WOW! We don't have places like that around here. Everything is mom-and-pop. And, that's not a bad thing. It's just that the selection is limited, on some stuff.

I totally forgot about them, this year. Looks like they'll be coming through here, starting tomorrow and over the next few days. The organizers must not know any other way across IL, as they've travelled the same route in years past.

I bought a nice specialized BMX bIke from the closest one to me in high school.

This was before they changed locations and I was amazed how many bikes they fit in the old place. I liked it because it's just a little too big to be a mom & pop place, but it's still far away from any sort of large scale retail business.

The salespeople are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They weren't pushy at all either.

The trails around here are gonna be a mess for a bit. :nod Went hiking with Stick and the dog yesterday up at the Lincoln Monument.
http://www.presidentsusa.net/lincolnwy.jpg
He certainly looks ticked off don't he?! Well right behind him are a series of trails for XC skiing/mtn biking. That's where we went hiking. There's also LOTS of dirt roads that are GS-able. :ricky Too bad its still in Tucson! :bluduh

M

It seems the Mom and Pop stores are getting fewer and fewer around here. We have the Richardson Bike Mart which has a couple of locations now and is pretty large. They were the shop that furnished Lance Armstrong his stuff when he was in HS and competing in triathlons. He grew up in Plano (or was it Richardson), both of which are suburbs north of Dallas. Bicycle Inc. is the larger store on the west side of the Dallas Fort Worth metro mess. Both are still locally owned, but just larger. RBM has got some very high end stuff. If you see Dallasites peddling some pricey Italian frames and such, they more than likely got it from the RBM.

I'm amazed anybody even sells mountain bike stuff here since the nearest "mountains" are in the Glen Rose area (very pretty). Their are some MB trails sprinkled around here, but not too many. Over here on the Fort Worth side you'll see people riding horses on some of the dirt trails. Apparently horses don't like bicycles...

He's probably just suffering from the heat. Go back in winter and see if he looks happier... :lol3

if you call low 40s and sorta spitting snow in the rain a heat wave...

M

:lol3

Actually, it helps me remember to bring the right stuff.

I've got similar OCD for my gear bag. :hide

I would be too if they froze me in carbonite.

The fit is the thing for me, no flapping around is much less fatiguing and irksome. The one I bought is an el cheapo Canari with only one pocket that's only accessable via zippers on either side:huh Basically worthless. Not a showstopper, 99% of my riding is either mountain or cross, so all the necessities go in the hydro pack.

At this time of year here it would be called a miracle!

Here's the place I get my jersey's. They seem to fit my fat body better than some others.

http://www.velowear.com/

I don't care for their shorts too much, but the jersey's fit me well.

These guys have some big guys stuff. http://www.love2pedal.com/

I got the old fart jersey, because the wife wouldn't let me get the fat bastard one.:lol3

Joc

Good video! Enjoyed watching it. Nice editing job. Clever how you removed the front end of the bicycle for easy carrying! :lol3

Cool site. I have ridden with a guy that has that "Crash Test Dummy" shirt. Its really bright so the cagers can see you well.

So, here's my latest ride. It's a leftover, '09 Specialized Tricross Comp, found on eBay. On a $2200 MSRP, I scored it for $1315 shipped.

I'd been looking at the Fargo, because many inmates have sung the praises of the thing. I, also, looked at the Salsa Vaya, Surly LHT, and various 'cross bikes. I wanted something that rode better than my tri bike, would be more versatile, and could still be setup with aerobars. I, also, wanted provisions for front and rear racks and fenders. I determined that a 'cross bike would best meet my needs, as the others were more bike than I cared to pedal. I spend most of my miles on the chip-and-seal country roads around here. So, ride and efficiency are factors.

An important quality of the Tricross was its geometry; it's between a touring bike and a true 'cross bike. It's like an endurance road bike with commuter tendencies. When shopping, I figured that'd be perfect. With aerobars, it has proven to be very stable.

Another thing I liked was the triple bottle mounts. With my tri bike's 2 bottles and an aerodrink bottle, I still had to route with towns in mind. The extra bottle will buy me distance without stopping.

The 'cross gearing is working perfectly. Since this bike isn't the most efficient, I don't have to worry about topping out the gearing. It'll take one hell of a tailwind to make that happen.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1064.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1070.jpg


Since I found my tri bike seating position to be comfortable, I chose a frame size based on its cockpit dimensions. I added a FSA Omega 42cm road bar, Profile Design T1+ aerobar and Aerodrink holder, and Specialized BG Bar Phat 4.5mm gel pads and bar tape.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1065.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1066.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1073.jpg


Timeless Brooks B17 Imperial, conditioned with neatsfoot oil.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1069.jpg


SKS fenders in what they call "black". These fenders are actually dark, chocolate brown with black stripes. If I'd known that they were this color, I would've gotten the silver ones. It wasn't until I had already mounted them and went out into the sun that I noticed the color. They work well and don't rattle. So, I'm running them.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1067.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1068.jpg


From many pages back, this is my tri bike.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_0181.jpg