You have to also wonder what's next- I heart your kayak, I heart your backpack, I heart your tent?...
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wickedly Clever
I came across these tags recently from Zapoldesigns that read I Heart Your Bike. The idea from A Cup of Jo, is when you have bicycle lust for that sweet little ride on the bike rack, you leave a little mention of it. I think it's wickedly clever and would love for my bike or my scooter to be the object of someone's affection.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Falls, Spills, and More Stuff
I'd say for the past four years I've managed to mountain bike loads without any significant crashes. Some might say that I'm just not pushing it hard enough, but I really love living to mountain bike another day. For instance, I don't need cuts, gashes, and bruises to have a good ride. A good ride to me is not crashing and then being able to get up tomorrow and do it again.
Yet, the mountain bike gods can not shine on you everyday. Here are some things that I learned about crashing my mountain bike and blowing out tires recently:
Yet, the mountain bike gods can not shine on you everyday. Here are some things that I learned about crashing my mountain bike and blowing out tires recently:
- A good fall involves bruising at least three limbs and preferably your ribs. So let's see... both knees- check, an elbow- check, a shoulder- check, and my rib cage- check, check.
- During and following a good fall off your mountain bike you have no idea how it happened, how you got there, or how your bike ended up looking that way.
- Bruising your ribs hurts when you are going down stairs, when you're breathing, and when you are trying to scooter, and sometimes when you laugh. This is really cramping my style.
- Blowing out a tire while driving 65 mph on the highway may be the most terrifying thing ever. It's even better when you discover that your spare tire is also flat and rusted on to your car. Cool.
Terry Damselfly Bike Seat - On the Trail Review
Why I chose the Terry Damselfly Saddle
You may remember in my initial post about the Damselfly, that I was looking for a better performance type of a saddle. I had switched mountain bikes last year and still hadn’t perfected the fit. My old favorite Terry seat was too wide in the back and it was interfering with my abilities to quickly get on and off the bike.
I was excited about the Damselfly since it was quite a bit slimmer than my former Terry saddle (former was 9.5 long x 6” wide and the Damselfly is 10.5/5.1 inches). It seemed like it would work better, since the widest part, in the back of the saddle was significantly smaller.
My first few rides on the Terry Damselfly Seat
I’m sort of torn right now having spent a few miles on the Terry Damselfly Saddle. Performance wise, the Damselfly is holding up to my expectations. It’s small, I can easily hop on and off, and I can get really far back on steep downhills. So performance wise the Damselfly is pretty sweet.
Comfort-wise, um... ouch. It’s hard as a rock right now. Since I’ve definitely heard that these seats need to ridden a few dozen times, to sort of break up the seat, I guess I need to ride it more. Luckily, I’m in the perfect spot for mountain bike, mountain bike, mountain bike right now. More updates to come.
Specs on the Terry Damselfly Seat from Terry’s Website
Length/Width 10.5/5.1 inches
Weight 230g/8.1oz
Rails Vanox
Cover/Features Leather with damselfly imprint
Best for: racers & sprinters who like the feel of the road
Photos
Read Initial Thoughts on the Terry Damselfly Bike Saddle
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Bike seat was purchased by me.
You may remember in my initial post about the Damselfly, that I was looking for a better performance type of a saddle. I had switched mountain bikes last year and still hadn’t perfected the fit. My old favorite Terry seat was too wide in the back and it was interfering with my abilities to quickly get on and off the bike.
I was excited about the Damselfly since it was quite a bit slimmer than my former Terry saddle (former was 9.5 long x 6” wide and the Damselfly is 10.5/5.1 inches). It seemed like it would work better, since the widest part, in the back of the saddle was significantly smaller.
My first few rides on the Terry Damselfly Seat
I’m sort of torn right now having spent a few miles on the Terry Damselfly Saddle. Performance wise, the Damselfly is holding up to my expectations. It’s small, I can easily hop on and off, and I can get really far back on steep downhills. So performance wise the Damselfly is pretty sweet.
Comfort-wise, um... ouch. It’s hard as a rock right now. Since I’ve definitely heard that these seats need to ridden a few dozen times, to sort of break up the seat, I guess I need to ride it more. Luckily, I’m in the perfect spot for mountain bike, mountain bike, mountain bike right now. More updates to come.
