The Radavist

I’m not sure how many of you caught this in the gallery showcasing my Stinner hardtail but we ran into an issue when building the bike up. I wanted to run Klampers on this bike, since I’m using it for some bikepacking trips in the near future and I really liked the way the Retrotec I rode at Paul Camp’s Klamper brakes felt with the short pull lever. So, when I bought the frame from Stinner, we began building it and ran into a problem. It’s a common issue, when a frame is designed to run modern hydraulic disc brakes and you try to run a cable actuated brake like the Klamper, with its high cable entry point. Basically, if we ran the cable through the braze-on and into the Klamper, it wouldn’t work; the bend was too abrupt for the cable.

When I brought it up to Aaron at Stinner, he suggested using a V-Brake noodle, so I passed the idea off to Mike at Golden Saddle Cyclery. This is what he worked up. A simple noodle, with rubber heat shrink tubing around the metal part, so it won’t scratch the seatstay. Personally, I think this is an elegant solution.

This Friday, in San Francisco, Mission Workshop is hosting a Q+A with Paul Price from Paul Component Engineering from 6-9pm. Make sure you swing through for this event if you’re in the area, Paul is a fascinating human.

Whoa! Talk about a barn find!

“So…..here’s a funny story! We were about to demolish the downstairs bathroom and there were a bunch of old Sierra Nevada beer boxes above it with an inch of machine-oil soaked dust on them. Most of them were full of old paperwork, but upon peeking inside one of them, we were surprised to discover all the components and packaging to build up a bunch of this long discontinued product: “Blue Balls”. This was a seatbinder bolt we manufactured from 1992 to 1994. If you order one of these, you’re getting the original “New Old Stock” part, in its original packaging card with the peace sign on the back that Paul drew by hand. So all you people who’ve been commenting “Bring back Blue Balls!” on our Instagram….. There, we did it, who loves ya?!

These only fit frames designed for an external seatbinder bolt or quick-release, like your dad’s 80’s mountain bike. The minimum distance between the balls is 26mm, and the maximum distance is 40mm. If you don’t know if this will fit your bike, go to a bike shop and ask an expert.”

See more at Paul!

I just love these videos from Paul, but I want to see Travis do one on his Paul Component Hite Rite!

Chico artist Matt Loomis created quite the graphic for Paul’s newest shirt and I love it! In stock now at Paul!

… The guys in Chico just posted a video showcase from all the Paul Camp bikes. If you missed the gallery from this, check it out in the related column on the left.

While I was in Chico, Paul and Travis from Paul Component had a few questions for me about life, liberty and the pursuit of constant stoke. Check out the full interview below!

Not since NAHBS have I seen such a sick collection of bikes in one place. Yesterday I photographed all 11 of the Paul Camp bikes, in great detail. And yeah, as you can see, each bike was to adhere to a red, white and blue palette with builders having the option of a monster cross bike, or a hardtail.Expect a mega gallery next week after the holiday weekend…

… and you can expect to see more photos of this bike next week. It looks even better in person!

Part of living in Chico is balancing the amount of riding you do with a post-ride dunk in the river…

Since I missed out on Paul Camp, the open house Paul holds in Chico each year, I figured I’d drive straight up the guts of California and hang out in the spring heat with Paul and company. While I’m here, I’ll be documenting the 12 Paul Camp bikes various framebuilders sent in for various media to ride during the meetup, as well as riding some of the local trails and soaking in the river. Expect more to come!

If you love blue anodized components and are looking for an easy way to buy some of Paul’s parts, now’s your chance. Right now, there’s a convenient page set up to get your fix. See more at Paul Component Engineering.

I beg of the people of Paul Component Engineering, please do more of these videos with the rest of those incredible bikes hanging from Paul’s rafters!

Whether you’re looking to drop your saddle a bit mid-ride, or if you remove your seatpost while your bike is locked up, quick-release seat collars are extremely useful. If you’re a fan of Paul Components and love quick-release seat collars, today’s your lucky day. In stock now at Paul.

I love these videos of Paul Price, the owner of Paul Component Engineering. There’s something entertaining about listening to people talk about their bikes. Even if it’s a “plastic bastard.” Also, I can attest to how much the Jones bars rule with this Paul setup!