Contador test's positive...

Wow, a positive test for the banned drug clenbuterol, a weight-loss and muscle-building drug, on the final rest day of the Tour de France this year. Sad. He faces lose of the title and a two year ban. Sad. There maybe hope though, experts agree that this could be food-contamination case, due to the large amounts of test he passed this year. We'll see. If it's true is anyone really surprised at this point. I mean, shit if doping would help me win Alleycats....


NY Times for more deets.

Best sticker from Interbike

So true, so true.

Fyxation Tire: Review

A few weeks ago, I put on a Fyxation 28c tire on my Affinity Lo-pro. At first I was amused by it. It sounded like a Zipper when I skidded, made me laugh. Then it just got annoying. When I would run the Affinity, about three times a week for my 12 mile commute, I would skid the shit out of this tire. Mainly to get rid of the noise and see what it could handle. I liked the stopping power and the grip of it. Stopped on a dime, almost too good. For me, I like the ability to move around when I skid, short controlled skids to get through tight spaces and back up to speed fast. This tire could do that, with the use of muscles to push it through, but it was too much work for me. I think thats cause it was the 28c. It just wasn't doing what I needed it to. I had to replace it. It just wasn't my style. As a trick tire or a average commuter tire, I recommend the 28 or the larger 35c for tricking, it'll be perfect. It really felt indestructible and after about a month of riding, it showed not that much wear with a ton of skidding going on. For a track bike rider, aka speed is king, it'll slow you down. I would love to try out the 23c to see if that is more my speed, and really give the Fyxation tire a review it deserves.

Lever Test.

So, yesterday I posted that I got these Quik Stiks from interbike. Well last night I had a chance to test them out. On two different rims, a H plus son and on a Deep V.

Stringbike

People are forever trying to improve upon perfection. The Stringbike is another one of those creations that try to outdo what is already perfect.

Here's the short discription from Gizmag:
The system features freewheel mechanisms on either side of the rear wheel connected by polyethylene rope to a precisely positioned, symmetrical swinging arm that drives the bicycle forward. When the unit on the right is driving the bike forward, the other is being returned to its starting position and vice-versa which is said to result in greater efficiency and makes for a more comfortable, easier ride.


Here's Video showing how the system works:


What do you think? Good, bad, or just plain wacky? I would love the chance to ride one and really give it the once over, before I pass judgement. I just know I probably will never hear of Stringbike again, once I post this.

This was waiting for me when I got home...

Sneakers, from DVS x Cadence. Thanks guys! They are super comfy... I wont be riding in them, Clipless FTW, however I am still stoked, to be rocking them. Nice coming home surprise, after Vegas.

California Bike Gear: Quick Stik

New Levers. Got em at Interbike. Gonna try em out today. I should be finishing off my thickslick on the way to O20 tonight. What is so special about these levers? Well, for one, they're a little longer then most levers and have a sort of a thicker handle on the end. For me, that's great. I have some issues with my hands and muscle strength, due to injuries from crashes over the course of my life. Anything that give me more tourqe or leverage is bonus in my book. Secondly, the shape of the head. It has a steeper angle, then other levers. It also has a longer cut-out section. Why? Well once you get under the bead of the tire, you twist the lever, so the cut-out rests against the lip of rim sliding it along, until the tire comes off. Repeat for other side. This is so you don't need two levers, one will do the job. It feels really durable, unbreakable almost. When I switch-out my tires, tonight, I'll post pics and tell ya how it went down!


Quik-Stik

Thanks to Colt for pointing these out to me.

10-10-10

I cannot wait for this. This is gonna be awesome. Open Streets for walking and bikes! Hopefully the first of many. A day of no cars, and it starts at my favorite spots in LA, continues through my hood, ending DTLA!!! So, think of this as an early warning for awesome Sunday. 10-10-10.

It was bloggers heaven...

It really was. Everybody was there... Well, not bikesnob, or Hipster Nascar (they were represented, by friends). There is one blog ya'll really should get to know. My main man Ace and his blog "The Sleepers". Great coverage my friend! It was the best to walk around with you on Thursday, at the convention and into the wee hours of the morning. "Come at me Bro". So good....


Pic by the Sleepie.

Fixation: The ride with one gear

FIXATION Teaser 1 - Velodromes from Alex Trudeau Viriato on Vimeo.

Looks good, who knows anything about this?