Trek Remedy Components (Part 2)

The Elixir R sacrifices a carbon lever blade, and pad contact adjustment and an adjustable banjo fitting, to deliver top-notch performance.

At the heart of the new Elixir design is Avid’s new Taperbore technology. The Taperbore design eliminates the need for an independent reservoir. The reservoir is integrated into the piston assembly which immediately shaves weight over the Juicy series lever and accounts for the sleek body shape of the Elixir levers. An adjusted pivot location on the lever brings further refinement, providing less initial braking power and more modulation in the stroke. Avid also thought to incorporate a tool-free reach adjustment, so moving the lever to fit all hand sizes can be done on the fly.
The Avid Elixir R Disc Brake's stopping power is increased due to a stiffer two piece caliper. This combined with larger pistons and pads make the stopping power of the Elixir fall midway between Juicy and Code. Further, the pads are top-loading which makes changing pads a snap. Because of this, the Elixir has its own specific pad, and Juicy pads are not compatible.


To complete the new design, the Elixir series gets Avid's new rotor, the G3 Cleansweep. The G3 has varying sizes and shapes of cut outs for a more consistent feeling braking surface and vastly improved heat dissipation. The G3 also sheds 10g over the Clean Sweep rotor design.

The Avid Elixir R disc brake weighs 375g for a complete Post Mount front brake system with 160mm rotor.

Race in Catalunya (This Weekend)

Raid La Pineda Platja is the oldest of the Spanish adventure races having been run every year since 1999 and this year the 2 day race takes place from April 24th to 25th.

The race is Free for international racers. I wish I had known earlier I would have loved to race in this great country.

http://www.sleepmonsters.ie/news.php?article_id=3747

Also just to mention my Race report was published by the Sleepmonsters Adventure race site!!!

http://www.sleepmonsters.ie/racereport.php?page_action=rep&race_id=7948&article_id=6498

Trek Remedy Components (Part 1)

The Future is E2.
A tapered head tube and steerer tube system. E2 allows the lightweight benefits of a traditional 1 1/8" with the stiffness of a 1.5". By tapering from a 1 1/2" lower bearing to a 1 1/8" upper bearing, E2 allows the lightweight benefits of a traditional 1 1/8� with the stiffness of a 1.5", to give better high-speed stability, more precise steering and more control in all situations.

How it works.
The fork of a bike is like a lever. Trail obstacles seek to push and twist that lever far away from where it attaches to the bike. E2 puts more material at the lower race, where it matters most. Its internally and externally tapered frame and fork technology increases strength and stiffness over a 1 1/8" system by 27%, while reducing the headset and stem weight over a 1 1/2" system by more than half a pound. In addition, E2's integrated headset provides a lower center of gravity and a more comfortable bike.

Active Suspension Under Braking
ABP is a revolutionary, patent-pending technology found on every Fuel EX from the EX 7 and above. ABP offers better, more effective braking, resulting in higher speed and more control. Unlike most rear suspension systems that are compromised with the brakes applied (causing braking to interfere with suspension activation), bikes with ABP allow the suspension to remain active while braking



How it works.
Every suspension system is a complex geometric design. The quality of a bike's braking, pedaling and suspension can change as the system moves through its travel. While most bikes stiffen under braking, ABP effectively separates brake effect from suspension activation, allowing the most active suspension under braking.

What it does for you.
Take a ride over rough terrain, with stutter bumps or anything requiring braking and feel the difference of ABP:

• Better braking
• Better suspension performance
• Stiffer design
• Faster speed
• More control

Wicklow Adventure Race (Ireland) 17th April

Race Morning

5:45am alarm went off and I went for a continental breakfast. Alpen with milk to start. Toast and wheaten bread with marmalade. Washed down with orange juice. The weather was amazing clear blue skies and a light breeze. The setting for this race was amazing. Glendalough(Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning "Glen of Two Lakes") is a Glacial valley in the heart of Co Wicklow. Renowned for its early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th centure by St Kevin, a hermit Priest, and destroyed in 1398 by English troops. The upper lake car park was the starting point just a mile from the Glendalough Hotel where we stayed. I got my gear and we walked the mile up to the upper lake car park. Atmosphere was building and a cheer went up for the 8:15 wave. I checked the bike and got ready on the start line for my 8:30 start wave.

