Errand Bike Update

In the last week or two I've swapped some parts on my errand bike... getting rid of the drop bars (On-One Midge bars), changing the gearing, and installing knobbies for winter (Kenda Nevegals).

I figured this bike would benefit from a more relaxed riding position, so I switched the bars to the Surly Open Bar.  A few weeks ago I bought a pair of Titec H-Bars for the PMP, so the Surly bars were just sitting around unused.

I got out for a quick sunset ride this evening.  I have to admit part of me likes this unseasonably warm weather.  It got up to 52 degrees in Mpls today... crazy.  A great day for a ride, albeit rather windy.

Next weekend I hope to have pictures of a DIY framebuilding jig, depending on how this week goes.  And if this warm weather continues, I might just order up some flux and rod, spark up the torch, and do some brazing out in the backyard.  My guess is that winter will return soon, likely with a vengeance.


Stopping is half the fun...

Seasons of the MN River Valley

Lately I've been pretty busy with work, family, and getting ready for the holidays.  Not much in the way of bike rides or projects this past week, so I figured it would be a good time to go back through my old photos.  As regular readers are well aware, the Minnesota River Valley is one of my favorite places to ride.  Below are some photos showing the ever-changing seasons of the MN River Valley...

All the snow has melted, and the forecast is calling for temps in the mid 40s with sunny skies.  Not the typical December day for Mpls, but it should be good for a ride around the city, a couple beers, and watching some bike polo.


Stopping is half the fun...

First Frozen Creek Ride - 2011

I recently gave into temptation and purchased studded tires.  I probably should have just fixed my DIY studded tires, but I really didn't want to spend the time tediously replacing each and every stud (and the inevitable hand cramps the process creates).  The new tires are for my Fisher GED; my winter/summer off-road singlespeed...

This bike is a mishmash of parts from other bikes, but it's still a lot of fun to ride.  It's especially fun now that winter is here and I've mounted the studded tires.  The 45NRTH Arcwelder tires have 268 stainless steel studs in a 2.1" knobby, and are just a re-branded Innova studded tire (it has the same tread and stud pattern as the old Innovas).  This is not a commuting tire.  The relatively soft stainless steel studs wouldn't hold up to extensive pavement use.  Commuters should go with carbide studs.  The Arcwelder is an off-road winter tire, and as far as I can tell, they fit that bill nicely.

I took the studded GED out for a quick ride to Lake Harriet and back.  Today's ride had two purposes; to try the new tires on packed snow and ice, and to check on the status of the creek.  On the way to the lake I stuck to the singletrack and the walking paths.  The sections of singletrack were a lot of fun with the few inches of snow cover, and the Arcwelder did a good job of getting traction.

On the way home I finally mustered up enough courage to get on the ice and check it out for myself, close up.  I'm glad I did.  There were definitely areas of open water and/or thin ice, but they were easy to spot and avoid.  The creek turned out to be in much better shape than I expected.  Below is a short video of one frozen section I rode today...

Creek Ride 12.10.11 from Fat Tire MN on Vimeo.

The Arcwelders did well on the sheer ice, and I was pleased to find that I could skid both the front and rear tires without loosing control.  But they didn't have the same surefooted feeling of the DIY studs on uneven ice.  In areas where footprints or moving water had created ridges in the ice, I could feel the Arcwelders squirm a bit.  Not to the point of loosing control, but they don't have the bite of my DIY tires.  At the same time, I do appreciate the lighter weight of the manufactured tires versus my homemade versions.

I'm interested to see how long the studs last.  They are replaceable, but replacement studs are expensive and the job is likely as labor intensive as replacing the DIY studs.  When the time comes to replace the studs I'll probably try to find a hardware store alternative to the expensive Innova replacements.

It felt good to be back on the ice, and while it was short, I had a lot of fun on today's ride.  The weather will be warming up over the next week, but as soon as we get another cold snap I hope to be riding the frozen creek again.


Stopping is half the fun.

Winter Bike Expo

Minneapolis got its second measurable snowfall yesterday, just in time for the race at Freewheel Bike Shop.  The race was part of Freewheel's Winter Expo; a day-long event held at the Midtown location.  It included fat bike demos, winter cycling gear displays, informational presentations, and it all culminated with a Fat Bike Criterium.  I showed up later in the day to hang out, drink beer, and watch the race.

Most of the day was just overcast and gloomy, but around 4pm the snow started falling.  There was about an inch of fresh snow on the ground by the time I left the house, which made for a fun ride over on the Midtown Greenway.

I showed up just in time to see the start of the race.  The racers were doing 5 laps on this course, laid out in the green space along the bike/walking path.  It was pretty cool to see these guys flying around the course on their fat bikes.

Photographic proof that Santa rides a Mukluk

One-footer over the fire - unknown rider on Moonlander prototype

I spent the next couple hours drinking beer, talking to friends, meeting other local cyclists, and watching people jump the fire after the race.  One person I met was Ben from the Hub Bike Co-Op, and I got the opportunity to ride his NuVinci equipped Pugsley.  I've only ridden a couple bikes with internally geared hubs, and I think they're a cool drivetrain option.  On the IGH bikes I've ridden in the past I could still feel the drivetrain shift from gear to gear.  The continuously variable NuVinci isn't like any other IGH on the market.  You don't feel the "shift" at the pedals... it smoothly gets harder or easier, without noticeable transitions.  It was really cool... I could see myself using a NuVinci on a build someday (if they ever come down in price, or get a bike shop job again).

The snow never really stopped while I was at the expo... at times it was coming down in huge, fluffy flakes.  It felt great to be outside on a warm winter evening enjoying the early season snowfall.

The crowd slowly cleared out, and it soon became time to ride home in the new snow.  I'm already looking forward to this event next season, but I don't think the weather could be any more perfect than it was this year.

It was an absolutely gorgeous night to be out on a bike.  I had been looking forward to a night like this for a while...

Stopping is half the fun...