blackfly profile

I have the Magna 40 rims on Hadley hubs handbuilt by Chromag for me.  I was a little leery about the rims at first but after seeing them built I couldn't be happier.  I run tubeless and the rim/tire interface is very good; the tires hold air very well.  In fact, after getting some help in inflating the tires for the first time, the shop mechanic commented on the fact how well the tires "sat" in the rims.  He commented that they were the finest rims he had worked with tubeless tires.  When I built up my hardtail the wheels sat for about a month, inflated, and needed no air after that time.   Obviously, I give the rims the highest recommendation.

I have a Magna 40 set for my Surface Ti laced to Hadley hubs handbuilt from Pete at Chromag and I would put these wheels against what CB is offering hands down.  Moreover, they are cheaper.  I thought the Magna 40s were way too big but now that I have them I love them.  Also, they are very good with tubeless and hold a seal very well; I have had to put little air in the wheels if left for weeks (this was during the built when the bike was stationary until all the parts showed up).  If CB wanted to really impress me they could start with the Mallet C pedals that I have tried to love but....no spring tension adjustor and the soft brass (I think) cleats that wear so fast you find out they are worn exactly when you don't want to....and the wear time is so fast you would think they were made of plastic.   And the top hoop is $2400 US.  At least aluminum gives or dents.  And as for "you get what you pay for"  I still think nothing beats handbuilt wheels from a true artisan gifted in the craft of wheel building.

Amen.

I totally concur that the part about taking the time to take care of ones self is all to true.  You cannot take care of anyone else if you cannot take care of yourself.  I also am a hardened convert to the moto of "Carp Diem"; in that in the end we all don't know when we are going to be called, so you are best to make every day count.  I recently lost a friend whom at 63 worked all his life to never see one day of retirement.  He did, however, make each day count, and like Ingrid, this is something we can all carry forward with.  Ride more, have more fun, make the effort to do what you want to do.  I wish I could go on Friday, but I am sure like many I will be there in spirit.

Reread the sentence, this time with a modicum of understanding english lexicon.  If you read it slower you will notice that it has no sexual connotation at all, and in fact that is not in the least what I was implying.  Read twice, reply once.

I will say this.

Back when I started riding women riding was as rare as hen's teeth, and the ones that did ride...I'm not going there.  Today, for example, when I ride Seymour....I sure wish I was in the dating scene today.  Finding a biker chick as another half......guess I missed that window.

The wisdom Nouseforaname espouses does have some truth to it however.  The only one responsible for one's own happiness is themselves, and no one, no wife, girlfriend or whomever, is going to do that in the end.  But self fulfillment surely will, and for a biker, there is no better fulfillment than satisfying rides.  And also, we never know what the future holds; maybe in 5 years you can't ride anymore due to health or whatever.  Carp Diem.

I just recently bought a Chromag Surface Ti, and have it built up and have put 3 rides on it, and it is better than expected.  There is something about a Chromag that transcends simple material.....it rides in a way nothing else does.  You can tell it has soul.  And I have had boutique bikes for 20 years and know what to expect....it is all in the details.  Yes, some will say they are expensive, for a hardtail, but quality costs money and believe me you get what you pay for.  If only I could find a way to not have to work and ride every day....working on it......

Those Mavic 321 rims I ran for many years.  521 Ceramic when I was using XTR V brakes.  In speaking of the Honda, I wonder why they made it and then POOF.  Nothing.  Seems like a waste of R+D dollars to do something so good then not produce a product.  Patent violation perhaps?

May be named Marzocchi but it isn't a Marzocchi,  and sadly never will.  Makes me remember all the good forks they brought out until they screwed it up.  For my latest bike it is a Fox 36 Kashima.  No other choice, really.  But thankfully a good one.

Funny you would say that.  I use XC Pro 8 speed shifters on my current bike and have used them for well over 20 years....best shifter made.  Never break and shift clean.  Of course you have to use 8 speed.....

This bike is about as light as its life expectancy.

Chromag Surface Ti.  Bought one in May, never looked back.  If I had to give up by FS bike for the Ti I would.  Frame is a bit pricey, but you get your money's worth for sure.  I went all out on the spec kit as the Ti hardtail is the one thing I have wanted all my life.  I run 27.5 plus tires (2.8) on them with Chromag Magna 40 rims and there is no loss of rotation, and the nice part:  you can soften the tires for the down.  It has a threaded BB which to me is essential since the Ti will be a long term purchase.  Look it up on their website; the pics don't do it justice.

I am really sorry to hear this.  Roach was, without a doubt, one of the best clothing/swag/armour companies out there, even today.  I still miss my Roach armour and I still have a pair of used only once DH pants personally made by Ingrid.  I have to suck in very little to still get them to fit....  Ingrid was a person of integrity in a world that had little of it, and a perfect example of this is what happened to Roach when RaceFace bought them.  Stupidest move to let a company go with such a brand recognition, and the name to boot...  I always liked Core Rat as well, but I think the "something extra" that Roach had is the likes we will not see again.  I wish Ingrid's family the best at this time.  The standard Ingrid set with Roach has been seldom reached since.  

I remember having to take my said DH pants in to get a small adjustment at the shop on Powell, and Ingrid did it on the spot, no charge.  Luckily, I never had to use the armour for its intended purpose, but I was witness to a then riding partner essentially slide all the way down the chute at the end of Per Gynt, on his Roach armoured prayer bones.  Not a scratch.

A profound loss indeed.

Don't know why it loads upside down, but if you click the attachment it shows up fine.  

Had 5 rides on it so far and could not be happier with it.

Didn't know the pic didn't upload.  Worth the wait.

My new ride.  Cannot say enough.....

My new ride.  Cannot say enough.....

Posted by: fun-house

I just mean no more getting lazy and taking the easy way down, I'm going to commit to riding Empress proper every time now.

Just to the left of this shot is a line that is straight down that is doable, but you have to brake hard to avoid interfacing with a stump.  But it is smooth.  I have done the pull up jump many times but now.....

Funny, there is a nice little spot just up the road where the bend is to a "road" up that offers all kinds of privacy.  But since no trails above Seventh are allowed/sanctioned (why I don't know and don't ask anymore) whom would think to look or even explore........hell, the dump offers all kinds of potential..  cause and effect.

Posted by: craw

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. And just like the Chromag Ti frame - there's no way I'm spending $3100 on a hardtail that isn't custom built to my specifications, ti or not.

Have you actually tried one before making such a statement?  The only way to get a custom Ti frame that I know is by Dekerf, and it is north of $4K, more than my Surface Ti.  $3100 wouldn't even get you in the door on a custom job.

Germany beating Brazil on home turf 7-1 was the worst professional loss I have ever seen. This world cup is fantastic. I think this is the year some team from the blue wins it. Russia should not of beaten Spain....Germany is out. As is Portuagal. Japan losing shows its lack of fortitude, which I would expect from Belgium. I think the next few games are going to be very interesting....if you think Brazil is going to walk away with it I think you are going to be surprised. My bet is either England, or perhaps Russia; don't discount home field advantage. Look at France for that.