Airplane Legs

It's been a while since I've posted anything new.  Oh yeah, since I've ridden by damn bike also.  I was a city boy for the last 8 days.  I spent all of last week in Philly and then spent some time off with the fam in NYC.  Had some great times with the fam. 

I got home early enough to slip in a ride.  I was anxious to get out on the bike having not ridden one for a bit.  I headed up to a local ride named Betasso.  I knew, deep down, it was going to be a bit muddy with the warmer temps and the subsequent snow melt but I had high hopes nonetheless.  I threw logic out the door and jumped on the bike. 

Airplane legs were apparent about 10 minutes into the ride.  Mentally, I was all there - ready for some Betasso hot laps.  Physically - not even close.  Funny how that works some times. 

I was right: .  I spent two minutes going counter clockwise on the Betasso trail and decided to turn around due to mud and snow much too often.  The Link Trial was dry as a bone (and super tough I should add)Oh well!  Still managed 2 hours of riding with 3k of climbing - it was great!

Front Range Mountain Bike Series

I just saw this on the the ACA website.  It looks like Race Pace Promotions will be hosting 6 mountain bike events at a few locations around the front range.  They say the races will be short track and circuit length.  The first kicks off in Lakewood with a 3-mile circuit and, depending on your category, will run for 40-60 minutes.

There are five other races: 2 in Golden and 3 in Louisville (see schedule below). This is fantastic IMO. I look forward to getting a few extra races in and not having to travel 2 hours to and from.  Plus, they will be more spectator friendly, similar to CX races. 

I would like to see them expand to more than CX or Short Track lengths but, hey, this is a great start and I plan to participate as best as I can.

There should be more, in-town, MTB races.   Have you ever watched the world cup events in Houffalize, Belgium?  - In town, massive crowds, a cool mix of streets and trails.   I would love to see one in Boulder.

How Many Calories Do You Burn During a Day?

Check out the Calculator.  I built it on Google Docs for anyone to access.  Simply update the shaded boxes and find out many calories you burn during a normal day.  This formula factors your resting metabolic rate and your work lifestyle:  Are you a desk jockey or the star of The Deadliest Catch?

RMR Calculator

Friends Don't Let Friends Do Crits

I'll stick with the dirt!

More Power = Less Time: How much less?

Disclaimer: This is completely unscientific. The results compare some split times using my Garmin Edge 705 and Powertap. Undoubtedly the GPS distance is off by several feet in each of these. Regardless, it's fun to geek on the data.

I was doing some intervals up Lookout Mtn a few weeks ago and compared the Avg. Watts to Time it took to cover the same Distance. Below are the results:

You'll notice that it took me 8:02 minutes to travel 1.47m with an avg. power output of 294. The following two intervals I stepped up the pace slightly and demonstrated that I could cover the same distance in a shorter amount of time. Duh!

I then extrapolated the % faster data into a 2-hour ride to see what the impact would be, say, during a race:

So what? Just 3-Watts is meaningful over the course of an entire race. It may seem like a small improvement in performance but the results can be big!

The 8-Week Plan is Starting

Ok-here we go:  I'm starting the 8-week training block based on Chris Carmichael's, Time Crunched Cyclist.  The key principles of the program are as follows (in my own words - sorry Chris if I'm butchering this!)

1. Most of us have day jobs and families - cycling comes third 
2. You can be competitive on just 6-hours of training a week 
3. Intensity is the key - it's what makes this program work 
4. Rest is key- it's what makes this program work

Over the last few years I've managed, on average, 5-8 hours of cycling per week.  I simply cannot ride anymore without negatively affecting the rest of my life.  I've also found that I can have fun and be fit with this amount of riding.  No, I'm not winning every race but I'm competitive, having fun, and every once in a while can get a top 5 or even a podium.  

