Varmint Cycles Blog

Article – Ride Time

July 25, 2017 by Airtym, posted in Uncategorized

Looking at my calendar right now, thinking there are basically four months of riding left before winter here in Massachusetts should be a ton of time to rack up some miles, races and a few more park days. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

It always seems to be what I am looking to fit into our schedule. Yeah, our schedule. See I have a family. Like a lot of us, getting married and reproducing was the plan. With working a Monday thru Friday job 8 to 5 makes it a challenge to get some riding in. Over the years I played golf, men’s league softball and indoor soccer. Even had a motorcycle for “commuting” for awhile. All of those are gone and I have been happy to make that change so I could/can get more seat time on my bike blasting through the woods.

No matter what day it is or which year it has been, it’s still work to get out and ride.

This past year is the first in a long time that I have seen a big jump in my ride time. With a late winter early spring downhill race in North Carolina I was doing shuttle runs in March and loved every moment. Backing this up with a scheduled three bike park trip with Spencer and Dave that has been talked about for years scheduled for June, this year is looking up. Arriving back from North Carolina and finding it getting colder and more snow put and end to the idea of more shuttle runs anytime soon and pedaling in the mud season here isn’t my idea of fun at all.

Spring arrived and a race that was scheduled early in the season is snowed out, cancelled. I still ride that day because I had organized my day to do so, sticking to the schedule. Balancing life and bike life can be a challenge. They both play a major part in the circle of happiness in my life. When things in my home life are great it makes getting out amazing. feeling like the cherry on top. When I was going through my divorce my ride time was a way to recharge my life and refocus on what is the important. Also, now if life gets busy a ride helps clean my head of the busy vibes and be in the moment.

Our three day bike trip was amazing. Hitting up Thunder Mountain and Mountain Creek. The weather was warm and dry. Being out with good friends and riding for days is truly a treat and we all try to enjoy the time to it’s fullest. All of use wish it didn’t take so long to make this happen. But it does sometimes take time to make time. There are moments to when it feels like a drug. The more I get of it, the more I want.

Here it is mid summer and it’s feeling like it will be a struggle to use up my remaining passes to the bike park looking at our schedule. I have book two races on the same day to help reach my goal of races completed for the season. Practice for the race will be a struggle do to work schedule and crazy summer rain season here in the northeast. My mindset for the race has to change a bit. Prepping my thoughts from race strategy to treating it like a day of riding due to the lack of seat time.

For me, life is at it’s best when work is done. The chores around the house are finished. The kids sports/activities are completed. Daylight is still shining down on my back and I’m pedaling my way through the trails and day dream of next time I will get to go ride to only church I have ever known; ride time.

There just isn’t enough time.

Review – Bell Full 9

June 14, 2017June 14, 2017 by Airtym, posted in #review, bell helmet, helmet, Uncategorized

This is a mid term(three months) review of the Bell Full 9 carbon helmet. I opted for the matte black in size large. I used the sizing chart they supplied and measure my dome out to be 23″. Upon receiving the helmet I found it was tight and hurt my head almost instantly. I sent the large back for a extra large and the fit was almost perfect. I do have a an egg shaped skull and find the helmet still a little tight getting into the helmet. The liner wants to rotate out of the helmet if I’m not careful. After my first ride with the helmet on my head made a perfect home in this helmet.

At a msrp of $400 you expect a high functioning and high end looking product. The Full – 9 delivers on looks all day long.

With googles in place there is nothing to limit visibility. Plenty of room to move them around and find the viable sweet spot.

The removable magnetic cheek pads are great for easy removal if you wanted to hand wash or replace. They sell 35mm and 45mm cheek pads thicknesses.

The built in GoPro mount is great and has a break away feature that is a thought full feature. I was able to install an under the visor mount with no issue. Using a GoPro Session is great and never drags down the visor.

Protection hasn’t been tested to its fullest. I haven’t taken a head impact yet and hope I won’t learn the limits of this helmet.

Overall I love this helmet. Fit, function and aesthetics are spot on for me. Couldn’t be happier.

