Be a friend of BS
Planet Bike Century Gel Pads
March 31, 2009
Long rides on my touring bike are great, but at times my hands and wrists can start to feel a little too much of the road. Planet Bike Century Gel Pads are designed to solve this problem. They work on all drop bars, and I am sure the could be modified to work on a touring or flat bar, as long as bar tape is used. You get four gel pads, two for the upper bar and two for the drops.
Read the full review >>
Seattle Scene
March 30, 2009
A few weeks ago I was on the West coast in Vancouver and took a day trip to check out the scene in Seattle. The weather was great and I was wishing I had brought a bicycle down to ride, especially after stopping in at a few bike shops and seeing what they had to offer.
Read the full article >>
Peace Coffee Delivery
March 27, 2009
Peace Coffee is one of those rare companies that seems to be dedicated to doing good. They sell fare trade, organic coffee which I love, but to top it all off they deliver by bicycle. Meagan O'Brien is works as a delivery rider, getting there beans out to shops in the Minneapolis area. I was lucky enough to have a chat with her.
Read the interview >>
Bike Of The Day
March 26, 2009
This was my (Ryan's) first fixed gear conversion, and still one of my favorite bikes. A Norco Victory Tri A, with a simple flip/flop wheel set, some riser bars and a bmx brake lever. I have since gone brakeless and have a new set of cranks and wheels, but this is the bike I want to ride everyday. Now if the weather would cooperate.
See more bikes here >>
DIY Single Wheel Trailer
March 25, 2009
This is my attempt at a single wheel trailer. Those of you that have attempted a d.i.y single wheeler will appreciate the difficulty and complexity compared to a two wheeler.
I have used dumpster rescued materials as much as possible, but for this project I had to buy the tie rod ends. the Action Packer tub is one that I've had for years and have used on a previous 2-wheel trailer project. I enlarged the cargo area of that trailer and sold it, but kept the tub for this project.
Chassis design is in 1" square tube. Rear wheel sits in a road bike fork.
Read the full article>>>
Dakine Bike Bag
March 24, 2009
Getting on an airplane with your bicycle is not the nicest of tasks. It can be downright stressful. Have you ever tried carrying a cardboard bike box through an airport while still carrying your gear bag? Not fun. The Dakine Bike Bag solves most of the issues I see with cardboard bike boxes and even hard shell cases.
The first thing I noticed is that this bag is huge, there are not many bikes that could not fit in here. Often the problem with a bag like this being big, is that it is impossible to move around. Not so with the Dakine Bike Bag. There are a total of 6 hand straps for loading in and out of vehicles and general lugging around. And on top of that it has a retractable handle for easy pulling on sealed bearing wheels.
Read the full review>>>
Otesha: Sustainability In Action
March 23, 2009
Spring is here and the warm weather is just around the corner. I have been dreaming of getting back in the saddle and riding, riding to anywhere. Kelly from Otesha got in touch with my and told me about Otesha. Otesha is bicycle tour, theatre, education, and more, all rolled into one. A great way to see Canada and help the environment. If only I had a little more freedom to just get up and go, I would love to take part.
'It's just me and bike, just me and bike, just me and my red shiny hand-me-down bike, peddling into the next life and leaving my sorrows behind.’ The muffled lyrics of an oh-so familiar song bounced off the tree tops as my teammates and I slowly peddled up Valley View Mountain Park road, one revolution at a time. With 460 kilometers behind us, and 1340 left to go, the Otesha Rising Tide team was four weeks into a journey that started off as a two-month adventure, but ended as a life-long commitment to change.
On this particular day, like so many others on the Otesha tour, we were reminded of the strength of random acts of kindness and of their ability to transform spaces, build community and transpire hope.
“You gals know there is a hurricane predicated for tomorrow and strong winds tonight” cautioned the women from her van window, as she hesitantly pointed towards the top of mountain park, our home for the night. I smiled back at her, peering out from my mud-caked sunglasses. Just me my bike and this big hill, I thought.
However, as with all things Otesha, this wasn't the case.
