Search Term – Change
One person that’s constantly inspiring me in life is Ty from Golden Saddle Cyclery. From crushing the Tour Divide, to riding his fatbike to the top of Baldy (10,000′) in the middle of winter and just general radness. Ty’s always got a camera on him when he seeks out one of his epic rides and I’ve rarely seen any of the photos.
Now he’s got a Tumblr called Tytanium Life. Head over, follow him and stay tuned. I’m sure you’ll see some familiar faces in the mix.
I don’t know how many of you have been paying attention to the Cold Rolled series, but here’s the culmination of all the edits, wrapped into one. I still think that singletrack shred footage is the best!
“Cold Rolled: Marquette Michigan’s Snow Bike Route, is a quirky action documentary from Clear & Cold Cinema, Salsa Cycles and TravelMarquetteMichigan.com that explores the history and progression of winter cycling culture in this small Lake Superior harbor town.
Marquette, Michigan’s Noquemanon Trails Network has nearly perfected equipment and techniques used to launch its Snow Bike Route, a 15-mile winter singletrack developed for fat tire bikes. The fast narrow trail features flowy terrain, steep descents and large bermed turns. It’s believed to be the first trail of its kind–but more importantly, it’s pretty fun.”
I am in no shape for racing. Well, that’s not completely true. It’s actually my cross bike that is out of shape. Bent rings, stretched cables, broken levers. My poor Geekhouse is in major need of some TLC. So when the Texas State Cyclocross Championships popped up this weekend, I decided to take the Pugsley out for some fun.
The short of it is: yes, that bike is heavy but it ate the sand pits alive, cornered exceptionally well, tackled all of the technical sections and as this photo shows, made barriers disappear. Then the head winds on the straight aways ate all speed… and the beer handups. Then the weed handups. Anyway, I had fun and it was a perfect way to end the season.
More to come, I just had so much fun riding this bike today that I wanted to share a photo!
As I sat down to scroll through all of the Beautiful Bicycles I photographed this year, I quickly realized how diverse PiNP has become. Previous year’s lists never had a MTB, much less two and even though the site has begun to embrace dirt riding more and more, there are still three track bikes in the rankings. Most of these bicycles were made in the USA by small frame builders, but two overseas-manufactured bikes made the cut.
This year for the Top 10 list, I looked at site metrics, social media ‘chatter’ and my own favorites (which were remarkably in-line). All of these bikes got at least 100 Facebook likes and over 20,000 visits within the first week of posting. The latter two requisites were necessary to bring it down to ten bikes, from the dozens of my personal favorites. Also, I omitted my own bikes from this list.
I like to think of PiNP as a showcase for Beautiful Bicycles and how they get put to use. See the full Prolly is Not Probably’s Top 10 Beautiful Bicycles of 2013, in no particular order, in the Gallery!
Where do I even begin with 2013? If I can say anything about PiNP, it’s that the site is ever-evolving, much like cycling and my own experiences with it. As my own habits change, so does the content. Looking back over the past twelve months, I still can’t wrap my head around how much I traveled. It was overwhelming at times, but in the end, worth it.
So where do we begin? How about with the first Photoset: a new camera.
Check out the PiNP 2013: A Year in Photos below!
I have to admit, it was a little weird traveling with my Santa Cruz Tallboy LTC instead of a cross bike this last trip to Los Angeles. Riding mountain takes it out of you. There isn’t the same kind of physical recovery or relaxation that you get on a road bike. No zoning out. You’ve gotta be there 100% of the time, or there are consequences and I knew we’d be hitting it hard every day.
Apprehension aside, the first ride we took on was Upper Chilao in the Angeles Forest, off the 2. I’d been up in this neck of the woods before on my road and cross bikes, but never on a mountain bike. I knew what to expect for the most part: upper altitude desert / arid riding. There would be no mud, but rather rocks, sandy switchbacks and fast, technical descents.
On the ride was Brandon, Sean from Team Dream, Kyle, Ty from GSC and Lyle from Mission Workshop. That’s three cross country bikes, a fatbike and two Tallboy LTCs. We were prepared, already hitting the flask and ready to roll, but first, a small climb up to the Rosenita Saddle…
Check out more in the Gallery!
Here’s the second chapter to the Cold Rolled series:
“Chapter Two of the five-part short film Cold Rolled: Marquette Michigan’s Snow Bike Route, an action documentary from Clear & Cold Cinema, Salsa Cycles and TravelMarquetteMichigan.com. Chapter Two explores the history and progression of winter cycling culture in the adventure-loving Lake Superior harbor town of Marquette, Michigan.
Marquette’s Noquemanon Trails Network has nearly perfected equipment and techniques used to launch its Snow Bike Route, a 15-mile winter singletrack developed for fat tire bikes. The fast narrow trail features flowy terrain, steep descents and large bermed turns. It’s believed to be the first trail of its kind–but more importantly, it’s pretty fun.
