Bikeman

Friday, 14 October 2011 00:00

Another week, another ... website offers FREE Shipping. That is the biggest news released from the Bikeman vault this week. We have been working on this one for a while now and have even been testing it live on the site for the past week. It is now official and any order placed on BIKEMAN.com that is valued at over $100 and does not fall into an oversize product restriction, qualifies for FREE Shipping. We still offer super affordable USPS & UPS shipping rates on lower cost items so you don't need to spend the hundy to get a good deal. Click on the banner to view the details about the new policy.

Last week we received our complete shipment of Kona Jake the Snake 2012 Framesets. As always Kona has done a great job at creating a solid, race ready, easy on the eyes, CX frameset. The 2012 just about the same as the 2011 frameset with the biggest change being a switch to a PressFit 30 Bottom Bracket system from the previous years BB30 system. This was a surprise to us and we didn't notice it till we opened up a frame and took a close look. Bikeman really likes the PressFit 30 system and feel it was a move in the right direction for Kona. Being that this was the coolest, new product arrival of the week it had to be our Bikeman Poster of the week as well.

Keeping on the Kona theme our rep paid a visit to the shop this past Wednesday. He was in the area for NEMBA Fest and found his way up to Maine this week for a quick visit. After being treated to a great MTB ride around Portland with Big Al Tuesday night he found his way up to Bath and bought a few of us breakfast Wednesday morning. The best part about his visit was the chance to check out his Prototype Kona carbon 29er hardtail. Crazy cool bike. I think he presold a few while he was here for sure.

The other big news on the website was the reintroduction of the Name that TOOL contest. We are excited to be starting these up again and that means the Attic launch and Attic What IZIT is just around the corner. Hopefully we can talk about that next week.

On the horizon we do have shipments of Mukluk frame packs that are due in next week and more video content for BikemanTV. Product and tech videos are next. Till next time.

This Week at Bikeman, #1

Wednesday, 14 September 2011 00:00

Hey Folks, Time for a quick update on the latest goings on here at Bikeman. It is Interbike week but those of us left behind have been busy updating the website and generating content (including some new videos we will be posting soon!) We hope you have been enjoying the site and please, if you have any feedback or ideas for making both the shopping and content surfing experiences better let us know. The best way to communicate your ideas would be to use the comments on the Weekly Update blog posts. We will read and answer all of the comments each week.

On to the site updates. Today we added a few links to our Closeout Closet. You can now access our Dismount Deals and Ebay Auctions directly from the Dirty Deals menu. From time to time we may also feature a closeout section as we are doing now with the Pedro's Closeouts. We received an email today asking for a "View All" button on the Closeout Closet page and we are looking into that now. I believe in a previous version of the site we did have a feature like this and it should not be too much trouble to implement.

Mukluk Poster

Some of you may have noticed a trend with posts to our Facebook account. We have been doing custom "Posters" for several new products that are featured on our website and at our retail store. So far we have done a Salsa Spearfish Poster, Kona Major Jake Poster, Salsa Mamasita Poster and a Salsa Mukluk Poster. These have been fun to do and the response has been good so look for one new poster a week ongoing.

Team Bikeman has been rolling along and gearing up for an exciting Cyclocross season. We have a big announcement / press release coming next week introducing our new Masters Elite Cyclocross Team. Pictures and official press release are forth coming.

Bikeman is also planning the return of the Attic in the very near future. We have been doing some reorganizing of content and prepping for some new Attic What IZIT contests. This will be introduced within the next 2 weeks and will include some new content and contest items for you to view. The Attic was always a big part of our website and we have been working to get it back on-line since the new site went live. Sorry for the delay but I'm sure you will be pleased with the new Attic content.

For our local retail customers, please note, this weekend Bikeman will be closing at 1:00 PM EST on Saturday to celebrate the Wedding of the owners daughter Laurel! If you need anything this Saturday get in early.

That's all for now. Keep em turnin and we will catch you next week.

It's All About the Bike: The Pursuit of Happiness On Two Wheels, Book Review

Thursday, 30 June 2011 00:00

This is a story about building the ultimate road bike. Not a racing bike, but a comfortable bike to show off and ride for the rest of your life. Researching each part to find that balance between strength, lightness, and durability - we all dream of it. What would each of us build if money was no object? Robert Penn decided to build his bike, make an adventure of it, and write a book about it. I should start off by telling you that this guy lives in Wales.

Bike to Work Day

Friday, 20 May 2011 00:00

So this week has been Bike to Work Week and I have been doing my part this week like a good little bike rider. I thought there might be an influx in riders this week, but my route is a little out of the way so I'm hoping that's the reason I haven't seem more folks. Friday is the official bike to work day, so I have high hopes for some traffic on that day. I think I've convinced 2 people to get on out there, but everyone else had some kind of excuse. As much as I like to encourage people to give it a go, I don't want to annoy them or appear preachy. even though preachy might be the way to go.