The first week will look like this:

Mon:  Easy Effort or 45-60min
Tue:   60-90 min with 3x10min Steady State (86-90% of FTP) Intervals with 5 min BI
Wed:  Easy Effort or Off
Thu:  60-90 min with 3x10min Steady State Intervals with 5 min BI
Fri:    Off
Sat:  60-90 min with 3x10min Steady State Intervals with 5 min BI or Group Ride for 90-120 min
Sun: 90-120 min Easy Effort

SS efforts are just below or at lactate threshold - something that should be able to held for a long time.  Over the ensuing weeks however,  the intensity will increase but the rest will be consistent with 3-days a week off.   

My workout today felt great if not too easy.  I need to be patient because soon the intensity will pick up and with the goal of peaking for the race in 8-weeks.

Battle at the Bear Registration is Open

It's a fun, early season race.  You can register HERE.

Specialized S-Works Stumjumper 29er Build and Weight

I've been able to put a solid 25 hours on the bike at this point.  Still, not as much singletrack time due to the weather but enough to get a good feel for the bike and the consistent sensations I get from ride to ride.  It's also built in final form.  I had a few items that needed updating after I picked it up from Boulder Cycle Sport - namely, cutting down the bars, swapping front derailleurs, swapping the seat, and fixing a shifter cable.


The Build

• SRAM XX Drivetrain 
• 39x26 up front with 11x36 in back 
• Specialized S-Works crank arms and BB 
• SRAM XX Disc Brakes 
• 160mm on both ends 
• Stan's NoTubes ZTR Crest wheelset 
• DT Swiss 240 hubs 
• DT Revolution spokes 
• Alloy nipples 
• Custom Rockshox Reba 29er 
• Carbon steerer 
• Carbon crown
• Easton Monkey-Lite Handlebars 
• Cut to 660mm (from 690)
• ESI Chunky Grips 
• Ritchey WCS Stem 
• 120mm
• Specialized S-Works Seatpost 
• Specialized Toupe Saddle 
• Crankbrothers 4ti Pedals 
• Specialized S-Works 2.25 Captain front tire 
• Specialized S-Works 2.00 Fast Trak LK rear tire

The Weight

• 20.5 lbs complete and with pedals  - Wow!  I've never had a bike this light. 

It's Just a Ride

Last Wednesday I did a hard workout doing 3x8 min intervals up Lookout Mtn.  I felt great and was able to complete the 2nd and 3rd efforts faster than the first - generally a good sign.  That afternoon - I knew a cold was coming on...sh*t!

I decided to take it easy and not push it so I didn't ride or workout until today.  I did an easy ride in Boulder with my good buddy, Dave who was just coming off a cold as well.  We didn't do anything epic, nothing super sweet, we didn't kill it - just nice and easy and we had a great time just hangin' out and breathin' some fresh air and catching up.  It's amazing how a bike ride can set things just right.

What a day

Saturday, I had the best day that I can remember with my family up at Devil's Thumb Ranch (if you haven't been there, it is FANTASTIC) and took our kids nordic skiing for their first time.  Wow!  They loved...we loved it... it was beautiful in every way.

Ward's "Bakerbars"

I thought a good follow on to the pancakes would be a link to Ward's "Bakerbars" on the Justin's / Titus Mountain Bike Team blog site.  Ward is one of Boulder's local fast guys and all around good guy.  I haven't tried them yet but I've heard from others they are delicious.  

Once I find some time, I'll make a batch and let you know how they are. 

ESI Grips

One of my favorite purchases last season was a pair of ESI Grips.  My buddy, Ward, turned me on to them at last year's early season, man-weekend in Fruita, CO. 

Here's the bottom line:  These are the only grips I've used that I can ride comfortably without gloves.  My favorite grips despite the cons.

Likes:

• They are light at 60 grams
• Comfortable 
• Good looking 
• Color selection 
• Once on, they don't move

Dislikes:

• Difficult to get on and off (likely have to cut them off) 
• The foam shows signs of memory (indentations) after about a season.  Likely will want to replace every season or two depending how much you ride.  

 I have smallish hands and purchased the "chunky version" which works well for me.  It has a bit more cush which I prefer.  I know Boulder Cycle Sport has them in stock or you can order them direct.  Give them a try! 

