Trek Components (Part 3)

Fox Float RP-2 w/proprietary
The 2010 FLOAT® series of lightweight, high volume air shocks incorporates our revolutionary patented Boost Valve damping technology. Boost Valve was first developed and refined on the most demanding World Cup Downhill courses. This year Boost Valve is brought into the XC, Trail, and All Mountain categories in our RP2 level FLOAT shocks. Bumps disappear. You'll wonder where that harsh landing used to be on your favorite trail. And you'll smile as you pull away from your ride group when there's no sacrifice in traction or bump comfort while in the pedaling efficient ProPedal mode of your new FLOAT RP2.
Trek DRCV, Pro Pedal, rebound; 7.75x2.25"


For 2010, this all-around trail fork is also available with 150mm of adjustable travel and optimized spring curves for each travel setting. Featuring our 15QR thru axle system provides the 32 TALAS® with incredible front-end traction and steering precision. The package is topped off with an ergonomically improved, forged aluminum TALAS lever for confidence inspiring travel adjustments on the fly.
WEIGHT (15QR-includes axle)
3.96 lbs / 1.80 kg (1 1/8" steerer)
3.94 lbs / 1.79 kg (1.5" taper steerer)
TRAVEL
5.9 inches (150mm)TALAS travel adjust 150-130-110
ADJUSTMENTS
- Low speed compression- Lockout force adjust- Lever actuated lockout- TALAS travel adjust - Air spring pressure - Rebound
INTENDED USE
XC, AM
SPRING
Air
DAMPER
NEW FIT

LOWER LEG
- 15QR thru-axle system with post-style disc brake mounting

STEERER
Standard: 1 1/8"
Option: 1.5" Taper

EVO Link, found on the Fuel EX 7 and above, is the evolution of the traditional rocker link. Moving from a plate-and-bolt style design to a one-piece design, it does away with multiple pieces and creates the simplest, lightest, stiffest rocker link system around. Giving you more confidence and more control.
How it works.
While most rocker arms are made in several pieces, EVO Link uses a one-piece design. This not only makes its lighter than multi-piece systems, it allows advanced engineering to provide the highest strength-to-weight ratio possible. The Fuel EX 9.8 and 9.9 models are equipped with magnesium EVO Links, to further reduce weight and increase stiffness.

What it does for you:
The EVO link goes beyond full frame stiffness:

• Stick off-camber turns
• Point and shoot
• Minimal weight
• More control

Crank Brothers components, no pedals.

Crank Brothers amplia propostes de productes, no sé si viables, diferents sí.

Les bikes promotores dels seus productes, Ibis, Ibis, Ibis!!!.








http://www.singletrackworld.com/2010/04/sea-otter-crank-bros-2011/

Pedals.

A casa ara mateix les dues opcions són, els primers per indestructibles, fiables i amb un pes de 325 g. amb unes cales que són eternes, els Shimano XTR pedals, de 90€ a Chain.


Per funcionals, minimalistes, quatre cares per calar, durs, però no indestructibles, de 265 g., amb unes cales que es gasten força, 20€, i que els hi cal cada x temps obrir i posar-hi greix, tot i que jo encara no hi he hagut de fer res a data d'avui després d'un any ben bo, els Crank Brothers Egg Beater SL de 70 € a Bike Components, i 90€ aprox. a Chain.


Són quasi perfectes els SL, però no com els Shimano XTR, que són la robustesa feta realitat, suposo també que és pels seus rodaments de boles.

Com a únics per a la seva construcció-art i un xic més febles que els Crank Brothers SL, amb el mateix pes que aquests, i que cal també de posar-hi greix cada x temps, els Ritchey WCS i de 120 € aprox. a Bike Components. Aquests darrers són una joia però són els més delicats.


I els darrers, pel seu aspecte també únics, funcionals no ho sé, fiables tampoc ho sé, de 350-370 g. aprox. en color negre-carboni-art i d'oferta a un preu formidable de 85€ aprox. a Chain els Crank Brothers Acid 2.

St. Jordi in Ireland

So I have been learning about St. Jordi. As I am a male I have to buy a Rose for my Lady (But when)

Today I cycled to work just a short distance from my house to work. We have a cycle club in work and try to take a lunch time ride most days. This was organised before I knew about St. Jordi. So after our 10 mile lunch time ride I had no time to go to the flower shop. On my way home from work I stopped at a flower shop. No Roses!!!! So I cycle to another flower shop. No Roses!!!! Third time lucky but only Pink Roses. I took the Pink roses as I thought I wouldnt get any others. I cycled home Roses tucked under my arm. Clipless pedals one hand on the bars it was a nervous pedal home at times. I wasnt worrying about me I didnt want to damage the Roses. So as I get close to home I see another flower shop. Red Roses!!!! So I got another bunch. Red Roses, Pink Roses and Dragon Rider!!!
Mrga got me a cook book for Spanish Dishes. A photo isnt a photo unless we see a MTB!!!

Novetats Crank Brothers.

Joies que en Colorado m'ha fet arribar:










http://www.singletrackworld.com/2010/04/sea-otter-crank-bros-2011/

GPS is not always the Best Option!!!

On a commute home from work we decided to follow a different route. I know the road start and the road finish but I have never been on the road until today. The GPS showed the road as a small country road. I was on the Trek and Mrga on the road bike. It started fine on a tarmac road twisting down hill but this soon changed. Very rocky and rough stones. Not good for a road bike. Mrga stopped and changed shoes to walk. The road got very steep twisting down to a river. The river had washed away any bridge that may have been there in the past. Stepping stones across the river was how Mrga got over. The trek rode through with ease. Thankfully not long after the river the road surface got better and marga was pedaling again.


The scenary and animals was nice though.
Lessons learned - Check the road first before trusting the GPS.

Sant Jordi

Hola Genets

Again Sant Jordi, and for second year in a row I will have a "catalan" meeting in Greenville. As Sant Jordi is part of our history and our culture, I will keep this living on the USA. I just wanted to share with you a good proposal of book !!!!

From SC, Xavi Paricio

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: