Tiny Wheels for a Giant

I used to follow the NBA religiously when I was a kid and even though I never did see Bill Walton play, he was a frequent commentator next to Bob Costas. I recently read an article in Bicycling about Bill Walton and how he's been a dedicated rider for years. Pretty cool to see an NBA great on a track bike. Them 700c wheels look like toys!

Via MassanSF

Earl

New Milwaukee Road Bike!

We have had more and more requests for our Milwaukee Orange One with geared drop outs that it was time to follow through for our customers.

We worked with Waterford Precision Cycles to create a frame that would ride as well as our original Orange One. When we starting talking about it, I came to the conclusion that there was only one right answer...don't change a thing! Same True Temper Verus tubing, frame geometry and sizing; but with the cable stops, Tom Ritchey dropouts and 130mm rear spacing, all for around $600. As with all of our frame purchases; you'll receive 20% off all build parts to get it rolling

There's plenty of room for 28c tires and you'll still have space left over (pic) for 35mm fenders. If you went with the optional cantilever bosses for cycloX, a big 32c nobby will fit just fine (even a narrow 35c).

Keep and eye out right here for more info coming soon!

I Like It

I will always view the bicycle as a utilitarian tool and when a product only facilitates that idea, it gives me reason to like it. So I introduce to you the Chrome Boris Backpack (available in Navy/White too).

Simple, clean lines.

Expandable.

My favorite part; opens up like a suitcase! Oh I know everyone has had to swim in their messenger bag or backpack to find that last beer or cell phone or what have yous.

Nothing fancy. No crazy bells and whistles. Just a functional and easy to use bag. Done.

Earl

TREATED - Antonyo Wothe

TREATED from Sam Erickson on Vimeo.

Love watching Antonyo ride.

John says it all in 5 words... "Bike control, creativity and pegless."

Well done.

Be sure 'n tell 'em, LARGE MARGE sent ya!

Everyone knows that riding in the snow can be one of the most enjoyable activities. All bundled up, the crisp air searing your lungs; not to mention the blissful sound of the crunching powder beneath your tires.
If you are one of those snow goers, we have a few items that may be of interest. Surly's Pugley is sure to get you through the white fluff and we carry all the necessary goods to get one running for you; including the mothership herself...don't forget the beef.
We also have a good range of studded tires for your daily ride; but they are moving pretty fast. So if the ones you are looking for are out of stock, fear not, we'll have them back in stock shortly. You can always hit the "In-Stock Notification" button at the bottom of every product page and we'll shoot you an email when we get them back in.
D

Phil Wood Custom Pt.2

Phil Wood comes through once again. Track spacing, over-sized flanges, ISO single sided fixed and extra machining in the flanges. T.R. is really going to go crazy when he gets his eyes/hands on these hubs!
D

Do Yourself a Favor....

...and get these socks. I'm not one to demand a sale, but seriously, buy these.

I've been using the Swiftwick Four Merino Crew Socks everyday during these fall/early winter weeks and I feel naked without them. They are perfect for mountain biking and commuting at above 35 deg dry conditions without any shoe covers or boots. Since the sock is thicker and is made with a mix of merino wool, they have been the best wicking and insulating socks that I've owned. Everyone that has tried them says the same thing!

More items here and here. Swiftwick sells great products and they're made in the USA!

Earl

Nitto Lugged Stems and Seatpost

Oooohhhh sweet sweet beautiful lugged bits from Nitto. Quill Stem, Threadless Stem, and Seatpost...get into it.

Earl

Cinelli MASH

We just replenished our stock of both green and grey Cinelli Mash frames. My Cinelli rep says that the grey version will not be available for 2011 so get them while you can! They will continue with the green as well as release the new 'histogram' frame (pictured below) around March. The new version will have a slightly more aggressive geometry and is priced at $1000 while the green will be unchanged and offered at $850.

Via MASH
Definitely on my birthday wish list.

Earl

Get Pumped...

MACRAMENTO from MACAVISION on Vimeo.

Race Across The Sky 2010 from Citizen Pictures on Vimeo.

...to ride.

Earl

Milwaukee Is Steppin It Up

After a bit of morning single-track out on the Tosa Trails, I decided to bop on down through the Hank Aaron Trail to check if the new bridge was up and running. Lo and behold, it was complete. The Valley Passage is now open!

This leads west and continues past 84th st.

Freshly painted.

This maybe the cleanest piece of Milwaukee Bike path that I've seen.

I don't know about you but this make me really really excited. This is a great alternative for commuters and recreational riders.

From Hoyt Park in Wauwatosa, the Hank Aaron trail bypasses me from 43rd to 6th st. without crossing a single stoplight. Apparently, there is also a new trail that goes west of this Valley Passage and takes you beyond 84th St. Their is also talk of construction to push the path further west to 124th st where it will intersect with the Oak Leaf Trail, but I'm not completely sure on that. Imagine 120 blocks without riding next to a car!

Another thing that Milwaukee can pride themselves on (other than all the great beer we have) are all the wonderful parks that are available. I hope with the shift in our political climate that preserving these parks and trails will continue to be a priority. If you use the Greenway River Trail on the East side of Milwaukee, take this survey. I know a lot of people ride their bikes, fish, and walk their dogs down there. It's a really beautiful part of our city and any effort to preserve, clean it, and make it safe for the users would have my vote.

There's nothing like exploring or commuting by bike. Hopefully all these improvements in our cycling infrastructure can benefit the people, businesses, and local bike shops of this great city.

These are exciting times to be a bike rider in Milwaukee. Now go out and ride!

Earl