 

Johnny G's Famous Pancakes

Well not really famous at all but I think they're damn good! I have two pre-ride favorite foods: Pancakes and Oatmeal. I do pancakes if I'm going big and oatmeal for a shorter ride like a CX race. Below is my most current best effort recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 4 tsp sugar (or no sugar if using flavored and sweetened yogurt - e.g. vanilla yogurt)
• 2 cups milk (I mostly use skim but buttermilk, 2%, or whole are always good)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3-4 tablespoons butter (let's face it, the more the better)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2-eggs

Mixin' It Up

• Sift the flour into a bowl
• Add the other dry ingredients
• Separate the egg whites and the yolks - whisk the egg whites until frothy in a separate bowl- dump the yolks in the the dry ingredients
• Melt the butter in a small bowl
• Combine the rest of the wet ingredients and stir in the melted butter
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir thoroughly
• If it's a bit thick, add more milk. If too thin, add some oatmeal.

Cookin' Time

• Let the mix sit for 15-30 minutes
• Set the griddle to 375ish
• Cook until lightly browned

This recipe will make about 15, 4-5 inch sized, high quality pancakes.

I keep the ones we don't eat and warm them up for the kids' breakfast throughout the week.

Enjoy! Also, if you have better ideas let me know.

Big Ride Saturday

Saturday, I was able to get away for a great ride with some friends.  More MTB time on the road.  It's interesting, I've got a lot more road time on the MTB than the road bike - go figure.  I met up with Rob Jason, Von, Tom, Matt, and Shep.   We did the usual Gold Hill loop.  Rob, Matt, and Von opted for the "THE double ;^)" as Rob dubbed it in the email.  Translation:  two loops to Gold Hill.  GH has a lot of climbing - from my home and back with just one loop it doles out 4,200ft of climbing.

The weather was nice, if not too warm, as many of us overdressed.  The ride started off with a more mild mannered pace than usual but that didn't last too long.  The last 60+ minutes to the top was full gas - at least for me.  Von and Shep led the group to the top at a pace that was too stiff for me.  I hadn't been on the bike too much given my travel and work schedule but surprisingly felt pretty good.  Rob, Matt, and I swapped the lead a number of times each time catching the lead wheel and trying to hang on.

As I said, I surprised myself but taking some good pulls and not getting dropped.  I was hurting no doubt but I felt I had more inside which was a good positive reinforcement for me.  I know Rob (and Matt, although I've never ridden with him before) is a stronger rider than I am so it proved to be a good test for me.

We bombed the descent back down to Poormans where the second lap was to to start.  A few fist bumps later, I was heading back down and they were off for another.

I'm having so damn much fun on the MTB.  I'm trying to decide if I need the road bike any longer.  Every time I throw a leg over the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29er, I'm more impressed.  It handles great and just feels right to me.  I can't wait for the trails to open around here and be able report on how well it performs on trails I commonly ride. 

I'm going to start my 8-week, Chris Carmichael, Time Crunched Cyclist plan next week in anticipation of the Battle at the Bear coming May 8th.  I'll report more on the progress as it unfolds.  It will be interesting with the spring break family break, a NYC vacation,  and Philly travel.  Motivation will need to be high to pull it off!

Stans' Tubeless Road / CX Rims - Alpha 340

I'm looking forward to trying these. 

I've been running tubeless on my road wheels for about 2-years now without any problems.  I converted my Mavic Open Pros using Stan's CX Rim Strips.  I got them to work but must admit it was a bit challenging getting the Hutchinson Fusion Road Tubeless tires to seat.  The Open Pros have a super deep rim cavity- much deeper than more modern rims.  As such, harder to get tires to seat. 

While I haven't had any problems, in the event the tire blew, I don't think it would stay on the rim very well, if at all.  That being said, it wouldn't if I was using a standard tube setup, either.  The ride, I must say, is very buttery.  I'm sold on road tubeless for sure.  Oh yeah, I have had one slow lead (read: no flats) in two years!