Two hours later, I found myself in the cozy living room of two teachers from the local community, with a warm bowl of homemade soup in one hand, and freshly baked bread in the other. They had taken in our entire team: a simple act of kindness, from one stranger to the next. The couple had remembered us from our school performance 375 km back in Lunenburg and were deeply touched by Otesha’s message of hope and direct action.
The Otesha Project was created with the intention to mobilize youth to create local and global change through their daily consumer choices. Our community shares the belief that there are alternatives to our culture of overconsumption, and that each one of us has opportunities to have positive impacts every single day.
On my journey, I learned that sometimes what may appear to be a small action is a spark of hope and the ignition of a movement of positive change for someone else. I was granted the rare opportunity to see this magic transpire in communities, classrooms, and roadside conversations from Halifax to Saint John.
The Otesha project is still accepting applications for the 2009 Cycling and Performing Tours. The Prairie Sky Tour starts in Calgary May 1st and ends in Regina on June 25th. Go to www.otesha.ca to download an application or email applications@otesha.ca Tours are crossng Canada all year long from May to October, so check out the website for more information.
Good Friends Make Good Caps
March 20, 2009
Lately I seem to always be wearing something on my head, whether it be a toque or a hat of some sorts. I blame it on the cold weather but in all likelyhood it is due to lack of hair. My good friend Tim, has come to the rescue on this one. Seems he has started to make a few cycling caps. Nice thing about knowing someone who makes caps is that they can make them to fit my huge head, and that is just what he did.
The first cap he made was stitched by hand, but for mine he has used a sewing machine. This one is made out of the Maple Leaf Tartan that he picked up at a local used clothing store. The four panel design fits great. This hat has a lot more character then most hats. I think this is just a hobby for Tim, so don't expect any large production runs anytime soon. If you do like the looks of them though and are possibly interested in one, let me know and I will see what Tim says. Thanks for the great hat Tim.
Bike Of The Day
March 19, 2009
Aaron Dixon has sent in our first Bike Of The Day photo. His purple Bianchi is beautiful, and probably has one of the narrowest handlebars you will find. " Once an old racer, now a new fixie. Given as a gift from a cousin, have been enjoying its ride for a year now."
Earth Day Alleycat
March 18, 2009
Our first one of the year. Yo Momma Earth Day Alleycat. This one is on, you guessed it, Earth Day, April 22. If you are in Saskatoon you need to check this out. All the details are on the poster, or check out or Facebook fan page.
Dakine Drafter Bike Pack
March 17, 2009
Water on a ride is a good thing. It lets you keep hydrated and stay out on the trails longer. The Dakine Drafter holds your liquids and keeps a whole bunch of gear out of the way and on your back. With it's 3 litre water bladder and 12 litres of cargo space you can bring everything you need and still be comfortable.
Made of super tough 630D Nylon the first thing you notice is how rugged it is, while still having great style. Seriously, logger flannel, I love it! The first time I used it was actually as my carry on during a flight to Vancouver. It was great. It held my XC helmet perfectly in it, while still giving me room to store my sunglasses and other stuff.
Read the full review
Custom Pannier Rack
March 16, 2009
Last spring I acquired a beautiful old touring bike. It was perfect in everyway, except for the fact that no matter how hard I tried I just could not get a front pannier rack to sit level on the fork. For some reason the combination of the rake on the fork as well as where the mounting braze ons were, it always ended up tilting too far back. A little angle I am alright with, but all the racks I tried were tilting back far too much to be safe.
Read the full article
Top 10 Folding Bicycles
March 13, 2009
Whether you live in a small apartment, commute partially on a train, want to bring your bike into the office, or just plain want something ultra compact, then a folder might just be the ticket. Here is a look at the top picks for 2009.
Bike Friday Pocket Lama
Birdy II Monocoque
Brompton M3L
Dahon Mu Uno
Moulton 50
Strida 5.0
Bigfish
Citizen Tokyo
Montague Paratrooper
Dahon Jack
Got Dope?
March 12, 2009
Got Dope? After a raid in Padua, Italy it appears that Gianna De Ros does. De Ros had been training at the velodrome with the Italian national track cycling team when the bust went down. At 23, De Ros, was the only professional cyclist to be arrested, in this long running investigation into performance enhancing drugs. Team Liquidgas have suspended De Ros, and played dumb on any knowledge that he way using.
