Frederick Kids Triathlon

The Kids Triathlon was a huge success. Thanks to all the volunteers and participants. If you missed it this year we hope to see you in 2010. http://www.fredericktri.com/

2010 Specialized Bicycles Sneak Peek

Here are a few more 2010 Specialized Bicycles. First up is the Rockhopper Comp one of the TBE favorites. Next the the hop-around P.1 AM in my favorite color. Finally, the playful Pitch Comp.

2010 Specialized Bicycles

OMG!...to use the parlance of our rapidly declining culture! I am crazy busy but wanted to make a quick post showing off some of the 2010 Specialized Langster, etc. These are straight-up ghetto pictures from the sneak peak catalog (note the pics have been upgraded). As you can see the big red S has an old school steel Langster frame, pretty cool huh?!?! They are also offering an aluminum complete black model. The city based Langsters have yet to be released (if they continue the tradition). Also pictured are some of the 2010 Specialized 29er mountain bikes. The most notable thing here is that the big wheels have trickled down to the Hardrock series. Around $600 will get you rolling on 29 inchers. This really shows the penetration the platform has made. Finally, the 2010 Allez Comp. There are no monumental changes here. Stay posted because there is more to come!

Four Times the Fun

The Bicycle Escape was featured on the front page of the Frederick News Post. If you missed the article check it out.

BTW Winner

We have a winner! John Thomas, Frederick County's Principal Planner and known bicycle enthusiast, won the Bike to Work grand prize, a Breezer i3 folding bike. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's event.

Bike To Work Day

Bike to Work Day is THIS Friday. Soooooo SIGN UP, SIGN UP, SIGN UP! Lets show everyone how committed Frederick is to alternative transportation. It only takes 2 minutes to sign up and you have a chance to win a bicycle that we will be donating. See you there.

Intervals

Blood & Vomit
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

With rain behind us and the sun shining, I enjoyed a leisurely ride exploring country roads. Always aware that country roads sometime equal unleashed dogs, I kept my eyes open as I rode. As I approach a particular farm house I was on heightened alert. I held back a little so I would have a reserve if I needed to out race a furry four-legger. Just ahead of me the road curved. I began to hasten my pace through the turn. Just then I realized two things, 1) the road ended and 2) a dog was chasing me down. I skidded to a stop and pulled a fast u-turn directly into a second dog. As I raced away the dogs proved to me that they were in better shape than I. Finally, I got away and took a moment to rinse the taste of blood and vomit from my mouth. OK, maybe I am being a little dramatic but I really did not plan on doing intervals today.

5 Spoke Creamery

5 Spoke Creamery
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

There must be someone looking out for me! This combines the scrumptiousness of cheese and the awesomeness of bicycles.

2010 Specialized 29ers (available late Oct.)

Press Release from Specialized
Our new 29ers are not simply just new product offerings that are replacing or are just as
good as our past and present 29er offerings. Thanks to the work we’ve done with a range of riders including Todd Wells, Conrad Stoltz and the guys at local Specialized dealers, these new bikes represent the most evolved 29er line-up on the planet.

More than just a 29 Inch Wheel!
THE BENEFITS OF SPECIALIZED 29ERS:
All of our 29er frames are purpose built from the most advanced and proven designs in the industry. Our Stumpjumper HT, Stumpjumper FSR, and Epic FSR are the best hard tail and full-suspension designs available, which is why we chose to use these time tested designs as the backbone to our 29-inch line-up. Our 29er frames look like their 26-inch brethren, but that is where the similarities stop. Our 29er platforms were built with the specific purpose of being a 29er. Our goal was to use what we know about
suspension design, pedaling efficiency, and bump performance and optimize that for the 29-inch wheels. Our 29er bikes extrapolate all of the performance benefits of the 29-inch wheels without any sacrifices. All Specialized 29er bikes feature the same signature Specialized technology, such as FSR technology, Brain technology, Fact Carbon, M5 alloy, and cold forgings. Our Epic and Stumpjumper 29er bikes feature 1.5-1.125” tapered head tubes for increased front end stiffness and control. 29er forks are longer and place much more leverage and load on the front end of the bicycle. This feature is unique to our 29ers, as their 26” alloy counter parts don’t have it.

THE BENEFITS OF 29-INCH WHEELS:

Faster Rolling: 29-inch wheels maintain speed/momentum much better than 26-inch wheeled bikes. This is a great advantage when riding on rolling terrain and flat terrain.

Smoother Riding: The larger diameter of a 29-inch wheeled bike helps smooth out the ride of any bike.

Increased Control: A combination of a decreased angle of attack, and increased wheel diameter. The factors work together to provide a synergy of increased control and confidence. Increased wheel diameter also allows the bike to stay on top of the terrain, and “float” rather than sink into it.