Could this the rim that can be run with low pressures for CX and NOT burp?  The tubular replacer?   If so, Stan will sell a gazillion of them.  They go on sale in the Spring supposedly. 

A great MTB ride...

...on the road.  Not ideal but fantastic nonetheless.  I had been cooped up inside for nearly two weeks and I needed to get out breath in some fresh air.  I loaded up the MTB and planned for a lunch time ride at work.  It was cold and gray and motivation waned a bit but I managed to get out between meetings and enjoyed an interval set up Lookout Mountain in Golden.  No dirt, no singletrack and snow piled up on each side of the road.  No, nothing really epic, but the fresh air and just getting out made it great. 

RockyMounts Offers ‘100-percent’ Fit with TieRod Rack

As seen at www.singletrack.com

http://bit.ly/cjvCKu

RockyMounts is HQ'd right here in Boulder, CO.  Check out their goods.  The trays and heads are really nice stuff and they come in a bunch of colors to boot.

Teejay Van Garderen

It's cool to see this kid make it big.  I had the pleasure of riding with him a few years back.  There were about 25 of us on the RockyMounts squadra including Teejay's father, Marcel.  Teejay happened to join us.  I was in the front of the pack with him for a while.  I had no idea he was as good as he was.  I think he was 18 at the time and pretty humble.  We chatted a bit about various things and he told me he was going to try and become pro some day.  Wow - did he ever.  He's made it to the big time.  I should have realized this when he dropped me and the other 23 people, like a bad habit, on the last 10k of the ride.

Read on in his HTC-Columbia debut at CyclingNews.  The boy finished in top 10 (should have been better) with the likes of Contador and Leipheimer.

One of my Favorite Workouts - 20/20s

I wasn't able to be get on the bike for 4 days due to business travel.  Actually, I did ride the Lifecycle bike at the hotel.  You know the one with the seat that is more appropriate for a John Deer Tractor.  I mean c'mon - really?  It's so wide, I had to sit all the way at the tip so my legs wouldn't rub.  Clearly a cyclist isn't leading the product management effort for this thing.  "Comfort Curve Seat" - Ha! I ride on 160 gram seats that are far more comfortable.

Anyways, I was looking forward to getting home and burning some kcals outside in the fresh air.  Well, that didn't happen - MORE SNOW :-0.  3-4" Friday night and another 4" as I write.  So.... back on that damned trainer for one of my favorite workouts, 20/20s. 

I like this workout a lot because time flies and it is very painful (in a good way).  If you haven't done them before work into them with shorter intervals first and longer rest between intervals (BI).

20/20 Workout

* 10-15 min warm up
* 5 min interval x 4.  Each interval starts with 20 seconds hard effort (well above your Functional Threshold or maximum sustainable effort for 20 minutes- i.e. push very hard) followed by 20 seconds easy effort and so on until the 5 minutes is up
* 5 min EE - ~ 60% of max 
* 10-min warm down

This workout is effective because it forces you to ride well past your sustainable limit and over time forcing your body to adapt. Ultimately, it should help to increase your Functional Threshold Limit)

Throw this into your training mix once or twice a week and I guarantee you'll be faster. 







 

Good to be Home

I spent most of the week in Philadelphia.  I'm glad to be back.  Looks like a lot of folks agree Boulder is a great place.  We just we're ranked "happiest and healthiest" city in the nation.

http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_14404187#axzz0g30Lz9bb

Finding the Time

I mentioned in an earlier post that I'll be spending a lot of time traveling to Philadelphia since the company has agreed to be acquired.  Again, all good stuff but figuring out how to keep the fitness level up is going to present a new challenge and a new level of motivation.  I feel it - I just need to keep the sensation there.  I keep thinking Spring time when I know that the effort I put in now will make all the difference. 

