My Crash at the Whistler GLC Drop

I've been playing around with my Contour HD camera and thought I'd upload a video. Hope you enjoy and have a good laugh at my expense.

Andy

Trek Dirt Series - Review

by A.Tong

My wife and I spent the first week of July biking at the Silver Star Resort and at the Whistler Bike Park. One of the highlights of the trip was taking part in the Trek Dirt Series mountain bike camp again (my second time and my wife's third time). There are so many amazing things about the Dirt Series camps and hopefully I can capture some of them here in this post.

Top Level Coaching

For those who are more advanced with their bike skills and are worried that the coaches won’t be able to teach you anything, put your fears aside. The coaches with the Dirt Series are legit. How legit you ask? Well, I had the absolute pleasure to be coached by Sarah Leishman (www.sarahleishman.com) and Casey Brown. You may or may not have heard their names but they rip and their 3^rd and 4^th place finishes respectively at this years Crankworx Jeep Air DH reflect that. But they are only 2 of the many qualified coaches I had a chance to ride with. At any given camp, the coaching staff is comprised of Olympians, professional racers, and others who you may have seen in magazines. I also want to give a shout out to coach and Dirt Series founder Candace Shadley. I don’t think you’ll find a better coach than her. She is so good at spotting out little things that improve your riding. If you get the benefit of riding in front of her, don’t be surprised if she yells at you the entire way down the trail! And I mean yelling in a good way. She is constantly watching, correcting, and praising your riding. Don’t be fooled people, these coaches will push you hard to improve!

So these coaches for the Trek Dirt Series have a long list of impressive credentials but can they coach? The easy answer to that is YES! Their teaching methods are very progressive and you gradually work your way up to the more technically difficult skills. The increase in confidence I see in my beginner friend who took the camp is simple amazing! The camps include all skill levels from beginners to advanced so sign up.

Another thing you can expect from the Dirt Series camps are ego-free coaches. When you “train” down the trail, they don’t trick out ever jump with no handers or back flips. Can they do it? Yup! You just need to ask if that is what you want to learn but they aren’t there to prove how awesome they are to the campers. The coaches are there for you the entire time. They are constantly watching you and pointing out things you can tweak to improve.

Value

Personally, I’d pay the $350 all day long for the camps. They are worth every penny but if you want to break down what you get, here you go:

$100 - 2 lift tickets (limited waiting in the lift line; early access to the lift)

$200 – 2 days top of the line Trek bike rentals and Race Face protective gear

$$$$ - 2 days of coaching

Free swag – Maxxis items, Kicking Horse Coffee, along with chances to win some great door prizes

Free Luna bars to munch on for a bit of extra energy

Included lunch for 2 days

Included dinner 1 night with beer(s)

Free technical session (shock setup, general maintenance, etc)

Discount at the host shop (15% off at Skiis and Biikes - SnowCovers)

So you can go ride on your own if you want to but you’re losing money if you don’t sign up for a camp, if you ask me!

But is it for beginners???

YES! YES! YES! When you sign up for the camp you fill out a questioner on your skill level and you will be grouped accordingly. The coaches absolutely won’t make you do anything that they don’t think you can do. The beginner groups have an area set aside to work on bike handling skills even before going down a run. The skills area includes features like small wooded ladder bridges and drops. Even for the intermediate to advanced riders, you can choose to roll down the steep rock face or if you are uncomfortable, skip it for another time. The coaches don’t ever force you to do any stunts you aren’t comfortable with.

Okay, I guess I’ve stood long enough on my soap box. But for those on the teetering on the edge of signing up or not, I hope I have made that decision a bit easier! I’m so impressed by this camp and how much I personally improve every time I go I’m already registered for the co-ed Trek Dirt Series camp this coming September and bringing a friend!

Knolly Podium - Review

by A. Tong

I've put some legit time on the Knolly Podium and it's time for a review.  The wife and I had a chance to spend 7 days riding between Silver Star Resort and the Whistler Bike Park.  The Podium did not disappoint.  