Spink Mountain Run

Distance: 8.6km

Meters Climbed: 575m

We lined up and got a race briefing then got the call to start. Spink mountain run was first a brief start on a winding uphill path getting steeper the further up we climbed. We took a right turn and the steps started. An amazing path made from railway sleepers. Two laid side by side facing up the mountain. The run slowed and then stopped when we got into the steeper steps. With a full day of racing ahead walking fast rather than running the steps stopped burning out to soon. The steps went on for a long time but the craic was good and took our thoughts of the climb. When we emerged from the forest the views were stunning. This felt like the top but we still had a lot of work to do. Another steep climb of steps before the trail started to descend. Two Deer bounding across the mountain and skipped across the trail in front of us. They passed over the heather with speed and precision I could only dream of. If I could run like these deer the run would have been a lot easier. First check point and the railway sleepers made way for a rocky path. This twisted down the valley to the side of the lake. The rough path changed to a gravel track on the descent back to TA1. A quick change of shoes and on to the bike.

Cycle to Lough Dan

Distance: 15km
Meters climbed: 165m

We cycled through Glendalough and Laragh. This was the first time on the road bike since august last year. What a difference it was to the mountain bike. Feet and knees close together and the pedalling felt so different. I just thought pedal and stop thinking about the lack of preparation. I got into a rhythm and was going well until a large white dog along the road jumped at me. I really thought he was going for my leg, a snap but thankfully no contact was made. I was thinking just how bad it would have been if the dog had got my leg. Thankfully no bite and I got a great feeling when I seen my partner Marga cheer me on from the next village. Even with this boost I could feel the legs tightening. I tried to get into a rhythm that prevented cramp at this early stage. The more I got on the toes the better I felt. We turned off the main busy road and started a climb on a rough country lane. I was joined on this part of the cycle by two lads Rob and Dave. I had remember chatting with Rob on the first climb and the company was welcomed. We pushed on then took a left for a welcoming descent to Lough Dan. I got into a tuck and resisted temptation to brake. It was the right choice as there wasn't any major corners. A very bumpy road but I enjoyed passing others a little less confident on the descents. I got to TA2 changed the shoes and made the short run to the Lough.

Kayak Lough Dan
Distance: 2km

Lifejacket on and ready to paddle. Only one problem there was no one else to pair up with. I could see others approach but they all where running in pairs and I was left waiting. A long wait watching others set off when eventually a fellow competitor grabbed the kayak and we were both out on the Lough. We got into a rhythm and paddled out around the first buoy. We got into a good rhythm and the paddle went by in a flash. On the run back to TA2 I got a water bottle filled. Was I drinking too much or too little I didn't know. I took a gel and hoped it would help.

Cycle to Lough Tay viewing point. (CAT1 climb)

Distance: 8km

Meters climbed: 284m

I quickly changed the wet socks before I mounted the bike for the big climb back up the road I had such fun on descending. A long pull up the hill took it's toll on my legs. I took terrible cramp in my calves. I tried to ride it off but the fear of coming of the bike while in the spd's made me stop. I stretched and pulled my toes but every time I tried to step into the pedals I would cramp. I heard a voice behind Rob and Dave encouraging me onto the bike again and with a lot of effort I got back into the pedals. With cramping legs I battled on best I could. Eventually I caught up with the fellas and the chatting took my mind off the sore legs. Switching between water and powder lucozade sport bottles. I had made it before the start but the more of it I drank the worse my stomach felt. I stuck to the water from here on. The chatting stopped as we hit the CAT1 climb. As I started to climb my legs felt better the more I got on my toes. Perfect for climbing and a big relief for me. As I looked up I could see many competitors get off and walk. Cheesy as it sounds I thought of Lance Armstrong’s books. I got my head down and started passing the guys who opted to walk, to my shock I was also passing others pedalling. I topped the climb and kept pushing to TA3.