As an example, I completed a 6am workout on the trainer this morning before heading to the airport.  I wasn't very motivated and more or less hate doing a forced workout that early - don't get me wrong, I like the AM but would rather be doing an early AM epic MTB ride.

It started off well intentioned - get a workout in as I won't have a chance to get on the bike until the weekend.  The planned workout was a good one for the trainer - especially with limited time ( I only had 45 minutes)

• 10 min warm up

• 3x5 minute intervals with 5 min BI

• Each interval consists of 1 min at 100% effort followed by 3 min at 85-90% effort, and then capped with 1 min by 100% effort with a sprint thrown in at the last 10 seconds. 

After the first interval I was demoralized.  Yes, I did it and could sustain the effort but it felt crappy.   I decided to change things up given I wasn't feeling up to another tough one.  Instead I did a 6 minute effort one-legged alternating each minute.  These are not the hardest cardiovascularly however they are painful on the quad (upper area connecting to the hip especially).  I was able to regain some composure after my next 5 min break and then was able to cap the workout with another 5 minute, hard effort, as planned.  Warm down for 5 min - all is good.

Fed the kids, kissed the wife, and off to the airport.

President's Day Weekend

No bike time for me this weekend.  Instead the family headed up to Winter Park, CO and did some skiing and hangin' out.  We spent the weekend with some good friends.  Two days of skate skiing and one tele-ing.  Five kiddies in total - they had a great time. 

More to come soon. 

Key Ingredients to a Decent Trainer Workout

I had a good session on the trainer this evening.  I used a fairly standard workout I picked up from The Time Crunched Cyclist by Chris Carmichael. 

15 min warm up with 3x8min Steady State (SS) efforts (85-90% of functional threshold) with 8min BI (between intervals).  Simple yet effective - I hope anyway. 

Key Ingredients:

1. Entertainment - HULU on the laptop is fantastic I must say. Especially when you've watched the 2006 Tour 23 times. 
2. A Good Fan - Unless you're taking it easy, a fan is critical IMO.  It keeps you from over cooking and feels more like on the road with a breeze at your face. 
3. Power Meter / HR Monitor - If you've got one or both great.  Very useful for precision workouts and if nothing else it allays some of the boredom by giving you something to look at and concentrate on.
4. Something to Drink - Probably stating the obvious here.  Remember to buy some of the Camelbak Podium bottles - no drippage / spillage. 
5. Sweat Mat - Don't sweat on the carpet, stupid! 
6. Sweat Towel - Keep that stuff controlled - no need to get it on the bike, floor, etc. 
7. Imagination- If you get bored do something different to get the workout completed.  I've often found myself mentally not into it.  Switch things up a bit - change the workout on the fly:

• 1- legged intervals - you'll be shocked at how odd it feels if you haven't done them before.  Those pretty circles you spin so well will feel like squares. 
• 20 / 20s - 100% for 20 seconds  then 60% for 20 seconds and so on for 3-5 minutes and an equal amount of rest.  Trust me - these are hard and time does go by more quickly. 
• 1 min All out x 3 min easy for the entire workout 
• Standup / sit down 

It's not always fun or easy but you can make it more so by trying different things and being prepared and well equipped.  I'll share some other workouts with you soon to help get through the Winter. 

Lower Back Pain

Good write up at 303cycling.com on lower back pain.  Most of us suffer from it.  I'm guessing few of us do much about it.  Personally, I tackled the problem about 18 months ago when I started doing yoga regularly.  My back pain is now gone.  It really works. 

Training Program

With all of the snow and cold hitting Colorado (and everywhere it seems this winter) I've spent far more time on the trainer than I would like to admit.  I hate the trainer to be clear.  It's an evil apparatus that spawns boredom and pain all at once.  Luckily I'm feeling a lot more motivated than I was last year.  Perhaps its because memories of our annual man-trip out to Fruita, CO where my buddies proceeded to drag me around the high-dessert terrain for 4-days straight.  I will defiantly be better prepared this year - maybe I'll just be "pulled" rather than "dragged" ;-).

