Freddy Fenders

I recently decided to put fenders on my cyclo cross bike mainly because I enjoy the look of resentment from cross riders, but also to try to stay a little clean on my morning commute. Planet Bike made a fender called, Freddy Fenders, an excellent fender discontinued due to the fact that the former artist with the same name patended his name. I would have expected that from Cher but not the Texas Tornado. Anyway, the fender was awesome. I put it through some hell. I rode through dirty water, thick mud, loose mud, grass, everything. My shoes were a little messy, but from my ankle up was spotless. Great piece of gear. I recommend them highly. On fenders I say, don't skimp. Don't buy the crappy plastic ones that only cost $10 at the velo swap, splurge. This purchase will keep you on the road when others drive. That is the goal, right? To show up to that important tie wearing event on your bike, able to smuggly lock your bike next to the building. Slyly inserting into almost every conversation, "No, I didn't have any problem finding a parking place." Stupid motorists.

Spring Cleaning for Cyclists

Well, I no longer wish to bitch and moan about the snow. I don't ski, and I am in good shape right now, so...what to do. Well, traditionally I start by destroying my fitness with a proper pub workout. I start with 160z curls, and stick with that for a couple of hours. Then I go for a stumble through my neighborhood looking for my house. Finally, I finish by doing my remote controle thumb presses.
This is actually a good time for cleaning up the old bicycles too. I pulled out a couple of different bikes and came up with a little list of some things we should think about for winter riding.
1. Don't ride your good bike. I know this is not what we were all thinking when we bought that Trek 3700 for "riding and stuff". I understand some of us have only one, mid ranged bicycles, due of course to our economics. But for riders with a bicyle with shocks, it would be benificial for you to have a rigid fork to swap out. You can do it yourself or take it to your local shop and have them sap it out, a service they will provide with a rigid fork if you purchas it locally.
2. Over lubricate your chain. The moisture from this season more than negate the fact that too much lube attracts dust. In this season, snow and rain will wash most of that off and make regular cleaning and relubing a necessity, so don't skip this step.
3. Fenders make riding this season more likely, and more enjoyable. And with today's selections you can find something that enhances your bicycle.
With these three tips, I hope you can enjoy your bicycle longer.

Meditations on Snow

Snowfall. It is like an old relative from childhood in so many ways. In the middle of summer, when you are farthest way from actually experiencing the uncomfortable presence of the second cousin season, you almost miss him. Usually on an uncomfortably hot day I will remember how good it feels to warm up after a long walk in the middle of winter. But then, as you are getting ready to head out the door for an early fall ride, he shows up at your door, ruining your chances of riding for a long time. Then he just will not leave. He borrows money, (heating bills), and he is always so damn depressing. It is like watching the parts of Everybody Loves Raymond that were left on the editing room floor…(I am implying that that show sucked and I would hate to see what didn’t make the cut.) Well, bring in your damn suitcase cousin. It looks like you plan on staying a while. But instead of crashing on my couch for a few month, he crashes in my ass. It really isn’t cool.