Riding in Edmonton - the Fall '09 thread

[JCYC5]

Dana - Let me know when you know about tomorrow's (Friday) night ride time! Hopefully I can catch you guys after work!

[jkirkpatri]

Did two rides this week, the latest was last night. First ride was nothing memorable.

Second ride was a with a friend of mine. He rides a single speed Rocky Mountain 29er so he had to walk uphill on some parts. Basically, we did the same loop that Gord took me on last weekend, except the suicidal river bank run just east of the Kinsmen.

The good - did it all with only two foot dabs. The better - did the super steep climb that is root infested just on the east side of the Walter Dale bridge. Gord, it's the one where Jay made it half way, I think you made it, and I said f that. Anyways, there was a group of 11-13 years olds out with their coach and one 11 year old made it up the hill. I figured if he could do it, then I HAD to do it. So I pedaled hard and you know what? - Those 29er wheels floated me right over the roots. Point and shoot and next thing you know, I'm at the top thinking, That Was Easy.

Later on we ended up in the Mill Creek. Dusk to dark conditions, no lights. Guess what? The other 15 or so riders we met down there had no lights either. It was a freakin' traffic jam in the Creek! Good times, though. Hooked up with a night ride group for about 15 minutes through the ravine. 30-40 year olds. They meet at the Kinsmen at 6:30pm on Thursdays. They said they're open to any drop-ins as they are not an official group or anything. Next Thursday I'm going to ride with them. My Geoman Magicshine helmet mounts should be here tomorrow or early next week so I'm good to go.

Ride was about two hours. Had lots of fun. Still a bit scary for me in some sections, but cleaned almost all of it.

Saturday morning at 7:30am is still on at Terwilliger. PM if you need my friend's address where we'll be leaving from, or you can meet us in the parking lot at 7:45amish.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by jkirkpatri

The better - did the super steep climb that is root infested just on the east side of the Walter Dale bridge. Gord, it's the one where Jay made it half way, I think you made it, and I said f that. Anyways, there was a group of 11-13 years olds out with their coach and one 11 year old made it up the hill. I figured if he could do it, then I HAD to do it. So I pedaled hard and you know what? - Those 29er wheels floated me right over the roots. Point and shoot and next thing you know, I'm at the top thinking, That Was Easy.

My 29er climbs soooo much better than my 26". There are sections I clean without much trouble on my 29er that I get really close to making on my 26" but just can't complete. Hopefully the rebuild parts for my fork get in soon so I can get back on it next weekend (SRAM doesn't know the difference between parts on their 29er forks vs their 26" forks. ) It has been 3 weeks now since I have spun my big wheels!

[jkirkpatri]

What fork is your Merlin running? RVS didn't carry a rebuild kit in stock?

[zadey1234]

Whats with this law on how you get fined for riding a bike on sidewalks downtown? I was going to ride down to the HSBC building for school(ADLC office is in the building) but my mom told me its like a $100-200 fine if your caught...

I'm a little leary about riding on edmonton's roads downtown but I guess I'm going to have to adapt to it.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by jkirkpatri

What fork is your Merlin running? RVS didn't carry a rebuild kit in stock?

My Marin just has a pogo stick, er... Dart3 on it. RVC has a ton of kits for 26" but not 29ers. The distributers are arguing with the guys at RVC that the parts are the same for 26" and 29" fork. Meanwhile, RVC has my 29er cartridge and a 26" fork cartridge in their hands and it is quite clear the 29er cartridge is longer, obviously.
I will probably replace the fork in mid-late 2010 so I really don't need the rebuild as it is only keeping my lock out and rebound control from working. But at the same time, SRAM put out a piss-poor product so I want it fixed on their dime.

[jkirkpatri]

Originally Posted by zadey1234

Whats with this law on how you get fined for riding a bike on sidewalks downtown? I was going to ride down to the HSBC building for school(ADLC office is in the building) but my mom told me its like a $100-200 fine if your caught...

I'm a little leary about riding on edmonton's roads downtown but I guess I'm going to have to adapt to it.

That fine amount sounds about right. For downtown riding, I'd ride on the street given that the speeds the motorists go (especially in rush hour) is not that high. If the courier dudes can do it, so can you!

[jkirkpatri]

Originally Posted by gord962

I will probably replace the fork in mid-late 2010 so I really don't need the rebuild as it is only keeping my lock out and rebound control from working. But at the same time, SRAM put out a piss-poor product so I want it fixed on their dime.

