SteelRider2

Very interesting

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Lots of WOW!! factor here. In my wildest dreams I can't imagine racing a mcahine like this. This almost seems sci-fi

WOW!! These are awesome bikes

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:42:00 +0000

WOW!! What beautiful bikes. I want the 2010 Specialized Allez Steel. The Langster Steel is gorgeous too. So how many bikes should a guy have? I say, one bike away from divorce, if you're married.

Steelrider2

Great commute

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Everything lined up perfectly yesterday. The weather, traffic, work schedule...and all the things that go into a perfect commute cooperated. To the experienced commuter, you probably take those things for granted. But as a novice commuter, the quality of the experience is big. It's days like yesterday that make me want to do it more. And what will turn me into an experienced commuter is how I deal with the unusual or uncooperative and will ride even though I know everything won't line up in advance.

When I got to work, I was as productive as I've been in weeks. My energy level and enthusiasm were high all day long. Once again, if commuting makes me more productive, I really should ride everyday.

My ride in was 17.6 miles. It took longer to ride in because I had to wait 7-8 minutes at a major intersection. What struck me was that I rode into the sun for 6 miles. I don't have a problem with it...just hope the cars behind me can see me. I had bike lanes for about 16 miles.

The ride home was about 10 minutes quicker because a co-worker told me of a short cut. In Jacksonville, bike lanes and sidewalks seem to be only on one side of the road. So on my ride home I had a good bit of sidewalk time. No peds.

Definitely a 10 on the scale. :)

steelrider2

The finished product.

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:44:00 +0000

Well here it is, the finished product. My 1995 Specialized Hardrock commuter bike. I now know the sense of accomplishment some of my fixed gear friends feel when they complete their projects. I think its down right purdy.

This last round, I put the fenders and rack on. Hopefully riding to work 2 times next week.

Can't wait to take it on errands this weekend.

I recycled an old bike found on Craigslist. Bike was in excellent shape and put a few upgrades on it. Comments are welcomed.

Commute frustrations

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:10:00 +0000

206

For the first time in 2009, I commuted by bike to work today. The route in was 17.6 miles. Good ride; it is spring break for the schools so the traffic was minimal. Here are the stats:

Miles: 17.6
Avg speed: 12.9
Calories: 923

The ride home had it all. Heavy wind, heavy rain, a flat tire, a few dumb drivers and some other stuff not worth mentioning. Ride home Stats:

Blood pressure: off the charts

Note to self...check the weather better. have the correct tools to fix a flat and not let dumb drivers get to me so bad.

So...Beware....Next Friday I'm at it again.

My Specialized Hardrock Commuter Bike

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:42:00 +0000

I really like riding my bike. Riding the 15 miles each way to work is a new adventure. At first, I think I’m going to ride a few times a month. I didn’t really like riding my road bike or my fixed gear to work. So, I decided to buy a used mountain bike and create a commuter. I have enjoyed having a project like this. I decided to buy an older mountain bike with a steel frame and cro-mo fork. I found 1995 Specialized Hardrock in excellent shape on Craigslist for $25. No before hand pics.

I decided to take my time making it the way I want it. The first thing was to replace the knobby tires with Specialized Nimbus tires and buy a lock. (You will notice all the parts I used were Specialized. Open Road Bicycles, my fav shop, is a Specialized dealer so many of the parts I have used are Specialized.) Probably the best addition is a locking front skewer. Comfort, cost, security and functionality will be behind all the changes.

The next step was to replace the seat the seat and grips. I added a Specialized BG2 Sport Saddle and BG Comfort Locking Short Grips. This added the comfort I was looking for.

Pedals were the next part of the project. I thought since my round trip commute is 30 miles, I would need some clipless pedals. I also plan to use this bike on weekends so platforms would be in order. I bought Shimano M-324s for the best of both worlds.

That brings me up to date. I plan on adding a rack on the back, fenders and a headlight. Other small items will also be added, such as a cargo net, rear light and a pannier. These pics are before adding the pedals. So far, it rides really great and is the perfect bike for weekend errands. I like the one less car symbol. More updates will follow as they occur.

Back after 2 years

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Since my last post I sold my Masi road bike, Quintana Roo Triathlon bike and Bianchi fixed gear.