Enhanced Traction: Climb very well in loose, rocky or sandy terrain. The larger diameter of the 29-inch wheel increases what I would refer to as the “slip point” of the tire. 29ers climb well in loose, rocky or sandy terrain. The larger diameter of the 29-inch wheel increases the ‘slip point’ of the tire. This allows the rider to use less energy and
maintain a smooth cadence in loose, rocky conditions. The larger wheels also don’t get as easily hung up on ledges or shelves.

Increased Bottom Bracket Drop: Rider’s weight is lower in the bike in relation to the front axle, when compared to a 26” bike, so it feels like the ride is sitting lower ‘in’ the bike.

Why It’s Great
The all-new Epic 29er is the most efficient 29-inch wheeled competitive XC bike available. By designing it from the ground-up, we were able to tune every performance
element on the Epic 29er. An integrated approach to design, including a tuned rear
shock with Brain technology, and heavily refined M5 aluminum chassis make the Epic
29er more efficient, more comfortable and better handling than any other performance
XC 29er on the market. The legendary Epic has always been the fastest bike from Point
A to Point B, and now, it comes with all the benefits offered by a 29-inch platform.
1
FLOWCONTROL MINI BRAIN
A revolutionary development in suspension technology made even better, this Epic 29er’s smaller and lighter FlowControl Mini Brain allows the Epic’s rear shock to instantaneously transition between firm and fully active settings, enhancing both efficiency and control. The Mini Brain has a lighter spring that enhances small bump compliance, while its firm setting delivers maximum efficiency in smooth terrain— making it perfect for high performance riding and racing.

Primary Benefits
Low Weight: Every extra gram has been shaved from the Epic 29er’s overall weight
thanks to an insane attention to detail. The Epic 29er’s 90-mm travel M5 aluminum
frame has been designed from the ground up for performance without additional weight. Critical suspension components were integrated to the greatest extent possible and wheels and Specialized Fast Trak LK 29er tires were specifically developed to shave weight while enhancing control.

Increased Control: With a completely custom geometry and tuned FSR suspension and tapered headtube the Epic 29er is the best
handling performance cross-country 29er available. Thanks to the integrated development of the M5 chassis, suspension fork and rear shock with Brain Fade technology, the Epic 29er rails trails and race courses like nobody’s business.

M5 ALLOY CHASSIS
More refined than ever, the Epic 29er’s all-new M5 alloy frame combines high strength alloy with skillful engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing to create category-
leading weight and rigidity. The new Epic 29er features a geometry and tubeset developed especially around the performance demands of a 29-inch wheel.

FSR SUSPENSION
Simply put, FSR® is the most effective suspension system for enhancing comfort,
control and efficiency in any riding situation or wheel size. Tuned just for our Epic 29er,
FSR’s fully active design keeps the rear tire in contact with the terrain, resulting in dramatically increased traction and control. FSR is also fully independent, meaning suspension is unaffected by brake forces or chain torque. At the same time, perceivable pedal “kick back” and “drop away” are eliminated. Maximum Efficiency - Thanks to the integration and refinement of the Epic 29er’s Brain damper and custom tuned forks,
the Epic is the most efficient performance mountain bike available. The Brain damper
can instantaneously transition from firm to fully active to match changes in the terrain.
You can’t have a high-performance 29er without a purpose-built, high-performance
suspension fork. We’ve teamed with RockShox to develop the custom Reba S29 fork
that offers unsurpassed steering precision, ultra low weight (it's 100 grams lighter than
even the lightest stock Reba) and our Reba features a custom Specialized carbon crown/steer combined that boosts stiffness and steering precision. When combined with the oversized end caps found on our Roval 29er wheels, it provides the lightest and stiffest performance 29er fork. Because it features up to 100mm of travel, the Specialized Reba fork gives the Epic enhanced descending capabilities, without sacrificing any handling or performance benefits Thanks to our Total Suspension Integration approach to design and development, the spring curve and damping rate of the Epic 29er’s AFR rear shock are tuned to match FSR linkage rate, maximizing bump force management by matching travel to bump magnitude so small impacts are supply absorbed, and big hits are handled with aplomb. Proper tuning of the linkage rate and rear shock were an essential part of delivering a 29-inch wheeled bike that climbs and
accelerates as well as it descends and carries speed.

Tuned FSR: As with every FSR suspension bike we make, the Epic 29er’s FSR suspension has been tuned for maximum performance in the kinds of riding that 29er pilots seek. With 15-plus years of tuning and tinkering we’re able to help 29er riders achieve the best possible riding experience by enhancing comfort, control and efficiency on any terrain. FSR’s amazing versatility gives Specialized engineers the freedom to perfect it for different rides, delivering a wider variety of purpose-specific performance than any other suspension system on the market. Because the Epic 29er’s FSR suspension is active and independent (the same as any other FSR-based bike), it is free to compress and rebound in an uninhibited manner--whether pedaling, coasting, or braking--and functions with no perceptible pedal "kick-back" or "drop-away." This keeps the tires on the ground a greater percentage of the time, yielding more traction for
increased control over speed and direction; more comfort by remaining compliant; and more efficiency because chain torque goes to moving you forward, not up and down.