There might be some good clearance sales on 2009 forks online this winter. 2009 REBA would be good. I'd stay away from the 2008 REBAS (currently on sale) from what I read on the forums. But at these prices, it might be best to just get a new bike, obviously a 29er. Maybe do a Hei Hei next year with a trade in on your two bikes to reduce the cost, plus any RVS discount you can swing?

[JCYC5]

You guys are making me want a 29er. I probably will get one next year when I outgrow this hardrock of mine...

[jkirkpatri]

Good choice. Since you're with Specialized already, you could go to their 29er lineup. I'm not sure if United will carry, but they should as the 2010 model lineup has expanded quite a bit.

You should try a Gary Fisher too. Different geometries have a big impact. It's all personal preference. If you want to try a GF, Hardcore on Whyte carries them, as does Mud Sweat and Gears in Sherwood Park and Cranky's in St. Albert.

If you're doing hardtail, I think that 29er is the only way to go. Even my wife who's 5'6" rides a 29er and won't go back to a 26. Lots of info in the 29er forum for you to review this winter if you're serious.

[dana109]

Originally Posted by zadey1234

Whats with this law on how you get fined for riding a bike on sidewalks downtown? I was going to ride down to the HSBC building for school(ADLC office is in the building) but my mom told me its like a $100-200 fine if your caught...

I'm a little leary about riding on edmonton's roads downtown but I guess I'm going to have to adapt to it.

bikes are vehicles.

you should also note that if you drunk and riding your bike on the road you can get a dui since you are operating a vehicle on the road. But if you drunk and riding your bike on the sidewalk you will only get fined for riding on the sidewalk. It's an odd law.

but it's a privilege we don't want to lose. Bikes should be considered vehicles. The only alternative is to not be allowed on roads. Plus if i feel like going fast i can get my bike going 35-40 km/hr and more on a downhill. That isn't safe on the sidewalk.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

You guys are making me want a 29er. I probably will get one next year when I outgrow this hardrock of mine...

If you are wanting to do some research I can send you all the links i have. There is a lot of good information out there but it can be difficult to find.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

You guys are making me want a 29er. I probably will get one next year when I outgrow this hardrock of mine...

I forgot to mention - even though there are a lot of advantages to rolling bigger wheels, there are disadvantages as well. Right now, price is the biggest disadvantage, followed closely by the lack of variety in 29er components. Keep in mind that these are starting to come a bit closer together but it's still a long way apart. For what you get in a 29" bike at a certain price point, you get a LOT more for the same money in a bike with 26" wheels. There is also a bit of reduced handling in tight corners as well as the weight factor, biggest being rotational weight. All that being said, the advantages outweigh the negatives, for me at least...

Looking at the 2010 line ups, the 29er is more than just a fad (but don't try to tell Europe that!) From what I have read lately from the Trek/GF rumour mills, the Trek brand will not be entering the 29er market and the GF brand could be going 100% 29er.

Feedback from Interbike says that the GF Superfly 100 is great, but the Santa Cruz Talboy edged it out as the best FS Carbon 29er at the show.

[JCYC5]

Links would be awesome! Always good to do some reading to know more...

I'd be limited to the bike brands that United carries - why? I get staff price on them! So price isn't the biggest concern at this point...

I don't think UC carries GF? Specialized might be the only way for me to go, and I'd probably be looking at the 2010 Stumpjumper FSR Expert 29.

[jkirkpatri]

Originally Posted by gord962

Looking at the 2010 line ups, the 29er is more than just a fad (but don't try to tell Europe that!) From what I have read lately from the Trek/GF rumour mills, the Trek brand will not be entering the 29er market and the GF brand could be going 100% 29er.

Yep, you'll see GF go solely 29er in a couple of years, I bet. They dropped the 26" HiFi line for 2010 and the Roscoe is next!

I find the rotational weight to be good. It keeps your speed up easier, and "pulls" the bike through the rough stuff. The decrease acceleration over a 26 inch wheel is minimal for a body type like me (240lbs), so I don't notice that at all. Probably the lighter you are, the more you would notice the slower accelaration. Having said that, I don't see too many guys on their bikes drag stripping these days so I think it's all moot anyways.

