what to do during the winter months

One of the most superb businesses to be offered to the Midwest mountain biker is the indoor trail. Ray’s Indoor Park, located in Cleveland, is the first to offer riding for us in the frozen winter months and the sloppy spring and fall months.
This indoor trail is attracting riders from all over the Midwest and many bus loads from Canada.
The trail is housed in the old industrial section of Cleveland, which has long since been abandoned. The entire building has been gutted of its former factory tools and machines. This makes for a perfect palette for a trail designer to paint the trail to make a rider forget about what the lousy weather outside. The trail is as challenging as many outdoor courses. It does lack for distance, but it makes up for it in jumps, ramps, and obstacles to ride over.
There are several indoor trails in the US that are dedicated to the BMX rider. These trails are very short with many banked turns and jumps to clear several at a time. This type of trail requires much less floor space and less thought on how to lay it out. One of Ray’s continuing themes is to be on the cutting edge for the difficult obstacles to conquer.
The distance to travel to Ray’s is the biggest drawback. That is why I would love to see an indoor trail open up in the Fort Wayne area. When the winter blues hit and there are no trails to ride on, I am sure I will be on my way to Ray’s for some relief.

Ray's Indoor Park
Ray's featured on CNN

and for something completely different

I have made several references to a bike as “29er.” I will take out a blog entry to give a brief explanation of what it is.
The common mountain bike that everyone is use to has 26 inch diameter tires. The 29er uses a tire closer in size to what the typical road bike uses. This distance accounts for a 1 ½ inch rise in the bike height.
This distance would seem like much, but when riding over areas that you were use to on a 26er now seems much more different. The extra height allows for easier rolling over logs and other obstacles. It also delivers much lesser rolling resistance.
The 29er is not with out its critics. Many sight the extra weight as big draw back in using the 29 inch tires. They also say the 29er lacks responsive handling and maneuvering. The 29er requires special sized frame and front fork to accommodate the larger tires. It also requires a larger tire, tube, and rim. The availability of these special size components can end at a moments notice. This would be the biggest draw back of having a 29er.
I have been able to take a 29er out for a spin from Trail House in Winona Lake, service not provided from the web bike shops and one not offered from Summit Bikes. So far I have been avoiding purchasing a 29er, but I think my next bike will be a 29er.

29er explained
Q&A for 29er
More info on 29er
Niner Bikes

sponsorship $$$

Sponsorship for the road bike series has been long in place, but the companies are now starting to setup and sponsor the mountain bike riders and events. It is common place at the local level to see banners and prizes donated by major manufacturers. Companies are now even paying riders for to ride their bikes and wear their gear. It is good to see that these companies are stepping up.
The increase in popularity and with sponsorship money this should lead to better bikes and components. The more money that is involved with the sport, the more there will be placed in product development.

Price Point Sponsorship
Sponsorship Oppertunities
Fort William World Cup Sponsorship
Tips for Obtaining Sponsorship

not for me

Blogging has not been the easiest genre of writing for me. Trying to find the time and enough pertinent information has been challenging. This style of writing is not for me. I found it hard to write anything of substance over a period of time. This is probably why I never though of keeping a journal. The first couple of days would have something and then there would be nothing. I think I would rather do any other style of writing than this one.

bike restoration

One area of the bike business I have neglected to blog about is the restoration of old bikes. I am currently in the process of restoring two 1955 Schwinn Phantoms. It has been a labor of love, because it certainly was not for the money.
I received the frames from my dad, but they are missing some of the most crucial parts (aka most expensive parts). I have spent many hours searching the web for original parts, but faced many dead ends. I ran into countless dead web sites offering exactly what I needed. As much as I hated to do it, I turned to eBay to locate parts.
I learned the pitfalls of dealing with people through an online auction site. I was sold a bike that was completely different from what was advertised in the auction. From that point on I learned how to ask questions and how to detect an dishonorable seller.
The local market was not helpful for locating parts and service. No one wants to mess with something so old. I had to resort to finding bike shops in the tri-state area. Cash and many hours of searching through piles and piles of old parts are needed to find what I needed. Many people told me it was pointless to restore these bikes and that I should sell what I have to them. Once again, I think I am dealing with a less than reputable seller.
There has been a surge since the 1980s to restore this type of bike; and with this surge, has come an increase in aftermarket parts. Many of these parts are coming from foreign manufacturers. They are less than a perfect match and are of a lesser quality in material. I have been avoiding these parts, but as come close to obtaining all of the parts I may have to resort to purchasing them.
There are several web sites that offer tips and dvds on how to restore the Phantom. I purchased a dvd that narrator showed the tips he found that work best when restoring a bike. He also showed some of Schwinn’s original tricks for painting and assembling the Phantom.
After scouring both the web and bike shows I have a majority of what I need. Now I need to find a sandblaster, a painter, a chromer, and bike mechanic to put these two bikes together.