Another challenge, a new one, has to do with my company;  we recently sold the company to a much larger company in Philadelphia.  It was a good transaction and great for me and the employees.  I will however be going to Philly a lot.  Figuring out how to get some solid workouts in while traveling will be a challenge - hell, maybe I'll actually miss having the trainer available.  

All this being said, most of us are challenged to remain speedy on the bike while managing family and work.  I mentioned earlier that I will be following The Time Crunched Cyclist by Chris Carmichael.  It's an 8-10 week program so I'll begin roughly in first half of March in anticipation of my first race of the year, The Battle at the Bear,  followed 2-weeks after with the second the Gunnison Growler (although I need to pull a few strings to get in as it sold out in only a few hours).

In the meantime I've been getting my 6ish hours in per week with some intensity work (85%-90%) a couple of times a week, to make sure I maintain my fitness and have a solid foundation before cranking up the intensity.  Despite hating the trainer, it works, and the anticipation of the man-weekend and the first race is keeping me focused.

I want to do well in the season opener at Battle at the Bear.  In 2008 I finished 3rd in the Expert class.  Last year, 17th.  That hurt but I knew I wasn't in as good of shape.  I'm hoping to improve this year.    
I've learned a lot about working out and balancing family and career.  I'm not the fastest guy around by an stretch however I do know what's worked for me and what hasn't.  I'll be sure to share shortly and attempt to couple those leanings with what' I've read in the Time Crunched Cyclist (which is a great read by the way and spot on for folks like us, IMO).

Camelbak Podium Cycling Bottle

I've finally found a bottle that doesn't:

a) leak
b) deform in the dishwasher
c) taste funny
d) require a manual open and close 

The Camelbak podium is the best bottle you can buy, period!  Buy one, three, or ten today and replace the ones you've got.  Don't forget to throw them in the recycling bin however. 

No more sticky down-tube.  There is also no need to open and close it with your teeth.  Throw it in your gear bag and don't worry about it leaking all over.  Use one on the indoor trainer and not worry about dripping Gatorade on your carpet.

It really is the bomb.

Snow Blows

On the trainer watching Super Bowl pre-game while the snow comes down.

Workout: 60min with 3x8min at 90% (or SS steady state) with 8min BI (between intervals)




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Big Weekend of Riding

I managed to get 7 hours of riding in this last weekend.  Yes it was still snowy and the trails are all but ridable.   A group of about 15 guys met and headed up Sunshine Canyon to do the Switzerland Trial to Gold Hill ride.  Which is mostly road but has a mix of dirt roads and climbs to about 8,700 ft with beautiful views of the Continental Divide.  I knew about half the guys and had a chance to meet some more avid cyclists.  The day was beautiful - blue skies, no wind, and about 43 degrees. 

The pace was set early and it was fast - very typical for a large ride in Boulder where there is ALWAYS someone faster than you.  I felt generally good and kept up with the pace as a few folks fell off the back.  We headed up towards Switzerland trail on packed snow and ice.  A group of five us set the pace.  A few folks were comfortable while I was at my threshold of a sustainable pace.  They chatted and I concentrated.  We got to the Switzerland trail and regrouped then headed up towards Gold Hill.  Fast pace again - too fast for me - so I settled in and pedaled at my own pace before reaching the top.  This as the most interesting part of the ride as it was either covered in snow or dry as a bone.  The dry part was always welcome.  The snowy parts were generally packed but not all the time.  Undernearth the snow was hidden ice.  As my tires tried to grab the undulating terrain the would slip out from under me quickly and unforgivingly.   This happened to a number of us with plenty of folks hitting the snow before reaching the top.

At the top, I had to bolt as I had to be home to take my daughter square dancing - yee haw! - so I didn't wait for the regroup.   Rob Batey joined me  and we sailed back down to Boulder.  Good ride - 3.5 hours in total, 4.3k ft of climbing, and plenty of fun mixing it up with the buddies.