Specs on the Terry Damselfly Seat from Terry’s Website
Length/Width 10.5/5.1 inches
Weight 230g/8.1oz
Rails Vanox
Cover/Features Leather with damselfly imprint
Best for: racers & sprinters who like the feel of the road
Photos
Read Initial Thoughts on the Terry Damselfly Bike Saddle
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Bike seat was purchased by me.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What Kid's Think About Bicycle Safety
Sorry guys, but I just don't think I'm going to manage to get the How to Find A Comfortable Bike Seat post up today. I think it will be ready for tomorrow- I've got my fingers crossed.
In the meantime, some cute kid's drawings about bicycle safety. I love the bottom one that says- no more than one person on a bike and the abc's of bicycle safety. Spotted at Bath Cycle and Ski Shop.
In the meantime, some cute kid's drawings about bicycle safety. I love the bottom one that says- no more than one person on a bike and the abc's of bicycle safety. Spotted at Bath Cycle and Ski Shop.
Ruff Wear Dog Approach Pack II Product Review- Initial Thoughts
I purchased the Ruff Wear Dog Approach Pack late last year and still haven’t gotten around to giving it a go yet. While we are out doing day hikes and mountain bikes rides with Misty, our dog, regularly- we haven’t taken her on a good sized backpacking trip. My upcoming trip to the White Mountains, requires that Misty carries some of her stuff. Here are my initial thoughts on the dog backpack:
Ruff Wear Dog Approach Pack Fit
Ruff Wear really nails it with their dog fit. I have two of their dog jackets (for my dog!) and the fit on Misty is excellent. You know how when you wear a men’s jacket and it is too big in all the wrong places? Then you try on a women’s jacket and it’s like, divine? Well, that would be the fit with the Ruff Wear Approach Pack.
Snug in all the right spots and the straps are padded in all the right places too.
Ruff Wear Dog Approach Pack Size
The size of the dog bags looks pretty small at first. At the same time, I think that getting bigger packs, would affect my dog’s gait too much. So in the end, the size may be perfect. We tried it with a few of her dog things in the apartment- bones, bowls, etc. It seems to hold everything that I intended her to hold just fine.
Approach Pack II Specs
Comes in five sizes XXS-L, fitted by girth and length of your dog. Be careful to go with their recommendations too. At first I thought there is no way Misty is a small, but it fits perfectly.
Summary
I plan to try out the Ruff Wear Approach Pack first during an easy day hike/walk. If everything goes well, Misty will try it out this weekend for our backpacking trip. Subscribe to my feed (on the left) for updates.
Ruff Wear's website and blog
Ruff Wear Dog Approach Pack Fit
Ruff Wear really nails it with their dog fit. I have two of their dog jackets (for my dog!) and the fit on Misty is excellent. You know how when you wear a men’s jacket and it is too big in all the wrong places? Then you try on a women’s jacket and it’s like, divine? Well, that would be the fit with the Ruff Wear Approach Pack.
Snug in all the right spots and the straps are padded in all the right places too.
Ruff Wear Dog Approach Pack Size
The size of the dog bags looks pretty small at first. At the same time, I think that getting bigger packs, would affect my dog’s gait too much. So in the end, the size may be perfect. We tried it with a few of her dog things in the apartment- bones, bowls, etc. It seems to hold everything that I intended her to hold just fine.
Approach Pack II Specs
Comes in five sizes XXS-L, fitted by girth and length of your dog. Be careful to go with their recommendations too. At first I thought there is no way Misty is a small, but it fits perfectly.
Summary
I plan to try out the Ruff Wear Approach Pack first during an easy day hike/walk. If everything goes well, Misty will try it out this weekend for our backpacking trip. Subscribe to my feed (on the left) for updates.
Ruff Wear's website and blog
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Getting Ready for Summer Adventure #2
Feeling a little stressed right now, trying to fit in summer adventures plans while managing all of life's boring details. Cars, finals, broken bikes, missing rain pants. The list of stresses (all minor really) is growing, but this try on sesh with Misty's new Ruffwear Approach Pack II makes me smile.
And for the record- our apartment is a total mess.