I prefer aluminum myself, so that rules out the SC Tallboy and Superfly. If I was looking to buy new, I'd try Gary Fisher, Specialized, and Kona, based on the availability here in Edmonton. SC is too expensive with their only option right now - Tall Boy. Between those three brands, I'm sure you could find out enough to tell you if 29er is the way to go, and if so, if you hate/love the Fisher G2 geometry (I love it, but others hate it). I'd probably take Specialized over Kona, but that's just because Specialized has so many 29er options coming out for the 2010 models.

The biggest pain, I think, is wheelsets, forks, and tires. Forks are pretty good - Fox and RS, but Fox is lacking a 20mm option and the Fox 15mm requires different hubs. Tires are not as plentiful in selection, but there's a fair number avaialbe with one member keeping updates on real life weights. All else is equal, shifters are shifters, brakes are brakes, etc. The wheels I'm not familiar with as the Bonti's that came with my bike are good for me so far.

[jkirkpatri]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

I'd be limited to the bike brands that United carries - why? I get staff price on them! So price isn't the biggest concern at this point...

I don't think UC carries GF? Specialized might be the only way for me to go, and I'd probably be looking at the 2010 Stumpjumper FSR Expert 29.

Yep, as a TREK dealer you wont' see GF at United. With the discount, Specialized should be good for you, but I'd still test ride a G2 setup from Fisher!

If your discount is 10% of off retail, you should be able to swing that same deal at other LBS, just as a regular customer (if you try hard enough and pay cash). Just saying is all.

[dana109]

I wouldn't ever buy a bike from united but that's just me. I've never had anyone give me good help or service there.

[jkirkpatri]

United was pretty good, I think, about 5-6 years ago. There was a mechanic there, I think his name was Tim, mustache guy, really nice and sincere. Couple of the sales staff left, the entire service department was overhauled (I think), and yeah, I agree, service there stinks.

Revoluation Cycle also carries Specialized.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by jkirkpatri

There might be some good clearance sales on 2009 forks online this winter. 2009 REBA would be good. I'd stay away from the 2008 REBAS (currently on sale) from what I read on the forums. But at these prices, it might be best to just get a new bike, obviously a 29er. Maybe do a Hei Hei next year with a trade in on your two bikes to reduce the cost, plus any RVS discount you can swing?

That's exactly the fork I have been eyeing up.

The plan is to get into a RM Vertex 29er, but with the prices they came out with for their 2010s I will be waiting another year.

With the pounding I put on my bikes, I need to run two bikes so I have something to ride while the other is in the shop.

[dana109]

i buy things at united because they are a big store and they have sales. But if i ever go i have to be 100% sure of exactly what i want. Because only 1 time have i found a person who knew anything. One time I was looking for an extra strap for a pair of SIDI shoes i bought there a while back and I talked to 4 people before i found someone who had ever heard of SIDI. So i never go there anymore.

They seem to hire a lot of younger high school students who don't know a ton about bikes. I prefer the specialty stores (pedalhead, redbike, hardcore) where all the guys there race and they all know everything about the products they sell.

I guess i should stop slandering united. I'm just had a few bad experiences there.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

Links would be awesome! Always good to do some reading to know more...

I'll try to put some up tonight

Originally Posted by JCYC5

I'd be limited to the bike brands that United carries - why? I get staff price on them! So price isn't the biggest concern at this point...

But you would also get the same discount on a 26" bike, doesn't make the 29er less expensive, comparatively

[gord962]

I'm with you on that one, Dana. It feels like walking into Walmart and asking the kid popping his zits at the electronics counter what the difference is between plasma and LCD TVs.
That's the biggest reason I shop at RVC - they all race, or have raced at one point, and they know their gear that they sell, stand behind it and USE it themselves. They also won't let me buy something that doesn't suit my needs just to make a sale. The stores Dana mentioned are also very good.

[gord962]

[quote=JCYC5]Links would be awesome! Always good to do some reading to know more...QUOTE]

http://www.mtbr.com/29ercrx.aspx

http://twentynineinches.com/

http://singletrack.competitor.com/ge...f-26-hardtail/
http://singletrack.competitor.com/ge...dtail-is-dead/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyIWPB-X49U
http://mountainbike.about.com/od/buy...entyniners.htm
http://www.mountain-bike-world.com/2...ain-bikes.html
http://www.bike29.com/catalog/index.php

Hopefully this will get you started.

[plastictrees]

I went for a nice 3 hour ride today. The river valley looks really beautiful with the fall colours right now. I ended up stumbling upon two bikes with trailers covered in plastic in the middle of one of the trails in kinsmen.. bit of a weird site. Good ride though.