The new Specialized Stumpjumper S-Works 29er road very well.  Still getting good sensations.  This ride wasn't technical at all so it really didn't server any purpose as far as evaluating the bike's technical handling prowess.  I can say that it fits me perfectly, however.  I'm a dash over 6' and the 19" Large fits perfectly with a 120mm stem.

Interesting to note on the ride that ONLY 3 guys were riding 26" wheeled bikes.  I was shocked by this.  This was a hard corp group of guys that are fit and competitive in regional expert / pro races.  Definately a testament to the 29er movement. 

More to come.  Thanks for reading.

Cyclocross Worlds to be Held in Louisville, KY 2012-2013

This is great news for the sport of US Cyclocross. I hope I can attend. 

 

Action from the 2009 US Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross in Louisville, Kentucky.

Photo: © Dave McElwaine

Read more at cyclingnews.com 

Hookey

I managed to getaway from work and put in a solid 2-hours on the MTB this afternoon - on dirt this time.  Knowing that 2-3" of snow was coming in the early eve, it seemed to be a last chance to get out onto some dry trails for a while.


View Larger Map

I took the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29er out to Green Mountain in Denver.  99% of the trail on the west and south facing sides was dry.  The riding was super fun.  The bike road superbly.  My initial sensations from the Maiden Voyage were further validated.  So far I'm really liking the 29er.  I'm not in the camp of calling it earth shattering but I like it to be sure.  I need more time on familiar trails before I declare it better, worse, or different than my Stumpjumper FSR 26" wheeled bike.  Hmm - maybe I need to keep both...sell the roadbike :-)

The Maiden Voyage & First Impressions

I finally got out on the new Specialized Stumpjumper S-Works 29, today.  This will be the basis for my initial impressions and the first review of many to come. 

It's been cold and snowy in Boulder, CO this year and the trails are socked in with snow.  The day was looking great - blue skies, high of 48, and I had a 3-hour block available.   I hooked up with my friend, Rob Batey, with the plan to do the Gold Hill Loop. It's really road ride with some dirt roads - perfectly suitable for a CX bike - but as I said, ALL the trails are snowed in and or muddy in the area.  The nice thing about the ride is that it has 3,900 ft of elevation gain and can be completed in about 2:20-2:30 leaving from the home.

The ride started out well, cruising over to Sunshine Canyon to start the climbing.  We get about 1,500 ft up and I begin to notice what I'll describe a "knock" in my pedal stroke.  I ignore it for a minute or so but then it gets worse.  I finally get off my bike and check things out:  a little play in the crank, cleat is ok, peadal seems fine.  I just jump back on - it gets worse.  I get off again and notice that the left crank arm is more loose than a minute before.  Not good!

I try calling the bike shop for some advice but good ole' AT&T doesn't have service 2 miles up Sunshine Canyon.  I say a little chant in my mind - "I love my iPhone, I love my iPhone, I love my iPhone".

Anyway, I let Rob continue with the ride and cruise back down the hill and call Boulder Cycle Sport.  Mike Doyle comes and picks me up and we head back to the shop.  (That was so Pro - thank you!)  A quick tightenting of the crank bolt - with a little loctite this time for good measure - and I'm off.  I continued with some more riding up and around North Boulder.  The highlight was hitting a small piece of trail that wasn't muddy or covered in snow.  We're talking a 100 meter stretch here - a camel's back going up and down.  I went in and then back out.  It's a very rocky section with baby head sized rocks; some smooth some with squared edges.

Ok - Initial Impressions

Take these with a grain of salt.  My ride yesterday was more a road ride than a mountain bike ride with the exception of that small piece of trail.  Nonetheless, I was able to get some sensations that are worth sharing.