Chapter Two features an interview with Marquette, Michigan native and Noquemanon Trails Network volunteer Mike Brunet who led development of the new Snow Bike Route. Archival newscasts, photos and home video demonstrate the long history of winter riding in Marquette that led to development of the new SBR.”
So rad!
Photos by Kyle Kelley
Yesterday morning, Ty, Kyle, Sean, Moi and myself went out on a MTB ride. On the agenda: up to the top of Brown and down El Preito. I’d never done the full Brown climb before, the last time my rental bike broke down half way up the climb, so I was ready to see what all the fuss was.
We climbed up around 2,000′ from the trail head, soaked in the views of the Angeles Forest and bombed back down the double track to the El Preito entrance. On the way down, Ty found the elusive fatbike air!
El Preito was a lot of fun, especially on the Tallboy LTC. Tight switchbacks, rocky, technical descents down to stream crossings and lots of areas with “consequence” if you’re not paying attention. Basically, yes, it is an exceptional ride and worth doing if you haven’t!
Even though I’ve barely scratched the surface of all that Los Angeles has to offer on a MTB, I can say that what I’ve seen so far has me wanting more!
Check out a few more of Kyle’s photos below!
And to think, here I was stoked on doing a shallow river crossing this morning and finding a dead deer while out on the fatty. I can’t let my Pugsley see this!
“Chapter One of the five-part short film Cold Rolled: Marquette Michigan’s Snow Bike Route, an action documentary from Clear & Cold Cinema, Salsa Cycles and TravelMarquetteMichigan.com that will explore the history and progression of winter cycling culture in the adventure-loving Lake Superior harbor town of Marquette, Michigan.
Marquette’s Noquemanon Trails Network has nearly perfected equipment and techniques used to launch its Snow Bike Route, a 15-mile winter singletrack developed for fat tire bikes. The fast narrow trail features flowy terrain, steep descents and large bermed turns. It’s believed to be the first trail of its kind–but more importantly, it’s pretty fun.
Chapter One features riding along an ungroomed section of trail that is often packed by foot traffic from Marquette’s active population. This section of trail follows the Dead River and passes under a leaky water pipe that forms curtains of ice in the winter months.”
This video from Swobo and Bicycle Times, profiling Igleheart is amazing!
“Christopher Igleheart is probably the nicest guy in the bicycle industry–but don’t hold that against him. He’s been making bikes longer than most folks have been riding them and he does it a deep sense of understanding and a gracious smile.
We got to know him when he relocated to Portland, Oregon about a year ago and started building custom frames in a shared shop space with Joseph Ahearne. His bikes are simple, but they’re beautiful and they’re strong. He should know a thing or two about making tough bikes as he had a big hand in the building of the iconic and coveted Fat Chance mountain bikes in the 80’s.
Sharing a conversation with Chris about bikes is like taking a history lesson from the coolest professor on campus, who also happened to have a hand in the making of the very history they are teaching that semester. He’s wise, he’s insightful, and he’s probably one of the best people to share a post-ride beer with that we’ve ever met.
Igleheart is the inspiration for the entire Movers and Makers Series and we figured it was right to start off Volume 1 with him. Enjoy!”
Well done!
For whatever the reason, this saddle has generated more hype than any I can recall. Perhaps it’s because Brooks isn’t exactly associated typically with vegan saddles? Or maybe it’s the unique nature of the material application? Rubber, really?! I’ve heard a lot of positive and negative feedback but that didn’t stop me from picking up a Cambium C17 from my local shop to try out (I still hadn’t received mine from Brooks to review, so I figured what the hell)…
Check out more below!
I fucking love Stoemper and it’s not just because of the Godzilla headbadge. Ok, maybe it has a little to do with my infatuation. Whatever the reason is, it’s easy to see why these bikes rule. Aluminum, tapered head tube, light, mean, race-ready machines. When Andre picked this one up for a steal here in Austin, I had to shoot photos of it.
Check out more in the Gallery!
Iceland is in my top 10 destinations for a fatbike / MTB tour. I’m extremely jealous of the Poler crew!
Photos by Fredrik Posse
It’s not everyday that PiNP does a Reader’s Rides post. In fact, it’s been months! When I received this email from Fredrik however, I had to share. The world of the fat tire road bike has expanded rapidly with the growing popularity of ‘gravel grinder’ rides. While I’ll say that cross bikes are the best all-rounders, some people want to tune their ride with a slightly different characteristics.
That’s what Fredrik achieved with his his new ride. Check out more below!
I first met this bike back when FYXO was Fyxomatosis, in Japan and if I recall correctly, it had a little more white and a little more red paint covering its tight angles. There is no shame in a respray – although I did like the original paint – especially when you’re looking to give your favorite bike a facelift. Or in this case, make it a minimal race machine.
Last weekend, as I was hanging around Maison de Blanc, I asked Andy if I could shoot his Euro track bike. Maybe it was the bright white tape, or the supple and soft white Rolls saddle (which, by the way is pain to photograph without a polarizing filter), but it was just begging for some clever placement photos against his father’s tractor.