And for the record- our apartment is a total mess.
Tent Care: How to Care for your Tent
With the proper tent care, your tent should last for you years. It's important to know the proper care and cleaning for your tent and actually do it! It's always so hard after a trip, to unpack, clean, and then repack everything- but it's really worth it. Cleaning your tent correctly can help you prevent tent mold (see how to remove tent mold), holes in your tent, and more.
Drying Out Your Tent
(hard with many 4 season double walled tents)
Every time, every time, every time, you go camping no matter how dry it seemed when you packed it up- your tent should be dried. You do this by finding a dry patch of ground and pitching your tent in the sun for just enough time to dry it. Carefully dry your rain fly in the same way.
Drying Out Your Tent
(hard with many 4 season double walled tents)
Every time, every time, every time, you go camping no matter how dry it seemed when you packed it up- your tent should be dried. You do this by finding a dry patch of ground and pitching your tent in the sun for just enough time to dry it. Carefully dry your rain fly in the same way.
photo by Mcoughlin
Brush it out
Packing your tent up for any amount of time should be as clean as possible. Last thing you’ll need in a few weeks is to open your tent and find some baby spiders crawling around in it or worse- holes. Brush it out with a camp brush or lift your freestanding tent above your head (carefully) and shake it.
What to do when you have a hole in your tent
There's the cowboy way- duct tape and there's the proper way- a tent repair kit.
Seam sealer
When you first purchase your tent it doesn’t hurt to start things off right and seal the seams with a good seam sealer. I recommend this one. Periodically, depending on use, but at least once a year you should reseal the seams.
photo by ehoyer
Resealing floor
Some floors are prone to a sort of delamination, even with a ground cloth. Most tent floors are made of a more durable material and have extra coating to prevent ground dampness from seeping in. Sometimes if your tent isn’t properly dried, and sometimes for hardly any reason at all, the floor can start to delaminate. This is a good product to recoat the floor with.
What to do when you get mold
Double walled four season tents get moldy the fastest. It is crucial to prevent mold with proper drying after every use, but sometimes the mold just happens.
I haven’t tried this particular remedy, but I’ve heard great things about it for removing mold- 1 part lemon juice, 1 part salt, and 1 galloon hot water. Brush on tent, let dry in sun, and rinse clean.
Read How to Choose the Right Tent
Read about Tent Shape, Size, Vestibules and More
Read about Materials, Ease of Use, and Durability
Terry Damselfly Bike Saddle Product Review- Initial Thoughts
Finding a comfortable bike seat for each of my bikes is really a long term quest. In the process I’ve purchased more bike seats than I’d like to mention here. I recently decided to try out the Terry Damselfly Bike Saddle on my mountain bike for two reasons: I needed a more performance oriented bike seat (I’ll explain…) and I needed it to be comfortable. Can you have both performance and comfort in one bike seat? I’ve got my fingers crossed for the Damselfly….
(Also, check back in tomorrow, for my first post in a new how to series about how to find a comfortable bike seat.)
What I’m looking for in a bike seat and will the Terry Damselfly saddle work?
I finally decided last week that I had it with my bike seat. I was actually riding a Terry touring type seat, and while it was comfortable and I could really put in the miles on it, it wasn’t a great performance seat. When I say performance, I am talking about how easy it is to climb, tackle steep downhills, and tight technical singletrack. I need something that is easy to get on and off and provides a somewhat solid base to use for steering. (To me, steering a mountain bike has just as much to do with the rear of the bike as the front of the bike.)
Why the Terry Damselfly?
I selected the Terry Damselfly based primarily on dimensions (10.5 long x 5.1 wide). I still haven’t quite perfected the fit on my mountain bike. I feel like I am too upright and despite switching out multiple bike components- can’t perfect it. I find I can adjust my balance on most sections, except when I am heading down a steep downhill. Then the feeling like I am too upright becomes a little worrisome.
After a few “chuck my bike in the woods” moments, I figured out that I didn’t like the width in the back on my current seat. It was hard to get far enough back on my bike to be aggressive on the downhill sections. I knew that I wanted something slimmer than my current bike seat (9.5 long x 6” wide) and the Terry Damselfly is definitely a slimmer seat.