Djouce Mountain Run
Distance: 9.5km

Meters climbed: 450m

I changed into my trail shoes and started the run into ballinastoe wood. Cramp cramp cramp! I started to walk but a competitor passing spurred me on get up on the toes and run it off. It worked and slowly I got into a jog. A familiar voice behind was Barry the savage Sullivan a mate from work. Barry had started 15 mins behind me so was going really well to have made up this time. He passed me as I struggled to run. When I met Rob from earlier we ran together for a bit. I was looking around me more in this wood as it has single track mountain bike trails. I will be back some day I thought in less demanding circumstances. Out of the forest and onto djouce mountain climb. A trail took us up the mountain but with a steep incline I was back to walking pace. When we reached the top it was back to a swift jog. The railway sleepers showed the way and another amazing trail across the mountain. The trail was busy with walkers. I thanked anyone that stepped of the sleepers to make way for us. When I jumped off to pass others the ground was wet and I lost a shoe twice. Annoying thing was I wasn't getting the courtesy I was giving back. I choose to forget about people like this. I didn't have right of way and nor did they but it's not hard to say thanks. As we reached TA3 again I got a drink and changed shoes for the last time.

Cycle over Sally Gap to the Finish

Distance: 29km
Meters climbed: 114m
Meters descended: 438m

Onto the bike and pedalling hard downhill this was a very fast section. The road was a busy with tourists and other fellow cyclists. A sharp corner right and a sharp corner left I had chosen to take it not braking. First corner was fine knee out Rossi style. On the second corner right on the apex I saw a pothole. I swerved to avoid it but it took me very wide. Thankfully I was in control and missed the on coming car that was on my side of the road. The last big climb up to sallygap and the check point. It was nice to see a few cyclists that had passed us stop on the gap to cheer us over. Someone told me it was all down hill from sally gap. This wasnt exactly true and pedalling hard I soon found that out. When I hit a small climb my legs started cramping. A guy who was passing shouted a few words of encouragement and I got on the toes to get rid of the cramp. Later up the road he was stopped. I shouted if he was ok and he said it was his chain and to keep going. As I looked back I saw him get back on the bike and pedalling hard to catch up. Turned out it was Ronan a friend of Barry’s. The road was mostly downhill with one really fast section. I was off the brakes all the way down. A few heart in mouth moments on loose gravel but I could feel the end was near. Seeing Laragh village was a welcome sight. The Garda and marshals give us a clear road at each junction waving us through. A familiar face on the road to home was Ken from the kayak. We both pedalled hard back through Glendalough talking about food the whole way. Into TA1 again racked the bike and ran to the line. Cheers and claps from people on the finish line was a nice way to finish.

Mad dogs, Cramps nor a CAT1 climb could stop me. What a day! 73 km in 05hours 18mins. Tired, sore but happy and delighted to finish strong.

Course Map

Big Thanks to:
Paul and Brian for organising the event. The Marshalls and the Garda for keeping the biking safe and enjoyable. Also all the other competitors for the craic and banter that kept me going.

Thanks to Marga for coming down getting up early and cheering me on.

Així si!!

Ahir lo que d'entrada semblava que seria per la meva part una pedalada solitària es va transformar en una “tribal” perquè vaig coincidir tot pujant al Parc Forestal de Mataró amb un grup de bikers, alguns de coneguts pro que feia molt de temps que no ens veiem, i es clar tot xerra que xerra i sense adonar-me gaire jo ja formava part de la comitiva.. total 14 genets!
Els que em coneixen ja saben com penso: d'entrada a mi no m'agrada gaire anar per la muntanya amb grups molt nombrosos, pro lo d'ahir va ser una excepció perquè: Quin saber estar, quin saber funcionar amb grup, dona goig veure com als encreuaments sempre tenies un company fent guàrdia i esperant als que venien al darrera, el guia de tant en tant fent re-agrupaments per no perdre ningú, tot empalmant corriols i corriols.. amb molt de respecte per l'entorn i per els altres usuaris que aniríem trobant pel camí... així si! gracies companys!

