Stable Shift

Recently, I've been contemplating a change in the bicycle line-up. For one, I've realized that I really prefer the feel of a 26" wheel on a bicycle. I'm a short guy and it just feels better underneath me. Another factor is the fact that, as my kids have grown and are riding their own bikes, I use the Xtracycle much less than I used to.

So I think that I've made the decision to get rid of the single speed Cross check and the Xtracycle frame. If I were to do that, I would use the cash to buy a Disc Trucker frame. Also, the Xtracycle would relent to me an internally geared hub on a 26" wheel. Thus allowing me to put an internally geared system on the old Long Haul Trucker while moving the current LHT component line-up to the Disc Trucker.

Here's what the whole garage would look like:
Disc Trucker: 3x9 setup for commuting, camping and touring. Probably my go-to bike for recreational rides and catting around town.

Long Haul Trucker: 9 speed internally geared hub with chubbier tires and cruiser bars. Used for rainy and snowy weather riding and secondary loaner mountain bike.

Troll: Same ol' trusty mountain bike. Nothing new.

Cross Check: 2x9 road bike used for when I want to go fast... er... faster. I never go fast.

The single speed Cross Check, Xtracycle and the Klunker 1x6 Trek would all disappear. I'd lose three bikes but actually gain capacity in the riding that I do most often. The big miss will be the Xtracycle. But I'm a firm believer in getting rid of something that you don't use. I haven't touched it in probably a year... which means I don't really need it.

And so the Craigslist posting begins...

Get out there.

Chuggin Along

It was a downright balmy 36 degrees this morning. Nothing to report other than a sweaty slog into work this morning.

Get out there.

Winter Dirt Riding

In Kentucky, there is no such thing as winter dirt riding. There is only mud in the winter. There is no dirt. Last week's ride was an example of such slop. I did, however, finally get to ride with Pat and his Krampus. Whew, what a bike!

Presley and Jason were there breathing in the 20 degree chill and slopping around in the muck, too.

I would say that the Troll performed more poorly than any of the other bikes, though. Pat on his Krampus and Jason on the 29er 1x10 Kona Honzo may be like comparing apples to oranges. But Presley was on his 26er and he seemed to clear more mud than me. I think this is a case where the super fat rubber caused for some trouble. I had less clearance for mud and had to stop several times to clear it away with a stick.

I'm not second-guessing the 2.5" wide rubber. It's plush bounciness is welcomed on most every ride. But this is example of "fatties-fitting-fine" is more "fine" than "fantastic." With less clearance, I found myself dragging that rear wheel instead of rolling on it.

Perhaps this is the bad trail vibes telling me not to ride when it's wet anyway.

Get out there.

14er

Perhaps it's boring to always talk about the weather. But when it's 14 degrees in Kentucky, it does grab a bike commuter's attention.

I took the Troll today because I'm meeting some buddies for a brief ride over lunch. It is certainly a worthy commuter. And with the Revelate bags, it carries all my work clothes easily enough. To cope with the chill, I was layered up in my normal winter garb. Nothing new in there to report. Although, the clipless pedals on the MTB did force me to wear my only pair of clipless shoes. They're not the best for cold temps. My toes did feel a bit of a bite. But each little piggy survived the 45 minute ride.

Kentucky is beautiful year round. And since we don't get much snow, we have to celebrate frost. It's pretty enough on our black farm fencing.

A 14 degree commute is still a great commute!

Get out there.

Hee Haw

Thirty four degrees and rainy. There's a point within certain weather that things get so miserable that it's interestingly fun. That's today's commute. Plus, I got to pull over and hang out with some four-legged creatures. Donkey above. Horse below.

Get out there.

A Little White

We got a light dusting of snow last week. But it was pretty typical of Kentucky weather. When we get the white stuff, it usually only sticks around for a day or so. So I only got one ride in it.

I'm still riding the Klunker quite a bit. And the KRad tires were fun in the snow. Large footprint and tread pattern give a bit of confidence while not zapping momentum on the smooth stuff.

I also came super close to this guy. I took this photo after passing and giving myself a healthy barrier of space between us. He didn't seem bothered by me, though.

Get out there.