Modern, mixed with vintage Campagnolo, a FYXO track ring, impeccable paint and classic wheels… what else would you expect? Check out more in the Gallery!
When Ian at Icarus moved to Austin, Texas, I don’t think he anticipated working on this many local frames. Or that Chris would put down two deposits at once: a lightweight road bike and a fendered, touring / commuter. This is the first out of the queue, a modern, steel road bike with a matte paintjob and a few clean details. Nothing extravagant, but also nothing simple.
Chris is a father and he works full time, so riding is always a last minute, unplanned endeavor. He was looking for a little inspiration to sneak in an hour or two when he could and Ian built him just that. With a Zipp cockpit, seatpost, Chris King R45 to HED Belgium, Fizik Kurve saddle, Campy Chorus 11 speed and King Cage bottle cages, it’s up there in the “dream bike” category…
Oh man, this new project from Vans looks RAD!
“Vans joins forces with renowned BMX brand Haro to commemorate a history of classic BMX design and originality. The fated partnership between the two brands brings forth a memorable collection of Vans x Haro footwear, apparel and accessories influenced by the early days of BMX style and the birth of the first freestyle BMX frame, the Haro Freestyler.
With more than 30 years of innovation, Haro Bikes champions an iconic heritage in BMX product design. With the introduction of its first top-of-the-line Freestyle BMX bike in early 1984, Haro ignited a revolution in the growing sport of Freestyle, paving the way for radical tricks and inventive style. The partnership between Vans and Haro celebrates a strong dedication to BMX.
The original Haro Freestyler Master informs the Vans capsule with vintage Haro accents and signature color schemes straight from the bike frame. Once worn by freestyle BMX riders in the 80s, the original Vans Era and Sk8-Hi Reissue boasts Vans’ classic checkerboard print popular among BMX athletes, along with Haro’s signature green and blue colors taken directly from theFreestyler Master.The collection also includes a retro long sleeve t-shirt and racing pant emblazoned with the unforgettable blue, green, and white racing stripes. Two custom Vans x Haro logo tees and a poison green snapback finish off the collection.
To celebrate this master collaboration, Vans and Haro teamed up to recreate the Freestyler Master in a limited run that will only be available in Vans.com, Vans Facebook and Vans retail store giveaways. Visit vans.com and facebook.com/vans through the month of July for more information.
The entire Vans x Haro collection hits stores July 1, 2013 and will be available at vans.com/haro.”
See more photos below!
If you need scientific data to support tire purchasing, you need not continue reading. Just look at the pretty photos and move on. This is not a controlled test on rolling resistance, aerodynamics or puncture protection. I don’t do that kind of product review. What I do is actually use something until I feel like I can sign off on its quality, before I choose to write anything.
Let’s look at this tire’s history before we go any further. Bruce Gordon was arguably one of the first builders in the USA to support “gravel grinding”. His bikes were straight-forward, utilitarian beasts that sometimes were painted like an 80’s hotrod, or even adorned with animal print. They are wild. In fact, one of the first BG bikes I ever saw was a flat bar cross bike, with these tires and tiger stripes that was well before any 29’r hit the market. A lot of bikes back in the 80’s couldn’t even fit these tires. There weren’t exactly stock framesets that fit a 700c x 43c wheel, so these stood out from other offerings of the time.
Bruce’s Rock N Road tires are iconic, much like his bikes. Originally designed by Joe Murray, a well-known figure in the MTB community. These 43mm (1.72″) tires were designed to be high-volume, fast rolling and rip through gravel like I rip through a Frito Pie. Are they slow on the road? Of course. They have decent tread. Are they good for loose and sandy conditions? Mostly, yes. They move as fast as you pedal them.
The Rock N Road tire is one that’s at home on chip seal, paved, gravel, rock, sand and just about everything else you can throw at it on a ride. It’ll handle great at 60psi on asphalt and excel at 40psi in gravel. I had a great time ripping through the cedar-topped trails here in Austin, as well as a few gravel roads and even rocky terrain. All save for one flat (snake bite in a rock garden), I’ve yet to have any issues. Let me add however that if all you do is ride sealed roads on your rig, I would go for something else, mostly because you’ll probably wear through the tread too fast.
Puncture protection? It’s not thorn season here in Austin, so I’ve yet to tackle anything like that but I’d say they’re pretty resilient to the normal road and trail debris. Some tire liners would help and I read somewhere that people have been successful at running these on a tubeless wheel. If anyone has insight to that, share in the comments!
If you want a big, fat tire for your cross, touring or even MTB with 700c or 29’r wheels, look no further. $50 a piece is a great deal for anything coming out of the Panaracer facilities in Japan I might add! For the weight-conscious, they’re 540g each. One major note. They’re BIG and wouldn’t come close to fitting on my cross bike, so MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CLEARANCE!
Pick up a pair at Bruce Gordon’s online shop in skinwall or blackwall.