Will the Terry Damselfly saddle be good for both performance and comfort?
This is the question that only several more rides will answer. I’ll tell you that 10.5 x 5.1 looks pretty darn skinny. Will that tiny seat be comfortable? I’ll be back with an On the Trail Review soon.
About the Company
Terry Cycling is a women’s specific bike company. They design bike skorts, bicycles, seats and more specifically for women.
I’m not 100% sure exactly how they are with their return policy yet, since I’ve never returned anything to them before. Their website has 100% satisfaction guaranteed, but the tag on the bike seat said that they’ll accept a return for another bike seat.
They ship things super fast!
Specs on the Terry Damselfly Seat from Terry’s Website
Length/Width- 10.5/5.1 inches
Weight- 230g/8.1oz
Rails- Vanox Cover/Features Leather with damselfly imprint
Best for- racers & sprinters who like the feel of the road
Photos
Read My Butt Hurts: Ideas to help with Biking Butt Pain
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Bike seat was purchased by me.
(Also, check back in tomorrow, for my first post in a new how to series about how to find a comfortable bike seat.)
What I’m looking for in a bike seat and will the Terry Damselfly saddle work?
I finally decided last week that I had it with my bike seat. I was actually riding a Terry touring type seat, and while it was comfortable and I could really put in the miles on it, it wasn’t a great performance seat. When I say performance, I am talking about how easy it is to climb, tackle steep downhills, and tight technical singletrack. I need something that is easy to get on and off and provides a somewhat solid base to use for steering. (To me, steering a mountain bike has just as much to do with the rear of the bike as the front of the bike.)
Why the Terry Damselfly?
I selected the Terry Damselfly based primarily on dimensions (10.5 long x 5.1 wide). I still haven’t quite perfected the fit on my mountain bike. I feel like I am too upright and despite switching out multiple bike components- can’t perfect it. I find I can adjust my balance on most sections, except when I am heading down a steep downhill. Then the feeling like I am too upright becomes a little worrisome.
After a few “chuck my bike in the woods” moments, I figured out that I didn’t like the width in the back on my current seat. It was hard to get far enough back on my bike to be aggressive on the downhill sections. I knew that I wanted something slimmer than my current bike seat (9.5 long x 6” wide) and the Terry Damselfly is definitely a slimmer seat.
Will the Terry Damselfly saddle be good for both performance and comfort?
This is the question that only several more rides will answer. I’ll tell you that 10.5 x 5.1 looks pretty darn skinny. Will that tiny seat be comfortable? I’ll be back with an On the Trail Review soon.
About the Company
Terry Cycling is a women’s specific bike company. They design bike skorts, bicycles, seats and more specifically for women.
I’m not 100% sure exactly how they are with their return policy yet, since I’ve never returned anything to them before. Their website has 100% satisfaction guaranteed, but the tag on the bike seat said that they’ll accept a return for another bike seat.
They ship things super fast!
Specs on the Terry Damselfly Seat from Terry’s Website
Length/Width- 10.5/5.1 inches
Weight- 230g/8.1oz
Rails- Vanox Cover/Features Leather with damselfly imprint
Best for- racers & sprinters who like the feel of the road
Photos
Read My Butt Hurts: Ideas to help with Biking Butt Pain
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Bike seat was purchased by me.
Shimano SPD Pedal PD-M424 Product Review Final Review
I wasn’t able to race in my new Shimano SPD Pedals this weekend since this seems to be the summer of cancelled mountain bike races. I did manage to get out on a couple group rides, where clipping in and out and frequent stops helped me decide if these Shimano pedals were keepers.
Tension on the Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424
If you caught my on the trail report about the Shimano Pedals last week, you’ll remember I was having problems with the tension on the clips. I took the pedals out for their maiden voyage, only to discover half way up a tricky section that they were too tight and I couldn’t clip out. I’ve had my share of crashes due to clipless pedals, but typically you seem to pop out somewhere in the air and land unattached to your bike. Nope, not that time. Still completely clipped in.
After fiddling with the pedals some more, I think I’ve finally adjusted them correctly. I have to say, this whole debacle was due to my inexperience working on pedals. I definitely recommend checking the tension before you hit the trails.