Pros –

Craftsmanship is amazing
Built in GoPro mount
Great visibility
Weight(very light)

Cons –

Fit(but may be an issue with my head shape)

Price $400

Information from Bell website.

https://www.bellhelmets.com/cycling/helmets/dirt/full-9

FEATURES

Breakaway Screws
Eject® System ready
Flying Bridge Visor™
Integrated Breakaway Camera Mount
Integrated Eject® Compatibility
Integrated Roost Guard
Integrated/Removable Camera Mount
Lightweight Full Carbon Shell
Magnefusion™ Removable Magnetic Cheekpads
Overbrow Ventilation™
Padded Chin Strap with D-Ring Closure
Soundtrax™ Speaker System
Velocity Flow Ventilation™
XT-2® Extended Wear Interior

SPECIFICATION

WEIGHT:

1130 Grams

VENTS:

10 vents, 3 brow ports

CERTIFICATION:

ASTM F1952-00
ASTM F2032 (BMX)
CE EN1078
CPSC Bicycle

Reviewed – 7 IDP Flex Knee Pads

May 31, 2017May 31, 2017 by Airtym, posted in #review

Seven Intelligent Design Protection, known as 7 Protection or 7 IDP. I have been wearing the Flex Knee pads for three months. I have done a downhill race with a full day of practice, a few days at Highland bike park which included a demo day which included some pedaling on a Capra and a few hike – a – bike shuttle runs. They have their own style to their product line and the color scheme is decent.

For the fit, using their website for fit recommendation and measurements were perfect and I bought an XL. I am medium/large build 6 feet tall, 215lbs. On the inside of the top and bottom edge of the knee protection there is this clear grippy strip that does a great job of securing to thigh and calf keeping the protection where it should be. The adjustment straps do a good job of customizing the fit on the calf and thigh, the best fit found them to be slight snug anything more was uncomfortable. The one at the top of the calf was the most sensitive to being over tightened. The only time they moved was after the initial knee bend. I noticed their secure fit mostly while pedaling around the YT Capra, I will admit though I would want them on a long XC pedal though.

For the protection, I only had one notable crash that included knee contact with anything. It was a strange exit from my bike going through a high berm and speed. The backend washed out going though the berm ejecting me high side over and across the bike. My inside knee hit the frame and then bars as I grew apart from my bike. The protection didn’t move off my knee and the side protection which may be they I would want to pedal around with these to long was the nice surprise here. The inside of my knee should have been wrecked but was spared nicely.

Pros –

Stays in place on leg even with moisture(rain, sweat)
Price
Customizable fit, easy to adjust.

Cons –

Warm, they do feel like they lack venting.
Calf strap can feel like it might irritate when new, needs time to break in.

7IDP info from website

https://7protection.com/us/product/flex-knee/

Price – $69.99

DOUBLE PROTECTION

Two layers of protection covered by a tough outer fabric make for a flexible and hardwearing pad. Shaped to fit the knee in a riding position you will forget the pads are there.

CENTRE + UPPER CALF STRAP

Our centre strap system means even pressure around the lower thigh and a second strap sitting above the calf muscle means everything stays where it should.

OPEN BACK DESIGN

Maintaining airflow and reducing any sweat build up is a key feature for kneepads. The Flex pads have an open back section to allow sweat to evaporate away.

Review – TomTom Multi-Sport Cardio

May 17, 2017 by Airtym, posted in Tech

We talk about progression a lot in the mountain bike community. It’s part of the scientific how does suspension work terms that few understand. It fuels the forums globally whether or not or sport is driven by it or marketing. But here, we arrive at the GPS watch with no doubt in my it is due progression.

Years ago I would been thrilled with a bar mounted Cateye cyclometer to give me current speed, average speed, max speed, trip miles and total miles. Then and for a long time the smart phone acted as a do all for these and more. With the smart phone we would get all of the above with the addition of maps, heart rate monitors with access from bluetooth and GPS. All of that might be enough in my opinion but then Strava came along. In some forums people even claim Strava had wrecked mountain biking. For myself, it has changed things especially in regards to accuracy. I want to know I have the most accurate account if I am tracking my ride. For me, the Tom Tom multi-sport cardio fit the need.

The watch came with the red and white wrist band. Which wasn’t a look I preferred so I bought an all black version. Let to discover they also have a narrower band making the whole thing look much more like I normal sports watch. As for function the bands don’t have any special functions other then the obvious. The one thing I would add about the band is the wider band has a very nice clasp system instead of the traditional slide band to hold the extra. The red TomTom logo at the end of the band has little knobs that fit into the holes of the band and make everything clean.

Function of the watch is very intuitive. The screen isn’t touch screen, there is a square joystick just below the screen. Making navigation of the function and mode very simple. on the underside of the watch it has a built in heart rate monitor, so no need to the chest strap heart rate but one can be connected to the watch if you prefer that style.

Lastly for fit, if you don’t want to wear this on yourself and don’t need the included heart rate it comes supplied with a bar mount. Which is very nice secure and give a great easy to read in all light display.