Probably the best thing I can say about this bike is that I felt comfortable right away.  I was surprised that I didn't need even a run or 2 to get the feel of the bike.  The large frame is perfect for me (6ft with 50mm stem and 760mm bars).  

This bike handles exceptionally well.  I was surprised at how I could rail corners.  The harder I pushed, the more I was rewarded.  This bike is perfect for an aggressive rider.  Although the low bottom bracket height aids in handling, I had concerns about clearance over root and rocks.  My concerns were unfounded as only once did my pedal hit a rock.  Blasting through tight and technical rooty sections was super fun on this bike.  Stay loose and off the brakes!  There wasn't a section I couldn't tackle with confidence. 

Being a DH bike, one of my biggest concerns was how the bike would behave on jump type runs (ie. ALine style).  Well, the bike excelled at that too.  Popping off the lips were easy and moving the bike in the air was not as issue as well.  In fact, I had so much confidence going into the jumps that my main problem was overshooting the landing.  The fork did a great job of saving my a$$ on multiple occasions.  

Here are a couple of things to note for anyone interested in a Podium.  

On washboard sections, the rear end stiffens up while braking.  I'm talking super huge brake bumps.  To be honest, I think the Session 88 I rode last year did a better job of smoothing those out (it could also be my suspension set up...).  But just lay off the brakes and you're gold!

Invest in a decent chain stay protector.  I wrapped my chain stay with an old inner tube and it was worn  right through after a day.  I'll try the sticky Velcro method and see how that works.  

Spend time adjusting the suspension.  The Fox RC4 has so many adjustments it really takes some time to get it right.  I still don't think I have it as good as it can get.  I do think the 450lbs spring is a tad on the stiff side for me so I'd like to get a 400lbs to see how that works.  It seems I could run just a bit more sag. 

Final Thoughts:  

I am really happy with this bike.   It's not 100% dialed for me right now but tuning the suspension is part of the game.  There isn't one part of the bike build that I'm unhappy with except the old shifter and derailleur.  But those parts should be replaced by the next Whistler trip this September.  This bike is so good that I almost want a Knolly Delerium to replace my Carbon Nomad.  But I can tell you right now that will not happen....not this year anyways :)

If you have any questions, please ask away! 

Bike Build: Knolly Podium Finished

by A.Tong

The Knolly Podium build is done!  Haven't had a chance to ride the
bike on terrain other than the road outside my house but it feels
great!

First impressions:

The bike sits low and long. Shouldn't be a surprise since it is a new
school DH bike. I'm glad I decided to go with the large frame as the
medium would be just a bit too small (I am 6ft tall).  Just playing
around with he bike it does seem to want to stick to the ground more
so than my Nomad. As you see it, the bike sits at 41.5lbs. Heavier than I thought it
would be but I could drop 2lbs easy just by switching tires.  I love
the Minnion DHF's so unless you have a better idea for a lighter tire,
these are staying!

No one really wants to hear about a parking lot review so I'll skip
right to the pics. I hope to get some real DH time on the Knolly soon so stay tuned for a review.

Trek Dirt Series - A Quick Look

by A.Tong

“Don’t you just get on a pedal”, my co-worker says to me.  While this may be true for the commuter or cyclist who just rides around the city bike paths for fun, turns out that everyone can gain some benefit from taking a course.  

My wife was a pretty good beginner-intermediate rider but mentioned in passing that she’d like to be better at dirt jumps and drops.  Of course I supported her since I love biking myself!  I mentioned to my wife that the Trek Dirt Series was coming to Calgary and that she should consider registering.  I didn’t get too much of a response so I let it go but a few days later she called me and said she was registered.  A few weeks later she attended the course and to say she was absolutely stoked on her progression after day 1 is an understatement.  She came back telling me how great the instructors were and how they progressed step by step through the skills they were learning.  It seemed like she learned a lot but I really noticed it the next time we rode together.  Before the course I had to wait part way down the trail for her but this time, I looked back and she was there the entire time.  That pretty much sold me on registering for the co-ed Trek Dirt Series course in Whistler at the end of the season.  And really, who would turn down a trip to ride DH in Whistler? 