So far this week has been great and I'm on tap to hit my average 140 miles over 4 days. I've had a couple of 5 day week, but something always gets in the way--such is life. Pretty much every day on the bike is better than driving, however the wind has been frustrating this spring. It seems like I'm getting it in the face both to and from work this year. Now I can take rain, snow, cold, but wind aggravates the hell out of me. It's really the only thing that can slow the bike commuter down--kind of like traffic! Yelling at it doesn't help, so many times I actually just put my head down and muscle through. Someday I'll get a tailwind and change my mind, but for now, screw you wind.

I have been in physical therapy for my elbow (of all things) for the last few weeks. Sadly it has kept me off the mountain bike this spring, but not off of commuting. It does hurt on the road bike, but not nearly as much as the beating it takes on the MTB. It tends to get stiff and sore if I don't release the bars every now and then and stretch it. One thing that hurts is waving--that action of quickly getting my hand off the bar--kills. But I make damn sure to wave with the other hand. I still don't get the no waving thing from other cyclists--just wave dammit. We really have to stick together and be cordial to each other. It's just one of those niceties that we should keep alive. So even if hurts you to wave (like me--hah) just do it!

Happy bike to work week!

Bike Commuters Christmas Wish List

Tuesday, 07 December 2010 00:00

After many people's riding season has ended, the dedicated bunch who ride all year long are still pedaling in the darkness and cold. I thought I'd put together a list of essentials that will put even the hardest commuter in the holiday mood. I truly believe that the equipment makes the difference in the winter. Having the right clothes, lights and components makes riding through the winter so much more enjoyable. Here are a few great products:

Let's start with a new lid. I am a big Lazer fan and have been using their helmets for a good 5 years now. Although I haven't tried this out, it looks to be a really great concept for any commuter out there. I know it won't replace a solid bike-mounted light system, but it is a great addition for increased visibility. It's the Lazer Urbanize Night Helmet . With an integrated white front LED light that snaps into front vent hole and an integrated red LED light that snaps into rear vent hole, riders are sure to be seen, right? We can only hope. The Rollsys fit system will secure this puppy to rider's heads and because it's so adjustable, it makes it easy to fit a hat underneath without removing pads. If you are like me and have the Lazer Genesis helmet, well they've made some winter pads that will keep those ears frost free. As for hats that fit under helmets, for the winter, I usually go for a wool cycling cap . I have been known to sport the team Bikeman winter version as well. Surly makes a nice looking one. But for those really cold days, I like to use a hat coupled with some Swix earmuffs . They're very low profile and crazy warm.

I have always done well with Craft for a my outer layer. A good, snug jacket that's windproof is a must for any commuter. I like Craft because the arms are nice and long (I have monkey-like arms and legs and a short torso). There are many styles out there, so this is a tough one to buy as a gift, but you might want to start with something like this Pearl Izumi. For anyone out there wanting to make my holiday that much better, I'll take one of Rapha's Bomber Jackets in a small. A pricey endeavor for a gift, but wow.

As for pants, I can only endorse the Bellwether Windfront Tight as it has been my go to for over ten tears. I've had two pairs of these and have been very happy with them. They're fitted, but not super tight and are very warm. The only down side is that the back is not water proof, so if it gets above freezing, be sure your fenders are on.

Still my pick for a light system is going to be The NiteRider MiNewt. Lights are still in my mind the most important commuting component, so don't screw around. This system is small, lightweight and all-weather. Rechargeable is the way to go as well.

And my last pick, if you really love your commuting friends and relatives, is the Lake Winter Shoe. I switched to this shoe after colossal fails from every pair of cycling booties out there. Stop fooling around. Go with a dedicated winter boot. It has the BOA lacing system, so tightening is so easy with the nice dial. Pearl Izumi also makes one that is waterproof that makes total sense as well.

So there are some of my picks. May your Holidays be safe and fun. Keep up the riding.

Spinning into Spring

Sunday, 18 April 2010 00:00

Well it certainly has been a while. I have had a great late winter/early spring commuting season. I have been rotating between three different bikes this year. Most of the time I'm on the Salsa Casseroll. It has been the perfect commuter for long and short commutes. I've had it for about a year with no mechanical issues (not even a flat). I would say I have somewhere in the 2100 miles range on it. I even used it last summer on some longer road rides with some friends who don't ride as much. It works out nicely for that too. I get a great workout and keep a good pace with them, rather than be a little bored on my slick road bike with its fancy new wheels. Speaking of which, I have been using the road bike on the really nice days to get some fast commute times up to Freeport. I can shave off nearly 10 min by riding my decked out Salsa Campeon with the new Sram Rival drive train and Mavic R-sys wheels. I've never had such a fancy ride. Not sure I'm qualified to ride such a beast, but I am thankful to the team's sponsors for making it happen this year.