Okay, function. I wear this everyday and it’s very comfortable. Beyond the basic functions of speed, average speed, distance, clock the heart rate monitor while riding is great. I have found many times when I feel like I am about to explode I can now look at my watch and see why. With a max around 195bpm my average rate falls around 125-135bpm. I now also can look at the same display and know I have room to go faster too. Both are very helpful. The biggest plus is not having to depend on it for GPS mapping. I came to this conclusion when I started using the watch and was still using my iPhone for visual effect and still using Strava. When both were complete and upload there were huge differences. Climbing and decent were the biggest discrepancies. Also, i found the iPhone would miss Strava segments. I assumed that was due to the phone not being as accurate. Since moving to only use the TomTom watch for Strava I have seen a more complete mapping of segments I know I hit making me assume that whatever else I am riding is being tracked by GPS accurately too.

In the end, I think if you only know one or the other and basic account of your ride is what matters then it might not matter whether you have a GPS device or use your smart phone, as long as you commit to one or the other. I have committed to the TomTom and feel with the combo of integrated heart rate monitor and GPS its the best of the two.

Pros –

Simple to navigate functions
Very comfortable
Simplify my riding equipment
Durable
Strava compatible

Cons –

Battery life while using heart rate is less then full day.
Would rather a touch screen verse the navigation button.
Lack of altitude feature on the display.

Further good reading on this topic and some great conversation starters on GPS accuracy check out Singletracks article on GPS.

https://www.singletracks.com/blog/category/gps/

Tom Tom info

https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/sports/multi-sport/products/multi-sport-cardio-gps-watch/white-red/

Technical specifications from Tom Tom.

Weight and Dimensions

Battery lifetime Up to 8 hours (GPS+HR), up to 10 hours (GPS)

Display size .87 x .98 in

Display resolution 5.67 x 6.61 in

Thickness 0.54″

Weight 2.22 oz

Strap length 9″

Location

Location GPS

Location boost QuickGPSFix

Sensors

Sensors (internal) Motion sensor, compass, optical heart rate monitor

Sensor (wireless) Bluetooth® Smart

Alerts Beep & Vibrate

Water-resistance

Waterproofing 50 m / 165 feet (5 ATM)

Measurements

Pace/Speed Yes

Distance/Calories Yes

Heart Rate Yes (Built-in Heart Rate Monitor*)

Cadence Yes (Cadence sensor – optional accessory)

Activities

Indoor Running Yes

Outdoor Running Yes

Cycling Yes

Dedicated Bike Mount Yes

Swimming Yes

Training

Race Past activities + favorites

Goals Time, distance, or calories

Zone Pace or Heart Rate

Laps Pace or Heart Rate

Intervals Yes

Reviewed – Incipio Switchback iPhone Case

May 10, 2017 by Airtym, posted in #review

I have never been a wallet guy, at the same time I don’t like the design flip over style wallet cases for iPhone that look like little notepads. I like aesthetically pleasing designs that still look like a simple iPhone case. This case solves my lack of wallet and the need to pay for items and flash an ID now and again.

Installing the case is very simple, the iPhone slides into the case very easily. But has never fell or popped out. Opening the switchback in also very easy. With the spec’d 3 credit cards there is room for them to slightly rattle around which would slowly drive me nuts. Which is where my drivers license comes in. With the 3 credit cards and ID I can access everything easily and quickly and not have to worry about anything falling out. The case is very slim and while in a pocket it feels very minimal. Access to the volume switch and controls are easy and straight forward and the same goes for the power switch. Protection, the leading edge around the glass good along with surprising corner cushioning.

Over all a well designed iPhone case with very good protection and high function with the hidden wallet.

Pros –

Easily fits 3 credit cards and an ID.
Slim, compact simple design.
Good corner protection.

Cons –

Everyday use has worn the soft touch finish off the corners.

Price – $39.99

Features and Tech Specs from Incipio.com

Stealth rear compartment holds up to 3 credit cards or IDs and allows for easy docking
Rugged co-molded design offers reliable drop protection in a sleek and slim profile
Sturdy living hinge technology allows for long-lasting use of the rear compartment
Include a thin, applicable protector for the rear of your device to shield against scuffing
Drop tested 7 ft.

Measurements:

Length 5.6 inches (142.24 mm)
Width 2.75 inches (69.85 mm)
Weight 0.09 lb (1.44 oz)
Depth 0.54 inches (13.72 mm)

Reviewed – Topeak iPhone 6 RideCase Weatherproof Cover

May 3, 2017 by Airtym, posted in Tech

Topeak in the past has produced many great well thought out products for us bikers so this was exciting to try something that wasn’t a tool.

First impression, out of the packaging and in my hands this feels substantial. Like if needed it could take a hit and leave the iPhone safe as intended. It is a little on the big side of the case world and I would rule out this as an everyday case if you don’t have an outside dangerous smart phone environment type job.