I purchased a 2006 Specialized Roubaix Pro, 2007 Specialized Langster and a 1995 Specialized Hardrock. This opens a new chapter in my riding life.

I cannot expalin how great the Roubaix Pro rides. Carbon fiber is a great ride. This was my first Dura-Ace group. It just rides so great.

The Langster fits me better than the Bianchi. I tend to ride it more in the winter to improve my pedalling stroke.

The Hardrock has been a project bike for me. I bought the bike for $25.00 off Craigslist. It had a lot of garage time and is in perfect shape. I decided to turn it into a commuter bike. So far I have added street tires, a more comfortable seat and ergo grips. Within a few weeks I will add fenders and a back rack. Last year I commuted a few times on my Langster, which was great. It got me interested in trying to commute several times a month. So, I think I will spend most of my online time talking about my commute.

My motivation for commuting is simple, I want to commute by bike because I love riding. I am not much interested in doing it for the reasons most people commute. I won't ride in the rain. I often have sales calls and need to drive my car. If it's too hot or too windy or too wet, I will drive. If I happen to save a few bucks on gas or loose a few lbs, so be it.

Jacksonville Cycling Classic

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 01:09:00 +0000

Awesome race...if you weren't here in Jacksonville Cycling Classic you missed a quality event. The pro races were as exciting as any races I've ever seen on tv. Race Management lead by Ron and Steve put on a fine event.

All bikes are gone to live somewhere else

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 01:00:00 +0000

That's right...all my bikes have now been sold and new ones are on the way.

Sold
2004 Masi Speciale Carbon
1999 Quintana Ro Tequilo Tri Bike
2006 Bianchi Pista

All were great bikes and had their time.

New Bikes
Fixed Gear - more of a training bike; not a track bike
Road Bike - probably carbon
Still pondering...looking for feedback. What's your favorite bike and why?

steelrider2...if i don't buy steel will I have to change the blog name?

2004 Masi for sale

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:16:00 +0000

Help me sell my Masi.

Go to this link and bid or send to a friend. Thanks
eBay: 2004 Masi Speciale Carbon 51c (item 250087541264 end time Mar-04-07 16:4

All the details and specs are on eBay.

These are the pictures

Love it when a plan comes together

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 19:22:00 +0000

Last week I sold my Quintana Roo Triathlon bike, my HED3 carbon wheelset and my Bianchi Pista. Now I have to work on selling my Masi Speciale Carbon. Its up on ebay so go look and bid.

Cool Bike

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 23:47:00 +0000

Gran Fondo Cycles in Nashville, TN with the help of Bianchi and some special component providers has come up with a cool new bike. It is called the Hope bike. A generous amount of the proceeds from the purchase of the bike end up funding breast cancer research. Also, there is a century ride to further support the cause on September 9. If you have not ridden the Natchez Trace Parkway, you are missing an awesome ride.

My opinion

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 23:45:00 +0000

What bothers me the most is that UCI and Phonak spread the word about Floyd's positive testosterone results as soon as possible because "the French national anti-doping laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry has ties to L'Equipe." What does ties mean? Do they have people on each others payroll whose sole job is to leak information. And yet the IOC certifies them. Just what are they certifying? Where is the credibility of the anti-doping laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry? Where is the credibility of the IOC for turning a blind eye to these snitches? How can a lab that almost everyone in the free world knows leaks information be trusted to provide credible testing results?

Do I believe Floyd is innocent? I don't know. But from the outside looking in, I see a lot of dirty people. I believe that WADA , UCI, IOC and the laboratory at Châtenay-Malabry (as well as other labs) are equally as dirty. I believe there is a total lack of credibility from all angles. Cycling will never be able to clean up its act if everyone around them is equally as dirty.

Bicycle racing in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 01:24:00 +0000


Welcome to the Jungle. Crank it up!!!!! QuickSilver Messenger Service Cycle New York Central Park Queens Brooklyn

more fixed gear and track info

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 02:06:00 +0000

This updates a post from October 2005.

