Kilo TT Stripper Preview

I really like this bike! the ride is quite amazing and the geo is perfect for my style of riding. I have it set up single speed using white industries 16 Tooth freewheel matched up to the stock truvativ 48 Tooth chainring/crank which gives me about a 81 gear inch which I really like. In stock trim this is a fine machine.

I decided to move over some parts from my other bikes to this one. Brooks b17, Origin8 17degree stem, transx bullhorns and then added new vuelta xrp pro wheel set, all rolling on conti gatorskins.

I commute to work, ride the bike paths and use this as an exercise machine. I was in the elevator the other day and this dude says to me shaking his head nobody wants gears anymore....I replied back shaking my head you will never understand until you commit.

I troll the cycling forums and it never ceases to amaze me how passionate some folks are about their opinions from top to bottom in regards to online versus LBS bike purchases. You have people asking for opinions and those who are more than willing giving out theirs.

I can tell you first hand; the phat cycles phixie at 4 bills (that I purchased from the LBS) has no comparison to the kilo tt stripper for under 4 bills both in bone stock trim.

IMO the kilo tt is even sweeter after some personal touches. I don't care what anyone says.

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Detel Bikes Marathon 2000

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Origin 8 Tiki (Moustache) Handle Bars

I really love the old school look of these handle bars. I took a 15 mile ride the other day after putting them on. After half way through the ride I decided to raise them up a bit. Most people it seems put the brake levers on the bend using road levers or they put the cross brake close to the stem, I have also seem some put reverse levers too.. Personally, I did not like the way that looks and opted to use cross levers (aka safety brakes) in a linear fashion. I’m kind of amazed at how different the bike handles compared with riser or road bars. I did notice I needed to move my seat back a bit more then when I had the other bars maybe because I used a shorter stem. Also, I used cotton bar tape. Not sure what I think of this yet. I wanted to have a vintage look and feel with the benefits of newer technology.

Bike addict blues (New Drug - Phat Phixie)

Does it ever end? I mean I started in June 2009 with a cyclo-cross bike - Motobecane fantom cross, made some minor upgrades and adjustments so it would be more comfortable. Learned a lot and enjoyed it.

in December 2010 I bought two mountain bikes one for me and one for my daughter. A Motobecane LTD 500 and, a Windsor Cliff 4700

in March 2011 I gave my Cliff 4700 to my youngest son and my oldest son the fantom cross. Then I bought a Motobecane fantom trail and, here recently in July I purchased a Phat Cycles phixie single speed/fixed gear bike.

All bikes have received there fair share of upgrades and additions, change outs etc.

Then a thought occurred to me is it madness or sickness or some other thing?

• Fantom Cross ~ $550.00
• LTD 500 ~ $300.00
• Cliff 4700 ~ $370.00
• Fantom Trail ~ $595.00
• Phixie ~ $400.00

That rounds out to about $2200.00... This of course does not include all the other little upgrades and additions to these bikes. Some of the parts upgraded where then swapped to other bikes. I could only guess between tires, handlebars, cranks etc I have spent another $1000.00 over the course of 2 years.

So $3200.00 over the course of 25 months means I have a habit of  $128.00 per month. WTF is wrong with me?

I'm thinking to myself what can I upgrade next on the phixie? what should I do first? apparently I can't help myself...I want a new drug. I know some people think shit you could have bought one really nice bike for that kind of money or why do you need so many bikes? or who in their right mind spends that kind of money on bikes. I think really in the grand scheme of things that is really not that much especially if you cannot afford it.

I don't know but, I can tell you I love each one of them as they all ride differently and have different attributes. Of course now my phat cycle is my favorite but, I'm still itching to go mountain biking soon.

I think I need professional help.

Neuvation Mountain MAX wheelset

Neuvation Mtn Max 

I'm not cheap but, I like to get the most value I can. I'm not so impressed by name brand but, that is probably because of how I do things. I admit in the long run I probably do spend more than just buying the high end item upfront. IDK. The problem with me is I like dinking with stuff. I like to work on my own stuff, tweak it, learn it, take it a part, put it together, change it, improve it, whatever etc.

I purchased this wheel-set at an unbelievable price and figure what really do I have to lose? They have to be better than the loose ball-bearing wheels at least at a minimum roll more smoothly with cartridge bearings right? I know the battle rages on which technology is better or more durable. Plus these wheels are lighter than what came stock on my bike too. I suppose due to my weight I'm considered a Clydesdale so far I have had no problem but, again I probably do not ride as aggressive as folks half my age. Nevertheless I listened to the Neuvation story drank the kool-aide and honestly if I get a full season out of them I will be happy. If I get more then I will be impressed. Only time will tell I will update this blog as the season progresses. I also purchased a set of the Mountain MX wheel-set as spares and to hold my 2.3 tires

Update: 8/24/2011
Have had no issues to date with Neuvation MTN Max wheelset

Using Kenda Tires Tubeless with Stans No Tubes

2.1 Kenda Slant Six Tubeless

I have tried tubeless using the Stans kit and also Stans sealant with gorilla tape.

The Stans Rim strip cost far outweighs the time in ease and refill of sealant. (Removable Presta core)

26″ Tires successfully converted:
2.35 Kenda Nevegal 120 TPI
2.35 Kenda Excavator 60 TPI
2.10 Kenda Nevegal 60 TPI
2.10 Kenda Slant Xix 120 TPI
2.10 Kenda Small Block Eight 120 TPI

26″ Clincher Wheels used for conversion:
WTB Speed Discs
Neuvation MTN MX
Neuvation MTN MAX

All scenarios work:

-60 TPI easier to seal sidewalls
-120 TPI sidewalls are more porous require more time

If you figure out a way to seat the tire using a hand pump let me know I tried like a furious monkey with little success. I have had to use a compressor to seat the bead on almost every occasion. Sometimes I had to go past the recommended 45 PSI to get the bead to seat correctly.