Also, I was wondering if there is anywhere in the city that offers some sort of clinic that teaches you bike maintenance/repairs and isn't too expensive? I don't even know how to change a tube if I get a flat!

[dana109]

i think MEC teaches a basic maintenance course.

Changing a tube is pretty self explanatory though. Empty as much air as you can out of hte tube if it isn't totally flat. Take 1 side of the tire off the rim (although you'll need to get a good set of tire levers). Remove the tube. put a new tube in, and put the tire back on the rim. Then fully inflate to your desired pressure.

[plastictrees]

That sounds easy enough. So I would need a mini bike pump and a tire lever then?

I found this site and they seem to offer weekly basic maintenance courses for only $10 or free with a $30 membership.
http://edmontonbikes.ca/home/index/

[gord962]

A few of the bike shops in town put on basic maintenance clinics during the winter. They cover how to change a tube, adjust fd and rd, truing your wheels, fixing a chain, adjusting brakes and a few other basics.

[gord962]

you would need either a pump or co2. Levers are quite inexpensive and a good idea for the inexperienced.

[JCYC5]

Excited for tomorrow!

[JCYC5]

Gord - Just to confirm, 0900 at tennis courts?

[gord962]

yes 9:00 am it is. There should be 5 of us, by my count.

[JCYC5]

See you there!

[dana109]

I'm real sorry for ditch you guys. We felt bad. There must have been some confusion. I thought you guys had waited for us and when you weren't at the intersection Gord and I thought maybe you started heading back to the vehicles thinking we'd catch you eventually. Then after 10 minutes we didn't see you so we stopped and waited, and I went back and I still didn't see you guys. We didn't know where you guys were so we went back to the cars. We wanted to wait or go back to make sure you were ok but I have a paper due tuesday so I'm really sorry for ditching you guys. I hope you got back safe.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by dana109

I'm real sorry for ditch you guys. We felt bad. There must have been some confusion. I thought you guys had waited for us and when you weren't at the intersection Gord and I thought maybe you started heading back to the vehicles thinking we'd catch you eventually. Then after 10 minutes we didn't see you so we stopped and waited, and I went back and I still didn't see you guys. We didn't know where you guys were so we went back to the cars. We wanted to wait or go back to make sure you were ok but I have a paper due tuesday so I'm really sorry for ditching you guys. I hope you got back safe.

Same here. I feel really bad as there was a miscommunication somewhere. I hope the trip back was safe!

[JCYC5]

Sorry we made you guys wait! We went back to the crossroads and waited there for a while, didn't see you guys so we figured you went back!

Got home perfectly fine!

Thanks for the awesome morning guys! It was so sweet out there! I'm so pumped up right now I could go back and do it all again!

We just feel real bad about making you guys wait for us so often!

[Psycho Mike]

Well, I rode down to the School of Cross yesterday...first tme I ever saw a Cx race. Interesting, very interesting.

I hope everyone had good rides this weekend...starting to get *that* chill in the air.

[JCYC5]

Sore all over!

Did a nice over-the-handle bar kinda flip

[gord962]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

Sorry we made you guys wait! We went back to the crossroads and waited there for a while, didn't see you guys so we figured you went back!

Got home perfectly fine!

Thanks for the awesome morning guys! It was so sweet out there! I'm so pumped up right now I could go back and do it all again!

We just feel real bad about making you guys wait for us so often!

Did you do the loop ALL the way back??

Glad to hear you made it back okay and that you had a good ride. We had no idea if you were ahead or behind us with all the trips we made doing trails the other direction. I though you were waiting for us and when we got back to where we doubled back and you weren't there we thought you headed back to get a head start on us. Our fault. Sorry!!

[JCYC5]

We were waiting for a while where we had waited the first time while you guys went off on the trail that we can in on! (Whoa, that was a mouthful)!

Rode back the way we came - felt great that I was able to climb that steep bit that I flipped over on!

I still have a huge smile on my face. Thanks again for the awesome morning Gord and Dana!

[sherijumper]

Had some time so I thought I would "log in" . I`m in Grand Junction now , we rode Vail , Glenwood (scout trail...............unbelievable) and Grand Junction . The trails in Grand Junction are unbelievable as well , riding through desert type terrain with razorback rocks and some scary insane drops ( thank god I brought the mojo) . Today we are going to Fruita , tomorrow Moab , we might hit Aspen on our way back to Denver . I have lots of pictures but I know they won`t do this place justice .