• The bike is LIGHT - The picture has all the computer, bottle cages, etc. on it.  With pedals but no cages, seat pack, bottles, etc. it comes in at an amazing 20.5lbs!  Note this is a custom build with mostly Sram XX and Stan's NoTubes ZTR Crest rims with DT Swiss 240 hubs (the best IMO) 
• The seat tube water bottle holder can only hold the smaller bottles - there isn't enough room for the 20+oz bottles - too bad.   
• I could feel the weight of the 29er wheels (note:  I'm coming off of a 2008 S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 26" - very light build - 23lbs) while cruising on the road.  Could it have been the new tires (S-Works Captain (F), and Fast Trak SLK (R)), my legs not being as fresh as usual?  Sure, it could have been.  I didn't feel like I was going any slower. I just had this sensation of a little bit more weight - which in fact is the case. 
• Descending the paved roads felt more like a road bike than a mountain bike.  The gyroscopic effect of the larger wheels is definitely noticeable.  It as calm and stable over 40mph.  
• SRAM XX - This will have to be a separate post but I want to share these two points:
• Front shifting is AMAZING - quick and precise.  The rear shifting seemed similar to my XO setup - very good. 
• Gear ratios:  I'm using the 11-26 cassette and 39x26 rings up front.  I climbed 18% grades yesterday comfortably and not needing the 36 cog.  I also didn't spin out going down hill until 37 -38mph.  So far, I think its a perfect setup.  
• On the trail - Like I said, the trail I rode is rocky.  As I approached the 8% grade climb that was littered with rocks, I thought to myself this was going to be a bit uncomfortable on a HT but a good test.  I crested the top and thought to myself "OMG - that felt as smooth as my FSR".  I descended the back side - same sensation.  Turned around to avoid the mud and did it again.  Same thing.  Big smile on my face.  
• I was able to roll over these rocks so, so smoothly going up and down.  I'm still a bit shocked, honestly.  That being said, this was just a 100m section of trail - anything could feel good.  

All in all, I'm super impressed but still require a lot more time in the saddle and on the trail to figure out if my initial sensations are directionally correct.  

More to come.  Stay posted.

The Stumpy is Built

I'll be sure to post some pics soon.  I have a question for those more experienced with 29ers: Should the bar to seat drop be the same as I had it on my 26er?  

I have the stem inverted with a Easton Monkey Lite XC bar.  There is a little less than a 1" drop from the top of the seat to the top of the stem.  Even less when you measure to the grips due to the riser bar.  I ask because I'm used to a 2" plus drop on my other XC setups. 

It feels fine riding around the street but I haven't tested it on the trail and won't have a chance until the trails clear and dry out more here in Boulder, CO. 

Let me know what you think.

2010 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29er

It's at Boulder Cycle Sport ready to be built by Mike Doyle. I bought the frameset and now have some parts on order for a custom build. More to come soon. I should pick it up by the end of the week.

The frame / fork / seatpost combination weighs 7 lbs 5 oz (Large)  The complete bike as assembled by Specialized has a target weight of 21 lbs 3 oz without pedals.  I'm curious to see where my build comes in at.  There will be a lot of similarities but the wheelset difference should be a biggie. 

Time will tell. 

Here I am

This is my first post of my first blog. I've been debating posting something cycling or work related for a couple of years now. I finally made myself a commitment to share some of my thoughts on my cycling experiences including product impressions, training, fun rides, and a few races. I currently have 4 bikes: a Scott Addict road bike, an S-Works Specialized Stumpjumper, an S-Works Specialized Tricross, and a Gary Fisher Rig 29er. I'm having a Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 29 being built and plan to pick it up next week.

I truly am a gear-head through and through; I've been this way my whole life. Sometimes I hate it but most of the time embrace it ;-). Given this I try all kinds of new stuff - some I like and others not so much. As examples, I've been using a Saris Powertap SL+, a Garmin Edge 705, Zipp 303 Cyclocross Tubulars.

2010 should be interesting as I'm planning to make my primary mountain bike a 29er. I love my Stumpjumper FSR dearly so going to a 29er hardtail will be an interesting experience that I'll plan to share. I'm also going to use the Time Crunched Cyclist training program by Chris Carmichael. I'll be posting about how the program's affects on me. I'm hoping to get back to my fitness level I had 2 years ago when I had a personal coach.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy my rants.