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!

 

Calgary Bike to Work Day 2011 - Recap

by A. Tong

Bike to work day in Calgary for 2011 has come and gone.  As a participant, I would say it was a great success!  "Bike doctors" at the energy pit stops were busy fixing issues commuters had while others at the stops were handing out freebies like fruit, water bottles, and patch kits!  I stopped by the tent set up by Ridley's Cycle to snap some photos.  I don't think you'd see a happier bunch of people at 7:00am in the morning, especially compared to many of the drones that march onto the bus headed for downtown every morning .  I got some shots and continued on my way to the free breakfast at Eau Claire Market.  As I approached the event I could hear some live music!  Round the corner and I saw a large group of cyclists gathering around the event area!  Along with the free breakfast, free coffee was provided by Starbucks, Twitter followers of @Bike2WorkDayYYC had a chance to win a free commuter bike provided by BikeBike, and a table with free patch kits were just some of the things going during the event.  

The best part of the day was the sightings of people who were on their bikes who don't regularly commute.  After all, isn't that the whole point of the event, to get more people biking to work?  Hopefully a few of them will realize how easy and fun it is to continue the commute!

Thanks to the organizers for putting on a great event!  You can see a link to the event sponsors here.  

Here are a bunch of pics I snapped to capture the day!

Freebies being given out at the Ridley's Cycle pit stop tent. 

Ridley's Cycle Bike Doctor looking over a bike.

Bike Doctor from Bow Cycle working away!

Live music at the FREE breakfast event! 

Nothing like a free hot coffee from Starbucks on a cool morning commute!

Line up for the free breakfast  She looks happy!

Pics submitted to Twitter followers of @Bike2WorkDayYYC had a chance to win a bike. 

Come on, more free stuff?  Why wouldn't you participate?

Bikes of all kinds! 

My Surly Cross Check commuter.  Woops, looks like that front brake cable is a tad long.

I think she needs a basket on the front.  Maybe like an old wood crate?  What do you think?

Bike down!  Bike down!  Wait a minute, that's mine.  I need a kickstand!

Calgary Bike to Work Day - May 6, 2011

by A. Tong

May 6, 2011 is Bike to Work day in Calgary Alberta!  If you haven't ridden your bike yet this season this is a great day to start!  This event is put on annually to encourage the thousands of Calgarians who commute daily into downtown to consider a healthier and greener method, a BIKE!  Calgary has an extensive pathway system that can take you from one end of the city to the other.  No more excuses!  Time to make use of our bike paths folks!

"Energy Pit Stop" stations will be set up around downtown Calgary offering free tune ups, information, snacks, and other give aways!  There will also be a free breakfast at the Eau Claire Market!

Don't miss out!  Commuting by bike is simple, fun, and a good way to get your exercise.

Bike Build: Knolly Podium - Drivetrain

by A. Tong

Time for an update on the build. 

When I was planning this build I had all intentions to reuse my existing crank set, bottom bracket, shifter, and rear derailleur.  Well, turns out the Truvativ Gigabite BB just didn't fit right.  It is supposed to be compatible with the 83mm bottom bracket shell but the spindle was off center.  Luckily for me, the shop that sold me my Knolly Podium frame was able to give me a great deal on some cranks.  Enter the e*thirteen DH cranks! 

This crank set is something else.  Super sweet matte black crank arms with the e*thirteen in glossy black.  The most outstanding feature for me on this crank set is the polygon interface between the crank arm and spindle.  This should provide a nice stiff interface with the bike!  I tend to hate proprietary parts and was cringing at the fact I'd have to buy another bottom bracket tool but thankfully, e*thirteen includes a tool to install the bottom bracket cups. 

While I was on the e*thirteen train I thought I'd pick up their LG1 ISCG 05 chainguide.  My wife runs this on her Norco DH with no problems so it was an easy choice for me.  I chose to go with the 36-40T model in the event I need to add a larger chainring in the future.

Speaking of chainrings, I decide on going with Chromag.  Chromag CNC machines the 7075 aluminum chainrings with a taller profile to help prevent dropped chains.  But to be honest, I love their OSX bars and adding a bit more Chromag bling doesn't hurt!

Here are some pics.  Unfortunately I didn't get pics of the parts separately but I'll be sure to take some more detailed photos from now on.  

Here are the parts playing nicely together.  Sorry e*thirteen for the upside down crank.  I'll do better next time. 

36 tooth red Chromag chainring mated to e*thirteen DH crank.  A think of beauty if I do say so myself!

A shot of the everything together!

On the bike and ready for some pedals!

Fortunately for the budget, the Shimano XT shifter and rear derailleur from my old 2004 Kona Coiler Deelux still work OK so I'll use those for the time being.  The spring in the derailleur is a bit weak after 7 years of service but for the limited shifting I need it to do, I'll give it a go. 

Just waiting on the headset which should be here in the next few days.  Once it's on, I'll snap some pics and give a parking lot review!