I know this word is overused but this place is epic ...............Cheers

[jkirkpatri]

Saturday morning's ride was great. About 2.5 hours in Terwilleger and close to 38km when we were all done. Thanks to Gord for showing us all the stuff we've missed on prior outings. The highlight was definately the bowl jumps.

Next Saturday is scheduled to start at 7:15am. Anybody interested PM and I'll pass along the address of where we depart from.

[jkirkpatri]

[quote=JCYC5]Rode back the way we came - felt great that I was able to climb that steep bit that I flipped over on![quote]

That's cool that you had an OTB experience and were able to shake it off! It's always cool when you get airborne (without the bike) and can laugh it off. Too bad I had to miss out.

[plastictrees]

I miss the nice weather now Windy and cold! Bleh.

I biked over to that place that offers maintenance classes, but was unable to find it, did a couple loops around the entire block too.

I think I am just going to try and teach myself based off youtube videos/ whatever else I find on the net. I have an old cheap walmart bike that I am going to start screwing around with and then will do some stuff with my own bike once I am a little more comfortable. Anyone know what sort of tools I will need? Will I be fine with just the normal everyday type tools or are there some bike specific tools I might need?

[jkirkpatri]

Not sure about the tools, but if you're talking about the Edmonton Commuter bike club thing for the fre classes, it's just off Whtye but down a back alley. There's no visible entrance from the street, you actually have to go down the back alley.

RVS has some winter courses that Scott runs (I think that's his name). I did it last year and I thought it was pretty good.

If it was me, I'd just youtube it given that you already have the donor bike to play with.

[plastictrees]

Yeah it was the Edmonton Bike Commuter thing, I went down to where it said and through the back alleys but couldn't find anything. The last class is tommorow and I have a long day of classes tommorow as well, so I think I might just pass over it. I'm trying to adjust my brakes right now based off a youtube vid, wish me luck!

And what does RVS stand for?

[jkirkpatri]

RVS = River Valley Cycle. You'll be fine with Youtube

[plastictrees]

Well that went fairly well! I ended up adjusting the v-brakes on my mountain bike instead of on the walmart bike, because I have been having some problems with them rubbing the wheel. I pretty much took the entire brakes apart and back together and had gotten some of it away, but it was still there, so I had to reduce the tension on the cable and now it is gone. I have less braking power, but it is my back wheel and I think I was braking too hard on the back anyways, so I figure it will be ok. Also re-centered the brakes as well.

You can do pretty much all the brake stuff with just one of those tiny key wrenches too, I think I will start carrying one with me now.

The river valley cycle class is $45, a little steep for me after paying tuition haha. But if I have trouble with something I might do it. Youtube seems to be pretty good so far.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by jkirkpatri

RVS = River Valley Cycle. You'll be fine with Youtube

s/b RVC

[JCYC5]

Any plans for next Sunday, Gord/Dana?

It'd be sweet if you guys were heading somewhere, show us the trails... but you should then just go off and do it at your own pace! The Jeffs (hahaha!) feel terrible for making you guys wait for us like that!

[jkirkpatri]

Originally Posted by gord962

s/b RVC

D'oh!

[dana109]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

Any plans for next Sunday, Gord/Dana?

It'd be sweet if you guys were heading somewhere, show us the trails... but you should then just go off and do it at your own pace! The Jeffs (hahaha!) feel terrible for making you guys wait for us like that!

sorry I'm riding in Jasper next weekend

[jkirkpatri]

Did a night ride Sunday night with my two Magicshines. One Magicshine is not enough. The lights are great, but I think that with two of them going, you'll get a true 1,000+ lumen output. I ran the one light for a bit and it's doable, but I felt much better running two of them at the same time.

Both lights were bar mounted as helmet mounts have not come in yet. I think the best setup, and likely overkill, is two of these lights on the bar and one on the helmet. To that end, I've got four more lights ordered with Geoman for a full 3 light per person system for myself and whomever I ride with.

Hopefully the lights come in quick!

[JCYC5]

You crazy man. I have just one magicshine!

[jkirkpatri]

yeah, it's overkill, but I'll be pretty neat! You should have seen all the kids in the ravine Sunday night. They all had the deer in the healight look when I went riding by!