Replaceable Resin Platform on Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424
Since I’m only half a dozen rides in on these pedals, I can’t completely attest to how well the replaceable resin platforms will hold up. Like I mentioned before, I owned a similar pair of Shimano SPD Pedals and had them close to eight years with absolutely no problems. On the other hand, the most common complaint I hear from other riders about these pedals is that the platform breaks easily.
To Go SPD or Not?
The clipless pedal market has been evolving, thanks to great new companies creating new technology. It used to be that the only decent clipless pedal you could buy was a Shimano and an SPD. Now there are companies sporting, friendlier clipping in and out and easier mud shedding. I considered this before reinvesting in my old favorite Shimano pedal, but in the end my shoes worked with SPD and I had fond memories of my old pedals so back to them I went.
I ride some very muddy trails, especially this summer. I found that while the Shimano may not be the best at shedding mud, it get the job done. A little touch up work post ride with a brush helps keep them clean too.
Final Thoughts on the Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424
Overall, I’m still smitten with these pedals. Once the tension is adjusted correctly, they’re easy to get in and out of. They are also dual sided, making getting in and out even easier. The great wide platform, made from the replaceable resin cage, helps riders who like to unclip for technical terrain.
My past experience tells me that platforms should hold up to how I ride, but if you’re a crasher and burner type of rider, you may need to replace the cages more frequently. While the Shimano pedals aren’t super for shedding mud, with careful cleaning post ride they stay manageable.
Pros
Easy in and out
Platform for casual riding
Decent price point
Work with my bike cleats
Cons
Resin cage may break easily
May be difficult to keep clean
Photos
Even shooting a Panda with my pedals.
Read On the Trail Report about the Shimano SPD Pedals
Read Initial Thoughts about the Shimano SPD Pedals
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Pedals were purchased by me.
Tension on the Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424
If you caught my on the trail report about the Shimano Pedals last week, you’ll remember I was having problems with the tension on the clips. I took the pedals out for their maiden voyage, only to discover half way up a tricky section that they were too tight and I couldn’t clip out. I’ve had my share of crashes due to clipless pedals, but typically you seem to pop out somewhere in the air and land unattached to your bike. Nope, not that time. Still completely clipped in.
After fiddling with the pedals some more, I think I’ve finally adjusted them correctly. I have to say, this whole debacle was due to my inexperience working on pedals. I definitely recommend checking the tension before you hit the trails.
Replaceable Resin Platform on Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424
Since I’m only half a dozen rides in on these pedals, I can’t completely attest to how well the replaceable resin platforms will hold up. Like I mentioned before, I owned a similar pair of Shimano SPD Pedals and had them close to eight years with absolutely no problems. On the other hand, the most common complaint I hear from other riders about these pedals is that the platform breaks easily.
To Go SPD or Not?
The clipless pedal market has been evolving, thanks to great new companies creating new technology. It used to be that the only decent clipless pedal you could buy was a Shimano and an SPD. Now there are companies sporting, friendlier clipping in and out and easier mud shedding. I considered this before reinvesting in my old favorite Shimano pedal, but in the end my shoes worked with SPD and I had fond memories of my old pedals so back to them I went.
I ride some very muddy trails, especially this summer. I found that while the Shimano may not be the best at shedding mud, it get the job done. A little touch up work post ride with a brush helps keep them clean too.
Final Thoughts on the Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424
Overall, I’m still smitten with these pedals. Once the tension is adjusted correctly, they’re easy to get in and out of. They are also dual sided, making getting in and out even easier. The great wide platform, made from the replaceable resin cage, helps riders who like to unclip for technical terrain.
My past experience tells me that platforms should hold up to how I ride, but if you’re a crasher and burner type of rider, you may need to replace the cages more frequently. While the Shimano pedals aren’t super for shedding mud, with careful cleaning post ride they stay manageable.
Pros
Easy in and out
Platform for casual riding
Decent price point
Work with my bike cleats
Cons
Resin cage may break easily
May be difficult to keep clean
Photos
Even shooting a Panda with my pedals.
Read On the Trail Report about the Shimano SPD Pedals
Read Initial Thoughts about the Shimano SPD Pedals
Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Pedals were purchased by me.
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