They don’t come any simpler than this stripped-to-the-gills fixed gear unit. The Sputnik hangs proper rear-facing track dropouts on a Reynolds 631 steel frame, with a flip-flop rear hub that lets you mount an additional sprocket so you can change gearing mid-ride. Use it as a track racer, or mount up a brake, quit your day job and join the bike messenger ranks. This isn’t a bike for the faint of heart, but for absolute purity of purpose there’s nothing more exquisitely beautiful, or special-bred, than this elemental speedster. Runs about $825.00

If a custom built fixed gear/track bike is your style, look at the Ravello. Expect to pay for a custom frame but with Dedacciai lugged tubing is a nice piece of work. Complete bikes start at $1,999 and run to $2,999. These bikes sure are purdy.

I also like the Gios Pista. It’s Italian, its blue and it’s just looks fast. I’m not exactly sure of the price but I seem to remember a $1,500 plus shipping for a special order for the frame Excel Sports Boulder.

Others to check out include Independent Fabrication, Ridley and Eddy Merckx. All are the track variety bikes but very sweet!

QR Tri-Bike For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 20:38:00 +0000

SOLD
I am selling my 1998 Quintana Roo TeQuilo Triathlon Bike. It is a size 53 with Ultegra 9-speed and a Carbonero Fork with a 650 wheelset. Purchased in 1999 from Mission Bay Sports in Chicago. In January 2003, I purchased the HED3 wheels pictured. I have all invoices for proof of purchase. Your purchase includes the original set of Velocity Wheels and the HED3's. Bike is in excellent shape, however it is used. There is one small paint chip on the down tube and one on the seat stays from transporting. It also comes with upgraded Syntace C2 aerobars and a Selle San Marco Triath-gel saddle. I am asking $1,000.00 or best offer. Upgrades alone are worth $700.00 Please respond by emailing "triathlete13783@aol.com" I have more pictures to provide and will provide telephone number to all serious inquiries. This is an excellent bike for the beginner who wants to start with many affordable upgrades. Thanks for looking.

steelrider2

Have you got your Lance face on.....

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 12:27:00 +0000

Yesterday I received a huge, bigger than lifesize photo of Lance in the mail. It is some lame advertising promo by American Century Investments. Based on a web article a few months ago found by fellow blogger vinovelo, Lance is one of the most saleable people around. Opps, I hear the recycle truck picking up the bin with with the promo in it. AND...if want Lance's mug as wallpaper, click on the downloads at the bottom of the page and set yourself right up. I guess, no I know, I'd cash in if it was me.

steelrider2

Swimming, soccer and sweeping....

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 13:12:00 +0000

Springtime brings with it the opportunity for everyone in the family to be doing their own thing. Since I am Dad, Dad supports everyone own thing at the expense of his cycling. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, merely pointing out the obvious. Having been sick for a few weeks not all the activities happening, my training time continues to suffer. While it doesn't help my body, virtual mind cycling help me think I'll be back on the sometime soon. Gotta rush to a game...

steelrider2

no cycling for the last 10 days...

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 22:03:00 +0000

I've sick for the last two weeks so I haven't been on the bike nor have I felt much like blogging. I will try to get out tomorrow but soccer games and honey do's will likely get in the way of having a nice ride.

Is ESPN nuts...they showed the Tour de Cali at 1:00am est.

steelrider2

Random stuff....

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 11:52:00 +0000

Tyler Hamilton lost his appeal and is now serving his 2-year ban from cycling. I can't say I'm surprised at the CAS decision. I haven't read all the articles yet but it seems the evidence against him was overwhelming. No matter, it's a sad day.

I just can't seem to find a reason to worked up over the winter Olympics. Since I don't like the cold weather, I guess I would have to say I don't like the cold weather sports. However, I'm sure the hype will force me to watch some of it on TV. Maybe some alpine ski jumping...

Of course, I will be totally away from the TV tomorrow as my wife and I go out for a nice Valentines dinner. Which reminds me...I need to go get her a card. I think a good business idea for guys to sign up for a service where you give them all the important dates in your life and they send a card along with the apprpriate gift a few days before the event. That way I will never forget it again. Sounds like a golden idea to me....

The Tour of California starts next weekend, with nightly coverage on ESPN 2. I am really looking forward to that. I am still somwhat mystified with the title sponsor being Amgen.

Its been cold, well cold for us, here in Florida. I hope this front moves away and soon.

steelrider2

Non cycling stuff...