If three is too much, then at least I'll have enough lights for three riders for future rides, this year and beyond. Plus I'm doing the 24 hours of adrenaline next year and I remember my night laps the last time I did that race. I'll be using three lights on that course for sure!

[gord962]

My current plan for the Sunday ride is to start at the Kinsmen tennis courts, do the west end of the Canada Cup course, take the ST along the river to Old Timers Cabin and Treasure Island. From there we will ride some ST over to Ewok, hit the DH/slalom trail and dirt jump park, head over to Mill Creek to get the primo ST there and then work our way back through the east side of the Canada Cup course.

Start time is 9:00am. If you show up late, hang out there as we will be looping past it around 9:15 or so. Anyone interested?

[jkirkpatri]

I'm in. The only way I won't show is if it's raining hard. Edit: forecast is for slight showers, but I'm guessing that'll be later on in the afternoon.

[JCYC5]

Gord - Is that the crazy trails that you and Dana were talking about?

If so... Jeff and I may well just head back over to Ft. Sask and keep hitting those trails until we get good enough to not slow you guys down too much!

[Psycho Mike]

Originally Posted by jkirkpatri

yeah, it's overkill, but I'll be pretty neat! You should have seen all the kids in the ravine Sunday night. They all had the deer in the healight look when I went riding by!

If three is too much, then at least I'll have enough lights for three riders for future rides, this year and beyond. Plus I'm doing the 24 hours of adrenaline next year and I remember my night laps the last time I did that race. I'll be using three lights on that course for sure!

Hehehe...welcome to my world I started off with 2x15W halogens and Sixty-Fiver thought I was bright. I've since done a DIY LED for the bars (based on parts available on-line and from folks here at the DIY forum) that does a minimum 825 Lm and I still have a 15W on the helmet. All said, probably I'm throwing ~1200 lm into the dark. I'm considering a Magicshine up there when Geoman gets some of the helmet versions in

The last time I did a night ride through Terwillegar, I stopped and tried not to blind some dog-walkers. I got the comment from one that they thought I was a train but they didn't know where the tracks were!

It's fun being able to bomb stuff at night at full-on day speed, ain't it

[Psycho Mike]

Sorry guys, Sunday rides just don't work for me Have fun, though.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by Psycho Mike

Sorry guys, Sunday rides just don't work for me Have fun, though.

Mike, if the Saturday morning ride works better you are more than welcome to throw your bike on with me - I am in Mill Woods as well. PM me if you are interested...

[gord962]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

Gord - Is that the crazy trails that you and Dana were talking about?

If so... Jeff and I may well just head back over to Ft. Sask and keep hitting those trails until we get good enough to not slow you guys down too much!

Yes they are but come on out anyway - we'll show you some trails where you can work on your skills in the city rather than drive all the way to Ft Sk. You probably won't want to try everything, but I will let you know how to go around areas and where to meet back up with us.

[dana109]

I'm going to be in jasper on sunday so i won't be there but you should go and try it. I just lent my bike to my dad (and I rode my old hardtail) and took him around the canada cup course. He walked a few sections but it wasn't anything totally crazy. It's tough, but it isn't too crazy. You should try it.

[JCYC5]

I'm in! Don't know if the other Jeff can though, he'll try make it!

I'm still sore from Sun! Not just muscles and where I landed on my numerous spills, but rather when I got in my saddle...some... *softer* bits. Ouch.

[jkirkpatri]

Originally Posted by Psycho Mike

...It's fun being able to bomb stuff at night at full-on day speed, ain't it

You said it! These little lights are pretty cool. I'm not sure how long it'll be before my other order comes in, but hopefully not too long. Once I get everthing setup, I'll definitely be doing a three light system.

[jkirkpatri]

Originally Posted by Psycho Mike

Sorry guys, Sunday rides just don't work for me Have fun, though.

What about Saturday, or is that too early? I know the wife thinks I'm crazy getting up that early!

[Excel]

For anyone on here following the U of A Club trip, I am canceling the UAOC Jasper MTB trip because of the miserable weather predicted for the weekend. I can definitely see the hardpack dirt in Jasper taking a pounding if I take 10 people out there, along with miserable camping conditions.

However, I'm going to run a group to Terwillegar instead (beginner/intermediate) for anyone interested.

We are meeting at 10:00am Saturday in Quad on Campus, and will ride most of the day. Out to Terwillegar > Singletrack> Back to Campus!

I might go to Ft. Sask on Sunday after the MEC Gear Swap, too.

Cheers!