Sturmey Archer S3X
March 11, 2009
It has been some time now that Sturmey Archer has been working on their 3 speed fixed gear hub. The S3X as it will be known is a newer updated version of the ASC, a similar hub they produced from 1946-1959. There has been a whole lot of buzz around this hub. It has been seen at Interbike, and then most recently on at NAHBS, on one of Christopher Igleheart's bikes.
photos copyright Sunrace Sturmey Archer
The hub is made out of aluminium that will keep it nice and light and has a total gear range of 160%:
1st Gear - 37.5%
2nd Gear - 25%
3rd Gear - Direct Drive
Gear step gear 1 to gear 2: 20%
Gear step gear two to gear 3: 33%
There have been talk of both thumb shitfers and bar end shifters and to me they both look great. Sturmey Archer has even talked about the hub being offered in different colours!
photos copyright Sunrace Sturmey Archer
I know that everyone is eagerly awaiting this hub much like I am. As much as there is talk that it is soon to be released, I recently called the distributor in Canada and they had no idea about such a hub. I will try to get me hands on one as soon as they are released, this hub almost seems too good to be true.
Rudy Project Zyon
March 10, 2009
Once again Rudy Project has done it. The Zyon is the 3rd pair of Rudy's I have owned and they just keep getting better. This time I went all out and tested out the Zyon with all the bells and whistles, even getting the prescription inserts made, so I can actually see.
Read the full review
Leo un-cool?
March 9, 2009
Is cycling getting "cool" or are trending actors getting "un-cool". Looks like Leonardo DiCaprio, Lucas Haas, Tobey Maquire, and Matt Dillon where all seen cycling together yesterday. It is amazing what makes the news these days, but hey at least they are on their bikes. If only there was a picture to back up the story.
Top 10 Touring Bicycles
March 6, 2009
With all the bikes on the market these days it can get difficult to know what is all out there. Here is a list of our top 10 touring bicycles for 2009.
Cycles Marinoni Turismo
Surly Long Haul Trucker
Salsa Fargo
Cannondale Touring 1
Trek 520
Kona Sutra
Louis Garneau Sedna
Fuji Touring
Bike Friday New World Tourist
Steelwool Tweed
Warbonnet Blackbird
March 5, 2009
With my acquisition of a touring bike last spring I began to get a lot more interested in long term travel on a bike as well as overnight trips. With this is mind I planned a trip to Mexico and Central America for this past winter. Due to an injury those plans needed to be changed. I did however get the chance to use the Blackbird hammock by Warbonnet. Now you may be thinking what does a hammock have to do with cycling or travel for that matter. As you will read below, The Warbonnet Blackbird is one of the best items I have used for touring.
The first thing that you will notice about the Blackbird is its size. It weighs in at only 2.35 pounds and measures ~12.5x7x7 inches when in it's stuff sack. These weights include all strapping and the stuff sack! Although it does not come with a compression stuff sack, it is highly compressable, which can reduce the length by at least another 2.5 inches. So in terms of size, this is a light and compact way to sleep while touring.
Read the full review
Become a Facebook Fan
March 4, 2009
We know you are out there, you look at us all the time. But now we have a place for you to show you like us. Check out our fan bag on Facebook. Our Facebook fan page will have monthly give aways and this will be the first spot for all our important announcements. This will also be the place where you can leave let us know what you think, so leave us a message.
Surly Karate Monkey
March 3, 2009
Spring is here and I am cleaning out my bicycle closet. I have had a great time with this bike but it now must be passed on to someone new. I am selling my Surly Karate Monkey. I am asking $770 Canadian (~$600 USD), and will ship anywhere in Canada or the U.S.A., but shipping is not included.
Here is a basic run down on the bicycle.