Just like my wife, I learned so much at the course in Whistler.  Friends back home couldn’t believe how much faster I rode just from the 2 day course.  We enjoyed ourselves so much that My wife and I are going to make the trip from Calgary to Whistler for 3 courses this year, 2 of which are put on by the Trek Dirt Series.  If you have the chance to take the Trek Dirt Series course, I highly recommend it.  You will become a better rider, the people there are great, lots of free swag, and its fun!  

I'll be capturing the experience this time on the blog and will hopefully tweet some pictures during the course.  Expect lots of pics and a review late July.  

From Training Wheels to Big Boy Bike

by A.Tong 

I was 8.  My legs looked like a bruised banana, more black and blue than skin tone, but it was all worth it!

Earlier that day, I decided to take my brothers “big boy” bike and learn to ride without training wheels.  I always thought it was so amazing how he could ride the “big boy” bike and not fall over.  Too bad for me dad was at work and couldn’t teach me how to ride like he did with my brother.  It didn’t matter!  I was determined!

I straddled the banana seat on the yellow bike, placed one foot on the pedal, took a deep breath, pushed forward with the other leg and CRASH, down I went!  Bruise number 1, check.  Bruises 2 through 5 didn’t yield anymore progress but I didn’t give up.  On attempt 6, something happened.  The “big boy” bike was rolling a bit without my feet on the ground!  The excitement was exhilarating!  CRASH!  Bruise number 6, check.  But I couldn’t stop trying now!  

At the end of the day and about 40 bruises later, I could ride the “big boy” bike.  My little bike with training wheels was destined for someone else from that day on.  My first memory of true success!

Dear Kickstand

by A. Tong

Dear Kickstand,

To this day I can still remember the pride in putting you on my bike as a kid.  It was like its passage into bikehood.  “From this day on Bike, you’ll be able to stand on your own”!  But alas Kickstand, as time went on you met your fate and was destined for the parts bin, if not the trash.  Your siblings the reflector and cassette shield had a similar fate it seemed.  It’s heartbreaking that something as functional as you was traded in for pure vanity but it’s hard to resist the sleek urban look of a fixie.  No brake or shifter lines to obscure the natural beauty and flow of the bike.  No ugly reflectors to obscure your color combination of choice.  And YOU Kickstand, the biggest offender of all!  Your form is void of any consideration of style whatsoever.  

As I’ve matured, Kickstand, I’ve realized that I miss you.  I have fond memories of us together as kids. We could ride to the corner store without fear of scratching Bike while leaning it against Wall.  Since my hasty decision to rid you from my life, arguments between Bike and Wall are a regular occurrence.  When I see the resulting wounds of dents and scratches on Bike after a fight, those are the times I am reminded of you.  

I hope, Kickstand, we are reunited one day. 

Messenger Bags for the Daily Commuter?

by A. Tong

Since it was Bike to Work Day here in Calgary a few days ago, I thought it would be fitting to show what I use to carry my daily essentials to work.

It seems these days that messenger bags are all the rage.  Not only do you see messengers wearing them but also daily commuters.  So what makes these bags so popular?  Wouldn't carrying all the weight on one shoulder hurt?  I had the same questions so I decided to sew one (I'm pretty handy) and see what the madness was all about!

I tried to make my bag as similar to those used by real messengers (like Timbuk2 and Chrome messenger bags).  At the time this bag was made, I had a hard time sourcing the materials used in real messenger bags so I had to improvise.  I used an outer layer of cotton canvas, a middle layer of a thick vinyl, and an inner layer of cotton just for looks.  I think it turned out pretty darn good and best of all, the durability and strength of the bag has not been an issue.  I have sourced the proper materials since this first bag was made and I am certain the stronger materials would increase the life expectancy of the bag exponentially!