Couple of Tips:
If this is your first attempt allow adequate time this is not a quick process first time around.
When you mount the tire make sure prior to pumping up with air both beads are in the center channel.
Make sure that when you mounted the tire the rim strip (Stans) is still flat around the circumference of the wheel (When I had problems inflating I double checked to find the rim strip had folded over or moved too far from the bead lock).
Use lots of soapy water as this help with inflating and the bead seating easily.
Purchase the Stans injector then seat the bead. Once that is done remove valve core and add sealant I have found this to be the least messy during conversion.

I have had flats from nails and screws so even-though I run tubeless I still have the weight of the tubes in my pack. LOL

The ride is incredible and worth the extra hassle IMO But, it is a PITA to change a converted tubeless on the side of the trail

2.1 Kenda Nevegal Tubless

I do have another set of wheels because I do like to ride with different tires for different terrain. These have tubes though.

Riding again

One problem I have found since getting back into cycling again is how life seems to get into the way. It is funny though once you push past those interruptions or make the mental decision it becomes worth it and even more enjoyable.

I stopped cycling in October 2010. I kinda did the same thing the previous year about the same time. This year though it was the 12th to be exact. My family and I had decided to move when our lease was up this year and find another house a bit smaller and more manageable financially and esthetically. The one we found was quite a bit cozier though but, nearly 40 years older than the previous rental. Another factor for moving was us preparing to scale back so my wife who has arthritis could quit work and focus on her health. Our 30th Wedding anniversary also was during this month on the 25th. We decided to have some time away and be alone together. Overall a very busy month.

We spent the next six weeks or so moving a little bit during the evenings and weekends, any spare time I previously had for cycling was gone, then came the holidays and cold weather even more reasons not to ride! Although, I had most of the winter gear needed for winter riding, the thought of freezing my ass off was not appealing. In november during our move my wife needed to make an emergency trip to help out her parents which ended up being more of an ordeal than we originally thought and she was gone through thanksgiving.

On December 23rd my daughter and I received our new mountain bikes. I had been saving up for these for nearly 6 months and this would be our christmas presents. We assembled the bikes then took them out for a spin it was the only day during that week that we did not have any rain. We rode down by the bluffs below panorama drive then on and around the river on the bike path through mud and sand. We both had a blast. The only thing that marred that slightly was her boyfriend and her split up so that was on her mind.

It was at that point that I decided I would start commuting to work again. I thought hell if people in the north east can commute through sub 20 degree wether surely I could commute in sub 40 degree weather here in Cali. I began again on December 30th and made that part of my new years resolution.

One of my biggest concerns was the night riding. Not that it frightens me but, that it is really dark when I leave work and that I would be visible enough so drivers could see me.

One night I left work went a couple blocks and came to a stop light. Up pulled one of my co-workers I looked at her through the car window and she was shaking her finger at me I wondered why? and if it was because of the stupid grin on my face. I have that grin because it is invigorating to ride in cold weather for some reason. She pulls away from the stop light and I wave later to her.

Once I get home I think to myself that was odd why was she shaking her finger at me? The next moring I arrive at work and later receive a call from her. She says Tony this is the mother in me speaking! I say ok wondering what the hell she is talking about. She starts off Black helmet, black hair, black coat, black pants, black socks, black shoes, Orange bike! I'm like what? then she lays into me...I could hardly see you what is wrong with you how do you expect motorists to see you on that thing? I dummy up and mutter uh huh yes ma'am. But, but, I have lights and blinkies! But, you are wearing all black clothing...er you are right...yes ma'am.

I think to myself she probably just saved my life for something I took forgranted. I do have I bright orange cylcling wind breaker I could wear over my coat!

So I have been riding with it on since our discussion er her knocking some sense into me.

Since we have moved I'm now closer to work. One way the bike ride is 1.1 miles. Yes it is cold especially when it is foggy. But, I love it it sharpens me, the cold crisp air stings my lungs and face but, it is invigorating and depending on how fast I ride or not I'm home or to work in under 10 minutes...and having a blast!

Cold weather riding in Bakersfield:

• Insulated gloves quality depending on length of ride
• Skull cap or beany to keep head and/or ears warm
• Good flexible insulated coat depending on length of ride
• At least a 150 lumen front headlight
• Front white blinky led light
• At least 3 led rear tail light
• Rear red blinky led light
• Rear red reflector
• Bright clothing yes even in the day
• Good all season or wet weather wide tires

TIPS:

1. Wear a helmet at all times better to look like a retard than be one due to a brain injury
2. Don't expect that motorists can see you...ever be visible
3. When coming to intersections or cross walks make eye contact if possible with motorist and pedestrians
4. Watch out for pedestrians some people walk as bad as they drive expect that they will walk out in front of you.
5. Follow all traffic laws do not run red lights, stops signs etc...you are on a moving vehicle and must abide as the same laws as automobiles.
6. Give yourself at least two feet on your right when riding past parked cars just in case someone opens a door on you
7. Claim the lane this means if there are multiple lanes take the one on the furthest right this is safer for you and the motorists.
8. Ignore insults from drivers unless you have not followed the rules of the road
9. Do not expect that motorists, pedestrians or other cyclist will give the benefit of the doubt or follow the rules of the road
10. Realize pedestrians always have the right of way...
11. Have fun and be safe!