So now that my commute is longer, there are some days, I don't have the time to ride the whole way. Normally, a one way trip takes just under an hour to go the 16.5 miles. On days I have to pick up or drop off the kids, I sadly have to drive part of the way and park 5 or so miles away from the office. I see it as cheating, I know I know, but at least I'm riding part of the commute. It saves some gas and gets me out enjoying the fresh air. But, it also got me thinking--if more people who have long commutes by car drove just halfway and rode their bikes the rest of the way, it would be a good thing. I've mentioned this to a couple of folks in the office when they asked how it is I commute that far every day. When I broke my dirty little secret to them, they loved the idea and said they were going to try the same. So something good may come out of it after all.

Speaking of work--they have indoor racks to hang bikes--probably up to 30 bikes! It's quite a site to see all the bikes fill up the lobby now that the good weather has returned. For most of the winter it was just me and one other guy, who I found out by chance one day that I went to school with him. Must've been something in the water down at Wheaton (MA) that made us so resilient and or stubborn. Now, I'm worried if I don't get in on time, I'll loose my parkin spot. Not a bad problem to have if it means that many folks are riding in.

Working a major outdoor retailer now I have been inspired to think of some bike-related gear that would make commuting by bike more comfortable. Well I think I've come up with a clothing product that would really make a difference on rainy/snowy days. I've yet to see any product like it, so if there are any product designers (clothing) out there who are looking to hear about it, I would love to chat. Just drop me a line-- zach at zmagoon dot com.

Happy spring everyone, ride safely. Bike to work week is in May, so dust of those chains and get out there.

Happy New Commute(r)

Saturday, 09 January 2010 00:00

Happy New Year everyone! As I posted sometime last Spring, I was laid off which led to a strange time for me--no bike commuting. Now how could I write a blog about commuting when I was really just going out for rides all Summer. I felt a little strange every time I sat down to write something I kinda felt like a poser. But I'm back baby! And back with a longer commute, which is good and bad somedays as many of you know. I mean, yeah, there are days I have no desire to slap on the 3-4 layers of clothing one needs to ride in 10 degree weather, but why do we do it? because every day I'm out there, I'm not sitting in a car burning fossil fuels. Every day I'm out there I get some fresh air, some exercise and a story to tell my daughters of things I saw on my ride. I do it because it gives me a sense of accomplishment even before I set foot in the office, so no matter what goes on during the day, I know I've at least I've got that ride home to forget (or revel) out it.

So as I was saying, my new commute is a bit longer--about 16.5 miles one way. Now it's fine in the morning, it take me about an hour to do it, but at night when it's dark and sometimes snowy or windy, it might take a little longer, but whatever. Because the new commute is so much longer, I tend to ride in a more directroute, which sucks for a couple reasons. The first is that I'm riding along Rt 1-- bleck. It's busy and the cars tend to fly by at near highway speeds, so I get a little windblown from some of the trucks, but I have a reverse commute from most of them so at least I can see them coming. One other good thing about it is that the shoulder is HUGE. So that's a bit more safe at night. As soon as it's lighter out at night I will take another less traveled route on a secondary road, but this time of year there is barely any shoulder with the snow and ice build up.

Speaking of which, by now I would normally have on my studded tires, but I've been running my big-ass Continental Contact 35's and still loving them. These tires came stock on the Salsa Casseroll and I've loved them since the first ride. So smooth and forgiving on the road, but without much rolling resistance and you can jack up the psi to over 100 on them plus they're nearly puncture resistant. So far, an awesome commuter tire. I bet I have well over 1500 miles on them with nary a sign of wear. With that said, I haven't seen the need for the studs yet. They handle nicely in the snow too. The studs really hook up best on ice and not just snow and tar. Studs tend to slide a bit on bare tar as one might expect.

The bike is still performing beautifully. I hate to see it get slammed with salt and sand, but what's a guy to do? I do try to clean it when I get home if it's wet out, but so far it's been pretty cold so everything is frozen. There were a couple of days that were snowy--too much snow to even ride--yes I do bail on the nasty days for safety reasons-I had a plow-man really lay on the horn during one storm and realized that it's probably not all that safe to be buried under his wake.

I'm also getting use to all the comments from new co-workers again "where are you riding from?" and "don't you know it's too cold for biking?" Mind you my new contract position is at the corporate headquarters of one of Maine's (and the Nation for that matter) premier supplier of outdoor gear and clothing since 1912 ;). I just tell them, "just owning the clothes doesn't warrant the lifestyle, you have to use them." That usually shuts them up. Nice folks though and it's great to be part of a great team again.