I used this bag, and another I made just like it, on and off for 3 years commuting to and from work.  My commutes were only about 30 minutes long but this bag was extremely comfortable even when hauling a bag full of groceries.  Compared to the backpack I used to wear, the messenger bag is MUCH MORE comfortable.  Keep in mind a good stabilizer strap is essential to comfort.  Probably the best thing about a messenger bag was the convenience!  If I had to make a pit stop and needed something from the bag, I just swung it around my shoulder, grabbed what I needed, and swung it back.  Quick and easy!!!  I highly recommend everyone at least try a messenger bag for their commuting needs.  

Here are a few quick photos of the bag I made. 

Thick shoulder pads help distribute heavy loads.  Quick release seat belt buckle adds some uniqueness!

I embroidered this onto the front of the bag.  It's supposed to be a tree if you can't tell :)  Reflective straps add a bit of safety factor on those late night commutes home. 

Two small accessory pouches and one main compartment make it easy to organize your junk!

Huge main compartment!  Think 2 six packs easy!

Its been a while since I made a bag so now is as good a time as any to make another!  If anyone has some ideas of what to embroider on the front or any other innovative ideas, let me know in the comments section or send me an email!

DIY Headset Press

by A. Tong

Probably one of the tools that is the most difficult to justify for a home bike mechanic is a headset press.  It is rarely used and costs a lot for the amount of times you'll use it.  There are however, other methods of installing a headset.  

The first method I used was the good 'ol wooden block and hammer method.  Make sure the headset is sitting square in the head tube, place the wooden block on the headset and smash away!  I've done it before and it worked fine, but not something I'd want to do with the Knolly build.  

The second way is to make your own headset press.  It's pretty easy but my first try a few years back worked okay.  Basically it was a threaded rod with a few washers and nuts.  It worked to press in some bearings but the washers didn't keep the bearings straight when I started tightening the bolt.  My thought was that the washers had too large an inner diameter allowing the washes to move too much.  Also, with a nut on both ends, it was hard to keep one end from twisting as I tightened the nut.  

Try #2 with a few mods to the headset press.  The main difference this time would be the addition of 2 blocks of wood with a 1/2 inch hole drilled through the middle.  The blocks of wood worked better than just the washers because they stayed perpendicular with the threaded rod.  

Here is what you'll need to make your own press:

two 7 inch bolts, 1/2 inch diameter
1 bolt coupler (long bolt in the picture below)
note: you can use one long threaded rod if you can find one


3 small washers
3 large washers
3 nuts
2 pieces of wood with 1/2 inch holes drilled through

Pieces you'll need to make your own head set press.  Works like a charm!

Here is a pic of the pieces assembled. 

Note the use of 2 nuts on the lower and 1 on the upper bolt.

Here it is finished.  The lower block stays permanently in place help by 2 nuts.  The long nut is the coupler holding the 2 bolts together.  Note the is no nut below the upper block.  This allows the top block to slide towards the lower block as you tighten the upper nut.

And here it is in action!

Ewww!  Mold!  Hold the bottom nut tight and crank of the top. 

When using the tool make sure the headset cup is resting on the stationary wood block.  The sliding block should rest against either the head tube or seated headset cup.  This should pull the headset cup straight into the head tube.  An added bonus of the wood is that it doesn't scratch the headset.  

Did this work for you?  Have an idea on how to make it better?  Put it in the comments below please!

Bike Build: Knolly Podium - Chris King Headset

By A. Tong

The final major piece of the puzzle is here!  What can I say about Chris King other than it's a company that offers super high quality, durable and reliable components!  Chris King pioneered the sealed bearing headset in 1976 and continue to this day to make high end, precision bike components.  I had one on my old Kona for years with no problems.  

For the Knolly Podium build up, I chose purchased a 1.5 to 1-1/8 Chris King Devolution headset in red to match the theme I have going with the bike.  While I always try to support the local bike stores, I have to give props to aspirevelotech.com for their exceptional customer service.  I purchased a 1.5 Chris King headset from them months ago for a different bike build.  I decided in the end to not go with that project and had an unused headset sitting in the package.  A quick email to aspirevelotech.com and a few weeks later they gladly exchanged my existing headset for the one I needed.  Great service guys!   

Chris "Bling" King head set with new Pre Loader to tighten down the top cap.  Looks great and works even better!