[jkirkpatri]

What time is the MEC swap?

[gord962]

Originally Posted by jkirkpatri

What time is the MEC swap?

Oct 4, 9:00am to 12:00pm

[Excel]

I'm going to try and sell a freeride/trail hardtail, some tires, and wheels at the gear swap. It's the source of the best and craziest deals on gear in Edmonton if you get there early enough.

[jkirkpatri]

Ohhh...bad timing.

[JCYC5]

Excel, if you come across any nice Time XS Carbons or better for a good price (Let's say less than half of retail), could you pick them up for me pleaseee?

[Excel]

If they are ridiculously cheap I will probably pick them up myself, since I run TIME

[JCYC5]

Darn! Oh well!

I'm running some Wellgo pedals, one side is platform and one is clip. Getting annoying to "find" the clip side and get clipped in!

[plastictrees]

This site rocks for doing maintenance/repairs on your own
http://bicycletutor.com/

I ended up finding out what is wrong with my rear wheel, it isn't properly trued and that is why it's rubbing the brakes. Not sure if I will try that myself or send it in.

I also readjusted my front and rear derailleurs, the rear one was easy but the front one ended up being super frustrating. Manged to get it eventually!

I wish I knew this stuff when I started out, I did a ton of damage to my bike by not properly maintaing it.

Anyone know where I can buy a shimano 8 speed IG chain? I also need some chain lube, light oil and grease. On a budget so price is definently a factor.

Would I just be better off buying off of Amazon?

[gord962]

Check MEC - they are usually the best price in town unless someone has a sale going on.

[plastictrees]

Originally Posted by gord962

Check MEC - they are usually the best price in town unless someone has a sale going on.

Will do. I don't have a membership, but it is only $5. Also, what is this MEC parts swap thingy?

[dana109]

a bottle of lube doesn't cost much and it's key. i lube my chain before almost every ride.

buy dry lube. only use wet lube if you are going out and it's been pouring for the last few days.

[plastictrees]

Yeah I really destroyed my chain by not using lube, and my chainring/cassette is starting to wear out because of it as well. Not going to ride my bike again till I replace the chain and get some lube.

[JCYC5]

Whats the easiest way to clean horribly dirty chains and cassettes? How well does that Park chain cleaner tool work? Thinking of picking it up when I go to work tomorrow

[jkirkpatri]

JCYC5 - go to MEC and get MEC's generic chain cleaner tool. It looks the same as Park's and it works just as well. It's like $7, plus your MEC membership of $5.

It works very well. It's a great tool to have. While you're at MEC, pick up one of those green 4 litre degreasers. This is what you'd use in the chain cleaner, and it's a great all around degreaser, especially for the price.

Did a night ride last night in Mill Creek and up past Hawerlak where Keiler Road bit it a few years ago. Only used one of my lights and although it was good for almost all the riding ,the single track in Mill Creek almost spilled me over a couple of times for lack of more light power. Now that I've done my testing, a single Magicshine is okay and perfect for casual trail riding, but any twisty wood stuff requires two lights for me.

[gord962]

That's good to know as I got my Magicshine light in yesterday. I just put an order in for another light + hemet mount, which should be enough light for me on the trails.

[Excel]

I used the generic MEC chain cleaning tools when I volunteered at ECOS Bike Library, and I have a Park chain cleaner of my own. I was never a fan of the MEC ones - I love the Park. The MEC brushes wear out quite fast compared to the Park ones. Buy a Park if you can find it on sale.

However, many of the Filzer tools are quite good for the price. I have a Filzer spoke wrench (black), ISIS crank puller, multiple bottom bracket tools, chain tool, chainring bolt tool, and torx allen key. All are great tools, especially the spoke wrench.

[jkirkpatri]

Just got back from MEC - $5.50 for the chain cleaner tool.

[sherijumper]

Sitting at my friends computer now , rode Marys loop in Fruita today , we combined a couple other loops with marys which made it pretty long . Some of the exposure here is freaky . Your riding next to cliffs that are around 150 feet high , so needless to say keep your eyes on the trail ! Rode Moab slickrock yesterday and was surprised on how hard it was , I thought it was a fairly easy tourist trail , not quite We wanted to ride more Moab but the weather was horrible 75+km winds , plus rain in the higher areas . ....................Damn , wanted to run porcupine rim.............. oh well !