The bicycle mount is smart. It has two types of mounts, one that replaces the headset top cap which will be my choice of mount and a strap style that is very adjustable and could adapt to most bars.

The side buttons are convenient and well placed. But are clearly missing the sound switch. In order to turn your sound on or off you will need to plan ahead before closing the case and decide what setting you need. Don’t be that guy in the woods with you phone blowing up, you won’t be able to turn it off quick.

Getting in and out of the case is very simple. On the top, slide the “Open” to the left and due to the weatherproofing seal you will need a finger nail to motivate the tab underneath to pop open the back cover.

On the bottom are the access ports for the audio cable and lighting cable. These are well designed and very tight keeping out weather and dirt. One thing here is the audio cable opening is designed for the Apple headphone jack only, so a conventional audio cable for you car might not fit here.

Mounted to bicycle using the headset cap mount is very clean. The bracket is very adjustable with its pivot hinge, here I have it roughly set at 90 degrees or parallel to the ground. Also, the clip that connects to case can rotate 90 degrees. This way if you are using an app that can utilize a horizontal position it is very simple to change from one to the other. Check out the video below for how it works mounted.

Overall I like this case very much. There is no rattling when riding and is very easy to mount and remove . The home button works very well, even using your biometric thumb will work most of time. The screen is very sensitive and seems to work with riding glove very well. For a bicycle mounted GPS mapping tool mounted to my handlebars its the best I have seen and used with out being a dedicated GPS device.

Pros –

Good strong case
Screen has great touch
Biometric Home works well
Mount is very strong and doesn’t rattle.
Portrait or landscape easy to change.

Cons –

Audio port is very small if not using Apple headphone they might not work.
No sound switch to turn off/on the sound without removing iPhone from case.

Price –

$44 on Amazon.com

Topeak’s site with more specs.

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/weatherproof-ridecase-series/756-weatherproof-ridecase

Article – New Chain Part 2

April 26, 2017April 26, 2017 by Airtym, posted in sram

Ahh we return the scene of the….chain.

https://varmintcycles.com/2017/04/19/article-new-chain-part-1/

If a review of the first part of this articles needed see link above for full details. So this was the new PC-1071 chain I had installed. I tried swiping off the excess lube and was left with this mess.

After read all the best practices, does and don’ts of how to handle a new chain including some wizardry from Sheldon Brown. I decided to strip the new chain of all the OEM lube completely by using gasoline. I used a 32oz bottle of Power Aid, which I clean throughly first and let air dry. I removed the chain from the bike and set aside the Powerlock connecting link. Moving outside to a better ventilated spot I placed the chain into the bottle and gently shook the to settle the chain down into the bottle. I added enough gas to almost cover the chain. leaving plenty of room for air and bubbles to agitate the chain for cleaning. I had never done this before so at this point I had no idea the timeframe needed to clean this chain. After a few shakes I was amazed at what had happened. Most of all the grim and dirt and earthy bits were gone. I didn’t shake to hard thinking I didn’t want to bend anything so I did a fair amount of rolling the bottle and swirling like you would a glass of scotch. I left the chain in the gas for about ten minutes to sit. I used an old cloths hanger I cut and bent into a small J hook to reach and pull out the chain slowly so not to spill and gas. The next photo is the raw result of the gas stripping process.

The chain was clean and it was virtually impossible to find any remaining lube or grim. The bottle of liquid shows a heavy deposit that certainly if left on and in my new chain would shorten it’s life considerably. There was a lingering smell of gas that I was concerned that if it stayed I would need to remove the chain but it dissipated within the day.

So now I have this super clean chain that have no lube on it or in it. So much so it squeaked a little. Reapplication of a penetrating lubricate was needed here. I typically use Boeshield T9 on my chains, but for this application I decided to use White Lighting’s Clean Ride Wax Lube. With this wax I applied it to both top and bottom of the chain, gently rubbed the wax into the chain and let dry. After it was dry and at close inspection had worked its into the linkages I wiped off the excess wax leaving a very clean silent chain still shifting smooth as expected. The next test would come after a few ride to see if the chain developed any sounds and if it picked up and debris.

These next few photo are what the chain looks like after two rides, one in the wet and one in the dry. Neither time did I wipe the chain down at all. Looking closely at these photo there is all but dust in a few spots otherwise very clean.

I am pleased with the outcome of this process and would make the suggestion anyone that this process should be considered with a new chain on a mountain bike. Maybe with a road bike it might not be needed due to the elements a chain isn’t exposed to but little doubt this was a worth while effort.