tubeless tire or traditional tire + tube. I liked having the option. Mavic designs hubs to incorporate straight-pull spokes rather then the traditional j-bend. This feature alone commits me as a loyal follower for the obvious mechanical advantages. Not to mention sealed cartridge bearings and FTS-L (Force Transfer System - Light) hubs. Yeah, you could say I've had excellent experience with Mavic.

Here's a pic of the real GI in 110 mm.

I thought of a riser bar at first but then decided that risers don't dress right with bar ends and I prefer bar ends, especially when out of the saddle and climbing. This is the EA70 aluminum bar with 3 degree rise and a 31.8 oversized clamp diameter for lots o' stiffness. I'm hoping the yellow and reddish "E"/"EA70" emblems match up with the Attitude's paint.

Wrong Frame 02.22.08

The frame arrived on February 16 and immediately upon opening it noticed it had mounts for both v-brake and disc. I did not want the v-brake mounts since when not in use they make the frame look 'dirty' or 'busy'. I ordered it under the impression that it was disc mount only so now I have to ship this back to WI and have another shipped from Albuquerque, NM. Trek will not ship directly to the customer, only to a dealer. Who makes up these dumb ass rules? They must sit arouund in a board room somewhere thinking of how to f_ck up the company and kill sales! Luckily I have a great uncle there who picked it up for me and shipped it home. My other option was to drive to the nearest dealer in Chick-ago. 12 hours... roundtrip... $150 + in gas... nah! eff that! But they (who is they anyway??) got me on shipping charges so I didn't really save anything except 12 hours and wear 'n tear on the Honda.

I just received word from Marv at Trek bikes that the new frame will be painted either today or Monday. It sounds as though they're making this on the spot. I think that is P.H. phat, right next door in WI!

The handlebar and stem are in shipment. I chose the Thomson Elite X4 which to me is by far one of the most self-righteous looking stems on the planet right along with their seat posts. I also plan to use the 31.6 mm T.E. post. Pics to follow. Klein done right by using large diameter tubing as ass support, no mistake there. For a bar I just couldn't conform to the 'zoot suit' of carbon. That stuff is so overpriced, people want it because other people have it, and it cracks rather than bends. So back to Al, good ole 13 on the chart. Easton seems to have always spit out some of the best handlebars and I pressed the button for the EA 70 with the 31.8 mm oversized clamp diameter. Ultra stiff, you know, and should interface nicely with the extra wide 48 mm clamp width of the X4.



Take note of the the massive seat tube, the beefy chain-stays, the voidless welds and beautiful paint. Yes, American quality does still exist.

I just love the butted head tube and internal cable routing, one of a kind in the world of mountain bikes. As Andre 3000 from OutKast would put it, "so fresh, so clean!"

The Day The "House" Was Created 02.06.08

Not much to say today other than "hey, you, I created my first blog ever today, wheeeeeeeee!"