Tomorrow more Grand Junction rippin , Holy Cross , Lunch loop and others (theres so many) Comparing these trails to Jasper , Banff areas is hard . Jasper will always be my favorite .Dana make sure you hit the Overlander this weekend , it`s amazing ! Valley of the 5 via Old Fort Point is a no brainer must do as well !

Looking forward to a group ride possibly next weekend ! Ft Sk ?

[Excel]

Originally Posted by sherijumper

Sitting at my friends computer now , rode Marys loop in Fruita today , we combined a couple other loops with marys which made it pretty long . Some of the exposure here is freaky . Your riding next to cliffs that are around 150 feet high , so needless to say keep your eyes on the trail ! Rode Moab slickrock yesterday and was surprised on how hard it was , I thought it was a fairly easy tourist trail , not quite We wanted to ride more Moab but the weather was horrible 75+km winds , plus rain in the higher areas . ....................Damn , wanted to run porcupine rim.............. oh well !

Tomorrow more Grand Junction rippin , Holy Cross , Lunch loop and others (theres so many) Comparing these trails to Jasper , Banff areas is hard . Jasper will always be my favorite .Dana make sure you hit the Overlander this weekend , it`s amazing ! Valley of the 5 via Old Fort Point is a no brainer must do as well !

Looking forward to a group ride possibly next weekend ! Ft Sk ?

What are you saying? Are Jasper and Banff harder than the trails down there?

Overlander is an awesome trail. Try to combine it with Athabasca River trail (if you start in town) for a great ride. You can do it as a out-and-back.

Valley of the Five + Wabasso is equally awesome. Do it as a full out and back (starting from town is the best way), but DON'T go over the top to the highway parking lot at Wabasso Lake. Just turn around and enjoy the flow on the way back. I've never ridden better flowing singletrack than the section back from Wabasso towards town.

[jkirkpatri]

Tomorrow's Terwillerger ride leaves at 7:30am instead of 7:15am. I'm looking out my window here at work and it's still dark at 7:17am.

[sherijumper]

Originally Posted by Excel

What are you saying? Are Jasper and Banff harder than the trails down there?

I`d say the trails here are alot harder , there are many spots where we hiked a bike . The skill level of some of the guys who live here blow me away !

What I meant was what Iiked better . I think I`ll still prefer our mountains , by a slim margin though .

[lduerksen]

I was also just in moab and fruita last week...the whole enchilada was the best trail we did. but we had to start at hazard county because burro pass was to wet. 25 miles of sweet singletrack...slickrock was also really good.

[dana109]

what sort of tires do you use down there? It seems if most of the riding is on rock you wouldn't want really knobby tires like nevegals.

[sherijumper]

Originally Posted by dana109

what sort of tires do you use down there? It seems if most of the riding is on rock you wouldn't want really knobby tires like nevegals.

Been doing fine on my schwalbe racing ralphs , big thing here is to go tubeless and wide , rode with a guy on marys loop who had two pinch flats . I took my I9s off the new hardtail and threw them on the mojo and am glad I did .

[JCYC5]

What a horrible day it is to be stuck in my office!

Gord - how many do we have for Sunday right now?

[jkirkpatri]

I'm in for Sunday and possibly my co-worker.

[gord962]

Originally Posted by JCYC5

What a horrible day it is to be stuck in my office!

Gord - how many do we have for Sunday right now?

Not too sure as I haven't been keeping track. If I think about it a bit, we now have 3 from the board plus a guest each for a possible total of 6 - me + 1, JCYC5 + 1, jkirkpatri + 1.

[dana109]

I'm going on a night right tonight. If you have a light set and want to ride tonight we are meeting at 8 pm at redbike.

[gord962]

Just confirmed 1 more rider for Sunday!

[Psycho Mike]

Where did you guys go? I ride up from Millwoods and had some fun in Mill Creek, Connors Hill, trails near the Cloverbar bridge and low level bridge. My first serious torture test of the DIY light. Hehehe...had to keep it on setting 3 (~700mA) so I didn't drown out my helmet light Setting 5 (1A) is freakin' bright!!!!

[dana109]

crap it looks like there was a big snow dump in jasper. I am supposed to go tomorrow.

[JCYC5]

The course is hard enough without rain and mud... don't think Jeff and I will be able to handle a challenging course in bad conditions! Count us out this time... have fun though Gord + company!

[gord962]

I think I am going to bail today as well.

[jkirkpatri]

Yeah, it's pure crap out there. Next time. I'm out for today too.