Molt de VPP , Santa Cruz, Inverse, Lapierre...


Pro la “maquina total” va ésser aquesta:

Pedalant.

Un manillar Truvativ Stylo de 700 mm. amb 10º de retrocés 31,8 mm. sí, sí, 700 mm. i un angle de retrocés particular per a mi. Molt diferent del Race Face de doble alçada i 670 mm. i ja no et dic res del FSA pla de 600 mm. Quina evolució.







Un pulsòmetre, que em permet de disposar de la informació de la velocitat, de l'ascens acumulat positiu, i com molt bé diu el seu nom, les pulsacions. Una dada interessant, com és que indica les Kcal./hora, està bé això, també indica el % de pendent.



He de dir que la setmana no ens ha permès de gaudir de sortir amb les bikes, en cap cas, però això ja va passar al 2009, i després d'un temps en ve un altre, és on som, i aquest matí una sortida clàssica ens ha permès poder posar a prova les novetats.

El manillar, perfecte per escalar, però perfecte, són les primeres impressions, és cert, això és una evidència, però millor que siguin positives, un cop rodant, passats els primers minuts no he tingut cap sensació de portar un manillar nou, la percepció de 10/10.

El pulsòmetre Polar CS 600 Pro Team Edition, ha estat tota una novetat.





Les dades del pulsòmetre, bé primer hauré d'exposar el motiu de fons del reinici com a company de ruta d'una eina de precisió com és el Polar CS600 Pro Team Edition. Els motius diversos però coincidents, tots en la línia de la prudència, ara amb la SS, la sensació és de que rodo més tranquil, sense pics extrems, és un fet que la sensació que tinc és aquesta, i la intenció és verificar, certificar que això és així.

El pulsòmetre indica ja sortint de casa, amb pujada accentuada, és de que la feina feta aquest hivern, és feina ben feta, pel fet de que les pulsacions pugen quan ataco una pujada extrema, però no ho fan directes a la zona vermella, i que un cop el desnivell disminueix, les pulsacions cauen en picat, de fet la pujada d'aquestes és molt més lenta que la ràpida recuperació de baixada.

Diferències de pulsacions amb la Betty avui, ella amb 3x9 i jo amb 1x1, respecte a quan anavem els dos amb 3x9, abans jo sempre anava entre 15 i 20 pulsacions per sota, ara és a l'inrevés, és així, no hi ha més, però la recuperació després d'una pujada, és el que podrem valorar un cop descarreguem les dades i ho poguem comparar detalladament.

Avui el ritme ha estat molt tranquil, pel fet de que venia també el meu germà, genet que fa uns mesos que no surt amb continuitat, i avui es tornava a enfilar a la bike després de dies de no fer-ho. Per aquest motiu, per ser una mica com un primer dia, la ruta l'hem fet a un ritme un xic més tranquil. Fet que fa que les dades de pulsació avui no siguin cocluents, sí però orientatives.

Moments...

Avui entrada en catala, i es que hi han moments, en els que servidor, malgrat voler fer les seves entrades en l'idioma d'aquest pais que m'ha adoptat, sent la necessitat de parlar allo que sent al cor.

A la voragine del dia a dia, en moments on tot passa rapid, i on sembla que no hi ha temps de pair res, aquest espai actua per a mi com a tassa de cafè, on l'aroma, la temperatura, tot fa que sigui un moment de relax.

Relaxat es com hem sento quan decideixo escriure, quan us llegeixo, quan posso a rodar el meu cap pensant en el mon de la bike....relaxat es com hem sentia ahir quan vaig decidir anar a fer un cafetó a una llibreria...si, com sona, fer un cafe a una botiga de llibres i revistes.

Adoptat a Europa per botigues com FNAC, el model de botiga de llibres al USA es singular, pots llegir el que vulguis, seure i agafar tot allo que et sembli, repassar articles de revistes, en fi, el que et sembli, amb repecte,amb silenci, amb un entorn on l'estres de la setmana sembla desapareixer. Jo fa dies que trobo aquest moment un dels mes espcials, on el silenci m'ajuda a gaudir del mtb, road bike, triathló, i d'altres esports de muntanya.