TOP TECHNOLOGY
Fact Chassis: The Stumpjumper’s 29er has a FACT Triple Monocoque frame that
integrates the best manufacturing methods to create an optimized structure that is incredibly light, unbeatably stiff and super strong.

Purpose-Built Geometry: Thanks to a completely custom geometry, our 29er bikes
extrapolate all of the performance benefits of the 29” wheels without any sacrifices. We’ve applied everything we’ve learned in making mountain bikes for the past 28 years to make our 29er rigs the best riding bikes available.
Custom Reba S29: Our custom Reba S29 90-mm travel fork is the only 29er suspension fork available with a tapered carbon crown/steerer tube and is still 100g lighter than the lightest stock Reba offering from RockShox.
Tapered Headtube: Our Epic and Stumpjumper 29er bikes feature 1.5-1.125” tapered head tubes for increased front end stiffness and control. 29er forks are longer and place much more leverage and load on the front end of the bicycle.

The World’s Best 29er Is All In The Details
Tapered Headtube/Integrated Crown: Our new Epic and Stumpjumper 29er bikes feature 1.5-1.125” tapered head tubes for increased front end stiffness and control. It is even more important on a bike with larger wheels, because 29er forks are longer and place much more leverage and load on the front end of the bicycle. Our new Stumpjumper S-Works Carbon Hardtail is the only 29er hardtail to feature
this technology.

FACT Carbon Crank: The result of our quest for greater efficiency through the integration of all critical components of a bike, the S-Works oversized carbon crankset is feathery light and incredibly stiff, and spins on a vastly oversize bottom bracket spindle. One of the secrets behind our ability to make the lightest and stiffest 29er hardtail available, the S-Works carbon crank will feature custom chainrings for enhanced shifting.
Custom 29er Geometry: We’ve taken everything we’ve learned from building bikes for the past 28 years to make the best handling 29er frame on the market. Thanks to our ongoing process of development we’ve refined the geometry of our 29ers to give them a crisp feel without a loss in stability.

Leesburg Bakers Dozen 2009

downsized_0418091908.jpg
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

The Leesburg Bakers Dozen was met with beautiful weather. Our SSO crew is recovering from the 7.5 mile lap.

Trail Work

Trail Work
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

With over 70 volunteers the Frederick Water Shed trail work day was very well attended. Special thanks to Frederick City Transportation planner Tim Davis for all his help making this possible. The Watershed is one of the greatest resources in Frederick County and beyond. It is wonderful to see so many people willing to take the time necessary to keep this resource maintained.

Tour of Walkersville 4/4/2009

Tour of Walkersville 4/4/2009
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

Tour of Walkersville racers braving the very high winds.

YiPsan Bicycles Super Commuterhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/thebicycleescape/3373126410/

YiPsan Bicycles Super Commuter
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

After my first commute, I was in love. Stop by the shop to check out my new ride. It was well worth the wait.

Beauty and the Bicycle

As I roamed down the aisles of the 2009 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) I was greeted with beautiful bicycle after beautiful bicycle. As I took it all in I paused to think about what makes a bike beautiful? Is it the intricately carved lugs? What about the little extras which add visually to the bike, but offer no utilitarian value to the machine.

I would argue that all of the bikes pictured are beautiful machines. The Peacock Grove dropouts show how fun a bicycle can be. The leafed vine on the Naked frame adds a touch of elegance and complements the bikes paint job. Finally, the clean lines and simple utilitarian nature of the ANT commuter bike remind me how useful a masterfully crafted bicycle can be.

The beauty of a bike is of course in the eye of the beholder. In short I believe the bicycle is as diverse as the people who ride them. They can be fun, funky, playful, all-business, super eccentric or even downright ugly. Fortunately the latter was not present at this year’s show.

What makes a bicycle beautiful to you?

Hufnagel at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show

Danielle and I had a wonderful time at the 2009 NAHBS! So many great people and SO many beautiful bicycles. I hope you enjoyed my live cell phone blogs. I am in the process of uploading higher quality (for a bike mechanic anyway) pictures. These will be on our Flickr album soon.

The bikes above were made by Jordan Hufnagel. He is a newer builder that is worth keeping an eye on. His bike were amazing and he show cased an incredible range of skills. Not only did Hufnagel display several different frames and forks but he included custom racks, stems and even a bar-stem. On top of that he was a hell of a nice guy as my Grandfather would say. Check out his stuff!

Fruity Bike

Fruity Bike
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

Peacock's Fruit Stripe Gum tribute. The bike has lots of little details including intricately carved dropouts and a Peacock Groove name plate on the handle bar.

Chris King Frames

Chris King Frames
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

Chris King is now making frames under the Cielo name.

MAP city bike

downsized_0301091149.jpg
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

MAP city bike...any women's dream city bike.

Shamrock

Shamrock
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

Shamrock Cycles road bike.

Indy Fab

Indy Fab
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

IF Mountain Bike at the 2009 North American Handmade Bicycle Show.