How to restore a Phantom
eBay
Bike help

local bikes shop vs. web

The web has been a god send for the small bike manufacturer. Many of these small startup companies do not have the Interbike avenue to all of the local bike shops. The web has allowed them to display their bikes for the whole world to see.
Before the web, the small bike manufacturer could quickly be run out of the business due to the lack of sales. They could carve a small niche in their area, but would lack the sales necessary to allow them to grow and modernize their production.
As the web has allowed many small cottage industries to flourish, the small bike manufacturer sector has seen a big increase in the number of participants. The high dollar frames that a local bike shop could not afford to carry are now in stock for anyone with a web connection and the funds to purchase it.
The amalgamation of biking and the web is perfect for the biggest group that enjoys both. The gen x, the gen y and the gen next are the biggest users of mountain biking and web surfers. This group of riders is not fearful of the web; in fact, they are more willing to use the web for shopping than to go to the store.
The local bike shop is quickly becoming replaced by the web bike shop. They can offer deeper discounts and more of a selection. Many offer free shipping on higher dollar orders and they do not collect taxes where they do have a physical store. I have purchased many components from this type of bike store. The biggest thing this type of store lacks is personal service. When something brakes, there is no one to help you. It is up to find someone to fix or resort to buying another part, but you are still with a bike when this happens. My local bike shop, Trail House at Winona Lake, is always willing to give me a loaner part until mine is fixed or replaced.
I play a balancing act between buying the cheapest parts and giving enough business to the local bike shop to get their excellent service.

Some web bike shops:
Price Point
BeyondBikes
Greenfish

Bike manufacturers:
Fetish Cycles
Santa Cruz

help for the local bike shop

While searching today, I ran across a website that offers help to the bike shop owner. They are offering seminars on how to sell more to females, knowing what the consumer wants and how to get it for them, and informing them of the latest trends in the bike market. This is a great thing for the mom and pops of the bike shop owners who enjoy bikes, but do not treat bikes as a way of life. The conference may not make them hippest on all of the latest trends, but they at least will be in the ball park.
The local bikes shops in Fort Wayne are up on the trends for the most part. Summit Bikes missed out on the single speed bikes and now they are missing out on the new 29ers. So, I guess attending Interbike and having employees who live for biking does not guarantee that the shop will be carrying the latest trends in biking. That is why I am will to drive a couple of counties over to Winona Lake for my biking needs. Maybe someday Summit will catch on.

Bike Conference

bike technology

I came across a story about how one bike manufacturer is using Autodesk’s 3D modeling software for their designing of frames and parts. The article was about how Marin Bikes is being recognized for their “innovative design and engineering advancements.”
It is good to see that bike companies are embracing new technology. This could only help the advancement of frames and components for the everyday rider. Stronger and lighter weight components will pay dividends for the weight conscious rider. Every little ounce helps.
Hopefully other bike manufacturers are following suit and are using this technology to help them design better bikes and components. Many of the road bike manufacturers have been making great strides in bike design, but at a steep cost. The most technically advanced road bikes are way beyond the budget of the average rider.
I started looking around the net for other technology driven innovations for the bike. I came across the Dynamic chainless bike. That is right, there is no chain. It works with gears located in the hub and driveshaft down the tubing of the bike. They are bragging about the elimination of the chain slop, so thereby allowing more of the torque created by the rider to be transferred to the rear wheel.
I will wait until one shows up at my local bike shop before I will consider putting any money into this thing. Here is a case where Interbike can help this product be viewed by bike shop owners.

Marin Bikes wins award
Marin Bikes
Super Bike
The chainless bike

the euros are coming

While out searching the web today came across an article about how Eurobike is moving into the US bike market. I have to admit that I have never heard of Eurobike, but from the sounds of it they will be coming more of a name in America.
Eurobike is in the same bike trade show business as Interbike (see previous posting). With the growth of Interbike’s trade show in Vegas, this should be seen as good thing for the biking business in America. The more access the bike parts manufacturers can get to show the local bike shop owners, the greater availability of new bikes and parts for the rider.
Eurobike currently makes their event open to the general public. This will be another venue for the rider to see what the latest technology has for them. The Interbike Expo is not open to the general public. You must either work for an exhibitor, own or work in bike shop, or be part of the media.
The Eurobike web site is reporting that bike sales in Germany have reached 3 billion Euros. This was a slight dip from last year, but they are optimistically hopeful that bike components will lift up the total sales.
The domestic bike sales in Germany is one area they were not too optimistic. They sighted the higher imports as the main reason for Germany’s decline.
Any increase in interest in biking in America is a good thing for riders. Hopefully this trend will continue.