That's about it from here. I wanted to pass along some bike related news from LA. Lets hope this indictment doesn't worsen relations between biker and motorists, let's hope it sets a precedent. Ride safely.

Summer Breeze

Wednesday, 19 August 2009 00:00

I have been pretty negligent in posting this summer and for that I apologize. Things on the commuter scene have been going very well for me this year as I have been averaging 4 days a week on the bike. My normal round trip is 35 mi., but when the weather is nice, like it has been all summer long, I add a few scenic miles here and there. I would once again like to praise my single speed Salsa Casseroll . I have had zero mechanical issues with this bike over the 3500+ miles I've ridden it. Not even a flat tire. I bough this really nice Surly Jethro tool in case I needed to wrench off the rear tire, but have never used it. Good thing there's a bottle opener on it! This bike has really proven to be my favorite ride. The stock setup had been perfect, the components have held up and performed swimmingly and I just love the simplicity of this ride. I would strongly recommend this bike to anyone looking to commute. Steel is real and it really does make for the best commuter material. Mellowing out the bumps and potholes with ease. No it's not the lightest, but definitely rolls the smoothest of my bikes. I think I'll add just one accessory this winter--fenders . I'm going with some bamboo versions . I simply like the look of them and I think they'll complement the bike nicely. I just want to keep the salt and sand off the frame as much as I can to prolong my time with it. One thing that I'd like to try out would be a commuter with a belt drive. These just make sense to me. Quiet and maintenance-free, a belt-driven bike just lends itself to be the ultimate commuter. The only down side is having to have a break-away frame. There must be some way to bond the belt so it doesn't break and would allow for easy installation. Someday, I'm sure. Commuter bag. I switched this year to a backpack style commuter bag. The single strap, courier-style bags that I've used for 12 years began to take a toll on my back during the longer commute. I certainly wasn't making deliveries, so there wasn't any need to swing the bag quickly to my chest to take things out. Yeah, the courier bags look cool, but I must say, the backpack style, bike-specific bags like this waterproof version I got really does the trick. Completely waterproof, it has held up on the nastiness of days. RF-welded, PVC-free 600D PU-coated polyester body and scrim-reinforced urethane detailing, makes this utilitarian bag the perfect pack. I never have to worry that my clothes or electronics will get wet. Wish I had a pair of pants that would perform the same way. As the summer winds down, I'm looking forward to cyclocross season. Hopefully the training I get while commuting with prove to be of help out on the courses. Either way, I just enjoy being out there in any weather on the bike. Keep your head up and ride safely.

Prototype Commuter lights

Wednesday, 12 August 2009 01:00

I came across one of the coolest safety lights for commuters. Even though it is still in prototype, it has a lot of promise. I mean how many times have cars nearly swiped you with mirrors or worse yet doors! This rear light has a red light for safety and two green lasers that produce bright green lines on the road surface about 3 feet on either side of the bike creating your own bike "lane." I hope this product eventually comes to fruition. See the video .

Cool iPhone App for commuters

Tuesday, 04 August 2009 01:00

I know it's been a while. It's actually been a while since I have actually commuted. I was laid off from my full-time job a bout a month or so ago. But today I took out the Casseroll to ride to a meeting downtown. Man it felt good. Yeah I have been getting in some miles on the road bike, but commuting is different. There is more of a sense of purpose. Going out for a 40 mile road ride is just for enjoyment, you would never go out for a 40 mile loop in the car every day for fun (if you do, stop it, just stop it). But while on these rides, I have been been using a app for my iPhone that is meant to be used to calculate ones carbon offset. It's put out by REI of all companies called Bike My Drive and does a great job of measuring the offset of carbon in lbs, trip calories burned (seems a bit on the high side) and $$ saved from biking rather than driving. You set the price of gas and your car's mpg. But that's just the start of the coolness. The app uses GPS technology to track your mph, miles, average speed and elapsed time. When users finish the ride it is uploaded to EveryTrail where it syncs to Google Maps, plots the ride and gives more data like vertical up and down, speed and elevation. Nice! I've been trying to use this on some longer rides too, but it's a major battery suck and only lasts a couple of hours. Users can adjust a distance filter that determines the distance traveled before a new location update is generated--more space between each update=longer battery life.

Here is one of my recent rides to check out. Another cool feature that I don't use that often because it means stopping to take out the iPhone, is users can take photos along the way and the images will appear on the map--very cool. So until I get another full-time gig, which may be soon, I'll have to settle for cool apps like this to remide me of better days to come.

Zm