Ahir, i fent us de les noves tecnologies, vaig poder fer unes fotos que en condicions normals (amb camara de fotos clasica) no hauria fet, vaig intentar que poguesiu veure tant la botiga com gent que jo tenia a prop, algus asseguts a les cadires o butaques de la botiga, d'altres directament a terra....en fi, un espectacle.

Per cert, i si us fixeu, veureu la important campanya publicitaria de Santa Cruz amb les noves Nomad C i Tall Boy...aquesta en un precios color....tronja.

Desde SC, Xavi Paricio

Sea Otter Classic Day 1

Ja fa els vint anys de una de les mes prestigioses manifestacions al mon de la MTB amb presentació de novetats, proves, demos, competicions diverses...

http://blogs.bikemag.com/news/sea-otter-day-1

http://seaotter.mtbr.com/

De les novetats presentades ahir destacaria el contra-atac resposta de Shimano a Sram , les 10 velocitats per MTB, pro en aquest cas amb la possibilitat de les dues opcions: 2x10 o 3x10, cosa que veig mes llog-ica per arribar a totes les necessitats i exigències del ampli ventall de usuaris:

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/shimano-10-speed-xt-sea-otter-2010.html

Uns anirem amb 3x10/11-36 ..i d'altres amb singlespeed ..! aqui no hi valen les mitges tintes.

Continuarem “goitant” a veure que hi ha mes...

Properes novetats.

Novetats que són interessants pel comportament de la Vicious i per a mi, és a dir eines i components que són una millora interessant a totes, totes. Aquestes són les que hauré d'estrenar a la propera sortida i que us exposaré detalladament.

Avui he parlat amb el Primer Ministre, "tot marxa", i si ho diu el Primer Ministre serà que és així.

La novetat de les Betty's i la seva propera aventura ha estat motiu de conversa, breu, però ha estat, i això venint del Primer Ministre té la seva notorietat, són molts els temes que porta en Xavi.

En aquest espai hi ha dues Betty's, i és per aquest motiu que ens crida l'atenció la coincidència amb d'altres Betty's.

Tinc en ment la possibilitat d'iniciar un nou projecte de bike, si prospera ja us tindré al corrent dels detalls.

Entre aquesta setmana i la propera vull fer una aportació sobre pulsòmetres més ampli que el de la darrera intervenció. També vull fer una aportació sobre les millors bikes, fent referència a les més interessants des de la prespectiva de la qualitat/preu, i una darrera sobre quines considero per a mi, les bikes que dins de la seva disciplina haurien de ser al garatge de casa, no però que pensi que les hauria de tenir.

El criteri d'aquestes millors bikes per a lagranevasio no serà d'equitat, pensant en que sigui una eina d'ús per a tercers, en cap cas, únicament serà una exposició de les que a mi em fan més el pes.


Aquesta aportació referida a bikes per qualitat/preu, el que vull construir és una bike component a component, però des de la premissa que proposaré diferents opcions d'equipament entre els 1.000 i els 1.500 euros. I una opció TOP de 750 euros, no sé si podrà ser però aquesta és la intenció.

A aquesta intervenció esmentaré detalladament els components i el lloc on s'han de comprar per a que la suma dels imports coincideixi amb les xifres que us he exposat.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Camino de Santiago, que recuerdos... A la lista que ha expuesto Betty solo pondría una muda para cuando sales a pasear una vez acabada la ruta y después de una merecida ducha, yo puse un pantalón de correr y una camiseta no tan bikera. Espero Alicia que os vaya muy, muy bien. Podrías poner un poco de información de como lo vais a hacer, entero, la mitad, km diarios etc...

Y tener presente que cuando lo empecéis estaréis deseando llegar, y cuando estéis acabando os sabrá mal que se termine, y me extraña que una vez hecho el Camino no tengáis ganas de volver.

Saludos al Blog