Eurobike is coming
Eurobike homepage

marketing to the female rider

Road biking and especially mountain biking are male dominated, but this trend maybe on the decline. More products are being marketed towards the female rider. In years past, the races I have competed had very few female riders, if any at all. The last couple of years the number of female riders has increased and so has the quality of the female riders. The more females ride and race the experience and expertise will increase. I am not ashamed to say that I have been lapped by expert class female riders. Either I begin to increase my skills or there will more female riders passing me up.
The Sea Otter Classic is an event that is being used by bike manufacturers to show off their new products, and more precisely to the female rider. In the past many female riders had to use the stock male mountain bike for their ride, but this came at price. Female riders would commonly complain of back pain. The stock frame is designed for a typical male body frame, which is traditionally longer. Frame manufacturers are offering varying frame geometries. Between frames and components, female riders have the ability to fit the bike to their needs.

Where have the girls gone?
Sea Otter Classic
Clifbar Sponsorship
Cycling News
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/livingtoday/050225/bike.shtml
http://www.girlgroove.com/saddle/

24 hour racing

One of the newest crazes in mountain bike riding is the 24 hour race. Yes, it is a race that lasts for 24 straight hours of biking. This includes riding in the dark on trails in the woods with just a light mounted on the handlebars. A trail that seemed just wide enough for the bike to fit through during the daylight hours will now become way too small to fit through in the dark.
Most races are composed of teams of 2-6 riders, but there are those who choose to ride solo. That means he or she is riding the entire 24 hours with relatively no breaks. At least within a team, you are getting a break while another member of your team is riding.
The popularity of this type of race is growing. The ability to compete and then ultimately complete it is a major accomplishment. It is akin to completing a marathon. I have yet to attempt a 24 hour race, but I have been part of a 12 hour 4 rider team. This was hard to complete, but I had half the distance to ride than the 24 hour race.
Websites for training and tips for completing the 24 hour race are increasing as the popularity of the race increases. One site offers a monthly subscription for training instructions.
Maybe sometime I will get motivated to compete in a 24 hour race, but I know will not be motivated enough to do it solo! That takes a different type of rider, a crazy one.

Blog from a 24 hour competitor
Another blog from a competitor
Tips for 24 hour racing
Trainer for hire
More tips for competing

bike expo

While perusing the net, I came across Interbike’s website. I cannot believe I forgot about this company. Interbike puts on the largest manufacture bike show in Las Vegas. The show allows for manufacturers to show off their newest products for wholesalers from around the world. It takes place over 5 days; the first two are for outdoor demos of the bikes and then three days of exhibits.
I have been fortunate to attend an expo. There are rows after rows of bike manufacturers, selling everything from complete bikes down to the bike lock. If it has anything to do with a bike, it can be found at this event.
I was a little disheartened to see an area where bike “manufacturers” could buy no name components from foreign manufacturers and then resell them as their own. There were a lot of deals going on with big name companies and the foreign manufacturers. It is not always economically feasible to produce every part of the bike; but when foreign manufacturers are selling frames and rims, I start to question what parts of the finished bike sold at the local bike store are from these foreign manufacturers.
The biking industry appears to be healthy by the size of the Interbike Expo. Interbike is reporting a 12% increase in the amount of attending buyers, manufacturer reps, and media personnel.

beware of the Wal-Mart crap

The Wal-Mart bike is ruining the reputation of many quality higher priced bikes. Most consumers will gravitate towards the lower priced good, no matter what the difference in quality of the choices. The Schwinn brand was sold to Pacific Cycle and the quality of the name was been on the decline.
Schwinn began to lose its quality in the 90s when they began to stop competing competitively with the other road bike manufacturers. Once the mountain bike craze hit, they were once again lagging behind the rest of the industry.
Sadly, Schwinn has begun to offer the Orange County Chopper Stingray for the youth market. Good job on capturing the youth market, but they neglected to give the bike any quality parts. The bike has such a bad brake down rate that the local bike shops refuse to work on “junk” bikes.
This is very sad for such a company rich in the bike industry. My first four bikes where Schwinns, which I still have two of those bikes, the Lil’ Tiger and Hurricane 5. I would never consider parting with these bikes. I am in the process of restoring two Phantoms. Even though the company has tarnished their name, the Schwinn bikes from the 1900s to 1970s are still some of the most collected bikes around the world.

Sale of Schwinn
Orange County Chopper Stingray
Discussion of Schwinn quality