Showing posts with label Commute Bike Shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Commute Bike Shop. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

b is for Box... or 650B.

Another day. Another bike. Matt's bike this time:

This little gem is a Scott Reflex 40 that I picked up on a trade with Brad Bacon @ Alger Cyclery. I swapped a pair of custom coated blue argyle Cliff Hanger rims (currently residing on B-Rad's beach cruiser) as an even trade for this 26" bike. As traded it came with a rear cassette wheel and derailleur that I promptly removed and tossed in the parts bin. The current drivetrain consists of an FSA V-Drive 180mm crankset to a Shimano single cog in the rear, made possible by the fantastic Surly Singulator. I built the Blunt Pro wheels before the era of the Velocity Single Speed ATB Disc hub, so what you see here is the equally drool-worthy Lightweight ATB disc hub, spaced out for single speed use.

Since the frame is on the small side for me, I decided to cram 650b wheels into the drops. I was a bit concerned about tire clearance, or lack thereof, but after a half dozen rides, these hand built beauties are still straight as an arrow. This is especially impressive considering that I am a self proclaimed amateur ATBer and I've been slamming into sh!t left and right! The increased wheel size just barely clears the frame and fork using Pacenti Neomoto and Quasimoto tires in the front and rear respectively. The fork and front end is mainly stock, but the non conventional wheel size forced my hand into XT hydraulic discs (aww shucks). The brakes were installed, routed and bled by Dan Koert, then of Ada Bike Shop. The seat post is a Ritchey and the saddle is a Fi'zi:k Gobi XM that fit the aesthetic way to well to not try out. I'm glad I did...Wing Flex + Tail Flex = seriously easy on the cheeks. The only thing I plan on upgrading is the headset, which I continually find out of adjustment after long climbs. Gripit & Ripit!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Hell of a review.

The Hell Yes Sprints went off great this past Saturday, with a solid turn out. Nicola Fester and Todd Hayes took home the wheelsets for winning their respective categories. Thanks to all who made it out to compete and to all who showed up to watch, you made it a great event!

Plenty of stories to be had, from the beer and Velocity crew races to those in the crowd putting up prizes as the day went on. A special thanks goes out to Rick for the Barry Roubaix entry, Kevin and Carly from 360 Massage for putting up a few massages for their on the spot sponsorship; and once again a thanks to Freewheeler Bike shop and Commute Bike shop for putting up prizes for the winners and Hop Cat for hosting!

Check out some more pictures from the day here and here.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Heck yes.

Oh yeah, Hell yes that is! We keep getting more goodies for the Hell Yes! Sprints race at Hop Cat in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday. You'll have the chance to win a Velocity road or track wheelset from us, two local shops have stepped up and have contributed some good prizes also. As mentioned yesterday Curt at Freewheeler Bike Shop has contributed a few items like some Oury grips, Pake top tube pad, a handlebar and some pedals; then today we got some shirts from Daniel at Commute Bike Shop and Hop Cat has contributed not only opened it's doors to the event they are putting up a $25 gift card, an empty HopCat growler with koozie and a shirt.

We also heard that it's going to be a Founder's KBS weekend at Hop Cat, which is just an amazing cherry on top. Haven't had KBS before? Stop in, try it out and watch some racing. The beer alone might change your life! Plus this can serve as a nice primer to St. Patrick's Day next week.