16" Surly Karate Monkey Camping Stove Green
Surly Tuggnut
Kona DB handlebar with 2 inch rise
Specialized Stem (~110mm)
Wellgo BMX pedals
Truvativ Cranks
Ring God bash guard
32 tooth Shimano chainring
Generic saddle
Aluminium seat post
Sun CR18 rims
Shimano HB-475 hubs
***All the below parts are new as of mid-2008***
Avid BB7 front and rear disc brakes
Avid brake levers
Glow in the dark grips
Continental Mountain King 29x2.2 tires
16 tooth Shimano rear cog
18 tooth fixed disc brake cog (flip the rear wheel, remove the brake, add cog, and you have a fixed gear)
The bike is in excellent shape with no dents. It has a very small amount of rust, mostly at the rear axle contact points.
All rust is cosmetic and not structural. Bike is in perfect working order and will be packaged and shipped professionally. Here is what Surly has to say about the Karate Monkey:
"The Karate Monkey is our 29" wheeled do-everything mountain bike. Why 29"? Because larger diameter wheels offer more traction and the have the ability to roll up and over obstacles better. The traction is enhanced by having a longer contact patch of rubber on the ground, which helps prevent your rear wheel from slipping on loose terrain and allows you to maintain your speed through corners. 29" wheels also have more air volume, so you can lower the air pressure more than you are accustomed to with an equivalent 26" tire. This enhances both the traction and rollover characteristics. Whether riding through babyhead rocks, braking bumps or tree roots, you'll notice yourself getting through these sections much easier.
We designed the Karate Monkey to ride like a truly agile mountain bike. For one, we use short chainstays for fast cornering. This was accomplished by curving the seat tube away from the rear tire, effectively creating more front derailleur/rear tire clearance and putting the rear wheel under your butt. Toe overlap with the big front wheel was eliminated by some tweaking of the geometry, while still maintaining the ride of a sweet singletrack machine.
The Karate Monkey is not just an off-road specific bike though, it is versatile like all Surly bikes. We use horizontal dropouts with a derailleur hanger so you can ride it single-speed, fixed gear, internally geared or with derailleur multi-gear drivetrains. We also spec it with International Standard disc brake tabs and removable cantilever bosses, so you have all possible brake options. Want a beefy touring/commuting/cyclocross/all-around bike? Just swap the tires for some 700c skinnies and go.
Like all Surly frames and forks, the Karate Monkey frameset is built with Surly 4130 CroMoly steel tubing. The main triangle is butted to shave some weight and offer a silky ride, yet is tough enough to withstand the rigors of everyday thrashing. The tough fork has tapered straight blades that suck up the little bumps and is suspension corrected if you choose to swap it out for a suspension fork. Both frame and fork have enough tire clearance for the largest 29" fatties on the market.
New for 2007, we've increased the downtube clearance for suspension forks that have tall top caps. We've also made the 16" and 18" frames a wee bit lighter with a smaller diameter heat-treated downtube. The size of tires and front derailleur clamps has increased dramatically since we originally designed this in 2002, which has resulted in clearance issues between some front derailleurs and some rear tires. Rather than lengthening the chainstays and permanently changing the geometry for those who don’t have clearance issues, we’ve created new 14mm Monkey Nuts to pull the rear wheel back. These new Monkey Nuts will keep the wheel back 14mm, eliminating all clearance issues. Plus, they will clamp into the dropouts to stay on the frame when you remove the rear wheel.
If you're looking for a rippin' mountain bike or a versatile do-it-all tough bike that won't deflate your wallet, check out the newly improved Karate Monkey."
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. If you are trying to figure out postage I am shipping from postal code S7N 2R6 in Saskatoon, Canada. Bike is available for purchase over Paypal, see below. The PayPal is set up so you enter the amount of purchase for the bike, I can email shipping costs to you before or after you purchase the bike.
NAHBS 2009
March 2, 2009
This past weekend the 5th annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show took place in Indianapolis. Each year this show features the best in hand built bicycles. The original 6 of NAHBS have been exhibiting from the beginning: Sacha White, Don Walker, Richard Sachs, Mike DeSalvo, Craig Calfee and Nick Crumpton. The show has, however, grown, now with 64 bike builders. The show also featured component manufacturers, clothing companies, as well as seminars by some of the best in the industry.
I was not able to attend this years show, but from the photos that have been circulating, the show looked amazing. You can see some photos of
these amazing bikes at:
Utility Bikes
Fixed Gear
Details of Bikes
There will be more photos of my favorites in the next few weeks.