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 18:13:00 +0000

Since today is the Super Bowl, I thought it might be good to talk a little football. While I understand football well, I am not into meaningless stats that seems to be all the sports shows and talk radio tell me I should be interested in. Also since I am in Jacksonville, Florida I feel like I have a vested interest in the Super Bowl since it was in Jacksonville last year. And hopefully will be returning in a few years. Who's my pick...I don't much care; I don't have a dog in that hunt.

I found this to be an interesting bit of trivia. The Jacksonville Jaguars are the only team in the NFL to have defeated both teams (this year) playing in the big game today. So...what does that mean for the Jaguars?...absolutely nothing. They didn't get past the first playoff game. However, some in Jacksonville would have you beleive that the Jaguars could beat either again to win the Super Bowl. I tend to think that a blind squirrel will stumble upon an acorn ever so often but not everyday. But I still like'em.

I will say one thing...I'm glad T.O. is out of football. He's bad for that game and bad for sport. RIP...T.O. He had it all and his mouth got the better of him.

I also watched the Florida Gators demolish the Kentucky Wildcats last night in basketball. AWESOME!!!!! Yes I am a Gator fan.

We decided this week that we would go during spring break (March) down to Tampa and catch a few NY Yankees spring training games. Yup...I'm a Yankees fan. At least third generation. Another interesting bit of trivia...A-Rod played on the Jacksonville Suns minor league team in his early days.

Yesterday, as I was on the trainer riding, I flipped back and forth between hockey, golf and tennis. I can't seem to get too excited about any of those sports. Although I will be at all four rounds of the TPC in Jacksonville in March. It's a work thing.

Oh and I'm sure most of you have heard that Lance Armstrong and Cheryl Crow have decided not to get married. Hmmmm....Seven Tour de France wins...he's already married...to the bike. Hopefully the cycling world will not analyze the heck out of why and just drop it. Doubtful.... We'll have to endure all that speculation for a few months now.

Time to go for a bike ride and clean the toilets before all the guests start arriving for the game.

steelrider2

Fat boys need love too

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 21:32:00 +0000

This is a pic from July 2005 when I was 20 lbs heavier. That evening I was with a group doing over and back on a bridge. I was struggling to get that 198 lbs over the crest of the bridge. Now I'm 20 lbs lighter with a goal of 40 lbs by April 1. That should make bridge night a easier this year.

Here is a couple of other pics from that night of some of the group.

Now its really humbling when I realized there was a roller blader doing hill work also.

steelrider2

Early morning ride makes the day...

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 13:14:00 +0000

At 5:15 this morning, Chris (triathlete friend) and I started our early morning rides. I had forgotten what a good thing it is to get out early and get the juices flowing. We rode for an hour in high 30's temps. Still it was great. We are following all of our safety rules (headlights and 2 blinkies on back.) We decided it was so good that we are going to meet every Monday and Wednesday morning to ride.

I think I have decided to do a few sprint triathlons this year along with three bike races, maybe even a fall 10K. But I am going to do the triathlons on my fixed gear bike. I'll throw some aero clips on the bars and put the 48t chain ring on and flip the hub to the freewheel.

steelrider2

Monday night fixed gear ride

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 11:51:00 +0000

The Monday night fixed gear ride was awesome again. This week it was Ron, Tim, Scott and myself. Our route is roughly 20 miles. We averaged about 18 mph. It includes several good straight aways where we can get cadence up to 110. Then we have a short climb over a bridge, just to help the legs know they been for a ride. Here's a pic of Ron (right) and Tim (left). Both guys are really strong riders. This is definitely the way to build strength and develop pedalling skill. Now I see that my photo skills need some improvement.

steelrider2

fasinated by this ballroom dancing show...

noreply@blogger.com (steelrider2) — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 23:39:00 +0000

Since I've been riding my fixed gear bike on the trainer on Thursday nights in front of the TV, I've gotten hooked on "Dancing with the Stars." I don't much care who wins but the dancing itself looks like a blast. I have some friends who have been ballroom dancing for a few years. They have invited us to some of their parties and competitions; it sure looks fun. I have to get over the idea that I have two left feet. So who knows...maybe I'll try a few lessons to see if I can get the hang of it. As long as it doesn't interfere with riding.

steelrider2