The Sturmey Archer S3X is finally a reality. I have been waiting on this for the last few years, but after talking to some distributors in Canada and getting ahold of this pic from Interbike, it seems like production is happening. For those of you who may have missed all the hype about the S3X here is the low down. Three speed fixed gear. Yep, and don't ask me how they do it, I have no idea.

I can't wait to get my hand on one of these.

Pedro's Bio Grease

September 23, 2009

As a home mechanic I have use for bicycle grease on occasion. The occasion does not pop up that frequently, but when it does I definitely need it. Pedro's makes Bio Grease, an environmentaly friendly grease. This biodegradable grease is non-toxic and designed to do the job of a regular grease while still keeping Mother Earth happy.

Read Full Review

World Car Free Day

September 22, 2009

Every year I think and plan out in my head some sort of subversive plan for World Car Free Day. And it seems like every year I am on holiday at that time and unable to follow through with my plans. This year, I am home, and well no plans have come mind yet. I am thinking something simple, like a bike ride, will be a positive way to celebrate. No need to dig up the road this year.

Happy World Car Free Day!!!!!!!

Schwalbe Rocket Ron Tires

September 17, 2009

This year I hit the local trails a lot more than I had in the previous 2 or 3 years. I now have 2 mountain bikes so it just seemed like the thing to do. On my 26 inch wheel bike I was running the Schwalbe Rocket Ron, also known as the HS 406 for all you technical detail people out there. This has got to be the best mountain tire that I have ridden. The traction is amazing, especially for a tire with relatively small lugs.

Read Full Review

201o Fixed Gears

September 15, 2009

Expo Cycle had most of the big companies and a few of the smaller ones that are making complete fixed gear bicycles. Marin had two out on display, you can see the beautiful detail on the rear track end, real nice. Cycles Marinoni as usual some nice stuff to show, including a new brand they are distributing, that is more of a street fixed gear.

All in all lots of nice stuff from most of the companies out there from the classic lines to more modern and street wise bikes. There is a whole wack of pics on the BicycleSmile Picasa Site, check them out.

2010 Fixed Gears

2010 Masi's

September 12, 2009

Had a chance to talk with Tim "Masi Guy" Jackson today, and took a look at most of the new 2010 Masi bicycles. Looks like they have a few limited production bikes out and have really increased thier numbers in terms of fixed gear bikes available. The most notable is the lugged frame with gold anno parts, it is looking really nice. All around the have added a flat and riser bar option as well as a few other colour options. The Speciale Commuter was not at the show which is too bad because I am wanting a fixed gear with wide tire clearance, but it appears it is available in a white with black accent this year.

2010 Surly's

September 11, 2009

Had the chance to check out all the new 2010 Surly bikes and they are looking great. The Long Haul Trucker is now available in a 26" wheel for all frame sizes which is cool. The Pacer is now also available as a complete bike, and with STI shifters! All in all the stuff is looking good. The LHT is available in black or blue for 2010. Check out all the pics.

Expo Cycle - Demo Day

September 10, 2009

Yesterday I spent the day at Demo Day for Expo Cycle. There were far fewer bike companies set up this year, which was too bad, but still lots of great stuff to try out.

Norco has releases a belt drive 29'er called the Judan. This was a beautiful bike that still has the option for a regular single speed drive train as well as a geared bike. I also had the chance to test out the new 2010 CCX1 from Norco. It could be the first Scandium frame bike I have ridden and it felt great, really comfortable yet responsive. This is definetly a show of stregth for Norco's R and D team.

Rocky Mountain had the Altitude 90 out to ride and was it ever nice. A carbon frame full squish with 5 and 5. Really nice set up.

Lots of bikes seemed to be running the new Shimano XT but it did not seem to feel as nice as the XO from SRAM, but this could have just been a set up issue. The day seemed to go by too quick but after a run on about half a dozen bikes it was time to head back to Montreal and drink some beers.

Off to Montreal

September 7, 2009

The city that is home to smoked meat, poutine, and beautiful women is also the home to Expo Cycle, Canada's bicycle trade show. We are heading off Tuesday morning, and will have updates on Thursday through Sunday of all the new bike stuff!

Those crazy Kiwi's

September 3, 2009

Mini Farthing? Hmmm you don't say. Well the minds behind Yike Bike do say, and they think that there "smart technology" may be what is need to revolutionize the bicycle.

We were intrigued by creating something that could dramatically change urban transport, enabling city dwellers a fast, safe and easy way to navigate their environment.

The Yike Bike is an urban transportation tool. It is an electric bicycle, an electric mini-farthing to be exact that has been designed to for the city. With it's small and compact size the Yike Bike seems like a good choice for those who use public transportation for part of the commute and bike for the other.

This is my first look at the Yike Bike but hopefully we will get a chance to take one for a spin soon.

RIP Darcy Allan Sheppard

September 2, 2009

It is all over the news and unfortunately the victim is not the one who is getting attention. Darcy Allan Sheppard was a bike courier in Toronto, and was killed Monday evening in Yorkville. An apparent dispute between himself and another man turned deadly when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle.

Rest In Peace.

Death To Bicycle Thieves

September 1, 2009

Okay, well maybe not death, but Igor Kenk deserves worse than he is getting. Kenk is the Toronto man who operated a huge bicycle theft network up until July 2008. At that time police siezed over 2000 bicycles from his Queen Street "Bicycle Clinic". Kenk's assets are currently on the line as the city of Toronto tries to get the Civil Remedies Act. This would see his assets sold off to help pay fees associated with his prosecution. It currently cost $250,000 per year to store the bikes as evidence.

Sell the bikes off, and keep him locked up, although apparently he likes it in jail.